Wokingham Today, February 9, 2023

Lions get teeth into laptop recycling project

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

A NEW computer recycling scheme will put new life into old bytes.

ReTec (recycling technology), will recycle laptops and distribute them to those in need.

People are invited to donate their unwanted, old or broken notebook computers and accessories.

They will be cleaned, refurbished and tested before being given to families in need, Ukrainian refugees, charities, schools and local non-profit organisations.

It has been launched by Wokingham Lions Club, in conjunction with Wokingham Borough Libraries, First Days Children’s Charity, and Share Wokingham, has launched Wokingham Lions president, Claire Mangers-Page, said: “We are aware that there is still a digital divide in our community.

“Both adults and children are unable to access services and education that could assist them, due to a lack of computer equipment at home.

“We’ll be working with our colleagues at First Days and Share Wokingham to help bridge the divide in Wokingham.

“And Wokingham Borough Libraries will be supporting us with collection locations, storage space and distribution.”

A similar scheme run by Fleet Lions Club has delivered more than 2,500 laptops in Hampshire.

Wokingham Lions Club hopes the programme will benefit the local community not just this year, but into the future.

ReTec is now ready to receive donations from the public throughout the borough.

Laptops, power supplies, mice and laptop bags can all be donated by individuals, organisations and companies.

All items will be completely cleaned, refurbished and tested before being loaded with basic applications.

Hard discs will be securely erased before use, and laptops that are too old or broken will be used for spare parts.

n Continued on page 9

SHUTDOWN ON RAILWAY

Half-term closure of line for install of new signalling

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

RAIL passengers across Wokingham are set to face travel disruption throughout half term.

From Monday, February 13, to Friday, February 17, the lines from Reading to Bracknell and Guildford will be closed whilst Network Rail engineers prepare to install new signalling equipment.

Rail replacement buses will be in place for all services between Reading and Bracknell and Reading and Guildford.

This is part of Network Rail’s upgrading of signalling equipment controlled by the Feltham Area Signalling Centre and Wokingham Signal Box to improve reliability.

Steven Hawker, Great Western Railway’s station manager for the North Downs Line, said: “These works are essential to maintaining and improving the railway and while it has been timed for half-term to interrupt as few customers as possible, we thank our customers for their patience during this time.”

n Continued on page 5

Have your say on new map of borough

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

THE Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) has launched a consultation on the electoral wards within Wokingham Borough and is calling on residents to give their views.

The LGBCE is proposing that there should be 18 wards in the borough, seven fewer than there are now.

These 18 wards will each be represented by three councillors.

Susan Parsonage, Wokingham Borough Council’s chief executive, said: “It is important that ward arrangements take account of local views and reflect our community and so I would urge everybody to have a look at the proposals and then make their comments.”

This is the latest consultation following one last year.

The LGBCE’s proposal could see Arborfield, Barkham, Charvil, Hurst, Shinfield North, Sonning and Swallowfield dissolved into larger wards, rather than their current single member setup.

The consultation will run until Monday, April 10, and final recommendations are set to be published on Thursday, June 27.

Changes will come into effect from May next year, when all 54 seats will be elected in an all-out eelection.

Full details of the proposals and the consultation can be found on the LGBCE website.

People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org. uk, and by post: Review Officer (Wokingham), LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth NE24 9FE.

ALL CHANGE:

The proposed political map of Wokingham borough

Picture: LGBCE

Art sale and workshop

A group of artists are holding a sale of their artwork and crafts.

Visitors can also take part in a jewellery workshop, where they will learn how to make earrings or a bracelet.

The three-hour workshop costs £20, and places must be booked by Friday, March 10.

Both events take place at The Gate –formerly Sindlesham Baptist Church, on Bearwood Road, Sindlesham, on Saturday, March 18.

Doors are open from 11am to 2pm.

To book the workshop, people should email Sarah at: admin@thegate.uk.com

Everybody dance now! Ian’s class is Strictly a success

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

PROFESSIONAL Strictly performer and star Ian Waite gave a special master class, and put Wokingham people through their paces.

The two classes, Fitsteps, and Beginners’ Ballroom were both very well attended, with a large number of people taking part in each session.

Ian didn’t charge for his masterclass. Instead, he invited people to make a donation to local charity, Arts4Wokingham.

The group is fundraising to build The Arc, a public sculpture that will sit outside the Carnival Hub development.

The sessions took place in St Crispin’s School hall, where Ian taught the dancers steps straight out of Strictly.

Paddy Haycocks, Arts4Wokingham trustee, says: “Ian decided to run these classes free of charge as a way of supporting Arts4Wokingham.

“He very kindly waived his usual fees and prompted all those attending to contribute to the promotion of a more art inspired local community.”

The event was a great success, with more than 70 people attending each class.

Nearly all of them were keen to support Arts4Wokingham.

“We are delighted that Ian has chosen to support Arts4Wokingham,” Mr Haycocks continues.

Two-way traffic lights

WOKINGHAM motorists may experience delays to their journeys until the weekend due to planned road works.

Two-way lights are currently in operation on Finchampstead Road at the junction with Carey Road.

All being well, the works should be finished by Saturday, February 11.

The restrictions will allow MUA Electricity to lay cables to the footway safely.

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

Ash Wednesday service

A CHURCH in Wokingham will be holding services to mark the start of Lent.

This is traditionally the time when Christians give something up, give something back, or take time to reflect.

Two Holy Communion services will take place at All Saints Church, in Wiltshire Avenue.

They will include the optional marking of ash to the forehead as a sign of mortality and penitence.

The services are on Wednesday, February 22, at 12.30pm and 7.45pm.

“It is an entirely unselfish and impressive gesture from a man whose own involvement with the arts has brought him fame on the national stage.

“Spreading the word and encouraging local involvement is vital if we are to achieve our objectives.

“Having Ian on board is a real plus.”

All donations from Ian’s dance masterclass will help to support public art across the borough.

n For more information about Arts4Wokingham, visit: www.arts4wokingham.com

Fun and dancing at Ian’s special classes

Dancers were put through their paces by Ian at his dance masterclass

SUPPORTER: Ian Waite with members of the Arts4Wokingham charity. Pictures: Paddy Haycocks

Cllr apologises for misunderstanding over Hong Kong comments

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

A WOKINGHAM Borough councillor has apologised after he was accused of singling out arrivals from Hong Kong for criticism on oversubscribed school places.

At a community and corporate overview and scrutiny meeting in November last year, Cllr Gregor Murray, Conservative member for Norreys ward, put forward a “practical suggestion” to the council.

He said: “As we know that a lot of our issues within schools and within home-to-school transport are being caused by people coming into the borough mid-year.

“Can I suggest that you speak to all of the estate agents locally and tell them about the pressures within our school systems so that when people are coming from Hong Kong and other areas looking to buy houses they can be told ‘by the way, there ain’t no space in Year 7. If you’ve got a kid aged this year, you ain’t getting a place in our schools’”

Cllr Prue Bray, executive member for children’s services, said the council would continue to welcome suggestions as the financing of home-to-school transport was getting “very difficult”.

One resident has written to Wokingham.Today describing Cllr Murray’s suggestion as “arrant nonsense” (see page 30).

They said: “It doesn’t matter where new arrivals come from; there are houses, and people with children will buy or rent them.

“If the purchasers or renters are not from Hong Kong, then they might be from Ukraine, from France, from London, Reading or Bracknell. Those arrivals will have children too.”

“Lack of logical thinking is the least problematic part of Cllr Murray’s astonishing suggestion.”

The borough has seen new arrivals from Hong Kong come through the Hong Kong UK Welcome Programme.

This route to the UK opened in 2021, providing those who hold British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passports, or who have members of their families holding BN(O) passports, with a pathway to citizenship.

The resident doesn’t believe Hong Kong nationals should be “singled out”.

They added: “Cllr Murray’s suggestion seems to involve asking estate agents to racially profile potential purchasers.

“Why should apparent recent arrivals from Hong Kong be singled out for special conversations with estate agents?

“Why should they be told that there are no places for their children in Wokingham schools? What Cllr Murray suggests is against the Equality Act, and therefore unlawful.

“I therefore hope that, in the spirit of good community relations, Cllr Murray will withdraw his suggestion, acknowledge that his suggestion is unlawful, and apologise to Hong Kongers for his unwelcoming attitude.”

Cllr Murray has clarified his point of view, and apologised if his suggestion has been misinterpreted.

He said: “I had no intention of singling out anyone.

“If my words have been interpreted in that way then I wholeheartedly apologise for any offence I may have caused.

“Houses in Wokingham are expensive, the schools in our community are excellent and in many cases oversubscribed.

“My suggestion was to give all potential house buyers vital information, such as the accessibility of school places, before several hundred thousand pounds is spent, rather than the new buyer finding out after they have moved in.

“For anyone moving into our borough with young children I would see that as useful information to have, especially if moving from several thousand miles away.”

New vet with hi-tech clinic opens

HUNDREDS of children went to school on Saturday, but you won’t hear a peep of complaint out of them.

To celebrate the launch of its new branch, Vet’s Klinic Reading invited children to visit its Headley Road East branch and bring with them a favourite cuddly toy pet so they could enrol in vet school.

The opportunity included guided tours of the new practice and the opportunity to meet the vets and nurses and ask them questions about their jobs.

And they also learnt about how to care for their toy pet, including how to bandage minor cuts and scrapes. Each participant was given a Vet’s Klinic certificate as a souvenir of their day.

The state-of-the-art veterinary practice offered the event after learning that, according to the

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British Veterinary Association, 46% of vets decided they wanted to pursue this career at primary school and 65% knew before they were 13.

The team at Vet’s Klinic say they are keen to engage with these enthusiastic young vets of the future.

Stephanie Catt, Head Veterinary Nurse at Vet’s Klinic, believes nobody is too young to start learning about a career with animals.

She said: “I knew I wanted to be a veterinary nurse from a very young age and that desire never changed. Working at a veterinary practice is challenging but also very rewarding so this is a great opportunity to show the younger generation what it’s really like day-to-day and their new-found skills may come in handy one day.”

The event wasn’t just for

children. Adults and their pets also visited, enjoying tours and talks, as well as being able to sign up for treatment.

The clinic is the second one to be opened by the company. It has a glass-fronted prep room where owners can watch the veterinary staff caring for their pets, as well as having an interactive website so owners can view their pet’s medical records online and book and pay for appointments.

Laura Shears, its managing director, said: “Vet’s Klinic’s philosophy is driven by a passion to deliver gold standard care not only for pets but also for pet owners by offering state-of-theart care at affordable prices – all with the goal of helping more pets enjoy long-term health and happiness.”

n For more, log on to: vetsklinic. co.uk/reading

Poetry competition for Crowthorne schools

SCHOOL children are being invited to submit entries for a poetry competition to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

Organised by Crowthorne Parish Council, the competition’s winner will receive a prize and their work displayed in the town’s library.

Submissions must be on lined paper with the writer’s name, year group and school clearly written at

the bottom of the sheet. They will also need to be delivered to Crowthorne Library or the parish council offices before 10am on Monday, April 24. Prizes will be awarded at Crowthorne’s Coronation Party in the Park at the Morgan Recreation Ground on Saturday, May 6. n For more information, visit: www. crowthorne-pc.gov.uk

OPEN DAY: The Vet’s Klinic welcomed visitors on Saturday, offering tours of its facilities Picture: Steve Smyth

Sewage protests take to the water – and gives MPs ‘blue plaques’

By JAMES ALDRIDGE

Local democracy reporter ACTIVISTS recently took part in a protest against raw sewage being disposed of via the nation’s rivers and seas.

Members of Extinction Rebellion have been visiting waterside locations, including the Thames Towpath near the Wokingham Waterside Centre in East Reading and Sonning Bridge.

The protest involved wild water swimming, sewagerelated props and the installation of mock blue plaques criticising Berkshire MPs for their voting record on water regulations.

Real blue plaques are used to commemorate places and people of note across the UK. But activists have subverted that, with the message “Our Government voted to block a law requiring water companies to dump less raw sewage in our waterways and seas”.

Among their targets were Sir John Redwood, the Conservative MP for Wokingham and Laura Farris, the Conservative MP for Newbury, during a day of action held on Saturday, January 28.

The activity involved installing the blue plaques in Newbury and at the Conservative Association office in Wokingham’s Rose Street.

“I am horrified and disgusted by the lack of urgency and blatant disregard our Government has shown in tackling the state of our waters. In December the Environment Agency pushed back its targets to clear up England’s rivers and coasts from 2027 to 2063, that’s 30 more years of sewage dumping.

“We refuse to stand by and let that happen.”

The target of 2063 specifically relates to chemicals known as uPBTs, which includes mercury.

Conservative MPs have come in for criticism as many voted

against tightening regulations back in October 2021.

At that time, there was a proposal from the House of Lords that would have placed legal duties on water companies to reduce sewage discharges into rivers and the sea, which was defeated by 265 votes to 202.

MPs also recently voted on draft water cleanliness targets, officially called the Draft Environmental Targets (Water) (England) Regulations 2022. The draft regulations were passed by 300 votes to 170,

Rail disruption as line to close

n From front page

with 292 Conservative MPs being joined by six Democratic Unionist Party and two Alliance Party MPs.

The Liberal Democrats claim the vote allows sewage dumping by water companies in rivers and coasts for at least 15 more years.

Mrs Farris disagreed with the protesters’ arguments.

She said: “I do not accept this. The Government passed the Environment Act 2021 which set out the framework for the elimination of sewage. The law requires that Sites of Special Scientific Interest including chalk streams must have an 80% reduction in all discharges by the year 2030.”

Sir John was unavailable for comment.

Responding to the vote in Parliament, Liberal Democrat candidate for Wokingham Clive Jones said: “This is a pathetic target which allows Thames Water to get away with a staggering 15 more years of shameful sewage dumping. This is a betrayal of local people who rightly want tougher action against water companies.

“It will be swimmers and treasured wildlife which pay the price for this delay in action.

“I am proud Liberal Democrat MPs voted against this unacceptable delay.”

The existing equipment – such as signals, the traffic light system for the railway, and track circuits, which tell signallers where trains are on the network – dates back to 1974, so is being renewed with a modern equivalent.

In a long-term programme that will run through to mid-2024, the operator is also hoping to deliver a number of enhancements to improve train performance, as well as renew or upgrade 13 level crossings.

Once complete, Network Rail will then move control of that equipment from Feltham and Wokingham to Basingstoke and into the Wessex Rail Operating Centre.

There will be an additional line closure between Windsor & Eton Riverside and Staines from Saturday, February 11, to Sunday, February 19. Buses will replace services throughout.

Christian Neill, South Western Railway’s service delivery director, said: “We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by these closures. These works are essential for the maintenance and improvement of the railway, and customers can look forward to more reliable services once this new signalling system is fully delivered.”

n For more information, visit: networkrail.co.uk/FWRP

A protest against discharging sewage into rivers and seas, held at Wokingham Waterside Centre

‘’Romantic Tea for Two’’

This Valentine’s at Chalk Restaurant, all the pastry chef’s skill and imagination has gone into creating a specially romantic and appealing selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a mouthwatering Valentine’s theme range of pastries.

Treat your loved one to a Valentine’s Afternoon Tea.

Valentine’s Afternoon Tea | £24 95 per person

Valentine’s Champagne Afternoon Tea | £29 95 per person

Valentine’s Afternoon Tea is served at 3pm or 3.30pm on Friday 10th, Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th, Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th of February

‘Love is in the air’ a perfect Valentine's treat with Chalk Restaurant

What could be more romantic than a table for two in the stunning candlelit surroundings?

Treat that someone special this Valentine’s to spectacular five course menu with glass of Pommery Champagne on arrival.

This is the perfect treat for loved ones and the ideal way to spend an evening or afternoon enjoying the finer things in life.

Glass of Champagne

Five-Course Menu

Matching Wine Available

Lunch | Priced at £39 95 per person Dinner | Priced at £59.95 per person

Valentine’s Menu is available on Friday 10th, Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th, Monday 13th alongside our A La Carte Menu. On Tuesday 14th of February we will only be serving this menu in the evening

Call for new consultation over revamp to California Crossroads

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

PLANS to revamp California Crossroads have been delayed again.

The scheme, originally proposed in 2015, will see a redesign of the crossroads at the junction of Finchampstead Road and Nine Mile Ride Road.

Wokingham Borough Council believes this will form a key focus point for businesses, schools and residents in the area.

The council – under the previous administration –launched a consultation in late 2018 on the project and hoped to start work soon after, but a number of issues have caused delays to commencing the work.

Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: “We’d hoped to start a few years ago, during summer months, but it has fallen behind for reasons beyond our control.

“These include essential South East Water works which closed Nine Mile Ride for nine months, followed by the coronavirus outbreak in 2020 and then the closure of The

REVAMP PLANNED: California Crossroads is planned to have a makeover, but councillors want a new consultation on the plans Picture: Steve Smyth arrangements, for example.

Finchampstead North, would like to see the scheme consulted on again due to the time elapsed since the first consultation.

He said: “The response in 2019 was lukewarm with the main feedback being that the proposal did not improve traffic flow through the junction.

“However a lot of things have happened since 2019, such as covid and more people working from home.

“There are new traders at

or discussed the scheme with them.

“The proposals need to be revised to represent the needs of the community.”

Cllr Margetts accepts the area would benefit from an upgrade but sees this as “the wrong scheme at the wrong time” and feels the current crossroads works “as it is”.

He also believes the disruption and financial impact of the scheme outweighs the

housing developers through S106 payments outlined in the planning at Arborfield Garrison. He also assured businesses that the council would “do its best” to fit the works around any requirements. He added: “We’ve already consulted on the scheme and amended the design where possible to reflect the community’s feedbackwith some changes made to proposed parking and crossing

Animal lovers invited to sale

ANIMAL lovers will be able to purchase a present for their pet, at a sale arranged by animal rescue group, Diana Brimblecombe.

The Love Your Pet event will offer accessories for cats, dogs and small animals.

The rescue centre’s Barkwrights shop will sell coats, jumpers, blankets, beds, toys, collars and leads. Harnesses, grooming products, crates and safety harnesses will also be on sale.

The sale takes place at The Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre, Hurst, on Sunday. Doors are open from 11am through to 2pm.

n For more information about the centre, visit: www.dbarc.org.uk

Coffee morning

AN ARBORFIELD community group is welcoming visitors to its weekly coffee mornings.

“We’ll share updates with residents as soon and often as we can and would like to thank them for their patience.

“Once this is finished, it will create a real village centre for the area with improved access for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Bids are expected to be invited from contractors in the coming weeks with the works expected to start in the summer of 2024

The Royal British Legion holds the meet-ups every Monday morning in the members bar at its home on Eversley Road.

Sessions serve as an ideal opportunity for residents to catch up with friends and family while also meeting new people.

The events take place from 9.30am-11.30am.

n For more information, search: Arborfield Royal British Legion on www.facebook.com

SHINFIELD Parish Council is recruiting Speedwatch volunteers to help make the village a safer place.

Participants will join the team to assist with the parish council’s speedwatch campaign and keep its speed reduction signs operating throughout the year. The role would require a commitment of a few hours every couple of months.

Community speedwatch is a national initiative which records details of speeding vehicles alongside the police using approved detection devices.

n To register interest, contact: phil.emment@shinfieldparish. gov.uk

Speedwatch volunteers wanted Coffee and cake

A YOUNG people’s charity is hosting a coffee and cake event in Wokingham.

Anyone wanting to find out more about Soulscape’s work can join them for refreshments in Wokingham.

The group creates space for young people to explore life, taking subjects that concern them most, and turning them into projects that address the issues.

The event takes place at Wokingham Baptist Church, on February 23.

Doors are open from 10.30am to noon.

Dancing sisters prepare to join Youth Ballet

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM-BASED ballet dancing sisters will see a dream come true later this month, as they join the English Youth Ballet for a production of the timeless story of Coppelia.

In November, 17-year-old Holly Williams and 12-year-old Amy were selected to join the cast following a competitive online audition process.

There are six professional principals and 54 selected dancers aged from eight to 18. Competition for the places is so intense that only the best make it to the performances. And if previous years are anything to go by, they are in for a bright future: some alumni dance for famous companies including the Royal Ballet.

Holly (17) is studying A Level Dance at Henley College and Amy (12) is at The Holt School and has been dancing since she was two-and-a-half.

Both dance at Laura Henderson Dance Academy, and are delighted to be joining the English Youth Ballet, which is one of the UK’s largest ballet companies.

The show tells the story of how a man falls in love with life-like doll. His jealous lover takes her friends on an adventure to confront the inventor of the doll. How can there be a happy ending and an extravagant wedding celebration?

Proud mum Esther said: “Both Holly and

Amy have performed with EYB previously in Swan Lake and The Nutcracker and are thoroughly looking forward to learning their new routines and performing in Coppelia.

“Amy, who has aspirations of becoming a professional ballerina one day, said the whole experience of rehearsals and ballet training with the professional team is amazing, and they have made some great friends along the way.

“Both girls agree that performing on stage with the professionals is inspiring. They feel very fortunate to have been selected.”

Lyndsey Fraser will be starring as the Swanhilda in the production. Before joining EYB she danced with the Vienna Festival Ballet.

She said: “I wish I had danced with EYB when I was young. The dancers learn so much about performance skills and the artistry of ballet. I love working as a principal dancer with EYB because I get to dance fantastic roles and teach and watch the young dancers progress.

“The sets and costumes in the production are superb and the whole experience is one the young dancers (and the audiences) will never forget.”

n The show will be performed at The Beck Theatre on Sunday, February 26, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0343 310 0044, or log on to www.becktheatre.org.uk

LET’S DANCE: Holly (17) and Amy Williams (12) of Wokingham have been chosen for the English Youth Ballet performance of Coppelia Picture: Steve Smyth

New playground unveiled

CREST NICHOLSON has opened a new play area at Arborfield Green.

The new site off Princess Marina Drive is kitted out with a climbing frame, slide and swings, and is suitable for children aged from three to 12.

The housebuilder hopes the facility will be a hub for families within the development, promoting active lifestyles and healthy communities.

Charlie Joseph, sales and marketing director at Crest Nicholson Chiltern, said: “As part of our commitment to build thriving communities

with a range of amenities on the doorstep, we’re pleased to announce the launch of another muchanticipated play area at Arborfield Green.

