Wokingham Today, November 10, 2022

Last chance for say on changes to MPs’ seats

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

RESIDENTS are being asked for their opinions on the final version of proposed changes to parliamentary constituency boundaries.

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) launched the final stage of publication on Tuesday and comments can be made until the deadline of Monday, December 5.

This is the third stage of consultation being carried out by the independent and impartial advisory body.

It is responsible for conducting reviews of parliamentary constituencies and making recommendations to parliament.

Andrew Moulton, returning officer at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We want residents to submit their views on the latest proposals, which have been subject to various changes as a result of the feedback already received.

“The commission values the importance of local knowledge in forming these proposals and will take every response into account.”

After the consultation, the body will submit its recommendations to parliament by July next year.

After this, will then be implemented for the next General Election.

The commission is required by law to ensure each constituency in England has between 69,724 and 77,062 electors. The number of constituencies will increase from 533 to 543 in England.

Initial proposals for new constituencies were published in June last year.

The BCE does not take voting patterns, or the results of elections, into account when reviewing these boundaries.

The views of political parties on where boundaries should be do not carry any more weight than those of residents.

The boundary changes will not affect local council services and only relate to parliamentary constituencies. The more a constituency has changed when the review is finalised, the more likely it is that the commission will recommend a change of name.

n Have you say at: bcereviews.org.uk

Residents call on developer to build resource

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM news@wokingham.today

A PETITION calling for a village centre to be built in Arborfield Green has collected more than 700 signatures.

Homeowners have accused

Crest Nicholson, the developer responsible for the site, of “repeatedly failing” on a promise to deliver the facility.

As part of the planning conditions, development of the

village centre should have begun after 1,000 properties were built –this figure surpassed in 2019.

The petition also asks the council to restrict Crest Nicholson from submitting any further planning applications in the borough until a formal application has been approved for the village centre and building has commenced.

Cllr Rebecca Margetts, councillor for Finchampstead South, said this was one of the first issues residents raised with her when she was elected in 2021.

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Fireworks a

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM remembered the fifth of November on Saturday as the annual firework display took place, with all tickets sold out.

Ten thousand people took part in a torchlit procession from Market Place to Cantley Park, before enjoying the night sky display.

Headed up by Wokingham borough mayor, Cllr Caroline Smith, 10-year-old mini-mayor Jayden Hawie, and four-year-old poster competition winner Scarlett Kay, those taking part could enjoy music from Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band.

Mini mayor Jayden, a pupil at Windmill Primary School said: “I’m very excited to be here.

“I was up at five in the morning and bounced into my clothes.”

He was joined by his dad, Henry Babika and sister, Gabriella Imani.

Poster competition winner Scarlett was a little overwhelmed by her success.

Planted firmly behind mum and dad, Natalie and Jason Kay, and brother Harley, she let them do the talking for her.

Natalie said: “She was very excited to win the competition. “Her winning drawing was of fireworks, with a Guy Fawkes on the bonfire.”

THE PROCESSION LEFT WOKINGHAM’S MARKET PLACE AND WALKED DOWN

sell-out success

Once inside Cantley, people could enjoy fairground rides including Rhythm Dancer, and Soul Reaper, and bungee trampoline, traditional merry go round and teacup rides for youngsters.

There were long queues for a number of everpopular food stalls, with choices including hog roast, fish and chips, Italian dishes, and Indian street food.

Cllr Smith was full of praise for the event, and thanked everyone for their tremendous efforts, organisation, and contributions.

She said, “I’m so happy to be here.

“It’s a wonderful event, and I love fireworks.”

Then the firework display, created by MC Productions Group and ticketed by Participant, was started by the mayor, with the help of Jayden and Scarlett.

Together they led the crowd in a countdown to the 30-minute spectacle.

The event was organised by members of Wokingham Rotary Club, Easthampstead Rotary Club, Wokingham Lions Club, Windsor Forest Unicorn Club, and Thames West Unicorn Club.

It raises funds for good causes chosen by the groups.

Chair of Wokingham Fireworks, David Gold said: “The really important thing is that this is raising money for charity.

“The people of Wokingham are supporting us by attending the event, and enabling us to dispense the funds where they are needed.

“And we would also like to say how appreciative we are of the co-operation and support from residents in Twyford Road and Matthews Green Road.

“To keep pedestrians safe, we needed to restrict parking there for the afternoon of the event, and we thank them for their understanding.”

This year, that includes Wokingham Foodbank, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Bracknell Foodbank, Tropic of Cancer, Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum, Life Education Wessex and Thames Valley, and Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.

The event was sponsored by The Wokingham Society, Alexandra Grange Care Home, Prospect Estate Agents, Wokingham in Need, and Volker Highways.

Representatives from these groups who attended all agreed the event was “fantastic.”

Go digital call

WOKINGHAM Borough Council is encouraging residents to go digital where possible.

This is in a bid to provide the most efficient service and latest news while saving money.

With the number of calls to its customer service team continuing to rise, the council is working to ensure relevant information is on its website.

This includes self-service options, including signing up to pay council tax over 12 months rather than 10.

Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the council, said: “Our website offers information on help and support available to you, as well as self-service functionality on things like reporting problems and paying for services like garden waste renewal.

“Ninety three per cent of garden waste renewals were carried out online this year which saved the council £63,000 compared to if those residents had called up to renew.

“We understand going online isn’t for everyone and sometimes talking directly to someone is absolutely what is needed – our customer services team are here to support you.”

The website also offers residents the opportunity to sign up to the council’s newsletters which provide regular updates on a wide spectrum of subjects.

Further information on all council services can be found at Wokingham.gov.uk.

The council’s customer service team are also available to talk on the phone Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0118 974 6000 or face-to-face at the Shute End office.

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

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

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

Priced at £9 50 per child with adults going free

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

Date for village’s winter fayre

WOKINGHAM residents will be treated to a fun-filled Christmas celebration on Saturday, November 26.

Organisers say Shinfield’s winter fayre will have something for the whole family, with games, stalls and crafts set to entertain, as well as an appearance from Father Christmas.

Refreshments will be on offer in the form of mince pies, lunch and cakes.

Visitors will have the opportunity to celebrate the festive season with family and friends, while engaging with their community.

The event takes place in the church hall from noon4pm and is free to attend.

n For more information, search St Mary’s Church on www. facebook.com

New date for charity’s tea party

AN AFTERNOON tea party in aid of Breast Cancer research will take place at a care home in Wokingham town.

Alexander Grange has collaborated with Wokingham In Need for the event, and will be opening its doors to the public.

Tea and cakes will be served at the Wear It Pink tea party.

Entry is by donation, with proceeds going to Breast Cancer Now.

The Wear It Pink tea party takes place at Alexander Grange Care Home in Wokingham.

The event had been due to take place last month, but needed to be rearranged.

It has been rescheduled for Friday, November 18.

Doors open at 3pm.

n Anyone wishing to attend should contact: sandra.patriciol@ hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk

n For more information, and to donate, call Wokingham in Need on: 07867530727

n For more information about the charity visit: https:// breastcancernow.org

Future of 600 bus service ‘could be secure’ thanks to increased usage

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

UNCERTAINTY surrounding a Wokingham bus route could be resolved after statistics show a rise in service users.

Wokingham Borough Council has put the Mereoak 600 service out to tender for a three-year period and will award a contract if it receives a bid from an operator which meets the appropriate criteria and budget.

In August, the council confirmed the 600 route, which serves Swallowfield, Riseley, Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross, will continue running until the end of its current contract period in March.

It agreed to subsidise amended Tiger 7, Leopard 3, 8 and 9 services at a cost of £241,466. This was due to rising costs and a reduction in bus usage.

The Mereoak 600 replaced the Tiger 7, while extensions replaced the Leopard 8 and part of the Leopard 9 routes. These changes came into effect on September 5.

A year-on-year comparison of the Riseley fare zones for a three week period this September shows a 48% annual increase in passenger numbers. Further data is not currently available.

Cllr David Lamont, vice-chair of Swallowfield Parish Council, said: “We are very pleased to hear that the future of our local bus service could soon be secured for a further three years, providing much needed surety to those residents who

depend on public transport in our area.

“With both this and the climate emergency in mind, it is good to see strong demand for the service and a substantial year on year increase in passenger numbers in part of the Parish.

“We have continued to engage with councillors and officers at Wokingham Borough Council regarding the future of our local bus service

throughout the year and would like to thank those involved for working collaboratively to find a positive way forward.”

Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel,

transport and highways at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the [Swallowfield] Parish Council for the partnership and work that we have done together on this bus service. We recognise the importance of local bus services to our residents and the role a good network plays in offering greener and healthier travel alternatives.

“This is an important part

of reducing congestion, getting our residents more active and helping towards our climate emergency, which is another of our key priorities.

“It is also pleasing to see the increasing patronage in the new service, but we do need to have continued growth and I urge residents to take the bus wherever they can as they are safe, convenient and far more beneficial to the environment than driving.”

Crowthorne Foodbank receives £1,500 donation

CROWTHORNE’S Foodbank has been stocking up its shelves after receiving a £1,500 donation from a housebuilder.

David Wilson Homes, which is building Ashridge Grange in Wokingham, said the gift will help the foodbank’s winter initiatives, such as providing blankets, hot water bottles and gloves, as well as food.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the foodbank, which provides emergency three-day food parcels to those in need. Last year, it shared 13,194 of them, and this year demand is expected to be higher.

It is hoping to buy a vehicle to help deliver food parcels.

The donation was made from David Wilson Homes’ Community Fund initiative, funded by the Barratt Foundation.

Kimberley Benson, sales and marketing director at David Wilson Southern Counties, said: “Foodbanks are already seeing unprecedented levels of usage, including in Crowthorne, so this winter we wanted to help

those directly affected in the community and spread a little bit of Christmas joy.

“We hope to alleviate some pressure on the foodbank, helping to boost supply levels and prepare for the next few months of demand.”

And Vicky Lawford, spokesperson for Crowthorne Foodbank, said: “We are one of 1,400 Trussell Trust foodbanks in the UK, and expect reliance on our services to only increase throughout the winter.

“This donation will make a genuine difference to many residents in south-east Berkshire, enabling us to fill the gaps in our supply levels and provide extra items such as gloves and hot water bottles to keep people warm this winter.

“We thank David Wilson Southern Counties for its support and encourage anyone who can give any spare food this winter to reach out to us for support.”

n To find out more about the foodbank, visit: crowthorne. foodbank.org.uk

Four charged in connection with firearms supply offences after Wokingham and Sandhurst properties raided

A MAN from Wokingham is among four people charged in connection with a police investigation into firearms supply offences.

It comes just days after police raided a premises on London Road in Wokingham, as well as searching a Sandhurst property.

Benjamin Phillips, 43 and of London Road, Wokingham, appeared at Reading Magsitrates Court on Wednesday, November 2.

Also charged were homeless 24-year-old Damon Phillips, Kenneth Brittan, 33 and Katie Rose Lee, 30, both of Munnings Drive, Sandhurst.

Each of them was charged with conspiring to sell or transfer a pistol, a prohibited weapon, and conspiring to sell/transfer prohibited ammunition.

They have been remanded in custody to appear at Reading Crown Court on Monday, December 5.

Barkham Hookers class times

LAST week’s article Woollen Poppies Spring Up shared incorrect class times.

The Barkham Hookers crochet group meet on Tuesdays Finchampstead Library at the FBC Centre. Sessions run from 10am to noon, and 6.45pm to 8.45pm.

On Wednesdays and Fridays a class takes place at Sanpa

Restaurant, in Wokingham’s Denmark Street, from 10am to noon.

Pay-as-you-go sessions cost £5.

All levels of skill are welcome, and there is no need to book.

For more information email: familywhite25@gmail.com or call 07985 046977, or visit the group’s Facebook page.

Twyford and Finchampstead residents invited to have say on neighbourhood plans

TWYFORD and Finchampstead r esidents have until later this month to share their views on draft neighbourhood plans which could shape the future of the parishes.

Wokingham Borough Council is consulting on these proposals, which the parish councils have prepared with the help of their communities.

If adopted, the plans will sit alongside the borough council’s own policies to guide planning decisions.

Before adoption, they will be

independently examined and then, if agreed by the examiner, put to a referendum.

Cllr Lindsay Ferris, executive member for planning and local plan, said: “The parish councils have worked very hard alongside their communities over several years to prepare their plans.

“Comments on these plans are important to us as they will show whether the community agrees with the proposals.

“All comments received will be

shared with an independent examiner who will scrutinise each plan and supporting evidence, and come to a view on whether it meets nationally prescribed requirements and can then proceed to referendum.”

Comments can be made until 5pm on Wednesday, November 23.

n To view the proposals and evidence, or to make a response, visit: engage. wokingham.gov.uk

SUPPORTED: Volunteers from Crowthorne Foodbank with some of the donations that have been sent their way. The group is seeing increased demand Picture: David Wilson Homes

Borough to pauseand remember

THE BOROUGH will pause this weekend to remember the fallen.

Two-minute silences and special acts of remembrance will be held on Friday and on Sunday in churches and by war memorials.

Wokingham Town Council is holding its annual pattern of events, with a two-minytre silence on Armistice Day led by the town mayor at 11am on Friday.

Honorary bugler Damon Eames will play the Last Post.

And on Sunday afternoon there will be a civic parade.

It forms up in Market Place, and will leave at 2.35pm, walking to St Paul’s Church on Reading Road. This is a change of venue due to works taking place in All Saints Church.

The service will be led by the Revd Canon Richard Lamey, in partnership with Churches Together in Wokingham.

It is open to all residents, although there is limited capacity.

It will be livestreamed on YouTube – search for Wokingham Town Council.

Any organisations wishing to take part in the parade must register their interest with the Civic Officer in advance at civic@wokingham-tc.gov.uk or 0118 974 0882.

During this Remembrance period, Wokingham Town Council is opening its war memorial, inside the Town Hall, for residents, to enable quiet reflection.

People can visit until Friday, between the hours of 10am and 2pm. It may be possible for you to visit outside of these times by appointment, and this should be booked in advance by calling 0118 974 0882.

Wooden crosses and poppies are available this year from a temporary Poppy shop in Peach Place, in the unit where Blue Orchid was. This is open until Saturday.

The wooden crosses can be placed at the memorial, inside the Town Hall, or outside in our Market Place where a stand is provided.

Cllr David Lee, chairman of Wokingham Town Council’s civic committee, said: “It is so important that we still pay tribute to all of those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts.

“I am delighted that Wokingham is able to mark Remembrance with its annual traditions again this year.”

And Cllr Maria Gee, the town mayor, said: “I shall be honoured to attend the Church Service and lead both the two-minute silences this year with the Deputy Mayor. All our residents are very welcome to visit the war memorial in the Town Hall.”

Child sexual abuse inquiry commemorates survivor voices

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A BENCH to commemorate the bravery of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse was unveiled in Sonning last week.

Maidenhead MP Theresa May joined Professor Alexis Jay to mark the moment.

It is part of a project that is seeing benches installed across the country. Each has a plaque inscribed with words of hope.

The borough’s bench has been placed in King George V Field in the village, and its motto reads: “Every child deserves love, guidance, understanding and protection”. This was a message from a victim and survivor who gave evidence to an independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

The published report was considered by MPs earlier in the summer.

At the launch, Professor Jay paid tribute to the thousands of victims and survivors who made a contribution to the Inquiry’s work:

“We now have over 100 benches and plaques around England and Wales, a fitting tribute to all victims and survivors.

“The immense contribution victims and survivors have made to this Inquiry is something we will be forever grateful for; their experiences have informed every aspect of our work and have helped to ensure children now, and in the future, are better protected from this devastating crime.”

Mrs May, whose constituency includes Sonning, established the Inquiry when she was Home Secretary in 2014.

She said: “I hope the Inquiry’s legacy benches will send a powerful message to victims and survivors that finally, they have been heard.

“For too long, no one wanted to talk about child sexual abuse, preferring instead to hide it away and file it in the ‘too difficult’ box.

Tickets for fashion sale

SHOPAHOLICS can pick up a bargain in a charity fashion sale coming to Reading later this month.

Smart Works, which helps women get back into work by offering interview coaching and clothing, is holding a sale of new and pre-loved clothes from designer labels and high street names, with prices starting at £5.

There will be clothes, shoes and accessories from brands including Boden, LK Bennett and Reiss. Other labels include Cos, Winser London, Hobbs and Hope London.

There will also be some designer pieces donated by individuals, including pieces from Prada and Maje.

The sale, on Saturday, November 19, between 9.30am and 1pm, takes place at the charity’s base in London Street. Entry is by ticket, costing £5.

Early bird tickets, offering advance entry, cost £15, and payment for goods can be made by cash and card.

Amanda Bayley, Smart Works

Reading’s centre manager, said: “We’re so excited about our winter fashion sale. These events are always a big hit with local shoppers and tickets are already selling fast.

“The sales are a great way for people to support the work we do and bag a guilt-free fashion bargain at the same time.”

She added: “All proceeds from the sale go straight back into our service.”

Smart Works Reading works with 147 referral agencies to support women most needing practical support in their job search.

Women can be referred to the organisation for a free interview outfit once they have secured an interview and one-to-one coaching session, to build confidence and practical skills.

The service can be accessed by anyone who identifies as female, is unemployed and is in Berkshire.

n For more details, visit Eventbrite: bit.ly/swr_winter_sale_22

That is no longer the case.

“I’d like to thank Professor Alexis Jay and her panel for the work they have done in helping society confront this issue and for finding ways to help put an end to this appalling crime.

“And I’d like to pay tribute to all those who have had the courage to

speak out and who did so to save the next generation of children from the abuse they suffered.”

The Inquiry’s legacy benches and plaques are being installed across more than 150 locations throughout England and Wales, with each message chosen to prompt reflection or to spark conversation.

The project stands alongside the conclusions of the final Report, supporting real change and ensuring the vital public conversation around child sexual abuse continues beyond the lifetime of the Inquiry.

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

NOT FORGOTTEN: A BENCH to commemorate the bravery of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse was unveiled in Sonning last week. It includes a plaque (see below) with a unique message Picture: Phil Creighton

Slough bus stationarson affects services

A SUSPECTED arson attack at Slough bus station is having an impact on services in Wokingham.

The attack saw one bus destroyed and three damaged.

As a result, Reading Buses, which owns Thames Valley Buses, said that coupled with a shortage of drivers, some services on its network are being cancelled, some at short notice.

In the early hours of Saturday, October 29, a fire was discovered at the bus station, badly damaging its roof.

Thames Valley Police said it was thought to have started on a bus, and badly damaged the roof of the station.

The force is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Thames Valley Buses say they are working with the authorities and doing everything possible to keep services running, and apologised for any disruption.

“Our team have stepped up remarkably to cope with the challenges posed by the fire, whilst also keeping as many services running as possible,” said Thames Valley Buses Chief Executive Officer Robert Williams.

“One Thames Valley Buses vehicle was destroyed, whilst two Thames Valley Buses vehicles and one Reading Buses vehicle were damaged. We are covering this from within our existing spares, and services are running normally other than departing from alternative stops in Slough town centre.”

“We are very sorry for the problems that this can cause to our customers. Our team are working extremely hard to minimise the disruption and to prioritise essential journeys such as the first/last each day and at school times, whilst also avoiding cancelling consecutive trips on the same route.”

Boxing For Veterans forced to stop after being dealt a knockout blow

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A BOXING club set up to raise funds for veteran charities has accused the owners of an ice rink of ousting them from their own gym.

Boxing For Veterans (BFV) has been based at Ozone Ice Rink in Bracknell since August last year.

However, following a dispute, they have been forced to put their equipment into storage and stop both welcoming people into their ring and their fundraising efforts.

Clinton Montague, coowner of BFV, said: “They [Ozone] should be ashamed of themselves, ripping off a Community Interest Company (CIC).”

According to the owners of BFV, Ozone invited the CIC to set up a fully equipped fitness centre and boxing gym in two empty rooms at the ice rink facility.

A verbal agreement was made between the two parties that BFV would not pay rent for the space, but would split any revenue received from its members.

The owners of BFV say they then paid for, and installed, all the gym equipment and, in return for a long-term agreement, also paid, supplied and fitted two new shower and toilet facilities.

Following the official open

day on Monday, August 1, attended by the town mayor and James Sunderland, MP for Bracknell, a draft agreement was written but never signed.

The owners of BFV said the facilities received praise from Ozone and visitors but as time progressed, Ozone “pulled the plug” due to “the way the gym was being operated”.

After multiple meetings between the two parties, the BFV owners said they offered

the gym to Ozone “at cost”, in return for remaining onsite as a boxing club.

This was refused and BFV were asked to remove the gym but leave the showers and toilets, which Ozone would pay for.

The owners of BFV have said they are yet to receive payment for the facilities and have commenced legal proceedings

submitting a county court claim for the costs incurred.

Mr Montague added: “If you value the armed forces and

our Veterans, please put social media pressure on Ozone to pay our invoice so we can regroup and find a new home for BFV.”

Terry Reed, also co-owner of BFV, said he has put his “heart and soul into creating BFV and is not only devastated but disgusted with Ozone”.

Ozone has been contacted for comment but had not responded as we went to press.

BFV was scheduled to hold its eighth charity boxing event this month to raise funds for veteran charities.

However, the event has been cancelled due to a lack of income and the closure of the gym which has left boxers without any training facilities.

Mr Reed has set up a GoFundMe page to help BFV continue its work to improve the mental and physical health of veterans.

n For more information, visit: gofundme.com and search “Boxing For Veterans Fundraiser”.

School uniform shop closed temporarily following

flooding

A READING store has had to close temporarily following water damage.

Parkstone Estates supports The Arc

local charity Arts4Wokingham’s aim to champion and promote more public art across the borough of Wokingham,” he said.

School outfitters Stevensons has been forced to close its Reading branch temporarily due to damage caused by flooding after a period of heavy rain, it has announced.

The outlet posted to social media to say that it would be carrying out repairs and planned to open the store on Tuesday, January 3.

Arts4Wokingham is seeking to raise £200,000 in donations for a new piece of public art which will be sited next to Carnival Hub. Not a penny is coming from Wokingham Borough Council, meaning every gift, no matter how small, is welcomed by the charity.

And Gary Luff, from Hurstbased Parkstone Estates (South), is the latest to get behind the project.

He met recently with Arts4Wokingham’s Paddy Haycocks to present them with a cheque to boost their fundraising coffers.

“We are delighted to support

“This launch project will make a significant and widely acknowledged impact.

“Internationally acclaimed artist, Nicola Anthony, has conceived a striking structure that will distinguish the approach to Wokingham’s new Carnival Hub.

“It’s fantastic to see this venture galvanise the local community and come together to achieve something that will bear the test of time and continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.”

n For more details, or to make a donation, log on to: https:// arts4wokingham.com/

It said that online orders and deliveries would still be processed as usual and that any orders already made would be fulfilled as planned.

For customers who prefer to collect orders, they are operating a click and collect service from the store in Market Place between 10am-4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The click and collect service will operate from Tuesday, November 8, and Saturday, December 17.

n For more information or for order enquiries, visit: www. stevensons.co.uk, or email: readingbranch@stevensons.co.uk

SERVICES: Thames Valley Buses services have been subject to driver shortages and the arson attack at Slough Bus Station has had a further impact

BACKING: Paddy Haycocks, a Trustee from Arts4 Wokingham, accepts a donation for The Arc from Gary Luff, the owner of Parkstone Estates (South) Ltd

OUT OF THE RING: Boxing For Veterans are no longer able to use their space at the Ozone Ice Rink in Bracknell Picture: Boxing For Veterans

by

respect

A CAMPAIGN to raise funding for a new landmark sculpture for Wokingham has received support from a real estate management company.

Pied Piper heading to Twyford

TWYFORD Drama group has huge energy when it comes to staging their productions, writes Sue Corcoan.

No sooner had they finished performing their successful play, Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders, in mid-October, they swung straight into action again.

They’re now hard at work on their panto, The Pied Piper of Hamelin.

They’re experienced hands, having put on more than 60 pantos at Loddon Hall, Twyford.

