Wokingham Today, October 27, 2022

WOKINGHAM Borough Council will continue to push forward with its proposals on rising parking charges.

The decision to increase parking charges was reviewed by an overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday, October 25, after it was called-in for review by Conservative councillors.

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.

The council estimates a shortfall in parking revenue of between £600,000 to £800,000 next year,

which is the result of a change in habits following the covid pandemic.

The Conservatives grounds for calling in the decision, 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 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.”

Graham Ebers, deputy chief executive and director of resources and assets, said the decision had to be taken quickly to tackle the council’s financial challenges.

He said: “The extremely dire financial position that we faced in Quarter 1, and continue to face, leaves this council in a very perilous position.

“We have general fund balances at £9 million moving down in Q1 to

below £7 million which I consider to be extremely risky.”

Cllr Adrian Mather, Liberal Democrat councillor for Evendons, proposed the committee confirm the executive’s decision rather than send it back for further review.

He said: “We have had compelling evidence on both sides. I think Graham Ebers has made the financial position absolutely crystal clear to everybody in this room and hopefully every resident understands the criticality.

“Because of the increasing cost of living, we have to really look and control the finances of WBC. So this is a really serious matter.”

Council upholds decision to stop food caddy liners

By Daniel Blackham dblackham@wokingham.today

PLANS to stop supplying food waste caddy liners will still go ahead following further discussion by Wokingham Borough Council.

At the council’s overview and scrutiny management committee meeting on Monday, councillors agreed to confirm the executive decision made in September.

The initial decision to stop the delivery of caddy liners was “called in” shortly afterwards for closer scrutiny by five Conservative councillors who felt it had breached the constitution.

The councillors believe the decision made was not proportional to the desired outcome and the proper consultation process was not followed.

By increasing recycling, the council targets savings of £350,000 but Cllr Norman Jorgensen, Conservative councillor for Maiden Erlegh, claimed that would not be achieved by cutting supply of the bin liners.

He argued the goal of increasing food recycling by 70% would be put in jeopardy by the plan.

“Some of the people currently recycling threaten not to do so,” he said.

Cllr David Cornish, Liberal Democrat councillor for Finchampstead South, asked him how big a threat to revenue generation the decision would likely be.

Cllr Jorgensen said he wouldn’t like to put a value on it but claimed there would be a “significant risk” of revenue loss.

Cllr Cornish said he was “surprised” he hadn’t “come up with some numbers” to quantify it, despite basing the call-in on the perceived financial risk.

Cllr Cornish added: “It also needs to be offset by the £100,000 saved by not spending it on the caddy liners.”

The council first announced the proposal to stop supplying food caddy liners in July because it was concerned about the cost.

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure said: “Stopping the supply of caddy liners would avoid adding a further £120,000 to our next year’s budget.

“This is especially important because, in the face of unprecedented financial pressures, we are striving to reduce our day-to-day running costs to protect services for our most vulnerable residents.”

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.”

The issue of whether the cost was included in the budget was addressed on Monday evening.

Cllr Andy Croy, Labour councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates, said: “It seems to me that, in the past, we have had the initial capital spend, we’ve managed to find the money in subsequent years to cover the cost and then we have decided not to do that.

“So at no point has it ever been in the budget.

Cllr Jorgensen said: “Well it’s in the budget because it has been spent, but it’s not identified as a line item.

“As you know, there are a large number of things that money is

spent on that is not identified within the budget.”

Cllr Croy also challenged the wording of the call-in’s written statement which referred to the initial decision being taken by a “Lib Dem-Labour coalition executive”.

Cllr Croy pointed out there are no Labour members on the executive and asked Cllr Jorgensen if he “understood what an executive is” to ascertain whether it was his “integrity” or his “ability to understand very simple facts” that was on the line.

Cllr Jorgensen said there are “no Labour members on the executive”, prompting Cllr Croy to suggest that bringing the issue in front of the committee was “personal”.

“I don’t think there are good grounds for the call-in and I think you’ve rather given the game away in the written statement,” he added.

However the leader of the Wokingham Conservative group, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, said Labour is a “fundamental part of propping up the executive that made the decision”.

Despite the opposition, a motion to confirm the original executive decision was passed, meaning the supply of free caddy bags will cease from 2023.

Pumpkins and chocolate treats helping raise First Days funds

Support fund launched

RESIDENTS struggling with the cost of living can apply for financial help as a new round of funding is open.

A collaboration between the Hardship Alliance and Wokingham Borough Council, The Household Support Fund is to support those wwho need help with children, bills or household essentials.

The Hardship Alliance comprises five charities; Citizens Advice Wokingham, First Days Children’s Charity, Age UK Berkshire, Wokingham Foodbank and Wokingham United Charities, working alongside the council.

Amy Garstang, chair of the Hardship Alliance and manager at Wokingham United Charities, said: “This fund will support the vulnerable people in our area quickly and ensure we get them the help they need.

“Financial pressures continue to squeeze more members of our communities into problems they may not have faced before. These grants can provide a lifeline to those in need.”

The latest Household Support Fund follows an earlier round this year where hundreds of the borough’s most vulnerable were given help.

People can apply to get help by submitting one application per household to Age UK Berkshire or Citizens Advice.

Pupils getting means-tested free school meals can get £15 per week, per eligible child, during the school holidays. T Applications can be made through First Days Children's charity website.

By Emma Merchant emerchant@wokingham.today

DURING the half term holiday families are hunting for pumpkins to win a chocolate treat.

The Pumpkin Trail, suitable for pushchairs, is organised by local charity, First Days.

Pumpkin posters have been hidden around a country park.

Each one bears a joke and a letter, and once they are all found the letters reveal a secret message.

Returning to the café with this, families can claim a handmade chocolate treat, created by Wargrave-based, Rosie’s Chocolate Factory.

The event is raising funds for First Days, a Wokingham-based charity that works and campaigns to end child poverty.

The organisation equips youngsters with the essential items they need for their early years and at school.

The charity says that demand for its services and the number of people finding themselves in financial hardship is steadily rising.

All money raised by the pumpkin trail will support local children and their families who are living with a low income or are experiencing financial hardship.

The charity is grateful to Starfish Accounting, and Clifton Ingram, for sponsoring the handmade treats.

The event takes place in California Country Park on Nine Mile Road.

It continues until Sunday, October 30.

To take part in the hunt, families can purchase a map from the California Park’s Jackson’s Café.. n For more information contact: www.firstdays.net email: events@firstdays.net or telephone: 0118 921 9338.

Cllr Rachel Bishop Firth, executive member for equalities, inclusion and fighting poverty, has encouraged anyone in need of support to reach out and ask for help.

This includes contacting the council for anyone struggling to pay council tax or rent.

She said: “If you need support, please get in touch with our voluntary and community sector partners as soon as possible.

“In addition to the Household Support Fund to help those who are struggling to pay for food and other essentials, they can help or can direct you to other sources of support on other challenges including debt, benefit claims, mental health, isolation and unfair dismissal.

“We are particularly concerned about residents who live alone, are older or have a disability. Please look out for friends,relatives and neighbours and pass this information onto anyone who you think might need it.”

n wokingham.gov.uk/cost-of-living

ON THE TRAIL: Organiser, Ellie Gosling (above) with her children, Hannah (6), Matt (8) and Freya (6); left: Daisy (4) and Hudson Gibbs (2)

Above: Lynda & Chris Adams with Thea (2) and Finley (3) track down another letter on a pumpkin poster. Right: Isobel Townsend (5)

Revealed: the areas where Wokingham could see cuts

At a meeting last night, councillors explored a number of ways the council could claw back a £4 million shortfall.

alternative, dipping into the reserves, could see Wokingham placed in special measures in the same way

councils such as Slough are now run by the government.

at the

Garden waste collections

THE annual garden waste collection service fee could rise by £10 a year.

Each year the garden waste subscription fee has been increased by £5, however due to the impact of coronavirus and the economic downturn, the council is considering doubling the rise.

As a result of high inflation levels, fuel increases and overall running costs, it is suggested by officers that the charge is increased by £10 for 2023/24, a rise from £70 to £80.

This equates to an additional 38p per fortnight from the current cost.

Supply of blue bags

THE council is considering ending the supply of blue bags.

Earlier this year, the supply was reduced from 80 to 54, but due to inflationary pressures the provision could be scrapped altogether.

This is one of a number of proposals being considered by the council as it looks to fill a £4 million deficit in its revenue for next year.

Veolia buys and delivers the bags on the council behalf but, with costs increasing to buy and deliver the bags, it is likely to exceed the £350,000 budget set aside for 2024/25.

If this proposal is rejected, a growth bid will be required to increase the budget by £50,000 to cover the rising costs.

Grass cutting costs

GRASS cutting across the borough could be reduced as the council increases the number of conservation areas.

The proposal will realise savings on the grounds maintenance contract through efficiency and operational changes.

Dependent on the announcement of the ecological emergency, there could be more wildflower areas.

In some areas, the frequency of cuts throughout the year could be reduced.

External consultants are currently reviewing

the grounds maintenance contract and following this work the exact level of savings will be confirmed.

Event income from open spaces

ADDITIONAL income could be generated by utilising open spaces for commercial purposes.

The council will consider rental and sponsorship of open spaces for public and private events.

This will be similar to processes used when Dinton Pastures and California Country Park are hired out.

Currently events are held at these parks with up to five acres per day generating £200 of revenue.

Although specific numbers and locations of events have not been fully identified, it is estimated that hiring out could realise income and further work will be undertaken with the Commercialisation Team.

Reduction in car parking cleaning

The council is considering a reduction in car parking cleaning frequency from eight to seven visits.

A business case has not been created for this proposal yet

Reduction of weed spraying

YEARLY weed spraying could be reduced to two visits, rather than the current three.

A business case has not been created for this proposal yet

Reduce the number of play areas

THE number of play areas across Wokingham borough could be reduced to tackle the deficit in revenue.

A business case has not currently been created for this proposal

Introduction of garden waste bin charge

THE introduction of a charge for garden waste bins is being considered.

This could see residents charged £40 per bin.

A business case has not been created for this proposal yet

Rise in Watercourse fees

DEVELOPERS could see a 3,900% increase in watercourse fees.

Currently developers are charged £50 but this proposal would see it rise to £2,000.

A business case has not been created for this proposal yet

Smart drainage solutions roll-out

PLANS for a borough-wide roll-out of smart drainage gully sensors in “high-risk” locations.

This could remove the need for twice annual cleansing.

The council is responsible for maintaining almost 40,000 highway drainage gullies across the borough.

The Highways Maintenance Management Plan currently states that all gullies within the borough will be emptied once a year, and a third of gullies within higher risk locations will be cleared twice a year.

The council spends, on average, £300,000 a year on the maintenance programme.

Over the last five years, officers have been collecting data on silt levels at the point of emptying.

This has allowed officers to develop an accurate picture of areas at most risk of debris build up and that require more frequent maintenance.

In 2021, officers conducted a smart drainage trial to see whether sensors recording silt level and sending notifications to the council when the silt level blocks the outlet, could be used to proactively respond to silt build up, allowing for a reduction in scale of the annual gully cleansing programme.

By cross referencing the silt levels with historic flooding records and resident enquiries, officers have identified that just under 200 locations would benefit from gully sensors.

Officers propose to purchase 200 gully sensors, at a cost of £450 per sensor, which could notify the council’s highways contractor of when a gully requires emptying.

Further investigation over the next six months is required before a figure can be provided on how long it will take to repay the capital.

The council states there is an opportunity to use some of the 2022/23 annual capital drainage budget of £200,000 to purchase the sensors.

Licensing team rate rise

THE hourly rate for the council’s licensing team could rise by more than 10%.

The increase would see the hourly charge go from £59 to £65.

A business case has not been created for this proposal yet.

Stop food waste caddy liners

PROPOSALS to stop food waste caddy liners could save in excess of £100,000

Potential investments

WOKINGHAM Borough Council is also considering a number of areas it needs to invest in for its services to ensure they continue to meet demand.

The cost of these investments is more than £1 million.

areas highlighted are:

anti-social

at same level

and

service increase

Each year, more than five million green caddy liners are distributed to residents at the cost of the council.

The council’s anecdotal evidence suggests “50% of households use the service and therefore most would utilise the supplied caddy liners. In theory, circa 50% are not being used and therefore this money/product is wasted.”

The council has also committed to reducing single use plastic and supplying a number to residents is “counterintuitive”.

Alternatives such as biodegradable liners have been assessed and it has been found that these are “at least double the price” of virgin plastic which is currently used.

However, residents will be advised to use other options such as plastic bags and newspaper instead of caddy liners.

Reduction in drainage maintenance

A REDUCTION in drainage maintenance by changing annual grip cutting to every other year.

A highway grip is a shallow ditch connecting the road edge to the roadside ditch.

Its purpose is to drain rainwater into the roadside ditch.

The council currently re-cuts all highway grips annually, which is in accordance with the highways maintenance management plan.

Officers feel adopting a risk based approach to grip cutting, such as only cutting grips that require maintenance, is a more efficient approach to maintaining infrastructure.

The council has accepted it could be difficult to achieve a saving if there is a lot of flooding in the winter.

Extended parking enforcement of school keep clear markings

THE COUNCIL is considering an increased roll out of parking enforcement on school keep clear markings.

This would require a one-off cost of £183,000 next year, followed by an annual requirement of £40,000 per annum.

Officers have forecast an income of £90,000 from this scheme, resulting in the net saving of £50,000 per annum.

Additional charge for residents’ second season ticket

FIRST residents’ permits can only be charged at cost, but second permits are not constrained.

The council currently issues 69 second permits per year and is considering charging these at full car park price.

This would be around £900 per annum and generate a net income of £62,000.

Officers predict further work could be required for the implementation to be successful so the benefits may not be seen until 2024/25.

Increase off-street parking charges

THE first rise in off street parking charges for more than four years has been discussed at length by councillors

A report outlining the plans went to the executive last month and would see two parking zones created. One for Wokingham town and one for other car parks in the borough.

The council expects this to address a predicted shortfall in parking revenue of £600,000 to £800,000.

The shortfall is the result of a change in habits following the covid pandemic.

If fees are not increased to address the issue, then other interventions will be required to bridge the gap.

The council is also exploring options to stretch this target.

Introduce on street parking controls

A SMALL scale introduction of on street parking controls, initially based on maximum one hour parking.

This could tackle high demand locations close to stations, retail centres and existing resident parking areas.

The project will amount to approximately 100

spaces, with a simultaneous review of residents permit holder provision so availability meets demand.

The council believes its off street parking provision is sufficient but on street parking has been reduced and there is a need to explore ways of controlling it.

The latest timeline to deliver this scheme is; during 2023/24 the preparation and implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) to introduce parking areas and other double yellow line enforcement.

Then in 2024/25 charging of identified parking is proposed to be introduced.

Actual achievable income is dependent on agreement to implement options in the parking revenue recovery plan, which is still to be completed.

Concessionary funding for football transport

THE council could remove discretionary funding for transport on football services.

This is expected to save £12,000 per annum A business case has not been created for this proposal yet.

Reduce reliance on consultants for transport planning

THE council currently uses consultants for general transport planning work and the development of its local transport plan.

This cost would be reduced if permanent members of staff were recruited into the transport planning team to undertake the work.

The council pays £86,000 for 22 hours a week of consultancy support but believes it could cover this, and more, by employing a full time member of staff for approximately £61,000.

However, the council admits recruitment of transport planners has proved challenging, and remains difficult.

Highways operational savings

A FULL review into the way Highways services are undertaken with the aim of finding more efficient ways of working and financial savings.

The council feels there are many aspects which have the potential to be streamlined.

Further works are required in order to ensure these proposals are deliverable and the timing for achieving savings is under review.

Charging leisure users for parking at Carnival Pool

USERS of Carnival Pool Leisure Centre are currently offered two hours of free parking.

The council feels there is “no reason” why this arrangement should continue.

There is a risk to the popularity of the leisure centre and users may choose to go elsewhere.

However the council believes encouraging more environmentally friendly travel would assist with its carbon neutral agenda.

There is also a risk to the contract itself, as the leisure centre is owned by the council and run by a contractor.

The additional income generated through parking may hit the council through the contract instead and therefore not actually generate a saving.

The September 2022 figure, following the

This equates to £12,000 per month, almost £150,000 per year based on current parking charges. This proposal is dependent on negotiations with the leisure provider.

Introduction of moving traffic offence enforcement

THE government is giving councils the option to apply to enforce against moving traffic offences.

According to Wokingham Borough Council, Reading Borough Council is planning to acquire these powers and intends to make an application to the Department for Transport (DfT) in January 2023.

These powers will enable the council to expand the work it already does enforcing against unlawful and dangerous parking, and misuse of bus lanes.

As well as using these new powers to improve safety and tackle congestion by enforcing moving traffic offences, such as:

n driving through a ‘No Entry’ sign.

n turning left or right when instructed not to do so.

n entering yellow box junctions when the exit is not clear.

n driving where and when motor vehicles are prohibited.

n driving on routes that are for buses and taxis only.

If approved, the council will be able to use these across the borough.

The time frame for implementing these

charges is still under review and there may be a requirement for a six month period when notices will be warnings only before fines can be introduced.

Night time dimming of street lights

MORE street lights could be dimmed across the borough.

Lights are already dimmed on a staged basis, 80% from 9pm and 60% from midnight.

A partial switch off of 2,000 lights between 0.30am and 5.30am already takes place, but this could extend to 8,000.

This would require Thames Valley Police consent and a site specific safety audit

Merging Highways services

This would offset revenue costs against income through the efficiencies of a joint service

Councillors react to financial plan

COUNCILLORS have reacted to a range of potential cuts at Wokingham Borough Council as it looks to plug a £4 million gap in its revenue.

At an extraordinary community and corporate overview and scrutiny committee meeting last night, a number of potential savings were laid out as part of the council’s medium term financial plan (MTFP)

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, leader of the Wokingham Conservative Group, has said “as the only opposition” her party will be closely scrutinising any proposals.

She said: “The LiberalLabour administration have proposed significant cuts to the council’s financial plan.

“It is important that these apparent savings aren’t false economies.”

Cllr Jorgensen referred to the recently approved rise in parking charges and said her fellow councillors will be looking into any cuts that could have “adverse consequences”.

“Conservative councillors will be looking into proposed cuts to valuable environment services such as kerbside weed spraying and drainage works, which could have adverse consequences for our borough,” she said.

“At a time of high inflation, residents and small businesses will be carrying the burden of cuts to council services alongside higher charges. Is this what people expected to get when they voted Liberal Democrat? It certainly wasn’t mentioned in their manifesto.”

Cllr Rachel Burgess, leader

of the Wokingham Labour Group, said the draft figures illustrate “beyond any doubt” the financial pressures facing the council.

“Even with the tireless work of officers to find savings there is still currently a £4 million shortfall in next year’s budget,” she said. “In last year’s budget process, rather than take tough decisions, the Conservatives decided to use £2 million of reserves to plug a budget gap for 2022-23.

“But reserves can only be spent once – and this, combined with demand for services rising, and rampant inflation eating away at budgets, has given rise to the extremely difficult choices the Lib Dem administration are having to make, such as changes to waste collections and increases in parking charges.”

Cllr Burgess believes political movements nationally have only compounded the issues.

She said: “In recent months, with the ongoing turmoil in the Conservative party at Westminster, it has felt as though local councils are the only functioning part of government trying to help people with the mounting cost of living crisis.

“Yet without central government action now, the sustainability of councils across the country is at threat, due to the massive funding gap.

Cllr Burgess would like to see councillors of all parties working together to tackle the budget process.

She added: “Because, in

these difficult times, we must protect our vital services –such as supporting children in care – otherwise the human cost of cuts to local government funding becomes devastating.”

Cllr Jim Frewin, Independent councillor for Shinfield South, appreciated the council’s financial position has forced its hand when it comes to identifying savings.

He said: “Wokingham’s financial position was challenging before any of the potential impacts of the economy, so action had to be taken or there was a risk of Wokingham being placed into special measures, not something that is good for any of our residents.

“Savings have been identified collaboratively by officers, directors and the executive. None of this is easy but the collaboration has been a welcome approach.

“I am also involved in looking for more efficiency by getting more things right first time through improvements in customer service and improved website and communications.”

Cllr Frewin said he finds some of the items to be a “bitter pill [to swallow]” but he understands that difficult decisions have to be made.

He added: “In summary, I would prefer that many of the initiatives in the MTFP were not happening, but I appreciate the financial position is such that it requires difficult decisions and more importantly action.

“We cannot, and should not, hope things get better.”

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

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

Attendance Allowance - Who can claim it?

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

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

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

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

opening of Carnival Hub in July, recorded 10,221 users obtaining a two hour free parking tickets.

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

Nigel Pearce AIPW

Cedric Lander, Woodley

Crafty fair by design

VISITORS to a craft and design fair will be able to see and buy handmade crafts and stock up on some unique Christmas gifts.

Handmade items will be available to view as stall holders set out their wares.

Artists from around the country will attend, bringing with them handcrafted work made with pearls, glass, ceramics, silver, wire, wood, paints, candles and more.

There will be thousands of unique gift ideas and festive merchandise for those preparing for Christmas.

Also available for visitors will be the Open Studios.

People will be able to see inside the purpose built silver smithing, ceramics and printmaking studios.

There they can watch current students at work and find out how to become a student of themselves.

The workshops will be open at various times throughout the weekend.

It takes place at South Hill Park Arts Centre, in Bracknell on Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13.

Doors open on both days between 10am and 5pm.

Entry is free, with a suggested donation of £5.

Visitors wishing to make purchases at the craft fair, are advised to bring cash because not all stall holders are able to accept bank cards.

There is no cash machine on site at the fair, the nearest ones being at Sainsbury’s and Birch Hill Shops a five-minute walk away.

n For more information visit: www.southhillpark. org.uk, or call the box office on: 01344 484123

Hurst shop is top of the chocs, and Theresa May cuts the ribbon

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

CHOCOLATE lovers who flock to seasonal sales of the sweet delight at Hurst have good news.

Family business Chocolates for Chocoholics at Lea Farm has just started a shop for the first time in its 36-year history.

The shop was opened last Saturday by MP Theresa May, a long-term customer of the company.

Mrs May cut the opening ribbon and said: “I’ve known Chocoholics for a lot of the 25 years I have been an MP.

“It’s a great business, I always put a Christmas order in to them. It’s lovely to see this new venture opening up.”

For years the company sold their goods via ‘parties’ in people’s homes. These stopped when covid arrived, said company director Roger Cossey. In the meantime sales had been growing online, where they continue.

The company’s twice-yearly sales after their main selling seasons are a highlight for hundreds of local children, and adults.

Chocoholics director Victoria

Cossey, 36, said: “A lot of people asked for a shop open all year, so now we have one. It sells the full range of everything online and in the brochure.”

The chocolate-based stock is packed and decorated for gifts for events including Christmas, Easter, birthdays and weddings.

“We pride ourselves on having luxury chocolates with affordable

pricing. With chocolate people feel they can have a bit of luxury, even when there isn’t much money around. It makes you feel good,” added Victoria.

“As a family company we offer a personal service, customers come back. One of them, Theresa May, has been very supportive of us. We are delighted and honoured she came for the opening.”

Victoria’s parents Liz and Roger Cossey, both directors of Chocoholics, started the business in 1986.

“We’re not manufacturers. Our main chocolate supplier is in Belgium, but we have other suppliers in Germany and the UK,” said Victoria.

“We work very closely with one manufacturer to develop flavours. We have bespoke chocolates made for us. We hand pick and package the chocolates at our own site.”

The company has two peak times, one before Christmas, with the other including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter. At peak times 35-40 people work there. Many seasonal staff come back year after year.

Victoria’s husband Pete Robinson joined the company last year. Victoria’s sister, Emma, handles Chocoholics’ social media.

The company will be opening a Santa’s Grotto, which includes the chance to make and decorate your own chocolate lolly, visit Father Christmas and receive a gift. Bookings are online at www. chocolate-parties.com/santaschocolate-grotto

OPEN: Liz and Victoria Cossey and MP Theresa May in the new Chocoholics shop

Picture: Sue Corcoran

Seniors coffee

SPENCERS WOOD residents have the opportunity to engage with their community over a warm drink.

