Wokingham Today, January 5, 2023

Man dies after hit and run incident

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@wokingham.today

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man died in a hit and run incident in Wokingham.

At around 8.40pm on Monday, a pedestrian and a black Toyota Yaris were involved in a collision on the A329 Reading Road at the junction of Larch Avenue, and before the Holt Lane turning.

The Toyota Yaris failed to stop, and the pedestrian, a man in his forties, died.

His next of kin were informed and are being supported by specially trained offices.

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.

Senior investigating officer Detective Sergeant Lyndsey Blackaby, of the Serious Collisions Investigation Unit, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has sadly died.

“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.”

OF SPORT.. AND LEISURE

University to consult over plans recreationfor activities in Shinfield

EXCLUSIVE

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

RESIDENTS will be able to have their say on plans for new sport and leisure facilities.

The University of Reading and Shinfield Parish Council are jointly embarking on a consultation to help guide the delivery of pitches, courts, green spaces and communal allotments in the area.

Input from sports and recreation clubs and societies, and their members, as well as other residents, will further their understanding of the community’s current and future needs.

The consultation will include an event on Saturday, January 28, held at School Green Centre in Shinfield, where representatives from the university and Parish Council will be on-hand to discuss any queries residents have.

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Police closed Reading Road overnight to investigate after a man died in a hit and run incident

LEE, Judith Marie

Passed away peacefully at Riverview Care Home on 10th December, aged 67

Beloved wife of Peter, Judith was a much loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be sadly missed by all her family and friends

Funeral will be held at Easthampstead Park Crematorium Braccan Chapel on Friday 13th January at 11 30am

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All enquiries to A B Walker, Tel : 0118 947 7007

MP’s tweet on council’s ‘taxraising ability’ sparks anger

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A TWEET by one of the borough’s four MPs has been criticised by the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, and by social media users.

Sir John Redwood, the MP for Wokingham, shared a new year message on his social media this morning, calling on the Lib Dem-run administration to boost services while reducing council tax charges - despite knowing that the council is the lowest funded unitary authority in the country.

His tweet read: “I wish my local Council would resolve to serve us better and charge us less in 2023.

“I fear they will instead dream up new ways to make our lives more difficult, worsen services and put up the taxes and charges.”

As is the nature of social media, there were many responses.

Among the first was the Wokingham Lib Dem account, who said: “Our councillors have maintained free school meals in holidays, kept libraries open, and

supported those your government has failed.

“What have you done other than spout nonsense on Twitter?”

Nick Kilby asked: “I wonder if you would have said that when the conservatives ran it. I cannot see anything different in the last year which is why I would complain!”

Ian Brown pointed out the issue is not limited to Wokingham.

“Local authority ‘spending power’ – that is, the amount of money local authorities have to spend from government grants, council tax, and business rates – has fallen by 16% since 2010. Largely because of reductions in central government grants.”

And Dave Lawrence wrote: “So the local council then is having to raise its charges due to a loss of income from the Government and the impacts of inflation with budgets not amended to compensate.

“I think you will find that is down to the 12 years of Tory rule.”

In May’s local elections, Wokingham Borough Council went to no overall control after the

Conservatives lost their majority by one.

It is currently ruled by a partnership agreement that allows the Liberal Democrats to run the executive, with committees chaired by members of the Labour group and the independents.

The Lib Dems said on taking over the council, they found an immediate funding deficit which has since grown to an estimated £4 million. The local government settlement grant announced before Christmas implied that the cash from Westminster will not be enough and it is possible the council will need to raise council tax by the maximum amount allowed – nearly 5%.

Wokingham Borough Council leader Cllr Clive Jones said that Sir John’s short tweet doesn’t tell the whole story not just about local government finances, but the nation’s financial predicament, and

by suggesting it was the Lib Demrun administration’s fault it was an attempt to pass the blame.

“As ever he forgets the massive damage inflicted on us by his Conservative government,” Cllr Jones said.

“Energy bills have doubled in the last year with many rising by over £1,000 in Wokingham. The average mortgage in Wokingham is set to rise by nearly £500 a month and the cost of food is rocketing and has been now for many months.

“Of course, Sir John and his fellow Conservatives would like to blame this on anyone except themselves.”

Mr Jones continued: “What has he done to reverse this chronic lack of cash and investment in Wokingham from his government? Sadly, nothing.”

Cllr Jones added: “The previous Conser-vative administration has

also left other serious budget short-falls which we are working hard to address.

“The Conservatives has shown their incompetence in running the national economy, they have shown the same incompetence here in Wokingham with the local council finances.”

“Wokingham’s current MP Sir John Redwood has once again shown himself to be totally out of touch with residents in his constituency and in the borough.

“Tweets like Sir John’s are inaccurate and very misleading, but then we have come to expect this from him.”

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DONATION: Wokingham group supports families who need a helping hand

First Days reveals how £10k gift will help borough’s children

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

MORE than 150 Berkshire children in poverty are being helped by a £10,000 grant from a supermarket chain aimed at making their lives safer.

The funding came courtesy of a Tesco shopper in Wokingham, who chose First Days Children’s Charity to receive the funds as part of a celebratory Golden Grants funding campaign.

The charity has now announced how the money will be spent to help children in poverty.

The largest share, £4,600, will help to cover the cost involved when the charity is sorting and storing donations, ensuring they are fit for purpose; £2,000 will go towards travel costs when distributing items to families they are helping; and £3,400 will be used to purchase items that cannot be sourced through donations. This includes items such as car-seats, mattresses, bed frames, stair gates, mattress protectors, bedding, duvets, pillows and some items of school uniform.

Ellie Gosling, fundraising and events manager at the charity, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the donation of £10,000 from the Tesco Golden Grants award.

“Sadly, many local families are really struggling this winter and the demand for our services is higher than ever.

“The £10,000 grant will make a huge difference in us being able to

continue providing essential items to families in Bracknell, Reading and Berkshire living in poverty.

“This money will go a long way towards providing essential items and support to families in our community who are experiencing financial hardship.”

She said the charity will be able to support 158 families based on the average amount of £63 per referral.

“In 2021 we supported more than 4,500 children. By the end of 2022 we are expecting to have helped 9,000 children,” Ms Gosling said.

The donation marks £100 million in Tesco Community Grants being given to more than 50,000 good causes since they were launched in 2016.

Good causes that have benefited include breakfast clubs, food banks, Meals on Wheels, playgrounds and green spaces, parks and green spaces, counselling and support services for young people and children’s sports teams.

Louise Jedras, Community Champion at the Wokingham Superstore, said: “I am very pleased

that First Days were chosen by our lucky customer, as I know what phenomenal work they do in the local area and what a lifeline they are for struggling families.

“They are a small charity, but their work goes a long, long way, transforming lives for the better, often at the time when they’re needed most.

“There are a great many families who are very thankful for what First Days have done for them, and there will be many more in the future.”

PCC sets out victim support services recommendations

THE FINDINGS of an internal review by the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner have been published, including a number of key recommendations.

Matthew Barber, PCC for Thames Valley Police, released the results looking at how funded services met the needs of victims.

It consulted victims, mainly of theft and burglary, who had used a range of associated services and garnered more than 900 responses.

Four key recommendations will be taken forward.

The OPCC said that it will set out to “work with current providers to implement service improvement,” and will also “move to an automatic victim referral mechanism.”

It will also introduce a “range of engagement mechanisms to ensure the victim’s voice is central to all work undertaken,” and will “ensure future commissioned services have the ability to flex and grow.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Matthew Barber said: “I want victims to have access to the best possible support.

“Challenges of the pandemic have meant that services have had to evolve and over time, victims needs have changed.

He said “many services have also come under strain during this time due to increased demand for support, especially in the areas of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

“The review has enabled the collation of data and insights and alongside the voices of victims, will help us understand where and how services can be developed to provide better outcomes.”

Police plan council tax hike

COUNCIL tax bills are expected to increase to boost funding for Thames Valley Police, writes James Bagley, Local democracy reporter

The Home Office is set to give the force an additional £5.1m – a 1.8% increase – for 2023/24 and has allowed Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) to increase the precept by up to £15 for a Band D property.

For the Thames Valley, that would mean that an increase of just under 29p a week for the average household, and would see more than £14m that could be invested in frontline policing.

Thames Valley PCC Matthew Barber said: “I am aware of the ongoing cost pressures that many households are facing, and I want to ensure that any rise in the policing element of council tax will deliver value for money.

“Despite funding received through central government, policing isn’t unaffected by increasing cost pressures and faces a difficult time to fund vital services. This year’s policing budget is set against a demanding economic environment with rising inflation, utilities, pay, and fuel costs.”

Residents across the Thames Valley are urged to complete an online survey and give their thoughts on where they would like the 2023/24 policing budget to be focused on.

Mr Barber added: “I want to see increased investment in community policing and improving communication between the public and the police. Final decisions on council tax and the policing budget will be made at the end of January.

“By contributing towards my ongoing survey, you can help shape how TVP continues to improve and tackle crime across our communities.”

n The consultation will run until Friday, January 13, it is online at: https://survey.alchemer.eu/ s3/90503915/OPCC-public-consultation

FLASHBACK: Louise Jedras, community champion at Tesco Wokingham celebrates a customer finding a £10,000 donation in store last autumn with customers in the store. Picture: courtesy of Louise Jedras, Tesco Wokingham.

Matthew Barber.

Picture: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner

Up and running .. Uni looks to boost leisure in Shinfield

N Continued from front page

Cllr Ian Clarke, chair of Shinfield Parish Council’s recreation and amenities committee, said: “Sport and recreation are vital to any vibrant, healthy community, and Shinfield Parish residents deserve the best.

“We want to hear from everyone in the parish who has a view on the future of our sport and leisure so we can deliver as much as possible of what our residents need for years to come. We especially welcome ideas on the provision of facilities for young adults and women.”

The proposals are to deliver six additional sports pitches close to Shinfield West Pavilion, which is currently under construction and is due to be completed in the autumn.

It will provide a new sports facility and cricket pitch, as previously requested by local clubs.

The university has also put forward proposals for a further six sports pitches as part of a reserved matters application for the site. Depending on demand from residents, these could be for football, hockey, rugby, American football or tennis, among other sports.

In addition to the Shinfield West proposals, the parish council is looking to increase its provision at Millworth Lane Recreation Ground.

Initial thoughts include additional tennis courts, a netball court, a basketball court and a pump track for cyclists. However, the council is eager to learn about residents’ preferences through the consultation.

It has also looked at alternatives such as padel tennis, table tennis and a multisports court.

Dave Evans, Reading FC community trust manager, believes access to facilities can play a key role in people’s wellbeing.

He explained: “For the physical and mental development of people of all ages, genders, cultures, abilities, exercise plays a huge factor. Therefore, ensuring local grassroot facilities are available, accessible, fit for purpose and affordable needs to be a major priority for all local authorities and leisure providers.

“Thomas McIntyre, Reading FC first team player, played local grassroots football in the Berkshire Youth development league, allowing him to develop his talent as a footballer and be scouted by his adored club –Reading FC.

“Major, sustained investment is needed by the government, not just to unearth those talented individuals, but to help ensure all individuals have an

Coffee and playtime for toddlers

LITTLE Fishes Play Café offers coffee and hot drinks for parents and carers, while their children have fun.

Toddlers can enjoy soft play, role play, stories and games.

The play café runs at

opportunity of participating in some form of exercise or sport within their local and surrounding communities.”

Residents will also be able to voice their opinions on a new community growing space in Shinfield.

The university is already committed to providing traditional allotments but intends to also provide a growing garden which could include school allotment plots and an outdoor learning area, a nursery for woodland trees that could be planted into a wider area, a community orchard, or other ideas suggested as part of the consultation process.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “The University of Reading has been part of the fabric of Wokingham for more than 100 years and we want to help shape the future of the

Wokingham’s Bradbury Centrein Rose Street on Thursdays, from 10am to 12.30pm. Tiddlers lunches are served from 11.30am. Entry is free, but all refreshments should be purchased from the Café Mosaic.

Borough and the facilities that exist for local residents.

“Sustainability is at the heart of what we do and by providing this community growing garden we would open up opportunities for sustainable food growing and increased biodiversity, as well as educational opportunities for school children.

“We know the importance of grass root sports facilities for local communities, and the vital part they have played in the early careers of many sporting legends.

“We are proud to be delivering these new facilities in the next few months and years, as well as planning ahead for future demand.”

The consultation takes place from 10am-3pm. Those who are unable to attend can view the proposals online and comments can be submitted via email.

Further details will be provided closer to the date.

FROM LEFT: Katie (Year 8), Ben (Year 11) and India (Year 8) were the three winning pupils at Oakbank School. Picture courtesy of Oakbank School

Students strike gold in Olympics challenge

HUNDREDS of students at a Shinfield school have showcased their sharpness of mind in an Olympic-themed initiative.

David Wilson Homes teamed up with Wokingham Borough Council to provide pupils at Oakbank School with crosswords featuring disciplines involved in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Through the challenge, the secondary school pupils learned about the various events, some of which they had never heard of before.

Three winning students were selected from those who entered the competition and each secured a £10 One4All voucher, supplied by David Wilson.

The housebuilder also donated £70 to Oakbank to help enhance its outdoor seating facilities.

Steve Jump, Headteacher at Oakbank School, said: “Oakbank is very keen to work with those in the local community to improve the facilities, and ultimately the experience at school, for all of our students.”

Emma Hawkins, sales director at David Wilson Homes Southern, added: “As a responsible housebuilder, we aim to work with the communities that surround our developments in any way that we can.

“Inspiring the next generation to get involved and learn is something that is close to our hearts. It has been a great pleasure to introduce this educational activity, which has helped students to find out more about the world’s greatest sporting event.”

ENHANCEMENTS: Shinfield parish already hosts the annual Shinfield 10k, but residents’ views are being sought on other leisure and sporting activities to bring to the patch Picture: Steve Smyth

Maths professor’s CBE is for services to education

A PROFESSOR of mathematics at the University of Reading is among those named in the King’s first new year’s honours list.

Professor Paul Glaister is awarded a CBE for his services to education, and he was full of pride at the award.

He has been teaching students for more than 40 years, created more than 460 different publications, and was this year appointed as the UK’s representative to the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI) for 2022-2027.

And if that wasn’t enough, he is also a qualified secondary school maths teacher.

He said: “I am totally overwhelmed and humbled by being appointed CBE in the King’s New Year Honours List.

“I am hugely grateful to the University of Reading, and the many people and groups I have worked with across the UK, internationally, and within the University of Reading. I am indebted to them all for their enduring support of my activities, and for the opportunities I have had to be able to pursue my passion for

mathematics and mathematics education.

“This award recognises the importance of education and research in mathematical and quantitative sciences to individuals, and ultimately for the benefit of society.”

The news has been welcomed by his colleagues.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the university, said: “On behalf of myself and everyone at the University of Reading,

I offer Professor Glaister warm congratulations on his appointment.

“Paul is an inspirational mathematician, a talented communicator and an educational leader who has worked hard to put maths at the centre of British education.

“His more than 40 years at the University of Reading is testament to his dedication to the many hundreds of students and colleagues with whom he has taught and worked.”

ROUND-UP Knighthood for MP in New Year honours

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

READING WEST MP Alok Sharma has been knighted in the King’s first New Year’s honours list.

The honour has been given to him for chairing the COP26 conference, and helping create an historic agreement from attending countries that will help tackle the climate emergency.

Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service, said: “I congratulate everyone receiving an honour and thank them for their hard work and years of service. The UK’s impact around the world depends on exceptional people like those recognised in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours list.

“I am grateful for their outstanding contribution.”

In all, there are 1,107 people who have received an award in this list, and nearly twothirds of them are awarded for outstanding work in their communities in either a voluntary or charitable capacity.

Professor Paul Glaister, from the University of Reading’s mathematics department, was

given a CBE for services to education.

Reading-born Helen Belcher was awarded an OBE for services to the transgender community. She is a trustee of Trans Media Watch, a director for Transactual, and a councillor for Wiltshire.

Laywer Dr Ann Olivarius, based in Reading, has been given an OBE for services to justice to women and equality.

An MBE has been awarded to Robert Austen from Wargrave for his services to the community, which include organising community walks and chairing The Piggott Trust and helping the village churches.

Mary Davies, who stepped

down as the chief executive officer of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, which runs several schools in the area, also received an MBE. This was given for her services to education.

Reading-based Erica Tipton has been awarded an MBE for her charity and community work in Newbury, which has included chairing the Newbury branch of Macmillan Cancer Support, and working with various health boards.

Some Henley-based people have also received honours.

Dr Richard Fortey, a senior palawontologist at the Natural History Museum, received an OBE for their work in palaeontology and geology.

Dr Krish Kandiah received an OBE for services to refugee integration. He is the founder of The Sanctuary Foundation, and has regularly spoken in Reading churches.

Michael Williams is the treasurer of the World Rowing association, and board member for British Rowing.

His OBE is for services to the sport.

And Detective Inspector Tina Wallace, from Thames Valley Police, was awarded a Kings Police Medal for her work in the force.

Detective Inspector awarded medal

A POLICE officer who has been awarded a King’s Police Medal in the New Year’s Honours says they were overwhelmed when they heard the news.

Detective Inspector Tina Wallace joined Thames Valley Police in 1997, and is part of its Specialist Operations team.

She was awarded the medal for her outstanding service to the force and the community.

DI Wallace said: “I had to read the email several times before it began to sink in. I was just walking around in a bit of a daze, and I had to go out and walk my dogs to try to compose myself.

“To be recognised like this is just an immense honour.

“I am so grateful that somebody has gone out of their way to nominate me, and I feel so honoured to have my work recognised.”

Prior to joining the force, DI Wallace had a career in the Royal Air Force, where she served as a chef, based predominantly at RAF Brize Norton.

