Wokingham Today, October 20, 2022

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By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM Borough Council’s decision to implement new parking charges across the borough has been called in for review by the Wokingham Conservatives.

The proposals, due to start in January next year, would see two parking zones implemented with higher rises in Wokingham town centre compared to the rest of the borough.

These will now be reviewed again by the council’s overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday, October 25.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, leader of the Wokingham Conservative Group, said: “Residents have not been consulted on these huge increases in the cost of parking in towns across the borough.

“People are struggling, but where the previous Conservative administration offered help, the Lib Dems, backed by Labour and the Independents, are making life harder for people.

“Local businesses will understandably be concerned that this could put people off from coming into the town.”

The Conservatives grounds for the call-in, based on the council’s constitution, include a lack of consultation, a presumption of openness, no alternatives and the fact it was a key decision being taken.

Cllr Jorgensen said: “We believe this decision needs to be looked at again.

“These charges planned by the Lib Dem/Labour coalition will do nothing to promote local economic growth after businesses were hit hard by covid and are facing uncertainty during the cost of living crisis.”

The Conservatives have also launched a petition to see the rise in parking charges reversed which has garnered more than 1,000 signatures.

It will be presented to the council at an executive meeting tonight, Thursday, October 20.

New look at parking price rises Rallying cry to support art project

Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: “We’re aware of this petition and the points it raises, which we sought to address by amending the proposal based on the comments we received before making the final decision.

ALL ABOARD THE ARC

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A RALLYING cry has been issued to ensure a new landmark sculpture for Wokingham will go ahead.

Arts4Wokingham is seeking public subscription for The Arc, which will be created outside the new Carnival Hub development, acting as a gateway to the town.

The project is not being funded by Wokingham Borough Council,

so the charity is seeking support from businesses, residents, philanthropic organisations, and arts lovers.

Among the first is Wokingham estate agency David Cliff.

The company’s managing director, also called David Cliff, was delighted to add his firm’s backing to the unique sculpture, a series of interlapping arches each containing words and phrases associated with the borough.

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End of bin liners is ‘a breach of constitution’

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

THE FUTURE of caddy liners for food bins remains in limbo after the Wokingham Conservatives calledin a decision made by Wokingham Borough Council.

At a meeting of its ruling executive on Thursday, September 30, councillors approved a proposal to stop providing free bags to line food waste caddies.

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure at Wokingham Borough Council, said the reason for the decision was to save funds as the council faced “immense financial pressures”.

The Wokingham Conservatives argue the decision breached the council’s constitution so five councillors called it in for a review.

Councillors Parry Batth, Laura Blumenthal, Norman Jorgensen,

Pauline Jorgensen and Gregor Murray felt due consultation had not taken place.

They said a further breach of the constitution was made as it wasn’t included in the forward programme, a document provided to members when key decisions are being made.

The call in will be reviewed by an overview and scrutiny management committee on Monday, October 24.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, leader of the Wokingham Conservative Group, is against the removal of caddy bags.

At a council meeting last month, she said: “The Conservative Group believe that the removal of free caddy liners is likely to damage the level of food recycling in the borough, this is when food recycling has a target to increase.”

Cllr Shenton has previously criticised the former Conservative administration for not allocating funding for the bags in the budget – something the Conservatives dispute.

“They were funded by taking money from the garden waste scheme income,” he said.

“I regard that as a financially irresponsible way of funding an ongoing, repeated expense.

“In June, I was informed the stock was exhausted, the cost had escalated by around 50% and there was no budget provision.

“I declined to find the £100,000 from elsewhere. No key decision was taken because there was no budget provision.”

If the decision to remove free liners does go ahead, residents will be encouraged to use alternatives such as empty bread bags, line with newspaper or buy caddy liners from supermarkets.

Spook-tacular display to take over Woodley garden

A WOODLEY garden is set to be taken over by ghosts and ghoulish figures this weekend.

From Saturday, the garden of the 117 Shackleton Way will become a spook-tacular site with plenty of interactive activities.

Ronnie Goodberry, who is organising the Hallowe’en display, said: “It’s all about the children so there is nothing too scary.

“We have plenty of interactive things like a six-foot butler who will greet you, a barking two-headed dog, Scumpy the scarecrow, and a tombstone photo booth.

“This year I am going all out.”

Although visiting the garden is completely free, Mr Goodberry is fundraising for Children’s Cancer UK.

Donation cauldrons will be available on site for anyone wanting to support the cause. The garden forms part of the RG Hallowe’en Hunt where residents across Berkshire turn their homes into spooky settings.

Each RG postcode has been designated a Hallowe’en themed name, with RG5 known as “Vampire”.

This year more than 150 homes have committed to taking part with displays remaining in place throughout the half term, ending on Monday, October 31. For more information, or a map, search RG Hallowe’en Hunt on Facebook.

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SCARY STUFF: Ronnie Goodberry’s display last year Picture: Ronnie Goodberry

Light fantastic: A celebration of Diwali attracts thousands

Car park review

n Continued from front page

“Once we receive the petition, we’ll deal with it in line with our agreed protocol.”

Cllr Fishwick believes the revised increases, as approved at the executive on Thursday, September 29, represent “the best possible compromise” between taking people’s concerns into account and the need to make up a deficit in the parking budget.

He said: “After receiving feedback, including representation from businesses as well as residents, we chose to lessen the impact on season ticket prices and evening charges while establishing a two-tier system with lower increases for car parks outside Wokingham town centre.

“This decision has since been called in, meaning it won’t be implemented as soon as possible to start making up the deficit costing around £45,000 per month, but will be scrutinised more closely by a special committee of councillors and could be referred to the executive for more detailed discussion.

“This can happen when major decisions are taken and is a normal part of the democratic process.”

From January, car parks will charge seven days a week from 6am to 10pm, changing from the current 8am-6pm Monday to Saturday.

Wokingham town centre car parks will charge £1.30 for the first hour, an increase from 80p.

Two hours would more than double from £1.20 to £2.50, while all-day rates would go from £4 to £9.

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

NEARLY 4,000 people came together to celebrate the Hindu festivals Diwali and Dussehra in Sonning last weekend.

The first Reading Dussehra Diwali Festival took place at Reading Cricket Club on Saturday, to mark Diwali, the festival of light, and Dussehra, the festival of good over evil.

Attendees were entertained by more than 40 artists throughout the afternoon including singers, dancers, Dhol drummers and a performance of a traditional Ramayan drama.

The focal point of the celebration was the effigy burning of demon king Raavan, an age-old tradition during Dussehra.

Ritesh Nigam, part of the organising team who also arranges the Reading Mela, said: “It was a stunning afternoon and the burning of the effigy was spectacular.

“There were plenty of families bringing their children to see it and some that had travelled from far away.

“We would like it to happen again next year.”

Revellers also enjoyed a range of festive food provided by vendors, seasonal shopping stalls and fun fair rides.

Following the burning of the effigy, the crowds were delighted with a fireworks display to mark the end of the event.

Market traders would have to apply for a £35 admin charge for a permit, and then pay £6.50 all day, rather than £4.

An evening charge from 6pm would be £1 for the first hour, and £2 for over one hour.

Other charges will also increase.

Cllr Fishwick accepts the decision to raise parking charges, for the first time in almost five years, wouldn’t be a popular one but the council is facing its “worst financial pressures in decade”.

He added: “We have to find a way to continue maintaining our highways to the current standard – without affecting the critical services that our more vulnerable residents rely on.

“We’re aware that our neighbouring authorities are also raising or considering raising their off-street car parking charges and, even with our proposed increases, ours will still be similar to other councils in the region and cheaper than some car parks in neighbouring authorities even before their increases.”

The event saw many traditional dances performed Picture: Pasham Photography

Crowds flocked to the Reading Dussehra Diwali Festival Picture: Pasham Photography

A young guest enjoys one of the rides Steve Smyth

Ajit Jain on his stall Picture: Steve Smyth

Families came together for the event

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Uni’s world ranking

THE UNIVERSITY OF READING has been named in the top 200 leading universities in the world.

A jump in research reputation saw Reading in 198th place in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023, out of 1,799 participating institutions.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the university, said: “The University of Reading has been improving in many of the measures used by the THE World University Rankings for the last few years, and it is great to once again be ranked among the top 200 universities in the world.

“This reflects the hard work of colleagues across the University who conduct and communicate our worldclass research, and demonstrates that our research is seen as being among the very best, among academia and industry alike.”

The university made improvements in nine of the 13 measures, which includes teaching and research reputation, research income and international outlook, among other metrics.

Reading’s biggest improvement this year was in the research reputation metric, which contributed to a rise in the overall research ranking to 245, up 21 places from last year.

Industry income also saw a rise, up 27 places to 734.

Other notable improvements were achieved in the teaching reputation category, as well as all individual metrics for international outlook.

Hallowe’en party in

A SHINFIELD CAFE is inviting children to its Hallowe’en party on Tuesday.

Robyn’s Nest, School Green Centre, will host the fun-filled half-term event, which will get youngsters into the festive spirit.

Youngsters will be treated to an hour of dancing, games, crafts and Hallowe’en glitter tattoos, delivered by children’s entertainers Tutus & Tiaras.

This will be followed by a themed afternoon tea, including sandwiches, biscuits, sweets, popcorn, jelly and squash.

Parents and guardians are asked to include their children’s dietary requirements when booking.

Bookings must be made in advance, with tickets costing £22.99 per child.

The event takes place from 2pm4pm, with adult supervision required.

n For more information or to make a booking, visit: www.robynsnest.co.uk

NatWest to close Wokingham branch in February

A BANK in Wokingham is set to close its doors in February next year.

The NatWest branch on Broad Street will close on Thursday, February 9, 2023, due to a reduction in the number of people visiting in person.

This is one of 79 branches set to close nationwide as the bank deals with a change in banking habits, with many choosing to manage funds online or via an app.

Comparing January 2019 and January this year, the Wokingham branch saw a 68% reduction in the number of counter transactions for personal customers, with 76% of personal customers also using online banking or the mobile app.

According to figures released by NatWest, in 2021 the branch was used by 95 business customers and one personal customer on a regular basis.

When deciding to close a branch, NatWest said it considers the impact on customers, banking preferences, distance to the next nearest branch, location of a Post Office for everyday banking and all other banking options available to customers.

Across the country, the bank has seen average counter transactions reduce by 64% between January 2019 and January 2022 with the number of customers using mobile apps rising 38% in the same period.

n For more information, visit: natwest.com

Council successfully appeals court case despite ‘negligence’

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM Borough Council has successfully appealed a court case after being ordered to pay more than £40,000 in damages.

In October last year, a civil court found the council liable for £49,060.60 payable to Muhammad Arshad after his Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence (HCVL) was suspended despite receiving advice from the council.

However, after the council appealed the decision, Mr Arshad shall pay £10,000 as reimbursement of the payment on account of the judgement by 4pm today (Thursday).

In late 2016, Mr Arshad needed a new taxi because his former licensed vehicle was too old to be licensable so he provisionally decided to purchase a second-hand Ford Galaxy.

In December 2016 he contacted the council’s licensing team, told them the make and model of the new car and asked if it would be approved as wheelchair accessible.

A technical officer responded by email, which read: “Provided the vehicle has correct documentation a Ford Galaxy would be an appropriate vehicle and I believe we have other Ford Galaxy’s on the fleet.”

Mr Arshad responded stating the vehicle he intended to purchase was not a “floor down/cut down vehicle”, but just an “original seven seater”.

He did not receive a response.

After purchasing the car, Mr Arshad submitted his HCVL application which included an Individual Vehicle Approval certificate relating to the adaptations.

That certificate indicates conformity with certain EU norms but those do not include passenger headroom.

The council issued Mr Arshad with a new HCVL on February 16, 2017.

The council became aware the vehicle may not comply with regulations and following an inspection on February 27, 2017, Mr Arshad was informed his HCVL would be suspended as the vehicle was not fit for purpose.

After a series of complaints, Mr Arshad was able to appeal and was

issued with a new licence in August 2018.

Mr Arshad brough a county court claim against the council for discrimination on the grounds of race or religion, negligence and a breach of duty.

In addition, Mr Arshad contended he had suffered personal injury with a psychiatric report stating his loss of licence and consequential loss of livelihood and status led to the onset of a Depressive Disorder involving mild to moderate depression without psychotic symptoms.

At trial, the court found the negligence claim succeeded, however, only one head of claim was successful with general damages for personal injury awarded.

The Claimant was awarded damages of £42.790.00 plus costs of £6,270.60.

He was not ordered to pay any costs despite the failure of the other claims.

Wokingham Borough Council appealed the decision on the basis that it was wrong in law.

The High Court held that it was fair, just and reasonable to impose a duty of care to avoid economic loss which was

a reasonably foreseeable consequence of negligence.

It was, however, considered that the duty to avoid causing psychiatric harm was not reasonably foreseeable.

Mr Justice Bourne held: “It seems to me that whilst any serious setback may be capable of causing a degree of psychiatric harm to anyone, psychiatric injury in this case was not so reasonably foreseeable as to make it appropriate for a local authority, giving discretionary pre-application advice on a licensing matter, to owe a duty of care not to cause pure psychiatric harm.”

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We revised our taxi licensing policy in 2018 and are in the process of updating it again for this year, with the intention of making the required vehicle standards as clear as possible.

“We appealed the decision as it believed that it was wrong in law. The High Court agreed with us, and the judgement is reflective of this.

“We are relieved that this longrunning legal case has concluded.”

GOING: NatWest in Wokingham will close its doors in February due to a reduction in counter transactions

Day Nursery employees get £3,000 tax-free bonus to meet soaring bills

Colleagues of Cedar Park Day Nursery in Twyford got a boost this month with their company’s plan to raise pay again by an average 8% and provide up to £3,000 extra cash over six months to meet soaring energy bills.

Taking profit sharing to the next level at the employee-owned company, Childbase Partnership – a UK best workplace awardwinner for 13 years – is extending the financial support to new recruits to the Cedar Park team, with contracted hours, who will receive up to £100 a month, until April 2023, based on hours worked.

The reward means that full timers contributing to the company’s success during the last financial year will get six, monthly, tax-free payments of up to £500 each starting on December 1st and ending on May 1st, 2023, with pro-rata payments for others.

This is alongside access to ‘Perkbox’ discounted shopping, two meals a day in nursery throughout the winter months, and enhanced company training and mentoring to get colleagues to new qualifications and further hikes in salary.

Childbase Partnership Chief Executive Officer, Emma Rooney said: “Every employee is a partner in our business, and we stand together during tough times. Ensuring the security and wellbeing of colleagues is not only vital to our mission to achieve the best possible outcomes for every child in our care it is also, quite simply, the right thing to do.”

Join our team Extraordinary and rewarding careers working in Early Years

In addition to competitive salaries, we have a range of financial and wellbeing benefits via Perkbox and Thrive to support our colleagues. A financial support package is also in place until April 2023. To see the extensive list visit www.childbasecareers.com/benefits

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Level

The new pay rises – with starting rates for Qualified Level 3 practitioners ranging from £11.50 an hour to £13.00 an hour in high cost of living areas – follow a record tax-free, profit-sharing ‘Partnership Dividend’ payment of £1,500 for qualifying full-timers from Apprentices to the Chairman in January 2022.

Reward, recognition and ‘more perks’

Explaining the plan to colleagues, Emma Rooney said the need to act quickly with additional financial support during the cost-of-living crisis did not distract from the focus on maintaining and enhancing the current range of benefits and wellbeing initiatives, increasing loyalty payments to long-servers, cash gifts recognizing exceptional effort and achievement throughout the year; and investment in the tools and facilities they need as early years educators.

Investing in mental health and wellbeing

Holiday entitlements are set to be increased in April 2023 with new starters allocated 23 days annually rising by a day each year of employment to a maximum 28 days.

The July introduction of the awardwinning, NHS validated, Thrive App with

access to a team of clinical therapists and over 100 hours of expert-recommended activity and techniques to help track wellbeing, is designed to help colleagues become more resilient and prevent mental health conditions developing.

This complements the existing roundthe clock access to external confidential counselling services with experts providing immediate emotional support, advice and practical information 365 days a year.

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‘Better never stops’ culture to remain at heart of Waingels says new headteacher

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A WOODLEY secondary school has a new headteacher, but she insists the core values will remain consistent.

Lindsey Humber was appointed as the new headteacher at Waingels in September this year.

Mrs Humber joined the school in January 2018 as deputy headteacher and, throughout last year, served as the head of school.

“It’s been a nice graduation to taking on the full responsibility,” she said.

“Having been head of school last year helped me to understand what the challenges are in the role but also what it entails so I was well informed coming into the headteacher role.”

The school’s motto is “Better Never Stops” and Mrs Humber believes that should remain at the heart of the school’s culture

She said: “We are really confident in what we do and because I have been deputy here I have been part of that strategic work.

“Our ambition is to be an exceptional school in the heart of our community.

“We have a lot of areas in our school that are exceptional but we want to make sure we are exceptional in all areas and that we continue to provide the best quality of education and care for the students of Woodley.”

In August, GCSE and A-Level students received their results after more than two years of disrupted learning.

More than 75% of GCSE pupils achieved grades 9 to 4 with nearly 30% receiving top

grades of 9 to 7, which is above the national average.

Mrs Humber said: “We were really pleased with the results last year but also we have had a clear trend of above average results, certainly at GCSE, for many years.

“Initial feedback from the performance tables show that, on average, our students perform a third of a grade higher than what they were expected so there’s lots of added value there.”

The school’s sixth form also performed highly as almost two-thirds of those studying A-Levels were awarded A* to B grades, with 35% achieving A* to A.

Mrs Humber feels the environment for sixth form students is beneficial to their learning.

She said: “They have their own cafe, a common room, a study room like at university and a library type space with lots of computers.

“There are also group work breakout areas so it’s a space where they can make it feel like their own and it feels slightly different to being a lower school student.”

Approximately 60% of Year 11 students choose to stay on at the school’s sixth form.

As well as the environment, Mrs Humber believes this is also the result of the curriculum on offer.

“The curriculum we offer is very broad,” she said.

“There’s opportunities to do lots of different A-Levels but also vocational courses and I think the resources are really strong for a sixth form.

“I also think it’s the relationships the students form with their teachers as they know those teachers have supported them to get really good GCSE grades and they have the confidence to come back and continue to learn at Waingels.”

Whether a lower school student or studying at the sixth form, all pupils are encouraged to follow the school’s values of respect, kindness, resilience and pride, something Mrs Humber is keen to see continue as headteacher.

She said: “When I speak to students, when I talk to parents the two things that are really important to me is, one, that every student tries their best.

“And secondly, although we’ve got the values of kindness, resilience, pride and respect, for me kindness is really, really important.

“I think with social media pressures and coming out of covid, being kind to yourself and being kind to others is incredibly important and that’s the message that I send to our students and parents.”

Children invited to make bricks, ring a bell and have fun at special fun day

HALF-TERM next week will lead to lots of excited Wokingham children, who will quickly cry, ‘I’m bored!’ To help, Wokingham Town Council is organising a fun event.

Taking place in the Town Hall in Market Place on Tuesday, October 25, the day will celebrate the industries that the borough had been famous for.

Youngsters can try their hand at mini-brick making, there are handbells to ring and there are bracelets to make, among other activities.

Staff will be on hand to help people learn more about the town hall, what it used to be in days of old, and see local historical artifacts.

There are also pointers to

following the town’s mosaic trail.

Wokingham Town Council’s chair of the civic committee, Cllr David Lee, said: “We love to find ways to make Wokingham’s rich history interesting and accessible to everyone, so make sure you bring the children along on Tuesday, October 25, as we’ve lots to see and crafty activities planned.”

n For more information, follow Wokingham Town Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Maternity ward focus of appeal

AN APPEAL has been launched to find funding for new bereavement suites for new parents who experience loss of a pregnancy or death of their baby.

The Royal Berks Charity is hoping to raise £40,000 from its Christmas appeal which will go to the facility in the Reading hospital.

The Trust’s bereavement and rainbow midwifery teams come into contact with hundreds of new parents every year who have experienced the loss of their baby.

They say the feedback is consistent: “The midwifery teams do a phenomenal job at supporting patients, but the bereavement suites could do with some improvements.”

The funding will ensure that families who experience the death of their baby during pregnancy, labour or birth have access

to a private and tranquil space to grieve.

Rainbow lead midwife Jocelyn said: “Improving privacy and creating an environment that minimises trauma and distress, will mean so much to families going through their darkest moment as parents.”

The first part of the project will be to soundproof both suites so that new parents grieving the loss of their baby can do so peacefully without hearing the customary noise of a busy maternity ward.

Nicky, mum to angel baby Flora and rainbow baby Oakley, said: “I know how important these bereavement suites will be to families like mine, so if you can, please donate.”

n For details, or to make a donation, visit: www.royalberkscharity.co.uk/christmas

IN PLACE: Waingels College’s new headteacher Lindsey Humber with some of the school’s pupils

Litter pick date for Charvil

A GROUP from Charvil will be improving the environment, and making their part of the borough a better place.

Armed with litter pickers and bags, they will collect rubbish from the area around RG10.

They will start at the lay-by on Milestone Avenue, opposite the Texaco garage, where a kebab van usually parks.

The group will meet on Sunday, October 30, from 10am to 11am.

n For more information, call Charvil Matters: 07340 178 316

Jumble sale at St Michael’s

SPENCERS WOOD residents could find themselves a bargain at an upcoming sale.

St Michael’s & All Angels Church, Basingstoke Road, is holding a community jumble sale on Saturday, October 22.

Visitors will have the choice of gifts, books, jewellery, toys and even new items, sold by the church, charities and stall holders.

Charities are asked to pay £10 per stall, while the cost is £15 for private sellers.

The event takes place from noon-4pm.

n For more information, search: St Michael & All Angels on www. facebook.com

Young readers enjoy book festival

JUNIOR readers were able to meet their favourite literary authors and illustrators in Wokingham.

The Wokingham Children’s Book Festival was held over two days there.

Story makers gathered to inspire and enthuse the borough’s young creatives, and fun talks were given by 12 authors to children from four upwards.

At Wokingham Library, Holly Webb shared the story of Greenriver, Jane Elson talked about How To Fly! and Steve Antony took children on a trip with The Queen and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

At the Town Hall, Ross Welford covered the Magic of

Storytelling, and Sophy Henn talked Pizazz.

Sufiya Ahmed revealed Churchill’s Spy, Yijing LI took youngsters Through The Forest, and Louie Stowell talked about Mischievous Loki.

Christopher Edge went to the Escape Room, Tim Tilley shared the Magic Of The Natural World, Sean Taylor boarded The Dream Train, and Nizrana Farook spoke about the Girl Who Lost a Leopard.

Cllr Sally Gurney, chair of Wokingham Town Council Arts and Culture Committee, said: “What a wonderful weekend.

“The authors shared their boundless enthusiasm

for stories with us, their audiences equally enraptured by otter antics, magic tricks, and reluctant superheroes.

“The power and creativity of the imagination was on full show, with young fans delighted to meet their favourite authors, and inspired to write and draw their own tales.

