Wokingham Today, December 15, 2022

Wheelie bins and waste pick-up to go fortnightly

By DANIEL BLACKHAM news@wokingham.today

MORE than 9,000 residents have had their say on the future of waste collections in Wokingham borough – and the verdict is they’re fine with wheelie bins and fortnightly collections.

Wokingham Borough Council’s survey sought views on two options to potentially change how often rubbish and recycling collections are made.

The council also gauged responses to the introduction of a wheeled bin for general rubbish instead of using blue plastic bags, with green waterproof bags staying for recycling.

Food waste collections in small black bins would remain weekly.

Initial findings on the survey show that 67% of respondents “like or can accept” a change to fortnightly collections of rubbish and recycling.

Seventy per cent of those surveyed did not support a change to three weekly rubbish collections.

More than two thirds of people asked, 69%, said they “like or can accept” wheelie bins.

Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the council, said: “We are grateful that so many of our residents have come forward. As we’ve been saying for months now, our financial situation has become increasingly critical due to rising inflation, energy costs and other things.

“If we want to continue providing essential support to our residents who need it most, we need to redesign some of our services to be more efficient. Changing the way we collect rubbish and recycling can make a big difference to our budget.

“A look at the headline results of the survey tells us clearly that our residents are willing and ready to take on changes that would help us ride out the storm.”

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said he was encouraged by the support for a change to fortnightly collections.

He added: “It’s the right thing for our finances and it’s the right thing for the environment.

Shopwatch scheme will pool resources

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

SHOPLIFTERS beware –

Wokingham is not a safe place for you, thanks to a new initiative launched by town centre stores.

They’ve teamed up with Thames Valley Police, Wokingham Borough and Wokingham Town councils to launch Shopwatch, a way to share real-time information about thieves.

Participating stores upload information to a central database, which then sends out alerts to others in the system, as well as reporting the thefts to the police so they can take action. It operates in a similar way to a scheme for pubs and clubs.

The scheme operates in the Wokingham town area, including Woosehill and Norreys, and has been funded for an initial two years thanks to the Community Safety Partnership. n

Do you have responsibility for supporting older relatives and don’t know where to begin?

We can help

Siblings take on charity playground challenge

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

TWO CHILDREN have completed an ambitious challenge to raise money for First Days Children’s Charity.

Grayson and Everly Rowland undertook a ‘playground dash’, playing in 30 Wokingham playgrounds for a minimum of 10 minutes each in one day.

Starting in Holyport, the siblings enjoyed themselves on slides, swings, hopscotches, roundabouts, monkey bars, climbing nets and spinning chairs, before ending up in Charvil.

Including travelling time, it took over 10 hours for the siblings to complete and the Piggott Primary School students have raised £585 for First Days at the time of writing.

Mother Victoria said: “Grayson came up with the idea for the challenge after watching the news and learning about the cost of living crisis.

“We discussed as a family how this would impact people and he said he wanted to do something to

help families who were struggling.”

At the age of seven, Grayson’s consideration of others is something that should be commended.

The schedule of playgrounds visited was announced in advance, with other children and parents invited to drop by and support Grayson and Everly.

First Days was established in 2013

with the aim to provide children with essential items for their early years and schooling and reduce the long term effect of poverty.

Since its creation, the charity has helped more than 10,000 children and distributed more than 250 tonnes of donated goods.

n To donate, visit: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/playgrounddash

Free parking this Saturday

WOKINGHAM Borough Council has confirmed residents will be able to enjoy free parking in the festive period.

Car parks across the borough will be free of charge on the two Saturdays before Christmas, December 17, and December 24.

In previous years, parking has been free on every Saturday in December but, due to financial pressures, this has not been possible this year.

Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the council said: “No one wants to cancel the free festive parking, but, we are in a very serious financial position and we need to do the right thing to keep the council afloat and keep our services upand-running.

Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, felt it was important to find a compromise on this situation.

He said: “We know free festive parking has been popular for many years, and not offering it would seem unfair given the pressure we all feel.

“For reasons beyond our control, our finances are increasingly

limited and the money we lose by not charging for festive parking will have to be found elsewhere in our budget.”

In print

Our website is updated seven days a week – bookmark it in your browser: wokingham.today

The council has advised drivers not to pay for parking on the days using the on site machines or Ringo.

Both will continue to accept payment on the free parking days and the council will not provide refunds. There will be signs at applicable car parks.

Where you can park

Wokingham: Carnival Pool Multi Storey, Cockpit Path, Denmark Street, Easthampstead Road (East and West), Rose Street, Shute End

Woodley: Crockhamwell Road, Headley Road, Lytham Road (East and West)

Twyford: Polehampton Close Wargrave: School Lane.

Your wording

The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

DONATIONS: Shoppers support festive appeal to help borough’s less fortunate

Lions do the can can to make it a happier Christmas

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

THE CAN CAN took place in Wokingham on Saturday, and there wasn’t a frilly dress or lively band in sight.

The reason? Well, it wasn’t dancing but a food collection aimed at helping others this Christmas.

Members of Wokingham Lions have been running the appeal for more than 20 years, and it’s simple in its approach: they ask shoppers at a range of supermarkets to buy a non-perishable food item while they are in store and then donate it on the way out.

The donations are then gathered up and turned into food parcels that the Lions then deliver to people within the Wokingham community who need them.

And it should come as no surprise that Wokingham’s shoppers at the Tesco and Waitrose stores have given generously – thousands of items have been given to the appeal.

The Lions are working in partnership with First Days Children’s Charity, Wokingham Foodbank & SHARE Wokingham to ensure the support gets to where it is needed.

“The Wokingham Lions Can-Can Christmas Food Appeal has had another successful year,” said John Cleary, who is part of the appeal’s organising team.

“Nearly 3,000 items have been collected which are now in the process of being distributed across

Wokingham

“Can Can started 30 years ago, long before Foodbank’s were a thing, however our collaboration

n From front page

Cllr Shenton added: “We hope to see the changes come into force as soon as possible, because this would save us about £700,000 per year right away, followed by a higher amount after starting a new waste collection contract in 2026.”

The survey drew criticism from opposition councillors and some residents as no option to keep the current weekly collections was available to select.

Cllr Norman Jorgensen, shadow executive member for environment said: “We have seen that the Liberal Democrat/Labour council have a habit of ignoring the results of consultations and the wishes of residents when it is convenient to them.

“The Liberal Democrats say they have no alternative because they can’t afford to retain weekly waste collections. This hasn’t stopped them retaining elections three years out of four or finding money for expensive consultants to write HR policies.”

Cllr Jorgensen added: “This move to a less frequent service is going to cost the council significantly more to begin with than the current weekly waste collection.

“It is very difficult to see how they will make £700,000 of savings per year when the cost of the wheelie bins is considered.”

Feedback from the consultation will now be reviewed and used to form a new waste strategy that will go before the council’s decision making executive committee in February next year.

with Wokinghan Foodbank, First Days and Share Wokingham in recent years has proved extremely successful ensuring that donations continue to reach all the right people.”

He added: “A special thank you to Tesco and Waitrose in Wokingham for their ongoing support and of course their very generous customers.” n wokinghamlions.org.uk

Carol roundsinging the clock

A WINNERSH church is preparing to sing of the season this weekend. Not for a short service of nine lessons and carols, but for 24 hours, nonstop.

Former Welsh Guards musician Peter Lewis enjoys festive tunes so much that he will be leading the epic affair this weekend.

Together with other musicians from around the area, he will perform this carolathon, in aid of two churches: St Catherine’s in Bearwood, and St Mary’s in Winnersh.

The group are taking requests, and ask people to let them know which favourite carol they would like to hear played.

Carols can be requested to be performed around a specific time, if necessary.

Other musicians who want to join in, are warmly welcomed, along with any additional individuals and groups of singers.

Peter will be playing for most of the time, assisted by Richard Whitaker on keyboard, and will appreciate the encouragement of everyone who comes along.

People are invited to join in with the carolathon at any time during Saturday and especially in the early hours of Sunday morning, when the musicians will be most in need of support to get them through the night.

The event takes place at St Mary’s Church, Winnersh, where Peter starts his not so silent morning, noon and night at 9am on Saturday, December 17.

His last Noel can be heard at 9am on Sunday, December 18.

n To make a request call the church office on: 0118 979 3898 or email: admin@winnershparish.org

GIFTS IN STORE: Wokingham Lions Club members, Jane Bentley, John Allen and Ian Hall with Customer Donations outside Waitrose in Wokingham on Saturday. Picture: Steve Smyth

SING UP: A Winnersh church is hosting a 24-hour carolathon starting at 9am on Saturday Picture: Frauke Riether from Pixabay

to those families and individuals who are finding life a little tough at the moment.

Dinton Santa Dash returns

RUNNERS will get into the festive spirit on Saturday, December 17, at Dinton Pastures Country Park.

Returning for the seventh time, the Dinton Santa Dash will see participants of all ages and experiences take their places at the start line dressed in Santa suits.

There are two distances to choose from, 2km and 5km, with medals and mince pies given to runners at the end.

Entry costs £2, with all money raised from the event going to First Days, a charity which will provide beds for children to sleep in this winter.

The 2km run starts at 10.30am while the 5km run starts at 11am.

n For more information or to enter, visit: www.barnesfitness. co.uk

Two-way traffic lights in Finchampstead

WOKINGHAM motorists may experience delays to their journeys in the coming days due to scheduled roadworks.

Multi-way lights will be in operation on Wellingtonia Avenue, east of Lower Wokingham Road, until Tuesday, December 20.

The restrictions will allow gas company SGN to carry out disconnection works.

The works are set to take place from 9.30am-4pm and are expected to be completed on the day.

n For more information, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Trinity Concert Band performs festive favourites at the Minster

THE sound of Christmas came to Reading town centre on Saturday, thanks to a concert band.

Festive classics including a medley based on John Williams’ score for Home Alone, were performed by Trinity Concert Band at Reading Minster Church.

The Christmas concert also featured music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, and a take on The Night Before Christmas, with trumpeter George Huxford narrating the popular poem, while the

band provided appropriate accompaniment.

In the second half, there were excerpts from Miracle on 34th Street and The Polar Express, as well as two seasonal favourites: Sleigh Ride and A Christmas Festival.

The Lower Earley-based band offers free tickets to people who have never attended a concert before, and they said that one of their guests told thmn: “It was thoroughly enjoyable. The band are very talented, and we

really enjoyed the well-known Christmas music as well as lesserknown pieces. I would definitely go again.”

Donations from a raffle, cakes and a collection raised £291, which will go to Spencers Woodbased therapeutic gardening charity Thrive.

There is no rest for the band: they are already rehearsing for their first concert of 2023, which will have a theme of flight. n For more details, log on to: www.trinityband.co.uk

Final chance to give a Christmas gift to The Giving Tree appeal

EXCLUSIVE

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

THERE’S still time to give a gift to this year’s Giving Tree appeal, but you need to be quick to ensure the present is sent to Santa to give out on Christmas Day.

Generous shoppers are bringing gifts for youngsters in the borough whose families are struggling.

Their kindness ensures that children who would otherwise go without, will have the excitement of opening a present on Christmas morning.

Giving Trees charity has been helping to make children happy at Christmas for over 20 years.

Special trees in local stores bear gift tags with present requests for children, for shoppers to take and turn into a reality.

Amy Fennell, Fundraising & Communications Officer

from Home-Start Wokingham District says: “Christmas is always a particularly hard time for struggling families.

“Many are single parents with low incomes, and additional challenges such as post-natal depression and children who are on the autistic spectrum.

“And of course, the Cost of Living Crisis has made things much, much, tougher.

“Thanks to The Giving Tree, the 70 families that HomeStart currently supports, will each receive a Christmas gift bag with a present for each child and some other festive

goodies, kindly donated by local residents and supermarkets.

“For some, these gifts will be the only ones they receive and it will make such a difference for them to know that other people are thinking of them at such a difficult time.

“We are enormously grateful to The Giving Tree and all the local residents who have donated so generously.”

There’s still time to contribute and it’s really easy.

Giving Trees are at the following stores: n Tesco Wokingham (gift voucher tags only)

n

n

n Newbury Building Society, Wokingham n Nirvana Spa, Sindlesham

n Wokingham Library

n The Sultan, Wokingham

n Sedero Lounge, Wokingham

Louise Jedras, community champion for Tesco Wokingham says: “Gill Mckernan, appeal organiser, and I are very pleased with the number of gift tags that have been picked up.

“Gifts and gift cards are pouring in.

“If you have been kind enough to pick up a tag, please check the return date on it so that the charities can make sure the children they support have a gift ready for Christmas morning.”

Charities collecting presents to distribute to children are: Barnardo’s, Sebastian’s Action Trust, Look Ahead Care, Berkshire Women’s Aid, Kaleidoscopic UK, Transform Housing, Home Start, Wokingham Young Carers, Dingley’s Promise, The Cow Shed, First Days, Berkshire Vision, Children With Special Needs Foundation.

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

Tesco Warfield

Tesco Martins Heron

Younger members of the audience help the concert band out by joining in with some of the music

Trinity’s conductor Paul Speed in action

ON SONG: Trinity Concert Band gave a Christmas concert at Reading Minster Church on Saturday, December 10

Picture: Dijana Capan/DVIsion Images

Church invites visitors to imagine the future

VISITORS were good at using their imaginations when they went to church recently.

As work at All Saints Church nears completions, members of the public were invited in to see the radical changes being made to the premises.

People were able to view the progress of the church’s SpaceForAll project, and chat with the project team, and the director and staff of the contractors, Borras Construction.

Although the finishing touches still need to be put in place, visitors were able to imagine how All Saints Church’s new space will look when the floor is finished, and the servery and all its facilities are installed.

The building, while remaining a place of worship, is to become a flexible venue for performances, concerts and conferences.

But by day it will also be an open café space where charities and community groups can hold meetings, and where members of the public can come inside to work, chat, and get warm.

More than 70 people came to the open day, including representatives from the Borough and Town Councils, funders and potential users.

These included members of self advocacy for adults

with learning disability group CLASP, adult learning group WEA, South Berkshire Singers, trustees from More Arts, and Wokingham United Charity trustees.

Project manager, Anne King said: “ It was lovely to have everyone there, all together.

“People were really excited to see the potential of the new space, and above all, they were commenting on just how big it is.

“They were saying things to me like, ‘It will be great to be

part of the activity here,’ ‘we’re looking forward to singing here,’ and ‘what a great space - I can just see it filled with an exhibition of local work.’

People shouldn’t have to imagine for much longer, though, because All Saints Church, Wokingham, hopes to open the doors to its new community space in Spring 2023.

For more information, and to support the project, visit: www. spaceforall.org.uk.

Care home’s festive fundraiser a sparkling success

RESIDENTS at a care home in Wokingham must have been good this year.

Santa paid a visit to their Christmas fair.

Alexandra Grange hosted the festive fundraising event in aid of Wokingham In Need.

With a variety of stalls, music, mulled wine, and mince pies it was filled with Christmas sparkle and good cheer.

Wokingham in Need exists to help the homeless, vulnerable and needy people of the borough.

n For more information about Wokingham In Need visit: www. wokinghaminneed.com

Christingle services to raise funds for Children’s Society

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

CHURCHES across Berkshire are coming together this Christmas to offer hope to vulnerable young people across the country.

There will be 20 dedicated Christingle services taking place to help raise funds for The Children’s Society.

The money will provide life-changing support for children who face significant life challenges such as abuse, neglect or exploitation.

St Mary’s, Shinfield, All Nations Christian Centre in Reading, and St John’s Church, Mortimer are set to feature in this programme of services.

Mark Russell, chief executive of The Children’s Society, said: “We’re thrilled that so many Christingle events are happening across Berkshire to help us be there for the vulnerable children we support and we’re truly grateful to everyone who attends for their support.

“These Christingle events

in Berkshire and across the country make it possible for us to continue with our vital work and transform the lives of even more children in need of our help.”

Families and communities are welcome to attend and celebrate at the festive fundraising events, which revolve around children decorating oranges with red

ribbon, cocktail sticks and sweets.

These, as well as a candle, highlight different aspects of the Christian story.

Christingle is a tradition that has taken place for over 50 years and serves as an opportunity to introduce young people to Christianity in a fun and interactive way.

They will be able to light the candle at the top of the orange and enjoy the warmth and connection of the special festive occasion.

The Children’s Society’s vital work relies on the funds raised during Christingle events every year, making it one of the most important periods in its calendar.

St Mary’s, Shinfield, will hold their Christingle at 4.30pm on Saturday, December 17, while All nations Christian Centre’s event takes place at 4pm on Christmas Eve.

The service at St John’s, Mortimer, starts at 3pm, also on Christmas Eve.

n To find out more about Christingles taking place nearby, visit: www.childrenssociety.org. uk/attend

FESTIVE EVENT: Money will be raised for The Children’s Society at 20 Christingle services across Berkshire. Picture: Al Elmes

LOOKING AHEAD: Some of the visitors to All Saints Church in Wokingham get a feel for what the new community space will be like when completed

ENJOYING THE FAIR: From left: Julia Philips, Wokingham In Need secretary, town mayor cllr Maria Gee, borough mayor cllr Caroline Smith and Wokingham In Need founder, Sue Jackson Picture: Emma Merchant

Tiny temperature differences make snow tricky to predict

A MEMBER of staff at the University of Reading has explained the challenges involved in predicting snow.

Many parts of the UK woke up to a blanket of the white stuff on Monday morning but knowing it’s going to happen ahead of time means working within very fine margins.

The university’s Dr Rob Thompson said: “Exactly how cold the temperature is determines whether we get rain, sleet, snow and whether any snow settles.

“If we are wrong by one or two degrees in predicting that temperature, we get the wrong answer. We need to be so precise.

“If the temperature was five or six degrees warmer, it would be relatively simple. There would be rain.

“If it was five or six degrees colder.

“It’s still really simple. There would be snow.

“The problem is just exactly where we are on that temperature threshold.

“And that’s a regular problem in the UK, we are often right on that threshold when we get these events.

“Is it going to be snow or rain? It is very difficult to predict because 1ºC difference will make a massive difference to what our forecast outcome is.”

Start the new year

A CHOIR is hoping people will make it a new year’s resoluition to join them.

Wokingham Choral Society is inviting people to join their open rehearsal early next year.

They meet on Thursday evenings in Emmbrook Senior School’s main hall.

Rehearsals are from 7.45pm to 9.45pm during term-time.

The group gives four concerts a year, and is currently rehearsing for a concert in March in the Great Hall, University of Reading.

The programme will include Vivaldi’s Gloria, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, and Monteverdi’s Beatus Vir.

Anyone wanting to join the group is welcome to come along to the group’s open rehearsal evening.

It will take place at Emmbrook Senior School, Wokingham on Thursday, January 5.

Doors will open at 7.30pm. All music will be provided.

n For information about the choir visit: www.wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk or email the membership secretary: membership@wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk

Jingle joggers have more fun than you have in a one-horse open sleigh

EXCLUSIVE

By Phil Creighton news@wokingham.today

IT WAS fun with jingle bells on.

That’s the verdict from organisers of a school fundraiser held on Sunday.

The grounds of Emmbrook infant and junior schools were de-iced in time for the Jingle Bell Jog.

Freezing temperatures may have meant the earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone, but that didn’t stop those taking part from enjoying the two-mile course.

Doors opened at 10am, and

people could enjoy a range of events as well as the run. They included a story time with Santa, an arts and craft stall, and a chocolate and confectionary tombola.

To help people warm up, hot dogs, hot chocolate, mulled wine and other seasonal refreshments were served.

And for pupils, parents could take advantage of a second hand unform stall.

Christine Leddy, from the PTA, said around 250 runners took part in the event.

“People enjoyed dressing up,” she said. “There was a prize for the best fancy dress, which was won by a man with a turkey

hat on, a man wearing an Elf dress, and a family wearing Oodies.” (A kind of poncho-like hooded blanket – editor).

She said that while the fastest runners ran the course in around the same times as last year, others taking part might have been spurred on by the cold weather.

“The rest of the pack were definitely finishing faster than last year,” she added.

And the event was judged to be a success.

Ms Leddy said: “I enjoyed the Christmassy festive feel of a community event. There was a great turn out with lots of festive costumes, despite the cold weather and everyone was in good spirits.

“Story time with Santa was a big hit in the school reading shed/grotto, and it was lovely to see so many children, including my own, sitting still and enjoying the story and chat with Father Christmas.

“I also enjoyed a mulled wine and a piece of cake.”

The event saw the two schools, which share the same entrance off Emmbrook Road, come together.

“It was lovely to see lots of staff from the Junior school and Infant school coming along and helping out on the stalls, leasing the warm-up and even taking part in the Jog,” Ms Leddy explained.

“It means a lot to have the support of the schools, as after all the fundraising efforts of the PTA ultimately benefit the children within the school.”

The final fundraising total is yet to be confirmed but organisers say it will be around £2,000.

The funds will be used for school projects such as incubating eggs, and possibly some new playground equipment.

Families line up for the start of the Jingle Jog

One family used scooters to navigate the course

Santa reading a story to some happy visitors

Santa’s grown-up helper directs people to the start line of the Jingle Jog

Caitlin, Karen and Andrei on the PTA Cake Stall

Elves were on hand to help

The Barrett and Lambert famillies complete the Jog

Bob & Harvey Smith (10)

Olaf encourages one runner

ON THE RUN: The Jingle Jog at Emmbrook Primary School on Sunday Pictures: Steve Smyth

Wokingham latest town to receive fibre optic broadband

Football bus fares increase

READING BUSES have announced changes to bus fares for Reading FC fans on match days.