Realising this was not her calling, she made the switch to policing, joining as a probationer based at Witney police station.

She spent almost two years at Witney, before moving on to the Area Proactive Team at Banbury. In 2001, she switched to the Force Intelligence and Specialist Operations in 2001, working in a surveillance role until 2008.

DI Wallace then moved on to Counter Terrorism Policing South East until 2018, before re-joining Specialist Ops.

Now living in Buckinghamshire, she is currently studying for a Master’s degree in applied criminology at the University of Cambridge.

“The role that I do does go unnoticed, as it should do working in Specialist Operations, but I owe this to a lot of people,” she said.

“Although it’s me that has received this honour, I would without a doubt dedicate this to the sergeants I work with in Specialist Operations, without whom, I would not be able to carry out of my additional duties within the force.”

Throughout her career at Thames Valley Police, DI Wallace says she has nothing but pride and positive experiences working for the force.

“I can honestly say that I

have had nothing but positive experiences working for TVP, especially as a female officer,” she said.

“I’ve always been given fantastic opportunities and the support I’ve had to develop my career is second-to-none.

“TVP has invested in me, and I feel I have shown loyalty to them throughout my career.

“I definitely feel that TVP has an entirely different perspective on valuing its staff and that is one of the main reasons I’ve worked here for so long. It’s just such a productive environment to work in.”

And the news has been welcomed by the force’s Chief Constable, John Campbell.

“I am delighted to see DI Wallace has been recognised for her outstanding service to policing in the King’s New Year Honours,” he said.

“This award highlights Tina’s commitment and hard work over many years to protect and keep our communities safe and she should be incredibly proud of this achievement.

“I know everyone within Thames Valley Police will join me in extending to Tina our sincere thanks and congratulations.”

Professor Paul Glaister has been awarded a CBE in the King’s New Year’s honours list

Alok Sharma, the MP for Reading West Picture: UK Parliament

Helen awarded OBE for services to the trans community

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A READING-born woman who is now a councillor in Wiltshire has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s honours list for services to the transgender community.

Helen Belcher, who is trans herself, stood for election Wokingham where she narrowly lost out. She was selected as a Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Chippenham in 2017 and 2019, losing to Conservative candidate.

In 2010, she formed the trans-awareness charity Trans Media Watch, for which she is a trustee.

She is also a director of Transactual, a CIC that aims to improve trans people’s experiences of healthcare, boost legal recognition and media representation.

It is for this work that she was named in the New Year’s Honours, and the citation came as a surprise for her.

“It feels unreal,” she said. “I’ve known for a month or so, and it’s only doing

interviews ahead of the list being unveiled that it made me realise it really is happening.

“It was a real surprise, I had to read the letter three or four times for it to sink in.”

She hoped the honour would help open new opportunities for her work.

“I’m hoping it will get me into spaces that have been difficult to get into up to now,” she continued.

“There is a lot of work

to be done, the political environment seems to be going backwards.

“The award sends a positive message. We won’t be doing anything different as a result, but it’s good for the sector to get recognition.”

Helen said that there would be complaints from some quarters that a trans person has received this honour.

“It’s a shame, it does temper what should be a good time,” she said.

Although she has moved away from the Thames Valley, she still stays true to her roots.

“I’m in touch with lots of friends from Wokingham,” she said.

Given that Helen was surprised to be nominated for the OBE, let alone receive it, it should come as little surprise that she has not planned any celebrations yet.

“We haven’t got that far,” she said. “We might have some friends round in the

MBE for Mary, outgoing CEO of Maiden Erlegh schools trust

THE OUTGOING CEO of a Lower Earley-based schools trust has been honoured with an MBE for her services to education.

Mary Davies headed up the Maiden Erlegh Trust, which oversees six schools in the borough including Chiltern Edge, Great Hollands primary school, and a new additional needs school called Oak Tree. This will open in September next year.

Her initial involvement with Maiden Erlegh school was her appointment as deputy headteacher.

She then became co-head, then executive headteacher, before becoming the CEO of the trust running the school.

She announced her retirement earlier this year.

“I am hugely proud and humbled to have been awarded an MBE.,” she said.

“As CEO of Maiden Erlegh Trust I worked alongside amazing people.

“It is a privilege to work in schools – most people will never see how much school and trust staff do for children and young people – they are heroes every day.”

The trust’s chair of trustees,

indebted to Mary for her many years of outstanding service to the children and young people of our communities and we are delighted that she has been honoured in this way.

“It is truly fitting that her dedication to the Trust and the wider world of education is recognised by this award and, on behalf of the Trust, I add our heartfelt congratulations to the many she will have deservedly received.”

Ms Davies successor, Jonathon Peck, said: “Mary has dedicated her life to children and young people and this award recognises

the outstanding impact she has made both on Maiden Erlegh Trust and our family of schools, but also in the education sector more widely.

“Not only is she an accomplished teacher of MFL, but as a senior leader, headteacher, executive headteacher, CEO, NLE and Ofsted inspector, her impact is felt right across the country. “

At her retirement event, she was greeted by governors, staff and students from the schools, and presented with a leaving gift of a tiara and a sash.

Helen Belcher has been awarded an OBE for her work for the transgender community

Mary Davies (centre) has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours list Picture: Maiden Erlegh Trust

Arrest after cars set on fire just before Christmas

A READING man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after cars in Earley and Woodley were set on fire.

The first incident took place around 7.30pm on Thursday, December 22, at an address in Rosedale Crescent in Earley.

A black Fiat 500, with a 22 year registration plate, was set on fire.

The second incident took place at a home in Harding Road in Woodley, around 10pm on Christmas Eve.

In this case, a 53 plate silver Mercedes Sprinter van was set on fire.

Nobody was injured in either incident, but both vehicles were destroyed.

A 36-year-old man from Reading has been arrested on suspicion of arson and released on police bail until Thursday, March 23.

Investigating officer PC Danielle Scott, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “I am appealing to anybody who has information about either incident to please contact Thames Valley Police.

“If anybody was in the area at the time of either incident and has dash-cam or CCTV you have not already sent to the police then I would urge you to contact us.

“You can do so by making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220576939.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on

Safe space launched to offer a listening ear, a cuppa and care

EXCLUSIVE

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

PEOPLE looking to turn their new year’s resolution into a journey of self-improvement are being invited to join a group that meets weekly in a Wokingham church.

The group meets throughout the year, and people are welcome to come for as many or as few sessions as they wish.

Facilitator Anna Adams said: “This is for anyone who is stuck in a bit of a rut and not quite sure how to turn things around.

“People can feel anxious and unmotivated, particularly if they are struggling with feelings of shame, or carrying a secret they can’t share.

“They may be grieving, or impacted by other people’s behaviour, or they might be suffering from an addiction, or depression.

“All of these things have an effect on our lives and make it difficult for us to move on.”

The group is free to join, and people are able to come and go each

“We often push things down that upset us,” Anna says.

“But with group support from others who understand, people can face the issues that stop them experiencing joy, and begin to do life well.”

The group sessions are based on The 12 Steps to recovery used by Alcoholics Anonymous, a group originally founded in the United States in 1935 by stockbroker Bill Wilson and surgeon Robert Smith, both of whom had struggled with alcoholism.

It has since gone on to become

SUPPORT: People wanting to turn their new year resolution into positive change will find a warm welcome at Celebrate Recovery.

Pccture: Engin Akyurt via Pixabay

is estimated to have more than two million members worldwide.

“The Steps are really helpful, not just for addiction, but for anything that is stopping us from living better lives,” says Anna.

They’re based on ideas originally found in The Bible, but this isn’t a course for Christians,” says Anna.

“Like AA, Celebrate Recovery is broadly faith based, but there’s no heavy religiousness, and it’s very simple, safe and structured.”

People of any faith and none are all can join, and those who do can expect a warm welcome and a

They are free to listen and contribute, but they are also free just to observe, as they feel comfortable.

“We don’t have all the answers, and it’s not about fixing,” says Anna.

“It’s about listening and sharing in a safe environment.

“We’re learning to do life well together, and supporting each other to understand and accept ourselves better.

“It takes a lot of courage for people to come along the first time.

“But when they do, they say they feel cared for, as though they have come home, and relieved to know that they are not the only one.”

Anyone wishing to join Celebrate Recovery can just turn up but may prefer to contact Anna first to find out more.

The group meets throughout the year at Wokingham Baptist Church.

Meetings are every Wednesday at 7.45pm.

The first session of 2023 is on Wednesday, January 11. n Anna can be contacted at: celebraterecovery@

Church experiences Christmas differently

A CHURCH whose main building is undergoing big changes has been forced to celebrate Christmas differently.

But the challenge has been so positive that it has led the group to rethink how they plan next year’s celebrations.

All Saints Church normally invites people into the church for a crib service, but with work currently under way to transform the building into a café and venue for arts, exhibitions and conferences, this was impossible during the festive season.

So, instead of a crib service in the church the organisers created a Christmas Experience at their nearby Cornerstone Building. A cast of volunteers became characters from the nativity story.

The Revd Hannah Higginson, associate priest at All Saints Church, said: “It really went very well.

“We had 150 visitors over two days to our Christmas Experience, and a host of volunteers who helped with the set up and refreshments.”

Many of the volunteers were dressed up as shepherds and angels. Part of the experience, they engaged with the visitors as they made their way around the building.

“We’ve had some great feedback, not only from the visitors, but from our volunteers too,” said Mrs Higginson.

“People have all said how much they enjoyed it.”

“And the following day, because

the church is closed, on Christmas Eve we gathered to sing carols around the Wokingham town centre Christmas tree.

“More than a hundred people joined us.”

The success of the changes has led the team to think about how they celebrate Christmas in future.

Mrs Higginson explained: “It has been great to be able to remind people of the true meaning of Christmas, and to let them live the story rather than just watching it.

“Doing things differently has definitely made us think.

“And because things have all gone so well, we are already considering how to build on them next year.” n For information, visit: www. allsaintswokingham.org.uk

Families to benefit from Lunch Bunch’s kettle gift

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

EVERYONE knows Britain’s love for a cuppa, and a new donation from a household appliance maker will help Woodley families enjoy a brew.

The Woodley Lunch Bunch, which helps families who rely on free school meals by offering lunches and support during holiday times, is a recipient of a range of kitchen appliances from Russell Hobbs.

They are one of many community kitchens and similar organisations across the country to receive a donation from the firm, and includes kettles, toasters and slow cookers.

Cira Jones, UK marketing manager at

Russell Hobbs, said: “The current costof-living crisis has had a huge impact on many charities across the country, with more and more communities and

Repair cafe returns on Sunday

THE SPENCERS WOOD repair cafe will host its first session of the year on Sunday.

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

Visitors can watch and learn how their items are mended or enjoy

refreshments next door in the Communi-Tea Room. A book swap will run concurrently.

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

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

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

families seeking resource and support from organisations offering vital support.

“We wanted to give back to these incredible organisations who have worked tirelessly to serve their communities, by gifting products which we know will be of great use to help people through this tough time.”

The donation has been gratefully received by the Lunch Bunch.

Julie Sherratt said: “The generous donations from Russell Hobbs will make such a huge difference to our families. It is often the essentials that are forgotten about, so the kettles have been very well received.

“Thank you so much for enabling us to help with ensuring that creating and serving hot meals does not need to cost a fortune.”

Free advice for family history tracers

A SOCIETY that meets monthly will provide free help to people wanting to research their family tree.

The Berkshire Family History Society can help with tracing ancestors, and meets in Wokingham Library on the last Tuesday of each month from 2pm to 4.30pm.

The next meeting of

Family History Drop In Wokingham takes place on Tuesday, January 31, at the new venue in Carnival Hub, opposite Elms Field.

People are free to drop in to the adult event, with no need to book ahead.

n For more information call: 0118 978 1368 or email libraries@wokingham. gov.uk

FESTIVE TREAT: A photo opportunity in the stable at All Saints Christmas Experience

Pictures: All Saints Church

A steam day out to Bath or Gloucester

The Bath & Gloucester Steam Express

Saturday 4th February 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

£10 per person discount quote: WEA

Steam to Cheltenham or Worcester

The Cotswold Venturer

Saturday 18th February 2023

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

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

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

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

£10 per person discount quote: WEB

Shinfield hero hangs up her tea towel in festive-themed finale

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

A COMMUNITY group has taken its final curtain call as members savoured one last afternoon tea together.

Maggie Hibbit, who has run the Shinfield Baptist Church group for over a decade, enjoyed a farewell to remember at the Christmas event.

Father Christmas was on hand to delight the scores of visitors at the Fairmead Road site, some of whom are residents at nearby care homes.

The church’s pastor, Nathan Hunt, presented Maggie and the organising committee with gifts at the end of a delightful, yet emotional afternoon.

Maggie said: “It’s been an absolute privilege. I’ve been involved with this for 12 years and it’s brought so many people into the church you probably wouldn’t have expected.

“That was never the motivation really, we just wanted to serve elderly people.

“They’ve done their bit in the world and now it’s time to give them something back, that’s what we’ve always wanted to do.”

She continued: “My legs are getting too old, like anyone else. I was that much younger when I first started.

“With the team, we decided that now was the time to stand down.

“Thinking about them missing [the afternoon tea meet-ups] is what makes me a bit sad and why there have been a few tears. It’s the perfect way to go out and I’m just so overwhelmed.”

She added that she hopes another initiative can continue bringing the same joy the afternoon tea has to senior members of the community.

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

Church opens the Well to offer a warm welcome

A WOKINGHAM CHURCH is inviting people to warm up this winter with a bowl of hot soup.

And it’s more than just a meal: Kings Church in Station Road is providing opportunities for people to cook the meal together before sitting down to eat round the table.

Its new initiative is called The Well On Wednesdays.

Anyone who walks through the door midweek can help to peel vegetables, make soup and spend time chatting with others, before enjoying the fruits of their labour.

Church member Wendy Preston says: “We have a lovely space here, and we wanted to use it to serve our community.

“After talking with charity SHARE Wokingham about how people are struggling to make affordable meals, we realised we could offer not only a warm, safe

space, but somewhere for people to cook and spend time together.”

Every week Wendy visits SHARE Wokingham to see what donated fruit and vegetables are available.

“We never know what there’s going to be,” she says.

“So the soup is often a bit of a surprise, but it’s always delicious.

“We only make vegetable soup, because then everyone can eat it.

SHARE Wokingham also provides bread for the meal, along with fruit, and sometimes cakes.

“I’m usually a very organised person, so it makes me a little bit nervous not knowing what food there will be each week,” Ms Preston said.

“But I love doing this, and somehow, there’s always enough to go round.

“And it’s lovely to work together.

“Some of the best conversations

happen here, and there’s always something new going on.”

The church has been trialling the event since September, and has a core group of around 13 or 14 people.

Some saw the church’s advert in the window, while others heard by word of mouth.

One or two popped in out of curiosity for five minutes and ended up staying.

And people are coming back.

“Everyone mucks in so it feels like a family gathering,” Ms Preston said. “It’s important to us that this is a place where people can come and just be.

“At 11am we open the doors for coffee, and people can chat if they’d like.

“But if they just want somewhere to be warm and quiet, well, that’s OK too.

“Then we prepare whatever vegetables have been donated by SHARE, make soup together, and sit down to eat.”

“People don’t have to eat either if

they don’t want to.

“If you come inside, you can be part of it,” continues Wendy, “Whether you want to socialise with others, or you’d rather just sit and watch, we don’t mind.

“It’s OK not to be OK here.”

The group usually eats at around 12.30pm.

Any leftovers, and any other donated food, can be taken home.

“We’re very grateful to SHARE Wokingham for providing the food,” says Wendy.

“And we’re delighted to be able to open our doors to people in this way. Everyone is welcome, come just as you are.”

The Well On Wednesdays takes place at Kings Church, Wokingham, on Wednesdays, from 11am to 3pm.

Entry is free. Anyone wanting to join them should simply turn up.

n For more information about Kings Church, visit: www.kingschurch. org.uk; For more information about SHARE Wokingham, search for sharewokingham on Facebook.

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THANKS: Maggie Hibbit (back row, second from left) and the afternoon tea’s organising committee celebrated its final meeting before Christmas, and were praised for their efforts. Pictures: Ji-Min Lee

Shinfield Baptist Church pastor Nathan Hunt was on hand to present the team with tokens of appreciation

Father Christmas made an appearance to spread the festive cheer

Sir John Redwood opens new base for pharmaceutical firm

A NEW base for a pharmaceutical company was officially opened by Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood last month

M2M Pharmaecutical has moved into Winnersh Triangle, trading its previous 150 sq ft space to 2,600 sq ft, boosting the workforce from one employee to seven.

The firm is a contract research organisation, that specialises in understanding microparticles which are often used to treat asthma and other respiratory diseases.

It says its services help clients develop better, faster and more economical medicines.

Sir John gave an opening address, and praised the company for its progress over the past seven years.

“I wish Dr Mridul Majumder and his team success in developing new clients and new ideas that will help in the fight against disease,” he said.

Mortgage lending levels up, despite market turmoil

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

THE PROPERTY market continued to grow last year, with new data showing an increase in the amount of money lent in mortgages.

Specialist property lending firm Octane Capital says £77.5bn in residential loans was lent to individuals in the final quarter of 2022, totalling £318.3bn for the year.

This is a 0.8% increase on 2021, and rising interest rates.

The firm says it analysed the latest data from the FCA and Bank of England which shows that in Q3 of last year, the gross advances lent via residential loans to individuals hit a high of £85.9bn.

This marked a 10.2% quarterly increase and was 17% higher than Q3 of 2021, as well as being the highest quarterly total since Q2 of 2021, as the market continued to move at pace, driven by unrelenting levels of buyer demand.

A seventh consecutive base rate hike in September of last year caused a high degree of mortgage market turbulence, as lenders removed a raft of products, while also increasing mortgage

rates in anticipation of further interest rate increases.

