Wokingham Today, November 24, 2022

Council tax rises – no promises says leader

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

THE GOVERNMENT’S autumn statement didn’t do enough to help councils cope with rising inflation, and should instead be ensuring Wokingham is funded ‘properly’.

On Thursday, last week Chancellor Jeremy Hunt gave his autumn statement.

In it, he announced that councils could increase council tax by up to 5% without calling a local referendum. This means more potential pain for residents already struggling with rampant inflation.

But Wokingham Borough Council leader Cllr Clive Jones felt this was the wrong approach, and called on Mr Hunt to do more to properly fund local authorities.

“The government should fund Wokingham properly, we have been starved of cash for eight years under the Conservatives,” he said.

“We receive £24 million a year less than the average local authority. (If we were funded properly) we wouldn’t have a deficit, we would be able to spend it on things like repairing roads and potholes, and on adult social care.”

And with the chancellor’s announcement on lifting the cap on council tax rises, coupled with increases in inflation and the deficit in the council’s finances, Cllr Jones felt unable to say what would be landing on residents’ doormats next April.

“I cannot give anyone any reassurance that there will be no increase in council tax, not when inflation is at 11.1%,” he said.

“Costs are going up for everybody, they’re going up for me, and they’re going up for the council, and it’s not being sorted by the government.

“They are simply not giving us money, instead they are telling us we can take it off residents. They are shifting responsibility – it’s a cruel trick.”

He said at the council meeting, also held on November 17, Conservative councillors were “shouting out” about increasing council tax.

“Clearly, they are happy for us to put it up,” he said.

IN BID TO STOP HOMES

Parish against scheme for 200 houses in village

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

Hundreds of Hurst villagers, among others, have objected to the houses between Tape Lane and Lodge Road, the B3030 Winnersh to Twyford road.

Wokingham Borough Council

refused the scheme planning permission, but developers Mactaggert and Mickel have appealed against that.

An inquiry to decide who should win starts on January 31.

Hurst Parish Council, which objected to the plan along with other village groups, has launched their own appeal, saying: “The best way to fight the case is by engaging a barrister and that will mean we need to seek donations to support this.”

A COMMUNITY has launched a fighting fund so they can hire a barrister to help them stop an estimated 200 homes being built on a green field.

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

Wokingham is responding generously to The Giving Tree

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

A CHILDREN’S gift giving appeal is under way – and the tags are flying off the branches.

The Giving Tree has set up its special tagged Christmas trees across Wokingham borough, and is already receiving presents that will help to make children smile this Christmas.

For 22 years, generous local people have taken a tag from one of the charity’s trees, bought the present indicated on it, and then returned the gift to the same venue.

Gifts are then distributed to local children’s charities and delivered to youngsters in the borough whose families are struggling, and who would otherwise miss out on a present at Christmas.

It’s a simple, but heart warming, idea.

Where can I find a Giving Tree?

There are a number of locations in the borough: n Tesco Warfield

n Tesco Wokingham (gift vouchers only)

n Tesco Martins Heron n Newbury Building Society, Wokingham n Nirvana Spa, Sindlesham n Wokingham Library n The Sultan restaurant, Wokingham n Sedero Lounge, Wokingham Gill McKernan, appeal organiser, says: “I’ve been busy delivering tags to all the venues, ready for kind and generous local people to take and buy the gift which will make a child’s Christmas special.

“I am so very grateful for the response so far.

“Two of the businesses have already asked me for more tags.

“A massive thank you to all those involved.”

Which young people’s charities disrtibute gifts?

Local children’s charities collecting the presents are: n Barnardo’s n Sebastian’s Action Trust n Look Ahead Care n Berkshire Women’s Aid n Kaleidoscopic UK

n Transform Housing

n Home Start

n Wokingham Young Carers n Dingley’s Promise n The Cow Shed n First Days, n Berkshire Vision

n Children With Special Needs Foundation.

The gift appeal was launched last week at Tesco Wokingham.

Louise Jedras, the store’s community champion, says: “I am overwhelmed at how many tags have been taken from the tree in just the first few days since the launch of this year’s Giving Tree.

“We have had many returned back to Tesco with extremely generous amounts on the gift cards.

“You are all making such a difference to the lives of children you will probably never meet.

“Thank you.”

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

Classic songs

A CLUB that loves music will celebrate the talents of a solo acoustic guitar performer, whose career has spanned five decades.

Wokingham Music Club presents Gordon Giltrap In Concert.

The audience can hear material from his album, The Last Of England.

The event takes place at Emmbrook Sports & Social Club.

Doors open on Friday, December 2 at 7.15pm, with music from 8pm.

Tickets cost £21. n For details, log on to: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk

Your wording

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

Charities and good causes are grateful for your support for The Giving Tree

Picture: Emma Merchant

Now, that’s one giant chippy tea! QUEST: Have we found the largest chip in the country?

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

IT WAS meant to be an ordinary tea-time for one man when he opened a newly-purchased bag of oven chips, but little did he know how much that tasty potato-based treat would change his life.

Alistair Coleman, 56 and living near Wokingham, has a day job that involves factchecking fake news – and what he saw in his packet made him reach for a ruler so he could verify the truth for himself.

For inside the wrapper was the largest chip in the whole of the United Kingdom – well, maybe not as last year a chip was found that was 22cm. But the Guinness World Records says that there is no known record for the longest chip

Mr Coleman is a bit of an expert, for in his spare time he runs the hit Facebook page Angry People in Local Newspapers, which regularly features fantastical food as well as pictures of councillors pointing at pot holes.

It’s a far cry from his main role of tackling disinformation and fake news, and keeping an eye at North Korean media.

The extraordinarily long teatime treat that Mr Coleman found came from a £1.50 packet of Waitrose Essentials Crinkle Cut oven chips, bought from the Thatcham branch of the popular supermarket.

The chip, almost the length of a standard fork, was nearly too much for him to chew.

“I’ve never had a chip this big before,” said a surprised Mr Coleman. “although I once had a barbecue beef-flavoured Hula Hoop that was 5cm long, with a slight curve to it.

“What a red letter day that was.”

Thanks to Angry People In Local Newspapers, the journalist recognises that different parts of the country are very possessive about their freakishly giant foods.

“This massive chip is a

Glow in the dark fun to raise funds for First Days

FAMILIES will dress themselves with as many light up accessories as they can for a starlit Glow Walk around a lake.

First Days, a charity that supports children whose families are experiencing hardship, is organising the two-mile stroll in the dark around Black Swan Lake.

Walkers will see the illuminated woodland and various light features in and around the water, including a UV station, disco balls, and floating lights.

Hot chocolate, hot dogs, mulled wine, and glow sticks will all be available to buy.

The Glow Walk takes place at Dinton Pastures Country Park on Saturday, November 26.

The event begins at 5pm, with walkers booking a slot during the evening.

The last opportunity to start walking is at 8pm.

All participants must have their own torch during the event.

The event is currently fully subscribed, but a waiting list is available.

n To join the waiting list and to find out more visit: www.firstdays.net

direct attack on the York Press newspaper, who jealously guard their giant chip stories,” he said.

“I have put Wokingham first, and have challenged them to a duel.”

Sadly, Mr Coleman won’t be able to brandish anything other than a photo should the York Press accept his offer of chippy teas at dawn –he liked the chip so much, he ate it.

n Have you had a longer chip? Email news@wokingham.today

‘An expensive white elephant’: Park and Ride sites to be reviewed

WOKINGHAM’S park and ride sites are up for review, especially as two are not being used to ferry passengers to town centres.

While Coppid Beech is mothballed, with concrete blocks stopping people from even using the electric car charging points installed on the site, the Thames Valley Park site is being used as a shuttle for NHS staff working at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. But even this could change.

At the meeting of Wokingham Borough Council on Thursday, November 17, resident Peter Humphreys said the Coppid Beech site was “embarrassing and costly” and called for the site to be repurposed, such as building a block of flats on the site.

Cllr Paul Fishwick, the executive member for active transport, transport and highways, said the site had been paid for by developers’ contributions, with a business plan approved by Berkshire LEP.

“However, covid has changed travel patterns and particularly impacted park and ride sites which have yet to show any signs of recovery,” he said.

“We are looking for options for the use of the site, including for those who want to use the charging points, or to park, and then share a journey.

“We will not be funding a park and ride bus at this time.”

Later in the meeting, Cllr Shirley Boyt suggested the Thames Valley Park site should be repurposed as a solar farm. In its current form, she argued, it attracted late-night antisocial behaviour.

Cllr Fishwick said income from the RBH helped the site to break even, and discussions were taking place to grow the use of the site next year.

“We are continually reviewing options for greater use or increasing revenue to ensure that the site is not costing the council any money. The site could have potential for some renewable energy generation, which could include solar, but this would be subject to detailed feasibility assessment and funding availability.”

And Cllr Fishwick said in his speech during a debate

on parking charges that the Mereoak site was operating at just 25% of pre-covid levels, and was not covering the costs of running the service.

After the meeting, Cllr Clive Jones, the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said they would be looking at the future of the Coppid Beech site.

“I can remember saying we shouldn’t be going ahead with it but the Conservatives insisted that it did,” he said.

“It had landed us with an expensive white elephant.

“With the Winnersh Park and Ride, the previous Conservative administration were aware in October 2021 there was a funding problem and didn’t put it in the budget, but they let officers go ahead of buy materials, so we are stuck having to complete it, as they had already started work.

“The Conservatives just didn’t budget for it.”

He added: “With Thames Valley Park, we are in discussions with the hospital.

“Could Coppid Beech become a solar farm? Perhaps there could be some development, but we have to have discussions with the original developer, as the money was to create the park and ride, not to do anything else.

“We are exploring options,” he said.

GASP OF DELIGHT: Alistair Coleman with his giant chip. Sadly, he ate all the evidence, but trust us, it was big

The Winnersh Park and Ride

Picture: Phil Creighton

Wokingham’s newest pub will serve pints next week

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM’S newest pub is set to open its doors next month.

The Foundry Bell on London Road, formerly a Loch Fyne seafood restaurant, will welcome its first punters on Friday, December 2.

The site has undergone three months of renovation, including the additions of an elevated terrace and outdoor snug.

Mason Gray, the newly appointed general manager at the pub, said: “After months of renovation, we’ve been waiting patiently to be able to open our doors, and the whole team is hugely excited to finally welcome locals dropping in for a pint by the fireplace, friends getting together or families hosting celebrations in our new pub.

“We’ve considered every detail, from our beautiful new interior and exterior, to our hand-picked local suppliers, everything is in place to make sure we can give guests a memorable experience.”

The building, which was first built as a public house in 1924, has almost 100 years of history.

It has been restored to showcase the original herringbone brickwork, oak beams and wood-burning fireplaces.

Included in the renovation is the introduction of a newly built glass orangery and an extended terraced patio area to the front, which has almost doubled the seating capacity

with space for more than 250 guests at any one time.

Al-fresco diners will benefit from heaters, covered dining areas and individual guest blankets.

Dedicated dining and drinking areas have been designed for both inside and out including drinking ‘nooks’ by the fireplaces, to banquetstyle seating for larger dining parties.

The pub also has a private dining room for special occasions which can seat up to 14.

The food and drink menus offer seasonal British produce and a range of craft beers, lagers, and cask ales.

Siren Craft Brew will be available on tap while wine lovers can pick from more than 44 wines from across the world.

There will also be classic cocktails and seasonal adaptations including a Rhubarb Martini or a Rum Daiquiri, plus a range of nonalcoholic drinks and coffees served daily from 8.30am.

Christian Fernandez, head chef at The Foundry Bell, said he has tried to fuse “tradition and innovation to curate a menu which celebrates provenance and showcases the best of British produce”.

Mr Fernandez added: “We’re all about great social food, from grazing sharing plates and

COMING SOON: The former Loch Fyne restaurant has undergone three months of renovations Picture: The Founb

MPs honour members’ 50-year commitment

stix, to artisan pizzas, plus a brunch menu worth dedicating a morning to.

“What’s more is that we’ve been meticulous in sourcing the very best produce across everything from vegetables to meats; our British steaks for example are from specialist heritage breeds, while our Sunday roasts offer organic meat options and vegetables, all cooked fresh on the day.”

The Foundry Bell will open on Friday, December 2, serving brunch and throughout the day will be serving lunch through to dinner and drinks.

n For more information, visit: www.thefoundrybell-wokingham. co.uk

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

Attendance Allowance is paid to people who have reached state pension age if they have a disability or health condition. Exactly how much someone receives depends on how their condition affects them, and there are two weekly rates. A lower rate of £61.85/week is paid if you need help during the day, and you may receive up to £92.40/week if you have health issues that disrupt your sleep. That’s up to £370/month tax-free. It’s not means-tested, and it doesn’t matter where you live, or if you have savings.

Attendance Allowance - Who can claim it?

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

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

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

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

At the event, two members with more than 50 years membership each were

Event organiser, Cllr Shirley Boyt said: “It was great to have two such respected MPs at our event and to recognise the years of membership totted up by Jane Collins and Roy Mantel.

“Members had a lovely time and we even managed to raise some money for our local election campaign funding.”

Former stay-at-home mum wins care award

A MOTHER of four has proved it’s never too late to come back to work by picking up an award at an industry-leading awards ceremony.

Hayley Emery, a care worker at Shinfield View, was named care newcomer of the year at last week’s Great British Care Awards.

The award recognised her work in ensuring care at the home is maintained at the highest standard and residents feel safe and looked after.

After receiving the award, Hayley said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have received the care newcomer award.

“It’s a testament not only to my commitment to the work that I do, but also to the staff and residents of Shinfield View who make coming into work each day a true joy.

“Coming back to care after being a stay-at-home mum of four for so many years has been the best decision I have made.

“The support and encouragement from my managers and colleagues has been overwhelming. Shinfield View is one big happy family and such a happy place to work. I love what I do.

“Caring for our residents is so rewarding.”

Since returning to care work at Shinfield View, Hayley has become a ‘valued member of the team’ and is now an acting senior carer.

The home was ranked outstanding by the Care

Quality Commission at its last inspection.

Jodie Whatmore, Shinfield View’s general manager, said: “I have had the pleasure of working with Hayley since she started at Shinfield View.

“Hayley is an exceptional carer who goes above and beyond every day for our residents to ensure the best care is being given day in, day out. Hayley has built trust with our residents and shows empathy and compassion.”

She was among three team members at the home nominated for an award, who spanned a variety of categories including the care home activity organiser award and ancillary worker of the year award.

PRESENTATION: Labour MPs Tan Dhesi (Slough) and Matt Rodda (Reading East) present certificates to Jane Collins and Roy Mantel, who both marked 50 years of being members of the political party

LABOUR MPs Tan Dhesi (Slough) and Matt Rodda (Reading East) were special guests of Woodley and Whitegates Labour fundraising event at Sonning Golf Club last week.

awarded certificates by the Parliamentarians.

Nigel Pearce AIPW

“We

Cedric Lander, Woodley

Village’s fund to fight 200 home plan

n From front page

Parish council chairman Wayne Smith said: “This scheme would increase the number of homes in the central village area by 34%.

“Based on Wokingham’s average car ownership it would mean 540 more cars on the roads here.

“The plan is not sustainable. There are no paths which connect with anything other than country walks. To live in Hurst you need a car. The buses here are very limited.”

Residents were concerned this week when heavy machinery moved on to the field to dig out long trenches, possibly for 20 working days. They’ve been told the digging is to discover what archaeological finds there may be.

One resident said: “The trenches seem strangely deep, narrow and long. That’s very unusual in my view. A man standing in one appeared to be up to his waist at least.’

Usually, there was a fairly shallow dig over a number of squares across a site, he added. Then if something looked promising trowels and brushes were used. He was concerned finds might be damaged.

However, Berkshire Archaeology Officer Edward Peverel said: “A written scheme of investigation (WSI) for work at [the field] was

submitted to Berkshire Archaeology by Orion Heritage and Cotswold Archaeology.

“This WSI complied with industry and local standards for a typical trial trench evaluation.

“Berkshire Archaeology assented that the scheme of evaluation was satisfactory for assessing the archaeological potential of the site, and informing the need for further mitigation.”

He had seen monitoring photos of some of the progress on site, and had no reason to believe the work was being conducted contrary to the standards and guidance set out by Historic England and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.

A desk-based assessment has noted a ‘moderate’ chance for prehistoric and Iron Age/Roman archaeology being at the site. The ponies and donkeys which usually graze there have been moved.

The parish council has welcomed the planning inquiry inspector’s decision to grant the council equal status as the applicant and the borough council officers. Everything will be shared with the parish council.

n If you wish to donate, email: clerk@hurstpc.org.uk, log on to: www.hurstpc.org.uk, or call the office on: 0118 979 8914.

West End star steps out for awards

A TOP actor took time out from a busy schedule to present awards for a Wokingham theatre school.

Victoria Manser West, who has appeared in many West End productions, attended the ceremony for pupils at the Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow.

Held at The Emmbrook School, more than 50 honours were handed out to the youngsters, aged three to 18, who attend classes in

Woodley and Wokingham each weekend.

Afterwards, there was entertainment from the Steppin Out team, headed up by principal Shelley Otway, before a disco was held.

Ms Manser West used to be a teacher at the school and is one of its patrons, alongside Emma Barton, Tom Chambers, Matthew Sterling, and Jamie Read.

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

Christmessy fun

A WOKINGHAM church is throwing a festive fun day to help residents get into the Christmas spirit.

The Christmessy Funday takes place at St James Parish Centre, Finchampstead on Saturday, December 3.

Visitors young and old can get stuck into seasonal crafts, a scavenger hunt and a telling of the Christmas story, with Santa Claus expected to make an appearance.

There will also be carols and refreshments, including mulled wine for the adults.

The event is free to attend and runs from 11am-3pm.

n For more information, visit: www.pfc-church.uk

Christmas Fayre

A CHURCH is holding an event that has a Christmas market feel, with stalls outside as well as inside the hall.

Visitors can enjoy a grand raffle, gift stalls, craft activities and games, and a bake sale.

Children will be able to visit Father Christmas, and a barbecue will be available, along with refreshments.

St Nicholas Christmas Fayre will take place in the Large Village Hall in Hurst on Saturday, December 3.

Doors will open from 11.30am to 3pm.

Entry is by donations.

n For more information visit: www.allevents.in/hurst

WEST END TO EMMBROOK: Actor Victoria Manser West took time out from her busy schedule to present awards to pupils of Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow theatre school

SHINFIELD parish residents are to showcase their artistic talents in a festive display trail.

Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross homes will be decorated with festive displays to raise money for McMillan Cancer Support, with the University of Reading pledging to match the total raised.

Organiser Caroline Male said: “It’s lovely to have so much support from the community regarding our local Charity Christmas Trail.

“With so much uncertainty going on in the world currently, this Christmas trail is something that the whole community can be a part of, lifting festive spirits and supporting McMillan, a wonderful charity needed by many.

“Last Christmas, Simonds Grove (a road in Spencers Wood) raised £1,800 for this charity so hoping this year’s Christmas Trail will raise more by people donating to the JustGving page assigned to this festive event.”

Once all participating households are finalised, a trail map will be produced which can be purchased.

The trail running from Saturday, December 10, to Monday, December 26.

The event initially intended to cover Spencers Wood to ensure children could complete the route mapped out. However, with so much interest from surrounding villages, Caroline is considering creating a second map for Three Mile Cross.

n For more information and to enter your home, search: Spencers Wood & Three Mile Cross Charity Christmas Trail on www.facecbook.com

How Wokingham coffee beans have helped change the world

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

CUSTOMERS visiting a Wokingham inn have turned coffee beans into a huge number of trees.

The Rose Inn has contributed to the number of the world’s trees.

In collaboration with tree-nation, its owning Oakman Group has made sure that every cup of coffee sold by them has counted towards the planting of a tree, a move designed to help offset some of its daily carbon emissions.

Oakman Group was founded almost 15 years ago.

Founder and chairman Peter Borg-Neal then declared the business would leave things a little better than before – for their neighbours, guests, employees, the local communities they serve, and the wider environment.

The first 1,400 trees, one for every employee, were planted by them in September 2021.

Since then, every cup of coffee (around 2,500 per day) sold across the organisation’s pubs and hotels has resulted in the planting of a sapling.

The group recently celebrated having planted more than one million trees.

To mark the achievement, Peter Borg-Neal planted an oak (Quercus Palustris), assisted by team supervisor, Marisa Blackman, and Oakman’s Gardens and Sustainability Manager, Philip Jones.

The tree was placed within the company’s recently opened Oakman Kitchen Garden, in the grounds of another The Akeman Inn, in Kingswood, near Aylesbury.

Mr Borg-Neal said: “Planting this young oak, which might live for 1,000 years, is a simple commemoration of what small groups can do with little effort, but can have profound effects.

“For example, we were the first pub group to ban plastic straws, and to install electric charging points in our new pub car parks.

“We always seek ways to make a difference without losing sight of our commercial responsibilities.

“We couldn’t have achieved our first year’s target without the support of our guests.

“To say thank you, on the day of the tree planting, we gave all our customers who ordered one, a free cup of coffee.”

The group’s 1.2 acre garden has been planted with a new woodland margin of more than 500 native trees.

It also contains apple and damson orchards, along with beds of vegetables, salads, and seasonal fruits.

The main aim of the garden is to create a series of highly productive plots that allows rotational planting, propagation, and healthy, sustainable crops for the group’s restaurants to use in their daily specials.

Oakman Group works with Tree-nation, a non-profit organisation that helps support

local communities, create jobs, and protect biodiversity through reforestation and conservation projects worldwide.

The company’s coffee campaign helps Tree-nation’s planting projects in Madagascar and Tanzania to flourish.

Eighty percent of the trees are in Madagascar’s Eden project, with the other 20% planted in Tanzania, in the Usambara Biodiversity Conservation project, with almost 450 hectares of reforested land, and around 50,000 tonnes of recaptured carbon dioxide.

Maxime Renaudin, founder & CEO of tree-nation, said: “A year ago, our sponsor, Oakman Group, committed to planting one tree with us for each coffee sold. One year later, they’ve reached the incredible milestone of one million trees.

“Congratulations to everyone at Oakman as well as all their customers who are changing the world, one coffee at a time.”

n For information about the Oakman Kitchen Garden visit: www. oakmaninns.co.uk, for information about Tree-nation visit: tree-nation. com

Woodley man appeals for help to get urgent aid donations to Ukraine

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

A WOODLEY community stalwart is organising an urgent trip to deliver aid to Ukraine.

Ronnie Goodberry, who has already arranged for thousands of items to be donated, is preparing to make the 4,000 mile trip to support those living in conflict.

Following a tear-jerking conversation with a contact based on the Ukrainian border, Mr Goodberry decided to gather as much support as he could, as quickly as possible.

“Over the last few days, Russia has hit Ukraine badly with missiles and they have hit a lot of domestic infrastructure,” he said.

“The hub we previously visited is helping the Kherson hospital and the orphanage attached to it.”

The city of Kherson was first occupied by Russia in March and used as an administrative capital for the region, but earlier this month was liberated by Ukrainian soldiers.