Adjusted prices came into effect on Saturday for the Royals’ clash against Coventry, and will be in force for future fixtures.

Robert Williams, Reading Buses chief executive officer, said: “We were due to change the football fares in September alongside the changes we made to other fares across our network, but this was postponed for the first part of the season.

“We now need to make these changes and felt that implementing them after the mid-season break made some sense.

“There are no changes to our football services and we will still offer the same great range of ticket options for great value.

“So let’s all get on board with the Royals and cheer them on, hopefully to promotion to the Premier League.”

A single ticket on the F1 shuttle is now £2.50, while a return will cost £3.50.

The F2/F3 park and ride service now costs £4.50 for a single and £5.50 for a return. A return ticket on the F51-54 will be £6.50.

Concessionary pass holders get free travel to the stadium, but the return journey is chargeable.

The company runs a range of matchday routes, including from Wokingham and Woodley to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

n To view all price changes, visit: www. reading-buses.co.uk/changes-footballbus-fares

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM has been announced as the latest town to receive a multi-million-pound investment in its digital infrastructure.

CityFibre is investing more than £15 million in the town, with a full fibre network that will bring “fast and reliable” internet services within reach of almost every home and business in the area.

The works are a continuation and further investment of the wider £58m network build which is currently ongoing in Reading and parts of Wokingham.

Construction work on the full fibre network in Wokingham has started this week in Norreys.

Stacey King, regional partnership director at CityFibre, is responsible for overseeing the project, while also acting as the main point of contact for all stakeholders.

She said: “It’s a pleasure to be announcing Wokingham as one of the latest towns to benefit from our UK-wide investment.

“The new full fibre network will bring a range of benefits to the town and its people, from smoother connections for home working, schools, and businesses, to more capabilities for entertainment purposes, including gaming and streaming.

“Our builders will soon get to work on a full fibre network, and we think people will be blown away by the difference it will make. The network offers more opportunity to everyone in Wokingham, and we look forward to playing a key role in its modernisation that will underpin its progressive digital capabilities for decades to come.”

Full fibre networks, unlike many of the copperbased ‘fibre broadband’ services available today, use 100% fibre optic technology to carry data at light speed all the way from the home to the point of connection.

This gives users speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps for upload and download, near limitless bandwidth and more reliable connectivity.

Full fibre boosts households and businesses alike, with experts saying it will drive a range of economic benefits, such as making us more productive and innovative.

As work is completed in each neighbourhood, CityFibre will designate the homes “ready for service”, which means residents can choose to connect to full fibre-enabled broadband services when they go live in their area.

In Wokingham, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers.

Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to supply full fibre infrastructure for customers on selected Vodafone Pro Broadband plans, while TalkTalk, IDNet, Giganet, Zen and other providers are expected to join the network soon.

n Residents interested in giving their home broadband a boost can find out more about the build and register their interest at: cityfibre.com.

CelebrateChristmaswithyourlocalchurch

InthesechallengingtimesChristmasmeanslightandlife, peaceandlove,helpandhope.Christmascelebrates thebirthofJesuswhoiswithusinallourtroubles. ToexploremoreofJesus’messagevisitalocalchurch thisChristmas,inpersonoronline.

Wokingham BaptistChurch Sunday, December18

10am Explore Christmasfor familieswith, children11and under

Pleasebookin advance Sunday, December18

6.15pm NineLessons andCarols atSt Paul’sChurch, Wokingham ChristmasEve

Church ChristmasEve 4pm,6pm&9pm Mass ChristmasDay: 10am Mass KingsChurch Wokingham ChristmasDay

10.30am Christmas celebration

7pm Carolsby Candlelight ChristmasEve 3.30pm Christingle Craft&Carols ChristmasDay 10am Celebrationfor thewholefamily AllSaintsChurch, Wokingham Ourmainservices willbeheldinThe Cornerstonethis year Sunday,December4

3.30pm Messy Christingle

3pm FamilyService heldatThe Cornerstone

4pm CarolSinging aroundthe Christmas treeinMarket Place,Wokingham towncentre

11.15pm Midnight Communion ChristmasDay

8am Holy Communion

9.30am Parish Communion Pleasebookin advance

ON ITS WAY: Superfast broadband Picture: CityFibre

Artist to showcase still life in oil

AN ART group in Wokingham has invited a member of the Royal Society of British Artists to lead its next meeting.

Lewis Hazelwood-Horner will demonstrate how to paint a still life in oils for the members of Wokingham Art Society.

He studied at Byam Shaw School of Art and obtained further training from London Atelier of Representational Art. The demonstration will take place at Wokingham’s Bradbury Centre, on Tuesday, December 20. Doors open at 7.30pm. Entry for non members is £5.

n For more information visit: wokinghamartsociety.org.uk.

Crib service

CHILDREN in Spencers

Wood are invited to a special Christmas Eve service.

St Michael & All Angels Church’s crib service will see youngsters hear the Nativity Story.

Everyone is welcome to attend. The service takes place at 4pm.

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

Friends and family pay tribute to ‘vivacious and fun-loving’ Sally

By STAFF WRITER news@wokingham.today

THE FRIENDS and family of Sally Gunnee, who died following a road traffic collision on Wokingham Road, have released a tribute to her.

“Sally Gunnee sadly passed away on Thursday, November 24, following a car accident the previous evening.

“Sally was a much loved and integral part of our line dancing club, Steps ‘n’ Stetsons, based in Lower Earley and Winnersh.

“She had danced with us for many years but was also well known in a much wider line dancing community as she frequently attended linedancing socials and weekends further afield.

“Sally was a vivacious, funloving and very positive person and her life reflected these personality traits.

It continues: “By profession, she was a nurse and she spent much of her career working abroad and even on cruise ships.

“Apart from line dancing,

Sally’s interests included horse racing and she was a member of a racehorse owners club.

She took a very keen interest in the development and success of the horses owned by the club, frequently visiting the various stables and becoming well known to the respective

trainers.

“Her love of horses came second only to the cats that were ever present in her home.”

“Above all, Sally was lovely friend who would do anything she could to help anyone.

“She will be so very much missed by all our dancers

but we will all remember her enthusiasm and her ability to throw herself fully into all our activities, most memorably when she dressed up as a Christmas elf or, on St Patrick’s Day, an Irish leprechaun.

“Line dancing will not be the same without her but she has left us with such happy and special memories.”

Sally’s Stepdaughter, Sarah, has released the following tribute to her: “I have known Sally over 20 years.

“She had a very happy and close relationship with my father, initially her boss and then as his wife.

“Our relationship continued after my father’s death in 2004. We became very close but we didn’t live in each other’s pockets.

“She never wanted children herself and we used to laugh that she ended up with me.

“She had to give up work to look after my father after he had a bad stroke. She never complained and was happy that they were finally together, disabled or not.

“It didn’t stop them going out and holidays abroad – she gave him another 10 years of full life and I will be forever be grateful to her.

“Sally continued her love of line dancing, horses (she was a member of the Elite Horse Fraternity) and visited stables all around the country either by herself or with a girlfriend.

“She was very generous with her time and often gave her friends presents for their grandchildren.

“She was very fit and wasn’t taking any medication except painkillers for an achy shoulder. She was very proud of that especially at 86.

“She never turned an invitation down and lived life to the full. She still had plenty on her bucket list to do.

“It is sad that her life ended this way – she still had so much to give and share.

“We will all miss her terribly but she is leaving us all with such fond memories to hold on to.

“RIP Sally – you are now with Ron your only true love.”

REMEMBERED: The friends and family of Sally Gunnee, who died following a road traffic collision, have released tributes to her. Picture: Courtesy of the friends and family of Sally Gunnee

‘It feels like open season on Hurst for prospective developments’

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

RESIDENTS say their village is under siege from developers wanting to build houses on its green spaces.

Ninety villagers turned out to Hurst Parish Council’s meeting to hear about two more plans to build houses in the village.

One is for 24 homes on a much-loved Willowmead field in School Road. It’s known to thousands as the former home of Hurst Show and Country Fayre. After being told to leave, the show moved to the school field and Martineau Green.

The other plan is for three houses at Walden Acres, Wokingham Road. Agents told the parish council meeting about the plans last week.

Hundreds of Hurst objectors are already fighting a scheme for 200 homes, between Tape Lane and the B3030 from Winnersh towards Twyford. An appeal for planning permission starts on January 31.

The council’s procedures don’t allow discussion by residents attending, but afterwards chairman Cllr Wayne Smith said:

“Residents tell me they feel under the cosh of prospective developers trying to take advantage while objectors are

busy fighting the Tape Lane plan, hoping they’ll get in under the radar. The parish council will decide its view once it’s seen the applications for permission.”

Objectors saw off a scheme for 33 homes at Broadcommon Road, in January.

Later four homes were approved on appeal for Sawpit Road. It’s believed two more schemes may be on the way for the village.

A villager said: “It feels very

much like it’s open season on Hurst for prospective developers.”

Wokingham borough does not have a five year supply of housing land. This means there is a presumption in favour of a development being approved at a planning appeal, unless it can be proved a scheme’s harm outweighs its benefits.

“Once there’s a weakness the developers sweep in,” added the villager.

Another said: “It feels like

we’re under siege.”

The proposal for three homes is by Tim and Rupert Drake for part of the site of their family home at Walden Acres, said Matt Taylor of St Edwards Design and Planning, part of Churchgate Premier Homes, also involved with the planning application.

He said the application for a pair of semi-detached cottages and a detached house would go in this month. The homes would be infilling in that road.

The site’s existing house would remain. The brothers’ mother, former borough councillor Annette Drake, used to live at Walden Acres.

Mr Taylor said there was a house shortage and villages like Hurst were expected to provide a proportionate number. It was proven that building small sensitive developments meant bigger ones could be staved off.

Edward Butler-Ellis of Ward Strategic Communications who spoke at the parish council meeting about the Willowmead field proposals was unavailable afterwards.

Cllr Smith has criticised Wokingham Borough Council’s controlling Liberal Democrat group for not getting on with the Local Plan showing areas for new homes – although a new draft is currently in preparation.

“Without it the whole of the borough is exposed to potential planning applications,” he said.

Cllr Smith said donations to pay for a barrister at the 200 homes planning inquiry were going well.

“We’re not quite there yet,” he added. “The parish council is very appreciative of the donations so far and for the favourable comments about how the council is taking on the case.”

acoustic night

A WOKINGHAM pub is holding a new weekly music night.

Acoustic Café, showcases different bands every Monday.

The last Monday line-up for this year features Linda Moylan, Michael Tuffery, Meddling Fox, Robert Buttrick and Andy Lavery.

The event is at The Hope And Anchor pub on Station Road.

The music starts at 7.30pm on Monday, December 19. Admission is free and the event is organised by the Graham Steel Music Company.

n For information, log on to: www.grahamsteelmusiccompany. com

Family carols

A BRACKNELL music group presents an evening of festive music.

Musical director Greg Hallam, will lead the Bracknell Choral Society in its Family Carol Concert.

All are welcome to the event, which takes place at Newbold College Church, Bracknell, on Wednesday, December 21.

Doors open at 6pm.

Tickets cost £10, and include a soft drink and mince pie.

Accompanied under 18s enter free of charge.

n For tickets and information visit: www.bracknellchoral.org. uk.

A TEAM-UP will pay dividends, but their work won’t be seen until next year.

Housebuilder David Wilson Homes partnered with Wokingham Borough Council, Wokingham Town Council and Wokingham in Bloom to sponsor a community volunteer day to plant a range of bulbs on Elms Field.

It gave £500 to Wokingham Town Council’s funds of £1,000 to source 4,000 bulbs to planted

on the green open space at its Landmark Square development in the town centre.

Bulbs of a wide range of plant species were scattered by local residents, all under the expert guidance of Wokingham in Bloom.

The bulbs will flower in time for judging the annual contest next year, while the housebuilder hopes it will complement the nearby Elms Field.

Gregg,

Wilson Homes Southern, said: “We were delighted to support the bulb planting in Wokingham and everyone in attendance will have provided a lovely addition to Elms Field when spring arrives.

“Supporting the communities in which we build is a priority of ours and we jump at the chance to help with these fantastic projects.”

MEETING: Some of the 90 people who turned out to hear about yet more building plans for Hurst, said to be’under siege’ by developers. Not every resident was against the proposals

Housebuilder helps make town look pretty, but you’ll have to wait until next year to see why

Campbell

managing director at David

PLANTS IN THE AUDIENCE: The volunteers celebrate the bulb planting in Elms Field Picture: David Wilson Homes

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

Crowds flock to village church’s festive fair

ST Nicholas Church at Hurst attracted a big crowd to their fair which included a Christmas market.

The fair at the village hall last Saturday also offered singing and recorder playing by children from St Nicholas Primary School.

There was also Santa’s Grotto, face painting by Hurst Guides, mulled wine, hot chocolate, a silent auction and games.

Twenty local stall holders sold produce including honey and crochet and also services.

Becky Vaughan, one of the fair organisers, said: “A big thank you goes to all the people who came and everyone who helped make it so enjoyable.”

The total raised will be announced later.

Stores team up to warn shoplifters:

‘You’re not welcome in Wokingham’

we would be, so we’re hoping it encourages people to report things using Disc, an easier and quicker process, that allows us to be in the right place, at the right time.

“It’s not going to stop it completely, but it makes it harder (for thieves).”

Craig is keen for retailers not currently in the scheme to sign up, and stressed it wasn’t just

for chain stores in the town. The funding means it is free to join.

“Communication will improve between stores and the police, that’s what we need,” he said.

It is planned to get Shopwatch stickers for each participating retailer to display, so shoppers have confidence the store is part of the scheme.

FBC Centre to host carol service on Sunday

A CHURCH in Finchampstead is hosting a carol service this weekend.

Finchampstead Baptist Church, in Gorse Ride North, is inviting residents to take part in the festive fun on Sunday, December 18.

As well as singing favourite carols, attendees will be able to enjoy live music and some wintry treats.

The free, family-friendly event starts at 10.30am.

n For more information, search Finchampstead Baptist Church on Facebook.

Nine lessons

PEOPLE looking for a reflective experience this Christmas can make their way to Wokingham.

St Paul’s Church’s Nine Lessons And Carols service shares the message of the season with choral music and readings.

All are welcome to join the service, which takes place in St Paul’s Church, on Sunday, December 18 at 6.15pm.

It is based on Reading Road.

n For information about St Paul’s Church and other Christmas services there, visit: www.spauls. co.uk

And to any thieves thinking of targeting Wokingham, PC Bentley warned: “You will get banned from all premises that are participating in Shopwatch. It’s going to make it tough for shoplifters.”

n An email address has been set up for retailers wanting more information about joining: wokinghamshopwatch@outlook. com

n From front page

PCSO Victoria Williams is one of the liaison team from the police who helped get Shopwatch off the ground.

“A few months ago, myself and my colleagues on the Wokingham Neighbourhood Team approached retailers saying they might want to get involved in tackling the issue of shoplifting and the related antisocial behaviour in the town centre,” she said.

“There wasn’t a current retail group looking at that and stores were trying to manage it individually. We brought the retailers together for a meeting

and decided to form Shopwatch, to share information and tackle shoplifting.”

Retailers came together on Sunday for a meeting in Aldi where they were shown the ropes and the system, called Disc, is now in use. It is fully GDPR compliant.

Craig Breadmore, the manager of Wokingham town’s Aldi branch said Shopwatch would make a difference to the shopping experience for both staff and customers.

“Information was being shared in an ad hoc way between different stores. We’re now bringing everyone together

and sharing it in the same way, and a way that is also legal,” he said.

PS Paul Bentley said: “If a theft has just occurred in store, or some anti-social behaviour outside, that can immediately be shared with other shops, so everyone in Shopwatch gets the message.

“We can target our patrols based on the information we’re getting.

“Previously, we’d go into a shop and they would say, ‘Oh, this happened three days ago’.

“If, with Shopwatch, we can deter and stop crime in the first place, that’s much rather where

Sharon Thomas and Katie Curnow at the St Nicholas Church Christmas fair. Katie gave Santa a helping hand at the event

Sharon Thomas and Lynn Jeggo

SPECIAL VISITOR: Santa at Hurst’s St Nicholas Church Christmas fair

TEAM-UP: Aldi manager Craig Breadmore with PS Paul Bradley from Thames Valley Police celebrate the launch of Shopwatch Phil Creighton

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

Me time while at The Mum Club

WHEN it comes to Mummy-Baby activities, I feel as though I can say I’ve done it all. Music with Mummies, Baby Sensory, Little Fishes Play Cafe… I’ve been around the block, so to speak.

So when I was invited to an activity that was not a class, a playgroup nor soft-play, I was intrigued. The Mum Club? It always sounded so … exclusive. Like a society for a particular kind of Mum, and I wasn’t sure I’d quite fit in. Was there a criteria?

I headed for brunch at Hamlet feeling excited and a little nervous. Would they all know each other? Sat in impenetrable cliques? Would Leo be the only toddler? What if I lost all ability to converse? There’d be no class leader singing and dancing as a distraction…

Inevitably, all doubts were promptly quashed.

I was greeted at the door by host Luzaan Shaw, who immediately put me at ease with her naturally warm and welcoming demeanour. She swiftly introduced me to a table of friendly faces and we each said our names before declaring we would most likely not be remembering them.

The Hamlet staff were just as accommodating, offering me a Mimosa upon arrival - much like at a wedding reception or some other equally lavish event. I felt…special. Like a V.I.P.. Definitely not a tired mother.

A cocktail at 10am on a weekday? Gosh. What a treat. Of course, this is what it’s all about.

The whole event is designed and dedicated to ensuring every mum in attendance feels pampered and taken care of. (Which I did). We were a group of women, who’d come to meet other Mums, but also, to be looked after a little.

“Would you like a hot drink?” The waiter asked before I’d even sat down. I realised, as Leo ran off to a small play area nearby, that I might actually be able to drink my latté whilst it was still hot. Another luxury. I was going to like it here.

Leo remained occupied on a play-mat with a few other little ones until the food arrived and he inevitably decided to come and sit on my lap. I had pancakes with all the toppings and only managed to get a small dollop of jam in his hair. (I thought noone noticed, until I looked up and saw the woman opposite me chuckling to herself.)

Conversation and laughter flowed across the table throughout and I remembered I could in fact talk. The relief.

Goodie bags (the tote variety) lay across each chair with notebooks, stickers (which provided extra entertainment), baby-wipes, fizzy water and more to go inside. I am a sucker for a goodie bag so this all brought me extra joy.

The presence of an on-site babysitter meant that a mother could sit, eat, and chat, knowing her baby was in good hands, only metres away. This was a well-thought-through operation.

Our host Luzaan, a mother of two, walked around with a baby in her arms, getting to know each mum individually and allowing the mother of said baby to enjoy her brunch hands-free. These sorts of gestures may seem small, but to a mother, are the difference between a lovely morning and a bit of a headache. No one wants to spill eggs Benedict on their newborn.

Would I go again? Absolutely.

The Mum Club holds events (brunches, coffee clubs, wreath-making workshops) regularly across the country, with an emphasis on being part of a supportive community and putting mothers needs first.

n Brunch ticket: £30, for details: www.themumclub.com n Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind

Safety advice on alternative methods of heating your home

ROYAL Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued advice for avoiding fires during the winter.

As the cost of living rises and many struggle to heat their homes, the fire service has shared advice on heating homes safely and reducing fire-related incidents.

The Winter Wise campaign is offering advice on the dangers of alternative heating methods and fire safety.

The RBFRS said that figures published by the National Fire Chiefs Council showed that there were 99 fire-related fatalities in England in 2021, with 76 of these happening in homes.

This compares to 54 in the same quarter the year before, constituting a 41% rise.

Accidental fires in the home caused by candles totalled 940 in England in the year ending March 2022, a 10-year high.

Around one in three of those incidents resulted in injury or death.

Figures also showed that between April 1 last year and March this year, there were 208 firerelated fatalities in dwelling fires, a 12% increase compared with the previous year’s 185.

Fire services fear that these numbers could rise as a result of people trying alternative methods of heating their homes.

The Winter Wise advises simple steps to be taken to ensure the safe heating of homes.

Residents are advised always to unplug electric heaters when going to bed or leaving the property.

They should be kept away from flammable items such as curtains and furniture and never be used for drying clothes.

It also advises that hot water bottles and electric blankets should not be used together, even when switched off.

Electric blankets should also be switched off before going to bed unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use.

When using open fires to heat the home, RBFRS recommends a fire guard is always used to protect against sparks and that chimneys and flues are kept clean and wellmaintained.

It is also advised not to sit close to open fires, gas fires, or halogen heaters, especially if using emollient products such as lotions, creams, and ointments, as they can act as accelerants.

And fires and heaters should be extinguished or turned off before leaving them unattended.

Only use gas or paraffin heaters in well-ventilated areas and always have in place a carbon monoxide detector.

Neil Whiteman, safety education coordinator for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are already seeing evidence of people resorting to unconventional heating methods within the home to try and keep warm.

“Firefighters discovered a family using disposable barbecues inside the home which resulted in them suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, while a house fire was started by the careless use of candles being used for lighting purposes.”

What’s lurking in your sink?

A TEAM of researchers has revealed kitchen drains are home to a surprising number of fungal organisms.

Five undergraduate students and one PhD student at the University of Reading tested over 250 restroom sinks for fungi such as black moulds and baker’s yeast variants.