Octane Capital forecasts that the level of lending seen in the final quarter of last year totalled an estimated £77.5bn, a 9.9% drop on the previous quarter, but 10.4% up on an annual basis.

It also means that, despite a string of nine consecutive base rate hikes, total lending for 2022 remains 0.8% higher than the previous year at a total of £318.3bn.

CEO of Octane Capital, Jonathan Samuels, said: “Despite a string of consecutive base rate hikes, we continued to see a strong and

consistent level of lending in 2022. However, it’s fair to say that turbulence seen at the back end of the third quarter has left its mark and we expect to see total lending drop during the final quarter of the year.

“Despite this, total lending should still sit higher when compared to 2021 but it’s probably fair to say that this will be the market peak, with 2023 likely to bring a slow but steady decline in lending figures - for the first half of the year at least.”

He said that bond markets like a steady hand, and felt that new prime minister Rishi Sunak and his chancellor Jeremy Hunt are believed to provide one.

“We’ve already seen Gilts and Swap rates stabilise and we believe this will remain the case throughout next year,” Mr Samuels said.

“While the knock-on effect to mortgage rates has been gradual, momentum is building for a steady reduction which should benefit buyers in 2023.

“So, while total lending is likely to drop in the short term, it won’t be the cliff edge that many are predicting.”

Frank celebrates silver anniversary

A telescopic forklift driver has been thanked for the 25 years of service he’s given to his company.

Frank Bates (57) works for Vistry southern and is currently helping build Catherington Park development in Waterlooville, where the region’s construction director Steve Ott presented him with £2,000 and a bottle of Champagne.

He joined Try Construction in 1997, and with Galliford Try he spent 12 years working on a programme of improvement works at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon.

Vistry Group was formed in 2020 from the merger of Bovis Homes and Galliford Try’s housing businesses and incorporates Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Vistry Partnerships.

“It’s great to have a job in a fun, fast-paced environment, as I don’t actually feel like I’m working,” he said.

“I enjoy forklift driving, and I’ve been doing it so long now that no one has to tell me what to do or how to do it.

“It didn’t make much of a difference to me when Linden Homes and Bovis Homes joined under the Vistry Group, as it’s still the same demanding job that I love.

“Vistry has been the best company I’ve worked with, as

they let me get on with my job the way I like to do it.”

He said his favourite part of the job was the people he worked with, with the firm being one big family, and that included the construction director.

“I was pleasantly surprised that Steve came to see me in person to congratulate me, and it really made me feel appreciated by him and the company,” he said.

Dawnet Mclaughlin, managing director of Vistry Southern, said: “It’s rare to come across people who are as dedicated and trustworthy as

Frank, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed.

“It can be tough to stay in the same place for a long time, but I don’t think the word ‘tough’ is in Frank’s dictionary. He is so conscientious and skilled at his job and is still performing each job to a high standard.

“His site managers don’t even need to tell him what to do – he just knows. Frank’s work ethic is unsurpassed, and every company would be lucky to have an employee like him. We sincerely appreciate his hard work and efforts year after year.”

BUILDING UP: Telescopic forklift driver Frank Bates in his beloved forklift at Vistry Southern’s Catherington Park development in Waterlooville

SIGNED UP: The amount borrowed by homeowners for mortgages has increased despite interest rates rising Picture: Pixabay

Firefighters could strike over pay offer

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

FRONTLINE firefighters in Berkshire could strike after they rejected a ‘derisory’ pay increase offer.

Pay for firefighters nationally is set by the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Authority Fire & Rescue Services.

People employed by fire services are divided into two categories: ‘Grey Book’ staff’, which covers uniformed firefighters and safety inspectors, and ‘Green Book’ administrative staff.

The NJC sets pay for firefighters and control staff, but not senior management.

This year, the NJC offered Grey Book staff a 5% pay increase, but that offer was rejected by members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

In a ballot, 79% of those who voted chose to reject the pay offer, on a 78% turnout.

The offer has been called “derisory”, and now FBU members are being asked whether they want to go on strike.

Steve Wright, FBU Executive Council member for the Southern region including Berkshire, said: “Strike action will always be a last resort. But we are running out of options.

“Many firefighters and firefighters working in our control rooms are desperate. Some are struggling to afford to live, pay bills and are visiting food banks. It is a dreadful and very serious state of affairs.

“We continue to do

everything we can as a Union to secure a decent and fair pay offer and have held talks with and written letters to many different parties. But no such pay offer has been forthcoming.”

He continued: “It is the responsibility of fire service employers and governments to pay their staff properly. That is part of their responsibility of running the fire and rescue service. We hope to recieve a pay offer from them that addresses the cost-ofliving crisis firefighters and firefighters control are living through.

“Our members across Berkshire and the UK have been loud and clear that we must continue to fight for pay that they can live on and will do that.”

Any pay increase will impact the budget of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), which covers the entire county.

The RBFRS gets 80% of its budget from council taxes, with the rest coming from a government grant.

More than 275 arrested in drink driving campaign

THAMES Valley Police has announced that it has made 276 arrests so far during its drink and drug driving campaign.

Operation Holly is an effort to tackle driving under the influence during the Christmas period, launched by TVP and the other emergency services on Thursday, December 1.

Since then, 276 arrests have been made, the police have announced.

TVP says that of those arrested, 99 were arrested for drug driving and 177 for drink driving, with 21% of people arrested being under the age of 25.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Bettington, of the Joint Operations Unit, said: “Having even the slightest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system can be a major contributory factor in increasing the chances of road users being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision.

“This festive season it’s important to consider how you are getting home after a night out and also planning for the morning after.

“It’s always possible that you

may still be over the limit the morning after.

Concerns about the budget were raised at a meeting of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) management committee, which is attended by councillors from all six Berkshire local authorities.

At the meeting, it was estimated that the RBFA would have overspent by £373,000 on pay in its budget if the 5% pay offer was accepted.

The overspend is likely to be higher than predicted.

Cllr Colin Dudley (Conservative, Crown Wood, Bracknell Forest Council), chairman of the RBFA management committee said the committee collectively wanted to thank firefighters “from the bottom of our hearts” for the work they do.

Following that, Cllr David McElroy (Green, Redlands, Reading Borough Council) said: “Sounds like firefighters deserve an actual pay rise.”

‘Green Book’ staff accepted a pay increase offer which is estimated to cost the RBFA an extra £219,000.

Chocolate firm’s employees vote to support retired police dogs

STAFF at a snacks and confectionary company have chosen veteran police dogs to receive a charity grant.

Wokingham-based employees of Mondelēz International, which makes Cadbury chocolate among other treats, selected Thin Blue Paw Foundation.

The national dog welfare charity, which helps to rehabilitate UK police dogs, will receive a grant of £5,000.

The donation comes from The Cadbury Foundation, as part of its Your Charity Your Choice scheme.

Every year employees are invited to nominate wellbeingrelated charities or projects close to their hearts to receive a donation.

This year’s chosen charity was founded in 2020 by a group of individuals passionate about improving the health and welfare of serving and retired police dogs.

The £5,000 grant will help Thin Blue Paw Foundation provide financial support to over 300 retired police dogs and their owners

Jamie Tempest, sterility supervisor at the Mondelēz International site in Wokingham nominated the charity to receive the donation.

Jamie said: “Thin Blue Paw Foundation helps support heroic retired police dogs allyear round.

“I’m so pleased my nomination was selected and that the charity has been awarded the grant, so they can continue making a great difference.”

Kieran Stanbridge, a trustee at Thin Blue Paw

Foundation, said: “We want to support our dogs to live long and happy lives when they retire, but we also want to acknowledge, recognise and celebrate dogs who have made a real difference in their communities.

“This substantial donation will help both serving and retired police dogs across the UK, and we’re extremely grateful for this support.”

The Cadbury Foundation was set up in 1935 in recognition of Richard and George Cadbury and their investment in the welfare of their employees and the local community.

Across all Mondelēz International UK sites £65,000 has been allocated to charities,

projects and clubs across the country as part of its Your Charity Your Choice scheme.

Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, said: “We’re extremely proud to be able to support the charities that are important to our employees through our giving initiative each year.

“We’re delighted to know that with The Cadbury Foundation’s donation, the charity will be able to support even more retired police dogs across the UK.”

n For information about the The Cadbury Foundation, visit: www.cadbury.co.uk, and for information about Thin Blue Paw Foundation, log on to: www.thinbluepaw.org.uk

Are you missing out on a benefit worth £370/month?

“It can take hours for alcohol to leave your body and drugs can take a considerable amount of time too, sometimes even days.

“Our message to you is simple: Don’t drink or drug drive – It’s not worth the risk.

“Don’t be afraid to call out your friends or family members if you think they have drugs or alcohol in their system.

“If you know of anyone who is drink or drug driving call 999 in an emergency, 101 with information or report via Crimestoppers.”

The Operation Holly campaign has seen all three emergency services collaborating on tackling drink and drug driving since it launched in Wokingham at the start of December.

Attendance Allowance is paid to people who have

age

or health condition. Exactly how much someone receives depends on

condition affects them, and there are two weekly rates. A lower rate of £61.85/week is paid if you need help during the day, and you may receive up to £92.40/week if you have health issues that disrupt your sleep. That’s up to £370/month tax-free. It’s not means-tested, and it doesn’t matter where you live, or if you have savings.

Attendance Allowance - Who can claim it?

I offer an initial free 30-minute confidential consultation to allow us to assess whether we can help and for you to decide if you’d like help. If we both agree that claiming Attendance Allowance is right for you, then we will look after you every step of the way.

Attendance Allowance is also known as a ‘gateway benefit’ as other benefits and opportunities are opened once you start to receive it.

We complete all the necessary forms and explain the process of claiming in straightforward, plain English so that you understand everything and are in complete control.

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

Cedric Lander, Woodley

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service could face strike action Picture: Phil Creighton

Retired police dog heroes will benefit from the £5,000 grant to Thin Blue Paw. Picture courtesy of Thin Blue Paw and Mondelez International

The cost-of-living crisis means that it’s more important than ever to make sure you are receiving all the government benefits that you are entitled to. Let me show you how you might be able to get regular financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home for as long as you wish.

reached state pension

if they have a disability

how their

Nigel Pearce AIPW

Primary school told to improve by Ofsted

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A GRAZELEY primary school has been told that it needs to improve by education inspectors.

Grazeley Parochial Church of England Aided Primary School, based in Mereoak Lane, was recently visited by Ofsted, who gave it a “Requires Improvement” rating.

The school was primarily criticised for teaching and curriculum not being properly sequenced so that pupils build knowledge in science and foundation subjects such as art, history, PE and geography.

A report on the visit states: “While leaders have high aspirations for all pupils to achieve their best, pupils are not yet benefiting from a carefully considered and organised curriculum.

“Pupils cannot confidently recall and describe important information that they have learned in some subjects.

“This means they struggle to make connections and build on what they might already know.”

The school did receive praise for creating its “unique Christian family atmosphere” and cultivating friendly relationships between pupils.

Inspectors also acknowledged the school has been through a “turbulent” period of leadership and teaching staff changes, which has meant important

improvements to the curriculum have not been made.

To improve, staff have been told to refine the curriculum so that children build essential knowledge in the foundation subjects.

It has also been advised to put in place an effective assessment process in those subjects so pupil progress can be monitored.

The school is run by governors with the oversight of Wokingham Borough Council and the Diocese of Oxford.

Following the inspection, Jane Critchlow, the recently appointed headteacher, said: “The Ofsted inspection at the beginning of October highlights the strengths of the school.

“These include a ‘unique Christian family atmosphere that is appreciated by staff, parents and pupils’, which can be seen in the sense of responsibility of older pupils caring for the younger ones, and all pupils feeling included.

“We are proud of these strong relationships and will continue to offer opportunities for our children to develop and grow.

Ms Critchlow said the school has acknowledged the areas for improvement highlighted by

the inspectors and plans are in place which are supported by key stakeholders.

She added: “The curriculum and assessment, including in Early Years, has been reviewed and is currently being implemented.

“We are also proud that Ofsted recognised the success of our teaching of phonics and early reading skills, and the high aspirations we have for our pupils to achieve their best in their learning and behaviour.”

Cllr Prue Bray, executive member for children’s services at the council, is confident of the direction the school is moving.

She said: “The Ofsted report is very positive about the new head, and recognises that she has already started making improvements and has a clear vision for the future.”

The school was rated “Good” at its last full inspection in 2011, and was visited by Ofsted in 2014, 2016 and 2019.

In 2019, inspectors still judged the school as “Good” but identified a decline in teaching standards.

The most recent visit was undertaken by inspectors Jo Petch and Emma Law in early October and the report was published on Thursday, November 24.

Masons help children enjoy a visit to Windsor to see a Sleeping Beauty

CHILDREN enjoyed a visit to a pantomime with a bit of help from Berkshire’s masons.

The Theatre Royal Windsor hosted the youngsters earlier this month, where they took in a performance of Sleeping Beauty, starring Anita Harris, Basil Brush, Kevin Cruise and Stephen Blakeley.

In all, 357 children with additional needs from across Berkshire came together for the show.

The Masons said that the cast royally entertained the children, teachers and parents who were all enthusiastically joining in with the traditional Panto audience participation. Including a bit of singing, some clapping and of course plenty of opportunity for loud ‘booing’.

The Provincial Grand Master for the Freemasons of Berkshire (Anthony Howlett-Bolton OBE)

together

and greet the children and partake in all the fun.

Mr Sands, said: “To see the pleasure on the families’ faces is quite an honour.

“To be able to come to see this wonderfully performed Pantomime can’t help but leave

all who see it, touched by the effect it has on these children.

“This is very much Freemasonry working in the community and I’m delighted to be a part of that. Oh yes I am!”

The panto fun will continue this month when the masons sponsor a visit from a touring production that will attend a Special Educational Needs school in Maidenhead.

History group returns with lecture on royal heralds at meeting in new venue

SHINFIELD and District Local History Society will kick off 2023 with a unique Royal-themed talk on Tuesday.

Meeting in the Tower Room at the School Green Centre, Professor Anne Curry from Arundel Herald Extraordinary will deliver a lecture entitled, The Heralds: Past, Present and Future.

Heralds made appearances at a number of significant events in 2022, including Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee

Dementia cafe offers help and support to carers and families

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

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

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

and funeral, and King Charles III’s proclamation.

Visitors will have the opportunity to hear about the experiences of a real-life herald.

The group’s AGM will precede the talk, with members and newcomers encouraged to attend and find out more about its monthly events.

The lecture starts at 7.45pm and costs £2 to attend.

n For more information, visit: www. shinfieldhistory.org.uk

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

Launched last autumn, the meetups take place on Wednesdays, with the next session taking place on January 18.

Visitors are asked to book places before attending.

Sessions cost £2.50 per person.

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

FESTIVE FUN: Some of the families entering to see the Pantomime Picture: Ray Lloyd

with his Deputy (Peter Sands) and the Provincial Grand Charity Steward (Gerry Preston) were all in attendance to meet

200 homes plan for Twyford placed on hold as councillors seek details

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A DECISION on a plan to build 200 homes on farmland in Twyford has been postponed over traffic and education concerns.

Croudace Homes was hoping to get its plan for a housing development at Bridge Farm approved.

However, councillors sought clarification on some aspects of the proposal, including the impact the development could have on traffic, particularly Twyford Station.

Cllr Stephen Conway (Liberal Democrats, Twyford) complained that he recently waited 25 minutes to get to the A4 Wargrave Road roundabout.

“My fear is there is an assumption that most residents living on the site who want to use Twyford Station will walk and cycle there, I think that might be overly optimistic,” he said.

“My belief is that many people living on the north of the site and on wet days will actually be driven to the station by other members of their family or household and be collected there in the evening.

“If that were the case it would generate four journeys through the already congested

crossroads for every commuter driven to and from the station.”

He asked that the decision be deferred so more detailed traffic projections could be undertaken.

Councillors also requested data on school place projections for the next five to 10 years, and asked for more information on the pedestrian and cycle routes proposed, particularly those leading to Piggott School.

Additionally, councillors wanted answers from the developers on how they hope to manage a potential ‘access conflict’ between pedestrian

and cyclists and vehicles coming to and from the Cedar Park Nursery.

Cllr Rebecca Margetts (Conservative, Finchampstead South) said developers could appeal to get the homes built without providing the information in a ‘worst case scenario’.

A Wokingham Borough Council officer told the planning committee meeting of December 14, there is a risk of appeal, as developers are allowed to appeal to the government planning inspectorate if a

Aldi donates 1,950 meals Witness appeal following burglary

IT WAS the night before Christmas, and all through the stores Aldi staff were stirring to ensure festive dinners were sent out in time for the big day.

The food retailer teamed up with charities, community groups and food banks across Berkshire, donating 1,950 meals to those in need.

Working with Neighbourly, the supermarket paired up its stores with local charity partners in the area to collect unsold fresh and chilled food when stores closed early on December 24.

The initiative was repeated on New Year’s Eve. The retailer has also contributed £250,000 to charities as part of its Emergency Winter Foodbank Fund, again working with Neighbourly, a community giving platform that links businesses to charitable organisations.

Liz Fox, corporate responsibility director at Aldi UK, said: “We are incredibly proud to have supported so many amazing charities and community groups in Berkshire this Christmas, helping them to provide warm and healthy festive meals to those in need.”

THIEVES broke into a Wokingham home, but left without stealing anything after they were disturbed.

The break-in took place around 6pm on Saturday, December 17, to the property on Clifton Road.

The intruders smashed a rear patio door using a tool to get into the home, but fled when the occupants challenged them.

One of the offenders is described as a white man, around 5ft 8ins tall and of large build. He was wearing a black hat, black mask, black jacket and black fabric gloves.

There are believed to be three to four other offenders, but there are no descriptions currently available.