Director Gavin Robinson said: “Our newest panto’s action is based on the legend that on June 26, 1284, in the German town of Hamelin, a magic piper led all the children out of the town, after he was not paid for solving its rat problem.

“In the show we will have some villainous rats, a beautiful heroine, the usual scatty Dame and her even scattier son, Matty Muddle.

“Between them they have plenty of fun and excitement, singing, dancing and hurling custard pies, pursuing the usual pantomime antics that we all love.

“We’re adding in some beautiful flute music and enchanting group dancing. The result is a really special show that will lift your spirits in 2023.”

And he added: “Twyford Drama have established a wide

reputation for their inspiring and imaginative productions that are fun for all of the family.

“They’re a cut above your typical village pantomime, but without the commercialism and high prices that spoil so many professional shows.”

The group’s publicity officer, Joanne Davis plays the panto cow, which will have a West Country accent. “I was allowed to write my own script. It’s a comedy part,” she said.

“We’ll invite children from the audience to come on stage,

something we haven’t done since the 60s. I’ll be teaching the children – and the rest of the audience – to yodel.”

Tickets are on sale with matinee performances at 2pm on Saturday, January 14, and Sunday, January 15.

Evening performances are at 7.45pm on Friday, January 13, and at 7pm on the Saturday. Tickets are £10 and £12.

Visit www.twyforddrama. co.uk to buy them or call the box office on 0118 328 2825.

Burglaries: two jailed for car thefts

TWO MEN have been sentenced for multiple offences, including conspiracy to commit burglary.

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, Jonathan Marney, 34 and of Cumnor, was sentenced to eight years and four months’ imprisonment after he was found guilty of conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to commit theft, concealing criminal property, and driving while disqualified.

John Leslie Smith, 36 and of Bruce Road, Woodley (pictured), was jailed for seven years for conspiracy to

commit burglary, receiving a concurrent sentence of four years for conspiracy to commit theft.

He was acquitted of one

count of theft from a motor vehicle.

Between September and November 2021, Marney and Smith worked together to commit eight burglaries which involved stealing car keys from homes in order to steal vehicles.

Cars were taken from six of the properties, with seven further thefts of number plates.

The offences occurred in Reading, Calcot, Tilehurst, Woodley, and Basingstoke in Hampshire.

Marney and Smith were identified through digital and forensic evidence.

Post Office building is ‘of local character’

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

AN ORGANISATION has worked with the borough council to achieve special status for a piece of the town’s architecture.

The Wokingham Society has obtained agreement from Wokingham Borough Council that a Broad Street property should be recognised as a building of traditional local character.

Approval has been given to the former Post Office on Broad Street – the first award since the Council established the current procedures for nomination in 2017.

It is the third property in Wokingham town to be listed in this category, which is just below that of listed structures maintained by Historic England.

The other two locations with this status are numbers 61 and 63, Peach Street.

The Council’s rules mean that the award “does not result in itself in any additional planning controls, but it is a material consideration in assessing any planning application for demolition, alteration or extension”.

On Tuesday, members of The Wokingham Society met with Councillor Lindsay Ferris, WBC executive member for planning and local plan, to celebrate the building’s recognition.

Cllr Ferris said: “It is important to protect the Post Office.

“It’s one of only a few buildings from that period, and the Wokingham Society has worked hard to achieve this status.”

The Post Office building is considered to be a fine example of Neo-Georgian style architecture.

It was designed by David Dyke and completed in 1932.

Wokingham has a number of structures from the medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian periods.

There are few large public buildings dating from the interWar years, and possibly none as imposing as the façade of the Post Office.

It is perhaps one of the most notable premises on Broad Street, along with listed constructions Tudor House, The Elms and Montague House.

Prior to the 1880s, the earliest post office was in the Market Place, within a generalpurpose store.

Then a dedicated post office was installed at number five, Broad Street.

That modest building was eventually replaced by the structure which exists today.

For the duration of its life as a working Post Office, the building has been a focus for local residents and businesses.

So when Post Office Ltd announced its intention to move its operations to W.H.Smith, there was considerable public concern.

A petition at the time included this sentiment: “Wokingham’s cherished Post Office is at the heart of the local community and an important community asset for many residents, particularly

the older and more vulnerable.

“It is not just a collection or services, but it is part of the historic character of our market town, and a community resource that we all own”.

Peter Must, Chairman of the Wokingham Society, said: ”We are extremely grateful to the Borough Council for approving this nomination, to the Town Council for supporting it, and to Post Office Ltd for accepting this new designation.

“Wokingham, as an old market town, has a considerable number of distinctive buildings and other structures.

”We believe that affording listed or local recognition to as many of them as possible will help to preserve Wokingham’s rich architectural heritage.

“The Post Office is a magnificent building in its own right, and it needs some protection from development.

“The rules for this nomination were, quite rightly, fairly stringent, and we are glad to say that the council accepted our application.”

n For more information about The Wokingham Society visit: www.wokinghamsociety.org.uk

FROM LEFT: Guy Grammun, Keith Malvern, Cllr Lindsay Ferris, Hazel Guile, Peter Must, Paddy Haycocks, and Robin Cops celebrate the Post Office building’s new status. Picture: Emma Merchant

RAT’S LIFE: Twyford Drama group is preparing for its annual pantomime, The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Residents accuse developer of ‘repeatedly failing’ on Arborfield Green village centre

n From front page

Cllr Margetts said: “People are desperate to get this village centre off the ground.

“For about the last year we have been really pushing with the council to try and get it brought forward and get community engagement to say what is going on with this village centre.

“And all it constantly is, is broken promises. It is unbelievable how many broken promises there are.”

Crest Nicholson had previously committed to a final consultation in September this year with a planning application to be submitted in October, neither of which have happened.

Cllr Margetts said: “For a lot of residents there are huge concerns and questions of ‘will the village centre ever be built?’ ‘Will they now try to build houses instead?’

“The problem is, none of the residents have any faith and they have completely lost trust.”

Cllr Margetts is now calling on the council to “stand up to these developers”.

She added: “Crest Nicholson are making all this money out of selling these properties yet they are not building the facilities they’re meant to have done.”

the issue and have vowed to keep the pressure up

Cllr Ferris said: “We recognise that Crest Nicholson are in breach of their planning conditions, which required them to provide 25 per cent of the commercial floorspace at the district centre by the time that 1,000 homes were occupied.

“We know this is frustrating for residents who expected these amenities to be available by now.

“We share their disappointment that this hasn’t happened and, having given the developer plenty of time to resolve the situation, are now pushing harder for action.”

Cllr Ferris said the national guidelines on planning would deem it

that this project fell behind, in part, due to reasons beyond Crest’s control – mostly financial viability during and immediately after the coronavirus pandemic.

“Until recently, it couldn’t attract interest from a supermarket to serve as an ‘anchor’ tenant attracting others to the site. This is because of uncertainty caused by Covid and Brexit, prompting retailers to focus on existing branches rather than opening new ones.

“The latter would have been particularly risky in this new community, as operators want the certainty of having lots of potential customers nearby. This is becoming less relevant as more planned housing – which we have no choice but to take under current government requirements – is built in the area.”

Cllr Ferris said that officers had been in regular contact with the developer to resolve the breach “informally” as it

was seen as the best approach in this economic climate.

“We’ve insisted that Crest explain how they will push this forward as quickly as possible,” he said.

“They have shared these details, and please be assured that we’ll keep a close eye on things to keep them to their promises.

“We fully support our residents on this issue, as it’s now time for Crest to provide the facilities that were promised as part of their original planning approval.”

Crest Nicholson has apologised to residents for the delays to the construction and any frustration it may be causing.

A spokesperson for the developer said: “We would like to reassure residents that we remain wholly committed to delivering a vibrant village centre with key retail and community services at Arborfield

Green, ensuring these reach a high standard that people can be proud of for years to come.

“While the pandemic did impact appetite and demand from commercial operators to take on new retail floorspace, we are pleased to share that as the development continues to evolve into an established community, we are seeing increased interest from retail operators, with contracts now being negotiated.

“We expect to share more information on this before the end of the year.”

The spokesperson insisted that the developer and the council are working closely to ensure that plans submitted for the district centre are “responsive to the needs of the local community”.

A second public consultation for the district centre at Arborfield Green is due to take place next month.

According to Crest Nicholson, the plans have been refined and developed following feedback from the community, the council and various stakeholders.

The plans will include a supermarket, shops, a pub and the relocation of the community centre and nurseries.

It will be held at the main hall of the Arborfield Green Community Centre, between 3pm and 8pm on Thursday, December 8.

n To view the petition, calling for the centre to be delivered, visit change.org and search “Arborfield Green”

CALL FOR HELP: Residents of Arborfield Green want their communities facilities to be built, as promised by the developer, Crest Nicholson

Three out of three for The Lexicon

THE LEXICON has been recognised for its Bracknell Forest Giants campaign.

The centre received a Highly Commended award from the European Council of Shopping Places as part of its international Solal Awards.

The award was one of 28 spread across 16 countries within Europe and South Africa, and marked the third accolade the town centre has received recently for its community centric campaigns.

Bracknell Forest Giants, a collaboration between The Lexicon and Bracknell Forest Council, also received a Pineapple Award in the summer.

Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member of economic development and regeneration, said: “These awards cement the success of the Bracknell Forest Giants and are testament to what can be achieved with collaborative working.

“Over the last year, our town centre activations have proved that by working together we can create a much-loved social, cultural and economic heart for our borough.”

In addition, the Brighter Days campaign was awarded the only Reflect award, at the REVO Celebration of Place Awards held last month.

The Brighter Days campaign saw handprints, created by the community,added weekly to a growing tree in Princess Square.

Once The Lexicon re-opened its doors, visitors were able to see visit their handprints.

Sue Boor, head of marketing at The Lexicon said: “We are so delighted that our campaigns have been positively recognised by the wider retail centre industry.”

Clergy should be free to marry same-sex couples, says Bishop

By JAKE CLOTHIER Queer correspondent

THE BISHOP of Oxford has said that Church of England clergy should have the freedom to bless and marry same-sex couples.

The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, released a new essay last week, in which he explores how his views towards LGBTQ+ people have shifted.

In Living in Love and Faith, Bishop Stephen will explain how the Church of England’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance is “dislocating” it from the society it seeks to serve.

He also apologises that the Church has been slow to “reach better decisions and practise” and for the slowness of change in his own actions, and admits that these “have caused genuine hurt, disagreement, and pain.”

Now he is calling for Church of England clergy to be able to marry same-sex couples in church, and that they should themselves be able to marry somebody of the same sex.

This makes him the only serving diocesan bishop to call for the inclusion of same-sex couples into church marriages.

Currently the Church of England does not permit same-sex couples to be married in the church.

Members of clergy are not explicitly prohibited from being in same-sex relationships, though it is on the understanding that they remain celibate.

In the essay, Bishop Stephen says that this in particular has caused harm to people who have had to hide or deny who they are, leading to “accumulated distress.”

The publication on Friday, last week follows a meeting by the College of Bishops earlier this week which saw a debate about how the

NEW STANCE:

The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, is apologising to same sex couples for his previous views. Photo: Steven Buckley

to remove the legal barriers to the solemnisation of same-sex marriage in the Church of England.

He acknowledges division among those in the Church of England and says that the recognition of the traditional view of marriage as a legitimate position must be also ensured.

His stance has been supported by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham.

issue of same-sex marriage should be decided at the General Synod, which is due to meet in February.

He lays out four steps he believes the Church of England should take to carry this out.

The first is to enable the provision of public services of blessing for same-sex civil partnerships and marriages.

The second is to give the freedom of conscience to clergy and ordinands to order their relationships appropriately.

The third is to give freedom of conscience to clergy to enter into same-sex civil marriage, and lastly

On social media, she wrote: “Grateful to @Steven_Croft for publishing his contemplative, compassionate and courageous views on human sexuality and the Church. I agree.

“We must ground all our discussions, decisions and behaviour in love, respect and care for one another. There is no us and them - only all of us, loved by God.”

Bishop Olivia’s support comes nearly 20 years after Canon Jeffrey John was considered for the role of Reading’s bishop. He had been nominated by the diocese, but chose to step down.

n Together in Love and Faith: Personal reflections and next steps for the Church is available via: store.oxford. anglican.org

Council approves strategy aimed to support female abuse victims

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

A BOROUGH wide Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy has been approved by Wokingham Borough Council.

The strategy outlines the councils commitment to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls and has been approved by the executive committee.

The public profile and awareness of violence against females has been raised in recent years by several well publicised murders.

The combination of these killings, at a time when statistics show rates of domestic abuse and the number of women requesting support following the Covid-19 pandemic has surged, has led to widespread calls for change.

Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services said, “Crimes such as rape, stalking and harassment are taking place every day, as are digital crimes such as ‘cyber-flashing’, ‘revenge porn’ and ‘up-skirting’.

“They have a long-lasting impact on victims, including mental and physical health problems.

“Large number of women and girls have bad experiences at school, work, on buses and trains, on the street and at home and many feel that crimes such as sexual harassment are almost an inevitable part of being a woman.”

In July 2021, the Government published a VAWG strategy followed by a national statement of expectations in March 2022 to highlight crimes which disproportionately affect women and girls.

The council will use these as a framework for developing a Wokingham

specific response to VAWG.

By analysing local data by VAWG crime type and exploring best practice, the council will develop a strategy which recognises the effect these crimes have on victims, survivors and their families, as well as on wider society.

“A Wokingham specific VAWG strategy will place the borough in a strong position to develop better processes to work in partnership with our communities,” said Cllr Kerr.

“The strategy will also focus on targeting prevention of VAWG through changing

Mel and Matt ready to host Pride of Reading’s big day

FAMILIAR faces will be back on stage at the annual Pride of Reading Awards this year.

Mel Bloor of ITV Meridian, who has presented the awards for many years, will be joined again this year by the BBC’s Matt Allwright.

The duo will announce the winners who will be presented with their trophies by host Chris Tarrant at the event on Friday, December 2, at Reading FC Conference & Events Centre at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The theme this year is Let’s Celebrate.

As well as honouring the shortlisted nominees and winners the awards will salute

the many anniversaries being celebrated in the town this year including Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory’s 200th.

Ms Bloor said: “It will be great to be back.

“It’s such a heart-warming and fun event I can’t wait.

“The Pride of Reading Awards are the perfect chance for us

all to express our gratitude and appreciation. The afternoon is always special and this year is set to be another hugely emotional and inspiring event.”

Matt has been fighting people’s corners as a journalist for more than 30 years.

He was born in Wokingham and grew up in Reading.

He has worked on Watchdog, Rogue Traders, Housing Enforcers and The One Show alongside a huge number of other projects on TV, radio, and in print.

He said: “I’ve always been a Reading boy at heart and am proud to be supporting the Pride of Reading Awards.”

n www.porawards.co.uk

attitudes and behaviours.”

The council’s VAWG strategy will enable all stakeholders involved to be clear about the priorities over the next 10 years.

It will also aim for all residents to understand and feel able to contribute towards making Wokingham a safer place.

Victims and survivors should feel supported to seek help and the strategy will empower them to lead safe lives, away from abuse.

The council is keen for the strategy to enable all perpetrators to know their

behaviour will not be tolerated and where they can seek

As part of its commitment to address violence against women and girls, the council is also pursuing White Ribbon accreditation.

White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.

Their mission is to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes and their aim is to change long established and harmful attitudes and men’s violence against women.

How to get help

In a non-emergency, victims of domestic abuse can:

n Call 101 or make a report on the Thames Valley Police website

n Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247

n Contact Women’s Aid via: www. womensaid.org.uk

n Call the Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010327

n Call Mankind, a helpline for male victims: 01823 334244

n Call Galop, for members of the LGBT+ community: 0800 999 5428

n Contact Victims First via: www.victimsfirst.org.uk

n Call Flag DV for free legal advice for Domestic Abuse: 0800 731 0055

n Call SAFE! For victims of crime aged 5 –18: 0800 1337938

Chance to Dance Christmas Market

A CHRISTMAS market is taking place at Beansheaf Community Centre, held by Chance to Dance Stars CIC.

The market will see stalls from Chance to Dance, The Little Prints Co, Forever Living, DD’s Nails and Beauty, Usborne, and Bake Me Pretty.

Santa will also be making a visit, though attendees will need to book a space.

Entry to the market is free, though voluntary donations can be made to Chance to Dance.

The Chance to Dance Christmas market takes place at Beansheaf Community Centre, Linear Park, from 10am on Sunday, November 20.

Sunday concert

A MUSIC group is preparing to sing some Rossini.

Bracknell Choral Society will give an early evening concert, performing Rossini’s Petite Messe Solenelle.

Soloists are: soprano, Alexandra Stevenson; mezzo soprano, Amy Lyddon; tenor, Oscar Golden-Lee; and bass, Timothy Dickinson.

The event is at Salisbury Hall, Newbold College, Bracknell on Sunday, November 20, from 6pm. Tickets cost £18, accompanied under 18s free.

n For information about the choir, and to book tickets visit: www. bracknellchoral.org.uk

SUPPORT: Wokingham Borough Council is launching a strategy that will ensure it can offer help to female victims of violence, including rape, stalking, harassment, cyber-flashing and revenge porn Picture Ulrike Mai via Pixabay

support for this.

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

The fun in Spain falls mainly ...

WErecently returned from a week in Spain, our first foreign trip as a four and Leo’s first time on a plane.

He handled the travel remarkably well, bar a few moments of tiredness.

Spain was everything we needed it to be.

The weather was gorgeous throughout the week, the beaches beautiful, the water warm, and no one was stung or burnt. Bonus.

We would take it in turns to swim in the sea each day, one of us staying with Leo as he quite contentedly filled a bucket with sand, patted it, and emptied it out over and over again, not so much building a sand castle as a sand mound. (The very definition of “enjoying the process” instead of focusing on the outcome there).

He eventually got used to the sand on his toes, but consistently refused to immerse himself in the water, allowing only his feet in.

On day four we purchased a blow-up swan for Maia to float around on, which Leo took to fondly. (As did I.)

On day three Joel spotted an octopus “IT WAS HUGE!” and abruptly left the water.

“They don’t sting you know,” I smirked.

“Would you want one of those giant tentacles on you?!”

Point.

Our last day involved a trip to a small activity park, situated amongst an idyllic mountainous landscape, where the children could play while we sat with our books and drinks. Twas a parents’ haven. (In between chasing after Leo, who decided to take his pedal bike along the mini-golf-course as other people were trying to play.)

We sat that evening slurping ice creams on the promenade, gazing out at the ocean and its glorious surroundings, wishing we could stay a week longer.

It was then that a small group of Spanish children took a liking to Leo, following him in a small line as he walked along the wall by the sand and asking him questions:

“Como te llamas?” One little girl, dressed in her Hallowe’en attire, said to him.

I half-expected him to reply in Spanish, the amount he comes out with that we weren’t aware he could say.

We arrived back at Gatwick welcomed by the heavy pitter patter of torrential rainfall, exactly as it should be on return from a gorgeous sunny foreign holiday - wonderfully British and a stark reminder that we were back to reality now.

“Hola!” I said cheerfully, without thinking, to the passport control officer.

He looked back at me as though I’d lost the plot.

Joel and I laughed in embarrassment.

“I mean ... hello! Sorry I got used to saying it..”

“Have you been walking around saying Hola to everyone in Spain?” he said, a tad snarky.

“Yep, pretty much...”

We caught an earlier train home than anticipated and munched on leftover brioche, Leo making an impressive crumb-mess of epic proportions for me to clean up later. (Cleaning a train floor, with a baby wipe, as a man stands next to you waiting to sit down so he doesn’t have to place his feet in a pile of brioche, was not something I pictured on my journey home. But you just never know with the toddler.)

I will miss the views, the beaches, the paella and the cocktails (not to mention the weather) but it is, as always, nice to be home.

Now to tackle the inordinate pile of postholiday-laundry rearing its ugly head. The abundance would annoy, were it not for its cause. n Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind

Community initiatives to receive additional funding

COMMUNITY projects are set to benefit from a funding boost over the next 12 months.

The University of Reading and John Sykes Foundation’s Community Fund will offer financial support to projects that benefit the people of the town and their neighbourhoods.

Launched in 2021, the project covers activities in topics such as music, sport, education, healthcare and social mobility, which help all members of the community.

These include science workshops for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, a children’s choir, health checks for the homeless and refugees and climate change education for special needs students.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Robert Van de Noort said: “At a time when costs are rising for everybody it is important that projects like these, that can have a huge benefit for so many people in our area, don’t get left behind and abandoned altogether.

“As a University, we want to be involved in the wellbeing of our town and its people so it is great that we are able to support these projects through the Community Fund.”

Prof Van de Noort was part of a panel, alongside Dr Sally LloydEvans, deputy head of department for geography and environmental, John Sykes, founder and chair of trustees, and Sian McCoubrey, volunteer, which made funding decisions.

John Sykes said: “The Community Fund was established to help the people and communities of Reading.

“Last year we supported some fantastic projects that have made a meaningful difference to the communities they serve, and I have no doubt that this next round of funding will do the same or more.

“I very much look forward to hearing how these projects progress.”

This is the second year University staff members have been invited to apply for funding to support projects they are involved in, either as part of their job, or in a voluntary capacity.

Initiatives which secured funding last year included: a skills room at homeless charity Launchpad, a refugee football team, Sanctuary Strikers, Berkshire Brigands and a clean air for schools project.

Treesy does it

A PHOTOGRAPHER has created a calendar for 2023 that highlights aspects of the Thames Valley.

It’s the fifth year that Tina Panting has created a picture almanac for the area.

She says: “I first started making these when I went to a photographic exhibition in Birmingham.

“I got chatting to a group that helps photographers turn their pictures of a town, village or city into a calendar.”

Tina’s prints currently celebrate Reading, Newbury, and Moods Of Trees.

“There are around 60 copies each of the three calendars,” she says.

“The Reading version is already selling quite well.

“I’ve had requests from as far away as New Zealand, Texas and Florida.”

Tina says that while most people now have a calendar on their phone, it’s still nice to be able to see the year’s dates on the wall.

“I love taking photos of anything and everything,” she says.

“I particularly enjoyed taking the photos for the Moods Of Trees.”

Tina runs her own photography business, and takes pictures for weddings, parties, businesses and special events.

During lock down she also started making jewellery and sun catchers.

A small donation from her calendars will go to three related charities: Home Start Reading, Home Start Newbury, and Trees For Reading.

“I really enjoy taking pictures,” she adds, “and being out and about with my camera.

“I like to try to find nice views and to capture the feeling and essence of places I visit.

“And it’s good to think I’m helping local causes and tree planting.”

The calendars cost £12, which includes free delivery. n To purchase Tina’s calendars visit: www.mylocalcalendar.co.uk

Trail delights Spencers while supporting

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

The Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross Hallowe’en Trail saw both villages transformed into a spooktacular wonderland from October 23-31.

Organiser Jennifer King said: “It went really well. It’s the third year that I’ve done it and I can’t believe how many people have done their own scarecrows, which have really been more like works of art.

“We had Elsa, the Grinch, Cruella de Vil, Thanos - I didn’t even know who he was before this trail, but I do nowand Paw Patrol.

“It’s really nice for the whole family to go out, three generations from grandparents to young ones. The questions on the trail are for all, so it’s been a real family task to fill it in.”

Residents voted for their favourite displays, while judges also selected highly commended efforts.

Jennifer lauded the event’s ability to bring members of the community together, particularly given the quantity of new residents due to developments in the area.

It was first launched during the pandemic as an alternative to trick or treating, minimising contact while still retaining the festive spirit.

This year’s trail was run in aid of The Willows Support Group, a local charity which helps parents handle the loss of a child, with all funds raised going to the organisation.

The cause is particularly close to Jennifer’s heart, having had a miscarriage herself in December 2020 and knowing others who had suffered bereavements since.

She wanted not only to support the group financially, but also raise awareness for those who may be struggling with baby loss.

The group shared a message on Jennifer’s JustGiving page, which said: “When your baby has died, it can seem as if no-one else in the world knows or understands what you are going through or how you feel inside.