“It’s such a joy to share my own love of reading with all these young people – and parents too – and to be able to bring together so many brilliant authors and illustrators to share the magic of story with Wokingham’s children is both a privilege and an absolute pleasure.”

QUICK ON THE DRAW: The Loki: Mischievous Myths talk by Louie Stowell in Wokingham Library. Pictures: Steve Smyth

Ross Welford giving his talk The Magic of Storytelling

Ross enthralls his audience

Louie Stowell makes a drawing

The sessions were wellattended by avid young readers

The Poppy shop returns to Wokingham

RESIDENTS may notice that a previously blue store in Wokingham’s town centre is turning red.

The Poppy Shop will be installed where The Blue Orchid coffee shop was located.

It will sell various Remembrance related items and, of course, poppies.

It will open its doors on Thursday, October 27, and will remain open from 10am to 4pm daily, until the end of the Poppy Appeal on Saturday, November 12.

At its opening, a military vehicle will be on site, and in attendance will be local veterans, the town and borough mayors, local groups and poppy volunteers.

The shop can be found in Peach Place, in Wokingham town centre.

The Poppy Appeal launch and shop opening will take place in the store at 10.30am on Thursday, October 27.

More on the appeal next week

Arts4Wokingham calls for public support for The Arc sculpture

n From front page

“We at David Cliff’s are delighted to be donating to Arts4Wokingham in commissioning the Arc, the first major piece of public art in Wokingham,” he said.

“The Arc is a landmark piece by the international artist Nicola Anthony and will not only reflect what’s important to residents in Wokingham but will act as a draw for visitors in the future.

“David Cliff is really pleased to be associated with Arts4Wokingham’s ambitions to bring more public art to Wokingham as shown in this, their first commission.”

The support has been welcomed by Arts4Wokingham’s Robin Cops, who said: “We thank David for his company’s generous contribution.

“He was excited to have the company’s name associated with more public art being established to make Wokingham such a great place to live.”

In all, £200,000 needs to be raised to fund the work, which will be created by Ms Anthony who has worked on commissions around the globe.

The Arc’s embedded text will represent a wide range of contributions expressing the local community’s feelings, hopes and engagement with

the borough.

Last month, Wokingham Borough Council formally recognised and expressed its support for The Arc and for Arts4Wokingham’s main objective, the promotion and championing of more public art in the area.

The Arc is Arts4Wokingham’s launch project. It is not seeking any public funding but is seeking donations,

SUPPORT: David Cliff presents his donation for The Arc to Robin Cops from Arts4 Wokingham Picture: Arts4 Wokingham

public arena. It is currently exploring a number of ways in which these names might be best featured subject to any logistical and planning requirements.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Don’t miss out on the chance to see your name linked to a community campaign that will enhance the environment and become a beacon for all those visiting or passing through the borough.

“A number of individuals, local companies and organisations have already donated.

“To join them and have your name highlighted as a supporter of more public art, then just go to our website, and hit the donate button.

“The website also contains further information and details about the campaign so far.

sponsorship and grants to fund the venture.

While the charity welcomes gifts of all shapes and sizes, any individual, family, group, society or local company who decides to make a contribution of £200 or more will receive special recognition for their support.

The charity says that the names of these donors will be displayed in the

“There are significant additional benefits for any major corporate donors. If you’d like to explore these, just get in touch via the Arts4Wokingham website.”

Over the next few weeks, Wokingham Today will explore The Arc, and why it needs support from the community, as well as highlighting some of the companies and groups that have got behind the scheme.

n For more details, log on to: www. arts4wokingham.com

Litter picks for Boston Terriers, but it’s not the dogs making the mess… EXCLUSIVE

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

AN ARBORFIELD resident is taking on the double challenge of keeping her village tidy while saving a charity.

Jules Hawkey is calling for people to join her in her inaugural litter pick on Saturday, after noticing an increase in the amount of rubbish left in the area.

Besides making the village look neater, she is also raising funds for UK Boston Terrier Rescue, a charity which takes in abandoned dogs.

According to Jules, the charity only has enough funds to survive for another six months.

Jules said: “It’s so important to me and my family. Covid affected things. People got dogs in lockdown and now that they’re back at work, they can’t handle looking after a pet.

“We get calls at 3am from people asking to pick up their dog, otherwise they’ll just be left on the street and we get out of bed to collect them.

“So much work, so much time and so much effort has been put into [the charity]. To see it cease to exist would be devastating.

“The dogs are innocent. Without us, they have no-one to help them.”

The charity has been giving second chances to neglected dogs for the past 15 years.

Jules explained that unlike other rescue services, dogs retrieved by Boston Terriers

Rescue are kept at the homes of adopters or foster carers.

They are also supported by trainers who help them overcome behavioural issues developed through trauma, which range from anxiety to being scared of male owners.

In the worst cases, dogs

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PICK UP AND HELP: Lily with Boston Terriers Boscorelli and Beryl –she will be helping Jules Hawkey’s litter pick around Arborfield Garrison this Saturday, and hopes others will join them.

Picture: Jules Hawkey

two Boston Terriers, named Boscorelli and Beryl. She was keen to combine her love of animals with her pride for her village through her litter picks.

She said: “From lots of residents’ perspectives, the littering has been horrific lately.

“The lane behind our house has effectively been used as a dumping ground.

“Since the pandemic, there seems to be a general lack of respect for our area. There have definitely been more flytippings on the roadside.

“Anyone can take part in the litter picks. My daughter, who’s 12, will be helping me, my husband and other volunteers.”

Sessions are set to run on Saturdays and Sundays over the coming weeks.

Depending on initial turnout, Jules hopes to start by covering the Garrison area, before moving further afield.

Prospective volunteers are asked to get in touch as soon as possible so appropriate equipment can be sourced.

Funding for tween action projects

FUNDING is being offered to groups in a bid to help tweenagers get involved in social action projects across the county.

Berkshire Community Foundation is encouraging people to apply for the #iwill fund, specifically for people aged between 10 and 14.

The #iwill movement brings together those who believe that all youngsters should have the chance to make a positive difference on the issues that affect their lives, and communities.

It has been possible thanks to £66 million joint investment from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

BCF, along with 15 other community foundations from the UKCF network, will award grants of up to £10,000 to groups for projects lasting up to a year.

have been used as ‘breeding machines’ by owners who have subsequently discarded them.

Without additional funding, substantial vet bills and transport costs could force the charity to close by April next year.

Jules is the owner of

Those turning up on the first day should meet at 11am by the Arborfield Garrison tennis courts.

n To donate, visit: www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ jules-hawkey or to volunteer at a litter pick, contact: julesc28@

Jon Yates, CEO of Berkshire Community Foundation, was thrilled to be able to offer the funding.

“The funding not only creates benefit now but will also inspire young people to combat the societal needs of the future,” he said.

For more details, log on to: berkshirecf.org

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Spacephiller

Phil Creighton

The stoppablefair machine

‘I needed to get Shoot will help Nicola

By Ji-Min Lee jlee@wokingham.today

COMPETITORS will put their game faces on to raise funds for a Wokingham resident.

CARTERS

Steam Fair has chosen to make Reading its final destination. The touring attraction, featuring vintage fairground rides, is about to go round the merry-go-round one last time.

Currently in Prospect Park, the waltzers will have their last waltz on Sunday, October 30.

It ends a long and distinguished history, but also marks the start of a new chapter for the fair’s master of ceremonies, Joby Carter. He inherited the fair from his parents, and has been on the road ever since.

Carters has always been special for me.

This following memory is from the time when everything was made in black and white, and was silent, save for a pianist following you around playing appropriate music. Any conversation would involve cards coming up covering the screen, making talking very stilted.

Thank goodness for Technicolor and talkies.

Anyway, this was my first term at Reading University, getting to know people and the town.

My very first Sunday, I was taken by car to a church off the Oxford Road. Not having enjoyed the experience – they don’t approve of women in the pulpit and I do – I decided to walk back to halls of residence, near Whiteknights itself.

Great idea, but this was years before sat navs, smartphones or even mobile phones. If you wanted to know your way around, you had to take an A to Z with you (remember those?) and look for every inch the lost tourist.

Navigating Broad Street was easy enough. But when I hit Cemetery Junction, I realised it was a mistake. Likewise, when I walked past the hospital for the second time.

It took a couple of hours to do a 40-minute walk. Still, never made that mistake again.

Anyway, three weekends in, getting to know some people, and Palmer Park was the venue for a night at Carters Steam Fair.

Coming from the middle of nowhere, where you had to make your own entertainment out of vinegar and brown paper, this was quite something. A whole fair, just like the one in the movies –because it was the one in the movies – and on our doorstep.

Cue candy floss, penny arcades, and some romantic walks through the candlelight.

Flash forwards some years, and Carters is back in Palmer Park after some years away due to something to do with holes appearing in the fields, and there is now a small person biting my ankles (yes, it hurt).

They loved it, especially the helter skelter. So much so that there were many, many, many goes on it that day and, every time, my heart was in my mouth as I worried about whether they would be safe climbing up the stairs and coming down.

But that’s the fun of the fair. It’s a memory maker. And one of the most special kinds you will ever find.

Being steam powered, there’s a strong smell that lingers at the back of the throat and the memory. It’s evocative, and marvellous.

The penny arcade, which popped up every now and then, is a special place where only pennies the size of toffee pennies fitted.

And the rides – oh, the rides, a wonderful collection of this and that, all set to music and beautifully lit at night. Cared for by Joby and his team.

We will be visiting Prospect Park between now and closing date. It just so happens that my 184th birthday is fireworks night. So, one more memory to be made, one more inhalation of the smoke, and one more night of magic.

Can’t wait, but I wish it weren’t so.

Brakspear’s bees to be helped by drinking beer

IT’S FAMOUS for its Honey Bee ale, and now a brewer is preparing to do more to protect the insects that help pollinate plants.

Henley-based pub operator Brakspear is launching Brakspear’s Giving Back, a new initiative to support worthy causes chosen by its 120 pubs through a matchfunding scheme, and to upscale the company’s long-standing efforts to protect Britain’s bee population.

It will be funded by a £25,000 annual contribution from Brakspear.

Requests for match funding will be welcomed from any pubs within Brakspear’s leased and tenanted estate or its Honeycomb Houses managed division, who have already raised money for a local charity or good cause.

And the brewer’s commitment to bees has seen it instal 12 beehives at its pubs, including The Cherry Tree in Stoke Row, and The Hare & Hounds at Sonning Common Professional beekeeper John Farrell of Chiltern Bee is on hand to ensure the colonies thrive in their new homes.

Brakspear will sell the honey to raise money to go back into

maintaining and potentially expanding their beehives.

Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said: “Our pubs are all about people: the people who work in them, drink in them, and live in the communities around them.

“The aim of Brakspear’s Giving Back is to support the health and well-being of these people, and we are looking forward to receiving applications from across the estate.

“By structuring our donations in this way, we know that we’ll be making a difference to the charities and causes that our licensees and their teams know are important to their local communities.

“At the same time, we are expanding our support for B ritain’s bee population, a cause that’s been close to our hearts for some years; the Brakspear and Honeycomb Houses logos feature a bee and many of our pubs have beautiful gardens that rely on bees.

“Our pub teams, customers and communities have been thrilled by the installation of our beehives, and that engagement will only grow as they watch the colonies develop through the seasons and see homegrown honey appear in our pubs.”

Gravelley Bridge Air Rifle Shooting Range will host a charity clay shoot on Sunday, October 30, to help Nicola Mitchell, who has multiple sclerosis (MS), buy a power chair.

The event is open to shooters of all experience, and there will be axe throwing for youngsters.

Professional supervision will be on-hand.

Of the event, Woodley resident Nicola said: “I’m so, so excited. I needed to get my independence back. I needed to get my life back.

“My husband is a great clay pigeon shooter, so that’s where the idea came from.

“I’ve spoken to the organiser, Tim [Evans], and he says there will be lots of prizes.”

In 2016, Nicola was diagnosed with MS, having displayed no prior warning signs.

Her condition progressed quicker than she envisaged, forcing her to leave her full-time job as a retail manager. Nicola and her husband also used their savings to move from their previous home to a bungalow.

Now into her 14th week in hospital, she is determined to regain her freedom to move at will.

“I was so independent. I loved working, socialising and driving,” she explained.

“Distance didn’t worry me, in fact, the further the better.

“Giving up my licence up shook me to the core.

“Having a wheelchair accessible vehicle that my husband has to drive stopped me popping out any time, anywhere, really hurt.”

The primary purpose of the fundraiser is to help Nicola buy a power chair, with her current

The Scary Guy by name but not by nature

A WOKINGHAM school welcomed a special guest last week.

The Scary Guy delivered a range of assemblies to students at Holme Grange School from Monday, October 10.

Scary, who changed his legal name 24 years ago, has dedicated his life to teaching others his concepts on human behaviour and communication.

He has worked with hundreds of schools and organisations across the world performing interactive performances and talks.

Claire Robinson, headteacher at the school, said: “I cannot express what a huge success Scary has been at our school, every school should book a visit.

“Scary has allowed us all to grow in our understanding and has kickstarted a revolution.

“One where our young people are on a journey to understand

themselves and be empowered to process what they hear and see so that it does not impact on them negatively.”

Ms Robinson said the students were encouraged to understand the negative and positive energy created by words, something which aligns with the school’s values

She added: “He has equipped our young people with a toolkit which builds resilience and puts them in control of who they are.”

Students who attended the talks throughout the week then signed a contract to take on the seven day seven night challenge.

This is a commitment not to say a negative word about anyone on the planet and to call everyone by nothing but their name.

Ms Robinson said: “Any slip-ups result in starting the clock again and Scary admits this is not an easy task but the journey reaps rewards.”

Although Scary’s visit was for students, teachers at the school have also benefitted from his talks.

One member of staff said: “I had a meeting with Scary, two students and their parent. I cannot tell you how perceptive Scary is and how impactful this session was.

“Scary is so intuitive and just finds the very part of your soul that is hurting and shows you how to live in your own power. Such a fantastic man and I am so grateful he came to Holme Grange.

“It was a spiritual experience mixed with techniques, common sense and just pure freedom.”

The member of staff felt like the four of them had left the room with a new super power, stating they had never experienced anything like it.

They added: “Scary really has changed lives this week and I feel so privileged and lucky that our senior leadership team saw how much he

wheelchair no longer meeting her changing needs.

With her condition deteriorating, an occupational therapist has also advised her purchasing a chair which meets her current requirements may not be sufficient in the future.

She is searching for a power chair which allows her to sit comfortably for almost the entire day, and will give her the mobility to go to work or interact with her community without worrying about getting there without her husband.

Nicola believes the purchase would

would help both students and staff and got him in.”

Staff at Holme Grange believe inviting people from outside the school will aid student growth and one of the goals for Scary’s visit was for students to hear from someone

SUPPORT: Brakspear is looking to increase the number of bee hives

APPEAL: Nicola Mitchell on her birthday in July, start of her 14-week-long stay in hosptial. Picture:

get my life back’:

Nicola get a chair

How to help Lions make a spectacle of themselves

Reader travel

CHRISTMAS IN Liverpool & Chester - Going Solo

allow her husband to take time away from his caring duties, as well as give herself much-needed time alone.

Depending on assessment results, Nicola will be looking at a secondhand power chair ranging from £3,000 to £10,000.

A portion of donations made on the day will also go to the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre at Bradbury House.

As a previous service user, Nicola was full of praise for the centre and described the staff as a ‘great source of support’.

The centre, which is located just off

Oxford Road, offers various therapies for those with MS, such as: physiotherapy, oxygen treatment and social lunch clubs for carers.

Nicola also set up a GoFundMe page, where 40 supporters have already contributed. In July, she received donations from two charities which granted a total of £2,825.

The clay shoot takes place at 9.30am.

n Those wishing to donate should visit: www.gofundme.com/f/to-regain-myindependence

A CHARITY is hoping you’ll help it make a spectacle of itself … by donating your old glasses.

Wokingham Lions is collecting unused blinkers which can then be recycled and send to developing countries to help with their eye healthcare.

The national charity has been supporting ocular projects for more than a centry, helping prevent sight loss and helping those whose vision is impaired and cannot see.

This has included funding eye camps to deliver sight saving surgery to remove cataracts or halt the effects of river blindness.

And there is a need for old glasses. The frames and the lenses can be recycled in a scheme called SpecTrek.

When a carload has been collected in Wokingham, the Lions

Hey Girls

Inspired by queue watching on Friar Street whilst waiting for the last bus home

Hey girls going out for the night

In heels too high; skirts short and tight

Ask for whose benefit are these clothes you wear

For ourselves I hear you swear

We can dress how we want I hear you shout

And yes, that’s true but that’s not what it’s about

No one would really chose shoes that your ankles may break

As a statement of female freedom to make

Who in their right mind would choose to freeze

with a different life experience to their family and friends.

A spokesperson for the school said: “People from outside school provide the students with a different perspective and are experts in their fields.

“We are keen to broaden our students’ outlook and help prepare them for life away from Holme Grange. Learning about acceptance of self and others is an important part of our Holme Grange way.”

When you could dress in warm clothes with ease

Listen to your mothers who you often mock

take them to Chichester, where they are sorted before being shipped to Medico France in Le Havre.

From there, they are cleaned and graded, before they are distributed to eye camps in Africa, India and Eastern Europe.

Glasses, including sunglasses, can be left at donation points in Wokingham town centre’s Specsavers, Boots Opticians, Wokingham Library, Wokingham Medical Centre, Finchampstead Surgery, Wokingham Hospital Enquiry Desk, and also at Wokingham Town Hall Information Centre.

They also collect hearing aids that are no longer, along with hearing aid batteries that are still in date.

n For more details log on to: www. wokinghamlions.org.uk, or call: 0345 833 7384.

Departing Fri 23 Dec ‘22

Join us on this fantastic yuletide getaway and spend Christmas with great company in a warm and friendly atmosphere, complete with festive food and entertainment at our hotel!

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Slough

 4 nights at a selected hotel with dinner & breakfast (double or twin room for sole occupancy). Christmas Day includes breakfast, a traditional Christmas lunch and a light evening buffet

 Mulled wine & mince pies on Christmas Eve

 Guided city tour of Liverpool

 Ticket to White Christmas at the Liverpool Empire theatre

 Excursion to Chester

by Coach

SCARBOROUGH Whitby & Historic York

We’ve been there, done that; I know that comes as a shock

You are not dressing this way through choice

You are doing it because you are listening to the voice

The one that we heard as well When putting ourselves through clothing hell

Question why you are dressing this way

Not for comfort it would be true to say

Are you dressing this way to conform

In the way sold to girls as the norm

Are you hoping the boys to impress Who’d like you however you dress

There is no need to be a slave to fashion

If you’re after a night of passion

Learn from your Mothers and our blunders

Hey girls, go invest in fluffy jumpers Gillian Passman

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

Departing Mon 13 Feb ‘23

Scarborough is the perfect destination for our five-day getaway, beloved for its pretty beaches, fabulous attractions, and classic charm! On this delightful break we enjoy a full excursion programme, which includes visits to the seaside town of Whitby and visit the historic city of York.

Your break includes

Return coach travel from Crawley

4 nights at a selected hotel in Scarborough with dinner & breakfast

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

Entertainment every evening

Excursions to Goathland, Whitby & York

excursion to Beverley (£7pp)

Coach

DONATIONS: Spectacles waiting to be shipped to France for refurbishment before being sent to countries that need them Picture: Chichester Lions Club

POETRY CORNER

July, when she came up with the idea to raise funds for a new mode of transport. This was the Picture: Nicola Mitchell

FRIENDLY, BUT SCARY: Pupils from Holme Grange School were awarded posters for their participation in the assemblies

These changes are dangerous

A SERIES of traffic-slowing measures have been installed in Arborfield. They are dangerous and need to be removed immediately.

Last week, we featured Shinfield resident Rob Boreham-Fish’s picture showing the limited visibility that awaits motorists being forced to give way on a Reading Road bend.

A picture may paint a thousand words, but in reality, to appreciate how bad this scheme is, a drive through them is necessary. Preferably in the dark.

How they passed a safety audit is really difficult to understand.

Drivers are being forced to make splitsecond decisions as to whether to go through the give way pinch points or to wait.

When cars are going at 40mph, on a blind corner, it is almost impossible to make a safe decision.

The editor’s postbag this week has been full of readers contacting us expressing their surprise and dismay that this scheme even made it off the drawing board.

We are fortunate that no one has been injured as a result of these changes. But we fear that unless they are removed soon the headlines will be different.

Road safety is important, but so is common sense. These changes need to be removed, and removed now.

CHURCH NOTES

Leave no one behind

SUNDAY,

October 16 was the United Nations’ World Food Day. This year the theme was ‘Leave NO ONE behind.’

We’re told that our planet produces enough food to feed everyone, yet millions of people are facing malnutrition…or even starvation.

Even in our own country, food banks are busier than ever before and many people are facing a choice between heating and eating.

At harvest services in recent weeks, churchgoers have had the opportunity to show their gratitude for the food on their table by bringing in tins and packets to be distributed by community groups.

It’s a small gesture which might, perhaps, prompt us to a wider concern.

After all, Jesus taught that, along with loving God, true religion was about ‘loving your neighbour as you love yourself.’

In the story we know as the parable of the Good Samaritan, he made clear that loving our neighbour is about responding with generosity and compassion to those in need.

In this case, loving our neighbour might be about finding out what local initiatives there are to help those who are hungry and supporting them.

It might be about responding, as we are able, to an international appeal for food aid.

At its truest and best, loving our neighbour is about praying and working towards a world in which nobody is left behind.

The Revd Ann Cogle is a curate at Reading Minster, writing on behalf of Churches Together in the Centre of Reading

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

Why has council made road changes?

I am responding to the article about the road signs that are newly put up in the village of Arborfield.

Seriously not just one of the signs are dangerous, but all of them are.

Why has the council done this? Are they worried about the traffic ?

Because if they are why are proposing the 4,500 new houses at Hall Farm? That would bring another 9,000 cars.

All it has done has interrupted a free flowing journey to an unnecessary stop start traffic build up .

All I can say about this matter is when this idea was proposed the local brew must have been in full swing.

Paul Smith, via email

Re: Danger give way signs.

If this is one of the stupid four or five additions that I encountered last week after driving past The Bull at Arborfield towards Shinfield, then I agree they are not safe.

As we found the first one I actually commented to my wife that it was dangerous as I could not see around the bend to assess if I could safely pull out. It would probably be safer if oncoming traffic gave way to us.

I commented that it was probably the brainwave of a council planning guy/woman that does not drive.

I don’t believe the bit in your article that states two safety audit stages have been done and passed as it only takes one drive through to know it is not safe.

Glad that I don’t live there or pass that way very often.

John Mitchell, Lower Earley

It’s a ludicrous scheme

This whole layout is ludicrous!

I travel on that road very regularly and have done for years and find it shocking highways have done this – in the dark it becomes invisible – it’s only a matter of time before there is a very serious accident. What were they thinking ? Please sort it out.

Karen Breadmore, via email

Waste not, want not

I’M going to talk rubbish.

Some people would say, “So what’s new”, but what’s new is that, after four months as Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure, I know enough to talk coherently about rubbish.