Anyone with information, CCTV or doorcam footage from around the time of this incident, is asked to call 101, quoting reference 43220566056.

Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers accepts 100% anonymous calls on 0800 555 111.

Green fingered inspiration

ANYONE who made a new year’s resolution to have greener fingers can find inspiration in workshops taking place in garden centres this weekend.

The Hare Hatch and Spencers Wood branches of Dobbies is holding two events.

On Saturday, from 10.30am, there is a Grow How session looking at bringing houseplants into the home.

Experts will showcase air-purifying houseplants, explain how to use them in indoor spaces, and celebrate the benefits associated with them.

Then youngsters can take part in a Little Seedlings Club on Sunday.

Aimed at children aged four to 10, the sessions need to be booked in advance.

This session will explore new year traditions such as the

luck and prosperity associated with eating black-eyed peasbeans, alongside plants to grow in January, seeds to sow and how to prepare your garden for the year ahead.

Dobbies’ partnership and events manager, Sarah Murray, said: “January is a great time to make plans and learn a new skill or hobby.”

n For more details, log on to: dobbies.com/events

council fails to determine an application within an allocated timeframe.

There was also discussion about the borough’s lack of a five-year land supply.

If a council cannot demonstrate this, developers are more likely to achieve planning permission in places which have not been allocated for development within an existing Local Plan.

Cllr Wayne Smith (Conservative, Hurst) said: “We’re only seeing this because of the situation of our five-year land supply.

“It just seems to me that this borough is now being completely hammered for over-delivering housing since 2017 and now we’re getting the rough of it.”

Arguing for the scheme, Chris Roberts, an agent for Croudace Homes, stated the development would bring a number of benefits, including a new public park along the River Loddon, the planting of approximately 350 new trees and the provision of 80 affordable homes – 40% of the scheme.

The vote to defer was unanimous.

Railway steam meeting

A WOKINGHAM railway club will be treated to a presentation by speaker John Soer.

His talk about the St Pancras to Leicester line promises plenty of steam and a possible diversion from the mainline.

The Wokingham Methodist Railway and Transport Club meets at the Bradbury Centre, in Rose Street, on the third Tuesday of the month, January 17.

Doors open at the new time of 7.30pm.

n For more information contact programme secretary, Jim Dunning on: 0118 977 1754, or log on to: www. wokinghammethodist.org.uk

Parla italiano

A GROUP that meets to chat in Italian, welcomes native speakers, and those who would like to learn or listen to the language.

Conversazione Italiana a Wokingham meets at The Two Poplars pub in Wokingham every third Wednesday of the month.

People can join them for a pint and a chat between 8pm and 10.30pm.

The group’s next meeting is on January 18.

n For more information visit: www.meetup.com and search for berkshire italian language meetup.

A view of the 200 home development in Tywford.

Picture: Croudace Homes

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

A new year, and a new adventure

IT has been January 2023 for a matter of days. Quite where 2022 has gone I do not know. (In short; umpteen school runs, various playgroups and toddler music classes, a handful of days out and a couple of holidays, weddings, births and pregnancy announcements I’m at that age.)

I always look forward to the New Year, I like the feeling of new-ness, of 12 whole months ahead, a blank canvas.

This New Year however, feels a little different. I’m carrying a small pocket of anxiety, a feeling of simultaneous nervousness and excitement.

Why, you ask?

Well, it’s no big deal (it is), but my youngest, Leo, will be starting nursery this month. Which has seemed to come by unimaginably quickly…

Leo turned two in August and in many ways, is more than ready.

“He will love it,” pople say when I express my fears. (Which are a delightful mixture of rational and highly irrational.)

I know the change of setting and social aspects will be brilliant for him, but I am still anxious at the thought of the adjustment period.

Will he cling to me? How long will he cry for? Will he settle?

Two of his new teachers came for a home visit last week, a brief getting-to-know-session where we could ask questions and they could meet Leo in his home environment.

“Leo your nursery teachers will be here soon,” I said, the morning of the visit.

“No! No! NOOOOOOOOO!” He screamed, running into the kitchen. Fabulous start. The doorbell goes.

“JUDYYYYY!” Leo exclaims, running to the door. He thinks his Grandma Judy has arrived and is devastated when I open the door to reveal two strangers.

“Hello,” they say, as friendly as could be.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Leo cries, bolting to the dining room.

A most welcoming-welcome.

“Leo why don’t you come and say hello? You can show them your cars? Leo?”

What feels like a decade later, we all settle into the living room.

Leo comes and nestles himself into me, picking up my arms and wrapping them around his body. It’s very sweet. But also quite assertive. He won’t let go of me. I don’t particularly want him to. (Equally I want to show these childcareprofessionals that my toddler is brilliantly independent in more normal situations. It’s not the norm to have strangers coming to sit in your home, with all the interest and focus being on you.)

“Leo are you going to say hello?” I said hopefully, knowing full well it was a pointless request.

He peered up at the women suspiciously.

“I don’t know you…” I could feel him thinking. Thankfully, as the visit progressed, Leo became his usual chatty self, playing trains with one of the teachers.

“Oh he’ll be fine...” the other teacher said when I asked about separation anxiety.

“They cry at first, there’s a settling-in period, and then they’re fine...” she said.

We’ve visited the nursery, and I’ve witnessed firsthand Leo running off to play, forgetting my presence entirely. He made himself at home, navigating the room and all the toys as if he’d been there for months, then protesting when it was time to go home.

A few hours, in a different setting, with more toys and activities than a toddler could wish for, and hopefully, some new friends.

The first adventure of 2023.

How footwork fresh air helps

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

Age UK Berkshire and Dementia Friendly Wokingham put on a full programme of events, ranging from music sessions and coffee socials, to keep residents and carers active.

Wanted: people who want to take part in a moon walk

OVER the last couple of decades, nearly half a million women and men have taken to the streets in colourful decorated bras.

In their bright underwear, they have walked in the dark to raise awareness and money for research, prevention and to support those living with cancer.

Entries are now open for the 25th year of the night-time fundraising event in the summer.

And this year, you don’t have to walk in the dark.

Live MoonWalks will take place in London on Saturday, May 20 at Clapham Common, in Iceland on Tuesday, June 13, and in Edinburgh on Saturday, September 9.

But walkers can also take part virtually as well.

They can pick any theme from previous years to decorate their bra, adding a touch of silver to celebrate 25 years of charity strolling.

Previous themes included superheroes, swing your tartan, jungle safari, roaring twenties, all things iceland, and disco inferno.

Participants can choose between half and full marathons, and the virtual option allows them to tackle the MoonWalk in their local area.

Those looking to experience both the London and Scotland walks can receive a special 10% discount on entry.

And for the ultimate challenge, ramblers can take the 3 Land Challenge, completing all three MoonWalks.

Wokingham resident, and MoonWalk founder Nina Barough explains:”We’re very grateful to everyone who takes part in these walks.

“MoonWalking has grown in a way that I never imagined in my wildest dreams when I started the first event.

“It has enabled us to inject some fun into something very serious, and helped us to talk about breast cancer openly, without it being considered somehow risky or offensive.

“The live walks are really magical, and impossible to adequately describe to anyone unless you’ve actually come along and experienced one.

“But not everyone can make it to London, or Scotland, or indeed Iceland.

“So it’s really lovely to be able to

offer people a virtual option to take part.”

It was something that became necessary during Covid, but has been continued by the group as a valuable means of including those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to join in.

“We realise that there are lots of things that get in the way,” continues Nina.

“It costs money to come to London, or people might be on holiday, perhaps they’ve just had a baby, or maybe they’re just not ready to take part in such a big event,” says Nina.

“Joining us virtually is convenient for lots of people.

“You get the T-shirt and the cap. – we prefer solo walkers not to be walking by themselves in a bra –and all the information, training plans and support.

“You choose your start time, and off you go.

“Our virtual walkers take part during the day, and we regard them as our trailblazers, preparing the way for the night time participants.”

People of any age can walk anywhere, even in their own house or garden.

“It could be that Mum is doing the walk live, but the rest of the family joins in at home,” adds Nina.

“We are keen to support all our virtual participants, and we give them a call during their walk, just to check in with them and make sure that they are OK.”

Nina created the original nighttime walk, The MoonWalk London, in 1998.

MoonWalks in Scotland and Iceland followed, with all three organised by Nina’s cancer charity Walk the Walk.

Money raised helps charities and organisations across the UK in their aim to conquer cancer and support those living with the condition.

“It’s an event where ordinary women and men do something special. It’s a massive celebration of people coming together,” she says.

“Research tells us that walking can help to prevent disease, so I want to get everyone doing it.

“You know it’s good for you, you know you need to, so get on and sign up.”

n For more information or to register for MoonWalk 2023, visit: www. walkthewalk.org

These efforts have been supported by Wokingham Borough Council’s as part of their wider strategy to pool together relevant charities and organisations as part of its provision for those living with dementia.

The network of organisations also work with NHS leads to ensure residents have access to all the help they require.

Age UK Berkshire runs regular walks at various locations across the borough, most recently at Dinton Pastures Country Park.

Almost 20 participants took part in the stroll, before enjoying a spot of coffee and cake at the reserve’s cafe.

Organiser Jenny Westmoreland said: “I’m always inspired by the people who come to these walks.

“It’s a very simple thing for Age UK and Dementia Friendly Wokingham to put on.

“The inspiration to put on more events is all around the smiles on people’s faces and the enjoyment.”

She added that the informal nature of the sessions was the key to their success, with no mandatory commitment required. The walks cater for those who wish to walk at a wide range of paces, with multiple members of staff on-hand to supervise.

Sessions also provide an opportunity to spend time with people who are experiencing similar circumstances and are more than happy to offer tips and reassurance.

Those who attend are encouraged to provide feedback, which is taken on board by those who run the events.

Ms Westmoreland wants to widen access to these events, stating the organisations’ desire to expand meetings to the north of the borough. In this way, they will be able to include more people who might not have access to transport.

The pandemic was particularly difficult for older residents who were left housebound and devoid of regular social activities and groups.

Age UK’s Coffee mornings, Love to Move sessions and walks slowly opened up with the loosening of Covid-19 restrictions, something which Ms Westmoreland described as ‘a lifeline’ to its users.

Sue Moody and Sheila Roberts have attended various sessions put on by

Why Sally is just wild about nature

IN JANUARY 1991 Sally Munn took on a wild projec, becoming the manager of a nature study centre.

Her new book, What An Experience! Iver Nature Study Centre, contains her memories of the place, and of the volunteers whose generosity and friendship over the years helped many hundreds of youngsters and adults to learn about the natural world.

Sally first set eyes on the 2.4 acres that would become so special to her when, as an environmental volunteer, she was asked to write about and to publicise the place.

As she walked around the small meadow, the secret garden, and the ponds, she knew that it was a ‘fabulous place’.

It nestles on the very outer edges of Greater London, not far from Uxbridge Underground Station, just inside the M25 where it meets the M40.

In her book, Sally describes some of the creative ways the centre inspired people to love being in the countryside.

Her aim was to make it a welcoming place for all members of the public to learn about and appreciate the value of nature, so she made it accessible for young and old, able bodied and also those with special needs.

And over the years, people who visited out of curiosity, ended up joining Sally’s dedicated team volunteers.

Sally says: “This book is a way for me to say thank you to all the wonderful people who gave their time and their skills, whether it was gardening, carpentry, or crafts.

“They were always willing to help, and they became my second family for 18 years.”

Sally and her team developed a series of hands on educational

FLASHBACK: The Walk The Walk London Moonwalk last year saw thousands of people enjoy visiting London landmarks in the dark Picture: Ian Jones

WOKINGHAM is a place where those affected by dementia can continue to lead fulfilling lives.

AGE UK BERKSHIRE ORGANISES REGULAR

footwork and a bit of with dementia

A chance to discover the borough’s hidden talents

ON

UK Berkshire and other similar charities, particularly since they restarted after the pandemic.

They said that car parks closing had a significant impact on their lives during lockdown as it meant that they were no longer able to go to their nearest parks for walks.

Ms Moody said: “It’s nice to get out of the house and get some fresh air. We’ve met so many nice people and everybody’s in the same situation so no-one judges anyone else. It’s a real leveller.

“There’s so much choice now.

“We go to the Wokingham and Bracknell ones, as well as the dementia cafe at the Select Car

The pair are keen to encourage others to try sessions for themselves and to experience their many benefits.

Ms Roberts explained: “We were unsure at first, we didn’t know if we wanted to go or not. We said we’d give it a go, and if we didn’t like it we wouldn’t go again. Well, I think we’ve been to every single one since. There’s just no pressure.”

Age UK is open to those who wish to volunteer in a range of capacities, such as through its befriending phone services and helping older people fill out forms and use their computer.

n For more information, visit: www. dementiafriendlywokingham.co.uk

MEMBERS of CLASP, a self advocacy group for people with learning disabilities, are busy rehearsing for their Talent Show Spectacular.

Debs Morrison, who helps run the group, says: “Our members are really thrilled that this year, thanks to Wokingham In Need, we will be performing in a proper theatre.

“Last year our talent show was online, so to have such a wonderful space, with proper dressing rooms is really exciting.

“We started rehearsing before Christmas, and we’re now working hard to get all the acts ready.

Debs says the performers are concentrating especially on projection and articulation.

“These are great skills, not only for the stage, but for life as well,” she says.

“And performing in this way really shows our members and our audience what we can achieve, and helps people grow in confidence.”

Wokingham In Need is sponsoring the show, by organising the event and covering theatre costs.

“We’re delighted that they have kindly agreed to host the production,” says Debs.

“It means a lot to our members to be able to perform in a professional theatre, with a proper set and great costumes.”

Susan Jackson, from Wokingham In Need, was very happy to support the group’s desire to perform live

families, and said how much the place had influenced them, and inspired in them a love for nature,” says Sally.

One of Sally’s favourite teaching projects covered three different environments: pond, meadow, and woodland.

“The children would investigate minibeasts from the pond, take bark rubbings and leaf prints in the woods, and then lie down in the meadow, to listen to the sounds,” she says.

“We were quite close to the M25, but they would always notice the birdsong first, and some actually thought the sound of motorway traffic was a waterfall.”

Sally began with only five volunteers, but by the time she left, 50 people gathered to mark her retirement.

“Everyone got on so well, and it was such a strong community,” she says.

this year, rather than online.

She says: “I’ve seen a couple of their rehearsals and it’s wonderful to see members of CLASP performing in a way they never thought they would be able to.

“We’re hoping that this show will be ground breaking and we’re really pleased to support such lovely capable people, who can so often be poorly treated.

“We’d like this show to be a real celebration of kindness.”

The production is also supported by Cathy Valentine from Circus Scene, and by care homes and primary schools, who are helping to create props.

“People can expect a show filled with puppets, circus skills, poems and funny stories written by group members,” says Debs. “And we’ll be singing our song, Reach For The Stars.

“Funds raised will be ploughed straight back into our activities.

“We provide services five days a week, all free of charge – and we are desperate to keep it that way.”

CLASP’s Talent Show Spectacular is performed at the Whitty Theatre, Wokingham.

The event takes place on Friday, March 10. Doors open at 6.45pm, with the performance at 7.30pm.

Refreshments will be available.

n Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased at: www.ticketsource.co.uk

n For more information call: 07867 530727 or visit: www. claspwokingham.org

Sally’s memories of the centre include watching children encounter bats for the first time, seeing them realise that potatoes grow underground, and helping on apple days in October.

“Everything was fun,” she says.

“People say that the book is filled with laughter, that they can hear children laughing in all the stories and memories.”

Sally’s book may be followed by further publications, as she has written two children’s books and is hoping to find a literary agent.

The nature study centre is still open, renamed The Iver Environment Centre.

Its three ponds, its meadows and woodland are still places where children and adults can learn about the natural world.

n For more information visit: www. iverenvironmentcentre.org

programmes with games, quizzes, walks and practical projects.

They even built three rainforests.

“I was delighted when children who had come to the centre returned years later with their own young

“People said that volunteering gave them a purpose, and even helped them to cope during difficult life events.”

n Sally’s book, What An Experience! Iver Nature Study Centre, is available at book stores and online. It costs £12.99 and the ISBN number is: 9781803131818

coach travel from Wokingham, Bracknell & Crawley

nights at a selected hotel in Coventry with dinner & breakfast

for 1 bar (6pm-9pm)

SONG?: A talent show will celebrate the talents of CLASP members.

Picture: Pexels via Pixabay

Age

Leasing Stadium and a singing cafe in Wokingham. We’re very busy.”

WALKS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN WOKINGHAM. PICTURE: Ji-Min Lee

Sally’s inspirational time with Iver Nature Study Centre is captured in her new book.

Picture courtesy of Troubador Publishing

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Whitehall must help the borough

TO MUCH bemusement over the festive season, a tweet from one of the borough’s four MPs appeared on social media.

“I wish my local Council would resolve to serve us better and charge us less in 2023. I fear they will instead dream up new ways to make our lives more difficult, worsen services and put up the taxes and charges.”

This was written by Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood.

The brevity of Twitter means arguments can rarely be unpacked in full, and Sir John has not gone into more detail on his blog.

However, it is misguided and deeply disappointing as it looks like – yet again – the government’s grant to Wokingham borough is again far too small.

The financial pressures that the borough face have been there for several years, and both Conservative and Lib Dem administrations have called on the government to do more to help.

Instead, Whitehall expects residents to pay more council tax.

That is not fair, especially as the costof-living crisis bites.

Several local authorities, be they Labour, Tory or Lib Dem, are in financial difficulties right now as a result.

If anything, we need all four of our MPs to be lobbying the prime minister hard to improve the lot of local authorities, not talking us down.

CHURCH NOTES

Where do we find Jesus today?

AS we take down the Christmas decorations and pack them away for another year, we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany on January 6, and recall the story of the Magi visiting the infant Jesus.