“Many parents who have lost babies know that although people who are close to them can sympathise, it is only those who have experienced the death of a baby who can offer real understanding and empathy for what you are going through.”

n To donate, search: Jennifer’s Fundraiser for The Willows Support Group on www.justgiving.com

OLD FAVOURITES and classic songs were performed at a Sindlesham care home last month, as a singer paid tribute to Doris Day.

Residents from the RMBI’s new Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court Home welcomed Emily, who sang some of the star’s most famous songs, including Que Sera Sera.

The residents snuggled into the home’s bistro bar, supped drinks and tapped their toes.

They also joined in some of the songs.

Angela Walmsley said she thoroughly enjoyed the event.

“Emily sang The Black Hills of Dakota, which is my favourite song. She also sang lots of songs from musicals and films,” she said.

And fellow resident Ann Green said: “It was lovely and we would very much like to see her again.

“The songs brought happy memories of my youth.”

A sentiment echoed by Stanley Smith who said he remembered many songs from his past.

Sharon Fletcher, activities coordinator for the home, said she was delighted with the response from the residents.

“They all had a fantastic time,” she explained. “It was so nice for them to sing together and reminisce.

“We all talked about the songs, films and hits from the past. The memories even caused a few tears of happiness.

“We hope to have Emily to perform for us again at Christmas.”

HELPING HAND: Community projects in Reading are set to receive a funding boost thanks to the University of Reading and John Sykes Foundation’s Community Fund.

WOKINGHAM residents got into the spirit of Hallowe’en in an event which showcased their creative talents.

WOOF: Paw Patrol proved a hit with the young

Spencers Wood supporting local charity

New calling card helpsraise awareness of assistance dogs on trains

OWNERS of assistance dogs will be able to let the train take more of the strain thanks to a new scheme.

All rail companies have joined forces to help people with disabilities or mental health problems.

It includes issuing a laminated card that will helps explain why the assistance dog needs to sit under an unoccupied seat.

The cards can be particularly useful on services where it’s not possible to book a seat in advance.

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive officer of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “We’ve all seen guide dogs when they are out and about supporting their visually-impaired owners.

“It’s less well-known that many of our other four-legged friends have their own skills and character quirks that help people with a range of support needs.

“These include people with physical disabilities and those with autism, epilepsy or other complex health conditions.

“Many of these conditions are not visible so we want to make life easier for the people whose daily lives they affect.

“It will also help fellow passengers adjust to the sight of assistance dogs doing their job

POETRY CORNER

The build up has been great The match has hit the spot Captured imagination with elation Sadly Ipswich go out on top David and Goliath always comes to mind

while apparently relaxing under a spare seat.”

The cards have been tested by Assistance Dogs UK, a charity that helps train them, can raise awareness for customers who need to avoid canines, be it for allergies, cultural reaons or because they are afraid of them.

Vicky Worthington, development manager with Assistance Dogs UK, said: “More than 7,000 people rely on a highly trained assistance dog from one of our member charities alone. “We’re delighted to support this scheme and very pleased to see that rail companies are making it easier for disabled people and people with medical conditions to travel while educating the public about how these wonderful animals change – and even save – lives.”

Among those who use an assistance dog is Fiona Bower. She has been a wheelchair user because of her multiple sclerosis for 12 years and worked with the Rail Delivery Group and Govia Thameslink in developing the scheme.

Fiona said: “Mr Wiz, my registered assistance dog, and I welcome this new initiative which will be of tremendous benefit to all those passengers who, like me, depend on a specially trained dog to care for them.”

TheGeorge&Dragon,Swallowfield Asyoumayknow,wehavebeenbusyinstallinga brandnewkitchenthroughoutOctoberandwe offerahugethankyoutothosewhovisitedandfor bearingwithusduringthedisruption.Weare extremelyexcitedtonowannouncethatwehave officiallycompletedourprojectandthenewkitchen isnowinoperation!

Our Bracknell team lived the dream Their coach a real find So moving on from this Be happy and proud don’t sigh What a team by that I mean Robins hold your heads up high!

Mickey Brown 2022.

We love receiving your verse and print a selection every week. Email poems to: news@wokingham.today

Pictured:TheGeorgeandDragon’sHeadChef,Chips, inthenewkitchen

Weworkedcloselywith Sprint,whohave suppliedandinstalledourkitchentoanamazing standard,offeringfantasticguidanceandadvice alongtheway.Theirexperiencedeliveringkitchen projectsforthelikesofTheIvyGroup,Hawksmoor andCoppaClubhasbroughtawealthofvaluable experiencetotheproject.

FollowTheGeorge&DragononInstagram @GeorgeDragonRG7 toseesomeupdatesfromthe newkitchen,anddon’tforgettobookyour ChristmasDinnerpartyinnow.We’reopenfor bookingsfromNovember25th,rightupto ChristmasEve.

TheTapYard

TheTapYardhasundergonesomemenuupdates ofitsown,withregulars(andstaff!)verymuch enjoyingthenewpizzamenu,loadedfriesand deliciousdessertoptions.Ifyou’rethinkingof visitingthisweekend,wehaveFunkyPickleserving uptheirincrediblePoutineandotherCanadian waresonSaturday,andourpizzamenuinfullswing onSunday.

We’llalsohaveourlatestrelease,SaltedCaramel Affogato,available.Thisisare-brewofanold favourite,thistimewithSaltedCaramelcoffee. Trustus…it’sdelicious!Aswealsohaveicecream available,whynotmakeyourownAffogatoIce Creamfloat?

Picture:ThelastbrewofAffogato-thistimearoundit’sNitro, makingitsmootherthanever!

Lastly-don’tforgetwehaveaminiChristmas MarketattheTapYardonSaturday10thDecember, withplentyofstreetfood,stallsandasalwaysbreweryfreshbeautifulcraftbeer.

Seeyouheresoon!

ON THE RIGHT TRACKS: Herbert, a medical assistant dog, is one of the pooches that will benefit from a new assistance dogs scheme being operated by train companies

ones. Picture courtesy of Jennifer King

SING UP: Residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, in Wokingham, enjoy Emily’s performance, who sang some of the most famous tunes by American actress and singer Doris Day

Bracknell Town

Have your say on boundary changes

THE BOUNDARY Commission has finally published its recommendations, and they come with little surprise.

Wokingham has always had a curious layout. Its claim to fame is four MPs, including one former prime minister.

The proposed shake-up aims to make the constituencies better represent the local populations, and will see that change. The report brings few surprises as these have all been consulted on previously.

Now it’s time to have your say on the proposals. They will affect every resident, whether they vote or not, so it is important to take part.

More than 45,000 responses were sent in during the first two stages, and these comments were acted on.

There is just under a month left for people to make submissions. The end result will go to parliament by July next year, and they could be in place for the next general election.

Have your say by logging on to: boundarycommissionforengland. independent.gov.uk

CHURCH NOTES

Saint, sinner, both?

ASa Christian preacher I hope that some of my words might be helpful but I remember an occasion at this time of year.

There was someone there that Sunday for the first time, after the service when chatting to someone from the church he told them he had been confused by what I had just said.

Later I was told what he had said, “The church I was at last Sunday told me I was a sinner, this Sunday I’ve been told I am a saint; I’m confused.”

It was a Sunday near the beginning of November, and near All Saints’ Day, which is the first day of the month.

On that day we give thanks to God for all those Christians from the past and seek inspiration from their example.

That year, I explained how the word ‘saint’ is a normal description used in the New Testament for a believer in Christ.

To be a saint is to be a recipient of God’s undeserved mercy and not one who has done certain things.

As a saint’s lifestyle is, of course, important so the Apostle Paul writes, ‘greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints’ (Ephesians 5:3).

As Christians we rejoice that our new life is Christ is for us a free gift, it cannot be earned by us and we never deserve it.

Thankfully we are saints not living a good life but by being recipients of God’s free gift of salvation; by saying, ‘I can’t help myself, please help me.’

I have been encouraged and inspired by some of the saints who have helped me on my Christian journey

Hopefully my confused listener may now realise that like us all, although a sinner he may also be one of God’s saints.

The Revd Robert Barthram is the minister of the Reading Group of the United Reformed Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

May I briefly respond to the recent accusation on your letters page from Greg Bello. First the matter of no public consultation on the Public Toilets.

May I remind him that the Conservative-controlled Town Council had an on-line consultation on such a provision and engaged a market research company to carry out 500 face-to-face interviews on this topic. So much for no consultation.

Mr Bello and the Executive Member for Highways have often repeated the myth that if the previous administration had increased charges by inflation these extortionate increases would not be needed. If you do the calculation, something the lib/ lab coalition do not appear to be able to do, the resultant increases if this had happened are significantly lower.

A few examples – 1 hour would be 90p and not £1.30; 2 hours would be £1.34 and not £2.50. This continues right up to the over 6 hours which would be £4.48 instead of £9.

Another myth peddled is that neighbouring towns are also increasing their charges. It is true that if you search hard enough you will find a car park that has these sorts of charges but in reality this is not universally true. Many residents sing the praises of The Lexicon Shopping Centre in Bracknell saying it is better than Wokingham. By chance they actually run the Princess Square car park which is one of the main car parks for this shopping centre.

They are significantly cheaper than the new charges in Wokingham. A

the vice-chancellor

few examples – 1 hour would be £1 and not £1.30; 2 hours would be £2 and not £2.50; 3 hours would be £3 and not £4.50. So why would anyone go to Wokingham Town Centre when they could go to the Lexicon and pay significantly smaller carp parking charges.

We have been asking for details of where this “hole” in income is actually coming from. Eventually the Executive Member for Highways clarified that the income is actually from “parking services” which is a combination of the conventional car parks and the Park and Rides car parks.

When pressed he confirmed that the conventional car parks were at 90% of their income targets with Woodley car parks even higher.

So this means that the “hole” is almost exclusively down to a shortfall from the Park and Rides.

With three out of the four not running at the moment and the remaining one, Mereoak, running at 25% of income it is not surprising that there is a sizeable “hole”.

So there you have it – the expectation is that the conventional car parks will subsidise the huge losses from the Park and Rides.

At the same time there are no increases in the Park and Ride charges.

It has absolutely nothing to do with lack of patronage of the conventional car parks who have rebounded to pre pandemic levels. Instead of this subsidy they need to review the Park and Rides to see if they are no longer financially viable and if necessary shut them.

Cllr Keith Baker, Coronation Ward, Woodley and Leader Woodley Town Council

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

An embarrasment

An interesting quote from Cllr Rachel Burgess, the leader of Wokingham Labour group in Wokingham Borough: “I look forward to a Labour government...”

Oh dear. No mention of the Liberal Democrats and wannabe MP for Wokingham, Cllr Clive Jones, being in a Coalition/Partnership/Power sharing agreement in Parliament with Labour.

How embarrassing it must be for the Lib Dems to learn from a Labour WBC Councillor that there will be no chance of them helping Labour to govern the UK then.

What a marriage of convenience the electorate has been presented with at Wokingham Borough Council since May 2022. How long before the divorce if Labour wins the next General Election?

As for Independent Councillors waxing lyrical about how they are now listened to.

Are they so naive as to think that if the Non-Liberal Non-Democrats had gained an outright majority on Wokingham Borough Council in May 2022, that they would now be consorting with any other Councillors, Labour or Independent?

Ambition can be a good thing, but I fear that since a British Asian became Prime Minister, all the other political parties are looking very stale and very pale on the leadership front.

It’s equality in action.

Paul Clarke, Wokingham

Keep the triple lock

We, the people on state pensions only, must have a triple lock as we were promised from Sunak last year – and also from Ms Truss just a a

into the experiences of people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds at our University.

I wanted the review to be an honest reflection of the current situation and to provide recommendations on what we as a University could do better –through our teaching, research, activities, or influence.

Last year we published the resulting Race Equality Review, which set out 20 recommendations to ensure fairer and more equal treatment for everyone at the University.

few weeks ago. All over this country, people are suffering, choosing to either to eat or heat and ending up washing in cold water. At an old age it is some torture.

The SNP is the only party that is pushing for it, whereas Labour is wasting its time on twadle.

Victor Rones, Bracknell

Supporting visually impaired

Even before prices began to rise, one in five blind and partially sighted people said they had some or great difficulty in making ends meet. It is deeply concerning that many are now using less energy to save money and afford the rising cost of living.

Blind and partially sighted people rely on additional lighting to get around safely, using taxis to travel independently and assistive technologies to help with day to day tasks – adding to energy costs.

People with sight loss generally are also unable to find discounts online due to inaccessible websites and they are often unable to see discounted items in retail outlets.

We will be increasing the practical assistance we offer to help deal with these economic pressures. Our Helpline advisors can talk through and identify the financial support available in specific areas such as fuel poverty.

People with sight loss or their family or friends can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999, or if they have an Alexa device just say ‘Alexa, call RNIB Helpline’. Alternatively, they can visit rnib.org.uk/advice or email helpline@ rnib.org.uk.

OCTOBER

saw people across the UK celebrate Black History Month.

It is a chance for us to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture across society.

At the University of Reading, we held a number of events, including a public lecture focused on the stories of local people who were impacted by the Windrush Scandal, film screenings, workshops inviting staff and students to be part of the change at the University, and a ‘Wear Red Day’ to show unity

in support of action on racial equality.

While these events provide a good opportunity for us to focus our minds on the topic of Black history and culture, it’s important to remember that issues around racial equality and racial injustice are not only present each October.

This is something we can all be considering as part of our everyday lives.

In 2020, after the death of George Floyd sparked protests around the world about racism and racial equality, I commissioned a review

Some examples included looking at improving promotion procedures for Black, Asian and ethnic minority staff, eliminating the gap in academic grades awarded to white and non-white students, and increased training around creating an inclusive culture.

As a University we committed to acting on these recommendations, with their implementation being overseen by our Race Equality Action Team.

I am pleased to say that we are making good progress.

We still have much work to do, and we should never consider this an activity that we can mark as ‘finished’.

We have introduced a new Equal Opportunities Policy, setting out clear commitments to providing an inclusive environment without discrimination for all.

At the start of this academic year, in partnership with the students’ union, we launched our Decolonising the Curriculum resource, which will help to embed more diverse viewpoints, experiences and beliefs into our teaching content and methods, and ensuring that assessment reflects those changes.

Updating and improving our teaching, and our students’ learning, is one of our top priorities, and this is part of that broader work.

History is not just a series of events that happened in the past –it is a living reflection of ourselves in the present.

Everyone wants to live in a society that is free from racism and inequality.

Without action, that version of society will never arrive.

We all have a responsibility to change things for the better, and there is no better time to start than today.

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

Sophie Dodgeon , Head of Policy and Public Affairs, RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People)

From

Professor Robert Van de Noort

What’s in a consultation?

How the university marked Black History Month – and what we’re doing to ensure more equal treatment for all

From the Chamber

Cllr Norman Jorgensen

Why the decision to remove caddy liners was wrong

WOKINGHAM

Borough recycling rate is around 54%.

The recycling rate for waste disposed at the Household Waste Recycling Centres is much higher than from the kerbside and last time I was at Smallmead it was running at about 80%.

As Shadow Exec member for Environment and Leisure, I want to help the Borough save money by achieving lower volumes of residual (blue bag) waste and maximising the proportion of total waste recycled from the kerbside.

The Lib Dem/Labour coalition now running the Council has decided to stop supplying liner bags for the food waste kitchen caddies.

Our Conservative Group disagrees with this decision and last week challenged the decision at a Scrutiny meeting.

The Lib/Lab Coalition wouldn’t listen.

So why do we think the removal of free caddy liners is a bad idea?

We need to encourage a greater take up of the food waste recycling service because the disposal costs of food waste through recycling are much lower than sending food waste to an energy-to-waste plant or to landfill.

Not supplying caddy liners is a disincentive to using the service, in a

recent newspaper article it seems the Lib Dem leader agrees with us.

The Council budget for 2022/23 has an extra saving of £350,000 built into it which is meant to be delivered by getting residents to recycle considerably more food waste.

This would be a 70% increase on the recycling rate in 2021/22.

It appears only around 30% of food waste is currently recycled, the remainder is put in blue bags.

If the lack of caddy liners bags puts people off recycling, then this savings target will be impossible to achieve, thus leaving a huge financial hole to fill.

When Conservatives introduced the blue waste bags, and restricted the number provided, it was aimed at encouraging residents to use the recycling service more. This was successful and the recycling rate shot up immediately.

Sometimes it takes a bit of a shock to encourage us to change our habits.

The recent decision to further restrict the number of blue bags will hopefully result in a further increase in recycling.

It appears the one size fits all Lib/ Lab decision was not thought through thoroughly and we are pressing for more bags to made available to those whose disability or family

circumstances necessitate creating more waste.

It is our Conservative group policy to retain weekly waste collections and not move to using wheely bins. We feel that residents should have the choice to dispose of waste every week.

Many people have nowhere to store waste or wheelie bins and we don’t want parts of Wokingham Borough to look like parts of Reading where wheely bins parked on pavements create an eyesore and cause an obstruction.

The Lib Dem/Labour coalition now running Wokingham Borough Council is currently consulting the public on their plans for future waste collection. This includes retaining weekly food waste collection but collecting general and recycling waste less frequently.

They also propose further limiting the amount of general waste households are allowed to put out for collection. They propose changing the service right away and give the rationale for this as a cost saving, but it is difficult to see how in the short term this would be achieved.

This sham consultation does not provide the option of retaining weekly collection and the proposal to move to bi-weekly or tri-weekly collection is unlikely to deliver the benefits claimed.

The current waste contract runs until 2026 and the cost of the collection service is built into budgets. The collection trucks were specifically designed and purchased to service this contract with separate compartments for food, general and dry recycling waste.

In addition, the budget for purchasing blue bags is £350,000 per year.

This is the continue-as-is option.

The coalition proposes adopting wheely bins for general and recycling waste, collecting general and recycling waste every two or possibly three weeks.

We know we have the support of schools and academy trusts in doing what we can to help, as well as charities and voluntary sector organisations who are stepping in to assist us.

Let’s assume bi-weekly where general waste is collected one week and recycling the other, with food collected every week.

The collection truck would therefore turn up at your door every week as now, but only take some of your waste. It is difficult to see savings being negotiated for this with the service provider.

If we assume the cost per household for two wheely bins is £100 then the cost of supplying them to every one of the approximately 70,000 household in the Borough is £7 million. We tested these figures with Borough officers last week and they seem right. If the Council borrows money to purchase the wheely bins the interest alone at 5% will be £350,000 per year. If interest rates are higher and the Council wishes to pay off the loan, as it would, then the figure is higher.

This means that the cost of introducing a new less frequent waste collection service would be higher than carrying on as we are now, since the annual cost of purchasing the blue bags is £350,000.

It appears that the only way the Lib Dem/Labour coalition could make significant savings in the short term is by restricting the amount of general waste you can put out for collection.

Retaining weekly general waste and recycling is not given as an option in the Council’s consultation, so if you wish to retain weekly waste collections, please sign our petition at: https://www. wokinghamconservatives.org. uk/campaigns/keep-weekly-bincollections-campaign

We will present the petition at a Council meeting and try to get the ruling Lib Dem/Labour coalition to change their minds.

Cllr Norman Jorgensen is the Shadow Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure and Conservative Member for Maiden Erlegh Ward

previous Conservative administration, who, when government funding was not forthcoming in 2020, declined to provide meals during the October half-term that year.

From the deputy leader Cllr Stephen Conway

Inclusivity is in our DNA WOKINGHAM

Borough Council recognises the need to work in a partnership of equals with a wide range of bodies, such as the voluntary and charitable sector, town and parish councils, and local businesses.

Senior council officers have been pursuing this agenda for some time, but now, with a new administration leading the council, corporate and political objectives coincide.

The Liberal Democrats believe in the value of working with others - inclusivity is in our DNA.

What underpins this commitment to partnership, from both officers and councillors, is the realisation that we can achieve more for the borough and its residents when we work together with our external partners than we can when we work on our own.

The new approach to partnerships makes great sense as the funding landscape for local government becomes more and more challenging.

Wokingham receives one of the lowest levels of central government support of all local authorities in England. The council has to move away from a simple provider model and move towards a hybrid model, where it continues to provide services but also acts as an enabler and facilitator of action undertaken by others.

What has given this move extra urgency is the cost-of-living crisis. Even in a wealthy area such as ours, inflation and mortgage rate rises are tipping some of our residents into real hardship. Many others are worried about making ends meet.

The council lacks the resources to tackle the problem on its own (central government has not helped in the way that it did at the height of the pandemic). But we can make our limited resources go farther by working with others.

The council is part of the Hardship Alliance, working with local voluntary and charitable bodies to build up a pot of money that can be used to help those in difficulties this winter and beyond.

But it’s not just about assembling money.

The pressures facing ourschools is immense

WEARE very lucky in Wokingham Borough that our schools deliver good quality education more or less across the board, despite the fact that – very like the council – they are among the very worst funded in the country in terms of the amount of money they receive for each pupil.

I am constantly amazed at the commitment of the heads, staff, governors and academy trustees who deliver for our children day in day out, despite the rising pressure on their budgets.

The cost of energy and other inflation is now pushing that pressure to an unsustainable level.

On October22, the National Association of Head Teachers warned

that 90% of schools were likely to be spending more than their income by next September.

Our schools have been underfunded for a long time.

We will be trying to support them to reduce their energy bills by taking up measures like installing solar panels.

We are also looking at how we can improve our offer to schools on Special Educational Needs. This is a very challenging area which is worthy of an entire column by itself.

At the same time as schools are suffering, money is getting increasingly tight for families.

Wokingham Borough Council, like councils in other parties of the country, is working hard to try to counter the effects of the cost of living crisis for families.

We are encouraging schools –not that they need much encouragement - to look at making the cost of uniform as low as possible, reducing the amount of branded items wherever they can, and trying to make sure uniform can be passed on to others when it has been outgrown.

Other things being looked at include the cost of the school day –for example, making school trips and events as affordable as possible, and ensuring there are schemes to help children get the IT devices they need at a reasonable cost.

The council itself, now led by the Lib Dems in partnership with Labour and the Independents, has made a decision to support food vouchers for children who get Free School Meals during all school holidays up until May half-term next year.

We did this before we knew whether any further government funding would be available, despite the fact that our own finances are under severe pressure, because we believe we must protect the most vulnerable in our community.

If I may be permitted a party political point, this is unlike the

Government funding has now been announced for this year. However, it seems it will not run to paying for food for children past the Easter holidays. Many councils are not planning to fund anything past this point themselves. We in Wokingham are still committed to providing food for the May half-term holiday.

There is no doubt at all that financially things are getting more difficult for the council, for schools, and for families.

There is talk of returning to austerity measures in the budget statement due in November. This will leave the rest of us paying for the mess made by the Conservatives in national government.

Until only a few years ago I would never have believed that in 2022 we would live in a society where so many families were unable to afford to feed their children or keep them warm enough, or where the majority of schools were predicting they would be in the red by the end of the year. As a society we cannot go on like this.

Cllr Prue Bray is the Executive Member for Children’s Services and Lib Dem ward member for Winnersh

The council and the wider Hardship Alliance have been working to coordinate support to ensure that no one who needs help is left out. The council has also been discussing with town and parish councils and local businesses how they can play a part, particularly in promoting volunteering and in publicising what help is available.

One piece of work that the borough council has begun with town and parish councils is assembling a more comprehensive database of local clubs, societies and activities available in the different communities within the borough.

We are all very much aware that some residents, fearful of incurring unnecessary expenditure, may be tempted to stay at home over much of the winter.

The experience of the covid lockdowns should warn us of the dangers to mental and physical health of prolonged removal from social contact.

If we can inform our residents of what they can do over the winter at low or no cost, we hope that they will avoid the pitfalls of self-imposed isolation.

There is much good work going on, then, on the partnership front. But we have only just begun. Effective partnership working is not easy to pull off; it requires commitment and a willingness, on the part of both council officers and councillors, to embrace cultural change.

The old ways have to change; a new and more inclusive approach is needed.