“We know this play area will be popular with parents and children, and we’re looking forward to seeing both residents and local people coming together to enjoy it.”

The Foxes’ Den saved from closure by outpouring of support

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

A BINFIELD cafe has been saved from closure thanks to an outpouring of support from the community.

The Foxes’ Den, a community interest company based on Benetfield Road, also offers activities and events.

Claire Murphy, the managing director of the cafe, revealed in December that financial pressures could force them to close their doors.

She wrote in a message to customers: “If we carry on as we are, we will have to close permanently at the end of January.

“To those lovely customers and friends of the Den that have asked what they can do to help; all I am asking is for kindness and patience.

“Please be assured we will still be here and working hard for our community for as long as we can; we won’t give up without a fight.”

The cafe had been successful following its launch in December 2018, and its success continued through the various lockdowns as an important escape for many residents.

“Throughout covid, we were still a major part of the community,” explained Ms Murphy

“We had a little takeaway window and we did a roaring trade on hot drinks.

“People would also come and sit down in the mindfulness garden, socially distanced, of course.”

As people returned to normal life the Foxes’ Den, like many other hospitality businesses, started to notice a fall in trade.

Ms Murphy said: “All hospitality businesses have struggled in terms of whether

people want to actually socialise to start with and then, with the cost of living crisis, people are hesitant to spend money unnecessarily.

“My biggest worry was coming out of December because everyone has spent money on Christmas, and in January they’re going to be tightening their belts. So I was a bit concerned.

“The message in December was me saying, ‘Well, actually, we’ve been making a loss for quite a few months, and the money’s run out.’”

Ms Murphy decided to utilise January as a “test month” to

STAYING OPEN: Customer support has helped keep The Foxes Den Cafe in Binfield open.

Claire Murphy, the owner, is oictured with staff member Sarah Woodward Picture: Steve Smyth

see if the Foxes’ Den was still sustainable long term.

Thanks to a few organisational changes and plenty of support, the Foxes’ Den won’t be going anywhere.

“We have received an absolute outpouring of love,” said Ms Murphy.

“So our community, I thought, would be just Binfield but actually we’ve spread out quite far.

“We’ve got customers that come to us from the other side of Bracknell and Wokingham who say ‘We come to you regularly, please don’t close’.”

Although there have been

Lions to recycle old technology

some minor changes to staffing levels and the menu, there are some things that won’t be changing.

Ms Murphy said: “There’s a few things I won’t compromise on like how all of our coffee is locally sourced.

“We try to support local businesses wherever we can and we have two bakers that bake for us in house, so at least 95% of our bakes are all made by us so we know what’s in them.

“We’re trying to keep standards as high as we can, whilst making cost savings where we can as well.”

Looking ahead, the Foxes’ Den will continue to offer hot drinks, handmade bakes and there is a full calendar of community events for February, so things are looking up.

“There’s a full spectrum of things going on for all ages,” said Ms Murphy.

“We run a bereavement group and some seated pilates for those that can’t do the exercises right down to the baby toddler groups and the toddler craft.

“There’s something for everyone.”

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

n From front page Hard discs will be securely erased before use, and laptops that are too old or broken will be used for spare parts. Donation points can be found during opening hours at the following borough libraries: Wokingham, Lower Earley, Woodley, Finchampstead, Winnersh, Twyford, Wargrave and Spencers Wood.

People can also deliver to Wokingham Charity and Community Hub in Waterford House, Denmark Street between, from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm. Items will be accepted at the following Share Wokingham drop-off points:

n Mondays – Shinfield Baptist Church, between 12.30pm and 2pm; and Emmanuel Church, Woodley, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

n Tuesdays – FBC Centre, Finchampstead between 10am and 11.30am.

n Wednesdays – Rainbow Centre, Winnersh, from 1pm to 2.30pm; and The Community Flat, Shinfield between 2pm and 3.30pm.

n Fridays – Norreys Church, Wokingham, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm; and St Andrew’s Church, Bracknell, between 1pm and 3.30pm.

The Lions will announce later in the year how refurbished laptops will be made available. n For further details, log on to: www.wokinghamlions.org.uk

A heart-filled charity walk at Dinton Pastures

WALKERS can enjoy a trail at Dinton Pastures that will raise money for youngsters.

The walk will be lined with crocheted hearts made by members of the Barkham Hookers.

Gaynor White, who leads the craft group said: “First Days asked us to make hearts for the trail. “We’ve done lots of similar projects before, and we love making them. They will be scattered around the walk.”

Country Dry Cleaners donated coat hangers, which Gaynor and her crafters bend into shapes to hang their crochet creations on.

“It’s lovely to think of people searching for them, and we’re pleased that the money will support First Days,” she says.

With letters to find along the way that will spell out a secret word, and facts about hearts to learn as they go, families can have fun as well as enjoying a countryside walk.

People wanting to take part should buy a map (suggested donation £3) from Nature Buggies or from Dinton Adventure Golf, both located at Dinton Pastures.

Once complete they should return with their map, to collect a treats, sponsored by Alexandra Grange Care Home.

Monica Dunne from First Days says: “The trail is a family event in the great outdoors this half term. All money raised will go towards supporting households in our community who are struggling with the effects of financial hardship.”

The trail takes place from Saturday, and runs until to Sunday, February 19.

n For more information about the trail, log on to: www.firstdays.net

The new group with a passion for the planet ... and a pint

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

RESIDENTS passionate about the environment are invited to join a new group, People Planet Pint Wokingham.

As its name suggests, meetings are held in a pub in the town, with the agenda about sustainability, experiences and ideas.

Anyone with an interest in the environment can attend, whether they are local residents, business owners, students, consultants, or those wanting to move into greener careers.

Group leader Elizabeth Corse works for a London-based solar tech company. She is passionate about climatech, sustainability, and creating opportunities for people to collaborate.

“If you live in the area, care about your children’s future, want to contribute to your community, or would just like to know what’s going on in Wokingham, come and join us,” she said.

“You don’t have to be an expert, or have any special experience.”

People Planet Pint was launched in Glasgow during COP26 when the

city hosted the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

“My world is climate technology, so I was very keen to get involved,” Ms Corse continues.

“And since the launch, groups are popping up all over the country.

“The idea has exploded, with new branches being set up every week.

“I kept wanting to join a meeting, but they were all too far away, so I decided to set up a local group.”

Ms Corse originally thought it should be in Reading.

“I didn’t know if there would be enough local interest to start a branch in Wokingham,” she said.

“But I really want to connect with local people, in the town where I live, and where my children are at school.

“So I put my stake in the ground, and held the first meeting in November last year.

“Loads of people came, and it was great to find out that I’m not the only one.

“Everyone was amazed that there were all these Wokingham people

interested in the environment.

“I think we’re on the cusp of something incredible.”

She is excited by the mix of people in the group, who are drawn from all ages.

“We’ve had students who are setting up the Regional Youth Climate Assembly for the South of England, and a farmer coping with the effects of climate change.

“We’ve heard about why a Wokingham zero waste and refillables shop owner changed career, and how an ex-engineer is starting a new climatech venture.

“At our most recent gathering 18 new people came, and we now have 40 registered members.

“It’s intergenerational, and there’s so much interest. We’re putting Wokingham on the map.”

The group meets every couple of months at The Broad Street Tavern, Wokingham.

Events are always on a Thursday, from 6pm to 9pm.

Dates confirmed for 2023 are: Thursdays April 6, June 1, September 7, and November 2.

n To find out more, visit: www. eventbrite.co.uk and search for People Planet Pint Wokingham.

PUTTING THE WORLD TO RIGHTS: Elizabeth Corse, group leader, with members of People Planet Pint Wokingham. Picture: Holly Chard

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Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

Minions party First Days a great

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

3pm

eternal: no cause for alarm

WELL there’s a first for everything isn’t there.This week something happened that has never happened before. Something bad.

This week, Tuesday to be precise, I slept through my alarm.

Not my morning alarm, which would have been fine, Joel or Maia would have woken me.

My other alarm.

I don’t usually nap anymore. It was a necessity when Leo was a baby, but now, I get by without. Normally he only wakes once in the night. Twice at most. (Occasionally he’ll sleep through ...) Not Monday night. Or the night before. He had an ear infection, so as well as being very hot, there was lots of coughing and snuffling and generally wanting me.

After nights like this, if I’m on my knees, (like Tuesday) I’ll close my eyes for half an hour between lunch and school pick up.

(PICK UP. Where I collect my daughter from school. That thing.)

That thing I did not do on Tuesday because I slept through my afternoon alarm. Both of them.

I woke at 3.37 (my alarm was set for 2.25 with a follow up at 2.30?!).

Pick-up is at 3.25.

Obviously, this was the one day I decided to let Joel have the car. (He did the morning school run and it was raining so..) I was looking forward to collecting Maia on foot that afternoon, a brisk 20-minute walk. But collecting her would involve being conscious at 3pm, which of course I was not.

3.38: What to do. What to do. Legging it over there would be fine if I was alone, but the rigmarole of hastily waking Leo and hoping he’d be compliant in sitting in his pushchair (he wouldn’t) seemed a less favourable option.

The thought of Maia stood there, alone, wondering where on earth her mother was, exacerbated my panic.

This is the part where, in hindsight, I absolutely should have woken Leo, got him into his pushchair and sprinted to school. I did not do this.

Instead, I called my Mum, failed to get through, so tried the home number. Which my Dad answered.

“Would you like me to collect her?” he said softly.

Of course I said “Yes please” when I should have said “no, thank you”.

Misjudging the timings and utterly delusional, I believed in that moment that my Dad (whose mobility is far from great and has a disabled parking badge) would be there in a flash. Good decisions are rarely made from a place of hysteria.

Maia was, eventually, collected from school. My poor Dad, who should never have been dragged out in Tuesday’s grim weather with his Zimmer frame, saved the day.

Happy to see her Grandad, but understandably not so thrilled with me, I was justifiably reprimanded that evening for my negligence.

I am still requesting her forgiveness.

I’ve learnt several lessons from this painstaking ordeal.

Firstly, never ever have a nap if you have somewhere to be at a certain time, it’s far too risky.

Second, running to the school will always be faster and less torturous than the minutes/years I spent worrying and waiting for Grandad to call and tell me they were home safe.

Lastly, to contradict my first lesson, if you are to take a nap (don’t), avoid wearing earplugs so effective you fail to hear your own alarm.

Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind

Steve inspires children to pick up a good book

ALMOST 350 students from 11 primary schools were treated to an energetic and inspirational talk from an esteemed author on January 31.

Steve Cole leapt around Leighton Park School’s main hall, ukulele in hand, to discuss his journey as a writer in an interactive session with Year 5 pupils.

The creator of Young Bond, Astrosaurs and Cows in Action spoke about his experiences from being a youngster with a fear of aliens to publishing more than 200 books.

Of the event, the school’s librarian Grace Ritchie said: “We were so delighted to welcome Steve Cole back.

“We are so lucky to have him as our Patron of Reading and it was a great opportunity to extend the experience to students in the wider community outside Leighton Park.

“It is always lovely to see him inspiring a love of reading in the younger students, and they were absolutely roaring with laughter the whole way through.”

Steve’s energy ensured the talk and subsequent Q&A session will live long in the memories of those in attendance.

Liara from The Ridgeway Primary School said: “He was funny and inspired me to write a book,” while classmate Abir added: “I loved how he made us giggle. I was very lucky to meet him. My favourite book by Steve Cole is Astrosaurs

CHILDREN from a Wokingham school were treated to a minions-themed party.

The event was organised by parents of Walter Infant School pupils to raise money for local children’s charity, First Days.

The party was held at Finchampstead Baptist Church, with more than 50 year 2 children attending.

Organiser, Kara Wilson says: “I suggested a Minion-themed party, and all the parents love watching the films, so everyone was happy with the idea.”

Children were able to enjoy party food provided by the parents, and a special Minion cake made by mum of two of the party goers, Lizzie Seal.

Lizzie has recently started a sideline making cakes.

Her hand-crafted double tiered cake was covered in miniature minions.

Party contributors offered services at lower rates: Mark from Treasure Box Parties provided discounted entertainment, with magic tricks, a disco, confetti cannon and plenty of jokes.

Unholy Doughnuts donated cake bags, FBC gave use of the hall free of charge and i-Prints at Holme Grange sourced T-shirts at cost price.

Kara says: “I still can’t believe h ow well behaved the children were.

“I saw no crying, falling-out or issues of any kind.

“Ellie Gosling from the charity came to speak to our wonderful Year 2 children and siblings,” says Kara.

“She thanked them for raising money and bringing presents for children less fortunate than themselves.

because it is about dinosaurs in space which is creative.”

The event also got a seal of approval from Jacob of St Edward’s Prep who described it as “10 out of 10”. Lucy from Caversham Prep said: “I think the day was the best.”

The schools who joined the event were: Caversham Prep, Christ the King Primary, St Edward’s Prep, Geoffrey Field Junior, St Mary’s Henley, The Palmer Academy, St Piran’s School, Ridgeway Primary, Whitley Park Primary, St Teresa’s Catholic Academy and New Christ Church Primary.

Each school was welcomed on the day by one of Leighton Park’s Year 10 literacy ambassadors, students trained to deliver support in primary schools by Assisting Berkshire Children with Reading.

These students deliver fortnightly sessions featuring literacy activities or listening to younger pupils read as part of their creativity, activity and service curriculum.

Helen Bambridge, head of Year 5 at St Piran’s in Maidenhead, said: “Book Week last week at our school was space themed and Year 5 pupils are reading Astrosaurs as a class reader.

“I hoped that our pupils would learn about the joy of reading, inspired by a real author. From the laughter and the discussions all were engaged and they have benefitted by being motivated to read a book by Steve Cole.”

“It’s utterly amazing given the excitement and sugar levels.”

Children brought brand new presents to the party.

They have been donated to First Days, and will be distriubuted to children in the borough whose families are experiencing hardship.

“We don’t yet know how much we have raised (we’re hoping to get a company to match the total) but I’m hopeful it will be over £350, in addition to a great stash of goodies.

“It was lovely to be doing something so positive with such a lovely group of children and parents from the school.”

AN ARMY veteran has decided to roll back the years and give up retirement to get back on the tools.

John Brown founded Wokingham Aerials, a digital TV aerial and satellite specialist, shortly after leaving the military in 1969.

He became a well-known and highly respected figure in the area and put up thousands of aerials and satellite dishes across Wokingham borough throughout nearly 50 years in the business.

In 2018, aged 75, John decided that it was time to down tools and begin a well-earned retirement, so he sold the business and moved to France.

However, as many of his friends predicted, retirement was not for him.

“I just got bored” said John.

“I missed the daily contact with people and the pleasure of solving problems and providing a good service.”

So five years later – and with his 80th birthday approaching – he has returned to the area, bought back the Oxford Road business and is ready to start getting back on the borough’s rooftops.

He’s been joined in the venture by Ralph Stevenson.

Although relatively “youthful”, Ralph has also managed to clock up 40 years of relevant experience

So, if you see anyone working on a rooftop installing an aerial, there’s a good chance it’s one of the tireless duo.

VISITOR: Steve Cole had the hundreds of Year 5 in stitches with his interactive talk.

Picture: Leighton Park School

PARTY TIME: Walter Infants pupils enjoyed a

John Brown is rolling back the years with a retune at Wokingham Aerials

party to support great success

THE COTSWOLDS & Cruising the River Avon

Departing Thu 20 Apr ‘23

We explore the pastoral landscapes of the Cotswolds with their gently rolling hills scattered with honey-coloured stone towns and villages. We also include a scenic journey on the heritage Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway and a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon.

THE STARS are coming out this month … and you’re invited to keep your eyes for them.

No, not local legends such as Ricky Gervais and Kate Winslet (although keep your eyes out as you never know…) but the heavenlies.

Countryside charity CPRE is organising is annual Star Count event, a citizen science project that calls on people to look up and take count.

It says that nothing beats looking upwards to see velvety blackness, with twinkling constellations as far as the eye can see, but the view can be marred by light pollution.

This, it adds, disrupts wildlife, affects sleep cycles, and contributes to carbon emissions.

So between Fridays, February 17 and February 24, the Berkshire branch of CPRE is asking people to count all the stars you can see in the Orion constellation. CPRE says no special equipment is needed as the count is carried out with the eye.

Greg Wilkinson, chairman of CPRE Berkshire, says: “We want to make sure that we can all enjoy starlit nights, and we need your help in measuring what effect light is having on our views of the galaxy. And the best way to see how

POETRY CORNER

(This is about an encounter with a child on the number 17 bus) Her mother glanced concern from the front of the bus. Reassured, acknowledged me; did not make a fuss.

She jumped up beside me onto the back seat; talking of Christmas and swinging her feet. Recognising another who understands the value of play. Chiming melody her voice. She had plenty to say.

Bright beads on her braids; pink, yellow and green. The only genuine smile this horrid day had seen.

many stars we can all see in the sky is to count them.

“So every year, around February, CPRE asks people from all across the country to become ‘citizen scientists’ and look heavenwards for one night. We hope lots of people in Berkshire will sign up to take part in this year’s exciting project which really is something the whole family can get involved in.”

The results are compared to previous years and create a map of the best and worst places to go stargazing in the county.

“This will enable us to work with local councils and others to decide what to do about it,” says Mr Wilkinson.

“Together, we can work towards rewilding our skies for the benefit of people and wildlife.”

He added: “Star Count is a great activity, whether on your own, with friends or with family, and you don’t need to go out of your way.

“You can take part at your local green space, your garden, or even just by looking out of your window – but be sure to switch all your lights off first.”

n For more details, log on to: www. cpre.org.uk and click on the link for Star Count.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Crawley

 4 nights at the Holiday Inn Birmingham - Bromsgrove with dinner & breakfast

 Cruise on the River Avon

 Heritage train journey on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

 Excursions to Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester, Tewkesbury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold & Broadway

5 Days by Coach only £329

THE FRY’S CHOCOLATE

Steam Train & Bristol Cruise

Departing Fri 28 Apr ‘23

Join us as we discover the delights of the South West by rail and boat! We enjoy a scenic journey on the heritage Avon Valley Railway and an exclusive brake van ride hauled by the Fry’s ‘Chocolate Train’, as well as a leisurely cruise around Bristol Harbour.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Wokingham, Bracknell & Crawley

 2 nights at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast

 Heritage train journey on the Avon Valley Railway

 Exclusive brake van ride hauled by the Fry’s Chocolate Train (with one Fry’s Chocolate goodie bag per person)

 Cruise around Bristol Harbour

 En-route visit to Bath

3 Days by Coach only £239

Kathryn McCone Usher

We love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Email yours to news@rdg.today and we’ll do the rest

KEEP WATCHING THE SKIES: The Orion nebula Picture: WikiImages from Pixabay

Be a star and give them a count...

Took my heart aglow with her as she turned to me and waved. I wonder, will she ever know; by her sweet companionship my pitiful life was saved.

Minions party to raise funds for First Days

Children’s Charity Picture: Kara Wilson

BACK IN ACTION: John Brown has returned to Wokingham Aerials at the young age of 75 Picture:

Mind our language

YESTERDAY, Ukranian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Parliament as part of his flying visit to the UK.

In perfect, fluent and persuasive English, he thanked us for standing with Ukraine ever since Russia invaded it a year ago.

“The United Kingdom is marching with us towards the most important victory of our lifetime. The victory over the very idea of war,” he said.

It was an impressive speech and will be remembered for a long time to come.

It is also a reminder of how we, as a nation, have welcomed Ukrainians, among other refugees, to our shores.

For those coming to us, often they are fleeing persecution. Of course, it is sometimes an imposition, but no one leaving their home nation out of desperation does so willingly.

Wokingham’s politicians have worked tirelessly to help – previous council leader John Halsall deserves much praise for the unseen actions he took to help so many.

But a slip of the tongue can be careless.

We are pleased that Cllr Gregor Murray has apologised for his clumsy phrasing–suggesting Wokingham was full – and made clear his good intentions.

Wokingham is a safe place, and extends a hand of friendship to all, especially those in need of support.

CHURCH NOTES The Cure

OUR family is a supporter of the campaigns driven by Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, raising awareness of motor neurone disease (MND) and money for research to find a cure.

It was very sad when Doddie passed away in November.

The clock is ticking and do what we may, we can’t stop it.

Science has given us so much hope as we treat disease and find cures to prevent things like polio, smallpox, diphtheria and controlling the spread of cancer, but the bottom line is, we can’t stop the clock.

Science has become to us the god of the universe; with scientific knowledge there is nothing we cannot do.

But science continually disproves itself: the combustion engine – the environmentally friendly solution to the pollution caused by horses in our towns and cities; the dash for gas in the ‘70s – the clean energy solution to coal; and look where we are now.

What started as discovery and understanding has become our god that we look to, to control our future. But we have a hope. Because Jesus rose from the dead we can put our trust in His promises that despite what life throws at us, we can know peace and joy and eternal life in Him.

In 1971, Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a popular hymn which says ‘Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future. And life is worth the living because He lives.’

Ian Stewart is a member of Christ Church Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together Wokingham

Your letters

An astonishing suggestion

Earlier this month, Wokingham town held its first Lunar New Year celebration event.

Hundreds of people attended, and it was wonderful to see so many new arrivals from Hong Kong and elsewhere enjoying the Lion Dance and the other activities.

Not all our Borough is quite so welcoming. In fact, there are some who would say that new arrivals should stay away. Cllr Murray, at a council meeting on November 29, made a ‘practical suggestion’ that the councillor responsible for education talk to local estate agents with the following message: to say that there is pressure on school places and to pass on this on to those arriving from Hong Kong that their children ‘ain’t getting a place in our schools’.

Of course, this is arrant nonsense as a practical suggestion because it doesn’t matter where new arrivals come from; there are houses, and people with children will buy or rent them. If the purchasers or renters are not from Hong Kong, then they might be from Ukraine, from France, from London, Reading or Bracknell. Those arrivals will have children too.

Lack of logical thinking is the least problematic part of Cllr Murray’s astonishing suggestion.

Recent new arrivals from Hong Kong come overwhelmingly through the Hong Kong UK Welcome Programme.

This route to the UK opened on 31 January 2021, and has widened since then, providing those who hold British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passports, or who have

members of their families holding BN(O) passports, with a pathway to citizenship. They are British Nationals.