Each of the sinks had a very similar community of yeasts and moulds, showing that public basins share a role as reservoirs of fungal organisms.

Dr Soon Gweon, who led the project, said: “We spend 90% of our time indoors so we are exposed to fungi in our homes and workplaces. For most people, this isn’t a problem, but for those who are immunocompromised, certain fungal species can cause serious infections.

“Sinks and P-traps have thus far been overlooked as potential reservoirs of these microorganisms.”

The technique used by the students to identify the broader

families of organisms represented, with further studies detailing exact species and singling out diseasecausing fungi.

Zoe Withey, the PhD student involved in the project, said: “It has been great to give undergraduate students a real-life hands-on experience of environmental microbiology. The fact that we found interesting results, worthy of a peer-reviewed publication, is an experience that many students won’t have until their PhD studies, or beyond.”

The types of fungi that live in sinks can tolerate high temperatures, low pH and low nutrients. Some even use detergents, found in sap, as a source of carbon-rich food.

Dr Gweon said: “Although these findings don’t present a health concern in the environment we are in, were the location a hospital or care home, with many immunocompromised people, this finding could point to a serious risk to health.”

TJ goes from a experience

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

Tom Boles, affectionately known as TJ, joined David Cliff Estate Agents on Victoria Road, three years after his work experience placement at the same firm.

As a student at the Willink School in 2019, Tom enquired for work experience at David Cliff and went on to enjoy a successful week with them.

After staying in touch, Tom joined them on a full-time basis in October and has gone from strength to strength.

David Cliff, managing director of the estate agent, enjoys hosting work experience placements but believes in doing them properly.

This includes going through an interview process to learn about what a student wants to learn from the experience.

“I love doing it and we love doing it as a company, but we’re very strict on how we do it,” he said.

“If we have time, we will interview to ask why do they want to come and what do they want to achieve out of it?

If the discussion goes well, students will join up with the team and get a full experience of what being an estate agent is like.

David said: “You’re going to go out on appointments, go out on valuations and shadow the team on viewings

“If they’re up for it, then we’ll take them on.

“We want to make sure the boys and girls that are coming are interested in what we’re doing and want to come out and actually really take part.

“And we end up having a really good time with them.”

The students are often quiet to start with before coming out of their shell towards the end of the week as was the case with Tom.

David said: “Tom was quite a quiet

lad to be perfectly honest but what he did was show that he was doing tasks and he was taking them seriously.

“As the week went on he was asking more questions and being genuinely inquisitive.

“We thought ‘this guy clearly has got some kind of interest in this’ and by the time he left, we were joking about the fact that he might be an

Recycling centre fire highlights dangers of battery disposal

A FIRE which struck the recycling centre in Reading late last month is a warning against disposing of batteries according to Reading Borough Council.

It is urging residents to recycle batteries properly after a fire broke out at the re3 recycling centre, Island Road. It is used by Wokingham residents.

It is the tenth fire that the company has had to tackle within its facilities this year, with re3 citing batteries as “the main cause” of such incidents.

Research conducted by Material Focus found that 45% of householders are unaware of the fire risk posed by poorly disposed-of batteries.

When a battery is pierced or crushed, it can self-combust or cause sparks when struck by other metals and materials.

If batteries, or electronics

containing them, are disposed of improperly, this becomes considerably more likely and can lead to the combustion of other dry and flammable waste.

Toothbrushes, chargers, vapes, and mobile phones are among some of the more frequently disposed of in general waste.

Fires not only put workers’ lives at risk but also lead to the loss of recyclable materials and cost money to tackle.

It is also possible that they could combust while in bins or waste lorries, putting members of the public at risk too.

Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading Borough Council’s lead member for environmental services and community safety, said: “The fire at the Smallmead Recycling Centre is part of a worrying trend which sees

A MORTIMER estate agency has welcomed a familiar face back to its team.

NEW JOB: TJ Boles undertook work experience

Picture: David Cliff

a week of work to a career

Uni is the fourth greenest

THE UNIVERSITY of Reading has been ranked the country’s fourth greenest university, according to the 2022/23 People & Planet University League.

Released on Tuesday, December 6, the independent student campaigning network’s standings saw Reading jump 11 places, up from 15th last year.

The group reviews the environmental performance of 153 higher education institutions across the UK in 14 categories, awarding degree-style classifications for their overall environmental and ethical performance.

Reading achieved a ‘first class’ rating, scoring 75.8 percent, up from 69.9 percent last year.

Prof Mark Fellowes, pro-vicechancellor (academic planning & resource), said: “We are extremely proud to achieve our goal of a top five ranking in the People & Planet University League.

The fourth placing also meets one of the university’s strategic targets four years early: to achieve a top five placing by 2026.

Top marks were secured in four areas, including sustainable food, sustainability staff, education for sustainable development and environmental auditing and management systems.

High scores were awarded for initiatives such as becoming the first university in Europe to join the Menus of Change Universities Research Collaborative, to provide healthy and sustainable meals on campus and its sustainability engagement platform Doing #UoRBit.

TORQUAY House Party

agent one day.”

Fast forward three years and Tom has settled into his new role, completing his first sale with contracts exchanged in record time.

Although Tom did the deal himself, David paid tribute to both Craig Robertson and Jay Lota for taking Tom under their wing and mentoring him.

“When Tom sold, he sold two

apartments to an investor. I mean, it was unbelievable,” said David.

“He did the chat, he did the negotiation and he kept it simple.

“The confidence boost from that is immense and it was all of his doing. All we did was say ‘there’s an opportunity there if you want to do it’ and he did brilliantly.”

“This reflects significant and sustained efforts across the university to tackle climate change and reduce our impact on the environment.

“This is testament to the collective work of our whole university community, and reinforces our ambitions to be one of the greenest universities in the world.”

Significant improvements were made in the policy and strategy and water reduction areas, reflecting the benefits of some significant water saving initiatives delivered in partnership with Thames Water during summer 2020.

The university’s divestment from fossil fuel companies in recent years has also contributed to its impressive position in the league.

It recently announced it had halved its carbon emissions since the 2008/09 academic year, representing a significant milestone in Reading’s target to reach net zero carbon by 2030.

hundreds of fires nationwide annually caused by throwing away batteries.

“I am quite sure that the person that got rid of the battery in their recycling had no idea of the damage that it was to cause which is why we are seeking to remind all residents to be vigilant and think about their disposal of batteries and small electricals.

“The best thing our residents can do to help tackle the problem is to remember to never bin batteries, or small electricals, by putting them in your home rubbish or recycling bins.

She explained that batteries should be recycled separately.

“To protect yourself and others, residents should remove batteries from the electrical devices and leave them in a small carrier bag on top of their recycling bin on the collection day.

“In addition, all residents can recycle batteries at the Recycling Centre, or often at larger supermarkets too.”

Batteries and small electricals can both also be brought to re3 Recycling Centres for safe disposal.

EARLIER this month, 10-year-old Ariane Boakes switched on Hurst’s Christmas lights after winning a poetry contest. Here is her entry.

Anticipation.

Desperate to see the tree lit up.

Joyfulness in the air.

Departing Fri

3

Mar

‘23 Let’s get this party started with happy hour every night, evening entertainment, and afternoon tea! With our base in the heart of Devon, we know how to enjoy ourselves and still get a little sightseeing on the side, so you get the most out of your

LIVERPOOL & Southport

ACCOLADE: The University of Reading has been named the fourth greenest university in the UK. Picture: Chris Wood

Flashes of red, green, silver and gold. A sparkle reflects onto the pond. The crunching and scrunching of feet in the snow.

Happiness spreading around Hurst like smearing soft butter on warm toast. Being thankful for the village we live in.

POETRY CORNER

experience for David Cliff estate agents three years ago,

Christmas in Hurst

Shopwatch is a brilliant scheme

SHOPLIFTING has been a problem in Wokingham in recent years.

Each store holder will have their own story to tell about how light-fingered fiends have made off with goods without paying.

It causes problems for us all, and sometimes leaves our shelves looking like something from Soviet-era stores.

So the launch of Shopwatch is long overdue.

Sharing intelligence, updating each other and working with the police and the borough council’s anti-social behaviour teams means there will be a quicker response to any thieves wanting to ply their trade in the town.

The two-year funding means this will be no flash in the pan either. It can bring about lasting change, as well as having an immediate impact.

Not every retailer in Wokingham town has signed up to it, and we encourage those thinking about it to do so.

Making our town centres safer places for all is a top priority.

This is one way to make it happen.

CHURCH NOTES

Are you ready for Christmas?

ARE you ready for Christmas?

Decorations and Christmas tree

Cards posted Presents bought and wrapped Food and drink ordered – almost

We spend lots of time, effort and money getting all these things ready for the great feast, but is there more that we could do to make this a time of joy and peace and good will for all people and indeed the Earth?

John the Baptist is a key figure in the Church’s readings during Advent.

He is like one of the prophets of the Old Testament, calling upon the people to change their lives and live in accordance with the will of God.

John is a forerunner for Jesus Christ, preparing the way for the Messiah who will inaugurate God’s kingdom of justice and peace for the whole world.

John calls the people to “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand” and when the they ask him what they should do, they are told to give to those who have nothing and to be content with what they have.

What would John the Baptist say to us today?

Perhaps his message would be similar and call us to help the poor and many in Wokingham have already prepared for Christmas by supporting the Wokingham foodbank and other charities with generous donations of food and money.

Perhaps, also in our world threatened by climate change and environmental damage, John the Baptist would call us to be mindful of our lifestyles and do what we can to lessen our detrimental impact on God’s Creation.

Sue Cooper is a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

Why aren’t the pavements gritted?

I thought I’d save a car journey so I walked to an appointment on Tuesday 13 December 2022. Three miles there and three miles back via Emmbrook, Cantley and Keephatch Road to Beanoak.

I was glad I took my walking pole as it saved me from slipping over at times on the icy pavements and paths. The roads were clear, but WBC hadn’t bothered to salt/grit the icy pavements and paths.

The Ad-Hoc Coalition Wokingham Borough Council and it’s wannabe MP leader, Councillor Clive Jones, promised to do things better when it was elected in May 2022, so why hasn’t it?

For a Council that likes to virtue signal about Climate Change, residents have been badly let down. The WBC area experienced about one centimetre of snow on Monday 12 December 2022. This turned to ice on Tuesday 13 December.

This meant that because pavements and paths outside town were icy on Tuesday the 13th and not treated, pedestrians were put at risk of slips and falls. I walked in the clear roads at times to avoid an icy stretch of pavement.

This is a state of affairs that is allowed to happen by an Ad-Hoc Coalition WBC that states, in effect, cars bad, walking good. So, if walking is that good, why haven’t the pavements and paths outside town been salted/ gritted?

I know someone who usually walks to work but has been taking their car during this period because the roads are less icy than the paths and pavements!

To sum up then, we have an Ad-Hoc Coalition WBC that screams “Climate Emergency” but at the first sign of bad weather can’t be bothered to salt/grit the pavements and paths outside town to make it easier for pedestrians to get around and save on car journeys.

Then, on the way home via the same route, I had a near miss with a cyclist coming up behind me when I was on a less icy but narrow part of the pavement.

The adult cyclist silently came up behind me and passed almost touching me. No bell (a legal requirement) was sounded because the cyclist probably hadn’t bothered to fit one anyway.

And the moral of the story is, take the car next time if the pavements and paths could be icy because the AdHoc Coalition WBC and i’s leader, Cllr Clive Jones, couldn’t give a fig about pedestrian safety outside town during a cold snap.

Paul Clarke, Wokingham

Be a card and save the stamps

Every year more than 900 million Christmas cards are sent in the UK. If your readers find themselves receiving plenty of cards this year through the post we’d like to encourage them to save their stamps – at Kidney Care UK (the UK’s leading kidney patient support charity), we can collect these and turn used

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

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Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

stamps into cash donations, at no extra cost to your readers. Every year we receive around 250kg of stamps, generating around £9,000 to support thousands of kidney patients across the UK.

Around 6% of the UK adult population have chronic kidney disease (CKD), that’s the equivalent to 1 in every 16 people in your area, who could benefit from our support. If your readers would like to help us, please request one of our free collector’s pack online by visiting, www.kidneycareuk.org/stamps*.

Kidney patients are disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis; in the last two months alone, we have seen an increase of 240% in demand for our grants to help people pay their heating bills, and an increase of 51% in demand for our £300 emergency assistance grants. Donations allow us to be able to provide support to kidney patients when they need it most.

Thank you, and we hope all of your readers have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, Laura Toop, Community Fundraising Manager, Kidney Care UK

The UK’s biggest killer

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, and one of the greatest health challenges facing society.

Earlier this year the UK Government announced a ‘visionary’ 10-year Plan for Dementia, aiming to increase diagnosis and support people with their health and care needs. This

announcement provided hope for the 900,000 living with dementia in the UK.

The Government promised to publish the plan by the end of 2022 – but we are still waiting, and my patience is wearing thin.

With a change in Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, not once, not twice, but three times since July, progress on the 10-Year Plan for Dementia has stalled. And now, 19 times over, the Government have responded to questioning, stating “further information will be available in due course”.

While I am thrilled by the recent positive drug trial results, they give hope for the future, but for those living in the now, this lack of clear direction from the Government is costing them time and hope.

Dementia is long overdue a plan, and people affected by dementia are long overdue the respect and consideration they deserve. But without delivering on their commitments, the Government are making a clear statement; dementia is not their priority.

Publishing a plan to improve the lives of people affected by dementia is so important to me because myMother suffered with Alzheimer’s and after a long period of not knowing who she was, or where she was, died of it. My Mother-in-law now is in a similar position and it’s so very difficult to have to see it again. Research into helping sufferers must be a priority..

The Government must publish the 10-year Plan for Dementia now and

From the chamber

Cllr Gregor Murray

A moment to be proud of S

UNDAY 4th December was a very proud day for me.

At lunchtime, my son and I went and collected a tree from the Ormonde Road allotments.

While that might not sound very exciting it was the culmination of an almost three-year journey.

In January 2020 I stood in front of Wokingham Borough Council and launched our community’s Climate Emergency Action Plan. One of the key pillars of this strategy was a commitment to plant 250,000 new trees across our towns and parishes.

As part of that commitment, I also announced that 10,000 of those trees would be given to residents, free of charge, to plant in their own gardens.

I wanted residents, particularly younger people, to feel a part of the action our community is taking to

reduce our carbon footprint. I also knew that planting trees in gardens would give them a strong chance of survival and growing tall, strong and able to extract carbon from the air around us.

I remember very clearly sitting in, the then Conservative leader of the Council, Cllr John Halsall’s office in July 2019 and first pitching him the idea of giving trees away to residents to plant in their own gardens. As a tree lover he loved the idea and encouraged me to speak with the Wokingham Veteran Trees Association and the Woodland Trust to gauge their response and understand how best to bring this scheme to life.

This ‘Garden Forest’ initiative was also a key reason why the Woodland Trust decided to give our community £300,000 to help fund our tree planting initiatives.

I was delighted when I heard that more than 800 people, from across the borough had signed up to receive one of the initial allocation of trees. Recipients were

given a choice of six species of tree, Hawthorn, Hazel, Wild Cherry, Field Maple, Rowan or Silver Birch.

I chose a Wild Cherry because I have always loved the blossom they produce in spring. The blossom and fruit also provide valuable food for birds and bees, helping to support biodiversity.

A little over three years after first pitching the idea, my ‘garden forest’ tree is now potted and well watered before being planted in the ground next year once its trunk has grown a little more.

Being a councillor and leading such a complex field of work such as Climate Emergency isn’t always easy and often meets

with conflicting opinions. But outside my house I now have a lasting reminder of the good that councillors, and so many others, do in our community on a daily basis. Thank you to the officers at Wokingham Borough and Town Council, the volunteers at Ormonde Road allotments, the WDVTA and the Woodland Trust for their help in bringing this program to life, and also to all the residents who signed up to receive one of the initial Garden Forest trees.

Cllr Gregor Murray is Conservative councillor for Norreys ward on Wokingham Borough Council

help people in this area affected by dementia live more fulfilled and less fearful lives.

Dementia doesn’t wait for due course – we need a #PlanD now.

Michael, Bracknell

Emergency help for Ukraine

While the temperatures here at home are dropping, people in Ukraine are facing a sub-zero winter – as low as -15 degrees centigrade – as they continue to live in damaged homes with limited or no heating.

It’s not just cold, it’s potentially life-threatening. At the international disaster relief charity ShelterBox, we’ve been helping people affected by the war in Ukraine since March, and we’ll be helping thousands more through the winter months.

We have essential aid in Ukraine designed to help people survive a long and harsh winter. With the help of our partners, we will be providing people with thermal blankets, clothing, and emergency repair kits –including tarpaulins and timber – to help them fix damaged roofs, seal windows and doors, keep the heat in, and make homes watertight.

Some people will also receive solid fuel stoves, and a supply of firewood that will last the average family through the winter, to help them prepare for the bitterly cold season. With power supplies continuing to be targeted, this type of stove is regularly used to heat homes in rural areas of

From the chamber

Cllr Shirley Boyt

the country and is desperately needed to help people survive the cold.

With winter here, we’re renewing our urgent appeal to help fund ShelterBox responses around the world. For more information about ShelterBox visit www.shelterbox.org.

Martin Strutton, Emergency Coordinator, ShelterBox

Making Christmas safe

Christmas is a time when many of us look forward to being with our loved ones, making lifelong memories while getting into the festive spirit of caring for each other.

For the majority of us the festive period will be full of joy and an occasion to look forward to. However, for families whose children will be seriously ill in hospital, this Christmas will be a time full of worry. Hospital can be a lonely and scary place for anyone, but especially a child. We want to make sure no child faces hospital alone and like all charities we are in desperate need of support to do this.

Without a place to stay close to the hospital our families will have to travel, on average, 90 minutes to be with their seriously ill child. The alternative is paying out for expensive hotels, sleeping on a chair in the hospital or even sleeping in their cars. Neither are viable options, worsened further by the current cost of living crisis. These extra expenses are another burden that families

shouldn’t have to shoulder at a time when all they want is to be with their child. Our ‘Homes from Home’ are free for families who need them and it currently costs us approximately £40 to support one family for one night, but this cost is rapidly rising.

By donating £40 to our appeal your readers will give families all the precious gifts of Christmas; care, wellbeing, warmth, rest and most precious of all, time together in our ‘Homes from Home’. Our ten ‘Homes from Home’ are located at specialist children’s hospitals and support families from across the UK. They are completely free of charge to all the families that stay with us, but as a charity we rely on the generosity of our supporters to make sure every child can be with their family this Christmas.

We want to make sure that no child faces hospital alone and that all families can be together this Christmas, making special festive memories rather than travelling in their car or sleeping in uncomfortable waiting room chairs. Every £40 donated will give another family the precious gift of togetherness, ensuring that they can always be just minutes away from their ill child’s hospital bedside.

Donate £40 today by visiting sickchildrenstrust.org

Jane Featherstone, Chief Executive at The Sick Children’s Trust

Help the homeless

Thousands of people across the country are facing a distressing and uncertain Christmas without a safe place to call home.

In Britain today, 227,000 households are experiencing the worst forms of homelessness. This includes people sleeping on the streets, trapped in insecure accommodation without access to their own cooking or washing facilities, or enduring the instability of sofa surfing.

Now’s the time to stand with people facing homelessness. Crisis at Christmas will soon be opening its doors to people who would otherwise be spending December and January sleeping on the streets. In three hotels across London and centres around the country, people will be provided with food and warmth as well as tailored help including healthcare, training and support with housing.

Ythe support Crisis provides is only possible because of the generosity of the British public. Please give the gift of a Crisis Christmas and help someone leave the trauma and hardship of homelessness behind.

To find out more or to donate to Crisis this Christmas, please visit www.crisis.org.uk/support

From the leader

Cllr Clive Jones

Lobbying begins to bear fruit

EVER since the new administration was formed at Wokingham Borough Council in May, we have been lobbying government for a reduction in the number of new homes that the borough is obliged to take by central government.

We began within days of taking control of the council, with meetings with the MPs covering the borough to ask for their support. As I reported at the time, the MPs were all happy to help and I want to thank them for working with us on this important matter.

We have followed up with detailed letters to successive secretaries of state responsible for housing, and had a meeting with Michael Gove promised before he was sacked by Boris Johnson. Mr Gove is now back in office, and we are meeting his housing minister soon.

We recognise that the borough must take some new housing to cater for local need.

Social rental housing is particularly required to enable those priced out of the market to have decent homes.

But building more market homes is not the answer to the shortage of genuinely affordable property; despite all the house-building in the borough over the last 30 years, house prices have risen not fallen. We want a higher percentage of new homes to be in the genuinely affordable category, which in our area means primarily social rental.

But if we want to increase the proportion of affordable homes in the local housing mix, we want to persuade the government that our area cannot take the level of development it is imposing on us.

We have consistently argued that Wokingham has over-delivered in the past and that this over-delivery should be taken into account in setting new targets.

We have consistently maintained that the scale of new housing imposed on Wokingham is harming the character of a semi-rural area, narrowing gaps between settlements.

The more things change, the more they stay the same I

RECENTLY came by a copy of The Guardian from 27th March 1980.

My interest was piqued for two reasons, firstly that date is my birthday and secondly it was the day after that year’s budget; the fall-out from the disastrous TrussKwarteng mini budget was still very much in the news.

The front page makes for an interesting but depressing read; the then Chancellor, Geoffrey Howe did not crash the economy like Liz and Kwasi, but he did announce public spending cuts of £1,000m and reportedly ‘forecast a grim future’ with the ‘Tories committing the country to a four-year squeeze’ in a strategy intended to ‘defeat inflation’. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?