We will do all we can to make partnership work.

Its great strength is that it enables our community to benefit. We can achieve much more by working with others than we can achieve on our own.

Cllr Stephen Conway is the deputy leader of Wokingham Borough Council and ward member for Twyford

From the Chamber

Cllr Prue Bray

Jeweller’s Boxing Day closure

THERE are some Christmas traditions that run in the family, and that’s exactly what a national jewellers chain is doing.

Beaverbooks has announced that it is giving all its staff members Boxing Day off, just as it has done for the past 103 years.

The managing Director of the family-owned firm, Anna Blackburn, said: “In Beaverbrooks’ 103-year history we have never opened on Boxing Day, to give our amazing colleagues more time to spend with their families and thank them for their hard work throughout the year.

“As a business run on strong family values this is something incredibly important to us.”

She said that, in addition to the extra family day, the company will give a festive bonus.

“We know it is a challenging time for many people. To support our colleagues, we will continue our tradition of an extra week’s salary in December for all colleagues to show our appreciation for their hard work,” she said.

“This comes in addition to an investment of £500,000 in cost-of-living payments made in October to all colleagues, a £500 one-off payment per colleague, providing further financial support in line with increasing costs.”

Other benefits, Ms Blackburn cited include a breakfast club, guaranteed salary increases and profit bonuses.

She also hoped other stores will also take the decision to shut on December 26.

“Closing on Boxing Day is something we know our colleagues value greatly, and we feel passionate about continuing this tradition, and hopefully inspiring other businesses to follow in our footsteps,” she said.

The company has stores in Reading’s The Oracle and Bracknell’s The Lexicon, as well as Basingstoke’s Festival Place.

‘Reading’s lack of digital skills jeopardises business growth’

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

ALMOST a third of workers in Reading feel they lack sufficient digital skills for their job role, with more than half not receiving digital upskilling training from their employer according to new research.

And the same study found that a widespread misunderstanding exists of what digital skills means, with 39% of workers in Reading believing it means the ability to fix IT issues, something backers say presents a further barrier to closing the digital skills gap.

Digital services company AND Digital’s report, The Nature of the Digital Skills Gap, shows that 68% of workers in Reading believe a lack of digital skills is having a negative impact on their organisation.

The report which also looks at the UK-wide impact highlights over half (61%) of business growth depends on digital outcomes. Based on AND Digital’s estimations, this equates to £50bn is at risk per year across the UK economy, and more than £240bn between now and 2026.

And 30% of businesses in Reading attribute it to their

employee churn, with a loss of talent or difficulty attracting talent within their organisations to a lack of digital skills.

Almost a quarter (24%) admit it has impacted either their ability to hit business targets, made them lose customers or key business opportunities.

Yet, this issue is compounded by the fact that over half (52%) of workers in Reading admit they have not received digital upskilling from their employer.

The research commissioned by AND Digital, which surveyed 5,000 UK workers who use technology in their roles, analysed the digital

skills capabilities at an individual, team and organisational level. Overall, the research highlights that urgent action to digitally upskill the UK’s workforce could help its chance of economic recovery.

Shan Beerstecher, AND Digital Reading Club Executive, said: “Digital skills mean so much more than just technical skills.

“It also includes professional skills, such as product and delivery management, and soft, human skills such as empathy, creativity and teaming. Individuals and teams with such skills are vital in creating a digital future, and for businesses across the UK and in Reading to see continued growth and success.”

Ms Beerstecher said the report shows a clear appetite for upskilling in Reading, with more half (56%) of respondents stating that improving their digital skills is essential for their career progression – whether that’s earning more or performing better in their role.

But workplace perceptions present a barrier, with 46% of Reading workers feeling daunted by the prospect of digital upskilling and not feeling comfortable bringing it up with their employer.

A lack of digital skills growth is directly impacting career progression, with nearly seven in 10

(68%) of workers in Reading saying they have been affected negatively by a lack of digital skills. A third (33%) of these say it has meant being turned down from either pay rises, promotions or not putting themselves forward for promotion.

One fifth (21%) say it has stopped them from applying for a certain job and 20% have felt.

She said: “Despite the digital skills gap discussion persisting for over a decade, organisations in Reading are still failing to sufficiently upskill employees, and it is directly impacting business and wider economic growth.

“This is because we have not come to a shared understanding of what the skills gap is or what digital skills means - this needs to be done to move forward and close the gap.

“In the next three years, AND Digital estimates the UK workforce will require eight million individuals proficient in digital skills to close the gap. A number which even the most effective recruitment teams will struggle with.

“Organisations in Reading must prioritise digital upskilling - ensuring individuals, teams and organisations as a whole in the region are fit for a digital present and future.”

Content Guru wins Thames Valley Tech Company of the Year 2022

The awards, run by The Business Magazine, recognise the top technology businesses across the region.

Richard Thompson, managing director at The Business Magazine, said the winners, who were chosen by independent judges, reflected the diverse nature of tech in the Thames Valley.

“We have been impressed with the tech companies who have entered this year’s awards,” he said.

Content Guru was recognised for its work in cloud-based critical communications. Judges were impressed by the company’s annual revenue growth of 30%, alongside creating large numbers of high quality jobs in the Thames Valley.

Content Guru is part of Redwood Technologies Group, whose Bracknell headquarters is the tech town’s largest local employer.

The winners were announced at a black-tie dinner at Reading’s Select Car Leasing Stadium.

During the awards, guests raised over £3,200 for Special Effect, a charity set to help transform the lives of physically disabled people

across the globe using innovative technology.

Martin Taylor, Co-founder and Deputy CEO at Content Guru, said: “We are delighted to be recognised by the Thames Valley Tech Awards judges with the most coveted title of Tech Company of the Year.

“Content Guru is a true Thames Valley success story, being based in the region since our business’s inception.

“We have long had our main US base in California’s Silicon Valley, and we feel that this area represents Britain’s closest equivalent to that hot-house of innovation, only with worse weather.”

CONTENT Guru, a Bracknellbased cloud communications and customer experience provider, has been awarded the highest accolade at the Thames Valley Tech Awards: Tech Company of the Year.

Digital skills gaps are holding Reading workers back according to a new survey from AND Digital. Pictured above: Shan Beerstecher

Spin a yarn at knitting group

RESIDENTS are invited to join a needles and natter group.

Meetings take place on Mondays at Spencers Wood Village Hall, with members looking to develop their sewing and knitting skills.

Individuals of all skill levels and ages are welcome.

Those looking to be more adventurous may wish to try their hand at crocheting, cross stitching, diamond dotz, card making or quilting.

Sessions run from 7.30pm-9pm and cost £2 to attend.

n For more information, search: Spencers Wood Needle and Natter on www.facebook.com

Scouts’ search

A COMMUNITY group is raising funds to enrich its provision for young people in Wokingham.

The 1st Arborfield Scouts are in search of prizes at its tombola stall at the upcoming Wokingham Winter Carnival on Sunday, November 27.

They want products such as unwanted gifts, pre-loved items, boxes of chocolates and alcohol, to be used as prizes.

The organisers are happy to collect donated items.

n For more information, search: 1st Arborfield Scouts on www. facebook.com

Police say they attend nearly 500 incidents a day

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@wokingham.today

THAMES Valley Police has released its semi-annual breakdown of statistics about its operations.

As part of its commitment to giving the public more of an insight to its work, the force releases biannual figures about its activity and reports it received.

Latest figures look at the period between Friday, April 1, to Friday, September 30, which saw TVP undertake one of the “largest and most significant” operations in history.

More than 2,500 police officers and staff policing the services surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

TVP also operated at a wide range of events including Reading Festival, Henley Regatta, and Royal Ascot.

Across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, it received 497,000 contacts from members of the public: 190,000 calls to 999 and more than 260,000 calls to 101.

It reported that it attended nearly 500 incidents per day, making 15,099 arrests.

In May, it launched its strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, which focuses on dealing with perpetrators of domestic violence.

The figures report that 30% of arrests were related to domestic abuse, and the levels of charges for sexual offences increased by 105% compared to the same period last year.

Formal action against domestic abuse offenders has increased by 44%, while stalking and harassment charges increased by 45% and rape charges increased by 8%.

The force has received more than 1,600 applications for positions.

It reports that 38% of applications received were from women, and 17% from Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnicity applicants.

As well as launching its Race Action Plan in May, it has also formed a new scrutiny board to provide a forum which can be used to hold the force to account on its commitment to increase trust and confidence in diverse communities.

It has also committed to tackling drug and knife-related

offences, with more than 2,400 crimes related to drug dealing or possession recorded and 445 arrests made for kine-enabled crime.

Reflecting on a busy six months, Chief Constable John Campbell said: “These wideranging statistics provide a glimpse of the complexity of modern policing and the variety of work undertaken by Thames Valley Police every single day.

The report detailed a drop of around 33% of burglaries compared to 2019, with TVP citing the “impact of covid restrictions” as being particularly evident

“In light of all these numbers, the most important thing to remember is that each of these statistics has a story behind them; a family reunited with a loved one; an event that was able to take place safely and without disruption; or a person who called for our help in their time of need.

“I’m proud of our dedicated officers, staff and volunteers who work hard day-in, day-out, to keep our communities safe.” n For full details of the report, visit: www.thamesvalley.police. uk

Parking space proposed at Shinfield Park

A WOKINGHAM councillor is looking to create a new, designated car park to resolve vehicle overcrowding on a housing estate, writes Ji-Min Lee

Shinfield North councillor Parry Batth is hoping to open up a disused road south of Shinfield Park to prevent motorists parking illegally.

The number of cars on the estate has quadrupled in recent years, according to Cllr Batth, while the quantity of parking spaces has stayed the same.

With residents unwilling to give up green spaces, the Whitley Wood Road site appears the most feasible option for a designated residents parking area.

Cllr Batth said: “There has been a fair amount of illegal parking. We’ve tried to resolve that by opening up the old Whitley Wood Road as a safe place for residents to park.”

There are currently enough parking spaces for each of the privately-owned properties to house one car. However, according to the former mayor of Wokingham Borough Council, a lot of the homes on the estate are owned by housing associations.

When the estate was first built, each household was designated one-and-a-half parking spaces, which is now

no longer the case due to the number of people who live there.

Overcrowding has seen cars being left parked illegally in front of driveways and on roundabouts. Cllr Batth said this was not only a concern for motorists travelling through the estate, but also for pedestrians.

Cars parked on curbs have provided significant hindrance to those using pushchairs, wheelchairs and power chairs, with some residents voicing concerns about walking on the roads.

Mr Batth explained a large number of people who live in Shinfield Park are contractors, who provide specialist services to companies in Reading and Wokingham, particularly within the IT and technology sector.

The estate is ideally located near the M4’s junction 11 for travel into London and central Reading, and is only a short walk from Thames Valley Science Park.

The site houses Shinfield Studios and British Museum, Natural History Museum and Rutherford Cancer Centre facilities.

A new parking area would be for Shinfield Park residents exclusively, although Cllr Batth suspects others may try to take advantage, potentially

creating their own park and ride system. He said: “The only trouble is that it’ll be open to

College discoverstudents more about the history of harvest

STUDENTS at a Bracknell-based college took part in a harvest celebration, including donating goods to a foodbank.

Organised by Michael Penny, the lead chaplain for Bracknell and Wokingham College, it included a look at how harvest was marked during biblical times.

This included how special provision was made for the poor, by not harvesting the edges of the fields, so they could gather their own crops.

And the Revd Sarah Mortimer,

who can park there, get on a bus and go into town. That is a problem we have to find a solution for, so it’s for the residents and no-one else.”

a chaplain at the college, asked students how many words could be made from the letters in ‘harvest’, highlighting they included ‘have’, ‘share’, and ‘starve’.

Her message was that we who ‘have’ should ‘share’ with the poor so they do not ‘starve’.

Students and staff at the centre, run by Activate Learning, were invited to bring items that could be donated to the foodbank run by nearby Kerith Church.

The highways team are considering ways to implement this, with one viable resolution being the usage of a permit system.

MAKING A POINT: Bracknell and Wokingham College’s harvest festival looked at the festival across history

Reader travel

Winnersh Park and Ride set for completion next summer

By Daniel Blackham dblackham@rdg.today

THE latest phase of the renovation and expansion of Winnersh Triangle Park and Ride is under way.

Wokingham Borough Council is pushing the scheme forward for completion next year as part of its efforts to improve the borough’s sustainable and active transport links.

Escape to the seaside and enjoy a relaxing weekend in Bournemouth, a fantastic resort boasting seven miles of golden sands, a historic pier and magnificent gardens. From here we visit Poole with its nautical atmosphere and the traditional resort of Swanage.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading & Slough

 3 nights at a selected hotel in Bournemouth with dinner & breakfast

 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks

 Excursion to Poole & Swanage  Optional excursion to Dorchester & Weymouth (£12pp)

Once finished, the facility will offer 491 spaces with other improvements to make it more comfortable to use.

It will also serve passengers using the adjacent Winnersh Triangle railway station.

Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: “We know many people would like this to have opened sooner and we’re sorry that this hasn’t been possible.

“Despite the delay, which is largely down to unforeseen issues outside our control, we’re set to provide a first-class upgrade at Winnersh Triangle Park and Ride, and we thank everyone for their patience.

“We hope it will not only reduce car journeys between our borough and Reading, but more locally by encouraging people to cycle to the site instead of driving.”

loss of trees on the site.

This phase is being funded and carried out by Frasers Property UK, the owners of the business park, and should be completed by next spring.

Fund and from the government.

Work started in spring 2021, and was set to have finished by now but was delayed for multiple reasons, including the discovery of an unmarked water main.

“Vehicle emissions are one of the biggest contributors to our borough’s carbon footprint and we’re determined to make it easier for everyone to make a difference.”

THE FRY’S CHOCOLATE

Steam Train & Bristol Cruise

A new access road with a turning point off the A329M slip road roundabout is almost built and the traffic lights rearranged, and work has now begun on creating a piazza at the site’s eastern end.

This will be open to the public and will have a paved area with bus shelters, new lighting, and a natural open space with a lawn.

It will blend in with existing planting, with new and mostly native hedges and trees to improve biodiversity and ensure no overall

Church group to discuss flood

A CHRISTIAN group is hosting a talk at Three Mile Cross Church Centre, Mitford Close.

Reading Creation Group’s event will see Simon Turpin, from Answers in Genesis UK, respond to those who ‘deliberately overlook creation and the flood’.

The talk is set to be followed by a Q&A opportunity. There will be refreshments and a bookstall.

The event takes place at 7.30pm and is expected to finish by 10pm on Friday, November 25.

n For more information, visit: www. answersingenesis.org

Meanwhile, the main car park works are continuing as contractor Bourne Steel builds the decking structure offsite, which is hoped to reduce the construction time, local impact and carbon footprint.

The whole project is expected to finish by next summer and will include additional cycle parking as well as 35 electric vehicle charging spaces.

It is also receiving funding from the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth

This forced building work to stop and parts of the project to be redesigned to fit around it.

The council is hoping the expansion will reduce the number of cars travelling into Reading as it will provide a “more convenient and affordable alternative to driving”.

Cllr Fishwick added: “As well as making the area look more attractive, these improvements will allow even more residents to use public transport more often, or perhaps make the switch for the first time.

Test your knowledge at college’s charity quiz night

READ College is hosting its annual fundraising quiz for Access to the Arts on Friday, November 18.

The annual quiz raises important funds for the college’s Access to the Arts programme, which seeks to support underrepresented and disadvantaged young people get into the theatre industry.

It will be run by professional quiz masters and is open to teams of six to eight people per table, with a ploughman’s supper included in the ticket price.

It will also see games and a

Blue Collar turns into a record fair

A CHANCE to find some new old vinyl to spin on the decks is coming to neighbouring Reading later this month.

Blue Collar Corner in Hosier Street is opening on Sunday, November 20, for a record collectors fair and meeting.

The event will see a range of stalls sell new and second-hand vinyl, CDs, and merchandise from bands and record labels.

Organisers say there will be a mixture of rare finds and plentiful bargains.

Confirmed stall holders include

raffle, as well as live entertainment and a licensed bar.

Admission costs £10, or £5 for Read College Students and all proceeds will go towards Access to the Arts.

The Access to Arts charity quiz night takes place at St Bart’s Theatre, Read College, from 7pm Friday, November 18.

n For more information about Access to the Arts, visit: www.readcollege. org.

n To book a place at the quiz, visit: whatsonreading.com

JIMs, Oxfam Music, Certain Sound Records, Music Box, and Keith Stonell.

The fair runs from 11am to 3pm, with DJs playing until 6pm, while the venue is open until 8pm.

n It is one of a number of events at the town centre venue. For more, log on to: bluecollarreading.co.uk

The original park and ride at Winnersh Triangle opened in 2015, replacing the old Loddon Bridge park and ride.

Most of the car park will remain shut until the upgrade finishes, with just under 100 spaces still available to passengers using the station or the nearby Lion 4/X4 bus to central Reading.

The council recognises that residents and commuters are keen to see the site reopen as soon as possible and said it is doing “all it can” to ensure the project is completed to the new timescale.

Christmas concert date for St Mary’s

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

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

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

Previous themed concerts include Forties Favourites, Magic of the Movies, Songs from the Shows and Christmas Icing.

Wine and mince pies will be available on arrival, with visitors also welcome to enjoy the bar and raffle.

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

Tickets cost £12 in advance and £15 on the door.

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

COMING SOON: Despite delays, the council has set a completion date of next summer for the new site Picture: Wokingham Borough Council

Library celebrates 35th birthday

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

A SERIES of events are being held to celebrate 35 years of Lower Earley Library.

During those three-anda-half decades, the library has been a focal point for the community, offering a range of events and services to residents since opening in 1987.

The library celebrates its birthday on November 23, and, although it is always closed on Wednesdays, there are many events taking place in the weeks ahead.

Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services, said: “It is really lovely to see just how important Lower Earley Library is to the local community all these years after it was opened.

“All of our libraries are safe and inclusive spaces and we must say a huge thanks to the staff and volunteers that have made it run so successfully.

“We are incredibly proud of our library service as a whole, with so many reasons to be involved and to be a part of the community.”

Events coming up include a quiz and raffle on the eve of the library’s birthday, with a coffee morning taking place on Thursday, November 24.

Both of these events will be raising money for Wokingham Foodbank, the borough mayor’s

chosen charity.

Cllr Kerr added: “I am really looking forward to the birthday celebrations. The staff may have changed over time, but

the welcoming feeling you get when you enter certainly hasn’t.

“There have been some wonderful memories from Lower Earley and I’m sure there

Pupils choose Gorse Ride road names

CHILDREN at a Finchampstead school have helped name four new roads and five apartment blocks.

As part of Wokingham Borough Council’s Gorse Ride affordable housing regeneration, residents chose the theme ‘flowers’, which was put forward by Class 6CB at Gorse Ride Junior School.

Mayor Cllr Caroline Smith paid the class a surprise visit to announce the good news, and was joined by staff from Wates Residential, the contractor for the development.

Cllr Smith said: “Local school children have worked hard and have thought of many inspiring theme suggestions for the Gorse Ride road naming competition.

“It is a great pleasure to announce Class 6CB at Gorse Ride Junior School as the overall winners. Their wonderful floral ideas captured the community’s imagination as being the kind of names they wanted to see in the regenerated community.

“Well done to everyone involved, I have enjoyed meeting you all and congratulations to our winners.”

The mayor presented the class’ pupils with shopping vouchers and congratulatory certificates, which were provided by Wates.

In an attempt to involve the community, the council challenged schools to submit ideas for themes in a road naming competition.

The themes needed to link to the Finchampstead, its landmarks or concepts which were important to young people such as climate emergency.

A community panel shortlisted the ideas down to three and residents of Gorse Ride were invited to vote for their favourite theme.

Flowers proved the most popular choice, receiving 57% of the vote.

The suggestion included species such as buttercup, sunflower, iris and foxglove.

Eileen Rogers, executive headteacher at Gorse Ride Junior School, said: “With values being at the heart of everything we do at Gorse Ride Schools, including ‘belonging’ and ‘responsibility’,

we knew that our children would love the opportunity to be involved in supporting their local community.

“We were very impressed with their range of imaginative ideas and thrilled to be chosen as the winners. As a school, we are so proud that our children can leave a positive lasting legacy in their local area and they are looking forward to spotting their chosen road names when they are completed.”

Now that ‘flowers’ has been chosen as the theme for the future road names at Gorse Ride, the council will start the process of discussing the ideas with Royal Mail before agreeing a final list of road and apartment names for the scheme.

will be many more in the next 35 years.”

The need for a community hub in the area became apparent following rapid

growth in the population in the 1980s.

The result was one of the borough’s biggest libraries, with The Earley Retreat Pub and Loddon Valley Leisure Centre helping further to make it a desirable place to live.

On November 23, 1987, the library welcomed its first customers, offering 28,000 books, children’s events and author visits.

The official opening was carried out by Gareth Gimblett, chairman of Berkshire County Council. He was joined by elected member Dorothy Kemp for photographs as the plaque was unveiled.

As more development took place, the library became a busy hub for the public to use.

Events such as book festivals and competitions were run to encourage use, but the biggest increase of usage came in 1990 when the library was relaunched at the same time as the covered walkway was finished, joining the library with Asda.

Today, the library is as busy as ever, with regular events for all ages.

It provides access to more than 18,000 books and other items across the borough, with approximately 31,000 being held at the library alone. n For a full list of events to mark the library’s anniversary, visit: wokingham.spydus.co.uk

Warm Fridays to help residents

A COMMUNITY GROUP is helping residents combat rising energy prices with a new initiative.

St Mary’s Church, Shinfield, is running Warm Fridays, offering residents the chance to enjoy homemade soup, bread, cake and tea or coffee for a small donation, where possible.

The weekly initiative kicked off last week.

Running from noon-4pm, visitors will have the chance to catch up with friends, families and other residents in the warmth of the church’s hall. All are welcome to attend. n For more information, contact: 0118 988 5923.

Bowie celebration

THE BEST of the Star Man’s music is coming to town.

Later this month, Wokingham Music Club will welcome a David Bowie tribute, Bowiesque.

Concert goers can expect to hear many of the influential singer’s hits.

The event takes place at the Royal British Legion, Woodward Close, Winnersh on Friday, November 25. Doors open at 7.30pm, with music from 8pm.

n Tickets cost £19, and can be purchased by logging on to: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub

READY TO CELEBRATE: Lower Earley Library is 35 years old this month Pictures: Wokingham Borough Council

CELEBRATION: Gorse Ride Junior School’s Class 6CB was paid a surprise visit by Mayor of Wokingham Borough Cllr Caroline Smith. Picture: Stewart Turkington

Classifieds

PUBLICNOTICES

Finchampstead Departurefrom Development Plan

223089 WoodclyffeLodge, WargraveRoad, Wargrave

Fullapplicationfortheproposederectionof4no. detachedresidentialdwellingswithassociatedparking andlandscapingfollowingdemolitionofexistingbuildings.

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984

WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (VARIOUSROADS,WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2022

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe3rdNovember 2022WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority madeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoad TrafficRegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichisto prohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong:

1.MollyMillarsLane,Wokinghambetweenits junctionswithA321FinchampsteadRoadandB3349 BarkhamRoad.

Thealternativerouteforalleastboundvehiclesaffected bythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3349BarkhamRoad, A321StationApproach,A329ReadingRoad,A329 ShuteEnd,A329RectoryRoad,A329WiltshireRoad, A329PeachStreet,EasthampsteadRoad,Heathlands Road,B3430NineMileRide,A321SandhurstRoadand A321FinchampsteadRoad.

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

1.EasthampsteadRoad,Wokinghamandfora distanceof20moneithersideofthelevelcrossing. Thealternativerouteforallnorthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaOldWokingham Road,PeacockLane,VigarWay,JennettsPark Roundabout,BerkshireWay,A329LondonRoad,A329 PeachStreetandEasthampsteadRoad.