Since fleeing, Russian troops have been accused by a Ukrainian official of “taking

revenge” on locals as they bombard the city.

Russian forces also reportedly left behind explosive devices and booby traps as Ukraine’s troops moved back in.

Mr Goodberry said this has left the area with very little essentials to get through dayto-day life.

“Mothers are giving birth to babies with no medication whatsoever,” he explained. “The nurses and doctors are heating water in large metal buckets,

putting it into bottles and then placing them in the bed to keep the mother and baby warm because there is no heating.

“There is no electricity so there are nurses walking round the corridors using torches and candles. They are desperate for the stuff.”

To compound the problems, winter in Ukraine could see temperatures as low as -20ºC.

Dr Hans Henri P Kluge, World Health Organizations regional director for Europe, recently

Spencers Wood tree lighting event aims to bring community together

A COMMUNITY group is marking the start of the festive season with a free, fun-filled event.

Spencers Wood Village Hall is inviting residents to a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 2.

The evening will feature the switching on of lights

on a 10ft tree donated by Shinfield Parish Council.

Visitors will have the opportunity to celebrate the season with family, friends and members of the community.

There will be mulled punch, mince pies, hot dogs and soft drinks to purchase, as well as the possibility of winning some

fantastic prizes in a raffle.

Beech Hill Band will provide live music and Christmas carols around the tree.

The event takes place from 6pm-8pm at the Spencers Wood Village Hall, Basingstoke Road.

n For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: www. trybooking.co.uk/BYPR

Council staff set to sleep out to help raise money for homeless

FUNDRAISERS are set to enjoy a night under the stars to raise money for the homeless.

Wokingham Borough Council and voluntary sector staff are getting their sleeping bags ready as they sleep out to help out tonight (Thursday), in support of The Salvation Army.

The council is inviting members of the public to get involved by taking part in the event at Howard Palmer Gardens, donating or spreading the word.

Donations can be made via the Wokingham Salvation Army’s JustGiving page.

Anyone wishing to join the team is invited to sign up in advance to ensure there is enough food and space for everyone attending.

Residents who are unable to

stay the night can also show their support by popping along in the evening.

Cllr Stephen Conway, executive member for housing, said: “I am delighted that our Wokingham Borough Council colleagues and partners from the voluntary sector are taking part in this sleep out to raise awareness of the support available to those in our borough who find themselves homeless.

“We wish them well as they also help to raise vital funds for the Salvation Army.”

With Howard Palmer Gardens being open to the elements, the team will gain a small insight into homelessness on a cold, autumnal night.

Residents who are homeless or at the risk of becoming

homeless within 56 days are asked to make a referral via the Housing Jigsaw website, selecting the option ‘Are you homeless or at risk of being made homeless’.

Once the referral has been received, the duty homelessness prevention officer will get in touch.

The council can only accept referrals which are made through Housing Jigsaw.

To take part in the sleep out, contact: Captain Jan Howlin of Wokingham Salvation Army on 07943 5075564. To access the Housing Jigsaw website log on: live.housingjigsaw.co.uk.

Those who are unable to make a referral should contact: 0118 974 6000 during office hours, or 0800 212 111, outside office hours.

told a news conference in Kyiv: “Put simply, this winter will be about survival”.

As a result, Mr Goodberry is hoping to collect as many items as possible before he makes the trip in the second week of December.

“They are in urgent need, I was in tears listening to some of the stories. I can’t describe it but we need to get this stuff out there for the kids and the mothers,” he said.

Items being requested

include food, flashlights, batteries, candles, blankets, sleeping bags, socks, winter hats and scarves.

Cold and flu medication is also welcomed, along with any prescription drugs which are just out of date.

Donations can be made at 117 Shackleton Way, Monday to Sunday.

n For more information, search Woodley Volunteer’s For Our Community (Covid-19) on Facebook.

Shinfield winter fayre on Saturday

RESIDENTS are invited to attend a village Christmas event on Saturday, November 26.

St Mary’s Shinfield Church’s’ fun-filled winter fayre will provide entertainment for all the family.

Visitors young and old will be able to enjoy crafts, stalls, games and even a visit from Father Christmas. Lunch and cakes will also be served.

It will be the ideal opportunity to spend time with family and friends while also meeting new people in a festive environment.

The event takes place from noon-4pm.

n For more information, log on to: www.loddonreach.org.uk

Eco living fair

A church will be holding an event for people wanting to buy eco-friendly products this festive season.

The Wokingham Eco Living Christmas Fair will offer jewellery, accessories, crystals, skincare products, and cards.

Also available will be Vintage and antique items, candles, crafts and cakes.

The event will be held at Wokingham Baptist Church on Saturday, December 3.

Doors are open from 11am to 3pm.

n For more information visit: allevents.in/wokingham

GIFTS OF LOVE: Two pallets of aid were delivered to a hub on the Ukrainian border – now Woodley resident Ronnie Goodberry is looking to send more aid to the illegally invaded country Picture: Ronnie Goodberry

Future of former library unclear as council plans review

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

THE FUTURE of the old Wokingham Library remains unclear as the council undertakes a review of its portfolio as part of a costsaving review.

A combination of responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, rising inflation and reduced government funding means that, like most local authorities across the country, Wokingham Borough Council is having to look at every aspect of its finances in order to balances its books.

Over the past six years, it has made £29million of savings and efficiencies, a real-terms reduction of 34% since austerity measures began in 2010. This has included reduced staffing costs during a programme, called 21st Century Council.

But even with these measures, the council still needs to find £4 million of savings over the next financial year to help produce a balanced budget and ensure essential services can continue to run, including adult social care and support for children.

This is why the council has been looking at reducing the frequency of bin collections, and increasing the cost of parking.

Now, it is looking at its estate to see what can be changed.

One of the first measures to be announced is to relocate staff working in the Shute End offices, closing the top two floors and instead letting

them work on the lower ground and ground floors of the buildings. This will save money on heating and lighting.

Other parts of the portfolio, including the former library site in Denmark Street, are being reviewed.

Cllr Imogen ShepherdDuBey, executive member for finance said, “We need to find significant savings over the next three years.

“We are currently facing huge financial challenges while still fulfilling our duty of care to all our residents.

“This comes at a time when our residents need us the most.

“Please be assured that we intend to do all we can to support those who need our help the most, but that means we cannot just carry on as we are.

“Considerable work has been undertaken already

by the council’s budget managers, senior officers and corporate leadership team working with executive members to consider alternative and additional ways to bridge the revenue budget gap.

“We are committed to ensuring this council is working efficiently as possible across all departments while continuing to keep all our residents safe.”

At a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council, on Thursday, November 17, Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth said that, in the short-term, the library would be used by the Hardship Alliance as storage space for items that will be shared with residents who need support over the winter months, including warm clothing and slow cookers.

But the long-term future has yet to be announced.

Leader of the council, Cllr

Clive Jones, told Wokingham Today: “In the short term it is being used for storage, while we look at all assets the council has. We will repurpose some, and dispose of others.

“Having council staff move out of the upper floors of Shute End will save on heating and business rates, quite a few thousand pounds – and we can do something with that extra space.”

He intended to make any changes to the way in which the council operates in a measured and organised manner, and that included with personnel.

“(At the council meeting) the Conservatives complained about job adverts. You can’t have a blanket recruitment freeze, it’s never the right way to run a large organisation, especially one still recovering from 21st Century Council, where the Conservatives got rid of lots of posts and experienced staff.

“It has taken years to recover from that – they realised that was a mistake.

“We will look at how we can reorganise to avoid having to take on new staff, and we are looking at everything.”

He added: “This is all a direct result of government policies.

“Wokingham is starved of cash by the government and has been for far too long. That didn’t change in the autumn statement.

“The Conservatives keep saving inflation is a worldwide problem, but ours is made even work by the Truss budget and Brexit.

“Just look at the value of the pound. On the day we voted to leave it was worth £1.50 to $1. It’s now about £1.10, but it did drop to £1.04.

“It means everything UK businesses buy is 20% more expensive than it would have been.

“We have to rebalance our relationship with Europe and start working together again.”

More arts. supports the Arc

Jim Stockley, the chair of morearts., recently met with Robin Cops, the vice chair of Arts4Wokingham to pledge support for The Arc.

The sculpture is Arts4Wokingham’s first commissioned piece of art for the borough and will be sited outside Carnival Hub.

It is to be created by awardwinning international sculptor, Nicola Anthony.

However, to turn her version into reality, Arts4Wokingham needs to raise £200,000 from supporters. It is not receiving any public funding.

Mr Stockley said: “As one of the main arts societies in Wokingham, more arts. provides services to engage and involve communities by using creativity and the arts.

“We are therefore delighted to be supporting Arts4Wokingham in commissioning The Arc, a landmark statement about Wokingham and its people, by the international artist Nicola Anthony.

“It will bring enormous value to the culture and economic vitality of the community encouraging a sense of belonging for residents and visitors.”

He added: “More arts. is proud to be associated with Arts4Wokingham’s ambitions to bring more public art to Wokingham as shown in this, their first commission.”

And the support was welcomed by Mr Cops.

“We thank Jim for More arts.’ generous donation,” he said. “They are pleased to have their name associated with this first major piece of public art being established in Wokingham by Arts4Wokingham.”

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

THE COUNTDOWN to Christmas will begin at The Lexicon a month before the big day, with a tree lighting ceremony.

The Bracknell-based shopping centre will welcome all ages for the event that sees the cast of South Hill Park’s panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, make a guest appearance, while the Rock Choir will sing some appropriate festive tunes, before the button is pressed to light up a 10m tree … and the town centre’s lights.

There will be other surprises, and the event will raise money for The Lexicon’s charities of the year, Duchenne UK and the MS Trust.

It takes place from 5.30pm on Friday, November 25, in Union Square.

Elsewhere, between then and Christmas, there will be a virtual sleigh ride attraction, giving youngsters an opportunity to test Santa’s magical form of transport before it delivers presents on Christmas Eve.

The Will Wildwood slide will return to Princess Square, dressed

for the festive season in holly, mistletoe and festive lights to help raise money for Bracknell Foodbank: every time the slide is used, The Lexicon will donate a penny up to a maximum of £5,000. And people can enjoy a Snowflake Trail around the town centre, using spectacular artwork created by children.

Those who complete it will have an opportunity to win a family prize from Cineworld and Gymfinity.

Being a shopping centre, it should be no surprise that a Christmas market also features in the plans.

The Lexicon is installing wooden huts that will sell a selection of gifts and seasonal refreshments from Monday, November 21.

And there will be an array of choirs, bands and singers providing festive entertainment.

The Lexicon will also be running its annual advent calendar competitions on Facebook in November.

n For more information, log on to: www.thelexiconbracknell.com

UNCERTAIN FUTURE: The former Wokingham Library building in Denmark Street. Picture: Phil Creighton

Jim Stockley, the chair of morearts., recently met with Robin Cops, the vice chair of Arts4 Wokingham to pledge support for The Arc

A GROUP that champions artistic endeavours across Wokingham borough are among the latest backers of a project to bring a stunning sculpture to life.

Panto cast to help Bracknell’s Lexicon to switch on its Christmas lights

Mayor receives thank you from the king

THE Wokingham borough mayor received a surprise in the post last week.

Cllr Caroline Smith was sent a card by the new King, Charles III, in response to the borough’s condolence messages, following the death of his mother, the Queen, in September.

The card, signed “Charles R”, reads: “It was so very kind of you to send me such a wonderfully generous message following the death of my beloved mother.

“Your most thoughtful words are enormously comforting, and I cannot tell you how deeply they are appreciated at this time of immense sorrow.”

Cllr Smith said she was “delighted” to receive the card and share it with residents.

“Upon checking my post, I noticed an envelope bearing the new cipher of King Charles III and a franked stamp from Buckingham Palace,” she explained.

“To my surprise, it was a beautiful card featuring a photograph of His Majesty as a young boy with his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

“The card inscription was touching, acknowledging the condolence messages and how much they were appreciated at this time of immense sorrow.

“The passing of the Queen is extremely sad and she will

be greatly missed by millions of people around the world.”

During the national 10-day mourning period observed in September, Wokingham borough joined the rest of the country in marking the life of the Queen.

Many residents signed the book of condolence at the council’s Civic Offices in Shute End.

Handwritten and email messages were also accepted, printed and combined in the book of condolences.

An online book of condolence was also set up on the Royal Family official website for those wanting to send their condolences digitally.

Town prepares for carnival fun day

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

SUNDAY is a red letter day for Wokingham as the annual winter carnival returns.

And this year, it is organised by Wokingham Lions, who also bring the May Fayre to life.

Several streets in the town centre will be closed to allow people to enjoy a fun day out.

Tim Hanton, Winter Carnival chairman is excited to be heading the team and says: “Wokingham Lions have taken over the running of the Winter Carnival.

“It is an excellent opportunity for Wokingham to celebrate the start of the lead-up to Christmas, and to support local charities.

“The event will be on similar lines to previous years, but with one or two changes including a laser show in Market Place to end the festivities.”

The event offers fairground rides, and, on the Market Place stage, entertainment.

More than 120 stalls have been booked, with craft, food and charities being represented, raising profiles and funds.

Children will be excited to see Santa in his grotto.

There will be street

entertainment popping up around the town centre.

Funds raised by Wokingham Lions Club will be distributed between the year’s major beneficiaries: Kaleidoscope UK, Building For The Future, and other charities and good causes.

The day begins at 11am with funfair rides, attractions and entertainment.

This will culminate in a traditional carol concert and the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 4pm in Market Square, after which a laser show at 4.45pm will light up the town.

The first Winter Carnival in

the town took place in 1994, and it has, since then, grown into a popular event.

Supported by Wokingham Town Council and The Wokingham Society, this year it is also sponsored by Trademark Windows and The Rose Inn.

n For information visit: www. wintercarnival.co.uk, or search for the Wokingham Winter Carnival page on Facebook.

n For more about Wokingham Lions Club visit: www. wokinghamlions.org.uk, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or call: 0345 833 7384.

Woodley lights switch-on Twyford plans two special Christmas events

WOODLEY Christmas celebrations get underway this weekend as the town’s Christmas lights get switched-on.

Residents can gather around the Centre Stage area from 4.30pm to enjoy an hour of carol singing and festive refreshments as the town gets lit up for the festive season.

Singing will be led by the Sainsbury Singers, with music from Woodley Concert Band.

It will be compered by Sean Riordan, minister of Emmanuel Church in South Lake Crescent.

annual Christmas Extravaganza, which will return to the town on Sunday, December 4, between 10am and 3pm.

The event will feature entertainment from a number of groups including Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow theatre school, ukulele group No Strings Attached, and a ballroom display from Vibez.

Street entertainment will come from some mischievous grannies, and the Circus Scene entertainers.

And Father Christmas will be in sleigh near NatWest Bank from 11.30am to 2.30pm, ready for children to give him their present

Entry to both events is free.

TWYFORD’S festive fun starts on Sunday, with the switching on of the village’s Christmas lights.

The ceremony takes place at Bell Corner, around the Christmas tree, from 5.30pm.

The event includes carol singing, seasonal refreshments and a special guest to push the button.

The Christmas tree, a focal point at Twyford crossroads, has been decorated with wooden baubles. Each bears a handwritten message crafted by pupils from the Colleton and Polehampton Schools.

The event takes place days before the annual Christmas fayre takes over the village centre.

London Road between the crossroads

to appear for one night only.

It will feature stalls run by community groups, residents, craftspeople, and businesses, offering present ideas, games to play, and refreshments to enjoy.

Other attractions include fairground rides, a climbing wall, and a barbecue organised by the 1st Twyford Scouts.

Father Christmas, with a bit of help from the Twyford and District Round Table, will be present with presents, and there will be carol singing, bands and other live entertainment.

The event is organised by Twyford Together, and runs from 6pm through to 9pm. Entry is free.

n For more details, log on to: twyfordtogether.org

BACK FOR FUN: Wokingham Winter Carnival is back on Sunday, offering fun, games, food and entertainment for all ages Picture: Mark Poley

and Jubilee Corner will be closed to traffic, to allow for a winter wonderland

Call to join vigil against violence

A CALL has been made for Wokingham people to come together tomorrow, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Cllr Sarah Kerr, the executive member for climate emergency and resident services, made an impassioned plea to a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council to join in a vigil which will be held at 7pm in Wokingham town centre’s Market Place.

Introducing the day, she read out the names of 10 women who were murdered in January, adding: “Since then, 85 women in the UK have been killed by a man or where a man is the principal suspect.”

She added that Friday is also White Ribbon Day, raising awareness of the role men can play in eliminating violence against women and girls.

“The onus needs to shift away from what women need to do to keep themselves safe, to tackling male behaviours. It’s a minority of men, but all men can be part of calling it out, ending misogyny, promoting equality & respect and making society safer for women and girls,” she said.

“I am delighted that we have committed as an organisation to taking a strategic approach to tackling violence against women and girls. I encourage you all to play as full a part as possible in this. “

Bikers preparing for annual toy run to help Barnardo’s

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

THOUSANDS of motorcyclists are preparing to give Santa a helping hand next month.

The Reading Christian Motorcyclists’ Toy Run will see hundreds of bikers come together in aid of Barnardo’s and other children’s charities.

They ride in pillion from the older Foster Wheelers building in Shinfield, along Reading Road, and then into Wokingham’s High Close School.

Many will be in fancy dress, and the event, from 2pm on Sunday, December 4, draws hundreds of spectators.

The Revd Sean Stillman, co-founder of the event, said: “It’s always an important time for connection, with people giving gifts and taking part in this hugely communal event. The Toy Run never fails to surprise with how well supported it is.

“We are so grateful to the community for their support over the years.

“I know it’s the bikers who take part, but the people who come out to watch and the council make a huge difference, they really pull the event together and allow it to continue year on year.”

The event has run since 1985, when members of the founding committee decided to combine their faith and love of motorbikes to help those in need celebrate

Sean, who was 18 at the time, said the motivation behind setting up the run was to help children in the local area, not knowing it would ‘snowball’ into the event it is today.

The bikers finish at High Close School, where they present their gifts.

The school, which is run by Barnardo’s, caters for children with complex social, emotional

MILL AT SONNING PRESENTS

and mental health needs. It offers both day and residential provision. Spectators will have the opportunity to donate via the groups Just Giving Page.

Mr Stillman said: “There’s always a huge turnout from Loddon Bridge roundabout to Wokingham. It’s quite an occasion. When the event didn’t run because of Covid-19 ,and when it was iced off, it was desperately missed.”

Members of the public can also play their part by donating gifts.

A recommended list of suitable presents can be found

on the group’s website, with various drop-off sites available at motorcycle shops around the borough.

Donated items should be left unwrapped so they can be checked by organisers.

Parts of Whitley Wood Lane, Lower Earley Way, Reading Road and Wiltshire Road closed during the run, meaning that delays may be experienced on adjacent roads.

Participants will meet at the Foster Wheeler building at 1pm. n For more information, contact: readingtoyrun@outlook.com or visit: www.readingtoyrun.org

Music recital at St

Mary’s

SHINFIELD residents will be treated to the harmonious sound of clarinets at St Mary’s Church early next month.

Liquorice Allsorts clarinet ensemble is set to dazzle with a programme of traditional Christmas pieces, and some not so traditional works.

The performance is part of the church’s ‘Music at St Mary’s’ series of lunchtime concerts featuring musicians from the area.

The concert takes place at noon on Saturday, December 3. Entry is free, and there will be a retiring collection.

n For more information, call: 0118 988 5923, or visit: www.loddonreach.org.uk

These Haystacks are musical

MUSIC LOVERS at a Wokingham pub will be treated to live music on Saturday, December 3.

The Haystacks will be performing at The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road.

The three-piece band takes popular covers by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Kings of LEon, Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars and adds a country-pop feel to them.

The show starts at 8pm and is expected to end by 11pm.

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

RARING TO GO: This year’s Toy Run will take place on Sunday, December 4.

Picture: Steve Smyth

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

A week of worry

WE have not had the best start to the week. (Before I continue, as a warning, I will tell you now this piece involves the mention of certain bodily fluids, nothing too graphic, but I understand if you’re squeamish and would rather not read on.)

My son Leo has a stomach bug and our washing machine is well aware of it.

It all began on Sunday night, in bed with Leo, when I looked over and noticed a dark puddle next to his head. Having ear plugs in means I literally cannot hear a thing, including the sound of my son puking. Of course, the smell alerted me to the presence of the puke before I’d even turned the light on.

Change of bedding and clean up operation round one.

All clean and dry about 30 minutes later, I decide to stay in bed with him in case of the inevitable. Ear plugs back in. I begin to drift off. Judging by the sheer volume of vomit, there couldn’t possibly be anything left in his stomach to bring back up?

Nope. Still plenty. Sure enough, a few minutes later, I detect the whiff.

I turn the light on and remove my ear plugs. He is still mid-puke. (The earplugs work a little too well, had my sense of smell been off, I’d never have known the poor boy was regurgitating at all.)

Change of bedding and clean up operation round two.

A day goes by and Leo manages to keep all his food where it belongs. Though his appetite is small and he’s noticeably clingy.

Then Tuesday arrived and Joel and I began to feel concerned about the dryness of Leo’s, usually sodden, nappies. Dehydration our main worry.

“It’s hard, but I have to tell you to go to A&E,” the GP said. “I mean there is a bit of wee, just not as much as usual...” I say. “Yep, A&E.”

I’m not even sure we need to be here I think to myself as we take up a seat in the packed A&E. I feel a bit silly. It’s a stomach bug.

I got chatting to a woman whose daughter had been hit in the hand with a hockey ball.

“I was just in the middle of a painting when the school called,” she said, referring to her hands, which are covered in paint. She tells me she is an artist and has three daughters.

“Of all the times I’ve been here with them, twice it has saved their lives.”

Leo’s name is called. The nurse asks me a series of questions and says we’re fine to leave.

“If he vomits a lot again, come back,” she said.

I arrived home feeling weary yet comforted. Joel had ordered pizza and I sat down to tuck in. It would be bedtime soon and I could finally exhale.

I’d barely opened the pizza box before being interrupted: “He’s just puked A LOT,” Joel calls from the front room.

I will refrain from describing the horrors of what I walked in on that evening. It was not a scene I wish to remember. Casualties of Leo’s regurgitation include: the sofa, the rug, the doormat and both mine and Maia’s trainers.

Still unsure whether to take the nurse’s words literally, we returned to a rammed A&E.

After about an hour Leo was examined by a doctor and given the all clear to go home.

A mother herself, the doctor assured me I did the right thing bringing him back in.

This, I immediately feel, is something they say to parents who absolutely did not need to bring their children in. But either way I am once again reassured.

72 hours, three clean-up operations, one tired washing machine. All par for the course.

n Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind

Hug in a bag needs you to answer some questions

A FUN event will help to support those undergoing chemotherapy.

A charity called Chemogiftbags is holding a quiz and curry evening, and is inviting people to put on their Christmas jumpers to join them.

Teams of six players maximum will be able to battle it out at the quiz and enjoy a meal together.

