Wokingham Today, Jan 12, 2023

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

Official data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), based on the 2021 census, shows that 699,500 people live in a home that doesn’t use gas or electricity to heat it in England.

There are a further 15,496 homes in Wales without central heating.

London has the largest number of households without central heating at 76,190, followed by the rest of the south-east at 49,875.

In Wokingham, 489 of the borough’s 69,200 households have no central heating.

In neighbouring Reading, there are 1,434 homes with no central heating, more than 2% of its 67,700 total.

Bracknell Forest has 454 households with no central heating and in West Berkshire there are 695.

Charities have warned that cold homes could cause nearly 10,000 excess deaths this winter as many living without central heating are aged 65 and over, with long-term health conditions.

Holly Holder, the deputy director for homes at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “The number of homes without central heating in England is truly shocking.

“We have among the worst and least efficient homes in western Europe and often it is older people who have to reside in these subpar properties.

“The life and death implications of this are really being seen now as we enter the bracing cold of midwinter at the height of a cost of living crisis.”

A government spokesperson, when approached for comment by the Guardian, described the lack of central heating in homes as “completely unacceptable” and said it is acting to ensure people stay warm this winter.

This includes support with energy bills, introducing the Decent Homes Standard to privately rented homes and increasing Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) to £200 for those who use heating oil and fuels other than gas.

By DANIEL BLACKHAM news@wokingham.today

Beaulieu Homes’ proposal to build 54 homes, including 19 affordable, off St Anne’s Drive, near Hilton St Anne’s Manor hotel, was rejected by Wokingham Borough Council’s planning

committee in January last year.

The reason for the original decision was the development would reduce the settlement gap between Wokingham and Bracknell.

Additional grounds for the refusal included the applicant’s failure to secure the necessary infrastructure, on and off-site services and amenities, or to provide “adequate financial contributions” to mitigate the impact of the development.

Council loses appeal, so homes will be built on border with Bracknell

MORE than 700,000 people in England and Wales – nearly 500 in Wokingham borough – live in homes without central heating.

A DECISION to reject development plans which would see Bracknell and Wokingham linked has been overturned by the planning inspector.

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Theresa May earned £2.5m outside Parliament since 2019

By Phil Creighton news@wokingham.today

ONE of Wokingham Borough’s four MPs has earned more outside of parliament than any other politician according to new data.

Sky News and Tortoise researched the earnings of all MPs since the 2019 general election, with Theresa May collecting £2,550,876 from companies, gifts and donations.

This was more than double that of her successor, Boris Johnson. The disgraced former prime minister who had to quit after a succession of scandals including the Downing Street parties during lockdown, earned £1,064,785.

The fifth highest earner was Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood £692,438, with the vast majority of that being the £674,800 earnings from his work as a global strategist with Charles Stanley.

The veteran MP has made no secret of his work for the firm. His commitment is 50 hours per month,

which includes three written commentaries a week, and giving presentations.

For this he receives £48,222 a quarter, as well as bonuses. In June last year, this was £35,000.

Both Bracknell MP James Sunderland and Reading East MP Matt Rodda received donations or gifts. Mr Sunderland’s figure of £17,740 is one of the lowest, while Mr Rodda’s £26,500 was mostly donations from unions.

WHAT EACH MP HAS EARNED

THERESA MAY declared 78 financial interests from 37 different sources since the current parliament began in 2019.

They include several donations of £4,200 from Heathrow Airport, £115,000 from the Brown University, £2,500 from her husband Philip May, and £115,000 from the Dubai Women Establishment.

The largest single item declared is £408,200 in secondary earnings from Cambridge Speaker Series.

She earned £408,200 for six talks

in California. Payment included flights and accommodation.

The smallest single item is a gift worth £300 from Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The top five sources are: Cambridge Speaker Series, JP Morgan Chase, Heathrow Airport, World Knowledge Forum and Distinguished Speaker Series.

The money is paid into The Office of Theresa May Ltd, from which she pays herself a salary of £85,000 a year.

Sky News says the rest supports her charitable work and activities as a former prime minister.

SIR JOHN REDWOOD has declared 49 different financial interests, all of which are earnings according to the Sky News/Tortoise data.

The largest single item is £50,000 in secondary earnings from Charles Stanley.

Since 2019, Sir John has earned £674,800 from the firm.

Epic Private Equity paid him £14,630, Bite Sized Books £2,590, The Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society paid £200, and Palgrave Macmillan/Spring £100.

Bracknell MP JAMES SUNDERLAND declared just eight items, all donations or gifts, totally £17,740.

The largest single item is a gift worth £7,550 from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar.

Conservative Friends of Israel donated £3,300, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases donated £2,770,

Motorsport UK gave him £2,140, and the Goodwood Estate Company donated £1,440.

The smallest single item is a gift worth £200 from CAE U.K. Plc,

the same amount was given by Lockheed Martin UK.

Reading East MP MATT RODDA has declared seven donations worth £26,500.

The largest is a donation worth £7,000 from Union of Shop, Distributive & Allied Workers (USDAW).

Keith Thrower donated £5,000, Unite the Union gave £4,000 and £3,000. The Communications Workers Union (CWU) gave £3,000, £2,500 was given by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).

The smallest single item is a donation worth £2,000 from GMB Union.

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FUNDRAISER: Trial classes in exchange for donation to Arts4Wokingham’s big project

Dance with Strictly star Ian and help build up The Arc

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

STRICTLY’S Ian Waite, is offering the chance to join him in a free dance masterclass – or two if they’re really keen.

The TV star, and professional dancer, teacher and choreographer, will be running two sessions in January at a Wokingham school as part of his support for local charity, Arts4Wokingham.

The first session, Fitsteps, will be a ballroom and Latin based dance fitness class lasting one hour.

He says people will be most comfortable attending this in trainers and sports or fitness wear.

The second hour-long session will be a Beginners’ Ballroom Class focussing on waltz, cha-cha, jive and quickstep.

Suitable clothing for this class is sports or fitness wear, or just comfortable clothes.

Ian is offering the classes to raise funds for a local charity.

He is a keen supporter of Arts4Wokingham, which aims to promote and champion public art across the borough.

The group’s launch campaign is the commissioning of a brand new bespoke installation, The Arc.

The sculpture, designed by artist Nicola Anthony to celebrate the town and its community, will be located outside Wokingham’s new Carnival Hub.

Ian sees this first public artwork project as an exciting and significant step in recognising how art can enhance and enrich the lives of those living in the borough.

He says: “The arts are so important in inspiring and

Call to find sites for travellers

WOKINGHAM Borough Council is calling for potential Gypsy and traveller pitch sites.

The few sites already promoted for this purpose may not be sufficient to meet future needs, so the council wants help to find further potential sites.

As part of its Local Plan Update they invite individuals, landowners, parish and town councils, or developers to suggest suitable and available locations.

Suggestions will be carefully considered through the Local Plan Update, but may not necessarily be found to be suitable for future Gypsy and Traveller pitches.

Suggestions can be made on the Call For Sites Submission Form which must be returned to Wokingham Borough Council by 5pm on Friday, February 17.

This should be done either by email to: LPU@wokingham.gov.uk

Or by post to: Growth & Delivery Team, Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WR

People are asked to share this information with those they think would be interested in suggesting sites.

n For more information, visit: WBC’s Local Plan Update page or: Engage Wokingham Borough

informing our everyday lives.

“They often add a dimension which not only provides enjoyment but can also provoke thought and appreciation of the world in which we live.”

Ian hopes that his two dance classes will allow people to have fun discovering new skills or reviving older ones while raising funds for and awareness of Arts4Wokingham.

Both dance sessions will take place at St Crispin’s School hall,

Wokingham, on Tuesday, January 24.

Fitsteps starts at 7pm, followed by the Beginners’ Ballroom Class at 8pm.

Both are free to attend.

Ian will be inviting people to make donations, however small, all of which will go to Arts4Wokingham. n For more information about the charity and The Arc, visit: www. arts4wokingham.com

Food bank’s New Year changes

A COMMUNITY GROUP has made some alterations to its service provision for 2023.

Share Shinfield, which operates at Shinfield Baptist Church gives those in need access to high quality essential items while reducing food waste.

Continuing to meet on Mondays, the food share has changed its opening times to 12.30pm1.30pm, half an hour earlier than in 2022.

Organisers have emphasised that the associated cafe will remain open until 2pm.

Those who are unable to attend before 1.30pm are welcome to collect a pre-prepared food bag by prior arrangement between 1.30pm2pm.

This option will also be available to those who feel anxious around the larger volume of visitors earlier in the session.

Given the cooler temperatures and inclement weather, users are being asked not to queue, with Share Shinfield assuring visitors that there is sufficient food available.

This is a health and safety requirement.

Share HQ is also asking people not to attend more than two Share sites in a week, and only one site a day.

From Monday, January 16, all Share sites are requesting a £1 donation per household, with the money raised going towards the warm places across Wokingham Borough. Attendees will also be asked to report their postcode on arrival to help the organisation identify areas where new Share sites may be needed.

Share Shinfield announced it will be closed on bank holiday Mondays this year, including Easter Monday and the May bank holidays.

It will also be out of action during August and over Christmas.

DANCE HELP: Ian Waite’s classes will raise funds for The Arc (pictured inset) Wokingham’s new art installation outside the Carnival Hub. Picture: Emma Merchant

Share Shinfield’s food surplus project helps the community Picture: Ji-Min Lee

Snap a selfie for coronation crown

THE LEXICON and Bracknell Forest Council are working together to mark the Coronation of King Charles III, by helping to create Berkshire’s largest coronation crown.

In order to make this happen, 2,023 images are needed to create a 14 x 10 metre collage in the shape of a crown.

To join in, residents are being asked to upload an image of themselves, friends, family, pets or community events on The Lexicon website.

Sue Boor, head of marketing of the Bracknell-based shopping centre, said: “We want to create something meaningful that the whole community can join in with to recognise this significant moment in our history.

“Once the collage of the Coronation Crown is complete, visitors to The Lexicon will be able to see what they helped create.”

The unique communitycreated display will be on show

in Princess Square in the weeks leading-up to the Coronation ceremony, which is due to take place onSaturday, May 6.

Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration on Bracknell Forest Council, said: “I can’t wait to see the final Coronation Crown in Princess Square; this is going to be a true piece of community art.

“While the crown will look impressive, it will be wonderful to see people come and seek out their own image within the collage.”

There is no limit on the number of images submitted, but any people featured must have given consent to be featured and for the image being used in the artwork.

The deadline for images is Friday, March 10.

n For more information, visit: thelexiconbracknell.com/ coronation

‘Truly harrowing’: Woodley resident on return from delivering aid to Ukraine

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

A WOODLEY resident has returned from a “truly harrowing” trip after delivering aid to Ukrainians fleeing war in their homeland.

Ronnie Goodberry, who has arranged for thousands of items to be donated, made the 4,000 mile trip to help those in need.

Following a tear-jerking conversation with a contact based on the Ukrainian border, Mr Goodberry decided to gather as much support as he could and set off for the Polish border at 3am on Tuesday, December 13.

After travelling through treacherous, snowy conditions in Germany and Poland, Mr Goodberry arrived at a meeting point to hand over the goods.

Due to restrictions and what he described as “red tape”, he was unable to enter Ukraine to deliver the aid directly but, thanks to a number of volunteers, it went where it was needed.

“We unloaded it, they examined what we had on

board and then, because of missile strikes in Kyiv and elsewhere, the hub got their guys to come and grab it from us and they escorted it over the border,” said Mr Goodberry.

The items were then transported to Kherson and Drohobych where more than 1,000 people were awaiting their weekly supplies.

Aid was also delivered to Bakhmut, which is in the Donbas region on the front line of the Russian invasion.

Items included scarves, gloves, hats, blankets and medicine.

After hearing stories of struggle and seeing pictures of missile-stricken buildings and roads, Mr Goodberry made an “instant decision” to donate an additional £400 for food and sweets.

Mr Goodberry said: “We went out and had dinner with our point of contact and he wanted

to show us some photographs. I saw some of them and there was an instant decision to buy £400 of food there and then.

“It was food, sweets and it’s just a little bit of hope for some of the kids.”

One story struck a particular chord.

“The scenes were horrendous and there was one truly harrowing story that broke my heart,” explained Mr Goodberry.

“There was a video of a teddy bear on a swing outside a block of flats where a family with two children lived. The building was hit by a missile strike, the two children were killed and the parents were hospitalised for three weeks.

“When they (the parents) came out, they searched the ruins and found the little girl’s teddy bear.

“The little girl and the boy played in the playground, where the swing was, every day

“That’s her memory of her children, and that is all she has got now.”

Mr Goodberry said this is one of a number of accounts which shows the daily struggle people are faced with.

“These sorts of stories are happening every day, but they aren’t publicised as much and these people are living in desperate times,” he added.

“People have electricity for possibly two hours a day.”

“There was one person begging us to get firewood so they could get their fires going.

“That’s the reality of it. That’s all they have.”

This was the third time Mr Goodberry has made the trip himself, but he has organised seven deliveries in total, totalling 104,000 items so far.

Donations have been largely made by Woodley residents, but the cause has received support from around Wokingham and Reading.

“I have heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated items and money to support us, as without that we wouldn’t be able to get the support there,” said Mr Goodberry.

“Some of the smiles, cheers and the thanks we were given just for taking a few bits and pieces over to them was crazy.”

Beware of dragons in Market Place

RESIDENTS are being invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Wokingham later this month.

The event, organised by Wokingham Town Council, will mark the beginning of the calendar year where months are based on moon cycles.

The Lunar New Year as a celebration is observed by numerous cultures and is featured in the Chinese calendar, the Hindu-Buddhist calendars of south and southeast Asia, the Islamic

calendar and the Jewish calendar in the middle east.

The lion dance, one of the most important traditions at Chinese New Year, will be performed in Market Place by the Pak-Mei Lion Dance Troupe.

In Chinese culture, the lion symbolises power, wisdom and superiority. Their presence is reported to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits.

Duo Chinese Rose will be playing traditional Chinese music on the Ehrhu and Pipa.

Throughout the day, the

Reading Chinese Christian Church will be hosting arts and crafts activities with the theme of Lunar New Year and games related to Hong Kong and British culture

Morearts will be on hand to help children make rabbit masks, as 2023 is the year of the Rabbit.

East Asian street food will be available.

The event will take place between 11am and 3pm on Saturday, January 29.

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

COME TOGETHER: The Lexicon is hoping to create a portrait of the area for the king’s coronation this May Picture: The Lexicon Bracknell

SUPPORT: Ronnie Goodberry (below right) has organised seven trips to Ukraine to deliver aid and vital supplies to help citizens of our European neighbour Pictures: Courtesy of Ronnie Goodberry and now the mother goes down and pushes the teddy bear on the swing for an hour every day.

Community mourns as search for missing 93-year-old ends in tragedy

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A COMMUNITY is in mourning this week after a search for a missing man ended in tragedy.

On Thursday last week, Lower Earley resident Sidney Box – also known as Don –disappeared from his home.

A large search began in a bid to trace the 93-year-old.

Thames Valley Police led the operation, receiving support not just from specialist organisations including Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue, but also from members of the public keen to help a family find their loved one.

Officers knocked on doors, handed out leaflets, drove through the area, talked to residents and issued several updates as they worked to find Sidney.

While efforts were centred around an area of Silverdale Road, searches also took place in Laurel Park and the Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve.

Brookside Church became a hub for volunteers assisting the search.

The church opened a room for people to pray for him and his family, as well as serving refreshments and offering moral support.

“The weather does hinder our efforts,” he said. “We’ve got officers out on the ground and we have to consider their welfare, and the volunteers from Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue.

“It’s sometimes not practical to get a drone up.

“But we continue to persist, and officers will be out and about to continue the search throughout the weather.”

He also praised the wider community for wanting to help.

“There are a lot of people

offering their support, which is great,” Supt Hall said.

“We want to try and coordinate that so we can make the best use of everybody.

“There’s a lot of stuff on social media that has been organised by Sidney’s family, which is great.”

However, on Monday, it was revealed that a body had been found in the area – police are not revealing where – and while formal identification had not taken place, it was thought to be Sidney.

The death is being treated as

unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file was prepared for the

His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Superintendent Andrew Cranidge, LPA Commander for Bracknell & Wokingham, said: “Our search for Sidney has been ongoing for four days, with volunteers from Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue and the local community assisting in our search.

“Very sadly, as a result of these searches, a man’s body was located in a garden in Earley this afternoon.

“I would like to thank everyone who has offered their help in this search over the last four days.

“I know that Sidney’s family are extremely grateful to all those who have assisted.”

He added: “This is a tragic conclusion to what has been a widespread search and my thoughts and the thoughts of all of us at Thames Valley Police are with Sidney’s family.

“We would ask, on their behalf, that their privacy is respected at what will be an extremely difficult time for

Toddlers balance bike session

TODDLERS looking to spread their wings by getting on their bikes will be able to learn more by taking part in a balance bike session in Woodley next week.

My Journey Wokingham has organised the event, which takes place at the Tennis Courts in Woodford Park Leisure Centre.

Children aged two to four will be able to have fun while balancing and gliding on two wheels. They should bring their own bike in roadworthy condition and a helmet.

The event runs from 1.30pm on Thursday, January 19.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.

myjourneywokingham.com

Choir’s open event

A CHANCE to try out one of the borough’s choral groups will take place on Monday.

The Crowthorne Choral Society is holding an open evening from 7.30pm.

The session is no obligation taster so participants can try out the singing, and see if it is the right group for them.

The meeting on Monday takes place at Wellington College’s Old Gym, off Dukes Ride, from 7.30pm.

Its spring concert will be on March 18.

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

Charities collect carnival cash

PROCEEDS from the Wokingham Winter Carnival have been donated to two charities.

Claire Mangers-Page and Tim Hanton of the event organisers, Wokingham Lions Club, presented cheques to Kaleidoscopic UK and Building for the Future on Monday, January 2, outside the Wokingham town hall.

Each received £3,500.

Jane Holmes, CEO of Building for the Future which is based in Toutley Road, was delighted with the donation.

She said: “We were blown away by the generosity of the Lions, as one of the chosen

beneficiaries of the Wokingham Winter Carnival.

“We are so grateful for this support, which will go a long way towards supporting our many activities for disabled children over the winter.”

Kaleidoscopic UK were also on hand to collect their cheque.

The Thames Valley-based charity, founded in 2019, provides support services throughout England and Wales, led by survivors, for survivors of domestic abuse.

A spokesperson for the charity said they were “very thankful” for the support.

They added: “Every year the

event gets better and better and we are very grateful to all involved for providing the town with such a great annual event.

“All monies donated will go towards our Educate 2 Eradicate programme which arms children with knowledge and insight on the subject of domestic abuse.”

The annual Winter Carnival has been a fixture in the Wokingham events calendar since 1994, and supports local causes every year.

Last November’s event was the first organised by the Wokingham Lions and an estimated 20,000 visitors attended.

On Sunday, Superintendent Adrian Hall gave a press conference, and discussed the problems the torrential rain had caused.

Police, specialist teams and the public teamed up in a bid to find missing man Sidney Box (inset). Work included leafleting homes and knocking on doors Main picture: Phil Creighton

coroner.

Wokingham Lions Club resident Claire Mangers-Page and Winter Carnival chairman Tim Hanton, met with Vickie Robertson of Kaleidoscopic UK and Jane Holmes of Building for the Future Picture: Wokingham Lions

Two Berkshire charities scoop share of £120,000 pot

TWO BERKSHIRE charities have received a £1,000 Christmas gift thanks to the Benefact Group.

The charities were nominated to win a share of £120,000 by members of the public as part of the Benefact Group’s annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign.

The Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, which provides therapy for those living with Multiple Sclerosis, and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, which funds guide dog training for the blind, are the charities set to benefit from the funds..

More than 2,000 residents nominated a cause close to their hearts, with 2,000 causes in the Berkshire receiving votes. The 120 winning charities across the UK were picked at random from those nominated.

Mark Hews, group chief executive of Benefact Group, said: “We are delighted to be giving back to deserving charitable causes once more with our annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign, part of our Movement for Good Awards.

“In these challenging times, we know that £1,000 can make a real difference and we’re looking forward to seeing how this festive financial boost will change lives for the better and bring a positive start to 2023.”

n The full list of the 120 charity winners is available to view online at www.movementforgood. com/12days

Resident calls for removal of traffic calming measures

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

MOTORISTS have voiced concerns about road safety in their village after three accidents reportedly took place.

Traffic calming measures in Arborfield and the surrounding area have been criticised, and some believe they have either been incorrectly placed or are not fit for purpose.

Arborfield resident James Daniell believes some of the installations are doing more harm than good and claims the council is “waiting for someone to get injured”.

He said: “Everyone is totally gobsmacked and many residents have written to the council.

“I have sent numerous emails outlining the dangers of these traffic calming measures, but they’ve fallen on deaf ears.”

On Friday, January 6, a recovery truck was called to retrieve a transit van from a ditch outside Lockey Farm Shop, Sindlesham Road.

Mr Daniell cited installations on Eversley Road, Reading Road and School Lane as particularly problematic in his village, but said the issue was borough-wide.

He also questioned how effective the traffic calming measures are in doing their intended job.

He said: “The one by the village hall, when you’re coming down from Reading, many people end up just

going onto the grass and into the car wash because they don’t want to wait. What’s the point of that?”

Arborfield councillor Gary Cowan has echoed the concerns of his ward’s residents.

He said: “To my knowledge, there have been three accidents

connected with the build-outs, which are part of the traffic calming scheme.

“Fortunately there have been no fatalities. The biggest problem seems to be related to drivers rushing to get through the build outs before the oncoming vehicles get there irrespective of who has the right of way.

“The calming has created other issues such as increased traffic on the very narrow Church Lane and residents of Rickman’s Close are having difficulty getting out of their road due to the increased traffic now coming via Observer Way and heading towards Wokingham.

“I must admit, I am concerned by the worrying level of incidents to date and I am investigating what options are available to review the negative aspects of the scheme.”

In October, Wokingham Today first reported on the installation of a controversial give way sign on Reading Road, between Shinfield and Arborfield.

Several drivers complained about a lack of visibility of oncoming traffic, a sentiment which Mr Daniell fully supports.

“You can’t see what’s coming around the corner,” he explained.

“Motorists drive faster when they see their chance to get through and end up on the same side as on-coming traffic, it’s so dangerous.”

He believes the intent to incorporate traffic calming measures is a good one, but believes the placement makes it a serious risk for motorists.

Wokingham Borough Council were contacted for comment but have yet to respond by the time of publication.

Speaking about the Reading Road traffic calming measure in October, Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, explained the sign had complied with road safety checks.

He said: “We’d like to assure residents that this scheme had already passed the first two stages of an independent Road Safety Audit before installation, which would have considered issues like the layout, road markings and positioning of signs as part of both the preliminary and detailed design phases.

“This also included two visits to the site, and examination of the existing layout, by members of the audit team.”

“Now that the work has substantially finished, we’re booking the third and final stage, in which an independent party will again visit both during the day and at night.

“They will be accompanied by a road safety trained police officer on one of these visits as well, and will suggest safety improvements afterwards if they are needed.”

Residents left frustrated after ‘dangerous’ works left unfinished by contractors

Several pavements in the Kingsley Park estate, which is handled by Redrow, have been dug

up to create drop curbs but have not been fully resurfaced. This has left sharp drops of up to three inches between adjacent parts of the pavement.

Contractors have also fenced off one visitor parking area since the

start of December 10, meaning each household was restricted to just one space during the festive period.

Despite numerous attempts to contact developers Redrow, residents’ have also been left frustrated by the lack of communication about the works and when they will be completed.

