The Wokingham Paper, August 27, 2020

COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Woodcray: residents celebrate appeal win EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WAREEN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

VICTORY has been declared by Wokingham residents, after an appeal to build 217 homes on Woodcray Meadows was rejected by the planning inspectorate.

It was the second application by property developer Galdmans to build on countryside off Finchampstead Road.

Members of the Save Woodcray Countryside Campaign (SWC) Group said it has been a three-and-a-half year battle between the council and residents against Gladmans.

Campaigners previously protested the development by tying yellow ribbons to trees, gates and fences along the road.

Councillors across Evendons and Wescott wards openly opposed the plans, including then council leader Julian McGhee-Sumner.

Clarissa Flynn from SWC Group said: “This is a fantastic result and a huge relief to everyone who has helped in our campaign.

“We would like to thank all the residents who wrote to object to these plans and to the councillors who supported our battle against Gladmans.

“We would also like to thank Mark Mark Croucher, his team at Wokingham Borough Council and our barrister, Sasha White QC, who put forward such a compelling case at the appeal.

“We hope that the green spaces at Woodcray can now be protected for future generations."

In his decision, planning inspector Jonathan Manning said: "Overall, the level of harm that would result from the scheme is very substantial."

Reasons for the refusal included lack of local amenities, loss of protected oak trees on Finchampstead Road, traffic congestion and limited bus services.

The first application rejected was for 250 homes.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Thursday, August 27, 2020 No. 276

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BIKERS’ RIDE -BY FOR LEWIE P2 CITIZENS ADVICE REVEAL FREE HELP PHONES P15

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HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by emailing us Email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Editor • Phil Creighton Reporter • Jess Warren Sports reporter • Andy Preston

From the editor Welcome to another packed edition of Wokingham.Today. As we have been doing since the lockdown started, the paper is running a reduced service.

We thank you for your understanding during this time, particularly our advertisers who are sticking with us. We are grateful for your support.

Although more businesses are now open, we are aware that it is not always easy to buy a copy of Wokingham.Today from your supermarket, newsagent or petrol station.

One of the ways we are helping is by offering a free digital version of the paper, which will be available on Friday evenings.

And our website is updated seven days a week, visit Wokingham.Today for the latest news.

At times like this, it is important that the community has a local voice and we are proud to be yours.

The best way for you to support us is to buy a copy each week.

Please note, our offices remain closed to the public – in the first instance, contact us by email.

Thank you for your support.

THE Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: pcreighton@wokinghampaper.co.uk, or telephone: 0118 327 2662. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

Cricket club tractor stolen and driven through Woodley HURST Cricket Club is appealing for help after its tractor was stolen last week, writes Charlotte King.

According to the organisation, this has become the latest theft in a series of similar incidents.

Thieves were allegedly able to access the Kubato tractor by removing the gates at the entrance to the grounds.

Nigel Hawkes, vice chairman and first team captain, said the club feels like they’re constantly targeted.

“We’re upset, because we do a lot in the village and we feel like we’re a constant target,” he said.

“A lot of the kids in the village come and use our facilities, and a lot of parents are members of the club.

“We don’t have any huge sponsors, and there just isn’t the money to deal with this,” he added.

According to Mr Hawkes, the tractor was stolen at approximately 9.30pm, and was then spotted being driven through the centre of Woodley.

Two cars were allegedly convoying the stolen vehicle.

The club used the tractor to tow

equipment around the outfield, and have been lent a replacement vehicle by a K. Smith Field Services.

“It was very old,” Mr Hawkes added. He estimated the vehicle to be around 40-years-old and worth £1,500.

Hurst Cricket Club has now set up a GoFundMe page to try and raise money to buy a new tractor — so far, £500 has been donated.

“We don’t have the funds,” he said. “Because of Covid-19, the club is very, very short of money.

“And if we have to go down the route of buying a new, secure gate, that’s going to cost maybe £6,000 too.

“Covid-19 dealt a big blow to all cricket clubs, and we’ve gone from turning over £35,000 a year to nothing.”

This is the fourth incident Hurst Cricket Club has suffered in recent years.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact Thames Valley Police and quote reference 43200258572. � To donate to the club’s fundraiser, visit: gf.me/u/ys2wpf

Bikers’ ride of support for three-year-old with leukaemia EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk A THREE-YEAR-OLD with leukaemia was treated to a surprise visit from hundreds of motorbikes on Sunday.

Lewie, who was diagnosed with cancer during lockdown, has a serious love for bikes, said his uncle David Harman.

“He’s been interested in bikes ever since knowing what they were,” said Mr Harman.

“His Dad has a bike, as do I — Lewie, his older brother and younger sister love them, they’re not too fussy over which kind.”

The surprise event saw hundreds of bikes, from Harley-Davidsons to scooters zip across Wokingham and drive past Lewie’s front door, revving their engines in the process.

“It all started because I bought a Harley before lockdown, but wasn’t allowed to drive it anywhere,” explained Mr Harman.

“I was planning on taking my bike over and showing the kids, but my wife suggested creating an event.

“There was so much interest, the

event itself was shared more than 100 times.

“There was a group of bikers that came down from Cheltenham, a mods club and Harely Davidson was sharing the event — it just snowballed.”

On Sunday morning, bikers arrived at St Crispin’s School and drove the six-mile route through Barrett Close, Norreys Avenue — where Lewie stood with his family waving flags — and then back through the town centre, past Wokingham Tesco before congregating at Pinewood Cafe and Bar for a cup of tea.

“It’s not quite as big as the toy run, but it shows bikers come together for good causes,” added Mr Harman.

“Good old Wokingham.”

During the last few months, Lewie has been receiving chemotherapy at John Radcliffe Hospital.

“It started with a rash and some bruises,” explained Mr Harman.

“The doctor did a blood test and it came back as leukaemia. It was heartbreaking.

“He’s had an intensive course of chemo, and another round planned soon. Hopefully he’ll be in remission

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Thursday, August 27, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 3

Residents invited to join Black Lives Matter protest

David Harman organised the event for his nephew, Lewie in a spur of the moment decision

THIS SATURDAY, residents across the borough are invited to join a peaceful protest in Wokingham town centre.