The event will raise money to provide gift bags that can help breast cancer patients through their treatment.

In 2013, the charity’s founder Lynne Shipton was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Patients that she met during her treatment made her realise that there is a lot more to undergoing chemotherapy than losing one’s hair.

She asked people what would have helped to make their experience better, and a plan was formed to provide bags of items that could be used while patients undergo treatment.

The gifts have been described by those that receive them as a hug in a bag.

Lynne says: “People don’t realise what they will need until they have been through chemotherapy.

“At that time, you’re not functioning properly.

“You might be panicking, struggling to take it all in, and wondering, ‘who do I go to for what I need’?

“What we are doing is trying to remove some of that anxiety.”

Care packs are created for men as well as for women.

They contain items such as a thermal cup and herbal tea, fluffy socks, a toiletry bag, and moisturiser for women.

Packages for men can include shaving lotion, a beanie hat, warm socks, a thermal cup and herbal tea.

All the products are natural, and chosen to be without any chemicals.

“All our packs contain a home made blanket and heart shaped cushion, continues Lynne.

“The packs are worth £100, but more importantly they contain unique items made by complete strangers, helping to support others.

“They come from people who care.”

Lynne says that during October 94 gift bags were delivered, more than the charity had expected would be needed.

“When you see all the photos on our website of people with their bags, able to smile even during daunting times, it’s really special,” she adds.

“We need lots of support, and we’re currently looking for volunteers for specific roles.

“We are urgently seeking people to help us with fundraising, grant applications, administration, advertising and marketing.”

The charity’s quiz and curry fundraising event will take place at Wokingham Masonic Hall, on Friday, December 2.

Doors open at 7pm, with tickets available at £15 per person.

Two meal options are available: chicken rogan josh, or chick pea, spinach & mushroom curry, both served with rice and naan bread.

Food orders are taken at time of purchase, for this ticketless event.

Drinks can be purchased from the bar, and there will be a raffle during the event.

Car parking is available nearby. n To book and for more information, or to enquire about assisting the charity, email: lynne.shipton@ chemogiftbags.org

Near, far, in our Oh, what a happy

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@rdg.today

A THEATRE company is performing a show that requires them to somehow get a flying vintage car on stage.

Berserk Productions are performing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr, with a cast of around 20 young people aged seven to 17.

“It’s lovely having such a wide age range,”says choreographer Hollie Alexander.

“The older cast members mentor younger ones, some of whom are taking part in their first show with us.”

The stage play remains faithful to the original 1968 film which starred Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes and Lionel Jeffries, along with Benny Hill as the toymaker.

The story is eccentrically magical: Dotty inventor Caractacus Potts, his two children, and his beautiful friend, Truly Scrumptious, go for a picnic on the beach.

There they are drawn into a magical world of castles, pirates, where a car called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, can fly.

A journey to Vulgaria introduces them to the evil Baron Bomburst and his child-hating wife.

They kidnap the professor’s children and steal the car, but the kind village toymaker helps Potts and Scrumptious to plan an elaborate rescue.

A car, of course, usually plays a starring role in this show.

The company have managed to get hold of a rather special one.

“We had lots of trouble finding it,” says Hollie.

The artistic director spent hours online looking, and hours in the theatre as well, measuring the dimensions of the stage with a tape measure, to see what kind of vehicle would fit.

“In the end we put out a casting call for our final starring cast member, and the car appeared, a perfect size and type for this production, so we’re delighted.”

The car is possibly quite a diva, will no doubt enjoy much attention, and has already appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.

“We think audiences will love it,

and will want to take pictures of it,” continues Hollie.

“The children are very excited to welcome it, and actually, some of them don’t realise yet that it can’t fly.”

Until the vintage vehicle actually arrives on stage the cast are rehearsing with tape on the floor to indicate its dimensions.

The production is keeping to the style and genre of the film, with early 1900s costumes transporting the child actors back in time.

“Just now we’re having to imagine everything, but we have a great team of people working on the set,

CHRISTMAS is a time for family gatherings, but if loved ones aren’t there, it can be a difficult time of year.

To help, Sue Ryder is organising a special event to help remember those who are no longer with us, and the special memories they have given us.

The Lights of Love Thames Valley service will take place at the English Martyrs Church in Liebenrood Road in Reading, on the evening of Thursday, December 8.

It is open to individuals, families and friends so they can collectively celebrate the lives of people who have died.

It will include readings, poems, carols and live music, as well as

a moment for reflection before refreshments and mince pies will be served.

The event is led by Sue Ryder’s Family Support Team and will include carols led by the Vivace Voices choir. There will also be performances from pianist Anita D’Attellis.

It is for anyone who wishes to commemorate a loved one, regardless of when they died or if they were a former patient of Sue Ryder.

The charity said that last year it provided more than 830,000 hours of care to thousands of families across the country, including from its Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in

A BAG FULL OF LOVE: Chemogiftbags are special gift bags packed with goodies and treats that can put a smile on someone’s face. Picture courtesy of Chemogiftbags

READY TO FLY: Berzerk Productions’ Chitty Chitty

our motor car –happy time we’ll spend

20 years of Ceroc will be celebrated with a dance

A DANCE club is stepping out to celebrate the 20th anniversary of meeting in its home venue, Loddon Hall, Twyford.

The club, Ceroc Thames Valley, has about 120 dancers taking to the floor on Friday evenings. It was started by Bill and Becky Cooper at Reading Irish Club in 1999.

Bill, 56, explained the move: “The Chatham Street car park there closed, but we moved to Loddon Hall which has a huge car park, a stage, a bar and a kitchen.”

partner dance you can learn, the emphasis is on having fun and it’s a great way to keep fit and be social.

“Joining Ceroc costs a one-off membership fee of £3 which is valid at any Ceroc venue nationwide, then it’s £10 for the whole evening. We’re doing a special offer at the moment for new joiners which is six lessons for half price.

Hollie.

“He belongs to a member of the cast’s mum, and he can play the piano.

“He does some fun tricks in the show, and even dances.”

To see a show with a cast of young hopefuls, a flying car and a dog that dances and can play the keys, audiences should make their way to Woodley.

Berzerk Production’s show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr, takes place at The Oakwood Centre.

The actual anniversary was on Tuesday (Nov 22), but the club will celebrate at the hall tomorrow (Friday, November 25).

There will be an evening of free style dancing, plus, promised Bill, a massive birthday cake.

Friday evenings normally include classes for beginners and intermediate dancers before the free style Ceroc dancing session. Bill puts the club’s success down to its “friendly, social atmosphere”.

“No special clothing is required, you don’t need to bring a partner and there’s no need to book for lessons, just turn up and join in.”

Dancers change partners during the evening.

Ceroc is a cross between modern jive and salsa.

“The free style Ceroc sessions can be what you like. Lots of people do a bit of tango,” said Bill.

“The evenings are good from a social point of view. Lots of people have met their life partner at Ceroc. It’s a great way of getting out, keeping fit and having a nice time.”

LIVERPOOL & Southport

atmospheric lighting, costumes and graphics,” adds Hollie.

“There are plenty of well-known songs in the show, and they’ll be performed along with some intricate dance numbers.

“They’re great fun, one in particular is called Me Ole Bam-boo, and involves lots of bamboo sticks.”

As if having a vintage car on stage wasn’t enough attraction for the show, Berzerk Productions have also managed to engage the services of a performing dog.

“Simba is probably the most popular member of the cast,” laughs

Performances are on Thursday, December 15 through to Sunday, December 18.

Shows on Thursday and Friday are at 7pm, with performances on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and at 5pm.

Tickets cost £14.75, concessions are £12.75, and a family ticket (four seats) costs £48.

Audience members will be able to take photos of the car at the event. n For information and to purchase tickets visit: www.berzerkproductions. com or look for the group’s page on Facebook.

Becky, 50, said: “The majority of people love to come weekly to the class nights. But there are opportunities to take your dancing further, with competitions and weekenders.

“There really is something for everyone. It’s basically the easiest

POETRY CORNER

As I get older, looking at the reflection that is me

It is shocking how the years change you, which is clear to see To look in the mirror at what you thought was you and realise that your perception, is just not true.

Each week around half the dancers are men, and half women. People in their late 20s to early 70s go. The average age is those in their 40s and 50s.

n More details about Becky and Bill’s Twyford club can be found at www. ceroc.com and searching for Twyford

Departing Mon 6 Mar ‘23

Join us for a wonderful short break to the vibrant city of Liverpool where there’s plenty to explore – from its glorious maritime history and rejuvenated dockside to its bustling city centre and The Beatles connections.

4 nights at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool with dinner & breakfast

time in Liverpool

Tilehurst, as well as in Wokingham, Newbury and south Oxfordshire.

The charity also launched its Grief Kind campaign to encourage people to meet grief with warmth and acceptance, rather than shying away from conversations.

Ken Blanton, head of family support for Sue Ryder in the Thames Valley, said: “We recognise that this time of year can be more difficult when you are living with loss, so we hope that people will join our winter Lights of Love event this December to pay tribute to loved ones who are sadly no longer with us.

“When someone dies it can raise a range of emotions and we hope

Lights of Love will give people a small measure of comfort and reassurance that they are not alone.”

Due to capacity of the venue, limited spaces are available at Sue Ryder Lights of Love Thames Valley with places available on a first-comefirst-served basis.

n For more information or to register to attend visit sueryder.org/ lightsthamesvalley or contact the Sue Ryder Thames Valley Fundraising Team via email thamesvalley.fundraising@ sueryder.org or call 0118 9550 433.

n For those that are unable to attend the event in person, there is also an online dedication wall available at sueryder. dedicationpage.org/lightsoflove2022

That lustrous hair that adorned my head is now just bits of scattered thread From the nose constantly grows hair like brooms for all to see. On the side two ears that adorned my face seem now to take up much more space

The outer covering that we know as skin and which is meant to keep the organs in Is now losing its elasticity Stretched to its limits for all to see

The legs that I relied upon with their agility Have slowed because of arthritic knee

With varicose veins like maps of streets and bunions adorning both swelling feet

The medication prescribed, from the Doctors trip You can’t get into as you have no grip The only time of comfort is in bed prostrate And for which most nights is never late.

There was a time when these ailments did not apply Back when I was a healthy guy Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Amnesia I’m expecting too This is the future for me and for all of you.

We love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Send yours to news@rdg.today

HISTORIC YORK & the Dales

excursion to Chester (£12pp) Departing Mon 20 Mar ‘23

on this lovely short break to beautiful Yorkshire, where we combine the rolling hills, panoramic landscapes and charming towns of the Yorkshire Dales with the historic city of York. Don’t miss out optional trips to Knaresborough and Harrogate to complete our delightfully scenic getaway. Your break includes

Return coach travel from Crawley

4 nights at a selected hotel in the Leeds area with dinner & breakfast

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

Excursions to York, Skipton Market & Grassington

excursion to Knaresborough & Harrogate (£11pp)

READY TO CEROC: Becky and Bill Cooper who run the Ceroc Thames Valley dance club will be marking its 20th anniversary this Friday

Joe Bicknell

Chitty Bang Bang,

Picture: Aundre Goddard

Time to enjoy some festivities

THIS WEEKEND is a busy one for our borough, as thoughts turn towards December 25.

This has been a difficult year, the third such miserable 12 months in a row. And next year doesn’t look like a bed of roses either.

With prices soaring, belts being tightened and everyone facing challenges, to have some light amid the gloom is not to be sniffed at.

Woodley and Twyford both switch on their Christmas lights, on Saturday and Sunday. Wokingham sees the return of its winter carnival.

The best thing about these and other light switch-ons, festive trails, carol services and similar events is that many of them are free to attend.

Sure, you can upgrade and pay to enjoy rides, refreshments, and games, but the basic entry point is without charge.

A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure these events happen, companies sponsor them, and volunteers steps forward to let them run like clockwork. Thank you to everyone who makes these happen.

So, amid the darkness, amid the gloom, a little moment of light, and respite.

Some festive cheer, some shared moments of comfort and joy, and a chance to mark the start of the Christmas countdown.

Yes, it’s a moment to enjoy.

CHURCH NOTES

In a word...

‘W

ORDS’ are in the news.

Several authorities have recently issued lists of words banned from use, for example, in schools, universities and councils.

Words that lie powerlessly in a dictionary when written or spoken have immense potency for good or harm.

If you were asked for a word that defines Christianity what would it be?

C S Lewis’s answer to that question was ‘grace’. What is grace and why is it so significant?

Grace can mean polite and courteous behaviour, or a smooth and elegant movement, say, in a waltz.

In Christian belief, grace has a much higher meaning – it is the free and unmerited favour of God; the divine giving of good things free-ofcharge to those who do not deserve them.

This grace is significant because it means that we do not have to be good people to find favour with God. You may say, “But that isn’t fair”.

Quite right, grace is not fair, because no matter how much more undeserving I am than you are, God responds to us in exactly the same way.

It has been well said that there is nothing I can do to make God love me more; nor anything I can do to make God love me less. Isn’t that amazing?

To quote one of the proverbs in the Bible, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”.

So, to receive God’s favour simply requires humility; being humble enough to recognise our waywardness, stop relying on ourselves, and accept all that God graciously offers, including complete forgiveness.

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

Evidence for global warming

In last week’s edition, WT printed two letters on climate change.

Anne Kingston asks a good question about whether “global warming” could be the natural aftermath of the Little Ice Age.

Reassuring as that would be, it doesn’t fit the facts. The Little Ice Age wasn’t a global cooling of climate, whereas the present warming is worldwide. The rapid global warming trend really kicked in around 1980, a century after the end of the Little Ice Age, driven by rapidly increasing emissions from fossil fuel consumption.

As for Anne Kingston’s closing comment “show me the evidence”, there is a vast amount freely available — more than most people would want to read. Climate science is “summarised” every few years in reports (themselves hundreds of pages long) that can be found at ipcc. ch online. (Thankfully, there are also summaries of the summaries)

In his letter, Philip Houldsworth repeats claims that UK weather is becoming less extreme. He would be better advised to look for reputable sources of information.

There is much false analysis on the web as well as reliable evidence. A place to start is the annual “State of the UK Climate” report, readily searched for online.

While it is perfectly true that Earth’s climate changes naturally, recent warming is not a fluctuation that will “return to normality”.

Burning fossil fuels inexorably nudges the climate in one direction only. This has been well understood for 125 years.

The “climate crisis” is that action to decarbonise is lagging far behind what is needed to stabilise our climate.

Chris Merchant, Wokingham

WE’RE on our fourth chancellor of the exchequer and third prime minister of the year.

Last Thursday, we had the second financial statement in three months which we saw the biggest set of tax rises for a generation and a return to the 2010-era austerity style politics of the Conservative Party.

The difference is that after the last 12 years, families and pensioners are struggling with the enormous challenge of the cost of living crisis and our

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

Don’t believe all you read in the leaflets

I have seen the winter version of a Conservative leaflet recently delivered to a few houses in Earley.

I am often challenged on the doorstep by residents who don’t know who to believe from what politicians either tell them on the doorstep or in their leaflets.

To try and help Earley residents I am writing to address the claims made by the Conservative Leader on the Borough Council:

n The Lib Dem’s inherited the Conservative Budget and there was no money included for the food caddy liners.

n The Local plan is not kicked into the long grass. Officers are working through the consultation, and we hope to have a revised version available early next year that properly meets local needs.

n The Lib Dems prefer elections every year because it is more democratic and provides greater accountability to residents.

n Mill Lane is not going to be closed to traffic. We don’t know why the Conservatives are saying it will.

n Fortnightly collections of recycling and general waste are being considered (where appropriate to do so) which would save the Council (and council taxpayers a significant amount of money).

Surely trying to provide local services in an efficient and costeffective manner, that still meets

Changes to waste collections

I read with interest your article on the proposed changes to rubbish and recycling collections in Wokingham Borough (11/17/2022).

Wokingham Borough Council has, as part of their cost-cutting exercise, decided to change the weekly waste and recycling collection – except for food waste – to one of two alternatives to save money. The

resident’s needs is a good thing?

Because of the state of the Council’s finances, costs are being cut and this will continue to be a significant focus of attention. The Conservatives are fully aware of this.

The Conservatives claim that they applied sound financial management when they were in control. Sadly, this is simply not true – at least not in recent years when general reserves were used to balance the books and there simply is not enough in general reserves to cover the budget deficit that they planned for the current year. Just a few examples of the Conservatives budget holes:

n Nearly £2.3m gap in the revenue account finances.

n No budget to complete the upgrade of Winnersh Park & Ride which requires an additional £1.3m.

n No budget to pay for 18 local bus services after October 2022.

n No budget for food caddy liners.

The Conservatives are asking for details of all consultancy and interim contracts to see what can be saved. They should already be familiar with these contracts as the vast majority were set up while they controlled the council.

Prior to the Lib Dem’s taking control of the Council in May 2022, a Planning Inspector ruled that Wokingham no longer has a 5-year land supply. This is very important when trying to defend against

Council has launched what they call a ‘Consultation’ although a decision has already been made to decrease the service to every two or three weeks.

They have taken this decision despite worries over fly-tipping (which is already a problem in the Borough), smells from rotting rubbish, e.g. rotting meat, and maggots in the bins in hot weather, increase in vermin and problems residents might have in

Hunt would like us to believe that they are clearing up the mess they inherited, the reality is that the Government’s plans are the result of the long-term failure of the Conservative party since 2010.

During the last 12 years the economy has grown much more slowly than in other similar western countries and also much more slowly than it did in the period from 1997 to 2008.

The UK is now in recession and our economic growth is currently the lowest of all the G7 countries.

appeals by developers. The main reasons are:

n The Conservatives planned a huge building programme on land that was unsuitable as it was too close to MOD land

n Conservatives have allowed developers to over build in recent years and these are not taken into account against future targets.

Readers will know for themselves how the increases in household energy bills, tax, food costs and now mortgages are impacting their household budgets. We do know that some Wokingham households are experiencing overall increases in costs of more than £6,000, compared to just a year ago, which is having a huge impact on them.

Many Wokingham residents are crying out for ‘grow- up politics’ and they are delighted that the Lib Dems, the Labour Party, and the Independent councillors are all working closely together to do whatever they can for local residents and businesses. Invitations to work with the new administration have been rejected by the Conservative councillors who seem to be largely stuck in the past.

Wokingham residents really need a similar grown-up approach from the Conservatives.

Stephen Newton, President, Wokingham Liberal Democrats

storing two- or three-weeks’ worth of rubbish and recycling.

They have NOT considered that weekly collection is the ONLY personal service many WBC residents get for their council tax.

This ‘Consultation’ is a shambles. It does not consider those with large families or those who have lots of recycling. Nor does it consider where people are supposed to store the

him by Jon Ashworth and Labour MPs like me to protect the pension triple lock and to uprate support for the most vulnerable in line with inflation, but the Government should never have considered cutting pensions and benefits in the first place.

public services are on their knees.

The plans announced by the Chancellor means energy bills will rise to an average of £3,000 a year in April 2023, social rents will go up by 7% and councils are will forced to raise council tax by 5% to make up for the shortfall they will have when their support from central government is cut.

This round of tax rises and service cuts follows the Conservatives disastrous mini budget under the last prime minister and chancellor.

While Rishi Sunak and Jeremy

Ordinary hard working people who have already seen their rents and mortgages go up will now see their energy bills increase while their salaries are stretched further and further.

The only winners from this budget are the bankers whose huge bonuses have not been touched, the oil and gas giants who have made record profits and are escaping tax through loopholes, and the nondoms who live in the UK, but whom the Government refuses to ask to pay a fair level of tax.

I am glad that the Chancellor has bowed to the pressure put on

The Government should have followed Labour’s lead and expanded the windfall tax on excess profits of energy companies to cut bill by £1,000 a year, they should be reclaiming the billions lost in dodgy PPE contracts and they should be focussing on growing our economy through investment in education, in green energy and through scrapping business rates to help the high street and asking internet giants to pay a fairer rate of tax.

What we saw last week was a Conservative Government which is out of ideas and out of touch with local residents who are struggling because of the political choices made in Downing Street.

Sadly, each of us is now paying more as a result.

Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East

Westminster diary Matt Rodda

Peter Jackman, from Norreys Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

We’re all struggling with the cost-of-living crisis

rubbish and recycling for two or three weeks – not everyone has empty garages or lots of secure outdoor space. They have said they will collect food waste every week – this does not solve the problems outlined above.

WBC was supposed to distribute information leaflets to every household. Those without social media needed the leaflets to know what was going on.

I found out about the changes when residents posted Facebook about a month ago saying some of them had received three to six leaflets and others hadn’t received any. A friend told me she had received 3 leaflets with names on them and another 3 with ‘To the Occupier’.

I have not received one nor have my friends in Earley, Woodley and Charvil. On November 17, I received an email notification that there were going to be changes to rubbish and recycling collection with a link to the website (which you have to have a password to get into). On the ‘consultation’ document there was no option to keep the collection as is. This is not a ‘consultation’ but a survey as to which option is least objectionable to WBC residents. The email also stated that 6,500 residents had replied to the ‘consultation’ –what percentage of the WBC adult population is this?

The alert also stated that WBC plan to spend yet more money on unwieldy wheelie bins which can be difficult to store and move. Sadly they do not keep bad smells or vermin out –rats and even foxes are able to get into them as I experienced when I lived in London.

In an effort to cut costs, may I suggest that WBC eliminate or postpone vanity projects, eliminate inefficient, ill-conceived and weighted ‘consultations’ and cut their administrative costs. These so-called consultations cost money to produce, maintain and analyse. Implementing these suggestions may mean that Wokingham Borough Council can keep the simple weekly rubbish and recycling collection, which for many WBC residents, is the only personal service they get for their Council tax.

I might add that despite two complaints to two Borough Councillors over the past month, I have not yet received the leaflet.

Disgruntled WBC resident

The price to pay

The national (and international concern) being the price we are paying, and going to pay from April for the energy to run our homes.

When the crisis really started a year ago, the National Grid declared that UK’s energy source was 42% from renewable means, at next to no cost we are led to believe.

A more recent figure, from November 3, was as high as 80%. So why are we paying the ‘Putin’ driven gas price for all of our supply irrespective of the production source. Just take a look at the Centrica(British Gas) profit margins.

I have been trying to get an acceptable answer to this - the best I have got is ‘well that’s how it works’. Something for Ofgem and the Government to address now and quickly for all our sakes.

David Arnold, Finchampstead

Obscene gestures

John Redwood recently tweeted that now the world population had reached 8 billion and continuing to grow, this was a major concern for CO2 emissions and causing extra pressure on nature and natural resources. His tweeted solution for the UK? To promote “limiting migration to be kinder to nature”.

This from a politician who promotes the use of fossil fuel, encouraging the opening of coal mines, drilling for gas in the North Sea, and encouraging fracking.

What an outrage. What an obscene statement from a member of the UK legislature. Not only is he being hypocritical, but worse, tries to lead people towards blaming and denigrating desperate refugees and asylum seekers, whose carbon footprints are likely to be far less in a year than his in one week.