Further horrors await on pages 2 and 3 where we learn there is to

be a ‘sharp fall in schools spending’, that the unemployed, families with children, and the long-term sick will lose out in ‘an attack on the poor’. Unemployment benefit and sickness benefit will be taxed and child benefit will only be increased by 75p per child which is well below inflation.

Petrol prices will rise by 10p to £1.32 per gallon (29p/litre). Labour leader, James Callaghan described it as the “meanest budget since 1931” and a “shifting of the burden from the healthy to the sick and from the rich to the poor”.

It is certainly a case of déjà vu and there are many parallels with our current economic situation, with one significant difference - the cost of keeping a roof over your head.

For those buying their own home in 1980, mortgage repayments only accounted for around 12% of income. In 2022 that figure is a staggering 45%.

In 1980 around one-third of households rented their home from the council. A household with earnings of around £200 per week paid about £8.80 (4.4% of earnings) in rent. All that would soon change with the advent of Right to Buy –Margaret Thatcher’s flagship policy for a ‘home owning, share owning democracy’.

Those who are fortunate enough

to live in a council house today, pay an average rent of £94.00 per week or 14% of Wokingham’s average weekly wage. However, if you rent privately, it is an altogether gloomier prospect, a modest, threebed property in the borough will set you back almost £360 per week, more than 56% of the average weekly wage.

If further evidence is required that things have gone badly wrong in the housing sector in the last 42 years, look no further - nationally, since 1980 more than 2.5 million council houses have been sold under Right to Buy, permanently depleting the nation’s social housing stock. You may think this is a good thing until you learn that around 40% of the homes that were sold, are now back in the rental sector, in the hands of private landlords.

Or that 42 years on, one-third of households are still renting and (due to sky-high rents) have no realistic prospect of owning

their own home; it seems Maggie’s flagship has sunk without trace!

Home ownership reached a peak of 71% in 2005 but has been decreasing ever since and the percentage of people owning their own homes in 2022 is exactly the same as it was in 1980.

So, what is the current Conservative government doing about this scandal? Allowing councils to build more social rent housing? Insisting that 50% of houses on any new development will be affordable, social rent? No of course not. Bizarrely, they are planning to extend Right to Buy to housing association properties, further reducing our stock of homes available for social rent. They are simply repeating the mistakes of the last 42 years. They have learned nothing.

Cllr Shirley Boyt is a Labour councillor of Bulmershe and Whitegates ward on Wokingham Borough Council

We have consistently said that the pressure on our creaking infrastructure is already too great; our roads are already congested; our schools at capacity; and our doctors’ surgeries struggling to cope with the existing number of patients.

We have also made the case repeatedly that, if the government is serious about its levelling-up agenda, investment in new homes should be directed to the north and Midlands - to areas crying out for more homes - not to the already over-heated south east.

At last, it seems that the government is beginning to listen.

Mr Gove has issued statements suggesting that he accepts that the current system is flawed and needs to be changed. He seems to recognise that over-delivery in the past should be taken into account; he seems to realise that mandatory housing targets, calculated on the basis of past delivery, unfairly penalise areas such as our own.

But there are two reasons for caution.

First, we need to see the detail of what the government is proposing. We have been promised a ‘prospectus’ before Christmas; we will need to see what that actually offers.

Second, the government is proposing to consult on its new proposals.

That will give the development industry the opportunity to push back and water down the changes; it will also mean that any new system takes some time to be introduced.

We are therefore in a very uncertain position.

We know the system is likely to be changing, but we don’t know by how much and when.

Meanwhile, we have to continue our lobbying to make sure that the government appreciates the particular pressures we face here in Wokingham Borough.

So, two cheers for Mr Gove’s announcements, but not yet three.

Cllr Clive Jones is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council

Alastair Stewart OBE, Crisis Ambassador, Al Doyle, Crisis Ambassador, Ayo Akinwolere, Crisis Ambassador, Ellie Goulding, Crisis Ambassador

600 Santas fill University as Rotary run is out in the cold

FORGET Spartacus, the cry in Reading on Sunday was ‘I’m Santa Claus’ as hundreds of red robed runners took part in a charity fun run.

The Rotary Club of Reading held its annual Santa Run at a new venue – the grounds of the University of Reading.

There were two routes.

The family-friendly 1k run was open to younger runners, wheelchair users, dog owners, and buggies.

Then there was a 5k route, which was open to anyone aged 11 or over.

The only proviso is they had to run wearing a Santa suit or Elf costume.

And given the very cold temperatures – the mercury was just above freezing – it was almost as if the race was taking place in the North Pole.

Eydis Bjornsdottir, one of the organising team, was delighted with how the event had gone.

“The new venue was winter wonderful, the white fog and frosty

trees were absolutely beautiful and incredibly festive,” she said.

“We are so impressed with our hardy runners who braved the icy cold and not only persevered but spread joy throughout the event with their positive nature.”

In all, 600 people became Santa’s little helpers – their entry fees will raise thousands for charity.

Another change this year was the axing of free Santa outfits for participants, in a bid to make the event more environmentally friendly.

“We tried to run the race as economically as possible, given the economic climate, and gave the runners the options of using/reusing their own costumes to minimise waste and increase sustainability, which seems to have gone down well with all.

“Which seems very befitting, considering that the medals were sponsored by University of Reading’s Climate Stripes.”

The final fundraising total will be known in the new year.

And we’re off ... the family race gets going

600 runners took part in the annual event

Santas warm up before the race starts

Suzanna Krogulec & Trudie Fell

There was even a fairy godmother

Reading Today 11th December 2022; Rotary Santa

All smiles at the finish line

Warming up was a very popular activity

Santas in all kinds of costumes took part in the event

MP champions small businesses across town

Estate agency achieves carbon neutral status

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A WOKINGHAM estate agency has taken a significant step in its goal to become as green as it can.

Quarters, based in Market Place, has become certified as carbon neutral by offsetting the carbon they produce as a business.

SIX small businesses have won awards in a competition hosted by a Reading MP.

The Small Business Saturday Competition, organised by Matt Rodda, recognises the best small businesses across his Reading East constituency.

Participants from Reading East had the opportunity to nominate and vote for their favourite local business through an online poll across six categories.

The categories were restaurants and eateries, cafes and coffee shops, pubs and bars, goods and services, arts, crafts and entertainment and wellbeing and activities.

More than 800 people voted with 76 businesses nominated.

The winners were Mama’s Way, Madoo, The Lyndhurst, Nylon Hair Artists, Made by Tamalia and County Dance.

Mr Rodda announced the results on Saturday, December 3, and has visited some of the businesses to give them their awards.

Mr Rodda said: “I would like to offer the winners my heartfelt congratulations.

“I have already had the pleasure of visiting some of the businesses to congratulate them and present their certificates.

“I look forward to meeting the rest soon.

“Thank you to everyone who voted and helped me celebrate the many wonderful small businesses in our constituency.”

Nick Harris, Quarters co-founder, said: “I am delighted that Quarters is the first local agency to be certified carbon neutral and hope that we set a precedent for all businesses in our industry to follow our lead.

“We set an ambitious target to achieve this milestone in 2021 and I am proud that we’ve delivered on this important target.”

After commissioning Carbon Neutral Britain, a specialist carbon tracking company, Quarters established their carbon footprint and have now offset the 4.01 tonnes of carbon dioxide they produce each year.

This has been achieved by investing money into special offsetting schemes which reduce carbon emissions across the world.

James Poynter, director of Carbon Neutral Britain, commented: “We were very pleasantly surprised at how small Quarters carbon footprint was in relation to the size of the

business and it’s great to see them taking the initiative to improve their environmental impact and we hope that other agencies follow their example”.

Following their success, the Quarters founders are keen to work on some new initiatives to further improve their environmental impact which they plan to announce later this year.

Teresa Ling, Quarters co-founder, added: “Going carbon neutral is just another step in the right direction for Quarters.

“We are committed to continue to have a positive impact on the environment, not just by focusing on the business footprint, but also the impact we have personally”.

Sultan’s new master mixologist is a familiar face

A NEW bar consultant and master mixologist has joined a town centre restaurant, but he’s already a familiar face in Wokingham.

Amit Shaikh has created a new cocktail menu at the Sultan, in Market Place.

Mr Shaikh is no stranger to the town, having previously worked at The Rose Inn and Bombay Story.

He brings a wealth of experience in creating new cocktail recipes, managing bars and the hospitality industry in general.

Mr Shaikh said: “I’m delighted to have joined the Sultan as bar consultant at what is an exciting time for the restaurant.

“I’ve created a brand-new cocktail and mocktail menu featuring both classic drinks and new creations with an Indian twist.

“Sultan is Wokingham oldest family-run Indian restaurant and I’m honoured to be a part of their continued success story.”

Visitors can enjoy 10% off all drinks on the cocktail menu between Monday and Thursday and can pop in for a drink without having to order food.

Raja Majid, Sultan owner, said: “Amit is a fantastic

addition to the Sultan team and will bring a new level of drinks expertise to the restaurant.

“His exciting drinks menu combined with our newly refurbished restaurant and café make Sultan the perfect place to come along and enjoy an exquisite cocktail.”

Mr Shaikh is also planning a series of masterclasses over the coming months where parties

can learn the tricks to creating the perfect tipple.

He added: “Cocktail making classes are great fun and the perfect experience for many different occasions, such as a hen night or a corporate team building event.”

“I look forward to seeing you all at the Sultan.”

n For more information, visit: sultanindian.co.uk

FAMILIAR FACE: Amit Shaikh has joined the Sultan but knows the town well after time at the Rose Inn and Bombay Story Picture: Sultan

SUCCESS: Quarters in Wokingham is now a carbon neutral estate agency and is looking forward to doing more to help the environment Picture: Philip J.A Benton

Changes to housing targets welcomed

By GRANT WILLIAMS Local democracy reporter

THE government’s plan to change housing development targets means more of the ‘right type’ of homes can be built, Wokingham Borough Council’s leader has said.

Cllr Clive Jones is “very happy” with the decision but emphasised that he would need to “look at the details” of the plan before coming to any conclusions.

“We need to find out how much flexibility there is, how much authority we will have, and whether there will be any guidance from central government.”

The government’s decision to change tack came after nearly 60 Tory rebels promised to support a ban on mandatory targets in England, which would have delayed voting on the Levelling Up Bill and risked damaging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s authority.

Councils are now to be offered more leeway over meeting the targets set by local government, which has left Cllr Jones “more optimistic than six months ago” about being able to deliver appropriate housing in the borough.

“We have been talking now for six or seven years about the need for more one-, two- and three-bed properties, and more bungalows so people can downsize.

“Developers don’t want to give us those properties because they can make more money from four-, fiveand six-bedroom houses.”

Wokingham’s Conservative MP, Sir John Redwood, said he was “glad to hear” that the government has agreed local communities should have a say in what development goes in the Local Plan, as he questioned what the point is of having a plan if farmland and green space cannot be protected.

The Department for Levelling Up said the change would make the centrally determined target a “starting point”, with councils able to propose building fewer homes if they faced “genuine constraints” or would have to build in a way that would “significantly change the character” of their area.

The assistant director of planning at Bracknell Forest Council, Max Baker, said it would be “premature” to discuss what the implications would be for the borough before the details are “formally announced.”

However, Bracknell’s Conservative MP, James Sunderland, said it was “a positive step forward” to give local communities the power to stop overdevelopment.

“I have been clear … that we must not concrete over what is left of our open spaces. Having fought hard against top-down housing targets, I am delighted that their abolition will now allow local people to better protect their own communities.

“Yes we need more housing, but we must also protect the green spaces that we have and ensure that house-building only occurs in the right places.”

However, some Conservatives have been critical of the proposal, with 2019 Tory manifesto coauthor Robert Colville saying it would “enshrine ‘nimbyism’ as the governing principle of British society”.

The shadow Levelling Up Secretary, Lisa Nandy, called the plans “irresponsible” at a time when there is a “hosuing crisis” and a Labour’s Bulmershe and Whitegates councillor, Andy Croy, said he is “sceptical” of the decision.

“The Conservatives have said the new housing number will be a starting point for a discussion with local authorities. What they have not set out are the rules of the debate and who decides the winner. More importantly, they have not set out their plan to empower local authorities to build council houses.

“The fact is, Britain only builds enough houses when local councils are given the power to build homes that people can afford to live in. Instead we are still throwing tens of billions of pounds at private landlords via Housing Benefits.“

Cllr Jones said: “What we need are rules that can reflect a local situation. Local people know what is best for them.”

The Bill is expected to return to the Commons this week for day two of its report stage.

Youth MP meets with Sir John

WOKINGHAM MP Sir John Redwood invited his younger counterpart to visit the House of Commons earlier this month.

Holly Mackinnon, Wokingham’s Youth MP, was elected by in the summer.

The year 11 student at The Holt School, Wokingham, said: “It was good to talk with John about what he’s doing to support residents through the cost of living crisis.

“This is the Youth Parliament’s newly elected campaign focus, and something we’ll be working on over the coming months.”

John said that it was a pleasure to meet Holly and to discuss current issues affecting constituents, and the work of an MP.

“The Youth Parliament

is highlighting cost of living issues in line with the major preoccupation of many families in the country,” he said.

“I told her all that I have been doing to press for lower taxes, for financial support with high fuel bills and action to abate inflation.

“So far the Government has agreed to reverse the rise in National Insurance and provide substantial reductions to fuel bills as I and others wished.

“We talked about the need to raise benefits to reflect cost of living pressures, and to assist more people into jobs.

“There are plenty of vacancies locally where opportunities present for people to earn more.”

Holly also raised with John Redwood the issue of young people’s mental health.

She said: “It was good to hear that youth mental health provisions are a top priority, as the mental health of young people is something that is too often overlooked.

“I look forward to working with John over the course of my term to deliver for the young people I represent.”

Holly would love to hear from any young people that want to get involved.

They can get in touch with their suggestions, questions or concerns about issues involving young people in Wokingham Borough, by emailing Holly at: youthvoice@wokingham. gov.uk.

Farmers market on Sunday

A COMMUNITY group will host its final farmers market of the year on Sunday.

At Spencers Wood village hall, visitors can enjoy 30 stalls, serving up award-winning pies, acrylic jewellery and much more.

Local businesses and individuals will showcase their fresh produce for visitors to peruse and purchase in the lead-up to Christmas.

The farmers market will host children’s author Angela Mills, who wrote Bobby the Brown Long-Eared Bat.

Visitors are recommended to travel by foot.

It takes place from 10am1pm.

n For more information, search Spencers Wood Farmers Market on www.facebook.com

Craft sessions at Woodley Library

FAMILIES looking for festive activities can turn up to craft sessions at the library.

Woodley Library is holding drop in opportunities to make Christmas decorations.

Snowflake crafts can be made on Thursday, December 15, from 3.45pm to 4.45pm.

Christmas crafts are on Saturday, December 17, from 10.30am to 11.30am.

And wreath making, which does require booking, is available on Thursday, December 22, from 10.30am to 11.30am.

n For more information and to book a place on the wreath making session visit: www. wokinghamboroughlibraries. wordpress.com

MEETING: John Redwood MP and youth MP Holly Mackinnon at The House Of Commons. Picture courtesy of John Redwood.

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 NOTICEOFPROPOSAL

WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (VARIOUSOFF-STREETBOROUGHCARPARKS) (NO.**00)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYGIVENTHATWokinghamBoroughCouncilinexerciseofitspowersinrelationtooff-streetparking places,PROPOSESunderSections32and35oftheRoadTrafficRegulationAct1984(asamended)andPartIVof Schedule9totheRoadTrafficRegulationAct1984,TheTrafficManagementAct2004andallotherRegulationsand OrdersmadeinexerciseofthepowersconferredundertheTrafficManagementAct2004andofallotherenabling powers;inaccordancewithSection39(3)oftheRoadTrafficRegulationAct1984andafterconsultationwiththeChief OfficerofPoliceinaccordancewithParagraph20,PartIIIofSchedule9totheRoadTrafficRegulationAct1984,TO MAKETHEFOLLOWINGORDER.

Theeffectofthe WokinghamBoroughCouncil(VariousOff-StreetBoroughCarParks)(No.1)Order2023,wouldbeto revoke,re-enactandupdatetheWokinghamBoroughCouncil(Off-StreetBoroughCarParks)(CivilParking Enforcement)ConsolidationOrder2017;WokinghamBoroughCouncil(CouncilOffices,ShuteEndCarPark)Order 2018;andWokinghamBoroughCouncil(RoseStreet(Temporary)CarPark)Order2018asamended(hereinafter referredtoas‘the2017and2018Orders’).

Furthereffectsofthe WokinghamBoroughCouncil(VariousOff-StreetBoroughCarParks)(No.1)Order2023 would beto;

a.absorbtheremainingprovisionsfromthe‘2017and2018Orders’; b.updateandamendtheArticlesofthe‘2017and2018Orders’;

c.extendexistingoff-streetparkingcontrolstoapply‘AtAllTimes’(Mon-Sun(includingBankHolidays))inalloffstreetparkingplaceslistedinSCHEDULE1ofthisNoticeofProposalexceptCaliforniaCountryPark, Finchampstead;DintonPasturesCountryPark,HurstandLaurelPark,Earley;

d.toextendtheexistingdailyperiodsofoperationinallcarparks,detailsofwhichmaybefoundinSCHEDULES2 and3ofthisNoticeofProposal;exceptCaliforniaCountryPark,Finchampstead;DintonPasturesCountryPark, HurstandLaurelPark,Earley;

e.introduceanew,bandedparkingchargetariffstructuretoincorporatenewparkingcharges,detailsofwhichmay befoundinSCHEDULES2,3and4ofthisNoticeofProposal,exceptCaliforniaCountryPark,Finchampstead; DintonPasturesCountryPark,HurstandLaurelPark,Earley;

f.tointroduceanew,bandedseasonticketparkingtariffinalloff-streetparkingplacesexceptCaliforniaCountry Park,Finchampstead;DintonPasturesCountryPark,HurstandLaurelPark,Earley,toincorporatenewparking charges,detailsofwhichmaybefoundinSCHEDULE5ofthisNoticeofProposal;

g.tointroduceanewmethodofpaymentofparkingchargesbya‘checkin/checkoutsystem’inalloff-streetparking places;withinwhichtherewouldbenorequirementtodisplayaticketpurchased,theparkingchargewouldapply accordingtotheparkingperiodpurchased;

h.tointroduceanew‘initialparkingperiod’inDintonPasturesCountryParkActivityCentreCarPark,Hurst; (MondaystoSundays(includingBankHolidays)6amto10pm),whereinthefirst15minutesofparkingiswithout chargewhenthedriverenterstheVehicleRegistrationMarkoftheparkedvehicle,obtainsaticket(without charge)fromtheticketmachine,inaccordancewiththeOrder;

i.tointroduceanew‘initialparkingperiod’inShuteEnd(Central)CarPark,Wokingham(MondaystoFridays (excludingBankHolidays)6amto6pm),whereinthefirst30minutesofparkingiswithoutchargewhenthedriver enterstheVehicleRegistrationMarkdetailsoftheparkedvehicleandobtainsaticket(withoutcharge)fromthe ticketmachineinaccordancewiththeOrder;

j.toremovethefollowingoff-streetcarparkswithintheWokinghamBoroughCouncil(Off-StreetBoroughCar Parks)(CivilParkingEnforcement)ConsolidationOrder2017:ElmsRoad,WokinghamMulti-Storey,The PaddocksCarPark,WokinghamandWellingtonHouseCarPark,WokinghamfromthenewOff-StreetParking Order;

k.tointroducethefollowingparkingareasintotheOff-streetCarParksOrder;PolehamptonLibraryCarPark;and theElmsWalk,CarnivalHubandAlexandraCourtServiceAreasinWokingham;

l.tointroduceaprovisionforimposingavehiclereleasechargeandsettingafeethereforinthefollowingcarparks; CaliforniaCountryPark,Finchampstead;DintonPasturesCountryPark,HurstandLaurelPark,Earley;

m.toprovideforthedesignationofelectricvehiclechargingparkingbaysinanyOff-StreetCarParkand/or CountryParkCarPark;

n.toenabletheamendmentofarticlesrelatingtotheprovisionforparkingpermitstobeusedinthefollowingcar parks(a)arevisiontothecostofresidentparkingpermitsinSchoolLane,Wargrave;(b)provisionforkeyworker parkingpermitsforuseintheCarnivalMulti-storeyCarPark,Wokingham;CockpitPathCarPark,Wokingham; DenmarkStreetCarPark,WokinghamandEasthampsteadRoad(EastandWest)CarParks,Wokingham;(c) provisionforWokinghamBoroughCouncilstaffparkingpermitstobeusedintheCarnivalMulti-storeyCarPark, Wokingham;EasthampsteadRoadEastCarPark,Wokingham;andShuteEndEastern&WesternCarParks, Wokingham;(d)provisionforBusinessUserpermitstobeusedintheDenmarkStreet,WokinghamCarPark;and (e)provisionforMarketTraderparkingpermitstobeusedinCockpitPathCarPark,WokinghamandHeadley RoadCarPark,Woodley.

PleaseseeSchedule1,Schedule2,Schedule3,Schedule4andSchedule5.