Seniors tea and coffee mornings take place at Spencers Wood Pavillion, Clares Green Road, on Thursdays.

Visitors can enjoy the various refreshments on offer while catching up with friends and family or meeting new people.

The socials are run by volunteers for senior members of the community, who also offer a takeaway service.

The weekly sessions run from 10am-noon.

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

Join wildlife walk

LOCALS can discover some of the delights of the borough on a wildlife walk.

Simon Bartlam, WBC Countryside Officer will be sharing some of the hidden wonders of Charvil Meadows and what has been done to increase biodiversity and wildlife.

The walk will begin at the main entrance of Charvil Village Primary School.

All are welcome to join the walk on Saturday, November 5.

It starts at 10am.

n For more information call Charvil Matters on: 07340 178 316 or search for the group on Facebook.

Exhibition a portrait of success

VISITORS to a village hall enjoyed an exhibition of artists’ work last weekend.

Crowthorne & Sandhurst Art Society’s exhibition was held at St Sebastian’s Memorial Hall, on Nine Mile Ride in Wokingham Without.

The official opening on Friday was attended by special guests, MP James Sunderland, mayor of Wokingham borough, Cllr Caroline Smith, mayor of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Ankur Shiv Bhandari, and the mayor of Sandhurst, Cllr Mike Sanderson.

Chair of the society, Stella Ellis, says: “We were pleased that the overall footfall was good.

“Sales were down a little,

but we understand that, in the current climate.

“Prints were sold, and plenty of cards, and of course lots of tea and cakes.”

The group is currently keen for new members to join them.

“We’re an extremely friendly group,” says Stella.

“We bring our own mugs, and we wander around and chat.

“If anyone has a problem with their artwork, we just ask each other for help.

“We’d love some new members to join us.

“At the moment we have around 80 in the group, but we had around 100 last year.”

Anyone can join, they just need an interest in

painting, in any medium.

The society meets every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm to 3.45pm.

The time may especially suit retired people, but may also work well for anyone selfemployed, or with flexibility in their week.

They also meet around 12 times a year on Friday evenings, when a professional artist will give a two hour demonstration of a painting technique.

Wednesday sessions cost £3. Friday demonstrations cost £4 for members and £5 for visitors.

n For more information about the group, visit: www.casart.co.uk

ADMIRERS: . Cathy Webb and Stella Ellis looking at the artwork during The Crowthorne & Sandhurst Art Society Show on Saturday Pictures: Steve Smyth

The opening of the art show drew support from MP James Sunderland, and local mayors, Cllr Caroline Smith, Cllr Ankur Shiv Bhandari, and Cllr Mike Sanderson. Picture: Jenny Whalley

People could buy art to enjoy at home Some of the work on show

John Inman viewing the pictures while enjoying a brew

Reading Buses to tweak Oranges

THE SCHOOL run in Woodley could be easier thanks to some timetable tweaks coming into force from Monday.

Reading Buses says it is adjusting times for its Orange 13 route to help pupils get to school on time.

The Great Knollys Street-based transport firm said that its 7.38am service will now leave from Reading Station at 7.30am, while its afternoon service that left Bulmershe School at 3.20pm will now depart at 3.12pm.

No other Orange route services are affected by these changes.

However, the company will adjust its route 9 times in a bid to improve punctuality and reliability – although ongoing roadworks may cause some issues.

Reading Buses says that all afternoon journeys on the new 9 timetable will have slightly different times during term time to school holidays to reflect increased congestion.

Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, said: “The new route 9 timetable will be more difficult to remember but more reliable. The afternoon school runs make a huge difference to journey times along the line of this route.

“Having different times during the school holidays mean that customers won’t find themselves on a bus that has to wait to avoid running early in lighter traffic.”

Full details of orange 13 and route 9 timetables can be found on the Reading Buses website www.reading-buses.co.uk, and details of term times affecting the route 9 timetable can be found at www.brighterfuturesforchildren.org/ for-parents-carers/schools/term-dates/ Timetables and live vehicle tracking can also be found on the Reading Buses app.

Alistair Carmichael teaches Lib Dems about the water of life

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

Last Tuesday, Wokingham members gathered for a whisky tasting event, where the special guest was Alistair Carmichael, the MP for Orkney and Shetland.

“I’m born and brought up in Islay, which is one of the biggest whisky producing areas of Scotland,” he said.

“They have very distinctive single malt whiskies.

“I represent Orkney and Shetland, which has two exceptionally famous single malts, Highland Park and Scapa.”

Mr Carmichael also spoke about his work as an MP, and current events – however, it was before Liz Truss resigned as prime minister.

He told Wokingham Today that the current atmosphere in Westminster has been febrile.

“In all the 21 years I have been a member of parliament, I have never seen anything like the last few weeks,” he said, adding that it was “utterly bizarre” that the leader of the house – former University of Reading Students’ Union president Penny Mourdant – was sent to answer questions instead of Liz Truss.

“If you go to 70,000 feet and get the bigger picture, I think in Westminster a lot of chickens are coming home to roost and what I would call the laws of political gravity are starting to work again,” he continued.

“Boris Johnson was famous for talking about cakeism, having your cake and eating it, but we all know you can’t. This government since 2016 is so underpinned by the sense of entitlement that they think they can have it.

“When you see Conservative ministers like Jacob Rees Mogg briefing against the Bank of England

ignoring the Office For Budget Responsibility, and reacting to the market reaction as if this was something nobody could have foreseen, when it was obvious what was going to happen, it is quite a remarkable time.”

And with the opinion polls suggesting the Conservatives are losing ground, “It’s good for anybody who’s not in the Conservatives,” he said.

“But there is a wider national interest at play here. We have a war in mainland Europe, we have a cost of living crisis that has been made worse by, for example, mortgage rates on their way up.

“If evere there was a moment when you needed a government to act in the national interest, and do it effectively, this is it. And we just don’t have it.”

Mr Carmichael said that when he was in the 2010-15 coalition government, “difficult decisions that you really didn’t want to take” were needed to “reboot and stabilise the national finances again”.

“We paid a heavy political price for that,” he said. “But the Conservative have indulged themselves and, as a consequence, have thrown away the good work that had been done to get the economy back on track.”

In an interview with the BBC’s Chris Mason on Monday, the then Prime Minister Liz Truss apologised for the events of the past few weeks.

“I wanted to act to help people with their energy bills, to deal with the issue of high taxes, but we went too far and too fast. I’ve acknowledged that. I put in place a new chancellor with a new strategy to restore economic stability,” she said.

But she resigned on Thursday.

Mr Carmichael said the Liberal Democrats was now a party on the up after several years in the wilderness.

“I was part of the coalition government for five years. That was about taking decisions in the national interest – difficult decisions that you really didn’t want to take, but you knew it was necessary and in the national interest to reboot and stablise the nation’s finances again,” he said.

“We paid a heavy political price for that. But that Conservatives have indulged themselves and, as a consquence, have thrown away the good work that had been done to get the economy back on track.”

He was optimistic that Wokingham could change hands at the next general election.

“This is a seat that has been strong

for the Conservatives for decades. As a consequence, they have taken it for granted,” he explained.

“If you go back to the Brexit vote, it was a strongly pro-EU vote, but John Redwood thought he could just disregard the views of the electorate.

“It is one of the consequences of the electoral system we have that parties can sometimes take constituents for granted. That’s when political disaffection sets in.

“But when people see there is a real prospect, as I think they’re probably seeing here now, change is possible – they are engerised, and they’re excited by it.

“I’m pretty sure that’s what you will be finding here.”

Mr Carmichael said such a vision made him feel quite excited as well, and quite optimistic.

“When people say to me, come out to Wokingham on Tuesday night and talk to local party members and candidate Clive Jones, and support our campaign, I say, ‘yep, what time’s the train?’”

He also had concerns over local government spending powers, saying central government had salami sliced budgets since 2015.

“AS a consequence, we have a situation where it feels that local councils are left with responsibility, but without power,” he said.

“Cuts are not to a council’s budget, it’s a cut to schools, it’s a cut to social care, youth services, roads, streetlighting … you name it. That’s where it’s felt more sharply.”

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT campaigners learnt more about the water of life … thanks to an MP.

Cllr Clive Jones with Alistair

Carmichael at a Lib Dem event last week

Picture: Phil Creighton

Woodley

Volunteers ready to open doors of Poppy Appeal shop

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

THIS YEAR’S Poppy Appeal launches today, and Wokingham is planning a series of special activities to help people give generously.

At 10.30am this morning, volunteers will open a poppy shop in the Blue Orchid café in Peach Place.

A wide range of remembrance merchandise from the Royal British Legion will be on sale.

Poppies also available at many shops and businesses across the borough, including collections at Tesco and Waitrose.

David Dunham, who is also official mace bearer for the Wokingham town mayor, has co-ordinated this year’s Wokingham Poppy Appeal.

He has led the event for 14 years, and this is his final year as co-ordinator.

“I’ve been involved with the Poppy Appeal since I was a toddler,” he said.

“My dad served in the Royal Marines and my mum was in the Women’s Royal Air Force, so the Poppy Appeal has always been a part of my life.

“I’ll continue fundraising, but I just won’t be coordinating.”

The retail unit is a key way in which the Wokingham appeal raises thousands of pounds.

“In the shop this year will be poppies, of course, and a variety of items.

“There should be something suitable for everyone, young and old.”

Items include car stickers and wooden crosses of remembrance will be on sale.

The crosses can be purchased and the name of a loved one written on them.

They will then be displayed on the wall of the shop until the Poppy Appeal officially ends in November.

“After the shop closes, the crosses will be taken to All Saints Church War Memorial, where they’ll stay until the following year,” Mr Dunham explained.

This year is extra-special for Mr Dunham as he has been invited to take part in the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

“It’s a once in a lifetime event,” he says.

“My parents watched it every year, and I know that they would both be smiling to see me actually take part in it.”

Mr Dunham will join this year’s muster, a parade that sees members of the armed forces, Chelsea pensioners, veterans, volunteers and members of the Royal British Legion gather inside the Royal Albert Hall.

They will meet for a service to remember all who have served and sacrificed, from Britain and The Commonwealth.

“We’ll all march in, with military bands playing, for a remembrance service of words, hymns and storytelling,” he said.

“I was very moved when I was asked to take part, and I’m honoured to represent the Royal British Legion in this way.”

As part of his fundraising activities, Mr Dunham is also taking a challenge to Walk 121 Miles in November, with his efforts supporting the Poppy Appeal.

“I’ve decided to take my first steps the morning the poppy shop opens.

“The final steps of my 121st mile will be as I march down the steps of the Albert Hall for the service.

“And although I will be proudly representing the Royal British Legion, my parents will also be there with me in my thoughts.”

The service will be shown live on Saturday, November 12 on BBC1 at 7pm.

The Poppy Shop will stay open until Saturday, November 12.

n For more information about the Royal British Legion, visit: www.britishlegion.org.uk

Improve your public speaking

WOKINGHAM Speakers, part of the global Toastmasters International group, will be giving speeches, getting feedback, and growing in confidence.

The public speaking club meets every two weeks to help members hone their skills within a supportive and constructive environment, with the next session taking place on Tuesday in Wokingham town centre.

The group aims to enhance public speaking and communication skills.

It also gives members opportunities to demonstrate leadership and observation.

All adult visitors are welcome to come along to try out one or two club meetings to see if it’s right for them.

They meet at the Bradbury Centre in Peach Place, in the Luke Room.

The sessions take place on

the first and the third Tuesday of each month.

The next meeting is on Tuesday, November 1. Meetings begin at 7.30pm.

Parking is in Rose Street car park (beside the centre) or the Easthampstead Road car park.

Guests are asked to arrive at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.

n For more information, and to join the group visit: www. toastmasterclub.org

Rooks Nest nominated as site for new SEND school

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

WOKINGHAM Borough Council has nominated parts of Rooks Nest as a site for a new school.

At an executive meeting last month, the council agreed plans to apply for funding for two new schools for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Currently, the borough has two SEND schools, Addington in Woodley and Chiltern Way Academy in Wokingham, with Oak Tree in Winnersh due to open September 2023.

Cllr Prue Bray, executive member for children’s services, said the borough is experiencing a “rapid increase” in demand for the provision, which is why the application has been made.

Cllr Bray said: “Currently, we are having to send children to schools outside the borough, which means they have long travel times to school, and we are having to pay for their transport.

“So, we are being proactive and have applied to the Department for Education for a grant to build two new SEND schools in the borough.

“The future of the property the council owns at Rooks Nest Farm is yet to be decided. If it were to come forward as a SEND school, the new school would provide places for 100 children from across Wokingham borough.”

To select the two locations, officers looked at council

owned land and identified parts of Rooks Nest and Grays Farm as “suitable and in accessible locations”.

Cllr Bray added: “A SEND school would only take up a relatively small part of the Rooks Nest site. A school there would be centrally located, so would be suitable for children from all parts of the borough.

“If we receive the grant, we will prepare a planning application which would include a traffic assessment to determine what road improvements would be necessary.”

Cllr Charles Margetts, Conservative councillor for Finchampstead North, has campaigned for the site to remain undeveloped and feels it is the wrong location for a SEND school.

He said: “It’s down a narrow country road, there’s no pavements, there’s minimal public transport, it’s the loss of the gap between Finchampstead and Barkham, it will change the area of the countryside and it is countryside in the local plan.”

Cllr Margetts believes the council should look at the

former Farley Hill Primary School as a potential site.

He said: “The Council still owns the old Farley Hill Primary School. It is about the right size, but it’s been sitting there closed for nearly two years and is two miles from the Rooks Nest site.”

Cllr Margetts has also suggested that Cala Homes offered to build a SEND school, as an alternative to the school in its planning consent for Arborfield.

He said: “Primary schools in Finchampstead are undersubscribed at the moment, there are places at all of them because there aren’t enough children in the age group to fill them.

“So Cala Homes have spoken to the council and said ‘what about if we build this as a SEND school?’

“This would cost the council no money because the developer has already agreed to pay for it.”

Cllr Margetts agrees the borough needs more SEND schools but thinks the council should consider its options to save money and time.

He said: “It’s true that there needs to be more SEND provision, 100%. We

just think there are far more sustainable better sites that can be delivered quicker which doesn’t involve building on green fields and settlement gaps.”

Earlier this year a petition of more than 1,000 signatures was presented to the council to stop any development at Rooks Nest.

This was supported by Cllr Margetts as well as fellow Conservative councillors, Cllr Rebecca Margetts and Cllr Peter Harper.

Campaigners felt the site was unsuitable for any development due to concerns over infrastructure and the amount of roadworks in the area throughout the last two years.

Cllr Bray acknowledged that some residents don’t want the site to be built on, but believes it is one of the only suitable locations for a new SEND school.

She said: “We’re doing this because we know how important it is to our children with SEND and their families to have good quality schools near to where they live.

“We know people don’t want any development at Rooks Nest farm.

“But, there is an urgent need for more SEND provision in the borough and very few possible places it can go.

“Sometimes there are no perfect options and you just have to do the best you can with the choices you

Pacifist remembrance event planned

A pacifist remembrance event is being held on Friday, November 11 in the quiet area of the churchyard at All Saints Church, Wokingham.

It’s being organised by pacifist David Chapman of Wokingham.

“It will be largely poems and prose, followed by silences. A wreath of white poppies will be laid under a tree in the churchyard,” he said.

“If those attending would like to bring their own short reflections, poems or prose they would be very welcome to do so. If they could let me know I can incorporate them into the programme.

“I’m writing to Wokingham Quakers, churches and a number of peace groups to let them know about the event. We will be there with the kind permission of the Rector.”

Mr Chapman has attended the

Peace Pledge Union’s remembrance event in London, but the Wokingham event, from 12.30pm-1.30pm, will be the first he has organised.

Pacifists believe in non-violent resolution of disputes.

“We will remember all victims of war, all nationalities, civilian and military people. We are about challenging war and militarism. We wear a white poppy for peace,” added Mr Chapman.

“We challenge any attempt to glorify or celebrate war.

“We are certainly not criticising people [for holding other remembrance services].

“We merely say we should challenge any form of violence when trying to resolve disputes.”

Mr Chapman can be emailed on davidchapman781@btinternet.com

Aldi seeks festive staff

A SUPERMARKET chain is looking to hire 140 new team members across the royal county in the runup to Christmas.

The roles are both temporary for the festive season, and permanent and will see the recruits help stock shelves and assist customers in Aldi stores.

The firm is also looking to recruit for its regional distribution centres, searching for warehouse staff, logistics assistannts and lorry drivers.

Kelly Stokes, recruitment director at Aldi UK, said: “This year we’re recruiting more people than

ever over the Christmas period to support the growing number of customers that are switching to Aldi.

“Our amazing colleagues play a vital role in keeping our shelves stocked year-round which is why, once again, we’ll also be keeping our stores closed on Boxing Day as a thank you for all of their hard work.”

Aldi pays a minimum rate of £10.50 per hour, and offers paid breaks.

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

New community hub plan

are being made for a new community hub for club and other gatherings in Hurst.

Hurst Parish Council chairman Wayne Smith said: “The parish council are working with the village halls committee to develop a plan to build a community hub in the village hall grounds.

“It would replace the current Scout hut and be for mixed community use including the

Scouts and Guides and other people.

“It could be for an over 60s afternoon club.

“It will be a substantial cost because we want it larger than the current Scouts’ building. The village hall is fully booked. Quite a few groups want a room during the day.”

He added: “The new hub would be run by the village hall committee.

“The scheme will need planning permission.”

PEACEFUL GATHERING: A white poppy Picture: Thomas Bresson

Residents reeling after bike thefts

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

MULTIPLE bike thefts have caused Wokingham residents to question the safety of their neighbourhood.

Amy Biddle and Sedat Ozalpdemir, who both live on the new Shinfield Meadows estate, have had their cycles stolen from locked enclosures.

In Mrs Biddle’s case, a neighbour was able to provide footage of the theft, having installed a security camera last year. They too had had their bike stolen from the same communal shed on Bolton Drive.

The thief can be seen grinding through a lock to steal the mountain bike.

On seeing the footage, Mrs Biddle said: “It puts you on edge, watching it. It’s one thing knowing the bike’s been stolen, but seeing exactly how it happened is unsettling.

“To be honest, it’s almost made us feel like [Shinfield] is not such a nice area. I’m worried if we get a new bike, it’ll get taken as well.”

The bicycle was locked and stored in a bike shed which was protected by a coded lock.

Husband Alex noticed

the bike had disappeared on Friday, October 7. The couple contacted the police.

But frustrated by a lack of communication, Mr Biddle took to social media to raise awareness of their situation.

He received a message from someone who claimed to have seen a bike, similar to the one he had described, in South Reading, except the the handles were red, not black.

Mrs Biddle explained: “This is part of the frustration, the longer it takes for the police to act, the further the thieves will get and the more they can modify the bike so it’s harder to identify.

“To be honest, I don’t think I’ll get the bike back.”

Having heard of other bike thefts in the area, Mrs Biddle suggested the area might

be targeted by thieves who see Shinfield Meadows as a profitable target.

Sedat Ozalpdemir had a similar experience. His bike and stroller were stolen on Monday, September 19, the day of the Queen’s funeral.

Again, the bike was secured in a locked shed. Mr Ozalpdemir said the thief broke into the enclosure and ripped the lock apart.

He said: “The bike [theft] was very sad for me because it was a very expensive item. Also, we were doing country trips with my son, our social life was totally affected.”

Mr Ozalpdemir is questioning whether Shinfield is as safe as he had believed when he movedhere a year ago. He believes a lack of urgency from the police

will only lead to more thefts.

“I have small children and I don’t really feel safe anymore,” he said. “Thieves broke into my house of my dreams.

“These situations harm the image of England.”

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police (TVP), said: “Thames Valley Police will investigate all crimes that are reported and will follow all reasonable lines of enquiry to investigate them and bring offenders to justice.

“If all reasonable lines of enquiry have been followed then a crime may be filed pending any further information coming to light.”

Regarding Mrs Biddle’s case, TVP confirmed an investigation is ongoing following the report, although no arrests had been made.

They urged anyone with any further information to please contact TVP on 101 quoting reference 43220451849.

Of Mr Ozalpdemir’s case, the spokesperson for TVP said: “We can confirm that this incident was reported to us however there are not thought to be any witnesses, forensic or other lines of enquiry for us to investigate further.

“As such this has been filed pending further information coming to light.

“If anyone has any information they should call 101 quoting reference 43220451849.”

New plaque in honour of Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

TO COMMEMORATE the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a new plaque has been installed in Wokingham’s Market Place.

It joins plaques commemorating the late Queen’s diamond and golden jubilees, from 1977 and 2012 respectively.

Wokingham Town Council said that while the initial sentiment of the plaque was one of celebration of the Queen’s 70 year reign, it is now a reminder of her long reign and of the dedication she gave.

The plaque was officially unveiled on Friday, October 14, by the Chairman of the Wokingham Society Peter Must, the Town Mayor, Cllr

Maria Gee and the High Steward, Lucy Zeal.

Cllr David Lee, chairman of Wokingham Town Council’s civic committee, said: “Wokingham Town Council would like to extend its thanks to the Wokingham Society who have financially supported the new plaque and to Volker Highways for its installation.”

And Mr Must said the plaque was installed with both gratitude and sadness.

“It was commissioned while the nation was celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee but it must also now stand as a commemoration of her life of service,” he added.

Private security camera footage showed how Mrs Biddle’s bike is alleged to have been stolen. Picture courtesy of Amy Biddle

IN PLACE: Lucy Zeal, Peter Must and Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Maria Gee unveil the plaque marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Picture: Miles Thorne

Honest motherhood Anegla Garwood

is

place

IHAVEfound my happy place.

It’s taken two years and much exploration, but I’m thrilled to say I have found somewhere I truly belong. (Second to the ultimate happy place, my home, I should add.)

A safe environment where I feel welcomed, at home and at ease. People understand me. They even offer hot drinks and chocolate biscuits.

No, it’s not my parents’ house, though they too offer all of the above.

It’s a toddler group and it is everything.

The 4321 toddler group is held once a week in Wokingham Baptist Church. I’ve only been going for a few weeks with Leo, but was hooked from day one.

For the humble sum of £1.50, you’re given full access to a lively room full of toys, books and puzzles, and another with arts, crafts and refreshments. A brief sing-song and bubbles is put on at some point as a cherry on the cake.

It became clear from the beginning Leo did not require my presence at this group.

“Which one’s yours?” a lady said to me a few weeks ago.

“He’s over there, yellow jumper, with the trainset.”

“So independent isn’t he!”

“Yes I think he’s bored of me now.” I say, secretly elated.

From the moment we enter the room, he is aware of his freedom and chooses to exercise it.

I can recall maybe one occasion where he’s actually approached me during the course of the 90 minutes. (To hand me a train, obviously.)

Of course, I’ll either have my eye on him or be perched next to him, offering my help in whatever activity he’s engrossed in, not that he seems particularly fussed either way. He’s quite content navigating the room and all its many delights alone.

A key component of my happy place is that the toddler is also happy.

This is all if he even lets me enter the room with him. Today, he kicked up a fuss outside the front door and I had no idea why.

Then he took me by the hand and led me to the side of the building.

I stayed put, curious as to what his plans were. He then turned around and left me there, walking through the front door alone, marching into the main room (with all the toys) and making a beeline for the train-set.

I trailed behind, stopping to pay on my way in.

This was significantly less embarrassing than last week, when he bolted past a long queue of other attendees waiting patiently to pay and go in.

I watched as he snuck into the room and headed for his trusty train-set. (Every time).

“Do you want to go in after him?” A staff member said.

“Nah, he’s fine, I can see him.”

I could half-see him, but it really wasn’t worth the tantrum to drag him back out again. Plus, I couldn’t bear to queue jump.