John Redwood has sat on a safe Tory seat since 1987; an uninterrupted 35 years, the MP for Wokingham. Surely the electorate of Wokingham deserve better representation than this?

John Redwood has promoted privatisation of the welfare state; well, he would, wouldn’t he? He is an investment analyst and financial consultant who earns more money for a few hours work per week, than many of his constituents earn in a month; yes, on top of his salary as an MP.

John Redwood has promoted leaving the EU for years, constantly undermining the majority of his colleagues and creating political instability in his party.

John Redwood has promoted “trickledown” economics for years resulting in the very wealthy getting even wealthier, the poor even poorer, and supported the disastrous Truss premiership with the economic fall-out that has exacerbated dire economic hardship.

John Redwood promotes a “slimmer” state. This means selling off community owned resources to private individuals who asset strip the very infrastructure upon which a civilised society depends, resulting in water companies being allowed to discharge poison into our rivers and waterways; a NHS that is on the verge of collapse; a police force that is struggling to keep law and order; a transport policy that contributes to global warming; a housing policy that benefits a minority, and contributes to what housing stock there is available being costly to heat and contributing to the poor health of its residents.

Need I comment on the current state of education, social care, dentistry, planning laws etc after 12 years of a Conservative government?

And yes, these private companies are paying out dividends to their investors from their profits.

Isn’t it time for a change of MP for modern Wokingham? But how is it to come about in a First Past The Post (FPTP) unfair electoral system that leaves the majority of us without a voice, or the ability to contribute to political debates at local and national level, and keeps John Redwood as MP for 35 uninterrupted years.

We need Proportional Representation (PR). While I know that this will lead to some unsavoury voices (in my opinion) in local and national politics, at least all of us will have a voice. Leaving the EU would never have happened had there been PR.

Progressive political parties must agree to stand aside and work cooperatively together in local constituencies where there is a chance of unseating a Tory MP. And the party selected to run against the Conservatives must promise to implement a fairer voting system as a priority when they are elected.

Instead of stopping development, the opposite is happening.

In a bid to win votes, the Liberals promised to be all things to all people, and now the coalition is dithering and procrastinating.

As a result, they have lost control of development across the Borough as appeals against planning decisions are increasing.

Wokingham

Thank you for your support

I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our community for donating to Wokingham Foodbank during Harvest Festival and Diwali.

We received almost six tonnes of stock, which is absolutely phenomenal.

During the summer months we were routinely purchasing food, toiletries and cleaning products to ensure our shelves were well stocked. Now our stocks have been replenished and the Foodbank is in a strong position to face the challenges ahead.

It saddens me that despite living in an affluent area, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, people are unable to buy the essentials, it really shouldn’t be this way.

However, we are grateful to live in such a generous community who give so willingly to support those feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

Annette Medhurst, Manager, Wokingham Foodbank

Reading Toy Run is Coming

On Sunday, December 4, motorbikes will ride in convoy into Wokingham for their Annual Toy Run in aid of Barnardo’s and other children’s charities.

The organisers want to thank motorists for their patience and apologise for delays that might be experienced from 2pm to 3.30pm, because roads will be closed on the route as the bikes come through.

Roads affected are Whitley Wood Lane, Lower Earley Way between The Black Boy Roundabout and The Showcase cinema. The A329 Reading Road between the Showcase and Shute End and Rectory Road and Wiltshire Road to High Close School. These closures will affect traffic on adjacent roads too.

This is the 35th Anniversary of the Toy Run and countless children have benefited from the toys and gifts brought by the bikers. If you can spare time to watch along the route, that would be great. There will be no bucket collection along the route this year, but if you want to support by donation, there is a Just Giving Page.

Jane Spiller, Reading Toy Run

a five-year land supply, making the whole Borough increasingly vulnerable to losing appeals by developers.

As a result of not having sufficient land supply, the wishes of residents will not be taken into consideration.

From the Leader

Cllr Clive Jones

Autumn statement provided no extra money

IWAS very hopeful that the budget from Jeremy Hunt and Rishi Sunak last Thursday would have provided Wokingham Borough Council with more cash to help us through the next few years, which are going to be very difficult now that inflation has risen to 11.1%, and looking like it will increase further through next year.

Sadly, I was wrong, there was very little good news for the council and certainly no extra cash.

I was hoping that Wokingham would no longer be the lowest funded local unitary council in the country and that we would get our fair share of cash from the government for the first time in eight years.

It didn’t happen, there wasn’t anything for Wokingham, we are still starved of cash by the Conservative government.

So, no extra cash for Wokingham Borough Council, and not much for our residents either.

The tax burden rises to its highest level since the Second World War, with 34 million people set to be paying more tax.

Someone earning an average £32,300 salary faces an extra £1,645 in tax, energy and fuel costs.

On top of these increases, interest costs for the average mortgage have risen by £500 a month or £6,000 a year since the disastrous Truss-Kwarteng-Redwood budget. Meaning many households in Wokingham will now have £7,500 less to spend in the local economy.

This will have a serious negative impact on Wokingham’s retailers, cafes, pubs and restaurants making it very difficult for some of them to survive.

If any do not survive it will be the fault of the Conservative government and their disastrous handling of the country’s economy.

local Liberal Democrat councillors have promised residents that they will lobby the Government to reduce housing numbers.

Since they took office, there has been no progress to back up these words.

No plan, no control

RESIDENTS across

Wokingham Borough have rightly been concerned about development for years. I understand that.

We are a victim of our own success: Wokingham Borough is a fantastic place to live and understandably a lot of people want to move here, enjoy our beautiful country parks, and raise their families in an

area with consistently good schools.

Now, this is under threat.

At the last election, planning policy was a major talking point.

Liberal Democrat and Independent candidates voiced strong opposition to the numbers of homes the Borough is required to build by Central Government, and they promised to put the brakes on planning applications.

Six months on, and Liberal Democrats are in power supported by their Independent and Labour Coalition Partners.

They have promised to protect sites including Hall Farm and Rooks Nest among others. I am interested to see how many of these election promises they keep.

Work on the Borough’s Local Plan has been delayed, opening Wokingham Borough up to a free-for-all by developers.

Under the previous Conservative administration, the Council was on track to deliver its new Local Plan by December 2023.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires local authorities to outline a five-year supply of specific sites to meet housing needs. Wokingham Borough now no longer has

Planning decisions will be made by the National Planning Inspectorate, based in Bristol.

On top of this, the Council will lose the ability to ensure that necessary roads and local facilities are provided with new housing.

Under the Conservatives, the Council only lost two planning appeals in the last four years.

It was only possible for the previous Conservative administration to win these big appeals against developers, such as the 216 home application for Woodcray Meadows, because there was a five-year land supply and a Plan.

The Liberal Democrats’ national policy is no different to the Conservative Government’s policy. Yet,

By contrast, the previous Conservative administration secured meetings with the Secretary of State and other ministers.

We campaigned hard, making the case for our area, and worked with the Government to cut housing targets in half for Wokingham Borough.

The Conservatives believe in protecting our local communities from unsustainable development, which is why we made the tough choices and put together a Local Plan.

Liberal Democrats need to stop blaming others and wake up before it is too late.

Hurst

David Chapman,

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

Cllr Wayne Smith is shadow executive member for planning and ward member for

Cllr Wayne Smith

Cost of living support for residents

RESIDENTS struggling with rocketing bills are being promised help and support to keep warm and well-fed this winter.

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, executive member for Equalities, Inclusion and Fighting Poverty, said the council was working with the Hardship Alliance to establish a network of warm banks, and ensure families who rely on free school meals have help during holidays.

They are also working to ensure essential goods are

available, including resuable period products, blankets, and slow cookers.

As part of this, the old library in Wokingham’s Denmark Street is being used as a storage space, and volunteers are needed to help out with this.

“The demand on both council officers and the voluntary sector is huge. Queries and referrals to their services have increased dramatically,” Cllr Bishop-Firth said.

She added the council will continue to fund holiday-time

free school meal support up to the May half-term holiday, and hoped to extend this.

“With the gap between spending on essential services and the council’s income, we will not be able to be able to continue providing these vouchers beyond May 2023 without help from the government,” she told the chamber.

“The autumn statement referred to a continuation of the Household Support Fund and we confirm what this means for Wokingham as soon as we are able.”

Petition calls for builders to start work on community centre

AN ATTEMPT to present a petition to the council was nearly halted after it was pointed out that its wording contravened the constitution.

However, the mayor allowed Cllr Rebecca Margetts to introduce the petition and hand it in, saying it would be looked at by democratic services to decide if it could be accepted.

At the meeting of Wokingham Borough Council

held on Thursday, November 17, Cllr Margetts called on builders Crest Nicholson honour their 106 agreement and deliver a community centre for the Arborfield Green development.

She said this process should have started in 2109, when 1,000 homes were built, with a consultation in September 2022, and a planning application submitted by October.

This has not happened.

Cllr Margetts said these commitments “had repeatedly been broken”.

She pointed out that other facilities, including a cricket pitch and public toilets, were unusable.

“Residents have had enough … and I completely understand why,” she said, adding that more than 700 people had signed the petition, calling on the centre to be built without further delay.

Housing companies explore futures

HOUSING companies owned by Wokingham Borough Council are looking at ways to operate differently in the future.

At the moment, the council runs Loddon Homes and Berry Brook Homes, providing affordable, subsidised, housing including Barrett Crescent, Southlake Crescent, Phoenix Avenue and Peach Place.

As part of its efficiency savings drive, Wokingham

Borough Council is looking at ways it can improve the companies.

At the meeting, deputy leader Cllr Stephen Conway explained that the first common purposes meetings for the companies had taken place earlier that day.

Cllr Conway said this had been successful: “The aim is to share perspectives, discuss common concerns and create greater strategic alignment

to make sure that we’re all working to the same forming objectives.”

Speaking after the meeting, leader of the council, Cllr Clive Jones, said: “What we will probably do is bring the housing companies together and focus more on building more affordable homes, council houses, and for rent.

“There will be some changes to come.”

Residents continue to question 3G plans

PROPOSALS to bring a 3G pitch to Lower Earley continue to be questioned by residents.

David Portus wanted to know why Sol Joel Park wasn’t being considered as a potential site.

Cllr Ian Shenton, the executive member for environment and leisure responded to all questions put to him by the public.

“Sol Joel Park was bequeathed to a trust, with the trustee being Reading Borough Council,” he explained. “Earley Town Council has a lease for, I believe 50 years, which started in 2001. They can only operate the park within the terms of their lease, with building work must be approved by the leaser and be within the rules of the trust.”

Why did the consultation recommend the school, was Mr Portus’ follow-up query. Cllr Shenton said it was chosen before the current administration took charge of the council.

Sandra Spencer pointed out that the proposed pitch would cost £800,000 before inflation rose to 11%: “Bearing in mind building projects can run seriously over budget, and that the school has perfectly adequate sports facilities for all the pupils … who will be liable for any shortfall if there are unexpected extra costs?”

Cllr Shenton said the school felt its facilities were at capacity and the current pitches were not adequate for students, but the 3G pitch would benefit both students and the community.

He added that the council was undertaking a review of the project, including finances.

Ms Spencer wanted to know what the current estimate for the pitch was. She added: “Would it not be viewed as a council squandering money at a time when many people are so desperate? They are turning to food banks, sitting in cold homes, worrying about how to pay the bills, and the council says it can no longer afford basic services such as weekly bin collections.”

Cllr Shenton said the council had two budgets –capital, for special projects, and revenue, for dayto-day expenses. The two are not interchangeable.

“A 3G pitch, wherever it would be in Earley, would be funded by the capital budget, not the revenue one,” he said.

Jeremey Evershed said: “The Council can’t afford this proposal to become a burden on the public purse with on-going maintenance, administration and £25,000 per annum sinking fund commitment.”

He said he was not convinced about the council’s planned Service Level Agreement for the pitches.

Cllr Shenton said this was a ‘framework’ for how partners and the council work together to promote and develop football and sport within the community, as well as giving commitments that key partners should meet.

“The council have not had to deal with any serious issues or introduce penalties at other managed 3G sites,” he said.

“Do you think that is a realistic position, that you will not get any complaints for this pitch” Mr Evershed asked.

Cllr Shenton reiterated the council has not had to deal with a situation like that so far.

David Walker was not present, so his question was asked by Ms Spencer. He wanted to know how “a costly and intrusive project” could be justified.

Cllr Shenton said it would take two weeks for the pitch to created, but its construction was just one part of a viability exercise that would be carried out.

Jim Badoo said that at consultation evenings held at Maiden Erlegh School residents were told the ground would be raised to created a level surface, necessary as it currently sloped. He wanted to know how high the ground would be raised and how high the fencing would be.

“It would be raised to the same height as the existing Astro pitch,” Cllr Shenton said. “This will be confirmed at the detailed design stage. The acoustic fence would be 4.5 metres, with the purpose of ball retention.

The exact location is yet to be confirmed – it will only be confirmed if the project were to proceed to the detailed planning and design stage.”

Mr Badoo said the recommended distance from a 3G pitch to housing should be 33 metres, not the eight Cllr Shenton had suggested it could be. This would have an impact on noise levels, being “at least 11 decibels higher than World Health Organisation limits”.

Cllr Shenton said it was factors such as this that would be highlighted in a consultation. “We are going to be looking very closely at every aspect,” he said. “We are considering every single aspect that the consultation has raised.”

Karen Brown said the Football Foundation has said there are 524 teams operating in Wokingham borough, and wanted to know if a full list could be published, including existing facilities, age of players, and if anyone plays for more than one team. This was the help ascertain if their needs could be met more locally.

Cllr Shenton said the information was available on the Football Foundation’s website, and there were 83 adult male teams, 14 adult female teams, 144 male youth teams, 50 female youth teams, three disability teams and 230 Mini soccer teams.

“Local to Maiden Erlegh School is Laurel Park FC, which has 33 teams, 46% of their members are female,” he said.

“They train at the school yard and use the grass pitches at Laurel Park to play league fixtures on Saturdays. Whiteknights FC have 18 teams defined by age. They train in indoor halls, hockey Astro pitches, school courts and commercial sites from September to April.”

Ms Brown then wanted to know how many 3G pitches would be needed to satisfy the Football Foundation, to which Cllr Shenton said a full analysis of the situation was currently being undertaken.

“When that is done, we will know where there are shortfalls, and where there aren’t.”

PHIL CREIGHTON reports on a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council held on Thursday, November 17

Council accused of ‘punishing’ residents with car park fees

COUNCILLORS planning to increase car park fees in Wokingham are ‘punishing’ residents according the Conservatives, a claim disputed by the ruling Lib Dems.

At the council meeting, a debate was held on the proposals, which would see people pay £1.30 for the first hour, up from 80p, £2.50 for two hours and £9 for an allday ticket. And, for the first time, evening charges will apply.

The Conservatives organised a petition signed by more than 4,200 people. It was handed in at the October meeting, and sparked the discussion.

Introducing it, Cllr Keith Baker said the council had not carried out a consultation, but was relying on the Traffic Regulation Order consultation which would be launched in the near future.

“I do hope they are not trying to ‘sneak it out’ to minimise comments,” Cllr Baker said, accusing the Lib Dems of hiding the business case from public scrutiny, and were hiding problems with park and ride car parks to make their case.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Charles Margetts said the car park price rises were to subsidise park and ride services, and instead they should be spending money promoting these car parks.

Cllr Alison Swaddle said 40 businesses had signed a letter expressing concerns, while clubs meeting at venues such as the Oakwood Centre would be hit by the evening charges.

She also pointed out a letter from a resident who said vulnerable women would not want to buy a ticket from a machine in the dark.

Cllr Gregor Murray said the previous administration told council officers to find

savings somewhere else rather than parking charges.

“You’re voting for a tax on low income shop workers ... shame on you,” he added.

The proposals were defended by Labour councillor Andy Croy, who reminded the chamber the previous executive member for finance, Cllr John Kaiser, kept saying: “A broke council is no good to anybody”.

He called on the Conservatives to pledge to reduce the fees if they won back control of the council.

“We cannot allow the council’s finances to follow the country’s finances,” he said.

And Lib Dem councillor Prue Bray said no one wanted to pay more for parking, but the administration had no choice due to a budget gap for £4 million, and the current administration was working with the budget the Conservatives had prepared, along with their three-year medium term financial plan.

Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Stephen Conway, said one in six councils are facing financial difficulties. Wokingham is “particularly exposed” because it received some of the lowest grants from the government, while interest rate rises make things more expensive.

“There are no easy options left, none,” he said. “We have to take unpalatable measures … car parking comes under that category.”

The petition was voted down, and Cllr Baker called on the council to raise a further motion stating how it wished to respond to the residents who had signed it.

The leader of Wokingham Conservatives, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, called on the executive to consider the petition as residents had made their views clear, and consider feedback from

Call for safe crossing

A PETITION is calling for the council to install a new traffic lightcontrolled pedestrian crossing to make access easier to Earley train station.

It was handed in at the council meeting.

Cllr Mike Smith presented it on behalf of Jason Collins, who wants the safe passageway to be created on Wokingham Road between its junctions of Station Road and Kenton Road.

He argued that “only by making access to public transport as easy and as convenient as possible and

businesses and the impact that the charges would have. Her motion was seconded by Cllr Murray.

Cllr Jones promised to add this to the agenda of the Executive Committee which would be held on November 24, under item 66, matters referred to the executive.

After the meeting, Cllr Jorgensen said she was glad the party had represented the views of residents and businesses.

“The Liberal/Labour Coalition didn’t bother to consult on these eyewatering rises. However, I am astonished that Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors have failed to act on the scale of opposition in our town centres.

“Local businesses are understandably unhappy and very concerned that this could put off people from coming into the town centres. Restaurants are going to be impacted significantly as the times are being extended into the evenings and Sundays.

“We know that all household budgets are under pressure in the current climate of high inflation and high energy prices, but this proposal will severely punish young workers and apprentices. In some cases, they will lose

nearly two hours work just to feed the parking meter.

“I am now calling on the Council’s Executive to reconsider its disastrous policy.”

Labour’s Cllr Croy felt the debate showed the Conservatives were facing both ways on the issue.

“The Conservatives performed a screeching U-turn on car parking fees,” he said.

“They presented a petition calling for the rises to be reversed. I asked them if it was their promise to reverse the rises if they got back in power. No, it seems it is not their policy to reverse the rises, in spite of running around with a petition asking the Council to do just that.

“It is almost like they will do or say anything to get a few votes.”

And Cllr Clive Jones, the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said the suggestion the car park rises were punishing residents was ‘absolutely wrong’ and there were additional factors at play.

“The reason car park fees are going up is there is a deficit in the Conservatives budget – that they put together and we inherited –that has to be covered.

“The Conservatives do

not recognise they left the council in a poor financial state, but the fact is there is a deficit, and on top of that inflation at 11.1%. We have to ensure the financial stability of the council.”

He added: “The actions of the Conservative government will have a far, far, far greater impact on businesses in Wokingham that increases in car park charges.”

This included increases in mortgages, something he said was “a direct result of the Liz Truss/John Redwood budget”.

“If a mortgage goes up £500 a month, that’s £6,000 a year taken out of the local economy. It adds up to millions out of the local economy.”

Other factors include increases in energy costs, which remove £1,000 per household from the local economy, and failing to raise income tax bands with inflation.

“Altogether, it’s around £7,500 per year per household that the government has taken out of the local economy.”

The meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s ruling executive will take place tonight, a report will be online on Friday.

Swearing councillor reprimanded by mayor

BAD BEHAVIOUR in council meetings should not be tolerated and the mayor took the right actions when a councillor swore in the chamber last week. That’s the view of council leader, Cllr Clive Jones.

Towards the end of a fractious full council meeting which included numerous challenges by opposition councillors, there was a cry of ‘bollocks’ from the opposition benches.

The mayor, Cllr Caroline Smith, was chairing the meeting and reprimanded the guilty party, reminding them bad language “is not suitable in any meeting room, particularly here”.

She also had to remind councillors not to talk while someone was giving a speech.

“Can all members respect the person who is speaking by listening and not chatting and making comments,” she said.

After the meeting, Cllr Jones said: “Bad language is just not appropriate in any council meeting, and the mayor was quite right to hold the Conservative member to account.

“The Conservatives said in July they would disrupt council meetings and that’s exactly what they try to do every time there is a council meeting, with childish taunts, comments and interruptions. It is very disappointing.”

He said that while he didn’t think his party’s members would behave in a similar way, if they ever did, he wouldn’t hesitate to take action.

“We would reprimand them, and remind them they are there to represent the public, and the majority of them do not accept that type of bad behaviour.”

In June, we revealed the Conservatives had received a briefing on how to cause mischief in council meetings. The PowerPoint presentation was titled Disruption And Getting Our Own Way and detailed strategies to adopt such as challenging the mayor, raising points of order and trying to take credit for opposition policies.

Wokingham Conservatives leader Cllr Pauline Jorgensen said she would remind her members about the mayor’s comments.

“It is something all councillors of every party should do,” she said. “(At the same meeting) we also had a Labour member try and drown out Cllr Rebecca Margetts before she even started presenting a residents petition.

“The residents in the gallery were not amused with that at all.”

safe will encourage more people out of their cars”.

While Woodley residents have a footbridge to help, this is not the case for those coming in the opposite direction.

“Earley and other station users have run the gauntlet of the broken road that is a 40mph speed limit,” Cllr Smith said, adding there were approximately four cars every four seconds at peak times, and he witnesses two near misses in 20 minutes at the location.

“There is a definite desire for this,” he concluded.

PHIL CREIGHTON reports on a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council held on Thursday, November 17

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Classifieds

PUBLICNOTICES

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (EASTHAMPSTEADROADAND B3349BARKHAMROAD,WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOFDRIVING)ORDER2022

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe17thNovember2022WokinghamBorough CouncilasTrafficAuthoritymadeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTraffic RegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehiclefromproceeding along:

1.EasthampsteadRoad,Wokinghamandforadistanceof20moneithersideofthe levelcrossing.

Thealternativerouteforallnorthboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbevia OldWokinghamRoad,PeacockLane,VigarWay,JennettsParkRoundabout,Berkshire Way,A329LondonRoad,A329PeachStreetandEasthampsteadRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbevia EasthampsteadRoad,A329PeachStreet,A329BroadStreet,A329RectoryRoad, A329WiltshireRoad,A329LondonRoad,BerkshireWay,JennettsParkRoundabout, VigarWay,PeacockLaneandOldWokinghamRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween4thDecemberand5th December2022between02:00and04:00.