Furthermore, Cllr Murray’s suggestion seems to involve asking estate agents to racially profile potential purchasers. Why should (apparent) recent arrivals from Hong Kong be singled out for special conversations with estate agents?

Why should they be told that there are no places for their children in Wokingham schools?

What Cllr Murray suggests is against the Equality Act, and therefore unlawful.

I therefore hope that, in the spirit of good community relations, Cllr Murray will withdraw his suggestion, acknowledge that his suggestion is unlawful, and apologise to Hong Kongers for his unwelcoming attitude. Cllr Murray, in his role as a Borough Councillor, should know better.

Name and address withheld

n Editor’s note – see page 4 for Cllr Murray’s comments on this letter

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

Sir John Redwood

IN the 1980s I took to Margaret Thatcher the idea of ownership for everyone.

She was already a keen exponent of Council house sales, the sale at a discount of a rented state owned home to the tenant. It was a win-win for everyone involved. The Council or government got its money back on the home to be able to build a new one or to clear its debts.

The tenant changed rent for mortgage so as they approached retirement the mortgage would be paid off and they had no more rent to pay. Surely old age is more secure if you are rent free?

They could also extend, improve, decorate their homes as they saw fit, free of tenancy restrictions.

We worked on beefed up home sales. The Opposition parties opposed but some of their Councillors and members loved the idea enough to buy their own.

Margaret agreed we could work up a series of measures to give more people more opportunity to own.

We extended and improved employee share schemes, so those working for a larger company could be a shareholder.

We launched a big privatisation programme with special deals to encourage employee shareholdings, including some free shares. We advertised the share offers direct to the public, and many bought their share in a great national company like British Telecom or British Gas.

We fostered more employee and management buyouts of the businesses they worked for and led by example with the very successful sale of National Freight to the lorry drivers and managers of the company.

This was followed by Tower Colliery, where the miners who bought it proved the nationalised

What’s in a parking charge?

The last time car parking charges were increased across all time slots, Cllr Stephen Conway, the current Deputy Leader of the Borough Council, gave evidence against the proposals.

Cllr Conway stated:

n “No consultation was undertaken prior to the decision”

n “No consideration appeared to have been made of the impact the increases charges would have in a period of economic downturn”

n “The Executive did not appear to have considered the impact the increased charges would have on local traders during the day”

n “In difficult economic times retailers were under great pressure and car users were under pressure with increased fuel costs and the proposed increase in vehicle excise duty”

n “There was a danger if the Council got the changes wrong that business that business liability would be affected”

n “It was felt that the possible revenue benefit did not outweigh the

industry had been too pessimistic about its prospects when they wanted to close it.

We let people save for their pension in personal pension plan portfolios instead of having to do it through collective company wide schemes.

This meant people could see what shares and bonds they owned and could influence how the money was invested directly.

For those staying with the larger schemes, we worked on improving the information so savers could see they indirectly owned shares in many of the great companies of the UK.

You cannot have capitalism without many people owning capital. If capital is too concentrated it will be resented.

It becomes easier for those who dislike free enterprise to gain majorities in democratic Parliaments and seek to tax and legislate it into difficulties.

Conservatives believe in levelling up, not levelling down. It does not give capital to the poor by taking away more of the capital and income of the rich. It will drive the rich to other countries or will get them to hire smarter lawyers and tax advisers. Conservatives believe in policies that promote wider ownership and allow markets to

likely disadvantage to the retail sector who were already be affected by the economic downturn”./

Does this sound familiar?

You should do as it is exactly what I and my Conservative colleagues have been saying for months over the current proposals. I tried to ask a question at the last Full Council asking Cllr Conway to clarify why he now thinks all these points are no longer valid but it was ruled that my question could not be asked. Interesting times.

Cllr Keith Baker MBE, Coronation Ward, Woodley Wasted effort

We have discovered that there is no point registering resident objections to Reading University and Developer proposed plans to build 4,500 more homes at Hall Farm for their so-called ‘Loddon Garden Village’, which was part of a glossy presentation to WBC late last year.

Shinfield and Arborfield residents (S.O.L.V.E. - Save Our Loddon Valley) who are weary of yet more housing have been told by Wokingham Borough Council that their petition of

set prices that expand supply and tackle shortages.

We do believe in collective insurance against unemployment and disability. A successful free enterprise society can afford to help the vulnerable with the costs of a decent life.

We also believe in individual and family effort and insurance wherever possible. That is why it must always be worthwhile to work rather than to be on benefit.

That is why from self-employed to billionaire large company it must always be worthwhile to venture, to expand, to serve customers better. Socialism is the politics of envy, where people would rather everyone was worse off if less unequal.

Conservatism is the politics of aspiration, where we want the many to be better off by their own efforts and the vulnerable minority to be well looked after through state action.

We welcome ownership for the many. We promote better paid jobs with smarter working and higher levels of training.

We want a can-do society, a society where the strivers are the heroes and where free enterprise can show it serves you better.

Sir John Redwood is the MP for Wokingham

1,500 signatures objecting to the plan has been a complete waste of time.

Trudging door-to-door collecting signatures of concerned residents registering their objections to traffic, congestion, pollution, difficulty finding schools and the destruction of yet more wildlife habitat have been told NO - their views will not be heard and there will be no debate in council.

Democracy at work?

Does that mean it’s already been decided?

Disappointed is an understatement.

Christine Holender, via email Please Think of Others

It appears I may need a pill that shuts off memories of long ago!

That may seem a strange opening remark to a letter, but world and for that matter, our country’s situation worries me. My concern would be much worse if I had children, especially young ones.

I am not quite old enough to remember much before 1935, but I cannot close the” book” my memory seems to want to use daily, as Europe began to see the growth of terrible enemies to our society.

Whatever we hear or are concerned about we must never ignore the young and any ramifications on their lives, standard of living, their security, health etc.

For years, I have worried that the monied people, e.g. business owners, in this country have been only too pleased to sell to countries like China -in so many cases selling or giving away the knowledge of our excellent engineers, designers, etc. There has been an enormous amount of takeover and investment of wealth in us. Personally I would not have allowed that to happen! That is how a foothold is ready at all times.

As the today’s Press, especially American, is revealing their concerns for our future, in a world that has the

KGB element in Russia, even in the early days indicating it likes to kill/act as a Hitler, to simply grab territory; being great friends with China, who still consider their poor millions, as fodder for battles. (I missed being sent to fight in the Korean War by months.)

Surely, we must watch the world about us, and see how we can protect our peoples, which leads me to Europe. I still believe the European countries we were close to before Brexit, should even more so, be working closely together and limiting trade with those that would do us harm. We pay fortunes to China to help their weapons businesses, as we did with Russia.

Rather than going on and on, I do attach great importance to Australia, New Zealand and Canada – we must keep them very close. Let Scotland have its independence, but do not forget they are formidable allies when fighting with us.

Studying the Second World War history, against Japan, Germany and Italy, may have caused my loss of sleep – but we must never forget.

Observations/arguments very welcome.

Reg Clifton, Wokingham

An open house in a crisis

It is sad to hear of this latest case of the schizophrenic lady - finally found in her flat – having been lying there, dead, for years.

It is not uncommon for a mentally ill, or elderly, person to be found dead – but usually, they are found within a few days, not years.

I can remember the Community Psychiatric Nursing Service being introduced – in 1968.

The THEORY was that chronic schizophrenics would be nursed in their own homes – rather than, as previously, on long-stay hospital wards, and that the, newly introduced, CPN’s, would function

as the perfect amalgam of nurse and social worker.

Did it work out perfectly? It did not, and a lot of the community psychiatric services are, very much, office-based – with the onus being on the patient to attend for appointments.

I have long held the view, that the most important of the Crisis House’s services, is to provide a place for lonely, and isolated, schizophrenics – hence the title of my Thirty Year History of the Crisis House – ‘There’s A Place For Us’.

Of course, I love crisis work – being able to get depressed and anxious people, into therapy – so that they are enabled to turn their whole lives around, for the better.

But that is not going to happen with chronic schizophrenics, so I encourage them, instead, just to get out of bed, get washed, get dressed, out of their four walls, and down the road to the Crisis House Drop-In Centre.

Here they will be able to have a cup of tea, and talk with people. I have instances of people, who, if not thus encouraged, would literally, lie in bed all day.

Regular checks need to be made on such people – in order to avoid more instances like this latest tragedy.

I always check on people, by telephone, in order to make sure that they are coming to us, and a Police Welfare Check can be arranged – if a regular service-user is absent, without explanation.

There is no need for any mentally ill person to be lonely and isolated. Our Drop-In Centre is open from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

Nowhere could be easier to find. We are the little old cream-washed house – just across Station Approach from the Railway Station, and next door to the Station Tap Pub – whose car park is a lot cheaper than is the station car park.

expected to have negative growth this year.

And still the situation for ordinary people gets worse.

With energy prices set to rise yet again in April as the government scales back its support for fuel bills, water bills are set to rise by 7.5%, the biggest rise for two decades.

There is a whole swathe of homeowners who are yet to be hit by the rapid rises in mortgage rates as their mortgages deals come to an end this year.

Buses, also, are only one minute away. You don’t need an appointment, nor a referral, to come to us.

Just walk in, and you will be welcome. I can guarantee that there will be a comfortable armchair, and a cup of tea awaiting you – and sympathetic people to talk to, many of whom have the same kind of problems as you.

Our telephone number is 0118 979 2620. Our website is www. wokinghammentalhealth.org.uk and my e-mail address is pamjenkinson@ wokinghammentalhealth.org.uk

Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House

Help save sight

I am an ambassador for international development organisation Sightsavers, and I’m incredibly grateful to supporters in the South East for helping transform lives across Africa and Asia.

In 2022, Sightsavers helped eliminate trachoma in Malawi, freeing the country from the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. Trachoma starts as an infection but can turn eyelashes inwards so that they scrape painfully against the eye and cause irreversible sight loss. It’s hard to imagine the agony.

Eliminating trachoma requires support from governments, partners, and donations from individuals like you.

We are another step closer to beating the disease globally, but other countries still need your support.

It costs as little as 18p to protect an individual from trachoma for a year and start a wider ripple effect that transforms lives and communities. Find out more about the impact of your donations and how to continue supporting Sightsavers at www. sightsavers.org/thankyou.

Sunetra Sarker, actress and broadcaster, Sightsavers Ambassador

challenging circumstances, and after 12 years of austerity and successive inadequate funding settlements.

It saddens me greatly that the Council have had to resort to a crowdfunding campaign to help people struggling this winter, such is the inadequacy of government funding. The sixth biggest economy in the world and our councils are resorting to crowdfunding for ordinary people who cannot afford to feed their families.

Cllr Clive Jones

Take part in housing survey

AFTER many attempts at persuading the Government to adopt a more common sense approach on housing numbers, both in Wokingham Borough and on a national scale, I’m pleased to see signs that our message may finally have been heard.

In December, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities began consulting on changes to national planning policy which we think could help us and other affected councils to reduce the number of new homes being imposed.

This consultation, which follows our representations to various Secretaries of State including Michael Gove MP, ends on Thursday, March 2, and it’s vital that you submit your comments before then.

So why does this matter to you?

Like all local planning authorities, we have to calculate our future housing need using a standard mathematical formula set by the Government.

If we take more homes than we need in a given year, we can’t offset this by taking fewer in future.

Since 2006, Wokingham Borough has taken a total of 1,727 more homes than required – and the latest Government proposals appear to let us take this into account when drawing up our new local plan, reducing the number of new homes we need.

This is promising, although the proposed amendments would have to refer to completions, and not just planning permissions, for us to benefit.

The proposals also remove the need to add a 5% “buffer” to our housing figure when we calculate each year whether sufficient homes will realistically be built in the following five years.

Our current figure, according to the formula, is 781 new homes a year – removing 40 homes on top of this for five years effectively removes 200 homes over the five year period.

As it stands, our requirement over a 15-year period is 11,715 new homes – that’s 15 x 781 a year. If we are able to offset past over delivery, this may be reduced to around 10,000 homes.

As well as a lower housing number, we believe our borough needs time to recover from the continuous housing development that has occurred over the past few decades, as do many in the Southeast.

New communities, in particular, need time to settle and for infrastructure to catch up.

HUNDREDS of teachers in Wokingham walked out on strike last Wednesday, their passions raised by poor pay and excessive workloads that have caused a recruitment and retention crisis in our schools.

Our teachers have some of the longest working hours in the world and for the first time in years they have decided that enough is enough. It was stunning to see so many gathered at a rally in Wokingham’s market place calling for a fair pay settlement, fully funded, to pay teachers properly for the essential work they do for our children.

Education is just one example in a wave of industrial disputes up and down the country, involving workers spanning all sectors, and including a whole generation of people who have never been out on strike before.

Instead of engaging with unions, the government is instead introducing a draconian minimum service bill which gives employers new powers curtailing the right to strike, with no protection from unfair dismissal. As Keir Starmer said last week when speaking about the nurses strikes, the government appears to have gone from clapping the nurses to sacking them.

Instead of negotiating, the Conservatives seem intent on prolonging the agony.

This is just one aspect of policy among a whole litany of issues the Conservatives refuse to properly face up to – and soon they are going to run out of sticking plasters.

After Truss’s disastrous mini budget and years of economic stagnation, we learned last week that under the Conservatives the UK is the only G7 nation

Many people in Wokingham do not have enough money to deal with these soaring bills, rents and mortgage payments. For many, their wages are too low and the cost of living too high for even the basic necessities.

Talking to Citizens Advice Wokingham as part of my work improving the way council debts are collected, I know that just one missed bill payment can set off a chain reaction that can end up with the bailiffs knocking at the door.

As bills soar for ordinary people, we saw again this week the jaw-dropping profits being made by oil and gas giants. Instead of a proper windfall tax on these companies the Conservatives look the other way.

And Council budgets have no magic buffer against the massive rise in prices. Councillors meet later this month to agree a budget for the coming year and I know how tirelessly Council officers have worked to balance the books in extremely

I talk to people on the doorstep every week.

Do people in Wokingham think they are better off under the Conservatives? Increasingly the answer is no.

Instead of sticking plasters we need to tackle the cost of living crisis, boost the economy and raise living standards.

We need more police, more doctors and nurses and proper pay negotiations for our essential workers.

I am not in the habit of taking political suggestions from millionaire Conservative-voting rock stars. But I can only live in hope that the government take Sir Rod Stewart’s advice, as he said last week “the government should stand down now and give the Labour Party a go”.

It cannot come soon enough.

We need to ensure that enough new schools, open spaces, doctors’ surgeries, hospital beds, roads, cycleways, footpaths, sports facilities and more have been provided before further significant development takes place.

We’re required to have an up-to-date local plan, and our hope is to move forward with one based on a lower housing requirement across the borough.

It must allow for more affordable homes for our local people, and for the new homes of the future to be suitably adapted to be more energy efficient.

We’ve declared a climate emergency and pledged to do all we can to address it, so we need to start planning now.

We must protect our important green spaces, ancient woodland and other open spaces for our children, grandchildren and beyond, as well as ensuring that new and existing residents aren’t affected by physical and mental health hazards like noise and air pollution.

Once the changes to national planning policy are confirmed, there will be an opportunity to review how development is best managed moving forward in line with the new rules, including where, when and how sites are proposed to be allocated for housing and other uses.

Please respond to the government’s consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/ consultations/levelling-up-and-regeneration-billreforms-to-national-planning-policy

Cllr Rachel Burgess is the leader of the Labour group on Wokingham Borough Council and ward member for Norreys

Cllr Rachel Burgess

From clapping key workers to sacking them

In association with Blandy & Blandy

Buy-to-let landlords see return on investment in 18 months

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

BUY-TO-LET landlords looking to buy a property will see a return on their investment within three years according to a new study.

Bonusetu.com analysed current market data from Zoopla, Rightmove, and Propertypal to reveal the best place to buy a onebedroom property.

This was done by comparing the average price of a one-bedroom property in all 76 UK cities (as listed on the gov.uk website) and the Isle of Man to the average monthly rental income.

If you bought a property in Reading, the average return on investment (ROI) period is 1.43 years – the fourth best in the country, while in Wokingham, it would be closer to 2.65 years.

And bought places would see a rental yield higher than the Bank of England’s interest rate of 4%.

In Reading, the average rental for a one-bed flat is £1,845, and average property price is £211,875. A 15% deposit would be £31,781.25.

The rental yield is 10.45%, and it

Business community helps Wargrave-based charity with raffle

A WARGRAVE-based charity that helps families who have children with additional needs has received a donation from a business networking group.

At its new year meeting, members of Wokingham Positive Difference took part in a raffle, with donations going to the work of Camp Mohawk.

In all, £395 was raised at the event, held in Wokingham’s town hall on Friday, January 27.

The money will go towards the running costs of its multi-functional day centre.

Wokingham Positive Difference brings together business, local government, and community for the collective benefit of all. Organisers said they wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the raffle.

n For more details, or to book for the next meeting, log on to: www. wokinghampositivedifference.co.uk

The study also found that London and Chester took the longest to see a 15% return, with London having a return period of 201.2 months and Chester having a return period of 88.6 months.

Bonusetu.com also compared these figures to those of a threebedroom property and discovered that a one-bed property will return a deposit 32.7% faster than a threebedroom property.

The average three-bedroom property in the UK has a rent of £1,648, takes 55 months to earn back a 15% deposit, and a rent yield of 3.86%.

The average one-bedroom property has a rent of £957.13, takes 37.6 months to earn back a 15% deposit, and a rent yield of 5.75%.

would take just over 17 months to earn back the deposit.

Wokingham’s average one-bed rental is £1,300, and the average price is higher at £275,000. A 15% deposit is £41,325, and the rental yield is 5.66%, so it would take nearly 32 months to earn the deposit back.

The study showed that Coventry is the best city to invest in property

Osborne Clarke advises Vodafone

TELECOMMUNICATIONS firm Vodafone has sold its Newbury campus - but it’s not going anywhere.

It has arranged long-term leases on four of the seven buildings at the site, in a deal arranged by law firm Osborne Clarke.

The seven properties have a net internal area of 486,810 sqft (45,226 sqm) and are set on 38 acres of landscaped grounds. It has been home to the company since the early 21st century.

The campus has purchased by clients of IQON Capital and Oval Real Estate with the intention of upgrading it into a world-class business and innovation campus.

The Osborne Clarke team that advised Vodafone included corporate real estate partner Alison Riddle and associate Svetlana Kisyova; legal director Catherine Gunz and associate Hayley Batki in real estate; partner Tracey Wright and associate director Alex Makinson in Tax; partner Mark Taylor, and associate director Georgina Graham in commercial; and partner Paul Killen and associate director Leanne Coates in employment.

Vodafone was advised on the transaction by Colliers, with Chris Lewis, head of office investment and Rob Campkin, head of corporate capital solutions.

because it will return your deposit faster than any other UK city. It would take you as little as 14.8 months to earn back the average deposit of £19.875 with its rental yield of 12.2%.

The second-best place is Birmingham. It takes approximately 15.6 months for the 12.5% rent yield to return your initial deposit. Reading came in fourth.

A spokesperson from Bonusetu. com said: “This research highlights the importance of evaluating current market conditions when considering investing in the housing market.

“By analysing the live market data, we can provide valuable insights for motivated property investors who are looking to maximise their return on investment in 2023.”

UNDER THE HAMMER: Continuity House in Bracknell will be auctioned on Thursday, February 16

Empty office building with planning

AN EMPTY office building on a busy Bracknell road is coming up for auction next week.

Continuity House on London Road comprises office accommodation arranged over ground, first, and second floors on a site of 0.22 acres.

And it has planning permission to create a fivestorey residential scheme comprising 20 apartments

together with parking for 22 vehicles.

It will be auctioned by Acutius with a guide price of £1.2m.

The firm’s investment director Jon Skerry was convinced it would be a popular property.

“A development opportunity in the heart of Bracknell will be attractive to various investors

– especially as it benefits planning consent to develop the site into a residential scheme,” he said.

The sale takes place from 2pm on Thursday, February 16, and will be broadcast on Acuitus’ website. Bidding can be made online, by phone or proxy.

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

WAITING GAME: Buy-to-let landlords purchasing a one-bed flat will see a return on their investment within 18 months in Reading Picture: Shahid Abdullah from Pixabay

DONATION: Samantha Rosier from Camp Mohawk with Graeme Hobbs Chairman of Wokingham Positive Difference

Rotary club invites charities to celebrate their ‘outstanding’ work

REPRESENTATIVES from charities and community groups came together to celebrate their work in a unique event.

The Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh’s meeting saw 16 of the charities it supports deliver five-minute-long introductions into their activities across Reading and Wokingham. Held at the Salvation Army corps in Lower Earley, the event was attended by almost 70 people, including club members, guest speakers and the district governor elect, Kate Hodges.

The concept for the event arose from the club’s recent involvement in a project which will see 2,500 frozen meals

provided to foodbanks and food surplus projects across Berkshire.

Scott Trathen, RME’s community service team leader, organised the event and said: “It’s so exciting, it’s brilliant. It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this.

“It all came about because I felt, like my Rotary members who do so much good work, I didn’t really realise where it’s going.

“Some of the charities, who receive the money and the help we give them, don’t know all of our Rotarians, so I thought why not bring them altogether and just meet and mingle.”

The charities in attendance were: Link Visiting, Woodley Food Bank, Wycliffe

Food Share, Whitley Community Development Association, SHARE Wokingham and Woodley, Alexander Devine, YEldall Manor, Soulscape, Camp Mohwak, Dingley’s Promise, Reading Association for the Blind and Berkshire Vision, JAC, Me2 Club and Launchpad.

The Rotary Club’s support is not just financial, members have done gardening, volunteered at vaccination centres and helped with talking news for the blind.

“All the volunteers which run these charities are outstanding,” Mr Trathen added. “Most of them are church-based organisations and I fully respect that they feel it’s their duty to help, which is lovely. If we can help that, then that’s perfect.”

Council seeks views as it looks to improve journeys

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM Borough Council is asking for feedback on how it can improve journeys in the borough.

The council needs people’s views to help it write a new, updated version of its Local Transport Plan, an official document guiding how it maintains and improves footways, cycle lanes, roads and other transport networks for many years to come.

This will offer residents more ways of getting around and more chances to leave the car at home, especially for shorter journeys.

Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished with our current Local Transport Plan but, looking to the future, we’ve got to be even more serious about the impact of vehicle transport on the environment.