The Black Lives Matter event has been organised by Bracknell Against Racism, with approval of Wokingham Town Council.

Organiser Luzaan Shaw said: “At the protest there will be speakers covering topics including racism in education, politics, healthcare, the workplace and others.

“By not only taking a stand against the racism in the area but also educating about certain issues Black people are facing in society, Bracknell Against Racism aims to improve local awareness and begin an ongoing conversation about racism in Berkshire.

“Currently, there is a lack of awareness on such issues especially racist ignorance being very prevalent in the community as well as on social media. When reported, these issues have not been dealt with adequately and the Wokingham council survey on racism lacked depth.”

They added: “By saying black lives matter we are not saying other races do not matter, we are saying that currently black lives don’t matter, and we must fight for black lives in order to achieve equality.

“Some examples of incidents in the local area include use of racial slurs which were reported and not dealt with adequately and spray-painting racial slurs and ‘go home’ onto a Black person’s garage and car.”

Bracknell Against Racism said it wants to encourage the borough council and police to better respond to racism and try to prevent racist abuse.

The event will start at 3pm in Elms Field.

Familes and children are welcome.

Attendees are advised to observe social distancing and bring plenty of water.

They should also wear weather appropriate clothing, a face mask and bring hand sanitiser — if possible.

For the latest news visit

(Above) Lewie in his blue T-shirt waves a flag with his family, watching 265 bikers drive past his house Pictures: Phil Creighton

For advice and assistance on Family Law matters including: • Divorce and separa�on

• Property/financial settlements

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Contact our Family Law team today for a free 1 hour consulta�on

by October.”

He added: “But he’s still such a happy little boy, he’s laughed and smiled his way through it.”

Mr Harman also organised a fundraiser for Lewie, selling £10

T-shirts created by BrandMeUp, off Eastheath Avenue in Wokingham.

The profits from each T-shirt sold went straight into an account for Lewie. � To buy one, visit: bit.ly/DriveByLewie

Evolu�on House, 53-59 Peach Street, Wokingham, RG40 1XP Tel: 0118 978 1017 Email: Michele.Jenno@star-legal.co.uk

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GCSES2020

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 27, 2020

Special four-page report compiled by JESS WARREN and PHIL CREIGHTON

Success under extremely difficult circumstances for the class of 2020 STUDENTS across the borough were celebrating last Thursday after opening their GCSE results.

With a week of uncertainty behind them, students had greater clarity over the grading system being used.

They have been given their centre assessed grades (CAG), carefully calculated by their teachers, and based on their previous and expected performance.

Unlike A-level students before them, the grades will not be altered by a Government algorithm.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “The way the borough’s young people have handled this situation is a credit to them and the schools who have nurtured them over the last five years.

“I’d like to congratulate all of our students and schools for the results they have received.

“The changes announced last week mean GCSE students can choose to take results assessed by those who know them and their abilities best – their teachers.

“Though the lack of exams this summer means they have missed a chance to prove themselves this time, I’m sure they will go onto great things whatever they decide to do next.

“I’d encourage anyone who wants to reach out for help, particularly if they did not get the results they’d hoped for, to contact our Elevate Me team to look at the best options available.”

Abbey School THREE-QUARTERS of GCSE grades achieved by Abbey School pupils were 98 – equivalent to an A*.

Students from both years 10 and 11 at the Reading-based school received their results, as well as the congratulations of the school’s staff.

Headteacher Will le Fleming said that the teenagers results were a testament to the effort and application that they had put in.

“The warmest congratulations to our committed and hardworking Upper and Lower V (Year 11 and Year 10) cohorts for attaining an excellent set of GCSE results,” he said in a statement.

“Following the government’s change of direction these grades are the higher of those generated by teacher assessment and those suggested by the standardised model and are therefore grades in which all can have confidence.”

And Mr le Fleming is now looking ahead to the new academic year, welcoming back many of the GCSE students for sixth form.

Parents join in celebrations at Holme Grange School

Bracknell & Wokingham College ALMOST 95% of students at Bracknell and Wokingham College taking full-time GCSE programmes or standalone maths and English GCSEs achieved a pass.

Joseph Bonney, a 19-year-old student from Wokingham (pictured inset), decided to study his GCSEs at the college, while working part-time as a carer, after moving to the UK from Ghana.

He said he is thrilled with his grade 8

in sociology, grade 7 in biology and citizenship studies, 6 in maths and 5 in English.

He said: “I’m very happy with my results. Studying in the UK has been a new and different environment for me I want to say a massive thank you to my teachers as if it wasn’t for them, I don’t think that I would have made it this year.”

He will now study A-levels in accountancy, business, maths and law at the college, with the aim of becoming an accountant or a financial solicitor.

Sally Dicketts CBE, chief executive of Activate Learning, who run Bracknell and Wokingham College, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone who is picking up the results they need tin their GCSEs.”

� Finley – nine grade 9s and a grade 8. � Eva – eight grade 9s, a grade 8 and a grade 6. � Ella – seven grade 9s and grade 8s for all her other subjects. � Stanley – six grade 9s. � Scarlett – five grade 9s. � Oliver – five grade 9s. � Sai Prashansaa – four grade 9s. � Amy – three grade 9s. � Iris – three grade 9s � Ellie, Liviya, Siraj, Max, Esme and Davide — at least four grade 8s or above.

Ms Woodfin said: “Huge congratulations to our year 11, we are so proud of you.

“We are thrilled with your results and I would like to thank all the students, staff and parents for their hard work and support in gaining these results.

“The level of collaboration and determination shown over the past five months is a real reflection of our community. Well done all.”

Bulmershe School

Edgbarrow School

BULMERSHE staff said they are thrilled with the results that its GCSE pupils have received this year.

And the collaboration that the students have shown over the past five months reflects well on the school community.

Headteacher Amanda Woodfin said that while the Woodley school is proud of all of its pupils, some had some exceptional results.