2.B3349BarkhamRoad,WokinghambetweenitsjunctionswithOxfordRoad andA321WellingtonRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallcarsandlightvehicles(Northbound)affectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaB3349BarkhamRoad,MollyMillarsLane,A321Finchampstead RoadandA321WellingtonRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallcarsandlightvehicles(Southbound)affectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaStationApproach,A329ReadingRoad,A321Station Road,A321WellingtonRoad,A321FinchampsteadRoad,MollyMillarsLane andB3349BarkhamRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallHGV’s(Northbound)affectedbythisrestrictionshallbevia B3349BarkhamRoad,BearwoodRoad,B3030KingStreetLane,A329ReadingRoad andA321StationRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallHGV’s(Southbound)affectedbythisrestrictionshallbevia StationApproach,A329ReadingRoad,B3030KingStreetLane,BearwoodRoad andB3349BarkhamRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween21stJanuaryand23rdJanuary 2023between02:00and04:00.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowNetworkRailcontractorstoprotectthe worksitewhenaccessingengineeringmachinesandmaterialsandexcavationand installationofductinginsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithintheboundariesoftheserestrictionswillbe maintainedatalltimes.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapplyduringthoseperiodswhentraffic signscomplyingwiththeTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections2016are lawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeintooperationonthe4thDecember 2022andshallcontinueinforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:24thNovember2022

ChrisEaston AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil

CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (SCARLETTSLANE,HAREHATCH) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2022

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe17thNovember 2022WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority madeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoad TrafficRegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichisto prohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong: ScarlettsLane,HareHatchbetweenitsjunctionswith MilleyLaneandA4BathRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaA4BathRoadandMilleyLaneor bythisrouteinreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 29thNovemberand30thNovember2022between 09:30and15:30.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowThames Watercontractorstoundertakesewercleaningworkin safety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe29thNovember2022andshall continueinforceforaperiodnotexceeding18months oruntiltheworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveris theearlier.

Dated:24thNovember2022

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices

ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatWokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority proposestomakeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTrafficRegulationAct 1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong:

1.LuckleyRoad,WokinghambetweenitsjunctionswithTangleyDriveandLuckley Wood.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween13thDecemberand15th December2022.

2.HollybushRide,WokinghamtotheendfromitsjunctionwithLittleFryth. Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween9thJanuaryand11thJanuary 2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowSouthEastWatercontractorstorenewand rebuildsluicevalveframesandcoversinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithintheboundariesoftheserestrictionswillbe maintainedatalltimes.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapplyduringthoseperiodswhentraffic signscomplyingwiththeTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections2016are lawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeintooperationonthe13th December2022andshallcontinueinforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsor untiltheworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:24thNovember2022

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe17thNovember2022WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthoritymade anOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTrafficRegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitany vehiclefromproceedingalong:

1.A327ReadingRoad,ArborfieldbetweenitsjunctionswithLangleyCommonRoadandNineMileRide Extension.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA327ReadingRoad,B3348FleetHill, B3348TheVillage,B3348JubileeRoad,B3016FinchampsteadRoad,A321FinchampsteadRoad,MollyMillars Lane,B3349BarkhamRoadandLangleyCommonRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

2.B3349BarkhamRoad,BarkhambetweenitsjunctionswithBearwoodRoadandB3349SchoolRoad. ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbytherestrictionshallbeviaBearwoodRoad,B3030KingStreet Lane,B3030MoleRoad,B3030SindleshamRoad,A327EversleyRoad,LangleyCommonRoadorbythisroutein reverse.

3.B3349BarkhamRoad,BarkhambetweenitsjunctionswithBearwoodRoadandMollyMillarsLane.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaLangleyCommonRoad,A327Eversley Road,A327ReadingRoad,B3348FleetHill,B3348TheVillage,B3348JubileeRoad,B3016FinchampsteadRoad, 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,A4 BathRoad,A3032OldBathRoad,A3032HighStreet,ChurchStreet,A321WalthamRoad,A321HurstRoad, B3030LodgeRoad,B3030DavisStreet,B3030RobinhoodLane,A329ReadingRoadandLoddonBridgeandBader WayInterchange.

7.MurrayRoad,WokinghambetweenitsjunctionswithOxfordRoadandMeadowRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaMeadowRoad,WoosehillLane,B3349 BarkhamRoadandOxfordRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

8.B3348JubileeRoad,FinchampsteadbetweenitsjunctionswithWickHillLaneandB3348TheRidges

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3016FinchampsteadRoad,NineMile Ride,NineMileRideExtension,ParkLane,BiggsLane,LangleyCommonRoad,A327ReadingRoad,B3348Fleet HillandB3348TheVillageorbythisrouteinreverse.

9.B3016FinchampsteadRoad,FinchampsteadatitsjunctionswithBarkhamRideandWindsorRide.

Thealternativerouteforall(FinchampsteadRoad)vehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3430NineMile RideandA321SandhurstRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

Thealternativerouteforall(WindsorRide)northboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3430Nine MileRide,A321SandhurstRoad,B3016FinchampsteadRoadandPineGrove.

Thealternativerouteforall(WindsorRide)southboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3016 FinchampsteadRoadandPineGrove.

Thealternativerouteforall(BarkhamRide)westboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA321 SandhurstRoad,B3430NineMileRide,NineMileRide,NineMileRideExtension,ParkLane,BiggsLane,Langley CommonRoad,B3349BarkhamRoadandBarkhamStreet.

Thealternativerouteforall(BarkhamRide)eastboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeBarkhamStreet, B3349BarkhamRoad,LangleyCommonRoad,BiggsLane,ParkLane,NineMileRideExtensionandNineMileRide.

10.A327ReadingRoad,FinchampsteadbetweenitsjunctionswithNineMileRideExtensionandParkLane.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3348FleetHill,B3348TheVillage, B3348JubileeRoad,B3016FinchampsteadRoad,A321FinchampsteadRoad,MollyMillarsLane,B3349Barkham RoadandLangleyCommonRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

11.B3430NineMileRide,WokinghambetweenitsjunctionswithNewWokinghamRoadandWokingham BoroughBoundary.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaOldWokinghamRoad,B3348Dukes RideandNewWokinghamRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

12.NineMileRide,FinchampsteadbetweenitsjunctionswithWhiteHorseLaneandB3016Finchampstead Road.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaNineMileRideExtension,ParkLane, BiggsLane,LangleyCommonRoad,A327ReadingRoad,B3348FleetHill,B3348TheVillage,B3348JubileeRoad andB3016FinchampsteadRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

13.MillLane,WinnershbetweenitsjunctionswithB3270LowerEarleyWayNorthandB3030MoleRoad ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3030MoleRoad,B3030KingStreet Lane,A329ReadingRoadandB3270LowerEarleyWayNorthorbythisrouteinreverse.

14.B3270LowerEarleyWayWest,EarleybetweenitsjunctionswithA327ShinfieldRoadandBeestonWay. ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3270LowerEarleyWay,B3270Lower EarleyWayNorth,A329WokinghamRoad,B3350WildernessRoad,B3350ElmRoadandA327ShinfieldRoador bythisrouteinreverse.

15.TheStraightMile,HurstbetweenitsjunctionswithMaidenheadRoadandB3018WalthamRoad. ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaMaidenheadRoad,B3034ForestRoad, A321WokinghamRoad,A321HurstRoadandB3018WalthamRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

16.BinfieldRoad,WokinghambetweenitsjunctionswithA329LondonRoadandBarrettCrescent.

ThealternativerouteforallnorthboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA329LondonRoad,A329 PeachStreet,A329BroadStreet,A329 RectoryRoad,WiltshireRoad,WarrenHouseRoadandKeephatchRoad. ThealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehiclesaffectedbytherestrictionshallbeviaKeephatchRoad,Warren HouseRoad,WiltshireRoad,A329WiltshireRoadandA329LondonRoad

17.A321HighStreet,WargravebetweenitsjunctionswithBraybrookeRoadandWillowLane.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA321WargraveRoad,A4130White Hill,A4130HenleyRoad,HenleyRoad,A4BathRoad,A4NewBathRoadandA321WargraveRoadorbythisroute inreverse

18.A4130HenleyRoad,RemenhambetweenitsjunctionswithCulhamLaneandWokinghamBorough Boundary.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaHenleyRoad,A4BathRoad,A4New BathRoad,A321WargraveRoad,A321HighStreet,A321WargraveRoadandA4130WhiteHillorbythisroutein reverse.

19.MilleyLane,HareHatchbetweenitsjunctionswithScarlettsLaneandWokinghamBoroughBoundary.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaTheStreet,B3024TwyfordRoad, B3024WalthamRoad,B3024RuscombeRoad,A3032LondonRoadandA4BathRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

20.B3349HydeEndRoad,ShinfieldbetweenitsjunctionswithBasingstokeRoadandA327ArborfieldRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA327HollowLane,A327ShinfieldRoad, A327ShinfieldEasternReliefRoad,A327BlackboyRoundabout,B3270WhitleyWoodLane,B3270,Basingstoke RoadRoundabout,A33BasingstokeRoadandBasingstokeRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

21.LambwoodHill,ShinfieldbetweenitsjunctionswithMortimerRoadandBloomfieldhatchLane.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaMortimerRoad,MereoakLane,Great Lea,HartleyCourtRoad,KybesLane,PingewoodRoadSouth,ReadingRoad,TheStreet,CrossLane, BloomfieldhatchLaneorbythisrouteinreverse.

22.A4BathRoad,SonningbetweenitsjunctionswithPoundLaneandB4446SonningLane.

ThealternativerouteforalleastboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA4LondonRoad,B3350 PittsLane,B3350ChurchLane,A329WokinghamRoad,A329ReadingRoad,B3030RobinhoodLane,B3030Davis Street,B3030LodgeRoad,A321HurstRoad,A321WalthamRoad,ChurchStreet,A3032OldBathRoadandA4 BathRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallwestboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA4BathRoad,A3032Old BathRoad,ChurchStreet,A321WalthamRoad,A321HurstRoad,B3030LodgeRoad,B3030DavisStreet,B3030 RobinhoodLane,A329ReadingRoad,A329WokinghamRoad,B3350ChurchLane,B3350PittsLane,A4London RoadandA4ShepherdsHill.

23.PoundLane,SonningbetweenitsjunctionswithB4446PearsonRoadandA4BathRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB4446PearsonRoad,B4446Sonning LaneandA4BathRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

24.A33SwallowfieldBypass,SwallowfieldbetweenitsjunctionswithBeechHillBridgeandWokingham BoroughBoundary.

ThealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaBasingstokeRoad Roundabout,B3270,B3270WhitleyWoodLane,A327BlackboyRoundabout,A327ShinfieldEasternReliefRoad, A327ShinfieldRoad,A327HollowLane,B3349HydeEndRoad,B3349BasingstokeRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallnorthboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3349BasingstokeRoad, B3349HydeEndRoad,A327HollowLane,A327ShinfieldRoad,A327ShinfieldEasternReliefRoad,A327 BlackboyRoundabout,B3270WhitleyWoodLane,B3270andBasingstokeRoadRoundabout.

25.B3349BasingstokeRoad,SwallowfieldbetweenitsjunctionswithB3349HydeEndRoadandHillView. ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3349OdihamRoad,B3011Bracknell Lane,A30LondonRoad,A30StarHill,B3016,A327,A327ReadingRoad,A327ObserverWay,A327ReadingRoad, A327ArborfieldRoadandB3349HydeEndRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

26.B3349BasingstokeRoad,SwallowfieldbetweenitsjunctionswithWokinghamBoroughBoundaryand CharltonLane.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3349OdihamRoad,B3011Bracknell Lane,A30LondonRoad,A30StarHill,B3016,A327,A327ReadingRoad,A327ObserverWay,A327ReadingRoad, A327ArborfieldRoadandB3349HydeEndRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

27.TheStreet,SwallowfieldbetweenitsjunctionswithSwallowfieldStreetandBasingstokeRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaSwallowfieldStreetandBasingstoke Roadorbythisrouteinreverse.

28.A321WalthamRoad,TwyfordbetweenitsjunctionswithChurchStreetandA321HurstRoad.

ThealternativerouteforalleastboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaChurchStreet,A3032Old BathRoad,A4BathRoad,A4LondonRoad,B3350PittsLane,B3350ChurchLane,A329WokinghamRoad,A329 ReadingRoad,B3030RobinhoodLane,B3030DavisStreet,B3030LodgeRoadandA321HurstRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallwestboundvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA321HurstRoad,B3030 LodgeRoad,B3030DavisStreet,B3030RobinhoodLane,A329ReadingRoad,A329WokinghamRoad,B3340 ChurchLane,B3340PittsLane,A4LondonRoadandA4ShepherdsHill,A4BathRoad,A3032OldBathRoadand ChurchStreet.

29.B3018WalthamRoad,TwyfordbetweenitsjunctionswithBroadHintonandA321HurstRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaTheStraightMile,MaidenheadRoad, B3034ForestRoad,A321TwyfordRoad,A321WokinghamRoad,A321BroadwaterLaneandA321HurstRoador bythisrouteinreverse.

30.A321FinchampsteadRoad,WokinghambetweenitsjunctionswithEasthatchAvenueandHartDykeClose. ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaMollyMillarsLane,B3349Barkham RoadandLangleyCommonRoad,A327ReadingRoad,B3348FleetHill,B3348TheVillage,B3348JubileeRoad andB3016FinchampsteadRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

31.A327EversleyRoad,ArborfieldbetweenitsjunctionswithLangleyCommonRoadandNineMileRide Extension.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaBearwoodRoad,B3030KingStreet Lane,B3030MoleRoad,B3030SindleshamRoad,A327EversleyRoad,LangleyCommonRoadorbythisroutein reverse.

Worksrequiringtheserestrictionswilltakeplacefrom1stDecember2022.Furthercommunicationswillbesent whenindividuallocationshavebeenplanned.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowWokinghamBoroughCouncilcontractorstoundertakeStructural MaintenanceincludingCarriagewayPatching,PlaneInlayResurfacing,MicroAsphaltResurfacing,SurfaceDressing andRejuvenatorworkinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithintheboundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatalltimes. TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapplyduringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwiththe TrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeintooperationonthe1stDecember2022andshallcontinuein forceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntiltheworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Datedthis24thNovember2022

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport

WokinghamBoroughCouncil

CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

Westende Almshouses located close to Wokingham Town Centre now have a two flats available The flats has recently been refurbished and has a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom with a level floor shower.

An emergency call system is installed Lifts in each block are also installed There is also a Resident’s Lounge and Laundry and a social calendar for residents

Staff are on site daily and provide a supportive environment, enabling residents to live independently Residents are appointed by the Trustees as beneficiaries and pay a maintenance contribution (currently £549 a month) instead of rent.

One of our current residents said “Living at Westende is great, it’s a nice place, a lovely social environment, where we used to live the neighbours weren’t interested, here, there’s always someone to talk to, you see people around even to just say hello It’s a friendly community and we feel safe here ”

Any questions, eligibility or to apply please contact westende@wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk or 0118 403 2980

An offer of accommodation is entirely at the trustees’ discretion and we are unable to discuss the reason(s) for any unsuccessful applications.

LEISURETODAY

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Spread Christmas cheer with The Muppets

JUST as Die Hard is a Christmas movie, there should be no debate as to which is the best adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

It’s one where the only human cast member is Michael Caine.

Not a lot of people know that he will be back on the big screen this Christmas, for a special restored version featuring newly restored footage.

The full-length Muppet Christmas Carol will be in cinemas from Friday, December 2, complete with When Love Is Gone, a song that was cut from the original movie and feared lost for good, but it was found in 2020, and been reinserted back into the famous tale of a miserly man who wakes up full of Christmas cheer.

As well as Sir Michael, the film features all the Muppets, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo.

Set on Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes – and his heart – to the true spirit of Christmas.

The film was originally released in 1992, and has been a firm festive favourite with audiences ever since.

More than 150 cinemas have signed up to screen the film, including Vue and Picturehouse venues.

n For more details, log on to: parkcircus.com/film/120392-TheMuppet-Christmas-Carol

14 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 24, 2022

From Glastonbury to Norden Farm

A PAIR of musicians will play a set of original songs and some covers in their concert coming to Maidenhead.

The Carrivick Sisters are one of the UK’s top young bluegrass and folk acts, and have played at Glastonbury.

Much of Laura and Charlotte’s music is inspired by folklore and legends of Devon, the sister’s home county.

The audience can expect to hear them play guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, and clawhammer banjo.

The event takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre, on Friday, November 25.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets costing £16.

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

Enjoy a performance by St John’s Chamber

NIGEL Wilkinson will conduct The St John’s Chamber Orchestra, joined by guest pianist Joanna MacGregor.

The programme includes Mozart’s Overture, The Impresario; Beethoven’s Symphony No.8; and Brahms’ Piano Concerto No.1

The performance takes place in the Norden Farm Arts Centre, in Maidenhead on Saturday, December 3.

Doors open at 8pm, with tickets costing £20, or £5 for under 18s.

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

Flying spiders and other big spiders

FRESH from his BBC Radio 4 series a comedian asks the big questions: Who are we? Where are we going? And how do spiders fly?

The show, Rob Newman On Air, sees him explore the path of humanity from cave paintings to car-free cities.

Newman is said to be able to combine proper scientific argument with dazzling wit.

He explains how dancing in step saved prehistoric humans and how new scientific discoveries may help us take the right steps to a life after oil.

The event takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead, on Thursday, December 1.

Doors open at 8pm, with tickets costing £17.50.

n For tickets and information log on to:

AT THE THEATRE

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

Jack and the Beanstalk. Fri 25-New Year’s Eve.

Conservatoire: Cristian Sandrin. Fri 25. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 25. Christmas With Blake. Mon 27.

Christmas Party Nights. Wed 29.

FILM: The Lost King. Fri 25Sun 27. The Gravedigger’s Wife. Tues 29. My Neighbour, Adolf. Wed 30-Thurs 1. Emily. Fri 2-Sun 4.

Camberley –Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600

Beauty and the Beast. Sat 10-New Year’s Eve.

PERCY the Park keeper always feeds the animals in the park where he lives.

But one night he finds them shivering on the doorstep, and they need his help.

One Snowy Night, is a theatre show with songs and animal puppets, suitable for three years and upwards.

It runs twice daily at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead, from Tuesday, November 29 through to Friday, December 30, with the exception of Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesday, December 27.

Relaxed performances are on Saturday, December 3 and Wednesday, December 28, both at 11am, and there is a signed show on Wednesday, December 21 at 11am.

Children’s author Nick Butterworth will sign books after both performances on Saturday, December 3.

Show times vary, so it is advisable to check details before booking.

There is also a chance to enter a One Snowy Night Art Competition to win a goody bag and turn on the Christmas Lights with Percy the Park Keeper at Maidenhead Town Hall on Saturday 26 November.

Tickets cost £15, £13 for under 16s, and a family and friends ticket for four people costs £52. Tickets are not required for children under 18 months, sitting on laps.

Younger People With Dementia, YPWD invites people to an evening of singing and live music in Wokingham.

YPWD Harmony Choir and YPWD Surrey Choir will both perform.

They will be joined by ukulele band, Rocket Kings, who with their instruments, singers, upright bass and drummer will perform their original ‘ukepop sound’.

Guest performer, BBC Berkshire’s Bill Buckley, will also sing a solo in the show.

Ticket proceeds will help to provide support and activity-based workshops across Berkshire for people who received a dementia diagnosis under the age of 65. This enables the charity to provide vital services for those in need.

The event takes place at The Whitty Theatre, Luckley School, on Tuesday, December 6.

Doors open at 7pm.

Tickets are £10 per person, and include a Christmas drink and mince pie.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.luckleyhouseschool.org

StageAbility plan to present Cinderella

A PANTOMIME for the whole family promises to kick off Christmas with a festive bang.

With toe-tapping songs, booing, cheering and the usual pantomime chaos, Cinderella is an event suitable for all.

StageAbility will perform at Wokingham’s Whitty Theatre, on Saturday, December 3.

Shows are at 3pm and 6.30pm, with tickets at £15 each.

n For information and tickets log on to: www.luckleyhouseschool.org

Bedtime treats

GUILDFORD is the place for a Christmas story for little ones.

norden.farm, or call the box office on: 01628 788977.

n For Rob Newman’s website visit: www. robnewman.com

All things Blake and beautiful

MALE voice trio, Blake, will celebrate with an evening of song and cheer.

The BRIT award-winning group will take the audience on a festive musical journey.

Their programme includes classic Christmas songs, Let it Snow; The Snowman; and White Christmas; all delivered with rich vocal harmonies.

The evening promises music, funny stories, and a virtual duet with Dame Shirley Bassey.

Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000

An Inspector Calls. Until Sat 26. Jack and the Beanstalk. Sat 3-Jan 8.

High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000

Death Drop 2: Back In the Habit. Until Sat 26. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 24. Tropicana Nights: The Ultimate Party Night. Fri 25. Sarah Millican: Bobby Dazzler. Tues 29. Christmas Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 1. Christmas

Cracker Party Night. Fri 2. The Christmas Extravaganza with the Estrellas. Sat 3. That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show. Sat 3.

Henley –Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050

Matilda Jr. Until Sat 26.

Nutcracker. Sun 27. Candlelit Macbeth. Tues 29. Candlelit Frankenstein. Wed 30. Santa Saves Christmas. Sat 3.

Maidenhead –

Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

The Carrivick Sisters. Fri 25. Norden Farm Market. Sat 26.

The Vinyl Fronteir: Another Evening with Martyn Ware (Heaven 17/Human League).

The event takes place at Bracknell’s South Hill Park, on Monday, November 28.

Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets costing £26.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk, or call the box office on: 01344 484123

Abba fans night out with super troupers

FANS of the band can hear sounds of the Swedish super troupers in Bracknell. UK-based award winning group, Platinum, perform a show in celebration of Abba. The six-piece tribute band prides themselves on performing live, without the use of any backing tracks. This allows them the freedom to

interact with audiences in a way only possible with a totally unrecorded performance.

Anything else, they say, would be a karaoke show.

Platinum Abba play at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, on Wednesday, December 7, and again on Tuesday, December 13.

Doors open at 8pm, with tickets available at £25.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk, or call the box office on: 01344 484123

Bill’s big moment will be a solo success

A CHARITY presents a seasonal show, its first since the pandemic.

An interactive story performance for children up to four years, tells of when a family stays at Granny’s chocolate-box cottage for Christmas.

The children soon discover everything that is exciting about this time of year.

In this imaginative re-telling of the classic tale, The Night Before Christmas, children may even get a peak at Santa.

The traditional story, adapted and told by Hannah Summers, takes place twice at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Wednesday, December 7.

Doors open at 11.30am and 1.30pm, with tickets at £10.50 for an adult and child. And any additional child or adult costs £7 each.

n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk, or call the box office on: 01483 440000

market.

Festive

The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Jack and the Beanstalk. Fri 25-New Year’s Eve. A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story with Mark Gatiss. Sun 27-Thurs 1.

The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Rapunzel. Until Sun Jan 1.

–South Street www.whatsonreading.com

0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Half Moon presents Glisten. Thurs 8-Sat 10. Reading –The Hexagon www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 An Evening with Noel Fitzpatrick. Thurs 24. Joanne Shaw Taylor. Fri 25. Jack and the Beanstalk. Sat 3-Sun Jan 2 Reading –Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Gary Delaney: Gary in Punderland. Sat 26.

Sleeping Beauty. Fri 25-Jan 8.

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

NEXT SHOW: Rules For Living. Thurs Dec 8-Sat Dec 17.