Conservation Area

Householderapplicationfortheproposedgarage conversiontocreatehabitableaccommodationandinfill extensiontoconnectdwellingtoproposedconverted outbuilding.Singlestoreyrearextensionwithpitched glassrooffollowingdemolitionoftheexisting conservatory.Conversionofthelofttocreatehabitable accommodation,toinclude3no.dormers,1no.rooflightto themainroof.

223117 OldSchoolHall,High Street,Twyford Workstoalisted building ApplicationforListedBuildingConsentfortheproposed Installationof69NoPhotoVoltaicpanelstothemainroof.

223205 ChurchFarm, WokinghamRoad, Hurst

223206 ChurchFarm, WokinghamRoad, Hurst

223286 LandEastofHyde EndLane,Westof HydeEndRoad, Shinfield

Workstoalisted building

Affectssettingof listedbuilding

Major Application

Householderapplicationfortheproposedminor amendmenttothenewboundaryaccessgateheight, widthandpierspreviouslyapproved.

ApplicationfortheListedBuildingConsentforthe proposedminoramendmenttonewboundaryaccessgate heightandwidthofpierspreviouslyapproved.

ApplicationforapprovalofReservedMatterspursuantto OutlinePlanningConsentO/2010/1432(asvariedby VAR/2014/0624(141016),dated23/10/2014).The ReservedMatterscomprisetheprovisionofasports pavilion,sportspitches(approvedbyReservedMatters application221439)andassociatedparkingand landscaping.Detailsofaccess,appearance,landscaping, layoutandscaletobeconsidered.

Thealternativerouteforallwestboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA321 FinchampsteadRoad,A321SandhurstRoad,B3430 NineMileRide,HeathlandsRoad,EasthampsteadRoad, A329PeachStreet,A329BroadStreet,A329Shute End,A329ReadingRoad,A321StationRoadandB3349 BarkhamRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 14thNovemberand17thNovember2022

2.A329ShuteEnd,Wokinghambetweenits junctionswithA321StationRoadandA329Broad Street.

Thealternativerouteforalleastboundvehiclesaffected bythisrestrictionshallbeviaA329ReadingRoad, B3030RobinhoodLane,B3030DavisStreet,B3030 LodgeRoad,A321BroadwaterLane,A321Wokingham Road,A321TwyfordRoad,A321MiltonRoad,A321 GlebelandsRoad,A329RectoryRoad,A329Wiltshire Road,A329PeachStreetandA329BroadStreet.

Thealternativerouteforallwestboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA329Rectory Road,A321GlebelandsRoad,A321MiltonRoad,A321 TwyfordRoad,A321WokinghamRoad,A321 BroadwaterLane,B3030LodgeRoad,B3030Davis Street,B3030RobinhoodLaneandA329ReadingRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 24thNovemberand25thNovember2022.

Thealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaEasthampstead Road,A329PeachStreet,A329BroadStreet,A329 RectoryRoad,A329WiltshireRoad,A329London Road,BerkshireWay,JennettsParkRoundabout,Vigar Way,PeacockLaneandOldWokinghamRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 4thDecemberand5thDecember2022between02:00 and04:00.

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,B3030KingStreetLane,A329 ReadingRoadandA321StationRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallHGV’s(Southbound) affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaStation Approach,A329ReadingRoad,B3030KingStreet Lane,BearwoodRoadandB3349BarkhamRoad.

223287 LandEastofHyde EndLane,Westof HydeEndRoad, Shinfield

223290 WokinghamLibrary, DenmarkStreet, Wokingham

Major Application Applicationfortheapprovalofreservedmatterspursuant tooutlineplanningconsentO/2010/1432(asvariedby VAR/2014/0624141016),dated23/10/2014).The ReservedMatterscomprisetheprovisionofsports pitches(approvedbyReservedMattersapplication 221439)andlandscaping.Detailsofaccess,appearance, landscaping,layoutandscaletobeconsidered.

Conservation Area

Fullapplicationfortheproposedchangeofusefrom librarytostorageanddistribution.

3.B3350ChurchRoad,Earleybetweenitsjunctions withB3350PittsLaneandA329WokinghamRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallnorthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA329 WokinghamRoad,A329ReadingRoad,LoddonBridge andTheBaderWayInterchange,TheBaderWay,Miles Way,SpitfireWay,HeadleyRoadEast,HeadleyRoad. ReadingRoad,A4LondonRoadandB3350PittsLane. Thealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3350PittsLane, A4LondonRoad,A4ShepherdsHill,A4LondonRoad, ReadingRoad,HeadleyRoad,HeadleyRoadEast, SpitfireWay,MilesWay,TheBaderWay,LoddonBridge andTheBaderWayInterchange,A329ReadingRoad andA329WokinghamRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 28thNovemberand29thNovember2022between 20:00and06:00

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowVolker Highwayscontractorstoundertakeremedialironworks andassociatedworkinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 21stJanuaryand23rdJanuary2023between02:00 and04:00.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowNetwork Railcontractorstoprotecttheworksitewhenaccessing engineeringmachinesandmaterialsandexcavationand installationofductinginsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe4thDecember2022andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntil theworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristhe earlier.

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatWokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthorityproposestomakeanOrder underSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTrafficRegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehiclefrom proceedingalong:

1.A327ReadingRoad,ArborfieldbetweenitsjunctionswithLangleyCommonRoadandNineMileRide Extension.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA327ReadingRoad,B3348Fleet Hill,B3348TheVillage,B3348JubileeRoad,B3016FinchampsteadRoad,A321FinchampsteadRoad,Molly MillarsLane,B3349BarkhamRoadandLangleyCommonRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

2.B3349BarkhamRoad,BarkhambetweenitsjunctionswithBearwoodRoadandB3349SchoolRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbytherestrictionshallbeviaBearwoodRoad,B3030KingStreet Lane,B3030MoleRoad,B3030SindleshamRoad,A327EversleyRoad,LangleyCommonRoadorbythisroute inreverse.

3.B3349BarkhamRoad,BarkhambetweenitsjunctionswithBearwoodRoadandMollyMillarsLane.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaLangleyCommonRoad,A327 EversleyRoad,A327ReadingRoad,B3348FleetHill,B3348TheVillage,B3348JubileeRoad,B3016 FinchampsteadRoad,A321FinchampsteadRoadandMollyMillarsLaneorbythisrouteinreverse.

4.WoodlandsAvenue,EarleybetweenitsjunctionswithB3350ChurchRoadandCrockhamwellRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaCrockhamwellRoad,LoddonBridge Road,HeadleyRoad,ReadingRoad,B3350PittsLaneandB3350ChurchLaneorbythisrouteinreverse.

5.A3290AlphabetweenitsjunctionswithA4LondonRoadandA329(M).

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaLoddonBridgeandTheBaderWay Interchange,A329ReadingRoad,B3030RobinhoodLane,B3030DavisStreet,B3030LodgeRoad,A321 BroadwaterLane,A321HurstRoad,A321WalthamRoad,ChurchStreet,A3032HighStreet,A3032OldBath Road,A4BathRoad,A4LondonRoad

6.A3290BravobetweenitsjunctionswithA329(M)andA4LondonRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA4LondonRoad,A4ShepherdsHill, A4BathRoad,A3032OldBathRoad,A3032HighStreet,ChurchStreet,A321WalthamRoad,A321Hurst Road,B3030LodgeRoad,B3030DavisStreet,B3030RobinhoodLane,A329ReadingRoadandLoddonBridge andBaderWayInterchange.

7.MurrayRoad,WokinghambetweenitsjunctionswithOxfordRoadandMeadowRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaMeadowRoad,WoosehillLane, B3349BarkhamRoadandOxfordRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

8.B3348JubileeRoad,FinchampsteadbetweenitsjunctionswithWickHillLaneandB3348TheRidges.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3016FinchampsteadRoad,Nine MileRide,NineMileRideExtension,ParkLane,BiggsLane,LangleyCommonRoad,A327ReadingRoad,B3348 FleetHillandB3348TheVillageorbythisrouteinreverse.

9.B3016FinchampsteadRoad,FinchampsteadatitsjunctionswithBarkhamRideandWindsorRide.

Thealternativerouteforall(FinchampsteadRoad)vehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3430Nine MileRideandA321SandhurstRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

Thealternativerouteforall(WindsorRide)northboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3430 NineMileRide,A321SandhurstRoad,B3016FinchampsteadRoadandPineGrove.

Thealternativerouteforall(WindsorRide)southboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3016 FinchampsteadRoadandPineGrove.

Thealternativerouteforall(BarkhamRide)westboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA321 SandhurstRoad,B3430NineMileRide,NineMileRide,NineMileRideExtension,ParkLane,BiggsLane,Langley CommonRoad,B3349BarkhamRoadandBarkhamStreet.

Thealternativerouteforall(BarkhamRide)eastboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeBarkham Street,B3349BarkhamRoad,LangleyCommonRoad,BiggsLane,ParkLane,NineMileRideExtensionandNine MileRide.

10.A327ReadingRoad,FinchampsteadbetweenitsjunctionswithNineMileRideExtensionandParkLane.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3348FleetHill,B3348TheVillage, B3348JubileeRoad,B3016FinchampsteadRoad,A321FinchampsteadRoad,MollyMillarsLane,B3349 BarkhamRoadandLangleyCommonRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

11.B3430NineMileRide,WokinghambetweenitsjunctionswithNewWokinghamRoadandWokingham BoroughBoundary.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaOldWokinghamRoad,B3348Dukes RideandNewWokinghamRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

12.NineMileRide,FinchampsteadbetweenitsjunctionswithWhiteHorseLaneandB3016Finchampstead Road.

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ThealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehiclesaffectedbytherestrictionshallbeviaKeephatchRoad,Warren HouseRoad,WiltshireRoad,A329WiltshireRoadandA329LondonRoad.

17.A321HighStreet,WargravebetweenitsjunctionswithBraybrookeRoadandWillowLane.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA321WargraveRoad,A4130White Hill,A4130HenleyRoad,HenleyRoad,A4BathRoad,A4NewBathRoadandA321WargraveRoadorbythis routeinreverse.

18.A4130HenleyRoad,RemenhambetweenitsjunctionswithCulhamLaneandWokinghamBorough Boundary.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaHenleyRoad,A4BathRoad,A4New BathRoad,A321WargraveRoad,A321HighStreet,A321WargraveRoadandA4130WhiteHillorbythisroute inreverse.

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23.PoundLane,SonningbetweenitsjunctionswithB4446PearsonRoadandA4BathRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB4446PearsonRoad,B4446Sonning LaneandA4BathRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

24.A33SwallowfieldBypass,SwallowfieldbetweenitsjunctionswithBeechHillBridgeandWokingham BoroughBoundary.

ThealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaBasingstokeRoad Roundabout,B3270,B3270WhitleyWoodLane,A327BlackboyRoundabout,A327ShinfieldEasternRelief Road,A327ShinfieldRoad,A327HollowLane,B3349HydeEndRoad,B3349BasingstokeRoad.

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TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeintooperationonthe1stDecember2022andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntiltheworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Datedthis10thNovember2022

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil

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Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Rocket Man lands in Wokingham

THREE

concerts on the same day will raise money for a Wokingham charity.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Police Academy, and Ultimate Elton and The Rocket Band will all perform in the town’s newest venue.

Paul Bacon is a tribute artist, with a second identity as a flamboyant singer, pianist and composer.

He is the man behind Ultimate Elton, and three times winner of The UK National Tribute Awards.

How did he come to wear oversized rhinestone glasses, along with the persona of the British pop legend, who began his career in the 1970s?

“It all started out as a bit of fun,” says Paul. “I’ve always been a big fan of the great man.

“I did resemble him when we both had hair. And I do have a similar voice, it’s just fate.

“There’s a great demand for tribute artists, and I thought, ‘I can do that’.

“I got my act together and arranged performances at pubs and gigs.

“People started to book me, and it grew from there.”

Paul performs both solo and with The Rocket Band, with whom he will be bringing to Wokingham’s Carnival Hub on Saturday, November 19.

“It depends on the size of the venue, or the type of event.

“Solo shows are better suited to weddings, parties or clubs.

“With the band, we tend to perform at festivals or for big stage concerts.”

Are there any gigs that stand out for Paul?

“Well there was the time I was invited to Elton John’s mum’s party,” he smiles.

“I got to know her through a friend.

“She was very supportive, and came to see us perform a few times.”

Paul and the band were pleasantly surprised when she invited them to her 90th birthday celebration, after Elton

and his mum had a public falling out.

“Inviting us was perhaps intended to be a little bit provocative, but it wasn’t just to annoy Elton. She was great, and it was a lovely evening.”

Paul and the band have travelled widely, with tours to India, Barbados, Estonia, and Europe.

Is there a big fan base in India?

“Elton is known worldwide, even if not all his songs are familiar,” says Paul.

Surprisingly, in India the most frequently requested songs were numbers from a Disney Film, the songs of which Elton performed.

“People kept telling us to play more from The Lion King,” says Paul.

“So we quickly learnt the songs.”

Does being a tribute artist with another persona sometimes give Paul the impression that he is living two parallel lives?

“No, I’ve had drama training.

“I don’t take on the role until I actually step into the costume.

“And when I take it off, I’m me again.

“I know of some lookalikes who are always being stopped in the street, there’s no escape for them.

“I wouldn’t want to be recognised all the time. I like to have some balance in my life.”

How did Paul perfect his role?

“I had seen Elton in concert, and I did meet him once through a friend.

“We went backstage after a show to meet the big man, and he was charming.”

Did Paul let on that he was a tribute performer?

“No, I didn’t tell him,” laughs Paul.

“But I had just bought a red suit from one of his auctions. Elton immediately recognised it, and said, ‘you’re wearing one of my suits’, so we had a laugh about that.”

Paul will be performing with The Rocket Band at Wokingham’s newest venue.

“We’re really looking forward to it,”

he says. “It should be a great evening, in a new venue – it’s very exciting.

“And we’re very happy to be on the same bill with Police Academy and, earlier in the day, The Glen Miller Band.”

The Glenn Miller Orchestra perform at Carnival Hub from 2.15pm on Saturday, November 19. Tickets cost £29.50, plus a booking fee.

Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band perform at the new Carnival Hub in Wokingham, on Saturday, November 19. The concert begins at 7.45pm, with doors open from 6.45pm. Tickets cost £25, plus a booking fee.

Tickets can be purchased from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/wade-concert Funds raised will go towards the new Dementia Day Care fund, to improve facilities for the older people it supports.

n For more information about the WADE Day Centre, visit: www. wadecentre.org.uk

EMMA MERCHANT

Crafting queen ready for Christmas

A CRAFTING queen is coming to Reading.

Sara Davies, Dragon’s Den and Strictly star, is taking to the road with tricks and tips for making the season special.

Craft Your Christmas with Sara Davies, is a show with practical demonstrations, creative ideas and know-how.

She will illustrate ways to make gifts, garlands, cards, crackers and more.

With a peek into the Den and a sprinkling of Strictly sparkle, it’s a show that promises fun and inspiration for the festive season.

Join the event at the Hexagon Theatre on Saturday, November 19.

It starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £29.50.

VIP tickets for £77 are available, for best seats and pre-show demonstration.

n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office: 0118 960 6060

Sound and around with Dave O’Higgins

WITH Dave on tenor and soprano sax, a music group will take the audience through a range of sounds, with music from the traditions of Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine and Michael Brecker.

Dave O’Higgins Quartet plays at Maidenhead’s Norden Farm Arts Centre, on Friday, November 11.

Doors open at 8pm, with tickets costing £16.

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

A steamy thriller with a razor’s edge

NEW company, Midas Theatre tells the story of a love triangle gone wrong.

The show, Murder Ballad, features a live band on stage and a fully sung rock score.

Described as ‘a steamy thriller with a razor’s edge’, it shares a dark tale about what happens when the past comes back to haunt.

Murder Ballad can be seen at Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road.

The event is on Thursday, November 10 through to Saturday, November 12.

Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £15.

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell

TWO classical singers will visit Reading as part of their UK tour, performing tracks from their new album.

The album, Christmas With Aled and Russell, features traditional carols O Holy Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and In The Bleak Midwinter.

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

A coven in the Cellar Bard for the Bard

IN THE darkness, witches whispers of murder and Shakespeare’s gory tale is brought to life in a theatre cellar bar.

Story-tellers Bart Lee Theatre, will ignite the imagination with poetry, soundscapes, shadows and movement.

Faithful to the text and Shakespeare characters, the event is suitable for GCSE students and lovers of the Bard.

The event can be seen at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre.

It takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, November 16 and 17.

Tickets cost £14.50 for adults, £12.50 for members, and £9.50 for school groups of 10+.

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

It also includes White Christmas, It’s Beginning To Look At Lot Like Christmas, Little Drummer Boy, and Mistletoe and Wine.

Walking In The Air, which was first released by then boy soprano in 1985, is also performed by the duo.

Aled Jones and Russell Watson

Top hat and tales

A ROMANTIC toe-tapping musical is back by demand.

Irving Berlin’s musical Top Hat brings the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the dance partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Brown to the stage.

Based on the 1935 film of the same name, it tells the story of performer Jerry, who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of society girl Dale.

The show celebrates song, style and romance of another age.

Songs include Puttin’ On The Ritz, Cheek To Cheek, Isn’t This A Lovely Day, and Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.

Sparkling costumes promised, the show opens on Wednesday, November 16. It runs through to Friday, December 30.

Performances are nightly on Wednesdays through to Sundays.

Doors open at 8.15pm.

Matinees are on Saturdays at 2.15pm.

Additional matinees are on Sunday,

Festival of Performance. Sun 13. Sixties Gold. Mon 14. David O’Doherty: Whoa Is Me. Thurs 17. Glenn Moore. Thurs 17. Marti Pellow. Fri 18. Mercury: The Ultimate Queen tribute. Sat 19. Forever Bond Dinner Dance. Sat 19. Paul Chowdry. Sun 20.

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

Post Office Scandal: The Inside Story. Thurs 10. Tom Webber and Special Guests. Fri 11. Lipstick on your Collar. Sat 12. HAODS presents Hot Mikado. Wed 16-Sat 19.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

Justin Moorhouse: Stretch and Think. Thurs 10. Mrs Harris Goes to Paris (U). Fri 11, Sat

12. RSVP Bhangra. Fri 11. The Dave O’Higgins Quartet. Fri 11. Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker. Tues 15. The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration. Wed 16. Duo Biz’Art. Thurs 17. Beautiful Evil Things. Fri 18. Helen

Bauer: Madam Good Tit. Fri 18. Dark Side of the Wall - SOLD OUT. Sat 19.

Newbury –

The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218

Circus of Horrors: The Witch. Thurs 10. The Carpenters: The Voice of the Heart. Fri 11. Nick Cope. Sat 12. Lost In Music. Sat 12. RB Live: The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration. Wed 16. Tom Allen: Work in Progress SOLD OUT. Thurs 17. Tenors Unlimited. Sat 19.

Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk

perform at The Hexagon Theatre, on Tuesday, November 15. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £34.50, £44.50 or £57.

n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office: 0118 960 6060

n For more, see page 16

December 11 and 18, Thursday, December 22 and 29, and Wednesday, December 28.

Tickets cost £76 and include a two course meal at the theatre restaurant before the show.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.millatsonnng.com or call the box office on: 0118 969 8000.

The Carpenters, from the heart

VOICE of the Heart was Karen Carpenter’s last album.

It’s just over 30 years since she died, leaving behind a catalogue of songs and melodies.

The Carpenters – Voice Of The Heart promises to lead the audience through a magical memory meander.

People can expect to hear hit tunes and medleys from the group’s album tracks, and music with links to The Beatles, Bacharach and David Medley.

Carole Gordon on vocals is joined

by the Blue Jeans Band, for a night to remember.

The event takes place at The Corn Exchange, Newbury, on Friday, November 11. Doors open at 7.45pm, and tickets cost £27.25.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 08455 218218

String alonng with Pavel Haas Quartet

PAVEL Haas Quartet is an established international contemporary chamber ensemble.

Ranked by BBC Music Magazine among the 10 greatest string quartets of all time, this year the group celebrates their 20th anniversary with a new album and extensive concert tour.

Veronika Jaršková and Marek Zwiebel on violin, Karel Untermüller on viola, and Peter Jaršek on cello present an evening of three pieces.

There will be a free pre-concert talk by writer, composer, broadcaster and arranger Stephen Johnson.

The event takes place at Reading’s Concert Hall, on Sunday, November 20.

The talk is at 6.30pm, with the programme at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £14, £19, and £22 depending on seating. Student discounts are available from £6.

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

Carol on the wireless

A TRADITIONAL story will be performed as a radio play in Windsor.

Audiences will be able to hear (and see) a star cast of actors tell Charles Dickens’ haunting seasonal tale.

They will relate the story in period costume, with a foley artist performing all the sounds of the ghostly tale on stage.

The cast includes Roy Marsden as Scrooge, with Jenny Seagrove, John Partridge, Leon Ockendon, Ben Nealon, and Sara Crowe.

Dickens’ tale tells how Ebenezer Scrooge is shown his past, present and future by three ghostly beings, and discovers the joy of giving at Christmas.

The event is at Windsor’s Theatre Royal, where it runs from Tuesday, November 15 through to Saturday, November 19. Performances are at 7.30pm each evening, with matinées on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets cost from £24.

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

Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 The Grass Is Greener. Until Sat 12.

Windsor On Air: A Christmas Carol. Tues 15-Sat 19.

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

Murder Ballad. Thurs 10-Sat 12.

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

Wokingham Music Club presents Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush – SOLD OUT. Fri 11.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Top Hat. Wed 16-Dec 30. West End Meets Broadway. Sun 20.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838

NEXT SHOW: Ladies Down Under. Nov 29-Dec 3.

Inspector Drake makes return to Shinfield Players

ACOMMUNITY

group’s acting duo will revive the characters they played ten years ago.

Ashleigh Wells and Keith Sullivan are set to take on the roles of Inspector Drake and his sidekick Sargeant Plod in Shinfield Players Theatre’s production of Inspector Drake and the Black Widow.

The three-hander play is directed by Karen Bird and Cate Naylor, who also led the previous show a decade ago.

Of the returning pair, Ms Naylor said: “Their chemistry is amazing, it’s great to see them back again. It’s just as it was ten years ago, they just bounce off each other in the same way because they know each other so well.

The light-hearted, slapstick play follows Drake and Plod as they investigate the of death oil tycoon John Johnson. Questions arise throughout the play: Why was Johnson badly disguised as his own wife? Why had he eaten a tortoise? And why do all the women in the house look similar?

The seven women, who make up the murder suspects, are all portrayed by the talented Lanny Hamshere.

“It would be lovely to have people come and encourage [the cast].” Ms Naylor said.

“As a three-hander, they’ve had to work so hard, with so many lines to learn.”

She added the audience can expect to experience an array of eclectic and surprising props. Without wanting to give away too much, she mentioned a tortoise could be making an appearance.

The play was initially scheduled to

Comic opera chased away the autumn blues

BUTTERFLY wings featured brightly in a musical production at the weekend, in Woodley’s Oakwood Centre.

Iolanthe, by Gilbert and Sullivan, is also known as The Peer And The Peri (or fairy).

This production, performed by local amateur operatic company, Mostly G&S, was charming.

The audience were tapping feet throughout, breaking into laughter, and thoroughly

take place two years ago, but had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

In February, the theatre’s roof was damaged during Storm Eunice, forcing all productions to be halted once again.

Ms Naylor believes the delay has actually worked out for the better, with this showing falling on the tenth anniversary of the original.

On being back, she said: “It’s brilliant.

“Everything got cancelled because of Covid, but we managed to put on a couple of productions before the roof came off.

“We basically had a whole year’s worth of plays ready, but had nothing the rest of the season until July.

“We’ve now got a new roof, inside walls,

enjoying the jokes and performances.

The operetta is a witty, satirical and at times absurd picture of Victorian politics and institutions.

In it, straight-backed, ineffective, dim-witted peers of the realm battle with a throng of flitting, flighty fairies.

Strephon (Anthony Huggett), a shepherd and half fairy (the top half) wants to marry Phyllis (Laura CurtisDagg), a beautiful human, and ward of the court.