These included:

HARD-WORKING students at a Crowthorne school are now busy making plans for sixth form.

Edgbarrow School said that it wanted to congratulate its cohort for their efforts despite the disruption caused by the coronavirus lockdown since March.

In a statement, the school said: “Congratulations to all our Year 11 students. This is a fantastic set of results for a fantastic year group.

Gregor, Rebecca and Olivier collecting their GCSE results at Bulmershe School

Thursday, August 27, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Edgbarrow students gathered in the school field with their grades

“The students have worked so hard over the last two years and have had the most difficult, unprecedented end to their time at school – they couldn’t be more deserving of their achievements.”

The Grant Road school is looking ahead to next month, when it reopens fully for the first time in six months.

“We look forward to seeing lots of them in our biggest ever sixth form intake,” the statement continued.

Emmbrook School THE MAJORITY of year 11 students at Emmbrook will be returning in September for sixth form, meaning that the school will see its biggest Year 12 for at least five years.

And following changes from Ofqual, the students are receiving GCSE results as determined by the teachers.

This, the school says, means that the Year 11 students have received fair recognition of their achievements.

Head Nick McSweeney said: "We are very fond of this cohort and as a result of the hard work of students and staff, they were shaping up to produce excellent academic results before the impact of the lockdown."

This year’s top performing student is Elena Arizabalo Peralta, who secured 10 GCSEs at grade 9, a grade 8 in Additional Maths and an A grade for her extended project qualification.

And the school said that it enjoyed success at grades 8 and 9, with outstanding GCSE performances by Lucy Clarke, Patrick Collins, Paddy Coyne, James De Villiers, Alexandra Harvard, Layla-Mae Martin, Jay Panesar, Mary Pratt and Daniel Robson.

Elena Arizabalo Peralta was one of the top performers at The Emmbrook

Among those collecting their grades was Matt Keaney, who was pleased with his results.

“Overall, it was quite good, and I can't complain,” he said.

“I’m a bit annoyed about the fact that I’ve not been able to show what I can actually do (by sitting exams). At the end of the day, there’s not very much I can do about that.”

This is not stopping his plans for September.

“I’m staying on to study history, economics, maths and further maths at A-level,” he said. “I find the teaching here a high quality, and thought it was probably best if I just stick with what I know.”

Forest School STAFF at The Forest School say they are proud of the determination shown by students.

Shirley Austin, headteacher said: “This year has been highly unusual, following on from the uncertainty of A-level results we are delighted that our students have clarity, well judged and accurate grades, derived from our centre assessed grades. We followed a robust procedure and ensured every grade was quality assured.

“Our results are reflective of the hard work and effort that our 2020 Year 11s put into their studies.”

Smiles from Luckley House pupils receiving their GCSEs

The school gave a special congratulations to the following students, all of whom have an average of 7 or above (A*/A) in every subject; Alexander Ayton, Kai Allsopp, Mohammed Multazim Aripin, Ethan Lac, Daniel Bauge, Michael Das, Cillian Manning, Haroon Zabair, Joshua Brooker, James Knight, Theo Phillips, James Robert, Miraj Choudhury, Felix Maidens, Alex Routledge, Niall Peter, Omar Alkateb, Christopher McAllister, Freddie Anderson, Joe Savory, Ben Hooper and Samuel Blaker.

Holt School STUDENTS at The Holt have been praised by the school’s co-heads for their hard work and being a ‘delight to teach’.

In a statement, coheadteachers Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce, said: “Congratulations to all our students for their excellent GCSE results, which were thoroughly deserved.

“The Year 11 cohort were a very hard working and high performing year group and a delight to teach throughout their two years of GCSE study.

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GCSES2020 “We would like to thank our dedicated staff and our wonderfully supportive parents for their part in these achievements.”

They added: “We wish all our students every success in their future studies and look forward to welcoming many back to The Holt sixth form for the next phase of their education.”

Holme Grange School HEADTEACHER Claire Robinson said she is delighted with students' strong academic performance this year.

She said: “Although the assessment of the final grades might be different this year, the rigour of the process at Holme Grange ensured that this year group can be just as proud of their achievements as every other year group has been.

“We have been faced with a complex set of circumstances but our staff and students have shown great resilience and determination in order to secure honest and accurate outcomes for all.”

She added: “This cohort are a shining example of all that it means to live ‘The Holme Grange Way’ — they are a credit to themselves, their parents and their community.

“Education is not all about a set of results, but having the skills to equip the person for life and act as a firm foundation on

which they can springboard.”

More than half of all grades were 9 to 7, the (A*-A) and 100% of students achieved 9-7 for all grades in the individual sciences.

Leighton Park STUDENTS returned to Leighton Park for the first time since March to collect GCSE results and catch-up.

Due to a last-minute decision by the Pearson exam board, they couldn’t collect grades for their Cambridge Assessment and BTECs. Despite this setback, many students were thrilled with their grades and looking forward to returning to school for the new academic year starting next month.

Grace Andrews was one such student, admitting that some of her results were higher than she’d expected. ““I’m very happy,” she said.

“There are some higher than I thought they would be; there are some that I think were justified.

“It’s a mixed bag but I’m very happy.”

She will now undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Also intending to study the International Baccalaureate is Tisa Maunder-Bushnell.

“The biggest surprise for me was that I got two nines for my

combined science,” she said.

Harry Penman is to study maths and physics at A-level, but his third subject changed from economics to geography following a bridging programme offered to Year 11 students during the second half of the summer term.

This gave students two taster lessons a week for each A-level and IB subject they were planning to study at sixth, and also dip into additional lessons if they wished to ensure they had made the best choice of subjects.

And Harry was a member of Leighton Park’s inaugural Engineering GCSE course, which complements the school’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) subjects.

He said: “The course combined my passion for physics with my love of problem solving and I wish I could do it all again.”

Another top scoring student, Miriam Sesay, who is going to be studying music, maths and physics at A-level collected her results with her mum, Aminata Kalokoh.

“She worked very hard.