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

Wokingham Film Society: The French Dispatch (15). Thurs 1.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838

Ladies Down Under. Tues 29-Sat Dec 3.

Strictly amazing: Top Hat is a true festive feast

Top Hat

The Mill at Sonning Until December 30 0118 969 8000 Millatsonning.com

THE audience at The Mill were in for a treat on the opening night of Top Hat.

The show opened with a dazzle of lights and energy as the cast tapped their way through the famous Puttin’ on the Ritz.

There then followed romance, scandal, humour, and a case of mistaken identity, accompanied or interspersed with a vast array of dance styles.

Featuring other well-known numbers as Dancing Cheek to Cheek and Let’s Face the Music and Dance, many an audience toes were tapping – and it was hard not to sing along.

The show tells the story of the charismatic dancer Jerry Travers, played by former EastEnders star Jonny Labey, who travels to London to perform a show.

He falls in love with the lady from the hotel room below – the very lady whose sleep he disturbs as he practices his tap routines.

A variety of other larger-than-life characters appear in succession, from the

exuberant Italian designer Beddini (Andy Rees), with his superb comic timing and facial expressions, to the hilarious Bates the butler (Brendan Cull), who wouldn’t have been out of place in a pantomime.

As the action moved to Venice, cue a more Latin style of dancing and some most amusing Italian accents as the plot moves from scandal to farce, then a very satisfying Happily-Ever-After.

The tap numbers definitely stole the show: the lightning-quick feet of Jonny Labey left the audience breathless, and the whole-ensemble numbers with feet moving in perfect synchronicity. This was a festive feast for the eyes and ears.

Costume, lighting, staging and music all contributed to a fantastically uplifting evening.

JUDITH CREIGHTON

WriteFest 16 shows Progress is the home of budding storytellers

WRITEFEST has returned to Progress Theatre for its 16th annual event from Wednesday to Friday, November 2-5.

The festival showcases new writing and acting talent by staging a number of short plays together, performed as vignettes with a short introduction by the host.

This year saw six new works, tackling love and loss, abuse and apocalypse. Each short piece makes the most of Progress Theatre’s practical approach to staging and dedication to storytelling.

Paul Gallantry’s An Angel With One Wing was based on the true events which took place in early-mid 1500s Caversham as the dissolution of the monasteries came into effect.

Considering it’s short runtime, the depth of its exploration of the rifts that religious or political turmoil can cause is surprising, especially in how relevant to modern cultural discourse it feels.

Heart of Lightness, by Robert Kibble, saw the last two commuters on a brokendown tube train thrown together by circumstance.

The budding romance which develops is a perfect mix of tender romantic development and light-hearted humour.

Ultimately it is an enjoyable, up-to-date twist on the classic boy-meets-girl story which balances humour and romance excellently.

David Pearson’s Albatross sees two sisters searching for an elusive kraken, setting out to sea to find the mythical creature they were told about by their fisherman father.

Confined to the bowels of a ship, the piece explores the relationship between the sisters almost microscopically.

How Gentle is the Rain, by Philip Mannion, stands out from the rest of the pieces this year in its stark, frank examination of the suffering of women during war.

The piece takes a cautious but important look at the physical and mental horrors that foreign, potentially even domestic, soldiers visit upon women.

Progress regular Juliet England gave a raw and powerful performance as a mother raising girls in a fictional country ravaged by the effects of war.

Debra J Wilson’s Missing sees two wedding guests stumble upon a farmer waiting for his dog as they search for a missing bride.

The two stop atop a hill and sit with him to rest their feet, weary from high-heels, and what follows feels like an almost Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads-esque exploration of character.

The light-hearted and humorous piece compares the lives of the women and the farmer and the relative simplicity or complexity of each in turn effectively.

Finally, Airborne, by David Salisbury, saw an aeroplane co-pilot dealing with an unconscious, ailing pilot on a jet.

As it becomes clear that something deeply disturbing is also happening with the passengers, they are forced to navigate with one of the passenger’s help as the situation becomes increasingly grave.

Both Katie Morton and Chris Moran give excellent performances in an exciting, tense, modern story-in-a-bottle piece which extends far beyond the confines of the story’s small setting.

Overall, WriteFest 16 saw six disparate short stories performed with a love for theatre that Progress continues to demonstrate, making a striking, enjoyable, and poignant display of talented storytelling.

JAKE CLOTHIER

Sheer Obssession hosts punk drag night ahead of hiatus

ON SATURDAY, November 12,

Sheer Obssession’s regular drag night celebrated punk at The Rising Sun Arts Centre.

The night showcases queer talent from a range of acts.

Sheer Obssession kicked off the evening with a performance of Rebel Girl.

Cairo Ali followed with a piece which explored the history of the punk movement and its crossover and influence on queer culture and drag, and vice versa.

Anita Oui celebrated pop

punk with a performance combining Pretty Rave Girl and Paramore’s Misery Business.

Duac performed to Plastic Bag with a DIY costume created with the use of carrier bags,

Draven lip-synched in a jumpsuit and an orange mullet mowhawk for a highly political performance exploring the anarchy assosciated with punk in a modern context.

The first half was concluded by Mister Frank, who lipsynched to an emotive,

personal mix of punk music.

Cairo Ali returned to the stage to kick off the second half with a routine which mixed the punk theme with a Christmas song, followed with a return by Duac.

Draven also performed Freakshow, this time bringing a horror-clown element to their costume.

Duac gave their third and final performance to Mind Your Own Business, which included a skit asking the audience to stop looking at them.

Anita Oui closed the show with a final lipsync to The Lovecats featuring a hand puppet.

Sheer Obssession annouced that they would be taking a short hiatus from hosting the regular event and that Anita Oui would be taking over their residency at the Rising Sun Arts Centre.

Anita Oui is also set to host their Christmas Karaoke event at Bar 77 on Thursday, December 8.

JAKE CLOTHIER

From Prince to a Jack … Carl

happy to be going down in the world

THIS Christmas Carl Tracey is going down in his worldly status – and he couldn’t be happier.

The last time he appeared in a Hexagon pantomime, he was Prince Charming in the 2019 production of Cinderella. And he’s also been a prince of another kind when he played Aladdin.

Now though, he’s experiencing a cost-of-living crisis of his own, playing Jack Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk.

“I can’t wait, I’m really excited to be back,” he says.

“I loved playing the Prince and Aladdin, they were really fun roles, but I also thought that one day I’ve love to tick Jack off the list of roles, and be the one climbing the beanstalk.

“He’s a bit of a superhero.”

There’s another reason why he’s looking forward to being Jack.

Indeed he is, heroically saving the day after selling Daisy the cow for five magic beans that lead to untold riches … give or take a giant.

“He’s more down-to-earth. Prince Charming was more controlled, but Jack is a fun role. I’ll get to play around a bit more.”

We’re speaking just after his costume fitting, and he jokes that while it is great he might have some trouble fitting in it. But it is a jest, as he spent lockdown devising Mr Move It, a fitness expert for children.

Away from his acting roles, is a fitness expert, helping people achieve their goals.

“I really enjoy working in fitness, and I’m moving into children’s fitness, working with schools and making fitness fun for them,” he explains.

“My background is in children’s theatre and television; pantomime helps join it all together. I enjoy performing to children, you get an instant and honest response.

“It’s very different to adults … I love it.”

Looking back at Cinderella, Carl says: “I really enjoyed working with Justin, last time he taught me some Makaton sign language for a song.

“It was something I’d never experienced before, it was great.”

After two years where performing arts has been disrupted by covid, Carl is pleased this Christmas will be more like what we’re used to.

“The world has started to come back to normality, hopefully this year will be a little bit more like it was before pantomime. I did an online panto during lockdown, but I’m very excited to be back.”

And being in Reading for Christmas is a treat for him.

“There are amazing decorations, and the lights are very festive,” he says.

The Hexagon is a special place for Carl.

“The audiences are very loud and responsive, they love to get involved,” he says. “And the stage feels big, the auditorium feels big … it’s very exciting as a performer.”

And with many main cast returning, they are very much like a family.

“They’re a super-high energy cast, full of people who give 110% every day they’re on stage,” he promises. “The script by Justin will be amazing and strong.

“There will be brilliant music, an amazing musical director, great songs, great sets and lots of fun and lots of silliness.

“It’s going to be action-packed.” n Jack and the Beanstalk runs at The Hexagon from Saturday, December 3, through to bank holiday Monday, January 2. Relaxed and signed performance will take place.

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

PHIL CREIGHTON

BETTER THAN THE RITZ: Top Hat is at The Mill at Sonning until December 30

Picture: Andreas Lambis

is so

Radio 2 favourite to play Purley

A MUSICIAN who has been praised by BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris is preparing to perform in Purley.

Jane Taylor is to visit St Mary’s Church on Saturday, December 3, as part of a UK tour to celebrate her new album, All The Colours.

She also also perform songs from a forthcoming animation, Mr Claus.

For the evening, she will be joined by Rob Bray (percussion), John Holmes (double bass) and Lizz Lipscombe (violin).

The show starts at 8pm, with doors opening at 7pm. Tickets cost £13.20 including the booking fee.

n For more details, or to book tickets, log on to: villageconcerts. co.uk

Messiah show

A CHAMBER choir and an orchestra are teaming up for a preChristmas cracker.

Tamesis and the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra will present Handel’s Messiah, featuring his famous Hallelujah chorus. It retells key moments of the Christmas story.

The orchestra will be conducted by Andrew Taylor and the choir by Louise Rapple.

It takes place from 6pm on Sunday, December 4, at St Joseph’s College in Upper Redlands Road in Reading.

Tickets cost £15, and £5 for those in full-time education. n tamesischamberchoir.com

Dogs invited to audition for a role in a Hexagon opera

THE CANINE equivalent of Brad Pitt or Scarlett Johansson is being sought for a new production coming to The Hexagon next spring –and dogs across Reading and Wokingham are being encouraged to pick up the dog and bone to find out more.

Award-winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent is behind a new touring production of a romantic opera La Bohème - not the Barker of Seville - and a critical role in the show is a fourlegged friend who won’t get stage fright.

Puccini’s masterpiece, La Bohème, is based on Henri Murger’s novel Scenes de la vie de boheme. Set in Paris, it focuses on the tragic love between seamstress Mimi and penniless poet Rodolfo.

Ellen says it is one of the most romantic operas ever written, and for the new tour it will be traditionally staged featuring beautiful sets and costumes.

The set reflects the Bohemian art of the period and will include a brass band, snow effects and a full choir and orchestra.

It will be performed in the

traditional Italian with English subtitles … and a guest role for a proud pooch.

“People say never work with children or animals, but I love to do both,” Ellen explains.

“The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit.

“Since then we’ve had horses, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage.”

This isn’t the first time that Ellen has found a role for man’s best friend.

“Many years ago, when we last

did La Bohème and asked local people to volunteer their pets it was a huge success,” she says.

“We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of new owners.

“We’re a nation of animal lovers after all. I’m sure there is plenty of doggie talent out there.”

Applicants need to have a dog that is well-behaved, small, used to people and quiet – and the owner, will need to be prepared to go on-stage in costume to look after them.

Those wanting to audition, should email Anegla Klappa a photograph of the dog: angela@ ellenkent.co.uk

Applications should include a contact number and address as well as the breed, height, weight, age, and name of the dog.

Deadline for entries is Friday, March 24.

The successful dog’s owner will be contacted a week before the performance, which is Thursday, April 13.

And for those who want to just enjoy the show from the seats, tickets are n Tickets for La Boheme, costing £31, £33, or £36, are available from www.whatsonreading.com

One Tonne of Fun coming to Reading’s Just The Tonic

A GIANT tour has been given a gigantic name.

Lloyd Griffith is visiting comedy spots across the country next year with a brand-new show, called One Tonne of Fun.

It will include, he promises, a unique bag of stand-up, with dubious impressions, and a sprinkling of his singing.

Lloyd was recently one of the first people to sing the new anthem (with ‘King’ instead of ‘Queen’) at various football matches around the country.

As a boy, he always wanted to play for Grimsby Town FC, but instead he was able to perform on the pitch before the Grimsby v Crewe Alexandra match, to a packed crowd.

Next year, he will be seen in Nolly, an ITV drama about the famous soap opera Crossroads, playing the part of Paul Henry –the actor who portrayed Benny in the series. Starring Helena Bonham Carter, the mini-series was written by Russell T Davies, directed by Peter Hoar (It’s A Sin) and executive-produced by Nicola Schindler.

And he will be in the Channel 4 comedy Everyone Else Burns. It follows a hyper-religious family navigating their way through the modern world whilst avoiding eternal damnation.

And he’ll be at the Just The Tonic comedy club in Friar Street, Reading, on Thursday, February 9.

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

Dervish to perform at folk club

A TOP Irish folk band will be visiting Nettlebed next week, for the latest gig hosted by the village’s folk club.

Dervish has received a prestigious lifetime achievement award from the BBC, a fitting tribute to the band with more than 30 years of recording and performing all over the world.

Described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music”, the band have played at festivals from Rio de Janeiro to Glastonbury.

They accompanied the Irish president on state visits to Latvia and Lithuania and the prime minister of Ireland on a trade mission to China as Cultural Ambassadors, taking time out to play an impromptu session on the Great Wall of China.

Dervish have a line–up which include some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers, Cathy Jordan.

Renowned for live

performances, with dazzling sets of tunes with stunning interpretations of traditional songs, they will be welcome visitors to the Thames Valley on Monday, November 28.

Nettlebed Folk Club meets at The Village Club, on the village’s High Street. Doors open at 7.45pm.

n The box office is open between 10am and 8pm. For details, or to book, call: 01628 636620 or log on to: www.nettlebedfolkclub. co.uk

Gemma makes debut visit to Reading

A LONDON-based artist is making her debut visit to Reading next week.

Club Velocity and New Mind have teamed up to bring Gemma Rogers to The Face Bar on Wednesday, November 30.

Her debut album, No Place Like Home, was released in July, and been played on BBC 6 Music and championed by Steve Lamacq.

Promoters say she is somewhere between Any Winehouse, Lily Allen, with the wordplay of Mike Skinner and the class of Kirsty MacColl.

Joy Zine said: “Gemma Rogers’ voice is strong and true, packed with estuary inflection and an honesty that is rare in pop nowadays”.

Support comes from Jopy and Uncle Peanut.

Jopy is the brand-new band from Jo of the Keep Cats. The three-piece deal in Thames Valley Shoegaze of the highest order.

While Uncle Peanut, a Reading legend, is a oneman punk rock act.

The show starts at 8pm, and tickets cost £8.

For more details, search for Club Velocity on www.wegottickets.com

PHIL CREIGHTON

The canine equivalent of Brad Pitt or Scarlett Johansson is being sought for a new production coming to The Hexagon

SAVE THE DATE: Lloyd Griffith Picture: Matt Crockett

LIVEMUSIC

RaW Sounds Today

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

WE’RE all for bringing new talents to your attention, and we’ve got some crackers for you this week.

Eloise Kate is a talent that has been growing her solo career while playing in other bands. And our second new entry is a singer who came to the fore during lockdown.

We think it’s a corker.

These are just two of 10 great tracks to tune into this week.

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.

Thursday, November 24

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Heartfakers (the music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers). Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Elvis night with Mike NOva. Details: 0118 983 2059.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Fundraiser for Ukraine - The Highwasters + Rev John H & The Revelations. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Man The Lifeboats.Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk. Noel Fitzpatrick. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Roseate, The Forbury. Heavy Pop presents The Roseate Sessions with Dolly and the Clothes Pegs. Details: whatsonreading.com

Friday, November 25

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Weird Boyfriends and 1 For The Road. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Barry White tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

CROWTHORNE – Crowthorne Sports & Social Club, Wellington Road RG45 7LD. Utter Madness Duo. Details: 01344 773389.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Slightly Plugged Night. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Breaking Bass. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk. Joanne Shaw Taylor. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING - Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE. Je’zell. Details: 0118 935 4095.

Eloise Kate – Revolve

If you saw Katie Ellwood’s excellent band at Wokingham Festival you’ll have seen Eloise Kate on keyboards.

Eloise Kate also releases her own music and has built up good streaming numbers with her wonderful single releases including this one.

She was special guest recently singing backing vocals live on a song with floral indie faves Lilac.

Their guitarist, Lewis, was also in Katie Ellwood’s band at Wokingham, but not on guitar. He was the drummer – what talented musicians – https://www. instagram.com/eloisekatemusic/

Aine Deane – 19

My daughter Amy is on this single. Well, only briefly.

She and her former-University house mates

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents The Nat Steele MJQ Quartet. Details: www.jazzinreading.com

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Housebase. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. B-Sydes. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. No Good Sons and Redhead. Details: 0118 957 6930

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Wokingham Part 3 Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, November 26

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Alphawave Radio presents Instrinsic, DJ Ratty, J Majik, Chippie and more. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultra 90s tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. White Light. Details: 01344 422622

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Large Portion. Details: 01344 457318.

CHARVIL – The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hard Times. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Straighten Out, a tribute to The Stranglers. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Gateway Pub, Greyfriars Road RG1 1PA. A Night for Scotty with music from Danny Tennyson. Details: 0118 959 0376.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Retro Karaoke. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. The Chain Gang. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING - Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street. Pushpin.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Paddington. Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING - Pentahotel, Oxford Road. Soulful Soiree.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Scarlet Vixens Purple Geekshow. King Kuda plus support. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents Ben Marwood, Non Canon and Jay Newton. SOLD OUT. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Tequila Chase. Details: 0118 926 5804.

WINKFIELD ROW – Carnation Hall, RG42 7PA. The Supertonics Big Band, plus guest vocalist Sarah Jane Eveleigh. £12. Details: 07739 314261 or www. thesupertonics.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Wise Monkeys. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Plato and the Bees. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Lack of Faith. Details: 0118 969 9756.

YATTENDON – Village Hall, Yattendon Road RG18 0UE. The Budapest Cafe Orchestra. Details: www.facebook. com/budapestcafeorchestra

Sunday, November 27

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter. 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 Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and Guests. Details: 0118 376 9159.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Rat Pack at Christmas. Details: 0118 969 8000.

Monday, November 28

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Dervish. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Open mic night Details: 0118 958 0473.

countdown at the beginning of this great song about their Uni days.

Aine became a Tik Tok sensation in lockdown when she wrote some brilliant songs that resonated with her audience and culminated this year in sell out solo shows and a support slot to Sam Smith at the Royal Albert Hall.

Only a loose connection to the local area but she’s so good that I can’t stop playing her songs – https:// www.ainedeanemusic.com/

Man The Lifeboats – Somerstown

Exciting, fun, upbeat folk from a band that visit (or visited depending on when you are reading this) Reading this week to perform live at The Castle Tap in Reading on Thursday, November 24.

This single is taken from their excellent new album, Soul of Albion which is a great example of quality vibrant contemporary folk with strong songs throughout and is well worth checking out – https:// www.manthelifeboats.com/

Spizzenergi – Where’s Captain Kirk?

Here’s a 70s classic from those exciting punk days and it was the first ever Number One on the Indie Chart, It was great to see Club Velocity putting them on live in Reading at The Facebar last Saturday –https://www.spizzenergi.com/

Voodoo Radio – C30 C60 C90 Go

This pop-punk duo from Cumbria were support at Club Velocity’s Spizzenergi show and this is their brilliant exciting cover of the Bow Wow Wow classic

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic Cafe: The Tim Shez Band. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, November 29

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

Wednesday, November 30

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity/New Mind presents Gemma Rogers with Jopy and Uncle Peanut. Details: 0118 959 5500.

Thursday, December 1

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Emma Wilson Blues Band. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

READING - Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Sami Switch presents Milk My Words Christmas party: live music, spoken word and more from Who We Are, Leopard Boy, Cameron Bloomfield, Cam Holmes, Effie, B2B set Osifa, Thomas Jules. £10. 7pm. Details: www. milkreading.com

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jazz Singers night Christmas special. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Reading Biscuit Factory, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Club Velocity presents An Evening with Dave Robinson, co-founder Stiff Records, tour manager for Jimi Hendrix. 7.30pm. Details: www. wegottickets.com/event/554403

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Wurzels. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – The Rose Inn, Market Place RG40 1AS. Festive music in the Parlour Room: Jack Frank. Booking advised. Details: www. therosewokingham.co.uk/bookings

Friday, December 2

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Slacker, Bacchanal, Missing The Scene. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. George Michael solo tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

– http://www.voodooradio.co.uk/

One Last Day – Out of the Black

The new single from Wokingham rockers, One Last Day, is a powerful anthem with a chorus that sticks in your head and shows that they are quality band that combines power and melody – https:// linktr.ee/onelastday

Mellor – Meet Me by the Ocean

Mellor are a four-piece Reading-based band that has been building a great reputation throughout the indie rock scene. This is from their new album, Problematic Passions – https://linktr.ee/melloruk

Katie Ellwood – Twice

Here’s the aforementioned Katie Ellwood who previewed this new single live in her Wokingham Festival live set – https://www.katieellwood.com/

Doops – Pull Back the Shades

Doops joined the bill at Third Lung’s album launch show at Sub 89 with a great performance. This band from the local area creates moody atmospheric songs with this taken from their Deflections EP –https://www.facebook.com/doopsband/

Glenn Miller Orchestra – Moonlight Serenade

Timeless 1930s music which was performed live on Saturday at the Carnival Hub – https://www. glennmillerorchestra.co.uk/

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Esther Bennett’s Duncan Lamong Songbook. Details: 01344 484123.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Gordon Giltrap. £21. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

PANGBOURNE – Woking Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS. Kitty Mazinsky Quartet at Christmas evening. From 6pm.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Joshfest v2. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. The Funky Funks. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Jessie Phelps.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Chestnuts. Details: 0118 977 3706.

YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01252 872105.

Saturday, December 3

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Bye Bye Baby: Jersey Boys. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Lewis and the Sound of the Suburbs. Details: 01344 422622

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01344 457318.

CHARVIL – The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Christmas Carol-oke.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. The Cherries. Details: 01344 530615.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Long Tall Texans. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. The Chain Gang. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Michael Jackson tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street

RG1 2JR. Sound Jam. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Tribute Night Christmas Special. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – The Queen’s Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. P’Jam. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Salty Dogs. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – St Laurence Church, The Forbury RG1 3EJ. Crazy Diamond, a tribute to the music of Pink Floyd. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Aurie Styla. Details: 0118 959 5395

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Band Substance. Details: 0118 957 6930

RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. The Haystacks. Details: 0118 343 0565.