Orwell Drive resident Jules Childs said: “They’ve just created a mess and left. It’s meant to improve things but it’s only made the pavements more dangerous.

“There was nothing through the door saying that they were going to do this. It’s really frustrating, everybody is fed up. [Redrow] won’t do anything.”

Contractors began digging up the pavement directly outside

her house on Orwell Drive at the beginning of December. According to Ms Childs, nobody had received any notice.

She added that the proximity of the works to her house made it impossible for her and her husband, who both work from home, to get anything done and ‘hear themselves think’.

Mike Dodds, head of technical at Redrow Southern Counties, said: “We are working with the relevant contractor responsible for these works to ensure they are completed at the earliest opportunity and we will keep residents up to date on timings and progress.

“We appreciate residents’ frustration and would like to thank them for their understanding.”

ARBORFIELD residents have expressed their concerns about incomplete construction across a new build.

Other residents have complained about the positioning of this give way sign on Reading Road, between Shinfield and Arborfield. Picture: Rob Boreham-Fish

GRANT: Guide Dogs for the Blind recieved a share of £120,000 Picture: Smerikal via Wikimedia Commons

Elizabeth Line affected by strike action

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

PASSENGERS on the Elizabeth Line have been warned of travel disruption today due to strike action.

The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) and Prospect are taking industrial action due to a dispute over pay.

There will be no service in the central section of the line between Abbey Wood and Paddington.

The Elizabeth line will operate as separate railways on the east and west of the line, but customers should be aware that there may be short-notice alterations or cancellations.

In the west there will be limited services, with two trains per hour running from Paddington to Reading, two trains per hour running from Paddington to Maidenhead, two trains per hour running from Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 4 and no services running to Heathrow Terminal 5.

In the east, between Shenfield and Liverpool Street mainline station, the Elizabeth line will operate a Saturday service of eight trains per hour, with three extra services per hour during the morning and evening peak.

Transport for London has made a two-year offer of a 4% pay increase for 2022 and 4.4% increase this year.

They described the offer as “fair” and have urged the TSSA and Prospect unions to engage in further discussions to avoid this strike and travel disruption.

Howard Smith, TfL’s Director of the Elizabeth line, said: “Strikes are bad news for everyone, and we urge the TSSA and Prospect to continue to work with us to avoid industrial action.

“These strikes will have a detrimental effect during a time where we are encouraging customers back on to trains into central London, in which the Elizabeth line has played a leading role.”

Where possible, customers are advised to consider alternative transport such as London Underground, London Overground, buses, National Rail services or walking and cycling.

The TfL Go app and Journey Planner will assist customers in planning their journeys.

A good service is expected to resume at around 9am on Friday, January 13.

n For more information, visit: tfl.gov.uk/strikes

‘Our hearts are completely broken’ say family of hit-and-run victim

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

THE FAMILY of a man who died following a hit-and-run in Wokingham have paid tribute to him saying their hearts are “completely broken”.

Chris Smith, aged 41, died following a collision on the A329 Reading Road at the junction of Larch Avenue on Monday, January 2.

The tribute reads: “Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin, Uncle, Husband, Daddy, Brother-in-law, Son-inlaw and Friend.

“These are all the things Chris is to us.

“He will be so missed by everyone.

“Our hearts are completely broken.

“He would be so proud and grateful to everyone who has reached out to us with their support.

“We love you so, so much darling, sleep tight xx

“All our love, forever xxxxx”

Thames Valley Police is still appealing for witnesses to come forward following the incident.

According to police, at around 8.40pm, a pedestrian and a black Toyota Yaris were involved in the collision and the Toyota Yaris failed to stop.

A 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man, both from Wokingham, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remain in custody.

Sergeant Lyndsey Blackaby, of the Serious Collisions Investigation Unit, said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed what happened to please come forward.

“Additionally, we’d ask any drivers with dash-cams who were in the local

area around the time of the collision to please check their footage in case it may have captured something that can assist our investigation.

“You can make a report by calling 101 or via the Thames Valley Police website, quoting reference 43230002192.”

TRIBUTE: The family of 41-year-old Chris Smith have shared their sorrow in a message released by Thames Valley Police, after he was the victim of a hit-and-run in Wokingham

to hold AGM

A Mothers’ Union group is to hold its AGM this month.

The meeting is open to members, supporters, and anyone considering joining.

They will hear what happened in 2022 and learn what is planned for this year.

The group meets in the De Vitre room at Wokingham’s Cornerstone Building on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

The Branch AGM will take place at the Cornerstone on Wednesday, January 25 at 7.30pm. Regular meetings are at 7.45pm.

n For more information visit: www.mothersunion.org and www.muoxford.org.uk

Two-way lights on Basingstoke Road

SPENCERS WOOD residents may experience delays to journey times due to planned road works.

Two-way lights will be in place on Basingstoke Road between Hunters Way and Barracks Lane Thursday, January 12, to Monday, January 16.

The works take place between 9.30am-4pm and will allow BT to carry out frame and cover repairs.

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

Dicoesese provides grants to help churches warm hubs’ energy bills

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

GRANTS have been awarded to churches in Woodley and Earley, as well as Reading, to help them offer warm spaces for the community this winter.

With cold weather set to return next week, the funding is timely.

In Reading, St Matthews in Southcote, and St Luke’s in Redlands, have received support from the Diocese of Oxford. The Church is also supporting Trinity in Lower Earley and St John’s in Woodley.

In all, the Diocese is providing £500,000 of funding to help a number of churches across the region to open their doors to the community, helping cover their heating costs.

The Revd Pads Dolphin, vicar of St Matthew’s, said his church is in one of the poorest parts of Reading, so the need was acute.

“Many people are struggling to survive on benefits or lowincome jobs,” he said.

“Back in the autumn we decided to start a warm hub which provides a free lunch of hot, nourishing soup and bread in a warm space (the church

hall), once a week on Fridays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.”

The hub launched in November and ran across Christmas and New Year. Mr Dolphin said that many had welcomed the space, food and friendship.

“We are in the middle of plans to expand the warm hub to include from after school into the early evening with a meal so that families with young children can also benefit from warmth and food,” he continued.

“The funding from the Diocese is extremely helpful toward the cost of heating the church hall, but we will need to raise the majority of the funds ourselves to support the hub which is run by a team of church volunteers who give of their time and money to make the soup, buy the bread and run the hub.

“They love doing it.”

He said the church was opening its doors because it, along with fellow churches in Southcote, were there for the

community. Other initiatives include Holiday clubs, and an after-school cafe at Grange URC, and community street pastors.

“The beautiful thing about these initiatives is that in addition to meeting particular needs of particular people, they all contribute to building community in the area as people meet others and get to know them and often start helping one another,” he explained.

Also receiving support is St Mary’s in Henley, which has

received a grant helping to establish a Warm Hub two days a week during the cold winter months.

The church is open to anyone from 8am to 5pm on Thursday and Sunday each week until the end of February.

Father Jeremy Tayler, Rector of the Church, said: “We’re very grateful to the diocese for the donation and we’re delighted to be able to welcome everyone into the church to keep warm this winter, particularly those in need.”

Crackerless restaurant chain helps children enjoy a Magic Breakfast

A RESTAURANT chain that is famous for lunch and dinners is helping children have a hearty breakfast.

Côte, which has a branch on Broad Street in Wokingham and also in The Oracle in Reading, eschewed the traditional Christmas cracker with its festive meals, instead sending what it would have spent to the charity Magic Breakfast.

This sees schools provided with nutritious breakfasts to pupils, with an aim to ending hunger as a barrier to education for youngsters living with food insecurity.

And there was a second reason behind the £40,000 donation: to reduce the firm’s paper wastage.

Côte’s Christmas offering was a seasonal, French-inspired three-course Christmas menu, just without the additional decoration of crackers.

It has already donated more than £200,000 Magic Breakfast and is planning to continue the partnership this year, with a series of special events that will see staff meet the charities they support.

Côte spokesperson Jane Holbrook said: “Magic Breakfast do amazing work that positively impacts the lives of thousands of children.

“We are big fans of what they do and over the last couple of years our team and owners have donated over £200,000.

“We decided we should do more, so we’ve donated the money that would have been spent on Christmas crackers to them, so they can buy thousands of breakfasts

for children who really need it.”

Côte also donated 21,000 turkey and vegetable portions to The Felix Project in London and a further 2,300 portions to six Crisis sites in London, Birmingham, Merseyside, Newcastle, South Wales and Coventry.

WARM WELCOME: Churches in Woodley, Earley and Reading, including St Matthew’s Church in Southcote, are opening their doors this winter to help people affected by the high cost of energy

Picture: Steve Smyth

The Magic Breakast chariity has received a £40,000 donation from Cote - what the firm would have spent on Christmas crackers

Call to bring ID to the polls

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM Borough Council has reminded residents to remember voter ID at May’s local elections.

For the first time ever, the electorate will have to show photographic identification to cast their ballot.

Anyone who wishes to vote is asked to ensure they are ready by checking they have an accepted form of ID or have applied for free one online or complete da paper form and send it to the council.

Accepted forms of photo ID include a passport, a driving licence/provisional licence, blue badge, certain concessionary travel cards, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card, identity card with PASS mark, biometric Immigration document, defence identity card and some national identity cards.

It is expected that the website to apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate, will be ready for applications from Monday.

If a voter turns up at a polling station with no accepted photo

Voter ID is a new requirement introduced by the Government’s Elections Act, which will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday, May 4.

Voters will be able to use expired ID as long as they are still recognisable from the photo.

A full list of accepted forms of ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Andrew Moulton, returning officer at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “It may seem early, but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.”

If a voter would prefer not to show ID at a polling station, they can apply to vote by post or proxy.

The proxy will still need the individual to show their photo ID.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote for the May elections is Tuesday, April 18, and for a proxy vote is Tuesday, April 25.

All voters must be registered to cast a ballot, this can be done online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Residents with questions can contact the council’s electoral services team at electoralservices@

Wellington student steps up at Cambridge

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

A FORMER Wellington College student has taken up a prestigious role within one of the world’s leading universities.

Christopher George, brought up in Twickenham, is the new president of the Cambridge Union, the world’s oldest debating society.

He is also the first student from Wolfson College, a college for postgraduates and undergraduates over the age of 21, to hold the post in the Union’s 207-year history.

Founded in 1815, The Cambridge Union prides itself on defending Free Speech.

Christopher said that: “Free speech has been seen as a right-wing issue for too long. It’s a crucial tool for democracy and progress; It is the foundation upon which a marketplace of ideas is built.

“The goals of progress and democracy continue by ensuring people can exchange, challenge, and be challenged by ideas, a space where different sides can come together, and disagreement is accepted and expected.”

Christopher is studying at UC Berkeley before reading History at Cambridge Now in his final year, he is focusing his efforts on a dissertation on ethnic conflict in Bosnia.

Joining the Union in his second term, Christopher has just completed a stint as debate officer and he is excited to get going in his new role.

team,” he said.

As president of the union, he leads a team of more than 100 students from Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin Universities.

Continuing in the Union’s tradition, Christopher will host debates on the future of the NHS, the role of Trade Unions, and Scottish Independence.

Recently it has hosted high profile speakers like the actor Robert De Niro and Maidenhead MP and former prime minister, Theresa May.

Christopher is hopeful of securing

we always want to bring in a big name. Someone like Barack Obama is the classic or whoever the prime ninister is that week,” he said.

“Personally, with everything that is going on in the country at the moment, I really want to have figures like Mick Lynch of the RMT Union.

“Often these huge figures are, understandably, busy and so you can’t get your hopes up.

“You can’t go in betting that you’re going to get someone. But you might be laying the grounds for them coming

NEW ROLE: Christopher George is to be the president of the Cambridge Union, the world’s oldest debating society

EVERY LITTLE HELPS: Louise Jedras presenting the £1,500 cheque to COATS in Crowthorne

Pony needs to find pastures new before March 1

EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

WILLIAM, the popular pony who lives in a field wanted for house building, has been given notice to quit.

COATS receives boost from Tesco shoppers

A CROWTHORNE charity has received a welcome donation from Tesco, proving that every little helps.

COATS, which runs a senior citizens day centre on Pinewood Avenue, was presented with the £1,500 cheque by Louise Jedras, the Wokingham Tesco Community Champion, earlier this month.

The donation comes courtesy of the supermarket’s community grant, after shoppers at the Tesco superstore in Wokingham and the Tesco Express in Crowthorne had chosen COATS under the blue disc scheme.

A spokesperson for COATS said: “COATS would like to thank the shoppers of Wokingham and Crowthorne and Tesco for their support.

“The donation will be put to good use in serving our senior citizen visitors during 2023.”

The COATS Centre was founded in 1966 and provides companionship, tea, coffee, hot lunches, entertainment and activities for seniors.

It is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm and Friday 9am to 2.30pm.

n For more information, visit: coatscrowthorne.org.uk

Fans worried about his future have said how much they will miss him. William, a dark brown Welsh pony, even starred at Tuesday’s Hurst Parish Council meeting, though not in person.

He was in the field next to the meeting at Hurst Primary, School Road. Many children and adults stop to talk to him on their way to and from school.

There is no planning permission yet for the scheme for 24 houses on the old Hurst Show site. Edward Butler-Ellis, on behalf of Helmsley Land and the land owner, said yesterday: “We’re in a position to submit the application [for outline permission] within the next week.”

William’s owner Sue Scorer is searching for a local field so she can keep visiting William every day.

“The land owner has asked me to remove William by Wednesday, March 1,” she said. “Another horse was in the field with William for a while recently.

“William has proved he can share his field with another horse. I’m still looking for another field for him and would like to hear from anyone who can help.”

She thanked Wokingham Today for reporting her earlier appeal for a new location.

After Tuesday’s meeting, Mr Butler-Ellis said he had told the council meeting that people had inquired about William’s future.

He added: “The landowner has previously made William’s owner aware of the intentions to submit a planning application and under the terms of the Grazing Agreement, it allows a two-month period for his owner to find pastures which are suited to his needs.

“The agreement will end on 1 March 2023, but the landowner is happy to offer flexibility should the need arise.”

Mr Butler-Ellis said he had told the meeting there had been a pre-submission public consultation about the 24home scheme.

He had engaged with more

than 60 village households. He said a broad spectrum of views had been expressed. Objectors to the scheme had highlighted their concerns over density, lack of housing need, and impact on the local highway network.

Supporters of the scheme acknowledged the need to offer new family and affordable homes, citing that many of the existing homes in the village were either too large or unaffordable, he said. Some supporters also believed that the site would provide a more realistic contribution to the council’s housing issues and help to protect against other developments.

Yesterday, he said 11 people had replied to the consultation, nine supporting the scheme and two objecting.

Wokingham Borough Council will give residents the chance to comment on the scheme once a planning application is made. WBC will then decide whether to grant permission.

n Parish council chairman Wayne Smith gave an update at the meeting on the council’s role in objecting to a scheme for 200 homes, between Tape Lane and the B3030 from Winnersh towards Twyford. An appeal for planning permission starts on January 31. Hundreds of villagers are objecting to it.

n The public has until tomorrow (Friday, January 13) to tell

Wokingham Borough Council their views on giving planning permission for three homes at Walden Acres, Wokingham Road, Hurst.

Festive surprise

RESIDENTS at a Shinfield care home received a festive surprise last month.

Students from Crosfield School visited Care UK’s Parsons Garage to hand out Christmas letters and cards they had penned.

In recent months, the children have been visiting the home to spend time with residents.

During their visits, the pupils have been able to sit and chat, as well as playing musical instruments, telling jokes and enjoying chess and dominoes.

Recipients of the cards opened them in front of the pupils and read aloud the messages.

RUNNERS can book their place on the start line of one of Wokingham’s favourite races, which will take place on the Early May bank holiday.

The Shinfield 10k returns on May Day – Monday, May 1 –with hundreds expected to take to the streets of Shinfield, Ryeish Green and Spencers Wood, starting and finishing at Shinfield Infant and Nursery School.

The race is suitable for beginners and competitive athletes alike, with various prizes available for age-group and local winners.

There will also be various

age-group junior cross country races for children to enter.

Runners must collect their race numbers and timing chips from the registration desk in the school hall by 9am, ahead of the 9.30am start.

Participants can enter online, with entries made by April 27 costing £16 for UKA-affiliated runners and £18 for nonaffiliated runners.

In-person entries can be made on the day, subject to availability, and will cost £20 and £22 respectively.

n For more information or to book a place, visit: www. readingroadrunners.org

Rozina Ali, home manager at Parsons Grange, said: “These young people have been coming through our doors for the past few months so it was wonderful to end the year with personal letters and cards from the children.

“Intergenerational activities are brilliant for both the residents and the younger people they are interacting with. Not only are they a great way of stimulating the mind, but they allow the residents to share stories and reminisce about when they were the same age as the pupils.”

For some letters, the children had also drawn illustrations.

One picture included a winter scene, complete with Father Christmas and his reindeers, and another had a colourful image of Pudsey.

PLACES

The Shinfield 10k is one of the parish’s marquee events and returns on May Day holiday Monday. Picture: Steve Smyth

IN NEED OF A NEW HOME: William the pony in Willowmead field, Hurst Picture: Sue Corcoran

Another view

Neil Coupe

ONE of the unique aspects of last year was the juxtaposition of the World Cup to the Christmas period.

The build-up to Christmas is always marked by the familiar sounds of the past as Christmas carols start being played in the shopping centres, on TV adverts and everywhere else.

More contemporary music, be it a song about a snowman, a 1970s anthem sung by a shouty Brummie, or chirpy East End boys asking us to stay another day reinforces, and even enhances, the festive spirit.

They evoke times gone by and make us feel ‘Christmassy’.

I have never heard anyone argue that we need to have an overhaul of our Christmas musical choices.

During the World Cup, countries’ anthems were played before matches. So many of them, be they Welsh, French, American or Brazilian, were so rousing that they build the teams and fans into some type of patriotic fervour.

Even as an impartial observer, the Welsh and French anthems, in particular, make the hairs on my arms stand on end.

And then it’s our turn.

Well, it’s our anthem.

The best that can be said is that it is traditional. Rousing? Memorable? Not so much.

Prior to introducing the Star-Spangled Barrier, one of the songs that the Americans used as de facto national anthem was America, My Country Tis of Thee, which has the same melody as our National Anthem.

Would anyone use the hyphenated word spine-tingling to describe it? Unlikely to say the least.

Many of us are still coming to terms with the fact that we are unlikely to ever hear God Save the Queen sung again in our lifetime.

The change of the word ‘Queen’ to ‘King’ does not rejuvenate or make the anthem any more interesting or invigorating.

Now that the Queen is no longer with us it does not feel quite as sacrilegious or disrespectful to suggest that we should at least consider whether we can make a change that the majority of people can support.

Think of all the amazing Christmas carols, and other hymns that have originated from these shores and stood the test of time.

We are the nation of The Beatles.

Surely with our musical heritage, there must be someone, somewhere who is able to produce something at least a little better than we already have.

We like to talk of areas in which we are world-beating and innovative.

Is it too much to ask that we should have a national anthem that is fit for purpose and reflects the aspirations and values of a forward-looking nation?

Were we to change our anthem at some stage in the future, then anyone missing the recognisable refrain could always spend a few days in Liechtenstein where the melody to their anthem ‘Oben am jungen Rhein’ is exactly the same as ‘God Save the King’.

I hope that everyone has enjoyed their Christmas and New Year break and has a healthy and happy 2023.

Van hire company’s gift keeps charity

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

A CHARITY that supports people recovering from drug addiction received a late Christmas present that put a smile on the team’s faces.

Hope and Vision Communities had leased a van from Arnold Clark for two years, with support from Reeds Solicitors.

The vehicle is vital for the charity’s work in property and garden maintenance, moving residents, collecting donations and driving to churches and food banks.

With the vehicle contract due to end, the charity was concerned about how it would manage.

Tony Attwood, Hope and Vision Communities founder, says he emailed Arnold Clark to ask whether they might be able to offer a reduction that would allow the charity to stay on the road.

“Just as the arrangement was coming to an end, they contacted us with the great news that they wanted to donate the van to us,” says Tony.

”It was a huge gift, and it makes a big difference to what we can do.”

How the World Cup helped inspire Dexter’s challenge

A WOKINGHAM schoolboy has embarked on another fundraising effort, having earned a reputation for his philanthropy in 2022.

Throughout January, Dexter Rosier is running 100km as part of RED January, an initiative which promotes movement and mental health.

Last year, the 10-year-old completed various fundraising efforts, which included a decathlon of sporting challenges for Sport in Mind alongside some of his sporting heroes.

Of his New Year’s quest, Dexter said: “It’s going awesome.

“I’ve always liked getting active and going running. I’m doing the runs mostly with my mum, it’s just been really fun.

The young Tottenham fan ran a mile a day throughout 2022, something which has certainly helped him to negotiate this month’s challenge.

“I thought a mile was not that much and that I’d get used to it, but it really is a lot,” he explained.

“Let’s say you can’t run on one of the days, doing the next one is really tough, you’re so tired at that point.”

The year-long project was part of a wider effort which has seen Dexter raise £3,736 for Royal Berkshire Hospital, a place which holds special meaning to him.

After a visit to the paediatric ward when he was four-yearsold, Dexter remembered being particularly impressed by the department’s playroom.

The facilities made what would have been an otherwise dreary visit a memorable one, and the Woodley resident is keen to afford other young patients the same experience.

After completing the RED January challenge, the young Spurs fan has said he will start on a new and exciting quest.

Veering away from the sport and fitness theme, Dexter will attempt to break a world record.

The primary school student plans to recognise all 254 flags of the world in the fastest time ever, and says he knows around 150 already.

He explained: “It’s not an active challenge, but I’ve known about flags for a long time and it’s something I think I’m quite good at.

“Something that will really help was watching the World Cup. To be honest I knew most of the flags of the teams there, but it was still really useful.”

Dexter’s mother, Samantha, was full of praise for her son, saying: “We’re really proud of his dedication and commitment to the cause.

“But at the same time we’re a bit cautious because he comes up with so many weird and wonderful ideas.

“But I’m excited about this year’s flag challenge. He’s so positive and just likes doing good things for others.”

n To find out more or to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ dexter-rosier3

Hope And Vision Communities provides support and accommodation for people who have successfully completed residential rehabilitation at centres such as Hare Hatch’s Yeldall Manor.

All have a history of drug or alcohol misuse. Many have lost family and friends, and transitioning to independent living can be overwhelming.

The charity helps those who have shown a willingness to change to find a safe and supportive environment for their ongoing recovery.

Founder Tony understands better than most what members of the community go through.

Through his early adulthood he combined alcohol and drug use to combat grief, loneliness and anger.

A time went on Tony’s drug use became an unmanageable addiction.

Cocaine and heroin habits led to a cycle of crime, prison and chaos.

He lost relationships, jobs, finances, family, and respect, and felt that there was no way out.

Then he began to notice unusual coincidences in his life, and began a journey of faith that would gradually lead him out of his situation.

He was given the opportunity to go to Yeldall Manor. Through counselling and support, he experienced what he describes as a miraculous moment of awakening.

“I’ve been through all this myself,” says Tony. “It’s a really hard journey.

“After I completed treatment at Yeldall Manor, I had to find somewhere to live. What I needed was a safe environment.”

Tony explains that often the only available accommodation tends to be a room in a shared building

A CHARITY is calling on members of the community to take part in a unique fundraising challenge.

On June 17-18, Chapter2 will be attempting to complete a 100km walk in 24 hours, with the aim of raising £100,000 to aid its work.

Entitled the Ridgeway Challenge, the children’s charity has laid out a scenic route which starts at Pewsey and ends in Reading town centre.

It passes through two areas of outstanding natural beauty and takes in sites such as Avebury stone circle, white horse carvings and bronze age forts.