They found the Christ child guided by the star after a long journey.

But how and where are we to find Jesus today?

Jesus, during his ministry, was to be found feeding the hungry, healing the sick and often mixing with those excluded and marginalised in the society of his time.

And today he is to be found in those struggling to heat their homes and feed their families, in the homeless and the refugees seeking shelter, in drug addicts, in the lonely, among the soldiers fighting in Ukraine and their frightened families, and with the hungry and thirsty in drought-stricken East Africa.

When the Magi arrived in Bethlehem, they offered their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

In the same way today, we are called to offer our gifts and serve Jesus in the people that we meet. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus tells us that when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit those in prison, we do it for him.

As we begin a new year, inspired once more by the Christmas story of love, joy and peace, perhaps we can find opportunities in our daily lives to use whatever gifts and talents we have to help the people that we meet.

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

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

A Happy New Year to all Readers – I say that with genuine feelings, but many of you will probably share my concerns over the future, especially how to stay warm given the high cost of energy, coupled with financial fiddles such as increasing the “day rate”.

Given the financial state of so many people, some with nothing and thus relying on charity etc., how do you feel when a Train Driver earning £75,000, goes on strike to get more?

That is at least unsocial behaviour –with our current government, I have doubts a solution will be found.

My view of striking is that one is to be given a P45 and leave the job immediately with no payments at all. It is after all a Breach of Contract.

Now such views will not get me into Parliament.

Perhaps one more of my concerns, which I have held for a long time, is the growing collection of Communist countries that are a real threat to us and our Europe. Russia is the present worst enemy, but one can see the signs of China and North Korea, with enormous manpower, making noises as to their power and capabilities.

Having said little of interest to most raders, and a strong believer in Prayer, may I use a Hymn with a few word changes by me, which has for years been used as an appeal to our Lord God for comfort.

It is Abide With Me:

Abide with us; fast falls the eventide

The darkness deepens; Lord, with us abide;

When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, O abide with us.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;

Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;

From the chamber

Cllr Keith Baker

Change and decay in all around we see;

O Thou, Who changest not, abide with us.

If you know or have friends suffering, sing with them this lovely hymn, (not complete as the above is only the first two verses).

Lord hear our Prayers.

Reg Clifton, Wokingham

A spin collection

I was disappointed that Wokingham Today (15/12/22) decided to print the council spin on the rubbish collection “consultation” verbatim.

The official council line reads as “67% of residents like or can accept fortnightly collections”. When one looks at WBC’s website and drills down it states that “24% like it” and “26% don’t support it”. In plain English more residents are against the change to fortnightly collections than support it.

There are a further “43% who can accept it”. Given there was no option to retain weekly collections this can be interpreted as 43% prefer fortnightly collections to no collections at all. It’s like going into a pub and ordering a gin and tonic and being informed tonic is out of stock. 43% may opt for a plain gin rather than nothing but would not consider it as their preferred option.

In footballing terms the council seem to be saying that a team that lost 1 – 0 actually won the game because they had more shots than the other team and that they should be added to the score. If this is the way they do arithmetic at Shute End it’s no wonder there is a hole in the accounts.

It’s also perplexing that the only cuts they are considering to plug the gap are by reducing the amount of rubbish collections when clearly money is being wasted in multiple

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

other areas. For example, why did it take at least six visits by the work crew to resurface a section of Wiltshire Road recently? Or why do the council continue to floodlight the unopened, unusable park and ride sites?

It is bizarre that to catch up with rubbish collections scheduled for 27th December they will be switched to the following day. Both are bank holidays.

Asking staff to work on a bank holiday will incur higher pay rates than paying them to work longer hours at standard rates on normal working days. Better still why not just cut out the collections due on the Xmas public holidays?

This would provide an ideal trial as to whether fortnightly collections are viable. Or is that too radical?

Peter Humphreys, Wokingham

What’s in a space?

Town centre parking was much in demand in the run up to Christmas, witness the number of drivers circling the Denmark Street car park looking for a space.

The library has moved. Are the 11 spaces marked “Staff only” still needed - or can they be released for general use?

Michael Storey, Wokingham

Don’t leave me hanging on the telephone

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

Put all this together and you have the basis of a Business Case.

A published Business Case allows residents to scrutinise all of these points.

If there is no Business Case available to review then how can residents feel comfortable in what is being proposed, which in many cases will have a major impact on their life.

It smacks of the administration saying “trust us we know what is good for you!”

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

This country is being run down

This country is being run down by two people: Mr Sunak and Mr Hunt. They never cared about the NHS workers, the hospital workers, porters, cleaners and maintenance people.

These two people can reach out and save our Hospitals. Mrs May would not allow the doctors and nurses to come to UK to work, and Johnson was lying day after day that nurses and doctors are on the way.

He knew he was lying, so did his lazy non-active ministers, in parliament doing nothing.

The day has come if this government does not allow decent pay rises for hospital workers railway workers, posties, border controls, civil servants, driving instructor, and test examiners this country will be finished.

We seem to have money for overseas to look good while our country is sinking fast.

There is no wisdom in parliament.

Victor Rones, Bracknell

no detail of any alternative options being considered; No information is provided about the negative impact of the doubling of these charges and adding charges for Sundays, Evening and Market Traders.

So, no-one can actually scrutinise these proposals. Questions such as what will be the reduction in usage of the car parks after these huge increases?

MANY times the council administration will bring proposals to Full Council or the Executive which will result in significant changes from the current position.

Before any proposal is put forward you would start with an explanation of what the problem is that it is addressing.

In order for the explanation to be credible suitable information needs to be also provided to justify it. Without such information why would anyone believe that there is a problem.

Once an explanation is deemed to be credible then inevitably there will be a number of alternative options which will be evaluated. Each one will have full analysis of both the benefit and the disadvantage of that option. For example, what is the negative impact of that option and does the benefit outweigh such negative impact?

The final step would be to choose the best option which will then become the proposal. The reason for choosing this one and not any of the other options should be detailed.

I, and several of my colleagues, have repeatedly asked for the Business Case to be published. But each time we have been met with silence.

In fact, the Assistant Director Highways and Transport has confirmed that there is only one Business Case available and that was the one presented at the Executive Meeting in September.

That Business Case simply said – “Current predictions for 22/23 estimate a loss of income of between £0.6M and £0.8M….”

There is no information as to where these losses are being made;

What is the financial impact on businesses through loss of footfall or increased cost for their workers? What are the contingency plans if the predicted extra income fails to materialise?

All of these questions should be detailed in the Business Case.

Published Business Cases are important to all residents to have confidence in both Council Officers and the ruling politicians.

Without them, it simply reinforces the negative view of local politicians.

Residents deserve better.

Cllr Keith Baker is a Conservative councillor for Coronation Ward, in Woodley, and leader of Woodley Town Council

Once more with feeling

Business cases: how important are they?

From the chamber

Forward to a new sound Local Plan

IT is six months since I took on the role of Exec member for Planning and Local Plan. It has certainly been a very busy period.

In early summer we received important information from the 2021 Census. Between 2011 and 2021, the population of Wokingham Borough increased by just over 15%, while the average across the Country was only 6.3%. Our area has therefore grown 2.5 times the national average.

This is not surprising when you see all the new homes that has been built across large parts of the Borough.

I believe that Wokingham Borough has delivered more than its fair share of homes towards the Conservative Government’s annual housing target.

In mid-summer, we received the analysis of the near 3,000 submissions to the WBC LPU Regulation 18 Consultation that took place late 2021/early 2022.

From this analysis, it became clear that all proposed housing sites included in that consultation had received objections from some quarters.

This is unsurprising as the provision of new housing is often controversial, with many local residents concerned about overdevelopment, loss of habitat and the change to the character of our area.

However, others also continue to recognise that we remain in an acute housing crisis and that new housing, in particular new affordable housing continues to be needed locally.

The issue we must now address is how to move forward with a New Local Plan, and one that meets, as best we can, the wishes of our residents, including those that need the new housing we must provide.

You will have seen on several occasions in this newspaper, the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Clive Jones, continuing to lobby the Government about excessive Housing numbers in our area.

He has written to all three of the Secretary of States for Levelling up, including Michael Gove MP for a second time when he was reinstated in this post a couple of months ago.

At long last we believe the

Government has heard this message.

On December 6, 2022, Mr Gove issued a statement in the House of Commons that they would be producing a Prospectus on Planning including the Local Plan before Christmas.

On December 22, two consultation documents were issued. One that covers the levelling up proposals and a second, which sets out draft revised planning policy for England and Wales called the NPP .

This document is the one that is used by Government to guide and drive the Local Plan process.

Within the revised NPPF there are a number of proposed changes that gives us cause for cautious optimism that our lobbying has worked, that we have been listened to, and that there is potential for changes within the Local Plan process that we trust could lead to more manageable and acceptable housing numbers in areas like ours, that have delivered considerable housing development over the past five-10 years.

The first ground for optimism relates to past over-delivery of Homes in an area. The draft NPPF states: “If there is clear evidence of past over-delivery, in the terms of the number of homes permitted, compared to the housing requirement, in which case this over-delivery may be deducted from the provision required in the New Plan”.

In Wokingham area, it is currently estimated that there has been an over-delivery somewhere in the region of 1,800 homes during the period of the current Local Plan (2006 -2026).

If the draft NPPF comes forward

pitch should be ready for use by the end of this year.

These new facilities are linked to previous development in the parish and were requested by local sports clubs that needed improved facilities to recruit and develop new sporting talent in the area.

Once complete, they will be handed over to Shinfield Parish Council to manage the day-to-day running and oversight.

Grassroots sports facilities are so important for local communities.

unchanged in its final form, it would suggest that this level of past over-delivery could be taken into account, thereby potentially reducing the number of homes required within our new Local Plan, currently under preparation.

The second ground for optimism relates to the removal of something called a housing buffer.

This is a percentage uplift above the Housing Need figure (in Wokingham a 5% uplift has been used). The removal of this buffer uplift would reduce the overall Housing needs requirement for our area. This is a smaller, but still important reduction.

Where a Council progresses its Local Plan in a timely manner and that plan includes sufficient housing to meet the community’s needs it also appears that there are grounds for optimism that the new NPPF will provide stronger protections for those communities facing speculative development which is contrary to the plan.

Of course, there is still ‘some water to go under the bridge’ until we see the final version of the NPPF, so we will be continuing to lobby hard as possible and will be responding in detail to the Government’s consultation proposals before the deadline of March 2.

I would also ask anyone who is concerned about overdevelopment in areas like Wokingham to do the same and continue to lobby our MPs and, in particular, respond to these two documents.

The more people that comment, the more Government is likely to listen – we hope.

From the deputy leader Cllr Stephen Conway A New Year greeting

IHOPE 2023 will be a happy and successful year for all readers of Wokingham Today.

The festive season is a time when we relax with family and friends and recharge our batteries.

But I hope you will spare a thought for those who are alone or facing a bleak time because they can’t pay for heating and food.

We are in the middle of a tough winter for many members of our community; the cost-ofliving crisis is hitting even people who have never had to ask for help before.

With many residents struggling to make ends meet, the local economy is inevitably affected; fewer sales mean lower profits, and inflation hits our local shops and businesses as hard as it hits us.

The council’s capacity to help is also limited; double-digit inflation, rising demand for services, falls in anticipated income and now interest-rate rises all limit the ability of the council to provide the level of support that we would all like to be able to give.

But the start of a new year is a time to take stock and remember the positives as well as the negatives.

In relation to the cost-of-living crisis, the biggest positive here in Wokingham Borough is the number of local charities, voluntary bodies and individuals who have committed time and effort to help those who are in need.

WELL, as World Cup Finals go, the one between Argentina and France was one of the very best matches I have seen in a long time.

And while the early exits of England and the Netherlands was obviously disappointing, it meant that I could watch the final in a relaxed state of mind, simply enjoying the beautiful game.

Sport is good for you.

Active participation is of course good for one’s physical health, but even taking part as a spectator lifts one’s spirits.

Knowing that you are among millions sharing in the enjoyment of watching a memorable game creates a sense of belonging, and a shared experience we

can discuss at lengths afterwards with friends and colleagues.

At the University, many academic colleagues study the broader impact of sports on individuals and society and the result tells us inevitably: sport is good for you.

It should therefore come as no surprise that in our work with the wider community in Reading and Wokingham, we include sport in the opportunities for people living in our own neighbourhood.

This year, working alongside Shinfield Parish Council, we plan to deliver two important new community facilities.

The Manor Sports Pavilion and pitches are due to be complete in spring and the Shinfield West Pavilion and cricket

They bring people together, they help to encourage active lifestyles, which in turn lead to an overall healthier population, and they can also be the start of someone’s sporting career.

That is why we are working once again alongside Shinfield Parish Council to look at future sports provision for the parish, and we want to consult people on their views on what this should look like.

The University has put forward proposals for a further six sports pitches as part of a Reserved Matters Application for the site at Shinfield West, but we would like to consult with local residents on what type of pitches these should be.

They might be facilities for football, hockey, rugby, American football, tennis, or other sports. Now is the chance for local people,

Lindsay Ferris is the executive member for planning and the local plan, and ward member for Twyford

Cllr

and sports clubs, to have their say.

As part of the consultation process, we will be jointly hosting an event with Shinfield Parish Council on Saturday 28 January, at Shinfield Parish Council Community Centre, giving residents the chance to see the plans from the University and the Parish Council, and provide feedback.

At the same event, the University and the Parish Council will also ask local people about their aspirations for a new community growing space in Shinfield.

We have some ideas that could open up opportunities for sustainable food growing and increased biodiversity, as well as educational opportunities for school children.

These plans are separate to discussions around the updated Wokingham Local Plan, and the development of Loddon Garden Village, the University’s proposed new community development at Hall Farm – currently awaiting a decision from the council.

Whatever the outcome of that decision, the University is committed to continue to work with our neighbours, and to deliver the best outcome for all, including for our local sports stars of the future.

n For more details, log on to: rdg.ac/ShinfieldSport

We are fortunate to live in an area where so many people are communityminded and willing to support those who are struggling.

As the councillor responsible for fostering partnerships, I have been privileged to work with many such inspiring people over the last few months.

I have also been fortunate to have the support of so many excellent and committed council officers and fellow councillors who are passionate about mobilising community resources to tackle the local impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

I want to take this opportunity to thank them all for their hard work and dedication.

I hope we can all, in our own ways, emulate their willingness to put others first.

Every act of kindness, every offer of help, however small, can make a real difference.

Partnership is based on a simple principle – we can achieve more by working together than we can on our own.

Let’s try to make partnership an important part of the way we approach the challenges of the new year.

Cllr Stephen Conway is the deputy leader of Wokingham Borough Council and Lib Dem councillor for Twyford

From the vicechancellor

Professor Robert Van de Noort

Enhancing sport and leisure facilities in Shinfield

Cllr Lindsday Ferris

Comedy Cellar at South Hill Park

A LIVE comedy club is set to return to South Hill Park

The Comedy Cellar sees four stand-ups take the mic to tickle funny bones at a weekly showcase.

The event has seen the likes of Carl Donnelly, Jen Brister, and Marlon Davis, among others, performing.

The Comedy Cellar is the longest-running Comedy Club in the UK outside of London, established in 1986.

It returns on Friday, January 20, from 8pm, and every Friday following.

n Tickets and information can be found via: www.southhillpark. org.uk

Wild night out

THE FIRST film of the year from Wokingham Film Society will be a screening of Wild Men.

The 15-rated movie tells the story of a man attempting to deal with his mid-life crisis in a rather extreme fashion.

He leaves his family to head to the mountain, armed with a bow and arrow, and dressed in animal skins.

Can he create the modern prehistoric family, or is it more Jetsons than Flintstones?

The screening takes place on Thursday, January 12, from 7.30pm at The Whitty Theatre in Luckley House School.

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

John Robins ready to Howl! in Reading

OCTOBER might seem a long way off, but tickets for a comedian’s new show are on sale – and it is the autumn that he’ll be visiting Reading.

John Robins is embarking on his biggest live tour, with a new show – Howl.

He says: “Johnny JR is hauling his old bag ‘o bones back on the road. That’s right folks, 50 MILLION podcast downloads and I daresay the odd Perrier Award knocking about the place isn’t enough to hold this firebrand away from dropping truth bombs left right and centre.

“Well, that’s one way of looking at it.

“Another is that the four years since my last tour left me with a hell of a lot of staring time, and if I don’t start screaming in regional arts centres soon then I may just burst.”

He continues: “If I thought lockdown was hard, then this last year has been an absolute pile of (ahem), I drove around the UK in a Kia Sportage in an attempt to get away from everything. Did it work? Did it (ahem).

“This show isn’t about mental health, this show is mental health.

In all it’s rage, joy, tears, anxiety and humour. Isn’t that what comedy is? There’s even a bit where I’m pretty scathing of the

disingenuous platitudes of the modern wellness industry.

“If you’ve seen me before you know the drill, if you haven’t hold on to your butts.”

He promises the show won’t end with something glib and preachy, nor anything particularly uplifting. Nothing will be set to music.

Instead, John promises “There will be both bangs and whimpers, it will end on a good old-fashioned laugh. That’s my motto. I’m also trying to edit out all the bits about golf, if that sweetens the deal?”

John has appeared on Live at

the Apollo (BBC Two), Celebrity Mastermind (BBC One) (John is one of the world’s leading authorities on the rock band Queen) Live from the BBC (BBC Two), Mock the Week (BBC Two), 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4), Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled (Dave), Stand Up Central (Comedy Central).

He will be at Reading’s Concert Hall on Friday, October 27. Tickets cost £23.50.

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

Progress Theatre plans for The Welkin

READING’S oldest producing theatre is gearing up for its first production of 2023.

Progress Theatre is kicking off the year with its production of The Welkin in January.