“While we can’t always avoid building new roads, they aren’t a viable long-term

solution to the problems facing our community and the wider world – there’s got to be a shift towards more environmentally friendly alternatives.

All highways authorities must have an up-to-date Local Transport Plan that looks to the future and sets strategies for every part of the network.

This must be presented to the Department for Transport and can help secure Government funding.

The borough’s current plan, which runs until 2026, has provided benefits like its “greenways” and improvements to Wokingham town centre, including the interchange with bus access at the station and a new link from Wellington Road to Reading Road.

Most schemes that the existing plan outlines are now completed – and with

changing travel trends and a greater focus on the climate emergency, it must be refreshed to better meet local demand and the issues facing the borough.

During this initial engagement, the council wants input on ideas like more support for electric vehicles, more cycle parking, and providing more space for pedestrians on pavements in village and town centres.

This process is still at an early stage and will be followed by more detailed consultation, but everyone is encouraged to take part now so it reflects the community’s needs and wishes from the outset.

Feedback can be submitted until Sunday, March 12.

n For more information, or to respond, visit: engage. wokingham.gov.uk

A LITTER pick is set to help a Wokingham village continue looking its best.

Swallowfield Parish Council is inviting residents of all ages from Swallowfield, Riseley and Farley Hill to take part in what it hopes will be an opportunity to grab some fresh air and exercise with friends and family.

Refreshments, litter pickers, bags and hi-vis vests will be provided.

Participants will meet in the Davies Room at the parish hall with the session taking place from 10am-4pm on Saturday, March 25.

n To register, log on to: swallowfieldpc.gov.uk

Swallowfield to hold litter pick Curry music night

A TOWN restaurant is hosting an event that should appeal to fans of the material girl.

Baranda, which serves Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine, welcomes Tasha to perform a Madonna tribute show.

Customers will be able to enjoy a meal and the entertainment.

The event takes place at the Peach Street restaurant, on Tuesday, February 21.

The meal and entertainment costs £30 per person.

n For more details, call: 0118 977 6100, or: 0118 979 2379.

The event was organised by Scott Trathen, Rotary Maiden Erleigh’s community service team leader. Picture: Ji-Min Lee

Just Around the Corner, represented by co-founder Sam Milligan

Picture: Scott Trathen

Camp Mohawk’s Samantha Rosier speaking about its day centre for children with special needs.

Picture: Ji-Min Lee

Nick Barnes spoke about Soulscape’s efforts to help young people navigate pressures in their lives. Picture: Ji-Min Lee

STORY TO TELL: SHARE Wokingham’s Claire Revie detailed the extent of the borough-wide project’s work. Picture: Scott Trathen

MP visits film studios

A WOKINGHAM MP was shown around Thames Valley Science Park’s most recent development last week.

Joint managing directors Nick Smith and Ian Johnson gave Sir John Redwood MP a tour around Shinfield Studios, where the latest Star Wars movie, The Acolyte, is being filmed.

Sir John Redwood said:

“Shinfield Studios have been attracted to our area by the talented workforce available in surrounding towns and villages, and by the good access from the motorway nearby.

“I wish them every success as they go about completing the buildings and welcoming

How else do you mark Chocolate Cake day?

those who come here to make their films.

“There was filming action in a completed studio on Friday which we did not disturb.”

With Phase 1 of the studio complex completed, Phase 2 is also nearing an end.

The facility is set to be completed in its entirety at the end of this year, and will cover one million square feet with 18 sound stages offering substantial interiors for filming.

Each building is a large box structure with well insulated double walls to ensure silence inside when needed for recording. Good eaves height gives plenty of space for sets and hanging lighting.

CAKES of all shapes and sizes were created by residents of a Lower Earley care home late last month as part of a special celebration.

Friday, January 27 was National Chocolate Cake Day, and Austen House took part in the day.

Overseen by its head chef Ainsworth Brown, staff and residents created chocolate logs, cupcakes, chocolate fudge cake and a Mississippi mud pie.

Once cooled, they were scoffed.

The care home’s general manager Seva Hashimova said it had been a fabulous event, and gave them all a “good excuse” to eat chocolate.

“It wasn’t just the residents that were excited when we found out there was a National Chocolate Cake Day, the eyes of all our staff lit up too – everyone loves chocolate cake and even

better when there is a good excuse to eat it,” she said.

And residents enjoyed the event too.

Katherine said: “I have always loved baking, it is so rewarding when a cake turns out well and chocolate cake has always been a family favourite.

“I have eaten so much delicious chocolate cake, I think this has to be one of my favourite celebrations.”

Shinfield school ‘disappointed’ over crossing rejection

THE

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

A SHINFIELD SCHOOL has expressed its disappointment after Wokingham Borough Council decided not to install a crossing near its main entrance.

Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, confirmed additional traffic safety measures were not required at Crosfields School during a council meeting on January 19.

Having visited the site, he reported that the vast majority of students travelled in by car or bus and deemed a new pelican crossing unnecessary.

A spokesperson from Crosfields said: “We are disappointed to learn that the crossing did not secure approval from the council.

“Our local councillors have been most supportive of our desire to encourage our parents and pupils to walk or cycle to and from school in greater

numbers.

“From consultations with the community and our parent body, there is a reluctance for parents and children to walk in these greater numbers until there is a safe crossing point at the school’s main entrance.

“As a school, we encourage sustainable transport, with, as an example, Walk It Wednesdays a regular feature of our school terms. We had hoped for greater support from the council as a whole to help our initiatives grow.

“We will continue to do all we can to help provide safe pedestrian and cycle routes for our families to allow them to make environmentallyfriendly choices for their travel

to school. We would like to urge the Council to revisit both our site and its decision not to install a safe public pedestrian crossing point on Shinfield Road.”

Shinfield North councillor Parry Batth had raised the question of traffic safety outside the school for a number of months and expressed his disappointment that initial groundwork done by Cllr Fishwick’s predecessor, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen would ‘go to waste’.

In February 2020, the school received the green light for plans to expand its provision to students aged 14-16, having previously only accepted children up to age 13.

CHOCS WHAHEY: Chocolate Cake Day was celebrated at Austen House in Lower Earley. The residents made all kinds of chocolate themed cakes, and then enjoyed eating them

includes the classic “Triumphal March” with a temple dance, cascades of glittering gold and amazing fire performers.

“Visually and vocally gripping”

Italian with English surtitles. La Bohème, one of the most romantic operas ever written, includes a local brass band and snow effects.

“Authentic, tender and passionate”

with English surtitles.

Senbla presents Opera International’s award-winning Ellen Kent Productions featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 Thursday, February 9, 2023 WOKINGHAM.TODAY 35

New mental health service aims to provide earlier interventions

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

A NEW mental health and wellbeing service which provides early interventions for adults with significant mental illness is now available for residents.

Delivered by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the Mental Health Integrated Community Service (MHICS) will provide specialist mental health support within the community, focussing on recovery and resilience.

Working in collaboration with Wokingham Borough Council and the voluntary sector, a multidisciplinary team comprising mental health professionals, pharmacists, community connectors, psychiatrists and psychologists will provide specialist support for significant mental illness, as well as support with other factors that impact on wellbeing, such as housing, employment and physical health.

People living in the borough can access the new service through several referral routes including GP’s, talking therapists, mental health practitioners, social prescribers, voluntary sector workers, council staff and community

mental health teams.

An informal telephone conversation made within four weeks of referral will help determine the type of support needed.

Leanne Ballantyne, clinical transformation lead for West Berkshire, at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Mental health services are struggling to meet demand so we are transforming our services to meet the needs of our local population.

“MHICS tailors its input for each individual based on their specific needs and past

experiences, collaborating with them to create a care plan that addresses their mental health.

“This work is done in a primary care setting to cause as little disruption to the person’s life as possible.”

Cllr David Hare, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services at Wokingham Borough Council, is pleased to see the service launching in the borough

He said: “This will give our residents access to a wide range of support and help to bridge the gap for those adults who struggle to engage with other

Still time to enter Wokingham Half

ENTRIES for the Wokingham Half Marathon are open and organisers are advising people to enter quick so not miss out.

An estimated 3,000 runners will take to the streets for one of the borough’s biggest events of the year on Sunday, February 26.

After the race was cancelled in 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions, it came back strong last year and was at full capacity, with more than 2,500 people completing the 13.1-mile course.

This featured a new route, which saw the half marathon pass through the town centre for the first time since launching in 1984.

This year’s event will use the same course, starting and ending at Cantley Park in Twyford Road.

Younger residents are also being urged to sign up for the Wokingham Children’s Mini-Mile, which was introduced in 2020.

The run starts at approximately 10.15am, shortly after the start of the half marathon at 10am.

Chris Sumner, the race organiser, is hoping for another sell-out and is looking forward to another successful year.

He said: “The continued success of the half marathon is down to a huge amount of hard work behind the scenes, but it is so rewarding when you see everything come together on the day and the fun everyone is having.

NatWest branch to close today

A WOKINGHAM high street bank it closings its doors for good today (Thursday).

mental health services.

Ensuring our residents have access to the right help when they need it is a key priority for us and the events of the last few years have demonstrated to all of us just how important it is to look after our mental health.”

Support provided by the service includes care plans to help the individual achieve their goals, support and monitoring of medicine and access to psychiatric consultations.

MHICS also works closely with specialist voluntary sector partners within the service who have knowledge of the local

NEW: The Wokingham MHICS team

Picture: Wokingham Borough Council

area and can help with access to drug and alcohol groups, social networks to combat loneliness and activities to enhance wellbeing.

MHICS is the first stage of an extensive programme to transform community mental health services across Berkshire, in line with NHS England’s Community Mental Health Framework.

Wokingham borough is the latest area to benefit from MHICS, with the service having previously launched in Reading, Bracknell, Slough, Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead.

WPR_2023-02-06_TheWokinghamPaper_16x4 (1)_Just Go WorcesterObserver

A poster at the branch advises people that their nearest available branch will be NatWest Bracknell or in The Oracle in Reading, and their nearest Post Office branch in Wokingham.

Customers can also use the bank’s Online Banking service or NatWest app.

For more information people should log on to: natwest.com/ everydaybanking, or call: 03457 888 444.

For assistance with hearing or speech impairment customers can call Relay UK: 18001 03457 888 444.

Vegan market day

A MONTHLY market in Wokingham is the place to go for a wide range of vegan products.

Plenty of stalls offer vegan products and foods, as well as cakes, natural skincare, and eco-friendly products and gifts.

The event is located in Market Place around the Wokingham Old Town Hall on the second Sunday of each month, from 11am through to 3pm.

This month the vegan market takes place on Sunday, February 12. Entry is free. n For more details, log on to: www.sparkleveganevents.com

NEWQUAY

Cornish Ports & Bodmin Jail

“We are really looking forward to welcoming young people to be part of the event and anyone from four to 14 can register for the mini-mile.”

Parents are welcome to run with and support their children on the route and children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult.

Entry for the half marathon is £35.50 for members of UK Athletics and £37.50 for unaffiliated runners.

Runners must be 17 or older on the day of the race in order to enter.

Entry for the mini-mile is £10. Registrations were closed early last year due to demand and there will be no admissions on the day.

READY For more information, or to book, please call

Affected roads will be closed from 9am and managed access will be maintained where possible, with all town centre roads due to reopen by 10.45am. Roads north of the town centre will be open by 1.15pm. n For more information on road closures, event information, FAQs and parking details, visit: wokinghamhalfmarathon.com

Mon 1 May ‘23 Your break includes  Return coach travel from Wokingham & Bracknell  4 nights at the Pentire Hotel, Newquay with dinner & breakfast  Entertainment some evenings  Excursions to Bodmin Jail, Padstow, Charlestown & Falmouth  Optional excursion to Penzance & St Ives (£13pp)

Mon 8 May ‘23

break includes  Return coach travel from Crawley  4 nights at a selected hotel in Great Yarmouth with dinner & breakfast  99p bar on selected

drinks for 3 hours every evening (April & May only)

 Mississippi paddle steamer cruise on the Norfolk Broads

 Excursions to Cromer & Sheringham

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Site of 200 homes proposed for Hurst is ‘rural, quiet calm’

VILLAGERS who clubbed together so a barrister could help them fight 200 new homes turned out in force to hear a key part of the inquiry into the plan.

Hurst Parish Council obtained special Rule 6 status so they could play a major part at the inquiry into whether the homes should have planning permission. It was an unusual move for a parish council.

Last Thursday the council, supported by the barrister, put their case as to why the scheme for a green field in Tape Lane and Lodge Road should be turned down.

Council chairman Wayne Smith said the site meant villagers experienced “a rural, quiet calm with ponies gently grazing.”

Having a nature reserve and wildlife site nearby meant people could “stop and stare, talk to the ponies, observe a pastoral scene and ... wildlife as they walk to and from school, the village hall etc.

“This is in direct contrast to walking through an urban housing estate. The field and the tranquillity it provides has stood unchanged for centuries.”

Whistley Green settlement including the site went back to the pre-Bronze Age.

The field was very dark at night with a rural atmosphere “as the owls screech [and] badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and other nocturnal wildlife go about their business.”

The proposed way to help bats would be difficult to maintain once new residents lit their gardens.

Hurst residents had robustly objected to development there for decades. All planning applications since 1958 had been dismissed at appeal. Hurst and Whistley Green, now separate, would join with the separation [area] becoming an urban sprawl.

A suggestion that 200 homes, garages, roads

and pavements would cause ‘moderate adverse change’ was woefully underestimated, he said.

The site had mature trees and centuries-old hedges. He claimed that two mature oak trees in the way of the proposed access had been felled in March 2021, just before the planning application.

Councillor Smith said Hurst villagers were overly reliant on cars. [The Government wants car use reduced to cut emissions.] Winnersh and Twyford stations, Twyford village, secondary schools and the GP surgery were beyond acceptable walking distances. The village shop stock was limited. Residents had to travel further for better services.

Pavements were unlit, not continuous and most too narrow for pushchair, wheelchair and mobility scooter users, who often had to go into the road. There were unsafe routes to Twyford and Winnersh stations, Dolphin School, Woodley via Sandford Lane, and the Jolly Farmer and Wheelwright’s Arms pubs. The very young, elderly people and those with mobility issues were unlikely to cycle.

The bus service was inadequate. St Nicholas School admitted only 20 children a year and would not have space for children from the proposed homes who would have to go to school by car. The bus service level was not practical for getting children to The Colleton School at Twyford.

Wheelchair user’s frustration at not being able to travel around Hurst

RESIDENTS love the views of a green field wanted for housing –but an expert says that doesn’t make it value landscape.

Landscape and visual planning specialist John Paul Friend said the Hurst field had few characteristics of a value landscape.

“Even if valued locally by people, that does not make [the field] a value landscape,” he said. People could get attached to any landscape.

The site’s characteristics were not rare. They were generally commonplace, even in them local area.

He was giving evidence last Thursday for housebuilders Mactaggart and Mickel who are fighting at a planning appeal for permission to build 200 homes between Tape Lane and Lodge Road.

More than 400 residents have objected.

Villagers have told the appeal inquiry the field is much loved. Frances Davis said many relied on it for their ‘mental wellbeing.’

Residents say the scheme would join Whistley Green and Hurst.

But Mr Friend said: “In my experience when you travel through the settlement it reads as one settlement.

“It has coalesced.”

Mr Friend said that tree and hedge planting and green spaces would mitigate [improve] views of

the site after 15 years. He admitted that when the Lodge Road access road was created “looking at the entrance there will be a substantial change from day one.”

Hedging there would be removed and replaced by better hedging. He added: “There will be an awareness of that entrance for a short time.

The hedgerows once established will come back...

“You would not see into the site. Urban elements of houses sitting in the area would be partly softened by vegetation curtilage.”

There would be street trees and trees in the open spaces, alongside existing vegetation. Footpaths would lead to surrounding areas. The trees would create visual filters.

Some of the 40 villagers at the inquiry last Thursday burst into laughter when Mr Friend said orchards would be planted “to encourage people to pick apples.”

On the first inquiry day the planning inspector David Wildsmith had words with the audience for applauding Hurst Parish Council’s barrister’s statement, saying: “I know there is a lot of pent up feeling but applause or shouting are not appropriate.” He didn’t comment on the laughter. A villager said afterwards on Thursday: “It was spontaneous, we couldn’t help laughing.”

Mr Friend was cross-examined on his evidence last Friday. The hearing continues.

THE mother of a 22-year-old wheelchair user has highlighted the difficulties her son struggles with trying to be safely independent in his home village.

It means Ted Barnard cannot on his own visit his grandmother living in the middle of Hurst, a 25-minute walk from his home.

His mum, teacher Sarah Barnard, told a planning inquiry into 200 new homes in Hurst that they would be unsuitable and unsustainable for people with mobility issues.

She said: “My son struggles to safely have any independent mobility within the village, although he is a proficient driver of his power chair.

“This is due to the lack of dropped curbs, and absence of [many] pavements, meaning he would need to drive along sections of busy road with fast traffic, including the A321, and Church Hill to access the shop, pubs, church and other properties.

“He is not able to safely leave the village unaided as, toward Twyford, he would need to cross the A321 at least three times, on each occasion negotiating inadequate dropped curbs and ... pavement too narrow for him to use.

“To the south, there is no pavement to Winnersh.”

She added: “It is not possible for my son to use the bus service, as the narrow pavements, and … absence of pavements, mean he is not able to safely manoeuvre his wheelchair on or off the bus.

“Without access to Twyford or Winnersh, he is unable to use the rail service. He is also unable to independently access the doctor’s

AT Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), we provide a wide range of services help keep communities safe, including providing road and water safety advice to residents.

To support this work, we are looking for enthusiastic and confident volunteers to help raise awareness of road and water safety.

Successful applicants will do this by supporting us with national and local safety campaigns, helping to present safety information in schools and promoting safety messages at events.

We will provide you with: Full training, Out of pocket expenses and a volunteer uniform.

n The Salvation Army is your local church and community centre.

We focus on looking after the homeless and vulnerable in society.

We in the Wokingham corps, have a very specific focus on those who need help with housing, benefits and general support in their everyday lives.

We also have a regular worshipping congregation on a Sunday, who assist with some of our weekday activities.

We are looking for a volunteer to help with the weekly lunch club.

This is held in our hall Thursdays.12.15pm1.45pm.

The need is for someone to assist in setting up the table, helping to serve, and to clear up afterwards.

We have a monthly faith-based toddler group (birth-school age) it is held on the second Wednesday of the month, I would like someone to help set up, make drinks, and help clear up, musical talents would be a bonus, the time would be 1.30pm-3.15pm.

We run a coffee shop, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am-1.30pm, I would like someone to help on an ad hoc basis, to cover sickness, holidays etc.

The role involves making and serving drinks and light snacks, waiting at table general cleaning up.

Please get in touch if you are interested in any of these.

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surgery, supermarkets or other amenities in Twyford or Winnersh.

“These challenges would apply equally to all those with mobility issues, as well as to parents with children in pushchairs ... attempting to manage without a car.

“According to the Family Resources Survey (2020-21), there are 14.6 million disabled people in the UK … It is therefore reasonable to assume that a significant number of residents in any new development would have a disability.”

She added this week: “We love Hurst, we choose to live here, but it is not sustainable or accessible for anyone without a car.”

The appeal inspector will decide whether the homes scheme for land between Tape Lane and Lodge Road should go ahead. The hearing continues.

Research made possible by people like you.

We’re on the hunt for passionate volunteers to join us at this BHF Fundraising event and help us create memories participants will never forget.

The events we need help with are the London landmarks half marathon on April 2, the London Marathon on April 23, the London to Brighton Bike Ride on June 18, and the London tto Brighton Off Road on September 23.

We have a wide variety of roles available, so if you are keen to help, please get in touch.

n To discuss your specific volunteering needs, please get in touch with Helena Badger, Volunteer Services Manager; volunteer@wok-vol.org. uk 0118 977 0749 or visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk

The field in Hurst is a wildlife haven say residents

Picture: Sue Corcoran

Wheelchair user Ted Barnard is frustrated that he cannot travel around Hurst without assitance

Helena Badger

Field: it might be loved but it’s not necessarily ‘value landscape’

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (MILLLANE,SINDLESHAM) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe2ndFebruary

2023WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority madeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoad TrafficRegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichisto prohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong:

MillLane,SindleshambetweenitsjunctionswithB3030

MoleRoadandB3270LowerEarleyWayNorth.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaB3270LowerEarleyWayNorth, HatchFarmWay,B3030KingStreetLaneandB3030 MoleRoadorbythisrouteinreverse. Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 13thFebruaryand17thFebruary2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowThames Watercontractorstoundertakediggingfornew servicesandconnectionsandassociatedworksinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe13thFebruary2023andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntil theworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristhe earlier.

Dated:9thFebruary2023

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport

WokinghamBoroughCouncil

CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham

BerkshireRG401WL

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (RUSHEYWAY,EARLEY) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe2ndFebruary

2023WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority madeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoad TrafficRegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichisto prohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong: RusheyWay.EarleybetweenitsjunctionswithTiptree CloseandRosemaryAvenue.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaChalfontWayorbythisroutein reverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 13thFebruaryand17thFebruary2023.

Thereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallow WokinghamBoroughCouncilcontractorstoundertake proposedbuildoutandre-locationofspeedcushionsfor newTrafficManagementschemeinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe13thFebruary2023andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntil theworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristhe earlier.

Dated:9thFebruary2023

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport

WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (VARIOUSROADS,WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe2ndFebruary 2023WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority madeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoad TrafficRegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichisto prohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong:

1.HoneyHill,Wokinghambetweenitsjunctions withRedlakeLaneandB3430NineMileRide.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaHeathlandsRoadandB3430 NineMileRideorbythisrouteinreverse. Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 13thFebruaryand14thFebruary2023.

ThereasonforthisprohibitionistoallowBT contractorstoundertakeaccesstooverheadstructure forcablingworkinsafety.

2.SwallowfieldRoad,Arborfieldbetweenits junctionswithA327ObserverWayandCastleHill. Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaBunglersHill,ChurchRoad,A327 ReadingRoadandA327ObserverWayorbythisroute inreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 27thFebruaryand3rdMarch2023.

ThereasonforthisprohibitionistoallowBT contractorstoundertakeundergroundstructurework insafety.