The 2023 running of the annual challenge differs from previous years where the charity’s fundraisers have opted to climb mountains across Britain.

Dr Richard Kay, Chapter2’s chair of trustees, said: “We’re really excited about it, and also a bit nervous. It’s a bit different from previous years.

“I’m someone who feels comfortable in the mountains on uneven terrain, whereas this will be a bit of a slog. It’ll be much more accessible to all though, especially those who have no mountainclimbing experience.

“100km was a nice round number which we thought worked well with our target of raising £100,000.

“Given the sheer distance, we’re mindful that some may not manage to finish the route so we’ve made sure that people can drop out as and when they want, with volunteers on-hand to pick them up.”

The challenge fittingly takes place on Father’s Day; Chapter2 working alongside boys who, for one reason or another, have experienced the absence of a father. It offers longterm one-to-one mentoring with a dedicated, fully-trained adult male mentor.

Through organised activities and

FUNDRAISER: Dexter, 10, was on-hand to provide goodies to Royal Berkshire Hospital patients in the build-up to Christmas. Picture: Samantha Rosier

company’s Christmas charity moving

Centenarian Florrie urges others to ‘keep active’

A WOKINGHAM resident has revealed her secret to living a long and happy life as she celebrated becoming a centenarian.

Parsons Grange care home in Shinfield pulled out all the stops at the party to help Gladys Morris, who likes to be known as Florrie, mark her 100th birthday.

“I would like to thank the team for organising such a special event for Florrie, it was wonderful to see her celebrate in style.”

HAWORTH 1940s Celebration

Departing Sat 20 May ‘23

Nowhere does nostalgia quite like the Haworth 1940s Celebration! Perfectly capturing that famous ‘keep calm and carry on’ Blitz spirit, this quaint Yorkshire village is transformed to commemorate this iconic time in British history.

Your break includes  Return coach travel from Wokingham, Bracknell & Crawley

with strangers – not ideal for someone wanting to start a life of rehabilitation.

“I was fearful about how to move on, and I didn’t want to go back to my old ways,” he says.

Tony approached the judge whose decision in court had given him the chance for rehabilitation at Yeldall Manor.

“I went back to the court to thank him, and invited him to lunch.

“I had been working on a proposal for a charity that would help others in the same situation as me. I showed him my plans and asked him to join me.”

The judge, Peter Ross, is now a member of the charity’s board of trustees, who are experienced in law, rehabilitation, recovery, counselling and project management.

“It is a powerful witness to people when they see the special relationships that have been formed

to create this community,” says Tony.

With Arnold Clark’s van gift, Hope And Vision Communities will be able to continue supporting people from the start of their journeys at Yeldall Manor and then into suitable accommodation.

“We are very grateful to Eddie, Sean, David and everyone at Arnold Clark for our Christmas gift,” says Tony. “They are a company who consistently go out of their way to make a difference.

“We’d also like to thank Reeds solicitors are also supporting us on our journey.”

Hope And Vision has plans to set up a services and building work business to provide employment for community members.

They seek sponsorship for this and other planned projects, and invite people to contact them at: info@ hopeandvision.org.uk n For more information about the charity, visit: hopeandvision.org.uk

Residents and staff at the Westall Street home threw a party, decorating the communal area with a balloon arch and presenting Florrie with a cake.

As well as receiving a birthday card from King Charles III, Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Caroline Smith dropped by to give her best wishes to the retired ammunitions worker.

Rozina Ali, home manager at Parsons Grange, said: “Florrie has only been with us since September, but it feels like she’s been here for years. We thoroughly enjoy hearing stories of her past, of her travels and her work during the war.

“It was fantastic to come together with other residents and team members to celebrate her special milestone. We were all very excited to take a peek at the card she received from the King.

POETRY CORNER

Weaponising the weather

Use the weather as a weapon? What a hideous thought; But Putin is using it To cut his war short.

He’s targeting power plants So that Ukrainians freeze, Then his army can walk in As if on a breeze.

regular contact, they look to tackle some of the effects of fatherlessness such as low self-esteem, poor mental well-being and involvement in crime and gangs.

Data shows a strong correlation between socioeconomic circumstances and cohabitation rates. Children of the wealthiest families have a 96 percent chance of living with two parents, whereas in the poorest families, that figure is just 28 percent.

Dr Kay believes the longevity of the relationships established makes Chapter2’s work impactful with

mentors required to commit to a minimum of two years and many lasting until adulthood.

Having completed last year’s 24 Peaks challenge with his son, Dr Kay is excited to do the same this time around, describing it as a ‘great opportunity to bond’.

The Ridgeway Challenge is open to all, and there are various opportunities to help out on the day for those who do not wish or are unable to cover the distance.

n For more information or to sign up, visit: www.chapter2.org.uk/fdc

It’s winter there now; Weather below zero, Houses without heat, Yet each person is a hero. They will NEVER give in To Russian aggression; Being proud to remain A great sovereign nation.

The missiles destroy, But Ukrainians rebuild; Weapons from the West Save many being killed, Seventy missiles were launched But sixty-four were shot down Which were meant to destroy Yet another huge town.

While celebrating, she shared her top tips for longevity, which included her passion for regular exercise and keeping active. She also educated the team members on eating a healthy breakfast, giving special credit to prunes as part of her daily diet.

Florrie was born in Uxbridge and briefly lived in South Africa. After spending a period of her life running pubs and clubs, she enjoyed a successful career at the Atomic Weapons Establishment.

There, she carried out dangerous jobs, such as fusing together shells. She married her husband Abel, who she met on a blind date, shortly before the Second World War. The pair seemed destined to be together as Abel fortuitously escaped Dunkirk on the final ship that departed. He went on to serve in North Africa, before returning to Florrie in the UK.

The centenarian loved to travel and is proud to say she has visited every European country, either by cruise or in her own camper van.

Aggression is evil, Russia’s leader is too, He needs to be caged Then stuck in a zoo! The world is unsafe Because of his greed To annexe Ukraine Then that country to bleed.

Humanity must stop him In some way or other, Lest he keeps on marauding Using lies as a cover. Other countries are at risk Of his murderous intentions, Recklessly invading To satisfy pretentions.

While Putin exists This aggression won’t stop, All Europe a target, No time to flop; He’s ruined his country, Now a pariah State. With his legacy shredded, He’s a figure of hate.

© Lorna Minton

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

En-route visit to Skipton Market

ROYAL ASCOT Ladies Day

‘23

one of the most prestigious and historic race meetings in the world, Royal Ascot’s unique atmosphere is not to be missed! So join us on Gold Cup Day (colloquially known as Ladies’ Day) to see top class horses and world-famous jockeys compete in six races. Your break includes  Return coach travel from Reading  Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel outside London with breakfast  Admission ticket to Windsor

Enclosure at Royal Ascot on Ladies’ Day, with coach transfer  En-route visit to Windsor  Upgrade to a Queen Anne Enclosure ticket for £60pp

BITHDAY PARTY: Florrie celebrated her 100th birthday just before Christmas with a visit from the borough mayor Picture: Parsons Grange

has been given a van by Arnold Clark. Picture: Hope and Vision Communities

Inspector’s view is disappointing

THE planning inspector’s view that despite contravening Wokingham’s planning policies, a development that links the borough with Bracknell can go ahead.

This is a travesty, and should not have been allowed.

It shows the importance now of cracking on with the local plan update. Delayed under the previous administration, Wokingham needs it – or else we’ll cease to exist.

CHURCH NOTES

Warm welcome in hard times

WHAT do you first notice when visiting somewhere for the first time?

Maybe you are trying a new restaurant, and as you go through the door what would you expect to see?

A friendly face, a warm greeting, a safe environment?

Over the last few months many churches, libraries, community centres have been turning their buildings into a warm welcome or a warm space.

During autumn last year, the realisation that there would be many who could not afford to heat their homes, with many people now based at home due to the increase in home working through the pandemic.

Families who would be facing a choice of eating or heating. The older generation who are scared to put the heating on for fear of not being able to pay the bill.

We see many who are on benefits who too are struggling, although there is a lot more help available to them than there is for those in work, we are finding.

Nationally there are websites that venues can register on so that anyone can find the nearest ‘Warm Welcome’ or ‘Warm Space’, these have been set up for anyone to access.

There are many who don’t have access to the internet and so if you are reading this and know someone who would benefit from some company and a warm environment, please let them know.

What each venue can offer is listed on the website, for instance here at The Salvation Army offer, free food, and drinks, free Wi-Fi and charging points for laptops, phones etc.

We have a shower room and laundry facilities too for anyone to use.

Many of the Churches in Wokingham are offering various times and activities for their warm space and I would encourage you to use them.

January is a bit of a bleak month, short days, colder, money seems short having perhaps overindulged at Christmas, perhaps a warm welcome and a change of scene could be just the thing to get you through the next few months.

It is a real chance for the Churches to exercise the gift of hospitality and welcome in anyone who needs just an extra bit of help to get through.

Offering a warm welcome or giving hospitality is nothing new, it is how the church was when it first started, people sharing what they had with those that didn’t have, showing love and giving hope. The Bible says: “Love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless — cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you.” (The Message, 1 Peter 4:9 - 11)

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

Muck in and help the council

Now that the almost hysterical overreaction to the withdrawal of the free provision of food waste bin liners has died down, can I suggest that they could be sold at cost from Shute End. I know that they can take card payments, as I’ve paid a charge there for overstaying my time in a town car park. For pedestrians, it’s near the town centre, and for drivers, there’s short-term parking on site.

For those who are unable to afford them, or decline to pay on principle, they’ll have to rinse out (possibly smelly) food waste bins once a week - two minutes? Not much of an imposition.

Council finances are stretched to the limit. We should all do our bit to get them back onto an even keel.

Michael Storey, Wokingham

An end of year review

A review is appropriate since Mr Jones became Council Leader. To be clear, the Lib Dems did not WIN anything but over the years suckered the electorate with crafty, persuasive promises. It is SO easy to pledge the earth and change things when NOT in power. This leadership was obtained with the coercion of five Labour/Independents. Since May what decent, secure things has the coalition changed for the GOOD of Wokingham Borough?

The LibDems mock that Conservatives need to be ‘grown up’. Now Mr. Jones must realise just how mature and difficult it IS to run a Council. Coalition member Mr Croy recently said From The Chamber that “Councillors are not allowed to tell Officers what to do as it would lead to chaos”. So, who IS running the show? We’ve had 32 weeks of Grim News. Every word puts responsibility for rising costs onto ‘the previous administration’ which is cowardly and untruthful.

I run a small business compared to WBC, but all businesses run similarly: nurturing employees/clients; ensuring service is exemplary; being prompt in actions, not lying, blustering and incompetent. Surely as a former Toy Shop Manager, Mr Jones would know this.

Customers/employees must be

Westminster

diary

Sir

John Redwood

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

Sports facilities in Shinfield parish

Your extended front page article in last week’s Wokingham Today on the projected sports facilities in Shinfield (which appears at greater length on the University’s website) misses the real story behind this proposal.

At the beginning of November the University lodged a planning application for five sports pitches and a running track on the remaining open ground in Shinfield, between Hyde End Lane and Alder Grove School. The closing date for objections to be received was December 3, by which time it had received over 100 comments, all of them hostile.

Many pointed out the multiple problems with the scheme. The site is poorly located. Car access is mostly through residential streets and it promises to exacerbate existing traffic problems. There is no real access by public transport. It has housing on two sides and those residents will have to suffer the noise, the off-street parking and the heightened levels of traffic. The whole proposal is poorly considered. There is a question too about whether any amount of investment

respected. Support given. Listen to problems (kids are ill, gran has died, car won’t work). Care. Protect. You will be trusted and given loyalty. When money becomes tight, rethink, plan. Revise prices, give incentives. Don’t put prices up because ‘times are tough’ and expect loyalty, or business to improve and flow. Customers need to feel appreciated and are getting value for money.

Mr Jones has penalised every resident. Elections petitions disregarded, Provide your own bags, spiralling parking rates. Blue bags reduced. Wheelie bins costing £7m (where’s the money coming from?) disastrous for Shinfield’s new builds with a yard frontage. Weekly waste collections scrapped. Council Tax rises. Dangerously, there is no Local Plan. All this inflicted upon hard working householders.

Businesses absorb monetary problems. So should WBC. Work it out ‘in house’. Look at the pot ‘as a whole’.

could produce sports pitches which are not perpetually waterlogged in winter.

But the objections also pointed out that the site is valued for what it is: open space for walking and informal recreation.

Some objections also mentioned the fact that Shinfield is proliferating sports facilities. Two new pitches are under construction (and currently under water) at the Ryeish Green Sports Centre. Shinfield Parish Council is developing its own sites. No argument is made that the pitches meet a demand either within or without the parish. They are merely a way of soaking up space.

One assumes that the University (and Shinfield Parish Council) have taken fright at this expression of residents’ opinion. So even though the application has been made and is in progress, a joint public consultation has been announced for January 28. What can the outcomes of this be? Will the present application be withdrawn because no one likes it, or are those who attend the consultation just to be taken as so many nodding dogs who think that it would be a splendid thing to have?

Currently WBC are hiring consultants, social workers, payments officers, operational commissioning officers offering vast salaries. If there are money issues why recruit more staff? We have to attend weekly training courses paid for out of what?

I have said it before, ‘massive’ amounts of money are being squandered on housing work that is one horrendous botch job after another. Incredible financial mismanagement. Mr Croy, do contact me. I will prove it.

The Coalition is not working FOR occupiers but punishing them. Nor are they ‘working together’ with the Conservatives as they pretend. In Shinfield my LibDem supposedcolleague, Mr Johnson works abroad, rarely attends meetings, never apologises.

Doesn’t write reports because he has nothing to report on. Sends pompous, long-winded emails to residents ‘putting them in their place’. I can prove that also.

railways, nuclear decommissioning and borders.

They argued they had no wish to take away the right to strike, and were copying practices in some other European countries.

The Opposition saw it as an attack on workers rights, and said they would oppose.

Of course, as your article also shows, its purpose is to dilute the opinions of residents and Shinfield people by including the opinions of the sports lobbyists from outside the parish for whom any new sports facility is to be welcomed.

There is then the question of who is going to stand the cost of management and maintenance of this facility if it goes ahead. One imagines that it will not be the University, so what sort of blank cheque have Shinfield Parish Council offered?

The option which is not being offered is that of leaving the space as open space rather than enclosing it for structured sport. And yet this is the local preference. We invite the University to bow to local opinion (and Shinfield Parish Council to at least acknowledge it) and withdraw the proposal. The space should pass to the parish council and then some thought can be invested in how it might best be used to the advantage of all Shinfield people rather than the sectional interests of organized sport.

Catherine Glover, Richard Hoyle, Spencers Wood

Tesco had an advert out over the festive season regarding vegetables called “a tasty coalition”. This WBC coalition is definitely unpalatable.

Cllr Jackie Rance, Shinfield

Wheelie concerns

I am not a objector to wheelie bins but I have a number of concerns that have not been addressed concerning the projected savings. For me I would like to see the following answered by WBC. Its looking like option 1 will be adopted but my concerns are the same for either in times when money is tight as they keep telling us.

I have based my questions on the following

The 2021 census states we have 69,200 dwellings so with fast pace of building let say 70,000 so allowing for dwelling that do not need like blocks of flats I have worked with a figure of 60,000.

1 What size wheelie bin will we get size need confirming currently the brown garden bins supplied are 240ltr

but it will need clarification.

Certain workers will be identified as essential to maintain the minimum service and they will be expected to turn up.

Strike bill is short and simple T

It praised the nurses for agreeing minimum service levels before going on strike, recognising their greater duty to the public to avoid action which could lead to the death of a patient.

HE government’s statement on proposed new strikes legislation was short and simple.

The government said it needed to put in place similar minimum service agreements for the NHS, the fire service, education,

It will be interesting to see how the government proposes to enforce any such law, as by definition if people have gone on strike it is difficult to get them to come back to work against their will.

The Bill implies action for damages against Unions not ensuring the minimum standard,

It will also be difficult to decide what is a safe necessary minimum standard of rail services, given the way motor transport, planes and boats can be substituted for trains.

The government intends to consult on minimum standards which will doubtless produce a variety of views.

I would be interested in comments on these matters as I do not have settled views myself on how this will work.

Sir

John Redwood is the MP for Wokingham

Captain Jan Howlin from Wokingham Salvation Army, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

but if you look at the average price on Amazon its around the £60 mark.

So lets say the council for such a bulk order pay £50. So 60,000 @ £50 = £3,000,000 how will this be financed .

2 I have been told that 3,726,000 blue bag have been ordered for next year at a cost of £350.000 this makes sense when you divide by the allocation of 54 into the 3,726,000 its comes out at 69,000 dwellings. I would doubt that this order can be stopped at this stage,

3 So not allowing for any interest on the £3.000.000 borrowed and no inflation on bag cost of £350.000 it will take 8.5 years to pay for the bins from the blue bag saving

4 As a HGV is going to turn up a dwelling once per week how are saving achieved in transport cost.? Now we know that one of the arguments is vehicles do not have to tip half way through then round but this will only be a small part of the £700,000 saving so what are we looking at to save money.

Less vehicles, longer rounds, less operatives these are questions that need to be asked.

5 Regarding the green bags will every dwelling be getting a third bag on my walks doing litter picking I regularly see two outside a house. Has this been costed in the change over . What is the long term plan for the green bag will they be phased out in favour of wheelie bins so do we want to spend money on extra.

Personally, I am not a great fan of the green bag for two reasons one is operator error they are not closed properly and two the emptying process leads to spillage which I see when doing litter picking.

6 What is the proposal for persons who are unable to store wheelie bins

7 Were you have modern blocks of flats which already have the large Wheelie bins in a bin store are they going to get extra will they have room in store. If they end up outside this

could lead to fly tipping.

Now on a positive note

1 I would urge all residents to make full use of food waste I know there has been a back lase over the bags. But every tonne of food diverted from waste saves approximately £100 and part of this is landfill tax £86 does not get sent to central government.

WBC you need to support this on a regular basis.

A survey done not so long back found 20% of food waste in a land fill sample unfortunately there is no data on what size the sample was in weight or how it was obtained.

There is another sample planned for 2023 WBC need in my opinion by weight and spread over a number of trucks.

2 Soft plastics bread wrappers vegetable packaging crisp bags biscuit and snack wrappings and so on these can be recycled by taking to in some cases your local supermarket quite often they will be marked recyclable but not at home.

WBC you need to get a list out there and advertise and promote on a regular basis. This also saves on council cost of £121 disposal cost and land fill tax sent to government.

3 I find the WBC web site very complicated when it comes to waste and what is recyclable and would suggest promoting one email address. Perhaps a Facebook page called Wokingham waste and recycling were you can ask questions on recycling promote how we are doing.

4 Last but not lease some were in Wokingham were you can recycle pill packaging

Most of the facts laid out I have got from internet or FOI request thanks to WBC for answering promptly .

Rod Needs, Concerned Wokingham Resident

Mental health support

As a long-term local mental health campaigner, I have always

been sceptical of ‘the theory’ that depression is caused by low serotonin levels. For, unlike with, say, blood pressure, no average range of serotonin level is used to denote low, high or normal levels of an individual.

It has never been proven whether it is an abnormal serotonin level which causes depression in an individual or depression which caused the lowering of the serotonin level.

Now, although current research still prove the effectiveness of serotonin reuptake inhibitors – SSRISthese researches find no evidence to support the theory that depression is linked to serotonin levels or activity. In effect, this new research prove SSRIS do work in some other way, other than altering serotonin levels.

These new research once again highlight the impact and the need for adequate therapies, exercise, mindfulness et al in treating depression.

Finally, as it is currently estimated that one-in-six adults are prescribed anti-depressives each year in the UK, the SSRIS do and must remain useful ‘tools’, even if the way in which they work may be far less clear than previously believed.

Paul Farmer, Reading

Sunak’s sleeping cure

Rishi Sunak’s speech put one to sleep. He kept repeating himself about being brought up by the NHS.

He is out of touch with all working people even his own ministers that are not good or helpful.

He says he puts taxpayers money in to the NHS, though he will not put up taxes to pay them a wage that can be negotiated.

It’s the same for railmen, posties, border control, teachers and driving examiners.

Until he sorts all that out/ this country will sink fast.

GP practice that guarantees people will be seen ‘on the day’, millions of ordinary people, including many in Wokingham, cannot see their GP and may get a diagnosis too late.

This pattern is repeated in the wider NHS with increasingly serious consequences.

A matter of life and death

AS a local councillor one of the most frequent concerns reported to me is the availability of GP appointments.

“The availability of a doctor at the GP surgery is almost impossible,” said a resident to me recently.

Another told me that they had been diagnosed with breast cancer and tried many times to make an appointment over a six-month period but were repeatedly told there were no doctors or nurses available.

As well as it being one of the most frequent complaints, it is also one of the most frustrating issues as a councillor, as the Council does not have any direct jurisdiction over GP services.

For example, Burma Hills surgery is in the heart of my ward and many of

my residents rely upon it.

A small intimate practice that is within easy walking distance is an important part of residents’ wellbeing. I know how much the surgery means to people.

However, with the temporary closure of GP services at the surgery, followed by a long period of locum doctors, many residents find it near impossible to get a GP appointment.

Some have turned to ‘DIY’ health treatments as they can’t see a GP faceto-face, while others fear a permanent closure of the site as a GP surgery.

Their concern is understandable.

Twelve years of Conservative governments means there are simply not enough GPs to go around. The Royal College of GPs itself stated over a year ago that there is a “chronic shortage of GPs caused by a decade of under-investment in the family doctor service by successive governments”.

Five million people in Britain could not get a doctors’ appointment in October 2022.

While our Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is registered with a private

After successive winter crises in the NHS, this year is particularly grave, the worst in its history.

We have all heard the stories of people waiting to be seen for hours in hospital corridors, people waiting in ambulances backed up outside hospitals, and many are unfortunate enough to have experienced it firsthand.

These can be life or death situations –- and Britain falls behind many other economically comparable nations as regards the availability of good quality care. Health leaders have warned that this crisis will continue at least until April.

People are dying needlessly due to inaction, with the Chief of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine estimating last week that there are 300-500 extra deaths per week due to these delays.

And yet the Prime Minister stated last week that the NHS is “getting the funding it needs”. He has been in “crisis talks” over the weekend with NHS leaders – talks that the Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation has said will not be able to fix the crisis because the reality is it “has been a

He is unfit to be a PM. Like his lazy ministers, he is no good.

As for Starmer, he is the biggest disappointment since Labour losing the election. He is one lame duck and should go back to the law courts.

Do all this, and the country would have a good chance to get going once again.

Victor Rones, Bracknell

‘Don’t leave me hanging on’

These days, waiting for your call to be answered, seems to take an eternity.

In the past, (whilst waiting no more than five minutes), I would imagine a busy call centre with banks of telephonists, efficiently dealing with customer calls.

Wall mounted digital displays informed the team of calls waiting as well as average call waiting times. Team working, was the key and the poster stating, “The Customer is King’ was displayed ‘loud and proud’.

Today, whilst waiting 45 minutes for my call to be answered, my dystopian imagination sees a different diorama.

I can see a laptop on a kitchen table somewhere in suburbia.

My call inaudibly flashes below the split screen images of an online shopping site and a long weekend in Prague. The kettle has just boiled, the bacon is nice and crisp, and Bargain Hunt is about to start.

I can see no one, but there is a framed poster on the wall of Blondie, advertising the 1978 hit - ‘Hanging On The Telephone”.

Last month, Sir James Dyson condemned government plans to extend employees’ rights to work from home as “economically illiterate and staggeringly self-defeating”. It’s time to get everyone back in the office.

Gary Freestone, via email

decade or more in the making”.

A product of 12 years of Conservative mismanagement.