CopiesofthedraftOrdersandStatementofReasonsmaybeinspectedattheofficesofWokinghamBoroughCouncil,at theaddressgivenbelowduringnormalofficehourstoFridays.Thesearealsoavailabletoviewat www.wokingham.gov.uk/tro

Anyobjectionstotheproposals,togetherwiththegroundsonwhichtheyaremade,shouldbesentinwritingstatingthe reasonforobjectiontotheTrafficManagementTeam,Place&Growth,POBox153,ShuteEnd,Wokingham,Berkshire, RG401WLorviaemailto tm.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk bynolaterthan29thJanuary2023.

Dated15thDecember2022

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirectorforPlace&Growth, WokinghamBoroughCouncil, ShuteEnd, Wokingham,RG401WL

SCHEDULE1-PARKINGPLACESAFFECTEDBYTHISORDER

1.ALEXANDRACOURTSERVICEAREA

2.AVERYCORNERCarPark,Finchampstead

3.BULMERSHELEISURECENTRECarPark,Woodley

4.CALIFORNIACROSSROADSCarPark&ServiceRoadFinchampstead

5.CALIFORNIACOUNTRYPARKVISITORCarPark,Finchampstead

6.CARNIVALMULTISTOREYCarPark&ServiceArea,Wokingham

7.COCKPITPATHCarPark,Wokingham

8.COUNCILOFFICESCarPark,ShuteEnd(East/West/Central),Wokingham

9.CROCKHAMWELLROADCarPark,Woodley

10.DENMARKSTREETCarPark,Wokingham

11.DINTONPASTURESCOUNTRYPARK(VisitorCarPark),Hurst

12.EASTHAMPSTEADROADEASTCarPark,Wokingham

13.EASTHAMPSTEADROADWESTCarPark,Wokingham

14.ELMSWALKSERVICEAREA

15.HEADLEYROADCarPark,Woodley

16.HUDSONROADCarPark,Earley

17.KINGFISHERDRIVESERVICEROAD,Woodley

18.LAURELPARKCarPark,Earley

19.LYTHAMROADEASTCarPark,Woodley(Publicareasonly)

20.LYTHAMROADWESTCarPark,Woodley

21.PITFORDROADCarPark,Woodley

22.POLEHAMPTONCLOSEEAST(SeasonTicketHoldersOnly),Twyford

23.POLEHAMPTONCLOSEWESTCarPark,Twyford

24.POLEHAMPTONLIBRARYCarPark,Twyford

25.RICKMANCLOSEEASTCarPark,Woodley

26.RICKMANCLOSEWESTCarPark,Woodley

27.ROSESTREETCarPark,RoseSt,Wokingham

28.SCHOOLGREENCarPark,Shinfield

29.SCHOOLLANECarPark,Wargrave

30.STATIONROADCarPark,Earley

31.WALLACECLOSEEASTCarPark,Woodley 32.WALLACECLOSEWESTCarPark,Woodley 33.WINNERSHTRIANGLEP&RCarPark,Winnersh

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (HEATHLANDSROAD,WOKINGHAM)) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2022

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe8thDecember 2022WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority madeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoad TrafficRegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichisto prohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong: HeathlandsRoad,Wokinghambetweenitsjunctions withEasthampsteadRoadandB3430NineMileRide. Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaB3430NineMileRide,Old WokinghamRoadandEasthampsteadRoadorbythis routeinreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 19thDecemberand20thDecember2022between 20:00and06:00.

Thereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallow WokinghamBoroughCouncilcontractorstoundertake liningworks,roadstudsandotherassociatedworkin safety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedat alltimes.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe19thDecember2022andshall continueinforceforaperiodnotexceeding18months oruntiltheworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveris theearlier.

Dated:15thDecember2022

ChrisEaston AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (CHURCHHILL,HURSTAND BROADWATERLANE, WHISTLEYGREEN) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2022

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatWokinghamBorough CouncilasTrafficAuthorityproposestomakeanOrder underSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTrafficRegulation Act1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehicle fromproceedingalong:

1.ChurchHill,Hurstbetweenitsjunctionswith B3030LodgeRoadandOrchardRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaB3030LodgeRoadandSawpit Roadorbythisrouteinreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 23rdJanuaryand13thFebruary2023.

2.BroadwaterLane,WhistleyGreenbetweenits junctionswithA321BroadwaterLaneandB3030Lodge Road.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaA321BroadwaterLaneand B3030LodgeRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 3rdJanuaryand30thJanuary2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowSouthern GasNetworkscontractorstoundertakegasmain replacementworkinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe3rdJanuary2023andshallcontinuein forceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

R o s e C o t t a g e s i s a s m a l l a n d a p p e a l i n g d e v e l o p m e n t o f j u s t f o u r t h r e e b e d r o o m s e m i d e t a c h e d h o m e s s e t i n t h e d e l i g h t f u l s e m i r u r a l l o c a t i o n o f S i n d l e s h a m T h e s e h o m e s a r e h i g h l y a d a p t a b l e a n d c o u l d m a k e t h e p e r f e c t s t a r t e r o r f a m i l y h o m e E v e r y h o m e e n j o y s o p e n p l a n l i v i n g s p a c e , b e s p o k e k i t c h e n s w i t h i n t e g r a t e d a p p l i a n c e s , l a r g e g a r d e n s , t w o d o u bl e b e d r o o m s a n d l u x u r y b a t h r o o m s a n d e n s u i t e s L e i s u r e t i m e c a n b e w e l l s p e n t w i t h t h e s e h o m e s i d e a l l y s i t u a t e d w i t h B e a r w o o d R e c r e a t i o n P a r k a n d N i r v a n a S p a w i t h i n w a k i n g d i s t a n c e B o t h W o k i n g h a m a n d W i n n e r s h t r a i n s t a t i o n a r e l o c a t e d w i t h i n a 1 0 m i n u t e d r i v e p r o v i d i n g e x c e l l e n t t r a n s p o r t l i n k s w i t h r e g u l a r a n d d i r e c t l i n k s i n t o L o n d o n W a t e r l o o a n d R e a d i n g

1 0 N O W T O B O O K Y O U R V I E W I N G A P P O I N T M E N T

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Enjoy festive sounds with St Agnes Fountain

AFOLK club in Nettlebed is preparing to welcome a group, affectionately known as Aggie.

Chris Leslie, and female duo Chris While and Julie Matthews are all members St. Agnes Fountain.

As part of a national tour, they visit the borough with their show that promises carols with a curve, in an evening of inventive music and laughter.

Chris Leslie says: “It’s a lovely time of year to perform.

“We’ve known each other for years, and this is our 21st year of Christmas touring.

“We’re in rehearsal together now for the next few days, having not seen each other since last year, and we’re already smiling.”

The group’s first album was

recorded in 2001, when they then performed as a quartet.

Fourth member, David Hughes, has since left to concentrate on solo pursuits, but remaining members Chris, Chris and Julie are keeping the Christmas Aggie spirit alive with their tour.

“We love each other’s music,” continues Chris.

“Our Christmas set has developed over the years. It’s wintry, with an overlay of Christmas.

“We love lots of different kinds of music, and we all play a number of instruments.

“So, really anything goes, with lots of influences in our music, from jazz scat to funk.

“Our carols, for example, are really groovy.”

Chris While and Julie Matthews

have played more than 2,650 gigs, having first teamed up 25 years ago.

Since then the songwriters, musicians, and singers have appeared on over 100 albums, written hundreds of original songs and reached millions of people around the world.

Described as inspirational women, and two of the best and most hard working musicians on the world folk roots scene, both are also highly regarded producers.

They record all their music at their studio in a small Pennine town.

With voices that blend perfectly in smooth harmonies, they are also accomplished musicians.

Chris plays guitar, bodhran, dulcimer, banjo, darbuka and percussion, while Julie plays piano, guitar, acordion and gazouki.

The third member of Aggie is mult-i

He plays fiddle, mandolin, tenor guitar, bouzouki, ukulele, banjo, oud, whistle, Native American flute and anything else he can lay his hands on.

Known primarily for his work with Fairport Convention, over the past 20 years he has toured and recorded with a number of groups including the Albion Band, Jez Lowe, Ian Anderson, Whippersnapper, Alan Stivell, Feast of Fiddles and St. Agnes Fountain.

Chris has also provided music for a number of Radio Four plays and classic serials.

His fiddle playing has also been heard on the TV series Heartbeat, Midsommer Murders and Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Scotland.

St Agnes Fountain derives its name

from the Christmas song, Good King Wenceslas.

“The show looks very Christmassy, too,” says Chris. “We have big stained glass windows on stage that were built during our very first tour by our lighting engineer.

“There are pictures of the band hidden in each window.

“And the sound is brilliant, because we have our own sound technician, who tours with us.

“But this isn’t a carol concert,” says Chris. “We love carols but it’s a winter show, and we do it our way.”

St Agnes Fountain will perform at Nettlebed Folk Club, near Henley on Monday, December 19.

n For information and to book tickets for the concert visit: https:www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

instrumentalist, and singer songwriter from Oxfordshire, Chris Leslie.

14 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 15, 2022

F

Instead, they’ve released a festive single to support those in need, with a fundraising page for a local charity.

The band is raising funds for Launchpad, Reading’s leading charity tackling homelessness, after having worked with the charity previously.

Guitarist Cams Jurasek says: “An EP from last year was raising money for Launchpad, and in October we performed at their Big Sleep Out.

“During the summer we decided we’d release a Christmas song, and decided we’d do it all in aid of them.”

Lead vocalist Tom Farrelly says: “We got to meet a couple of the patrons at The Big Sleep Out, too – Matt Allright, who’s a real sweetheart, was presenting along with Danyl Johnson.

“We were really taken with their dedication and passion, and came away thinking about how we could help them as much as we could.

AT THE THEATRE

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

Jack and the Beanstalk. Until New Year’s Eve. Conservatoire: Tyler Hay. Fri 16. Christmas Party Nights in the Coach House. Tues 20.

FILM:

Guildford

RESH from the triumphant release of their debut album, Reading’s Third Lung could be forgiven for wanting a quiet Christmas.“We had a Christmas song that we never thought we were going to release, but it was a really nice single, and so we decided to dedicate it to them.”

The Christmas Song (Stranger to the Cold) was the result, and while it touches on serious themes, it also embraces the usual trappings of the Christmas single.

“We started writing it around Christmas last year,” says Cams.

“I think we were watching the Hootenanny, all that kind of stuff, “But we tend to write in our downtime anyway, and this year with the build-up to the album and the launch, it feels like it’s been plan after plan.

“So that bit between Christmas and New Year – I’m looking forward to having those 10 days in the middle.

“It’s a bit like the Bermuda Triangle, anything can happen.”

She says also that the band was grateful to the producers and mixers who gave their time to help with the single.

“We’ve got a really great team– Colin from Right Track, our producer Michael who agreed to mix, and Dean Nelson who runs Generation Studios, who offered his time and experience.

Tom says: “It really wasn’t planned out, so it was last minute, but a lot of people offered up their time to get it done.”

As well as the single, the band is releasing a ‘blooper’ video, which will see them dressed in Christmas attire.

“It’s a really silly, camp video, and we’ll be dressed up,

Kirsti Wilson, head of marketing and fundraising at Launchpad Reading, says: “At The Big Sleep Out, where people sleep outside to get a taste of what homelessness is actually like.

“We asked if they would come and play, and they were amazing – then they contacted us about releasing the single, and we we’re very excited.

“They told us they were blown away by the team, what we did, so they says they wanted to do what they could.”

She says that having support from the

band was “phenomenal, as numbers of people who are coming to get our help are going up.

“The profile is changing as well–people with mortgages, people who are working, families, so a lot of what we’re doing is about telling people we’re here.

“We try to prevent homelessness in the first place; the sooner someone can get help and support and stop it from becoming a crisis, the better.”

As Christmas approaches, temperatures continue to drop below freezing, which is especially dangerous if sleeping out.

“The severe emergency weather protocol has kicked in, so local authorities are providing support taking homeless people off the streets,

“We’re a partner, so we’re collecting donations and toiletries, and putting people in warm accommodation and providing them with hot meals.”

The charity currently holds dropins, too; from 10am-2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, people can “just turn up, as it’s free.

“If you have problems paying bills, issues with landlords, come and talk to our team, and we’ll hopefully be able to help.”

If people want to support the charity’s work, Ms Wilson says the best way is to make a donation via its website.

“Funding we receive, no matter how small, allows us to be agile and to respond to what people need at the time,” she explains.

“There’s also a kind of shopping list on the website which shows you how your donations can help: providing mobile phone access so that they can contact us and their family, or accommodation.”

“You can also support us throughout the year – homelessness isn’t just for Christmas.”

n The Christmas Song (Stranger to the Cold) is available to stream now.

n The fundraising page in aid of Launchpad can be found via: www. justgiving.com

n More information about Launchpad and ways to donate can be found via: launchpadreading.org.uk

JAKE CLOTHIER

Reading

Maidenhead –Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

One

High

Newbury

Newbury

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Fabio Biondi,

Reading

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600

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

–Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 A Christmas Carol. Until New Year’s Eve.

–Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. Jan 1315, 20-22. Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Top Hat. Until Fri 30. Storytime. Wed 21. New Year’s Eve

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

Sleeping Beauty. Until Jan 8.

Wokingham –Wokingham Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363

NEXT SHOW: Ladies In Lavender. Jan 19-28.

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

The Wokingham Pantomime: Dick Whittington. Thurs 29-Fri 30.

Woodley –Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838

Jazz at the Oakwood: The Martin Hart Trio with Jo Fooks. Jan 21.

A Christmas Carol is a festive feast of fun from Reading Rep

Orchestra and choir team up for rousing Christmas oratorio

WHILE England were battling for a place in the World Cup Quarter Finals, a concert that was possibly the game’s polar opposite took place at St Joseph’s College, Reading.

Both events had at least one thing in common.

They were skillful, exciting and uplifting – albeit for very different reasons.

While the Round of 16 game played out in Qatar, two Berkshire chamber groups came together for a performance that was both festive and enriching.

Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra’s chamber group, and Tamesis Chamber Choir performed to a full house.

deep regret in, Why Do The Nations (Rage So Furiously Together?)

Then faith is declared, despite human failings, with trumpet and drums adding to the choral blaze of the Hallelujah chorus. Audiences traditionally stand for this, and the Reading concert was no exception.

Part three is shorter, but filled with some of Handel’s most radiant music, including the soprano aria, I Know That My Redeemer Liveth, and the final Amens which bring the concert to a powerful and uplifting end.

Astonishingly, Handel wrote the piece in 24 days.

A mix of choral writing, solo arias and orchestral sections, it passes seamlessly from one to the other, as the themes unfold.

CHRISTMAS is a time for ghost stories–Reading Repertory Theatre has pulled an impressive trick with its very own.

Having revived its production of A Christmas Carol, Reading Rep is emulating Scrooge himself in both revisiting its past and exploring its future.

While it has an almost entirely new cast – only Rick Romero reprising his role – the story is, of course, the same.

It follows the classic tale of the fusty old skinflint Ben Scrooge, but this incarnation has climbed to the lofty ranks of management in Huntley & Palmer’s biscuit factory.

With the back drop of late-1800s Reading, the rest of the play follows the original narrative as his miserly ways cause trepidation and fear in his workers and acquaintances.

Jeremy Drakes’ Scrooge is utterly believable in his callousness, seemingly taking notes from comedian Simon Evans for his booming, resonant voice and occasionally snarled, though still cut-glass, delivery.

He is well matched by the chipper disposition of Charlotte Warner’s Bobbi Cratchet, which is reminiscent of Doctor Who’s Victorian

governess iteration of Clara Oswald.

Her bright outlook gels well with the rest of the cast, especially its youngest members, and is well-hidden in the presence of Scrooge.

Warner’s performance as the ghost of Christmas past is a sombre, weighty one, with eerie and ethereal otherworldliness.

Rick Romero was similarly dexterous, portraying Hopkins with emotional resonance in his fear of his boss.

He also brings a classically Dickensian chain-rattling to the portrayal of the ghost of George Palmer, who takes the place of Marley in the production.

The other half of the cast is comprised of younger members, including Elijah Ferrier who portrays a younger Scrooge, and Nathalie Codsi as his beaux, Belle.

Both bring a dynamic energy to their roles, especially in their scenes together as they fall in love in the opening half of the performance.

Each gives appropriate narrative weight to the emotional beats while maintaining the festive buoyancy which runs through the production.

Finally, the cast is rounded out by its youngest members,

Alina Kharina, Frankie Maddicks, and Savannah-Rose Mattingley from Reading Rep’s Youth Theatre programme.

The three youngsters rotate in playing the part of Tiny Tim/ Timmie.

Alina Kharina’s portrayal of the character was incredibly charming and particularly assured for such a young actor.

While most of the actor’s scenes see Tiny Timmie being the classically cute Dickensian urchin, the character also doubles as the ghost of Christmas future.

Kharina’s performance as the ghost was particularly accomplished in their otherworldly apparition’s portrayal, making for an excellent, vibrant addition to the cast.

The staging of the production is also to be commended, with the sparse but choice elements made to a noticeably high standard.

The movement of the set’s elements to communicate the change of place or time is considered, portraying the movement dynamically and quickly between scenes.

The peeling back of certain elements to reveal the chains of hell is particularly effective and well complimented by Rick Romero’s emergence from it.

Lighting and sound design is also well-considered, as is to be

expected from Reading Rep.

It is clear why the production has returned for this season’s Christmas show: the tale is an old favourite and Beth Flintoff’s adaptation is filled with heart-warming, festive cheer.

It sews together the best of Dickens’ original narrative while stirring in a hearty helping of local humour, owing to its new setting.

There are even a few nodand-a-wink jokes for mum and dad to sail over the heads of the younger audience members, who will otherwise be well served by the engaging humour threaded through the show.

A Christmas Carol runs at Reading Repertory Theatre from Wednesday, November 30, until Saturday, December 31, 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.

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

They gave their appreciative audience a joyful and rousing presentation of Handel’s Messiah.

They describe working together as ‘a match made in heaven’, and this performance was indeed heavenly.

The Messiah is often performed by much larger musical groups.

Here, the audience could enjoy a sound that was closer to the original intentions of the composer.

It was light, crisp, and a more intimate experience than a full-scale performance might allow.

There were just 28 singers in Tamesis’ choir, and 20 members of the (mostly strings) Aldworth chamber orchestra.

They were joined by professional vocal soloists: soprano Anna Gregg (who at short notice replaced unwell soprano Ellie Neate), mezzo-soprano Elinolr Carter, tenor Will Searle, and bass Alex Jones.

Performances across the board were highly skilled, passionate and memorable.

Handel’s oratorio is divided into three parts.

Part one describes the prophecies of Christ’s birth.

Its joyful renditions of hope and good news include the well known chorus For Unto Us A Child Is Born.

Part two tells of Christ’s passion, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension.

More dramatic than part one, it describes the taunts and derision of the rejecting crowds, and pours out

The Aldworth Orchestra wove an elegant Baroque tapestry of colourful rhythms and melodies throughout the work, with a light and nimble touch.

They kept the music moving at a lively pace, and produced a pleasing, warm and authentic sound.

Tamesis choir created a rich and powerful sound.

They navigated complex waves of arpeggios cleanly, and accurately, with crisp diction, attention to detail, and an impressive emotional range.

And the four excellent vocal soloists added warmth, drama, relationship and passion to the evening.

Their superb voices and sustained engagement with the audience made for an evening not to be forgotten.

‘We shall be changed’, sang the choir.

If buzz from the audience as they left the auditorium was anything to go by, it is likely that many were indeed enriched, uplifted, and perhaps event changed by the memorable performance.

n For information about Aldworth Symphony Orchestra visit: www. aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk

n For information about Tamesis Choir visit: www.tamesischamberchoir.com

n For information about the four soloists visit: Anna Gregg soprano www.annagregg.com Elinor Carter mezzo soprano www.elinorcarter. wordpress.com William Searle tenor www.williamsearletenor.com and Alexander Jones bass www. auditionoracle.com

EMMA MERCHANT

Charlotte Warner as Bobbie Cratchet and Jeremy Drakes as Scrooge. Picture: Harry Elletson, courtesy of Reading Repertory Theatre

Handel’s Messiah was performed by the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra and Tamesis Choir at St Joseph’s College, Reading. Picture Emma Merchant

Barkham carols in the park

A COMMUNITY group will come together for an evening of carols on Friday.

Barkham Village Residents Association’s event will see the community mark the run-in to Christmas by singing everyone’s favourite festive songs at the Junipers in Elizabeth Park.

Welcome to all, visitors can also enjoy some mulled wine, lemonade and mince pies.

There will be a voluntary collection for the band at the end of the evening.

The event starts at 7pm.

n For more information, search: Barkham Village Residents Association on www.facebook. com

Elf experience

CHILDREN in Shinfield are invited to join Ellie the Elf for a fancy dress Christmas party on Wednesday, December 21.

Robyn’s Nest cafe, School Green Centre will play host to an afternoon of games and festivethemed refreshments.

There will be an hour of entertainment from Tutus and Tiaras featuring dancing, glitter and crafts, followed by afternoon tea. Children must be supervised by an accompanying adult.

Tickets must be booked online and cost £22.99.

The event starts at 2.30pm.

n To book, visit: www.robynsnest.co.uk

Henley’s panto is a fast-spin load of fun

IT MAY be set in a laundry, but there’s nothing wishy washy about The Kenton Theatre’s Christmas show.

It’s programmed for fast tumble from the moment the wash begins, right up to its high octane, fizzing, glittering end.

It’s slick, it’s polished, and it’s a drum-load of fun. No-one is safe.

Expect to be teased, sprinkled, bombarded with sweets, and deafened by the roar of 250 audience members all competing to sing louder than the other half of the auditorium.