Wokingham Borough Council disposes of your household waste via a three-way partnership with Reading and Bracknell Forest, known as re3. It

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

Thank you, Denton Vets

Can we please big up a local independent business that has been so good to us?

Denton Vets on Denton Road, Wokingham has been wonderful to our family.

We sadly lost our beloved Bengal cat ‘Beanie’ after a devastating tail pull injury.

We wanted to heap praise on the team at Denton Vets for their

Pregnant then screwed

Those who read the column by Louise Timlin, Branch Lead of Reading & Wokingham Women’s Equality Party, on the cost and inaccessibility of childcare in the UK (29 Sept) may be interested to join the “March of the Mummies” in London on 29 Oct.

Organised by the campaigning group Pregnant Then Screwed, this is a protest for families angry at the continuing government neglect of women in the workplace. We are marching to demand good quality affordable childcare, flexible working and properly paid parental leave.

For the first time in decades, the number of women leaving the workforce to look after family has increased. 1.7 million women want to take on more paid work but can’t due to the cost of childcare.

All this when families are struggling with rising costs of living, and there are record job vacancies with some key sectors, such as the NHS, at crisis point. March participants are encouraged to wear Hallowe’en fancy dress!

More information here: https:// pregnantthenscrewed.com/eventmarch-of-the-mummies/ Amanda Simpson, via email

Parking charges

I have read in your paper with dismay about the new parking charges for Wokingham.

We are a small town. There is no justification for such high charges nor any logical reason to change the daily

extraordinary support throughout the trauma of this as it played out over several weeks.

The practice’s ‘humanity at our core’ principle was evident in the team’s willingness to work with us to agree a bespoke care plan in the circumstances in which we unexpectedly found ourselves.

It’s really heartening to encounter businesses like this that cares as

times applicable to 6am to 10pm for seven days a week.

Is Wokingham Borough Council deliberately trying to discourage people to come and spend their money in Wokingham?

And regarding the changes to refuse and recycling collection. We are proud of the present collections. We do not want to be like other boroughs.

The Council has complained that they have no money and yet they want to change our present collections which they say will require them to buy new refuse trucks for the new system suggested and new wheelie bins for all households.

We do not need to spend this money as we like the present system.

Why is the Council planning on spending money they don’t have?

And lastly I also read with horror that the Council is considering planning permission for 60 new flats in the centre of town which would cause major disruption to the town centre and mean we would lose our lovely Lloyds Bank, Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Robert Dyas.

The town centre does not need any more flats or disruption nor do the traders need any more disruption to people coming into town to spend their money. What is wrong with Wokingham Borough Council? They obviously don’t want people to come into town!

The regeneration was a great success but they don’t seem to want to celebrate this!

what we call residual waste, are mostly consigned to a fiery fate at an Energy from Waste (EfW) plant.

This all comes at a cost, which we pay out of council tax.

Landfill, which we use for items like asbestos that can’t be incinerated, is the most expensive, but EfW disposal of residual waste is only slightly cheaper at well over £100 per tonne.

much about the owners as they do the animals themselves.

They looked after our pet as if he was their own.

Thank you to Simon, Richard, Dean, Sian and the whole team of wonderful staff and everything you did in support of our treasured puss. #bestvetsever.

Sincerely Rachel, Dave and Ruth, via email

Instead they want to waste money on buying new refuse trucks, wheelie bins for every household and spending money on the new website which we also don’t need. They must have found a pot of gold that they haven’t told us about yet!

From a very, very concerned resident

Where are we?

I really mean in regard to our Nation, and getting to the point, do we have any Management capability these days?

Last week’s Wokingham Today bought to our attention, the introduction of another road scene showing an introduction of a safety hazard – not traffic control.

I may just mention that when I had moved to the south coast last year, I attended Council Meetings, and my favourite subject was road safety.

My views were based on obstacles on very busy roads – like parking on a blind bend – parking that blocked driver’s visibility, lack of speed control and thus more critical and dangerous, the effect parking can have on safety.

The Council – that of Arun area –showed no interest. When I suggested the Police should be involved, I was told they do not talk to the Police!

Please do not ask why not, because that could be due to the lack of Police!

So in summary, it does appear that Highways are a law unto themselves and shows very little intelligence or management.

My favourite Wokingham

methods now used by more than 240 other English councils.

All of us collect food waste weekly.

The net result is that Wokingham now pays almost 40% of the cost of re3 and will continue to do so until we get our recycling up and our residual tonnage down.

is passed to their tender, loving care when our collection vehicles reach either the Smallmead or Longshot Lane Household Waste Recycling Centres. There it is prepared for its onward journey.

Dry recycling, from your green sacks, is sorted by material and sent on to specialist handling.

Your garden waste goes on to be composted, and food waste heads to Oxfordshire where it spends 85 days turning into digestate, an agricultural fertiliser, while gently burping methane that is burnt to produce power.

The fabled blue bags, containing

Dry recycling costs us a little less than half of EfW, and food waste recycling costs us less than half of dry recycling.

So, for every recyclable item that we put in our blue bags, we are literally and unnecessarily burning our council tax.

But the sting in the tail is that, within re3, Wokingham has been left behind by Bracknell and Reading, who have successfully increased recycling and reduced residual tonnage by changing the way in which they collect waste.

Reading collects recycling and residual waste in alternate weeks, while Bracknell collects recycling fortnightly and residual three-weekly,

The experience of over 240 English councils proves that this is precisely what happens when collection cycles are adjusted, and Wokingham can no longer afford the luxury of everything weekly.

Yet strangely, Wokingham’s Conservatives have planted their flag on sticking with the existing 20th century system, rather than something suited to the third decade of the 21st century.

Perhaps we should not be surprised as their incompetent government has already taken the whole country back to the 1970s.

Cllr Ian Shenton is the Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure and Liberal Democrat ward

the chamber Cllr Ian Shenton

Highways failure, is the traffic control system at the junction of Station Road and Reading Road. You can easily have serious accidents, because traffic hurtling down from the Town, and having a Green Light, does not know that another vehicle has a green signal and can turn right from the Reading Road towards the Station – right into the path of the town exit traffic! How was that ever allowed? I discussed it with the Police only to be told something might get done if someone is killed. I even advised on an easy solution.

Our greatest task now, is to help those who are or will suffer from the economic situation. There are those already suffering, who have family and or children to feed and keep warm. I believe everyone who can, must help. Maybe an anonymous collection can be set up where anyone can add a little aid or whatever they can afford on a monthly basis. That could be added to organisations who are already actually helping.

Any ideas or proposals welcome –I would like to help. This could be the greatest Gift you could give to society. Our Society called Wokingham.

Reg Clifton, Wokingham Spooky goings on

Spooky times presently – and in line with Celtic (who believed that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became less distinct(!) and Christian traditions, Hallowe’en approaches. I venture that the truth of what we are being fed by the Leader of the Liberal Democrats has definitely become very blurred Is all we hear a trick or a treat?

The Trumpton Team are surpassing themselves. Not sure who is GRUB but leave it to the imagination as to

From the chamber

Cllr Andy Croy

who are Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Captain Flack, Chippy Minton and last but by no means least Miss Lovelace. Those Fireman NEVER put out a fire but did rescue a mayor’s hat and a rocking horse, swept up fallen branches and unblocked the town clock, which says it all about the LD’s who claim to be saving the residents from Conservative doom.

Through the post arrives their latest resume, printed on very discomfiting paper resembling IZAL with the present Leader calling out John Redwood’s work schedule. But JR is not the only person in the world to have a second job, is he Clive?

However, instead of fretting about Mr. Redwood, how about sorting out the one You and your friends have taken on.

The residents have had five months truth distortion and now the expectation that to save us from complete annihilation, to keep the pounds in our pockets, and make life easier, the LD-led council will:

Double car parking charges through the day which will harm shops, stop free evenings/Sunday parking (which means restaurants/ gyms will suffer) drop caddy liners, reduce blue waste bag volume, introduce alternate week bin collections, with big ugly wheelie bins on the horizon (which I will personally refuse!) cut less verges (see Ms S-Dubey’s tome 13/10/22), close local roads as part of the LCWIP about which Mr. Fishwick confirms there is £2.4m ring-fenced in the budget for implementing the schemes. So residents you can be sure that priority is being given to cycling spend over all other areas where budgets are under pressure. I also reiterate there are thousands and thousands being spent

on ‘doing up’ broken-down flats.

There is another C J within the Camberwick members, but has anyone ever seen him or been made aware of any help or good deeds within the community?

‘Broken Promises’ is another heading. Read the LD manifesto carefully. The pledges of that piece of paper are as thin as the latest Focus.

As I said, don’t worry about Sir John, be very worried about YKW Cllr Jackie Rance, Shinfield South

Concerns over Shinfield homes

I note with concern that another six houses in Shinfield are to be imposed on the community by Wokingham Borough Council despite local objections. After the furore over the possibility of just four houses being built in Hurst, I have to ask why the residents of Shinfield get told to just put up with more development, even as they disappear under a sea of new housing.

Perhaps that is the point? Like the “broken window syndrome” or leaving litter uncollected, one thing just leads to another. What difference will another few houses make when the area is already covered in them?

The Lib Dems seem to me to be acting no differently to their Conservative predecessors when they claim they are against excessive housing numbers but then continue to push development in the South of the Borough while defending wards in the North.

This is particularly important now as developers and landowners start to promote their proposals for housing to Councillors as part of the long awaited Local Plan Update.

Twyford and Finchamstead are currently consulting on their

tested and debated. It is vital that all points of view are heard, even those the ruling party may disagree with.

What the Conservatives are being encouraged to do is not strong opposition – it is being deliberately destructive towards democratic institutions and processes. It is the choice to put Party before local residents.

proposed new Neighbourhood Plans. Arborfield and Barkham have had a Neighbourhood Plan since 2014, but policies within it such as IRS 1: ‘Preserve the separation between settlements’ are no longer applicable? Or are they simply expendable?

Then there is the vexatious question of the plan period. Despite many questions being put to full council and the executive we are still no clearer on precisely how many houses Wokingham is expected to build, and whether the LPU will be limited to the 15 years required legally, or allowed to extend beyond this period to accommodate the larger infrastructure requirements of developments such as the ‘Loddon Valley Garden Village’ at Hall Farm.

Paul Stevens, Save Our Loddon Valley at Hall Farm (SOLVE Hall Farm) www.green4grow.org

Donate hygiene items

Please imagine it’s your first day at college, but you can’t afford deodorant, or attending a job interview not being able to afford toothpaste. These are situations that a growing number of people are facing, especially during these challenging times.

We can help those in crisis around us by donating hygiene items as well as food to local food banks. BanktheFood is a free charity app that connects you with your local food bank, shows a list of their most urgently needed items, and tells you where to find local donation points. It makes donating the things people need incredibly easy.

Please give what you can to help people in crisis in your local community.

Thank you Emma Spring, BanktheFood

about financial responsibility. The national Conservatives have recently rather undermined any case they had. Liz Truss’s local Conservatives, with their demands for unfunded local services, and sudden amnesia of how budgets work, are in danger of being too closely associated with their national party.

From the leader

Cllr Clive Jones

The new reality and old truths

ONEof the bizarre things about the change of Council Executive from Conservative to Lib Dem has been the change in role of all the parties.

The Lib Dems have changed from main opposition party to ruling party.

The Conservatives from rulers for a generation, to frustrated onlookers.

Labour from being treated with contempt to our councillors being able to talk to Executive members.

Following on from the change in roles is the rather weird situation where Conservatives cannot be seriously critical of where the Council is, as they have been running it for a generation, while the Lib Dems cannot take credit for any but the most recent initiatives, as they were all launched by the Conservatives.

Sometimes, councillors come a cropper in this changed world.

Recent Conservative councillor complaints that traffic calming measures implemented in Arborfield were the fault of the ‘present regime’ were bizarre in the extreme.

Anyone who thinks a scheme like that has been worked up since May might want to purchase a bridge the Council’s amazingly fast Highways team have built.

But this was an error made in ignorance, rather than malice.

Probably.

Rather more disturbingly was the training Conservative councillors received over the summer in how to deliberately disrupt the business of the Council.

A strong opposition is essential for good local government.

It is important that ideas are

Now, more than ever, we need Councillors from all parties to pull together in the interest of our residents and communities.

We need to be talking up our town centres, not spreading doom and gloom.

We need to be verbally encouraging active travel, not fighting in a fantasy war on motorists. Recycling and reusing rather than moaning it is too hard.

Spending money in our local businesses rather than threatening to go to Reading or Bracknell.

We also need to be honest with residents.

Inflation is high. Demand for services is increasing.

No one likes tax rises. Money doesn’t grow on trees. Services must be paid for.

These are truths that impact the Council whether its leadership is yellow, blue or red.

At the national level, we have all seen what happens when government tries to write its own magic rules of finance. Disaster.

In the past, Conservatives, both national and local, have set great store by the need to talk

Logic suggests they should be putting as much distance as they can between themselves and the leader they voted for, as possible.

Economic mismanagement has consequences. I am very conscious that for many more people the next few months and years will be desperately hard.

I recall with horror the stories of friends and friends of friends being unable to make mortgage payments in the 90s. Of house keys being put through the letterboxes of building societies and banks as desperate mortgage holders panicked.

This year, with inflation and interest rates high, the pressure on some residents will be unlike anything we have seen before.

For some, the financial pressures will be life-changing.

When circumstances are challenging, it is important to reach out and to talk – talk to advice services, talk to creditors and talk to families and friends.

Do not make the mistakes my friends made. None of us can hide from financial reality.

I worry residents will struggle to make ends meet this winter IT

is really worrying for many of us that the Conservative government are making such a mess of the country’s economy.

They have completely trashed the Conservatives reputation for competently managing the economy.

Many residents will be wondering where they will find an extra £500 a month to pay their mortgages. That’s a massive £6,000 a year.

They will be wondering where they will find the money to heat their homes. The costs of gas and electricity have doubled since last winter.

Its now highly likely there will be further increases in energy prices in March next year.

Food prices continue to rise, and we are experiencing inflation every time we spend our hard-earned money.

I really worry that many residents will struggle to make ends meet this winter with little help from the government.

I also have a real concern that the government grant given to local councils will be the next cut from the new Chancellor.

The Conservatives have left Wokingham Borough council with some very serious financial issues.

We are confident that the new Lib Dem administration will be able to tackle them, but if there is a reduction in the grant from the government tackling these issues will be even more difficult.

It does look likely that the Conservatives will be cutting support to local councils like Wokingham.

We are the lowest funded unitary authority in the country, this means all other councils get more government support than we do in Wokingham – it should never be forgotten that the Conservative government have put Wokingham Borough council in this position.

Wokingham is chronically underfunded by the government and, sadly, this is likely to continue unless pressure can be put on them to give us more money.

Residents should write to the new chancellor asking him to fund Wokingham Borough Council properly, so that the council can maintain its services and continue to support the vulnerable in our community.

I will be writing a letter to him on behalf of the council.

It will be sent to: Jeremy Hunt MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, 1 Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ, and emailed to: public.enquiries@ hmtreasury.gov.uk

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

Cllr Andy Croy is a Labour councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates ward

Cellnex acquires connectivity firm

A READING wireless telecoms infrastructure firm that is helping the UK get on to the 5G phone network has announced its acquisition of a UKbased indoor cellular connectivity provider.

Cellnex UK is to create Cellnex UK In-Building Solutions (CUKIS) following the purchase of Herbert In-Building Wireless (HiBW). It will be led by Tim Loynes, HiBW’s current director.

The firm, based in R+ in Blagrave Street, says this shows its ambition to be the leading provider of wireless infrastructure across multiple sectors.

The indoor connectivity sector, known as DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems), includes key projects such as Manchester City’s Etihad stadium.

“I’m really excited about the growth opportunities the acquisition of Herbert InBuilding Wireless will create for our customers and for us,” said David Crawford, managing director, Cellnex UK. “By combining HiBW’s agility and diverse customer portfolio with our current strong DAS business and ability to scale, Cellnex UK will be able to provide best-in-class solutions across all industries.”

And Mr Loynes said that this was the perfect next stage for HiBW.

“Together as CUKIS, we have all the components to deliver a market-leading DAS offering to enterprises,” he said. “I look forward to getting started and driving real growth for our customers and MNO partners.”

In association with Winnersh Triangle

Got a business story?

Firm launches Hygiene Bank to help with cost-of-living crisis

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A BRACKNELL-based firm is launching a Hygiene Bank to help people in the area who are struggling with the rising cost of living.

Aviation services group Air Partner is expanding its scheme which it piloted in Doncaster to collect donations of goods at its Gatwick and Bracknell offices.

The firm says more than 14 million in the UK live in poverty – equivalent to one fifth of the population – and they are more likely to cut back on toiletries before they’ll consider approach a food bank for help.

The partnership is with The Hygiene Bank, a grassroots charity that aims to alleviate hygiene poverty by providing access to personal care and cleaning essentials to those who are otherwise unable to afford such items.

It will distribute Air Partner’s

donations to schools, food banks, and vulnerable community groups to reach the homeless, struggling families, people fleeing domestic violence, and refugees from all over the world, among others.

Items include toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, toilet rolls, nappies, and sanitary products.

Serena Van Der Meulen, joint coordinator for The Hygiene Bank’s

Hygiene products including toothpaste are being collected by Air Partner to help people struggling with the cost of living

Picture: Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

more people can access essential items that many of us take for granted.”

Air Partner said that hygiene products are a ‘gap’ item, meaning they are not as commonly donated to food banks and other such suppliers as other items despite their importance.

The Hygiene Bank, with the support of organisations like Air Partner, aims to help fill this gap by collecting personal care and hygiene essentials for distribution to those that need it most.

Doncaster branch, said: “While we rely on a steady stream of public donations, organised collections and drives by companies like Air Partner make a noticeable impact on our supply, meaning we can help as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.

“We’re delighted that Air Partner has extended its support to Bracknell and Gatwick, ensuring

Greg Charman, ESG Manager at Air Partner, said: “We are proud to support The Hygiene Bank and the incredible work they do for people across the UK.

“Nobody should have to forego basic hygiene to make ends meet.

“The drive at our office in Doncaster was hugely successful, and we are committed to making a difference to the local communities in Gatwick and Bracknell.”

Redwood gifts defibrillators to search and rescue charity

LIFESAVING equipment has been donated to a Winnershbased search and rescue charity by a Bracknell-based technology firm.

Redwood Technologies Group is supporting Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue (BLSAR), the primary search and rescue resource for Thames Valley Police in Berkshire.

The highly-trained volunteers use specialist skills to search for high risk vulnerable missing persons.

The donation will enable the purchase of a number

of specialist, lightweight defibrillators.

Sean Taylor, CEO at Redwood Technologies Group, said: “Although we are a global company we ensure that each of our offices around the world support the local communities where they are located.

“In the UK we are proud to have been established in Berkshire for nearly 30 years and delighted to have assisted tens of local voluntary groups and charities over that time.

“BLSAR carries out mission-critical work for the Thames Valley Police and as

a charity depends heavily on contributions like ours.

“We are very proud to be able to support the valuable activities that BLSAR undertake.”

And Paul Chapman, a trustee at Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue, wanted to thank Redwood Technologies Group for its support.

“We rely on donations such as those from businesses in the Berkshire area to continue our work for the Thames Valley Police, and would like to encourage others to consider donating to or volunteering alongside us.”

A business park that is changing

Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue has received a donation from Redwood Technologies Group

Wokingham Walk returns withautumnal success

MORE than 200 residents laced up their walking boots last weekend for a popular charity event.

The Wokingham Walk took place at Elms Field on Sunday, October 16, organised by the Wokingham Lions Club.

The walk, launched in 2016, has proven so popular that it has expanded from its May date to include an October one as well and revellers were delighted to see it return.

“We had a fantastic day and were really pleased with the support from the people of Wokingham,” said Andy Slay, one of the original joint organisers of the event.

“Many people were taking part for the umpteenth time and have made it an annual thing to do, which was always the goal..

“We see new faces every time and many comment they didn’t know we had such beautiful

countryside on the doorstep of Wokingham town.”

Participants could choose from four routes: five, 10, and 15 miles, with an accessible five mile route also available.

There were also a number of activities for children on the day.

All monies raised from entry fees to the walk will be distributed to local charities and good causes supported by the Wokingham Lions Club.

Villagers campaign to find a landlord

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

A VILLAGE has joined a campaign to find a landlord or lady to run their ancient pub which has closed.

The Green Man, in Hinton Road, Hurst, has been a licensed pub since the 1600s, according to the book Hurst, A New Look At An Ancient Parish by Henry Farrar.

Hurst Parish Council chair Wayne Smith, normally a customer at the pub, said: “I’ve asked the owners Brakspear to let us know about anything the village can do to support the pub, to publicise it so new people can be found to run it.

“In the past it has been a great pub and we don’t want to lose it. The last thing we want is for it to be turned into a house.

“It has been a thriving community pub. Pubs do thrive in Hurst. In the whole of the parish we have six. They all offer something different.”

He said there were 575 homes in the centre of Hurst where the Green Man is.

Customers also came from further away to enjoy the

pub’s rural garden and beamed interior.

Hurst’s unusually large total of pubs includes: the Elephant and Castle, The Wheelwright’s Arms, The Castle, The Warren, The Jolly Farmer and The Green Man.

Emma Sweet, marketing manager for Brakspear, said:

“The Green Man closed on September 5, sooner than we would have anticipated. We usually have six months to find someone.

“We’re actively recruiting for the property. It’s just hard at the moment because of energy prices being what they are and all the uncertainties. It’s not ideal for people to take pubs,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic pub, it’s obviously had a lot of support from locals in Hurst and surrounding areas. It has a lovely cellar bar which is a nice snug area and a lovely garden. It’s a friendly village pub, you can really get involved in the community.”

Whoever takes on the pub will run it as their own business.

The guide rent is £50,000 a year, payable weekly in advance by direct debit. Rent steps, gradual increases, can be agreed for the right operator.

n Anyone interested in taking on the Green Man can talk to Amanda Windows at Brakspear on: 01491 570200 or visit: brakspear.co.uk and search for The Green Man

Swapped at birth, a story in film

MEMBERS of Wokingham Film Society will be able to see a film starring Penélope Cruz, Milena Smit, and Israel Elejalde.

Parallel Mothers is about two single mothers who meet in a maternity ward and give birth on the same day, and have their lives changed forever.

Written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar, the film was first released in January. It will be shown at the Whitty Theatre, at Luckley House School on Thursday, October 27. Doors open at 6.45pm. Tickets cost £6.50 (£4 for members).

n For more information, visit: www.wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Pink tea party

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

Alexander Grange has collaborated with Wokingham In Need for the Wear It Pink tea party on Friday from 3pm. Entry is by donation, with proceeds going to Breast Cancer Now.