Labour has a plan to train a new generation of doctors and nurses, health visitors and midwives, funded by scrapping the non-dom tax status which currently allows some of the most wealthy to pay less tax than they should.

Labour will double the number of medical school places, train 10,000 extra nurses and midwives every year, double the number of district nurses qualifying each year and create 5,000 more health visitors.

Twelve years of running down the NHS can’t be fixed overnight.

But Labour has a plan, a first step, while the Conservatives have run out of ideas.

Locally I will keep putting pressure on GP providers to give people the service they need and deserve. I will continue to request action regarding the two main surgeries that serve my ward.

But, frustratingly, there is only so much a ward councillor can do: ultimately, only a change of government can fix this crisis.

We need more doctors, more nurses, shorter waiting times, and better care. That’s the difference a Labour government will make.

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

From the leader

Cllr Clive Jones

Shop local and help our businessesgreat

SMALL businesses are the lifeblood of our communities.

They provide us with more than just our material needs. They offer high levels of personalised service and customer care which often can’t be matched by online shopping environments.

For elderly people and those on their own, local shops, cafes, bars and other businesses offer a familiar face and a sense of belonging to the local community which is so important to many of us.

We should cherish and support our local businesses, especially now in these very difficult times.

The cost-of-living crisis is hitting us all.

Sadly, it is hitting some very hard as they have to make choices about whether to heat their homes and keep warm or to spend hard earned money on food and clothing.

Those on low incomes will be finding life particularly difficult at the moment.

Businesses are also being badly affected, their costs have been rising for the last few years and many have seen their profit margins reducing.

They also now have to cope with inflation which has more than doubled in the last year adding even more increases to cost prices.

Also, many local people, understandably concerned about making ends meet, have had to reduce their discretionary spending on things that they do not consider to be essential spending.

Government support is about to be reduced, which makes matters worse. The borough council will do what it can to help.

We are engaging with local businesses to get a fuller picture of the pressures they are experiencing.

But the council’s capacity to offer significant financial assistance is constrained by our own financial challenges - doubledigit inflation, rising demand for services, shortfalls in anticipated income and higher interest rates have produced an unprecedented situation, which we are devoting much time and energy to try to tackle.

We will be exploring every avenue to secure external sources of funding that might help our local businesses and will bid for every available pound of central government funding that might become available.

But all of us, in our capacity as individual citizens, can also help. If we commit to shopping as much as we can in local outlets and calling on the services of local tradespeople, we will be helping them to get through these difficult times.

Our communities need local businesses and they need us.

Where we can, let us all shop locally.

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

From the chamber

Cllr Rachel Burgess

Enviromena appoints new senior leader for large scale solar projects

A GREEN energy firm has appointed a new head of technical services as it seeks to grow its solar projects.

Gary Saunders has joined Environmena and will be based in the company’s Grazeley headquarters.

The firm says he comes with extensive experience in the renewables sector, including a 10-year stint with Anesco, eight of which saw him led the Operations and Maintenance department before moving into Design and Technical.

And he grew the firm’s solar portfolio to more than 22,000 domestic properties and 150 ground mount sites.

He was also part of the design team which installed the first co-located battery in the UK and worked on contractual negotiations for over 370MW of solar and battery storage sites in the UK and Europe.

Enviromena’s chief executive officer, Cabell Fisher, welcomed Mr Saunders, saying he would be a huge asset to the firm.

“We are delighted to welcome Gary to the team – especially at this crucial time in Enviromena’s exponential-growth phase and as renewable energy solutions become widelyconsidered alternatives to costlier sources of energy in the UK and broader European markets,” he said.

“Gary will be leading the design of Enviromena’s large-scale projects, SCADA systems and PPCs. His previous experience in leading and growing projects of this nature will be a great fit for the role.”

And Mr Saunders, said he was hugely excited to be working with Enviromena.

“This is a great time to be joining as the company continues along its path of expansion and growth,” he said. “There are many exciting projects in the pipeline and I am looking forward to being a part of them.”

n For more information about Enviromena and its work, visit: www.enviromena.com

Public more likely to prioritise climate over the economy

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

CLIMATE change matters more to people than economic growth, according to new research from one of the Thames Valley’s train companies.

South Western Railway asked YouGov to find out what matters to its passengers, and nearly half of those polled - 49% - said that the firm should prioritise environmental policies, while just over a third - 34% - felt that finance came first.

The research ties in with its new sustainability strategy which sets out its Journey to a Better Future programme for serving, safeguarding, and strengthening its people, places, and the planet, and follows on from its commitment to be net zero by 2040.

This deadline is 10 years ahead of the UK’s overall legal deadline.

Even though the nation is in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, the research reveals that younger people (18-24) are more likely to prioritise policies for tackling climate change (58%) over policies for economic growth (18%).

Majorities of those living in London (59%) and Scotland (60%) believe that policies tackling climate change should be the priority.

That said, the research suggests people are split over the priority for public spending, with 43% of those polled believing spending on preventing the impact of climate change is a priority now and should be significantly increased, even

if this means cuts are needed elsewhere.

This compares to 42% who believe we should focus on other more urgent priorities.

Just over half (51%) of the public is concerned about future travel disruption due to extreme weather associated with climate change.

However, the polling also showed the public is less willing to prioritise the environment when it comes to spending their own money:

47% say their current priority is saving money, regardless of the effect this may have on the environment, compared with only 16% who prioritise acting in an environmentally friendly way, regardless of the effect this may have on their personal finances.

52% of all those polled are not willing to pay extra to use more environmentally friendly forms of transport, but almost two-fifths (38%) would pay more, rising to 50% of Londoners.

A majority (56%) of the public thinks that environmental impact is important when deciding what mode of transport to use, but more of the public believes that convenience (95%) and cost (91%)

are important. Those in London are the most likely (68%) to believe the environmental impact is important.

SWR says it believes the railways will be a critical part of building a more sustainable future for the economy and society.

It strategy contains additional commitments: from ensuring that SWR is net biodiversity positive at all its stations and depots by 2030, to securing the top accreditation under the Government’s Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme, and publishing and actioning a diversity, equality, and inclusion strategy roadmap.

Claire Mann, Managing Director of South Western Railway, said: “This polling shows that, even during times of economic hardship, people want to us to prioritise doing things more sustainably.

“Our bold strategy is designed to deliver just that, setting out a series of pledges to have a positive impact on our people, places, and ultimately our whole planet.

“This is just the start of our journey to a better future and I look forward to bringing it to life with all our customers, colleagues, and the communities we’re so proud to serve.”

Theale firm presented with Queen’s Award for trade

STAFF at a Theale business ended 2022 with a celebration, after being presented with the Queen’s Award for International Trade.

Tower Cold Chain received the award for its outstanding growth international trade.

It was presented to them by the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, James Puxley.

The company learnt last summer that it was one of the recipients of the awards, and since then it has continued to expand the reach of its pharmaceutical temperaturecontrolled containers, with the opening of new distribution hubs in Los Angeles, Chicago, Milan, Amsterdam, Incheon, and Frankfurt.

Mr Puxley, representing the royal family, presented the award to Tower’s CEO, Niall Balfour.

He did this at its 26,000 sq ft premises, which includes an Innovation Centre and environmental test chambers for

the development of new product ranges.

Mr Balfour thanked his staff, saying the award “is a tribute to the expertise and hard work of the entire Tower team”.

He added: “We are tremendously proud to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, which recognises our international growth and focus on meeting our customers global supply chain needs.

“We have continued to invest to drive our growth strategy, with our staff numbers increasing fivefold over the last three years.

“It is Tower’s vision to become the number-one cold chain shipping facility of choice worldwide.

This award is about celebrating and marking the efforts of our global network.”

n For more information about Tower Cold Chain, log on to: www. towercoldchain.com

Tower Cold Chain received the Queen’s Award at its base in Theale

South Western Railways is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2040 Picture: SWR

Developer wins appeal that will link Bracknell to Wokingham

n From front page

The committee also said there was no legal agreement to secure the provision of affordable housing and its transfer to a registered provider.

There was further concern over the development’s impact on, and loss of, protected trees.

Beaulieu Homes appealed and it was referred to the planning inspector.

At an extraordinary planning committee meeting on Tuesday, August 2, last year, Mary Severin, from the council’s legal team, said: “Since the time this application was refused on January 13, 2022, in the course of dealing with the appeal, we have received confidential legal advice from the barrister instructed to represent us.

“He has provided us with new information which was not available at the time of the January decision.”

The information Ms Severin referred to was not made available to the public due to a legal exemption which allowed the planning committee to debate the matter in private.

As a result of the information, the application was brought back to the committee for them to vote on if they should proceed with the reasons for refusal given originally, given the new information.

The council decided it would no longer contest the application based on the reduction of a settlement gap between Wokingham and Bracknell or the impact on protected trees.

It focused solely on the absence of a legal agreement for affordable housing and the applicants failure to secure the necessary infrastructure.

The matter was then referred back to the planning inspector who held an inquiry and visited the site, before publishing their decision on December 20.

The planning inspector felt the application’s main issues were the effects of the proposal on; the character and appearance of the local area; the Spatial Development Strategy, with particular reference to the separation between Wokingham and Bracknell; and the supply of affordable housing and housing land.

They also questioned if the application made adequate provision for infrastructure, on and off-site services, amenities and financial contributions to mitigate

Mist descends to mark wassail The frame’s place in new artworks

REVELLERS will be able to enjoy a musical Celtic blessing of the fruit trees.

Spriggan Mist and Flutatious - The Wassail, sees two bands merge for a traditional night in praise of apples and pears, with a modern twist.

Two bands perform: Celtic-inspired psy-folk band Flautatious, and Spriggan Mist, folk rock band with sword wielding tribal belly dancers..

One or two other special guests are also expected to appear throughout the evening, which is hosted by Wokingham Music Club.

The celebration takes place at the Royal British Legion, Woodward Close, Winnersh.

Doors open on Friday, January 27 at 8pm.

n Advance tickets cost £16, and can be purchased by searching for Wokingham Music Club at: www. ticketsource.co.uk

THE perfect finish to a picture is the theme of a gathering in Earley next week.

The Art of Framing is the title of talk by Ralph Spearpoint.

In it, he will discuss the reasons for framing art, and asking if it is part of the work, or separate from it.

He will also look at different materials and alternative ways of framing.

The evening starts at 7pm on Friday, January 20, and is organised by the Reading Guild of Artists.

It takes place in Earley St Peter’s Church Hall in Church Road.

Places cost £8 for members and £12 for nonmembers.

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

Youth have their say on the arts

THE VIEWS of Wokingha’s youngsters is being sought in a bid to find out what they want from the arts.

Responses will help inform Wokingham Borough Council’s future plans.

The survey is open to those aged 16 to 21. An online questionnaire has been devised to capture views, and participants will be able to take part in creative focus groups during the February half-term.

Arts workshops will take place in Wokingham Library in Carnival Hub on Mondays, January 16, 23 and 30, from 4.15pm to 6pm.

They will look at printmaking, devising questions for the questionnaire, and filmmaking skills.

Artists Laura de Moxom and Suzanne Stallard, and filmmaker Matt Hulse will lead the sessions.

Creative focus groups will be held next month in libraries and community centres across Wokingham borough between February 13-19.

Laura says: “The young producers programme puts the voices of young people from Wokingham at the heart of the council’s future plans for culture.

“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for the group to learn new skills.

“We still have space, please get in touch.”

Commitment for each participant during half term will be for one day per young producer that week, with the potential of additional days if wished.

Transport costs for holiday activities will be covered and food will be provided, and no prior experience is needed.

n For information about the project and to sign up, email Laura at: laurafrancesd@live.co.uk

the impacts of the development on the local area and the planning balance.

After reviewing the application, the inspector found that the appeal was justified.

The conclusion of the report reads: “The proposal, which would harm the character and appearance of the Green Route and local area as well as undermine the Spatial Development Strategy for the area, would conflict with the Development Plan as a whole.

“However, material consider-

ations exist to outweigh the identified conflicts, such that a decision other than in accordance with it is justified in this case.”

Cllr Lindsay Ferris, executive member for planning and local plan at the council, described the outcome as “extremely disappointing”.

“We recognise that the planning inspector decided to allow this appeal after assessing it against both our adopted planning policies and national planning policy,” he said.

“This is extremely disappointing as the inspector acknowledged the proposal went against our local planning policies. We accept that they also found any adverse impacts were limited and that the benefits outweighed them.”

The council don’t believe it can be challenged and will monitor any development to ensure all planning conditions are met.

Cllr Ferris added: “Mitigating the impact of development has already been secured through planning conditions, a contribution via the Community Infrastructure Levy and a legal agreement.

“If the appellant chooses to implement their planning permission, we will monitor this carefully.”

DR BIKE will be pedalling into Twyford Station later this month in a bid to check over the borough’s two-wheel transport.

He will be setting up stall from 4.30pm on Tuesday, January 24.

People must book a slot for him to check over their bike. Dr Bike will offer a diagnosis and, if possible, offer a fix there and then. If not, he will offer advice and help on getting a proper fix.

Slots are free, but must be booked.

n For more details, log on to: www.myjourneywokingham.com

Dr Bike to check up on cycles Brass band to perform concert

A BRASS band is preparing for its first concert of 2023, which will be held in Winnersh.

St Mary’s Church in Church Close is the venue for Quintessential Brass’s evening of music.

The programme includes a selection of light and popular music including Billy Joel’s Just The Way Your Are, Sondheim’s Send In The Clowns, and a selection from The Lion King.

The event takes place on Saturday, January 21, from. 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and can be bought on the door.

n For more details, log on to: www.quintessential-brass.co.uk

OVERTURNED: The planning inspector believes Beaulieu Homes’ application to develop near St. Anne’s Drive in Wokingham is justified Picture: Steve Smyth

A steam day out to Bath or Gloucester

The Bath & Gloucester Steam Express

Saturday 4th February 2023

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

We shall steam along the Kennet & Avon canal, climb up to Savernake summit and steam on through the attractive Vale of Pewsey and pass the famous White Horse at Westbury.

You can choose to visit the Georgian city of Bath, renowned for its fine architecture, magnificent Abbey, Roman Baths, Pump House and small independent shops.

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

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

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

• Standard Class £115 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: WEA

Steam to Cheltenham or Worcester

The Cotswold Venturer

Saturday 18th February 2023

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

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

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

• Standard Class £115 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: WEB

Jack was a giant at the box office .. now it’s time for a Sleeping Beauty

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

STAFF at The Hexagon in Reading are already looking ahead to next Christmas after one of the most successful pantomimes in the theatre’s history.

Reading Arts’ Jack and the Beanstalk came to an end earlier this month and tickets for this year’s show have already gone on sale.

Imagine Theatre will once again be producing the show, and will be a new take on Sleeping Beauty.

The last time it was performed was in 2010, and was Imagine’s first panto for Reading, and starred Rainbow’s Jane Tucker, and Emmerdale’s Leah Bracknell.

It was also the first time that local lad Justin Fletcher appeared, in this show as Josh the Jester.

Since then, the CBeebies megastar has graduated from just performing in the show to helping write it too.

Away from his alter-ego as Mr Tumble, Mr Fletcher says that by writing the shows he can tailor the scripts to the actors he is working with.

His award-winning comic partnership with dame Paul Morse has seen them perform a host of hilarious routines, including a traditional messy pie-making scene, a comic ballet and a silent skit where they pretended to be decorators with hysterical results.

Audiences loved their roles in Jack and the Beanstalk.

Feedback published by Reading Arts included:

Kit donation helps youth teams

A VEHICLE-LEASING company has ensured budding soccer stars look the part by providing full kits to youth football clubs.

Working with Grassroots FA, Select Car Leasing donated shirts, shorts, socks and rain jackets to sides including Shinfield Rangers FC’s Under 7s.

The club’s teams play in either the East Berks Football Alliance (EBFA) or the Berkshire County Girls Football League (BCGFL).

Ray Barclay, chairman of the club, was full of praise for the donation, saying: “This means an awful lot to us, it really does. We’re a not-for-profit club trying to do our best for the community.

“Kits are, to me, also the lifeblood of the team. The kids can’t play matches without it. So, any help we can get is always welcome. We really appreciate the sponsorship.”

Other teams receiving free kits included Centre Skills FC, GiveBack FC, Theale Tigers FC, Winnersh Rangers FC, Taplow United FC and Burnham FC.

The Grassroots Football Association was launched last year to ‘provide a better environment for grassroots football’, according to creator Gary Small.

It connects companies and organisations with football clubs to build relationships and so teams can get the support they need.

The network extends to all

three football leagues for young players: the Berkshire Youth Development League (BYDL), Reading and West Berks League (RWBL) and the EBFA.

It also liaises with the charitable arm of Reading Football Club’s Community Trust.

Mr Small, who started out as a coach for Centre Skills Football Club, Tilehurst, back in 2014, is passionate about giving back to youngsters who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and find it financially challenging to play football.

He said: “There are 33,000 kids playing across the three leagues in the local area.

“At present, we can’t reach and

support all of those youngsters. But what we can do is to start by targeting the disadvantaged clubs and make sure we try to provide some useful benefits to them, such as kits.”

Mark Tongue, Select Car Leasing director, added: “We’re really proud to be involved. We hope the contribution makes a difference to clubs, youngsters and families in the region.

“Many of us at Select are involved in grassroots football ourselves, supporting our own children, so we really recognise the importance of giving back to a community that’s so committed and dedicated to inspiring the next generation of footballers.”

“Entertaining, laugh out loud”, “Exceptional casting .. Paul and Justin always TOP”, “Amazing!! Best yet! I was crying with laughter”, and “My sides were hurting. I haven’t laughed that hard in ages”.

People have also taken to social media to announce they had already booked tickets for Sleeping Beauty, despite not knowing who would be starring in it

Reading Arts and venues manager Sarah Cox said: “After the giant success of Jack and the Beanstalk at The Hexagon, we are looking forward to working once again with our partners at Imagine Theatre in 2023, and are delighted to announce next year’s family panto, the timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty.

“We hope to see you in 2023.”

Jack and the Beanstalk was the first Hexagon pantomime to run ‘as normal’ since the covid pandemic caused the 2020 show to be cancelled. This included seeing the junior ensemble, comprising young dancers, taking part in open auditions held in July.

It is expected that these will take place again in the summer, at The Hexagon.

Full details will be released nearer the time.

Sleeping Beauty will run at The Hexagon from Saturday, December 9, through to Sunday, January 7.

Tickets cost from £14, and there will be special relaxed performances to ensure people with additional needs can enjoy the show. Signed performances for deaf audiences will also take place.

n For more details, log on to: whatsonreading.com

Haggis on the menu

HAGGIS, neeps and tatties are on the menu at a Sindlesham venue later this month for the annual celebration of Scottish poetry.

A traditional Burns Supper will be held at Sindlesham Court in Mole Road on Saturday, January 21, from 7pm.

The haggis will be brought in with a piper leading the way, the menu includes a selection of Scottish delicacies, and there will be dancing afterwards to the Six Bells Ceilidh Band.

Tickets cost £43.

n For more details, call the centre on 0118 978 3902, or log on to: www.sindleshamcourt.co.uk

Zara to host Neff cookery demo

MOUTH WATERING smells will be coming out of a Peach Street shop on Saturday, thanks to the return of a popular event for the first time since the pandemic.

Zara Kitchen Design is welcoming a team from Neff to demonstrate its kitchen range. And the proof is in the eating.

The event offers practical tops and food to taste, and runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Entry is free.

n For more details, call the store on: 0118 977 2856.

FESTIVE HIT: Justin Fletcher with furry friend during rehearsals for Jack and the Beanstalk – next year, the show will be Sleeping Beauty, last performed in 2010 (pictured inset) Picture: Dijana Capan/ Dvision Images

SUPPORTED: Shinfield FC Under 7s were one of the beneficiaries of Select Car Leasing and Grassroots FA Picture: Select Car Leasing

Morris dancing helps First Days

A SUMMER of fun has helped a Wokingham-based charity that helps families in need.

Members of Hurst Morris People (HuMP) welcomed representatives from First Days Children’s Charity before Christmas so they could present them with proceeds from its dancing.

The morris side passed round a cap at its public displays,

the donations tallied up and presented to outreach manager Lindsay Browne.

She attended a practice by the side at Hurst Village Hall, and HuMP suiqre Karen Ricketts made the presentation.

The money will help provide essentials for children from low-income families across Wokingham borough, including toys, clothes and furniture.

Like most traditional Cotswold morris dancers, HuMP they learn more dances, and perfect their dancing and playing skills, over the autumn, winter and spring.

They aim to be ready to entertain the public again at shows and pub evenings from May to September.

n For more details, log on to: www.hump.org.uk and www. firstdays.net

Arts Society to learn about ancient Syria ... from their new location

IT’S a New Year and a new venue for the Arts Society Wokingham.

The first lecture is on Monday, January 16, and is on Palmyra, Bride of the Desert – the ancient city in Syria – its rise and fall.

It will be delivered by Dr Paul Roberts will be held in the new location of the King’s Academy, in Binfield.

King’s is a new school which offers excellent theatre facilities to be enjoyed by all members.

The car park is spacious, well-lit and is located very close to the lecture hall which makes easy access for everyone - with no parking charges.

We had to move from Newbold Church due to their introduction of different digital technology and, after an extensive search of venues, we found King’s Academy.

It is very close to the Newbold College site.

The Hall has seating for 200, so we are able to welcome and accommodate new members and friends. The projection facilities are excellent and we will use our own sound support to have a good audio experience.

As usual, we will live stream our lectures to all those members who cannot make it there in person.

Free taster session with Rock Choir

ANYONE thinking about singing this year can enjoy a free taster session thanks to a choir.

Wokingham Rock Choir sings pop and gospel music.

The group is run by Glen Harvey. They perform at local events and community causes, but sometimes join other Rock Choirs for big events, recording albums, making television appearances and raising money for charity.

Mr Harvey said: “People can expect a warm welcome, good energy, some fun and a chance to socialise.

“I’ve been leading the group for 14 years now, and Wokingham is

Tea and coffee will be offered free to all on arrival before monthly lectures with café seating available adjacent to the Lecture Hall.

This is an ideal opportunity for members to encourage friends to come to the lecture which, as ever, will be interesting and entertaining.

Dr Paul Roberts, Head of Antiquities at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, has a profound knowledge of Palmyra and its influence on the ancient Middle East

Society Chair, Alison Sanders, says: “King’s Academy will provide a perfect location to attend the 2023 monthly lecture programme and meet old friends and make new acquaintances.”

If you would like to attend or view online as a guest or join as a member, please contact memsectheartssocietywham@gmail.com who will give you more information.

Lectures start at 7.45pm, with refreshments from 7pm, and finish around 9pm.

n The full address of the new venue is King’s Academy, Wood Lane, Binfield, RG42 4PS.

A map is available on the group’s website: www.theartssocietywokingham.org.uk

SUE BRYANT

Ton up! Lions collect a lot of food

These parcels were distributed to the elderly and families in need in Wokingham, in time for Christmas.

The

Shoppers were asked to donate food which in turn was presented to Wokingham Foodbank. In all, more than 900kg worth of food was handed over, and £650 donated.

This will be used to buy extra food and other essentials.

This is on top of a £1,500 donations made by the Lions in October to help the charity meet the increased demand.

A second collection, the Can Can appeal, was held on two weekends last month, first outside Tesco and then Waitrose. Donations raised £800, and enough food to make up 275 parcels for distribution.

The Lions said they were grateful to First Days Children’s Charity, who let the Lions used a room to store and prepare the donations ahead of distribution.

John Cleary, organiser of the Lions Foodbank collections, said: “A special thank you to First Days, Wokingham Foodbank and Share Wokingham, for their drive and enthusiasm getting the project up and running again this Christmas.