I think she would probably have got even higher if she’d been allowed to sit the exams, but these are a decent set of results,” Aminata said.

The Andrews Family were pleased that Grace's grades secured her place on the IBDP at Leighton Park School

Luckley House ALMOST three quarters of students at Luckley House received GCSE grades of 7-9, with 10% of the pupils secured all 10 GCSEs at these grades.

This is the first of the school’s co-educational cohort, after it welcomed boys from 2015.

Outgoing headtecher Jane Tudor was delighted with the results, which she felt were excellent.

In a statement, she said: “We have so much to celebrate with this group of students, the first intake to welcome boys to Luckley.

“All our Year 11 students have worked hard over the last five years to achieve these excellent results.”

She continued: “Having faced the disruption to their exams with determination, using the time to start their A-level studies, they are very well set up for the next stage of their education.

“I am hugely proud of each of them and wish them all the very best in the future.”

Ascot will be in channelled into continuing to providing one-toone support sessions both in person and online.”

Maiden Erlegh School

LVS Ascot

MAIDEN ERLEGH students have been congratulated for their amazing perseverance this year.

Headteacher Paul Gibson said he is incredibly proud of what the “wonderful group of young adults” have achieved.

He said: “They were ready for their exams but this opportunity was sadly taken away from them by the global pandemic we are all facing.

“However, they all stood up to this and took the new challenges they faced in their stride and the results that we are seeing today reflect their hard work, determination and resilience.

“We look forward to welcoming nearly 200 of these students back into our sixth form and for those that are moving on to other colleges or apprenticeships, we wish them the very best of luck and look forward to hearing about their continued success.”

STAFF at LVS Ascot are happy with the results that its GCSE students have achieved.

Overall, more than a quarter of the results were A*, and virtually all grades were between A* and C (9-4).

This year’s A* (grades 9-8) rate at the London Road school is 26.6% – up from 17.56% last year and 7.1% in 2015.

Its A*-C (grades 9-4) rate is 97.2% this year, up from 85.67% last year and 78.9% in 2015.

The school said that despite the circumstances in which the grades were awarded, it had been expecting an increase due to a particularly strong Year 11 cohort.

School principal Christine Cunniffe said: “These are unprecedented times and despite the current situation, we are happy with the results our students have achieved.

“We appreciate there will be a number of students who will need additional support and guidance as they look at next steps for the future.

“All of our efforts here at LVS

STUDENTS at Oakbank School in Ryeish Green have been congratulated on their results by headteacher Robin Bertrand.

The delighted principal said that despite the challenges caused by the coronavirus lockdown, the grades achieved by the Year 11 pupils showcases their outstanding qualities.

“After such an unprecedented and challenging year I am extremely proud to congratulate all of the Year 11 students at Oakbank School for their GCSE results,” Mr Bertrand said.

“In my first year as head teacher of Oakbank School I have been hugely impressed by the resilience and commitment of our Year 11s.

“All of their lives and expectations have been thrown into turmoil in recent months but they have shown, throughout the lockdown, just what exceptional young people they are, and their GCSE results reflect these outstanding qualities.”

And despite the confusion

Oakbank School

caused by Ofqual’s revision to the grading system earlier this week, Mr Bertrand felt that the school’s results were calculated as fairly as possible.

“We used a rigorous and demanding moderation procedure to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the teacher assessments used as a foundation for these results,” he said.

Queen Anne’s School STUDENTS at Queen Anne’s School are celebrating with 50% of all grades at 9/8 (A*) and 75% of grades at 9-7 (A*- A).

Headmistress, Julia Harrington said: “These results celebrate the dedication and commitment of this year group.

“We are especially proud of these students who have done exceptionally well, under the strangest of circumstances and I am in no doubt that they will carry this determination and resilience into their sixth form studies and the next stage of their lives.”

Five students achieved all top grades (9/8/A*) with a further 22 students (31%) achieving all 9-7 (A*- A).

Ms Harrington added: “I am very proud of our amazing students who have worked hard throughout a particularly difficult time, to achieve a wonderful set of results.

“Special thanks must also go to our fantastic staff who have been there to support and guide our young people throughout this process and we are all looking forward to seeing what this group will go on to achieve in the future.”

Reading Blue Coat School STAFF AND pupils alike are celebrating 52% of grades awarded being an 8 or 9 at Reading Blue Coat School.

The school saw an overall pass rate of 99.9% and a 100% pass rate in English and maths.

Headmaster, Pete Thomas said: “I am delighted for the pupils. Their grades come from two years of effort and application and it is tremendous to see how this impacts the outcome.

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GCSES2020 “I have loved watching this year group throw themselves into life away from the classroom as much as time within it and I am excited to see all that their energy and talent will bring to their Sixth Form career here.”

The school, based in Sonning saw 12 of its 107 candidates achieve all 8 and 9 grades. Among those highest achievers was Oscar Mannering-Smith (pictured), who achieved 11 9s and one 8.

He said: “I am really pleased about my grades. I admit to feeling a little relieved, given the recent news. Blue Coat were great at adapting to the situation and setting up remote learning and I have felt very well supported by my tutors and my classmates.

“I am hoping to pursue an aerospace engineering degree and my A-level choices are geared towards that."

Reddam House NEARLY two-thirds of GCSE grades at Reddam House were 7-9 – the equivalent of A or A*.

It is the best set of results for the Sindleshambased school, which continued to offer lessons throughout the lockdown by switching to online systems.

The school said that this enabled the Year 11 students to complete the courses and start some advanced learning ahead of September’s sixth form resumption.

And the school was delighted to be celebrating the results, which saw 38% graded at 8/9 (A* equivalent) and 63% at grades 7-9.

Among those celebrating were Bradley, who said: “I am extremely happy with my GCSE results, I worked really hard and I am glad that this has paid off.

“I am really looking forward to starting my A-levels at Reddam. I have been doing quite a bit of work over the summer to help me hit the ground running.”

Reddam’s principal, Tammy Howard, was thrilled with the grades.