The 4321 is a brilliant space where a mother (or father/grandparent/whoever) can watch her children play outside of the home, rain or shine, with the company of a whole load of other people who know exactly what it is like to be a parent.

My favourite thing about the group - besides the biscuits - is meeting other Mums.

You can’t put a price on this connection. This connection is survival in the parenting world.

“If you know you know!” one Mum said to me today as we chatted about sleep deprivation and partners being away. Indeed. If you know, you know.

n Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind

The story behind Soldiers Rise

By ARTHUR STRAND

AT the junction between singlelane Soldiers Rise and Lower Wokingham Road there is a memorial stone.

This is a tribute to the Soldier who almost died, but got up again before breathing his last.

Private R Lockhart died on the spot on July 26, 1855 while on a route march from Farnham to Wokingham.

The stone was erected by Wokingham Without Parish Council during the Jubilee Year of Queen Elizabeth II, back in 1977.

The railway bridge goes over the railway near the Nine Mile Ride junction with Soldiers Rise.

The actual railway bridge is not the bridge referred to as Kings Bridge which is at the bottom of the hill towards the Nine Mile Ride and would not be noticed if there had not been white railings on one side opposite the sewer place and the mobile phone aerial where the stream runs through private land to Queensmere.

At the opposite end of Soldiers Rise, down the slope beyond the junction where the memorial stone is situated is another bridge which the stream goes under the main road.

The stream rounds the hill and crosses back under the road into private woodland under another “proper” bridge then swings across to the back gardens of houses along Soldiers Rise meeting up with the white railings at Kings Bridge.

The reason that the railway bridge is not the Kings Bridge is because the three stream bridges were named before railways were invented.

Bridge one is Jack’s Bridge, bridge two is Queen’s Bridge, and the third is the King’s.

Number one is at Soldiers Rise junction with Lower Wokingham Road, the second is over the other side of the hill on the way to the roundabouts, and the third is at the Nine Mile Ride end of Soldiers Rise.

The stream is a tributary to the Emm Brook.

Why get behind The Arc?

This major landmark work of art will command a prominent position outside Wokingham’s new Carnival Hub. Lighting and audible stories, accessed through an app, will add to its impact and significance. It will engage and stimulate the imagination, provoking widespread curiosity and thought. Nicola Anthony, the acclaimned international artist who is creating the work is determined that it should reflect people’s hopes, feelings and experiences of living in the borough. Many of these will feature in the carefully researched words and phrases that she will cut and profile into the stainless steel arches that combine to make up the work www.arts4wokingham.org.uk

How many zombies would roam Wokingham?

CULT films such as Shaun of the Dead show what life would be like if zombies took over the world, but new research suggests Wokingham residents would be reasonably safe.

On the off-chance that doomsday is around the corner, experts at RantCasino.com sought to investigate which areas of the UK would be most affected by a zombie apocalypse.

They studied all the cemeteries and graves in the country and worked out that Leeds would be the worst place to live if the undead took over the world.

There would be a whopping 811,422 potential zombies roaming the streets. Manchester could see 769,911 of the blighters, and Liverpool 469,768.

Wokingham? Well, it would see

just 2,830, or 16 zombies per square kilometre. There’s a fighting chance there.

Neighbouring Reading could see 9,520, and 3,233.

Compared to Leeds, it seems your

Let’s end the myths taboos of menopause

By LOUISE TIMLIN Women’s Equality Party

THREEyears ago, I started experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Though mild, they were concerning and impacting my life.

Brain fog meant I struggled to find words that had previously tripped off my tongue.

I told my team at work that if I paused mid-sentence, it didn’t mean I’d finished and not to interrupt me; I would carry on speaking as soon as I’d remembered the word I was looking for.

Around this time Diane Danzebrink, menopause campaginer (and all round goddess, in my opinion), came to Wokingham and ran a session for the public to educate us about menopause.

It was a real hallelujah momentthat’s what was wrong with me.

I shed a few tears of relief, I wasn’t going mad and I didn’t have earlyonset dementia.

And then I got angry. I consider myself an educated and relatively well-read person.

I have a 30-year career in medical research. Why was my knowledge of menopause so shockingly bad?

Generations of women have suffered silently under the belief that menopause is a part of normal life and we should just put up with it.

We’ve been conditioned not to talk about menstruation or menopause. Yet symptoms can be highly debilitating and in some cases, where women are suffering severe anxiety and depression, it can be life-threatening.

Shockingly, menopause is not taught as a mandatory module at medical school and many GPs have no training in it, despite the fact that half the population will experience it.

World menopause day is held every year on October 18. It aims to raise awareness of menopause and to improve the health and well-being of

women in mid-life and beyond.

Menopause is the last taboo.

It affects older women and therefore our awareness and understanding of the symptoms are impacted by both ageism and sexism.

A lack of medical training, awareness and information mean that women are not getting the support they need.

There are over 30 recognised symptoms of menopause including hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia and mood alterations.

A recent survey by the Fawcett Society revealed that 77% of women find at least one symptom “very difficult” and 69% experience anxiety and depression.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines are clear. Women with menopausal symptoms, including anxiety and depression should be offered HRT as first-line treatment.

Yet according to a recent Fawcett

A NEW recruit at a palliative care facility in Tilehurst says she loves making a difference in the community where she lives.

Sarah Johnston has been appointed as the head of quality and community services at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.

Her role is to manage and develop the essential services that it delivers to people living with life-limiting conditions in the community.

“When I was a district nurse in Henley I had a colleague who was really passionate about palliative care and making sure people were well looked after at the end of their life.

“I credit her for inspiring me to move into this area of nursing,” she says of her new role.

“I saw one death very early on in my nursing career that has always stayed with me – they were surrounded by their loved ones with candles lit and music playing and it

was just beautiful.

“That might not suit everyone, but it spurred me on to help people achieve what feels right for them at the end of life.”

Ms Johnston, who has spent many years working as a district nurse across Reading, joined Sue Ryder after working as the clinical lead for the inpatient unit and community team at Thames Hospice.

“When I saw this role at Sue Ryder I thought it looked too good to be true,” says Ms Johnston.

“I love that I am making a difference in the community where I live and what has really stood out to me since I joined the team is the lovely atmosphere and just how supportive everyone is.

“It’s been a busy first few weeks and I have learned so much already.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the team better and building

Memorial.

Steve Smyth

EDUCATION: The menopause has many symptoms, discussed Picture: Silvia from Pixabay

IMAGE CREDIT: Romolo Tavani/ Shutterstock

myths and menopause

21% did not go for a promotion they would otherwise have considered, 19% reduced their hours and 12% resigned.

The majority of workplaces offered no support for women going through the menopause.

Given the current staffing shortages in women-dominated industries such as the NHS and social care, this needs to be urgently addressed.

Health inequalities are rife in the UK. Healthy life expectancy between women in the most deprived area compared to the least deprived in England is currently estimated to be 19.7 years less (for men it is 18.4 years).

Despite this the government has scrapped its proposed White Paper on Health Inequalities. Equality in Health is one of The Women’s Equality Party’s core policies. https://www. womensequality.org.uk/equal_health Women’s health issues are underresearched and often dismissed as trivial.

Women are four times more likely to be diagnosed with “medically unexplained symptoms” than men.

Where’s Wally? Safely in Winnersh

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

symptoms,

Society survey only 39% of women were offered HRT once their GP or nurse recognised their symptoms as menopausal.

Thirty per cent of women were offered antidepressants according to a study by Dr Louise Newson, despite there being no evidence to support their use.

Wokingham resident, Jane (not her real name), told me that it took multiple visits to her GP for her menopausal symptoms to be taken seriously, despite them having a severe impact on her ability to work.

When she was finally offered treatment, she was prescribed antidepressants.

She had to do her own research on the risk-benefit of HRT before being prescribed the right treatment.

Studies have shown that menopause symptoms greatly impact women’s careers and ability to work. According to the menopause and work survey by Dr Louise Newson,

The Women’s Equality Party supports the introduction of legislation to protect women who need to take absences from work resulting from menopause symptoms, and supports the Make Menopause Matter campaign which calls for mandatory menopause training for all GPs and medical students, and menopause awareness and support in every workplace.

With the right policies, awareness, education and training, we can ensure that no more women will have to go through menopause alone, afraid and untreated.

Let’s take a stand and make this generation the one to end the myths and taboos of menopause.

n Those experiencing menopausal symptoms can find help and information here: https://www.balance-menopause. com/and https://menopausesupport. co.uk/

n Sign the petition to Make Menopause Matter here: https://www.change.org/p/ make-menopause-matter-in-healthcarethe-workplace-and-educationmakemenopausematter

Louise Timlin is the local branch lead of the Women’s Equality Party

delivering the community services provided by Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub Berkshire in Newbury and Sue Ryder Wokingham, ensuring the provision of high quality specialist care centred around the needs of patients and their families.

The community team is made up of experienced Sue Ryder Nurses who deliver expert and compassionate care and support in the community with the aim of keeping patients at home and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions. They work alongside the hospice’s multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and lymphoedema specialists to provide a holistic wrap-around package of palliative care.

A CHILDREN’S book character in

a stripy red top and bobble hat has been seen at a residential care home in the borough.

Wally is a scarecrow created by residents and members of staff at Abbeyfield Winnersh.

The elusive subject of many children’s picture books, he has been welcomed into the community there, and has even been given a scarecrow companion.

Wally was created for the Abbeyfield Scarecrow Challenge, a competition that runs across all Abbeyfield houses and homes nationwide.

The Abbeyfield Society oversees Abbeyfield Winnersh.

It has been running its Scarecrow Challenge for over 1,000 residents and 400 staff that live and work in over 300 Abbeyfield care homes, sheltered housing schemes and independent living complexes across the UK.

The Winnersh residents and staff chose to create the popular character from the Where’s Wally?

And just in case he got lonely, they made him a scarecrow friend, Sally, reflecting Abbeyfield’s

CORNER

On Blagrave Street, Today…

On Blagrave Street, today, things look pretty much the same as they do on any other day of the week.

On Blagrave Street, today, the buses carry on making their way around the back of The Forbury, as they usually do, calm as you like, and so polite. And people stand around in queues, jumping on and off when the next bus is due, scurrying along on their way to be anywhere else today, than here, on Blagrave Street –

relationships and trust, which is so important in this role. More than anything I have been blown away by the kindness I have been shown – it is clear that the staff here will go above and beyond not just for their patients, but colleagues too.”

Part of her role is developing and

“In palliative care you only get one chance to get it right. It’s a really delicate time, not just for the person that is dying but for their whole family. I knew I wanted to help people and make the experience as good as it could be in the situation,” she says. n For more details, log on to: sueryder.

a coffee break at Café Neros, meeting some mates, or a lunch time secret rendezvous, perhaps? But not much else; not of any interest anyway, other than to innocent third parties caught up in the emotional aftermath…

mission to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation among older people.

Anna Boyes, Abbeyfield’s Director of Marketing, said: “We wanted to devise an autumn competition that allowed our talented staff and residents to show a bit of creative flair.

“The scarecrows help to put Abbeyfield houses and homes on the map, and will hopefully become a quirky feature to attract the attention of passers by.”

Abbeyfield likes to engage with its local community.

Staff, residents and volunteers put on events and activities that welcome people from the local neighbourhood.

Events this year included Platinum Jubilee parties, open days, fêtes and coffee mornings.

Staff and residents largely welcome the opportunity to re-open their doors and gardens to visitors following covid.

Anna continues: “They enjoyed the fact that the Scarecrow Challenge allowed them to use their imagination and draw on their creativity.”

And the old town hall has not stirred one bit, nor moved its pitch to a new address, while shoppers do what they do best, sloping off to buy their wares, some groceries or a sale room bargain; to John Lewis to buy that new dress.

And the only real excitement that I can report, other than catching up on the local sport, is that I wrote another poem today, sitting over a coffee and piece of cake, counting words and how many hours left in the day –

watching the passers-by making their way to be any other place on such a humdrum day, rather than being stuck wandering astray on weary Blagrave Street…

Ian J McKenzie

SCARBOROUGH

WALLY AND SALLY RELAX AT ABBEYFIELD WINNERSH. PICTURE: courtesy of Abbeyfield Winnersh

CHRISTMAS IN Liverpool & Chester - Going Solo

Whitby & Historic York

Difficult choices lie ahead

THE GROWN-UP approach to the new adminstration means residents are not being treated like mushrooms.

This week’s decision to air potential areas of borough life that could see spending cuts is welcomed.

By sharing this information, however alarming it is, residents are not kept in the dark over the difficulties and challenges that await us.

Quite simply, on current spending plans, the council faces the same fate as Slough and other councils.

The end of the covid support grants and lack of funding from cenrtral government, coupled with soaring inflation and increased demand on services means only one thing: cuts have to be made. And each will hurt.

Over the past 12 years, the fat has been trimmed and local authorities all over the country have nothing left other than difficult choices.

That includes car park price rises –which we think is a folly. But if they don’t rise, another cut elsewhere.

This is a chance to talk. Where would you cut to protect the borough?

CHURCH NOTES

The first Bible, handle with care

IREMEMBERbeing shocked reading something by highly respected Christian thinker and writer, Richard Rohr. He described Creation as God’s first Bible.

Even for me, someone passionate about the environment and biodiversity, Rohr seemed to be pushing it too far. Really? The first Bible.

Although I wasn’t persuaded the thought stayed with me.

With that thought lodged in my mind, I began to notice certain passages in the Bible in a new light.

After a while, the weight of biblical evidence convinced me to see my initial scepticism was misplaced. God does reveal who he is through creation. God does speak through Creation.

We all have the capacity to recognise and experience the reality of God through God’s generous and extraordinary gift of Creation.

These last few weeks of October are between the harvest thanksgivings in schools and churches and just before the massively important international gathering in Egypt – COP 27.

It seems no time at all since many of us were focussing on COP 26 in Glasgow.

The matters discussed, the commitments made last year and the ones which, please God, will be made this year are critical for the whole earth.

Just as I can’t imagine asking people in our church to bring all their Bibles, before putting them in a pile in the car park and setting fire to them or shredding them.

That’s not just destruction, it’s desecration.

So, if Creation is God’s first Bible, how can I stand idly by and allow the destruction of one of the universal ways that God self-discloses, the desecration of one of the means by which God speaks to us?

COP 27 needs to be a focus for prayer. It needs to be a topic of conversation to raise its profile.

The Revd David Shaw is the minister of Wesley Methodist Church and Superintendent of the Reading and Silchester Methodist Circuit, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading

Your letters

Send

Raising parking charges is wrong

Regarding the proposed increase in car parking charges in the town centre, rather than try to make up a shortfall and to put up the parking charges to bring them in line with other Councils’ charges, perhaps they should be scrapped altogether, with certain exceptions.

Some friends of ours who have moved from Wokingham to West Oxfordshire have found that parking in Witney town centre is, in most cases, free and certainly is after 6pm.

The only enforcement used is to make sure that there are no abuses, such as not parking in a bay correctly or using a disabled person’s bay without a valid permit.

The result of this enlightened policy is that the town centre shops are well used during the day and evening trade in restaurants and cafés has increased considerably since it was introduced.

If Wokingham Council thinks that they will generate more revenue by charging more and also until 10pm, they are sadly mistaken.

It will cost a great deal more to enforce the charges than the increase in revenue they hope to generate.

Derek Porter, Wokingham

Vain attempt at defence

Last week, the Council’s Lib Dem Executive Member for Finance made a vain attempt to try to defend the Liberal/Labour coalition administration’s unfair and undemocratic decision to double car parking charges.

Her argument seemed to rest on the idea that, during the pandemic, when families and small businesses faced the uncertainty of lockdown, it would have been a good idea to increase parking charges.

We took the decision to be on the side of residents and local businesses when they needed help.

the chamber

Cllr Graham Howe

Here comes the sun

There are 10 Secondary schools, 54 Primary schools and two special educational needs schools looking after around 30,000 children in Wokingham Borough.

Nationally School budgets are split in the following proportions:

84% Staff Costs

6% standing costs (rates, maintenance etc)

6% Energy costs (as at 2019)

I gathered these figures when I was appointed Deputy Lead Children’s Services.

It does not take an Einstein brain to

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

expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

Support the Make Menopause Matter

Thanks very much to Louise Timlin, local branch lead of the Women’s Equality Party, who shared her own experiences of dealing with menopausal symptoms in an article publised online last week (see page 12), following on from World Menopause Day on 18 October.

Throughout my own reproductive lifetime, I have had multiple frustrating experiences interacting with healthcare professionals regarding menstruation and hormonal issues.

At each stage, I have variously felt like I wasn’t listened to, or worse, my symptoms just didn’t matter.

Now, when people are struggling with the cost of living and businesses are faced with rising inflation, she and her Lib Dem colleagues are saying that the right thing to do is put up parking charges. This increase will hit shops and restaurants across town centres hard. Every time this Lib Dem-led coalition gets the chance to do something to help residents, they instead find ways to make people worse off.

The decision to double car parking charges was wrong. It will punish residents and local businesses.

Car parking has only recovered to 70% of pre-covid levels. The council seem to think that despite doubling most charges, demand for car parking will continue to rise. There is no economic model in the world where you double prices and demand rises. Not only is this rise unjust it also is highly unlikely to work.

The council has been quick to raise charges for residents. However, it has made no effort to seek efficiencies in-house. There are currently nearly 30 jobs advertised on the council website, £12 million has been allocated to an active travel fund to develop cycleways and footpaths,

I wasn’t surprised to see the statistic quoted in Louise’s article on women being four times more likely than men to be diagnosed with ‘medically unexplained symptoms’. This entirely represents my experience.

I wholeheartedly support the Make Menopause Matter campaign calling for mandatory menopausal training for GPs and medical students and menopause awareness and support in every workplace, as well as for the introduction of legislation to protect women who need to take absences from work resulting from menopausal symptoms.

GPs, employers and the

they spent an extra £300,000 every four years to maintain elections by thirds every three years out of 4 when the majority of people consulted wanted one election every four years.

They have made no effort to be more efficient and reduce their internal expenditure and continue to spend money on their own political priorities.

Wokingham Conservatives would put a freeze on parking charges during a cost-of-living crisis above the development of new cycleways.

Conservative councillors have forced a Council committee to look at this decision again, and we will be voting against the increase in parking charges.

We need Labour and Independent councillors to stop propping up the Lib Dem leadership and vote with the Conservatives in the residents’ interests.

Thank you for signing

Can I first thank the 4,238 residents who signed the petition calling for the scrapping of the doubling of most of the current

In February 2022, times changed due to Putin’s War and energy prices have doubled.

So, the simple arithmetic is that all what was Educational Discretionary Spend is totally absorbed in energy costs.

community at large need to do better at listening to and supporting women.

Clearly work is under way and we are raising our awareness of menopause through these campaigns, workplace events and articles like Louise’s, but let’s build momentum and not pause the conversation until the next annual World Menopause Day.

Sign the petition to Make Menopause Matter here: https:// www.change.org/p/makemenopause-matter-in-healthcarethe-workplace-and-educationmakemenopausematter

‘Local resident’

charges in January 2023.

Can I also thank the dozen shops and restaurants who helped collect these signatures? All these were collected in under three weeks which is incredible.

I think the depth of feeling has been well and truly shown.

I am sure that the Liberal Democrat Executive will simply ignore this as they have with several other controversial decisions they have recently made.

They pretend to say they listen, be transparent and to consult with key players. They did not consult with any businesses. They did not consult with residents. They did not publish any business case and I am sure they will not listen to 4,238 residents.

The LibDems constantly refer back to the 2018 change of adding 10p on the one-hour rate. What they don’t tell you how that actually occurred.

It started in 2016 with a proposal for evening and Sunday charges which were put to residents to establish their views: 341 residents responded, all against the change. Two one-year trials were set up – in Woodley only adding the 10p and everywhere else the evening and Sunday charges. At

something about, and they can accelerate this programme.

work out that leaves less than 4% for discretionary educational spend.

So, in 2019 I launched, together with the then executive member for climate change Cllr Gregor Murray, the Solar on Schools project on the basis that if we could halve the energy costs, it would greatly increase the funds available for Discretionary Educational spend.

When I became Executive Member for Children’s Services, I was able to better promote the programme. Now a number of schools, most recently Shinfield St Mary’s Primary School, have installed solar and proven the savings policy the Conservative administration supported and put in place.

I put a question to Cllr Prue Bray, now the Lib Dem executive member for children’s services, at the full council meeting in September asking her to accelerate the programme.

The schools badly need the funds. What is more, it is something that the Council can do something about directly rather than blaming central government and other factors for not doing it.

Cllr Bray answered that it is down to the Academy Trusts responsible for nine out 10 Secondary schools and more than half of the primary schools as their funding is direct from the Department of Education.

She said the Governing Boards of the remaining local authoritymaintained schools must make the decisions.

The Council should devote its efforts to things they can do

There are financial packages from the likes of Salix Finance who provide Government funded interest free loans for public bodies. The loans are very flexible and can include making roofs solar ready and include the installation costs.

The loans can also include batteries to store electricity when schools are closed. Many schools across the country use such schemes.

The Lib Dems says they support greener energy, but they aren’t proactively promoting Solar on Schools, for the benefit of our 30,000 children across the Borough.

I must ask you to join the lobby.

We need to save our schools energy costs and save the planet. Please write to your school and ward councillor to get them on board with the Solar on Schools programme.

Cllr Graham Howe, shadow executive member for children’s services and Wokingham Borough councillor for Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe

Cllr Charles Margetts, Finchampstead North

the end of the trial a decision was made to go to option 1 – the 10p increase and to scrap the evening and Sunday charges.

The LibDems, through Cllrs Bray, Ferris, Rowland and Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey, “called in for review” the 2016 decision because among other things there was not any sufficient consultation on the changes. Clearly, the evidence given above showed there was extensive consultation and the review failed The Conservative Group have similarly “called in for review” the LibDem decision on the basis of the lack of consultation.

Clearly, they had no consultation but I fully expect the Scrutiny Committee will disagree and say that there is no case to answer.

When the LibDems tell you that they listen, are transparent, want to consult and partner with residents and businesses just remember the way they have acted on these exorbitant car park charge increases.

What’s in a plan?

The validity of Neighbourhood development plans has been called into question after a recent planning committee meeting.

An application in Shinfield was approved by the committee despite it going against the policies stated in their Neighbourhood development plan. This was due to the lack of Wokingham Borough Council’s ability to show five-year land supply and a local plan.

As the ward member for Finchampstead South this precedent is alarming.

The NDP team in Finchampstead have worked hard to develop and deliver a plan for the parish which is sustainable.

The parishes neighbourhood plan is currently out for consultation, but

my fear is that their work may be in vain. We must move forward with a local plan immediately. Without this communities will not be able to protect their remaining green spaces and their Neighbourhood plans will not be worth the paper they are written on.

Caddy Liners

Cllr Imogen Shepherd-Du Bey has incorrectly written in Wokingham Today that the previous administration didn’t budget for the food bin caddy liners that her fellow Liberal Democrat councillors are scrapping.

As she will know, the liners were completely paid for by the savings generated in the waste service –helped by the fact that they increased food waste recycling and reduced costs. They paid for themselves.

The Conservative Group believes that scrapping caddy liners will discourage food waste recycling, increasing the Council’s costs –meaning the taxpayer will have to find even more money as a result of the Liberal Democrats.

We are calling on the other parties in the coalition – Labour and the Independents – to help the Conservatives to put a stop to Liberal Democrat mismanagement.

Cllr Norman Jorgensen, Wokingham Borough Councillor for Maiden Erlegh

Excellent reads

Pages 30/31 of Wokingham Today last week made an excellent read. Starting with Cllr Andy Croy’s report from the Chamber “The new reality and the old truths”.

Sadly he got one fact wrong as the Conservatives had ruled for 2 decades before they were hoofed out by Wokingham’s many disgruntled voters.

He is right when he says now Labour Councillors are not being

treated with the same contempt the Conservatives treated them and, I would add, neither are the independents now.

Respect goes a long way but respect and sorry and not words in the Conservatives vocabulary where being deliberately destructive to the democratic process is.