Audience enthusiasm is matched only by the talents of the show’s excellent acting company.

The eight multi-talented allsinging, all-dancing cast members fill the stage with song and jokes.

They are 110% committed, and the audience love them, in this traditional rags-to-riches pantomime tale.

To marry the princess, Aladdin must leave the family laundry business to make his fortune.

Written and directed by James Tobias, Immersion Theatre Company’s pantomime is witty and clever.

Aladdin (Luke Haywood), brother Wishee Washee (Tommy Pegg), and their mother, Widow Twankey (Will Hazell), run the Chinese laundry business.

Hoping to marry Princess Blossom (Rebecca Hazel), Aladdin falls in with evil Abanazer (Charlie Keable), but is rescued by Genie Of The Lamp (also Charlie Keable) and Spirit of the ring (Rochelle Parry) who also plays the Empress.

Ensemble performers (Ella Faulkner) and (Charlotte Day) complete the stellar cast who, like a well-cared for lamp, all give highly polished performances.

This is an excellent show, with plenty of warmth, gags, magic and foam pies.

Widow Twankey is a

predatory delight, Abanazer is an absolute pleasure to be insulted by, and the voices, charm and talents of the whole company make it a production well worth seeing.

Aladdin is performed at Henley’s Kenton Theatre until Thursday, December 29.

Shows are at varying times, and on different days.

Tickets cost £23 or £25 for adults, depending on the date, and £17 or £19 for under 16s. n For more details, visit: kentontheatre.co.uk or call the box office on: 01491 525050.

Billie Eilish, Sam Fender and The Killers to headline Reading

THE first acts for the 2023 Reading Festival have been announced, and they include the headliners.

Sam Fender will headline the main stage east on Friday, The Killers on Saturday, and Billie Eilish on Sunday.

The West stage will see Foals headline on Friday, Lewis Capaldi on Saturday, and Imagine Dragons on Sunday.

Also in the line-up for Friday, are Loyle Carner, Wetleg, Biceplive, Trupple Redd, Meekz, Nessa Barrett, Tion Wayne, and You Me At Six.

Saturday’s line-up includes Central Cee, Nothing But Thieves, Slowthai, Chase Atlantic, Baby Queen, Georgia, Inhaler, LF System, MK and Yung Lean.

Sunday’s acts will include Steve Lacy, Declan McKenna, Becky Hill, Lil Tjay, Andy C, Don Broco, Eliza Rose, Lovejoy, Muna, Shy FX, Songer, The Snuts.

Reading Festival will take place at Rivermead over the August bank holiday weekend, 25-27.

Weekend tickets went on sale from Monday.

n For more details, log on to: www.readingfestival.com

WASHFUL THINKING: Aladdin is being performed at The Kenton Theatre, Henley this Christmas. Picture: Emma Merchant

COMING TO READING: Billie Eilish is one of the first headliners to be announced for the 2023 festival Picture: © Lars Crommelinck Photography

RaW Sounds Today

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

IT’S NEARLY time for Noddy Holder to tell us it’s Christmas – and that can only be a good thing.

So we’ve added another couple of seasonal songs for your aural pleasure, next week our playlist will be very Christmasssy, just in time for the big day.

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 and enjoy the music.

There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Spriggan Mist – Green Santa

This year they released a new album, spread their live magic further afield and now Spriggan Mist have a single about a Green Santa.

Does Santa really wear red?

Listen to the lyrics and see what you think as you dance along to this uplifting anthem! The band are also known for their own special events.

Following their excellent Ghostly Tales in October and last week’s Yule Feast, the band are putting on a Wassail event with Flutatious at Wokingham Music Club on January 27 – https:// www.sprigganmist.com/

John Otway – Middle of Winter

It’s always wonderful when John Otway comes to visit.

Earlier this year he performed a classic fun set for Wokingham Music Club with his original sparring partner, Wild Willy Barrett, and this week he returns

Thursday, December 15

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG.

Bruce Springsteen tribute band: Wreckin’ Ball. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Emma Baldwin. 1pm. Details: 01344 772161.

READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity presents Annual Christmas Knees Up with John Otway and New Puritans. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL.

The Ultimate Party Band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC

Introducing Christmas party: Air Circus, Tabi Gazele, Darcey Hope, James Carter. Details: 0118 959 7196.

WOKINGHAM – The Rose Inn, Market Place RG40 1AS.

Festive music in the Parlour Room: Sam Lamden. Booking advised. Details: www. therosewokingham.co.uk/ bookings

Friday, December 16

to

up.

If you are going along (or went depending on when you read this) that’s a perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit and is a good excuse to include this version of John’s song from his 2014 EP A John Otway Christmas – http://www.johnotway.com/

RyeWolf – When the Snows of Winter Fall

RyeWolf perform upbeat and fun folk music. The band also have a softer side as shown on this wonderful song from their new three track single, Christmas Cheer – https://www.ryewolf. co.uk/

That Joe Payne – Gloria

Joe, who made a brilliant return visit to Wokingham Festival in the summer, has released a Christmas album, Ding Dong from which this is taken. He has two special full-band Christmas shows coming up, a bit further afield, although Court

Theatre in Tring on Friday, December 16, isn’t too far away - https://www.thatjoepayne.com/

Voodoo Radio – Christmas Eve

This exciting duo from Cumbria visited Reading recently as support for Spizzenergi at their Club Velocity show. They’ve just released this great new Christmas single – http://www.voodooradio.co.uk/

Rocket Kings – Christmas Without You

Have a Ukelele Christmas with Rocket Kings. They will be live at Fisherman’s Cottage on Friday, December 16 – https://www.facebook.com/ rocketkings

Spizzenergi – Christmas in Denmark Street

They visited Reading to perform a brilliant show for Club Velocity at the Facebar and here’s their single about Denmark Street. Not Wokingham’s Denmark Street or could it be? – https://www. spizzenergi.com/

Exciting, fun, upbeat folk from a band that visited The Castle Tap in Reading last month.

This single is taken from their excellent new album, Soul of Albion – https://www. manthelifeboats.com/

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 are 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

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. 21st Century Abba. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Newtown Pippin, Ralphs Ride RG12 9LR. Men Behaving Sadly.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 457318.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Roots Revival Part 2. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside RG1 3DW. The Rocket Kings and the Hedge Inspectors. Details: 07925336269

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Grease v Dirty Dancing. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING - Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE. Abi Powell. Details: 0118 935 4095

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. The SoulTones. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Black

Flamingos. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Mister Frank’s Journey of Love and Heartbreak: A Love Letter, Return To Sender. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 957 6930

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. MJX. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Duke’s Head, Denmark Street RG40 2BQ. Stoney Lane.

Saturday, December 17

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Tequila Chase. Details: 0118 976 0360.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Wrong Jovi. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Bad Penny. Details: 01344 422622.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Utter Madness Duo. Details: 01344 530615.

EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses,

Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 935 4103.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Pink Fish Christmas Fundraiser in aid of The Alzheimers Soceity. 7.30pm. Details: Search Eventbrite.co.uk

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Posada in Reading. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Madison Heights Soul and Motown Band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Brick Top.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Scarlet Vixens present: Slatyyy Belles!. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Turn. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, RG2 7QA. The Silver Searchers. Details: 0118 374 0052.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Megan Collins. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road. The delas.

WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers,

Woodley Green RG5 4QP. The Echo. Details: 0118 969 9756.

YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road, GU46 7UG. KGB. Details: 01252 872459.

Sunday, December 18

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Christmas party. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and Guests. Details: 0118 376 9159.

Monday, December 19

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: St Agnes Fountain. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Ben Waters Christmas Boogie Woogie. Details: 01491 681048.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Red Hoax Chili Peppers. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, December 20

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New

Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Zap Show. Details: 0118 986 6788.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Ben Waters Christmas Boogie Woogie. Details: 01491 681048.

Wednesday, December 21

RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. Undercovers Duo. Details: 0118 343 0565.

Thursday, December 22

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Chili Rage (Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against The Machine tributes). Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Friday, December 23

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Badness Madness tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch,

Liscombe RG12 7DE. Solace. Details: 01344 457318.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. SingalongaNicktivity. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Midnight Rebel Band. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. The Mighty Triple O Band. Details: 07889 226309.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Side Hustle. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road. Paddington.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Tomorrow Bird. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street. T Roze and Co.

Andrew Merritt

Reading’s Facebar for his annual Christmas knees

Man The Lifeboats – Somerstown

WHAT’SON

Thursday, December 15

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ.

Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkerley Avenue RG1 6JE. Christmas craft hangout: children’s craft session to make festive decorations. 3.30pm. Booking essential. Details: www.allnationselim.org

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ.

Family History Advice Clinic for family and social historians. 11am. Free. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ.

The Murder of Alfred Oliver, an online event. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. The Mayor of Reading’s Civic Carol service. 6.30pm. Free entry. Details: whatsonreading. com

SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Christmas social. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre.org.uk

WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Berzerk Productions

presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. £14.75, Concessions £12.75, family £48. Details: www. berzerkproductions.com

Friday, December 16

BARKHAM – The Junipers, Elizabeth Park. Barkham village Residents Association presents carols in the park with Breakaway Brass. 7pm.

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES.

Storytime and Crafts. 10.30am-11.30am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 908 8176.

READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. PACT Charity presents Carols at the Minister, a Christmas celebration for all ages. Meet Elsa and Olaf. refreshments. 6.30pm. £10, £5 children, family ticket £20. Details: www. pactcharity.org/supportus/carols-at-the-minster/ READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe online. 1pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Waterstones, Broad Street RG1 2AP. Ant Middleton book signing. From noon. Details: 0118 958 1270.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe

Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE

Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. 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. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@

spauls.co.uk.

WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Berzerk Productions presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. £14.75, Concessions £12.75, family £48. Details: www. berzerkproductions.com

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, December 17

BINFIELD – St Mark’s Church, Popewood Road RG42 4AH. Thames Voyces Christmas celebration. 4.30pm. £13, under 16s free. Details: 0118 967 7319.

CAVERSHAM – Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road RG4 6DX. Home for Christmas: concert by the Project Singers. 7pm £10. Details: 0118 934 0589.

CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Churches Together Crowthorne present carols on the high street. 10.30am-11.30am. Details: 01344 761725.

FARNBOROUGH – Salesian College Farnborough GU14 6PA. Christmas in the afternoon with the Pelly Orchestra featuring: Troika, Sleigh Rides, Nutcracker, The Chronicles of Narnia, Polar Express, Christmas Festival and carols. 3.30pm. £15, £7 children. £12 in advance. Details: www. pellyorchestra.co.uk

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. First Days Santa Dash. 10.30am. Details: www. firstdays.net/events

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Santa at The Biscuit Factory with Tell Tale Presents and Front Room Theatre! 11am, noon, 2pm, 3pm. Ages one upwards. £5.98. What The Dickens?! 4pm. £5.98. Details:

readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. The Candlelit Christmas Concert with Occasions Singers, Reading A440, Reading Male Voice Choir, in aid of Reading Minster’s Music Outreach Project. £7.50, under 16s free. 5pm. Details: www. occasionssingers.org

READING – St Mark’s Church, Cranbury Road RG30 2TA. Christmas tree festival. 1pm-4pm. Includes wassail 1.30pm and carols around the tree 3.30pm. Free entry. Seasonal refreshments. Details: 0118 950 2620.

TILEHURST – The Tilehurst Club, Kentwood Hill RG31 6DE. Christmas party for children. £5 per child, members only. Details: 0118 945 1311.

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band presents The Snowman: film screening with live band soundtrack, followed by festive favourites. 6pm. £12, concessions £6. Details: ticketsource/ co.uk/stsebswokingham or 07544 774528.

WOKINGHAM – Carnival Hub, Wellington road RG40 2AF. Wokingham Choral Society presents Family Christmas Carol Concert. 6.30pm. £10, £5 under 18s, under fives free. Details: www.wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk

WOODLEY – Bulmershe School, Woodlands Avenue RG5 3EU. Woodley Concert Band presents Children’s Christmas Concert - an hour of festive music and fun. 3pm. £8, under 16s £2. Christmas with Woodley Concert Band. 7pm. £14, concessions £12. Details: www.woodleyconcertband. org.uk

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Christmas crafts, drop-in session. 10.30am-11.30am. Details: 0118 969 0304.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre.org.uk

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents

Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Berzerk Productions presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. £14.75, Concessions £12.75, family £48. Details: www. berzerkproductions.com

Sunday, December 18

CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Carol service. 4pm. Details: 01344 761725.

READING – Blue Collar Corner, Hosier Street RG1 7QL. Reading’s Indie Market. 10am-3pm. Free entry.

READING – St Barnabas Church, Elm Road. Nine lessons and carols. 10am. Details: readinggateway. church

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Sunday Alternative: Yule Rock 2022. 10.30am. Free. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road RG1 4LS. Wild Advent Adventure, 10am from Thames Valley Park. Details: www.wycliffe. church or 0118 929 9911.

READING – The Cocktail Club, 5-6 Gun Street RG1 2JR.

That’s A Wrap: Scratch Night and Cabaret. From 6pm. £8.14. Adults only. Details: https://www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/ thats-a-wrap-scratchnight-and-cabarettickets-471371002357

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Community and farmers’ market. From 10am.

WOKINGHAM – Oakwood Climbing Centre, Waterloo Road. Foundation Church presents climbing and carols: festive climbs, catering from The Fat Tabby, live music, seasonal refreshments, children’s crafts and prizes for best nativity-themed fancy dress contest. 4.30pm7pm.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www.

woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Berzerk Productions presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. £14.75, Concessions £12.75, family £48. Details: www. berzerkproductions.com

Monday, December 19

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. 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.

READING - Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Jelly’s The Creative book club meeting. 7pm-8.30pm. £2. Places limited, pre-booking essential. Details: jelly. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, December 20

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

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting.

org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Art Society presents a demonstration of still life in oil by Lewis Hazelwood-Horner. 7.30pm. £5, includes light refreshments. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, December 21

BINFIELD – Newbold College, St Mark’s Road RG42 4AN. Bracknell Choral Society family carol concert. 6pm. £10, under 18s free. Details: www. bracknellchoral.org.uk

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Storytime with Fiona Barker. 10.30am. Details: 0118 908 8176.

SHINFIELD – Robyn’s Nest, School Green Centre RG2 9EH. Elf experience with afternoon tea. 2.30pm4pm. Details: www. robynsnest.co.uk

SILCHESTER – Silchester Farm RG7 2PS. Ooh Mama Ladies’ Choir Christmas Celebration. 7pm. £10, children £2. Details: oohmamachristmas. eventbrite.com

TWYFORD – The Duke of Wellington, High Street RG10 9AG. Children’s Christmas party: meet Santa, dance to a DJ, enjoy a buffet, snow. £5 per child, in aid of Twyford Mental Health Charities. 1pm3pm. Details: fatsoma.com/ uxbridgeevents

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Storytime with Fiona Barker. 2.30pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Thursday, December 22

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Storytime

with Fiona Barker. 10.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Sing-along-aNicktivity. 8pm. Ticket only. £5. Buy from pub. Details: theflowingspringpub. co.uk/whatson

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Wreath making. Booking essential. £1.50. 10.30am-11.30am. Storytime with Fiona Barker. 2.30pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Friday, December 23

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Sing-along-aNicktivity. 8pm. Ticket only. £5. Buy from pub SOLD OUT. Details: theflowingspringpub. co.uk/whatson

READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Festive Bach to Baby Family Concert in Reading. 11am-11.45am. £15 per adult and up to two children. Details: www. bachtobaby.com

WOKINGHAM – The Rose Inn, Market Place RG40 1AS. Breakfast with Santa. 9am-11am. £15 per child. Pre-booking essential. Details: www. therosewokingham.co.uk/ bookings

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe

Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Christmas Eve

CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Christingle service. 4pm. Details: 01344 761725.

READING – Reading Gateway Church, Northumberland Avenue. Family nativity service. 4pm. Details: readinggateway.church

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

In 2022, billionaire Yvon Chouinard gave away which company to a charitable trust to fight climate change?

What D is the surname of a famous English scientist and a city in Australia?

Yosemite Sam was an enemy of which cartoon character?

NONAGRAM

WORD PYRAMID

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.

Variable marching orders issued by the Duke of York (2,3,4)

Went in front of a queen of Sparta (4)

Pure, but has not been seen (9)

Volcanic rock I’m turning purple on the outside (6)

Stroke causing worry on board (6)

Trying badly (8)

Resent having to plead with Barnaby (8)

Air filter (6)

Rural variety of citrus (6)

Discard the casual lines (9)

After second half of the week Edward made up the required measure (4)

Like some markets – not insured (9)

Noted haunt of pirates in Cornwall (8)

Dozed off, although strongly fancied to win (6)

Hated examination in legal transfer of property (8)

Very small and soft cry (4) 6. Twins ran away from remaining ingredients (6) 7. It could make a rotten breakfast for an unpleasant fellow (3,3)

10. Terrible place for rubbish (4) 14. Strangely so-so team can play majestically (8)

15. Steer labourer, say, to entrance (8)

16. Local colour was excluded (6) 17. Inserted piece in bogus settlement (6) 18. One you knit, from the sound of it (4) 19. A cedar bending in the covered walk (6) 22. Feature of some waggish talk? (4)

18 Unit; 19 Arcade; 22 Chin.

Bad egg; 10 Dump; 14 Maestoso; 15 Navigate; 16 Barred; 17

Down – 2 Penzance; 3 Napped; 4 Detested; 5 Weep; 6 Gemini; 7

Caress; 13 Tempting; 16 Begrudge; 20 Strain; 21 Rustic; 23 Throwaway; 24 Eked; 25 Uncovered.

11 Pumice; 12

NHS launches online ‘toolkit’ to encourage uptake of jabs

NHS TRUSTS have launched an online toolkit to promote flu and booster COVID-19 vaccinations among local communities.

The toolkit includes promotional materials such print-ready posters and leaflets, translated material, social media images, and key messages, to help encourage people to take up the vaccines.

These resources are freely available for use by community and resident groups, charities, patient representatives, outreach and health workers to encourage eligible people to have the free jabs to help protect them this winter.

Resources include links to information booklets about the Covid-19 vaccine in a number of languages, such as Urdu, Polish, Farsi and Romanian.

It also contains messaging about the vaccines aimed at pregnant women, parents of two and three year olds who can have the nasal spray flu vaccine, those with health conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart conditions, and people aged 50 and over.

The toolkit also provides publicity posters so local community groups can promote the ‘Health on the Move’ van, which brings the Covid-19 vaccine to communities across the patch.

It also has a link to locations and dates of local walk-in Covid-19 clinics, which are not pre-booked.

People can access the toolkit via the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire West ICB website which also identifies the best places, locations and online sites they can target to have maximum impact with their vaccine messaging.

Dr Ed Capo-Bianco, GP and urgent care clinical lead at Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, said: “I would urge local people to have a look at the toolkit and see what resources they can use to promote the flu and booster jabs among their local communities to help protect them.

“It is a fantastic resource and contains a wealth of information about the vaccines in different languages and for different groups of people.

Plasticfreehome

David Lamont

“This

He continued: “It is safe to have both vaccines at the same time and if this is offered then please take it up, but people may need to book them separately.

“You don’t need to wait to be contacted to get vaccinated as you can book online for a booster or use a walk-in service where available; contact your GP practice for an NHS flu jab or attend a pharmacy that offers one.”

n All of the resources are available via: www.bucksoxonberksw.icb.nhs.uk

10 Tips for a more eco-friendly Christmas

‘MAYBE Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means just a little bit more.”

It’s not often that we quote the Grinch, but in this case, and perhaps at the moment more than ever, Dr Seuss’ fictional character is spot on.

Ordinarily, Christmas is a magical time of year but it is also one of significant excess and unnecessary waste and excess.

If we are to get serious about tackling the climate emergency, then even the festive season shouldn’t be off limits when it comes to making changes.

Below are ten top tips on how you can make a difference this Christmas and put ‘a more sustainable future’ at the top of your wish list…

Avoid the gimmicks

From pre-packed ‘reindeer food’ (what’s wrong with a good oldfashioned carrot?) that can be bad for wildlife, to Christmas Eve boxes full of quickly discarded novelties, try not to get sucked in.

Presents

Think quality, not quantity.

Maybe introduce shared gift lists and Secret Santas to encourage everyone to buy less and to help save on unwanted items.

Consider what gifts are made of, who by and where – aim to buy presents that are produced ethically, sustainably and here in the UK wherever possible. And shop independently if you can.

Cut back on plastic toys or switch to those made from recycled materials, wood and so on.

Ditch big brand toiletries in favour of more eco-friendly alternatives.

And give homemade gifts, experiences or your time in place of ‘things’.

Wrapping paper

It isn’t an exact science but if you scrunch wrapping paper into a ball and it stays that way, it’s more likely that it’s plastic-free and can be recycled. Even better, use recycled kraft paper, which is both home compostable and recyclable.

Avoid gift bags if you can as the majority are never reused and, crucially, avoid plastic sticky tape. Paper tape is readily and cheaply available online, compostable and recyclable. And skip the bows, gift tags and ribbon or find reusable and recyclable alternatives.

Cards

Of course, the obvious answer would be to avoid cards altogether.

If that’s a step too far, aim to buy cards that are made from recycled, FSC (sustainable) or seed paper and free from non-biodegradable glitter, badges and plastic wrapping. Or get crafting and make your own.

Crackers

Again, you could opt to avoid crackers completely or, again, why not make your own, reusable, ones?