“We could not be more delighted for this wonderful set of students, they have shown great emotional resilience and a desire to do well, working hard during lockdown to ensure that they are well prepared for the A-level courses,” she said.

“The results are a fitting end to their GCSE course and will stand them in good stead for their future.”

Reading College THERE was success across the ages at Reading College in this year’s GCSE results: nearly 90% of entrants achieved a pass.

Among those was teenager Conrad CameronTueton, who is celebrating after receiving a grade 9-9 (double award) in GCSE combined science, 8 in maths, 7 in English and statistics. Conrad recently relocated to the UK after having moved from New Zealand.

The 17-year-old said: “I am relieved with my results as I was aiming for a 7 or above in English and 9s in all of my sciences. “ Conrad wilL go to Farnborough Sixth Form College to study A-levels in chemistry, physics and maths and is aiming high: he would like to go to Oxford or Cambridge to study physics and business with the aim of starting his own rocket engineering and development company.

Mature students included 36-year-old Joanna Chennell, who is studying an Access to HE in Nursing and Midwifery (online) course and has also been a part-time GCSE student. She achieved a grade 8 in English.

“I’m really pleased with my results,” she said.

“I worked really hard and attended all of my classes. It has shown me that I am able to do anything that I put my mind to.”

Reading School MORE THAN half of GCSE results at Reading School were the top grade of 9.

And almost four in five grades were 9-8 – the equivalent of A* in the old marking system.

All pupils at the school gained five grades 9-5 including English and maths.

The good results kept coming: more than 99% of the candidates who entered received the English Baccalaureate.

The school said that the results reflect the quality of hard work that the students have undertaken over the past three years.

Among those receiving results were Dylan D who said: “I’m very happy with the grades I achieved especially those in geography, chemistry, maths and French.

“My grades mean I have been able to secure a place at Reading School Sixth Form which I am very pleased about as I feel as though it is the ideal place for me to continue my studies.

“I hope to study maths, geography and French next year as I have found a new passion for studying everything that goes on in the world.”

The results pleased Reading School’s headteacher, Ashley Robson, who said that they showed the pupils’ resilience since the coronavirus pandemic in March.

“These results clearly give our students a firm foundation on which to build further success in the Sixth Form,” he said.

St Crispin's School TEACHERS at St Crispin's paid tribute to their Year 11 students.

Headteacher Ginny Rhodes said: “They have been through some very challenging times with the Covid-19, leading to the closure of the school

Waingels celebrate their GCSE scores

and the cancellation of the exams.

“As always, we are proud of the performance of our students.”

A special mention was given to a number of students, including Ted Gilthero who achieved ten 9s. He will be studying Maths, History and Economics at A-level.

Ms Rhodes said: “Ted’s results were richly deserved and a reflection of a highly academic and talented student.”

Emma Pill and Holly Doel also achieved 7 grade 9s and 3 8s. Ms Rhodes said both girls were exceptionally hard working and wonderful assets to the school.

Ms Rhodes said Charlotte Brittain and Rachel Smith both worked fantastically hard throughout Key stage 4 to achieve six 9s in their GCSEs. A special mention also went to Emily Legg, Esme Jenkins, Caitlin

Done and Lucy-Anne Meaning for their 9s, 8s and 7s.

Ms Rhodes added: “We are so very proud of all our students in Year 11 who have endured the turmoil of not only Covid-19 but the extraordinary period of change in the awarding of examinations.”

St Joseph’s College STUDENTS and staff at St Joseph's College celebrated a 100% pass rate in their GCSE results.

Headmaster Andrew Colpus said the efforts and hard work of Year 11 students have resulted in excellent GCSE outcomes again this year, with 64% achieving grades 9-7.

All students gained grades 9-4 and 24% of students achieved all ten of their GCSEs at grades 9 to 7.

There were three students who were graded 8 or above in all of their subjects.

Top performing departments include food technology with 86%gaining grade 7 and above; music with 83% gaining grade 7 and above and drama, art and design (fine art) and Latin achieving 80% at grade 7 or above.

Mr Colpus said: “I would like to congratulate our students who have worked so hard during a difficult year to achieve such excellent grades across a wide range of subjects.

“I am delighted that so many of them have chosen to stay at St Joseph’s to continue their studies in the sixth form. I look forward to seeing them flourish further, not just in their academic work, but also across their chosen co-curricular activities.”

He added: “The results follow an excellent set of A-level results last week and my colleagues and I are immensely proud of the progress our students have made over this academic year, which has been like no other.”

Waingels College STUDENTS returned to Waingels College for the first time in weeks, so they could collect their GCSE results.

The Year 11 pupils kept a distance as they congratulated each other on their grades.

And the school’s principal, Tom Bartlett, was equally pleased.

“It was absolutely fabulous to see so many students as they came to collect their results in the sunshine,” he said.

“There were, as always, some truly outstanding achievements, but after such a long forced absence, it was great to see so many smiling faces, and it was wonderful to see so many teachers were there to celebrate and support.

“Congratulations to everyone.”

8 | NEWS

New facilities approved for Hurst bowling club HURST BOWLING Club will be getting a new clubhouse after plans were approved last week.

The 45 person club wants to expand its facilities to accommodate its current membership and visiting teams from Harwell, Henley, Stanwell and Farnborough.

A spokesperson for the club said the clubhouse is in a poor state of repair, and that members have been making small improvements to slow the rate of decay.

They said the timber structure is filled with dry and wet rot, and that the lack of heating means the building becomes wet and mouldy in the winter.

The club has no hot water and uses hot urns when hosting visitors and making tea.

They said: “During the bowling season, we host visiting clubs and need to seat up to 36 people for refreshments; even passing around hot drinks in cramped conditions is hazardous.

“The building is not large enough for us to hold our AGM or our pre-season meeting. It is unsuitable for any club activities during the winter, or to allow any other community group to use it.”

They said the toilets also have no hot water, disabled access or facility and there is no space to add a ramp, handrail or grab rails.

This, they said, poses a problem to some of the older club members.

Now the building and toilet block will be knocked down and a newer, larger one built.