She is under the guardianship of the lord chancellor (Stuart Neal), who also has amorous intentions towards

her, along with half of the House of Lords.

ELLO, ELLO, ELLO, WHAT’S ALL THIS THEN?: Keith Sullivan, Lanny Hamshere and Asleigh Wells rehearse a scene in Inspector Drake Picture: Shinfield Players Theatre

Rachel is ready to spread some panto magic

PANTO is just wonderful … it’s so exciting.

So says Jack and the Beanstalk’s fairy godmother, Rachel Delooze.

The actor is one of the stars returning to The Hexagon this Christmas for Imagine Theatre’s festive show, and she just can’t wait to wave her wand and waggle her wings.

“It really is like working with family here … I look forward to it every year, and it’s a joy to be able to come back and get into that panto spirit,” she says.

This is her third time as playing a fairy in a Reading pantomime. Is she worried about being typecast?

some hits that everybody will be able to sing along to,” she promises.

Also returning is Carl Tracey as Jack, and Ryan Alexander-Full, who played the comical villain last year and will be Fleshcreep this time round.

There will, no doubt, be some fairy duels with him.

“It’s going to be great fun. He makes a brilliant villain and I know we’re going to have a wonderful time together on stage,” she says.

One of the reasons why Rachel was so pleased to be return this year was down to the extra cast member: the audience.

a new stage, which all got damaged in the rain. It’s all new and fresh, so nice to be back in the theatre. I hope lots of people will come back.”

Shinfield Players’ first show back was Our House, which drew a fantastic audience at the end of September.

The performances take place at Shinfield Players Theatre, staring at 7.45pm from Wednesday, November 16, to Saturday, November 19.

Adult tickets cost £14, children £7 and concessions £13. n For more information or to buy tickets, visit: www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk

JI-MIN LEE

the line, “We’re all fairies.”

“I don’t think I ever could in such a fun role,” she says. “I Just love playing the fairy, being the magical one who is sometimes a little bit cheeky, sometimes a bit wicked. And I love being able to cast my magical spells over the audience and over the other cast members.”

While Jack and the Beanstalk is a well-known tale, one of the reasons why Rachel likes being back at The Hexagon is that Jack is not a typical pantomime.

“It is not the traditional prince and princess story, it’s slightly different,” she says. “And I can’t wait to see the giant – I’m so excited.

“They blow me away every year, they are so supportive and wonderful. I just love seeing their faces light up with joy whenever something magical happens on stage,” she explains.

After two very different Christmasses – one with no panto, and the other with limited audience interaction – this year’s show will be the one that covid will hopefully avoid.

“I can’t wait to get back to meet and greets, and being with our audiences again, it is so special,” she says.

“And also have children in the junior ensemble in the show.

The course of true love never did run smooth, and Gilbert and Sullivan gleefully add ridiculous obstacles to romantic endeavour.

This community event was produced by husband-and-wife team, Rachel and Matt Meyer.

It is a company that obviously delights in being together. After weeks working on the lyrics and humour of the piece, the fruits of their labour delighted the audience.

They especially enjoyed the brightly coloured wings revealed by the entire cast at the end of the play, along with

It was wonderfully silly, and definitely “A night to chase the gloomy day when all is drear and dark.”

All the numbers were ably accompanied by piano (Jo Miller-Shepherd, flute (Debbie King), and percussion (Paul Netherton).

The performance group is actively seeking new members. They meet every Wednesday evening at Brookside Church, Earley from 7.45pm to 9.45pm.

n For details, log on to: www. mostlygands.co.uk, or call: 01635 522750.

EMMA MERCHANT

“I don’t know how they’re going to do it yet, but that’s what’s so exciting to me about the show … the giant.”

The script is written by Justin Fletcher, who also stars in the show alongside comic partner Paul Morse as the dame, and is being kept under close wraps, but Rachel let slip some secrets.

“I should be having some lovely big musical numbers, and I’m sure there will be

“We really missed them last year, we missed the real joy and excitement they brought to each performance, and I can’t wait to welcome them all back.”

And what makes a Reading Christmas special for Rachel?

“My lovely Hexagon family,” she says without pausing.

Now if the fairy thinks The Hexagon is going to be magical this Christmas, who are we to

Jack and the Beanstalk opens at The Hexagon on Saturday, December 3, and continues until Monday, January 2. Tickets are now on sale, and prices start at £14. For more details, log on to www. whatsonreading.com

EBOS’s take on Young Frankenstein is zany nonsense and a monster hit

EBOS presents Young Frankenstein

November 1-5

South Hill Park

www.ebos.org.uk

EAST

Berkshire Operatic Society’s latest production is spectacular.

It is also possibly the silliest, most ridiculous story conceived for screen and stage.

Young Frankenstein was the brainchild of two of Hollywood’s zaniest creative comedy geniuses, Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks.

You can almost hear the pair giggling together helplessly as they inject yet more insane nonsense into their monster show.

What they created was a comedy musical parody of Universal’s horror

movies, and in 1974 it became a major hit film.

It goes like this.

Inheriting his grandfather’s Transylvanian property, Young Dr Frankenstein, Stuart Hayllor, is persuaded to reignite the family’s passion for bringing dead bodies to life.

Having left behind his fiancée Elizabeth, Laura Thain, he is thrown (quite literally) into the arms and bosom of assistant Inga, Emily Hobbs.

Together with hunchback Igor, Adrian McDougall, and housekeeper Frau Blucher, Anna McCormack, they inject life into the seven foot frame of The Monster, James Lole.

From there, any resemblance to the original Frankenstein story disappears, as the tale slips down an increasingly ridiculous rabbit hole.

It’s a big stage show, and EBOS has

risen marvellously to the occasion, holding nothing back.

“If you’re going to build a castle, build it big,” said one audience member on the first night.

And that is precisely what the company has done.

There is a Transylvanian castle, and it completely fills the stage from floor to ceiling.

But it’s not just the set which has been pushed to the limits. Everything about this production is filled with energy, commitment and bags of fun.

It’s a show that no company takes on lightly, because nothing about Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein is intended to be subtle.

It requires performers to negotiate big Hollywood dance numbers. It sees them belt out songs and yodel others (while upside down on a hay cart).

If you think it can’t, or shouldn’t, be done then you’ll find it here.

Think pantomime, add 1930s glamour, a sprinkle of Carry On, and some Broadway numbers.

Then put the whole thing on steroids.

It’s marvellous, joyful, hilarious nonsense and the first night audience loved it.

Staging, designed by Duncan Bruce and Nick Brannam, is big, inventive and fun. Marc Hopkins’ lighting is playfully unsubtle in all the right ways.

Costumes, by Natalie Hayllor are a fabulous mixture of Broadway and Munsters.

The musical score, overseen by MD Trevor Defferd, is rich and complex, (and perfectly executed by a professional nine piece band).

Dance numbers choreographed by Nick Brannam, are a twirling, toe-

tapping, cane-pushing delight.

Tom Horrox’s sound effects are appropriately, horribly daft.

Direction by Nick Brannam is witty, daring and inventive.

And the performances are big, brave, bold and very accomplished.

There are voices in this company that could hold their own on a West End stage.

Young Frankenstein is a tour de force that should be seen.

If you want to hear a brain squish and a monster sing, go and see this show.

And if it’s great performances, big numbers and a whole lot of fun you want, go and see this show.

Young Frankenstein was performed at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre last week. n ebos.org.uk

or call the box office on 0118

PHIL CREIGHTON

West End sounds in Sindlesham

A MUSICAL group will perform songs, music and dance from the shows this weekend.

Woodley Light Operatic Society presents Sindlesham Court’s West End Showstoppers! on Saturday.

It starts at 7.45pm, with tickets costing £20 for adults, and £15 for seniors.

Bar meals are served between 6pm and 6.45pm in Sindlesham Court’s Hooton Lounge.

Meals cost £10 and are bookable online with tickets.

n For more information email: jane@theflavell.co.uk or visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ sindlesham-court

A long journey

WOKINGHAM Film Society will show Compartment No.6.

Its story follows the passage of a young Finnish student as she makes her way from Moscow to the Arctic.

Her room companion in compartment number six is a Russian coal miner, a boorish and difficult man.

The film was a winner of the Grand Prix Cannes Film Festival in 2021

It will be shown by the Wokingham Film Society at the Whitty Theatre, at Luckley House School, on Thursday, November 17.Doors open at 6.45pm.

Tickets cost £6.50.

n For more information, visit: www.wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Natasha is singing of the season AFORMER

Miss England is teaming up with Aled Jones and Russell Watson for their pre-Christmas show, which is coming to The Hexagon next week.

Natasha Hemmings is a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, joining when she was just 14.

She graduated with an understanding of classical and operatic music, whilst also exploring different genres, and returned to undertake a popular music undergraduate degree, with a focus on songwriting and recording.

In 2015, she entered the Miss England contest in an effort to gain confidence and a sense of self.

This role helped her work with the Variety Club, raising funds for Millstead, a special needs school in Liverpool.

Aled and Russell’s show, on Tuesday, November 15, celebrates their new album, Christmas With Aled and Russell.

It features new recordings of universally beloved Christmas songs, including traditional carols such as O Holy Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem and In The Bleak Midwinter, alongside festive favourites including White Christmas, It’s Beginning To Look At Lot Like Christmas, Little

Drummer Boy, and Mistletoe and Wine.

And Natasha says she has a good reason for looking forward to joining the duo on their tour.

“Christmas is such a special time of year for all of us and I am so excited to be joining Aled and Russell on their tour,” she said.

“It is especially magical for me as a Christian to be sharing the true meaning of Christmas.

“I hope to bring everyone together singing our favourite festive songs and celebrating the

spirit of Christmas, remembering all of our blessings at this time.”

Aled and Russell said: “We’re thrilled Natasha is joining us again on tour. She’s a wonderful singer and a joy to have around. You are in for a real treat.”

Natasha is currently in the studio working on her new faith based album, due in 2023.

Tickets for the show are currently available, from £34.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to whatsonreading.com

Spizzenergi to perform gig at Face Bar

A CLASSIC band that has changed its name on an annual basis is preparing to visit Reading.

Spizzenergi, previously known as Athletico Spizz 80, Spizzoil and The Spizzles, among others, came to fame in 1980 with their single Where’s Captain Kirk? The hit regularly crops up in lists of the best Indie singles ever, including Mojo magazine’s list of the 50 best punk rock singles of all time.

The band is led by vocalist/ guitarist Spizz and alumni include Lu Edmunds (The Damned/P.I.L), and Kevin Armstrong (David Bowie and Iggy Pop).

They have supported most of

the iconic punk bands Siouxsie, Clash, Damned and headlined many tours/gigs including the 40th Anniversary of the original 100 Club punk festival, Rebellion and Undercover punk festivals in 2016.

They will be coming to The Face Bar in Chatham Street on Saturday, November 19.

Starting at 8pm, this will be a chance to see the current line-up.

Support comes from Voodoo Radio, and Violet Origin.

n Tickets cost £14, and can be found by searching for Spizzenergi Face Bar on www. wegottickets.com.

Choir to sing Ukrainian music

A MUSICAL group is to present a programme of music in Caversham. The title of the concert is I Believe: Life After Death, and will reflect the season of Remembrance.

Reading Bach Choir’s event begins with a piece marking the separation of the soul from the body, then a Requiem giving comfort to those who remain and mourn, and lastly a setting of an

affirmation of belief that follows a loss.

The programme includes music by notable Ukrainian composer Galina Grigorjeva, called On Leaving.

This is followed by Herbert Howells’s Requiem, marking the composition’s 90th anniversary.

Finally, Credo (I believe) by Margaret Bonds, will be performed – a setting of words by

W.E.B. Du Bois and a statement of harmony and belief.

The Conductor is Daniel Mahoney and the pianist is Gavin Roberts

The concert takes place at St Andrew’s Church, Caversham, on Sunday, from 5pm. Tickets cost £15, and £5 for under 18s.

n To book, email: tickets@ readingbachchoir.org.uk or call 01638 638847

Yes, Arnie is back ... along with a hostof other favourites as Showcase

WHEN Arnie uttered the immortal words ‘I’ll be back’, little did he realise it meant the film returning to the big screen.

But Showcase Cinemas has indeed brought his famous Terminator character back, along with a host of other much-loved movies for a season of old favourites.

It starts on Friday, with a screening of Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The hit rom-com centres around prostitute Vivian and her developing relationship with wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis.

Terminator 2: Judgement Day is shown on Saturday, November 12, and again the following day.

Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his role as the Terminator in film set just seven years from now. Earth has become a

wasteland decimated by the war between artificial intelligence and the human resistance.

On Friday, November 18, it is the turn of Academy Award nominated comedy Bridesmaids.

Hitting cinemas back in 2011, the star-studded cast, featuring Kristen Wiig in the lead role, tells the story of Annie as she suffers a series of hilariously unfortunate events after being asked to serve as the maid of honour at her best friend’s wedding.

And a month before the big day, festive rom-com Love Actually returns to the big screen on Friday, November 25.

There are 10 different stories of love through the eyes of screen legends Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson and others, as the tales intertwine in the lead up to Christmas Day.

And the final film in the season is the sing-a-long Abba inspired hit Mamma Mia!

This will appear on Friday, December 2, and needs little introduction.

An ensemble cast join up in Greece as wife-to-be Amanda Seyfried invites three men (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard) to her upcoming wedding on a search for her father.

Mark Barlow, UK general manager for Showcase Cinemas, said: “We’re bringing even more classics back to the big screen.

“Films such as Pretty Woman and Mamma Mia were meant to be enjoyed in the comfort of the cinema. We can’t wait to see our guests watch these classics in all their original big-screen glory.” n For more details, log on to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk

FESTIVE CHOICE: Natasha Hemmings is joining Aled Jones and Russell Watson for their Christmas show, coming to Reading’s Hexagon Theatre next week

FULL OF BEANS: Spizzenergi will be coming to The Face Bar, Reading, on Saturday, November 19

LIVEMUSIC

RaW Sounds Today

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

Miller Orchestra directed by Ray McVay will be at the WADE afternoon charity concert on Saturday, November 19, at the new Carnival Hub – https:// www.glennmillerorchestra.co.uk/

Let’s Eat Grandma – Levitation

Photographer Andrew Merritt and myself went on a road trip a few weeks ago to see this talented duo from Norwich at a packed Koko in Camden. They were excellent.

MUSIC

is a great medium for exploring difficult issues, and we make no excuses for including a new single that will make you think.

One Last Day’s Out of the Black heads up our playlist this week, a powerful piece that combines great musicianship with powerful lyrics.

We’re on a mission to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name).

It’s an eclectic mix of stuff that will help you discover something new. All you have to do is find it on Spotify.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

One Last Day – Out of the Black

The biggest rock bands have great songs as well as great musicianship – think AC/DC, Bon Jovi. Ghost, Rammstein etc but we see many good new rock bands that forget about the songs.

If this single from Wokingham rockers, One Last Day, is anything to go by they are not one of those bands.

This single is powerful and well played and, even

Thursday, November 10

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Chloe Levaillant. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Clem Johnson. Details: 0118 983 2059.

READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Hugh Turner Quartet. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Pentahotel, Oxford Road. The Sugars live.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Music for MINDS: The Arboretum and Swallow. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Third Lung. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Friday, November 11

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Wow 80s tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Supersonic 70s Show. Details: 01344 484123.

DUNSDEN GREEN – Village Hall RG4 9QG. A little taste of France - an evening of French song with Chloe Levaillant. £15. 7.30pm. In aid of Crisis UK. Details: Search www.tickettailor. com

GORING - Goring Community Centre, The Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB. Goring Community Jazz Club presents Trish Elphinstone saxophonist, Martin Pickett piano, Howard King bass, Mike Goff drums. Details www.ticketsource. co.uk/goring-community-jazz-club

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place

with a dark theme about suffering from abuse, it has a chorus that sticks in your head and helps get the story across.

I believe that if a band can combine power and melody they can’t go wrong. One Last Day can clearly do that – https://linktr.ee/onelastday

Mellor – Meet Me by the Ocean

Mellor are a four-piece Reading-based band that have been building a great reputation throughout the indie rock scene and this reputation is only going to be enhanced further with the release of their new album, Problematic Passions, which is out this week. Here’s another band that releases music with power and melody as evidenced on this recent single, taken from the new album – https://linktr.ee/ melloruk

RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop: TV Priest. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE. Midnight Rebel Band. Details: 0118 935 4095.

READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. The Strats. Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mellor album launch party. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Cryptix X Dance Amplify B2B SOTA. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. 4G. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. The Cherries. Details: 0118 979 7402.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Cloud Busting: The Music of Kate Bush. £22. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

Saturday, November 12

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Paul Tino. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Gangsters: The Ultimate Ska Tribute Band. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Hubba Bubba. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. The Originals. Details: 01344 422622

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Wardour Street. Details: 01344 457318.

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Freddy B. Details: 01344 772161.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Church of Madness V VGN. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Eye Candy Ladies Night Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING - Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street. Talk In Code.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. SOS Drag Night: Punk!. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Undercovers. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Junction. Details: 0118 957 6930

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. UKG Brunch from noon. Details: 0118 959 5395.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Horizon. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – Beyond The Download, Rose Street. Third Lung from 5pm.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. The Cherries. Details: 0118 979 7402.

Sunday, November 13

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: The Lost Trades. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – The Moderation, Caversham Road RG1 8BB. The Soul Retreat, from 12.30pm. Details: 0118 959 5577.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Anna Nightingale. 3pm. Details: 01252 870648.

Katie Ellwood – Twice

Katie performed a wonderful set at Wokingham Festival in August backed by a band of very good musicians. Anyone that saw that will have been lucky to get a preview listen of this new single – https:// www.katieellwood.com/

Doops – Pull Back the Shades

Doops join the bill at Third Lung’s album launch show at Sub 89 on Thursday. This band from the local area creates moody atmospheric songs. This is taken from their 2021 released, Deflections EP –https://www.facebook.com/doopsband/

Glenn Miller Orchestra – Moonlight Serenade

Timeless music from the 1930’s as the Glenn

Monday, November 14

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: John Tams. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic Cafe: Clandestine, Rag and Moan Man, Martin Wood. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, November 15

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

Wednesday, November 16

BRACKNELL – The Newtown Pippin, Ralphs Ride RG12 9LR. Acoustic cafe with Michael Tuffery.

Thursday, November 17

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Tomorrow Bird and The Gillies. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. The Amazons DJ Set. Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar

READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746.

READING – HIckies, Friar Street. Hickies Music - Live Showcase with The Remi Banklyn Band, Thomas Heppell, and Jack Mason. Details: www.hickies. co.uk/live-lounge

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Outlook, Kings Road. Jam Night.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Martyn Joseph. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Friday, November 18

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Breast Cancer Charity Night with !daft!, Baby D and guest DJs. Details:

01344 303333.

This is from their latest album,Two Ribbons –http://letseatgrandma.co.uk/

OSP – Call Me

It’s one of our fave artists of the year and they were one of the highlights of August’s, Wokingham Festival. Here’s rap quartet from Reading, OSP, with a new single and it’s another good one – https:// www.facebook.com/ospmusicuk

Indigo Child – Lies

This is the debut single from Reading based duo, Lou and Matt, and it was recorded at Generation Studio with producer, Dean Nelson.

It’s a good start for the duo with its melodic indie sound – https://www.facebook.com/ indigochildoffical

Blancmange – Reduced Voltage

This is from the new album Private View by synth pop icons Blancmange, who had big 80s hits such as Living on the Ceiling. They performed recently at Reading’s Sub89 as part of their UK tour – http:// www.blancmange.co.uk/

Third Lung – No Names

This is the latest single from the band’s new album Gameplay that is out now with the band celebrating the release at an album launch show at Reading’s Sub89 on Thursday – http://thirdlungband.com

KNOWL HILL – Castle Royle Golf Club RG10 9XA. Black Light. Details: 01628 820700.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Missing The Scene. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Greenpeace fundraiser: The Mirror Pictures, This, and Patrick Malone. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – South Street arts centre. Craigievar Ceilidh Band. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Hard Times. Details: 0118 957 6930

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Tequila Chase. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, November 19

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate Party Band. Details: 01344 303333.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Soul at the Crow. Details: 01344 530615.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Greg Mayston’s Folk, Blues and Americana. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Spizzenergi. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Foresters Arms, Brunswick Street RG1 6NY. And Now For Something Completely Different. Details: 0118 304 3648.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Reading Big People’s Night Out Loversrockradio. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The May ‘Rhythm’ EP Launch Gig (Reading Branch). Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. UB40

and Reggae/Ska tribute from Dominic Kaye. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Neuroheadz present AMC, Traced, Sovryn, Ben Shift, Mink, Ideaz, JX2, Albi Hnz, Phantom, Dark D, Deta, and more. Details: 0118 959 5395

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. DV8 with JAEl. Details: 0118 957 6930

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Rigsby. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – Carnival Hub, Wellington Road RG40 2AF. WADE charity concerts: The Glenn Miller Orchestra 2.15pm, Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band and The Police Academy. 7.45pm. Details: ticketsource.co.uk/wade-concert

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Steve Brookes. Details: 0118 978 0544.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Blood in the Dojo. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Sunday, November 20

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: Nefarious Picaroons, Funky Natures, Jim McLeand, Mike Baker. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Record Fayre. Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: singers night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. West End Meets Broadway. Details: 0118 969 8000

WHAT’SON

Thursday, November 10

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: talk by Richard Young. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

Friday, November 11

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

DUNSDEN GREEN – Village Hall RG4 9QG. A little taste of France - an evening of French song with Chloe Levaillant. £15. 7.30pm. In aid of Crisis UK. Details: Search www.tickettailor. com

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe. 8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH.

Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, Nov 12

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. 10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.

CROWTHORNE – St John the Baptist Parish Church, Waterloo Road, RG45 7NT. Thames Voyces Concert: Reflections & Praise. £15, under 16s free. Details: 0118 967 7319.

EARLEY – Reading University Students’ Union, University of

Reading, Whiteknights RG6 6AZ. Margam, a showcase of Indian classical dance and music. 3pm-6.30pm. £11.37. Details: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/kalakunjpresents-margam-2022tickets-399986760167

READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Brewery tour and tasting. Noon. Booking essential. Details: www. phantombrew.com

READING – Greyfriars Church, Friar Street RG1 1EH. Reading Male Voice Choir at Greyfriars Church with Belle Canto. 7.30pm. rmvc.net

READING – Hills Meadow RG4 8DH. Winter

Wonderland Reading grand opening. From 10am. Details: www.ticketsource. co.uk/ice-skating

READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Reading Phoenix Choir and Berkshire Youth Choir presents Where All Souls Meet A Concert Supporting the Reading Minster Music Outreach Project. 7pm. £15, under 16s £3. Details: readingminster.org.uk

SINDLESHAM – Sindlesham Court, Mole Road RG41 5EA. Sindlesham Court’s West End Showstoppers! Featuring Woodley Light Operatic Society. 7.45pm. £20, seniors £15. Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ sindlesham-court

SOUTHCOTE – Grange

United Reformed Church, Circuit Lane RG30 3HD.

Christmas Fayre with stalls including Homemade Crafts, Preserves, Cakes, Surprise Tombola, Gifts, Raffle, Books, CDs & DVDs, Jigsaw Puzzles, Toys, Name The Panda, plus seasonal refreshments and charity stalls. 2.30pm-4pm. 50p, children 20p. Details: 0118 956 0380.

TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. FOUR: a birthday celebration, with cake, games, DJs and fun. £10. 1pm and 7pm. Accompanied dogs and under 18s welcomed to first session. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk

UPPER WOOLHAMPTON – Douai Abbey RG7 5TQ.

The Cecilia Consort: Requiem for the Queen. £15, under 18s £5. Details: 07775 743 445.

WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE – Church, Hall Lane RG10 0JJ. Come and Sing - Faure Requiem. From 1pm, performance 6pm. £12, student £6. Concert free, retiring collection. Details: wsl.link/whats-on

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Sing Healthy Wokingham Choir & Berkshire Maestros Camerata: Camerata Concert, with music for choir & string orchestra. In aid of First Days Children’s Charity & Berkshire Maestros. 7.30pm. £12, £8 under 16s in advance only (no on-the-door).