“Wokingham Lions Club would also like to thank Waitrose, Tesco and their customers for their continuing support.

“More than 800 families were supported in 2021, and in 2022 this figure was surpassed”.

n For more details about Wokingham Lions Club, visit: www.wokinghamlions.org.uk, or call: 0345 833 7384.

History society members enjoy a Christmas party with a look back

WARGRAVE Local History Society’s December meeting was the Christmas Party, when members enjoyed festive fare prepared by Wendy Smith.

one of the larger choirs.

“There are people from all walks of life, ages and abilities.

“The social aspect is really important to us. To get together with people of the same mind is just great.”

This term, singers will be looking at country songs from Dolly Parton, as well as music from Fleetwood Mac.

“It’s often a real mixed bag, with something for everyone to enjoy,” Mr Harvey said.

“While we do take part in some big events, like our NEC concert later this year, and recordings at Abbey Wood Studios, we also perform locally for much smaller events.

“People can take part in these if they wish, but there is absolutely

no pressure to do so.

“Life is stressful enough, so it’s totally fine if people just want to come along to sessions but don’t want to perform.”

Evening sessions take place at Wokingham’s Holme Grange school sports hall, on Mondays at 7.30pm: on January 16, 23 and 30, February 6, 20 and 27, and March 6 and 13.

Daytime choir is held at St Paul’s Parish Rooms in Wokingham, on Wednesdays at 12.15pm: on January 11, 18, and 25, February 1, 8, 22, and March 1, 8, 15, and 22.

The choirs are open to everyone, with no need to read music, and no auditions.

n To book a free trial, visit: www. rockchoir.com

During the evening, the society’s secretary showed some items From the Archives, with photographs recently added to the collection.

On this occasion, they covered a slightly wider area than the village itself, with images from over the last century or so.

The earliest was from 1915, when Empire Day was celebrated in Crazies Hill on May 25, and young people received a certificate for “helping to send some comfort and happiness to the brave sailors and soldiers of the British Empire, fighting to uphold Liberty, Justice, Honour and Freedom in the Great War.”

The original postcard had been printed ‘back to front’, but was

able to be turned round the right way to be shown.

The rivers have had an impact on village life for centuries and, from the early 20th century, 1930s houseboats were moored along the banks of the Loddon, to be followed by development on the adjacent plots, the houses being built up on piers to be clear of the flood waters that can affect the area, as could be seen in a 1990 picture where the land on both sides of the river could was under water from the St George and Dragon to the Henley Sailing Club.

Changes in the wider area included views in Reading, which had several department stores in time past, and where trolleybuses existed until 1968, and tram tracks were still in place over 30 years after they last ran, while the building of the local motorways featured in 1970s images, and

other views showed how parts of the town centre have changed in the last 50 years.

Examples of aerial photographs from the early 1960s and late 1970s revealed changes in the landscape and village development.

Down at ground level, the most recent picture shown was one taken at the bottom of Victoria Road in 2021, but even that is now a historic image, as the large Edwardian house had been demolished earlier this year.

Fortunately history society members have been able to it photograph it before that happened, recording the present for the benefit of future historians.

n More details of the Society can be found at www.

wargravehistory.org.uk - or email info@wargravehistory.org.uk to confirm meeting details.

PETER DELANEY

FOOD collections organised by members of Wokingham’s Lions Club raised nearly a ton of donations, and a lot of cash in the process.

collection was held in November outside Waitrose, and follows on from a similar collection held in May outside the Tesco superstore.

DONATIONS: Wokingham Lions held food collections in May, November and December to help Wokingham Foodbank

HANDOVER: In 2022, Hurst Morris People (pictured in winter kit) supported Wokingham’s First Days charity. First Days Outreach Manager, Lindsay Browne, received the cheque from Hurst Morris Squire, Karen Ricketts

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (B478THAMESSTREET,SONNING) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe5thJanuary2023

WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthoritymade anOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTraffic RegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibit anyvehiclefromproceedingalong:

B478ThamesStreet,Sonningbetweenitsjunctions withHighStreetandWokinghamBoroughBoundary.

Thealternativerouteforalleastboundvehiclesaffected bythisrestrictionshallbeviaB478PlayhatchRoad, A4155HenleyRoad,B3455LowerHenleyRoad,B3345 BriantsAvenue,B3345GosbrookRoad,B3345George Street,A329VasternRoad,A329ForburyRoad,A329 King’sRoad,A4LondonRoad,A4ShepherdsHill,A4 BathRoad,PoundLaneandB4446PearsonRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallwestboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB4446Pearson Road,PoundLane,A4BathRoad,A4LondonRoad,A4 CrownStreet,A327SouthamptonStreet,A329Queen’s Road,A329WatlingtonStreet,A329ForburyRoad, A329VasternRoad,B3345GeorgeStreet,B3345 GosbrookRoad,B3345BriantsAvenue,B3455Lower HenleyRoad,A4155HenleyRoadandB478Playhatch Road.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 17thJanuaryand18thJanuary2023between22:00 and05:30.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowThames Watercontractorstoundertakesewercleaningand associatedworkinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe17thJanuary2023andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntil theworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristhe earlier.

Dated:12thJanuary2023

ChrisEaston AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport

WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (OLDFORESTROAD,WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOFDRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe5thJanuary2023WokinghamBoroughCouncil asTrafficAuthoritymadeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTraffic RegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehiclefromproceeding along:

OldForestRoad,WokinghambetweenitsjunctionswithA329ReadingRoadand CommonsRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallnorthboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbevia A329ReadingRoad,A329ShuteEnd,A329RectoryRoad,A321GlebelandsRoad, A321MiltonRoad,A321TwyfordRoad,QueensRoadandToutleyRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbevia ToutleyRoad,QueensRoad,A321TwyfordRoad,A321MiltonRoad,A321Glebelands Road,A329RectoryRoad,A329WiltshireRoad,A329PeachStreet,A329Market Place,A329BroadStreet,A329ShuteEndandA329ReadingRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacefrom19thJanuary2023.Further communicationswillbesentwhenindividuallocationshavebeenplanned.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowWokinghamBoroughCouncilcontractors toundertakeStructuralMaintenanceincludingCarriagewayPatching,PlaneInlay Resurfacing,MicroAsphaltResurfacing,SurfaceDressing,Rejuvenatorworkandall ancillaryandconstructionworkstofacilitatecarriagewayresurfacinginsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithintheboundariesoftheserestrictionswillbe maintainedatalltimes.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapplyduringthoseperiodswhentraffic signscomplyingwiththeTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections2016are lawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeintooperationonthe19thJanuary 2023andshallcontinueinforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:12thJanuary2023

ChrisEaston

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984

WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (EDNEYSHILL,WOKINGHAM)

(TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe5thJanuary2023

WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthoritymade anOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTraffic RegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibit anyvehiclefromproceedingalong:

EdneysHill,Wokinghambetweenitsjunctionswith EvendonsLaneandB3349BarkhamRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaB3349BarkhamRoad,Blagrove LaneandEvendonsLaneorbythisrouteinreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplaceon17th January2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowScottish andSouthernPowerDistributioncontractorsto undertakecuttingbackofvegetationaroundoverhead powercablesinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe17thJanuary2023andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntil theworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristhe earlier.

Dated:12thJanuary2023

ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

PUBLICNOTICES Classifieds

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (CULVERLANE,WOODLEY)

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe5thJanuary2023WokinghamBoroughCouncil asTrafficAuthoritymadeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTraffic RegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehiclefromproceeding along:

CulverLane,WoodleybetweenitsjunctionswithB3350ChurchRoadandWokingham BoroughBoundary.

Thealternativerouteforallwestboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbevia B3350ChurchRoad,A329WokinghamRoad,GrangeAvenueandWykehamRoad.

Thealternativerouteforalleastboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbevia PalmerParkAvenue,A329WokinghamRoadandB3350ChurchRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween19thJanuaryand2ndFebruary 2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowWokinghamBoroughCouncilcontractors toundertakeWoodlandsAvenuecyclewayworkincludingsurveyingactivity,pre-works andconstructionactivitiesrelatedtoimprovingcyclingnetworkinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithintheboundariesoftheserestrictionswillbe maintainedatalltimes.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapplyduringthoseperiodswhentraffic signscomplyingwiththeTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections2016are lawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeintooperationonthe19thJanuary 2023andshallcontinueinforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

ChrisEaston AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices

WokinghamBoroughCouncilhasreceivedrecommendationsfromanIndependentRemunerationPanel inrespectofitsschemeforthepaymentofallowancestoMembers

ThePanel’sanalysishasshownthatsomeMembers’AllowancesforWokinghamBoroughCouncilhave fallenbehindtheirBerkshireneighbours,inpartduetoWokinghamBoroughCouncilnotaccepting increasesforanumberofyears.Thefollowingrecommendationsseektorebalancetheseallowances andintroduceanindexationmechanismforthefuture.EachMemberisonlyentitledtooneSpecial ResponsibilityAllowance(SRA),thatbeingtheonewiththehighestvalue.

ThePanelrecommendstotheCouncilthat:

1.Thetimecontributedcomponentofthebasicallowancebeincreasedby4%,backdatedtoApril 2022andincreasedannuallyfromApril2023bytheaverageincreaseinthenationalofficerpayaward foraperiodof3years;

2.The£500componentoftheBasicAllowancefortheprovisionofITshouldcontinuetoonlybe claimedbythoseMemberswhoprovidefacilitieswhichallowconstituentsandOfficerstocommunicate withthembye-mail,inadditiontohavingadequateequipmentandconnectionstoallowforeffective participationinvirtualandhybridmeetingsandtheself-certificationprocessrelatedtothiscomponent ofthebasicallowancebecontinued;

3.Noone-offchangesaremadetoanyofthefollowingSRAs:LeaderoftheCouncil,Leaderofthe Opposition,DeputyExecutiveMember,ChairoftheStandardsCommittee,ChairofthePersonnel Board,MemberofthePlanningCommittee,ChairoftheOverviewandScrutinyManagement Committee,ChairofOverviewandScrutinySub-Committees;

4.AnewSRAbeagreedfortheroleofDeputyLeaderoftheCouncil,wheretheDeputyLeaderis alsoresponsibleforanExecutivePortfolio,setat2.74xSRA=£13,700,backdatedtoApril2022;

5.Aone-offincreasebeagreedfortheSRApaidtoanExecutiveMember,setat2.11xSRA= £10,550,backdatedtoApril2022;

6.Aone-offincreasebeagreedfortheSRApaidtotheChairoftheAuditCommittee,setat 0.6xSRA=£3,000,backdatedtoApril2022;

7.Aone-offincreasebeagreedfortheSRApaidtotheChairofthePlanningCommittee,setat 1.125xSRA=£5,625,backdatedtoApril2022;

8.Aone-offincreasebeagreedfortheSRApaidtotheChairoftheLicensingCommittee,tobesetat 0.86xSRA=£4,300,backdatedtoApril2022;

9.Noone-offincreasebemadetotheMayor’sallowance;

10.Aone-offincreasebeagreedfortheDeputyMayor’sallowance,setat£2,180,backdatedto April2022;

11.ThevalueforanSRA,currentlysetat1xSRA=£5,000,besubjecttoaninflationarymechanism oftheaverageincreaseinthenationalofficerpayawardforaperiodof3years,tobeappliedfromApril 2023;

12.TheMayor’sandDeputyMayor’sallowancesbesubjecttoaninflationarymechanismofthe averageincreaseinthenationalofficerpayawardforaperiodof3years,tobeappliedfromApril2023; 13.NochangesaremadetotheTravelandSubsistenceAllowances; 14.NochangesbemadetotheDependentandCarersAllowancescheme. FormoreinformationandcopiesofthePanel’sreportpleasevisittheCouncil’swebsiteat www.wokingham.gov.uk.ThefullreportwaspublishedalongsidetheCouncilagendaon11January2023. CopiesofthePanel’sreportcanbeviewedattheShuteEndOffices,Wokingham,RG401BN,during

the time we get around to Reading, we’ll know what we’re doing... sorry, Birmingham’

that I’ve never met, I don’t think it’s actually that healthy to judge people before you meet them.

“So the podcast is so eye-opening–for example, you’d have imagined Danny D to be quite a lad, sort of brash and overpowering.

interested, thank you.”

Speaking of the podcast’s audience and how it will translate to a live audience, JaackMaate says: “The TikTok culture we have now, just thousands of small clips, and that helps.

JAACKMAATE’S

While it was way ahead of the slew of podcasts which sprouted as a result of comedians having little else to do to keep things ticking over during the pandemic, it is still only four years old.

It came about November 2018 and rose quickly in prominence from there, regularly topping the podcast charts and garnering a wide range of big name guests from diverse fields, from Ricky Gervais to Danny D. Now it’s going on tour, with the eponymous JaackMaate bringing fellow regulars Stevie White and Robbie Knox to the stage for their first live performances as a group.

Stevie said: “We went to a venue in Norwich to see whether we enjoy it – which we did, and we got a tour set up.”

The tour is called The Round Sheep Tour, a nod to an episode of the podcast discussing idioms, referring to a phrase created by the group to denote something which makes you think.

JaackMaate said: “When they made up the phrase ‘letting the cat out of the bag,’ were they aware that it was gonna be a thing?

“So if we make up our own one, when we’re dead and gone our legacy can be the fact that people say round sheep in a moment that confuses you.

Robbie cut in to say that he wanted to “manage expectations, as the show won’t be about the etymology.

“Go and see Rory Stewart’s podcast for that.”

JaackMaate says: “I just love meeting new people, and though I’ve built my name and my platform through mugging off YouTubers

“But he’s a sweetheart, and he’s up there with the comedians for me, a very smart man– I always love being shocked, and the majority of our guests surprise us.”

This translates to the live performance too, Robbie explained: “Often you see listeners messaging or posting online, but it’s just usernames.

“They’ve messaged and said ‘oh I’m gonna be in the front row at Birmingham,’ so it’s nice to see the face of the guy who’s probably gonna kill us or something,” he jokes.

“But it’s gonna be nice to get out and meet as many people and have a little adventure – I mean I’m 45, and I’ve got three kids, so I’ll do anything to get out of the house.”

While it’s the first time the trio has toured a live show together, Robin says that they’ve all had some previous experience.

“We’ve all done bits – I worked on Soccer AM doing scripts, so we’ve all got that down.”

While it will be a similar format show-to-show, JaackMaate says it will still be different each night.

“We’re really off the cuff, and you don’t really know how it’s going until there’s an audience to bounce it off of,

“But what we have really chimes when we’re on, but it’s often the things you think of on the spot that gets the best response, and then you work out pretty quickly what that audience wants.

“Birmingham’s our first show, so by the time we get around to Reading, we’ll know what we’re doing... sorry, Birmingham.”

JaackMaate says that he’s been to Reading Festival a number of times, “and I would love to perform there, as long as it was towards the start.

“I’m usually a bit worse for wear by the end.”

Robbie says: “Lunchtime on the Friday, fine – 11pm Sunday? Not

He mentions fellow YouTuber MrBeast, who he heard saying on a podcast: “He was talking to someone else who told him there was a TikTok account posting clips of theirs.

“He was saying that he was going to get it with a copyright strike, but MrBeast said he was an idiot– it’s free promotion.

“People see that, want more of it, and then go and find it, and I was very much the same.

“There are Happy Hour accounts, and we’re not monetising that part of it, but as long as they’re sending people to our platform, then we’re kind of fine with it.”

Stevie says that he still struggles with it a little, however: “For me personally, I didn’t really have too much happening online when we started the podcast.

“So it was weird to go into it and seeing people saying mean things –but I suppose these two say mean things to me all the time.”

JaackMaate agrees: “We’ve trained you up – like anyone our age, I’m addicted to it.”

Robbie says however that despite some nerves, the trio is looking forward to the tour.

“I feel that because we’re doing it together, it’ll be alright – or at least good material for the podcast.

“If we get out there and they’re throwing carts full of rotting fruit, it’ll be bad for a few weeks, then make a great episode when we get back.

“Plus,” Stevie adds, “It’s Jack’s name above the door, so if it’s really bad, it’s all his.”

JaackMaate replies: “And there’ll be two open positions for co-hosts, too.”

n JaackMate’s Happy Hour: The Round Sheep Tour is coming to Reading’s Hexagon on Thursday, February 2. For more, or to book tickets, visit: www.happyhourlive. co.uk, or: whatsonreading.com

‘By

JAKE CLOTHIER caught up with the trio from JaackMaate’s Happy Hour ahead of their first live tour, coming to The Hexagon next month

Happy Hour is one of those podcasts which is feels established despite its relative recency.

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

Wedding Fair. Sun 15. Marky Dawson. Wed 18.

Conservatoire: Oliver Nelson and Vasilis Rakitzis. Fri 20.

The Comedy Cellar. Fri 20. Spirit Chasers Paranomral UK. Fri 20. Wilde Sundays: Tim Shez, Laura Loh, Neil Wells. Sun 22.

FILMS: Living. Fri 13-Sun 15.

Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths. Mon 16-Tues 17. Like Water For Chocolate. Thurs 19. Armageddon Time. Fri 20-Sun 22.

Camberley –Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600

NEXT SHOW: Talon, the best of Eagles. Thurs 26.

Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Burglar Bill. Sat 14. One Winter’s Night. Sat 14. The Giraffe Who Wouldn’t Bath. Tues 17. Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear. Tues 17-Sat 21.

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

Mind Mangler. Fri 13. Attaullah Esakhelvi Live in Concert. Sun 15. Simon & Garfunkel Story. Thurs 19. Don’t Stop Believin’. Fri 20. It’s Not Unusual. Sat 21. Spirit of the Dance. Sun 22.

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

Go Now. Sat 14. The Simon and Garfunkel. Fri 20. The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars present The Ronnie Scott’s Story. Sat 21.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

Burns Night Ceilidh – SOLD OUT. Fri 13. I Wanna

Dance With Somebody (12a). Fri 13. The Searchers and Hollies Experience.

Sat 14. Jason Fox: Life at the Limit (warm-up show).

Tues 17. Andre Rieu in Dublin. Wed 18, Fri 20. Corsage (15). Fri 20. Steve Waterman (trumpet) The Latin Connection. Fri 20. The Total Who Show. Sat 21. The Vinyl Frontier album championship.

Sat 21.

Newbury –

The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218

DJ Exchange. Fri 13.

Dementia Friendly Screening: The Band Wagon. Mon 16. Rare Productions presents Grease. Thurs 19-Sat 21. RB Encore: Like Water For Chocolate. Sun 22.

Newbury –

The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

NEXT SHOW: Notes From A

Small Island. Fri Feb 3-Sat

Mar 18.

Reading –South Street www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Members Night and Season launch. Thurs 12. Poets Cafe. Fri 13. Sitelines presents Threads. Mon 16-Wed 18. Poets Cafe online. Fri 20. Off The Block #11. Fri 20.

Reading –

The Hexagon www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

NT Live presents The Seagull. Fri 13. Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical. Mon 16-Sat 21.

Reading –Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Lunchtime organ recital. Mon 16.

Reading –Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 The Welkin. Fri 20Sat 28.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620

NEXT SHOW: Hedda Gabler. Feb 22-Mar 11.

Shinfield –Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880

Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. Fri 13-Sun 15, Fri 20Sun 22.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000

Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sun 14. We’ll Always Have Paris. Thurs 19-Mar 11.

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

The Shawshank Redemption. Thurs 12-Sat 14. Wrong Jovi. Sun 15. Tina Live. Tues 17. UK Pink Floyd Experience. Wed 18.

Arrival: The Hits of Abba. Thurs 19. Frankie. Fri 20. Some Guys Have All The Luck. Sat 21.

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

Ladies In Lavender. Thurs 19-Sat 28.

Wokingham

START the new year with a visit to Sonning, where We’ll Always Have Paris tells the story of three women of a certain age who gravitate to Paris.

Retired headmistress Nancy, recently widowed Anna, and divorcee Raquel meet Charlot,

Tribute

THE sounds of two pop legends are coming to a stage in Maidenhead.

The Searchers and The Hollies Experience promises a two-hour tribute show, filled with harmonies and nostalgia.

Fans will be able to hear many of the bands’ greatest hits, including Needles and Pins, Just One Look, Here I Go Again, and I’m Alive.

The concert takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre Courtyard Theatre, on Saturday, January 14. It begins at 8pm, and all tickets cost £20.

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

Trumpet time with Steve Waterman

STEVE WATERMAN presents an evening of trumpet music.

His programme will concentrate on South American and Cuban inspired compositions.

–

The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

Wokingham Film Society: Wild Men (15). Thurs 12. Quantum Theatre: A Christmas Carol. Tues 17.

Wokingham Music Club: DS:UK A tribute to Dire Straits. Fri 20.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org

Jazz

The Concert, titled The Latin Connection, takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre on Friday, January 20. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £16.

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

A celebration of the sounds of the 60s

FANS can enjoy two hours of hits by the English rock band formed in the 1960s.

Presented by Johnny Warman’s Magic bus, the concert features musicians who have performed

an actor turned

who eventually fixes more than just a leaky shower.

Jill Hyem’s feel-good play with laughter, tears, and romance can be seen at The Mill At Sonning from Thursday, January 19 through to Saturday, March 11.

with big named stars such as Roger Daltry, Pete Townshend, David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen.

The show takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre on Saturday, January 21.

Doors open at 8pm, and all tickets cost £20.

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

Windsor to host a break-out hit

Audiences in Windsor can see a stage production based on a Stephen King novel.

The Shawshank Redemption sees two accomplished actors in this story of unlikely friendship.

It stars Joe Absolom, with a 25-year television career to his name, and Ben Onwukwe, whose stage performances include leading roles with the RSC and the Royal Court.

A man locked up for a brutal double murder protests his innocence.

He strikes up a friendship with prison fixer, Red, and together the pair hatch a desperate escape plan.

The Shawshank Redemption can be seen at The Theatre Royal, Windsor, on Thursday to Saturday, January 12, 13 and 14.

Performances are at 7.30pm each evening, with a Saturday matinée at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost from £23.50 to £44.

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

Lavender highlights

FOR AN evocative tale of unfulfilled dreams and unrequited love, audiences should head to

It stars Debbie Arnold, Basienka Blake, Elizabeth Elvin, Richard Keep and Natalie Ogle.

Performances start at 8.15pm on Wednesdays through to Saturdays, with matinées at 2.15pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

There are no performances on

Wokingham next week.

Ladies In Lavender tells of two sisters living in a Cornish fishing village in 1936.

Their peaceful lives are disrupted by the discovery of a young Polish violinist on the beach.

The play is performed at Wokingham Theatre, from Thursday, January 19 through to Saturday, January 28, with the exception of Sunday.

Doors open at 7.45pm, and all tickets cost £15.

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

Concert series returns

AS PART of The Conservatoire International Concert Series, a Bracknell arts centre presents an evening with Oliver Nelson and Vasilis Rakitzis.

Nelson on violin and viola, and Rakitzis on piano will perform a programme that includes Malcolm Arnold’s 5 Pieces, sonatas by Schubert, Mozart and Fauré, along with a new piece written for Oliver by Alistair Jones.

The event takes place in South Hill Park’s Recital Room on Friday, January 20. Doors open at 7.30pm.

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

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

Simon and Garfuknel are Henley bound

HENLEY welcomes a show fresh from London’s Vaudeville Theatre.

Mondays or Tuesdays.

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

Projection photos and original film footage make it a show that fans of the duo will want to see.

The concert is at The Kenton Theatre on Friday, January 20 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £27, with concessions available at £25.50.

Parking is limited, additional spaces at Station Car Park, Station Road RG9 1AY.

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

Water play with Gerald the giraffe

GERALD the baby giraffe doesn’t like water.