Alexander Grange Care Home, is off Molly Millars Lane.

n To book a place, email: sandra. patriciol@hallmarkcarehomes. co.uk

n For more information, and to donate, call Wokingham in Need on: 07867530727, or www. breastcancernow.org

Best foot forward from these walkers, enjoying the autumnal sunshine

Walkers were greeted with friendly faces at the start of the event

The events three routes are popular choices for all ages

READY TO STROLL: Families and friends came together on Sunday for the Wokingham Walk Pictures: Steve Smyth

r sedetGt ta

Yoga classes at School Green

SHINFIELD residents are invited to sign up for a weekly power yoga class.

Instructor Richard Welch is running sessions at the new School Green Centre, to help residents stay physically and mentally fit.

Taking place every Thursday, classes are suitable for beginners who are looking to work on strength and conditioning.

By combining guided yoga movements with calisthenics and pilates matwork, the programme will help participants strengthen and tone their bodies.

Sessions take place at 7.30pm and cost £10 to attend.

n For more information, contact: info@richardsyoga.org

Two-way traffic lights in Shinfield

WOKINGHAM motorists may be required to reroute their journeys in the coming days due to emergency works.

Two-way lights will be in operation on Brookers Hill, in the section between Church Lane and Hollow Lane.

The restrictions will allow SGN to install a gas service into the site.

The works are set to take place from today (Thursday, October 20), to Wednesday, October 26.

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

Proposed Lidl for village gets mixed reviews in consultation

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

PLANS for a new supermarket have received varied reactions from residents of a Wokingham village.

The proposed Lidl located west of Hollow Lane, Shinfield, underwent a period of public consultation, which ended earlier this month.

The plans were welcomed by some, with one resident saying: “Very pleased to see it. Would be great not just for Shinfield but for the villages around.

“I see a proposed bus stop in the plans, this would be very welcome by myself. I would be able to do a weekly shop and not need any help to get into Reading.”

The village’s nearest large supermarkets are based in Reading or Wokingham.

Given the scale of the South of the M4 strategic development location, some believe the plans are necessary to support the growing community.

A resident said: “[A] supermarket is much needed in the area especially with more houses to be built.

“It was in the original plans

for the Shinfield Meadows site so has been expected for some time.”

Not all members of the community are convinced the development is required, however.

One resident said: “Shinfield doesn’t need a Lidl. There is a Co-Op already, which will literally be opposite it.

“There is also a large selection of supermarkets within a five to 10 minute drive.

“I also don’t want to look out of my bedroom window into a dirty car park, where no doubt the local asbos will congregate in the evening.”

The proposed site plan shows 87 parking spaces, including six disabled parking, eight parent and child, and two electric vehicle charging spaces.

Some participants questioned if this number was enough, with one describing the number as ‘insufficient’.

Other residents voiced

COULD BE COMING SOON: Plans for a new Lidl supermarket west of Hollow Lane are currently under public consultation.

Picture: Wokingham Borough Council

Cllr Lindsay Ferris, executive member for planning and local plan, confirmed the council could not comment on an active planning application, but assured residents their concerns would be considered against relevant local and national planning policies.

He explained: “The principle of development and access to the site were agreed as part of the outline planning application for Shinfield West, which included transport forecasting and modelling and was deemed acceptable at the time by the Secretary of State.

concerns over traffic congestion and noise.

The proposed site is located between housing in the north of the village and Shinfield View care home, the School Green Centre and Shinfield Infant & Nursery School.

Concerns were raised over safety and accessibility in crossing the car park, with steps set to be added to the footpath.

The proposed access ramp was described as ‘too steep’ by one commentor.

“The current application is for reserved matters, in effect agreeing the finer details, and includes further transport assessment which our highways officers will review to ensure the proposed food store doesn’t have a detrimental impact on highway safety.

“Additionally, we will take residents’ views into account where they raise valid planning issues, so anyone who wants to comment on any planning application should do so during the statutory consultation period.”

Operation Mincemeat screening at Beech Hill cinema club

FILM lovers will be pleased to know The Cinema at Beech Hill is returning for its second movie of the season on Tuesday, October 25. This month, John Madden’s Operation Mincemeat will be playing, starring Colin Firth,

Kelly Macdonald and Matthew Macfadyen.

The 2021 British war drama, based on Ben Macintyre’s book by the same name, documents Britain’s famous deception in the Second World War.

The community group’s

2022/23 season kicked off in September with a successful screening of The Duke.

Parents are advised this movie is rated as a 12A.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children under 16. They are available online or on

the door and include a hot or soft drink.

Wine, beer and snacks will be available to purchase on the night.

Season tickets for the remaining eight films are available for £35.

The screening takes place at 8pm at Beech Hill Memorial Hall, RG7 2BE. Doors open at 7.30pm.

n For more information or to book tickets, visit: www. ticketsource.co.uk/beech-hillmemorial-hall/

Save the date for choir’s charity concert event

A CONCERT in aid of two local groups will take place in Wokingham.

Sing Healthy Wokingham Choir will join Berkshire Maestros string ensemble, Camerata, for a programme that includes Vaughan Williams’s Greensleeves and other choral works.

Camerata will perform Tchaikovsky’s Serenade For Strings.

Both the choir and the ensemble together will perform works by Brahms, Monteverdi and Puccini.

The concert will raise funds for First Days children’s charity and Berkshire Maestros music organisation.

The event takes place at Wokingham Baptist Church.

It can be heard on Saturday, November 12.

Doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £12, and £8 for under 16s.

Advance purchase only, no tickets on the door.

n For tickets and information log on to: singhealthy.co.uk/tickets

Early chance to tell Santa what you’d like...

will have an early chance to get Santa’s attention at a gift fair taking place later this

Trunkwell House is opening its doors to early Christmas shoppers over the weekend of October 29

There will be a variety of stalls, a food market and refreshments

It takes place in both the house, in Beech Hill Road, and its heated marquee.

Doors are open from 10am to 4pm on both days, and entry is £3.50, £2.50 or concessions, and £9 for families.

It is £5 per child to meet Santa in his grotto, and includes a present.

n For more details, call Trunkwell House on 0118 988 3754.

Chilli ice cream, chilli caramel ... Pub’s fiery menu for chilli week

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

A PLAYHATCH pub is serving a very fiery menu as it celebrates Chilli Week.

Regulars visiting The Flowing Spring next week will be able to try a range of dishes that incorporate the spicy flavour enhancers.

And it won’t just be savoury dishes that get the chilli treatment, as desserts will tingle the tongue.

Chilli will garnish everything from bread, soup, and prawns, and it will be liberally sprinkled on burgers, pies and roasts.

It will even be the main feature of a specially themed pizza, The Ultimate, which is served with a warning.

Brave diners are invited to attempt to eat all six slices.

Working their way clockwise, they start with mild chillies, and finish with the armagedon variety, which as the name implies, is extremely hot.

These, along with desserts laced with chilli caramel, chilli chocolate sauce and scotch bonnet chilli ice cream, will be available at the Flowing Spring pub and venue.

Nick Wilson from the venue says: “We run various special food weeks throughout the year – such as sausage week, pie

week, and mushroom week.

“We’ve been holding a chilli week for around six or seven years. It’s a real favourite with customers.”

Nick says that this is the best time of year to hold the event, because the fiery fruits are at their freshest in September and October.

“The pizza challenge is great fun,” he says.

“Some people manage it relatively well, but others are less tolerant, and they’re hilarious to watch.

“Some of them make the mistake of thinking that it’s best to start with the hottest slice and get it over with, but that just blows your head off.”

Asked whether he has tried the chilli pizza challenge

Session for mental health first aiders Christmas Fayreat Gorse Ride

WOKINGHAM Borough residents who have completed mental health first aid training can access free sessions online.

Mind In Berkshire, run by Oxfordshire Mind wellbeing workers, is running a series of free, virtual mental health sessions throughout the year.

These are aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing in the borough.

The online forum provides space to network with other mental health first aiders.

The group’s next meeting is an opportunity for participants to share experiences, challenges and skills.

Mental health first aiders can check their own wellbeing, and discuss and reflect on their recent experiences of using mental health first aid skills.

A skills refresher session will also be available.

The course takes place on Thursday, October 20, from 10am to 11.30am.

n To book a place search for Mind In Berkshire on: www.eventbrite.co.uk

STUDENTS at a Wokingham primary school are gearing up for Christmas with a funfilled event.

Gorse Ride Schools, which consists of a nursery, infant and junior school, will hold its Christmas Fayre on Saturday, December 10.

Visitors will be treated to festive games, Santa’s grotto, a tombola and much more.

There will even be an opportunity to win some prizes in the Grand Christmas Raffle.

Suitable for the whole family, refreshments will be served, as well as a filling barbecue.

Those wishing to hire a stall on the day or donate a raffle prize are encouraged to get in touch.

The event takes place at Gorse Ride Junior School, Gorse Ride South, Finchampstead, from 11am-2pm.

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

Housebuilder offers bill help

BUYERS of a new housing development in Binfield are being offered £2,000 to help with the energy bills.

Burrington Estates, which is creating Tilehurst Green, already come with environmentally friendly measures aimed at reducing carbon footprint and bills.

There are eight threebedroom homes in the scheme, and are available for residents to move into this autumn.

Constructed with materials from sustainable sources the new properties provide low carbon heating and have an EPC Rating of ‘B’ making them more thermally efficient than 89% of UK homes.

Other measures include air-source heat pumps, smart energy controls, low-energy downlighters, sustainable draining systems, and energyefficient underfloor heating.

John Scott, sales and marketing director at Burrington Estates, said: “This launch of three-bedroom homes at Tilehurst Green is an ideal opportunity for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and to make a smart investment by futureproofing the home that they purchase.”

n For more details, call 023 4423 1280, or log on to: www. burringtonestates.com

himself, Nick said: “I love chillies, and I have taken the challenge.

“But once was enough, and I leave it to others now.”

He explains that what he likes about chillies is that they are not only hot, but that they have very different flavours too.

“Our scotch bonnet ice cream is actually really fruity,” he says.

“Scotch bonnet chillies used to be the hottest variety.

“They’re shaped just like little bonnets, and our ice cream made with them is a really interesting mix of hot and cold.

“It’s a weird and wonderful menu that’s on offer, but we hope there’s something for everyone.”

The pub specialises in providing food that is vegan, vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free.

“Our menus show allergens, and we’ve won three different awards for our efforts.

“Most of our food is both gluten free and dairy free.

“We either use alternatives to milk and wheat, or we leave them out altogether.

“It means that we have a very wide range of allergen free options, 80% of the menu, not just an apologetic offering.

“It’s important to us and our customers because a large number of them have a food intolerance.”

The Chilli Week takes place at The Flowing Spring on Henley Road. It starts on Tuesday, and runs to Sunday, October 30.

n To see the menu and to find out more about the pub visit: www. theflowingspringpub.co.uk or call 0118 969 9878.

First aid session

A CHARITY is inviting residents to attend a free first aid session.

Connecting Communities in Berkshire’s event will be aimed at those living in more rural communities.

The remote session will help visitors learn essential skills and assess and manage risks.

It will also give learners the knowledge to help someone in need.

The interactive workshops are led by a member of the British Red Cross Team.

They take place from 11.30am-1pm on Tuesday, November 1.

Bookings must be made through Eventbrite, with attendees receiving a link to the Zoom meeting with the email confirmation.

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

Under fives

KINGS Kiddies for children from birth to five years, and carers, meets for play, songs, crafts and story telling with a Christian focus.

The sessions meets on Mondays during term time.

Doors open at 10am at Kings Place, 9 Station Road, Wokingham. It costs £1 per child per session.

To join the group and to find out more, email admin@ kingschurch.org.uk telephone 0118 961 9876 or search for Kings Kiddies on Facebook.

HOT STUFF: The menu of The Flowing Spring’s Chilli Week is not for the fainthearted, with everything from bread to ice cream being peppered with the fiery fruits. Picture: englishlikeanative via Pixabay

Air quality in Wokingham continues to improve, but council wants to go further

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

AIR QUALITY across the borough is continuing to improve, but Wokingham Borough Council is keen to go further.

Annual Status Reports (ASRs) produced by the Public Protection Partnership shows the level of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), a harmful pollutant, has decreased year on year since 2017.

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “We’re pleased that air quality in Wokingham borough has been improving since 2017, with no monitoring sites exceeding the target annual average for pollution.

“However, we will continue to act wherever we have the chance to make an impact.”

Air pollution is associated with a number of adverse health impacts and, in 2017, was estimated to have cost the NHS and social care in excess of £150 million

The major source of air quality pollutants in Wokingham is road transport, with NO 2 the main concern.

In Wokingham there are three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) which monitor the amount of NO 2 produced at certain areas in the borough.

These are located at Peach Street, Twyford village centre crossroads and

along, and 60m either side of, the M4.

Continuous monitoring in both Peach Street and Twyford showed the annual average level for NO 2 pollution was not exceeded for either site.

There were also no exceedances of the annual average NO 2 objective from the monitoring sites within the M4.

The report states: “While air quality has improved significantly in recent decades, and will continue to improve

due to national policy decisions, there are some areas where local action is needed to improve air quality further.”

Cllr Shenton believes the council is taking action with a number of measures to reduce pollution.

He said: “Our environmental health and transport policy teams have worked together to implement our Local Transport Plan, which includes a number of anti-pollution measures,

and we will ensure this approach is carried forward as we update the Local Transport Plan in due course.

“We recently finished consulting on our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, which should help to reduce car journeys and emissions over the coming decade by proposing improvements like new crossings, cycleways and so on – although no funding is allocated for any of these yet, and

there would be further consultation.

“We also scrutinise all planning applications for their air quality impact in terms of dust, fires and vehicle movements, and have successfully sought funding for an anti-engine idling campaign to help residents play their part in tackling this issue.”

In both 2020 and 2021, the council’s MyJourney active travel team were awarded grants from DEFRA for its air quality schools initiative.

The initiative teaches pupils about air pollution and encourages them to consider alternative ways of going to school such as walking, cycling or taking public transport.

Although the report notes the steps being taken by the council, as well as no exceedances of NO 2 objectives, it has deemed it not appropriate to revoke to AQMA’s as of yet

The report states: “We will need three years of pandemic free data and smart motorway roadworks complete for the M4 showing no exceedances in the air quality objectives before this can be actioned.”

The challenges identified in tackling air quality throughout the next year have been identified as the pandemic, budget allocation for progressing measures in the air quality action plan and linking of the Public Health Outcome Framework and health profiles to air quality in order to show any causal relationship.

n To view the report in full, visit: publicprotectionpartnership.org.uk

FUMES: Road transport remains the borough’s biggest challenge with NO 2 pollutants the main concern Picture: Matt Boitor via Unsplash

WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL PLANNING

TheTownandCountryPlanning(DevelopmentManagementProcedure)(England)Order

Thefollowingapplication(s)havebeensubmittedandareadvertisedforthereasonsbelow:

Application Address Reasonsfor Advert Description

222366 LandAt1100Series andE2Building, WinnershTriangle, Wokingham

Major Application

FullapplicationforthepermanentretentionofStages1 and2permittedunderplanningpermissionref:214183, andtheerectionofanewVirtualProductionSoundStage (Stage3),togetherwithassociatedaccessarrangements, parking,landscapingandassociatedinfrastructure, includingsecurityfencingandhutandwelfarefacilities (partretrospective).

NOTICEOFAPPLICATIONFORA PREMISESLICENCEUNDERSECTION17 OFTHELICENSINGACT2003.

Applicant:CrowthorneTennisClub

Addressofpremises:StSebastiansField,NineMile Ride,Wokingham,RG403XA

Proposedlicensableactivities: Supplyandsaleofalcoholbyoronbehalfofaclubto membersoftheclubandguests

ThepostaladdressoftheLicensingAuthoritywhere theregisteriskeptandtheapplicationmaybe inspectedis:LICENSINGTEAM,WOKINGHAM BOROUGHCOUNCIL,SHUTEEND,WOKINGHAM RG401BN

223037 LandatEdneysHill, EdneysHill Major Application

223057 ChurchCottage, WalthamRoad, Ruscombe

223062 HydeEndFarm,179 HydeEndRoad, Shinfield

223069 HydeEndFarm,179 HydeEndRoad, Shinfield

Workstoalisted building

Workstoalisted building

Workstoalisted building

Outlineplanningpermissionfortheproposederectionof upto40no.dwellingsplusopenspace,pedestrianand cyclelinkswithotherassociatedinfrastructureand primaryvehicularaccessfromBarkhamRoad,following thedemolitionofno.368BarkhamRoad.(Allmatters reservedexceptforaccess).

ApplicationforListedBuildingconsentfortheproposed repairsto1no.existingcasementwindow.

Householderapplicationfortheproposedinstallationof anairconditioningsystemincluding4no.externalunits.

ApplicationforListedBuildingconsentfortheproposed installationofanairconditioningsystemincluding4no. externalunits,plusinternalgroundfloorwallmounted units,firstfloorductinganddistributionunitsintheloft.

Website: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Anypersonwishingtomakerepresentationsonthis mattershallgivenotice,inwriting,statingthenature andgroundsformakingsuchrepresentationstoThe LicensingOfficerattheaboveaddressbythe11th November2022

Itisanoffence,undersection158oftheLicensingAct 2003,toknowinglyorrecklesslymakeafalse statementinorinconnectionwithanapplication,and themaximumfineonsummaryconvictionofsuchan offenceisnotlimited.

Dated:20thOctober2022

Theapplicationisavailabletoview onlineatwokingham.gov.uk

� Planning � Searchplanningapplicationsand typingintheapplicationnumberabove. Commentsontheapplicationcanbemade onlinefromthiswebpage.

Anycommentsmustarriveonorbeforethe 10thNovember2022 Anycommentsmadearenotconfidentialandcan beseenbyanyoneastheyformpartofthepublicrecord.Thecomments,unlessoffensive,discriminatoryand/orracist, willappearontheCouncil’swebsitewithin24hoursand includethesubmittednameandaddress. Duetothehigh volumeofcommentsreceivedwedonotprovideindividualresponses.

Date:20thOctober2022

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhaton13thOctober2022theWokinghamBorough CouncilasTrafficAuthoritymadeanOrderunderSection14(1)(b)oftheRoadTraffic RegulationAct1984(“theAct”)andallotherenablingpowerstheeffectofwhich continuesinforcetherestrictionscontainedinaNoticeunderSection14(2)(b)ofthe Actdated30thSeptember2022prohibitinganyvehiclefromproceedingalong EvendonsLane,WokinghambetweenitsjunctionswithA321FinchampsteadRoad andEdneysHill.

Thealternativerouteforalltrafficaffectedbytherestrictionshallbebyproceedingvia A321FinchampsteadRoad,MollyMillarsLaneandB3349BarkhamRoadorbythis routeinreverse.

TherestrictionsarenecessarytoenableThamesWatercontractorstoundertakea sewercollapseinsafety.

Therestrictionsshallonlyapplyduringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignsinaccordance withtheTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirection2016arelawfullydisplayedin thesaidroads.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithintheboundariesoftheserestrictionswillbe maintainedatalltimes.

TheOrdershallcomeintooperationonthe20thOctober2022andshallcontinuein forceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntiltheworkshavebeencompleted, whicheveristheearlier.

RECRUITMENT

‘I feel like I’m here to push boundaries’

DAN

D’Lion has gone from strength to strength, coming full circle in 2022 with his performance at Reading Festival during the summer marking a “full circle” moment for him.

Fresh from the release of his latest single, Knock Knock, Dan says making music is about the crowd enjoying themselves.

“There’s a real there’s a moment, probably about five or 10 minutes before I go on anywhere, that I have this lack of energy, just focusing.

“Some people like to jump about and hang out, but I like be on my own for a bit just to kind of focus mentally on what I need to do.

“And that is making sure that everyone’s having a good time, and I feel like if I can have a good time and encourage other people to have a good time, that’s that’s all that matters to me.”

This duality of both performer and

audience enjoyment is partly fostered by his experiences attending Reading Festival

“It was the first festival I think I ever went to, so it was a real experience, surrounded by all my best friends having just finished school.

“I’ve got so many great memories and certain scenes, so many great bands, and artists playing and so I remember being at some of those stages and thinking right I want some of this at some point.

“So it was nice to come back and actually have that full circle moment.”

It doesn’t mean he wasn’t somewhat anxious about the turnout for his performance.

“You never really know what these things turn into at a festival – there’s so many different artists and people want to go and see so many different thing, so it’s hard to judge how many people are going to join.”

His performance at the BBC

Introducing stage earlier in the year, however, was well-attended.

“We had a great crowd– it was a good atmosphere, especially being on at the same time as some of the headline acts.

“I think the people that were there were just in a great spirit– it felt like a real moment for me.”

During his set, he brought singer/ songwriter Griff for a collaborative performance, which he said was one of his stand-out moments of the year.

“We did a remix that I’d done of hers last year – that was a real special thing, because it’s so difficult for these festivals.

“Even if you’re playing on the same day, everyone’s schedules are in a different place, but she made the time and we hadn’t even rehearse that song the band.

“I’d never played it live, and I don’t think she ever played it live either.”

For Dan, performance is a “freeing”

experience.

“I think it’s the most expressive I can be, playing this music that I’ve been working on for a while with other musicians and bringing it to life.

“For me, that’s just the best part of what I do.”

Though he originally hails from Twyford, he now lives in London, which forms a huge influence on his writing.

“There’s so many people and so much energy around here, but I also take things from movies that I watch, the books I read– everything is inspirational.

“I might even be walking down the street and I stand on a drain and I’ll have a good idea from that.”

As well as his lyrical influences, Dan says he has a broad range of stylistic influences from a range of genres, including from his father, who was a jazz musician.

“I’ve been I’ve been brought up on so many different things, like my dad showed me a real sort of understanding

of jazz music, and my mum was from a more traditional kind of rock’n’roll background.

“So I had that kind of clash, plus I listened to a lot of hip hop, and that’s why I try and make something that is so unexpected.

“I try and be as fresh and unique as possible, because it’s taking things from that– not copying them – just using them to make my own recipe.”

He says also that it’s important to be aware of your influences and the context of your art.

“I think it’s good to have an understanding of where certain things have come from and how have you been influenced, and the culture around specific genres.

“But in a way, as an artist, I feel like I’m here to push boundaries, too.”

n Knock Knock is now streaming on all platforms, and Dan D’Lion is set to perform at The Lower Third, London, on Tuesday, October 25.

JAKE CLOTHIER

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

A night of jazz

JO HARROP is an accomplished musician on the London Jazz scene.

Originally a singer/songwriter, and backing singer for international stars, she’s now an established Jazz singer.

She’s joined by Alex Hutton on piano and Jihad Darwish on bass.

Jo Harrop and Friends takes place at Norden Farm, Maidenhead.

Audiences should head over on Friday, October 21. Doors open at 8pm, and seats cost £16.

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

Enjoy the antics of the Naughty Fox

THE Naughty Fox is an immersive, multisensory theatre performance for little ones and their grown ups.

Naughty Fox needs to learn a very important lesson, that it’s better to share.

Described by CBeebies as an absolute delight, the show is for children aged birth to five years.

Fully accessible and relaxed, with creative captions for deaf and hard of hearing, it plays at Norden Farm in Maidenhead.

There are two performances on Tuesday, October 25. Doors open at 11.30am and at 2pm. Tickets cost £12, £10 for under 16 years, £40 for Family and Friends (4 people). No ticket required for babies up to 18 months, on laps.