The club’s spokesperson said they hope the renovation will protect the future of their green and the future of the ancient sport of bowls.

The club believes bowls keep older people mobile and engaged with their community.

In 2014, they set up their Thursday Club with The Link Visiting Scheme, charity members are invited to visit the club and try some bowling.

They said: “The activity helps to forge friendships, ward off depression and loneliness.

We want to extend and improve the accommodation so that it is wheelchair friendly and can cope with walking frames.”

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 27, 2020

Animal roadshow comes to Sheeplands FAMILIES have been enjoying creatures great and small with a visit to Hare Hatch Sheeplands.

Quirks Animal Roadshow arrived at the plant nursery on Tuesday, August 18.

A spokesperson for the centre said: “This will give visitors young and old the chance to have a close look at a large collection of reptiles.”

The animals include snakes, lizards, frogs, a salamander, invertebrates including giant African land snails , scorpions, stick insects and cockroaches.

For those that want something fluffier, Quirks also has some rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens.

The centre is open from 11am to 2pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as Bank Holiday Monday.

Due to Covid-19, social distancing measures will be in place. Entry is free.

Pictures: Steve Smyth

Oliver and Mum, Lindsay Rea meet a friendly tortoise

Kayleigh Quirk shows Tess the Tenrec to Oliver

Percy the Royal Python meets the Hart family

Meeting Sven the Rex Rabbit

Six months of road works to start in Emmbrook next week

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk WORK ON the next section of the North Wokingham Distributor Road (NWDR) will begin next month, with road closures in place until spring.

Old Forest Road, Emmbrook will be closed between Ashton Road and Toutley Road, starting on Tuesday.

Over the next si months, council contractors, Balfour Beatty will upgrade the existing Emmbrook Bridge, building a new flood

prevention feature and upgrading Old Forest Road before it is linked with the NWDR. A traffic diversion will run down the Reading Road towards Wokingham town centre, down Rectory Road, turning left into Glebelands Road, then along Milton Road and Twyford Road before turning left down Queens Road.

A separate diversion route is recommended for walkers and cyclists trying to reach the main entrance to Old Forest Meadows.

This route goes down Commons Road and Emmbrook Road, turning left onto Toutley Road and arriving at the top of Old Forest Road.

After work ends in spring, phase two will begin on Toutley Road until winter 2021.

A spokesperson from Wokingham Borough Council said: “We understand these essential roadworks are likely to cause inconvenience and we apologise in advance for this.

“We kindly ask for patience

and support while we carry out these necessary works which ultimately will help improve the wider road network in our town.

“Once completed, this section of the NWDR will reduce traffic through the town centre, provide access to new housing developments and minimise the impact of increased traffic on existing roads.”

They added: “The bus network will also be affected and we ask you to visit www.myjourneywokingham. com for the latest updates.”

morale boost for us, to have somebody cycle 100 miles on our behalf. It’s brilliant.

“We’ve had a real spike in referrals as people want to make sure they’ve got company during the winter months, and all money raised will go

towards creating new friendships.”

The Link Visiting Scheme is currently looking for more volunteers for its befriending service as the colder season approaches.

Cycling duo raise £1,400 for The Link Visiting Scheme INSPIRED by the Tour de France, two Wokingham men have been raising money for a The Link Visiting Scheme with their own cycling challenge, writes Charlotte King.

Steve Jones and Tom Wilson have raised nearly £1,400 after setting off on a 100-mile cycling challenge from London to Surrey last weekend.

Mr Jones told Wokingham.Today: “We all suffered during lockdown and didn’t see many people, but some of the people Link

works with haven’t seen anyone for months.

“With all the shielding some of these people have to do, it only seemed right to raise money for those looking after the elderly.”

The duo were initially raising money for Ride London, which was due to take place on Sunday, August 15, but was cancelled due to the pandemic.

And the charity is grateful for their donation.

Marjie Walker, scheme manager at The Link Visiting Scheme, said: “It’s a real

� For more information, visit www.linkvisiting.org

Thursday, August 27, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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|9

10 | BUSINESS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 27, 2020

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New gym to open in Wokingham town centre EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk GYM-GOERS of Wokingham will soon be spoilt for choice as a new fitness centre is opening its doors to the public.

National company énergie Fitness will open its next centre towards the end of November in Erftstadt Court off Denmark Street.

Manager Adam Piper said the new gym centre will revolutionise the fitness scene in Wokingham.

“We’re an affordable club, and a new club,” he said. “We have a large gym floor, loads of classes, and we’re bringing all the modern technology to our members.”

This includes a fitness tracking and 3D body scanning system which allows people to measure their progress.

According to Mr Piper, the new centre will be accessible to all, with its fully accessible

toilet. “We are proud to have the second Changing Places facility in the whole of Wokingham,” he said.“It’s important to us that we are inclusive. This is a gym for everyone.”

Wokingham is already home to a number of fitness centres. But according to énergie Fitness, there was a gap in the market following the closure of two other local gyms.

The new centre will open with Covid-related safety measures in mind, said Mr Piper.

“We have the advantage of knowing about the Covid-19 pandemic before opening,” he said.

“We are very focussed on creating a clean space where our members are safe.

“As a company we are following the UKactive official guidelines for gym and leisure facilities.”

The gym staff will enforce social distancing, check

The new facilities include a3D body scanning system to track fitness progress Pictures: énergie Fitness

customers’ temperatures, monitor the capacity and the rooms will have an air purification system installed.

This means that most viruses, bacteria, germs and microbes will be eliminated from the air, the company said.

Mr Piper said he has plenty of past experience in the fitness industry and knows what the people of Wokingham are looking for in a new gym.

“I’ve been working in leisure since I was 16,” he said.

“I know the industry very well. I train regularly myself, and I know people around Wokingham.”

“We want to help people in Wokingham to stay fit,” he added. “Wokingham was the most active borough in the UK according to the NHS Digital Stats on Activity and we need to keep it that way.”

Classic memberships cost £28.99 a month and WOW memberships cost £34.99.