The play takes place in rural Suffolk during 1759, when Sally Poppy is sentenced to hang for a murder.

When she claims she is pregnant, however, a jury of twelve matrons are tasked with deciding whether she is telling the truth.

The Welkin is written by British playwright and Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, Lucy Kirkwood.

It runs at Progress Theatre, The Mount, from Friday, January 20, to Saturday, January 28.

Progress features a number of accessible show dates, including

socially distanced performances. Relaxed performances are adapted to make provisions for families with young children and people with physical or special needs.

This includes a relaxed attitude to audience noise, adaptations to the production to reduce anxiety and sensory stimuli.

It also holds Come As You Are nights, which feature earlier opening times and space to change for trans, non-binary, or gender non-conforming people who can feel excluded or unsafe in certain public spaces.

n Tickets and information about The Welkin can be found via: progresstheatre.co.uk

n Information about inclusive performances can be found via: progresstheatre.co.uk/ accessibility

South Hill Park’s January fun

SOUTH Hill will play host to a number of events during January, including theatre, music, comedy, and fairs.

It will be holding a free wedding fair on Sunday, January 15, featuring suppliers such as cakemakers, florists, jewellers, and photographers, as well as coordinators to provide a more tailored service.

Marky Dawson is performing his wide repertoire of musical theatre, jazz, and rock at the venue’s Cellar Bar on Wednesday, January 19.

This month’s Conservatoire

International Concert Series sees Oliver Nelson and Vasilis Rakitzis return to the programme with pieces by Schubert, Mozart, and Fauré, on Friday, January 20.

They will be followed by Yoon Chung, who will perform Brahms, Ravel, and Schubert’s pieces on Friday, January 27.

Wilde Sundays will take place on Sunday, January 22, with Tim Shez, Laura Loh, and Neil Wells, who will perform original material.

Blackeyed Theatre is bringing its premier tour of Teechers Leavers ‘22 to the venue,

Beans means Face Bar

A CULT hero of the folk scene is preparing to perform in Reading as part of a new national tour.

Beans on Toast, a self-described outlaw, is to undertake a “mahoosive ramble” from February.

It’s just one man and his guitar with songs to sing and stories to tell, and he will be stopping off at The Face Bar as he crisscrosses the country to perform at 30 independent venues.

Since 2005, Beans on Toast has written simple songs about complicated subjects. Tackling the big issues of the day but doing so with his feet firmly on the ground, he’s become a people’s champ of the modern folk scene and amassed a huge back catalogue of songs in the process.

An unrepentant optimist whose songs celebrate all that is wonderful about the human spirit, his live shows are similarly uplifting and have taken him from SOLD OUT headline shows in the UK to the stages of major international festivals across the globe.

“Folk music is an age-old art form, and it’s more

Wednesday-Friday, January 25-27.

The production is a comedy that explores the life of school teachers and pupils through the eyes of Salty, Gail, and Hobby.

A concert performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe will be held on Saturday, January 28, which will take on the ideas of power, privilege, and parliamentary democracy in the usual satirical fashion.

n Tickets and information about South Hill Park’s events can be found via: www.southhillpark. org.uk

relevant than ever in these wild and crazy modern times,” says Beans.

“You can expect an inspiring and entertaining gig, a relaxed and fun affair that leaves you feeling like you’ve met up with an old friend, and you’re all the better for it.”

n His Reading date is Friday, March 24, and tickets are on sale at: www.beansontoastmusic.com

John Robins’ Howl! will be at Reading’s Concert Hall on Friday, October 27

The Welkin is showing at Progress Theatre from Friday, January 20, to Saturday, January 28. Picture: Courtesy of Progress Theatre

Navigating tricky January

Time for kindness

Browning

JANUARY can be a tricky month at the best of times.

The days are short and dark. It’s cold. It’s a long time until the next fun celebrations.

And don’t even get me started on the pressure of new year’s resolutions to become the ‘new you’.

It is likely to be even trickier this year, with all the challenges so many of us are facing.

But don’t despair. If we know something is tricky, we have a better chance of doing something about it. We can find our own ways to be resilient and keep our chins up in difficult times.

This year I’d like to suggest that you add kindness to your list of

coping mechanisms for January.

It’s a great source of positivity and hope, something which is particularly welcome at this point in time.

There are two aspects to kindness that I think are especially helpful just now. One is carrying out acts of kindness yourself and the second one is noticing the kind things that other people are doing.

Being kind

Think about the last time you did something kind and remember how that made you feel. Just the other day I called out to someone on the street to tell them they had dropped their glove.

Seeing the delight

Inthegarden

on their face that they hadn’t lost their handwarmer made me feel pleased too.

As well as knowing this impact anecdotally, there is an increasing body of scientific research that shows that being kind has positive effects on your physical and mental health.

When you help a neighbour carry their shopping from the car or let someone in front of you in a queue, you are getting a boost of positive chemicals in your brain.

Seeing kindness around you

Every day, people all around us are quietly getting on with being kind to others, not making a fuss, just doing it.

A really easy way to give yourself hope and positivity is to make the effort to notice what’s happening.

We have to make a conscious decision to do this because so much of the news we consume is negative.

But once we have decided there is a different way, we can see what the majority of people are really like. In the last few days, I have spotted:

Someone helping a neighbour to take their bins in after they had been emptied

Someone posting a supportive comment on social media (actually, I see this one a lot,

directly opposite to the reputation that social media has)

Someone picking up litter in their community

All of these things have made me smile and given me hope.

Over to you

So why not give it a try yourself this January? Do something kind. Make a deliberate choice to see kindness

Time to plan for the year ahead

JANUARY is a great time to get organised in the garden and make plans for the year ahead.

You can start planning what plants you might like to add or seeds you might like to grow in spring and what materials you need to do this, plus what kind of budget you have.

Gardens can cost, so try to keep things simple and where possible reuse, recycle or come up with money-saving ideas that can help you create the garden of your dreams regardless of resources or space.

So, thrifty tip for the month is … get your tools sorted before the gardening season gets into full swing.

You don’t need masses of tools just a few good ones – the best you can afford – or keep an eye out for bargains in second hand shops or stalls … making sure that the metal parts are in good shape.

You will need a good spade (preferably with a wooden handle that comes up to your hip in height), a fork and a hoe.

Plus a pair of secateurs is essential, as is a watering can. If you have space a wheelbarrow is also handy.

If you are container gardening then a hand trowel and fork are a must. The rest you can improvise … pencils for dibbers, yoghurt pots and plastic food trays for seeds and cuttings, large plastic bottles for cloches, etc.

You can also make tools last longer by wiping them with a rag dabbed with oil after use. Keep them sharp with a sharpener stone or the sharpener you use for your carving knives – and don’t leave them out in the rain or snow.

Being snow-aware in the garden can not only help with the longevity of equipment, it can also stop extensive plant damage which means you don’t have to spend money on repairs or replacements.

Advice from the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) is to shake or brush heavy snow from conifers, shrubs and hedges to prevent branches breaking.

When it comes to turf and borders a covering of snow provides insulation from the cold so it’s best left in place.

You should avoid walking on frozen and snow-covered lawns as this damages the grass, causing unsightly brown footprints to appear after the thaw.

One of the plants we love to see at this time of year is the perfectly formed Snowdrop. Common snowdrops are hardy and fairly easy to grow with many beautiful species to choose from.

If you’re hoping to create an impressive swathe in your garden then try Galanthus nivalis. It’s the most common species because it self-seeds and spreads very quickly, which means you get to enjoy your snowy white display sooner rather than later.

Always buy pots of snowdrops ‘in the green’ – so when they have finished flowering but the leaves

around you. Please get in touch to tell me what you see and do.

I wish you all a happy new year, filled with the positivity of kindness.

Sarah Browning is a Kindness Cheerleader, Communicator and Strategist. For more details, log on to: www. timeforkindness. co.uk

How to avoid flat batteries

are still green and intact. Or you could lift and divide any large clumps from a different location or garden, which would give you a supply of snowdrops for free. Plant them out as soon as possible in partial shade (such as under a tree) and in moist but well-drained soil.

You can add some compost or leaf mould to give added nutrients. Plant to the same depth they were previously grown, or around four inches/10cm deep and space clumps about six inches/15cm apart.

Water them in and leave. In addition to Galanthus nivalis you could also consider varieties such as ‘Staffan’ – a vigorous, single flowerer producing two flower stems from each bulb and ‘Atkinsil’ – which has large slender scented flowers with a heart-shaped mark on the inner segments.

The RHS Gardener’s Checklist for January

IT’S THE scourge of motorists everywhere: turning the key to the engine and nothing happening.

The result is flat battery and an empty wallet.

A motoring supplies firm says that many motorists are at risk as they return to work after the festive period, having left their cars on the driveway during the break.

Halfords says more than a third of motorists (38%) are worried about increasing costs, and a fifth (20%) are using their cars less.

But December was a chilly month, freezing temperatures and reduced car usage both drastically increase the likelihood of a flat battery. This leaves motorists around the UK even more vulnerable in January.

The retailer, which has a branch in Wokingham town and at Winnersh, wants motorists to regularly check their car battery to avoid being caught out, even if not using their car for traditional journeys.

When disaster strikes it typically causes people to be over an hour late (66 minutes*) on average for their much-anticipated plans. The survey also revealed the top disastrous consequences which motorists have experienced, as a result of a flat battery:

n Been late for work (14%)

n Missed or been late to an important meeting (6%)

n Had an argument with a partner, friend or family member (5%)

n Missed the birth of a child or a funeral (4%)

n Missed or been late to a wedding (3%)

If motorists do fall foul of a dreaded January Flat Battery, to help motorists keep on top of this, Halfords says it offers two tier memberships which help you save overallincluding checking the health of your battery and savings on a new one.

The free tier offers a 10-point motoring check for battery health, tyres, lights, oil level and also top up the screen wash. This is worth £15.

Those joining the free Halfords Motoring Club can also enjoy a range of benefits including £10 off MOTs and a £5 welcome voucher. Benefits are ready to use directly after joining.

The premium tier is £4.99 a month or £49 per year, and includes an MoT, 5% discount on purchases, a £10 welcome voucher and free battery fitting if needed. There is also an opportunity to have two 10-point checks a year, worth £30.

Richard Bruce, motoring director from Halfords, said: “Typically, we experience cars being left idle more over winter due to festive plans. This year, however, we’re seeing an even bigger increase in cars being left dormant over Christmas to help ease financial burden during these difficult times, but this does risk leaving drivers facing flat battery misery when they get back into their cars.

“We’re encouraging motorists to regularly turn on their car engines to maintain them, as well as taking advantage of our Halfords Motoring Club and free 10-point checks to keep their cars in good condition, even when the winter weather strikes.”

Sarah

FIRST SIGN OF SPRING: Snowdrops in the garden

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS DOWN

QUICK CROSSWORD

1. One engaged in stocktaking (7) 5. Storyteller appears in Singapore assembly without ring (5) 8. General allowance (5) 9. Let sire remove the spear (7) 10. Call of the wise? (2-4,2-4) 12

12. 3 21 27

Mother taken in by unfortunate nude who was undone (6) 14. Girl, a graduate, accepts old priest (6) 17. Idle creature in the sitting room? (6,6) 21. I tap twice possibly on the window (3-1-3) 22. Left one with this in France, a weapon (5) 23. Born and died unknown and poor (5) 24. Fish or wine a theologian consumed (7) 13 14 21

7 9 4 5 3 5 3 9 3 2 2 1

perform

addition and subtraction.

FIVE ALIVE EQUALISER NONAGRAM

Sort of column that could be one’s own (8) 11. Feather from swan used for writing (5-3) 13. Sounds like a charlatan can bank on this policeman (7) 15. Prevented from expressing an opinion, like a dog that cannot bite? (7) 16. Large stain left inside badly finished work (6) 18. One who travels from heart of Egypt to outskirts of Surrey (5) 520102624 102518172491 24 25 15 26 16 19 25 192023252225 102472010 14 2 20 20 18 9 9 181992318 102512515181 9 1 131813 22 15 9811202318 912159218 25 8 92326 18 19 201581813226 121918323 11 18 9 19 19 12 2 2015102423 9159132318 18 9 2 15 15 13 6 2343219104 8921823

4. 5 15 19

5. 6 10 16

Get on and tell it (6) 5 24

Goodbye to a Parisian (5) 6 25

6. 24

1. Equip a northern port (4) 2. It’s chaos in the army as fun develops (5) 3. Fastened new chalet front door (7) 4 8 10 22 23 28 30

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.

SUDOKU

row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

19.

20.

Let cash be removed from the bag (7) 7 17

Ronald has the same piece of music (5)

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible). 2 18

EASY

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.

7. 352 7 4 9 9 1 2 5 8 1 6 3 371 9 5 27 4 2 1 9 6 76 32 8 5 2

Abeyance;

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Parlour; 8 Envelop; 9 Robotic; 10 Igneous; 11 Bus stop; 14 Ned; 16 Beta; 18 Rout; 19 Ewer; 20 Ache; 21 Olé; 23 Imagery; 26 Albumen; 28 Tension; 29 Surname; 30 Layette. Down – 1 Parabola; 2 Robes; 3 Octet; 4 Recipe; 5 Oven; 6 Almoner; 7 Apes; 12 Shoe; 13 Onto; 15 Deem;

(1) (2) Across – Aimed; Vegan; Later. Down – Anvil; Might; Donor. Across – Repay; Tiara; Resin. Down – Rotor; Prays; Yearn. 6352 718 94 1289 645 73 4973 851 26 2 5 4 8 1 7 6 3 9 3716 492 85 8695 237 41 5 4 2 1 9 8 3 6 7 7164 329 58 9837 564 12 1594 367 82 4378 291 65 8267 153 49 9 8 4 1 6 7 2 5 3 5732 986 14 6125 439 78 7 4 1 3 8 2 5 9 6 3986 514 27 2659 748 31 EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU CROSS CODE FIVE ALIVE: NONAGRAM: 1. How is the decimal number 0.625 expressed as a fraction? 2. Which country lies due west of the Japanese island of Hokkaido? 3. What is the technical term for a pivot on which a lever moves? 4. Who won Britain’s only Olympic gold medal of the 20th century in the javelin? 5. Former One Direction singer Harry Styles plays a workaholic husband in which 2022 psychological thriller film? Quiz Challenge 6. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been Conservative MP for which parliamentary seat since 2015? 7. Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes are the main characters in which Stephen King horror novel? 8. In Greek mythology, what is the dwelling place of the blessed after death? 9. Which food types are classed as pulses? 10. Which European country has a language known as Magyar? ACROSS 59 8 21 7 15 9 8 1 6 57 14 2 3 5 3 4 7 59 4 DOWN 1. Living room (7) 8. Fold into (7) 9. Machine-like (7) 10. Fiery (7) 11. Traveller’s waiting place (3,4) 14. --- Kelly, Australian outlaw (3) 16. Greek letter (4) 18. Comprehensive defeat (4) 19. Large jug (4) 20. Dull pain (4) 21. Spanish exclamation (3) 23. Figures of speech (7) 26. Egg white (7) 28. Emotional strain (7) 29. Manures (anag.) (7) 30. Baby clothes (7) 1. Conic section (8) 2. Flowing garments (5) 3. Group of eight (5) 4. Formula (6) 5. Cooking appliance (4) 6. Medical social worker (7) 7. Mimics (4) 12. Item of footwear (4) 13. Preposition (4) 15. Judge (4) 16. Floating ice mass (4) 17. Suspension (8) 18. Herbaceous plant (7) 22. Horizontal beam (6) 24. Irritate (5) 25. Be extant (5) 26. As well (4) 27. Defensive trench (4) © Sirius Media Services Ltd. Clockwise from top left – add; subtract; multiply; divide. Total: 6. TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER No. 5447 22 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 5, 2023

the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always Z 14 N 15 X 16 Q 17 E 18 R 19 I 20 J 21 W 22 S 23 U 24 O 25 H 26 QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Five-eighths; 2 Russia; 3 Fulcrum; 4 Tessa Sanderson; 5 Don’t Worry Darling; 6 Richmond (Yorks); 7 Misery; 8 Elysium; 9 Peas, beans and lentils; 10 Hungary.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD:

Classifieds

PUBLICNOTICES

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984

WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (ISLANDSTONELANEAND BROADCOMMONROAD,HURST) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe29thDecember 2022WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority madeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoad TrafficRegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichisto prohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong:

1.IslandstoneLane,Hurstbetweenitsjunctions withBroadcommonRoadandNelson’sLane.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaNelson’sLaneandIslandstone Laneorbythisrouteinreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 16thJanuaryand27thJanuary2023.

2.BroadcommonRoad,Hurstbetweenitsjunctions withBroadcommonLaneandA321WokinghamRoad. Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaBroadcommonRoadandA321 WokinghamRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 9thJanuaryand13thJanuary2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowThames Watercontractorstoundertakeconnectingnewwater mainwithparentwatermaininsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe9thJanuary2023andshallcontinuein forceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:5thJanuary2023

ChrisEaston AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT

PUBLICNOTICES

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984

WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (BINFIELDROAD,WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe5thJanuary2023 WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthoritymade anOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTraffic RegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibit anyvehiclefromproceedingalong:

BinfieldRoad,Wokinghambetweenitsjunctionswith KeephatchRoadandBeanOakRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaBeanOakRoad,PloughLaneand BinfieldRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (EASTHAMPSTEADROADANDB3349 BARKHAMROAD,WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

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

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe29thDecember 2022WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority madeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoad TrafficRegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichisto prohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong: A321WargraveRoad,Wargravebetweenitsjunctions withKentonsLaneandA4130WhiteHill.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaA4130WhiteHill,A4130Henley Road.HenleyRoad,A404,A4BathRoad,A4NewBath Road,A321WargraveRoadandA321HighStreetorby thisrouteinreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplaceon12th January2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowBT contractorstoundertakeoverheadstructureworkin safety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe12thJanuary2023andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntil theworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:5thJanuary2023

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 16thJanuaryand30thJanuary2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowSouthEast Watercontractorstoundertakeawatermainsbypass arrangementonexistingwatermaininsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe16thJanuary2023andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntil theworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristhe earlier.