In From the Leader by Clive Jones, Clive has agreed to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt asking for help with Government Funding. I hope he has got the right Chancellor – you never know now, like who is the Housing Minister as well.

Recently we have had more Housing Ministers than Prime Minsters I am not sure anymore.

Arborfield Cross Conservation Area traffic calming quite rightly comes in for some stick. Along with other road users, I consider some buildouts to be dangerous and the scheme implementation badly publicised.

Every complaint I have received I have passed on to Wokingham Borough Council and I await the results of their day/night safety audits was hopefully that will right some wrongs.

In defence of the scheme with 3,500 houses being built at Arborfield Garrison and Arborfield Cross a Conservation Area a bypass was a condition of that development.

The traffic calming scheme was designed to make the village safer and encourage through traffic to avoid the village.

If the safety audit can iron out the dangerous flaws and traffic on Church Lane can be slowed down and better managed the merits of the scheme will show through.

Finally the letter from Paul Stevens “Concerns over Shinfield homes” in which he implies that the Lib Dems are no different to the Conservatives in their claims that they are against housing numbers.

The one simple thing that can do to

The Council also cannot just raise its Council Tax to cover the deficit as we are capped at raising it by 1.99% per year, which doesn’t even start to cover the significantly increasing costs, including inflation.

Under pressure

in future years and where we can raise more revenue.

What has exacerbated the higher increase is that there hasn’t been an increase in car parking charges in Wokingham for nearly five years. Had there been then the increase would not have been such a shock.

show they really care is simply to say we will fight the Governments housing numbers but in the meantime we will not allow the new housing plan to include an extra 2,200 houses beyond the 15-year Government’s own Plan Period.

From the leader

Cllr Clive Jones

Get those moggies neutered

A group of animal charities led by Cats Protection is advocating cats be neutered from the age of four months old to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

The Cat-Kind umbrella group recommends neutering at four months of age as that is when puberty hits. Neutering cats at four months (rather than the traditional six months of age), is an effective way to reduce the number of accidental litters.

Research has shown that neutering at four months has no increased risk and so there is no reason why neutering should be delayed until six months, by which time cats can already get pregnant.

Cats Protection estimates there are 1.3m unneutered pet cats in the UK and over 150,000 cats already enter shelters each year. This year has seen a 46 per cent increase in cats on the waiting list to enter the charity’s adoption centres, as owners seek to relinquish their pets due to the costof-living crisis.

Further information on the benefits of neutering, as well as our Kitten Neutering Database, can be found at www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/ neutering/kitten-neutering

Cats Protection provides discounted neutering for owners on low incomes. To find out more call our dedicated neutering helpline on 03000 1212112 Mon – Fri 9.30 – 1pm or go to www.cats.org.uk/what-wedo/neutering/financial-assistance

Jane Clements Head of Neutering, Cats Protection

If the previous administration had increased car parking charges in small steps, then we would not be faced with the difficult situation that we are faced with today.

The income collected for off-street parking is essential for covering the cost of the service and therefore helping to fund the maintenance of the Council’s roads and footways to ensure they are of high quality and safe for all users.

More new ministers WE,

yet again, have a new set of ministers now that Conservative MPs have chosen another Party Leader and Prime Minister.

The third prime minister in less than eight weeks.

Over the last four months we have seen chaos in our national government.

When there is chaos in the national government it also affects us in local government as well.

The lack of stability and clarity from national government means planning for local government budgets and services is made much more difficult.

The Liberal Democrats first took over the administration of the Borough Council at the end of May.

My first action was to write to Michael Gove the Secretary of State for levelling Up asking to meet with him so we could discuss with him how we could reduce the housing numbers that were being forced on Wokingham by the Conservatives.

We also wanted to talk about how we could get more affordable housing and more one-, two- and three-bed properties and bungalows in Wokingham.

Mr Gove agreed to meet with me and my colleagues and when I saw him at the local government conference, he said he would definitely come to Wokingham.

The following week he was sacked by Boris Johnson and replaced by Greg Clarke.

Greg Clarke was then replaced as Secretary of State by Simon Clarke on September 6.

He lasted as long as Liz Truss and now Michael Gove has returned to the position on Tuesday of this week.

I welcome him back and hope that we can meet up very soon to have our conversation about reducing the housing numbers that are being forced on Wokingham Borough Council and how we can get more affordable housing, and one-, two- and three-bed properties.

I have also written recently to the Secretary of State for Transport asking for more support from government for buses in Wokingham and to the Secretary of state for health to ask for reforms to adult social care to be clarified.

WOKINGHAM

Borough Council, like many councils across the country, is struggling against a background of some the worst economic pressures that have been experienced in the last 40 years and there is no end in sight with the situation appearing to be getting worse.

Wokingham is not alone; this situation is extremely difficult for many councils.

The Labour-run council in Slough and the Conservative-run council in Thurrock are both in special measures because of their financial situation and others may follow.

All our services are under severe pressure due to significantly rising costs, and we are therefore looking very hard at everything we do to see if we can make any savings this year and

We need to do this to ensure we have enough money to protect the most vulnerable in our community.

The previous administration set the budget for the current financial year 2022/23 and to balance the budget used £2.2m of funding taken from the reserves.

Income from our car parks, including the Park and Rides is forecast to be somewhere between £600,000 and £800,000 lower than the budget set by the previous Conservative administration and this has added to the forecast £2.2m estimated deficit this year, that we are trying to cover.

Taking funding from the reserves, like the previous administration did, is not an option open to us as the reserves are now low and we cannot allow this authority to be placed in the hands of central government like Slough and Thurrock as the consequences would be devastating.

Unfortunately, the previous administration failed to deal with it, and we are now picking up the consequences of their lack of action – not just on car parking but on the green bags, the buses, and even Special Educational Needs.

Conservative-controlled Bracknell Forest Borough Council increase their charges on an annual basis and have planned to do so again.

Their leader Cllr Bettison also took aim at the previous Conservative run Wokingham Council, explaining that due to the administration trying to keep costs down, the new Liberal Democrat administration, “being responsible”, is having to double their charges.

They are not the only ones.

I am aware of several authorities locally that are reviewing their car parking charges as a means of partly overcoming rampant inflation and reducing government grants in order to protect vital services.

Residents expect their roads and footways to be surfaced and maintained to a high standard, but we can only do this if we have the funding available.

We are all in an emergency financial situation and urgent action and decisions are necessary to recover income. The Council cannot operate with a deficit in its budget.

However, residents and businesses will be consulted on the proposed car parking charges through a draft Traffic Regulation Order where they can feedback their views. Without these proposed increases the Borough Council will be losing around £45,000 per month and we cannot afford to keep them where they are with the unprecedented financial pressures that this council is now under.

Cllr Paul Fishwick, is the executive member for active travel, transport and highways, and ward member for Winnersh

As many of you will have seen on TV these ministers have also changed again this week. So, I will write to the new Secretaries of State asking for meetings, clarity from them on their policies and extremely importantly more government money for Wokingham.

Lib Dems don’t see why Wokingham should continue to be the lowest funded unitary local authority in the country.

I would have preferred to have a general election now but that’s not going to happen.

However, we can hope that there will be a bit more stability and focus from our national government.

Whether this will happen or not we don’t know. I suspect the right wing of the Conservative party (European Research Group) led by Jacob Rees Mogg and John Redwood will cause some trouble in the weeks and months ahead.

Let’s hope they are not listened to, because when Liz Truss listened to them, markets reacted badly helping to push up mortgage rates with many increases in monthly payments of £500 a month or more.

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

Cllr Rebecca Margetts, Finchampstead South

Cllr Gary Cowan, Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council.

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

Cllr Paul Fishwick

Cellnex teams with Quickline

CELLNEX UK, a Reading-based telecoms infrastructure provider, has teamed up with Quickline Communications to bring broadband to more than 50,000 homes.

The two companies have worked together to install infrastructure in isolated areas in the north of England, such as remote, rural communities in the North Yorkshire moors.

Cellnex is the UK’s largest independent provider of telecoms infrastructure has served the emergency services, wind farms, and utility providers, and is extending its support to isolated communities.

Paul Stonadge, Commercial Director, Cellnex UK, said: “We are working with key partners such as Quickline to deliver connectivity and services that contribute to socio-economic growth and help us bring connectivity to everyone, everywhere in the UK.”

Mark Seward, director of fixed wireless operations for Quickline, said: “We have now commissioned 50 of Cellnex UK’s sites where we will install our technology and are actively looking to identify further sites in the future.

“At this point, we can connect over 53,000 more properties and tens of thousands more homes and businesses will have lightning fast capability over the next few years.”

He said also that it’s important for companies to work together when to mitigate climate change as well as to speed up the rollout to rural communities.

Osborne Clarke appoints new UK managing partner

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

AN INTERNATIONAL legal practice with an office in Reading is to get a new managing partner in the new year.

Conrad Davies will head up Osborne Clarke from January 1, taking over from Ray Berg, who is stepping down after eight years.

Senior Partner Peter Clough told staff at The Forbury-based firm that they had had an incredible eight years under Mr Berg’s leadership.

“He’s shown outstanding dedication and commitment to building the firm into what it is today,” he said, adding a congratulations message to Mr Davies.

“He has also been one of our firm’s great leaders and has been instrumental in helping to build our strategy,” he said.

“I know he will do an excellent job, and I and the team very much look forward to working with him.”

Having spent more than 17 years at Osborne Clarke, Conrad became a Partner in 2011 and was previously at Jones Day. He helped to establish the firm’s corporate real estate

NEW ROLE: Conrad Davies will head up Osborne Clarke from the new year

Partner and the International Head of the Urban Dynamics Group. He was instrumental in leading the team that established the firm’s 2025 client strategy. Most recently he was also appointed as International Transformation Leader for Urban Dynamics, which is focused on supporting clients as they navigate the legal impacts, challenges and business opportunities arising from the rapid changes taking place in modern cities and towns, particularly around the future of work and living, smart cities and urban mobility.

Before qualifying as a lawyer, Conrad spent five years working in business – so he understands his clients’ needs from both a legal and commercial perspective.

“I am thrilled to be appointed as Managing Partner,” he said.

practice 10 years ago and also headed up the firm’s international real estate and infrastructure sector for seven years.

“They will be big shoes to fill, but I am up for the challenge and I look forward to building on all the good work that’s been done as I lead the firm for the next four years.”

Winnersh Triangle owners receive top accolade for sustainability

THE OWNERS of a Winnersh business park has received a top accolade for its work to ensure the estate meets some of the highest eco-standards going.

Frasers Property (FPUK), who run Winnersh Triangle, has been awarded a four-star rating in the GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) rankings for the second year in a row.

It says that in further recognition of its credentials in environmental sustainability and its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint across its property portfolio, FPUK was awarded an overall score of 83 –

ahead of the average score in its peer group (69).

And it scored 100% in the Management category, a first for the company.

Each year, GRESB assesses and benchmarks the ESG performance of real estate assets worldwide, providing valuable independent insight for financial markets on the complex issue of sustainability.

Frasers’ senior sustainability manager, Amira Hashemi, said: “FPUK’s GRESB rating and our above-average overall score demonstrate our strong and ongoing commitment to improving the governance and performance of our portfolio across the UK, in line with global initiatives to decrease

carbon emissions as we all work towards achieving net zero carbon.”

And James Smith, the commercial director, said: “We are delighted that GRESB has recognised our continued improvement of environmental performance across the portfolio.

“The rating is an important and independent way for companies to demonstrate their progress and commitment to decarbonising the built environment.”

FPUK has also been working on transforming the former London Metropolitan School of Art, now known as The Rowe, and runs on 100% renewable energy.

park that

AWARD: Winnersh Triangle owners Frasers Property has received a four-star rating in the lobal Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark for the second year in a row

He is currently a corporate

College teams up with Freely Fruity to create a garden that will keep on giving

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@rdg.today

A NEW GARDEN has received some Hollywood magic.

It’s located in Reading College, and used by the students there.

Last Tuesday saw work on the site begin in earnest.

Becky Duncan from the college said: “The area was quite neglected during covid, but it’s getting new wheelchair access for an existing poly tunnel, new raised beds, and fruit trees.”

Students had been cultivating food already in the garden, but with these improvements, they will now be able to grow enough produce to donate to Reading food banks.

Elle Stear is a teacher of Learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities at the college.

She said: “This is such a fantastic space, but we needed help to get it into shape.

“I contacted (Shinfield-based charity) Freely Fruity and they have pulled out all the stops.

They’ve donated the timber, the plants, the compost, and their time.

“Their work today will make it easier for our students to access and work in the garden.

“It’s amazing to see all these people here today, willing to

give up their time for free.”

Volunteers not only from Freely Fruity, but also from Virgin Media, and from O2, are busy laying slabs, turning over the soil, planting, and installing six raised beds, and one raised planter that’s 17 metres by two.

They have all been given sufficient space around them to allow easy access for wheelchairs, and are designed to make gardening easier.

“Our students are excited

about the improvements, and pleased that they will be helping others through their work.

“At the same time they are gaining work experience and learning employability skills,” explained Ms Stear.

Also in the garden was a Hollywood star.

Winston Ellis, who has appeared in films such as The Dark Knight, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, and At World’s End, took a spade and helped out.

He said: “I’m here today because of Freely Fruity.

“I was a judge at the BBC Make A Difference Awards, and when I heard what they were doing, I thought, ‘what an amazing charity’.

But the project also has personal resonances for Winston.

He grew up in Reading, and actually attended Reading College.

“When I was a kid in the town, we’d jump on our bikes

and go scrumping apples off trees. You just don’t see that anymore.

“I don’t want my grandkids to think apples grow in supermarkets.

“Freely Fruity are doing incredible things.

“I’m humbled and honoured to be involved in a project that is about giving something back.”

The charity was founded by three friends in 2020.

Their mission is to plant more fruit for people to enjoy in local communities for free, and to reduce their carbon footprint as they do so.

Founders Ryan, James and Matt worked all day on Saturday loading compost and timber, before arriving for a full day of volunteering at the college.

They began Freely Fruity with a site in Sindlesham.

“We produced two-and-ahalf tons of food during covid,” says Ryan.

They continue to farm the two-acre, organic site, with its netted enclosures, a 60ft poly tunnel and several raised beds.

There’s also a fruit tree nursery whose trees are destined to be planted in various local community projects.

All food grown on site is donated to local food banks and

other charities.

“It’s about planting in community gardens and spaces, and producing food,” says Ryan.

“But it’s also about education.

“We want to help people learn about growing. We get involved in projects at schools, care homes, anywhere that people can cultivate.”

The three friends weren’t gardening experts when they began, though.

They all have full-time jobs in other fields, and did a lot of their own research and learning.

“Anyone can do this,” says Ryan.

“I love it, just look at how many people are involved today.

“There’s the BBC filming, a Hollywood actor, and lots of volunteers on board.

“It can feel like a selfish world at times, but there are lots of good people out there willing to help.

“I’m really proud to be part of something that’s making a difference.”

The Reading College garden will give in many different ways, providing free food, reducing carbon emissions, and providing education for students.

n For more information about Freely Fruity visit: freelyfruity.org

ShwetaMahadikhasbeenanNHSphysiotherapy specialistinelderlycarefor20years,specifically Parkinson’sandDementiacare,andnowshe’s puttingherexperiencetogooduseandhasopened herowncarebusinesstohelpthelocalcommunity.

BasedatIndigoHouseontheMulberryBusiness EstateinWokingham,GoodOaksHomeCare WokinghamandBracknell,hasjustreceivedits accreditationfromtheCareQualityCommission andisnowopenforbusiness.TheCQCisthe independentregulatorofhealthandsocialcarein Englandandisalsoresponsibleforreportingon standardsinhomecare.

GoodOaksHomeCareprovidesqualitylive-in andvisitingcaretohelppeoplelivesafelyand

comfortablyinthehometheylove.TheBracknell andWokinghamteamarealreadyhelpingclientsin thecommunityandarecurrentlyrecruitingfurther.

Shwetasaid:“Iwasaphysiotherapistworking withtheNHSfor20yearsinelderlycaremainly. Thatgivesyouarealappreciationforthecaresector andtheimportanceofgoodqualitytailoredcare.”

WorkingasaspecialistinParkinson’sand DementiacareShwetasaidoneofthemost importantthingsthatshewantedtoachievewasto helpfamiliesunderstandthechangestheirlovedone wouldbeexperiencing.Shesaid:“It’simportantto educatepeopletoensuretheyunderstandthe importanceofgoodcareandtoensuretheircareis tailoredtothem.Withmybackground,especiallyin fallpreventionandelderlycare,Ithinkitgivesmea uniqueskillset.ItissomethingIamreallyabletouse tohelpourclients.WhenIdotheircareassessmentI canlookatthesethingsandthinkaboutthe additionalhelporsupporttheywillneeddaytoday. It’saveryrewardingjobtobeabletohelppeople.I livelocallytoo,soit’sgoodtoknowyouarehelping yourcommunity.”

GoodOaksHomeCarepaysindustry-leading ratesofpaywithafocusonhelpinggivecarersa clearcareerprogression.Live-inandvisitingcarers canhelpwithavarietyofjobstomakelifeeasier–fromcooking,cleaningandlaundrytopersonalcare, helpinggetyourlovedonesupinthemorningorto bedatnight.Theyalsoproviderespiteandcarefor thosebeingdischargedfromhospital.

GET PLANTING: Students from the college are pleased and excited about the improvements to their produce garden Pictures: Emma Merchant

Sixth form provision at Bohunt for next September

WOKINGHAM Borough Council has reiterated its commitment to delivering a sixth form provision at Bohunt School.

At a council meeting on Thursday, October 20, Cllr Charles Margetts, Conservative councillor for Finchampstead North, asked for an update on the new standalone sixth form, extra Year 7 places and additional SEND provision.

He said: “Last week an officer within children’s services told me that delivery of the new sixth form building by September 2023 is now highly unlikely. Temporary classrooms may be needed to allow this and they made no

mention of the SEND provision.

“In a subsequent discussion I had with a senior member of the Bohunt Trust, a comment was made that the pace of movement within WBC on this issue is glacial and there has been no meaningful progress since July.”

Cllr Margetts asked for the issue to be looked into by Cllr Prue Bray, executive member for children’s services, and sought a repeated commitment from her that the extra provisions would be in place by September.

Cllr Bray said the council will do “whatever we can” to deliver the additional services.

She added: “As i’m sure you can understand, there are complications to do with the fact there has been one design and we have to change the design

“We have every intention of opening provision in September, all the elements mentioned are included in that and we will do whatever we can to deliver it.

“We have a meeting with Bohunt on October 31, where we will be discussing progress and I have already initiated a system of weekly emails to Bohunt to tell them what the progress is.”

Leave policy for new parent members

WOKINGHAM Borough Council has agreed to introduce a leave policy for members who become parents.

At a council meeting on Thursday, October 20, Cllr Laura Blumenthal, Conservative councillor for South Lake, presented a motion which would protect member for being removed if they took leave to look after their newborn or newly adopted child. She said: “This council currently does not have a

leave policy for members who become parents while elected. To have one would bring us in line with other councils.

“It would also show residents that no matter your age, background or circumstance, this council is supportive and welcoming of everyone who wants to represent residents.

“The average age for a councillor in the UK is 60, we want to remove any barriers to attracting younger members.

“Having a formal policy would be a step in the right direction to do just that.”

At present, if a member of a local authority fails, through a period of six consecutive months, to attend any meeting of the authority they will cease to be a member, unless approved prior.

The newly passed leave policy will be implemented by the council at “the earliest opportunity”.

4,200 signatures on car park petition

A PETITION signed by more than 4,000 residents calling for a stop to rising parking charges has been submitted to Wokingham Borough Council.

It was presented at a full council meeting on Thursday, October 20, by Cllr Keith Baker on behalf of the Wokingham Conservative Group.

Cllr Baker said: “This has been signed by a staggering 4,238 people, which is a massive response in just three weeks.

“At the same time, there are literally hundreds of comments on social media, pointing out the negative impact of such an action.

“Many of them have

indicated they will no longer be using WBC car park when shopping or visiting a restaurant.”

Cllr Baker also thanked retail outlets in the town who had assisted with collected signatures.

He added: “Unlike this coalition, they recognize the drastic impact on their businesses that these extortionate increases in car park charges will have.

“Many of them will simply not be able to survive with the reduction in football with residents boycotting WBC car parks because they are too expensive.

“This is especially so when you think of the hospitality

sector where, for the first time, evening charges are being imposed.”

This is the first proposed rise on parking charges since 2018.

Cllr Baker criticised the council for not consulting residents on the changes which is one of the reasons the Conservatives have called in the decision for review, stating it breached the constitution.

The other breaches argued are a presumption of openness, no alternatives and the fact it was a key decision being taken. This was reviewed by an overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday, October 25.

‘We’ll do all we can to help residents’

THE LEADER of Wokingham Borough Council has insisted it will do all it can to support residents through the cost of living crisis this winter.

Speaking at a council meeting on Thursday, October 20, Cllr Clive Jones said that decisions made by the national government had caused “considerable damage” but the council will do what it can for people across the borough.

“We all know there is a cost-of-living crisis affecting all of us and this has been made worse by the government’s mini budget a few weeks ago,” he said.

“Although much of the budget has been reversed this week – considerable damage has been done that will see mortgages for millions of people increase by over £500 a month – a staggering £6,000 a year.

“Many families in Wokingham will be struggling to cope with the increased costs of food. Over the last year or so, some foods have risen by 30% or more.”

“On top of this they have to struggle with increases in energy costs which have doubled since last winter and could be set to rise again in March - now that the energy price guarantee that was to have been for two years has been cut back to only six months.”

The council is working in partnership with Age UK Berkshire, Citizens Advice Wokingham, First Days Children’s Charity, Wokingham Foodbank and Wokingham United Charities to respond to issues locally.

The group, known as The Hardship Alliance, is set to launch a range of initiatives to support

residents.

Cllr Jones said: “I would urge residents to feed into this incredible support already offered across the area’s voluntary, community and faith sectors.

“Initial projects to help include; providing support, reassurance and advice for those who are struggling and setting up places and activities people can visit to keep warm through the winter.”

Cllr Jones also said the alliance and council staff will work together in community locations to provide advice and guidance.

There will also be support for those in period poverty, a new round of the Household Support Fund and the launch of an online cost of living help hub to guide people to help available.

Cllr Jones said the council can’t resolve all issues but, by working alongside the voluntary and community sector, it can help many people in increasing need.

He added: “If residents need a helping hand in these difficult times, they should reach out to One Front Door as soon as possible. Their team of experienced volunteers are speaking to many local people who are facing the same issues, including many people who haven’t had to ask for help before.

“They have enormous experience and will support residents to find the best solutions to whatever it is that you’re facing.

“This administration will do whatever we can to help our least well-off residents through these very difficult times.”

DANIEL BLACKHAM reports on a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council held on Thursday, October 20

Residents raise concerns over plans for a 3G pitch

CONCERNS have been raised over proposals to build a 3G pitch in Lower Earley.

Earlier this year, Wokingham Borough Council unveiled plans for the facility at Maiden Erlegh School but some residents are worried about the impacts.

The site followed a change of mind by the previous adminstration, after initial plans placed it in Laurel Park.

A residents’ protest meant a rethink, with the school suggested as a potential venue.

At a council meeting on Thursday, October 20, a series of questions were asked on how the council would tackle potential issues addressing cost, anti-social behaviour and pollution.

Jeremy Evershed asked: “The proposed 3G pitch at Maiden Erlegh school is going to require significant investment from the council given the engineering work to remove the 10ft slope on the pitch, improvements to drainage to avoid downstream flooding, pitch replacement every seven years costing more than £200,000, plus, potentially unbudgeted noise reduction fences.

“How much will the council spend on internal staffing and external fees to confirm whether the business case is still

viable at the stated cost of £800,000?”

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said the drainage has been included in the initial planning and will utilise an existing Thames Water service outlet.

However, if the proposal was to progress beyond the feasibility stage, then a full drainage survey would be carried out.