3.B3350WildernessRoad,Earleybetweenits junctionswithA329WokinghamRoadandBetchworth Avenue.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaBunglersHill,ChurchRoad,A327 ReadingRoadandA327ObserverWayorbythisroute inreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 20thFebruaryand23rdFebruary2023between22:00 and05:00.

ThereasonforthisprohibitionistoallowBT contractorstoundertakeundergroundstructure cleaningandcablingworkinsafety. Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe13thFebruary2023andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntil theworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristhe earlier.

Dated:9thFebruary2023

ChrisEaston AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil

CivicOffices

ShuteEnd Wokingham

BerkshireRG401WL

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

1.DuffieldRoad,Woodleybetweenitsjunctions withPoundLane,SonningandSandfordDrive. Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaPoundLaneSonning,ButtsHill RoadandChurchLaneorbythisrouteinreverse. Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 27thFebruary2023and24thMay2023.

2.PoundLane,Sonningbetweenitsjunctionswith DuffieldRoad,SonningandA4BathRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA4BathRoad,A4 LondonRoad,ReadingRoad,HeadleyRoadandButts HillRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallnorthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaButtsHillRoad, HeadleyRoad,ReadingRoad,A4LondonRoad,A4 ShepherdsHillandA4BathRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 27thMarch2023and19thMay2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowSouthern GasNetworkscontractorstoundertakegasmain replacementworkinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe27thFebruary2023andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntil theworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristhe earlier.

Dated:9thFebruary2023

ChrisEaston AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (DUFFIELDROAD,WOODLEYAND POUNDLANE,SONNING) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

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UmojaKwanzaLTD tradingasUk1Transport AndRecoveryServices ofSuite215Estuary House,196Ballard Road,Dagenham–Essex, RM109AB is applyingforalicenceto useNineMileRide Industry,Wokingham Berkshire,RG404NE as anoperatingcentrefor2 goodsvehicles.

Ownersoroccupiersofland (includingbuildings)nearthe operatingcentre(s)whobelieves thattheiruseorenjoymentof thatlandwouldbeaffected, shouldmakewritten representationstotheTraffic CommissioneratHillcrest House,386HarehillsLane, Leeds,LS96NF,statingtheir reasons,within21daysofthis notice.Representorsmustatthe sametimesendacopyoftheir representationstotheapplicant attheaddressgivenatthetopof thisnotice.AguidetoMaking representationsisavailable fromtheTrafficCommissioner’s office.

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NOTICEISGIVEN that WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL madeaDirectionwith immediateeffecton8February2023underArticle4(1)ofTheTownandCountry Planning(GeneralPermittedDevelopment)(England)Order2015(asamended)(the Order).

TheDirectionwithImmediateeffectrelatestodevelopmentcomprisinganybuilding operationconsistingoftheerection,construction,maintenance,improvementor alterationofagate,fence,wallorothermeansofenclosurebeingdevelopment comprisedwithinClassAofPart2ofSchedule2,theformation,layingoutand constructionofameansofaccesstoahighwaywhichisnotatrunkroadoraclassified road,wherethataccessisrequiredinconnectionwithdevelopmentpermittedbyany ClassinthisSchedule(otherthanbyClassAofthisPart)withinClassBofPart2of Schedule2andanybuildingoperationconsistingoftheprovisiononlandofbuildings, moveablestructures,works,plantormachineryrequiredtemporarilyinconnection withandforthedurationofoperationsbeingortobecarriedouton,in,underorover thatlandoronlandadjoiningthatland.beingdevelopmentcomprisedwithinClassAof Part4ofSchedule2tothesaidOrder.

TheImmediateDirectionremovespermitteddevelopmentrightsforthistypeof developmentfromthedatewhentheDirectioncomesintoforceon9February2023. Planningpermissionwillthereforeberequiredforsuchdevelopmentreferredto aboveonoverorunderthelandshownedgedinredontheplanattachedtothe Direction.

AcopyoftheDirection,includingtheplandefiningtheareacovered,canbeviewedat WokinghamBoroughCouncilOffices,ShuteEnd,WokinghamRG401BN,from 9am-5pmMondaytoFriday(apartfromBankHolidays)between9February2023and 24March2023orcanbeviewedontheCouncil’swebsiteat https:// www.wokingham.gov.uk/planning-policy/planning-policy-information/local-plan-andplanning-policies/

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Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Ballet from Bulgaria Swan Lake and The Nutcracker to enchant Reading audiences

LATER this month, the Varna International Ballet and Orchestra makes its firstever visit to The Hexagon.

The prestigious Bulgarian company, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, is performing two hugely popular classical ballets: the romantic Swan Lake, set to Tchaikovsky’s ravishing score; and The Nutcracker, featuring an enchanted journey on Christmas Eve.

Varna’s artistic director Daniela Ivanova-Dimova, and soloists Claire Gillard and Vittorio Scolè, are looking forward to the show.

Daniela says the company are delighted to be visiting.

“We’re celebrating 75 years of Varna State Opera: our company was founded back in 1947. We are so happy that in this special year, we’re visiting the UK for the first time with these four wonderful productions. It’s a great honour.”

Claire was born in London, and has family here, while it will be Vittorio’s first visit.

“I’m curious to see new cities I’ve never been to; when I have any free time, I’ll definitely be a tourist,” he says.

Daniela says Varna is second town in Bulgaria, and is “a beautiful pearl on the Black Sea Coast … Many famous ballet stars from around the world have come to compete – like Mikhail Baryshnikov and Sylvie Guillem.

“Now, our troupe is really revered in Bulgaria, and many young international ballet artists are eager to come and work here.”

Claire says the shows are traditional ballets that people love.

“They have great music, great stories and beautiful dancing,” she says. “I’m performing [the lead roles of] Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, and Marie in The Nutcracker.

“I really love Swan Lake, because you get to be elegant and soft in the first

act, and then you play the dark swan in the second act, which is a big change of personality.

“It’s really fun to do.”

Vittorio, on the other hand, plays the princes in both shows.

“I would say the Prince in Swan Lake is the most difficult, but you keep practising and every time you do something different with your movement or your face so it’s always getting better, better, better,” he explains.

There are around 40 dancers, plus 30 musicians performing.

“It makes such a difference having the orchestra with us. I feel it in my heart: the music and dancing are together, they are one,” Vittoria explains.

“You might be scared before you go on stage, but when the orchestra plays you get this feeling that’s impossible to explain: it’s like a dream.

“We are carried away, and I hope

people watching are too.”

Daniela says that the staging has a role to play as well.

“We have all new sets, decoration and costumes from the past year or two. It’s a very important part of these prestigious new productions that we’re bringing to the UK,” she says.

Some may feel that ballet is elitist, or not accessible for younger audiences, but Daniela disagrees.

“There is nothing better than The Nutcracker – that’s the perfect show for families,” she says, something echoed by Claire, who feels “all of these ballets are really accessible. There’s nothing better than seeing children in the audience with smiles on their faces.

“When I was a little kid, my mum always took me to Swan Lake, and I’d say, ‘Oh, Mum, when I grow up I want to be a swan’. Now I am.

“I’m so thankful to be on stage, hopefully with other little kids looking up at me and having that dream.”

What can audiences expect from a Varna ballet?

Claire says: “They’re going to really like our company because we’re just full of energy, and we have a great connection on stage between all the dancers. I think they’ll feel our passion and our joy.”

Vittoria adds: “You don’t need to understand all the ballet technique or the history. We’re bringing stories with princes and princesses that little kids will love, as well as beautiful dancing, costumes, music: everything you need to have a magical time.”

Varna International Ballet will perform The Nutcracker at The Hexagon on Friday, February 23 at 7.30pm. Swan Lake is on Saturday, February 25, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Ticket prices vary.

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

MARIANKA SWAIN

An afternoon of improv for all ages

COMEDY group The Noise Next Door (Edinburgh Fringe, The One Show and Britain’s got talent), present their afternoon show of improvisation and comedy.

The Mysterious Mansion Of Mystery is a show suitable for the whole family, aged six to 106.

The audience decides what goes into the hour of anarchic entertainment, with fun promised for everyone.

Described as ‘a little bit spooky, a little bit stupid and a whole lot of funny’, it’s on at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead on Thursday, February 16.

Doors open at 2pm, with tickets costing £12, or £10 for under 16s.

n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm, or call the box office on: 01628 788977

Family come together for string concertini

USING electric string instruments to create a unique sound, Stringfever’s concert is suitable for all ages.

The quartet, all from the same family, combine musical skill with comedy for a show that promises to have everyone’s feet tapping.

The event is part of the Concertini group that performs child-friendly, bitesized concerts of quality music.

It takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre’s studio, on Saturday, February 18, at 11.30am and 2pm.

Tickets cost £12, or £10 under 16s Family and Friends tickets (4 people) cost £40, with free entry for babies under 18 months on laps.

n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm, or call the box office on: 01628 788977

Heather, Heather, Heather

WESTERBERG High is ruled by a beautiful and cruel trio of girls, all called Heather.

Veronica Sawyer is invited to join them.

She hopes for popularity, but being in the top team can be murder.

The musical contains haze, loud noises, flashing lights and strobe.

There is also strong language, and mature themes, including murder, suicide

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell –South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk

01344 484123

Conservatoire: Renata Konyiccka.

Fri 10. The Comedy Cellar. Fri

10. South Hill Park tours. Sun

12. Wilde Sundays: Across The Sea, Marshpoem, Veronica

Drosbowski. Sun 12. Gang

Show 50th Show. Tues 14-Sat

18. Bridges. Thurs 16-Sat 18.

Bracknell Jazz: Martin Shaw.

Fri 17. The Comedy Cellar. Fri

17. Hans Christian Anderson: The Ugly Duckling and Other Stories. Sun 19.

FILMS: A Bunch of Amateurs. Wed

8-Thurs 9. Guillermo Del Toro’s

Pinocchio. Fri 10-Sun 12. She

Said. Fri 10-Sun 12, Tues 14,

Thurs 16. Dementia Friendly

Screening: Guys and Dolls. Mon

13. A Love Song. Mon 13-Tues

14. Strange World. Wed 15-Sun

19. The Barber of Seville live screening. Wed 15. I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Fri 17-Mon 20.

AUDIENCES can see a new interpretation of Verdi’s Aida, performed by The Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv.

It boasts a highly-praised chorus and full orchestra, with soloists Korean soprano Elena Dee, French soprano Olga Perrier and Ukrainian mezzosoprano Natalia Matveeva.

Aida sees the splendour of Egypt set against the grandeur of the Coliseum of Rome.

and sexual violence.

Audience discretion is advised, suitable for 14 years and above.

The event is at Windsor Theatre Royal, from Tuesday, February 14 through to Saturday, February 25, with the exception of Sunday.

Evening performances start at 7.30pm, with matinées on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost from £27 to £41 depending on seat location.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk, or call the box office on: 01753 853888

Shakespeare at sea

YOUNG people will perform The Tempest during half-term.

The show, suitable for families, is filled with romance, sprites, tomfoolery, magic and drama.

Wrongs are righted, love is sparked, freedom is granted, and even the monster learns some wisdom, in this

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz

01276 707600

The Scummy Mummies. Thurs 9. A Tribute to The Carpenters. Fri

10. Ben Thompson as Elvis. Sun

12. The Jungle Book. Thurs 16. Psychic Sally. Fri 17. Bon Giovi. Sat 18.

Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

01483 440000

Steel Magnolias. Until Sat 11.

Intro to Physical Theatre for 12-16-year-olds. Mon 13. Workshop for ages

5-7: Shipwrecked. Wed 15.

Workshop for ages 7-11: Theatre Explorers. Wed 15.

Workshop for ages 7-11:

Let’s Create Poetry. Thurs 16. Starchitects. Fri 17-Sat 18.

High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk

01494 512000

The story of war, jealousy and revenge follows the fates of beautiful Ethiopian slave girl, Aida, and Egyptian hero, Radames.

Audiences will hear Verdi’s arias, Celeste Aida, Ritorna Vincitor, and see the Triumphal March featuring a temple dance, cascades of glittering gold and fire performers.

Aida is sung in Italian with English subtitles.

shortened, but authentic, version of Shakespeare’s play.

The event is at Wokingham Theatre on Thursday, February 16, through to Saturday, February 18.

Shows are at 7.45pm with a Saturday matinée at 2pm.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £6 for children.

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

Prue reveals all

NOTHING is off the menu in this frank, revealing, and funny event.

Restaurateur, novelist, businesswoman and Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith tells all, and invites questions people have always wanted answers to.

Hear how Prue feeds the rich and famous, cooks for royalty and even poisons her clients.

The event takes place at Reading’s

The event is at The Hexagon Theatre, Reading, on Friday, February 17.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £36, £33, and £31, depending on seat location.

Concessions for students and over 60s are £34, £31, and £29. n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office: 0118 960 6060

Hexagon Theatre, on Wednesday, February 15.

Doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £27 and £33, depending on seat location, with a recommended age of 12 and over.

n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060

A letter of love

WE’LL Always Have Paris sees three women of a certain age let loose in Paris. Each has her own reason to escape from work, caring responsibilities, or singleness.

In this feel-good play about the advantages of growing old, the ladies meet a young handyman actor who fixes more than just their leaky shower.

A play about friendship and loyalty that promises to leave audiences charmed, amused, thoughtful, and smiling, We’ll Always Have Paris is performed at The Mill At Sonning.

It runs until Saturday, March 11, with performances each week on Wednesday through to Saturday.

Performances start at 8.15pm, with matinées at 2.15pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The restaurant opens two hours before showtime.

Tickets cost £76 and include a two course meal at the theatre restaurant before the show.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.millatsonnng.com or call the box office on: 0118 969 8000

Forever blowing bubbles

BUBBLE-OLOGIST Louis Pearl explores the dynamics of bubbles, with comedy, artistry and audience participation.

His tricks should keep everyone mesmerised.

Expect bubbles inside bubbles, square, fog-filled, giant and volcano bubbles, tornadoes, trampolines, and people inside bubbles.

The Amazing Bubble Man promises to conjure shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

The event is at The Corn Exchange, Newbury on Tuesday, February 14.

Doors open at 11.30am and 2pm

Tickets cost £16.75, or £13.75 for under 18s.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 08455 218218

Clutter from the years ahead

MY FUTURE My Clutter, sees apologetic Eton and Oxford alumnus Ivo Graham discussing three years of pranking, parenting and procrastinating.

Fresh from Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, and British As Folk, Graham’s jokes may well include his Joke of the Fringe winner, ‘I’ve got an Eton College advent calendar, where all the doors are opened by my father’s contacts’.

Described as a hugely enjoyable hour of stand-up comedy, the event takes place at The Kenton Theatre, Windsor.

The event is on Thursday 16th February at 7.30pm, with all tickets costing £16.

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

Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 9.

The Mirror Crack’d. Tues 7-11.

Rob Auton: The Crowd Show.

Fri 10. Zog. Tues 14-Thurs 16.

Menopause The Musical. Fri

17. Alan Carr: Regional Trinket.

Sat 18. Baby Broadway. Sun 19. Sing-a-long-a Encanto. Sun 19.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk

01491 525050

The Jungle Book. Wed 15. Ivo

Graham: My Future My Clutter. Thurs 16. The Elton John Show. Fri 17. Tweedy’s Musical Mayhem. Sat 18. Russell Brand warm-up. Sun 19.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org

01628 788997

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Fri 9.

Both Sides Now: A Homage to the Songs of Joni Mitchell.

Fri 9. Moscow Drug Club.

Sat 10. Moonrakers. Sun 11. Just Radiohead. Sun 11.

Royal Opera House Live: The

Barber of Seville. Wed 15. The Noise Next Door: Mysterious Mansions of Mystery. Thurs

16. The Noise Next Door: hometown Heroes. Thurs

16. Nick Sharratt’s All-New Picture Book Draw Along. Fri 17. Zoe Lyons: Bald Ambition.

Fri 17. Nic Meier. Fri 17. Half Term Concertini with String Fever. Sat 18. The Vinyl Frontier: New Vinyl (2010 to present). Sat 18.

Newbury –

The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com

0845 5218 218

Teechers Leavers ‘22. Tues 7-Thurs

9. Theatre Quiz night. Fri 10. Babatunde Aleshe: Babahood.

Sat 11. Shark In The Park.

Sat 11-Sun 12. The Amazing Bubble Man. Tues 14. Queenz.

Sat 18. ROH Encore: The Barber of Seville. Sun 19.

Newbury – Watermill

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

Notes From A Small Island. Until Sat Mar 18.

Reading – South St

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Lucy Porter: Wake-up Call.

Thurs 9. Rhys James: Spilt

Milk. Sat 11. The Bubble Show.

Wed 15. Limehouse Lizzy. Fri

17. Ray Bradshaw: Dead Com

1. Sat 18.

Reading – Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Rare Productions presents Bugsy

Malone. Fri 10-Sat 11. The Circus of Horrors presents Haunted Fairground. Tues

14. Prue Leith: Nothing in Moderation. Wed 15. Aida. Fri

17. Giovanni Pernice: Made In Italy. Sat 18.

Reading – Concert Hall

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Arturo Castro Nogueras, guitar.

Thurs 16.

Reading –Progress Theatre

www.progresstheatre.co.uk

0118 384 2195

NEXT SHOW: The Lonesome West. Mar 3-11.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com

0118 370 2620

Hedda Gabler. Feb 22-Mar 11.

Shinfield –Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk

0118 975 8880

NEXT SHOW: Last Tango In Whitby. Wed Mar 1-Sat Mar 4.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com

0118 969 8000

We’ll Always Have Paris. Until Mar

11. West End Meets Broadway. Sun 12. The Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand Show. Tues

14. Whitney: Queen of the Night. Sun 19.

Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

01753 853888

Wodehouse in Wonderland. Thu 9-Sat 11. Heathers. Tues 14-Sat 25.

Wokingham – Theatre

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk

0118 978 5363

The Tempest. Thurs 16-Sat 18.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org

0118 974 3247

Wokingham Film Society: Before Sunrise (15).

Thurs 9. Wokingham Music Club: Chris Difford live in concert. Fri 10. u3A Shjowtime: Here We Are Again. Thurs 16-Fri 17.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org

07488337838

2023 programme to be announced.

Only The Poets celebrate EMI signing

By JAKE CLOTHIER

A WOODLEY band performed two sold-out shows at a venue close to their hearts ahead of a busy summer.

Only The Poets made our front page last week with the news that they’d signed to EMI Records ahead of a tour supporting Lewis Capaldi.

On Saturday, the band played two gigs at The Purple Turtle to celebrate the news for their homecoming.

Speaking to Reading Today in our exclusive interview, lead vocalist Tommy Longhurst said that the venue: “Means a lot to me, and that bar is ingrained in the DNA of Only The Poets.”

While on stage, he asked how many of the audience had flown to see the band’s show and around thirty hands went up, showing the dedication and geographical range of their fanbase.

The band recently sold out shows across Europe, including at venues in Prague, Vienna, Antwerp, and Berlin.

Now the band will go on to perform their tour in Europe next week, which will see them supporting Lewis Capaldi in Poland, Austira, Czech Republic, and Belgium, before a final show at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London in May.

You’ll

go right with this play that goes wrong

The Play the Goes Wrong Duchess Theatre, London 0330 333 4810 www.mischiefcomedy.com

THOSE of us who have ever been involved in amateur dramatics will be familiar with having to work within the limitations of budget, cast, scenery, props, costumes, special effects and many other aspects that create as professional a production as possible.

The Play That Goes Wrong reveals the hilarious consequences of weaknesses in every one of these areas.

A play within a play from start to finish, the audience is first treated to a behind-the-scenes view of preparations for the opening night of Cornley Polytechnic’s production of Murder at Havisham Manor.

The apparently minor issues of a missing dog and a wobbly mantlepiece rapidly escalate to the point where everything that could go wrong does.

The cast do a sterling job of covering up for

Pictures:

courtesy of Chuff Media Fans joined the band ahead of the show for a photo opportunity with the billboard announcing the band’s signing to EMI Records

missing props, forgotten lines, hiccups with the scenery and much, much more.

As farce gives way to disaster the play limps towards its conclusion where, among the remnants of the staging, the murderer is revealed.

The on-stage characters are brilliant from start to finish.

All the characters are present: The dapper young heir to a fortune, the attractive socialite, the methodical inspector, the wry butler.

Each one with a motive to commit the murder and each one battling to stay afloat as the play slowly sinks.

However it is the sound and lighting technician Trevor Watson (Tomisin Ajani) who steals the show, from eating crisps during a moment of silence on stage to ‘accidentally’ playing his favourite Duran Duran CD through the sound system. Doesn’t sound too funny? You had to be there. So go there.

An evening of jaw-aching, side-splitting laughter is guaranteed.

JUDITH CREIGHTON

jclothier@rdg.today

Lead vocalist Tommy Longhurst said that for the band, The Purple Turtle was “part of our world”

Jordan Daniel Logan,

Scores of fans of Only The Poets had even flown to the gig at the Purple Turtle from abroad. Picture: Jordan Daniel Logan, by courtesy of Chuff Media

Oh baby! A concert for young ones

A PARENT and baby event will bring a taste of classical music to Reading Minster.

Bach to Baby will see a clarinet and accordion duet will perform concerti including pieces by Handel, as well as shanties and traditional Japanese music.

The event is family-friendly and designed for young children.

Tickets are £15 per adult and up to two children per person go free.

Bach to Baby takes place at Reading Minster on Friday, February 17, from 11am11.45am. n Tickets and details available via: whatsonreading.com

Reading A440 Choir spring show

THE READING A440 Choir is to hold a spring concert later this month.

The group will be at Christ Church Woodley in Crockhamwell Road from 7pm on Saturday, February 25.

The theme is A Journey Through Song, and tickets cost £10, with under 16s enjoying the show for free.

Proceeds will go towards the church’s defibrillator project.

n For more details, or to book tickets log on to: a440choir. org.uk

Enjoy Barrioke with plenty of cheese

ONE OF Reading’s hotspots is set for a visit from soap star and chanteur as part of a three-day cheese festival.

Blue Collar will welcome Shaun Williamson to its roster of live acts for Cheese Feast in Forbury Gardens.

Best known for his years of appearances as Barry Evans in Eastenders, Mr Williamson now hosts Barrioke, which sees him take the lead for an evening of karaoke.