If you do decide to buy some, try to ensure that they are both recycled and recyclable and free of plastic toys.

Trees

If you already own an artificial tree, enjoy it year after year for as long as you can. As and when you are in need of a new one, consider instead a real tree that is FSC or Soil Association approved. Or, you can now even rent a real tree, with the tree replanted after Christmas and used again next year.

Advent calendars

Make or buy a reusable advent calendar and fill it with homemade goodies or plastic free treats. Anything wrapped in foil or delicious chocolates from the likes of Divine or Tony’s Chocolonely are among the better options. The growing trend of more expensive, toy-filled calendars just means more unnecessary waste.

Christmas lunch

Can you buy your meat unwrapped from a local butcher, and your vegetables loose from a local greengrocer, farm shop or certain supermarkets?

Wherever possible, aim to avoid unnecessary packaging and only buy and prepare what you really need to avoid food waste. Or give a vegetarian or vegan Christmas a go.

Drinks

Wine bottles with a (real) cork are a better option than a screw top because cork is home compostable and take a look at some of the fantastic British wines available from the likes of Stanlake Park, Windsor Great Park or Chapel Down to cut down on imported goods and the miles associated with them. If you’re buying beer, avoid plastic packaging and of

course opt for cans or glass instead. When it comes to other alcoholic or soft drinks, swap plastic bottles for glass or cans too.

At the end of it all

Importantly, ensure that you recycle and dispose of everything correctly when the fun is over. If in doubt, look online, contact your local council or drop Plastic Free Home a line. Prepare beforehand by getting bags or boxes ready for things like wrapping paper, cardboard and recyclable plastic. Remember to donate any unwanted leftovers to a charity shop or (if in date and unopened) food bank.

Not everyone can do everything but if we can each make changes, they really do add up.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy Christmas when it comes and let’s all cross our fingers and toes that Santa brings us a more positive year in 2023…

Stay safe near water this winter

FOLLOWING the death of three children in Solihull, the Royal Life Saving Society has released safety advice to help keep children and pets safe when near water during the winter.

The RLSS says that children and pets are at particular risk when walking and playing in cold weather and has given its advice to help keep them safe and avoid danger.

It advises to make the most of the daylight by walking during the day whenever possible and sticking to well-lit areas during the evening.

Areas with frozen lakes or ponds can be particularly dangerous, so it is advised that children are warned about the risks of going out onto the ice.

It is recommended that dogs and pets are kept on leads where appropriate and that you should not follow them onto ice or into water if they need rescuing.

The RLSS recommends moving to a space where the pet will be able to climb out and to call them towards you.

If you fall through ice into water, it advises that you try to stay calm and to shout for help.

Spread your arms across the surface of the ice in front of you, where possible, and to kick your legs to back onto the surface if the ice is strong enough.

Once you are back on the ice, lie flat and pull yourself towards the bank.

If the ice is not strong enough to hold you, work your way back to the bank by breaking through it.

If you are unable to climb out, keep as still as possible while waiting for help, keeping your arms by the side and legs together.

It is important also to keep your head clear of the water and to stay as calm as possible.

If you have fallen through the ice, always go to hospital for a check-up.

If you see somebody else fall through, shout for assistance and phone the emergency services via 999 or 112 immediately.

Do not walk out onto the ice or climb into the water to attempt a rescue.

Shout to the casualty to keep still and offer reassurance to help them stay calm.

If safe to do so, lie down on the bank to avoid being pulled in and try to reach them using rope, poles, or branches.

If this is impossible, floating items such a empty water bottles or footballs can be pushed towards the casualty to help them keep afloat.

If the casualty is too far away, do not attempt to rescue them and wait for emergency services.

Once somebody has been rescued from the ice, make sure that the ambulance is on its way or that they are receiving medical attention.

Lay the casualty flat, check for normal breathing, and begin resuscitation if necessary.

Prevent the casualty from getting colder by covering them with warm clothing or blankets, and get them under cover or to warm shelter where possible.

Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with more than 32,000 followers that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably. n Visit www.theplasticfreehome. com or www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk

Try to warm the casualty up gradually, and do not rub their skin or apply hot water bottles.

Do not undress the casualty until they are in a warm place and do not give casualties alcohol.

n For help with discussing winter water safety with children, the RLSS has resources such as booklets and colouring sheets available via: www.rlss.org.uk/winter-water-safety

resource could increase the number of eligible people having their jabs to protect them, their family and friends this winter.”

‘HE WILL GET BETTER AND

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today

On the back of the World Cup break and four weeks with no matches, the Royals showed no signs of rustiness and moved into eighth position with their 10th win of the campaign.

Royals boss Paul Ince’s said: “If you’re going to score your first goal, you want it to be the winner.

“He’ll get better and better and lear. He might not play every week because we have some strength in depth coming back.

“But we love him. It’s great he got his goal and it’s even better that it’s the winner.

n Full Royals report and pictures on pages 62 & 63

‘SIX WINS FROM SAFETY’ WARNS INCE

With 22 games played, the Royals are currently in eighth place on 32 points having had to deal with off the field issues including a transfer embargo for the second consecutive season.

Despite being just outside the top six, Ince is keen to keep the focus on staying in the league which is tightly contested this campaign.

“The target is to stay in the league and as quickly as we can get to that phase then we can move on to the next phase,” said Ince.

“We’re six wins away from that. I’ve been pleased, we’ve had a depleted side and lots of injuries to defenders so the lads have dug in and got results.

“We’ve got to stay in this league so to be where we are now after 22 games is pleasing.”

The team has so far managed to avoid getting dragged into the relegation battle, and Ince believes that it is down to the spirit of the dressing room.

He continued: “It’s easy when you’re winning games to say you’ve got a fantastic spirit, but it’s when you’re losing games that the spirit and togetherness comes to the fore.

“We had a period where we only won two from 10, but we always managed to keep that spirit.

“It helps when you have a different blend of ages and nationalities, they all bring something different to the table.

“There are no bad eggs. They all know what we are fighting for and you can see that in their football.

“As a team, we fight for each other and that’s all you can ask as a manager.”

n The Royals are away at Birmingham City on Friday night, live on Sky Sports (8pm kick-off).

PAUL Ince has highlighted Reading FC’s ‘spirit and togetherness’ as a key contributing factor to their current position in the Championship table.

READING FC returned to Championship action in winning ways after Amadou Mbengue netted the only goal of the game against Coventry City.

DISCIPLINE COSTS RAMS IN CINDERFORD DEFEAT

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Cinderford 37

Rams 17

RAMS were made to pay the penalty as they suffered a second consecutive National One loss with a 37-17 reverse at Cinderford.

Things started badly for the visitors as they lost Ant Marris to a calf injury early on, and they got even worse as the Foresters hit the front with a trademark Nathan Taylor try from a powerful rolling maul, Mike Austin with an excellent touchline conversion.

However, Rams replied well and got a foothold in the contest when a fine long pass from Rowan Grundy found

Will Partington in acres of space on the right, the full-back enjoying an easy run in for his first try since re-joining the club.

But that was the high point of an opening 40 minutes in which the away side struggled to build momentum, hindered by a penalty count which allowed Cinderford to dominate territory.

And it was from another five-metre line-out they moved further in front as Dec Fissenden crossed, dead-eye Austin again with a terrific kick for 14-5.

Jak Rossiter was then forced off which led to James McRae switching to centre and Axel Kalling-Smith to the wing, Josh Collis coming on in the back row before Austin

kicked a penalty with the last pay of the half.

Further disaster struck early in the second half as Cinderford centre George Gladding intercepted a pass in midfield to cross under the posts, Austin with the extras for 24-5.

The hosts were reduced to 14 men as Jack Shields was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle, but another Austin penalty extended the lead to 22 points.

Rams hit back strongly and eventually grabbed a second after plenty of pressure on the Cindy line, lively replacement hooker Ollie Moffitt diving over for a score converted via drop kick by Partington.

Yet the visitors continued

to feel the wrath of the referee’s whistle, and Austin landed his third penalty for 30-12 before Jamie Forrester became the second Cinderford player to be carded for a no arms tackle.

Rams again made the most of their man’s advantage as a well-weighted Rowan Grundy cross-kick was collected by Henry Bird to touchdown on the right.

But any hopes of escaping with a couple of bonus points were extinguished as the hosts again went to the corner, and after Sean McDonnell-Roberts was yellow carded, Shaun Knight rode over from another maul before Austin completed his stunning kicking display with a third effort from the sidelines.

REACTION

REYNOLDS: ‘WE NEVER REALLY GOT GOING’

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

FRUSTRATED

Director of Rugby Seb said: “We never really got going, and while we felt we were a threat, we never really saw it other than a brief spurt in the first half and then maybe the final 15 minutes when we came back strongly.

“It was a good game of rugby and Cinderford deserved the win –they’re a very good outfit. You know what they’re going to do, they do it well and we didn’t quite manage it.

“The penalty count was too high – you can’t come and win here like

that. I can’t fault our lads – they came here with a load of heart and I felt we were well in the game, but the 15 minutes after half-time didn’t go our way.

“I thought if it had, we’d have been in the battle to win it, but it didn’t.”

At times Rams did look dangerous in attack, but for a variety of reasons, were unable to fully click throughout and Seb continued: “Cinderford did a good job to slow down our ball, and I don’t think technically we were executing as well as we could at the breakdown – we probably need to have a look at that and do a bit of work.

“When we got on the front foot I thought we looked really dangerous and I saw signs of how we looked a few weeks ago.”

Axel Kalling-Smith tries to make something happen Pictures: Tim Pitfield

Ollie Moffitt gave Rams hope with their second try Pictures: Tim Pitfield

Cinderford’s Jamie Forrester was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on Tim Townsend

Scrum-half Ollie Cole is halted

James McRae is stopped

Tim Townsend provided energy from the bench

Sean McDonnell-Roberts carries for Rams

NATIONAL LEAGUE ONE

Seb Reynolds admitted his side’s high penalty count had proved costly as they suffered back-to-back National One defeats with a 37-17 reverse at Cinderford.

TITANS TAKE POINTS IN SIX-TRY SHOW

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

On a bitterly cold evening it was the away side who served notice of their counter-attacking capabilities, a brisk break down the right eventually finished off by one-time Ram Sam Randle.

Titans responded well, however, and a wonderful individual try from fly-half Tim Townsend helped level matters, the South African collecting his own chip ahead and running in from the 22 before he was narrowly off target with the conversion attempt.

Some further magic from Townsend nearly set-up a quick-fire second, another break ending with a sumptuous out-the-back pass which AJ Peplinski was just unable to snaffle with the line begging.

However, Titans won a penalty from the resulting scrum and with further set-piece dominance, they eventually shipped the ball wide left for Miki Vancura to dot down.

The hosts were becoming increasingly dominant and could have had a third when a bulldozing Spencer Hayhow charge took Titans into the 22 before some fabulous handling from Mike Hoyt got the

ball to Peplinski, only for the wing to be stopped just short.

However, the RAF were trapped in their own quarters and after they cleared to touch, hooker Ollie Moffitt rode over at the back of a rolling maul.

The conversion effort struck the post, and against the run of play the visitors then scored two quick-fire tries to take the lead.

Firstly some nice handling allowed Reece Beddows to cross on the left, and then immediately from the kick off, Kieran Prescott seized a ball booted ahead to dive over for Mark Williams to add the extras for 17-15.

Titans, though, deservedly hit back to lead at the break, a startling break from prop Terrel Harry taking him towards the line before he unselfishly freed Ollie Monye to dive over.

Townsend slotted the kick for a 22-17 half-time lead, and the hosts claimed first blood in the second period as Moffitt doubled his tally, again from a surging forwards drive.

The conversion attempt was surprisingly unsuccessful leaving Titans seven points to the good, and they had the final word as replacement prop Paddy Harris completed the scoring as he peeled off the back of a maul before burrowing over from close range.

BROWN BAGS HAT-TRICK AS ASCOT UNITED STRIKE SIX

By DAVE READ sport@wokingham.today

ASCOT UNITED kept the heat on league leaders Abingdon United with a crushing 6-1 victory over Oxford City in the Southern Region Women’s Premier Division.

On 15 minutes the hosts took the lead. Following a nice build up down the right flank a cracking shot from the edge of the box by Izzy Woods arrowed across Nicole Spittle in the visitors goal and nestled in the bottom left hand corner.

Ascot were now firmly on top and Woods came close to doubling their lead after picking up a lovely through ball from Sarah Davern with Spittle saving well.

The second goal arrived shortly after. A Davern corner wasn’t dealt with and a shot was headed off the line by Amber Le Beau leading to a goalmouth scramble which was

eventually stabbed home by Dom Carrington.

A third followed shortly after, again from a wickedly swung in Davern corner, with Georgia LuckhurstMcCord taking advantage of more confusion in the Oxford defence putting the ball away nicely before wheeling away in delight.

Ascot added a fourth when Dom Carrington played a wicked ball across the six yard box which was spilled by Spittle into the path of Nicole Brown who wasn’t going to turn down the early Christmas gift, tucking the ball away into the unguarded net to make it 4-0.

A dominant first half performance from the hosts gave the visitors plenty of things to think about during the half time break.

Although the visitors had improved since the break, Ascot were still making chances.

A scrappy second half suddenly

sprang into life after a superb goal from City. Jessica Biggerstaff turned on a loose ball and smashed the ball past the helpless White. A stunning effort which would only turn out to be a consolation for the visitors but a fine one at that to reduce the deficit to 4-1.

Ascot weren’t finished, a great run from Brown down the left where she

played a ball across the six yard box for what looked to be a certain tap in for Georgia Bowers at the far post but somehow, between Slessor and Spittle, they managed to block her effort only to see Brown pick up the rebound and roll the ball into the net. 5-1

There was still time for a seventh goal in the game as Brown again

found herself through and one on one with Spittle.

This time she dummied the keeper, flicking it past her as she dived at her feet, before stroking it into the empty net for her hat-trick. 6-1.

The referee blew his whistle straight after the goal completing a comprehensive victory for Ascot.

Ascot United Women are in second Pictures: Andrew Batt

Connor Hayhow made his return to action against the RAF

The Yellas hit six on the weekend

Charlie Robson on the attack

Rowan Grundy with ball in hand

Tim Townsend scored a brilliant solo try for RAMS Titans

Ollie Monye scored Titans’ fourth try Pictures: Tim Pitfield

RAMS Titans scored six tries in an entertaining 34-22 victory against the RAF under the Old Bath Road floodlights last Wednesday.

How they rated

JACKIE BURNS

Couldn’t have done much with any of the Chelsea goals but enjoyed a much better second half where she was confident in claiming crosses.

FAYE BRYSON

Struggled up against Fran Kirby who was mesmerising in the firsthalf, but grew into the game and shut her down in the second-half.

GEMMA EVANS

Made a brilliant block on the line when the game was goalless and put in some tough tackles and interventions.

DEANNA COOPER

Put in a decent display against her former club. Switched off for Chelsea’s opener which should have been ruled out for offside.

LILY WOODHAM

Looked confident going forward in the early exchanges of the game. Defended well in the second-half in a brilliant team performance.

JUSTINE VANHAEVERMAET

Provided more structure and defensive reassurement for her team in the second half and helped break up play and start some attacks.

TIA PRIMMER

Went close with a looping effort that landed just over the top. Looks comfortable in the side having had a good run of games.

SANNE TROELSGAARD

ROYALS DEFEATED BY CHAMPIONS DESPITE SECOND-HALF FIGHT

CHELSEA 3 READING 2

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN lost out at champions Chelsea despite making a valiant second-half fightback.

After finding themselves three goals down at the break after a contentious Chelsea opener, the Royals came out fighting.

Cankovic’s powerful shot off the line.

Reading continued to show signs of life in attack when Emma Harries, wearing the captain’s armband for the second successive game, drove at the Chelsea defence before she won a corner.

The resulting set pi9ece led to a half chance for Tia Primmer who hit a looping shot that landed harmlessly over the top.

found their third and Cankovic had her second.

She met Erin Cuthbert’s pinpoint cross with a late charge into the box and glanced a header in off the post.

Another half chance was presented to Reading when the ball fell for Justine Vanhaevermaet to strike a fierce effort that fizzed just over the target.

Chambers made a change just before the hour mark when Primmer took a knock and had to be replaced by Rachel Rowe.

With an hour gone, Reading reduced the deficit and Sanne Troeslgaard continued her scoring run.

She broke into the box, moved past a defender and hit a low drive that squirmed under the keeper

AMALIE EIKELAND

Popped up with her first league goal since February when she got on the end of Harries’ cut back and finished neatly at the near post.

LAUREN WADE

Worked hard for the team and had a couple of half sights of goal, but provided plenty of important running and pressing up top.

EMMA HARRIES

Worked relentlessly for the entire match and created both goals as Reading almost pulled back an incredible comeback.

Drove a sweetly struck shot that squirmed under the keeper to get Reading back in the contest. Rachel Rowe 6, E mma Mukandi 6, Charlie Wellings n/a

A quickfire double, which saw Sanne Troelsgaard and Amalie Eikeland score a minute apart to reduce the deficit put the pressure on the Women’s Super League leaders.

After a nervy ending, the Blues held on to collect three points in their ninth successive league win.

Kelly Chambers named an unchanged team for Reading’s tricky test at Chelsea after they picked up three points last weekend at home to Tottenham.

Despite coming into the contest as big underdogs against a Chelsea side that hasn’t lost at Kings Meadow since February 2021, Reading made a positive start.

Getting down the right with just a minute on the clock, the Royals threw a couple of crosses into the mix that were punched away by goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.

Having made a strong start, it was almost Chelsea who took the lead against the run of play, but Gemma Evans was percelt positioned to block Jelena

With 14 minutes on the clock, Reading were hit by a suckerpunch by former academy player Fran Kirby, who once again scored against her former club.

Reading were caught cold by a quickly taken free kick which saw Johanna Rytting Kaneryd roll the ball to Kirby who provided the finish.

But the replays showed that the initial pass through to Kaneryd should have been flagged for offside, leaving Reading frustrated by the lapse in judgement from the officials.

Chambers’ team linked in attack to try and come up with a response but Millie Bright edged Lauren Wade to the ball after Harries’ inviting cross.

Reading were rocked by the opening goal as the Blues found their confidence and found a clinical streak to add to their advantage.

After Kaneryd was denied by the inside of the post, Cankovic was on hand to tap the ball in from close range to double the lead.

It wasn’t long before Chelsea

Deanna Cooper picked up the first booking of the night when she tripped Niamh Charles who was threatening to charge into the box.

Cooper then put her body on the line to prevent Chelsea getting a fourth when she headed Cuthbert’s goalbound shot over the top for a corner.

Match stats

In an incredible turn of events, Reading struck again just a minute later when Amalie Eikeland got onto the end of Harries’ cut back and squeezed the ball in at the near post.

After conceding two quickfire goals, the visitors continued to apply the pressure in what was a nervy end to the game for the hosts.

Pushing to find a leveller to complete a dramatic turnaround, Charlie Wellings replaced Wade for the final 15 minutes.

However, Chelsea were able to hold out and take the points after what was an incredible second-half display from the Royals.

Chelsea: Berger, Perisset, Bright, Eriksson, Charles, Cankovic, Ingle, Cuthbert, Kaneryd, England, Kirby

Subs: Musovic, Nouwen, Carter, James, Reiten, Fleming, Kerr, Buchanan, Abdullina

Reading: Burns, Bryson, Cooper, Evans, Woodham, Vanhaevermaet, Troelsgaard, Primmer, Eiekland, Harries, Wade

Subs: Moloney, Poulter, Mukandi, Wellings, Dowie, Hendrix, Caldwell, Jane, Dowie

Goals: Kirby 14’, Cankovic 28; 33’, Troelsgaard 60’, Eikeland 61’

Eikeland scored her first WSL goal since February Reading nearly completed an unlikely comeback at Chelsea Stock Pictures: Steve Smyth WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

CHAMBERS PRAISES PHENOMENAL ATTITUDE AS ROYALS RUN BLUES CLOSE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

FC WOMEN’s manager

Kelly Chambers believes her team deserved a result after their second-half fight against Chelsea.

The Royals were three goals down at the break, but showcased a display of excellence in the secondhalf to take the game to Chelsea and get two goals back to set up a nervy finish.

Despite not being able to complete the turnaround, Chambers was proud of her team’s efforts.

“It was phenomenal. We said at half-time, we were frustrated with the first goal which is offside

“That deflates us a bit but the other two goals that Chelsea scored we’ve got to deal with better.

“Fair play to the girls, they came out with energy,” said Chambers.

“I’m proud of their performance and attitude and they deserved something out of the game.

“It’s gives us something to build on.”

Chelsea’s opening goal proved to be controversial after replays showed that it should have been ruled out for offside.

Chambers continued: “We had a good half an hour where we were solid and caused them problems.

“We speak about officiating week

in, week out because it’s costing teams.

“I’m not saying we would have drawn the game 2-2.

“It could have been a completely different game but it sets it wrong from the start when we concede a goal we shouldn’t when we’ve been

in the game.

“At half-time we said we can go for this. We have the belief and attitude.

“We could have sat off at 3-0, but the belief in the girls and the performance was outstanding.

“We wanted more aggression, we

wanted more energy and we said we will get chances.

“They didn’t sit back at 3-0 and just stay safe so I’m proud of them.

“Over the 90 minutes, the performance was something that I wanted and that gives us something to build on.”

READING FACE STRUGGLERS COVENTRY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

It will be a day full of action for the club with both the women’s and men’s first-teams in action on Friday on the road.