The first 200 members to sign up will be eligible for discounted memberships, at £26.99 a month for the classic package, and £29.99 for the WOW deal. � For more information visit www.energiefitness.com/ wokingham

Government investment in Wokingham rail network IMPROVEMENTS are due to be made to the train route connecting Twickenham, Bracknell and Virginia Water. £9.74 million is being put aside for signalling and infrastructure enhancements.

The enhancements made to the Wessex route form part of the Feltham and Wokingham Signalling Renewal Programme.

It is hoped this will improve the reliability and flexibility of services starting from Easter 2021.

Transport secretary Grant Schapps’s plans to invest in the Wessex route were announced on Thursday, August 20 alongside the new ‘acceleration unit’.

The initiative intends to speed up the delivery of transport projects across the country by providing a

new wave of funding.

Mr Schapps said: “As Britain begins to get moving once again after months of lockdown, no one should underestimate the scale of the challenge ahead.

“We want to accelerate Britain’s recovery by investing in vital infrastructure that will help get businesses back on their feet.”

The Government will be investing around £360 million in Britain’s roads and railways as part of the new scheme.

Reading ranked in top 20 global non-capital cities SAN FRANCISCO, Montreal, Houston… These cities were recently ranked as some of the best in the world, but there was also a familiar name on the list.

A global ranking has put Reading in the top 20 non-capital cities.

The Tier 2 Cities of the Future ranking, published earlier this month, listed Reading as the 13th best non-capital city in the world.

Although many people belive Reading is a city, the Greater Reading area is one of the largest urban areas in the country to not to be classified as such.

It has bid for city status three times — in 2000, 2002, and 2012 — but has been unsuccessful.

According to the Cities of the Future ranking, that does not matter.

This is because the ranking defines ‘non-capital cities’ as urban areas which attract no more than

20% of their country’s foreign direct investment projects, and no less than 1%.

They also must have a total population of under eight million to be considered in the ranking, meaning the Greater Reading area made the cut.

Nigel Horton-Baker, executive director of Reading UK, said: “As our economy, along with the rest of the world, works hard to recover from the economic and social impacts of Covid-19, it is exactly the qualities … highlighted in this new report that will ensure Reading bounces back quickly.”

In addition to being ranked the 13th best non-capital city in the world, the Greater Reading area was ranked number nine in the Business Friendliness ranking and ninth in Connectivity. � For more information, visit: www.fdiintelligence.com

Big ideas from Berkshire think tank

For the latest news visit

A BERKSHIRE based think tank has been making the most of lockdown.

Probably42 has been busy coming up with new ways to address what it calls the ‘Big Issues and Opportunities’ of our time.

And it’s written them all down in a ‘Manifesto of Ideas’.

The Think Tank’s Manifesto pulls together 50 transformative ideas from the local community, and they all propose changes that could be made to

improve society in the future.

Some of the ideas include making the Elderly Social Care System more affordable, introducing virtual identity cards, and prioritising STEM subjects in education.

Probably42, which formed three years ago, aims to come up with new ideas from ordinary people’s knowledge, skills and experience.

Founder Tony Clack, said: “There is a vast array of talent in the country, particularly in the retired population,

and many would like to contribute to sorting out some of the UK’s long-standing issues.

“Fresh ideas from outside the political bubble are needed and that’s where Probably42 comes in.

“As we emerge from lockdown, it’s an ideal time to generate a national discussion about resetting ourselves for a better future and that’s what Probably42 hopes to achieve.” � To read all 50 ideas visit: www.probably42.net

Thursday, August 27, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 11

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Winter wonderland: Antique Rose owner launches Christmas shop EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THERE might be 119 sleeps before Christmas, but for one Wokingham shopkeeper, there’s just over a month before her festive season begins.

Georgina Hustler, who runs Maison Rustic and Antique Rose in Bush Walk, is preparing to create a very special festive experience.

She has just taken over the former Wallis store to open Wokingham’s Christmas Wonderland.

With her team of elves, she is busy moving festive stock into the store ready for its opening in early October.

“Customers love our Christmas ranges,” she said. “It’s my bread and butter.

“It means we’ll have three shops, which is a bit scary in the current climate, but people have been so excited about us running a dedicated Christmas shop.”

And being one of Santa’s little

helpers means that the work has to be done now to ensure everything is ready well ahead of December 25.

“We’ve been busy, busy. We got the keys last week and have been decorating, we’ve moved stock in and all new stock is starting to arrive.

“We usually carry around 5,000 unique decorations in the shop.

The store, which is a temporary lease, will create eight jobs and feature all the usual ranges that people expect.

“It’s really good quality stuff, and include high quality decorations and winter items, including candles and lanterns.

It’s a real Christmas wonderland.”

The space in the new store has many advantages – the displays don’t have to be crammed in, and there will be plenty of space so that people can social distance comfortably.

And there will be festive tableaus so people can see what a particular theme would look like once unpacked and added to the tree.

Georgina will transform the former Wallis shop in Wokingham into a winter wonderland this Christmas Picture: Steve Smyth

And after the year we’ve had, Georgina thinks people will be really wanting to celebrate this festive season.

“People really want to

celebrate Christmas and find that little bit of joy, that warm Christmassy feeling,” she said.

“No one has really had a summer holiday this year,

Christmas is the next thing that people can look forward to.”

The new store will launch with a Christmas shopping event that will be very exclusive.

Tickets will be limited to between 100 and 150 people, and cost £10 each. This includes a bottomless glass of prosecco, a goody bag and a donation to Wokingham In Need.

“Organising it is a bit of a challenge, but we’re planning to close Bush Walk for the event,” she said. “People will have a time slot so that there will be no more than 20-30 people in the three shops at any one time.

“If there’s enough demand, we’ll look at running two or three different evenings. These will be really exclusive, and a really nice evening out for many people.”

And for those that know, Antique Rose has been home to some of the most beautiful face coverings, often selling out of stock as soon as it comes in.

“There will be Christmas masks,” promises Georgina. “I’m super excited.”

Holiday park plans for Crowthorne A HOLIDAY PARK for eight static caravans may be built in Crowthorne if plans are approved.