On funding the pitch replacement, he said: “Wokingham Borough Council will set aside £25,000 per annum into a fund and, through efficient usage management and appropriate maintenance, the pitch should then give a good level of service for up to at least eight or 10 years.

“The internal staff resources so far have been utilised through the day-today staff budget.

“The external technical consultants have been included within the Football Foundation framework.

“However, given the inflation driven pressure that is now impacting the council’s financial situation, the continued viability of the business case will be closely scrutinised before any decision to progress further.”

Judith Clark, a resident of Sevenoaks Road, said traffic in the area during school pick-up and drop-off time was already an issue.

She added: “I have to close my windows to shut out the fumes and noise from cars parked outside my house after drop off or before pick-up, with engines running as drivers look at messages, listen to loud music, or converse by phone with the loudspeaker on.”

Ms Clark is concerned the congestion will continue throughout the evening until after 10pm and into weekends.

She asked: “The school has no power to control users’ behaviour once they leave school premises, and the council already does not keep daytime traffic in check, so how can it ensure that residents do not suffer further stress, noise, and air pollution in the evenings and at weekends too?”

Cllr Shenton said the council, Maiden Erlegh School and the two partner clubs will collaborate to ensure parking and traffic flow have “minimal impact” on residents.

Outside the school premises, the council will enforce the standard policy for handling anti-social behaviour.

Karen Brown called for there to be consideration on the mental health impacts of the potential development.

She said: “How do you propose to ensure that the mental health of the local residents is not affected by excessive noise from

users of this facility, cars with banging doors and excess fumes, 4.5 metre oppressive acoustic fencing, floodlighting ‘til 10pm weekday nights, all day and evening ‘til 8pm at weekends.

“There is no respite from a seven day and night a week facility.

“An area that is overall very tranquil and undisturbed will be turned into an area of noise and traffic chaos.

“Where is the care and consideration for families with young children, the elderly and the myriad of health issues with which people may be struggling?”

Cllr Shenton said the project was initially launched by the previous Conservative administration and much of the background work had already been completed before the change of control.

He presented the proposal at an executive meeting in July “in good faith” and on the basis that “extensive consultation” would take place.

He said: “The consultation has raised clearly legitimate questions and, before we make any decision to proceed to the next step, we will certainly and carefully review all such issues.”

Ms Brown also asked if it was right for the council to fund a “white elephant” when it is facing financial pressures on its services.

Cllr Shenton said: “Whether it is actually a white elephant is something that we have yet to determine in the sense that the business case will be very closely reexamined.

“We have a demand for more capacity in the borough as we have a lot of teams actually having to practice outside the borough. However, that may or may not be the right place for a facility.”

Sandra Spencer was seeking clarity over the impact “ripping up the school field and replacing it with plastic” would have on wildlife who inhabit the area, as well as the loss of a green space which absorbs carbon dioxide.

Cllr Shenton expressed “disappointment” that an ecology report had not been completed but said one would be finalised before a full planning application was made.

He added: “We’ve only had one ecology officer until recently and the survey would be redundant in the event of not proceeding to planning.

“The council has no desire to impact wildlife in the area.

“However, it’s important to note the existing floodlit astro pitch, which we’re proposing to replace, has been in use for more than 15 years and is already situated next to Buckhurst Copse.”

Council submits proposals for new political map

WOKINGHAM Borough Council has submitted its proposals for a new political map in Wokingham to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE).

At a council meeting on Thursday, October 20, the council agreed to submit multiple options to the commission after a crossparty working group identified a difference of opinion on some ward arrangements.

Earlier this year, the LGBCE launched a public consultation for a new pattern of electoral wards for Wokingham borough.

In drawing up a pattern of electoral wards, the LGBCE seeks to make sure that each councillor represents a similar number of residents and boundaries appropriately and reflects community identity.

The commission suggested the borough retains 54 councillors, but reduces the number of wards from 25 to 18 so that each ward is represented by three councillors.

Cllr Prue Bray, executive member

for children’s services, said: “What we have in front of us is this council’s view.

“It is by no means guaranteed that it is what the final scheme will look like. Although I think it would be fair to say that it is likely to carry some weight with the commission when they look at drawing up the actual scheme.”

Cllr Bray said the “most significant point of difference” in the cross-party working group was the Conservative members’ view that some wards should be represented by one or two councillors, instead of the three suggested.

She said: “While the majority of the working group opted for a structure of 18 three member wards.

“The Conservative members preferred 16 three-member wards with the other six councillors split into two two-member wards and two one-member wards.

“For the areas where we did not achieve agreement, we have put both options in the report.

“One is the majority view and one is the option supported by the minority and this will allow the commission to consider both.”

Cllr Michael Firmager, Conservative councillor for Sonning, said he was unable to support the report as he felt it “failed to adequately recognise” rural communities.

He said: “In one member wards there is a better relationship with residents and a greater understanding and being able to focus on the issues.

“The single member wards of Sonning, Charvil, Hurst, Swallowfield, Barkham and Arborfield all work.

“Why is there a need to change and break up a very good system? If something is not broken, there is no need to replace it.”

Cllr Jim Frewin, Independent councillor for Shinfield South, said he recognised the amount of work that had gone into the report, but felt he was also unable to support it.

“It is about what residents

recognise as a community, not about a numbers game trying to balance out the number of residents per member,” he said.

Cllr Bray said she recognised that some members would have particular concerns about their own wards.

She added: “No proposal is going to be perfect but we have done our best to accommodate everyone and please remember there will be further opportunities to effect this at later stages.”

The LGBCE will now consider the council’s proposal alongside those received from other bodies and individuals before formulating its draft recommendations, which will be published in February.

A further period of consultation will take place between February and April before the LGBCE’s final recommendations are published on June 27, next year.

Changes will come into effect from May 2024, when all 54 seats will be elected.

Mon 27 Feb ‘23

Banish those winter blues with a fun-filled entertainment break on the English Riviera, a beautiful section of south Devon that overlooks the waters of Torbay. With live entertainment every night and a drinks offer included, this is the perfect coastal getaway!

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 2 nights at the Burlington Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast

 Happy Hour on selected drinks before dinner each evening

 Live entertainment every evening

Optional excursion to Buckfast Abbey & Totnes (£9pp)

HISTORIC YORK

& the Dales

Departing Mon 20 Feb ‘23

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

Your break includes

Return coach travel from Reading

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

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

Excursions to York, Skipton Market & Grassington

excursion to Knaresborough & Harrogate (£11pp)

For

DANIEL

Discover a century of shopping

IT’S ALWAYS been a destination for shoppers, but its history will surprise you.

All will be revealed about Reading town centre’s past century thanks to an illustrated talk coming to Wokingham next month.

Ann Smith, the secretary of the Berkshire Local History Society, will be the guest speaker at the Wokingham Society’s AGM, on Wednesday, November 16.

Taking place in Town Hall, in Market Place, Wokingham, it starts at 7.45pm.

In her talk, she will take participants on a virtual walk round Reading’s town centre and look at shops from the 19th century to the present day, and how shopping has changed over the years.

Wokingham Society says the event is open to everyone and refreshments will be served before it starts.

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

Concerts to help WADE enhance its unique care

ACHARITY

that provides day care in Wokingham for the elderly will present two major fundraising concerts on the same day in November.

The Glen Miller Orchestra in Concert performs in the afternoon, with an evening show from two tribute bands: Elton and The Rocket Band, and The Police Academy.

Both concerts will raise money for the WADE Day Centre on Wokingham’s Reading Road.

Chair of trustees for the charity, Philip Mirfin says: “We’re fund raising to improve our facilities.

“At the moment we can accommodate around 30 visitors at the centre.

“We’d like to extend that number to around 50 or 60 people.

“It means making some changes to the centre.”

The centre on Reading Road provides care for people in their 60s and upwards.

Some are in the very early stages of dementia seeking companionship, stimulation and activities.

Others are more challenged, with specific care needs.

WADE provides a safe, caring environment, and respite for the carer, who may also be a partner.

“What WADE offers here is really unique,” Mr Mirfin says.

“There is no other organisation in the borough that provides this sort of care, other than residential homes.

“Residential care is very expensive, and people can lose touch with their loved one.

“What we provide is a stepping stone service that allows people to stay at home for longer.”

Family members and partners are welcomed at the centre.

“They can come in, make lunch with their relative here, and then have some time out, knowing their loved one is safe for the day with us.”

The WADE centre would like to make better use of their ground floor by changing the route of circulation.

This would ensure that the whole ground floor is suitable and secure for people who need greater care, while allowing those who can, to use the additional space upstairs.

An extension of the centre’s toilet block is already successfully under way.

“It’s a five-star listed building, so it’s

The centre provides a wide range of services for its users.

“When people come to us we have a process of assessment to make sure that we can safely manage their needs.

“Usually we can, even when there are considerable challenges.

“As long as we know in advance we can usually put in place the right people and care.

“We can look after people with bathroom challenges, and we can give them a shower.

“We have a physiotherapist on hand, a hairdresser, and a chiropodist.

The concerts to raise money will enable more people to benefit from WADE’s facilities.

Both performances are very different and should appeal to varied audiences.

“Apparently, the Elton tribute band is so good that Elton’s mum asked him to her birthday.

“If the band is good enough for her, then they’re good enough for us too.

“The Police Academy are a local band with a big following, so there should be lots of support for them too.”

And in the afternoon, The Official Glenn Miller Orchestra UK will delight with a big band sound.

Tickets for both concerts are steadily selling.

The events take place at the new Carnival Hub in Wokingham.

The concerts can be heard on

Saturday, November 19. Glenn Miller Orchestra in Concert are at 2.15pm, with doors open from 1.30pm. Tickets cost £29.50 for adults, and £15 for 17 and under. Elton and The Rocket Band, and The Police Academy perform at 7.45pm, with doors open from 6.45pm. Tickets cost £25.

Wheelchair seats and companion seats are available. Concert goers wishing to bring a wheelchair should contact WADE on 0118 778 2025 or email: wadeconcert@ wadecentre.org.uk.

n Tickets can be purchased from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/wadeconcert

n For more information about the WADE Day Centre, visit: www. wadecentre.org.uk

Taylor Wimpey is developing proposals for Land at Watmore Lane, Winnersh with a view to submitting a planning application. The land is currently a draft allocation in Wokingham Borough Council’s emerging Local Plan, and Taylor Wimpey is seeking to bring forward much-needed homes in the local area including affordable housing.

In order that the views of local people can be taken into consideration, Taylor Wimpey is hosting an in-person public consultation event and online webinar on their emerging proposals for new homes.

Come and meet us

Online

Monday, 7th November 7.00pm

Scan here to sign up to our webinar.

In person

Tuesday, 8th November 2pm – 6pm Winnersh Community Centre, New Road, Sindlesham, Wokingham, RG41 5DU

Alternatively visit: www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/new-homes/ winnersh/land-at-watmore-lane

FOR the Wargrave Local History Society’s October meeting, Dr David Lewis gave an enlightening presentation on the Medieval Hospital of St Peter and the hermitage of St Leonard, both at Windsor.

The latter was important enough to be mentioned in the first book printed by Caxton, in 1485.

David began by explaining some of the problems in researching that era.

Few documents survive, and they are written in shorthand medieval Latin, and the letters had different shapes to those we use now, whilst a mark indicated a missing word in the text, so reading the 3000 or so of these was not a simple task.

The term ‘hospital’ came from the Latin word hospes –meaning to host, from which comes the French hospi(t)ium (and hotel or hospitality), and they were sometimes known as Leper or Lazar (from the Biblical Lazarus) houses.

This did not mean that the people there suffered from leprosy, but it was a generic term for skin diseases.

They were a common feature of many towns –Norwich, for example, having seven of them. There was a standard form and location for them – a large hall with an adjoining chapel, situated in gardens on the boundary, so as to surround the town with prayer, alongside a main road where donors might pass.

In the case of Windsor, it was by the then main road to Reading, where there was the similar hospital of St Mary Magdalene, before it passed through into Windsor Forest.

The purpose of these hospitals was to care for the old, infirm or sick, and they were run on quasi monastic lines, catering for people without family support, but not

necessarily mean they were poor.

There was a limited number of places – typically 12 – and a ceremony of purification, both spiritual and physical – the latter using an open bath called a stew - when the person would agree to the conditions and rules of the order running the hospital. An important task was growing medicinal herbs and plants.

Medical care then was based on the humoral theory.

People were thought to catch illness through one of several causes – the miasmas of foul air, something they saw, or bad food. In much the same way as the elements or earth, air, dry and fire and water had to be kept in balance in the

natural world, it was thought necessary to balance the blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile, corresponding to heat, wet, cold and dry.

The hospital continued in use until the 15th century, and its lands were then granted to Eton College by Henry VI in as part of the foundation endowment.

The chapel remained in use in 1530 as a chapel of ease, but eight years later the chapel was closed and the site became Spittal Chapel Farm, with some used for housing in the late 19th century.

Sadly, when 21st century redevelopment was to take place, the opportunity for a proper archaeological survey of the site was lost as the developer wanted to get on with their building project.

The area, however, is still called Spital, and the former Spital Road linking it to the town centre is now called St Leonard’s Road.

n More details of the Society can be found at www.

wargravehistory.org.uk - or email info@wargravehistory. org.uk to confirm meeting details.

The Medieval Hospital of St Peter and the hermitage of St Leonard, in Windsor

PERFORMING: Local band The Police Academy perform in the evening. Picture courtesy of WADE

HISTORIC: St Leonard’s Road in Windsor, as it is today

Picture: Basher Eyre/wikimedia commons

costly work,” says Mr Mirfin.

Plastic recycle bin removed from Waitrose

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

RESIDENTS wishing to recycle soft plastics at a Twyford supermarket have discovered the bin is no longer there.

The receptacle, located outside Waitrose’s Twyford branch, was recently removed, and there has been much online discussion about the reason for its disappearance.

Members of the public have questioned whether this might be due to people putting standard rubbish inside, despite the recycling facility being very clearly labelled.

In online conversations one person said that they had learnt from a member of staff that the recycling firm responsible for processing the plastic was not sorting the material, and was instead sending everything to landfill.

People are disappointed, not only by the loss of the bin, but also by the idea that carefully collected recycling products could be discarded instead of processed.

To cope with the problem of where to recycle soft plastics, residents have been sharing locations of nearby recycling bins.

The M&S food store at Shepherds Hill in Woodley has been suggested

as the nearest alternative, along with Sainsbury’s and Tesco supermarkets.

One resident even suggested people should put pressure on Waitrose to find a viable alternative to the recycling company, by continuing to bring their plastic waste to the store.

However, it seems that the lapse in the recycling facility may be only temporary.

A Waitrose spokesperson said: “Like our customers, we’re keen to find sustainable solutions for packaging and make recycling as easy as possible.

“This bin has only been removed temporarily and will be brought back soon.”

Waitrose came top of the Greenpeace plastic footprint league of UK supermarkets for the second time in a row last year.

It removes packaging in its supply chain where possible and is introducing alternative materials to make recycling easier.

For example it now has clear caps on its milk bottles which, unlike coloured ones, can be recycled into food grade packaging.

It pledges that all its own-brand packaging will be re-usable or made from widely recyclable or homecompostable material by 2023.

Church to change name and update buildings as it seeks to better serve its community

EXCLUSIVE

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.tdoay

A BOROUGH church is undertaking innovative changes to help it better serve its community.

Shinfield Baptist Church is looking to renovate its building to accommodate a growing congregation and optimise its provision to the village.

It has also announced a change of name to Shinfield Community Church.

Pastor Nathan Hunt explained: “We’re exploring a building which better serves our community with flexible floor space, a cafe for our Rainbow Tots toddler group, and coffee mornings.

“We’d love as part of that to provide some accommodation for people who are struggling in some way, whether they’re homeless or refugee families.”

The works will allow the church to give the building a new lease of life, as Mr Hunt describes the growing number of repairs as ‘unsustainable’.

In the meantime, Sunday morning services are taking place at Alder Grove School, a stone’s throw away from its home on Hollow Lane.

Over time, Mr Hunt has noticed the demographic of the church does not necessarily reflect that of the village.

In an attempt to represent, evolve and engage with the community, Shinfield Baptist is looking to enhance its youth provision, while upholding its commitment to its older members.

“The move to Alder Grove is just as much about having room for the children and the creche, as it is about the hall,” Mr Hunt explained.

The church boasts various

groups for children of all ages, and having classrooms to break off into has helped leaders deliver effective sessions.

Not only has the size of the congregation grown, but also its diversity.

More than 20 flags are on display in the church’s main hall, showcasing the range of nationalities represented by its membership.

The church’s current site will continue to host its community-facing initiatives such as SHARE Shinfield, Rainbow Tots and afternoon tea.

With the village’s residents at the heart of its activity, the church was keen to include a community element to its name.

Earlier this year, Wokingham Today spoke to Ukrainian refugees who were staying with several families who attend the church.

Associate pastor, Sallyann Hunt, said many had settled well, securing jobs.

With many leaving loved ones and the situation improving in certain parts of the country, she explained that some had since returned home.

GROWING: Shinfield Baptist Church is looking at revamping its buildings to create more space

Twyford Veterinary Clinic,45-47 LondonRoad, Twyford

223108 Templecombe, WargraveRoad, Remenham

1-5,BroadStreet, Wokingham

223147 18StationRoad,

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NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe20thOctober 2022WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority madeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoad TrafficRegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichisto prohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong: EastheathAvenuebetweenitsjunctionswithMolly MillarsLaneandReevesWay.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaA321FinchampsteadRoadand MollyMillarsLaneorbythisrouteinreverse. Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplace between31stOctoberand3rdNovember2022and 14thNovemberand17thNovember2022.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowLTSTraffic Managementcontractorstoundertaketelecomworks insafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedat alltimes.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe31stOctober2022andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntil theworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristhe earlier.

Dated:27thOctober2022

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

Deceased

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatWokinghamBorough CouncilasTrafficAuthorityproposestomakeanOrder underSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTrafficRegulation Act1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehicle fromproceedingalong:

1.MollyMillarsLane,Wokinghambetweenits junctionswithA321FinchampsteadRoadandB3349 BarkhamRoad.

Thealternativerouteforalleastboundvehiclesaffected bythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3349BarkhamRoad, A321StationApproach,A329ReadingRoad,A329 ShuteEnd,A329RectoryRoad,A329WiltshireRoad, A329PeachStreet,EasthampsteadRoad,Heathlands Road,B3430NineMileRide,A321SandhurstRoadand A321FinchampsteadRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallwestboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA321 FinchampsteadRoad,A321SandhurstRoad,B3430 NineMileRide,HeathlandsRoad,EasthampsteadRoad, A329PeachStreet,A329BroadStreet,A329Shute End,A329ReadingRoad,A321StationRoadandB3349 BarkhamRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 14thNovemberand17thNovember2022

2.A329ShuteEnd,Wokinghambetweenits junctionswithA321StationRoadandA329Broad Street.

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PAULINE MARY CLARK

to the Trustee Act 1925

hav ng a cla m against or an nterest n the Estate of the deceased, ate of 46 Wha ey Road Wokingham Berksh re , RG40 1QA, who d ed on 15/09/2022, must send wr tten par t cu ars to the address be ow by 28/12 2022 after which date the Est ate w l be d str buted having regard on y to cla ms and interests noti ied

Ola Szymaniec c/o Clifton Ingram LLP 22 24 Broad Street Wokingham, RG40 1BA Ref: CLA982/2

Thealternativerouteforalleastboundvehiclesaffected bythisrestrictionshallbeviaA329ReadingRoad, B3030RobinhoodLane,B3030DavisStreet,B3030 LodgeRoad,A321BroadwaterLane,A321Wokingham Road,A321TwyfordRoad,A321MiltonRoad,A321 GlebelandsRoad,A329RectoryRoad,A329Wiltshire Road,A329PeachStreetandA329BroadStreet. Thealternativerouteforallwestboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA329Rectory Road,A321GlebelandsRoad,A321MiltonRoad,A321 TwyfordRoad,A321WokinghamRoad,A321 BroadwaterLane,B3030LodgeRoad,B3030Davis Street,B3030RobinhoodLaneandA329ReadingRoad. Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 24thNovemberand25thNovember2022.

3.B3350ChurchRoad,Earleybetweenitsjunctions withB3350PittsLaneandA329WokinghamRoad. Thealternativerouteforallnorthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA329 WokinghamRoad,A329ReadingRoad,LoddonBridge andTheBaderWayInterchange,TheBaderWay,Miles Way,SpitfireWay,HeadleyRoadEast,HeadleyRoad. ReadingRoad,A4LondonRoadandB3350PittsLane. Thealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3350PittsLane, A4LondonRoad,A4ShepherdsHill,A4LondonRoad, ReadingRoad,HeadleyRoad,HeadleyRoadEast, SpitfireWay,MilesWay,TheBaderWay,LoddonBridge andTheBaderWayInterchange,A329ReadingRoad andA329WokinghamRoad.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 28thNovemberand29thNovember2022between 20:00and06:00

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowVolker Highwayscontractorstoundertakeremedialironworks andassociatedworkinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe14thNovember2022andshall continueinforceforaperiodnotexceeding18months oruntiltheworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveris theearlier.

Dated:27thOctober2022

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

Stop smoking

Healthy heart tip

INthe UK around 5.5 million adults smoke.

Although rates of smoking have decreased in recent years, the number of people who smoke remains high.

Smoking harms almost all organs in the body and it is the leading cause of preventable deaths in England.

It can damage your blood vessels and heart, which increases your risk of having a heart attack.

Quitting smoking can be very difficult, but it is an important step for reducing your risk of heart disease.

Here we provide some tips for stopping smoking.

List your reasons for stopping

An effective and simple thing you can do to stay on track is to write a list of the

reasons why you wish to quit smoking.

Think about what it would mean for you to stop smoking, how would your life change and who would be proudest of you.

Keep the list with you at all times, or write it on your phone, whenever you feel the urge to smoke, you can read this list and it should inspire you to keep going.

Make a plan

As soon as you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease will reduce so the sooner you decide to quit the better.

Try to choose a date within the next two weeks and start making preparations.

Identify the triggers that make you feel like smoking and work out how to deal with them in advance.

For example, if you hang around with other

people who smoke, you could plan to spend more time with non-smokers or do smoke-free activities with friends who are smokers.

If you usually smoke during your break at work, plan to go for a walk instead.

Get support

Both from professionals and family.

Dealing with cigarette withdrawal can be tough and it can lead to you feeling emotional and upset.

Before quitting, speak to close friends and relatives and let them know your plan; ask them to try their best to support and encourage you along the way and be extra patient with you if you’re snappy or more moody than usual.

There is a lot of professional support available for people who want to stop smoking, you could contact your local Stop Smoking Services or chat to your GP.

If you know someone

who is also trying to quit smoking, you could offer to support each other and hold each other accountable.

If you are a smoker, quitting is most likely the single biggest thing you can do to improve your health and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Make this October the month you finally do it and your future self will thank you.

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly

Five ways to keep your cat safe at Hallowe’en

ITIS the time of year when black cats are in demand, but as any feline owner knows, the sparks that fly at this time of year mean moggies are not necessarily feline fine.

With Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night just around the corner, there are plenty of things going bump - or bang - in the night.

But how do you ensure your furry friend is safe and sound while Hallowe’en is marked?

Cats Protection has produced five ways to help your pet navigate the gruesome goings on.

Keep the treats for yourself

Do not be tempted to share your trick or treat haul with your cat as these sweet treats are very bad for them. Chocolate is toxic to cats and sweets can make them unwell.

Keep sugary snacks safely out of your cat’s reach and treat them to calming fuss or a play session instead. Make sure decorations are cat-safe

When making your home like a spooky lair, be mindful of which decorations could cause harm to your cat.

Curious kitties can become tangled in fake cobwebs, chew through the

wires of fairy lights or try to climb on hanging decorations.

The best advice is to keep decorations out of your cat’s reach, especially any naked flames, such as those illuminating carved pumpkins.

Don’t dress them up

Volunteer Corner

WOKINGHAM

in Need (WIN) is dedicated to providing support for the homeless and most vulnerable in our community.