Dated:5thJanuary2023

ChrisEaston AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984

WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (MCCARTHYWAY,WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2022

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe29thDecember 2022WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority madeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoad TrafficRegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichisto prohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong: McCarthyWay,WokinghamfromitsjunctionwithThe Spinney.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 9thJanuary2023and13thJanuary2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowSouthEast Watercontractorstoundertakeleakingcommunication piperenewalworkinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe9thJanuary2023andshallcontinuein forceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:5thJanuary2023

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport

1.EasthampsteadRoad,Wokinghamandfora distanceof20moneithersideofthelevelcrossing Thealternativerouteforallnorthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaOldWokingham Road,PeacockLane,VigarWay,JennettsPark Roundabout,BerkshireWay,A329LondonRoad,A329 PeachStreetandEasthampsteadRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaEasthampstead Road,A329PeachStreet,A329BroadStreet,A329 RectoryRoad,A329WiltshireRoad,A329London Road,BerkshireWay,JennettsParkRoundabout,Vigar Way,PeacockLaneandOldWokinghamRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplace between12thFebruaryand17thFebruary2023and 24thFebruaryand26thFebruary2023between23:00 and22:00.

2.B3349BarkhamRoad,Wokinghambetweenits junctionswithOxfordRoadandA321WellingtonRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallcarsandlightvehicles (Northbound)affectedbythisrestrictionshallbe viaB3349BarkhamRoad, MollyMillarsLane,A321FinchampsteadRoad andA321WellingtonRoad

Thealternativerouteforallcarsandlightvehicles (Southbound)affectedbythisrestrictionshallbevia StationApproach,A329ReadingRoad,A321Station Road,A321WellingtonRoad,A321Finchampstead Road,MollyMillarsLaneandB3349BarkhamRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallHGV’s(Northbound) affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3349Barkham Road,BearwoodRoad,B3030KingStreet Lane,A329ReadingRoadandA321StationRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallHGV’s(Southbound) affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaStation Approach,A329ReadingRoad,B3030KingStreet Lane,BearwoodRoadandB3349BarkhamRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplace between28thJanuaryand30thJanuary2023and 12thFebruaryand17thFebruary2023between23:00 and22:00.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowNetwork Railcontractorstoundertakeaccessingtherailwayvia thelevelcrossingwithheavymachineryinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedat alltimes.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe28thJanuary2023andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntil theworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristhe earlier.

Dated:5thJanuary2023

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

1984WOKINGHAMBOROUGH COUNCIL(A321WARGRAVEROAD, WARGRAVE)(TEMPORARY PROHIBITIONOFDRIVING)ORDER 2023

223583

223584 StanfordEndFarm, BargeLane, Swallowfield

223603

Workstoalisted building

Householderapplicationfortheproposedsinglestorey extensionandnewsewagetreatmentplantfollowing demolitionoftheexistingattachedoutbuildings,barns andexistingconservatory,insertionof1no.firststorey windowandotherchangestofenestration.

ApplicationforListedBuildingconsentfortheproposed singlestoreyextensionandnewsewagetreatmentplant followingdemolitionoftheexistingattachedoutbuildings, barnsandexistingconservatory,insertionof1no.first storeywindowandcomprehensiverefurbishmentof existingdwellinghouse.

Fullapplicationfortheproposederectionofasingle storeyextensiontotheexistingdininghallandatwo storeyextensiontotheexistingSixthFormblockto provide8no.newclassrooms,plusanewcanopytothe frontentranceandaservicesandbinstore,following demolitionoftheexistingservicesandbinstore.

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatWokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority proposestomakeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTrafficRegulationAct 1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong: KirtonsFarmRoad,PingewoodforitsentiretybetweenitsjunctionswithWest BerkshireBoroughBoundaryandReadingBoroughBoundary.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaBerry’s Lane,BurghfieldRoad,AmnersFarmRoad,PingewoodRoadSouthandKybesLaneor bythisrouteinreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween25thJanuaryand27thJanuary 2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowGroundControlLimitedcontractorsto undertakecutbackoftreesandvegetationinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithintheboundariesoftheserestrictionswillbe maintainedatalltimes.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapplyduringthoseperiodswhentraffic signscomplyingwiththeTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections2016are lawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeintooperationonthe25thJanuary 2023andshallcontinueinforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Forupto datenews inthe borough followus on

223704

Applicationtovaryconditions2,3,10,13and15of planningconsent203439fortheremovalof12no. existingmobilehomesandtheerectionof11no.two storeypre-fabricatedtemporaryaccommodationunits consistingofoneself-containedtwo-bedroomhousing unitperfloor(plots39-48)and1no.singlestoreymobile house(plot36).Condition2referstoapproveddetails andthevariationistoallowtheadditionofstepsto externalstaircasesforplots45,46and47.Condition3 referstoexternalmaterialsandthevariationistoallow thechangestothecladdingforplot36.Condition10 referstolandscapingandthevariationistoallowthe additionalplanting/replantingoftrees.Condition13 referstoparkingandturningandthevariationistoallow anewparkingplan.Condition15referstobinstoresand thevariationistoallowaphaseddevelopment.

Applicationtovarycondition2ofplanningconsent 190014fortheHouseholderapplicationforthe demolitionoftwoexistingdormersat30aRoseStreet whichareanadditiontotheexistingbuilding,andthe proposalofareplacementsingleroofdormer.Condition2 referstoApproveddetailsandthevariationistoallowthe useofthestaircasewithprotectivescreen(protective screennotfittedasyet).

Dated:5thJanuary2023

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

StCrispinsSchool, LondonRoad, Wokingham

Major Application

36and39-48 GrovelandsPark, Winnersh

Major Application

223714 30ARoseStreet, Wokingham Conservation Area

READING FC REVIEW OF 2022: INCE DRAGS ROYALS TO SAFETY AFTER TOXIC START

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinhgam.today

THE year proved to be one of Championship survival for Reading FC.

It started in difficult circumstances with the club in crisis under Veljko Paunovic.

The Royals found themselves in a tricky period as the year started with losing a two-goal lead in the final five minutes to Derby County.

After suffering an embarrassing defeat to non-league Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup thirdround, Reading’s form slumped in the league.

Things had reached a breaking point which caused

a divide between the fans and the club, leading to protests against the management and ownership.

Among their seven game losing streak, Reading were humiliated at home to Fulham in which the eventual Championship winners scored seven goals without reply.

The club weren’t able to mark their 150th anniversary game with any kind of cheer with a 3-2 loss to Coventry.

On the back of a 3-2 win at Preston, Paunovic was sacked as Royals boss, a decision that was taken prior to the game.

To the surprise of many, and after eight years out of

management, Paul Ince took the reins at Reading.

Ince started with a muchneeded win, the first home victory since October 2021, with a 2-1 victory over Birmingham.

A 4-1 away loss at Blackpool saw Reading crash back down to earth after two consecutive wins and that was followed by successive defeats to Millwall and Nottingham Forest in March.

A valuable point away at Bournemouth was followed by Josh Laurent’s wonder goal giving Reading three points at home to Blackburn.

Reading recovered after losing at home to Cardiff City with a remarkable

away win at Sheffield United.

Having taken the lead through Lucas Joao, Reading were pegged back at the death by Ndiaye’s goal as it seemed the three points had been snatched away from them.

The Royals showed immense resilience to reply almost immediately when Tom McIntyre scored a dramatic winner in injury time.

The drama was far from over as Reading took on Swansea City in what proved to be the most enthralling game of the campaign.

After looking dead and buried at 4-1 down, Reading somehow clawed themselves back into the game and McIntyre was the stoppage

time hero again for the second time in a week when he netted a 95th minute equaliser to all but seal Reading’s Championship safety.

Ince decided to stay on as Reading boss while former manager Mark Bowen returned as Head of Football Operations.

There were plenty of summer arrivals and departures among the playing staff. Among the notable departures were John Swift, Josh Laurent and Andy Rinomhota who all left on free transfers.

Meanwhile, 13 signings on either free transfers or loan deals were made in total including the return of fan favourite Shane Long.

Despite losing their opening Championship game in July after a short break, August proved to be a fruitful month with four Championship wins from five matches.

Form did start to dip in October with a run of four defeats in five games.

Just prior to the World Cup break having won just one game in their last 10, Reading earned a crucial win in the final minute away at Hull City.

Ince can be pleased with his team’s effort as they were considered by many as relegation candidates and thus far have managed to avoid getting anywhere near the dropzone in the first half of the season.

READING FC

Reading FC had a turbulent year that ended with Championship survival Pictures: Steve Smyth

CITYZENS ENJOY UNBEATEN START RAMS PRESIDENT LOOKS AHEAD TO

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING CITY have had

That puts them just above READING CITY who have also had an astounding start to the season.

The Cityzens are in second position on 42 points after 16 games after going on an outstanding unbeaten run.

BERKS COUNTY finish the year in fourth place in Combined Counties Division One and within touching distance of the teams above them.

After 19 matches, the Swords have 11 wins, three draws and five defeats.

WOODLEY UNITED have managed to climb up the table under new manager Jordan Blake who took charge of the club in the summer.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, it has been a much improved few months for the Kestrels who

are in ninth place with 25 points from 18 matches.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA had an incredible 2021/22 season that saw them reach the play-offs before they were defeated in the semifinals.

The Boars currently sit in mid-table after 17 games in 10th position on 24 points. In the Southern Region

Women’s Premier Division, ASCOT UNITED end the year just off the top in second.

With a game to hand and trailing the league leaders by just four points, the Yellas will be confident of making a title push with six wins, two draws and a defeat so far this campaign.

WOODLEY UNITED are in second position in Southern

Region Women’s Division

One North after making a fine start.

They have five wins, a draw and a defeat which sees them five points behind table toppers Milton United.

CAVERSHAM UNITED are in sixth on eight points, while EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA are a place behind on six points.

ASCOT UNITED LADIES are place off the summit in Thames Valley Women’s Division One having won five of their seven league games.

WARGRAVE are in fourth with four wins from six games, while TILEHURST PANTHERS have won four of their five games to put them fifth.

Having won promotion in the 2021/22 season from Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S, S4K BERKS COUNTY are adapting to life in a new division.

After eight games in Thames Valley Women’s Division Two, the Fawkes are in ninth place with six points.

EXCITING

RAMS RFC President Ian Duncan is looking forward to an exciting 12 months ahead as the Old Bath Road club look to kick onwards across the board.

Ian – now into his 32nd year in the role of President having joined the club way back in the 1960s – said: “There were many high points throughout 2022, including our first-ever National One Friday Night Lights home game back in March, an evening where a crowd of more than 1,000 came to Old Bath Road and the game was also livestreamed worldwide.

“I probably never expected our players to be watched in among others, Australia, South Africa, the Caribbean and more, but it was well deserved and a cracking game as well.

“I am looking forward to my first trip to Hull RUFC next weekend, and to what promises to be a hugely exciting four months to come.”

He continued: “As President I have always been proud of the inclusivity we have as a club from top to bottom, and I am delighted to see all our senior sides performing so well.

NEW YEAR

“The Titans are fourth in their league and the Centaurs and Dragon’s Teeth are top.

“Things are flourishing no less in the younger part of the club – I would like to thank all the coaches, managers and all others involved with the Minis and Juniors and it is marvellous to see so many boys and girls enjoying their rugby at the club.”

Rams RFC president Ian Duncan

Reading City v Wokingham & Emmbrook

Picture: Andrew Batt

an astonishing start to the season in what has been a tale of success in 2022.

ROCKING ROBINS FIRE FIVE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Southern League Premier South

BRACKNELL TOWN made the perfect start to 2023 by thumping five past Hartley Wintney in the league.

The Robins ensured that they stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches with another emphatic victory.

Bracknell got off to a fine

start when George Knight put them ahead after 14 minutes.

After a quiet spell in the match, Bracknell ensured that they pulled ahead into a comfortable lead before the break with two more strikes.

Gary Abisougn made it two in the 42nd minute and in the third minute of added time, Ben Harris extended the advantage to make it 3-0.

The hosts continued their excellent display throughout the second-half and Daniel Bayliss’ 49th minute goal put

the game beyond doubt.

Liam Tack rounded off the scoring to make it 5-0 with just under 15 minutes left to play.

The result means that Bracknell are in fifth position on 36 points from 19 matches after a superb run of form.

The Robins have a chance to push even higher in the table with three games in hand on Poole Town in fourth who are only ahead by four points.

Next up for Bracknell is an away trip to Chesham United who are in third.

Co-manager Jamie McClurg said: “A very focused, strong performance all round from the squad.

“Goals and assists shared around including two home debut goalscorers.

“Six points over the Christmas period and a clean sheet. Great to see our Robins support at the start of 2023.”

Co-manager Carl Withers added: “The perfect start to 2023 for us with three points and a clean sheet setting the tone from the first minute.

Bracknell Town: Eacott, Dean, Burden, Hollis, Bayliss (c), Lodge, Abisogun, Knight, Harris, Tack, Grant Subs: Sanders, English, Platt, Herbert Goals: Knight 14’, Abisogun 42’, Harris 45+3’, Bayliss 49’, Tack 77’

Isthmian South Central

BINFIELD were denied three

points after they conceded a 90th minute goal on their away visit to Marlow.

The Moles went in front after 17 minutes when Taylor Morgan netted, but Marlow levelled the game up on the stroke of half-time when Nawaf Naheer-Omar scored.

Binfield regained their lead with just 10 minutes left on the clock when Brandon Curtis nudged them ahead.

However, the second-half followed the same theme as the first which saw Marlow hit late

The Robins are on a run of seven games unbeaten, helped by their 5-0 win on Monday against Hartley Wintney Pictures: Neil Graham

Eversley & California enjoyed success against Cove Pictures: Andrew Batt

Strong game for both debutants with both grabbing a goal each and lastly thank you to the loyal Robins fans who once again were in full voice.”

again when Aaron McLiesh-White scored a last gasp equaliser.

After 16 matches, Binfield are in ninth place on 28 points.

Binfield are back in action on Friday night at home to Ashford Town.

Binfield: Rackley-Hayes, Hobbs, Giamaeeti, Bayley, Gavin, Winser, Harry, Holland, Morgan, Curtis, Pagliaroli

Subs: Beauchamp, Shaw, Mabukwa, Duncan, Abdulhadi

Goals: Morgan 17’, Naheer-Omar 45’, Curtis 79’, McLeish-White 90’

Combined Counties

Division One

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA

FOOTBALL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

UNBEATEN Reading City start league proceedings for the New Year this Saturday with an away trip to Hilltop.

After making a remarkable start to the campaign, the Cityzens look to protect their invincible streak when they face 10th placed Hilltop.

Simon Johnson’s team has 13 wins and three draws to their name after 16 matches.

They are the only side that has yet to lose a game in the division

started their New Year by adding three points to their tally with a success over Cove.

After striking the post after just four minutes when Ross Mckernan met Luke Cox’s corner, the away team responded by hitting the woodwork from a free-kick.

The Boars scored the first goal of the game when Ash Howes was left with a tap in after Cox’s free-kick wasn’t cleared.

The visitors responded in the 36th minute to ensure they went into half-time with the game level.

Eversley flew out the traps after the restart and restored their lead when Be King found the net from distance.

Eversley then found their

third goal of the contest when King squared for Will Kennedy to convert.

The points mean that Eversley are in 10th place on 27 points from 18 games, just one point behind Woodley United with a game in hand to play.

Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “Great to get a win today (Monday) in difficult conditions to mark my four years as Eversley & California manager. Lots of amazing people worked with in that time and lots of players who have all played their part.”

Eversley & California: Pigeon, King, Moriarty, Cooper, Pantony, Catt, Cox, Crocker, Clark, Mckernan, Howes

Goals

IN LEAGUE WIN UNBEATEN CITYZENS LOOK TO CONTINUE FAULTLESS STREAK

and they sit four points behind table toppers Ascot United with a game in hand to play.

City also have the best goal difference in the league as their sturdy defence has conceded just 10 goals all season.

Meanwhile, they have also been potent in attack and are the third highest scorers in the league with 44 goals from 16 games.

They only trail Ascot, who have played one more match, and third placed Egham by one goal who have played three more games.

Reading were due to kick off the year by welcoming Virginia Water to the Rivermoor on Monday, but the game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Reading City chairman Martin Law said: “Over the past few years, we have taken huge strides at Reading City Football club, to build a community based football club that the people of Reading and beyond can be proud of.

“Reading City is a non-profitable organisation and will always be a club run for local people, by local people.”

Thames Valley Premier League

FINCHAMPSTEAD missed out on the chance to close the gap on league leaders YATELEY UNITED in their top of the table clash.

Adam Mills was on the scoresheet for Finch, but they missed out after a narrow 2-1 loss away from home.

Yateley now have a healthy 16-point lead at the summit having played two more games than second placed Finch.

From the middle

“As we enter a new year with our first team unbeaten in the league, why not come on down and find out more about your community club, and create a truly incredible non-league atmosphere here at the Rivermoor.

“This is your club, and we need you to be our twelfth man.”

The club is also offering free admission to all Reading FC season ticket holders.

n For ticket details for Reading City home matches, please visit: https:// ticketpass.org/o/508749258/readingcity-fc/events#explore

CHILDREN AT FOOTBALL MATCHES

READING Football Club’s match against Coventry, had the offer ‘bring your child for £1’.

Word must have got around for there was a large attendance of parents with their children.

Probably the best attendance for some time.

It made me think how different things are from when I went as a boy to Reading’s old venue at Elm Park.