SONNING COMMON – Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge School, RG4 9LN. South Chiltern Choral Society presents A Christmas Celebration: O Come Emmanuel by Alan Bullard, plus carols. 7.30pm. £15, £12 in advance or £7.50/£6 advance for under 21s. Details: http://www. southchilternchoralsociety.org.uk/ WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. 4th Era. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Sunday, December 4

PANGBOURNE – Woking Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS. Andy Dickens and Al NIchols, Saxes with the Terry Hutchins Quartet. Details: 07500 333743.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington St RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night - Weather or Not. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Rat Pack at Christmas. Details: 0118 969 8000.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. The Bullfrogs Sunday Session. Details: 07889 226309.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Super Chilled Open Mic with Gemma Foster. 3pm. Details: 0118 977 0918

WONDERFUL: Eloise Kate Picture: Andrew Merritt

Friday, Nov 25

ASCOT – Racecourse SL5 7JX. Ascot Christmas Fair. 9.30am-5pm. £5 advance, £9 on door. Details: www. ukgrandsales.co.uk

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org

READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkerley Avenue RG1 6JE. Film screening: Testament: a retelling of the parables in the modern day. £5. 7pm. Details/ booking: fellowscreen.com/ screenings/testament

READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD.

Festive family film night. 5.30pm. Free. Booking essential. Details: www. ikea.com

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL.

Jazz at Progress presents The Nat Steele MJQ Quartet. 7.30pm. £18, £16 concessions, £9 under 16s, plus booking fee. Details: www.jazzinreading.com

TILEHURST – The Avenue Special Needs Academy, Conwy Close. Christmas Fayre: craft stalls, music, games, tombola, refreshments and more. 4.30pm-7pm. Details: .avenue.reading.sch.uk

WOKINGHAM – Market Place RG40 1AS. #LetsEndFemicide vigil. 7pm. Bring a torch.

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, November 26

ASCOT – Racecourse SL5 7JX. Ascot Christmas Fair. 9.30am-5pm. £5 advance, £9 on door. Details: www. ukgrandsales.co.uk

CROWTHORNE – The Old Gym, Wellington College. Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra presents an autumn concert: Vaughan Williams London Symphony, Frank Bridge’s The Sea, Britten’s Four Sea Interludes. £15, under 16s free. Details: www. crowthorneorchestra.com

GORING – Village Hall RG8 9AG. Craft fair. 10am-4pm. £2, children free. Details: www.goringcraftfair.co.uk

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH.

First Days Glow Walk around Black Swan Lake under starlight. Hot chocolate, hot dogs, mulled wine and glowsticks available. 5pm-8pm. Details: www.firstdays.net/ events

READING – English Martyrs Church hall, Liebenrood Road. Charity Christmas Fayre, in aid of charities including Life, the Children’s society, Knit for peace and 80th. Admission free.11am-1pm. Details: 0118 942 9245.

READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5EX. Whiskey Affair. 1pm-5pm, 6pm-10pm. £9. Booking essential. Details: www. thewhiskeyaffair.co.uk

READING – St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road RG1 5JT. Reading Haydn Choir’s autumn concert: Little Organ Mass, Faure’s requiem. £15, concessions £13, under 19s £5. Details: www. haydnchoir.org.uk

SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall, Swallowfield Street RG7 1QX. Russell Players: Goldilocks, Three Bears and the Detectives. 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Details: russellplayers.co.uk

TILEHURST – The Atrium Club, Scours Lane RG30 6AY. Caribbean Invasion –Barbados, Celebrating 56th Year Of Independence. Children’s fun day 1pm6pm. £3 children, £5 adults. Dominoes Competition & Lime. 2pm. £5 entry. Party for adults. 9pm-3am. £10. Details: 07711 291383

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. 20 years of Ceroc at Twyford. From 8pm. Details: www.ceroc.com

WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Craft event with live music, Santa’s grotto, Christingle face painter and more. Details: holmegrangecraftvillage. co.uk

WOKINGHAM – WADE, London Road RG41 1EH. Christmas Fair: raffles, tombolas, Christmas gifts, homemade cakes, refreshments and more. Parking at Masonic Hall opposite. 11am-2pm. £1, children free. Details: wadecentre.org.uk

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Christmas light switch-on and carols. 4.30pm5.30pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, November 27

ASCOT – Racecourse SL5 7JX. Ascot Christmas Fair. 9.30am-4pm. £5 advance, £9 on door. Details: www. ukgrandsales.co.uk

CAVERSHAM – Weller Centre, RG4 5NA. Fifi’s

Vision Christmas Market. Free entry. Event includes workshop to make reindeer food. 2.30pm5pm. Details: Fifisvision@ gmail.com

CHARVIL – Village Hall, The Hawthorns RG10 9TR. Charvil Art Group 50th anniversary show. 10.30am-5pm. Free entry. Details: www. charvilartgroup.co.uk

CROWTHORNE – St John the Baptist Parish Church, Waterloo Road, RG45 7NT. Advent fair after the 10am service: tombola, stalls, games, cakes and refreshments. Details: crowthorneparishchurch. org.uk

GORING – Village Hall RG8 9AG. Craft fair. 10am-4pm. £2, children free. Details: www.goringcraftfair.co.uk

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Sunday Alternative:Stories, Why we tell them and why we shouldn’t always listen. Plus Coffee and Catchup. 10.30am. Free. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. MERLy Christmas Shopping Event. 11am3pm. Details: merl.reading. ac.uk

TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Comedy at the Taproom with Dane Baptiste. 6.30pm. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk

TWYFORD – Bell Corner. Christmas light switch-on, and launch of Tree of Christmas Wishes. 5.30pm. Details: twyfordtogether. org/upcoming-events

WOKINGHAM – Across town centre. Wokingham winter carnival 2022. 11am-5pm. Stalls, games, food, music, dance, displays, magic and more. Details: https://www. wintercarnival.co.uk/

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –St Sebastian’s Memorial Hall, Nine Mile Ride.

Royal Berkshire Militaria Fair. 9am-noon. £4, under 14s free. Details: www. rb-militariafair.co.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

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Monday, Nov 28

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org

CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Coffee Stop for Ukrainian refugees and their hosts: socialise and take part in English lessons. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: 01344 761725.

EARLEY – Earley CResCent

Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Interview Skills - Free Employability Workshop. 9.30am12.30pm. Details: 0118 921 0555.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, Nov 29

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. linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Wed, Nov 30

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.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

Thursday, Dec 1

ALDERMASTON – St Mary the Virgin, Church Street. The York Nativity Play. 8pm. Free, but tickets must be ordered in advance. Details: aldermastonnativity.co.uk

CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Advent cream tea. 3pm-4pm. Details: 01344 761725.

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society presents The Sleeping Beauty. 7.30pm. £10, family tickets £35. Details: ticketsource. co.uk/crowthornecats

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details:

linkvisiting.org

READING - Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Sami Switch presents Milk My Words Christmas party: live music, spoken word and more from Who We Are, Leopard Boy, Cameron Bloomfield, Cam Holmes, Effie, B2B set Osifa, Thomas Jules. £10. 7pm. Details: www.milkreading. com

READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Royal Berks Charity Christmas at the Minster. Carols and more. 6pm for 7pm start. £7.50, groups of up to four £25. Under threes free. Details: https://register.enthuse. com/ps/event/Christmas atReadingMinster

SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

STRATFIELD SAYE –Wellington Farm Shop, Welsh Lane RG27 0LT. Table arrangement workshop. 7pm-9.30pm. Details: 0118 932 6132.

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: folio evening. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: The French Dispatch (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com Friday, December 2

ALDERMASTON – St Mary the Virgin, Church Street. The York Nativity Play. 8pm. Free, but tickets must be ordered in advance. Details: aldermastonnativity.co.uk

CROWTHORNE – Across high street. Late night shopping evening. 5.30pm-7.30pm.

CROWTHORNE – Methodist Church, Dukes Ride RG45 6LT. Festival of Angels. Details: www.crowthorne methodistchurch.org.uk

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society presents The Sleeping Beauty. 7.30pm. £10, family tickets £35. Details: ticketsource. co.uk/crowthornecats

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

PANGBOURNE – Woking Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS. Christmas evening: stalls, Santa, and the Kitty Mazinsky Quartet. From 6pm.

READING – The Greyfriars, Greyfriars Road. Christmas Carol evening: mince pies, singing, beer and more. 7pm. Free.

SANDHURST – St Michael & All Angels Church, Lower Church Road GU47 8HN. Sandhurst Silver Band Christmas Concert. 7.30pm. £10, concessions £8. Details: wegottickets. com/event/561952

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road. Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 6pm-8pm. Details: www.trybooking. co.uk/BYPR

TILEHURST – Park Lane Primary, School Road RG31 5BD. Christmas Bazaar. 3.45pm-6pm. £1.

TWYFORD – Across village. Street fayre. 6pm-9pm. Details: www. twyfordtogether.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 – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat. 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, Dec 3

ALDERMASTON – St Mary the Virgin, Church Street. The York Nativity Play. 7pm. Free, but tickets must be ordered in advance. Details: aldermastonnativity.co.uk

BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane. South Berks Concert Band Christmas concert. £10, under 16s free. Details: southberksmusic.org.uk

CAVERSHAM – St Peter’s Church, The Warren RG4 7TH. Christmas market. 10am. Details: www. ctmparish.org.uk

CHARVIL – Charvil Village Hall, Park Lane. Christmas singing afternoon for female voices. £10, includes music and refreshments. Details: 0118 934 0589 or suzanneynewman@ btinternet.com

CROWTHORNE –Crowthorne Church of England Primary School, Dukes Ride RG45 6ND. Christmas fair: food, gifts, sweets, games and more. Noon-4pm. Details: 01344 772089

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society presents The Sleeping Beauty. 2pm and 7.30pm. £10, family tickets £35. Details: ticketsource.co.uk/ crowthornecats

CROWTHORNE – Wildmoor Heath, Crowthorne Road RG45 7PW. Annual sale of Scots Pine Christmas trees harvested by Berkshire Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust volunteers. 11am-3pm. Details: 01635874381

HURST – Village Hall, School Road. St Nicholas Church

presents its Christmas Fayre. 11.30am-3pm. Stalls, bake sale, cards, decorations, children’s activities and more. Father Christmas arrives at noon.

PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall.

EARLEY – Aldryngton School, off Silverdale Road. Christmas Fair: Face painting, stalls, crafts, mulled wine, barbecue, Santa’s Grotto, raffle and more. 11am-3pm.

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-noon. Details: thamesvalley farmers market.co.uk

READING – Emmanuel Methodist Church, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Christmas fayre 10.30am-1.30pm. Details: www.emmanuel methodistreading.org.uk

READING – St Bart’s Theatre, St Bartholomews Road RG1 3QA. Dance Reading Festival 22 presents JUMP! 7pm. £6. Details: www.readcollege.org or 0118 966 6275.

READING – Tyndale Baptist Church, Cressingham Road RG2 7JE. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Association in Reading presents Windrush thanks and praise service. 2pm. Luncheon and awards ceremony. Ticket only, £5. 3pm. Details: svgareading. org.uk

SILCHESTER - Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Village market. 10am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 970 0999 or www. silchestervillagemarket. org.uk.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR. Comedy with headliner Iszi Lawrence, presented by Mates Rates Comedy. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 978 4529.

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Wokingham Eco-living Christmas Fair. 11am-3pm.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Eastwood Chamber Orchestra concert. 7.30pm. £10, students £5. Details: Www. eastwoodco.org/nextconcert

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS.

Christmas Sing-a-long with The Barberettes and The Baptist Church Choir. 11am-12.30pm. Free, donations towards town mayor’s charity Kaleidoscopic UK. Details: 0118 975 0882.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, Dec 4

ALDERMASTON – St Mary the Virgin, Church Street. The York Nativity Play. 7pm. Free, but tickets must be ordered in advance. Details: aldermastonnativity.co.uk

CALCOT – Kennet Valley Caterpillars Preschool, Holybrook Centre, Carters Rise, RG31 7YT. Christmas event, including Santa’s Grotto. 1pm4pm. Booking for Santa essential. Details: www. kennetvalleycaterpillars. co.uk

CAVERSHAM – St Peter’s Church, The Warren RG4 7TH. Advent carols 6.30pm. Details: www. ctmparish.org.uk

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road. Crowthorne Amateur

Theatrical Society presents The Sleeping Beauty. 2pm. £10, family tickets £35. Details: ticketsource.co.uk/ crowthornecats

READING – St Barnabas Church, Elm Road. Christingle. 4pm. Details: readinggateway.church

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Christmas Art Market. 11am-4.30pm. Free entry. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: risingsunartscentre.org

READING – St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road RG1 5JT. Tamesis Chamber Choir and the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah. 6pm. £15, students and children £5. Details: tamesischamberchoir.com

SHINFIELD – From Foster Wheeler building, Whitley Wood Road. Toy Run. 1pm. Roads towards High Close School will face rolling road closurest.

STREATLEY – Morrell Room, Church Lane RG8 9HT. Musical Mystery Tour Family Cushion Concert with Simon Mayor and Hilary James. 3pm. £8. Details: www. childrensmusic.co.uk

SWINLEY FOREST. Thames Hospice annual Santa Dash. 9.45am. Details: thameshospice.org.uk

TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading’s Indie Market. From noon-5pm. Crafts, food, and more. Oh, and beer. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – St Crispin’s Sports Centre, London Road RG40 1SS. Crispin Antique and Collectors Fair. £1. 10am-3pm. Details: 07723 068189.

WOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Church, Sturges Road RG41 2HE. South

Berkshire Singers Christmas Celebration, with children from St Teresa’s Primary School Choir. £5, in aid of Corpus Christi Africa Fund. Details: southberkshiresingers. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Market Place RG40 1AS. Antique market. 10am-4pm. Details: acvrevents.co.uk

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Christmas Extravaganza. 10am-3pm. Details: .woodleytowncentre.co.uk

7

number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter

use your knowledge of words to work out which letters

the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number

the main grid and control grid.

Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

1.

The headquarters of the

Open University are in which town? 2. Otello and

Laura Carmichael is best known for playing Lady Edith Crawley in which TV drama series?

P E U

EQUALISER

each

Easy Hard

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.

FIVE ALIVE: NONAGRAM: SOLUTIONS

unmet. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; subtract; multiply; divide. Total: 4. 6948 723 15 5726 318 49 1839 452 67 9 3 7 5 2 6 1 8 4 2581 947 36 4167 839 52 7 2 5 4 1 8 6 9 3 3612 594 78 8493 675 21 5913 246 78 8469 173 52 2378 561 49 3 1 8 7 4 5 2 9 6 6251 984 37 9746 328 15 4 5 9 2 6 3 7 8 1 1824 795 63 7635 819 24 WORD PYRAMID: Jack-in-the-pulpit. MAGIC SQUARE: clan; lice; ache; need. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Classify; 5 Chic; 9 A la mode; 10 Turin; 11 Lie; 12 Goatee; 15 Point; 17 Drop; 19 Unclad; 22 Pepsin; 24 Tyre; 26 Wurst; 27 Instil; 30 Imp; 32 Inner; 33 Paucity; 34 Hard; 35 Transmit. Down – 1 Clan; 2 Alamo; 3 Shout; 4 Feeler; 6 Heroics; 7 Constant; 8 Steppe; 13 Ail; 14 Eddy; 16 Outweigh; 18 Open; 20 Coroner; 21 Attire; 23 Pat; 25 Ripper; 28 Spurn; 29 Idiom; 31 Cyst. Across – 1 Jericho; 8 Cantata; 9 Satanic; 10 Untwist; 11 Trollop; 12 Yardage; 14 Terrier; 18 Hormone; 20 Calumny; 21 Muzzled; 22 Essence; 23 Derider. Down – 1 Just the ticket;

8. 2 13 15

1. In France I ordered choir to old city (7) 11

Able to give repeated thanks for choral composition (7) 3 13 17

9. 4 8 10 12 16 18 21 23

Did not stand for corrupt Cain being wicked (7) 10. Disentangle confused nitwits (you, see, not I) (7) 11. Slovenly woman had £2 invested in the Scouts (7) 12. Police HQ takes a long time to make measurement (7) 14. Row about stray dog (7) 18. Bodily secretion upset moorhen (7) 20. With no end of luck many contrived slander (7) 21. Prevented from having free speech (7) 22. Distinctive nature of German city church (7) 23. Person mocking jockey after editor returns (7) 14

5 19

10

6 17 18

1. Exactly what is needed by trainee? (4,3,6) 2. Nothing left out of speech allocation (6) 3. A clan interfered with the waterway (5) 4. Hold post and take up space (6) 5. Integral authority? (7) 6. Animal destroyed thin layer (6) 7. He hopes to make money on the stock market (6,7) 13. Colour of agricultural workers’ shirt! (7)

15. Zest for sauce (6)

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

CHAMBERS: ‘IT’S A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY’

After the tournament kicked off on Sunday, the Royals boss feels this is the ideal time to present a different side of the game.

“The whole experience will be different for fans travelling to those games (in Qatar),” said Chambers.

“We do have a different product to the men’s game with the fan engagement and the closeness we have with those fans.

“It’s something I believe that gets fans through the food with the personal touch. We’ve got to make sure we use this time to grow our attendances as much as possible.

The Yellas have now claimed 10 consecutive victories to set a new club

to move to the summit.

Brendan Matthew scored four goals in a clinical display, while a brace from Josh Harris and a goal from Sean McCormack helped Ascot claim a huge 7-1 victory over Hilltop.

Ascot are top of the table after winning 12 of their 13 matches. They are on 36 points, putting them one ahead of Reading City.

Up next for the Yellamen is a home league tie with London Lions on Saturday, November 26, before they host Little Common at home on the again on Saturday, December 3, in the Third Round Proper of the FA Vase.

“We need to grab those people and get them through the door. It’s a window of opportunity and we need to grab it with both hands.

“It’s great. It gives fans an opportunity to go to those stadiums, you get higher attendances and can be used as a whole day experience.

“Off the back of the Euros we will get some really big crowds and we hope to see more of that happening.

“All the clubs knew the biggest thing we wanted to change was getting fans in the door and build fanbases as individual clubs.

“The Euros has been an advocate for us to be able to do that and has been a stepping stone to getting people in.”

READING FC Women’s manager Kelly Chambers wants the Women’s Super League to capitalise on attendances during the Men’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

ASCOT UNITED are the new leaders in the Combined Counties Premier North after they smacked seven past Hilltop on Tuesday night.

record

SUMAS DROP DOWN AFTER DERBY LOSS TO CITY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Reading City 6 Sumas 2

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK

lost out in the local derby after Reading City maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign in Combined Counties Premier North.

The defeat means that Wokingham drop down to 18th position in the table with 11 points from 19 games.

In a match pitting two sides at contrasting ends of the table in a local derby clash, it was the Cityzens who took the points and maintained their stunning league form in a goal filled contest.

City broke the deadlock after 17 minutes from the penalty

spot when Josh Baines finished emphatically as the ball smacked the underside of the bar on its way in.

The Sumas replied just seven minutes later when Jake Woods drove forward for the visitors and lashed a lethal shot into the bottom corner to level the scores.

The goals kept coming and Reading were back in front in the 31st minute when Eddie Lee latched on to a long ball and rolled the ball past Sean Woodward to finish.

With an hour gone, Sumas were still well in the contest before Reading City found a late flurry of goals to take the points.

Joe Pilling hit a stunning strike on the hour mark to make it 3-1 and added a fourth

and fifth through Tyler D’Cruz.

City put the game well beyond doubt with a fifth goal with 10 minutes to go and Joe Waight struck a sixth.

The Sumas clawed back a consolation goal from in stunning style when Joao Jardim hit a volley to make it 6-2.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK: Woodward, Williamson, Wright, Maunders, Wilson, West, Linturn, Mead, Jardim, Woods, Bossman

Subs: Gethin-Barkway, Whittaker, Hemlock, Haworth

READING CITY: York, Smith, Donville, Valentin, Veal (c), Coed, Baines, Davies, D’Cruz, Pilling, Lee

Subs: Thomas, Lazarczuk, Basterfield, Weight, Bangura

Goals: Baines 17’, Woods 24’, Lee 31’, Pilling 59’, D’Cruz 64’, 80’, Waight 85’, Jardim 89’

COMBINED COUNTIES FOOTBALL

Reading City took the points in a high scoring game against Wokingham & Emmbrook

Pictures: Andrew Batt

RAMS COACH PRAISES ‘INCREDIBLE’ RUN WOODLEY LOSE OUT ON AWAY TRIP

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

more explosive power to the squad.

He continued: “It’s gone well. Time is the biggest constraint for us in terms of training sessions, but the coaching team allowing us to continue working on power has been massive.

WOODLEY United’s away day blues continued with a third consecutive defeat on the road.

Having completed a perfect 10 bonus-point wins to start the season, the visitors will look to continue their dream start at Veritas Park.

Southwell said: “To get 10 wins you have to have everything in place, and it’s incredible from the players.

“The hard work the boys put in during pre-season has been key – they knew what we wanted from them, and they did it.

“We’re in our third season at National One – the first we were finding our feet, the second was a bit up and down at times, but now the guys know how to play.”

He continued: “There’s much more diversity in

how we’re scoring points. In the past it’s predominantly been from the forwards being so dominant, but now we’re playing expansively and some of the power and speed in the backs – Axel (Kalling-Smith) with his raw strength, the speed of Jak Rossiter, Birdy (Henry Bird) and Charlie Robson, it’s been huge.

“The pack speaks for itself in terms of how robust it is – we’re at least 50kg less than every other pack – but the ability we have at the set-piece counters that and we’re proud.”

Southwell and fellow strength and conditioning coach Daryl Watson mixed up their pre-season programme, looking to add

“It’s nice to hear a few people saying some of the success with the ball carrying potentially comes down to our suggestions, but ultimately it’s the guys on the field doing it.”

“The Plymouth game was the first time we’ve come under pressure in being behind going into the last quarter, but the guys dug deep.

“Having (captain) Robbie (Stapley) back helped in terms of the leadership, and credit to the guys with their fitness, they stuck at it for the full 80.

“We continued to defend the goal line for the last five minutes and that desire to play the full 80 and win games really shone through.”

As in recent games, United started strongly with Abdul Afolabi seeing an effort blocked in the opening minute and then shooting wide five minutes later after good work from Ed Thomas and Connor Richardson found the front man in a good position to shoot at goal.

Afolabi also saw a header, from a corner cleared of the BA goal line in the tenth minute.

The opening goal came following a corner kick and a spell of pinball in the Woodley penalty area as either side was able to control the ball until Ed Clements shot pass O’Sullivan in the 14th minute.

Hayles saw a shot go wide before James Barnett scored to double the hosts’ lead.

The home player fell to the ground on the edge of the visitors’ penalty area following a challenge and with the ball running free to the right wing, but Barnett jumped to his feet to strike the ball into the Woodley net.

British Airways were reduced to 10 players following the

With no forward threat Woodley were encouraged to attack but chances were still few and far.

The game was reduced to ten a side eight minutes from full time when Woodley substitute Sid Gbla was dismissed for a reckless challenge on British Airways‘ left back as the hosts held on to win.

RUGBY UNION

BRITISH AIRWAYS 2-0 WOODLEY UNITED

dismissal of Clements following an altercation with O’Sullivan.

Woodley were beaten by British Airways Picture: Peter Toft

Rams coaches Joe Southwell (left) and Daryl Watson (right)

RAMS’ strength and conditioning coach Joe Southwell has hailed an incredible effort from the players as they get set to return to National One action at Taunton Titans on Saturday (3pm).