We are seeking an Events Fundraiser to join the team. We do not have our own office space so the volunteer would need to be happy to work from home but will be supported by the Trustees and other volunteer members.

All necessary expenses for this role will be paid. We are looking for an enthusiastic organised team player with lots of ideas who ideally has experience in event planning but not essential.

At the moment, the Charity hosts one larger event annually and organises stalls at local events to raise awareness of the Charity’s work and raise valuable funds.

healthy tips at: www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips

n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2/ n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook/

Time commitment would be approximately three hours approximately a week, maybe more coming up to an event and post-event.

The role does require a DBS check and will report through to the Founder and Trustee.

n Cianna’s Smile offers support and education to families affected by Sickle Cell Anaemia in the UK.

Our goals are to decrease isolation for those living with Sickle Cell, support families, and raise awareness of Sickle Cell in the UK.

They have recently opened new offices in Wokingham Town Centre.

This move and expansion means they are looking to take on more volunteers. These include a Social Media Coordinator, a Fundraiser, a Treasurer, an Administrator and a Volunteer Coordinator.

This is great opportunity to dive into a variety of tasks and to help a great cause without having to commit to a regular day and time each week. If any of these roles appeal to you, please get in touch.

HELP KEEP YOUR CAT SAFE AND HAPPY DURING

They’d much prefer a cosy Halloween-themed blanket to snooze on, or a safe new toy to play with.

Keep cats in at night

Cats are generally more active at dusk and dawn and dark autumn evenings can be especially dangerous for cats. There is an increased risk of them being injured on the roads, not to mention the stress of noisy parties, bonfires and firework displays.

Cats Protection recommends keeping pet cats indoors at night. It’s a good time to ensure that they are microchipped and that their details are up to date, just in case they escape and go missing.

Give them somewhere to hide

If you are expecting visitors or trick or treaters at your door, your cat might find it stressful. Make sure they have somewhere quiet to hide indoors, as this will help them feel calm and safe.

n Canine Partners is a registered charity that transforms the lives of people with disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. Our amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering support, security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks.

Canine Partners are looking for caring family homes in Berkshire to raise, socialise and train puppies and young dogs up to the age of 18 months old within 45 minutes’ of RG12 (Bracknell) post code.

We consider this a full-time volunteer role as the puppy / dog will live with you from 8 weeks old until it is ready to progress into advanced training.

This is between 14 to 18 months old.

Your role will involve; receiving home visits, virtual online training, one-to-ones, regular group puppy training classes and regular visits within your local community to various environments to expose the puppy to the following conditions in order to socialise them: busy town environments, car travel, public transport, children, cats, other dogs (different breeds), and other domestic animals.

The primary puppy volunteer must be 18 years or over and have all the necessary time, commitment and suitable set up at home necessary for this commitment.

For more information, please do get in touch.

If you give yourself a scary makeover, it can be tempting to want to dress your cat in a cute outfit too, but they won’t enjoy it as much as you think. Being confined in clothing is very stressful for cats and they could injure themselves as they try to get free.

Reserve a peaceful room for them and provide a cardboard box for them to hide in.

n Cats Protection has more seasonal tips, including how to keep cats safe and warm during these colder months, at: www.cats.org.uk/keeping-yourcat-safe

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

Wokingham Volunteer Centre

LEISURETODAY

‘Different little fireworks can gooff – an audience can be like that’

ROBAUTON is returning to Reading once again as part of the tour of his brand new show, The Crowd Show.

Combining comedy, theatre, and spoken word, Auton will bring the threads of his eclectic stylings and influences together for the latest of his live shows.

He says that The Crowd Show is: “Probably the most meta, and the most ‘present’ I’ve been, as it were.

“It’s about crowds, which I was going to take up to Edinburgh Festival in 2020 – obviously the pandemic happened and I couldn’t do that.”

He also feels that this latest work may be some of his funniest: “not to blow my own trumpet, “But it’s different because I think I’ve worked on it more than any others,

since I had longer to write it.

“There’s been a lot more putting things in, taking things out– the trial and error of creating the show.”

Counter-intuitively, the higher level of perfecting the work has also led to the show being more topical, too.

“The process has been a lot longer, but I think also it’s taken in current events more than any of my other shows.

“Even though I don’t talk about the pandemic in the show, it is very much a response to something that happened.

“It made me think about people in my life, togetherness, and the privilege it is to get to be in front of a crowd, so when that was taken away from me the love that I have for it came to the foreground.”

When it comes to his art, Auton

admits that live performance is one of the more fleeting media to work in compared to more permanent or physical works such as painting or music.

Some of his performances have been recorded, but it is his podcast which makes up most of his recorded work.

He says that the podcast gives him flexibility and freedom, which can be more difficult in live performance.

“I just want to be able to do what I want, which is to answer the call of my ideas, and a podcast can just be.

“It can be a short story one day, it can be a longer story, could be a poem or a song or something like that.

“With live stuff, people go out with expectations because it’s billed as comedy.”

He also says that he wants to create things which have a lasting relevance: “I don’t want to make shows that age badly.

“I know that I could do my (previous)

show about the colour yellow in 50 years, and it would still make sense.

“That’s where it becomes something else, like an abstract painting will always be abstract, that’s kind of what I want to be able to do.

“People to be able take things away from it no matter where they are, or when.”

While he admits that this might be ambitious, he says that it’s exactly as it should be.

“I’ve got big ideas for what I want to do and you have got to be ambitious, because I’ve got to love my work more than I love anyone else’s work,

“With that, I’m aware that all this is completely temporary, so my brain, whether it’s working at the moment, allows me, thankfully– to write ideas that some people at shows like

“It’s working enough for me to be able to get booked and do gigs and do decent venues – who knows when that will stop.”

He says that he’s still trying to find something that will be able to last after he’s gone, but for the time being he is more than satisfied just to hear from audience members.

“Someone walking down the street or cooking some pasta and thinking about a line in my shower that they heard, that’s enough of a legacy for me at the moment.

“Or, if they come up and say that they enjoyed the show even that their mate went and thought it’s great, that’s enough for me.”

His podcast, The Rob Auton Show, is available to stream via most podcast providers.

n Rob Auton’s latest live show, The Crowd Show, is touring the UK, including a show at South Street Arts Centre on Thursday, November 3. For tickets, visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

n Read the full interview online at RDG.TODAY

Comedian Rob Auton speaks to JAKE CLOTHIER ahead of his latest visit to Reading’s South Street, with The Crowd Show

Do have nightmares with spooky show

THEY’RE looking for something to raise the goose bumps, audiences can head over to Maidenhead.

E F Benson’s collection of ghostly yarns, Night Terrors, will be relayed by actor Gerard Logan, with specially commissioned music by Simon Slater.

The masterful storyteller will tell three dramatic and haunting tales: The Dance; In The Tube; and The Confession of Charles Linkworth.

Night Terrors is on at Norden Park Arts Centre’s studio theatre.

The event takes place on Thursday, October 29.

Doors open at 7.30pm Tickets cost £15.

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

Wham, bam, thank you slam

WORLD Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker’s show of new poems celebrates the little things in life that make us who we are – including running a marathon dressed as a falafel.

Author, maths graduate and performance poet, Baker focusses on the connection at the heart of it al.

His playful, heartfelt, and uplifting show comes to Norden Farm Arts Centre Courtyard Theatre in Maidenhead.

The event is on Thursday, November 3. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets cost £15.

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

Crocodile rock and other classics

THE Elton John Show pays tribute to the flamboyant man of pop.

With over 300 million records sold, Sir Elton John is the most successful singersongwriter of his generation.

From Rocket Man to Tiny Dancer, this show brings an array of the singer song writer’s hits to the stage.

The concert is at the Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre.

It takes place on Friday, October 28, doors open at £7.45, and seats cost £24.

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

It’s the devil’s work for News Quiz’s Simon

PREPARE to laugh.

Star of Live at the Apollo, Mock The Week, BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, and The Unbelievable Truth, Simon Evans is coming to Bracknell.

The established UK comedian has been described as a master of socio political comedy.

In his new show, Simon Evans: The Work Of The Devil, he shares his view of a world on fire, along with personal revelations that turned his world upside down this year.

He plays at South Hill Park Arts Centre.

The event is on Saturday, October 29.

Doors open at 8pm. Tickets cost £19.

Age 14 upwards only, due to swearing and adult content.

n For tickets and information log on to:

High

The

www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484123

All-singing, all-dancing Frankie

YOUNG Frankenstein was first created by the US actor, director and filmmaker, Mel Brooks.

The musical comedy film was a hit in 1974.

East Berkshire Operatic Society brings the all-singing, all-dancing show to the stage in Bracknell.

With musical numbers, Mel Brooks hilarity and the odd wooden limb, the show is described as monstrously funny.

There is no age restriction, but the performance does include adult themes.

Young Frankenstein can be seen at South Hill Park Arts Centre.

It plays from Tuesday, November 1 to Saturday, November 5.

Performances are at 7.45pm with

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.

n

an additional matinée on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £16 on Tuesday, November 1.

Thereafter adults cost £21, with concessions available at £20.

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

A chance for young to watch paint dry

SPLAT! Is a show for ages three to six, and their carers.

It’s a physical comedy with paint.

Ttwo aspiring artists attempt to complete their masterpieces.

One is messy, the other very tidy.

Antagonising each other in the process, they take a journey through the history of visual art.

After experiencing techniques of great masters and art movements,

Science. Sun 30. Ned Boulting: Retour Dr Ned. Tues 1. The Comedy Network. Fri 4. The Rolling Stones Story. Sat 5.

they eventually realise that to achieve anything they must embrace their differences and work together.

The family friendly comedy is accessible for D/deaf audiences.

Splat! can be seen at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in the Studio.

It performs on Saturday, October 29.

Doors open at 2pm.

All tickets cost £15.

n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 440000

Othello, but in the 21st century

A NATIONALLY acclaimed theatre company combines Shakespeare’s text, with physicality.

It presents an Othello firmly rooted in a volatile 21st century, where a passionate affair becomes the catalyst for jealousy, betrayal and revenge.

Frantic Assembly presents its awardwinning take on Shakespeare’s tragedy of paranoia, sex and murder.

The play can be seen at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

Performances are on Tuesday, November 1 to Saturday, November 5.

Doors open at 7.30pm each night, with matinées on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Recommended for 14 years and above. Tickets cost from £30.50

n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 440000

Sinfonia to present chamber recital

The West Forest Sinfonia orchestra is to perform in Bracknell next week.

A select number of chamber performers will play Beethoven, Gipps and Farrenc.

The progamme includes: Beethoven’s Variations on La Ci Darem La Mano for two oboes and cor anglais; Ruth Gipps’ Pan and Apollo for harp, two oboes and cor anglais; and Louise Farrenc’s Sextet for piano and wind, op.41.

The concert will be given in the Recital Room at South Hill Park Arts Centre.

The musicians play on Sunday, November 6.

Doors open at 4.30pm.

Tickets cost £10.50.

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

the Revolution.

27-Sat 29. The Hound of the Baskervilles. Sat 29.

History

4.

Soul.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

Royal Opera House Live: La

India Sweets and Spices (12a). Sat 29. Colin Hoult: The Death of Anna Mann. Sat 29. Don’t Worry Darling (12a). Tues 1. Mig and the Beanstalk. Thurs 3. Harry Baker is Unashamed. Thurs 3. National Theatre Live: The Seagull. Thurs 3. Dyspraxia and Politics, the two sides of Don Biswas. Fri 4. Moonage Daydream (15). Fri 4. Norden Farm Market. Sat 5. ELO Again. Sat 5.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218

Pygnalion. Thurs 27. Fireman Sam. Fri 28. The Dark. Sat 29. The Lost Boys. Fri 28-Sat 29. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Fri 28-Sun 30. Morgan and West: Unbelievable

Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Sleeping Sword. Thurs 27-Sat

Reading

Reading

THERE’S a show for

Louis

Bubble

It’s

plenty

The

Saturday, October

Firework displays to light up the skies

FIREWORK

displays across Reading and Wokingham 2022

Every year, we remember the Gunpowder Plot by burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire and lighting fireworks.

A number of organised displays will take place across Berkshire over the coming weeks and we have listed as many as we can below.

If your display is missing, please email us at events@wokinghampaper.co.uk

And, if you are holding your own display, please remember to follow the Firework Code

ROSPA says that young people should watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance and follow the safety rules for using sparklers. Only adults should deal with firework displays and the lighting of fireworks. They should also take care of the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used.

n Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable.

n Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.

n Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.

n Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.

n Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.

n Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

n Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.

n Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.

n Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.

n Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

Saturday, October 29

Ascot Racecourse Fireworks spectacular family race day

A day of racing, followed by a fairground with dodgems, clip clop pony rides, mini jets and more. Rides free before 4pm, £1 per go afterwards, with proceeds going to charity.

Racing from 10.45am to 5.30pm. Fireworks from 6pm. Under 18s free, adults from £30.

Firework only tickets from 4pm, £8, £6 for children, under fives free.

n Details: www.ascot.co.uk or 01344 346 3000, or www.ascotfireworks.org.uk

Sandhurst Fireworks

A free display with live entertainment

A bit of a rarity this one: a free entry event. Organised by Sandhurst Town

Council, it takes place in the Memorial Park from 5pm. There will be a fun fair and inflatables, hot food stands and live entertainment to get people in the mood for the firework display itself, which launches at 7.30pm.

Organisers hope everyone attending will walk, but there is a car park available with a fee of £2.

Disabled car parking will be available until 7pm.

n For more details, log on to www. sandhurst.gov.uk

Twyford Fireworks

The annual Twyford and District Round Table display takes place, as ever, in King George V Playing Field off Loddon Hall Road.

Gates open at 6.30pm, with the usual funfair offering a host of rides for all ages to enjoy. There will also be a barbecue, hot chocolate and other refreshment stalls.

The firework display, which this year has a theme of A Night at the Movies to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disneyland Paris, will start around

Bumps in the night

Darker Shores

Theatre Royal Windsor

THERE were ghostly goings on in Windsor.

The Theatre Royal is experiencing bumps in the night and spectral visitations.

Darker Shores, which finished its run on Saturday, is the reason.

The play, about the strange haunting of a seaside residence, is a Victorian horror story.

With a quietly menacing soundscape, and a nicely gothic set, it follows the efforts of Professor Gabriel Stokes and American medium, Dr Tom Beauregard.

Their mission is to discover the source of ghostly noises that trouble the guest room of Mrs Hinchcliffe’s house.

She’d like to open the house as a hotel,

but this seems unlikely until she can solve the problem of her badly behaved spectral resident.

This uncooperative guest is throwing their weight, and half the contents of the room, about.

The tale, written for stage by Michael Punter, and set in 1875, delighted its audiences.

Gasps from the audience indicated that goosebumps were being kept active by the special effects, shocks and illusions aplenty,

And the theatre enjoyed a nearly full house, which just goes to show that people love a ghost story.

The story is handled well by a competent and experienced company:

Gates open at 5.30pm, with the display from 7pm.

Advance family tickets are £18 and include two adults up to three under 16s. Adults £7, children £3. Under fives get in free. Limited tickets will be available on the gate – event sold out in advance last year.

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

Saturday, November 5

Cookham Scouts annual fireworks display

The popular event will once again be held at Grove Island, off Odney Lane - it’s opposite the local heritage centre.

The Scouts will open the gates at 5.30pm, with the bonfire being lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks from 7.15pm.

There will be hot dogs and other refreshments including mulled wine.

Tickets cost £8 in advance. Some parking is available - organisers hope you’ll walk in.

n For more details, log on to www. cookham.com

Fleet Lions Fireworks Fiesta

Fireworks are returning this year, but audience numbers are reduced from 6,000 to 4,200. There will be fireworks, food stalls, children’s items to buy, bar. Free parking off Harlington Way from 4pm to 9pm. Gates 5pm, fireworks 6.30pm. Adults £7, children £3, families £17.

7.30pm, and the bonfire will be lit afterwards.

The team have asked people to name their favourite Disney villain, with the most popular ending up on top of the bonfire.

Tickets cost £7 in advance, £4 for youths and seniors and £1 for children, with a £1 surcharge on the gate.

n For more details, log on to www. twyfordroundtable.org

Tuesday, November 1

The Coombes School presents Laserworks

This is a new event, and it uses 21st century technology to celebrate the 16th century tradition.

The Coombes School in School Road, Arborfield, will host a display of light.

Powered by silent and harmless laser beams, this is to be a colourful show set to music.

It takes place from 5pm, and tickets cost £3.

n For more details or to book, log on to: bit.ly/laserworks

Maxwell Caulfield plays hesitant, perplexed and grief ridden Professor Gabriel Stokes with suitable gentlemanly confusion.

Juliet Mills gives a fine performance as the slightly stiff, Northern landlady, Mrs Hinchcliffe.

Michael Praed is solid as American medium, Tom Beauregard, who finds that he is taking on more of a spectral challenge than he bargained for.

And Chipo Kureya plays charmingly, maid Florence Kennedy, with a talent for second sight.

The play certainly thrilled, and as they left, audience members could be heard saying how much they had enjoyed the evening.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk or call the box office on: 01753 853888

Friday, November 4

Earley St Peter’s School Association display

This year’s annual event will take place in Sol Joel Park. As in previous years, there will be stalls serving food and drink, including popcorn candy floss, sweets and burgers. Adults will appreciate a bar, while children will be able to stock up on glow sticks and other novelties.

Due to licensing restrictions, there will not be a bonfire.

Gates open from 6pm, with fireworks from 7pm.

Advance ticket cost £7.50, £5.50 for students, £4.50 for children or £20 for families. On the gate, £9, £6 child.

n Details: http://www.pta-events.co.uk/ espsa

Legoland’s annual bricktacular!

Head just down the road to Windsor and you can enjoy the annual Brick or Trick event. The show includes special legoland fireworks that turn into exploding Lego bricks if special glasses are worn.

The show is set to music. The park has Hallowe’en-themed activities all week, but the fireworks are only on show on Friday, November 4, Saturday, November 5, and Sunday, November 6.

Prices start from £44 per person, plus entry to the park. There are additional fees for the special brick glasses, and car parking.

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

Reading Fireworks

Scours Lane – where Woodley FC plays its home games – is the venue for the Reading Lions fireworks show.

There’s plenty to do before the fireworks display, with fairground rides, hot food and drink stalls and a licensed bar.

There’s further fun with face painting and other activities.

Takes place at Calthorpe Park, Fleet GU51 4AB.

n Details at tickets: www.fleetlions.org. uk

Pangbourne Fireworks Fiesta

Pangbourne Primary School, Kennedy Drive RG8 7LB. Gates 5.30pm, display 7pm. Hot food, bar, mulled wine, stalls, chocolate tombola, Music from Dream Sellers. In aid of Pangbourne Primary PTA. Advance tickets: £3 under 15s, £8.50 over 16s, £20 family ticket. On the gate: £4 under 15s, £10 over 16s, £25 family ticket. Under 16s must be accompanied.

n Details: fopps.org.uk

Wokingham Fireworks 2022

Procession from Broad Street at 6pm, fireworks at Cantley from 7.30pm

The annual event returns to Wokingham and will be as in previous years: the torchlit procession will make its way from Market Place, through Milton Road and down to Cantley Field. A fairground will be in operation, while food vendors will feed the crowds. The gates open at 5.30pm, with fireworks take place from approximately 7.30pm and a bonfire will be on afterwards. Tickets cost £7 and £1 for under sevens. They are only available in advance – not on the gate.

n Details: www.wokingham-fireworks. co.uk

Woodley and Earley Lions display

Taking place once again in Laurel Park, the event will be partially organised by Laurel Park Football Club.

There will be a 20-minute high impact firework and music display to enjoy as well as entertainment and stalls.

Entry is £10, £5 for under 14s and free for children if they are pushed or carried. Gates open at 5.30pm for a 7pm start.

n To book, log on to: https://www.ptaevents.co.uk/woodleyandearleylionsfireworks

THE BIG BANG: Twyford Round Table bonfire & fireworks extravaganza 2021 Picture: Dijana Capan

Radio play about refugees is on-air

ATHEATREcompany in Reading, has teamed up with BBC Radio Berkshire to create a new piece of drama.

RABBLE is an inclusive, independent women-led theatre company based in the town.

For 10 years it has been contributing to the region’s cultural life, creating local stories inspired by and with Reading’s diverse community.

It has recently worked together with BBC Radio Berkshire to produce a new drama for radio, The Newcomers.

It’s a story that commemorates the bravery, courage and resilience of refugees who arrived in Berkshire 50 years ago, and is set in 1972.

At that time 1,600 Ugandan Asians were expelled from their homes in Uganda by Idi Amin and arrived in Greenham Common.

The drama will be broadcast this week, during the station’s breakfast show. An omnibus will be broadcast on Sunday.

Its two co-writers are Pragna Hay and Beth Flintoff.

Pragna writes from her own experience, having arrived in the UK from Uganda as a refugee in 1972.

She stayed at Greenham Common refugee camp, and now lives in Newbury.

She is a businesswoman,

a qualified microbiologist, a board member of various companies, and a trustee of Once Upon A Time 50 years Ago, an organisation that commemorates the expulsion with events and exhibitions.

Pragna remembers when Idi Amin gave all Ugandan Asians 90 days to leave with nothing but a suitcase and £50.

Beth Flintoff introduced Pragna and her story to the RABBLE team

She says: “Pragna and I have known each other for years.

“Before the pandemic she approached me, wanting to explore ways to tell her story.

“Working with her and hearing about other Ugandan Asians who

experienced the trauma of being expelled from their homes is an experience I will never forget.

“It’s 50 years since this happened, but the subject matter is, sadly, just as relevant today.”

The play’s cast includes: Nikki Patel (Amber Kalirai in Coronation Street, and Kenneth Branagh’s Romeo and Juliet in the West End); Shaheen Khan (Mrs Bhamra in Bend It Like Beckham, Doctor Who, RSC); Maanuv Thiara (National Theatre, and Banquo in Macbeth for RABBLE); and Bhasker Patel (Emmerdale’s Rishi Sharma).

Audiences can tune in daily at 9.30am, or hear it all on Sunday, October 30 at 2pm.

EMMA MERCHANT

Supervet Noel to return to Hexagon

SUPERVET has super fans, and they’ll be able to see him when he comes to Reading next month.

Orthopedic-neuro veterinary surgeon Noel Fitzpatrick, from the hit Channel 4 show, will be bringing his unique ethos, incredible stories and remarkable bionic innovations to The Hexagon.

Said to be surprising, intriguing and inspiring, the show will leave audiences transfixed as Noel shares an insight into his extraordinary world with tales of the unique and wonderful animals and personal experiences which have shaped his life and world view.

He will share a rollercoaster ride of successes and failures, demonstrating why love really

is all that matters – and how our animal friends can teach us very important life lessons, which can make us better people.

“I am so excited to be back on stage to share stories and lessons I’ve learned from thousands of animals who have made me who I am,” he says.

“I hope that people from all kinds of backgrounds can learn from the experiences and events which have shaped me, including all the joy and pain, trauma and redemption that has come with a life lived at 365 miles per hour, 365 days a year.

“Our world can be a very challenging and stressful placeand I feel at a very deep level that I need to share the light I have experienced through my love of

animals and their families with as many people as possible.

“It feels very important and urgent to me – right now in 2022. I know that the journey will be enlightening and entertaining for everyone who comes along. It’ll be an incredibly special night.”

Noel’s team say there will be some unexpected surprises in the show, alongside thoughts about the nature of stress and survival against the odds - and the future of humans and animals on our planet.

He will appear at The Hexagon on Thursday, November 24. Tickets cost £37.

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

Horror in the haberdashery

BISCUIT Factory screening Peter Strickland’s IN FABRIC READING Biscuit Factory is set to screen Peter Strickland’s IN FABRIC on Sunday, and Wednesday, November 2.

The horror comedy was released in 2018 and follows the events surrounding a dress which brings harm upon those who possess it.