My father was a regular and keen supporter of Reading, after we returned to England.

However, he never once took me or my brother, but fathers seldom did.

At 11 or 12, I started going by myself, cycling from home in Caversham, leaving my bike in the yard of the local paper shop for 2p.

Once inside, I made my way to the front at the halfway line, where I could see and cheer Reading’s players.

I once got rebuked for shouting ‘Come on Wilf’ by a male adult supporter.

Not many women attended football matches in those days. I suppose at my age I should have called ‘Come on Mr Chitty’.

Wilf Chitty was part of Reading’s excellent right wing, which consisting of Maurice Edleston (the manager’s son and captain of the England Amateur team) and Tony McPhee who headed in Mr Chitty’s crosses.

I was reminded of this at the Coventry match when a squeaky juvenile voice behind me, was shouting advice at the referee, without rebuke.

Bringing children to matches has to be a good thing, but there is a problem that they may learn the wrong behaviour.

At one of my early visits to the Madejski Stadium, as it was known then, a Reading player was sent off for bringing an opponent down as he looked about to score.

A clear breach of denying a goal scoring opportunity, as the Law then stood.

But as the referee made his way down the tunnel at half time, a Reading supporter accompanied by his young son of seven or eight, leant over shouting the most loud and vile abuse.

That young boy probably still thinks it is quite in order for be abusive to referees when they give decisions against his own team.

Szymon Marciniak who refereed the World Cup Final, when still playing, told a referee, ‘You are the worst referee I had even seen.’

The referee replied, ‘If you are so cleaver why don’t you take the course and become a referee yourself?’, which is exactly what he did.

That’s the same advice I would give the squeaky young juvenile behind me at the Coventry match, when he turns 14.

Just imagine where it could lead.

Subs: Brown, Kennedy, Griggs, Boylan, Mindomba

: Howes 18’, King 46’, Kennedy 64’

Dick Sawdon-Smith

How they rated

Fantastic. Produced a handful of acrobatic saves when the Royals were under the cosh. Claimed a barrage of crosses without any fuss.

Junior Hoilett

Not his best showing. Wasn’t able to cut out crosses from West Brom’s left. Got into the right positions but wasn’t able to apply any incision.

Yaidom

Worked hard to put out fires down Reading’s right hand side. A steady display from the skipper who did what was asked of him.

Started like a player making his first game in 10 months. Grew into the game but allowed Dike to get the wrong side of him for his goal.

Tom McIntyre

Pulled from pillar to post by Daryl Dike but did his best not to let the forward dominate the duel. A so-so performance from the centre-back.

Deserved his place in the starting eleven. Never seemed in control of the head-to-head and couldn’t get forward enough.

Ince

Not his best day. Was forced deeper than he would have liked and was unable to affect the attacks with his usual authority.

Put in the hard yards but was left chasing shadows with John Swift and co often playing triangles around Reading’s midfield.

Dominant. The midfielder has looked far more assured since the World Cup. Battled hard and was tidy on the ball, rarely giving it away.

Looked to get in behind albeit with minimal service. Fashioned a good opportunity in the first half, teeing up Hoilett.

Held play up pretty well. Made some important aerial interventions inside his own box. Three starts in six days may have been a step too far.

Amadou Mbengue 5, Shane Long n/a, Lucas Joao n/a, Baba Rahman n/a, Femi Azeez n/a

ROYALS RIDE THEIR LUCK, BUT ULTIMATELY LOSE AGAINST IN-FORM ALBION

WEST BROM 1 READING 0

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC kicked off the New Year with a defeat at the Hawthorns against an in-form West Bromwich Albion side.

After a dominant opening half an hour, the Baggies were unable to find a way past Joe Lumley, but did eventually break the deadlock after an hour through Daryl Dike.

That proved to be the winning goal as the Royals couldn’t force their way back into the contest.

The result means Reading are in 11th place on 36 points from 26 games.

The Royals started the New Year with a tough test at the Hawthorns against a West Brom side in fine form.

Since Carlos Coberan arrived to take over from Steve Bruce, Albion have enjoyed a surge up the Championship table.

They have won seven of their last eight league fixtures to put them 11th and one point behind Reading prior to kick-off.

Paul Ince made three switches from the draw at Norwich which included a first start in nine months for Scott Dann, while Nesta Guiness-Walker was rewarded with a start after his impressive substitute appearance last week.

There was a familiar face in Albion’s starting eleven as former Royals player John Swift, who spent six seasons at Reading, was

chosen to start having not featured in the reverse fixture.

The Baggies were determined to make a quick start and Reading had to withstand plenty of pressure in the opening half an hour with plenty of chances raining down on their goal.

Goalkeeper Joe Lumley made an expert one handed save to claw out Jayson Molumby’s shot after Jed Wallace cut the ball back moments after leaving Dann for dead in the build up.

West Brom were then denied by the post when a diving header from Conor Townsend struck the upright before he forced another fine save from Lumley.

Reading continued to ride their luck when Matt Phillips’ sent an inviting cross into the box which Daryl Dike was inches away from making a connection to poking the home side in front.

The hosts continued to shift the ball around fluently to try and carve the Royals open again, but this time the experienced Dann stood up tall to block Dike’s strike.

Swift looked to get on the scoresheet against his former employers when he was given room to shift the ball onto his right and unleash a thunderous shot that didn’t quite dip in time to cause a problem for Lumley.

After a ropey opening 30 minutes, Reading managed to contain West Brom, keep the ball more efficiently and created one big opening of their own.

Yakou Meite’s persistence to bomb down the left saw him fire a ball across the face of goal and found Junior Hoilett who hit a

goalbound effort that was hooked away by a defender as Reading almost snatched the lead against the run of play.

But after a blistering start to the game, West Brom were unable to nudge themselves in front as Ince’s men could count themselves fortunate to not be a couple of goals down at the break.

Tom McIntyre received the first booking of the game after bringing down Dike just outside the box.

With the free-kick well within Swift range, the midfielder curled a disappointing effort straight into the host of bodies in the wall.

Lumley was next to enter the referees notebook after he was penalised for time wasting in the 56th minute.

Ince’s first change, just before the hour mark, saw Hoilett replaced by Amadou Mbengue.

Match stats

With an hour on the clock, West Brom finally made one of their chances count when Dike stooped low to divert Molumby’s cross into the corner to beat Lumley.

Needing to get back in the contest with less than 20 minutes left, Ince turned to the bench and brought on Lucas Joao, Shane Long and Baba Rahman for Carroll, Guinness-Walker and Meite.

The Baggies should have doubled their lead and sealed the game with 10 minutes to go.

Wallace sped past Mbengue before pushing the ball past an onrushing Lumley who left his goal unguarded, but Brandon Thomas-Asante couldn’t direct his header on target to kill the game.

Another attacking change by Ince saw Femi Azeez try to salvage a result in the final 10 minutes as he replaced Jeff Hendrick.

Reading threatened to find an equaliser when Joao found space in a tightly compacted box to strike with his left foot and win a corner via a deflection.

READING

A golden chance to bring the game level fell for Rahman in the 86th minute after a flick on found his path and from just six yards out he headed over the top as Reading’s best chance of the half went begging.

Despite pushing throughout five minutes of added time, Reading couldn’t grasp a late leveller to take a point as West Brom collected all three points.

The Royals are in FA Cup action this weekend when they host fellow Championship Watford in the thirdround.

Tom McIntyre and Naby Sarr

Reading dropped to 12th in the table after they lost at the Hawthorns Stock Pictures: Steve Smyth CHAMPIONSHIP

Joe Lumley

Mamadou Loum

Andy

Tom

Andy Carroll

Nesta Guinness-Walker

Yakou Meite

Scott Dann

Jeff Hendrick

WEST BROM: Palmer, Furlong, O’Shea, Pieters, Townsend, Molumby, Yokuslu, Wallace, Swift, Phillips, Dike

SUBS: Button, Ajayi, Rogic, Diangana, Grant, Thomas-Asante, Gardner-Hickman

: Lumley, Yiadom (c), Dann, McIntyre, Loum, Hoilett, Guinness-Walker, Hendrick, Ince, Carroll, Metie

SUBS: Long, Joao, Rahman, Azeez, Bouzanis, Mbengue, Sarr

CARROLL CONVERTS LATE PENALTY TO SALVAGE POINT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC picked up a point at Carrow Road after Andy Carroll levelled up late in the day from the penalty spot.

The Royals made a bright start when Junior Hoilett burst forward and was tripped an inch outside the penalty area.

But Reading couldn’t take advantage of that despite having a relatively strong first-half performance.

The first goal of the game was scored by Adam Idah in the 53rd minute when he slammed the ball past Joe Lumley.

But the Royals responded with seven minutes to go when Carroll slotted past Gunn

The result means that Reading ended the calendar year in 10th position on 36 points.

Before proceedings took place at Carrow Road, there was a touching tribute to footballing legend Pele after he passed away on Thursday.

The Royals made a lightning fast start when Junior Hoilett steamed down the pitch through the centre of the Norwich team and was only stopped when he was hauled down by Grant Hanley on the very edge of the box.

The Norwich skipper opted to

REACTION

take an early booking by bringing down Hoilett instead of letting the Canadian burst into the box.

From the resulting free-kick, Tom Ince struck at goal and looked to beat Angus Gunn on his near post, but the keeper pushed it away for a corner.

The hosts’ best chance came in the 17th minute when Pukki was played through on the right but was let down by a heavy first touch

that allowed Joe Lumley to make the save.

The chance wasn’t gone when the ball fell for Josh Sargent, but Tom Holmes was perfectly placed on the line to make the clearance before Adam Idah fired over the top.

The half ended as it had begun with a Reading free-kick on the very edge of the Norwich box, this time after Joao was tripped.

Hoilett tried his luck this time and tried to catch Gunn out at the far post but hit his effort just wide.

The Canaries found the breakthrough quickly after the restart when Idah got on the end of Pukki’s knockdown and lashed the ball past Lumley with a venomous strike.

Gunn was required to make an excellent save to deny Joao from close range following a corner.

Ince made his first change of the night with 25 minutes to go which saw Meite replace Joao.

Lumley was called into action to keep the score down to one when he got down low to stop Sargent from picking out the bottom left corner.

Still chasing the game with a little over 15 minutes left, Nesta Guiness-Walker entered the match to replace Tom McIntyre at left wing-back.

The sub made an impact when he won a penalty after being fouled in the box.

Carroll stepped up to the mark and powered his penalty beyond the reach of Gunn who guessed the right way but couldn’t get a hand to it.

Neither side were able to find a winner as the points were shared with Reading taking a point in their final match of the year.

INCE PROUD AFTER ‘DESERVED’ DRAW

By JI-MIN LEE sport@wokingham.today

The Royals came into the game off a win against Swansea earlier in the week but fell behind to a Adam Idah goal shortly after the interval.

Andy Carroll was able to equalise from the spot after substitute Nesta Guinness-Walker earned his side a penalty in the 83rd minute.

When asked if he was pleased with the result, Ince said: “Very much so.

“They are a very good side, coming down from the Premier League with so top players, so to come here and get a fully deserved point is great.

“Swansea took a lot out of us because they’re a very good possession-based footballing team, so we did a lot of running around.

RESULTS

Tuesday, December 27

FOOTBALL

Southern League Premier South Beaconsfield Town 2-3 Bracknell Town

Combined Counties Division One Sandhurst Town 6-0 Hillingdon Borough Woodley United 2-0 Penn & Tylers Green

Thursday, December 29

Cherry Red Premier Challenge Cup Reading City 0-2 Flackwell Heath

Friday, December 30

FOOTBALL Championship Norwich City 1-1 Reading Monday, January 2

FOOTBALL Southern League Premier South Bracknell Town 5-0 Hartley Wintney

Isthmian South Central Marlow 2-2 Binfield

Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 3-1 Cove

FIXTURES

Friday, January 6

Isthmian South Central Binfield v Ashford Town Saturday, January 7

FOOTBALL

HOCKEY

South Central Men’s North Division 2

Reading 4s v Sonning 2s

South Central Men’s North Division 4

Sonning 3s v Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead 2s

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning v Maidenhead

South Central Women’s North Division 2 Sonning 2s v Oxford 3s

South Central Men’s Premier 2 Milton Keynes v South Berkshire

South Central Men’s North Division 2 Windsor v South Berkshire 2s

South Central Women’s North Division 1 South Berkshire v Phoenix Reading

South Central Women’s North Division 2 Oxford University 3s v South Berkshire 2s

Sunday, January 8

FOOTBALL

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Bournemouth Sports v Ascot United

Southern Region Women’s North Division

Carterton v Woodley United Long Crendon v Eversley & California Penn & Tylers Green v Caversham United

Southern Region Women’s Division One South Badshot Lea v Abbey Rangers

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Haddenham v Ascot United Reserves

“If I’d have said Swansea, Norwich away and West Brom away and we would have picked up four points you’d be happy with that.

“Now we go up to West Brom, who have been playing well at the moment.

“I thought the lads were excellent today.”

The Royals boss was particularly pleased with goalscorer Andy Carroll and Nesta Guinness-Walker.

He said: “(Andy Carroll) was unbelievable, for some of his age with his work rate.

“Everything about him frightens the life out of people. If you want to see what a striker does, look at that game because he had everything to it. He was unreal.

“We looked at the bench and I thought there was no point having two wing backs with Nesta (Guinness-Walker) and Baba (Rahman) so I was that close to saying Nesta.

“Attacking-wise he’s our best wing-back. He’s been great in training.

“He’s been frustrated that he’s not been playing but most players are.

“His training has been unreal and he’s always telling me he wants to be in the side and that’s what you want.

“I’m really pleased with him and I’m glad we managed to nick a point out of it.”

A minute’s was observed before kick-off to honour Brazilian football icon, Pele, who died on Thursday last week.

Ince said: “We use the word ‘great’ too often sometimes but he was a god wasn’t he?

“When you think of Pele, you think of Gordon Banks, with the header, that’s got to be the most iconic moment of football.

“The younger generation might not know how great he was. We’ll always have the debate, who’s the greatest of all-time:

“Is it Pele, is it Maradona, is it Messi, is it Ronaldo?

“For me, Pele was the greatest of all time.”

FA Cup third-round Reading v Watford

Southern League Premier South Chesham United v Bracknell Town

Combined Counties Premier North Hilltop v Reading City

Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v Berks County Sandhurst Town v Rising Ballers Kensington Woodley United v Westside

RUGBY UNION National League One Hull v Rams

London & SE Regional 1 South Central Bracknell v Brighton

South West Regional 2 Reading v Tottonians

Tilehurst Panthers v Procision Oxford

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two Ruislip Rangers v S4K Berks County

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

Caversham AFC v Taplow United Eversley & California Reserves v Yateley United Shinfield Rangers v Thatcham & Newbury

Wargrave Development v Burghfield

READING FC manager Paul Ince expressed his satisfaction with a hard-fought point at Carrow Road on Friday evening.

Andy Carroll scored from the penalty spot Library picture: Luke Adams

Paul Ince’s Reading battled hard to secure a 1-1 draw with Norwich.

Library picture: Luke Adams

INCE BEMOANS FIXTURE CONGESTION

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

The goalkeeper made a few spectacular saves to keep the Royals in the contest after a blistering start from Albion.

“We looked like a tired team with three games in seven days,” said Ince.

“We took a while to get to grips with it. We could have been two or three down before you know it, but Joe (Lumley) was fantastic.

“We could have been 3-0 down after three minutes with the game gone.

“Again today he kept us in the game and that’s the type of players we want at this club.

“Unfortunately for us we let ourselves down, but in the second half I thought we played very well but you can’t keep

letting balls into the box. I keep saying it.

“Then we were 1-0 down and chasing the game.

Ince was disappointed that his team missed a golden chance to snatch a point when Baba Rahman missed from close range in the final few moments.

He continued: ““He’s got to score. He’s four yards out. You’ve got to score. If that falls to Lucas (Joao), it’s 1-1.

“Swansea took a lot out of us at home. Then to go to Norwich and West Brom in the space of three days is madness.”

“We have to (make changes). We’ve got a big squad but most of those players are out on their feet. Players like Tom and Jeff won’t be taking part come Saturday, whether they will be on the bench I’m not sure but it’s been a tough Christmas period for them.

“There will be a few kids involved. It’s always important to compete in the FA Cup, I don’t want to just throw it away in front of the home fans.” n Full report on page

HORNETS HEAD TO SCL FOR CUP CLASH

READING FC begin their FA Cup campaign on Saturday in the third round when they host Watford.

The two Championship teams meet each other for what will be the second time this season having already played once in the league.

The Royals only made it as far as the third round in the 2021/22 season after they suffered a humiliating defeat to non league side Kidderminster Harriers.

In the final few weeks of Veljko Paunovic’s reign, which proved to turn toxic in the last few months, arguably his worst defeat occurred in the FA Cup.

Reading did go ahead in the contest when Geroge Puscas netted just before half-time, but the National League North team upset the odds to cause a huge cup shock.

Sam Austin got the Harriers level before Amari Morgan-Smith scored the winner in the 82nd minute.

After being at the hands of another damaging defeat just three days later where Reading were beaten 7-0 at home to Preston North End, Paunovic was eventually sacked in February and replaced by current manager Paul Ince.

The Hornets collected the points when the sides met at Vicarage Road in the league in November.

Scoring either side of half-time, Joao Pedro’s brace meant that Reading lost out 2-0.

The Royals have just one win having lost five of their last six meetings with Watford.

Staying true to form, Watford have already dismissed one manager this season after Rob Edwards, who was appointed after his impressive spell with Forest Green Rovers, was sacked after just 10 matches.

Astonishingly, Watford have had 18 different managers in the last 10 years, after Slavan Bilic was selected to take over the club in September.

READING FC boss Paul Ince admitted that his team could have been out of the game early on had it not been for the performance of Joe Lumley.