WOKINGHAM – From Elms Field. Kidical Mass family bike ride. 2pm. Details: Search Facebook for Watch Wokingham

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, November 13

BEECH HILL – Memorial Hall, Beech Hill Road. Beech Hill Bonfire and torchlit procession. 5.30pm. £5, £2.50 children. Soup and hotdogs.

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Reading Bach Choir presents I believe: Life after death. 5pm. £15, under 18s £5. Details: www.readingbachchoir. org.uk

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Sunday Alternative: a secular community of words and music. Coffee and catch-up. 10.45am-1pm. Details: www.sundayalternative. org.uk

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday, November 14

ARBORFIELD – Royal British

Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange School, Heathlands Road RG40 3AL. Wokingham Rock Choir free taster session. 7.30pm. Booking essential. Details: https://www. rockchoir.com/join/ Wokingham_Late_Session

WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, November 15

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church Hall,Church Road RG6 1EY. East Reading Horticultural Society meeting: The Pleasures of the Harris Garden with Derek Press. 7.45pm for 8pm. Details: www.erhs. org.uk

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Speakers meeting. 7.15pm. Details: wokinghamspeakers.org.uk

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, November 16

CAVERSHAM – Online. Caversham Horticultural Society Talk: Beneficial Insects in the Garden. 7.30pm. Booking via Eventbrite. Details: www. caversham-horticultural. org.uk

DUNSDEN GREEN – Village Hall RG4 9QG. English Country dancing evening: beginners welcome. £4, first session free. 8pm.

Details: 07714 226723.

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Liar’s Teeth 7.45pm. £14, concessions £13. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Inspector Drake and the Black Widow. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Art Society presents a demonstration of mixed media, given by Sera Knight. 7.30pm. £5, includes light refreshments. Details: wokinghamartsociety. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe

Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Rock Choir taster sessions. 12.15pm. Booking essential. Free. Details: www.rockchoir. com/join/Wokingham_ Morning_Session

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, November 17

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Family history advice clinic. 11am. Free. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL.

Progress Theatre presents Liar’s Teeth 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Inspector Drake and the Black Widow. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: round 2 PDI. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Main hall, Baptist Church, Milton Road, RG40 1DE. Wokingham Literary Society: Eddie Webb on John Donne. 7.30pm. Non-members, £2 per meeting. Details: wokinghamliterarysociety. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Compartment No 6 (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, November 18

CROWTHORNE – GW Annenberg Performing Arts Centre, Wellington College, Duke’s Ride, RG45 7PU. Crowthorne Choral Society Concert: Messiah (Part I), with performance by Wellington College Chamber Choir. 7.30pm. £15, students £5. Details: www.crowthornechoral. org.uk

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Liar’s Teeth 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, November 19

PURLEY – St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Avenue,RG8 8BJ. Chris Fox in concert. 7pm. Details: www. stmaryspurley.org.uk

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk

READING – Town centre. Christmas light switch-on day. Live music from 1.30pm. Details: www.visitreading.com/whats-on/ christmas

READING – Reading Central Salvation Army, Castle Hill RG1 7QB. Christmas market, includes Father Christmas. Bacon rolls and more. Free entry. 10.30am-2pm. Details: readingcentral.org.uk

SINDLESHAM – Sindlesham Court RG41 5EA. Christmas market. 10am4pm. Free entry.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Inspector Drake and the Black Widow. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5EX.

Wokingham Choral Society Concert. Brahms: A German Requiem (Sung in German), Brahms: Schicksalsleid (Song of Fate), Purcell: Funeral Sentences, Mendelssohn: Organ Sonata No.2 in C minor (extracts: Allegro maestoso e vivace & Fugue). £17.50, students and under 18s £5. Preconcert talk 6.30pm, concert 7.30pm. Details: www.wokingham-choralsociety.org.uk.

Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society presents: Tutankhamun’s Last Secret: The Search for the Mortuary Temple of Nebkheperure Tutankhamun, a lecture by Dylan Bickerstaffe. 2pm.

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

YATELEY – St Swithun’s Catholic Church, Firgrove Road GU46 6NH. Yateley Choral Society Concert: Songs of the Sea. Elgar: Sea Pictures - ‘Haven’ and ‘Where Corals Lie’, Ireland: Sea Fever, Whitacre: The Seal Lullaby, Dyson: Four Songs for Sailors, Chilcott: The Skye Boat Song. £15, students £5, under 16s free. 7.45pm. Details: www. yateley-choral.org.uk.

YATTENDON – Village Hall, Church Lane RG18 0UE. Modern Makers Collective Yattendon Winter Market. 10am-4pm. Free entry.

Sunday, November 20

BINFIELD – Salisbury Hall, Newbold College RG42 4AN. Bracknell Choral Society Concert: Rossini ‘Petite messe solennelle. 6pm. £18, under 18s free. Details: www. bracknellchoral.org.uk

CAVERSHAM –MADEbyTamalia, Creativ. Spaces, Southview Business Park, Marsack Street RG4 5AF. Artisa Christmas Market. 10.30am-3.30pm. Free entry. Details: www. madebytamalia.co.uk

CALCOT – Beanhseaf Community Centre, Linear Park RG31 7AW. Chance to Dance Christmas market. Noon-4pm.

READING – Blue Collar Corner, 15 Hosier Street RG1 7QL. Blue Collar Record Fair & Social from 11am-3pm. Secondhand vinyl, CDs and band/ label merchandise. DJs until 6pm. Details: bluecollarreading.co.uk

What’s on event submission form

on event submission form

READING – St Bart’s Theatre, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QA. Access to The Arts Charity Quiz Night. £11.37, READ College students £5.98. 7pm. Details: www.readcollege. org

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Inspector Drake and the Black Widow. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Comedy Night. Over 18s only. £17. Details: wokinghamlions.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details:

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Liar’s Teeth 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Carnival Hub, Wellington Road RG40 2AF. WADE charity concerts: The Glenn Miller Orchestra 2.15pm, Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band and The Police Academy. 7.45pm. Details: ticketsource.co.uk/ wade-concert

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley

READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5EX. Reading Symphony Orchestra Autumn Concert. Grieg: Piano Concerto - Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony. 4pm. £15, under 18s and students £5. Details: https://www.wegottickets. com/event/558795/

READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Vintage Bizarre Bazaar. 1pm-6pm. Free entry. Details: www. phantombrew.com

READING – Reading Hackspace rLab, Unit C1, Weldale St, RG1 7BX. Reading Repair Cafe. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

MAGIC SQUARE

DISREGARDING NONE

1. What name is given to the hot dry wind which blows down the Rhône valley in southern France? 2. Circadian rhythms regulate what in the human body? 3. At the 2022 BRIT Awards, rapper Little Simz won which category? 4. Which fish native to Britain migrates to the Sargasso Sea to spawn?

Which former yachtswoman became a best-selling crime fiction writer?

NONAGRAM

The controversial artwork that made Tracey Emin a Turner Prize nominee in 1999 was called what?

The god of the sun is called Surya in which religion?

The Hallelujah Chorus features in which of Handel’s oratorios?

Which state ceremony in London marks the monarch’s official birthday?

Which Middle Eastern state came into being on May 14, 1948?

WORD PYRAMID

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines:

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed through openings in the walls. The first letter may appear in any chamber.

1. Northerner is released without penalty (4-4) 6. Hit the ball up just below the roof (4) 8. Ornamental tuft on an automatic weapon (6) 9. Canter around in a dazed condition (6) 10. It’s not the plan to arrange athletics event (10) 12. Demure even when pursued, one hears (6) 14. Being strangely muted, I caused boredom (6) 15. One who does light work arranging weddings (10) 19. Does he charge a cut price? (6) 20. During the plenum be dreadfully stunned (6) 21. Where horses might kick up a dust (4) 22. The gap developed on a many-sided figure (8)

2. Policeman puts nothing in the cage (4)

3. To create a litter that will replenish (3,2) 4. Story from the Italian church? (7) 5. Run an edition of a newspaper (5) 6. She is in the lead – on a lead (7)

7. Handyman, fellow to perform inside with hesitation (8)

11. Game worker following new phase (8)

13. You’d be better for getting up from it! (7)

14. Thanks Kenneth in court when arrested (5,2)

16. Period of grammar Charles included (5)

17. Dance coming from Burma (5)

18. One might expect him to be her love (4)

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

Still time to start fresh

Healthy Heart Tip

often wait until the new year to reassess our health status and make a start on our wellness goals, but this year isn’t over yet.

There is still time to make positive improvements to our health and wellbeing before 2023 arrives.

As Bonfire Night fades into memory, why not take some time to reflect on your health goals for this year (or make some if you didn’t earlier in the year) and put steps in place to end the year with new habits.

To help you along, here are some ideas you

WEcould focus on.

Increase your intake of plants

We all know we should be aiming to consume five portions of fruits and vegetables a day, but lots of us don’t manage this consistently.

A diet full of fresh produce is also rich in fibre which can lower our risk of heart disease and stroke. To help make sure you tick the five-a-day box, aim to consume one portion at breakfast (fruit works well here), and then two portions with lunch and your evening meal.

You could jot down a checklist and stick it to your fridge to remind you.

Check your hydration levels

Staying hydrated is important for keeping your heart and circulatory system healthy. Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, tiredness, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

Make sure you are drinking six to eight cups or glasses of water a day or choose herbal teas or sugar-free squash if you don’t like plain water.

Adequate hydration is a cornerstone of health, so make a commitment now to be aware of it and put steps in place to reach your fluid intake goals – such as filling up a water bottle twice a day.

Prioritise sleep

Poor sleep can negatively impact our heart health, along with many other areas of our physical and mental wellbeing.

Prioritising your seven to nine hours shut

eye every day is one of the best things you can do to support your overall health.

To support a healthy night’s rest try turning off screens in the hour before bedtime, limit your caffeine consumption after midday and spend lots of time outdoors during daylight hours.

See our previous Healthy Tip on Sleep for some more help. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips

n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes

Four in 10 worry they’ll be unable to afford Christmas

ASINFLATION, energy prices and interest rates all push up the cost of living, new research suggests that four in 10 of us have fears about how merry their Christmas will be this year.

And 83% of people said the price rises will have an impact on their plans.

A third of parents worry that their children will be upset at not receiving as many gifts, with around one in eight saying they are extremely worried.

The Post Office research of 2,005 UK adults found a quarter say they plan to spend less money on close family and more than a third will spend less on extended family and friends – with half saying Christmas will be a smaller occasion this year.

It also emerged that almost one-insix plan on making homemade gifts; with the number one reason being to save money (63%).

The number is higher amongst 16–34-year-olds, with a third planning to make homemade gifts; 69% will do so to save money.

Londoners are the most likely region to do homemade gifts, with one in four planning on it.

Four in 10 plan to use cash to purchase Christmas gifts this year, and two-thirds will do so to manage budgets and keep track of spending. A quarter plan to gift cash this year.

It comes as the Post Office announced that it handled a record £3.45 billion in cash during August, and branches expected to beat this when October’s data is available.

As Christmas edges closer, Post Office are encouraging consumers to

get ahead and post letters and parcels early.

Kristian Latham, head of letters and parcels at the Post Office said: “Our research has shown that the cost of living will be impacting Christmas for many this year as households tighten purse strings.

“This is set to affect how we shop, with more and more consumers planning on buying gifts earlier for financial reasons.

“Our branches will be open as usual in the run up to Christmas, helping consumers to post early as well.

“This is a great way to make the most of cheaper posting rates, whilst leaving plenty of time for cards and

gifts to arrive before the big day.”

Four in 10 admitted they enjoy Christmas shopping, with seven in 10 planning on doing theirs in one of the sales.

Yet the majority of Christmas shoppers (74%), will be finishing up their Christmas shopping in December with one in three leaving it until just one week before the big day to pick up their final bits.

Struggling to know what gift to buy is the top reason people give for not getting their shopping done early.

Ms Latham continued: “As Brits gear up for the festive season, it’s important to choose the best service for your precious gifts; the value

from our website: https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2 n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook

Talk on corners: How where youlive can affect the price

of the item, speed of delivery needed and any tracking requirements are all important. If in doubt, our expert Postmasters can recommend what’s best for your parcels.

“If you are posting goods or gifts abroad, being aware of what can and can’t be posted and getting customs forms right are vital to ensure parcels are not delayed or returned. Guidelines to filling in customs forms correctly are on our website and of course our Postmasters are always on hand to help.”

n For more information this Christmas period, head to the Post Office’s Christmas hub, https://www. postoffice.co.uk/christmas

THE

latest research by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, has revealed that homeowners entering the market with a corner plot property can expect to achieve as much as 46% more compared to the average one.

GetAgent analysed the current price paid for corner plot properties across the country and says it equates to a house price premium compared to the average house price in each region.

its figures show the average British home commands £289,807 in current market conditions. But corner plot properties are selling for an average of £399,505 - a 38% property price premium and £109,698 more than the average seller.

GetAgent says corner plots can offer more overall space compared to a regular plot, allowing for more potential to extend, or more outdoor space – a feature that has become particularly sought after following the pandemic.

And they can provide double the amount of on-street parking and a greater degree of light and ventilation.

The firm says the South East, a corner plot could see you secure as much as 46% more than the average house price in the region, with the North West (44%), Wales (40%), the West Midlands (39%) and the North East (39%) also amongst the largest price premiums.

Co-founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, said: “It pays to know what appeals to buyers before entering the market and the features and selling points that will not only differentiate you from the rest, but also help you secure a far higher sold price, even when compared to your next door neighbour.

“A corner plot property will certainly help you do this and the additional space, parking potential and privacy are just some of the reasons that a corner plot property will be in high demand among potential buyers.”

He added: “The good news is that you don’t have to be a property expert to maximise your property’s unique selling points.

“Any good estate agent should both recognise these unique features and advice on the price premium they can fetch in your local market, allowing you to price your property and market it appropriately.”

FEARS: The cost of living is an issue for households this Christmas

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

With 105 places separating the

Bracknell had their sights on producing a huge FA Cup shock.

In front of a sold out crowd at Bottom Meadow, the Robins more than held their own in a first-half contest that saw the teams go in level at the break without the deadlock being broken before Ipswich netted three second-half goals.

“Well our journey has ended, a huge thank you first to everybody that worked tirelessly to stage the game last night (Monday),” said Bracknell town joint manager Carl Withers.

“The messages of support has been incredible and I hope the boys have done you all proud and we truly

thank you all for your support.”

Jamie McClurg added: “Proud and honoured to praise each and every one of our Bracknell Town lads. A true credit to the incredible support which never stopped.

“What a group of people and we go again.”

n Match report inside

‘WE GOT PUNISHED FOR

MISTAKES’

After conceding a penalty 15 minutes into the game, Joao Pedro scored his second to take the three points away from Reading late on.

We got punished for our mistakes,” said Hutchinson.

“We did well in spells, played some nice football. We were comfortable and everyone listened to the tactics, but they’re a good side and we got punished.

“Some of the boys learned tonight what it is to be a good side in the Championship, those little mistakes and you do get punished.

“If we don’t concede a penalty then it’s 0-0. We work hard in training and we need to learn from our mistakes as a team and need to be better.

“We made mistakes when we were winning and we got away with it and we’re getting punished at the moment.

“We need to stop the rot. The Championship is a hard league.

“We’ve got a small squad and we’re playing week in, week out with that small squad.”

Hutchinson made his return to the team after missing six games with injury.

He continued: ”It was brilliant (being back). It was a bit of a risk but I don’t mind taking risks. I’m a bit sore now but hopefully I will be alright for Saturday to go again.”

READING FC defender Sam Hutchinson believes the Royals were ‘punished’ for their mistakes in their defeat at Watford.

BRACKNELL TOWN FC produced a performance to be proud of in their FA Cup first-round tie against Ipswich Town.

two teams in the football pyramid,

TYKES TOPPLED AS RAMS ENJOY TABLE-TOPPING WINNING STREAK

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Tykes 10 Rams 36

A POWERFUL RAMS display ensured they picked up a fantastic ninth consecutive National One bonus-point victory with a hard-fought 3610 triumph at Leeds Tykes.

The visitors showed their strength from the start, a powerful rolling maul rumbling some 20 metres towards the line before a couple of scrum penalties preceded Drew Humberstone crashing over from close range.

Things got even better for

Rams as more patient play ended with Max Hayman bulldozing across the line, Alex Seers with the conversion for 12-0.

Leeds hit back and got on the scoreboard thanks to Seramaia Turagabeci’s effort, and they then camped inside the visitors’ 22 for much of the second quarter.

Yet Rams made a decisive move on the stroke of halftime, two huge breaks from James McRae taking them from their own five-metre line up towards the Leeds line.

And with the final play of the half, Hayman grabbed his second to make it 17-5.

The away side suffered a

setback early in the second period as Michael Dykes was yellow carded for a late tackle when chasing down his own kick, but with their pack increasingly getting on top, RAMS nullified the damage by spending most of the 10 minutes in Leeds’ territory.

And towards the end of the sin-bin period, they sealed the bonus-point when a couple more dominant scrums set-up Ellis Jones to blast over from a couple of metres out.

With Alex Seers off injured, Humberstone added the extras before another huge scrum enabled McRae to touch down at the base.

Dykes became the third

player to have a shot at goal, and he was also on target to extend the advantage to 31-5.

Yet Leeds were still putting in an all-action effort, and they collected a second of the afternoon as impressive fullback Kieran Davies made a line break to allow Turagabeci to touch down on the right.

Rams replied swiftly, though, and a nice break from Ollie Cole created space for Charlie Robson to show his power for his fifth try of the season.

Jones then took over conversion duties, but his effort struck the left post.

And again Leeds refused to yield, camping in the visitors’ 22 for the final five minutes

and earning a string of penalties.

Rams were keen to avoid their line being breached, and thanks to a Cole turnover, successfully held out to end a run of six matches in which they had conceded the final points of the afternoon.

RAMS’ director of rugby, Seb Reynolds, said: “Leeds had been scrummaging really well, which meant our guys were highly motivated at the set-piece – I think I might have upset Ant before the game –but the pack really came out and put them on the back foot.

“A huge shout-out to all those in the front five and

“It’s something we’ve not really had in the last few weeks – we’ve had dominance in patches – but it gave us a really strong platform.

“If No. 8 is able to walk the ball over the line – albeit he’s got to control it – and just put his palm on it, it’s not because of what he’s done but the guys in front have.”

RAMS: Tries: Humberstone 6, Hayman, 15, 39, Jones 63, McRae 70, Robson 76,

Conversions: Seers 16, Humberstone 64, Dykes 71

Leeds Tykes: Tries: Turagabeci 25, 72

Star Player: James McRae (RAMS)

Referee: Adam Wookey

RUGBY UNION

Leeds

Josh Collis moves forward as Rams make it nine wins in a row Pictures: Tim Pitfield

Owen (Root, forwards coach).

REACTION

WOODLEY’S FIVE-STAR SHOW, SUMAS SUFFER COSTLY DEFEAT BRACKNELL MANAGERS PROUD

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today

Southern Region

Women’s Division One North

WOODLEY UNITED stormed to an impressive away victory at CAVERSHAM UNITED Doubles from Gemma Sims, May Hamblin and a goal from C Evans ensured that the Kestrels took all three points with a convincing 5-0 victory.

The win puts Woodley up to fifth in the table with seven points from four games, while Caversham United are in fourth with eight points from seven games.

Combined Counties Premier North

READING CITY kept their winning streak going with

a comfortable away win at Virginia Water.

The Cityzens raced into the lead when Joe Pilling put them in front after two minutes.

Reading had a 3-0 advantage at the break with goals from Tyler D’Cruz and Dan Davies.

The win keeps City in second place, just one point behind leaders Ascot.

Combined Counties Division One

BERKS COUNTY hit Bagshot for four to collect three points.

Charlie Oakley slotted the Swords in front on the stroke of half-time.

With just over an hour gone, Berks added a second when Ellis Day smacked the ball in from close range.

Berks hit again quickly when Ellis Day headed in his second of the game.

Just seven minutes later, Sam Day made it 4-0 to County before a late goal from Bagshot meant the game ended 4-1.

WOODLEY UNITED lost out away at Spartans Youth.

The hosts had a three-goal advantage before Junaid scored for the Kestrels to make it 3-1.

Woodley are in eighth with 25 points from 15 matches.

Thames Valley Premier League

READING YMCA climbed up to fifth after they defeated Maidenhead Town.

Pele Hagger scored twice, while goals from Jakub Zmijewski and Alfie Stephens helped YMCA to a 4-2 triumph.

Reading have 13 points from eight matches.

WARGRAVE fell to a narrow defeat at home

to league leaders Yateley United.

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division

ASCOT UNITED are in second after they picked up a point at home to Wycombe Wanderers.

The Yellas took the initiative and broke the deadlock through Dom Carrington before the away side hit back to take a point.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 2

S4K BERKS COUNTY earned a point in a six-goal contest at home to Denham United Reserves.

Four goals in the secondhalf saw it end in a 3-3 stalemate.

Kate Stewart netted a brace for the Fawkes, while Megan Cox also scored.

AFTER FA CUP CLASH

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today

After a superb first-half display, the Robins had the game level at the break and held out against their League One opponents for more than an hour.

Ipswich eventually found a breakthrough and managed to net three second-half goals to book their place in the second round of the FA Cup, but Bracknell can hold their heads high after a strong performance.

“Well our journey has ended, a huge thank you first to everybody that worked tirelessly to stage the

game last night (Monday),” said Withers.

“The messages of support has been incredible and I hope the boys have done you all proud.”

McClurg added: “Proud and honoured to praise each and every one of our Bracknell Town lads.

“A true credit to the incredible support which never stopped. What a group of people and we go again.

“A massive thank you to everyone behind the scenes that made our first round proper tie happen. To the thousands that supported this amazing group: We love you and, once again, you were incredible.”

Bracknell Town chairman Kayne Steinborn-Busse added: “Thank you to our groundsman Chris Day and the team for their hard work.”

Caversham United Women v Woodley United Ladies Pictures: Andrew Batt

Bracknell Town FC - Carl Withers Pictures: Neil Graham

Bracknell Town FC - Jamie McClurg

The Kestrels boosted their league position

The teams compete from a corner

Wokingham & Emmbrook v Egham Town Pictures: Andrew Batt

Woodley (yellow) scored five to take the points

FOOTBALL

BRACKNELL TOWN FC joint managers Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg expressed pride after their team’s FA Cup tie with Ipswich Town.

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

After a goalless first-half in which Reading managed to restrict City’s front line, the scored twice in quick succession after the restart.

Mukandi diverted the ball into her own net on two occasions to give City a commanding lead.

Women’s Super League top scorer Bunny Shaw ensured City would take three points when she nodded in a third 15 minutes from time.

The defeat sees Reading drop back down to 11th position.

The half followed the pattern of the visitors having plenty of the ball, but not

finding the cutting edge to do anything with it.

Despite having 80% possession in the first-half, City were unable to breach the Royals defence.

Lionesses star Lauren Hemp caused Reading plenty of issues down the left wing which saw her get in behind the back line on several occasions.

After a Hemp cutback, Laura Coombs missed the chance to hit the target when she sliced her shot wide.

Reading had to make some last ditch interventions to stop Bunny Shaw from having a clear sight of goal.

First Diane Caldwell cut out a cross which looked destined for Shaw before Gemma Evans made a heroic block.

Hayley Russo had the final chance of the half for City when she showed excellent footwork to nutmeg a

defender to break into the box but she could only force a relatively comfortable stop from Burns.

City broke the deadlock just seven minutes after the restart when Emma Mukandi turned the ball into her own net.

Hemp was again the architect when she whipped in a dangerous cross and with Russo lurking, Mukandi tried to steer the ball out for a corner but inadvertently sent the ball into her own goal.

With an hour gone, the Cityzens took full control of the contest when they doubled their lead after a second own goal from Mukandi.