It’s set in a department store somewhere in the Thames Valley, and was partly

influenced by director Peter Strickland’s childhood memories of Jacksons in Reading.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Sidse Babett Knudsen, and Julian Barrett star alongside Hayley Squires, Gwendoline Christie, Steve Oram and regular Strickland collaborator Fatma Mohamed.

It also features a score composed by Cavern of AntiMatter, and was highlighted

as film of the week by Mark Kermode when he reviewed it in 2019.

Reading Biscuit Factory is showing IN FABRIC on Sunday, October 30, and Wednesday, November 2.

Please note that the film is billed as 15+, with a run time of 118 minutes.

n For tickets, or for more information, visit: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

JAKE CLOTHIER

Definitely the final farewellfrom The Pitmen Poets

A GROUP of musicians enjoyed their farewell tour so much that they are back on the road again.

On Monday, October 31, the treat at Nettlebed Folk Club will be The Pitmen Poets Ride Again.

And this time, when they say it is their final, never to be repeated, Farewell Tour, they mean it.

Ex-Lindisfarne singer and songwriter Billy Mitchell, Warhorse Songman, renowned singer and instrumentalist Bob Fox, leading exponent of Tyneside song Benny Graham, and Award winning Durham singer/ songwriter Jez Lowe individually and collectively celebrating the triumphs, tragedy, and humour of the North East’s coal mining heritage, in an evening of great music.

PLAY FOR VOICES: The Newcomers can be heard this week on BBC Radio Berkshire’s breakfast show. Picture courtesy of RABBLE

RETURN: Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick is coming to Reading

RaW Sounds Today

Hillman

ASwell as featuring artists linked to the local area, it’s great to include other exciting artists from further afield now and then that we go and see live and that are well worth checking out. This week we have one of those artists that photographer, Andrew Merritt, and myself saw do an excellent performance in London last week’. Second addition is a Reading artist, one of this year’s favourite bands – OSP have another new single out.

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.

Thursday, October 27

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Supernatural: 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 Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Rev John H and The Revelations. Details: 0118 959 5500.

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 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 – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Hallowe’en costume party. Details: 0118 402 7800.

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.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

Let’s Eat Grandma – Levitation

Here’s Rosa Walton & Jenny Hollingworth who myself and photographer, Andrew Merritt, went to see at a packed Koko in Camden last week.

Together with two session musicians, this talented young duo performed a set featuring songs from their I’m All Ears album, one of the albums of 2018, plus more, including this one from their latest album Two Ribbons.

It was enthralling and you couldn’t take your eyes off the stage for one second due to the duo’s creative presentation, wonderful personalities and songs with hooks galore. Absolutely brilliant – http:// letseatgrandma.co.uk/

OSP – Call Me

It’s one of our fave artists of the year, OSP, with a new single and it’s another good one.

This rap quartet from Reading are certainly consistent and their inspiring powerful live performance at Wokingham Festival in August was one of the highlights of the event. This single is another of OSP’s quality melodic songs and as usual has positive lyrics. They make you feel good with every listen – facebook.com/ospmusicuk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Sophie Henderson. Details: 0118 959 7196.

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.

READING – Victoria Cross, Basingstoke Road. Caribbean after Work Jam: Sir Sambo, Lloyd and Elvis, Echo Ras and Family Connection Roadshow. From 6.30pm. Details: 0118 931 0115.

RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. Never Too Late. Details: 0118 343 0565.

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

TILEHURST – The Water Tower, Park Lane RG31 4DU. Fancy dress karaoke. Details: 0118 907 6704.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Full Flavour. Details: 0118 977 3706.

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 Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Tequila Chase. Details: 01344 422622

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Full Flavour 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.

HURST - The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. A musical evening with Nicole Allan. Details: 0118 934

4100.

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 Foresters Arms, Brunswick Street RG1 6NY. Hallowe’en Party. Details: 0118 304 3648.

READING - The Grumpy Goat, Smelly Alley (Union Street). Monster Mash Hallowe’en party. From 8pm. Fancy dress. Details: www.thegrumpygoat. co.uk

READING – Market House, Market Place RG1 2EQ. DJ2Play Hallowe’en Party.

READING - Revolution, Station Road. Haunted House party.

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 – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Scarlet Vixens Purple Creepshow. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Cafe Zazous. Details: 0118 376 9159.

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 Water Tower, Park Lane RG31 4DU. Fancy dress. Paul Cassey. Details: 0118 907 6704.

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,

Indigo Child – Lies

This is the debut single from Reading based duo, Lou and Matt, and it was recorded at Generation Studio with producer, Dean Nelson. It’s a good start for the duo with its melodic indie sound – https:// www.facebook.com/indigochildoffical

Blancmange – Reduced Voltage

This is from the new album, Private View by synth pop icons, Blancmange, who had big 80s hits such as Living on the Ceiling’ They performed recently at Reading’s Sub89 as part of their UK tour – http:// www.blancmange.co.uk/

Third Lung – No Names

This is the latest single from the forthcoming debut album, Gameplay from local faves Third Lung. Don’t miss the band’s album launch show at Reading’s Sub 89 on November 10 – http:// thirdlungband.com

Lonely Robot – Digital God Machine

Created by the multi talented John Mitchell in his own Outhouse Studio, Lonely Robot is now on its fifth album, A Model Life, from which this single is taken.

Watch out for the writer of this article in the video – https://johnmitchellhq.com

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.

Monday, October 31

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: The Pitmen Poets. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

READING – Popworld, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Hallowe’en party. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Hallowe’en fancy dress party with DJ Matt Law. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Tuesday, November 1

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Unplugged night. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Lyndhurst, Queen’s Road

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

This band from Liverpool played at Reading’s Facebar earlier this month 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 this Friday, 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

RG1 4DG. Open mic night. Details: 0118 950 3888.

SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON – The Four Horseshoes. Equinox jazz night with Mike Gale, Peter Bingham, John Clarke, Derek Alford and Paul Kaluza. Details: 01256 882296.

Wednesday, November 2

EVERSLEY - The Golden Pot, Reading Road RG27 0NB. Paul Tino. Details: 0118 973 2104.

Thursday, November 3

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Brcknell Blues Club: Jimmy D Thorn band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Elvis with Mike Nova Details: 0118 983 2059.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop: The Bug Club. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Jools Holland. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo. Details: Twitter @skintmondays

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Inrtoducing live: Dani Sylvia, Kat, Noah. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Friday, November 4

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Guns 2 Roses tribute. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Solid Groove Foundation: Soul, Motown and RnB tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Brakcnell Jazz: Malcolm Earle-Smith. Details: 01344 484123.

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moody Blues Bros.

CROWTHORNE – Two Sisters Cafe, High Street RG45 7BD. Music night. Booking essential. 01344 772807.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Totally Blondie. £19. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Day Of The Dead with La Mort Subite and friends. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place

RG1 7JE. Scorpion birthday bash Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE. Goldeneye. 0118 935 4095.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Total Stone Roses and Oaysis. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Skandal. Details: 0118 957 6930

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Waiola Fridays.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Good Times Five. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, November 5

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Sound intentions. 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Broken Bones. Details: 01344 457318.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Rigsby. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Don’t Compromise The Vibe with Mr Marvellous, Eagle Bliss.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Elton John tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Queen’s Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. P’Jam. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Sound Jam. 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Sidepiece Function. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Abba Chique. Details: 0118 926 5804.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Regrade. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Lack of Faith. Details: 0118 969 3325.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Tequila Chase. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, November 6

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night All At Sea. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

SONNING - Coppa Club, The Great House, Thames Street. Live lounge. 3pm-5pm.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. The Bullfrogs Sunday Session. Details: 07889 226309.

Friday, October 28

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

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 – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH.

Jam Jar Aquarium. 10am, 11.15am, 1pm, 2.15pm. £4, booking essential. Details: www.readingmuseum. org.uk

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

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. 5pm-7.30pm. £10. 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

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Hallowe’en disco.

Witches and WizardsSOLD OUT. 4pm-6pm. Goblins and Ghouls. 7pm9pm Prizes for best fancy dress. Details: https:// www.trybooking.com/uk/ events/landing/31562

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 – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe

Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE

Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s

Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH.

Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm-

4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, October 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-dressregistration/

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. Maps £3 from Jackson’s California Lake cafe. Details: 0118 934 2016.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square RG1 3BE. Friends of Reading Abbey AGM and autumn 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. 11am-4pm.

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 concerts. Suitable for 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 Central Salvation Army, Anstey Road RG1 7QB. West Midlands Youth Band in concert. 7pm. Details: www.readingcentral.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

READING – Town centre.

DIYA Light It Up, a celebration of Diwali. Music in Market Place from 4pm, lantern parade along Broad Street 5.30pm. Free. Details: Kalathearts@ gmail.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

SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane RG2 9BY. Cantemus Concert: music of stage and worship. Includes pieces by Haydn, Purcell, Rossini, Verdi and Wagner. 7.30pm. £12 on door, £10 in advance. Details: 0118 988 2120.

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 presents Hallowe’en event. 2pm-4pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, 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 – Reading Central Salvation Army, Anstey Road RG1 7QB. West Midlands Youth Band in concert. 12.30pm. Details: www.readingcentral.org.uk

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Fabric Art Exhibition. 11am-4pm. Arts For All: An Evening of Light. Details: 0118 986 6788.

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

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

Monday, October 31

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org

CAVERSHAM – Across village. Hallowe’en Hunt 2022. Details: wadra.org

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

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, November 1

ARBORFIELD – The Coombes School, School Road RG2 9NX. Laserworks: a familyfriendly laser display, no loud bangs, just colours, fun and music. £3. 5pm. Details: bit.ly/laserworks

CAVERSHAM – Queen Anne’s School, Caversham, RG4 6DX. Concerts in Caversham autumn festival: The Caversham Ensemble Chamber Orchestra with Ewan Millar, BBC Young Musician of the Year concerto finalist. 7.30pm. Tickets £22, over 60s £20, and £16 for 16-25s. Under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk

BEECH HILL - Memorial Hall, Beech Hill Road. Village teas: sandwiches, cakes and tea. 3pm-4pm.

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Finches social club for people with or without autism. 7pm-9pm. Drinks and snacks available to buy. Music, and friendship. Details: kingwood.org.uk

READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Craft at the Minster: a craft session for all. 11am-12.30pm. Details: readingminster. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Speakers meeting. 7.15pm. Details: wokinghamspeakers.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road

RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, November 2

DUNSDEN GREEN – Village Hall RG4 9QG. English Country dancing evening: beginners welcome. £4, first session free. 8pm. Details: 07714 226723.

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s

Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH.

Wokingham Rock Choir taster sessions. 12.15pm. Booking essential. Free. Details: www.rockchoir. com/join/Wokingham_ Morning_Session

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, November 3

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: location, location, location. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street. Comedy on Tap. 7pm. £17. Details: 0118 978 0389.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: The Outfit (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, November 4

EARLEY – Sol Joel Park, Church Road. Earley St Peter’s School Association firework dispaly. Gates 6pm, fireworks 7pm. Advance tickets £20 family, £7.50 adults, £4.50 child, under fours free. On the gate £9 adults, £6 child. Details: http://www.ptaevents.co.uk/espsa

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org Saturday, November 5

COLEY PARK – Coley Park Community Centre, Wensley Road RG1 6DW. Mama & Kids Fun Day And Market. 2pm-5pm. 50p.

PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall.

READING - Battle Library, Oxford Road. Board games club for teenagers upwards. Noon-2pm. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org

SILCHESTER - Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Village market: local produce and businesses. 10am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 970 0999 or www. silchestervillagemarket. org.uk.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, November 6

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

How many words of

Spell

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).

1. Comfortable place in the garden (3,2,5)

7. College window (5)

8. Famous London street, a way for a duck! (7)

10. Parting wish is to get on successfully (8)

11. Odds on West Indies being first to provide a small band (4)

13. Observe with admiration (6)

15. Briefly look for good weapon (6)

17. Time of day when most strikes occur (4)

18. It is not shiny hair that’s found on the bed (8)

21. Both bridge opponents and partners are to become entangled (7)

22. Haven’t become short of port (5)

23. Smuggler, he does not pay duty (4-6)

1. Right one in the pub with a pipe (5)

2. State of the French articles of merchandise (8)

3. Foreign friend to pass quickly round the group (6)

4. Just lonely perhaps when the Spanish leave (4)

5. First story turned up to produce great joy (7)

6. Meeting a kind of pear (10)

9. Notes newspaper worker has a sedative (10)

12. Eagerly seized a number of eggs perhaps (8)

14. Complainant gets the right bird first (7)

16. It’s one’s job to progress rapidly (6)

19. Young swimmer involved in wild revel (5)

20. Against having a drink in the valley (4)

PRAISE FOR HEADER HERO

LOUM: HE’S A MAN MOUNTAIN

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

GOALS from Mamadou Loum and Andy Carroll get Reading back to winning ways at home against Bristol City.

After a run of three successive defeats which saw the Royals slip out of the top six, Paul Ince’s men

ensured that they addressed their poor run of form to get back on track.

Loum rose highest from Tom Ince’s corner and headed Reading in front as he netted his first goal for the club in the 52nd minute before Carroll scored deep into second-half stoppage time.

The Royals are back up to eighth

in their table prior to Saturday’s away trip to Burnley.

Reading boss Paul Ince said: “You see when he’s (Loum) on his game he’s a man mountain. Not just the header that he just scored, but defensively how he got up and won them.

“He’s going to be a very good player

so long as he learns and listens, and does the right things and doesn’t do silly things that puts the team on the back foot.

“You’ve got to be pleased for him, he’s a lovely guy, and the players love him so let’s hope there’s plenty more to come.”

‘WE’RE IN A BATTLE WE DON’T WANT TO BE IN’

READING FC Women’s boss Kelly Chambers was left to rue her team’s first-half collapse in their defeat to West Ham.

Despite a spirited second-half fight which saw Reading claw two goals back, they fell to their fourth consecutive Women’s Super League defeat.

“In the first half we were worlds apart from where we wanted to be,” said Chambers.

“We didn’t defend any moments like we should have and found ourselves three goals behind with a lot to do.

“Obviously, I addressed what we needed to improve and showed a better performance from ourselves, but in the end it was too much.

“It’s a complete contrast on what we did well against Arsenal, and we really did not execute the game plan well enough.

“The girls showed some resilience towards the end, getting two goals, but it’s easy to say when you’re three-nil down and got nothing to lose.

“The other positive was we showed we can create, but again it was too late, and that’s happened on a few occasions already this season.

“We can perhaps consider ourselves unlucky at the end, as we had chances for the leveller, but we just weren’t clinical.”

The Royals now face a crucial clash at home on Sunday against Leicester City who have lost all five of their opening WSL games, leaving them bottom of the table joint on zero points with Reading.

Chambers continued: “We’ve now got ourselves into a battle that we really don’t want to be in.

“It’s made next Sunday’s game against Leicester even bigger than we want it to be. We have to work hard this week and be ready to go.”

SEVEN

REYNOLDS HEAPS PRAISE AS RAMS KEEP ON WINNING

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

RAMS’ director of rugby, Seb Reynolds, thanked his players and supporters alike following their stunning 29-21 National One triumph at previously unbeaten Rosslyn Park.

The hosts took an early lead via a penalty try which also saw Max Hayman sinbinned, but RAMS rallied in magnificent style with Jak Rossiter and Charlie Robson crossing the whitewash, Alex Seers with a conversion for a 12-5 half-time lead.

Man-of-the-match James McRae then raced in from 40 metres before Seers added the extras and a penalty, the league’s top pointsscorer then knocking over a conversion after settingup a Drew Humberstone touchdown.

RAMS led 29-7 with 10 minutes to play, and

while a Jake Buckingham double from close range –both converted by Monty Bradbury – gave Park hope, the visitors weren’t to be denied.

Reynolds said: “Our boys were very good.

“Rosslyn Park are a very talented side and the way they’ve started the season has been very impressive, but we focused on what we wanted to do and we did that – you have to have a solid defence, win the collisions and stop them playing into the wider channels and keep their quick wings quiet, and for large parts of the game, I thought we did that.

“Our back three was superb and the midfield defence was outstanding.”

He continued: “You can break things down, but the reasons we love the game is it’s quite simplistic – can you win the collisions?

“If you can do that and

play with a platform, you should be in the game and we did that for the most part.

“They had their moments as well and that’s why they were able to come back towards the end, but we won the collisions and with that the game.”

RAMS could not have got off to a worse start as the hosts were awarded their early score, but the DoR said: “I thought we dealt with it really well.

“It was a big call to start the game with a yellow and a penalty try, but we took it on the chin and ended the sinbin in the ascendancy, and then we just built pressure throughout the 40 minutes – probably leaving two or maybe three scores out there in the first half.

“At half-time we had to focus and say we could be in a really close game – Rosslyn Park had their moments

and it was a five-point game at that time, so it meant the first 20 minutes of the second half were going to be so important.”

He continued: “We came out, won a penalty early, put pressure on and then James in that spell was outstanding.

“The way he added tempo to our game was brilliant and his try was very nice.”

Former Exeter Chief and Cornish Pirate McRae endured an injury-plagued first campaign at the club last season, only featuring in five first-team games while he also transitioned into becoming a teacher at his Alma Mater, Eton College.

But Reynolds has no doubt of his quality, and artistic licence, adding: “He’s an outstanding rugby player and a breath of fresh air for us – he’s a great character, we love him, and he was just absolute quality.”

START

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

RAMS made it a Magnificent Seven National One victories with a consummate 29-21 bonus-point success in their top-of-the-table clash at Rosslyn Park.

Things began dreadfully for the visitors, as they were deemed to have brought down a rolling maul heading towards the line.

A penalty try was awarded and Max Hayman sent to the sin-bin.

A second swiftly followed as skipper Robbie Stapley rolled back the years with a 40-metre burst of the back of a scrum in his own 22, and when Alex Seers sent a long pass to Charlie Robson, the youngster scorched down the left before just getting over.

Seers landed an excellent kick

for 12-5, and RAMS continued to dominate with Rossiter, Robson and Axel Kalling-Smith all going close to extending the lead.

Rams pressed home their advantage early in the second period as man-of-the-match James McRae picked up from the base of a ruck and sprinted home from 40 metres for a sensational solo score. When the ball was spread wide, Drew Humberstone cut back against the grain to take a Seers pass and dive down to the right of the uprights.

Rosslyn gave themselves a further glimmer of at least claiming some bonus-points when they repeated the dose with a minute to go.

However, Rams refused to yield, forcing a knock-on and the end of another superb victory on the road.

Ollie Cole and Vince Everitt celebrate with James McRae Pictures: Tim Pitfield

Rams enjoyed victory to keep them top of the table Pictures: Tim Pitfield

Rosslyn Park v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield James McRae put in a man-of-the-match performance

McRae grabs his side’s third try of the afternoon

Jak Rossiter on his way to his ninth try in six games

Axel Kalling-Smith on the charge

RUGBY UNION

ROCKETS STRUCK DOWN BY THUNDER

By CHARLIE PARKER sport@wokingham.today

READING Rockets have fallen to an 0-2 start to the NBL season after losing 109-63 to the star filled Worthing team.

The Rockets kept it close in the first half, showing excellent fight and went into the half-time break just five down, but a monster third quarter from David Moya ballooned the Thunders lead to 29 and Worthing never looked back.

Dixon and Porter would stop the bleeding scoring Reading’s first points of the second four minutes in.

The two would combine for 20 of the Rockets 22 second quarter points, fueling a 21-12 Reading run

ABBEY FALL TO SPIRITED IRISH

By ANNETTE TOMAS sport@wokingham.today

IT was a young, spirited London Irish side who demonstrated their intent as Championship One South newcomers, by securing a bonus-point victory over an Abbey Women side.

Tries in the respective halves from Clara Reynolds and skipper Annabel Hawkins wasn’t enough to contain the visitors, who ran away with the score line in a game largely played around the halfway line.

Irish started the brighter team, but the huge defensive efforts of debutants Maggie Simpson and Issy Moyles, and Tori Kiff and Ellie Denton-

Rice thwarted their early attacks.

It was the visitors who crossed the whitewash first, with Irish’s number eight Catherine Thomas crossing from close range after a driving maul.

Abbey had not settled into the game yet, or had much ball, yet their response after the first score was positive; Alice Denton-Rice restarted with a long kick, and after a fumble from the Irish winger Ciara Potter, the home side had their first real attacking platform of the match.

Fly-half Hannah Skeels marshalled the play right, before swinging it back left, and it was Simpson who flicked on a deft pass to outside

centre Reynolds for her maiden try in Abbey colours. There were some calls from the sideline for a penalty try, as Reynolds had managed to ground the ball while being high tackled, but the decision stayed as so.

Despite some strong individual carries from props Jess Potter and Hannah Gale, and number eight Annabel Hawkins, Abbey struggled to match Irish’s attacking intensity, which culminated in the visitors’ second score just before the break from the dynamic Addis.

Irish’s strong defence repelled keen Abbey attacks, and after influential forwards Joey Fowler and Charlotte Faux being substituted for injury, and Kiff saw yellow for team infringements, Irish’s replacement forward Charlie Webb found her side’s third try.

Buoyed by the player advantage, this was closely followed by CooperHall and Devon Hallett finding their first scores of the match and securing Irish the bonus point.

Determined to match the intensity Irish had started the second half with, Abbey intensified their attack, with Alice Denton-Rice finding the corner with penalty kicks.

Abbey hammered Irish’s 22, with strong carries from Gale, Potter and Hawkins, but all efforts were in vain when Irish’s centre Hallett read Skeels’ pass to the letter, intercepting it and running from just outside her 22 to score her side’s final try.

Abbey managed to finish the game on their own terms from the restart, with Irish fumbling the catch and from the resulting scrum,

in the final six minutes of the first half to bring the deficit to just five. Worthing once again started with 13 unanswered points, which Dixon stopped with a lay up, but Worthing just kept on attacking. The Thunder outscored the Rockets in the third quarter 33-8 behind a barrage by Moya and Veron Eze.

It continued in the fourth, this time by everyone on the Thunder, out scoring the Rockets 29-12. Overall it was a monster 62 point second half for Worthing, who showed why they are the favourites this season and why they are mustwatch basketball.

They face another tough test in their next game, facing the team that knocked them out of the KitKing Trophy, the Hemel Storm.

Abbey put together some of their most intense attacking phases of the match.

A strong carry from Alice DentonRice saw her hauled down a metre from the try line and it was Abbey’s skipper Hawkins who ensured her side had the final say of the afternoon crossing the whitewash in the final play.

Despite finishing the match on a high, Abbey will rue their missed chances, but credit to London Irish who took theirs.

It was a hugely competitive fixture with solid periods of attack and defence, but now Abbey will need to work on the cohesion between the two in the week off before their Championship campaign restarts on Sunday, November 6.

Sardar Pandher of Reading Rockets in action against Worthing Thunder Pictures: Luke Simcock

STRIKE SIX, SUMAS STRUGGLING

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Southern League Premier Division

BRACKNELL TOWN smacked six past North Leigh in an empathic home victory.

Goals from Kamaron English, doubles from Joe Grant and Jordan Esprit and Darryl Sanders ensured that the Robins collected three points in style.

The win puts Bracknell into

11th place with 17 points from 11 games.

The Robins followed that up with a thumping win on Tuesday night as they struck eight past Windsor without reply in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup.

Isthmian South Central

BINFIELD dropped down to seventh after they lost out at home to Walton & Hersham.

The visitors netted once

in each half to continue their excellent form.

Combined Counties Premier North

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK are one place off the bottom after they were defeated 2-0 by Wembley.

The Sumas have seven points from their first 13 games in the league.

Wokingham then lost out on Tuesday night at home to Hilltop in a 1-0 defeat.

READING CITY picked up

a point on the road against Spelthorne Sports.

The goalless draw keeps the Cityzens in sixth position as they continued their unbeaten start to the league campaign.

FA Vase first-round

ASCOT UNITED made it through away at Newport IOW after Brendan Matthew’s strike was enough to win the game.

After the hosts were reduced to 10 players on the stroke of half-time, the Yellaman took

advantage and went in front just before the hour mark when Matthew got on the end of Kai Walters’ cross to convert.