Youngsters can join him on his funny sticky journey as he discovers what happens when you don’t have a bath.

The show includes inventive, interactive and creative play.

The Giraffe Who Wouldn’t Bath is suitable for babies and children up to four.

It is told by Hannah Summers with illustrations by Miranda Summers.

It can be seen at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, with performances on Saturday, January 14, at 11am, 2pm and 4pm.

Tickets cost £10.50 for an adult and child, with aditional children and adults at £7 each.

n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.ukor call the box office on: 01483 440000

ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

The Simon And Garfunkel Story features a full live band performing hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and Homeward Bound.

handyman

Lamps, magic, and good old panto charm await

Twyford becomes Hamelin as Pied Piper pays a visit

AN AMATEUR dramatic society will entertain an audience of all ages with its unique spin on a family classic.

Shinfield Players Theatre’s fun-filled version of Aladdin will be performed on January 13-15 and 20-22 and is open to all ages.

The panto is directed by Carol Vockins, who also wrote the script specifically for the 20-person cast at the theatre. She has been assisted by her husband, Graham.

Mr Vockins said: “Carol’s done a fantastic job at putting this together for Shinfield Players and I can promise the audience the messiest scene of all pantos in the kitchen scene at the end of act one.

“It’s got everything you could want in a

panto, there are a few jokes which will go over the kids’ heads, but it really is for all the family.”

He also gave a special mention to the remarkable music, set and costumes that will feature in this production.

Aladdin is reimagined by Charley Caswell in what will be her first ever pantomime and second performance for Shinfield Players.

George Apap plays the show’s primary antagonist, Abanazar, and he is said to be ‘ecstatic’ to play the role, one in which he will fittingly be performing Michael Jackson’s 1987 hit, Bad.

This will be in addition to all the songs which made Aladdin the classic it is known as.

The cast had its last tech rehearsal on Monday and a full dress rehearsal on

A play to tug at the heartstrings

WOKINGHAM Theatre’s bitter sweet production opens next week, and plays as much upon the heartstrings as it does on the strings of a violin.

Set in Cornwall in the mid-1930s, Ladies In Lavender tells of two ageing spinster sisters whose quiet lives are turned upside down when they discover a young man washed ashore on the beach.

Spending time with their new patient as they nurse him back to health, Ursula and Janet discover that he is a Polish violinist capable of making music to melt the hardest of hearts.

Love blossoms and memories surface in the place of quietly simmering resentments that have coloured the sisters lives over the years.

Director Thomas Joy says:”It’s a much more complex story than at first it appears.

“It’s not just a tale of two older ladies in their cottage by the sea who take in a handsome young man.

“There’s much more to it than meets the eye.

“It explores relationships, it talks about mental health and it examines social attitudes.

“And it’s beautifully bittersweet, because with success comes heartbreak.”

Ladies In Lavender is not without its

challenges. It requires the actors to be able to move seamlessly between different locations that include the beach, the guest bedroom, the garden and the parlour of the sisters’ cottage.

“We’ve had to be very inventive with the staging,” says Thomas.

“There are a number of connected levels, steps and stairs, which are working well now that we are rehearsing on stage.

“But during rehearsals without the set, it has been difficult to establish how long it would take to move between scenes, for example, or to climb stairs.”

A complex set is not the play’s only hurdle.

Much more difficult to achieve is its casting.

“Finding a handsome young actor who is trilingual and also a concert violinist is quite a challenge,” continues Thomas.

Tuesday. Now, they’re ready for curtain up.

Shinfield Players Theatre suffered a major setback in February last year when its roof was damaged during Storm Eunice, but thanks to the efforts of its members and the community, the group has returned to its Whitley Wood Lane home.

Well-received productions of Our House and Inspector Drake have put the theatre in the best possible position to enjoy a successful 2023 season. Mr Vockins described the return as ‘a relief’.

Performances start at 7.30pm on the Fridays, 2pm and 6.30pm on the Saturdays and 2pm on the Sundays.

Tickets are £16 for adults, £15 for concessions and £9 for children.

n For more information or to book tickets, visit: www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk

JI-MIN LEE

The show opens next weekend, at

“We are enjoying some really entertaining rehearsal evenings as we gradually piece the show together in jigsaw puzzle fashion,” said a spokesperson.

“Scenery has been designed and is in the process of being painted, and props are being expertly prepared. Custard pies are made and ready for launch.

“Our skilled wardrobe team has finely tuned costumes; these remarkably enhance our characters’ individual personae.

“Photographs have been taken and have been converted into clever social media publicity images by our talented graphic designer. Posters and banners have been proudly hung in and around Twyford to advertise the event.

“We are very nearly ready.”

Rob Yeadon of Twyford Together has kindly provided 11 umbrellas sponsored by his company Benedict Charles Financial Planning. These will be used in the group’s own rendition of Singing in the Rain.

“We value and appreciate this community support: Twyford is certainly ‘coming together’ for our January extravaganza,” said the spokesperson.

“The Pied Piper of Hamelin is undoubtedly going to be a very funfilled and lively production and there is still time to grab yourself a really good seat.

“Typically, ticket sales take off after Christmas, so why not get in first. We look forward to entertaining you.”

Matinee performances are at 2pm on Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January 15. Evening performances are at 7.45pm on Friday, January 13 and at 7pm on the Saturday.

n Visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/ twyrusdramaor buy tickets through their website www.twyforddrama. co.uk/Prices are £10 and £12 each.

SUE CORCORAN

“We have a great cast who have worked hard to create a world that is so of its time.

“Rehearsals have been a collaborative process as we have explored the characters and asked the questions that would help us overcome the challenges.

“And the music is wonderful.

“We’re using it cinematically.

“I want people to come away having fallen in love not only with the story, but with the musical soundscape that accompanies it.

“It’s a beautifully human story, and the perfect tonic for a dark January evening,”

Ladies In Lavender can be seen from Thursday, January 19 through to Saturday, January 28, with the exception of Sunday.

Performances start at 7.45pm, with tickets available at £15.

n

For tickets and information visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or call the box

READY TO LIGHT UP THE STAGE: Shinfield Players Theatre will be performing its very own version of Aladdin this January. Picture courtesy of

Wokingham Theatre is presenting Ladies In Lavender from next week

TWYFORD’S traditional panto The Pied Piper of Hamelin is really coming together, with the talented cast already well-versed in their lines and moves, reports the hard-working Twyford Drama group.

Loddon Hall.

Male Voice choir performs again

READING Male Voice Choir is back for 2023 and has announced its roster of upcoming shows.

The choir will be performing at Christ Church, Woodley, on Saturday, January 28, where it will be joined by Eleanor Stevens.

She is a soprano who holds a Masters in vocal performance from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

On Saturday, February 11, RMVC will be performing at the Broad Street Mall, and again at St Mary’s Church in Purley on Thames on Saturday, March 25.

On Saturday, April 22, the choir will be performing a concert at All Saints Churche Tilehurst, joined by Aneesa Chaudhry.

n For more details, or to book tickets, log on to the group’s website: rmvc.net

Clarinet and cake

MEMBERS of Reading Bach

Choir are preparing for a special afternoon of music later this month.

Clarinet and Cake will see Janet Hilton entertain, accompanied on the piano by the group’s assistant musical director Nick Shaw.

There will also be plenty of cake.

The event takes place from 3.30pm on Saturday, January 28, at St Andrew’s Church in Albert Road, Caversham. Tickets cost £15, or £5 for under 18s.

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

Happy Blue year at ‘Collar Corner

BBLUE Collar in the heart of Reading’s town centre, is planning a host of events over the coming weeks.

With events released lasting until late February, Blue Collar will play host to DJs, parties, sports fixture viewings, and fairs.

It has taken a short hiatus following a New Year’s party and is set to reopen on Thursday, January 19.

DJ Rob Wire will be the first act to head up the venue’s weekly music nights, which see DJs and performers accompany the usual offerings of street food and locally brewed drinks.

Saturday, January 21, will see DJs Ben Narbutas and Sam Wild take to the decks.

Party Thursdays is also returning in the new year, with party events taking place on Thursday every week, from January 26.

Monkey Shoulder Party will be joined by Crazy P and further guests for performances on Friday, January 27, followed by DJ Acronym and DJ Rachael Chrisp on Saturday, January 28.

The next day, Peter Doyle is presenting his Singer/Songwriter Showcase with Colours & Fires, Maija, Holly Shillito, and Helen Cuthbertson.

Reading’s Indie Market is

returning to the venue too, with the first of the new year taking place on Sunday, February 5.

Following its showing of the FIFA World Cup games last year, Blue Collar is bringing the Six Nations Rugby to its screens.

It will be showing the England v Scotland fixture on Saturday, Febraury 4, followed by DJ Pete Wheeler.

The England v Italy fixture w ill be shown on Sunday, February 12, followed by the England

v Wales game on Saturday, February 25.

The record fair and social will return on Sunday, February 26, with Paul “Smiler” Anderson, who will also host a DJ Set and In Conversation session.

Blue Collar Corner is open from 5pm-12.30am on Thursdays and Fridays, from 11am-12.30am on Saturdays, and from 11am8pm on Sundays.

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

Anita Oui to take up residency at Rising Sun

A NEW performer is set to take over the regular drag night at The Rising Sun arts centre in Reading.

Anita Oui is now poised to host her first show at the venue later this month.

Anita Oui’s Suspenders will celebrate the year 2000, and feature performances from Grace Anatomy, Lujane Oud, DUAC, Dorian Gay.

She was selected as the new host of the drag show residency at the venue when previous host Sheer Obsession announced that they would be taking a break in November last year.

She performed, among others, the closing number at Sheer Obsession’s show and has

already hosted events such as Christmas Karaoke at Bar 77.

The residency is a grass-roots event which showcases queer talent from a range of acts as selected by the host.

Anita Oui’s Suspenders is taking place at the Rising Sun Arts Centre from 7pm on Saturday, January 28.

Attendees are encouraged to wear 2000s themed dress if they would like.

n Tickets are available on a sliding scale of between £5-£20 on a paywhat-you-can basis via: www. outsavvy.com, or by contacting the organisers directly. The event is billed as suitable for over 18s

Glenn Wool set to headline South Street Comedy Club

MATES Rates is bringing its quarterly comedy club to South Street for the first show of the new year.

South Street Comedy Club will be headlined by Glenn Wool, whose work includes appearances on Eight out of 10 Cats, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, The John Bishop Show, and Russell Howard’s Good News.

He has appeared regularly at Glastonbury Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as well as touring with Doug Stanhope, taking awards at Sydney Comedy Festival and nominations at 2008’s Chortle Awards and the 2003 New Zealand Comedy Awards.

He will be joined by Sadia Azmat, who was shortlisted for

the Funny Women Awards just one year after her debut, Andy Gleeks and MC Carl Richard.

The club runs quarterly, set to return in late April.

The Comedy Club takes p lace at South Street Arts Centre from 8pm on Saturday, January 28.

n Tickets are available via: whatsonreading.com

Things that go Bump in the night

COMEDIAN Jacob Hawley has announced a performance in Reading as part of his national tour.

The star of BBC’s Ladhood and Sky’s The Russell Howard Hour and creator of Radio 4’s Class Act, Hawley is touring his latest live show, Bump.

Among the dates on the tour is a performance at The Purple Turtle, with the tour exploring mental health and its relations to class, and fatherhood, among others.

Hawley also recently presented two BBC podcast series, On Love and On Drugs, which each series taking an in-depth but comedic look at important issues facing modern society.

The podcasts came 12th in the UK podcast charts and garnered Hawley a silver Audio & Radio Industry award in 2020 for best

new presenter and bronze for the New Voice Award at the Audio Production Awards.

Jacob Hawley will be performing at The Purple Turtle

as part of his tour on Thursday, March 30, presented by Mates Rates Comedy.

n Advanced tickets cost £10, available via www.fatsoma.com

NEW SEASON OF SHOWS: Blue Collar Corner returns after a short hiatus on Thursday, January 19. Picture: Nat Burton

SHOWTIME: Anita Oui is set to take over the drag residency at the Rising Sun Arts Centre with a hand-picked cast of performers on Saturday, January 28. Picture: Jake Clothier

RaW Sounds Today

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw sounds today

HAPPY new listening. For our first playlist of 2023, we’ve got 10 brand-new tracks for you to listen to.

Each one has a connection to the area, and means we start the year on a musical high.

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 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.

Adomania – I Always Seem to Break Something (At The Party)

They released their debut single, Heavy Rain, last

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, January 12

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ma Bessie. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo. Details: Twitter @ skintmondays

Friday, January 13

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Redhead and Primary Explosives and No Good Sons. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

GORING - Goring Community Centre, The Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB.

Goring Community Jazz Club presents Stan Tracey’s ‘Under Milk Wood Jazz Suite. 7.30pm. Details www.ticketsource.co.uk/ goring-community-jazzclub

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS.

Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE.

STATIK presents Jay El Baits 30th, Big H, Tits and Webbla Bday. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Reading Railway Club, Station Approach RG1 1NB. Muntjac and Hannah Lebrecht. Details: 0118 959 5294.

READING – 3sixty Reading University Students’ Union Reading RG6 6EH.

BBC Introducing Live ft. MUNBOI, Ray Wills & swurli. Booking essential. Details: www.rusu.co.uk/ events

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The

Smyths 20th Anniversary Tour. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Beatles tribute. Details: 0118 978 4529.

Saturday, January 14

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Rock Week final. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Karaoke and disco.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Live music night. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING - Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE.

Tim Kay Duo. Details: 0118 935 4095.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. 4G. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Lost Saturdays/ Double Your Money.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ.

The Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB.

The Salty Dogs. Details: 0118 942 9606.

Sunday, January 15

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH.

Low Key Sundays. 3pm.. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Lynne Whiteland, Mike Baker and Friends. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk

year, and it made number six in our top 20 of the year.

Here’s their second single and it’s another good one with strong vocals, interesting lyrics and a melody that sticks in your head.

We look forward to seeing how this band develops. They’ve certainly started impressively –https://www.facebook.com/AdomaniaBand/

Marisa And The Moths – Pedestal

This Reading band haven’t been in our playlist before and, judging by this song, it’s about time they were.

It’s the band’s latest single and it’s an alternative rock anthem with powerful vocals. They will be live at Reading’s Purple Turtle on Janiary 29, as part of a UK tour to support their forthcoming Damned If I

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Details: 0118 969 8000.

Monday, January 16

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic Cafe. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, January 17

READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. Live jazz, blues and more. Free entry, donations welcome. Details: 07866 251216.

Wednesday, January 18

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Marky Dawson. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST.

Artist Link-up!. Details: 0118 986 6788.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Caribbean Night with Faze 3 Steel band. Details: 0118 978 4529.

Thursday, January 19

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Gary Moore Blues Experience. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Cool Hand Luke. 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

Friday, January 20

BURGHFIELD – Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS. Reading Rock ‘n’ Roll presents Dave B’s Good Rockin’ Tonite. £12 Details: rock3rs.co.uk

READING - Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE. Goldeneye. Details: 0118 935 4095.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents DS:UK. 7.30pm. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk

Saturday, January 21

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Moonage: The Best of Bowie Tribute Band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Trojan Beats. Details: 01344 303333.

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Northbrook Road, Caversham Park Village RG4 6PF. Details: 0118 334 1040.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Seventies Night. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Solar. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Madison Heights

Do EP release – https://www.marisaandthemoths. com/

That Joe Payne – Dry January

Joe delivered a great performance when he visited the area to perform at Wokingham Festival. This song was included on Joe’s Christmas album, Ding Dong, but if you are trying to get through the month I’m sure you will be able to relate to it now –https://www.thatjoepayne.com/

Phantom Booth –

Falling Asleep On Her Dreams

Following their energetic last single, ’Apparatus, this talented three-piece show another side to their artistic talents with this new single. It’s a melancholic, but wonderful, orchestral ballad –https://linktr.ee/phantombooth

Darcy Hope – Landslide

Darcy is a singer-songwriter from Fleet who writes and performs music with a mellow country pop feel.

In November she released this beautiful version of the Fleetwood Mac classic and she will be live as support to Tom Webber at his Club Velocity show at Rising Sun Arts Centre on February 4 – https:// darceyhope.com/

Dandy Man – Annie Bonnie

Reading-based alt indie outfit Dandy Man released their debut album, Something I Have To Say,

soul and Motown band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Heisenbug. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Jazz night: Annie Parker flutes, Hugh Turner

guitar. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. WATT4. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. 10 Years of RUDNB: Sempra, Banditt, Visla, Klueless,

last month, and this is the uplifting opening track. Check out the video which was filmed at Pyramid Studios – https://dandymanmusic.com/

Selina and the Howlin Dogs –Who’s That Girl?

They were number three in our Top 20 of 2022, and they released this new single last month which features their trademark blues-rock sound combined with Selina’s distinctive vocals – https:// www.selinaandthehowlindogs.com/

Jessie Smith – WKD

His voice is so good that he has been heard singing in the band on Strictly Come Dancing and now Jessie, who performed in his hometown of Reading at Third Lung’s Sub89 show, has released his debut solo single – https://www.jessesmithuk.com/

Papa Truck – Gunpoint (Reloaded)

Papa Truck performed a great set at Wokingham Festival last summer and they recently released this new version of a song from their By Your Side album – https://www.facebook.com/papatruck

Phil Royal – Kiss

Here’s a bit of psychedelia from Phil’s album, Waiting for the Light released on Wokingham’s Billywitch Records.

This song features guest appearances from Icarus Peel and Crystal Jacqueline from The Honey Pot –https://philroyal.com/

Dewinder. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Heathrow Jets. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Sunday, January 22

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12

7PA. Wilde Sundays: Tim Shez, Laura Loh, Neil Wells. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme nightAll Together Now. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk

Adomania performing at The Acoustic Couch in Bracknell Picture: Andrew Merritt

WHAT’SON

Thursday,

January 12

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. 7pm-8pm. Details: www. sirencraftbrew.com/ READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Britain’s Railways in the First World War, a talk by Richard Marks. Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm. £5, £4 members. Booking essential. 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

TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Double Barrelled Brewery Mark and Gary’s quiz night in aid of Reading Ukrainian Community Centre. 6.30pm. Dark Beer Celebration. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk

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: Match an image event. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Wild Men (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

WOOSEHILL – Community Hall, Emmview Close RG41 3DA. University of the Third Age presents Industrial Heritage Group – St Paul’s Cathedral & Christopher Wren, a talk by Doug Irvine. 2pm-4pm. Details: www. wokinghamu3a.org.uk

Friday, January 13

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe. 8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood

Lane. Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. 7.30pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www.shinfieldplayers. org.uk

SINDLESHAM – Sindlesham Court, Mole Road RG41 5EA. Quiz night. Teams of up to six. From 6.30pm. Bar meals available. Details: 0118 978 3902.

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group presents The Pied Piper of Hamelin. £10-£12. 7.45pm. Details: twyrusdrama.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe

Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE

Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH.

Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, January 14

CAVERSHAM HEIGHTS – Methodist Church, Highmoor Road RG4 7BG.

Reading Bach Choir come and sing Mozart’s Requiem (Levin version). 10.30am4.30pm, performance 3.30pm. £22, includes score and tuition, plus tea and coffee. Booking essential. Details: www. readingbachchoir.org.uk

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Tap Yard, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF.

Street Food Saturday: Three Cuts Burgers. From noon. Details: www. sirencraftbrew.com

READING – 2 Blagrave Street, RG1 1AZ. Viewpoint Photography Exhibition, a touring exhibition. Under 18s must be accompanied. 10am-3pm. Entry free. Details: 0800 0287338.

READING – Waterstone, Broad Street RG1 2AP.

Blackbeard’s Treasure: a talk and book-signing with Iszi Lawrence. 11am or 3pm. Booking essential. Free. Details: https:// www.waterstones.com/ bookshops/reading-broadstreet

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. 2pm and 6.30pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group presents The Pied Piper of Hamelin. £10-£12. 2pm and 7pm.

Details: twyrusdrama. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Zara Kitchen Design, Peach Street RG40 1XJ. Live Neff cooking demonstration 10.30am3.30pm. Details: 0118 977 2856.

WOKINGHAM – Elms Field. Kidical Mass family bike ride. From 2pm. Details: Search Facebook for Kidical Mass Wokingham.

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

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, January 15

CAVERSHAM – Crowne Plaza, Richfield Avenue RG1 8BD. Wedding fair. 11am-3pm. Free entry. Details: www. berkshireweddingfairs. co.uk

READING – 2 Blagrave Street, RG1 1AZ. Viewpoint Photography Exhibition, a touring exhibition. Under 18s must be accompanied. 10am-3pm. Entry free. Details: 0800 0287338.

READING – RISC, London Road. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your best course of action might be”. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome.

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group presents The Pied Piper of Hamelin. £10-£12. 2pm. Details: twyrusdrama.org.uk

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, January 16

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org

BINFIELD – Newbold Church, Binfield RG42 4AN The Arts Society Wokingham presents Palmyra: Bride of the Deser’. Paul Roberts will describe one of the most beautiful cities in the world. 7.45pm. Details: www.TheArtsSociety Wokingham.org.uk

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.

CROWTHORNE – Wellington

College, The Old Gym, Dukes Ride RG45 7PU.

Crowthorne Choral Society coem and sing event, no audition necessary. 7.30pm. Details: www. crowthornechoral.org.uk

READING – 2 Blagrave Street, RG1 1AZ. Viewpoint Photography Exhibition, a touring exhibition. Under 18s must be accompanied. 10am-3pm. Entry free. Details: 0800 0287338.

READING - Concert Hall, Blagrave Street. Berkshire Organists’ Association Lunchtime organ recital: Andreana Chan, Pembroke College, Cambridge. 1pm. £6, £5 advance. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Reading Humanists Book Club: The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 957 6930

WOKINGHAM – Caudwell Hall Theatre, Holme Grange School, Heathlands Road, RG40 3AL.Wokingham Rock Choir free taster session. 7.30pm. Booking essential. Details: https://www. rockchoir.com/join/ Wokingham_Late_Session

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, January 17

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church Hall,Church Road RG6 1EY. East Reading Horticultural Society meeting: The Work of Dreamflight with Pat Pearce. 7.45pm for 8pm. Details: www.erhs.org.uk

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – 2 Blagrave Street,

RG1 1AZ. Viewpoint Photography Exhibition, a touring exhibition. Under 18s must be accompanied. 10am-3pm. Entry free. Details: 0800 0287338.

READING - Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Comedy night: four acts and some new jokes. Headliner - Joey Page as seen on Never Mind the Buzzocks. 7.30pm. Adults only. £8.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org Wednesday,

January 18

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 – 2 Blagrave Street, RG1 1AZ. Viewpoint Photography Exhibition, a touring exhibition. Under 18s must be accompanied. 10am-3pm. Entry free. Details: 0800 0287338.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Rock Choir free taster session. 12.15pm. Details: https:// www.rockchoir.com/join/ Wokingham_Morning_ Session

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

Thursday, January 19

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 – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ.

Family History Advice Clinic for family and social historians. 11am. Free. Details: 0118 950 9553.

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: talk by Benhamin Graham on Developing Personal Vision and Styling. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Three Frogs, London Road. ASD Family Help presents adult social group, for people with autism, learning disabilities, their partners, family, friends and carers. Free, registration for first timers required. Food and drink available to purchase. 7pm. Details: www. asdfamilyhelp.org

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Ladies in Lavender. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre.org.uk

WOODLEY – Tennis Courts at Woodford Park Leisure Centre, Haddon Drive RG5 4LY. Balance Bike Club for ages 2-4. 1.30pm-

2.15pm. Details: www. myjourneywokingham.com

Friday, January 20

BURGHFIELD – Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS.