Hemp charged into the box and forced an excellent save from Burns and the Royals skipper was unfortunate to see the rebound strike her leg and find the net from close range.

Rowe tried to work her magic to get the Royals back into the contest when she fired a shot goalwards from outside the box and won her side a corner after Sandy MacIver turned the ball behind.

Reading won three corners in quick succession but City stayed organised to clear and maintain their clean sheet.

From the aftermath of the third corner, Rowe tried an audacious effort from 30 yards with a shot that was just inches away from looping into the top corner, but landed on the roof of the net.

City ensured the points would be going back to Manchester when they found their third of the afternoon.

Mary Fowler got down the left byline, cut back and delivered a cross for Shaw who obliged with the finish by heading past Burns.

By RICHARD OXLEY sport@wokingham.today

READING Royals Futsal Club will welcome current English champions Helvecia Futsal Club to Bradfield College on Sunday, November 13 for a Men’s Super Cup fixture.

Both sides are unbeaten this season in their respective league and cup competitions, so the game promises to provide action and some top-quality futsal.

Royals started their cup campaign with a 9-1 victory away to MK Mavericks, which was followed by a 5-3 away victory over Tier 1 side Hartpury Futsal Club.

Helvecia has emphatically seen off their first two opponents starting with a 10-1 win against

Kent United and then a 17-1 triumph over Rushmoor Community.

Both teams will bring strong squads with a mixture of homegrown British talents and overseas stars.

FUTUSAL TWO OWN GOALS COSTS ROYALS DEAR IN CITY DEFEAT ROYALS TO HOST CHAMPIONS

Some names likely to feature on the day are renowned in the UK futsal scene while multiple new faces enter the fray and look to make a name for themselves this season.

Notably, Reading Royals have welcomed three New Zealand internationals for the 2022/23 season who between them have already scored eight goals this season.

Kick-off will be at noon and entry will cost just £5 for adults and kids for free, all the money from entry will be donated to Sport in Mind.

The home loss sees the Royals drop back down to 11th Pictures: Neil Graham

Reading Royals Futsal Club in their new kit

Emma Mukandi scored two own goals in Reading’s defeat

Reading try to score from a corner

The Royals in a team huddle after the final whistle

Sanne Troeslgaard made her first start of the season

READING 0-3 MAN CITY

READING FC WOMEN lost out at home to Manchester City after two own goals from Royals captain Emma Mukandi.

BRACKNELL 0-3 IPSWICH

ROBINS BEATEN AS IPSWICH AVOID CUP SHOCK

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BRACKNELL TOWN were eliminated from the FA Cup by League One Ipswich Town after a determined display.

Playing in front of a packed out crowd at SB Meadow, the Robins put on a fine performance as they shut out their opponents for well over an hour.

They had chances of their own in between some excellent stops from Bracknell goalkeeper Michael Eacott.

The Tractor Boys eventually breached the defence when Bracknell captain Daniel Bayliss was unfortunate to turn the ball.

Freddie Ladapo added a second in the 73rd minute.

Ipswich sealed their place in the next round with a third when Panutche Camara converted from close range.

With 105 places separating the teams in the football pyramid, Bracknell were hoping to pull off a huge FA Cup shock against their League One opponents.

The Robins defended resolutely throughout the half and stayed organised which was shown when Anthony Cheshire tracked Freddie Ladapo’s run closely and was able to stop the supply into the forward.

Bracknell enjoyed a good spell of possession down the

right as they forced a few throws down the byline before they won the first corner of the game after George Knight showed his strength to shield the ball out.

Bracknell goalkeeper Michael Eacott came out confidently to punch away an inswinging corner.

The visitors finally made use of their possession and tested the goalkeeper when Ladapo let fly, but Eacott was quick to fly to his left to palm his effort away.

Eacott then made an even better save just a few minutes later when he kept out a pointblank range shot from Kane Vincent-Young to keep the scores locked at 0-0 going into

the half-time break.

Bayliss made a vital tackle in the box to prevent what would have been an opening for Vincent-Young just five minutes after the restart.

The Robins got on the front foot and Gary Abisogun won his team a corner when his cross was deflected behind.

Abisogun forced a save from Vaclav Hladky when he hit a low drive that was comfortably stopped.

Bracknell had a chance on the hour mark when Abisogun tried to feed Jordan Esprit but overhit the through ball which ran on through to the keeper.

Eacott came to the rescue with another important stop when he got his body in the

way of Ladapo’s strike.

Joint managers Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg decided to make their first switch which saw Esprit replaced by Mickel Platt.

The substitute almost caused an instant impact when his shot was blocked and the rebound fell for Bayliss who lifted a shot over the bar.

Just moments later, Ipswich took the lead when Bayliss inadvertently put the ball in his own net after Vincent-Young flew down the left byline and placed a dangerous ball into the six yard area.

Ipswich added their second of the night when VincentYoung again caused problems with his pace and found

Ladapo waiting in the middle who was on hand to finish on the volley.

The League One side then wrapped up the tie in the 81st minute when West Burns burst through and unselfishly squared the ball for Pantuche Camara to tap into the empty net.

Bracknell kept battling and tried to get themselves on the scoresheet when Kameron English showed desire down the left and won a corner which was punched away by the keeper to preserve his clean sheet.

The final whistle blew with Ipswich safely making it through to the next round as they avoided an FA Cup shock.

Bracknell Town put on an impressive performance in their FA Cup tie with Ipswich Pictures: Neil Graham

How they rated

Joe Lumley

Made a fantastic reflex save to deny Davis from close range. Was forced off through injury on the half hour mark.

Amadou Mbengue

Kept his side in the contest after a vital intervention to deny Sarr at the end of the first half. Had the confidence to step up with the ball.

Andy Yiadom

Run ragged by Sarr and had very little opportunity to get forward. Did not look comfortable when Kalu came on either.

Tom Holmes

Not at his best, struggling to contain the pace and guile of Watford’s front line. A committed performance nevertheless.

Sam Hutchinson

Offered the back line a good amount of protection, breaking up the play well. Composed on the ball and at the heart of Reading’s moves.

Baba Rahman

Gave the ball away far too often. Got more joy than Yiadom going forward but offered very little end product.

Tyrese Fornah

Used his close control to bring the ball forward well, particularly in the first half. Disappeared a little in the second 45.

Jeff Hendrick

Some tidy touches in midfield but was unable to add any impetus. Could not establish a foothold in the middle of the park.

Ovie Ejaria

Brought down Joao Pedro to concede the first-half penalty. Was off the pace for large portions of the game.

Lucas Joao

Did his utmost to hold the ball, getting fouled on numerous occasions. Could not find any openings, largely down to a lack of quality service.

Tom Ince

Was not able to make as much of an impact on the game as he would have liked. Fired a shot from just outside the box over the bar.

Dean Bouzanis

Forced into an athletic save midway through the second half, doing well to see the shot through bodies.

Mamadou Loum

Followed up his World Cup call-up with a so-so showing off the bench.

Picked up his seventh booking of the season.

Subs

Yakou Meite: N/A

Andy Carroll: N/A

Subs: Guinness-Walker, Hoilett, Long

POOR RUN CONTINUES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Joao Pedro put the Hornets in front when he converted from the penalty spot after being hauled down in the box by Ovie Ejaria.

The Brazilian forward then netted his second of the night late in the day to wrap up victory for the hosts.

The Royals have endured a terrible run of form that has seen them win just once in their last nine Championship matches.

Reading have dropped down to 13th in the Championship table.

With the busy fixture scheduling taking its toll, Paul Ince made five changes from Reading’s 2-1 home defeat to Preston North End on Friday.

The Hornets had an early sight of goal after Sam Hutchinson conceded a free-kick within striking distance.

Ken Sema’s shot struck the wall before the rebound sat up for him but he blazed it high and wide.

Watford were awarded a penalty with 15 minutes on the clock after a moment of madness from Ovie Ejaria in the box.

After Reading failed to scramble the ball clear from a corner, Ejaria brought down Watford forward Joao Pedro by the neck, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the penalty spot.

Pedro took the resulting spot kick and stroked it confidently into the bottom right corner.

The Royals would have found

REACTION

READING FC manager Paul Ince believes that his team ‘competed well’ despite losing at Watford.

A goal in each half from Brazilian striker Joao Pedro gave the Hornets three points as the Royals’ stuttering form continued.

“We gave it a go,” said Ince.

“We’re nowhere near at the stage where Watford are. They’ve just come down from the Premier League, they will probably go up.

“The game plan was working. We took 10 or 15 minutes to get to grips with it in the first-half.

“We gave a silly penalty away. They scored from that but after that we looked like the better team, we started to pass but lacked cutting edge up top.

Match stats

WATFORD: Bachmann, Gosling, Troost-Ekong, Kabasele, Sema, Choudhury, Kayembe, Asprilla, Pedro, Sarr, Davis

SUBS: Gaspar, Cathcart, Bayo, Dele-Bashiru, Kalu, Okoye, Morris

READING: Lumley, Mbengue, Holmes, Hutchinson, Yiadom, Rahman, Hendrick, Fornah, Ince, Ejaira, Joao

SUBS: Carroll, Long, Meite, Guinness-Walker, Bouzanis, Loum, Hoilett

GOALS: Joao Pedro 15’ (pen), 87’

themselves two goals down had it not been for a superb piece of goalkeeping from Joe Lumley.

CHAMPIONSHIP ‘THE WORLD CUP CAN’T COME QUICK ENOUGH’

The ball dropped invitingly for Keinan Davis from just eight yards out and Lumley sprung into action with lightning fast reactions to keep the ball out before he slid the ball away from Pedro to prevent him latching onto the rebound, injuring his foot in the process.

Joao was a whisker away from making contact with Ejaria’s driven cross before Tom Ince failed to get a

shot away in the box.

Having initially carried on after getting treatment, Lumley was unable to continue and was subbed off for Dean Bouzanis in the 31st minute.

Amadou Mbengue made up for Tom Holmes’ error in possession as he raced across quickly to put in a vital tackle on Ismaila Sarr who looked to be through on goal as Watford went into the break a goal to the good.

Watford looked to hurt Reading

“We got to 84 minutes, we changed it to try and get something out the game and you lose one at the end.

“We competed well and had a go and that’s all you can ask for a team where we are.

“Watford are a top team with players like Joao and Pedro and we’re nowhere near that stage yet.

“Our season won’t be based on Watford and teams like that, it will be based on teams around us where we’ve got to pick up wins.

“I’m pleased with the lads and the effort they put in we just didn’t have the cutting edge.”

The Royals boss confirmed that he expects both Tom McIntyre and Joe Lumley to miss out on the trip

to Hull with injuries.

He continued: “Joe has been fantastic for us this season. To lose him at a crucial moment, he’s a talker, he organises the back four. It’s a massive, massive blow for us.

“It’s been like that all season for us. We lost Tom Mac yesterday and Joe today.

“Joe will probably be two or three weeks and Tom Mac will be out for a month

“The World Cup can’t come quick enough. Our squad is done to the bare bones, we’re getting injuries and it’s tough.

“We go to Hull to try to get a result and then have a well earned break. Our squad is falling to pieces.

“We’re playing the same players and are asking them to put in

performances. As a club we have to understand where we are.

“The embargo is tough.

“We had one shot on target. The performance didn’t disappoint me, it was the decision making. You can’t do anything about it as a manager. If a player wants to make those decisions. The best players make the best decisions. The lower you go, the worse the decisions get.

“Some of the decision making left me dumbfounded at times.

“We’ve played all the top teams so it’s not a concern at all.

“If you analyse the games - QPR conceding a penalty in the 87th minute, being 2-0 up at Swansea, being robbed of a penalty at Burnley – so there are games we could easily have won.

Jeff Hendrick in possession

Ince takes a tumble

Baba Rahman is tackled

Watford v Reading

The Royals lost out at Vicarage

READING FC’s troubling run of form continued after they were defeated at Vicarage Road by Watford.

WITH WATFORD LOSS

early in the second-half through Asprilla who breezed past Rahman, but Hutchinosn was there to cover for his teammate and put the ball out for a corner.

The Royals grew into the half in search of an equaliser and came close when Ince stood a ball up to the back post that was met by the head of Ejaria, but was blocked by Troost-Ekong.

Bouzanis had to stay alert to push away Pedro’s low shot after he worked space outside the box to unleash a strike.

Rahman picked up a yellow card after he stopped Sarr using his blistering pace on the break by

tugging his shirt.

Reading looked for a response and were awarded a free-kick out wide on the left. They tried a setpiece routine as Fornah rolled the ball for Ince to hit on his left, but his effort drifted over the target.

Watford almost doubled their lead with 10 minutes to go when Pedro let fly from just inside the box and after taking a deflection, his shot went narrowly wide of the post and behind for a corner.

Ince made more changes in hope of rescuing a result as Ejaria and Joao were replaced by Yakou Meite and Andy Carroll.

But it was Watford who took the initiative and finished proceedings with a second goal in the 87th minute when Pedro was in the right place to blast the ball past Bouzanis.

n Reading face Hull City on Saturday in their final match before the World Cup break.

ROYALS FACE TIGERS TEST IN FINAL GAME BEFORE WORLD CUP

READING FC face their final test before the World Cup break away at Hull City on Saturday.

The Royals have picked up just one win in their last nine Championship matches after their Tuesday night defeat to Watford

Their stuttering form has seen them drop down to 13th position in the table.

Saturday’s opponents Hull earned an away win at Cardiff City on Tuesday.

After being 2-1 down, the Tigers made an impressive comeback to take three points with a 3-2 victory which puts

them up to 19th in the table.

They have totalled 24 points from 20 games with seven wins, three draws and 10 defeats in a closely contested bottom half of the table.

Hull have struggled to keep goals out and have the leakiest defence in the entire division, having conceded 37 goals in their opening 20 games.

A run of two consecutive victories at the end of October, a 3-1 away win at Blackpool and 4-2 victory at Rotherham, has been followed by two losses and a draw.

Despite going down to 10 men

early in their match at Millwall, the Tigers held on to claim a point in a goalless draw at the Den on Saturday.

Hull City appointed a new manager last week as former Royals player Liam Rosenior was selected to take charge.

Hull started the season under the management of Georgian Shota Arveladze, but he was sacked just 10 games into the season with the club in 20th position.

Oscar Estupinan is currently Hull’s top scorer ths seaown with eight goals and one assist in 19 matches in an impressive start to

life in England since joining in the summer.

The Royals will be hoping to have defender Sam Hutchinson back in contention after his spell on the sidelines, while Naby Sarr is not expected to be back until after the World Cup break.

Reading are winless in their last five meetings with Hull having suffered three defeats and two draws.

On their last trip to Hull, Reading were handed a 3-0 defeat after a brace from Keane Lewis-Potter and a goal from Alfie Jones.

From

the

middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

Did you enjoy a quiet football weekend?

IFyou were a parent going to see your young son or daughter play football last weekend, you may have been met with a request to show your support by hand clapping only.

Earlier this year I wrote how young referees often receive abuse not only from coaches, but also from spectators, mainly parents.

This, however, is not about referees but aimed at stopping parents shouting at the young players during the game.

It is part of what is called the ‘Silent Support Football Weekend’.

The FA have at last followed the example of countries like America and Holland where silent youth matches have been imposed for many years.

The idea is to allow youth players to make their own decisions, to play the game with freedom, without pressure and without the emphasis on winning at all costs.

Coaches, like spectators must keep quiet during the game although they are still free to give instructions before the game and at half time.

Earlier this year a mother told a national newspaper, how she hated taking her son to play football, because of the behaviour of the parents.

Her biggest bugbear she said, was the parents, mainly dads, who act as if their small children were the game’s next Beckham, Grealish or Kane.

They heckle and shout from the side lines, lambasting their children. Instead, she wrote, why don’t they just let their children enjoy their football.

I am on her side.

I may be old-fashioned but I believe sport should be fun.

We all like to win but that comes second place to enjoying taking part.

I’ve often told new referees, that our job when refereeing, is to help players enjoy their game.

There are two aspects to fathers shouting advice at their offspring.

One is that it can conflicts with the coaches instructions, making the poor child confused.

The other is that often it can be reproachful.

I wonder how many young people have given up the game becoming fed up with their know-all parents, shouting remarks about their playing.

In other countries where silent football has been used, the young players have said how much they enjoy it.

This is the first of two Silent Support Weekends that the FA have planned this season and if they get the same response, I’m sure it will become a regular feature for youth football in this country.

Road after Joao Pedro’s double Pictures: Steve Smyth

Lucas Joao is beaten to the ball

Tom Holmes Yakou Meite competes

Ovie Ejaria sprints forward

Hutchinson returned from injury

Tom Ince gets into the box

Andy Carroll on the ball

ROYALS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING

After a flat first-half, Evans nodded his team in front shortly after the restart before Lucas Joao’s penalty put the game back on level terms.

With just over 10 minutes to play, Evans was given room to shoot and took advantage to smash the ball low into the far corner.

The defeat leaves Reading in 11th position in the Championship.

It was a first-half that had very little in the way of chances for both teams.

Both teams were surrendering possession far too easily which saw attacks frequently break down before they had a chance to get into full flow.

A drifted Andy Yiadom cross left Yakou Meite with plenty to do as the Ivorian headed harmlessly wide.

After Preston failed to properly clear a corner the ball dropped for Andy Carroll on the volley who smacked the ball high and wide.

The best chance of the half came just after half-an-hour when Brady whipped a ball to the back post to find the run of Brad Potts who didn’t manage to get his boot to the ball which saw the chance go begging.

The away team grabbed the initiative quickly after the restart when Ched Evans met Brady’s cross and flicked the ball past Lumley into the far corner.

Trying to force their way back into the game, a half chance came Reading’s way only for Joao to head over the target.

Reading found their way back into the game via the penalty spot

KINGFISHER D CLIMB TO SECOND WITH CONVINCING WIN

By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today

TWO sides bidding for second place met this week in division one and it was KINGFISHER D who impressively overcame OUR LADY OF PEACE A, who could only field two players, with an 8-2 victory.

Ryan Chung and Graham Mendick were unbeaten and only OLOP’s Mo Cook could notch up a singles win over Julian Telford, who, along with his team mates, beat Steve Murgatroyd.

The other team bidding for runners-up is SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A who kept up their good form with an 8-2 home win over KINGFISHER B

Jason Roberts contributed a double. but triples from Jamie Barlow and Neil Hurford, who deserved player of match for not dropping an end, completed the victory.

KINGFISHER A once again

increased their lead at the top with a comfortable 10-0 victory over Reading FC, although Mike Childs provided some resistance against Martin Adams 4-11 8-11 11-9 11-13.

Sixth met Seventh as SONNING SPORTS A scored a narrow 6-4 victory over TILEHURST RBL A

Once again Dave Croucher proved to be MVP, winning his three, ably backed up by Nick Sears and Paul Savage, although they are yet to win a doubles match.

In division two, a close match saw TILEHURST RBL B overcame OUR LADY OF PEACE B 6-4 with Kate Maksimenko getting and impressive maximum for the Tilehurst team.

Darek Kaminski played well for OLOP winning twice and giving Kate a good game.

Second placed OUR LADY OF PEACE C got a good draw against likely promotion contenders TIDMARSH B despite playing with a reserve.

RESULTS

Friday, November 4 FOOTBALL Championship Reading 1-2 Preston

Saturday, November 5

Isthmian South Central Hanworth Villa 2-2 Binfield

Combined Counties Premier North Ascot United 2-1 Burnham Virginia Water 0-3 Reading City Sumas 1-6 Egham Town

Combined Counties Division One

Berks County 4-1 Bagshot Spartans Youth 3-1 Woodley United

Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead 3-1 SB Phoenix Reading YMCA 4-2 Maidenhead Town Wargrave 1-2 Yateley United

RUGBY UNION National Division One Leeds Tykes 10-36 Rams

Monday, November 7

FA Cup Bracknell Town 0-3 Ipswich Town

Tuesday, November 8

FOOTBALL

Championship Watford 2-0 Reading

Isthmian South Central Westfield 2-1 Binfield

FIXTURES

Saturday, November 12

FOOTBALL Championship Hull City v Reading

Non-League Premier Gosport Borough v Bracknell Town

Isthmian South Central Binfield v Bedfont Sports

FA Vase second round Broadbridge Heath v Ascot United

Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v Burnham Sumas v Spelthorne Sports

after Ince’s through ball set Yiadom on the run and the referee deemed that he was tripped after he had got goal side of Brady.

Lucas Joao took responsibility and slammed the ball confidently into the bottom left corner and left goalkeeper Freddie Woodman no chance of stopping it despite guessing the right way.

With a little over 10 minutes to

go, Preston restored their lead when Evans wasn’t closed down on the right and he fizzed a driven shot into the far corner.

Ince went close to levelling the game up once again in the 88th minute when his low strike went a whisker wide of the post.

Preston held on throughout six minutes of added time to claim the points.

TV KINGS CLASH WITH PLYMOUTH FUSION

New signing Sachin Mundra won twice for OLOP including beating Francois Durand in five and Francois won another set that went to five against Pradeep Desh.

In Division 3 a match where the score would be important for both teams’ promotion chances saw TIDMARSH C beat OUR LADY OF PEACE E 7-3, but it was a close game.

There five set matches as well as 15-16 points in a single game which clearly shows that it was a great contest.

Tidmarsh’s Richard Hudson gave a good fight against Harry Bullock with a comeback from 2-0 to 2-2 however; Harry won the last set and the game.

In another match, Qing Wu from OLOP caught David Sheppard from 2-0 to 2-2, but it wasn’t enough to win the same which David winning three sets to two.

The highlight of the match was Louise Forster’s win against Ian Wu.

In an evenly matched Division two game between Kings 2s and Fusion 2s, it was neck and neck for most of the game with nothing really separating the teams, with Kings taking a four-point lead into halftime, 25-21.

However, the Kings just took their foot off the gas a little in the second half and Plymouth came back to take the win by 10 points in a fine four-quarter display. 54-44.

Conal O’Donovan was Kings’ top scorer with 16 points.

In the second game, Kings and Fusion battled out a high-scoring contest, but it was a well-drilled Fusion team who continuously applied the pressure throughout the game on to Kings and took a commanding victory in front of their home fans, 92-50.

Reece Barker was the top scorer for the Kings with 16 points.

This weekend sees the first and third t eams in action when they face Southern Sharks’ first and second teams respectively in Littlehampton, Sussex.

South West Regional 2 Swindon 5-7 Reading

HOCKEY Women’s National Premier Division Uni of Nottingham 2-4 Reading

South Central Men’s Division 1 Milton Keynes 2s 0-4 Sonning

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 0-5 Henley

South Central Men’s Premier 2 Haslemere 6-4 South Berkshire

South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire 5-2 Aylesbury

Sunday, November 6

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading 0-3 Manchester City

Southern Region Women’s Division North Caversham United 0-5 Woodley United

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Slough Town 1-1 Ascot United Reserves Wargrave v Tilehurst Panthers Postponed

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two S4K Berks County 3-3 Denham United Reserves

HOCKEY Men’s National Premier Division Oxted 1-1 Reading

Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v Spartans Youth Sandhurst Town v British Airways Langley v Woodley United Penn & Tylers Green v Berks County

Cup Burghfield v Reading YMCA Old Windsor v Finchampstead Wargrave v Letcombe

Thames Valley Premier League Slough Heating Laurencians v Reading City U23’s

RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Plymouth Albion

South West Regional 2 Reading v Newbury Blues

London & SE Regional 1 Bracknell v Wimbledon

HOCKEY Men’s National Premier Reading v East Grinstead

Women’s National Premier Reading v East Grinstead

South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning v Oxford Hawks

South Central Women’s Premier Fareham v Sonning

South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire v Eastcote

South Central Women’s Division 1 Wallingford v South Berkshire

THIS past Saturday saw more British Wheelchair Basketball National League action for the Thames Valley Kings as the first and second teams played Plymouth Fusion first and second teams.

FC went down to a home defeat to Preston North End after a brace from Ched Evans.

Reading v Preston Pictures: Steve Smyth, Luke Adams