BERKS COUNTY were eliminated after they lost out away to Chessington & Hook United.

Ellis Day netted for the Swords, but they fell to a 4-1 defeat.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were also knocked out of the cup after a 4-1 loss.

Will Kennedy netted a late consolation goal for the Boars

Thames Valley Premier League

FINCHAMPSTEAD stay in second position after they hit four past Westwood Wanderers. A brace from Joel Day and goals from Adam Mills and Dylan Parmar helped Finch to a 4-0 win.

Finch are on 17 points from eight, seven points behind league leaders YATELEY

Wokingham & Emmbrook lost out away at Wembley Pictures: Andrew Batt

Ashridge Park Royals v Woodley Saints

Tigers Pictures: Andrew Batt

as Crowborough Athletic progressed to the next round.

the

STRUGGLING FORM CONTINUES

BURGHFIELD climbed up to third in the table by scoring five away at SB Phoenix.

Doubles from Oliver Brown and Ryan Farmer and a goal from Jordan Cox saw the Fielders take three points with a 5-1 triumph.

WARGRAVE earned three points in a high scoring contest against Chalvey Sports.

The 4-3 ensured that Wargrave moved up to fifth place with 12 points from six games.

READING YMCA suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to league leaders Yateley United.

YMCA are in 10th with seven points from six matches.

TILEHURST PANTHERS stormed to a 6-1 away win against Haddenham.After Deanna Cane fired Tilehurst in front after a minute, there was a striking masterclass from Leah Why who scored five times in an exceptional display. Tilehurst are up to sixth with two wins from their opening three games.

MORTIMER took three points with a 5-2 away win at WARGRAVE. A brace from Beth Millican and goals from Courtney Hughes-Boyne, Rebecca Walker and Louise Delaney gave Mortimer their second win of the campaign.

WOODLEY UNITED 2-5 LANGLEY

FA Women’s Cup

ASCOT UNITED cruised through with an impressive victory over AFC Acorns.

After Hayley Cruickshank opened the scoring to give Ascot a 1-0 half-time lead, the hosts struck four more times in the second-

half with strikes from Hannah Bennett, Nicole Brown, Dominique Carrington and Georgia Luckhurst McCord.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were knocked out after a penalty shootout defeat to AFC Stoneham.

After a 1-1 draw, the Boars lost 3-2 in the shootout.

WOODLEY’S UNBEATEN HOME RUN ENDED BY LEAGUE LEADERS

By MARK ROZZIER sport@wokingham.today

A skilful game of football resulted in visitors Langley taking the points that took them to the top of the league table as they extended their league unbeaten run to nine matches.

The first chance of the game fell to Langley which United’s debutant keeper Jonathan O’Sullivan did well to save one handed before the ball was cleared to safety.

The 23rd minute saw a Woodley defender caught in possession

that resulted in Langley breaking down their right wing and a low cross being turned into his own net by Tahir Carmichael to open the scoring.

However, it was from a free kick that the game’s second goal came with Alexandru Bolovan’s going over the Woodley wall and inside O’Sullivan’s right post in the 34th minute.

United made two changes at the break and started positively with substitute Kaylum Barlow immediately in the action showing good skill only for the ball to get

caught under his feet when well place to have a shot.

This proved fatal as the ball was cleared into the Woodley half from which Jaiden CelestineCharles increased the visitors’ lead four minutes into the second half.

Cowler parried a shot that fell to Barlow only for the Woodley player to shot over the crossbar but the Woodley pressure paid off in the 65th minute when Reuel Griffith prodded home from close range after Cowler parried another shot.

The game finished with a flurry of goals. Flavio Gyawu-Kyem restored the three goal advantage on 83 minutes, to be followed by Woodley sub Abdul Afolabi scoring from close range three minutes later which in turn was followed by good skill by Gyawu-Kyem to score his second and the visitors’ fifth with three minutes of normal time remaining.

Woodley United: O’Sullivan, Davies, DeSousa, Chigona (J Downes), Barrocas (Williams), Carmichael, Thomas (Barlow), Brandao, R Griffith (Afolabi), Suckling, Gbla (Caralon)

Howard Webb to return to Premier League

HOWARD

Webb is to return to the Premier League as Chief Refereeing Officer in December when he takes over from Mike Riley. Why in Mid-season?

Howard had to fulfil his contract in the United States, where he has been in charge of referees in the MLS, and their season does not coincide with our own.

After retiring from active refereeing, Howard went to America and conducted the trials of VAR held in the North American MLS League.

There is no doubt he was successful, introducing it as it was intended.

He had no offside lines drawn and I remember him talking in Canada as there are Canadian teams in the MLS, saying that if you have to look at the key video angle more than twice, it can’t be clear and obvious.

When that task was completed, it coincided with Peter Walton, another ex-Premier League referee, retiring from his position in charge of referees in the MLS.

Howard was no doubt the obvious choice to take his place, which was perhaps a form of apprenticeship for the PGMO position.

The first PGMO Referees manager was replaced after tampering with the Laws of the Game.

His place was taken by Keith Hackett who introduced a great number of innovations.

He employed two fitness coaches, with programmes for training at home with heart monitors to prove the referees had carried out the training.

He also added a sprint coach, because referees often have to sprint from a standing position.

At least equally important is having the right angle when viewing incidents. Keith introduced PROZONE, which not only showed how much and how fast the referees ran, but it was also stopped to show their viewing angle of incidents.

All this was shown and discussed at their fortnightly meetings.

He also commissioned a booklet of nutrition for referees, showing what and when to eat for maximum fitness as well as employing a sight scientist.

Much of this was swept aside when Mike Rily took over the position, and he also made the mistake of allowing his referees to ignore the monitor when VAR was introduced, for which he was rebuked by FIFA.

He also decided offside would be judged by the nearest toe which in the first year disallowed 20 goals that should have stood.

It will be interesting to find Howard’s views and actions on his return.

Howard’s wife, the former leading German woman referee, Bibiana Steinhaus, will I’m sure be pleased to see him return to England, where she is in charge of women referees in the Women’s Super League.

I wonder what they will talk about over supper.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

How they rated

Joe Lumley

some of his punches could have had more conviction.

LOUM AND CARROLL NET

Another diligent performance at right wing-back. Was not able to venture forward as much, offered Mbengue sufficient protection.

Amadou Mbengue

A committed display on his first home start. Made a crucial last-ditch intervention to deny Weimann midway through the second 45.

Tom Holmes

Did well to nullify the early threat from Wells and Semenyo. Was not afraid to put a foot in after Bristol made changes up top.

Tom McIntyre

Stood up to the challenge offered by the Robins front-line, particularly enjoying the physical battle with Weimann in the second half.

Not the most confident of displays. A lack of awareness saw him concede a free-kick in a dangerous area, picking up a yellow.

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

GOALS from Mamadou Loum and Andy Carroll ended a run of three straight defeats as Reading won 2-0 against Bristol City on Saturday afternoon.

Loum’s bullet header put the Royals ahead after 52 minutes before Carroll secured the three points late into added timeat the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Paul Ince made two changes from the side which succumbed to Swansea City on Tuesday night with Baba Rahman and Lucas Joao coming into the starting eleven.

Tyrese Fornah dropped to the bench with Andy Yiadom suspended for receiving five yellow cards throughout the campaign, meaning Tom Holmes captained the side.

Got the assist for Loum’s goal and should have put the game to bed sooner when presented with a oneon-one but fired straight at O’Leary.

Rose highest to put the Royals ahead. Broke up the play well, but lost possession a few times in dangerous areas.

Jeff Hendrick

Junior Hoilett Baba Rahman Lucas Joao

Meanwhile, Nigel Pearson’s team was unchanged following their 2-0 midweek victory away to West Bromwich Albion.

In the opening minutes, Tom Ince collected a loose pass and advanced down the right and his eventual cross was glanced wide by the head of Yakou Meite.

The Royals continued their bright start with dangerous deliveries from Junior Hoilett and Ince which were eventually cleared.

With 20 minutes played, Reading had their first shot on target.

Match stats

A game of two halves, who backed up a forgettable opening 45 with a far more positive second half, creating multiple chances.

Was given minimal service throughout, but worked hard to create openings. Replaced by Long in the 68th minute.

Tom Ince Yakou Meite

Had a great opportunity to get on the scoresheet early, but could not direct his header goalwards. Dominant in the air otherwise.

Put in the hard yards after replacing Joao and was rewarded with a well-deserved assist for Carroll’s stoppage time goal.

Meite flicked on an Amadou Mbengue throw for Jeff Hendrick to volley from 18-yards, but his effort was easily collected by Max O’Leary.

The visitors had their first halfchance of the game three minutes

SUBS: Bentley, Pring, Tanner, King, Weimann, Conway, Martin

GOALS: Loum (52), Carroll (90+4)

Straight after the interval, Meite found a yard of space and drilled a shot just wide of the post from 25-yards.

After 52 minutes Reading took the lead through their eighth corner of the game.

Ince whipped in the cross and Loum rose at the near-post and directed a bullet header beyond O’Leary for his first Royals goal.

Bristol City reacted with a triple substitution with Tommy Conway, Andreas Weimann and former Reading loanee, Chris Martin entering the fray.

The changes had an immediate impact with all three combining to provide Weimann an opening which he sliced wide of Joe Lumley’s goal.

Reading should have doubled their lead on 66 minutes with an overload on the counter-attack.

Joao cut in from the left but

over Robins

By JI-MIN LEE sport@wokingham.today

READING FC manager Paul Ince was full of praise for his players, after they claimed a 2-0 victory over Bristol City on Saturday afternoon.

Having lost their three most recent games, the Royals got back to winning ways through goals from Mamadou Loum and Andy Carroll.

Of the result, Ince said: “We should have had three or four chances where we put the game to bed.

“I don’t always want to be like that but it’s where we are.

“I’m not interested in whether it’s scrappy, great, Barcelona or

Manchester City – it was three points which were thoroughly deserved.”

Loum broke the deadlock soon after the restart, rising highest to nod home a Tom Ince corner.

The goal was the midfielder’s first goal since arriving in Reading after his loan move from Porto.

Ince said: “You see when he’s on his game he’s a man mountain. Not just the header that he just scored, but defensively how he got up and won them.

“He’s going to be a very good player so long as he learns and listens, and does the right things and doesn’t do silly things that puts the team on the back foot.

“You’ve got to be pleased for him, he’s a lovely guy, and the players

love him so let’s hope there’s plenty more to come.”

The Reading manager also singled out Jeff Hendrick as ‘the best player on the park’, lauding the midfielder’s consistency.

He explained: “You’re talking about top players that know the game.

“They’re cut, they’ve played at the highest level and we’re lucky to have them.

“Jeff was outstanding, best player on the park by a mile. I’ve asked him to be more influential in

games. With Jeff you will always get a six or a seven, but he’s got much more than that. He’s a Premier League player and what we showed today was Premier League level.”

The schedule will see the Royals play three games in six days, with their fixture against Preston taking place on Friday, November 4.

Ince said: “Again, I’m going to whinge and moan, but after Burnley we go Luton and then Preston. That’s three games in six days again, I don’t see any of the other teams doing that.”

Carroll scores in stoppage time

Carroll cheers his goals

Loum celebrates with Tom Ince

Reading celebrate after going in front Andy Carroll and Mamadom Loum

Mamadou

before the break when Antoine Semenyo fired high and wide from a tight angle.

READING: Lumley, Mbengue, Holmes ©, McIntyre, Baba Rahman, Hoilett, Loum, Hendrick, Ince, Meite, Lucas Joao

SUBS: Bouzanis, Abbey, GuinnessWalker, Fornah, Ejaria, Long, Carroll

BRISTOL CITY: O’Leary, Vyner, Klose, Atkinson, Sykes, James, Williams, Dasilva, Scott, Wells, Semenyo

TO END WINLESS RUN

couldn’t get his shot away and was eventually crowded out by the Robins’ defence.

This was the last action of the game for the Angolan who was replaced by Shane Long.

The visitors made a further two changes with Tommy Pring and Andy King entering the game as they continued to search for an equaliser.

With less than five minutes remaining Reading had a golden chance to double their lead.

Hendrick collected the ball on the edge of the box and squared it to Ince but his shot was saved by the legs of O’Leary.

Four minutes into six of added time, the Royals secured all three points.

Long outpaced Timm Klose down the left before unselfishly feeding the ball to fellow substitute Carroll, who fired home from six-yards.

ROYALS FACE TOUGH TRIP AGAINST HIGH SCORING CLARETS

READING FC are back on the road this weekend when they face a tough away test at Burnley.

The Royals stopped a run of five Championship games without a win when they got the better of Bristol City with goals from Mamadou Loum and Andy Carroll.

The win put Reading into eighth place, while they face Burnley who are currently third in the table.

The Clarets have enjoyed a strong start to the season and are in the hunt to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking after being relegated last season.

Under new manager Vincent Kompany who was appointed in the summer, Burnley have lost just one league game all season.

That defeat came in the third league game of the season when they lost out 1-0 away at Watford.

Burnley have proved a tough side to break down and currently boast the second best defensive record in the league having only conceded 15 times in 16 games.

They have also been clinical at the other end of the pitch and are now the division’s highest scorers with 29 goals.

With seven wins and eight draws to their name, their unbeaten run now stretches to 13 games.

Burnley ensured they maintained their unbeaten run on Saturday with a successful away trip at Sunderland.

Despite finding themselves two goals down in the first-half after strikes from Amad Diallo and Dan Neil, the Clarets turned their fortunes around in the second-half.

They hit back with an excellent second-half display to take all three points with goals from Nathan Tella, Manuel Benson, Anass

Zaroury and Josh Brownhill to take a 4-2 win.

Jay Rodriguez currently leads the way in the Burnley team and is sixth top scorer in the league with seven goals from 14 games.

Nathan Tella, who is on loan from Southampton, is just behind with six goals and Josh Brownhill has nine goal contributions this season (five goals, four assists).

The Royals were triumphant on their last trip to Turf Moor in September 2015, when goals from Nick Blackman and Lucas Piazon guided Steve Clarke’s team to three points against Sean Dyche’s side.

WOMEN MADE TO PAY FOR SLOW START

READING FC WOMEN remain without a point in the Women’s Super League after suffering a fourth consecutive defeat.

Despite a valiant second-half fightback from the Royals, it was too little too late after West Ham had already raced into a three goal lead at the break.

Kelly Chambers’ team are one place off the bottom, above Leicester City on goal difference.

The Hammers burst into an early advantage when Dagny Brynjarsdottir leaped high to beat the Royal defence to an aerial ball and nodded the ball past Jacquie Burns via the inside of the post.

Viviane Asseyi netted a quickfire double to put West Ham in a commanding position in the match.

The Royals failed to clear their lines on a few occasions as the ball dropped for Asseyi in the box and at the third time of asking, she dispatched the ball into the net.

West Ham could have made it 3-0 shortly after doubling their advantage only to be denied by the woodwork when Kirsty Smith struck the crossbar.

Reading were rocked and received a further setback just seven minutes later which left them trailing by three goals when the ball was slid through to Asseyi and she applied the finishing touch by slotting the ball under the goalkeeper with a clinical finish.

The game could have been truly put to bed in the second-half when Kyvag narrowly missed the target fired a fierce shot over the top.

Reading finally clicked into gear and grabbed a route back into the match when Charlie Wellings arrowed the ball into the far corner with a superb finish to net her second league goal of the campaign.

In the 82nd minute, Reading had the chance to reduce the deficit further when Rachel Rowe was twice fouled and the referee pointed to the penalty spot following a trip from behind.

Sanne Troeslgaard stepped up to the spot and did just enough to tuck the ball past Sophie Hillyerd, despite the keeper getting a glove to her effort.

But Reading were unable to pull off an unlikely comeback as they were again made to pay for a slow start to the match.

Reading are back on home soil on Sunday when they host Leicester in a clash between the two sides currently fighting it out at the bottom of the table.

West Ham: Arnold, Shimizu, Fisk, Longhurst, Smith, Brynjarsdottir, Filis, Hayashi, Evans, Asseyi, Kyvag

Subs: Stringer, Walker, Atkinson, Hillyerd, Houssein, Flannery Reading: Burns, Cooper, Evans, Mukandi, Eikeland, Primmer, Vanhaevermaet, Woodham, Wellings, Rowe, Dowie

Subs: Bryson, Wade,

Jane, Poulter, Meadows-Tuson, Troelsgaard

Goals: Brynjarsdottir

(pen)

Asseyi

Wellings

Troelsgaard

earned Reading three points

Pictures: Steve Smyth and Luke Adams

Tom McIntyre fights for the ball

Meite rises Mamadou Loum celebrates his goal

Lumley kept a clean sheet

Baba Rahman fires in a cross

Andy Carroll nets his first goal at the Select Car Leasing Stadium

Loum climbs high to head Reading in front

By LUCY SHEEHAN sport@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM racing driver Bobby Trundley has secured a second place finish in one of the most hotly contest endurance racing championships in Europe.

Bobby drives for Team BRIT –the world’s only competitive all-disabled racing team, and on Sunday, alongside his teammate Aaron Morgan, he competed in the ninth and final round of the British GT Championship, held at Donington Park.

Twenty two-year-old Bobby, who is autistic, and Aaron, who is a paraplegic, race the team’s Mclaren 570S GT4 in the Pro-Am category and qualified P2 in class.

During the race they faced some technical challenges meaning they finished fourth, but their impressive points tally meant they finished second overall in the Pro-Am championship.

They have also made history this year by being the first ever all-disabled team to compete in the championship.

Bobby was diagnosed with severe autism as a child and went on to become a five-time national karting champion before joining Team BRIT in 2019.

The team’s long-term goal is to become the first ever all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 hour, and it supports people

with physical and psychological challenges in accessing motorsport.

The team’s other six drivers are competing in the Britcar Trophy Championship and British Endurance Championship.

Bobby said: ““A championship

2nd place is a phenomenal achievement for us. Adding this to the p1 in class and p3 overall that we delivered at Spa, shows that we have more than proven ourselves as a team.

“It’s such an hour to be part of

the British GT grid. It’s been such a brilliant experience, the whole team has worked so hard to get us here and I can’t them enough. Thank you also to my personal sponsors and to that of the whole team, we’re forever grateful.”

MIDTABLE FORM ROYALS HOST BOTTOM OF THE TABLE FOXES

By STEPHEN BOND sport@wokingham.today

THE Woodley Pensioners

Walking Football Club’s over 60s first team were on the road again as they returned to Bisham Abbey on Sunday for the second round of matches in the autumn season.

Following a mediocre start last month the team needed to step up a gear if they were progress up the league table. This time out the players rose to the challenge with goals driven home by Webster, Lamb and Harvey, alongside a brace from O’Neill.

WHEELCHAIR

Backed up by a sturdy defence, Woodley achieved wins over Bracknell Town and Oxford United, a draw against Hurst and their only defeat to Slough was decided by a solitary goal.

This felt like a successful day out and these results have enabled the team to establish a firm mid-table position in Division Two.

The players can now look forward with optimism to their next excursion to Bisham.

Just a few days earlier the club sent two teams to Bisham for a series of midweek

matches in the over 65s category.

With seven points from their four matches, the first team improved on their previous record and climbed to second place in Division One.

Although the B team were able to secure just one win in the second tier, their matches this season have been closely contested with all eight games decided by a single goal.

Whether they can clamber up the league table remains to be seen but, whatever happens, the club can be proud that it is able to field two midweek teams at this level.

MIXED RESULTS FOR THAMES VALLEY KINGS

TWO of the Three Thames Valley Kings national league teams were on the road this past weekend in British Wheelchair Basketball National League in action against the Aces.

Kings 3s fought back from a seven-point half-time deficit against Aces II in the Division

Three South clash to take the win by a single point, 36-35. Sean Cullen was the game’s top scorer for the Kings with 16 points.

In the Division Two South, the Kings struggled to break the full-court press that the Aces applied as the Aces shot ahead with a commanding

lead, although Kings performed excellently in the final quarter, the damage had already been done. The Aces picked up the win 57-29.

Kings Juniors return to action in the first round of Junior League on Saturday against London Titans and Aces Juniors.

RESULTS

Saturday, October 22

FOOTBALL Championship

Reading 2-0 Bristol City

Isthmian South Central Binfield 0-2 Walton & Hersham

Southern League Premier Division

Bracknell Town 6-0 North Leigh

Combined Counties Premier North Spelthorne Sports 0-0 Reading City

Wembley 2-0 Sumas

Combined Counties Division One Westside 2-0 Sandhurst Town Woodley United 2-5 Langley

FA Vase first-round Chessington & Hook 4-1 Berks County

Crowborough Athletic 4-1 Eversley & California Newport 0-1 Ascot United

Thames Valley Premier League

Finchampstead 4-0 Westwood Wanderers Reading YMCA 0-1 Yateley United

SB Phoenix 1-5 Burghfield Wargrave 4-3 Chalvey Sports

RUGBY UNION

National League One Rosslyn Park 21-29 Rams

South West Regional 2 Devizes 29-25 Reading

London & SE South Central London Welsh 45-15 Bracknell

HOCKEY

Men’s National Premier Reading 0-1 Wimbledon

Women’s National Premier Reading 4-1 Uni of Birmingham

FIXTURES Saturday, October 29

FOOTBALL Championship Burnley v Reading

FA Trophy first-round Tavistock v Binfield Bracknell Town v North Leigh

Combined Counties Premier North

Ascot United v Holyport Harefield United v Reading City

Sumas v London Lions

Combined Counties Division One

AFC Aldermaston v Sandhurst Town

Langley v Berks County Woodley United v Eversley & California

Thames Valley Premier League

Burghfield v Chalvey Sports Maidenhead Town v Wargrave Reading YMCA v Reading City U23’s

RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Birmingham Moseley

Regional 1 South Central Bracknell v Royal Wootton Bassett

South West Regional 2 South Central Reading v Grove

Sunday, October 30

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading v Leicester City

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division

Ascot United v Bournemouth Sports

Southern Region Women’s Division One

READING FC WOMEN face a crucial bottom of the table clash against Leicester City on Sunday.

Both teams are currently without a point in the Women’s Super League with Reading ahead of the Foxes on goal difference.

Reading have lost their opening four matches in the league in what has seen Kelly Chambers’ team struggle to settle in the firsthalf.

Leicester have played one more game than Reading and have struggled at both ends of the pitch.

They have netted just once and have conceded 10 times.

It was a narrow defeat for Leicester on Sunday when they fell to Nikita Parris’ goal for Manchester United.

The Foxes opened their WSL season with a 2-1 loss to Tottenham and that has been followed by defeats against Aston Villa, Everton and Manchester City.

Leicester have won one game this season which came in the FA WSL Cup.

They got the better of Blackburn Rovers with goals from Mackenzie Smith, Connie Scofield and Aileen Whelan to help them to a 3-0 victory.

Leicester narrowly avoided relegation last season when they finished in 11th place, just two points above Birmingham City who dropped down to the Championship.

BASKETBALL

Worthing Thunder v Reading Rockets

Sunday, October 23

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League West Ham 3-2 Reading

FA Women’s Cup

Ascot United 5-0 AFC Acorns AFC Stoneham 1-1 (3-2 pens) Eversley & California

Southern Region Women’s Division One North Milton United 2-2 Caversham United Woodley United P-P Kidlington Youth

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Haddenham 1-6 Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave 2-5 Mortimer

Hampshire County Cup Eversley & California Reserves 3-4 (3-1 pens) Winchester City Reserves

Caversham United v Kidlington Youth

Long Crendon v Woodley United Penn & Tylers Green v Eversley & California

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Oxford Athletic v Wargrave Tilehurst Panthers v Banbury United

Cup

Beaconsfield Town v Burghfield S4K Berks County v Tower Hill Eversley & California Reserves v Wargrave Development Shinfield Rangers v Headington

BASKETBALL Reading Rockets v Hemel Storm

Tuesday, November 1 FOOTBALL Championship Luton Town v Reading

Bobby Trundley alongside his team mate Aaron Morgan