Reading go into the game on the back of a narrow defeat against current Women’s Super League champions Chelsea in a game where they can hold their heads high after an outstanding second-half display.

Former Royal Fran Kirby opened the scoring with a goal that should have been ruled out for offside before the Royals shipped two more before the break to go in 3-0 down.

However, Kelly Chambers’ team showed immense fighting spirit on a bitterly cold night at Kings Meadow to take the game to the current title holders where they

almost caught them out.

A quickfire double on the hour mark saw Sanne Troeslgaard and Amalie Eikeland find the net to reduce the deficit to one.

Reading pushed for a leveller but Chelsea just about held on to claim the points.

With their league action now concluded for the calendar year, Reading turn their focus to the Conti Cup against Coventry.

The Royals currently have three

points from two games in their group after defeating Championship side Southampton having lost their opener to fellow WSL side Tottenham.

Reading will be confident that they can pick up three more points to put them in a commanding position to qualify for the next stage against a Coventry side that has lost all 10 of their matches in the Championship so far this season.

Coventry are yet to pick up a point and are rooted to the foot of the table, seven points adrift of 11th placed Sunderland.

Coventry have managed just five goals and have leaked 37 times in 10 matches in what has been a harrowing start to the campaign.

In last season’s standings, Coventry finished in 11th place where they picked up five wins from their 22 matches which saw them finish above Watford by a single point.

However, Coventry have picked

up a win in the Conti Cup this campaign having got the better of Southampton in their opening match.

Strikes from Meesha Dudley-Jones and Ebony Wiseman helped them to a 2-0 success, while they were beaten 5-1 by Spurs in their second Conti Cup outing.

Coventry did pick up a confidence boosting win last weekend in the FA Women’s cup that saw them beat Stockport County 4-2.

After their Conti Cup meeting with Coventry, Reading are on a winter break until the New Year.

Their first game back in 2023 will be up against Everton in an away trip in the Women’s Super League.

Reading go into the break in 11th place in the WSL table, but are seven points above Leicester City who sit in the relegation zone having not picked up a point so far this campaign.

Royals star missed Tenerife trip due to ‘disciplinary reasons’

The Royals went on a warm weather training camp during the World Cup break, but the squad did not involve Ejaria.

“We’re all in it together, we all have to be part of it,” said Ince.

“We’re all fighting our balls off to try and keep this team in the league. If you’re not part of it, then there’s a problem.

“Ovie’s a great kid, he trains well all the time but discipline wise you can’t do that.

“Our team is all about discipline, respect. If you don’t do that, you won’t go to Tenerife.”

Despite missing out on the training camp, Ince confirmed that Ejaria is now back training with the squad but will not feature in Reading’s game against Coventry City on Saturday.

Ince continued:” He’s now back training and he’s got to learn from those mistakes.

“When I came into the club the discipline was terrible, players were doing what they wanted. You can’t do that. Having discipline for any manager and any club is so, so important.

“When there’s a lack of discipline, it has to be dealt with and that’s what we’ve done and he will learn from it and move forward.

“He’s a really good player and we need to get him back playing like we know he can.”

The 25-year-old joined Reading permanently in 2020 after impressing on two separate loan spells in Berkshire from Liverpool.

He played a pivotal role in the 2020/21 season where he played 38 league games, but has struggled for consistent game time since having only made 14 league appearances last campaign.

Ejaria has made five starts in the Championship this season and has registered one assist.

READING

READING FC WOMEN face their final test of the year when they make the trip to play Coventry United on Friday night.

Ovie Ejaria Picture: Luke Adams

Reading FC Women’s manager Kelly Chambers Picture: Steve Smyth

PAUL Ince has confirmed that Reading FC midfielder Ovie Ejaira missed out on the midseason trip to Tenerife due to ‘disciplinary reasons’.

How they rated

Joe Lumley

Made an important save to deny O’Hare in the first half and did well to clear his lines under pressure on a number of occasions.

CHAMPIONSHIP

ROYALS RETURN WITH WIN AS

Seemed laboured, which was understandable given his exploits in Qatar. Would like to have seen a little more quality with his final ball.

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Had a lot on his plate dealing with Gyokeres, Allen and Hamer, but was up to the task. Made a critical lastditch challenge to deny the Swede.

Tom Holmes

Took an early knock. Tried to continue but was eventually replaced by McIntyre.

Amadou Mbengue

Picked up his first Reading goal with a tidy header from a corner. A fantastic performance. He used his pace to great effect on both ends.

Could have been adventurous but offered Mbengue a good amount of protection in what was one his better defensive performances.

Andy Yiadom Tyrese Fornah

A quiet afternoon for the midfielder who seemed a little off the pace. Did the simple things well and continued to show for the ball.

Hendrick

A steady display, marshalling the midfield well to prevent Coventry’s midfielders adopting dangerous positions between the lines.

Tom Ince

Had a few forays through the middle, but it was his defensive work which stood out. Made a crucial intervention to deny Coventry.

Junior Hoilett Baba Rahman Yakou Meite

Was the Royals’ brightest spark in the first half, getting forward well and had a header turned past the post by Wilson. Tired in the second.

Andy Carroll

Was cut a frustrated figure for large parts of the game and wasn’t really able to play his teammates in.

Tom McIntyre

Seemed to have trouble sorting out his feet on multiple occasions when clearing the ball. Would not have expected to feature so early on.

Having played out a scrappy first-haf and survived some close shaves early in the secondhalf, Mbengut netted his first professional goal in the 57th minute to put Reading ahead.

That proved to be the only goal of the game which sees Reading rise up to eighth in the table before the 3pm kick-offs.

In Reading’s first game since the World Cup break, goalkeeper Joe Lumley returned to action while Andy Carroll partnered Yakou Meite up front.

After playing in the soaring heat in Qatar for their respective nations in the World Cup, it was back to reality in freezing temperatures for Baba Rahman and Junior Hoilett who went straight into the starting eleven after their return last week.

There was a welcome return for Naby Sarr on the subs bench, who hasn’t featured in a matchday squad since the 4-0 defeat to Sheffield United in August.

Tom Holmes had to be withdrawn early after going down on two separate occasions. He was replaced by Tom McIntyre in the eighth minute.

Reading’s first sight of goal came in the 12th minute when Meite’s high press won possession deep in Coventry’s half before Tom Ince swiped a shot high and wide from distance.

REACTION

Match Stats

READING: Lumley, Mbengue, Holmes, Yiadom (c), Hoilett, Rahman, Fornah, Hendrick, Ince, Meite, Carroll

SUBS: Bouzanis, McIntyre, Long, Joao, GuinnessWalker, Loum, Sarr

COVENTRY: Wilson, Panzo, Doyle, Rose, Allen (c), O’Hare, Sheaf, Gyokeres, Bidwell, Eccles, Hamer

SUBS: Moore, Kelly, Waghorn, Kane, Tavares, Burroughs, Palmer

GOALS: Mbengue 57’

Coventry’s best attack of the half came in the 18th minute when they tried to slide the ball through for top scorer Viktor Gyokeres, but Royals skipper Andy Yiadom was on hand to make a vital sliding tackle to prevent the Swede from having a one-on-one.

The Sky Blues found a decent spell in the game and would have gone in front had it not been for the hand of Joe Lumley who stretched low to keep out a sweetly struck low drive from Callum O’Hare.

The first booking of the game went to Coventry’s Callum Doyle when he tripped Meite who was on a one man break at the opposition goal.

Mark Robins’ side found a few clear openings with free-kicks but were unable to take advantage. Gustavo Hamer tried his luck by aiming at Lumley’s near post but his shot whistled just wide.

The Royals’ almost grabbed the lead when Meite met Ince’s cross and forced a decent stop from Ben

‘He will get better and better’ Ince praises match winner

READING FC manager believes 20-year-old defender Amadou

Mbengue will get ‘better and better’ after he netted the winner against Coventry City.

The Royals collected three points thanks to Mbengue’s 57th minute goal on their return to Championship action.

The young defender is currently under contract until January.

“It’s great for him, he’s only a 20-year-old kid,” said Ince.

“He’s got a lot to learn. At times he’s a little bit raw as is the case with youth, but he’s infectious. He wants to do well, he’s a trier and has plenty of pace.

“For him to get the winner he will be buzzing today. The lads love him, he’s always got a smile on his face

he will get better and better.”

The Royals boss was also full of praise for Shane Long for his substitute appearance which helped Reading get over the line.

He continued: “There is a realisation where we’ve been with the bench. Shane Long when he came on was absolutely fantastic.

“I said to the players at the end if there is ever an example of someone who has played in the Premier League and wants to make an impact and wants to start every week, it’s there.

“The impact he made was unbelievable. I’m pleased with the performance, it’s a great result and we move forward now.

“We started the game sharp with a fast start.

“The second half we started slow for some reason, I’m not sure why. We were slow out of the blocks and sometimes you get punished.

“It always looked like a one-goal game. The game plan was spot on.

“We dealt with them most of the game and got a bit fortuitous when they hit the post, but it was always going to be a goal either way.

“It’s always tough when you’ve been away for four weeks, you don’t realise how tough it is.

“For us to get a result at home after four weeks is a great return. Reading now look ahead to a Friday night game away at Birmingham City.

“We might be able to get Hutch back and it gives us time to get on the training ground.

“The stuff we worked on in Tenerife, they’re starting to get it and know what they’re doing.

“We won’t win every game but we want a well oiled team that know what they’re doing and at times we looked like we did that.”

Mbengue scored the only goal

Hendrick moves in midfield

Reading celebrate Mbengue’s goal

Mbengue heads in from close range Reading collected three points in

Jeff

READING FC earned three points on their return to Championship action against Coventry City thanks to Amadou Mbengue’s first goal in Royals colours.

MBENGUE NETS FIRST GOAL

Wilson who tipped it behind for a corner.

Coventry had the final chance of the half when Gyoekres led a powerful counter attack and showed his strength to hold off Amadou Mebengue before sliding the ball to O’Hare who was fouled by Jeff Hendrick.

Hendrick was cautioned but Reading were let off the hook when Gyokeres unleashed an effort that was stopped by the wall as the team’s went in goalless at the break.

Coventry made a fast start in the second-half and hit the upright from a corner. After Lumley tried and failed to claim the inswinging

cross, the Royals had a huge let off when Michael Rose’s header was kept out only by the post.

After surviving a few early scares in the half, Reading nudged themselves in front in the 57th minute.

Mbengue was left unmarked in the six yard box with his back to goal and latched on to McIntyre’s knock down to glance in the ball past Wilson via the crossbar to net his Royals goal.

Paul Ince’s double change in the 67th minute saw Mamadou Loum and Shane Long replace Tyrese Fornah and Carroll.

Ince made another switch which

Coventry threw men forward in search of an equaliser but Lumley was on hand to punch away Hamer’s vicious inswinging freekick with plenty of bodies ready to connect with a loose ball.

Having to hold on to their one goal lead throughout six minutes of added time, the Royals successfully maintained their clean sheet to take three points.

Reading are in league action on Friday night when they travel to the Midlands to face Birmingham City.

READING FACE BIRMINGHAM BATTLE ON FRIDAY NIGHT

By ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today

READING will be seeking to make it three wins on the bounce on their Friday night trip to Birmingham City.

The Royals ensured they returned from the World Cup break in style by beating Coventry City at home on Saturday having beaten Hull City away prior to the four week hiatus.

Reading’s win via Amadou Mbengue’s goal saw them move up to eighth in the Championship table, while Birmingham are

in 14th position.

After 22 matches each, the Blues are on 29 points while Reading are on 32 in a tightly congested table.

Birmingham (23) have scored one less goal than Reading this season, but have a better defensive record and have conceded 10 less goals than the Royals.

John Eustace’s team have the third best defensive record in the entire division and have managed to keep eight clean sheets.

Esuatce took over as Blues boss in July 2022 after Lee Bowyer departed the club having previously managed Kidderminster Harriers

and been assistant of Queens Park Rangers and the Republic of Ireland.

Birmingham picked up a point on their travels to Blackpool at the weekend in a goalless draw.

Birmingham striker Scott Hogan is currently the joint top scorer in the league, along with 10 other players on nine goals.

Reading have won their last two meetings with Birmingham which both came last season.

The Royals won 2-1 on both occasions in the 2021/22 campaign.

When the teams met in

February, Reading collected three points after goals from Lucas Joao and John Swift.

Meanwhile, on their last visit to St Andrews, it was a breakthrough match for young striker Jahmari Clarke.

He made a heroic appearance off the bench with two late goals to five Reading three points on the road.

However, Clarke has struggled for first-team minutes since and has most recently been on loan at Woking, where he scored once in two appearances.

From the Middle

Thought provoking decisions at the World Cup

ONE thing that is frowned upon in refereeing circles, is for one referee to criticise the decisions of other referees, but there were one or two VAR prompted decisions during the FIFA World Cup that I might describe as thought provoking.

One of these, which happened in an early Argentina match, is quite interesting, as it covers an area of offside that is perhaps sometimes overlooked. The ball was played from the left into the penalty area.

An Argentine player was standing in an offside position in the right hand side of the penalty area.

The ball, however, did not reach him immediately, being headed away by a defender, but only as far as the offside Argentinian who promptly put it in the back of the opponents goal.

The referee at first allowed the goal but after being prompted by the VAR, he went to the monitor.

When he returned he over-ruled the goal and awarded a free kick to the defending side for offside. I think most football fans are aware of the offside law, which says that to be in an offside position, a player must be nearer to the opponents goal line than both the ball and the second last defending player.

For this to be an offence, there are two points.

Firstly, he must be in that position when the ball is last played by a team mate and then only if he plays the ball or interferes with play in some way.

Wait, you may say, the ball wasn’t last played by a team mate, instead it was headed to him inadvertently by the defender.

Now here comes the face safer for the referee. The law also says that the player is still given offside if the ball has been deliberately ‘saved’ by an opponent.

We usually think of a ‘save’ being committed by the goalkeeper stopping the ball going into the gaol, but it can be made by any player.

The law’s description is ‘a save is when a player stops or attempts to stop a ball, which is going into or close to the goal’ But how far out can this be judged? The player heading the ball was probably six yards or more off the goal line.

At the beginning of this season there was discussion about what constituted a rebound or deflection off a defender, which still left any offside opponent offside, as opposed to an offside player receiving the ball after an attempt to play the ball by a defender, which put him on side.

Looks as if we will have to look a little deeper in future.

Football referee Picture: Pixabay

their first game back Pictures: Steve Smyth and Luke Adams

Royals captain Andy Yiadom

Carroll Reading scramble the ball clear

Mbengue launches a throw

Rahman battles with Eccles

Meite pleads with the referee for a freekick

Reading’s wall blocks a free-kick

saw Naby Sarr and Lucas Joao take the place of Meite and Rahman for the final 15 minutes.

Dick Sawdon-Smith

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Combined Counties Division One

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA remain in 10th position after they lost out away at Rayners Lane.

Rayners raced into a 2-0 goal lead in the first-half and managed to keep the Boars out to secure the points.

Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “We just didn’t get going yesterday, missed a lot of good chances but full credit to Rayners Lane for their win. We go again Tuesday.”

Thames Valley Division One

WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS were beaten on the road against Westwood Wanderers Reserves.

The Kestrels stay rooted to the bottom of the table after the 4-2 loss which means that Westwood are now eight points above them.

Woodley have picked up one point from their opening nine matches.

Thames Valley Division Four

HARCHESTER HAWKS picked up their fourth win of the league campaign by beating E .

The 3-0 away success for the Hawks means that they move up to

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division

ASCOT UNITED kept the heat on league leaders Abingdon United with a crushing 6-1 victory over Oxford City.

The Yellas were in a clinical scoring mood and smacked six

THAMES VALLEY KINGS TAME JAGUARS TO

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

THAMES Valley Kings’ team continued their journey in the British Wheelchair Basketball League with action against Jaguars.

It’s been a couple of action packed weekends for the Thames Valley Kings recently in BWB National league, with both the first and second teams taking part in competitive matches.

The Newark-based team took the early advantage in an evenly matched first half with both team’s offenses shining and finding the net nicely with the game evenly poised 31-26 at the break.

A stellar third quarter from Jaguars saw them outscore Kings by 11 points thanks to some rock solid defending. Jaguars were able to maintain it through an evenly matched final quarter to pick up the win, 75-51.

Liam Barker top scored for Kings in the game with 24 points.

Last Saturday saw Kings’ second team in action against Brixton Ballers in the rearranged match from October 15.

It proved an eventful match up both on and off the court, it was Kings II who took the win, 55-42.

A flurry of unanswered baskets at the start of both the first and second quarters saw Kings II take a healthy 17 point lead into half-time, 31-14.

With the healthy lead established, Kings were able

past their opponents to boost their points total and goal difference.

Nicole Brown netted a hat-trick for her side, while strikes from Izzy Woods, Dom Carrington and Georgia Luckhurst helped Ascot to score six in their convincing success.

Ascot are just four points behind the league leaders having won six of their nine league matches and have one game in hand over the side at the top of the table.

ASCOT UNITED climbed to the top of the table in one of only two fixtures in the entire division that survived the weather.

Up against third placed Egham in a fixture pitting two of the top three against each other, it was the Yellas who claimed all three points.

Goals from Brendan Matthew and Alfie Grant ensured they took their 14th win in 16 games.

RESULTS

Saturday, December 10

FOOTBALL Championship Reading 1-0 Coventry City

Combined Counties Premier North

Ascot United 2-0 Egham Town

Combined Counties Division One Rayners Lane 2-0 Eversley & California

Charles Twelftree Trophy Wargrave 3-2 Hambleden

Thames Valley Division One Westwood Wanderers Reserves 4-2 Woodley United Royals

Thames Valley Division Four Berks County Rovers 0-3 Harchester Hawks

RUGBY UNION National League One Cinderford 37-17 Rams

Sunday, December 11

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Chelsea 3-2 Reading

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Ascot United 6-1 Oxford City

FIXTURES

Friday, December 16

FOOTBALL Championship Birmingham City v Reading

FA WSL Cup Coventry United v Reading

RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Chinnor

READING FC WOMEN have been drawn to play away at Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Women’s Cup.

The tie will be played between the two Women’s Super League teams on Sunday, January 29.

Leicester are currently rooted to the bottom of the Women’s Super League table without picking up a point having lost all nine of their league fixtures.

Meanwhile, Reading are two places and seven points above the Foxes with two wins, a draw and six defeats from 10 matches.

Saturday, December 17

FOOTBALL

FA Trophy third-round Eastbourne Borough v Bracknell Town

Isthmian South Central Northwood v Binfield

Thames Valley Division One Tadley Calleva Reserves v Woodley United Royals

Thames Valley Division Two Allied Community Elite v Twyford & Ruscombe Cookham Dean v Burghfield Reserves

Maidenhead Town v Mortimer Development Reading YMCA Rapids v Berks County Swords Slough Heating Reserves v Hurst Reserves

Thames Valley Division Three Richings Park v Finchampstead Development

Thames Valley Division Four Berks County Rovers v AFC Corinthians Harchester Hawks v SB Phoenix Development Reading City Lions v Burghfield A

Taplow United v Finchampstead United

Regional 1 South Central Camberley v Bracknell

Regional 2 South Central Marlborough v Reading

HOCKEY

South Central Men’s Premier 1 Winchester v Reading 2s

South Central Men’s North Division 1 Yateley v Sonning

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning v Oxford Hawks 2s

South Central Men’s Premier 2 Witney v South Berkshire

South Central Women’s North Division 1 South Berkshire v Buckingham 2s

Sunday, December 18

FOOTBALL

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Slough Town v Mortimer

Tilehurst Panthers v Oxford Athletic

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two

S4K Berks County v Goring United

to release the pressure in the second half with the third quarter evenly matched on points.

The fourth quarter saw a late rush of points from Ballers but the damage was already done and Kings ran out the clock as worthy winners.

PJ O’Donovan was top scorer in the game with 18 points.

The Kings are next in action at home in a triple header of fixtures on Saturday, January 7.

Kings first-team play Southern Sharks, Kings II are up against Cardiff Met Archers and Kings III face Southern Sharks II.

Reading and Leicester have already met once this season in a dramatic encounter at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in November.

Neither side had a point to their name before the meeting and it looked as if Leicester would come away with three crucial points after they took the lead through Natasha Flint in the 36th minute.

They held their advantage for the next 55 minutes only to concede twice in stoppage time as the Royals completed a last-gasp turnaround.

Rachel Rowe netted directly from a corner in the 90th minute and just two minutes later she scored an exceptional winner from distance after beating three players to give Reading lift off in the league.

Reading were eliminated from last year’s competition in the fifth round after defeat at home to West Ham United after extra-time.

Combined Counties Premier North Ascot United v Windsor Reading City v North Greenford United Sumas v Edgware & Kingsbury

Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Cove British Airways v Eversley & California London Samurai Rovers v Woodley United

Charles Twelftree Trophy

Cholsey United v Finchampstead Newbury v Reading YMCA

Thames Valley Premier League Chalvey Sports v Wargrave

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

Wargrave Development v Burghfield

Caversham AFC v Yateley United

Hawley v Shinfield Rangers

Larkspur Rovers v Everley & California Reserves

sixth in the table, while Berks remain in fourth position, two points ahead of Harchester.

Combined Counties Premier North

The Boars are 10th in Combined Counties Division One

The Royals stay bottom of the table

Woodley United Royals in league action Stock Pictures: Andrew Batt

Eversley & California FC Stock Pictures: Richard Milam