Attendees will get the chance to join him on stage and perform alongside him in a show which has toured venues and festivals around the country.

He will also be joined by the ABBA Tribute Band who will bring the band’s greatest hits to the stage when they top the bill on the Friday.

Final headline act The EuroVisionaries will close the festival on the Sunday night with a one-off performance of the greatest hits of Eurovision.

Children from dance schools around Reading will also perform special routines in a lunchtime showcase as part of the festival.

As well as the live performances, Blue Collar is teaming up with The Grumpy Goat to provide a curated cheese and produce selection.

Stalls at the event will offer cheese-based street food, kitchens, and vendors selected from The Grumpy Goat’s specially selected ranges.

Blue Collar will also bring attendees their broad selections of local craft beers as well as prosecco, Pimms, and cocktails.

Blue Collar Corner’s Glen Dinning says: “We can’t wait to bring Cheese Feast back to Forbury Gardens.

“Our first two Cheese Feast events were a huge success and brought thousands of people to

Reader travel

Tom Jones set to headline at Newbury

AN INTERNATIONAL music icon is set to appear at Newbury’s celebrated after-party.

stakes, followed by Tom Jones performing on the Party in the Paddock stage.

Reading  4 nights at the Ibis Hotel, Stevenage with dinner & breakfast  Heritage train journey on the Nene Valley Railway  Excursions to Ely, Cambridge & Stamford  Optional excursion to Cambridgeshire

Forbury Gardens.

“Now we’re going bigger and better with even more cheesebased street food stalls, a full lineup of fun live entertainment and a cheese produce area run by our good friends The Grumpy Goat.”

The Cheese Feast festival takes place in Forbury Gardens from Friday-Sunday, April 28-30. n Full information about the festival, as well as updates about tickets and performers, is available via Cheese Feast’s Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter pages.

After a day at the races, Weatherbys Super Sprint day will see Tom Jones headlining the event at Newbury Racecourse.

Weatherbys Super Sprint day will see the Bet365 EBF Novice stakes race, as well as its regular stakes event and Hackwood Stakes event, as well as the Highclere Castle Gin Cup, and the Weatherbys Super Sprint.

The racing will close with the Life Time in Racing Winner EBF sole premier fillies handicap

CEO of Newbury Racecourse, Julian Thick, said: “Tom Jones is an absolute stalwart of the music industry and for good reason.

“His voice is unrivalled, and his live shows always captivate – we can’t wait to welcome him back to the racecourse on Saturday, July 22.”

Tickets start from £36 general sale, with a range of hospitality and dining packages.

n Tickets for Party in the Paddock at Newbury Racecourse will be on sale via: newburyracecourse. co.uk

Set sail to The Hexagon

A NEW sequel to a popular musical is coming to The Hexagon later this month, with an all-star cast.

Mary Byrne (X Factor), Jessica Martin (Copycats), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and Susie Fenwick (West End Star) are all on-board for Menopause The Musical 2.

The show is set five years after the first and follows the same four characters with tales of their lives, loves and losses, all set on the high seas.

Audiences are promised plenty of comedy with the songs, as well as hot flushes, mood swings, memory lapses and weight gain.

When your life is a bumpy ride

full of twists and turns, it’s hard to find and keep true friends. But those who step on board and are promised a trip of self-discovery, love and friendship all backed by a soundtrack of hysterical hits.

It is an affectionate, heartfelt and reassuring look at the ‘joys’ of

menopause.

The show, suitable for ages 16 upwards, will be performed on Thursday, February 23, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £32. n For more details, or to book, log on to whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

Billie Marten set to headline festival

A TWO-DAY festival in central Reading has announced its second headliner ahead of the event in March.

Billie Marten will be joining Porridge Radio in topping the line-up at Beat Connection, presented by Heavy Pop and Dork.

Billie Marten is due to release Drop Cherries, her fourth album, on Friday, April 7, and said of the album that aims to “capture the vibrancy, unpredictability, and occasional chaos one experiences within a relationship.”

It will be the first album both written and co-produced by the

Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder to the Sky, last year.

More acts are due to be announced.

Beat Connection will take place at St Laurence’s Church, central Reading, on Friday and Saturday, March 24-25.

Early bird tickets are now available, with weekend passes priced at £30, Friday passes at £16.50, and Saturday passes at £22.

Concessions are available for teens between 14-17, though under18s must be accompanied by an adult.

n Tickets available via: gigantic. com/beat-connection-tickets

SING-A-LONG-A-BARRY: Shaun Williamson is set to bring his festival hit show, Barrioke, to Forbury Gardens as part of Blue Collar and The Grumpy Goats Cheese Feast festival in April. Picture: Francisco Augusto

SING UP: After a day at the races, Weatherbys Super Sprint day will see Tom Jones headlining the event at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday, July 22. Picture: Chuff Media

‘NOW IS THE TIME TO FIGHT’ CHAMBERS’ RALLYING CRY TO TEAM

READING FC WOMEN’S boss Kelly Chambers has challenged her team to show ‘fight’ after they lost to Liverpool on Sunday.

UNBELIEVABLE JEFF

ROYALS FIGHT BACK TO TAKE POINT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

JEFF HENDRICK’s unstoppable volley ensured that Reading FC completed a comeback to take a point against Watford.

The Royals found themselves staring down the barrel of a home

defeat after the Hornets had taken the lead through Ismaila Sarr and quickly added to their advantage after the break through Ryan Porteous.

However, Paul Ince’s side came fighting back to ensure that they continued their impressive

Championship home form with a Tom Ince penalty that was followed by Hendrick’s thunderous equaliser.

“I don’t score often, but they tend to be good goals,” said Hendrick after he netted his fourth league goal of the season.

“It’s nice to get on the scoresheet

and help the team get something out of the game and we could have gone on to win it.

“We’ve showed character throughout the season. We kept going, got the goals and could have got a third as well.”

n Match report page 22

The defeat means that the Royals drop down the Women’s Super League table and are just four points above bottom side Leicester City, who have two games in hand.

Chambers was disappointed after her side didn’t have anything to show from an impressive opening display.

“For the first-half, I thought we were great,” said Chambers.

“We had a great deal of control and the second-half we didn’t match that level of intensity so that’s disappointing.

“I think you can see from the girls’ reaction, as well as mine, that we’re very disappointed not to come away with anything and it makes our job a lot harder now.”

The Royals manager has demanded her team to show fight in order to improve their situation after they dropped down to 11th.

She continued: “Now is the time to fight, stand up and be counted in every second of our upcoming games as the size of them now are huge.

“It’s hard to identify what went wrong, I need to look back and analyse it in full. I said to the girls at the end that they are two simple goals we’ve conceded, we can’t lose our individual physical battles like we did.

“To concede so soon after the first, we cannot allow that. We got rolled over the pitch far too easily so for us individually, we must do better it’s as simple as that.”

READING & WOKINGHAM 09.02.23

REACTION

RUGBY UNION

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Darlington 21

Rams 43

A STUNNING first-quarter blitz put RAMS back on top of the National One table.

They enjoyed a 43-21 bonus-point victory on an entertaining afternoon at Darlington Mowden Park.

The hosts missed an early chance to take the lead as Matt Minogue’s 40-metre penalty drifted just right of the posts, and it was RAMS who then went down the other end to get their noses in front.

A line-out steal precipitated the visitors going through the phases, and some lovely handling saw the returning Tarek Haffar touch down on the

right, Alex Seers with a magnificent conversion. The lead was doubled almost immediately as livewire scrum-half Ollie Allan spotted a gap to race 60 metres for a birthday score, Seers making no mistake for 14-0.

Things got even better when more fabulous handling ended with Axel Kalling-Smith crossing on the left, Seers with another beautiful kick, and the visitors sealed the bonus with a try-of-the-season contender.

James McRae started it with a marvellous break from his own 22 to his opponents, and Seers’ majestic cross-field kick was collected by KallingSmith for a beauty.

The conversion made

it 28-0 inside the opening 20 minutes, but DMP hit back straight away after the visitors failed to regain the restart, some fine work ending with Chris McTurk on the left.

Minogue landed the extras, and he did the same again after Henry Hadfield’s excellent individual score saw him burst through a couple of would-be tackles to touch down by the posts.

RAMS rallied and Seers strolled over to give the visitors a 33-14 half-time advantage, only blighted by a Will Partington yellow card for an infringement inside his own five metres.

The lead was extended early in the second period as Connor Hayhow cut a beautiful line to take a Robbie Stapley pass and

charge over on the left, Allan’s conversion from out wide rebounding off the right-hand post.

Darlington continued to battle and claimed their third try when impressive inside centre Ben Frankland burst through before freeing Callum Pascoe for a simple run-in.

Another Minogue conversion cut the gap to 38-21, but RAMS reasserted their control as a delightful Partington grubber kick was hoovered up by Jak Rossiter to dive over for his 15th try of a productive campaign.

As the game wore on it finally lost some of its pace, the away side seeing the contest out despite Mowden Park putting them under some pressure late in the piece.

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

SEB Reynolds believes RAMS played some of their best rugby of the season during their win at Darlington Mowden Park on Saturday.

Reflecting on his side’s opening assault, the Director of Rugby said:

“It was very impressive.

“It was nice coming here, a magnificent stadium, good atmosphere, a good surface to play on and both teams wanting to play rugby – the first half-hour produced a roller-coaster of a game.

“I thought we established a good platform with very good defensive sets and at the set-piece, and then we got on the attack and took the

game away from them quite early.

RAMS RETURN TO THE TOP WITH INSPIRED BONUS POINT WIN SEB REYNOLDS: ‘IT WAS A ROLLERCOASTER’

“But then we took our foot off the pedal a little, fell off a few tackles and lost our defensive shape. We made a few silly decisions, and it gave DMP the front foot and they came back well.”

He continued: “All the crowd were enjoying it and while perhaps the second half maybe didn’t live up to that, in a way I was quite pleased because we just managed to get the game won.

“Overall, it was a really good performance and we probably played some of our best go-forward rugby of the season in patches.

“We couldn’t sustain it for the full 80 minutes because we switched off in parts, but we also had a quality opposition who played some good rugby.

Man-of-the-match Ollie Allan gets a pass away at Darlington Mowden Park

Jak Rossiter tries to stop Chris McTurk from grabbing Darlington’s first try Pictures: Mike Driver

The players at the end of the game Pictures: Mike Driver

Robbie Stapley (8) and Vince Everitt (7) hold back Talie Vaioleti

Josh Collis makes a desperate dive to stop a DMP kick ahead

Birthday boy Ollie Allan makes a clearance kick, the 19-year-old scoring RAMS’ second try earlier on

Ollie Cole makes a diving tackle

RUGBY UNION

RESILIENT READING MOVE UP WITH SIGNIFICANT WIN

By PETER CHIDGEY sport@wokingham.today

READING continued their good run against the top sides by beating second placed Stow at Holme Park. They ran in three tries in the first half and followed up with a second half score to seal their win. Reading’s forward power particularly in the scrum and their ability to convert their chances gave them a deserved win against the only team to do the double over them last season.

It was from a scrum near the line that the first Reading try came, the referee awarding a penalty try and yellow carding the Stow number eight as the main offender from the Stow pack in illegally preventing a push over.

Stow came back well and launched a series of attacks in the Reading 22 but the Reading defence held out and when the ball went loose from an

SOUTH BERKS FIGHT BACK TO SALVAGE POINT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Men’s Premier 2

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s had to settle for a point in an entertaining eight goal bout with title rivals Haslemere.

Alex Sykes was on hand to give South Berks the lead after 20 minutes before Peter Swan doubled the advantage just four minutes later.

Haslemere came fighting back and scored two quickfire goals to ensure the first period ended 2-2.

The visitors scored twice more to race into a 4-2 lead, but South Berks grabbed a goal back from Jack Baveystock to make it 3-4 and Ravi Patel netted in the 68th minute to ensure the home team secured a point.

South Berks are in third place on 25 points from 14 games, three points behind second placed Haslemere.

South Central Women’s North Division One

READING 3S stay in top spot after they collected their 13th league win of the season after they defeated Oxford 4-2.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s picked up three points on their away visit to Aylesbury to maintain their spot in second.

Goals from Kelly Hancock and Ella Martin meant that the visitors earned their 10th win of the campaign with a 2-0 success.

South Berks are six points behind league leaders Reading 3s after 15 matches.

South Central Men’s North Division 2

READING 4s climbed up the table after they scored six in an away win at bottom side Thame 1s.

The 6-3 victory for Reading means they move ahead of South Berks 2s into 10th position with their third league win of the season.

SONNING 2s were on the end of a narrow defeat away at Windsor 1s.

The loss means that Sonning are in seventh on 14 points from 14 games after losing four of their last five matches.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s dropped down a place after they lost out at home to Abingdon 1s.

The 2-1 defeat leaves them just one place and six points above bottom team Thame.

inaccurate pass Matt Daw scooped it up and showed the Stow defence a clean pair of heels running in a try from his own 10 metre line. Sharp converted to give Reading a 14-0 lead.

Stow threatened again from the kick off but handling errors and indiscipline let them down. A penalty gave Reading a lineout in the Stow 22 from which they launched a series of attacks eventually working an overlap for Dorliac to score in the corner. Sharp converted with a good kick to make the score 21-0.

Stow came back well at the end of the half and when Reading gave away possession some slick passing found a gap in the Reading defensive line resulting in a converted try making the score at the break 21-7 in Reading’s favour.

The second half started with Stow attacking to try to reduce the deficit and the Reading defence holding out. The dominant Reading scrum

giving them an easy option to relieve pressure.

Stow did not help themselves and continued to give away penalties and from one of these Murray-Smith found a touch deep in the Stow 22.

From the resulting line out Smith forced his way over for Reading’s fourth try and a bonus point. Sharp converted with another good kick.

As in the first half Stow responded well and after a number of phases they crossed in the corner for an unconverted try.

Both sides had their chances from this point.

Dorliac for Reading was just overhauled after a long run. Stow’s handling continued to let them down but they did manage a breakaway converted try.

In the last 10 minutes, both defences were dominant and neither team could make anything off their possession with Reading holding out for a 28-19 win.

This was a significant win for Reading which showed for the second home game in a row their ability to

beat teams in the top three of the league.

As well as the scrum dominance there were good performances from Egan and Smith who were willing runners and always put their team on the front foot.

Head coach Lee Goodall was proud of the resilience the team showed and not allow Stow back in the game. He was also pleased that Reading are now moving up the league towards the top group of teams.

Reading are at home again next Saturday to Swindon.

HOCKEY

Reading secured victory against Stow Pictures: John Newport

A scramble in the box

Reading charge towards the try line

Tom King on the ball for South Berks

Neil Bennett wins the ball for South Berks

South Berks Mens 1s v Haslemere Mens 1s

South Berks Mens 1s claimed a draw after being 4-2 down Pictures: Steve Smyth

KESTRELS KEEP TOP SPOT WITH

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

WOODLEY UNITED kept top spot after a dramatic winner with the final kick of the game against Penn & Tylers Green.

The Kestrels came from a goal behind to produce a late fightback which started with a superb strike from Ellen Surtees to equalise.

With the match in the

final few moments, Charley Evans popped up with the all important winner in stoppage time.

CAVERSHAM UNITED climbed up to fifth place after they scored five past Carterton without reply.

A superb attacking display from the Goats ensured they bounced back from last week’s defeat to Woodley with goals from Annabelle Baxter, Chante Byone-Gittens, Emma Hopkins and Caitlin Levy to take a 5-0 win,

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were narrowly beaten at home 1-0 by Long Crendon.

Southern League

Premier South

BRACKNELL TOWN are in fourth position after they held out for an away win against Hanwell Town.

The home team went into half-time with a one-goal lead, but Bracknell turned the game on its head with quickfire goals after the hour mark from Gary

Abisogun and Daryl Sanders. The Robins then added comfort to their advantage with a third from Kamaron English, and despite the hosts getting a goal back to make it 3-2, Bracknell claimed three points.

Isthmian South Central

BINFIELD are in seventh place after they had to settle for a point in their home contest with Southall.

The Moles went in front when Conor Lynch marked

his debut with a goal, but the visitors squared the game before half-time.

Binfield had the chance to win the match in the 77th minute when they were awarded a penalty and the away team were reduced to 10 players.

But Brad Pagliaroli had his spot kick saved as the teams shared the points.

Combined Counties

Premier North

ASCOT UNITED maintain their reign at the top of the table after they smashed six past In a match that pitted first against bottom, the Yellas flexed their strength as they earned their 18th win in 20 matches.

There were five different scorers for Ascot in their 6-0 triumph as Sean McCormack, Jordan Ajanlekoko, Usman Lalustani, Dan Bailey and a brace from top scorer Brendan

Mollie Haines in action for Woodley United Pictures: Andrew Batt

Eversley celebrate Ben Catt’s goal against Sandhurst Pictures: Richard Milam

Adam Crocker shoots at goal

Sam Mead scores from the spot

Joao Jardim scores

Sumas enjoyed away success at Windsor on Saturday Pictures: Andrew Batt

The Kestrels celebrate after scoring a last-gasp winner

Gemma Simms, Sarah Lawrence, May Hamblin, Katie Hudson, Charley Evans and Sophie

Sophie Measham fights for the ball in the air

WITH LATE WINNER

AT Reading Football Club’s home match against promotion seeking Watford last weekend there was one incident, a denied goal for Watford, that puzzled the home fans as much as the visiting supporters.

It came at a significant time of the match.

Watford had seemingly scored a goal that would put them 3-1 ahead in the match.

After the usual celebrations had taken place both on the pitch and on the filled terrace of away supporters, there came a hush around the stadium as the referee walked over to talk to his assistant referee.

This is unusual these days, because the referee and his assistants are wired up so they can speak to each other at any time during the match, with no need to converse at close range.

It was obvious however that the referee wanted some detailed clarification from his assistant.

The television coverage of the match showed what had caused this unusual action.

Matthew were all on the scoresheet. READING CITY continued their unbeaten record at the Rivermoor by seeing off London Lions.

Ellis Cowd and Eddie Lee netted in the 2-0 win to keep the pressure on league leaders Ascot. Reading are in second place with 48 points from 19 matches, seven points behind Ascot with a game in hand to play.

Combined Counties

Division One

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA claimed an important point away at title challengers

SANDHURST TOWN despite conceding a late goal.

FOOTBALL

The Fizzers raced into an early lead, scoring with just two minutes on the clock, but Eversley struck back through Ben Catt to equalise.

The Boars then went in front just three minutes later with a Ross McKernan header.

Eversley were on the brink of taking an impressive win, but Sandhurst fired in an equaliser in the dying embers of the game to share the points.

BERKS COUNTY are in fourth after their thumping away win against London Samurai Rovers.

The Swords were in fine scoring form and took a 6-1 win thanks to braces from Matt Laverty, Les Sackey and strikes from Shaun Wyllie and Ellis Day.

WOODLEY UNITED lost out in a five-goal contest away to Hillingdon Borough.

Rafael Brando and Connor Richardson scored for the Kestrels, but they were unable to claim a result after they were beaten 3-2.

Thames Valley Premier League

FINCHAMPSTEAD picked up their eighth league win of the campaign by beating WARGRAVE Goals from Aqeel Butt, Dylan Parmar and Joel Day helped Finch to run out as 3-0 victors to keep them in second position.

BURGHFIELD are in fifth place after they earned three points

SUMAS WIN AT WINDSOR TO EASE RELEGATION FEARS

against Wraysbury Village. Goals from Harvey Beales and Joshua Howell saw the Fielders take a 2-0 win.

Southern Region Women’s Premier

ASCOT UNITED moved closer to the top of the table after their away win at Bournemouth Sports.

Dom Carrington and Hannah Bennett scored for the Yellas to see them claim all three points with a 2-1 success.

The win means they are in second position, seven points behind league leaders Abingdon United, but with two games in hand.

The Reading goalkeeper has stretched out his hand to stop the ball, which had been played by a Watford player, but only succeeded in parrying it into the goal.

But the television cameras also showed that there was a Watford player in an offside position, standing a little way in front of the Reading goalkeeper, perhaps preventing him from seeing the ball until the last minute accounting probably for his late attempt to save it.

The Laws of the Game have been clear on this for many years.

It is an offside offence if a player becomes involved in active play by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision.

This can be a most difficult decision for match officials because the assistant referee can see that the player is in an offside position, but not from his viewpoint, if he is obstructing an opponent’s line of vision.

By ARTHUR STRAND

Windsor 1

sport@wokinham.today keep the ball for passes although it was lost by Windsor by intercepted passes or challenges which also happened to Sumas.

Sumas 2

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK climbed up a place after earning a vital victory on the road at Windsor.

The Sumas moved further away from the relegation places with just their fourth win in 23 matches.

Play was reasonably well shared into the second quarter of the first half but Wokingham tended to

A corner kick came close but the effort still missed and Windsor countered by making a move forward, but it was dealt with comfortably by goalkeeper Sean Woodward.

After Josh Millo was taken down in the box, Wokingham were awarded a penalty which was converted by Sam Mead.

Wokingham & Emmbrook restarted with a good run and had

three attempts at goal in as many seconds, but were unable to add to their advantage.

After a free kick and a few bouts of midfield play, Windsor were pinned back and just past the hour, Joao Jardim broke the mould and scored to put the Sumas 2-0 up.

The sting of the second goal did not demoralise Windsor players at all and it motivated them for the last quarter of the game.

Windsor took a free kick but Woodward was ready and waiting, claiming the ball again. Play continued in the same manner

with Windsor pushing for a goal and Sumas defending stoutly and countering whenever they could.

A final burst of energy by Windsor took the game towards full-time when with two minutes left, substitute Tajs scored a consolation goal for the hosts.

In the 89th minute Sebastian Linturn received a yellow card –the only one of the game.

Sumas hung on until the final whistle to claim three points from the efforts that they made and no dishonour to Windsor for not quite clinching a draw.

The referee can see that, but not whether the player concerned is offside, which is probably why the referee at the Reading/ Watford match wanted to be clear before making his decision.

There are some critics of this Law and comments have been made recently saying that goalkeepers often get the view blocked by their own defenders and like all other defenders, goalkeepers need to position themselves so the opponents have less chance of scoring.

If this negative ruling was removed, say its detractors, it would see many more goals being scored.

Reading players and fans are glad that it still exists.