Reading Rock ‘n’ Roll presents Dave B’s Good Rockin’ Tonite. £12 Details: rock3rs.co.uk

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road RG6 1EY. Reading Guild of Artists presents: The Art of Framing with Ralph Spearpoint. 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

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents The Welkin. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe online. 1pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. 7.30pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www.shinfieldplayers. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Ladies in Lavender. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH.

Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR.

Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, January 21

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Burns Supper. 7.30pm. Booking essential.. Details: 01344 772161.

READING – Building L29, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AG. Jazz masterclass with Pete Long. From 1.30pm. £15, students £5. Booking essential. Details: https:// blogs.reading.ac.uk/music/ jazz-masterclass-featpete-long/

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-

noon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk

READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Brewery tour and tasting. Noon. Booking essential. Details: www. phantombrew.com

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents The Welkin. 2.30pm and 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. 2pm and 6.30pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

SINDLESHAM – Sindlesham Court, Mole Road RG41 5EA. Sindlesham Court Burns Supper with a piper and dancing to Six Bells Ceilidh Band. £43. Details: 0118 978 3902.

WINNERSH – St Mary The Virgin, Church Close RG41 5NA. Quintessential Brass presents a concert of light and popular music. 7.30pm. £10. Details: www. quintessential-brass.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Wokingham, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Reading Phoenix Choir: The Armed Man. Come and Sing from 1pm. Concert. £5, under 16s free. 6pm.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Ladies in Lavender. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre.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. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. 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, January 22

READING – Jelly, 1st Floor, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Sunday Life Drawing with guest artist Pat Lewis. £12-£15. 11.30am-1pm. Details: www.jelly.org.uk

READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX.

Youth Workshop: Garment Upcycling for ages 14-18. 11am-4pm. Booking essential. Details: merl. reading.ac.uk

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. 2pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

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

Siren Craft Brew is holding street food events on Saturdays in its Tap Yard

Bear out half-term refund (6)

Returning students make a mistake (4,2)

Captain’s beginning to skin fish (7)

Class won over by joker (5)

Sealed agreement at home with a set of teeth (9)

Gleefully content with shelter (3)

Met Ashley to negotiate provision of a fine house (7,4)

Have peace and quiet with a cross (3)

Hinge. LEISURETODAY

Live north by the church at home (9)

A doctor left with enemy leader on a leisurely walk (5)

Intending to have significance (7)

Lorry driver? (6)

All the confusion is devastating (6)

have to work out which letters belong to which crossword. DOWN 1. Pasturage (5) 4. Dapple (7) 8. Went in (7) 9. Well done! (5) 10. Fixing device (5) 13. White ant (7) 17. Beverage (3) 18. Victor (6) 19. Guard (6) 20. Female sheep (3) 22. Italian astronomer (7) 25. Hoard (5) 28. Majestic (5) 29. Source of wealth or good luck (7) 30. Otalgia (7) 31. Flexible joint (5)

Uncouth peasant (6)

Unable to see the screen (5)

Crest displayed by dominant bird (7)

Sordid gain may be obtained from cruel shenanigans (5)

Poser for child? This child sets a poser for teachers (7)

One who gambles in a boat (6)

Bother a few who are upsetting (11)

Duty must be paid on these goods (7)

Hate dry version of a chemical compound (7)

row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. 1. A Van Dyke is a style of what? 2. What first name connects the actors with the surnames Grant, Dancy and Laurie? 3. Which classic Italian dish is made using arborio rice? 4. In motor racing, which coloured flag is used to indicate that overtaking is not permitted? 5. Which district of Paris is renowned as the quarter of artists?

Downs conversely form part of this ground (6)

Boy takes girl to part of India (6)

Engineers’ first lady steward (5)

Denial heard to come from the horse’s mouth (5)

is the FIVE ALIVE: NONAGRAM:

NONAGRAM

are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. Quiz Challenge 6. Who did singer Sam Smith duet with on the 2022 UK number 1 hit song Unholy? 7. What is the popular name for January 6, also known as Epiphany? 8. Who was king of Wessex from 871 to 899? 9. Who wrote the classic novel Lord of the Flies? 10. In 2021 who became the oldest person, at the age of 90, to fly in space aboard a sub-orbital capsule? ACROSS 4 9 96 3 8 15 2 5 2 97 6 358 6 8 5 1 93 6 8 2

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) (1) (2) Across – Drain; Vague; Nerve. Down – Divan; Anger; Niece. Across – Three; Adder; Ebony. Down – Tease; Radio; Early. 1685 792 43 4956 237 81 3278 145 96 8 3 2 4 5 1 9 6 7 7162 984 35 9543 671 28 6 4 9 1 3 5 8 7 2 2817 463 59 5739 826 14 4217 839 56 5976 241 38 3689 154 27 9 4 6 1 3 2 7 8 5 8125 973 64 7358 462 19 2 8 3 4 5 9 6 7 1 1742 685 93 6593 718 42 EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU CROSS CODE

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.

SUDOKU

Galileo; TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662 5443

Ewe; TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER No. 5448

hogg; hogger; hoggery; ogre; orgy; page; pager; phage; pogey; porgy; prog; rage; raggy; yagé; yoga; yogh. EQUALISER: CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: 1. Estimate (5) 2. On the move (5) 3. Mouselike animal (5) 4. Staid (6) 5. Glowing coal (5) 6. Yellowish brown (5) 7. Call forth (5) 11. Asian republic (5) 12. Boredom (5) 14. Relieve (4) 15. Craze (5) 16. Portable light (5) 17. Woody plant (4) 21. Move unsteadily (6) 22. Deep ravine (5) 23. German pistol (5) 24. Fragrant shrub (5) 25. Marine mollusc (5) 26. Musical composition (5) 27. Delete (5) © Sirius Media Services Ltd. Clockwise from top left – multiply; subtract; add; divide. Total: 10.

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.

Setting effective goals

Healthy Heart Tip

JANUARY marks the start of a new year and it is a good time to evaluate the current state of your health.

Many of us use the new year to set healthrelated goals, which often include stopping a bad habit or introducing a new healthy one.

A goal without a plan is just a dream and it is worth spending some time to set effective goals if you want to make positive strides

towards better health in 2023.

Here we outline some tips to set effective goals.

Make them SMART SMART goals are:

SPECIFIC: ‘Eat healthier’ sounds like a good idea, but what does that look like for you specifically? It could be eating five portions of fruits and vegetables a day or increasing the amount of water you drink to two litres.

Whatever it is, make

it as specific as possible.

MEASURABLE: Set goals that are trackable, and allow you to measure your success.

For example, a goal to reduce your alcohol consumption is hard to quantify, but a goal to limit your alcohol consumption to three drinks a week is measurable.

ATTAINABLE: It can be tempting to set huge goals when we are feeling really inspired, however, it is important

to think realistically and set goals that you can actually achieve.

For someone who has never run before and doesn’t have a good level of fitness, setting a goal to run a marathon may be a bit of a stretch.

RELEVANT: Make the goal align with your values and longer-term health goals.

Why is this goal important to you and what impact will it have on your health if it isn’t achieved?

TIME-BOUND: An effective goal has an end date, when will you achieve this goal by? Planning to stop smoking by August 1 is a time-bound goal – it enables you to plan what steps you need to take to achieve it by the end date.

Track your progress

It’s a good idea to write your goals down on paper or in a journal and keep track of your progress.

You could break down the year by quarters and plan what you want to have achieved in relation to each goal by the end of every quarter.

For example, by the end of quarter one (January through March) you will have achieved consistently

drinking one litre of water a day and by the end of quarter two (April through June) you will have achieved consistently drinking two litres a day.

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: heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukrecipes-2/ n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook

10 indicators your computer is being spied on

ACCORDING to research, in the first six months of last year there were 2.8 billion malware attacks worldwide.

It’s a growing problem: malware is becoming harder to detect, so it may be difficult to determine whether a device has been compromised.

Cyber security experts at VPNOverview have set out 10 telltale symptoms of a malware attack, as there is no single way to detect spyware on a device.

A spokesperson said: “Detecting a monitoring app isn’t easy, even for the most tech-savvy user. It requires a deep understanding of your operating system and how spyware behaves.

“The best course of action is to install a reputable anti-virus such as Norton 360. This can perform deep PC scanning that can identify suspicious files and malicious programmes, as well as providing a firewall defence against future spyware infections.

“It is also important to be wary when clicking on suspicious-looking email attachments, as these often transmit spyware.”

The webcam is recording without authorisation

If the webcam light is on and you are not using it, someone else might be. Malicious spyware can be installed by hackers or by someone you know.

Hackers may try to blackmail you using the information that they have collected. It is important to routinely check which programs have access to your webcam or tape over the webcam when it’s not in use to protect yourself.

To check which programmes have access to your webcam, follow these steps:

n Open Windows Settings.

n Choose “Privacy and security”.

n Select “Camera” from the options on the left.

Go through this list and see which programmes are currently accessing the webcam.

Your computer becomes slow

Malicious software such as Trojans can make a computer very slow. The malware will run various programmes simultaneously that can mine cryptocurrencies, copy files, and send data to their servers.

If a computer is taking longer than usual to boot, or programmes are taking longer to open, this could be a sign of an infection.

Task manager is disabled

If you cannot open task manager, this may be a sign of a malware infection. It is common for malicious programmes to disable.

If you are unable to click on Windows Task Manager, you can use this keyboard shortcut; Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Alternatively, click the magnifying glass button on your desktop toolbar, then search for “Task Manager”.

To open your macOS Activity Monitor, use this keyboard shortcut; Command + Spacebar. This will open the Spotlight search field. Search for and select “Activity Monitor”.

Your browser gets redirected

When internet search results are unrelated to your enquiry, it can be a sign of infection. For example, if you type in “bananas” into a search engine and get results that have nothing to do with the fruit, then something has likely gone wrong.

The first thing to do is to look through installed toolbars and plugins to spot any that you haven’t downloaded yourself.

A hijacker may also be the cause of browser redirections. This software sends you to unauthorised, mostly hostile, websites. One motive could be to generate ad revenue by redirecting your search results to advertisements.

Your computer heats up

This is a common indication of malware being present. This is because this software is designed to execute numerous programmes at once and is very resource-intensive, putting a strain on the capabilities of your computer.

Your computer should be at around 48°C (120°F) when idle and 79.4°C (175°F) when under stress. Anything hotter should be investigated further.

If you experience an overheating computer, check task manager for any apps that appear to be using too many resources on your computer; if you do, try shutting down your computer.

Strange browser activity

Hackers find browsers very appealing to hijack as they contain lots of data and crucial information, such as social media information and bank account details. For this reason, there are numerous ways hackers can infiltrate your browser. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

n You have browser extensions you didn’t install.

n Your browsers homepage has changed.

n There are toolbars on the browser you didn’t install yourself.

You receive a ransomware attack message

Ransomware attacks your computer or network and encrypts all of your data. To break the encryption, hackers will ask you to send a specified sum of money using cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.

If it happens to you, you should not pay the hackers, but contact the relevant authorities. When reporting the attack collect as much information as possible, as you may be asked:

n Your personal information or

organisation’s information.

n A copy or screen grab of the ransom demand.

n Approximate date and time of the ransomware attack.

n Name of the ransomware variant (usually included in the ransom note or encrypted file).

You’re logged out of websites

A hacker may log you out of your accounts so that they can capture your keystrokes and discover your passwords.

While it is a possibility that cookies have been deleted, causing you to be logged out, it is worth keeping an eye out for browser behaviour.

Weird programmes installed

Some hackers may trick you into downloading seemingly legitimate software to gain access. You may think that the software looks legitimate, but it is actually malware.

For example, you may come across and try to download Microsoft Word for free, but it contains malware.

If you see a programme installed on your computer that has an unusual name or extension such as .exe, .com, .scr, .bat or .pif, then consider removing it from your device. If you do see a programme with an unfamiliar extension, use antivirus software to flag these file names.

You frequently get strange pop-ups on your desktop

A big giveaway of malware on your system is random pop-ups on your browser or desktop. This is usually caused by clicking on an advertisement banner on a website which can cause malicious code to be injected into your browser. In some instances, pop-ups that display advertisements may be brought on by the browser toolbar.

To get rid of this, check to make sure there aren’t any toolbars installed that you didn’t authorise yourself. In extreme cases, the pop-ups can appear on the desktop itself, which means they are caused by malware.

Search is on for the UK’s most marvellous moggy

THEY’RE famous for being great hunters, now they’re being hunted … for a celebration.

Cats Protection has launched a search to find the nation’s most marvellous moggies, each aimed at sharing heart-warming tales of devotion, courage and companionship. There are four categories for people to nominate their feline friends.

n Cat Colleagues: Celebrating cats who bring joy to the workplace or make working from home a pleasure.

n Family Fur-ever: Recognising cats that make a family complete, whether they’re a child’s best friend or a comforting sofa buddy.

n Moggy Marvels: Jaw-dropping stories of survival, heroism and companionship in the cat world.

n Social Star: Paying tribute to those famehungry felines who spread joy on social media.

Cats Protection’s Chief Executive John May said: “Cats are undoubtedly some of our nation’s most treasured pets, and over the past few years many of us have found their companionship more important than ever.

“The National Cat Awards are all about celebrating everything we love about cats – from their entertaining antics to their comforting presence.

“And in recognition of just how much enjoyment cats bring to the world, we’ve introduced a new Social Star category, where the public can nominate their favourite famous felines.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the awards once again and look forward to sharing many wonderful stories of moggy brilliance, and hopefully inspire more people to adopt a rescue cat in 2023.”

Winners will be selected by public vote and a panel of judges in July.

The winner of the National Cat of the Year trophy will inherit the title from Jasper and Willow, who were named joint National Cat of the Year 2022 in recognition of the role they play at St Peter & St James Hospice in Haywards Heath, Sussex.

n Nominations are open until February 24. To enter, or for further information, log on to: www.cats.org.uk/national-cat-awards

Picture: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

KELVIN ABREFA enjoyed special moment of celebrating with his family after scoring his first senior goal for Reading FC.

The Royals were able to progress to the FA Cup fourthround after beating Watford 2-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Abrefa opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time before Shane Long sealed the tie late in second-half stoppage time.

“I celebrated with my family, it was a great time,” said Abrefa.

“I saw my brother jump up so I just ran towards him. I was going to come to the lads but I saw my brother and had to run to him.

“To do it in front of them. I didn’t think I would be starting, but as soon as I found out I was starting, I let them know and they came straight away.

“To score in front of them is something I will take with me for the rest of my life.”

ACADEMY STAR NETS FIRST GOAL MAN U TEST COMES NEXT

Reading will now face a huge tie in the fourth round where they will travel to Old Trafford to play Manchester United.

When asked whether he meant his goal as a shot rather than a cross, Abrefa said: “Of course”.

“The first half was very good, second half the intensity went down but we stuck together as a team and held our shape and to get the clean sheet was very important.

“We know the gaffer does trust us and we have to be ready when called upon to take it when it comes.

“I want to work and improve and hopefully there is more to come.

“The gaffer said to me ‘well done and carry on working’.” n Full Royals report and pictures

READING FC will be making a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth-round.

The Royals progressed from the third-round after getting the better of Watford with goals from Kelvin Abrefa and Shane Long.

Meanwhile, Erik Ten Hag’s team got through by beating Everton on Friday night.

Manager Paul Ince will make the visit to his former club where he played for six seasons, making more than 200 league appearances for United.

Ince won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a League Cup, a European Super Cup and a European Cup Winners’ Cup during his time with Man United.

United are also the second most successful team in FA Cup history with 12 titles to their name.

Reading last face Man United in the FA Cup in 2019 when they were beaten 2-0 at Old Trafford with goals from Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku.

The Royals also faced United away from home two years earlier when they lost 4-0 and have faced the Red Devils a total of 15 times in the competition.

Reading’s only win against United came in the FA Cup in 1927.

RAMS PRAISED FOR ‘OUTSTANDING’ WIN VICTORY WITH BONUS POINT WIN KICKSTARTS TEAM’S 2023

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

SEB Reynolds was pleased with the way his RAMS side overcame adversity in securing a bonus-point 24-19 National One victory at Hull in the first game of 2023.

The win snapped a twomatch losing streak prior to Christmas – and looked as though it was going to be routine with 15 minutes remaining as the visitors led 24-0 on the back of tries from Henry Bird, Ollie Cole, Jak Rossiter and Josh Collis, Will Partington with a brace of conversions.

Yet they had suffered first-half injuries to scrumhalf Cole, stand-off Rowan Grundy and outside centre Ellis Jones, meaning a plethora of positional switches including flanker Collis moving to 12, and Hull hit back strongly with Keane Naylor, Steve Johnson and

Mike Adlard all crossing the whitewash late on.

RAMS held their nerve in the final 90 seconds to secure a win which leaves them second in the table.

The Director of Rugby said: “I’m pleased because Hull have a new coaching team and they showed great energy – they were really motivated for the first home game of the new year and wanted to come out with a bang.

“That was a conundrum, add to the fact it’s an overnight trip and then we had to face adversity in the game with losing three backs to injuries.

“Suddenly you’ve got Josh Collis having to go into the midfield, Ollie Allan was on the wing at one point, and in dealing with all that I thought we were superb.

“We played some outstanding rugby, particularly on the counter-

attack and our tempo was excellent against a good Hull side – I credit both teams for the way they played and it really was a fine game of rugby.”

He continued: “Sometimes in adversity you find some benefits, and the fact Scuba (Stevie Bryant) had to come on after five minutes later meant he was outside Josh, and so you then have the best defensive centre around to help him do that.”

“Getting Stevie into the action almost immediately, he was a general in defence, getting up out of the line and making some fantastic hits and looking good in attack as well.”

“Josh is an intelligent rugby player and knows what he’s doing, he was brilliant going in at 12 and had some lovely off-loads, and I also thought Vinny (Everitt) and was outstanding and Ollie was really energetic

in the first half.”

The first three-quarters of the game had seen RAMS produce a superb effort in marked contrast with their penalty-ridden defeat at Cinderford, and after four weeks without a fixture, the DoR concluded: “During the week it felt like the break had come at a good time, and for 65 minutes it showed, even with the changes.

“If we hold our discipline, we’re a very good side and hard to contain, but rugby is a game of momentum and pressure and Hull managed to get the swing with about 15 minutes to go.

“We’d perhaps left two tries out there early in the second half and they came back well, but we saw the game out really well for the final minute and a half, and that was important.”

RAMS host Bishop’s Stortford in their first home game of 2023 on Saturday.

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

RAMS held off a late Hull fightback to kick-start 2023 with a hardfought 24-19 bonus-point win at The Ferens.

The visitors made a dream start as a sublime grubber kick from Ellis Jones was hoovered up on the left by Henry Bird, the wing then cutting inside to touch down under the posts.

They suffered a further setback as Rowan Grundy was forced off, leading to wholesale changes in the backline which saw Partington to fly-half, Bird to full-back and replacement Ollie Allan on the left wing.

It was the outstanding Collis who secured the visitors’ bonuspoint, a number of fine off-loads

and hard carries eventually finished with a snipe from the stand-in 12.

Firstly a swift move from the home side saw them go some 65 metres before the ball was switched to the right for wing Keane Naylor to just about touchdown.

A second followed quickly for the hosts as Joe Carlisle ran a penalty from on the RAMS’ 22 before timing a beautiful pass for Steve Johnson to cut a great line and dot down under the posts.

Hull gave themselves hope when Mike Adlard’s electric speed saw him over on the left, Dean’s fabulous touchline conversion making it a one-point game with 90 seconds to go.

Yet RAMS regathered themselves and after securing a scrum, Allan chipped the ball off to seal the win.

Captain Robbie Stapley made his 193rd appearance Pictures: Tim Pitfield

Henry Bird tries to beat a Hull defender

Vince Everitt in poessession for Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield

Dan Swain claims a line-out

Jak Rossiter scored his 14th try of the season, and fifth against Hull

Ollie Allan on the attack

Jak Rossiter in action

RUGBY UNION

RUGBY UNION

RUGBY UNION

CUNNINGHAM TREBLE SEES READING TAKE REVENGE

By PETER CHIDGEY sport@wokingham.today

A HAT-TRICK of tries from Reading’s Rob Cunningham marked his 100th appearance to give the side a well-earned victory over third in the league Tottonians.

This was sweet revenge for the Reading team who had lost heavily in the reverse fixture.

Reading, who were playing with a strong wind behind them in the first half, took an early lead.

Matt Smart put pressure on Tottonians with an accurate touch-finder that pinned them near their line. An infringement at a line out resulted in a Reading scrum which they

pushed over the line for Cunningham to score his first try.

Tottonians came back strongly and showed why they are near the top of the league.

Accurate kicking from Smart and Bowers set up some good positions from which they launched attacks of their own and they were eventually awarded a penalty five metres out from the Tottonians’ line..

Cunningham crashed over for his second try which Smart converted from wide out to give his team a twelve point lead.

But just before the break Reading won a line out deep in Tottonians territory. They moved the ball swiftly along

the line to Gomez who powered in at the corner to give Reading a 17-5 lead at the break.

Reading recycled the ball well and Dorliac got close to the line with a second break and was eventually hauled down but Cunningham was on hand to crash over for his third try.

Smart converted from the touch line into the wind with a superb kick and Reading were 24-7 up.

The second half followed the pattern of the first with resolute defence by Reading holding Tottonians out.

Tottonians did not make the same use of the wind as Smart and Bowers had for Reading in the first half, at one stage

kicking over the dead ball line and being taken back to their own half on two occasions in quick succession.

Reading’s scrum also became a factor. They had been on top throughout the game and achieved increasing scrum dominance through the second half which brought frequent penalties allowing them to relieve pressure.

Tottonians did manage to breach the Reading defence once from a good move that saw them cross near the posts for a converted try.

Apart from this, Reading’s defensive line continued to hold out against frequent Tottonians attacks and when the line was breached good

scramble defence stopped their opponents from scoring for Reading to hold out comfortably for the win.

For Reading it was a good all-round team performance. As well as Cunningham’s hat trick which stole the plaudits, Adam Wright at open side was always prominent in the loose and after a tricky start won a good share of line out ball as stand-in line out jumper.

The scrummaging of front row of Nichol, King and Pallett together with replacement Proctor-Searle also contributed greatly to the win.

Lee Goodall, the head coach, was very happy with the way that the team not only defended but were sharp

enough to take their attacking opportunities.

He praised both the spirit the team showed and their intelligence and discipline.

This is a win which should give this Reading team a lot of confidence going into the second half of the season.

It has moved them up to sixth in the league, it is the first time this season they have beaten any of the top five teams and has shown them that on their day they are a match for any side in this league.

Next, they are playing at bottom of the table Buckingham and will be looking to continue their good form.

Reading RFC enjoyed a successful victory over third placed Tottonians

Pictures: John Newport

BINFIELD MOVE UP WITH FRIDAY NIGHT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BRACKNELL TOWN sit just outside the top five in the table after they lost out to Chesham United.

Chesham went ahead with a successful penalty from Karl Oliyide before the Robins were rewarded with a quick leveller when Darryl Sanders scored.

But the points were snatched

away from them with just under 10 minutes to go when Jeanmal Prosper netted the winner.

Isthmian South Central

BINFIELD climbed up to seventh after they knocked three past Ashford Town without reply on Friday night.

The Moles nudged themselves in front after five minutes when Brad Pgliaroli found the net from 20 yards out.

It didn’t take Binfield long to add to their lead when James Beauchamp scored from close range just eight minutes after the opener.

The points were all but sealed quickly after the restart when Pagliaroli found his second of the match to consolidate a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Combined Counties Division One

BERKS COUNTY netted

a stoppage time equaliser to ensure that they took a point in their away clash with EVERSLEY

&

CALIFORNIA

The Boars started with a fast approach and raced into a twogoal advantage early on.