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

Let them eat cake

THE French revolution is looming and heads will shortly roll.

Until then, aristocrats indulge in dubious moral competition.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses explores the games people play, and their monstrous consequences.

It runs from Thursday, October 20 to Saturday, October 29, with the exception of Sunday. Doors open at 7.45pm, and tickets cost £15.

n For tickets and information visit:

Bracknell –South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123

Lilies On the Land. Thurs 20. China Crisis. Fri 21. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 21. Beauty and the Beast. Sun 23. South Hill Park open day. Mon 24. Mark Thomas Black and White. Mon 24. Morgan and West: Unbelievable Science. Tues 25. Nick Sharratt’s Hallowe’en Drawalong. Wed 26. The Dinosaur Show Tour 2022. Thurs 27. Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps: Travel and Comedy in the Danger Zone. Thurs 27. The Elton John Show. Fri 28. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 28. The Amazing Bubble Man. Sat 29.

Simon Evans: The Work of the Devil. Sat 29. Wilde Sundays: Keiron Farrow, Little Lore, William and Julie. Sun 30.

FILMS: La Boheme. Thurs 20. It Snows In Benidorm. Fri 21-Sun 23. DC League of Super Pets. Sat 22-Sun 23, Wed 26-Thurs 27. Official Competition. Mon 24-Tues 25. Blind Ambition. Wed 26-Thurs 27. See How They Run. Fri 28-Wed 2.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484123

Open and shut case

A MILD-mannered accountant picks up the wrong briefcase in Ray Cooney’s comedy.

Instead of the expected cheese and pickle sandwich, he finds inside £1.5million in used notes.

What should he do?

The show, a spiralling confusion of fibs, false names and frantic deceptions, is a night of fun and laughs.

It plays at The Mill At Sonning until Saturday, November 5.

Evening performances are from Wednesday to Saturday.

Shows start at 8.15pm, preceded by dinner from 6.15pm.

Saturday and Sunday matinees start at 2.15pm, with lunch from 12.15pm.

THIS show pays tribute to a national treasure whose showbiz career spanned eight decades.

Dora Bryan delighted audiences in Carry On films, panto, Shakespeare, Dinner Ladies, Absolutely Fabulous and Last Of The Summer Wine.

Here, her personal life and career

wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on: 0118 978 5363

Another brick in the wall

THE Australian Pink Floyd Show is the biggest of its kind.

It strives to reproduce the complete Pink Floyd experience and has been touring worldwide for three decades.

It includes a light and laser show, video animations, high resolution LED screen technology and several huge inflatables.

It plays at The Hexagon Theatre, Reading. The event is on Thursday, October 27, from 7pm. Tickets, (standing or wheelchair) cost £31.50.

n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office: 0118 960 6060

20. Mum’s The Word. Fri 21. Rise and Fall. Sat 22. Jason Bryne: Unblocked. Sun 23. Terry Dreary’s Twisted Tales. Wed 26. The Retro Rock Show. Thurs 27. The Noise Nextdoor. Fri 28. Camberley Comedy Club. Fri 28. Morgan and West. Sat 29. A Fright at the Museum. Sun 30.

Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000

Crimes On Centre Court. Thurs 20. Mark Watson: This Can’t Be It. Fri 21. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. Sat 22-Sun 23. Theatre Explorers. Mon 24. In Conversation with Hugh Bonneville. Mon 24. Spokes and Spells. Tues 25-Wed 26. Creating Comedy workshop. Tues 25. The Shawshank Redemption. Tues 25-Sat 29.

Scriptwriting Tater Workshop for ages 12-16. Wed 26. Mig and the Beankstalk. Thurs 27. Adorable Dora. Fri 28. Splat. Sat 29. Play Your Part. Sun 30. An Evening with Adam Frost. Sun 30.

High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000

are portrayed with fun, music and laughter, by Rosemary Ashe.

The show is written and performed by the Olivier Award nominated actress and soprano, whose credits include Phantom Of The Opera, Mary Poppins, and Les Miserables.

Beauty is in the eye of the beastholder

BEAUTY and the Beast tells the story of a beautiful and intelligent young woman, captured by a grisly and fearsome monster.

Ballet Theatre UK showcases new choreography by artistic director, Christopher Moore.

The enchanting love story comes with sets and costumes created especially for the production, to the accompaniment of a classical score.

The ballet plays at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre.

It can be seen on Sunday, October 23.

Doors open at 3pm. Tickets cost £22.50, £20.50 for members and under 16 years cost £13.50.Group discounts apply.

n For tickets and information log on to:

Steeleye Span. Thurs 20. King of Pop. Thurs 20. A Country Night in Nashville. Fri 21. The Black Blues Brothers. Sat 22. Dinosaur Adventure Live. Sun 23. Family Fun Day. Sun 30.

Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050

Ladies In Lavender. Until Sat 22. Jazz at the Kenton: Huw Warren plays Brazilian Jazz featuring The Max Wright Trio. Sun 23. The Bubble Show. Tues 25. Christopher Nibble. Wed 26. The Remix Jazz Orchestra featuring Purdy: The Great American Songbook. Thurs 27. The Greatest Magician. Fri 28. HAODS presents First Love Is the Revolution. Thurs 27-Sat 29. The Hound of the Baskervilles. Sat 29.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

National Theatre Live: Jack Absolute Flies Again. Sat 22.

The Handlebards Twelfth Night. Thurs 20. Kate Bush-Ka.

Fri 21. Jo Harrop and Friends. Fri 21. Women In Rock. Sat 22. Tad The Lost Explorer and the Curse of the Mummy (U). Tues 25, Wed 26. The

Naughty Fox. Tues 25. See How They Run (12a). Tues 25. Spy Monkey. Wed 26. Saltlines: The Gigspanner Big Band and Raynor Winn. Wed 26. Royal Opera House Live: La Boheme. Thurs 27. Night Terrors: The Ghost Stories of EF Benson. Thurs 27. ParaNorman (PG).

Fri 28. Olga Koch: Just Friends. Fri 28. Echea String Quartet. Fri 28. Spooky Concertini with Johnny and the Raindrops. Sat 29. India Sweets and Spices (12a). Sat 29. Colin Hoult: The Death of Anna Mann. Sat 29.

Newbury –The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218

ROH Live: La Boheme. Thurs 20. Jack Whitehall: Work in Progress. Thurs 20. Rat Pack Live. Fri 21. The Story of Soul. Sat 22. Coco 2D (PG).

Sat 22-Wed 26. Milton Jones in Milton: Impossible. Wed 26. The Woman King (15). Fri 21-Thurs 27. Mrs Harris Goes to Paris (tbc). Until Thurs 27. Hocus Pocus (PG). Sat 22-Thurs 27. Moonage Daydream (15). Sat 22-Thurs 27. Pygnalion. Thurs 27. Fireman Sam. Fri 28. The Dark. Sat 29. The Lost Boys. Fri 28-Sat 29. Harry Potter and the Chamber of

Adorable Dora plays at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

The event is on Friday, October 28.

Doors open at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £18, Concessions cost £12.

n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 440000

www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484123

Here’s Dom and his holiday snaps

DOM Joly is best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV.

The writer and broadcaster, who attended school with Osama Bin Laden, will talk about his exploits as a serial globe-trotting seeker of dangerous travel.

Audiences can expect comedy and a sense of danger.

Dom will meet fans after the show to sign copies of his latest book, The Hezbollah Hiking Club.

Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps - Travel And Comedy In The Danger Zone, comes to South Hill Park Arts Centre, in Bracknell.

The event is on Thursday, October 27. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets cost £23.50.

Secrets. Fri 28-Sun 30. Morgan and West: Unbelievable Science. Sun 30.

Newbury –The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

The Sleeping Sword. Thurs 27-Sat 5.

Reading –South Street www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

The Rest of Our Lives. Thurs 20. Poets Cafe Online. Fri 21. Olga Koch: Just Friends. Fri 21. I Belong by Doris Allimadi. Sat 22. Sofie Hagan: Fat JokesSOLD OUT. Sat 22. Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom. Wed 26-Thurs 27. Visible: A Celebration of Motherhood. Thurs 27. Heavy Pop presents LoneLady. Fri 28. South Street Comedy Club. Sat 29.

Reading –The Hexagon www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Pop Princesses. Tues 25. 10cc. Wed 26. The Australian Pink Floyd. Thurs 27. Dara O’Briain: So Where Were We? SOLD OUT. Fri 28.

Reading –Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Tickets cost £76 and include a two course meal at the theatre restaurant before the show.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.millatsonnng.com or call the box office on: 0118 969 8000

Redemption tale

A STEPHEN King novel, then film, is brought to the stage by Bill Kenwright.

Despite pleading innocence, a prisoner is locked up for life.

He quickly learns that at the notorious Shawshank facility there is no escapealone that is.

A desperate plan is quietly hatched.

The production examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope inside a maximum-security facility.

It stars Joe Absolom and Ben Onwukwe.

The Shawshank Redemption plays at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

It can be seen from Tuesday, October 25 to Saturday, October 29.

Doors open at 7.30pm. Matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday start at 2.30pm. Tickets cost from £32, depending on seat location, concessions £12.

n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 440000

Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888

Grace Petrie. Thurs 20. Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra 20th anniversary concerts. Sat 29.

Reading –Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195

NEXT SHOW: 16th Annual Write Fest. Wed 2-Sat 5.

Reading –Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620

Jekyll & Hyde. Until Oct 29.

Shinfield – Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880

NEXT SHOW: Inspector Drake and the Black Widow. Wed 16-Sat 19.

Sonning –The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000

Funny Money. Until Sat Nov 5. Motown’s Greatest Hits: How Sweet It Is. Sun 23. The Freddie and Queen Experience. Sun 30.

Darker Shores. Until Sat 22. Fastlove. Sun 23. That’ll Be The Day. Mon 24. The Carpenters Experience. Tues 25. The Grass Is Greener. Fri 28-Sat 12.

Wokingham –Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363

Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Thurs 20-Sat 29.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

Emma Macedo Productions presents An Evening of Entertainment in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Sat 22. Wokingham Film Society presents Parallel Mothers (15). Thurs 27. Wokingham Music Club presents Los Pacaminos: Live in Concert SOLD OUT. Fri 28.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838

NEXT SHOW: Ladies Down Under. Nov 29-Dec 3.

Aldworth Orchestra celebrates its 20th anniversary with a triple concert

READING’S

Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra is to celebrate its 20th anniversary with special guests later this month.

The musicians will be joined by Reading Youth Orchestra; and German musician, Frederike Möller for the event on Saturday, October 29.

And to mark the occasion there will be three performances on the same day.

Two concerts will feature the world premiere of a new piece of music by Caitlin Harrison.

There will also be a recital on an unusual instrument.

The afternoon begins with a relaxed event for families, presented by members of APO Young.

This is the orchestra’s free-to-join fan club for children aged five to 15.

The afternoon concert features Reading Youth Orchestra, and toy piano player, Frederike Möller playing Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker ballet; and an extract from Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No 2.

The audience will also hear Good’s Sinfonietta No 1, Silver; a section from Betteridge’s Biscuits, Beer and Bulbs; and part of Harrison’s new music, From Dawn to Dreams.

Andrew Taylor, musical director of Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra, says: “At our relaxed performances it doesn’t matter about noise or movement.

“These concerts are for everyone, including young children, and neuro

diverse audiences.

“We’ll play The Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy first of all on the celeste, as written, but then on the toy piano.

“Frederike is bringing her toy instruments with her from Dusseldorf.”

The evening concert is part of The Aldworth Philharmonic’s 20th anniversary celebrations and is presented by Reading Fringe Festival.

It includes the full score of Betteridge’s Biscuits, Beer and Bulbs, and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No 2.

“Betteridge’s piece is interesting to play,” says Andrew.

“I have to conduct to a click track in order to keep in time with sounds that accompany the music.

“We commissioned the piece eight years ago.

“It contains fascinating archive audio of people who worked at Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory; conversations with people from Simonds Brewery; and a Pathé news style narration about Suttons Seeds.”

The players will be joined by Reading Youth Orchestra for Harrison’s From Dawn To Dreams.

This can be heard at both concerts and was written as part of the Making Music, Adopt A Music Creator, project.

“It’s a logistical challenge getting two orchestras together into one concert hall, or even to rehearse together, but it’s working very well, “ says Andrew.

“The piece is really interesting and includes fragments of poetry.

“It’s full of texture and sounds.”

Prior to the evening concert, there will be an unusual recital by Frederike Möller.

She specialises in exploring the sound world of toy pianos, and will perform works associated with Reading and Düsseldorf.

Andrew continues: “We’re especially grateful for the support of the Reading Fringe Festival.

“This is the first time we have brought

A chilling Hallowe’en tale

READING Repertory Theatre has embraced the spirit of Hallowe’en with its latest production, Jekyll and Hyde.

This production has been adapted by Glasgow’s Gary McNair, and directed by Michael Fentiman, whose production of Amélie was nominated for three Olivier awards in 2020.

It stars Audrey Brisson, who was also nominated for an Olivier award for her performance as Amélie, as the only actor.

The premise of Jekyll and Hyde is well-established, so Reading Rep has worked hard to make the story’s retelling fresh and vibrant.

It has done so by scaling back the majority of the production’s staging: external characters and settings have been stripped away, leaving only a single flat platform, a doorway, a stool, and a single actor.

The production is less of a staging of the events of the narrative as a result, instead focusing on the abilities of Audrey Brisson, playing solicitor Gabriel Utterson, on pushing the story forward.

With a run-time of over an hour, a full production through monologue could run the risk of becoming dry, but this is aptly avoided through Brisson’s presence and conviction alone.

The original novel begins with a spoken conversation between Utterson and a friend, in which

he details the curious events going on surrounding his client, Dr Jekyll.

While it uses this conversation as a framing device, Reading Rep’s production makes this the focus, with the audience taking the part of Utterson’s acquaintance.

This choice instils the narrative with a chilling tension as the events are reported as if hearing a friend recount their worst nightmare.

It also means that the more comical aspects of the story can shine through too, again embellished by Brisson’s easy charm.

The production’s utilitarian set emphasises this, with a small, flat square forming the only stage.

The stark, harsh strip light running around the perimeter forms the only light source for much of the play, which, combined with some smoke effects, frames Brisson in an almost alien way.

As the play continues, Brisson

also takes up the portrayal of the secondary characters, demonstrating engaging flexibility and range.

The presence of the outline of a door in the background hangs over the whole of the production, constantly threatening that the beastly Mr Hyde could burst through.

Overall, the production encapsulates the almost whispered tension of the original novel by stripping it down to the second-hand personal account typical of an M.R. James ghost story.

Brisson’s powerful performance doesn’t carry the production– it is the production, perfectly complimented by Emily Irish and Max Jones’ minimal, but choice, additions to set and lighting.

The stripped-back nature of the production makes it the perfect Hallowe’en tale for families, especially considering that the more violent aspects of the narrative are not performed, only told.

Jekyll & Hyde is running at Reading Repertory Theatre, Kings Road, until Saturday, October 29. Tickets begin from £15. Performances are at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 3pm. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www. readingrep.com

JAKE CLOTHIER

a full symphony orchestra to the festival, which this year celebrates its own 10th anniversary. They have been wonderfully supportive.”

Both concerts take place in Reading Town Hall’s Concert Hall.

They can be heard on Saturday, October 29. The afternoon event starts at 4pm and lasts one hour.

Tickets can be booked online at a price of the buyer’s choosing.

The evening performance begins at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15, under 18s cost £10.

Concert Virgins – those who have never attended an APO concert before – can get in free.

The toy piano recital starts at 6.30pm and is free to ticket holders.

n For information and to purchase tickets visit: www.aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk

EMMA MERCHANT

To mark its 20th anniversary, the Reading Aldworth Philharmonic will be performing three concerts in a day Picture: Phil Creighton

Audrey Brisson in the strippedback production of Jekyll and Hyde. Picture: Reading Rep Theatre

A FOUR-piece band described as pop noise kings will be playing a gig in Reading next week.

Joining doops for Club Velocity on Friday, October 28, is Jopy from Keep Cats, giving a solo show, and The Dianas, a Reading supergroup that has not played live for a decade.

The gig takes place at the Rising Sun arts centre in Silver Street. Doors open at 8pm and tickets cost £6.50.

n For more information or to book, search www.wegottickets. com for Club Velocity.

Club Velocity to welcome bands at Rising Sun gig Blondie night at Wokingham Music Club

A BLONDIE tribute act will come to Wokingham next month.

Wokingham Music Club is hosting Totally Blondie for an evening of hits, including Hanging On The Telephone, Sunday Girl, One Way Or Another, Call Me, Atomic, and Heart Of Glass,

The show will take place at its base in the Emmbrook Sports and Social Club, off Lowther Road, on Friday, November 4.

Tickets cost £19.

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

Music mogul toshare career

Strictly stars to appearin new Ballroom musical

ONE of the first shows of 2023 at The Hexagon will be a musical based on a hugely popular film.

TICKETS

have gone on sale for a night with an enigmatic and irrepressible musical mogul.

Dave Robinson, the cofounder of Stiff Records, will be visiting Reading Biscuit Factory in December to talk about his career.

He has been responsible for launching the careers of some of the biggest UK’s biggest names including Elvis Costello, Kirsty McColl, Madness and the Pogues.

Back in the 1960s, he started out as a photographer taking photos of The Beatles

at The Cavern in Liverpool, tour managing Jimi Hendrix, and touring with Pink Floyd in the United States.

Then in the 1970s, he teamed up with Jake Riviera to launch Stiff Records and signed a roster that included The Damned, Nick Lowe, Tracey Ullman, Joan Lewie, Ian Dury And The Blockheads, The Adverts, and Madness among many more.

In 1984, he ran Island Records -for Chris Blakewell, where he worked with artists and groups such as U2, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, and Robert Palmer, as well as making Bob Marley a

household name.

Island released the Legend compilation, one of the biggest selling albums of all time. It currently has 44 million sales.

Dave Robinson is a naturally engaging person-he must be to have had such an amazing life. Surprise, fun, laughter and a real insight into the workings of the music industry.

His visit will take place on Thursday, December 1, at the arts venue in Reading’s Broad St. Mall. Tickets cost £15.

n For more details, or to book, search Dave Robinson on www. wegottickets.com

Musical festival

ANAUTUMN festival of music is coming to Caversham later this month.

The team behind Concerts at Caversham are to hold five evenings of music from Saturday.

This first event will be a jazz trio, comprising Sarah Gillespie singing, Tom Cawley on piano, and Chris Montague on guitar.

Ms Gillespie is also an artist and will be exhibiting her work for concertgoers to enjoy.

On Sunday, Ariel Lanyi will give a solo piano recital.

Ms Lanyi is a winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition, and her programme will including JS Bach’s C#

Strictly Ballroom, riffing off Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning worldwide film of the same name, features Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton and BBC’s EastEnders actor Maisie Smith.

The Strictly connection continues as the show will be directed and co-choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood.

The show follows arrogant, rebellious young ballroom dancer Scott Hastings (Kevin Clifton).

When his radical and daring dance style sees him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he must dance with a beginner Fran (Maisie Smith).

Minor Prelude and Fugue, and Schubert’s Moment Musicaux No. 1 in C major.

The Caversham Ensemble will perform on Saturday, October 29.

The group of professional musicians will perform an octet by Mendelssohn, a sextet from Strauss’ Capriccio, and Mozart’s Quintet in C minor.

They will also perform on Sunday, October 30.

For this concert, they will be joined by trumpeteer Robert Vanryne, pianist Adrienne Black, and the multi-talented Andrew Kershaw, who plays the ophicleide, serpent, tuba, saxhorn, and basson russe.

It will feature well-known classics, Victorian salon pieces, and humorous trombone solos.

Together they find the courage to defy tradition and discover that to win, your steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom.

Featuring smash-hit songs Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, and Time After Time, this is an all-new feelgood musical that will help clear away any January blues.

It will be performed at The Hexagon in Reading from Monday, January 16, through to Saturday, January 21.

Tickets cost from £27.50, to £52.50, with discounts for concessions, and groups of six or more.

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

These concerts take place at St Andrew’s Church in Albert Road.

The grand finale will see The Caversham Ensemble Chamber perform at Queen Anne’s School. They will be joined by Ewan Millar, the BBC Young Musician of the Year concerto finalist. He plays the oboe.

The programme includes Handel’s Water Music, Mozart’s Concerto for Oboe in C, and JS Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 1.

Tickets for the individual concerts cost £22, while a season ticket will save £15. Conessions are £20, or £16 for people aged 16 to 24. Under 16s can enjoy the music for free.

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

Fiddle player John heads to Nettlebed

AN ACCLAIMED Scottish fiddle player, John McCusker is to celebrate 30 years as a professional musician with a visit to Nettlebed next week.

He is touring the country and will stop off at the village’s Folk Club on Monday, singing songs from his new Best Of album, perform four new tracks, and sign copies of his book, John McCusker: The Collection, which gathers 100 of his compositions.

John began playing fiddle and whistle at a young age, under the influence of his Irish mother and her record collection. He spent 11 years from the age of 17 with Scottish folk institution the Battlefield

Band. Dubbed as a “musician’s musician” by trad music legend Phil Cunningham, John is also a longstanding member of the annual Transatlantic Sessions house band.

Unsurprisingly, his 30th Anniversary tour, has been delayed due to the pandemic, but the show is finally on the road, and sees John perform with his band: Ian Carr, Sam Kelly, Helen McCabe and Toby Shaer.

He can’t wait.

“I’m delighted to be able to get this special show on the road and celebrate 30 years as a professional musician,” John said.

“I’m looking forward to performing the highlights from

my back catalogue and revisiting memories associated with those tracks.”

He added: “It’s brilliant that I’ve been able to make music and perform for 30 years and I’ve worked with so many incredible people in that time.

“I’ve never had a plan, good things have just happened and, so far, it’s worked out as well as I could possibly have dreamed of.” John will appear at Nettlebed Folk Club, in the village club on the High Street, on Monday.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office between 10am and 8pm on: 01628 636620, or log on to www.nettlebedfolkclub. co.uk.

Strictly Ballroom is coming to The Hexagon in January

Raw Sounds Today

Chris Hillman www.bit.ly/raw soundstoday

THEYwowed us at Wokingham Festival, now you can hear them for yourselves.

Indigo Child’s debut single is a great tune and it’s just one of 10 stonking tracks for your aural pleasure.

The RaW Sounds Today playlist is 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.

Indigo Child – Lies

Here’s the debut single from Reading-based duo Indigo Child, who opened the Wokingham Music Club Stage at Wokingham Festival in August with their energetic live set.

Thursday, October 20

READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746.

READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street. Grace Petrie. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Outlook, Kings Road. Jam Night.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Blancmange. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Friday, October 21

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Whitney Houston Tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. China Crisis. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Solace. Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Soultrax Live with Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 457318.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Never 42. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Wild Willy Barrett’s Roaring Touring. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live. Details: 0118 959 5746.

READING – Lola Lo, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Waiola Fridays.

READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music. Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents The Power of Three. Details: www. jazzinreading.com

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Nothing Will Change IVMasquerader, S0DDS, The Bourbon Massive. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The James Taylor Quartet. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – Wild Lime, Friar Street RG1

pop icons, Blancmange, who had big 80s hits such as Living on the Ceiling.

Neil Arthur from the band said he ‘wanted a track driven by a singular minimal beat occasionally shot through with lyrical phrases’.

He’s achieved that with this single and its cool groove interspersed with guitar and electronic sounds. The band visit Reading’s Sub89, or visited depending on when you see this, on Thursday, October 20, as part of an extensive UK tour – http:// www.blancmange.co.uk/

Third Lung – No Names

This is the latest single from the forthcoming debut album, Gameplay from local faves Third Lung. Don’t miss the band’s album launch show at Reading’s Sub 89 on Thursday, November 10 –http://thirdlungband.com

Lonely Robot – Digital God Machine

This band from Liverpool played at Reading’s Facebar on October 13, as part of their UK tour and have just released their debut album, the excellent Guitar Music, from which this single is taken –https://courtingband.com

Dakorra – Elevate Me

Here’s some guitar riffs over a pulsing electro beat combined with Kate Herridge’s powerful vocals. You can see Dakorra live on Friday, October 28, supporting LoneLady, at South Street Arts Centre –https://www.facebook.com/dakorraband

Lilac – Losing Myself (In You)

Lilac are a Reading-based three piece band comprising of Beth on vocals and guitar, Lewis on keyboards, guitar and backing vocals and Olly on Drums. They describe their sound as floral indie which is a great description – https://lilacband.co.uk

Lies was recorded at Generation Studio with producer, Dean Nelson, and it’s a good start for the duo with its melodic indie sound.

We understand that Lou and Matt, who make up the duo, are dedicating some time to writing and rehearsing more new material so we’ll look forward to hearing the results of that – https://www. facebook.com/indigochildoffical

Blancmange – Reduced Voltage

This is from the new album Private View by synth

1DB. Ripple Effect. Details: 0118 959 8950.

SHURLOCK ROW – The Shurlock Inn, The Street RG10 0PS. Steve Murano. Details: 0118 230 8315.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR. The Grafters. Details: 0118 978 4529

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Live music. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, October 22

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. The Silver Searchers. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Spriggan Mist Ghostly Tales. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Hustler. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Crazy Cowboy Festival 8 from noon. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. PIG. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Echo. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Skavengers. Details: 0118 926 5804.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Straight Eight. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Indie City. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Arachna. Details: 0118 969 3325.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Sound Interiors. Details: 01252 870648.

YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road, GU46 7UG. Soul’d Out. Details: 01252 872459.

Sunday, October 23

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers night.

Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Motown’s Greatest Hits: How Sweet It Is. Details: 0118 969 8000.

Monday, October 24

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Open mic night. Details: 0118 958 0473.

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: John McCusker Band 30th Anniversary. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

Tuesday, October 25

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Wave Pictures. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Pop Princesses. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Wednesday, October 26

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. 10CC. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Cats In Space Atlantis Tour 2020. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Thursday, October 27

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Suprnatural: A Celebration of the music of Peter Green. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Australian Pink Floyd. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Soap Girls Don’t Give A Damn UK Tour. Details: 0118 959 7196

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Tania Edwards. Details: 0118 959

Created by the multi talented John Mitchell in his own Outhouse Studio, Lonely Robot is now on its fifth album, A Model Lif’, from which this single is taken. Watch out for the writer of this article in the video – https://johnmitchellhq.com

Louis and the Shakes – TRAILBLAZR

This band from London played a great set at Third Lung’s Loddfest event in Reading last month and we hear they may be playing a Wokingham gig later this year – https://www.louisandtheshakes.com

Courting – Jumper

5395.

EARLEY – Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 8HN. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 334 4300.

READING - Wild Lime, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Open mic: spoken word, music and vibes. From 6.30pm.

Friday, October 28

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Alt Rock Night with Schemata Theory, One Last Day, Masquerader. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. 70s Tribute: The Ultimate Night at the Disco. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Elton John Show. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street. Sam Solace.

READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live. Details: 0118 959 5746.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Sophie Henderson.

READING – Lola Lo, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Waiola Fridays.

READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music. Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Doops. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Silver Searchers. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Heavy Pop presents LoneLady. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Never Nevers . Details: 0118 957 6930.

SONNING – Reading Rugby Club, Sonning Lane RG4 6ST. FND Hope charity live music event: Piston Broke and Trupa. 6.30pm. Details: search eventbrite. co.uk for Live Music Night in aid of FND Hope UK

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Full Flavour. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Rila’s Edge – Someone New

This is the latest single, released in July, by this Wokingham based band who recently packed out The Redan for their hometown show. One of our fave releases of the last few months – https://www. rilasedge.com/

Dandy Man – Flat Earth Society

Here’s Reading based alt-indie/folk rockers, Dandy Man, with their new single which was recorded at Pyramid Studios in Hurst and is from their forthcoming debut album, Something I Have To Say – https://dandymanmusic.com/

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Los Pascaminos. £27.50. Details:www.wokinghammusicclub. co.uk

YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01252 872105.

Saturday, October 29

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. !Daft!. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Full Flabour Band. Details: 01344 457318.

EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 935 4103.

GORING - Goring Social Club, High Street RG8 9BA. Abba tribute night with Kiss The Teacher. Details: 01491 873105.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Festival of the Dead. From 6pm. Details: www.linktr.ee/ blue.collar

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Moderation, Caversham Road RG1 8BB. The Mark II: Mayhem at the Mod. Details: 0118 959 5577.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Punkowe’en: Blondie, Remones, The Pistols. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - The Grumpy Goat, Smelly Alley (Union Street). Monster Mash Hallowe’en party. From 8pm. Fancy dress. Details: www.thegrumpygoat. co.uk

READING – St Laurence Church, The Forbury RG1 3EJ. On The Block Hip Hop Dance Battle. 2pm. Details: https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Retro Karaoke. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Junction. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Jungle Cakes Hallowe’en. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Dino’s. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. The Gas Trick Band. Details: 0118 942 9606.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Far Away Trains. Details: 0118 941 5064.

WHITCHURCH - The Greyhound, High Street RG8 7EL. Hallowe’en party with music from Accoutsics. Fancy dress. Details: 0118 984 1485.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Hallowe’en Battle of the Baldies. From 6pm. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Tim Shez Band. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Hallowe’en party with DJs Details: 0118 977 3706.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Majestix. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, October 30

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: Keiron Farrow, Little Lore, William and Julie. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Terry St Clair. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Reinettes Resurrection. Details: 0118 959 5500.

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.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Arts For All: An Evening of Light. Details: 0118 986 6788.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Freddie and Queen Experience. Details: 0118 969 8000.

NEW SOUND: Indigo Child at Wokingham Festival this August. Hear their debut single with the RaW Sounds Today Playlist Picture: Andrew Merritt

Saturday, Oct 22

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham autumn festival: Jazz Trio with Sarah Gillespie. 7.30pm. Tickets £22, over 60s £20, and £16 for 16-25s. Under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk

FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Maps £3 from Jackson’s California Lake cafe. Details: 0118 934 2016.

READING - Battle Library, Oxford Road. Board games club for teenagers upwards. Noon-2pm. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square RG1 6NP. Reading Male Voice Choir in concert. 7.30pm. £10. Details: mvc.net

READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Carter Steam Fair final destination. Noon10pm. Details: www. carterssteamfair.co.uk

READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Park HalloWellyWeen: activities between 10am and 4pm, including Wooky Willow Show Tent, Not-So Spooky Show Tent, The Lost Jungle, The Pumpkin Patch, Pop-up Play Village, The Train, Junk Jodie. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk

SOUTHCOTE - Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Spooky crafts for ages 4-10. 10.30am11.30am. £1. Details: 0118 937 5109.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. An Evening of Entertainment 2022 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support including Selina and the Howlin Dogs, Saxcelerate and Iszi Lawrence. Doors 6pm, show 7pm. £15, £8 children, under fives free. Details: www.ticketsource. co.uk/emmamacedo

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre RG5 4JZ. Starmaker Theatre Company presents Into The Woods Jr. 3pm and 7.30pm. £14, £12 concessions. Details: www.starmaker.org.uk/ intothewoods

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill

Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, October 23

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham autumn festival: Ariel Lanyi, International Concert Pianist. 6pm. Tickets £22, over 60s £20, and £16 for 16-25s. Under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk

CAVERSHAM - Waitrose Car Park, off Gosbrook Road. Artisan & Farmers Market. 10am-3pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Maps £3 from Jackson’s California Lake cafe. Details: 0118 934 2016.

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP.

Wellington Country Park

HalloWellyWeen: activities between 10am and 4pm, including Wooky Willow Show Tent, Not-So Spooky Show Tent, The Lost Jungle, The Pumpkin Patch, Pop-up Play Village, The Train, Junk Jodie. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk

READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Carter Steam Fair final destination. Noon-8pm. Details: www. carterssteamfair.co.uk

SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail in aid of The Willows Support Group. Maps from Budgens Three Mile Cross and Robyn’s Nest, Shinfield. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday, October 24

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Bingo. From 7pm. Non-members £1. £1.25 per book. Details: 01344 772161.

FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Maps £3 from Jackson’s California Lake cafe.

Details: 0118 934 2016.

READING – Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Spooky Spahhetti Skeletons and stories. 10.30am-11.30am. £1. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – Museum, Blagrave St RG1 1QH. Rolling Rivers Collage. 10am-noon, 1pm-3pm. £1. Drop-in. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Rd RG7 1SP. HalloWellyWeen. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk

SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail in aid of The Willows Support Group. Maps from Budgens Three Mile Cross and Robyn’s Nest, Shinfield. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022

WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange School, Heathlands Road RG40 3AL. Wokingham Rock Choir free taster session. 7.30pm. Booking essential. Details: https://www. rockchoir.com/join/ Wokingham_Late_Session

Tuesday, October 25

BEECH HILL – Memorial Hall, Wood Lane. Beech Hill Cinema presents: Operation Mincemeat (12a). £5, £2.50 under 16s. Details: https://www. bhmh.org.uk/whats-on/ cinema-at-beech-hill

FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Details: 0118 934 2016.

READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Make a fishy picture with fabric for ages 7 upwards. 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am. £2. Advance booking essential. Details: readingmuseum.org.uk

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Rd RG7 1SP. HalloWellyWeen. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk

SPENCERS WOOD – Across village. Hallowe’en trail. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022

SHINFIELD – Leighton Park Theatre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Sainsbury Singers present Made In Dagenham The Musical. 7.30pm. Details: sainsburysingers.org.uk/ madeindagenham

Wednesday, October 26

FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Details: 0118 934 2016.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Double Barrelled tasting evening: World Cup of Beers. From 7pm. Details: www.linktr.ee/ blue.collar

READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Victorian Schoolroom Experience. Agesfive upwards. 11.30am, 1.15pm, 2.30pm. £1. Booking essential. Details: readingmuseum.org.uk

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. HalloWellyWeen. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk

SHINFIELD – Leighton Park Theatre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Made

In Dagenham The Musical. 7.30pm. Details: sainsburysingers.org.uk

SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOODLEY – Crumbs, Library Parade, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LX. Comedy at Crumbs: Andrew Bird, Mike Cox, Pauline Eyre and Jonathan Elston. 7pm. £12. Details: www.wegottickets. com/event/554272

Thursday, Oct 27

CAVERSHAM - Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Creepy craft session for ages 4-8. 2pm-3.30pm. £1. Details: 0118 937 5103.

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road. Reading Operatic Society Hallowe’en Quiz Night. 8pm. £4 members, £5 nonmembers. Teams of up to six. Bring your own drinks. Details: https://readingops. co.uk/

FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Details: 0118 934 2016.

READING - Battle Library, Oxford Road. Kreepy Klown Masks session and treasure hunt. For ages four upwards. £1. Details: 0118 937 5103.

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ.

A Brief History of Reading Gaol Online Talk, organised by the Berkshire Family History Society and given by Mark Stevens. 2pm3.30pm. £5, £4 members. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Hallowe’en Party. From 6pm. Children in fancy dress eat free. DJ, face-painting and games. Details: www.ikea.com

READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Make & Take: Flappy Bats. 10am-noon, 1pm-3pm. £1. Drop-in. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. HalloWellyWeen. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk

SHINFIELD – Leighton Park Theatre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Made In Dagenham The Musical. 7.30pm. Details: sainsburysingers.org.uk

SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022

SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

TILEHURST – Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players present Out of Focus. 7.30pm. £8,

concessions £7. Tickets from C&G Hardware. Details: triangleplayers. co.uk

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Round 1 print judged by Kevin Day. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Parallel Mothers (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, October 28

FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU.

First Days Pumpkin Trail. Details: 0118 934 2016.

READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Jam Jar Aquarium. 10am, 11.15am, 1pm, 2.15pm. £4, booking essential. Details: readingmuseum.org.uk

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. HalloWellyWeen. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk

SHINFIELD – Leighton Park Theatre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Made In Dagenham The Musical. 7.30pm. Details: sainsburysingers.org.uk/ madeindagenham

SHINFIELD – Leighton Park School, Pepper Lane Entrance RG2 7DJ.

Reading Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club charity art and craft fair 2022. 5pm-7.30pm. £10. Details: whatsonreading.com

SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022

TILEHURST – Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players: Out of Focus. 7.30pm. £8, concessions £7. Tickets from C&G Hardware. Details: triangleplayers.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe

Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, Oct 29

BEECH HILL – Trunkwell House Hotel, Beech Hill Road RG7 2AT. Trunkwell House Gift Fair. 10am4pm. £3.50, concessions £2.50, families £9. Santa’s Grotto £5. Details: 0118 988 3754.

CAVERSHAM – Mapledurham Playing Fields Pavilion RG4 7ER. Warren and District Residents Association (WADRA) presents Caversham Hallowe’en Costume Parade. Prizes for under fives, under 10s, under 16s and 16 and over, pet and human. Special Awards for Most Scary, Most Beautiful, Most Creative and Best Overall. £3 per entry. Details: wadra.org/ halloween-fancy-dress-

registration/

CAVERSHAM – Across village. Hallowe’en Hunt 2022. Details: wadra.org

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. Hallowe’en trail, daylight hours only. Details: fccg.org.uk

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham autumn festival: The Caversham Ensemble with Robert Vanryne and Andrew Kershaw. 7.30pm. Tickets £22, over 60s £20, and £16 for 16-25s. Under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk

FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Details: 0118 934 2016.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square RG1 3BE. Friends of Reading Abbey AGM and lecture: The Trial and Execution of Hugh Cook Faringdon. 2.30pm. Details: readingabbey.org.uk

READING - Battle Library, Oxford Road. Board games club for teenagers upwards. Noon-2pm. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Family Hallowe’en event: fearsome face painters and creepy caricature artists, free pumpkins to carve while stocks last.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Travelling Talesman: Mistress of Heaven and Earth. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra 20th anniversary concert. Families: 4pm. Celebration concert. 7.30pm. Details: www. aldworthphilharmonic. org.uk

READING - The Grumpy Goat, Smelly Alley (Union Street). Monster Mash Hallowe’en party. From 8pm. Fancy dress. Details: www.thegrumpygoat.co.uk

READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com

READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk

READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Carter Steam Fair final destination. Noon-10pm. Fireworks 9[m. Details: www. carterssteamfair.co.uk

READING – Reading Family Church, Basingstoke Road RG2 0RX. Games night, family friendly. From 4pm. Details: https://www. readingfamilychurch. org.uk/

READING – Reading Irish Centre, Chatham Street RG1 7HT. Hallowe’en party. 3pm-6pm. £4 per child, family ticket £10. Details: 07840 229444.

READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Bach to Baby concert. 11am.

READING – St Laurence Church, The Forbury RG1 3EJ. On The Block Hip Hop Dance Battle. 2pm. Details: https:// readingfringefestival. co.uk/

READING – Phantom Brewing Co, The Haunt, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Phantom Brewing Co’s Third Birth-Yay Halloween Beer Festivus Extravaganza. From 3pm. Details: www. phantombrew.com

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP.

Wellington Country Park HalloWellyWeen: activities between 10am and 4pm, including Wooky Willow Show Tent, Not-So Spooky Show Tent, The Lost Jungle, The Pumpkin Patch, Pop-up Play Village, The Train, Junk Jodie. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk

SANDHURST – Eagle House School. GU47 8PH. Crowthorne Baptist Church barn dance with Vox n Box and Coal Black Crows. £5, children aged seven-13 £3. Bring your own refreshments and receptacles. 7pm-10pm. Details: https://www. crowthornebaptist.org.uk/

SHINFIELD – Leighton Park Theatre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Sainsbury Singers present Made In Dagenham The Musical. 7.30pm. Details: sainsburysingers.org.uk/ madeindagenham

SHINFIELD – Leighton Park School, Pepper Lane Entrance RG2 7DJ. Reading Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club charity art and craft fair 2022. 10am5pm. Free entry. Details: whatsonreading.com

SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail in aid of The Willows Support Group. Maps from Budgens Three Mile Cross and Robyn’s Nest, Shinfield. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022

SOUTHCOTE - Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Spooky crafts for ages 4-10. 10.30am11.30am. £1. Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players present Out of Focus. 7.30pm. £8, concessions £7. Tickets from C&G Hardware. Details: triangleplayers. co.uk

WHITLEY – Hexham Road Community Centre RG2 7UD. iCare Senior Social Club. Noon-4pm. Bingo and live entertainment. Booking essential. £12, includes food and refreshments. Details: 07908 854274.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre Hallowe’en event. 2pm-4pm. Details: woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, October 30

BEECH HILL – Trunkwell House Hotel, Beech Hill Road RG7 2AT. Trunkwell House Gift Fair. 10am4pm. £3.50, concessions £2.50, families £9. Santa’s Grotto £5. Details: 0118 988 3754.

CAVERSHAM – Across village. Hallowe’en Hunt 2022. Details: wadra.org

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. Hallowe’en trail, daylight hours only. Details: fccg.org.uk

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham autumn festival: The Caversham Ensemble Strings and oboe from the LSO and RPO. 6pm. Tickets £22, over 60s £20, and £16 for 16-25s. Under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk

CAVERSHAM - Waitrose Car Park, off Gosbrook Road. Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market. 10am3pm.

PANGBOURNE – Village Hall RG8 7AN. Pangbourne Twinning Association French Film Night: Summer Hours (L’heure d’été) (2008). £6. 6.45pm. Details: http://www.pangbournetwinning.org/

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Stranger Things quiz night. 7pm. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Carter Steam Fair final destination. Noon-8pm. Details: www. carterssteamfair.co.uk

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Arts For All: An Evening of Light. Details: 0118 986 6788.

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Rd RG7 1SP. HalloWellyWeen: activities between 10am and 4pm, Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk

SHINFIELD – Leighton Park School, Pepper Lane Entrance RG2 7DJ.

Reading Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club charity art and craft fair 2022. 10am4.30pm. Free entry. Details: whatsonreading.com

SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail in aid of The Willows Support Group. Maps from Budgens Three Mile Cross and Robyn’s Nest, Shinfield. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022

WOODCOTE – Village Hall. Food fair. 11am-3pm.

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

in

of

squares.

Your

work

main grid,

which

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

Using all 16

puzzle challenge

Quiz Challenge

1. Simon Stevin is credited with inventing which key mathematical concept?

2. What is the official length of a rugby union pitch (from try line to try line)?

3. Since 2005, comedian Jimmy Carr has presented which TV comedy panel show?

4. What is the special feature of golf courses known as links?

5. ‘I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window’ is the opening lyric of which Tom Jones hit song?

NONAGRAM

6. Which hallmark on precious metals is used only by the London Assay Office?

7. What is the more popular name for the portrait officially titled “La Gioconda,” painted in 1503?

8. Ben Elton received his big break in 1982 after co-writing which TV comedy series?

Which Norfolk country estate is a private residence of Queen Elizabeth II?

10. The Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, the Jordaan and Vondelpark are all in which major European city?

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines:

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed through openings in the walls. The first letter may appear in any chamber.

Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

Choice fish for preserving (8)

Must remove black mark (4)

8. Time to put first young ox in the cheapest accommodation (8)

Singer is confused a lot (4)

11. Tear net apart and beg (7)

Throw away in the dyke (5)

Have an idea beforehand about open crevice (11)

Customary drink perhaps (5)

Cato, he’d damaged the terminal (7)

Father and I ready initially to form a group (4)

Fruit provides a stale joke (8)

Princess from Iran? (4)

Beer Edna consumed in Scottish city (8)

1. One sending a letter or placard (6)

2. He’s caught out by a big box (5)

3. Agree calls could be extensive (5-5)

4. Managed to include a poor horse (3)

6. His cocktail is explosive stuff (7)

7. Spoils the souvenir of victory (6)

10. Seat driver removed for one promoting his products (10)

12. The keynote is a pick-me-up (5)

15. Indian Ocean island gettogether (7)

16. One having a drink with meal (6)

17. Modern weight or unit of force (6)

20. Animal that is surely heavier than it sounds (5)

23. Top-heavy old boy found on top of the cooker (3)

Siren.

21Pelvis;22

Tarry;11

Down

Lottery;

CROSSWORD:

Newton;20Ounce;23Hob.

Trophy;10Advertiser;12Tonic;15Reunion;

Down–1Poster;2Chest;3Large-scale;

Chestnut;24Rani;25

Ditch;14Preconceive;

Across–1Pickling;5Smut;

CRYPTICCROSSWORD:

PYRAMID:

MAGICSQUARE:

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.

EASYSUDOKUHARDSUDOKU

CODE

ACROSS

The many forms of kindness

Time for Kindness Sarah Browning

ONE of the things I’ve noticed about kindness is that it comes in so many forms.

Each of us can be kind to other people, to our planet and to animals, to name just a few. Crucially, we can also be kind to ourselves.

This is an area that is particularly on my mind as we head into October, with World Mental Health Day, which took place on Monday, October 10.

Research carried out by the Mental Health Foundation in 2020 found that 48% of UK adults agreed that being kind to themselves had a positive impact on their mental health.

That makes sense to me. I know that I

feel better when I give myself an extra 10 minutes in bed on a chilly morning, spend time on a hobby I enjoy or forgive myself for a mistake I made.

Busy, busy, busy

Many of us can find it tricky to show ourselves kindness. Especially at this time of year when we tend to be getting back into the swing of things after the quieter summer period.

There is so much on our ‘to do’ lists that doing something nice for ourselves can easily get lost or never make it to the top of the list.

Even when we know that it would make us feel better, we don’t always prioritise ourselves.

A good friend of mine recently sent me a beautiful card with

the words ‘Be kind to yourself’ on the front.

It was a good reminder at a time when I was supposed to be resting to get over covid.

See kind

Since starting up my Time for Kindness initiative to make people smile, I’ve realised that it’s not just ‘being kind’ that makes a difference.

‘Seeing kind’ in the world around us has a big effect too.

I am fortunate that I have a tendency to look out for optimistic perspectives. That isn’t to say I don’t see the terrible things that are going on. But I do try to balance that with hope and positivity.