The mystery of the disallowed goal

Sophie Measham celebrate

Dick Sawdon-Smith

How they rated

Joe Lumley

Made a great save to deny Sarr early in the second half. Could arguably have done better with Araujo’s cross for Sarr’s goal.

Andy Yiadom

Had more joy going forward in the second half. Struggled to contain the threat down Watford’s left however.

Amadou Mbengue

A little shaky. Tasked with picking up the mercurial Sarr and picked up a first-half booking for his troubles. Grew into the game.

Tom Holmes

Solid. Was caught the wrong side of Sarr for the opener, but imposed his physicality on Watford’s front line.

Tom McIntyre

Poor. Caught out for both goals and struggled to handle Martins and Araujo and offered little going forward barring the occasional foray.

Junior Hoilett

Offered an outlet down Reading’s left, but switched off to let Araujo in behind for Watford’s opener. Tired and was replaced by Azeez.

Mamadou Loum

Unable to assert his control over the Hornets’ midfield duo of Bacuna and Choudhury but improved as the game wore on.

Cesare Casadei

Never really settled into the game and was replaced by Fornah early in the second half.

Jeff Hendrick

What a hit to make it 2-2. Didn’t have the impact on the midfield he would have wanted, but more than made up for it with his goal.

Tom Ince

The driving force behind the team once again. Brought the energy and linked up with his teammates well.

Shane Long

Isolated. Used his experience to win a penalty for his side. Missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-2.

SUBS

6 5 6

5 5 7

6 5 5

7 5

HENDRICK STUNNER WIPES OUT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC overturned a two-goal deficit against Watford after a stunning Jeff Hendrick volley 10 minutes from time earned them a point.

Goals either side of half-time from Ismaila Sarr and Ryan Porteous put the Hornets into a commanding lead.

But after Shane Long drew a foul to win a penalty which Tom Ince tucked away, momentum was with the home side.

Hendrick connected deliciously on the volley to blast a shot past Daniel Bachmann to wipe out Watford’s two-goal lead.

There was a full league debut for Chelsea loanee Cesare Casadei who was thrown straight into the mix having just arrived last week, while Andy Carroll missed out through suspension.

In an uneventful start to proceedings, neither side were able to impose themselves to find a breakthrough.

The first big chance of the match was carved out by Tom Ince.

Shane Long was set free on the left wing and looked inside to find Ince who cut onto his left and his low drive looked to be headed for the bottom corner, but Watford keeper Daniel Bachmann got fingertips to the shot to keep it out.

The Hornets responded with their first decent opening a few minutes later when Sarr was given time to work the ball on his right and try to dig out a shot into the far corner that drifted just wide of Joe Lumley’s goal.

REACTION

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC assistant manager Alex Rae was pleased with the team’s resolve after they overcame a two-goal deficit to draw with Watford.

Jeff Hendrick hit the equaliser with a thunderous volley to see the Royals complete the turnaround.

“The equaliser through Jeff, It was a terrific strike,” said Rae.

“We take the point and move on. It was a recognition from Thomas who saw Jeff with his hand up at the back post.

“The ball travelled 45 or 50 yards, To take it and execute it, we’re delighted with that.

Match stats

READING: Lumley, Holmes, McIntyre, Yiadom (c), Mbengue, Hoilett, Loum, Hendrick, Casadei, Ince, Long

SUBS: Bouzanis, Dann, Joao, Meite, Azeez, Guiness-Walker, Fornah

WATFORD: Bachmann, Gaspar, Choudhury, Davis, Kamara, Cathcart (c), Araujo, Porteous, Sarr, Bacunan, Martins

SUBS: Hamer, Pedro, Kone, Assombalonga, Morris, Hoedt, Adeyemo

GOALS: Sarr 30’, Porteous 48’, Ince 66’ (pen), Hendrick 80’

“Sometimes you have to think outside the box so it’s very pleasing.”

Things could have been different as Watford were denied by a very late offside Call to disallow a goal that would have put them 3-1 in front.

Speaking on the incident, Rae said: “It’s a great call from the linesman. He was a yard in front of him blocking his eyeline.

“It was an easy enough decision to make, but thankfully he did call it because we’ve seen a few that have been missed.

“The introductions of the subs helped us. Femi (Azeez) came on and had a big impact.

With his next chance, Sarr punished Reading from point blank range when he found an inch of room in the six-yard box to latch onto Henrique Araujo’s low cross and find the net.

Royals defender Amadou Mbengue picked up the first yellow card of the game when he clipped the back of Sarr’s heels when he was released down the left after Hassane Kamara picked a smart pass following his surging run from his own half.

CHAMPIONSHIP ALEX RAE: ‘WE SHOWED SPIRIT IN ABUNDANCE’

“It’s a brilliant group of boys, they’re brilliant to work with and show a lot of spirit.

“We had that in abundance today.

“There wasn’t a great deal in the first half so it was disappointing. Unfortunately we lost a goal at a set play and we have to defend that moment better.

“It was an uphill task from there, but the character the boys showed was brilliant.

“They worked their way back

Reading’s final chance in a threadbare half came with a freekick from 25 yards that Ince lined up wide on the right, but his shot flew harmlessly over the top as the visitors went into the break with an advantage.

Watford then threatened when Sarr had another shot at goal, but Lumley did well to close down his angle and save with his body.

But from the resulting corner, the Hornets doubled their lead.

into it and they easily could have folded at that stage.

“We had some words with them at half-time.

“We switched off structurally and got picked off.If you do that at this level, you get punished.”

“In the 88th minute we had an opportunity we could have capitalised with, but they will feel as though they could have nicked it as well.

“It’s another point on the board and our home form has been pretty decent.”

Royals skipper Andy Yiadom

Choudhury charges down Ince’s shot

Long celebrates with Hendrick

Hendrick’s volley finds the net

The Royals overturned a two-goal

Tyrese Fornah 5, Femi Azeez 6, Scott Dann n/a, Yakou Meite n/a

HORNETS’ TWO-GOAL LEAD

Women suffer damaging defeat against relegation rivals

READING FC WOMEN’s survival hopes were dealt a blow after they lost to fellow relegation rivals Liverpool.

The defeat leaves the Royals second bottom of the Women’s Super League on seven points, four points above bottom placed Leicester City who have two games in hand.

Things could have been different for the Royals had they taken the lead, and they went agonisingly close to doing so in the first-half.

Emma Mukandi shifted onto her left foot to put in an inswinging cross that Emma Harries stooped to meet and watched on as her header bounced off the top of the crossbar.

Reading looked confident throughout the first-half and tried to punish Liverpool when Rachel Rowe played a through ball to Sanne Troelsgaard, who seeked to continue her fine scoring form when she took aim from 30 yards with an effort that whistled just over the target.

Ryan Porteous lost his marker from the set piece and was allowed a free header which he accepted gratefully and glanced the ball into the far corner.

Ince made his first change in the 56th minute when Tyrese Fornah replaced Casadei after he failed to make a strong impression on his debut.

Lumley prevented the game from being dead and buried when he got a hand to Matheus Martins’ venomous drive at his near post.

The game took a potential turning point when the referee pointed to the spot after Shane

Long was adjudged to have been taken down by Craig Cathcart in the penalty area.

Ince stepped up to the mark and tucked the penalty into the bottom corner past Bachman to get the Royals back within a goal.

Bilic’s team thought they had restored their two-goal advantage with just over 10 minutes to go when Martins’ effort took a deflection off Britt Assombalonga to beat Lumley.

But after deliberating, the linesman raised his flag to make a late call to disallow the goal with the forward standing in an offside position in front of the goalkeeper.

Things get heated in stoppage time after Joao Pedro’s late tackle

With the atmosphere cranked up a few notches, Reading sensed an opportunity to get something from the game and they snatched it when a deep corner was met by Hendrick who smacked a volley past Bachmann to level the game.

Reading got on the front foot again to try and snatch all three points with Hendrick lurking in the box before a deflection fell the way of Yakou Meite who launched a shot over the target.

The draw leaves Reading in 16th position on 38 points from 29 games. Next up is a trip to Sunderland next Saturday.

ROYALS SEEK REVENGE TO TRY AND FIX AWAY FORM

READING FC will be looking to enact revenge on Sunderland on their trip to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The Royals lost out 3-0 in their earlier meeting with the Black Cats at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Paul Ince’s team boast a strong home record this campaign, but were heavily beaten when Sunderland travelled to Berkshire in September when a Patrick Roberts double and a goal from Jack Clarke saw them go back with all three points.

Sunderland go into the contest in

ninth place, four points ahead of Reading and just two points outside the play-off places.

After losing manager Alex Neil, who departed to join Stoke City earlier in the season, Sunderland have managed to regroup and continue a strong push under the experienced Tony Mowbray who was appointed to take over in August.

Despite their recent run of impressive results, Sunderland have fared better on the road than they have in front of their home supporters.

They have suffered as many defeats (five) as they have picked up victories at home so far after 14 matches.

Sunderland have lost just one of their last nine matches in all competitions, which included an away draw at Craven Cottage against Premier League high flyers Fulham in the FA Cup.

They picked up a point on their visit to Millwall last weekend after Dennis Cirkin netted an 81st minute equaliser to ensure they didn’t lose ground on a fellow top six rival.

Sunderland’s top scorer this season has been Ross Stewart who has bagged 10 goals and three assists in 13 Championship appearances.

Reading’s last visit to the Stadium of Light was in December 2017 where the Royals came away with maximum points.

After the hosts were reduced to 10 men, Reading took the initiative and ensured they put Sunderland to the sword with an opener from Dave Edwards and a brace from Modou Barrow to take a 3-1 victory under Jaap Stam. n Kick-off 3pm Saturday

The second-half was a different story and the Reds nudged themselves in front when Missy Bo Kearns got the better of Deanna Cooper in the six yard area and poked the ball into the corner past Jackie Burns to break the deadlock in the 62nd minute.

Liverpool quickly added to their advantage to deal a double blow to the Royals when a long throw was flicked onto the back post and Ceri Holland was left unmarked at the back post to convert from close range.

The damaging defeat means that Reading drop down a place after being overtaken by Brighton & Hove Albion who picked up a point against Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Liverpool moved four points ahead of the Royals with two games still in hand.

Reading are back in action on Sunday, February 26 in the FA Women’s Cup with a fifth round away tie at Tottenham Hotspur.

LIVERPOOL: Laws, Koivisto, Bonner, Matthews, Campbell, Hinds, Kearns, Lawley, Nagano, Holland, Stengel

Subs: Robe, Roberts, Lundgaard, Humphrey, Daniels, Cumings, Kirby, Silcock, Taylor

READING: Burns, Mukandi (c), Cooper, Evans, Woodham, Vanhaevermaet, Moore, Eikeland, Troelsgaard, Rowe, Harries

Subs: Moloney, Bryson, Wade, Hendrix, Jane, Alexander, Poulter, Primmer

Goals: Kearns 62’, Holland 65’

Captain Emma Mukandi Stock picture: Steve Smyth

two-goal deficit to claw back a point Pictures: Steve Smyth and Luke Adams

Yiadom moves forward

McIntyre Cesare Casadei made his debut

Hoilett takes on Gaspar

Hoilett finds a teammate

McIntyre fights to win the ball

ATHLETICS

HELEN WINS CALL UP FOR WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM resident Helen Wilson has been selected to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the upcoming World Transplant Games.

The games, which will take place between Saturday, April 15- Tuesday, April 21, will see 150 athletes represent Team GB.

The World Transplant Games, which works in partnership with the charity Transplant Sport, usually take place every two years and are supported by the International Olympic Committee. Due to the pandemic, the last time the Games took place was 2019 in Newcastle. The sporting event represents the largest organ donor awareness event in the world, featuring a week of 17 sporting events.

Team GB will join over 1,000 other transplant athletes and live donors from 60 countries across the globe.

One of the largest teams in the world will be representing Great Britain and NI at the World Transplant Games April 15-21.

Helen received a kidney from her brother in February 2007 and a liver from an incredible donor family in December 2013 following diagnosis of polycystic disease.

Helen is currently British Champion in her sports of discus,

shot and javelin and is also the European Champion in discus and shot.

She is training hard with her coach Ken Spencer at Bracknell Athletics Club as well as doing regular sessions in the gym to ensure she is as fit and ready as possible to represent her donors, her hospitals and everyone who has supported her on her journey so far.

Helen said “This is an incredible opportunity to raise awareness

about organ donation and the Transplant Games as well as to encourage people to have conversations with their loved ones to share their wishes about organ donation.

“I am very proud and honoured to have been selected for Team GB.”

At the World Transplant Games in 2019 in Newcastle, Helen won bronze in shot and silver in discus and will be doing her very best to bring home a medal from Australia.

Lynne Holt, team manager,

added: “These Games certainly deserve the same recognition as the Olympic and Para Olympic Games.

“Selection on to our team is just the beginning as it is an enormous commitment of both time and money. The next months will be busy for the athletes, keeping fit, regularly training in their sport, attending regular team training meets, doing publicity, however, the opportunity to compete, celebrate life and in doing so, paying tribute to their donors, is the goal.”

TABLE TENNIS WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

KINGFISHER A EDGE CLOSER TO LEAGUE TITLE TRIUMPH

By NIGEL MALTBY

sport@wokingham.today

KINGFISHER A edged closer to confirming the Division One title with a 10-0 win away to Tilehurst RBL A, who put up little resistance.

Second place OUR LADY OF PEACE A stuttered with only two players but still managed to edge out SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B 6-4.

Sonning’s additional point originating from the bat of Matt Isherwood with an excellent win over Steve Murgatroyd, while for OLOP Ian Cole continued his impressive recent run without dropping an end.

At the bottom end of the table, READING FC suffered a 2-8 loss at home to KINGFISHER D

Julian Telford and young Ethan Zheng picked up two each, both losing out to Mike Childs in closely fought encounters.

Mike could not convert a 2-0 lead over Graham Mendick, who once again earned his maximum.

Despite Prayrit Ahluwalia scoring another triple, KINGFISHER C remain stuck in the relegation zone after a 4-6 loss against KINGFISHER B

Elsewhere, reserve Dale Ballard outscored his TIDMARSH A team mates which included an unexpected 3-0 victory over SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A’S Neil Hurford. The end result was 4-6 in Sonning Common’s favour with Jamie Barlow remaining unbeaten for them.

SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD D’s title ambitions from division two took a slight knock when they could only field two players and went down to a 4-6 defeat against KINGFISHER G

The two highlight sets were SC&P’s star player Danny Dockree having a very close set against Neil Dellar before winning 11-9 in the fifth, plus

KINGS TEAMS SHOT DOWN BY AWESOME ACES

the doubles where the SC&P team recovered from two games to one down and 5-10 down to win in five.

TIDMARSH B and the improved KINGFISHER E had a close match which the Tidmarsh team just edged 6-4 with Tidmarsh’s Dale Ballard getting an impressive three straight maximum.

OUR LADY OF PEACE B beat a TILEHURST METHODISTS

A team, minus their star player Eric Van Looy, 7-3. Bill Stamatiou had two good win for Tilehurst including beating Darek Kaminski and the set of the night was Darek’s win in five against Phil Jones.

The competition in division three heated up, and a new leader emerged.

SPRINGFIELD A has taken the top spot, although with one more game played than 2nd placed PANGBOURNE WMC

OUR LADY OF PEACE E came out on top with a 9-1 victory against SONNING SPORTS B

THAMES Valley Kings suffered a tricky weekend with all three of teams going down to defeats.

In Division Three South, Aces II took the win 34-48 against KINGS III. The game that was neck and neck in the first half, but Aces II managed to edge the third quarter with some impressive defensive pressing.

In Division Two South, KINGS II faced Aces, who overpowered them in the second half to take the victory 29-62.

In Division One South, KINGS took an early lead before Jaguars settled into the game. Jaguars gained the upper hand in the second half taking the win 40-75.

This weekend Kings’ first team faces CWBA II on Saturday before Junior League on Sunday as the Bears will host the final round against Titans Juniors and Kings Juniors in Birmingham.

RESULTS

Saturday, February 4

FOOTBALL Championship

Reading 2-2 Watford

Southern League Premier South

Hanwell Town 2-3 Bracknell Town

Isthmian South Central Binfield 1-1 Southall

Combined Counties Premier North

Ascot United 6-0 Oxhey Jets

Reading City 2-0 London Lions

Windsor 1-2 Sumas

Combined Counties Division 1

Hillingdon Borough 3-2 Woodley United

London Samurai Rovers 1-6

Berks County

Sandhurst Town 2-2 Eversley & California

Thames Valley Premier League

Burghfield 2-0 Wraysbury Village

Finchampstead 3-0 Wargrave

RUGBY UNION

National League One

Darlington 21-43 Rams

London & SE Regional South Central

Bracknell 24-19 Banbury

HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 1 Reading 2s 1-0 Basingstoke

Women’s National Conference West

Trojans 1-2 Reading 2s

South Central Men’s Premier 2

South Berkshire 4-4

Haslemere

South Central Women’s North Division 1 Aylesbury 0-2 South Berkshire

Sunday, February 5

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Liverpool 2-0 Reading

Southern Region Women’s

Premier Division

Bournemouth Sports 1-2 Ascot United

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

Caversham United 5-0

Carterton

Eversley & California 0-1 Long

Crendon

Penn & Tylers 1-2 Woodley United

Cup

Ascot United Reserves 3-1

Kingsclere

Oxford City U23s 0-7 Tilehurst Panthers

Wargrave 8-0 Wallingford & Crowmarsh

Denham United Reserves 6-5

S4K Berks County

Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 (2-4 pens) Eversley Reserves

Plate Burghfield 8-1 Wycombe

Saints

Caversham AFC 3-1 Long

Crendon Development

Yateley United 4-7 Milton Keynes City

FIXTURES

Friday, February 10

RUGBY UNION

National League One Rams v Chinnor

Saturday, February 11

FOOTBALL Championship

Sunderland v Reading

FA Trophy fifth round Bracknell Town v Altrincham

Isthmian South Central Guernsey v Binfield

FA Vase fifth round Bridgewater United v Ascot United

Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v Windsor

Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Hillingdon Borough

Eversley & California v Westside

Woodley United v FC Deportivo Galicia

Thames Valley Premier Burghfield v Westwood Wanderers

Reading City U23s v Reading YMCA

RUGBY UNION London & SE Regional 1 Bracknell v Oxford Harlequins

South West Regional 2 Reading v Swindon

HOCKEY

Men’s National Premier Hampstead & Westminster v Reading

Women’s National Premier Reading v Holcombe

South Central Men’s North Division 1

Oxford Hawks 3s v Sonning

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning v Fareham

Sunday, February 12

FOOTBALL

Southern Region Women’s Premier

Abingdon United v Ascot United

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

Eversley & California v Caversham United

Milton United v Woodley United

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Ascot United Reserves v Procision Oxford

Banbury United v Tilehurst Panthers

Helen competing in the shotput

Helen also competes in javelin

Helen Wilson Transplant Games

Helen representing Team GB

LIVEMUSIC

RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

FORGET Casablanca, it’s Bracknell for us. And forget As Time Goes By, it’s As Time Stands Still.

This week, we are wafting under your ears a new single from One Last Day, and we got to hear them live last week at The Acoustic Couch. It was fantastic.

It’s one of three new entries in the playlist, and we think you’ll love it.

As ever, 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 a mixture 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.

One Last Day – As Time Stands Still

If you like good rock music with power and emotion this is for you.

One Last Day recently released this new single and like their last single, Out of the Black, that we

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, February 9

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW.

Karaoke. Details: 0118 958

6775.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo. Details: Twitter @skintmondays

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic night with Harley Hutchinson. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night.

Details: 0118 979 9437.

Friday, February 10

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. London Beat Club, The Julia Set, Elephant Hawk. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. All About You.

Details: 01344 303333.

GORING - Goring Community Centre, The Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB. Goring Community Jazz Club presents Mingus Mingus Mingus. Details www.ticketsource.co.uk/goringcommunity-jazz-club

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Valentine’s Masquerade ball. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. The Ghost Notes. Details: 07866 251216.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Valentine’s weekender. Details: 0118 968 1442.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street

featured last year, it shows that this band from the local area have quality in their musicianship, vocals and song writing.

They are also a great live band as we saw when popped along to see their exciting headlining performance in a packed Acoustic Couch in Bracknell last Friday.

They were excellent - https://linktr.ee/onelastday Marisa and the Moths

– If You Knew

We included their Pedestal single in the playlist last month but as the band performed such a good show at Reading’s Purple Turtle a couple of weeks ago and have just released their new EP, Damned If I Do which features this great song, originally released as a single last year, we had to include them again.

They are certainly getting noticed including being been played on BBC Radio 1 and with indie rock as good as this, it’s not hard to see whyhttps://www.marisaandthemoths.com/

Tavern, Broad Street RG40

1AU. Peach and the Prairie Dogs. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Karaoke with Waynie. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40

3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Chris Difford. 7.30pm. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

Saturday, February 11

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. British Bluescasting Corporation. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Bottlekids. Details: 01344 303333.

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Northbrook Road, Caversham Park Village RG4 6PF. Neon Daze. Details: 0118 334 1040.

CHARVIL – The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45

7LJ. Gary Roman as Elvis.

Details: 01344 772161.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Singalong-a-Nick Valentine’s Special. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. DJ F’Unkle. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Valentine’s weekender. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. The Meterologists. Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Brewery tour and tasting. Noon. Booking essential. Dark Days, Dark Beers with Darklands.

Details: www.phantombrew. com

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Gas Trick Band. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Fat Lip. Details: 0118 959 5395

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Judas Rising.

Details: 0118 957 6930

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Full Flavour. Details: 0118 942 9606.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Live music.

Details: 0118 941 5064.

WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Dance night with Abi Powell. 7.30pm. £11, includes snakcs. Free parking at Masonic Hall opposite. Bring your own drinks and glasses.

Details: wadecentre.org.uk/ events

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. DJ Bounce. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Rage Against The Machine tribute.

7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Revolver. Details: 0118 979 9437.

Sunday, February 12

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park,

ON TIME: One Last Day at The Acoustic Couch in Bracknell

Picture: Andrew Merritt

Kristeen Young –Absence Makes the Heart Grow Father

They don’t just come from around the UK to play at venues in our area, they come from around the world. Club Velocity/New Mind have a show at Reading Facebar on February 22 with this unique artist from the US.