The opening goal was scored in the fifth minute when James Clark applied the finishing touch to tap the ball in the net following a corner.

Eversley’s lead was doubled just eight minutes later when Adam Crocker scored from the penalty spot.

Berks hit back quickly to reduce the deficit when they converted from a corner.

With the match headed into stoppage time, Les Sackey came up with the goods for the Swords with a stunning freekick to equalise as the points were shared.

The result leaves Eversley in ninth, while Berks are in fourth.

Berks County manager Ellis Woods said: “Weeks after our last fixture, we

couldn’t have asked for a ropier start to the game.

“Credit to all the boys, all 16 played a part in the turn around in tough conditions.”

Eversley manager Matty Angell added: “Difficult conditions and frustrating to concede so late on but lots of positive to have nullified a good front three, but there is more to come from this squad and proud of every single player and person involved at the club.”

Binfield took three points against Ashford Pictures: Andrew Batt

Fleet Pictures: Andrew Batt

Southern League Premier South

Charles Twelftree Trophy

FINCHAMPSTEAD put their name in the hat for the next round with an away success at Cholsey United.

READING YMCA were knocked out of the competition after a 5-2 loss at Newbury.

Thames Valley Premier League

BURGHFIELD returned to league action by picking up three points on the road at Wraysbury Village. With the game level after 88 minutes, the Fielders found the breakthrough when Jordan Cox netted the only goal of the game to give his side maximum points.

FOOTBALL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Southern Region Women’s Division

One North

WOODLEY UNITED started the year in style by smacking nine past Carterton without reply.

Making their first outing of 2023, the Kestrels made it one to remember with a clinical away performance.

Mollie Haines set the tone for the match when she netted after just 25 seconds.

Haines went on to score four

READING CITY U23s were on the end of a 7-1 hammering at Maidenhead town.

The result leaves them bottom of the league with three points from 11 matches.

Reading & District Sunday League

Premier

Bracknell & District Sunday League

WIN, BERKS TAKE LATE POINT HAINES HITS FOUR AS CLINICAL WOODLEY STRIKE NINE

times, while strikes from Charley Evans, May Hamblin, Sarah Lawrence, Ellen Surtees and Holly Wilkins earned Woodley an incredible 9-0 success.

The win was Woodley’s sixth win in just eight league matches which puts them in second place in the table, just two points behind league leaders Milton United and with a game in hand to play.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA took a point on their travels to Long Crendon.

The Boars earned a 3-3 draw which leaves them in seventh

position on seven points from seven games.

Joey Harfield-Brown, Mollie Tzanetis and Rebekah Pantony were on the scoresheet for Eversley to help them gain a point.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

WARGRAVE moved up to third in the table with their fifth win in seven matches.

They defeated Banbury United 6-2 away from home to collect three points.

Wargrave are in cup action this weekend with an away tie at Buckingham United.

ASCOT UNITED ensured they remained in second position after they beat Haddenham 2-0 with goals from Mya Bowler and Louise Pullen.

TILEHURST PANTHERS climbed up to fourth in the standings after they smashed eight past Procision Oxford.

Georgia Hayes netted a hat-trick, Leah Why scored a brace and goals from Deanna Cane, Eve Rhind and Charlotte Wheeler helped win.

From the middle

Added time at World Cup matches

THERE have been many comments that World Cup matches had very lengthy added times, sometimes over 10 minutes in a half.

This stems from concern at FIFA over actual playing time, which they studied at the finals played in Russia, in 2018.

Let’s first look at what the Laws of the Game say about timing, as well as its dictate that the game lasts for two equal halves of 45 minutes and that players are entitled to an interval not exceeding 15 minutes.

Let’s concentrate on what lost times have to be added on.

These are listed, as substitutions, assessment and/or removal of injured players, wasting time, disciplinary sanctions, permitted drinks and cooling breaks, delays by VAR checks and reviews, any other causes, such as goal celebrations.

A pretty long list and the feeling at FIFA, is that some have been skipped.

Independent timings showed cases, where nothing like the 90 minutes of football had been played.

So who is responsible for timekeeping?

The Laws clearly state that the referee acts a timekeeper and keeps a record of the game.

To do this a referee is required by the Laws to have a watch or watches.

One needs to be a stop watch.

At the lower levels of the game, the local parks for instance, that responsibility lays completely on the referee’s shoulders.

At higher levels there may be some assistance.

Where there are fourth officials, they c an be given the task of keeping a tally of time taken for goal celebrations, which have become extravagant.

As Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s head of refereeing, pointed out, these often last for a minute-and-a-half.

So including the restarts, three goals in a half can mean six minutes lost time.

Fourth officials may also time injuries, as well as time wasting.

Where there are VARs, they are required to record the time taken for checks.

Even at games where there are no VARs or fourth officials but have neutral qualified assistant referees who are ‘miked up’ to the referee, some of these duties may be passed to the ‘non-bench side’ assistant referee, who is less likely to be harassed by the club coaches.

All this lost time has to be communicated before the end of the half, to the referee, who still remains the final arbiter of time to be added.

Will the Premier League follow the FIFA’s strict measures for time keeping? It seems unlikely at present.

Dick Sawdon-Smith

How they rated

ABREFA AND LONG HELP

Dean Bouzanis

Despite not having an awful lot to do, a combination of poor handling and inaccurate distribution made for an underwhelming performance.

Kelvin Abrefa

His goal was fortuitous and impressive. Eager to get forward and certainly didn’t do his claim for first team opportunities any harm.

Amadou Mbengue

Looked to attack and provide overlapping runs for Abrefa wherever possible.

Scott Dann

The start at West Brom seemed to have helped his match sharpness. Seemed more up to speed, albeit against far inferior opposition.

Naby Sarr

Will definitely benefit from a slightly lower-intensity runout. Marshalled the back line competently.

Baba Rahman

Grew in confidence as the game went on, making more runs down Reading’s left. Wasn’t able to add too much quality in the way of service.

Sam Hutchinson

Put himself about and received an unnecessary booking after losing possession. Came off at half time.

Tom McIntyre

Watford probably should have equalised off the back of him losing possession. A few tidy turns and a good assist for Long’s goal.

Femi Azeez

Was Reading’s bright spark in what was an uneventful first half, dropping his shoulder and beating his man on a number of occasions.

Lucas Joao

Struggled to get into the game. Was forced into wide areas where he looked less likely to impact the game.

Shane Long

Deserved his goal after pressing hard all game. Also played a good looking through ball into Joao, which the Angolan was unable to convert.

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

With both teams making plenty of changes, it was the Royals who progressed to the next round with a comfortable win.

The 19-year-old netted his first senior goal for the club after his cross flew into the top corner in first-half stoppage time.

The young Hornets team couldn’t find a goal to take the game to a replay as Reading confirmed their name in the hat for Monday’s fourth round draw with a goal late in the day through Shane Long to seal the tie.

There were plenty of changes for both sides as Paul Ince made wholesale changes from the defeat at West Brom.

Sam Hutchinson returned to captain the side, while Femi Azeez was handed a start up top alongside Lucas Joao and Shane Long.

Despite suggesting that former captain Liam Moore would be in line to make his return to the first-team for the first time in eight months, there was no place for him in the matchday squad after he picked up a hamstring injury in training.

Slaven Bilic’s side are in the midst of an injury crisis with 15 players out on the sidelines which saw them name plenty of youth in their line-up.

It was an uneventful opening 45 minutes despite Reading enjoying the majority of possession,

REACTION

Match stats

READING: Bouzanis, Abrefa, Mbengue, Dann, Sarr, Rahman, McIntyre, Hutchinson (c), Azeez, Joao, Long

SUBS: Lumley, Guinness-Walker, Abbey, Holzman, Craig, Loum, Senga, Scott, Carroll

WATFORD: Okoye, Gaspar, Troost-Ekong, Kone, Asprilla, Sierralta, Pollock, Hungbo, Morris, Adu-Poku, Blake

SUBS: Hamer, Bacuna, Amass, Grieves, Adeyemo, Andrews, Hunter

GOALS: Abrefa 45+3, Long 90+3

they were unable to create too many opportunities.

Kelvin Abrefa looked to make an impact getting forward on the right and fizzed in an early cross that was hacked away.

Azeez was the first player to have a clear sight of goal and blazed a powerful shot over the top that didn’t trouble Maduka Okoye.

The Hornets grew into the game and ventured forward that drew Sam Hutchinson into a mistake after a loose touch and he brought down

his opponent to receive the first booking of the match.

Looking to find his first goal of the season, Azeez tried his luck again with a snapshot that looked to creeping inside the near post before it was pushed behind for a corner.

From the resulting corner, Scott Dann went close when his header at the back post looped over the top.

Lucas Joao had a clear opening to putreading in front when Okoye only parried as far as the strike, but after running onto the

‘It’s important to dream’ Royals boss looks ahead in FA Cup

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC manager Paul Ince described the Royals’ success in the FA Cup third-round against Watford as ‘comfortable’.

Goals from 19-year-old Kelvin Abrefa and 35-year-old Shane Long helped them secure their place in the fourth round.

“It’s a great trophy to be involved in,” said Ince.

“Some don’t take it as seriously as others but for the fans it’s important to have that dream of going to Wembley and we’ve got to prologue that as long as we can.

“It will be good for our fans for the draw to be by their TVs

or radios to see who we get in the next round.

“We never looked like conceding in the first-half, we looked comfortable.

“We got a bit sloppy at times but the most important thing it was a great exercise and to get through to the next round.

“Scott Dann got another 90 minutes, Hutch got 45 minutes which was the plan.”

Ince praised goalscorers Abrefa and Long as the full-back netted his first goal in senior football, while Long scored his first goal from open play since returning to the Royals this summer.

He continued: “He’s (Abrefa) claiming he meant it.

“I said absolutely no chance, don’t be going out tonight son. We know what these young kids

with partying.

“With Shane you know what you get. You get the work rate and runs down the channels. That’s his first goal in open play for us.

“It was a wonderful ball from Tommy Mac. I was going to take him off just before that because he was stretching his calves and I can’t have Shane injured.

“The next minute he’s Speedy Gonzales, it’s funny how quickly people run when they can score a goal. He took off and you’re looking for that composure, it was a fantastic finish.

“Credit to Watford, they’ve got injuries to 15 players, top, top players. That’s always tough.

“We know their situation but we controlled it and dealt with it.”

Players congratulate Abrefa

Carroll flicks the ball forward

Shane Long seals the tie

Long slots past the keeper in stoppage time Kelvin Abrefa netted his first

Mamadou Loum 5, Andy Carroll 5, Michael Craig n/a, Nesta Guinness-Walker n/a

KELVIN Abrefa ensured he made his impact felt by scoring in Reading’s FA Cup third-round tie with Watford before Shane Long’s stoppage time goal sealed the tie.

ROYALS GO FOURTH

loose ball, Joao dragged his effort disappointingly wide.

The Royals thought they had grabbed the lead when Azeez had the ball in the net after he thumped it into the roof from close range from Abrefa’s cross, only to be denied by the linesman’s offside flag.

Just before half-time, Reading did go in front when Abrefa’s whipped cross eluded the goalkeeper who could only helplessly flap at the ball which drifted into the top corner.

Ince made a change going into the second-half which saw Mamadou Loum replace Hutchinson, while former Royal

Bilic’s team had an appeal for a penalty quickly after the restart when Amadou Mbengue challenged Joseph Hungbo in the box, but the referee was not interested in awarding a spot kick.

There were more injury woes for Watford when Bacuna, who had only been subbed only five minutes earlier, had to be withdrawn.

With 20 minutes to play, Andy Carroll entered the tie to take the place of Azeez.

Watford’s best chance to grab a leveller came when Yaser Asprilla was fed through on goal, he opted

ROYALS MEET RANGERS IN BATTLE OF THE HOOPS

By ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today

READING FC will look to continue their superb home record when they host Queens Park Rangers in the Championship.

The Royals currently have the fourth best home record in contrast to their away form – the third worst in the division.

Paul Ince’s side have collected 25 points at the Select Car Leasing Stadium with eight wins, one draw and three defeats.

In the reverse fixture, Reading lost out in West London after

Lyndon Dykes netted a double for Rangers.

Andy Carroll put the Royals ahead from the penalty spot, but the brace from the QPR forward ensured that they took three points.

QPR were under the management of Michael Beale at the time, who has since left the club to join Rangers despite only being appointed by the Championship team in the summer.

After being linked with a move to Premier League Wolves, Beale reportedly turned down the chance to join them only to depart for Scotland a month later.

Neil Critchley took over as the new boss in December.

QPR go into the contest one place above the Royals in the table, only leading them on goal difference.

Rangers have 36 points with 10 wins, six draws and 10 losses.

On their last visit to Berkshire, QPR picked up a point with a last minute equaliser.

Reading did have a 3-2 lead going into stoppage time after a magnificent hat-trick from John Swift, but the visitors ensured they snatched a point with Stefan Johansen’s 91st minute leveller.

to find the bottom corner but Dean Bouzanis was equal to his shot to make a relatively comfortable save.

Another Reading change saw Joao replaced by Michael Craig before Nesta Guiness-Walker took the place of Baba Rahman for the final five minutes of action.

Reading executed a clinical counter attack when McIntyre found Long on the run with an excellent through ball and the Irishman sprinted into the box before calmly passing the ball into the bottom corner, and setting up a fourth round visit to Old Trafford.

Long challenges teammates to ‘dream big’

READING FC striker Shane Long has challenged his team to ‘dream big’ if they are able to secure Championship safety.

Long made a return to the Royals in the summer 11 years after he departed the club to forge a career in the Premier League.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday, hopefully getting a goal or two and putting my case forward to the manager to start the next league game.

“We’ve got strength in depth and players coming back from injury so the squad is getting bigger and bigger so you need to take your chances when they come your way.

“Hopefully I get the nod and I can take my chance.”

Long reiterated that the main goal is securing their status in the Championship, but wants the club to set a new challenge if and when that is achieved.

He continued: “We’ve got a squad that is capable of challenging (for play-offs).

“Sheffield United and Burnley are running away at the moment but it’s so close for the other play-off positions.

“With 20 games to go, you never know what could happen and we have the quality in the squad to achieve it. Let’s see what happens.

“At the start of the season it was about safety and getting to that 50 points. It’s within touching distance now and once we get there, we can start dreaming big.

“There’s no easy games in this league, it’s ridiculous. It’s a tough league to get out of.”

The 36-year-old has netted just once in the league since returning to the club but is determined to improve his goal tally and is still feeling in great shape despite being in the latter years of his career.

“I’m 36 in a couple of weeks but I don’t feel it. I’ve still got my pace, I’m still feeling good and fit so long may that continue.

“I’ve played in a lot of FA Cup games over the years and have some good memories. Hopefully I can create more.

“It’s hard to break into this team so it gives the likes of Femi Azeez and the younger players a chance to show that they are ready.

“It’s a case of adapting. I’d like to try playing up top with Andy (Carroll).

“We had it for 20 minutes and I set him up for a goal which was enjoyable. That will be one to be explored.”

The hosts will be expect to have a mostly fit first-team squad after Sam Hutchinson returned from injury in Reading’s FA Cup tie.

They will be hoping that Tom Holmes will have recovered from illness to make the matchday squad, while Ovie Ejaria is also expected to return to full training this week.

However, they will be without Liam Moore after he picked up a hamstring injury which ruled him out of making a return against Watford last weekend after eight months on the sidelines.

n Kick-off Saturday 3pm

Shane Long Picture: Luke Adams

senior goal for Reading Pictures: Steve Smyth and Luke Adams

Mbengue rises to win a header

Baba

Rahman Femi Azeez strikes at goal

Reading celebrate the opener

Mamadou Loum on the ball

Sam Hutchinson picks a pass

Tom McIntyre goes to ground

Leaondro Bacuna was subbed on for the visitors.

KINGS MAKE EXPLOSIVE START TO YEAR

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

THAMES Valley Kings started 2023 with an explosive round of fixtures in the British Wheelchair Basketball National League this past weekend as they hosted a triple-header of matches across three divisions.

Starting the day off was Kings third team against Southern Sharks 2s in Division Three South, and it was the league leaders, Sharks who picked up a narrow win by seven points – 33-40.

Kings 3s were able to keep neck and neck until the third quarter, but the league leaders were able to pull ahead and maintain their lead.

It was a gutsy performance from Kings 3s who earlier in the season

WHEELCHAIR RUGBY

suffered a heavy defeat against the same team.

In the second game of the day, both Kings’ and Sharks’ first teams were in action against each other in Division One South, It was a very strong performance from Kings first-team as they controlled the game throughout with clinical finishing from the offence being matched by a strong defence game, Kings taking the win, 81-30.

The final game of the day, A Division Two South match between Kings second team and Cardiff Met Archers, the game went down to the wire.

With the game tied with seven and a half seconds left, it was a last-gasp basket from Conal O’Donovan that won the game for Kings 40-38.

Kings

also be

More Wheelchair Basketball

TASTER SESSIONS FOR YOUNGSTERS THIS WEEKEND

BERKSHIRE Banshees Wheelchair Rugby will be hosting youth taster sessions for players aged eight-16 with the goal of forming a new team.

The club, which was founded in 2017, has an established adult team for players 16 and over, men and women and currently has 22 registered players.

Banshees are now looking to

expand their club by venturing into youth rugby where they hope to set up a new side who will play alongside the adult team with the goal of transitioning the players into the adult team.

It is inviting students to attend free taster sessions at Reading Blue Coat School on Sunday, January 15, and Sunday,

January 22, who would be interested in trying out for the team.

Alongside their delivery partner CH Rugby, the club is delivering six week wheelchair rugby sessions in both mainstream and SEND schools such as Addington, Brookfields and The Avenue.

The sessions are open to

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE HOCKEY

boys and girls who either have a physical, learning or neurological condition.

Players do not have to be in a wheelchair to take part.

Wheelchairs, gloves and bibs will be provided along with coaching from qualified individuals.

n For more information, contact Craig Hunter at chrugbyltd@gmail.com

RESULTS

Friday, January 6

Isthmian South Central Binfield 3-0 Ashford Town

Saturday, January 7

FOOTBALL

FA Cup third-round Reading 2-0 Watford

Southern League Premier South Chesham United 2-1 Bracknell Town

Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 3-2 Berks County

RUGBY UNION National League One Hull 19-24 Rams

London & SE Regional 1 South Central Bracknell 22-18 Brighton

South West Regional 2 Reading 24-12 Tottonians

HOCKEY

South Central Men’s North Division 2 Reading 4s 2-1 Sonning 2s

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 0-1 Maidenhead

South Central Women’s North Division 2 Sonning 2s 3-0 Oxford 3s

South Central Men’s Premier 2 Milton Keynes 1-2 South Berkshire

Southern League Premier South Bracknell Town v Bath City

Isthmian South Central Chertsey Town v Binfield

Combined Counties Premier North Holyport v Sumas Reading City v Flackwell Heath

FA Vase fourth round Buckland Athletic v Ascot United

Combined Counties Division 1 Berks County v Bedfont British Airways v Sandhurst Town Hillingdon Borough v Eversley & California

Rising Ballers Kensington v Woodley United

Thames Valley Premier Finchampstead v Yateley United

Cup Maidenhead Town v Burghfield Reading City U23s v Holyport Reserves

RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Bishop’s Stortford

South West Regional 2 Buckingham v Reading

London & SE Regional 1 Bournemouth v Bracknell

HOCKEY

South Central Men’s North Division 1 Phoenix Reading v Sonning

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Trojans 2s v Sonning

South Central Men’s Premier 2

ROYALS KICK OFF NEW YEAR WITH TRIP TO TOFFEES S BERKS BEST RDG

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN restart their Women’s Super League campaign with a trip to Merseyside on Sunday.

Making their first outing of 2023, the Royals will be looking to push up the table after making a more positive end to the year before the break.

Prior to the winter hiatus, Kelly Chambers’ side won three of their last four matches in all competitions.

Reading’s impressive performances at the back end of 2022 saw manager Chambers nominated for the Women’s Super League manager of the month award for December.

After picking up a 3-0 away win at Southampton in the Conti Cup, Reading followed that up with an excellent 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Select Car

Leasing Stadium in the WSL to take them further clear of bottom side Leicester City.

After going 3-0 down early on to current WSL champions Chelsea at Kings Meadow, the Royals almost made a remarkable comeback to shock the Blues.

Chelsea managed to hold on by the skin of their teeth despite Reading clawing themselves back in the contest with two goals in two minutes with strikes from Sanne Troelsgaard and Amalie Eikeland.

After 10 matches, Reading are currently 10th in the WSL table, seven points clear of the drop zone over Leicester who have failed to pick up a point in any of their nine matches.

Reading rounded off the year in style with a thumping 4-0 success at Championship side Coventry United in the Conti Cup with a Natasha Dowie brace and goals from Troelsgaard and Charlie Wellings.

Sunday’s opponents Everton have had a mixed start to the first-half of their league campaign.

After nine matches, the Toffees sit in sixth with 12 points after collecting four wins and five losses.

After losing three consecutive league matches, Everton got themselves back on track in their final WSL match of 2022 by picking up three points on the road at Spurs.

An impressive away display saw them stroll to victory with goals from Katja Snoeijs, Jess Park and Giovana to take a 3-0 win.

Reading were victorious on their last visit to Everton in February 2022.

The Toffees took an early lead through Anna Anvegard, but the Royals turned the game on its head with two goals in the final 15 minutes through Dowie and Tia Primmer.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE added three points to their tally with an away success at Milton Keynes.

Jack Baveystock and Sam Fox-Harvey were on the scoresheet for the visitors to help them earn a 2-1 win.

The win lifts South Berks up to third in the table having won seven of their 10 league matches this season.

South Central Women’s North Division 1

Division leaders READING 3s continued their stunning streak by winning their 10th match in 11 games.

They earned a clean sheet win by beating Buckingham 2s 2-0 at home.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE scored five to take the points in their clash with PHOENIX READING Anabella Pio scored a brace and goals from Yellie Powley, Ella Martin and Emily YorkeGoldney saw them win 5-2.

South Berks have been on an excellent run in the league with eight wins from 10 matches putting them second in the table on 25 points.

South Central Women’s Premier 1

SONNING lost out at home to Maidenhead in their return to league action.

The 1-0 loss leaves Sonning in 10th position with six points from 10 matches.

South Central Men’s North Division 2 Windsor 7-1 South Berkshire 2s

South Central Women’s North Division 1 South Berkshire 5-2 Phoenix Reading

Sunday, January 8

FOOTBALL

Southern Region Women’s North Division Carterton 0-9 Woodley United Long Crendon 3-3 Eversley & California

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Haddenham 0-2 Ascot United Reserves Tilehurst Panthers 8-1 Procision Oxford

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Eversley & California Reserves 5-0 Yateley United Shinfield Rangers 6-1 Thatcham & Newbury

FIXTURES

Saturday, January 14

FOOTBALL Championship Reading v QPR

South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire v Oxford Hawks 2s

Sunday, January 15

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Everton v Reading

Southern Region Women’s Premier Abingdon United v Ascot United

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

Caversham United v Eversley & California Woodley United v Long Crendon

Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy

Tilehurst Panthers v Procision Oxford Buckingham United v Wargrave

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Ascot United Reserves v Banbury Mortimer v Slough Town

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two S4K Berks County v Barton United

can

thankful for a stellar first quarter defensive performance which saw the Archers kept off the scoreboard for almost the entire quarter which aided in the win.

action is scheduled this weekend as

BWB Junior league’s Round-Robin format takes a stop in Berkshire this Saturday as Aces, Bears & Kings do battle in Junior League as Kings host fixture round three in Pool B – as all three clubs will look to try and book a place at the Elite 8s finals.

Liam Barker at the Free Throw Line during the Division One South encounter between Kings and Sharks