When I read stories of things that people have done to brighten someone else’s day, it gives me a lift and brings me joy.

We can be kind to ourselves by noticing what others are doing.

If we’re pressed for time to do something, a look at the positive things around us can be a great way to get a quick fix.

Some ideas

If you’re stuck for

VolunteerCorner

Helena Badger

CITIZENS Advice

Wokingham provides a free advice service to the residents of Wokingham Borough.

Last year, we helped 5,170 people find a way forward with 17,817 issues.

Our volunteers make a huge difference - and you could be one of our new Trainee Advisers who provide a vital part of this help.

As a Trainee Adviser you’ll be supported throughout your journey with us by our Training Manager:

You’ll follow the Adviser Learning Programme, starting with an induction and some core learning.

After this you’ll answer phone calls from our clients to triage their issuesall with the support of our Supervisors who are available every day we’re open.

You’ll then continue with some further learning to embed more knowledge and put it into perspective through some of the client work you’ve already been involved with.

Then you’ll start looking at how you can deal with more of the issues yourself, by doing the benefit applications or debt exploration yourself - first shadowing some of our experienced team and then trying it yourself, again with access to our supervisor and expert advice team every day we’re open.

You’ll be allocated a mentor, receive a weekly briefing and have

regular access to a supportive team.

Our Training Manager will have one-to-one check-ins with you to see how your volunteering and learning journey is going.

We’re seeing more demand than ever before, with the cost of living crisis really making more people struggle with making ends meet.

Our core areas of help include benefits, debt, housing, employment and relationships and family - you’ll learn more about these areas and have access to information and tools on each of these topics when you join us.

n The Wokingham Foodbank provides a lifeline to those who need it the most.

The number of people needing hardship support has increased in recent years and we anticipate this trend to continue especially in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

You will play a vital role for our

where to start with being kind to yourself, here are a few ideas:

• Give yourself permission to spend 5 minutes outdoors in the sunshine

• Treat yourself to a tasty chocolate bar or a yummy piece of fruit

• Phone a friend for a

chinwag

• Listen to your favourite piece of music – and maybe throw in a bit of a dance round the kitchen

• Make a conscious decision to notice kind actions from others

Whatever you choose to do, remember

you deserve kindness just like everyone else.

Sarah Browning is a Kindness Cheerleader, Communicator and Strategist. For more details, log on to: www. timeforkindness. co.uk

Watch Wokingham Adrian Betteridge

SIR

Climate science is complex but the scientific consensus has been clear for many years that greenhouse gases from human activity are the main cause.

The loss of ice cover at the poles and the high mountains is accelerating the warming process which is affecting global weather patterns and killing habitats and species, and it’s only getting worse.

There is no ‘silver bullet’ solution, with no country, business sector or individual having the power to turn things around alone. But together, we do.

Foodbank ensuring that we are meeting the demand for our services, providing help and support to people in crisis in the local community.

We are looking for someone who can volunteer for one morning a week ideally on Mondays from 9.30am12.30pm.

The role will include preparing the warehouse space for the dating/ sorting sessions, receiving food donations from members of the public and thank them, ensuring that incoming stock is checked, weighed, and recorded, supervising a small team to date and sort food, keeping warehouse area clean and tidy at all times and participating in bi-monthly team leader meetings.

We are looking for someone who is able to supervise and motivate a team of volunteers, be a strong team player, be organised and self-motivated, be reliable and punctual and be physically strong enough to lift heavy bags and crates of tinned food and be friendly and empathetic.

Based Winnersh.

n Do you have few hours or more to spare each week? Maybe you are recently retired? Perhaps your children are at school?

Maybe you work shifts or work on a part-time basis and would like a voluntary role which can fit around them?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then the Wokingham

Community Transport Scheme needs you.

All you need is your own car - there is no cost to you as we reimburse all your expenses.

We are looking for drivers who can provide transport for older people to attend vital medical appointments such hospitals, local doctors, dentists, opticians, physiotherapists. drivers who can help with one off social trips (such as shopping and visiting friends/ family in hospital/care homes etc.) and more regular social trips (such as to a lunch club or activity which may involve dropping them of and picking them up later rather than waiting with them)

Time commitment can be very flexible.

If you live in Wokingham, Finchampstead, Winnersh and Barkham and you would like to help, please get in touch.

You must be a minimum of age 21.

Unfortunately, we cannot take on any new volunteers aged 75 and over due to insurances purposes.

n If you would like to find out more about volunteering in your local area, please visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk Alternatively, to speak to someone in more detail, please contact our Volunteer Services Manager, Helena Badger on 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk

You can start by understanding what emissions your own activity causes, for which there are many online tools available.

One of our favourites - based on ease of use and the insights it gives - is the World Wildlife Fund Footprint Calculator which you can find at footprint.wwf.org.uk.

It takes less than five minutes, and will show you where you could focus your personal carbon dioxide reduction efforts and how you compare with others in your postcode region.

Thanks to those who have taken the survey we see that on average Wokingham is a high emitting area and that transport is the largest component of this compared to the other categories.

This is unsurprising as around 20% of global emissions come from car use and in Wokingham we have both above average car ownership and poor provision for public transport and walking and cycling.

We also know from the Office of National Statistics that over half of our trips by car are under two miles, a distance that is readily walkable, and almost 80% are under five miles, which is generally no slower to cycle when traffic and parking are included.

The option to walk or cycle local journeys is available to most of us today. It’s not going to solve the problem on its own, but it is the biggest, easiest and quickest change we can make as a part of our personal plan to save the planet.

And saving money and keeping healthy comes for free.

n For more, search Facebook for ‘WATCH Wokingham’

David Attenborough’s latest BBC series, Frozen Planet II, concluded this week with a moving analysis of how and why our planet is changing.

BOYS GAVE IT EVERYTHING’

ROYALS STUFFED BY SWANS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Ince saw Reading take control, but Swansea hit back with three goals to take the points.

“I’m really, really frustrated because I think the boys gave everything again,” said Ince.

“They’re playing well, the performance was good.

“Every time we make an error, we’re getting punished. I’m not sure if the errors are [coming] because we’re tired. I’m asking my players, all 13, 14 of them to play every week at 100 percent.”

We put ourselves in a great position to claim three against a

very good side and we’ve come away with nothing, so that’s frustrating.

“I’m disappointed because the fans came here, it’s a long journey down here and I’m disappointed for the players because they’ve given everything.”

CUP MAGIC: BRACKNELL TO HOST IPSWICH IN FA CUP

BRACKNELL Town FC have been awarded a glamour FA Cup tie against Ipswich Town.

After beating Banbury United in the fourth qualifying round and earning their spot in the FA Cup first round, the Robins will now face the biggest game in the club’s history.

Bracknell, who play in Step 3 in the Southern League Premier South, will host League One Ipswich.

Bracknell play their home fixtures at Bottom Meadow, Sandhurst, which has a 1,950 capacity.

The management duo of Carl Withers and Jamie McClrug, who joined Bracknell last month after a successful spell with Binfield, have a track record of success in cup competitions having led the Moles to the FA Vase final in 2021.

Ipswich are currently competing at the top of League One and are hoping to win promotion to the Championship after they were relegated in 2019.

The visiting Tractor Boys have a huge fanbase and history, averaging attendances of more than 25,000 in England’s third tier.

Ipswich’s impressive past boasts a Football League First division title (1961/62) and a UEFA Cup (1981). They also won the FA Cup in 1978, but have not progressed past the third round since 2009/10.

After their win at the weekend to progress to the FA Cup first-round, joint first-team manager Carl Withers said: “Still hasn’t quite sunk in what we achieved yesterday as a group and deservedly they now write themselves into the club’s history books.

“To the fans, your support was incredible and that win was just as much for you as it was the players.”

READING FC boss Paul Ince was left ‘frustrated’ after the Royals squandered a two-goal lead at Swansea.

Goals from Yakou Meite and Tom

More Royals news inside

SUMAS GRAB AWAY POINT, KESTRELS EXIT THE CUP

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Combined Counties Premier North

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK picked up a point on their travels at Broadfields United.

In a clash between two sides at the wrong end of the table, the game ended goalless which left both sides able to add a point to their tallies.

The Sumas are in 19th position in the table with seven points from 12 matches.

Isthmian South Central

BINFIELD missed out on the chance to go second after their away defeat at South Park.

The Moles went ahead through captain Sean Moore after 23 minutes, but that was as good as the first-half

would get for them.

But the Moles received two red cards as the hosts took a 3-1 win.

Combined Counties Division One

BERKS COUNTY are third after they claimed three points in a seven goal game at Spartans Youth.

The Swords raced into a 4-1 lead after the first-half with a brace from Graham and goals from Sackey and Oakley.

The hosts made a valiant fight back in the second half and pulled two goals back to set up a nervy finish, but County survived to hold onto all three points.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA had to settle for a point against FC Deportivo Galicia in a game with two red cards.

In an eventful end to the first-half, the Boars were

reduced to 10 players when Brad Brown was dismissed for an alleged elbow on the opposing goalkeeper.

Eversley went into the half a goal to the good when George Marsh rose high to head his team in front.

The visitors found an equaliser quickly after the restart but the teams were levelled up when Deportivo had a player sent off for a second yellow card.

Berks & Bucks Women’s Cup

WOODLEY UNITED lost out after Maidenhead United earned a convincing 7-0 win.

CAVERSHAM UNITED were knocked out of the cup after a heavy home defeat to Abingdon United.

The Goats found themselves 5-0 down at half-time, but a much improved second-half display saw Swan claw back a

consolation goal as the game ended 6-1 to the visitors.

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division

ASCOT UNITED stormed to a huge away win at Oxford City.

Boasting seven different scores in their 7-0 success, Sarah Davern, Amelia Kimble, Laura Spark, Alixandra Todd, Isabel Woods, Nicole Brown and Dominique Carrington all netted.

The win puts Ascot top of the table with three wins from four.

Hampshire County Women’s Cup

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA fell to a narrow loss against Portsmouth Development.

Francesca Boekbinder scored for the Boars in their 3-1 defeat.

SOUTH BERKS 4S KICKSTART SEASON WITH FIRST WIN

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Women’s Thames Division 3

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 4s earned their first win of the season with a clean sheet against Newbury & Thatcham 5s.

Kathryn Smith scored twice and Beatrix Dunne netted to help South Berks to a 3-0 success.

South Central Men’s Div 1

SONNING 1s added three points to their total with a convincing win over Aylesbury.

The win means that Sonning are top of the table with three wins and a draw in their unbeaten start to the new campaign.

South Central Men’s Prem 2

SOUTH BERKSHIRE stormed to a comfortable win over Amersham & Chalfont. Paul Kaplanski struck a hat-trick, while Sam Fox-Harvey scored a brace in a 5-1 win. South Berks are in third.

South Central Men’s Div 2

READING 4s took the points in their away clash at SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s.

The 3-1 win means that Reading move into ninth, while South Berks are in 10th.

South Central Women’s 1

READING 3s saw off SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s to take victory.

Allen Bossman in a midfield battle Pictures: Andrew Batt

South Berks Ladies 4s v Newbury & Thatcham Ladies.

South Berks Ladies 4s scored three to beat Newbury Pictures: Steve Smyth

Broadfields held Sumas for a point

Woodley and Maidenhead fight for the ball

Woodley (in blue) lost out as they exited the cup Pictures: Andrew Batt

Joao Jardim (left) wins the ball for the Sumas

HOCKEY

REACTION

RAMS MAINTAIN UNBEATEN RUN ‘WE WERE GOING HAMMER AND TONGS AT EACH OTHER’

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

RAMS repelled a ferocious second-half comeback from Cambridge as they edged the battle of two unbeaten sides 29-26 in a National One humdinger at Old Bath Road.

It was the home side who made the initial breakthrough, James McRae picking up at the base of a ruck on the 22 before carving his way over the line for Alex Seers to add a straightforward conversion.

The Blood and Sand rallied, though, and a smart break in midfield from Ben Adams gave them the position for full-back Joe Tarrant to weave his way over for a try, former Ram Steffan James knocking over the conversion to level the scores.

However, RAMS then took a hold of the game, performing superbly for the remainder of the opening 40 minutes as they added two more tries to their tally.

Firstly, a strong rolling

maul ended with Josh Collis getting the ball down for Seers to convert, and then the fly-half danced over on the left to make it 19-7 at the interval.

Man-of-the-match Seers was pulling the strings with some sumptuous passing and a machine-gun like boot giving his side terrific field position, and RAMS sealed

the bonus-point early in the second period as skipper Robbie Stapley – who also put in a tremendous shift – powered over from close range.

Seers added the extras before landing a penalty, and with a 29-7 lead, the hosts looked on course for a comfortable victory.

Yet Cambridge showed

why they had won their first five games with bonuspoints, launching a brilliant fightback when Kwaku Asiedu touched down on the left flank following some slick handling among the backs.

And the wing’s second on the hour-mark, this time converted by James, reduced the deficit to 10 points with the home faithful temporarily silenced.

Things got even better for Cambridge as they recorded a bonus of their own, their renowned rolling maul getting going to earn a penalty try from which McRae was also sin-binned.

With 12 minutes remaining the game was on a knife-edge, but as the clock ticked down, replacement Ollie Moffitt forced a penalty on his own five-metre line to allow Rams to clear their lines.

And when Cambridge knocked on attempting to steal the resulting line-out, full time was called at the end of an absolute cracker.

RELIEVED Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds believes the way his RAMS’ side just about held off Cambridge’s sensational secondhalf comeback shows lessons have been learnt from last season.

Reflecting on a brilliant advert for the league, Reynolds said: “It was a good game of rugby. If you’re being critical you could argue we let them back into the game a little bit and maybe switched off, but I don’t think that was the case.

“It was two quality National One sides going hammer and tongs at each other, and they could have come back at any moment because they’re a good side and have started the season very well.

“We were playing so well to get into the lead and then they came back well, but I think we deserved the win.”

“It’s what Moff does so well, getting over the ball and to win that was great.

“We were able to just about force an error at the line-out to finish it off, but that last-gasp drama came after a lot of hard work

to get into a position to win against a good side.

“Credit to Cambridge, they came and played some fantastic rugby and everyone got to watch a really good game.”

“Those types of losses are all part of the game. Every team has them and if you’re looking to push and improve, you have to learn to live with those rocky moments.”

Drew Humberstone tries to make something happen for Rams

Ollie Cole congratulates McRae Pictures: Tim Pitfield

How they rated

SPIRITED ROYALS EDGED

JACKIE BURNS

A cracking performance on her debut. Made a vital save 30 seconds into the match and brilliantly to keep out Kim Little’s penalty.

EMMA MUKANDI

Had a difficult opening half and was withdrawn at half-time and replaced by Faye Bryson.

GEMMA EVANS

Put her body on the line on several occasions to make some important blocks to help protect her keeper.

DEANNA COOPER

Performed strongly given a difficult task up against some very potent attackers and she made some last ditch blocks.

LILY WOODHAM

Given a tough test up against Beth Mead on the wing. Struggled at times but got forwards. Gave away a penalty for handball.

JUSTINE VANHEAEVERMAET

Solid display. Made a difference to the Royals midfield which looked significantly weaker without her presence.

RACHEL ROWE

Put in some nice set piece deliveries and worked tirelessly in the midfield to try and create for her teammates.

TIA PRIMMER

Showed good energy in the middle as Reading tried to press Arsenal when the visitors enjoyed the majority of the ball.

AMALIE EIKELAND

Wasn’t able to test the Gunners defence on too many occasions but helped out with defensive work when required.

NATASHA DOWIE

Had a much better second-half, with two really good chances which forced two excellent saves from Zinsberger.

EMMA HARRIES

Provided pace and energy down the right. A real asset for the Royals to have back in the side after her injury absence.

Subs

FAYE BRYSON

Lauren Wade n/a, Charlie Wellings

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN were shot down by Arsenal in their third successive Women’s Super League defeat of the season.

The Royals went a goal behind after 30 minutes. Stina Blackstenius scored for the Gunners.

Goalkeeper Jackie Burns kept the Royals alive after an hour when she made a magnificent stop to keep out Kim Little’s penalty.

Despite a spirited second-half display, which saw Natasha Dowie go close on two occasions, Kelly Chambers’ team were unable to find an equaliser and are left without a point after three WSL games.

Emma Harries and Justine Vanhaevermaet both came into the side to make their first starts of the campaign, while Becky Jane featured on the bench for the first time since rejoining the Royals this summer.

Arsenal flew out the traps and almost caught Reading asleep at the back within 30 seconds when Stina Blackstenius raced onto a through ball to go one-on-one with Jacqueline Burns, but the Royals keeper got low to make a vital stop on her WSL debut.

Reading settled into the game after a shaky start as Emma Harries looked to get her team on the front foot but couldn’t find a teammate with her cross.

The Gunners went close through Mead when she was played in by Vivianne Miedema only to see her blasted shot deflected behind for a corner.

Jonas Eidevall’s side began to

BASKETBALL

Match stats

READING: Burns, Mukandi (c), Evans, Cooper, Vanhaevermaet, Woodham, Rowe, Primmer, Eikeland, Dowie, Harries

SUBS: Poulter, Bryson, Wellings, Wade, Caldwell, Jane, Meadows Tuson

ARSENAL: Zinsberger, Wienroither, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe, Little (c), Walti, Miedema, Mead, Blackstenius, Foord

SUBS: Marckese, Beattie, Maritz, Reid, Nobbs, Maanum, Iwabuchi, Hurtig, Agyemang

GOALS: Blackstenius 30’

take control of the contest and should have gone in front when Caitlin Foord drifted an inviting ball to the back post for Laura Wienroither, but with the goal gaping, she volleyed wide.

Reading’s defence were breached at the 30-minute mark when Blackstenius picked out the bottom corner from outside the box.

After some neat build-up play, the Swedish striker was fed by Kim Little, spun past her marker and arrowed a shot low past Burns.

Reading had to stay alert to prevent Arsenal extending their lead when Tia Primmer kept close to Little to ensure she had no space to strike at goal.

Caitlin Foord went close on the stroke of half-time when her shot from a narrow angle whistled just wide of the far post.

Lily Woodham joined Primmer in the referee’s notebook when she fouled Mead on the right byline as Reading went into the break a goal down.

ROCKETS’ COMEBACK FALLS SHORT TO NOTTINGHAM HOODS

By Charlie Parker sport@wokingham.today

A SETH HALL mid range jumper at the buzzer claimed the Nottingham Hoods a 83-81 victory in a game that could have been a blowout, if not for a 16-point fourth quarter comeback by a spirited Rockets team.

Jordan Jackson won an uncontested tip to start the game as the Hoods backed into a two-three zone defense which the Rockets managed to exploit on the opening possession with Cracknell throwing it to Jackson in the post who gave it back to a driving Cracknell for the opening points.

Any positivity was immediately shredded by a contested Guddemi three which started a 21-4 Hoods

run in the first five minutes of the game, including a deep Seth Hall three that stunned the Rockets early on.

Cracknell, Jenkins and Porter were able to break the cold shooting streak, and by holding the Hoods to just four points in the final three-and-a-half minutes, the Rockets were able to bring the game to only a 25-13 deficit at the end of the first.

The second quarter was more evenly matched, with both teams trading buckets.

This is when the Rockets launched into life. A lovely up and under move by Jenkins after two Pinnock free throws brought the lead down to 12.

The Rockets then forced a

turnover and Porter drove it inside to bring it to eight, the lowest it had been since the start.

A 15-6 run by the Rockets was capped off by a Lewis Champion three to raise the roof off the Loddon Valley Arena as the Rockets, down 16 just seven minutes ago, took their first lead of the game.

Guddemi and Jenkins traded buckets for the final two minutes as the Hoods led by two with 16 seconds to go.

The inbound went to Jenkins, who drove it right, into the lane

and, despite his small stature, jumped the highest and nailed a fall away jumper with just nine seconds left to have the Rockets up by one. Hall took the inbound for the Hoods, drove the length of the court. Like Jenkins, he drove into the right hand side of the lane and chucked up a fadeaway jumper. The buzzer sounded as the Rockets fandom held their breath, the ball bounced off the backboard and went in. The Rockets players stood there in disbelief.

A spirited comeback, stopped agonisingly short.

Emma Harries speeeds down the wing

Burns makes a heroic penalty save

Natasha Dowie forces a save

A record crowd of 3,700 at the SCL for a WSL match Reading fell to a narrow defeat at

EDGED OUT BY GUNNERS

From the middle

Arsenal were denied by the post twice in the space of a few moments. Katie McCabe’s cross was almost inadvertently deflected in by Deanna Cooper, but she was saved by the frame of the goal.

From the resulting corner, Blackstenius found space and nodded the ball into the post.

Reading responded with their best opening of the game when Harries struck the bouncing ball and forced Manu Zinsberger into an impressive stop with her leg before the ball squirmed away to safety for the visitors.

With an hour played, Arsenal were given the chance to double

the lead when the referee awarded them a penalty after a handball in the box.

Arsenal captain Kim Little stepped up to the spot but Royals keeper Burns made a tremendous save as she dove to her right to parry it away to keep her team in the game.

Reading struck the frame of the goal directly from a corner as Woodham’s inswinging delivery smacked the upright.

With a little over 15 minutes remaining, Lauren Wade replaced Primmer as the Royals searched to find something from the match.

A determined recovery run and

tackle from Bryson ensured that Blackstenis wouldn’t haven’t have the chance to sprint through on goal.

Reading kept pushing and forced another vital save from Zinsberger who stuck out a leg to prevent Natasha Dowie from finding a leveller.

The resulting corner provided another save for the Gunners as Maanum had to head over the bar after Dowie’s powerful initial header.

Reading were unable to find a leveller throughout six minutes of additional time as the Gunners took a narrow victory.

KESTRELS STAGE EXTRAORDINARY STOPPAGE TIME COMEBACK

TRAILING two-nil after 67 minutes, Woodley staged a dramatic comeback to take all three match points thanks to two stoppage time goals with the winner being scored in the 100th minute of the match.

United who enjoyed the opening period, with Ed Thomas and Sid Gbla causing the home defence problem with their wing play and home keeper Aiden Upward denying Connor Suckling and Gbla in one on one situations.

Despite this, it was Cove who opened the scoring in the 21st minute, when Ross Stepney was

allowed to head home unmarked from a corner kick.

The opening five minutes of the second-half followed in the same vain as the first with Afolabi seeing a shot blocked and Upward again denying Suckling.

Shortly afterward play was suspended for a lengthy period while Upward needed treatment for an injury.

The break saw Woodley lose momentum and were punished in the 67th minute when ex-United player Ben Clark took advantage of indecision to beat the excellent Mark Williams to the ball and slot

pass Pete Chingoma in the Woodley goal.

United created a lifeline in the 81st minute when substitute Ciaran Carolan converted a Afolabi pass and with this their level of play returned to that of earlier in the match as Woodley pushed for the equaliser knowing there would be a long period of stoppage time and the home team’s cause not being helped due to it not being possible to replace the injured Christian Cox, who remained on the pitch, due to having made all their substitutions.