Kristeen has just released a new video of this song from her The Beauty Shop album and if you like innovative, powerful, emotive music with a Bjork/ Kate Bush feel, check this out.

Support on the night is Strange Cities, also from US - https://kristeenyoung.com/ Catfish

– Soulbreaker

If you like your blues played by excellent musicians with powerful vocals, it’s well worth getting along to Wokingham Music Club (WMC) on Friday, February 17 to see Catfish. This song is from their 2019 album, Burning Bridges - https://www. catfishband.com/

Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde

Sundays: Marc Woosnam, Marshpoem, Jack Frank. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Boadcia presents: Mr & Mrs.

Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Skinner and T’Witch

Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Valentine’s weekender. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun St RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. West End Meets Broadway. Details: 0118 969 8000.

Monday, February 13

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic Cafe. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, February 14

BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Bracknell Folk Club. Details: www. bracknellfolk.org.uk

READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. Live jazz, blues and more. Free entry, donations welcome. Details: 07866 251216.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street.

FOMO: Valentine’s Day Singles Night. Details: Twitter @ skintmondays

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand Show. Details: 0118 969 8000.

Wednesday, February 15

WHISTLEY GREEN - The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10

Quantum Pig – Keep the Nation Warm

This London-based duo supported Lonely Robot this week at Islington Assembly Hall show this week. Lonely Robot’s Reading-based creator John Mitchell performs a brilliant guitar solo on this song - https:// quantumpig.live/

Squeeze – Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)

Chris Difford who co-wrote and performed so many great songs with Squeeze will be performing his solo show for WMC at the Whitty Theatre this coming Friday 10. Here’s a Squeeze classic - https:// chrisdifford.com/

Gemma Rogers – The Great Escape

London-based Gemma came to Reading in November and performed a great show at the Facebar. This song is from her new four-track EP The Great Escape – https://www.gemmarogersmusic. com/

Lonely Robot – Lonely Robot

Reading producer John Mitchell’s Lonely Robot headlined London’s Islington Assembly Hall this week - https://www.facebook.com/ LonelyRobotband/

Tom Webber – I’m Yours

Tom was live in Reading on Saturday to headline Rising Sun Arts Centre, a Club Velocity Independent Venue Week show - https://www.tomwebbermusic. com/

Flutatious – Spacechick (Mitchell Mix)

What a great show at Wokingham Music Club recently. This, from their Fluctuations EP, was mixed by John Mitchell - https://www.flutatious.co.uk/

0EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 934 0886.

Thursday, February 16

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Storm In a Teacup: Hell’s Ditch, Missing The Scene, As Loud As A Mouse, Landlord Lynch. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo. Details: Twitter @skintmondays

WOKINGHAM – The Grasshopper, Rose Street RG40 1XU. Live at the Grasshopper: Mark Warner’s Full Swing. From 6.30pm. Details: 0118 901 2678.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic Cafe with Alfie Griffin. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Leafy Elephant, Peach Place. Sugar and Sax.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 9437.

Friday, February 17

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Signature Vision and Nothing Dreams. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Barry White and Motown tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Martin Shaw. Details: 01344 484123.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Catfish. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

EVERSLEY – The Golden Pot, Reading Road RG27 0NB. Paul Tino. Details: 0118 973 2104.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. An Evening with Secluded Bronte. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – South Street arts centre. Limehouse Lizzy. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Music of Prince: New Purple Celebration.

Details: 0118 959 5395. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. 4G. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Karaoke with Waynie. Details: 0118 977 4548.

YATTENDON – Village Hall, Yattendon Lane RG18 0UE. Brewhouse Music - Chris Garrick & John Etheridge. £16. 7pm. Details: 01635 200185.

Saturday, February 18

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Special Kinda Madness. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The New Ambassadors. Details: 01344 303333.

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. The Parallels. Details: 0118 978 0544.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB.

Hazel’s Birthday Party featuring

Moonage. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Glow party. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. 4Fingaz Live.

Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Flashback Band. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Craig Charles. Drum Fest: Unglued and Jam Thieves.

Details: 0118 959 5395

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Wardour Street.

Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Rd RG40 2AD. DJ Bounce. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Full Flavour!. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Sunday, February 19

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL.

Songwriter Showcase: Songwriting Trio, Shawn Twomey, Nicole Allan, Nikki Pearson. Noon-5pm. Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night It’s A

Date. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun St RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Whitney: Queen of the Night. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WHAT’SON

Thursday, February 9

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

FINCHAMPSTEAD –Memorial Hall. RSPB

Wokingham and Bracknell Local Group meeting: Birds of Upper Teesdale, a talk by Andy Sands. 7.45pm9.30pm. £4, members £3. Details: group.rspb.org.uk/ wokinghamandbracknell

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Tap Yard, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF. Siren Beer Discovery: An Introduction to Siren through the exploration of the various beer styles of the core range. Tickets from £11.37. 7pm-8pm. Details: https://www. sirencraftbrew.com/

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. The hidden history of Reading’s War Graves and Memorials Talk, a talk by Liz Tait, organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm-3.30pm. £5, £4 members. Details: 0118 950 9553.

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 Mosaic lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Before Sunrise (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting Folio Evening 2.

7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

Friday, February 10

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10am. Details: linkvisiting.org

GORING – The Catholic Parish of Our Lady & St John Catholic Church, Ferry Lane RG8 9DX. Heinrich Schutz: A German in Venice. Music for a solo tenor and baroque ensemble. 7pm. Details: ourladyandstjohngoring. org.uk

READING – The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Reduce, Reuse Recycle: make your own Sunflower Amulet using fabric scraps and unwanted clothing. 10am-noon, 2pm-4pm.

£3. Children must be

accompanied. Booking essential. Details: merl. reading.ac.uk

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Friday Fledglings, a weekly outdoor session for toddlers. Booking essential. 10am-11.30am. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – South Street Arts. Poets Cafe. 8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Theatre, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG30 3AQ. EBOS quiz night with fish and chip supper. Teams of up to six. £13. 8pm. Details: https:// www.facebook.com/ ebostheatre

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.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, February 11

BURGHFIELD – The Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Valentine’s

Themed Pooch Party: assault course, fun photography, free toy, free bag of mixed treats, ball pit, bubble machine with bacon flavour bubbles. £11 per dog. 11am-1pm. Details: pooch.party@outlook.com

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Tap Yard, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF. Street Food Saturday: Well Nice Food Co. From noon. Details: www. sirencraftbrew.com

READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Brewery tour and tasting. Noon. Booking essential. Dark Days, Dark Beers with Darklands. Details: www. phantombrew.com

GORING – St Thomas of Canterbury CofE Church, Off Manor Road RG8 9DS. Inaugural Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter. 7pm. £12. Details: www. st-marys-streatley.org.uk

HURST – Hurst Village Hall, School Road, RG10 0DR. Hurst Bowling Club quiz night. 7pm. £16.50 per person. Includes light buffet supper. Bring own drinks and cups. Details: www.facebook.com/ hurstbowlingclub

READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square RG1 6NN. Reading Bach Choir:

featuring works by Haydn, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and more. 7.30pm. £15, under 18s £5. Details: www.readingbachchoir. org.uk/

READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Share The Love for Valentine’s Day: take a seat on the love bench, take home a rose, and hear Reading Male Voice Choir. 11am-4pm.

READING – Great Hall, university of Reading London Road RG1 5AQ. Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra winter concert: Liszt Prometheus, Ross Echo, and Tchaikosky Symphony No. 4.

7.30pm Details: www. aldworthphilharmonic. org.uk

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Story and Craft Session: Reading Libraries Telling Stories programme continues with a Winter and Light themed story and craft session based on The Moomins In Midwinter. 11am. Free. Drop-in.

Details: 0118 901 5950.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Unsent Letters: An Exhibition exploring letters that are dedicated to loved ones - strangers, acquaintances, friends, family or partners, curated by volunteer and artist Emeline Nevers-White.

1pm-5pm. Drop-in. Details: 0118 986 6788.

WOKINGHAM – Mulgari Cars, Fishponds Road. Mulgari MINI coffee meet: coffee, doughnuts, cars. 9.30am-1.30pm.

WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Dance night with Abi Powell. 7.30pm. £11, includes snakcs. Free parking at Masonic Hall opposite. Bring your own drinks and glasses. Details: wadecentre.org.uk/events

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society presents: Equipped for Eternity: The Ancient Egyptian Books of the Afterlife, a lecture by Dr Ken Griffin. 2pm.

Details: https://www.tvaes. org.uk/Talks.php

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, February 12

READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. The Way warm bank: Free hot meal, free fresh and frozen food from our community fridge. 4.30pm-6pm. Details: 0118 950 5661.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Unsent Letters:

An Exhibition exploring letters that are dedicated to loved ones - strangers, acquaintances, friends, family or partners, curated by volunteer and artist Emeline Nevers-White. 1pm-5pm. Drop-in. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue. Reading Vinyl Record Fair. 9am-3pm. £4.

WOKINGHAM –Easthampstead Park, Peacock Lane RG40 3DF. Wedding fair. 11am-3pm. Free. Details: www. berkshireweddingfairs. co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Market

Place RG40 1AS. Sparkle Vegan Events presents vegan market. 11am3pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, tables £8. Details: 07943 510108 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday, February 13

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 – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Super Seeds: create a seed growing starter set, for ages five upwards. 10am, 11.15am, 1pm, 2.15pm, £4. Booking essential. Details: www.readingmuseum. org.uk

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Biscuit decorating. £1. 10.30am-11.30am. Drop-in. Details: 0118 901 5950.

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, February 14

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. 10am. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomews Road RG1 3QB. Lucky drip craft bag. £1. Details: 0118 901 5106.

READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Nature Printing. 10am-noon or 1pm-3pm. £1. Drop-in. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk

READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street RG1 2LR. Reading Geek Night: The Mad Scientist Presents: The Science Behind Bipolar Madness (Lee Hale). 7pm-9pm. Free. Details: rdggeeknight.wordpress. com

SOUTHCOTE - Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Drop-in craft session: make a snail with a heart shell. For ages four10 10.30am-11.30am. £1.

Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Drop-in craft: make a bird. 10.30am-11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5112.

WHITLEY – South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Craft session. Drop-in. £1. 9.30am-noon. Details: 0118 901 5115.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Coronation Hall, Headley Road RG5 4JB. WISE Over-50s Forum: a talk by Joy Pibworthy – Eleven hundred years of Reading’s history. £3. Raffle: 50p or five tickets for £2. 2pm-4pm. Details: Woodleywise@gmail.com or: 0118 969 6206.

Wednesday, February 15

DUNSDEN GREEN – Village Hall RG4 9QG. English Country dancing evening: beginners welcome. £4, first session free. 8pm. Details: 07714 226723.

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. The Half-term hangout: games, crafts, singing and more for primary school aged children. Lunch available, booking essential. Details: 0118 950 5661.

READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Victorian Schoolroom Experience in the Gateway. 10.30am, 2pm. £1. Booking essential. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk

READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomews Road RG1 3QB. Lucky drip craft bag. £1. During opening hours. Details: 0118 901 5106.

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

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents

Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. BookTrust Storytime session. 10am10.30am. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Thursday, February 16

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Happy Bird Day! Primary school craft session: make a bird of paradise or bird of prey. 2pm-3.30pm. £1.

Details: 0118 937 5103.

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Tap Yard, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF. Siren Beer Discovery: An Introduction to Siren through the exploration of the various beer styles of the core range. Includes third-pints of each of the five core range beers. Tickets from £11.37. 7pm8pm. Details: https://www. sirencraftbrew.com/

READING – Venue to be confirmed on booking. Terry’s Walkabout: Crime & Punishment Walkabout, find out about an evil serial killer. Maximum 16 people. £5, child over 10 £1. In aid of PACT and Royal Berks Charity. 5.45pm. Booking essential. Details: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts

READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. The Half-term hangout: games, crafts, singing and more for primary school aged children. Lunch available, booking essential. Details: 0118 950 5661.

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30

1EE. Craft session for children: paint and print on a butterfly. £1. 2.30pm3.30pm. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Bee in a Bonnet craft session for ages five upwards. 10am, 11.15am, 1pm and 2.15pm. £4. Booking essential. Details: www.readingmuseum. org.uk

READING – The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Reduce, Recuse Recycle: make your own Sunflower Amulet using fabric scraps and unwanted clothing. 10am-noon, 2pm-4pm. £3. Children must be accompanied. Booking essential. Details: merl. reading.ac.uk

READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomews Road RG1 3QB. Lucky drip craft bag. £1. During opening hours. Details: 0118 901 5106.

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 Round 3 PDI.

7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40

2BB. BookTrust Storytime session. 10am-10.30am. Free, booking essential.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

Friday, February 17

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road RG6 1EY. Reading Guild of Artists presents: Bee Watercolour and Mixed Media with Caroline Crawford. 7pm. £8. Details: www.rga-artists.org.uk

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6

7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. BookTrust Storytime session. 10.30am-11am. Free, booking essential.

Details: 0118 908 8176.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. The Red Dwarf Quiz - seasons

1-6. 8pm. £1 per person.

Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1

1QH. Kazoo-Bees craft. 10am-noon, 1pm-3pm. £1. Drop-in. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk

READING – Reading Minster

Of St Mary The Virgin C

Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Bach to Baby concert: Over the Seas and Far Away, with Mary Thorneloe, flute. 11am. £15 adults and up to two children. Details: www. bachtobaby.com

READING – Town Hall, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Good Evening! We’re From Ukraine! A benefit concert for Ukraine. 7.30pm.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

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.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday,

February 18

CROWTHORNE – Library, High Street. Crowthorne Horticultural Society presents community seed swap. 10am-2pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Tap Yard, Alberto House,

Marino Way RG40 4RF. Street Food Saturday: Fat Tabby Catering Co. From noon. Details: www. sirencraftbrew.com

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-noon. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk

READING – Eclectic Games, Union Street RG1 1EU. Open board game day. 10.30am-5.30pm. Details: 0118 959 8250.

READING – Forbury Gardens. Enough Is Enough! Reading Resists demonstration. 2.30pm. March through Reading followed by party at The Butler. Hosted by Reading Trades Union Council.

READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomews Road RG1 3QB. Lucky drip craft bag. £1. During opening hours. Details: 0118 901 5106.

READING – South Street Arts. Poets Cafe online. 1pm.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Tutu’s Ethiopian Table, Palmer Park, Wokingham Rd RG6 1LF. Dreading Slam presents Poetry in the Park. 11am.

Details: 0118 966 3938.

READING – The Warehouse, 1a Cumberland Road, Reading, RG1 3LB. Model Railway Exhibition in support of the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway. 10am-4.30pm. Adults £4:50, Concessions £3:50, Children £2, Families (2+2) £10

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Theatreoke. 7pm. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Market. 9am-3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, February 19

READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. The Way ministry presents a warm bank: Free hot meal, free fresh and frozen food from our community fridge. 4.30pm-6pm. Details: 0118 950 5661.

READING – RISC, London Road. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go”. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome.

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Wokingham Town Council and Love Wokingham presents town hall tabletop takeover. 9.30am-5pm. Details: www.ticketsource. co.uk/wokingham

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, tables £8. Details: 07943 510108 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Quiz Challenge

1. The monkey-puzzle tree was discovered by Europeans in which country?

2. The chapel in Windsor Castle is dedicated to which saint?

3. What is the German word for the pleasure derived from someone else’s misfortune?

4. American singer Irene Cara, who died in November 2022, was best known for which hit song?

5. In the English Civil War, which Bohemian prince commanded the royalist cavalry?

6. A narrow strip of land with sea on either side which connects two larger areas is called a what?

7. Academy Award-winning director Pedro Almodóvar comes from which country?

8. What is the ‘nineteenth hole’ on a golf course?

9. Which Pacific island was colonised by the mutineers from HMS Bounty?

10. Wide Sargasso Sea is a prequel to which famous novel?

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

1. Cashier at dance is the energetic type (8)

5. Sword is put back in deeper (4)

8. Public figure who has not been identified (8)

9. Unable to say why it is silent (4)

11. Run sail out when away from the mainland (7)

13. A road in New York is unpleasant (5)

14. Happening at the same time to make money with detectives in French church (11)

18. University left revolutionary art to extremist (5)

19. Pendant allowed to be put on part of the bottle (7)

21. There’s nothing about a fastener (4)

22. Crack made by vicar next to fool in church (8)

24. Need to rearrange the garden (4)

25. Fail to notice finished appearance (8)

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

1. Cover ship in silver, perhaps, when preserved in rock (6)

2. Uncle’s a twin (5)

3. Youngster left working with Scottish lad, one from an ancient city (10)

4. Cover most of the swimmingpool (3)

6. Acid used to put boy in the picture? (7)

7. Achieve more by reorganisation in the first stage (6)

10. Secretly insured (5,5)

12. Work to rule (5)

15. Sketch of the escape route? (7)

16. Child of five with this French fruit (6)

17. Move quickly – like lightning? (6)

20. Girl has nothing at the end of a long rope (5)

23. Turn for the clergyman (3)

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

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:

SOLUTIONS

ACROSS DOWN

A slice of the action .. delivered

Healthy Heart Tip

TODAY is National Pizza Day, and it seems that Reading’s restaurateurs are in the dough when it comes to pizza.

Deliveroo says the town is 10th in the league table when it comes to delivering the pies to the doorsteps.

Surrey town, Haslemere, ordered the most pizza direct to their doors in the last three months, with Halemere, St Andrews and Aberystwyth in

second, third and fourth places respectively.

The food-delivery company adds that it saw a 28% increase in pizza orders on National Pizza Day last year

Aisha Jefferson at Deliveroo said, “Over the years, pizza has consistently been one of our customers’ favourite dishes, but when it comes to toppings, we see great variation in popularity and trends.

“Recent Deliveroo order data reveals our customers have a growing tolerance

for the hot stuff, with orders of spicy pizzas like a Diavola and Salamino Piccante trending in recent months.

“Whatever your favourite topping, we’re giving our customers exactly what they knead this National Pizza Day - the hottest and best value offers from some of the best pizza joints across the UK, all delivered to your doorstep by Deliveroo.”

The most popular pizzas ordered by Deliveroo customers

are Margaritas, Pepperoni, Capricciosa, Hawaiian and Sloppy Giuseppe.

Data also reveals that 6.55pm is the most popular time for Brits to order pizza on Deliveroo. The most common request when

Sustainable physical activity and how it helps

ordering pizza via Deliveroo is to remove mushrooms.

Other requests include no onions, peppers, or olives.

To celebrate National Pizza Day, Deliveroo says that some firms will be offering some

Be aware and take care when visiting a re3 recycling centre

LAST year, residents of Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Boroughs made over 550,000 visits to the re3 Recycling Centres at Longshot Lane, Bracknell and Island Road, Reading.

Most of these trips are quick and easy, allowing us to recycle materials that would otherwise go to waste.

But Recycling Centres are potentially hazardous.

FCC Environment, which operates two re3 Recycling Centres on behalf of Bracknell, Reading and Wokingham Councils, is keen to help residents stay safe on site by launching a new website and providing residents with information and advice while warning of some of the risks.

Sort before you visit

Pre-sorting your items at home can help you get in and out of your Recycling Centre quickly and efficiently.

Avoid slips, trips and falls: be aware of your footwear

In summer’s warmer weather, you may be sporting flip flops or sandals and in winter you might be wearing muddy boots – but take care and make sure you are in more suitable footwear when visiting your Recycling Centre.

You just don’t know what may have fallen on the ground where you’re walking, or who might drop something heavy, so sensible shoes are a must and bare feet are definitely not allowed.

money-saving specials. They include 21% off pizza bundles at PizzaExpress. 20% off the entire Zizzi menu and free chips at ASK Italian. Offers subject to change or availability.

Follow the signs

On arrival, a member of staff will meet and greet you and guide you to the appropriate disposal bays. These are clearly laid out and signed to help you find them.

Keep kids and pets in vehicles

With cars, vans and trucks reversing and bulky items being moved around, it’s important that children of all ages (from toddlers to teens), as well as pets, stay in your vehicle for their own safety.

Children are often keen to be green and help out at the Recycling Centre – but sorting through your materials at home can help to keep them engaged with recycling, as well as safe.

FCC environment operations director Steve Longdon said: “We welcome hundreds of thousands of people to the sites that we run each year and most visits are without incident but we want to do even better and reduce accidents, slips and trips even further so I urge the public to look at the posters on-site, or just log onto https://staysafe. fccenvironment.co.uk/ for lots of hints and tips about how to have a safe visit.”

re3 is a waste management partnership which is responsible for arranging the disposal of household waste collected across Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Boroughs working together with FCC Environment.

This includes recyclable waste and general waste collected at the kerbside, at the two Recycling Centres, glass banks and street cleaning.

IT’S well-known that exercise helps keep us healthy, yet around 34% of men and 42% of women don’t do enough physical activity.

Regular physical activity reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 35% and it is something we should all be aiming to achieve.

The key word is ‘regular’, while trying new activities which increase our physical activity levels temporarily are of benefit, we need to find ways to incorporate movement and regular physical activity into our daily routines.

Here are some tips that might help.

Make a commitment

Committing to a weekly exercise class (or multiple) can help you stay active when motivation drops. If attending a paid class isn’t an option, ask a few local friends or neighbours if they want to form an exercise group with you.

Set aside the same time each week to be active together, this could be something as simple as going for a walk or jog.

The main thing is the commitment, having a set time scheduled into your week makes it easier to hit your activity goals.

Identify opportunities

Day-to-day life usually presents opportunities for us to move more, but in today’s modern world we find lifts and escalators in most places with stairs, and it has become the norm to drive rather than walk.

Look at your weekly activities and determine ways you can be more active while going about your day-to-day duties.

This could be taking the stairs in a shopping centre or parking a little further away from work and walking the rest of the way.

Know how much

Adults should aim to do 150 minutes of physical activity every week, which is 2030 minutes a day. Other activities such as cleaning and gardening can count towards our movement goals.

Don’t just think about sweating in a gym and let that put you off, reframe even the most mundane activities like hoovering and appreciate them for helping us to stay healthy.

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch. org.uk/healthy-tips

n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heartresearch-uk-recipes-2

n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-ukcookbook

STAY SAFE: re3 wants people to stay safe when visiting the sites – watching out for potential hazards and also ensuring pets and children stay in vehicles