WOODLEY BEAT BOARS, ASCOT UNITED

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

WOODLEY UNITED moved up to third after they got the better of EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA.

Maddie Sawyer put the Kestrels 1-0 in front in the 21st minute before Woodley wrapped the game up in second-half stoppage time after May Hamblin made it 2-0.

Woodley are on 13 points with four wins from six matches, while Eversley are in seventh with three point from five games.

CAVERSHAM UNITED were on the end of a heavy defeat to Long Crendon.

Tiffany Newland got on the scoresheet to reduce the deficit to 2-1 at the break, but the hosts hit back with four second-half goals to take a convincing 6-1 success.

Caversham are in sixth place with eight points from eight matches.

FA Trophy second-round

BRACKNELL TOWN flew through to the next round after their away triumph at Tonbridge Angels.

The Robins went in front after three minutes through Darryl Sanders, doubled their lead in the 23rd minute via an own goal before the hosts pulled a goal back

on the brink of half-time. Bracknell restored their lead through Jordan Esprit but Tonbridge quickly replied to make it 3-2.

With 15 minutes left, Joe Grant ensured Bracknell would be going through when he volleyed in at the back post.

Isthmian South Central

BINFIELD dropped to 10th after they tasted defeat to Southall.

The Moles went two goals

behind inside 10 minutes. They recovered to get a goal back when Kai Hobbs halved the deficit in the 69th minute, but the hosts held on to take the points.

Combined Counties Premier North

ASCOT UNITED made it 10 consecutive victories to storm to the top of the table after a clinical display against Hilltop on Tuesday night.

An oustading display included four goals from Brendan Matthew, a brace from Ollie Harris and a goal from Sean McCormack to confirm a huge 7-1 victory.

The Yellas have now overtaken Reading City to claim top spot with just one point separating the sides after 13 matches.

Combined Counties Division One

BERKS COUNTY are third

Woodley United Ladies win over Eversley & California Ladies saw them move up to third

Pictures: Andrew Batt

Ascot United Ladies v Eastleigh in the Community Pictures: Neil Graham

READINGTODAY

From the middle Dick SawdonSmith

in the table after they got the better of Rising Ballers Kensington.

The Swords turned the game around after going 1-0 down with goals from Charlie Oakley and Les Sackey to take a 3-1 success.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA moved above their opponents after taking three points against Molesey.

The Boars broke the deadlock after 37 minutes when Jamie Griggs put his team 1-0 ahead.

Just after the hour mark, Eversley found their second when Ash Howes marked his debut for the club with a goal.

Eversley held out to take

FOOTBALL

Thames Valley Premier League

FINCHAMPSTEAD took three more points in a closely contested match against READING CITY U23’s Dylan Parmar scored the only goal of the game to give Finch their seventh win of the league campaign.

They are on 23 points from their opening 10 matches, only trailing league leaders Yateley United who have won all 12 of their games.

BURGHFIELD maintained their spot in third place after they

a clean sheet and the win to put them up to 11th in the table on 20 points from 14 games.

Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “Great result for my squad yesterday, played some great stuff and worked hard off the ball to limit a side that were on a good run of form.

“Consistency now is the key moving forward.”

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division

ASCOT UNITED picked up their fourth win of the campaign after defeating

Eastleigh in the Community. A brace from Nicole Brown ensured that the Yellas earned three points with a 2-1 triumph.

Ascot are in third place on 14 points after taking four wins from their opening seven league matches.

Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy

TILEHURST PANTHERS made it through to the next round after an entertaining 10-goal cup tie with Milton Keynes City.

After taking a 6-4 win in the tie, the Panthers will now play in the semi-finals.

CITY

WARGRAVE progressed past BURGHFIELD with a convincing win. They scored four without reply to make it through to the next round.

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two

STORM TO TOP OF THE TABLE FINCHAMPSTEAD STAY SECOND WITH VICTORY OVER RDG

placed three past Slough Heating Laurencians without reply.

Jasper Rowland, James McClellan and Oliver Brown were on the scoresheet for the Fielders to put them on 18 points from seven games.

READING YMCA climbed up to fourth place after they defeated Westwood Wanderers.

Goals from Sam Tucker and Pele Hagger saw YMCA collect a 2-1 victory.

They are on 16 points from their first nine matches having won five.

WARGRAVE suffered a narrow

defeat which saw them beaten 4-3 by table toppers Yateley.

Bracknell & District Sunday

Premier Division: FC Showcase 2-0 AFC Dukes, Finchampstead Athletic 5-0 William Twigg, Wokingham & Emmbrook TMW 3-3 Freeman Royals

Cup: Paggies Bar 5-4 Raglan, One

Bracknell Athletic 1-9 Bracknell Royals, FC Harmanswater 4-1 Braybrooke Athletic, Winnersh Rangers 2-4 B’nell Spartan Vets Two

AFC Dukes Reserves 2-3 Bracknell Saint Germain, Finchampstead Athletic Reserves 11-0 FC Bracknell Saints, Harts of Bracknell Stags 6-3 Silver Birch, Hope & Anchor 3-2

S4k BERKS COUNTY picked up their first win of the season on the road at Oxford City U23’s.

Kate Stewart netted a brace and Megan Cox was also on the scoresheet to help the Fawkes to a 3-1 win.

The victory puts S4K up to ninth in the table where they have six points from seven games.

BEFORE we get too bound up in the World Cup matches, let me take you back to a recent Premier League game when Crystal Palace were home to Chelsea.

There was one small incident that created a lot of heat.

Chelsea defender, Thiago Silva, deliberately knocked the ball out of Palace’s Jordan Ayew’s path, with his hand.

The Crystal Palace manager, Patrick Viera, felt that he should have been sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity.

The referee however, whilst giving a direct free kick to Palace, only supplemented this with a yellow card.

There are two situations here.

Firstly, a deliberate handball does not in itself mean a red or yellow card.

The penalty for a handball offence is a direct free kick, or a penalty if in the offenders own penalty area.

There are only three occasions when a yellow card should be added and only one when it should be a red card.

The yellow cards come under the heading of Unsporting Behaviour.

These are if a player handles the ball to score a goal (whether successful or not), or if the player makes an unsuccessful attempt to prevent a goal.

The third one is if a player handles the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack.

A red card would be given if the handball denies a goal or obvious goal scoring opportunity.

So after deciding the handball was deliberate, how does the referee judge whether it broke down a promising attack or denied a goal scoring opportunity.

The Law says for denying a goal scoring opportunity the player is sent off wherever the offence takes place, but it goes on to say, the referee must consider the distance between the offence and the goal and then the general direction of play’.

This usually means going forward but not necessarily.

Consideration must also be given to ‘the likelihood of the attacker keeping or gaining control of the ball’.

&

If the ball has run too far in front of the attacker for instance, it might mean he is unlikely to score.

Finally the referee must take into account’ the location and number of defenders’.

In other words are there any on-field defenders who could tackle the attacker before he gets into what is obviously a goal scoring position.

Taking this all into consideration, in the Crystal Palace v Chelsea game, the referee obviously felt that Silva’s handball interfered with a promising attack, rather than denied a goal scoring opportunity.

How they rated

JACQUELINE BURNS

Made some useful saves in the first-half, but made an error which effectively ended Reading’s chance of a comeback when she was sent off.

EMMA MUKANDI

Struggled to deal with the threat of Rachel Daly, as did the whole of the Reading defence, as she worked towards her hat-trick.

GEMMA EVANS

Defended strongly and showcased some excellent work when she stopped Alisha Lehmann getting through on goal.

DIANNE CALDWELL

Guilty as the rest of the back line who failed to pick up Daly on a few occasions from corners and the Lionesses star punished them.

JUSTINE VANHAEVERMAET

Wasn’t able to stamp her usual authority in midfield as Villa controlled most of the play after the initial good spell from Reading.

LILY WOODHAM

Delivered some nice crosses from set pieces but her teammates were unable to take advantage.

AMALIE EIKELAND

Provided plenty of industry up top, worked hard for her side when they needed her defensively. Had a couple of sights at goal.

TIA PRIMMER

A decent showing in the firsthalf but had to be sacrificed in the second-half after Burns was sent off.

LAUREN WADE

Scored her first goal for the Royals when she was quickest to react to Dowie’s kick, and smashed a volley past the keeper.

RACHEL ROWE

Showed excellent footwork on several occasions. Created a few opportunities for her side but was nullified towards the end.

NATASHA DOWIE

Showed her aerial threat to flick the ball on to set up Wade’s opener. Unlucky to see the ball deflect off her as Daly put Villa in front.

Deanna Cooper 5, Grace Moloney 5, Faye Bryson 6

ROYALS DEFEATED AFTER DALY HITS HAT-TRICK FOR VICTORIOUS VILLA

ASTON VILLA 3

READING 1

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC women’s unbeaten run against Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League came to an end after a hat-trick from Lionesses star Rachel Daly.

The Royals took the lead for the first time this campaign when Lauren Wade found her first goal for the club.

Villa turned the game around with two goals before the break through Daly who then sealed her treble in the second-half after Reading had been reduced to 10 players after goalkeeper Jackie Burns was sent off.

Following their defeat at home to Manchester City prior to the international break, Kelly Chambers made three changes to her team to try and ignite them to find more attacking threat.

Natsha Dowie, Tia Primmer and Lauren Wade came into the team as the Royals looked to find their second Women’s Super League win of the campaign.

Villa created the first big opening of the match with two minutes on the clock when Rachel Daly pulled the ball back for Kenza Dali who’s strike at goal whistled just wide of the post.

Playing at Villa Park in front of a bumper crowd, Reading stunned the hosts when they struck early.

With just seven minutes gone,

Lauren Wade was quickest to react from Natasha Dowie’s knock down after Rachel Rowe’s free-kick delivery and she smashed the ball past Anna Leat on the volley from close range.

Villa looked to respond when Alisha Lehmann showed her pace to race onto a long ball, but Royals defender Gemma Evansstyed focused to track her run, block her shot before Daly smacked a shot wide on the follow up.

Reading were defending resolutely to maintain their lead and goalkeeper Jackie Burns twice came out confidently to punch away the danger after two dangerous free-kicks.

Having begun to apply pressure in the final 20 minutes of the half, the home team were rewarded for their efforts with an equaliser in the 37th minute.

After knocking a cross to the back post, Daly was able to guide the ball into the far corner to continue her excellent scoring form since arriving at Villa in the summer.

Reading had a couple of half chances to try and restore their lead when Dowie and Wade both tried their luck from distance, but both shots were comfortably caught by Leat.

On the brink of half-time, the Villains edged themselves in front. Meeting Rachel Corsie’s corner at the front post, Daly flicked the ball goalwards and the ball found the net via a deflection off Dowie.

Reading came out with intent at the start of the second-half and

won a corner 30 seconds after the restart. Lily Woodham put in an inviting delivery but Villa stayed organised to clear.

Villa responded quickly with a corner of their own after Lehmann was played into the right channel and saw her cross put behind by Diane Caldwell.

Daly, looking to complete a hattrick of headers, was first to get to the ball but headed wide of the target this time

Villa missed a golden chance to make it 3-1 in the 52nd minute when Sarah Mayling dug out a cross into the six yard area to find Kirstyn Hanson who nodded over the top of Burns’ goal.

Chambers made her first two changes of the game just after the

Match stats

hour mark when Faye Bryson and Deanna Cooper replaced Wade and Caldwell.

Reading’s task was made significantly harder when they were reduced to 10 players after goalkeeper Burns was given her marching orders.

After Hanson raced through on goal and put the ball past the keeper, Burns raced out of her box and brought the Villa player down, leaving the referee no choice but to send her off after denying a goal scoring opportunity.

The dismissal forced Chambers into another change as substitute goalkeeper Grace Moloney came on to replace Tia Primmer.

Despite being a player down, Reading still pushed on to try and find a way back into the match. A storming run into the box from Lily Woodham was put to a stop by Danielle Turner’s expertly timed tackle

But the game was put beyond doubt when Villa were awarded a penalty kick after Evans fouled Daly in the box.

Daly stepped up to the spot and sent Moloney the wrong way to stroke the ball calmly into the bottom corner to notch her third goal of the afternoon and her eighth of the WSL season.

The defeat leaves Reading just one place above the bottom of the table in 11th with three points from their opening seven matches.

They are back in action on Thursday evening when they host Liverpool at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Amalie Eikeland moves forward for the Royals Reading FC Women slipped to their sixth defeat in seven league games Stock Pictures: Steve Smyth

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

ASTON VILLA: Leat, Mayling, Patten, Turner, Pacheco, Corsie (c), Dali, Blindkilde, Lehmann, Daly, Hanson SUBS: Hampton, Gielnik, McLoughlin, Gregory, Gregory, Goodwin, Mullett

READING: Burns, Mukandi (c), Evans, Caldwell, Woodham, Vanhaevermaet, Primmer, Wade, Eikeland, Wade, Dowie

SOUTH BERKS 5s EARN HOME POINT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Women’s Thames 4

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 5s collected a point after a fraw with Iver Burnham.

Corinna Payne and Chloe Hazell netted for South Berks to help them earn a 2-2 stalemate.

South Central Men’s Premier Division 2

SOUTH BERKSHIRE are in third position after they earned their fifth win of the season.

South Berks scored four in their 4-2 success at Wycombe.

Sam Fox-Harvey netted a double and goals from Ravi Patel and Paul Kaplanski helped them to take the points.

They are in third with 15 points from their opening seven matches.

South Central Men’s North Division 2

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s are still seeking their first win of the season after they lost away at Bicester.

The 2-1 defeat means South Berks are in 11th with two points from seven games.

South Central Women’s North Division 1

SOUTH BERKSHIRE added three points to their total by beating Staines at home.

Yellie Powley and Chloe Willoughy scored to help South Berks to a 2-0 victory.

South Berks are second in the table with 16 points from seven games.

South Central Women’s North Division 3

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s collected a point on the road after a goalless draw with Marlow 4s.

South Berks are in fourth with 15 points after their opening eight matches.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s suffered a home loss to Milton Keynes 2s.

The 2-0 defeat leaves them with just one point from their first seven games.

South Central Women’s North Division 2

SONNING 2s were dealt their fifth league defeat of the season at Marlow 3s.

The 2-0 loss means Sonning are in 10th on six points from seven games.

ROYALS RETURN HOME TO HOST REDS

READING FC WOMEN are back on home turf when they take on Liverpool on Thursday.

The Royals are currently in 11th place in the Women’s Super League after suffering six defeats from seven games.

The Royals were scheduled to host Liverpool in the opening weekend of the new season, but the fixture was postponed after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, as was the rest of the football calendar.

Liverpool are currently one place and one point above Reading in the table.

The Reds won promotion back to the WSL after topping the Championship last season after winning 16 of their 22 matches to take the title by 11 points.

Matt Beard’s team took a point at the weekend after they snatched

a stoppage time equaliser away at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Liverpool found themselves 3-1 down with just 15 minutes left to play but they managed to claw back two goals to take a point from an unlikely position.

Shanice Van de Sanden got them back into the game in the 76th minute before former Reading player Rachel Furness netted a 92nd minute leveller to make it 3-3.

Liverpool made a spectacular return in their first game back in the top flight after they got the better of defending WSL champions Chelsea.

Having gone goal down after former Royal Fran Kirby scored from the penalty spot, in a game of three spot kicks, it was Liverpool who shocked the odds to win the match after a double from Katie Stengel.

After making a superb start to the season, Liverpool endured a poor run of form that saw them lose five consecutive league matches.

They were beaten at home in the Merseyside derby by Everton before defeats to Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa.

However, they ended their losing run at Brighton and are now one point above the Royals as a result.

Reading currently have an unbeaten record against Liverpool.

In their five meetings, Reading have won four and drawn one.

The teams last met in the WSL in 2019 which saw Reading take three points away from home after Fara Williams scored the only goal of the game.

On their last trip to face Reading

away from home, Liverpool went home with a point after a 2-2 draw in December 2018.

Courtney Sweetman-Kirk put the Reds ahead after 10 minutes before Williams levelled the match.

Another strike from Sweetman-Kirk restored Liverpool’s lead, but again Reading found an equaliser through Williams with six minutes to go to take a point.

Faye Bryson in action for the Royals Stock Pictures: Steve Smyth

South Berks Ladies 5s fight to win the ball

Rachel Rowe (pictured) is Reading’s top scorer this season

South Berks Ladies 3s v Milton Keynes Ladies 2s

South Berks Ladies 5s on the attack

South Berks Ladies 5s v Iver Burnham Ladies

South Berks Ladies 3s lost out at home

Pictures: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Having spent the last 12 weeks preparing for the competition which took place on Saturday, November 5 and Saturday, November 13, both women achieved great success.

Jacquie said: “We have spent the last 12 weeks preparing for the competition which involves a strict nutrition and training regime and are proud of what we have achieved.

“It has been great to prep together and keep each motivated. It goes to show what cna be achieved if you put your mind to it.

“This was a huge line up of experienced athletes and we both feel we brought our best physiques to date.”

Having both won pro cards in last year’s Pure Elite competition at High Wycombe, Jacquie and Denis were able to compete at the Pro Level.

Both women entered multiple categories and placed top three in all of them.

Jacquie finished in second place in Fitness Over 35, while Denise collected third place in the Over 45s.

Jacquie continued: “We have both progressed over the last 12 weeks and this prep has been tough, mainly due to a torn hamstring I have been rehabbing alongside this training.

“I have had to adapt a lot of exercises with my coach and physio to prevent further injury.

“But we made it work and I’m pleased with the look I brought to the stage.”

WEEKEND ACTION BINFIELD CAPTAIN MOORE DEPARTS

By STAFF WRITER

give FCB a deserved half-time lead which James extended soon after the break.

A monster kick from Toby in goal set Tom clear to score and then Frankie made it 4-0.

separated both teams with the Blues losing 1-0.

The U15 Colts put in a great display edging out Wargrave beating them 1-0.

Bracknell U12 narrowly lost against Twickenham Tigers 2-0l, while the U12 Youth had a tough match on their travels to Wargrave losing 7-0.

FC Bracknell U12’s Royals suffered a 3-0 defeat against AFC Reading

It was another great team performance from FC Bracknell U13s, carrying on their momentum from last week’s match with a 4-2 win over Wargrave Wolves.

With no subs due to injuries and illness, the 11 players worked their socks off all game and pressed well giving Wargrave no time on the ball while creating good chances for themselves.

Ethan opened the scoring to

The work rate was always likely to catch up towards the end of the match and Wargrave made subs and pulled two goals back as players tired a little but everyone dug in for the final 10 minutes to secure the win.

The parents recognised the whole team for their hard work and performance while the coaches called out Louie and Riley for their defensive work and tackling to limit the opposition’s chances.

The U14’s were back in action against Holyport but the match didn’t go their way losing 3-1.

U15’s hosted Maidenhead and only the one goal

AFC Charvil took all the points against our U16’s putting four past the blues, the final score was 4-3 to Charvil.

The U16 Youth were away to Whitegrove & Warfield Saints and after an end to end match, the Blues scooped 3 points by winning 4-1.

The U17 Colts also played Whitegrove & Warfield but lost out 5-1

The U18 were away in Holyport and after a tough match, the Blues beat Holyport 4-2.

In the senior section the injury hit FC Bracknell Saints lost 11-0 against Finchampstead and FC Bracknell didn’t fare so well losing 3-0 to Nameless FC first team.

Moore has helped Binfield achieve great success during his time with the club.

Moore led the side out at Wembley Stadium in the biggest day in the club’s history after they enjoyed a remarkable cup journey to make it all the way to the FA Vase final in 2021.

Led by managers Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg, the Moles fell just short in the final and were beaten in a thrilling 3-2 contest by Warrington Rylands.

He also helped the team to achieve promotion from the Hellenic League Premier Division to move up to Step 4.

Moore had netted seven goals in appearances for Binfield this season and will now play for Hanwell in the Southern Premier League in Step 3.

A statement released by the club reads: “Club captain and striker Sean Moore has informed the club that he will be accepting an offer from Southern Premier League side Hanwell Town.

“Binfield would like to thank Sean for all of his hard work and effort throughout his time with the moles, and wish him well for the rest of the season and beyond.”

RESULTS

Saturday, November 19

FOOTBALL

Isthmian South Central Southall 2-1 Binfield

FA Trophy second round Tonbridge 2-4 Bracknell Town

Combined Counties Premier North Reading City 6-2 Sumas Virginia Water 1-2 Ascot United

Combined Counties Division One

Berks County 0-1 Rising Ballers British Airways 2-0 Woodley United Molesey 0-2 Eversley & California

Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield 3-0 Slough Heating Laurencians Finchampstead 1-0 Reading City U23’s Yateley United 4-3 Wargrave

HOCKEY Women’s National Premier Division Reading v Hampstead and Westminster

South Central Men’s Division 1 Marlow 2s v Sonning

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 1-0 Southampton

Sunday, November 20

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Aston Villa 3-1 Reading

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Ascot United 2-1 Eastleigh

Southern Region Women’s Division North Caversham United 1-6 Long Crendon Woodley United 2-0 Eversley & California

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Ascot United Reserves 6-1 Harwell and Hendred

Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy Milton Keynes City 4-6 Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave L-L Burghfield

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two Oxford City U23’s 1-3 S4K Berks County

Tuesday, November 22

Isthmian South Central Binfield 4-1 Tooting & Mitcham

Combined Counties Premier North Ascot United 7-1 Hilltop

FIXTURES

Saturday, November 26

Southern League Premier Hendon v Bracknell Town

Isthmian South Central Binfield v Leatherhead

Combined Counties Premier North Ascot United v London Lions Flackwell Heath v Reading City Sumas v Holyport

Combined Counties Division One

Eversley & California v London Samurai Rovers Rayners Lane v Berks County Woodley United v Hillingdon Borough Sandhurst Town v CB Hounslow United

RUGBY UNION National League One Taunton Titans v Rams

Regional 1 South Central Havant v Bracknell

Regional 2 South Central Witney v Reading

HOCKEY Women’s National Premier Division Buckingham v Reading

South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning v Newbury & Thatcham

South Central Women’s Premier Division Oxford v Sonning

Thursday, November 24

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading v Liverpool Sunday, November 27

HOCKEY Men’s National Premier Division Reading v Exeter University

FOOTBALL

FA WSL Cup Southampton v Reading

Southern Region Women’s Division One North Eversley & California v Kidlington Youth Woodley United v Penn & Tylers Green Caversham United v Milton United

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Tilehurst Panthers v Ascot United Reserves Wargrave v Slough Town

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two S4K Berks County v Wycombe Wanderers Reserves

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Burghfield v Caversham AFC Shinfield Rangers v Wargrave Development

FC Bracknell paid tribute to its founding member Don Allston who was laid to rest last week.

sportwokingham.today

BINFIELD FC club captain Sean Moore has departed the club to join Hanwell Town.

WOKINGHAM based personal trainers Jacquie Gee and Denise Read collected seven trophies in the over 40 category in the Pure Elite Bikini Body Building contest.

Jacquie Gee

Denise Read