With Cove adopting a defensive

formation that was blocking a way to goal, the equaliser came from an unlikely source when right back Marco DeSousa’s cross was allowed to sail over Upward and into the net in the second minute of added time.

Janash Brown shot wide twice in quick succession while Chingoma comfortably caught a free kick in the 99th minute which led to Woodley attacking and Carolan scoring the late winning goal to scenes of jubilation from the players and bench. A further few minutes of play followed before the referee whistled for full-time.

‘Sometime a ref could be killed’

AFEWweeks ago, all referees operating what the FA term as grassroots football, and what we know as games in our local parks, received an email from the FA.

It was headed “It’s time to stamp out unacceptable behaviour in grassroots football”. But of course it isn’t the referees who cause the unacceptable behaviour.

In the past week, the FA published horrific figures of assaults against referees and assistants.

Last season, no fewer than 380 players and coaches were banned, for attacking or threatening match officials in grassroots football.

These banning’s were the result of referees or their assistants being kicked, punched, butted, spat on and threatened by players, club officials and spectators, which included players parents.

In some cases, games for players under the age of 12, with referees from 14 years old and upward.

What an example for their children.

A little while ago there was a dramatic head line, ‘Sometime a referee could be killed’.

It may be thought that this is rather melodramatic but just look at the injuries sustained by a Lancashire referee a fortnight ago.

Dave Bradshaw, refereeing in the South Lancashire Couties League, was attacked by a player he had just sent off. He suffered a broken nose, four broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder, a broken collarbone, concussion, and whiplash. Dave was taken to hospital and the police later arrested the player. Lancashire FA reported that it was one of two attacks on referees that Saturday.

Unconnected with this attack, but last Saturday, the Merseyside Youth Football league which has 100 clubs, for ages from seven to 17, cancelled all their games as a protest against multiple incidents of misconduct at their matches.

This doesn’t only happens in Lancashire.

I have witnessed appalling behaviour by parents and coaches when acting a referee mentor.

On one occasion I confronted parents hurling abuse at the young referee.

“This,” I said, “is a 14-year-old boy refereeing his first-ever game, so give him a break.”

They quieted for the rest of the game.

This doesn’t only happen in England.

I remember an American female referee, who went on to referee at the Women’s World Cup, recalling her first match, when parents screamed at her.

“Didn’t they realise,” she said, “I was 14-years-old, and I didn’t know it all.”

Young referees in particular in this country, have been appealing for some years to be allowed to wear body cameras, which would not only prove their complaints but might also act as a deterrent.

The FA have announced that they are going to start trials with these next season, why wait? Why not start now?

at home to Arsenal Pictures: Neil Graham

The Royals applaud the crowd

Natasha Dowie Teams before the kick-off

Justine Vanhaevermaet

Reading v Arsenal

Reading head away from danger

Burns makes a spectacular save

Dick Sawdon-Smith

How they rated

ROYALS SUFFER SECOND HO

Dean Bouzanis

Was beaten at his near post by Phillips’ side-footed effort. Will not have given Lumey anything to worry about.

By JI-MIN LEE sport@wokingham.today

An early knock would not have helped the Canadian, but he put in another confident performance. Could have scored late on.

Andy Yiadom

Put himself about, but could not offer the attacking threat he has in previous matches. Made a goalsaving intervention in second-half.

READING FC succumbed to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to managerless West Brom at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Two goals either side of half time sealed the Royals’ fate in what was only their second home league defeat of the season.

Matt Phillips’s 25th minute strike put the Baggies ahead, having started the stronger of the two sides.

Primarily controlled the threat offered by the agile Thomas-Asante, using his positioning to make up for the discrepancy in pace.

Tom McIntyre

A decent showing. Looked to get forward more in the second half and even got booked for a dive just outside West Brom’s box.

Was not at the same level he has been showing of late. Struggled to handle the threat of Wallace and Phillips.

Jeff Hendrick

Giving the ball away for the second goal summed up his afternoon. Missed a golden chance to get the Royals back in the game.

Broke up the play well, but is yet to match the levels he did against Blackburn and Stevenage. Is still finding his feet in the Championship.

Tom Ince

Junior Hoilett Nesta Guinness-Walker Lucas Joao

A poor showing from the Royals was compounded by Taylor Gardner-Hickman, who capitalised on a Jeff Hendrick error in the second half.

Both sides were without their manager from the previous gameweek; the Baggies parted company with Steve Bruce on Monday, while illness saw Paul Ince direct his troops over the phone.

Talks of ill-health within the dressing room were confirmed as Joe Lumley failed to make the matchday squad.

Dean Bouzanis returned to the starting 11, as did Junior Hoilett and Tom Ince, while Shane Long made his long-awaited return to the bench.

West Brom started the game in the relegation zone after registering only one win in 13 matches, but came out the more positive side.

A blocked Brandon ThomasAsante effort was swiftly followed by a Phillips strike from outside the box, which only just flew over the crossbar.

The away side continued

Match stats

READING: Bouzanis, Hoilett, Holmes, McIntyre, Yiadom (c), Guinness-Walker, Loum, Ince, Hendrick, Carroll, Lucas Joao

SUBS: Boyce-Clarke, Long, Meite, Fornah, Mbengue, Abbey, Senga

WEST BROM: Palmer, Townsend, O’Shea, Livermore, Phillips, Diangana, Pieters, Kelly, Wallace, Thomas-Asante, Gardner-Hickman

SUBS: Button, Furlong, Molumby, Grant, Swift, Cleary, Yokuslu

GOALS: Phillips 25’, Gardner-Hickman 72’

to apply pressure, with Conor Townsend playing a neat ball into Thomas-Asante inside the Reading box. Tom Holmes did well to block the forward’s shot, which deflected behind for a corner.

Tom Ince’s eagerness to get his team going saw the midfielder pick up an early caution for a rash tackle.

Reading were punished for their passive start midway through the first half as Phillips broke the deadlock for the away side. West

Brom’s number 10 picked up the ball on West Brom’s right, jinked past Guinness-Walker, before sidefooting past Bouzanis.

Going behind seemed to galvanise the Royals somewhat, almost restoring parity moments later. Hoilett did well to beat his marker on the right before finding Joao at the near post, but the Angolan could only glance wide.

The Royals felt they should have been awarded a spot-kick in the 33rd minute after Andy Carroll

Picked up an early booking. Was only able to show his offensive threat late on when the Royals were chasing the scoreboard.

Was not able to impose himself. Presented with two chances to head home, but failed to convert. Is lacking a bit of confidence.

Andy Carroll

Used almost every part of his body to play in teammates off the goal-kicks. Could not fashion any real openings for himself.

Tom Holmes Mamadou Loum Yakou Meite

Would probably liked to have made more of an impact on the game given how few opportunities he’s had since coming back from injury.

Subs: Boyce-Clark, Long, Fornah, Mbengue, Abbey, Senga

REACTION

‘WE NEED TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE’ SAYS RAE

READING FC assistant manager Alex Rae described Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to West Brom as ‘bitterly disappointing’, but said his players fought till the end.

Standing in for the unwell Paul Ince, the Scot explained: “We’re bitterly disappointed to lose the game, I thought we did enough to get something out of it.

“We had a slow start and we have to defend their first goal better than we did. We need to be more aggressive when we play, we need to get after them more.

“I think it’s fairly evident that the second half was a lot more [positive].

“We created some good moments, with a little bit more

composure we may well have capitalised on it.”

Rae praised the performance of West Brom goalkeeper, Alex Palmer, who made a string of reflex saves towards the end of the match.

However, he was also left bemused by some of the decisions made by referee Tim Robinson.

He said: “When you look at the second goal, the only person in the whole stadium who didn’t think it was a foul was the referee.

“Even if he [Gardner-Hickman] touched the ball, which he didn’t, then he just goes through the back of the player [Hendrick].

“He actually ends up on top of the player, so he just steamrolled through it.

“That kind of knocked the stuffing out of us because we’re obviously the team in the ascendancy, so it’s a tough one to take.”

According to Rae, the players have no intention of ‘downing tools’ and he expects them to bounce back at last night’s visit to Swansea – after we had gone to press (match report online at rdg.today

The Royals were without first-choice goalkeeper Joe Lumley, who was ruled out due to illness.

Rae hopes the stopper will make a return in Wales.

He also provided clarification over Ovie Ejaria’s absence from the matchday squad, saying: “Ovie trained this week, he had an issue yesterday.

“It was nothing major, but because he’s been out for a few weeks with a hamstring [injury], we didn’t want to risk him.

“We’re down to the bare bones in terms of players who are injured.

“We didn’t want to risk anyone because of the games that are coming in a couple of weeks.”

Royals captain Andy Yiadom

Holmes picks a pass

McIntyre is cautioned

Nesta Guiness-Walker tracks Jed Wallace The Royals lost at home to a

ME

OF THE SEASON

Andy Carrollkeen to extend Reading stay beyond January

ANDYCarroll has expressed his desire to remain at Reading beyond the end of his contract.

The 33-year-old signed for the Royals in September on a short term deal which is due to end in mid-January.

However he is keen to see his stay in Berkshire extended.

“I would love to (stay), I think that’s what I want,” said Carroll.

“I enjoyed it the first time, I’m enjoying it the second time and hopefully it’s a lot longer than what is in the contract at the minute.”

Carroll first signed last November under Veljko Paunovic and went on to score twice in eight appearances before joining West Bromwich Albion in January.

This term, the forward has played four times and got on the scoresheet in Friday night’s 2-1 defeat at QPR from the penalty spot.

The striker said match fitness was one of the reasons behind his late arrival at the club this year.

“I needed to get fit. I wasn’t ready to come in, I had family and there were different things going on at the time,” said Carroll.

“There was a chance of coming in so I just needed to get myself right before I did. I needed to get some sort of fitness and then I came in when I was ready.

“Last season I enjoyed it. Half the team is left and a new staff has come in but it’s still the main core. Everyone wants to pull in the same direction, win games and hopefully we can do that until the end of the season.”

was bundled over in the box by a combination of Martin Kelly and keeper Alex Palmer.

The appeal was dismissed by the referee and West Brom broke down Reading’s right. Although ThomasAsante could only drag his effort wide, the move saw Mamadou Loum earn a booking for his attempt to stop the counter.

The Baggies adopted a progressively deeper block, seemingly content to protect their one-goal advantage through to the interval.

Jed Wallace won possession in an advanced position before crossing into an unmarked

Thames Valley Premier League

FINCHAMPSTEAD made it back to back wins by hitting four past Maidenhead Town.

Finch earned a clean sheet while they added three points to their total.

The result puts them in second place on 14 points after seven matches, only behind league leaders Yateley United who have won all seven of their games.

BURGHFIELD climbed into fourth with a win over READING CITY U23’s.

Goals from Ollie Brown, Ryan

Reading & District Sunday League

Premier: AFC Bradfield 0-2 Emmer Green, FC Sporty 4-1 Tilehurst YM, Give Back 4-4 FC BAPCO, Tilehurst El Patrons 1-3 FC Tilehurst

One: 116 Exiles 1-2 Twyford Comets, Barton Rovers 3-3 Goring United, Englefield Eagles 1-1 Burghfield Reserves, GC United 0-0 Caversham United, TRBL Tesla 5-1 Arborfield, Wayback Wanderers 3-2 Loxwood Park Rangers

Two: Burghfield A 2-6 Berkshire Royals, Reading United 16-0 Reading Kites, Rose & Thistle 1-2 Hurst, Westwood Wanderers

Diangana, who appeared to have the goal at his mercy. Yiadom was able to do enough to put the winger off, whose eventual shot was blocked by McIntyre.

Reading fans in the Eamonn Dolan stand thought the Scot had earned a free-kick moments later, but the referee deemed the contact from the Baggies’ defender insignificant, booking McIntyre for simulation instead.

Paul Ince’s men looked bereaved of ideas and fell further behind on the 72nd minute. Jeff Hendrick relinquished possession to Taylor Gardner-Hickham, who drove forward before firing into the

bottom left corner.

The Irishman almost made amends straight away. Palmer could only palm a long-range Mamadou Loum effort into the path of Joao, whose mishit strike fell to Hendrick, but he could only fire wide.

With Reading knocking on the door in the final ten minutes, the Albion stopper made a string of reflex saves, denying Meite, Loum and Ince in quick succession.

Hoilett looked to have grabbed a consolation goal for the Royals late on after a cross into Joao fell into his path. Palmer was however on hand once again to keep his side’s clean sheet intact.

WINS WITH FOURSOME SHOW

Development 9-0

Three:

Pangbourne,

Saints, FC Woodley 3-1 Burghfield B, Hype Train 3-1 Caversham AFC, New England 2-1 Sanctuary Strikers, Southbank 1-2 Brothers United, Southcote Colts 1-6 RE United

Four: Allied Community 3-0 Calcot, Arbor Athletic 0-1 Caversham United Reserves, FC Whitey Wood 6-1 FC Kensington, MAC 5-2 116 Exiles Reserves, Richfield Vets 8-0 Thames Valley Railway

Bracknell & District

Sunday League

Premier: Crowthorne Inn 2-2 Raglan, Finchampstead Athletic 3-1 FC Showcase Cup: Freeman Royals 2-2 AFC Dukes (5-4 pens), Wokingham & Emmbrook TMW

5-3 William Twigg, Panthers 2-2 Bracknell Royals (1-4 pens), Ashridge Park 5-4 Silver Birch, Bracknell Bisons 0-0 Bracknell Saint Germain (7-8 pens), Bracknell Cavaliers 6-3 Wokingham Wanderers, Braybrooke Athletic Reserves 0-9 Harts of Bracknell, Woodley Saints Tigers 1-3 BAS Allstars, Harts of Bracknell Stags 4-5 Bracknell Athletic Reserves, Hope & Anchor 2-0 Berks United

One: Bracknell Athletic 1-5 Bracknell Spartan Vets, Braybrooke Athletic 2-2 Ashridge Park Royals, SF7 3-3 Winnersh Rangers

Two: Silver Birch 4-3 Crowthorne

Three: AFC Dukes Reserves 1-1 FC Bracknell Saints, Bracknell Cavaliers Reserves 1-3 Finchampstead Athletic Reserves

Four: Bracknell Elit 1-5 BH Dons, Bracknell Spartan 3-4 Nameless, FC Bracknell 1-3 Bracknell Bisons

Despite coming in late, Carroll featured in all three of the Royals games last week and is confident he can maintain his fitness.

“Three games in six days is tough on anyone, nevermind a 33-year-old,” he said.

“I got the 70 minutes, another 70 and then 90, so I feel good and hopefully it continues.

“If I keep my fitness up and do the right things with the fitness guys in the gym, the yoga in the afternoons and keep working behind the scenes as well then it’s only going to benefit me.”

Picture: Luke Adams

struggling West Brom Pictures: Luke Adams and Steve Smyth

Royals striker Andy Carroll

Hendrick Hoilett is fouled

Ince picks up a booking

Loum involved in a duel

West Brom double their lead

Lucas Joao holds off a defender

Farmer and Josh Howell ensured that the Fielders made it four wins from five with a 3-2 success.

ROYALS SURRENDER TWO-GOAL LEAD

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC surrendered a twogoal lead as Swansea City fought back to take three points.

They have now dropped down to ninth in the Championship after three successive defeats.

The Royals struck twice in quick succession despite barely having the ball when Yakou Meite found the breakthrough before Tom Ince doubled the advantage.

Goals from Harry Darling and Oliver Cooper squared the game before Jay Fulton hit the winner in the 74th minute.

Paul Ince made four changes to his team after Reading’s defeat at home to West Brom at the weekend.

The action lasted all of one minute before a delay after the lights went out at the Liberty Stadium in a floodlight failure.

The theme of the first-half saw Swansea enjoy plenty of possession, but they were unable to do much with it to trouble the Reading backline.

Ben Cabango blasted a shot from 30 yards out to sting the gloves of Lumley who managed to fly high to tip the ball over the bar.

It took Reading 26 minutes to muster their first venture into Swansea’s half, but when they did, they showed a clinical instinct to punish the hosts.

Mamadou Loum fizzed a shot at goal that was parried out and Meite was quickest off the mark to react and fire the rebound in to give Reading the lead.

The game kept a similar pace for the next eight minutes, but Reading again struck with a killer edge with their next meaningful attack.

Meite worked tirelessly to muscle Harry Darling off the ball to win possession high in Swansea’s half and fed the ball to Tom Ince who showed immense composure

to clip the ball over the keeper with a deft finish.

The Swans reduced the deficit in the 41st minute when Darling was left with a free header and glanced it past Lumley.

The second-half saw Reading forced into an early change as captain Andy Yiadom suffered a head injury and was replaced by Baba Rahman.

The Royals sat back deep in their own half and allowed Swansea to apply the pressure.

With an hour gone, the pressure proved to be too much as the ball dropped for Oliver Cooper in the box and he stabbed home to level the match.

Reading’s reluctance to try and push on cost them dearly when Jay Fulton drove a longshot past Lumley from 25 yards to complete the turnaround.

Despite five minutes of stoppage time, the Royals were unable to get themselves back into the game as they lost out in Wales.

REACTION WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

INCE RUES DEFENSIVE MISTAKES

By JI-MIN LEE sport@wokingham.today

PAUL Ince described Tuesday night’s defeat to Swansea as ‘really, really frustrating’ after his side spurned a two-goal lead.

Goals from Yakou Meite and Tom Ince against the run of play saw the Royals storm ahead.

However, a Harry Darling header before half-time gave the home side the encouragement they needed to stage a comeback.

Goals from Ollie Cooper and Jay Fulton ensured Reading made the journey back to Berkshire empty-handed.

Ince said: “To concede the goal at that time in the first-half gave them a lift. You sense the fans were getting frustrated and that was the plan.

“[I’m] really, really frustrated because I think the boys gave everything again. They’re playing well, the performance was good.

“Every time we make an error, we’re getting punished.

I’m not sure if the errors are [coming] because we’re tired. I’m asking my players, all 13, 14 of them to play every week at 100 percent.”

Ince departed from the Lucas Joao-Andy Carroll pairing which had led the line in recent weeks, preferring the pace of Meite and [Tom] Ince up top.

The manager said the adjustment ‘worked a treat’ as the Royals stormed into a twogoal lead.

He added it was the manner of the defeat which hurt the most, with his side failing to capitalise on their good early work.

He said: “We put ourselves in a great position to claim three against a very good side and we’ve come away with nothing, so that’s frustrating.

“I’m disappointed because the fans came here, it’s a long journey down here and I’m disappointed for the players because they’ve given everything.”

Skipper Andy Yiadom was forced off in the 56th minute after a heavy collision with a Swansea player.

Ince explained: “It’s an elbow in the face, how the referee can’t see it baffles me. It’s a sending off for sure.

“I’m not sure on the Thomas one with the goalkeeper [Benda]. I think Thomas got there first but Yiadom got booked anyway – his fifth booking.

“He’s suspended for Saturday’s game against Bristol, which is a blow, but we go with what we go. You know where we are as a club so we just keep plugging along. We need to pick something up on Saturday.”

Yiadom’s injury leaves the Royals short at the back, with Scott Dann, Liam Moore, Naby Sarr and Sam Hutchinson already ruled out.

“I’m down to Tom Holmes and Tom McIntyre. That’s going to be an issue, but this is where we are as a club, with the embargo, it’s where we are with injuries.

“Tom Holmes came in and he’s had the flu the last couple of days. We’re a team with a great spirit and we’ll try and win every game, so that’s what we’ll try to do on Saturday.”

KINGS DEFEAT EXETER OTTERS

Kings took a commanding lead at the start of the 1st quarter going 14 points up with no reply from Otters, as a dominant defensive display and a killer offense shone, Kings pushed away to an 18-6 point lead by the end of the quarter.

The start of the second quarter was more of the same before Otters found some composure and fought back with Kings leading 30-12 at half-time.

The second half saw Kings continue to apply the pressure and although Otters found their offensive form, the main damage was already done. Kings continued to increase their lead throughout the second half with Kings taking the huge win 64-34. Reece Barker picked up 26 points in the game.

The second team was also scheduled to play Brixton Ballers away on Saturday afternoon but the game was forced to be postponed due to an issue with the venue in Brixton.

RESULTS

Saturday, October 15

FOOTBALL Championship Reading 0-2 West Brom

Isthmian South Central South Park 3-1 Binfield

Combined Counties Premier North Broadfields United 0-0 Sumas Reading City 2-1 Hilltop

Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 1-1 FC Deportivo Galicia Cove 2-3 Woodley United Spartans Youth 3-4 Berks County

Thames Valley Premier League Maidenhead Town 0-4 Finchampstead Burghfield 3-2 Reading City U23’s

RUGBY UNION National Division One Rams 29-26 Cambridge

HOCKEY

Men’s National Premier Division Reading 4-5 Holcombe

Women’s National Premier Division Reading 0-0 Holcombe

South Central Men’s North Division 1 Sonning 4-1 Aylesbury

South Central Women’s Premier Division Bournemouth 2-1 Sonning

South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire 5-1 Amersham & Chalfont

South Central Women’s Division 1 Reading 3s 3-2 South Berkshire

Sunday, October 16

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading 0-1 Arsenal

Berks & Bucks Women’s Cup Caversham United 1-6 Abingdon United Woodley United 0-7 Maidenhead United Shinfield Rangers 0-3 Tilehurst Panthers Burghfield 4-3 Caversham AFC

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Oxford City 0-7 Ascot United

Tuesday, October 18

FOOTBALL Championship Swansea 3-2 Reading

Combined Counties Premier North Ascot United 2-1 Spelthorne Sports

FIXTURES

Saturday, October 22

FOOTBALL Championship

Reading v Bristol City

Isthmian South Central Binfield v Walton & Hersham

Combined Counties Premier North Spelthorne Sports v Reading City Wembley v Sumas

Combined Counties Division One Westside v Sandhurst Town Woodley United v Langley

FA Vase first-round Chessington & Hook v Berks County

Crowborough Athletic v Eversley & California Newport v Ascot United

Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead v Westwood Wanderers Reading YMCA v Yateley United SB Phoenix v Burghfield Wargrave v Chalvey Sports

RUGBY UNION National League One Rosslyn Park v Rams

South West Regional 2 Devizes v Reading

London & SE South Central London Welsh v Bracknell HOCKEY Men’s National Premier Reading v Wimbledon

Women’s National Premier Reading v Uni of Birmingham

BASKETBALL Worthing Thunder v Reading Rockets

Sunday, October 23

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League West Ham v Reading

FA Women’s Cup Ascot United v AFC Acorns AFC Stoneham v Eversley & California

Southern Region Women’s Division One North Milton United v Caversham United Woodley United v Kidlington Youth

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Ascot United Reserves v Oxford Athletic Haddenham v Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave v Mortimer

Hampshire County Cup Eversley & California Reserves v Winchester City Reserves

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Hillingdon Abbots v Burghfield

THAMES Valley Kings took the win in their Division One South clash in the Wheelchair Basketball National League against Exeter Otters.

Yakou Meite opened the scoring Pictures: Ji-Min Lee

Swansea staged a comeback

Tom Ince’s goal put Reading 2-0 in front

Ince closes down Ben Cabango