Phoenix Residential Homes are proposing to change the land use from a builders yard to holiday park on land off Nine Mile Ride.

This would include eight static homes, car parking and cycle storage.

Finchampstead Parish Council has objected to the plans, calling them an intrusion on the countryside.

A spokesperson from the parish council said: “If Wokingham Borough Council approves this application certain conditions should be imposed relating to length of stay, such as a maximum of 28 days, for each booking.”

They also said the holiday park should only be allowed to operate between March and October, and customers should not be allowed to repeat book.

Wokingham Without Parish Council suggested that a legal agreement should be imposed restricting use of the caravans to holiday use only.

A decision over the plans has not yet been made.

12 | NEWS

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Council scrutinise recycling bag decision

Burglaries on rise after dip in lockdown EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Councillors have asked why the recycling sacks (left) were chosen to keep cardboard and paper dry and not hard lids or shower cap-style covers (right)

LAST NIGHT, the borough council scrutiny committee reviewed the decision to purchase recycling sacks and replace black boxes across the borough.

The decision, which was made in July, was called-in by the Liberal Democrats, who asked to see the business case outlining the financial motivations for buying the sacks.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment at Wokingham Borough Council said the decision to buy the sacks was a “no-brainer”.

He told Wokingham.Today: “We commissioned consultants, Resource Futures in April or May to look into the best solution to keep recycling dry.

“They submitted their report to the council in July.”

Also speaking ahead of the meeting, Cllr Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat lead for environment said he wanted to see the borough council apologise for making the decision the way they did.

He said: “I want to see recognition that they didn’t provide

all of the information they should have on July 30 when the executive were asked to make the decision.

“Some information has been subsequently provided.

“But executive members were asked to vote without having the full facts before them … that’s not the correct way to operate.

“We had no choice but to call it in.”

During talks over recycling rates, councillors and residents have asked why the borough council does not opt for wheelie bins, like Reading and Bracknell Forest borough councils.

Wokingham Borough Council has previously said wheelie bins are “not a viable option in the short or medium term”.

Cllr Batth said: “We did a survey of residents in 2017 about wheelie bins and found that people preferred their blue bags.

“We need to respect the wishes of residents.

“If we are to consider wheelie bins, we would need to do another survey.”

WOKINGHAM burglaries are on the rise as lockdown eases, according to UK CrimeStats data.

The borough sees an average of 34 reported burglaries each month, but this dropped to 23 in March, as the Government imposed a national lockdown.

In April, there were 12 reported burglaries in the borough. There were 16 in May and 28 in June.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 27, 2020

But the borough has been targeted less than neighbouring Reading, Bracknell, Windsor and Maidenhead.

Between March and June, there were 347 burglaries in Reading, 114 in Bracknell, 140 in Windsor and 125 in Maidenhead. In comparison, there were 79 in Wokingham.

Deputy LPA Commander Chief Inspector Andy Cranidge, said: “We are really pleased to see the reduction in burglaries in Wokingham area and that fewer residents have been

victims of this type of crime.

“We have officers dedicated to investigating every single report of residential burglary and taking every opportunity that we identify.

“This scrutiny means we have had some very positive results with those responsible being arrested quickly, convicted and receiving prison sentences.

“We have undertaken a lot of work with our neighbouring police areas and forces to tackle those who travel across our policing borders to commit such crimes.

“This has included joint operations with other forces including Surrey and Hampshire that have disrupted criminal activity and resulted in arrests for a range of offences.”

Mr Cranidge added: “Lockdown no doubt did impact on the opportunities for those who wanted to

burgle but also provided us, the police, our own opportunities to really get on top of those we suspect were offending and really target them.

“We continue to take this approach and work with local partners within the council to respond and target those who go out to burgle.

“With more people now starting to return to work and back to everyday life, I encourage residents to make sure that they continue to think about their own crime prevention and help us tackle those criminals who will inevitably see this an opportunity to try and commit crime.”

Mr Cranidge said residents who see anything suspicious should tell police, to help them build up the picture of what is happening in the community.

the best possible future but we have been surprised by just how many children are fully engaged in these projects.

“You have to remember that this is predominantly a school programme involving older children. The fact that our children love the activities and understand the importance of protecting

the environment bodes well for the future.”

The nursery has been getting all ages involved in eco-projects, with babies using paper from the shredder in sensory activities and children as young as 18-monthsold using recyclable items to create hotels for the insects they study.

In the nursery’s Oasis Garden

children grow potatoes, broad beans and carrots which are harvested and tasted during snack times before leftovers and fruit peelings are fed to the Compost Monster.

The nursery also has an Eco Committee of staff and pre-school children who monitor recycling and help their friends ensure resources aren’t wasted.

� For more information, visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp /crime-prevention

Nursery celebrate eco-status FINCHAMPSTEAD pre-schoolers have been congratulated for their eco-efforts as part of the Green Flag programme.

Children and staff at Oak Tree Day Nursery have picked up the award for exceptional environmental awareness and conservation.

The Nine Mile Ride nursery is powered by green electricity and sends zero waste to landfill.

Manager Debbie Williamson, said the award was the culmination of years of sustained effort by staff and children working together.

She said: “Respecting and protecting the environment is an important part of our commitment to give our children

‘Democracy restored’ as residents welcomed in planning meetings RESIDENTS will be allowed to have their say at virtual planning meetings from next month, writes Jess Warren.

Cllr Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey, Liberal Democrat lead for planning said the decision would restore democracy to the planning committee.

In the planning meeting on Wednesday, August 12, the committee agreed to let resident groups, Parish and Town Council representatives and borough councillors join the meeting to speak for, or against the plans.

Cllr Shepherd-DuBey told Wokingham.Today: “This will allow people to actually have a say, rather than a written comment.

“Members will listen to what is said, which might be more passionate in speech than written. It makes a big difference.

“It may take a trifle bit longer, but it allows people to speak out on things that mean something to them.”

She added: “Lots of people were upset they couldn’t actually speak at meetings.

The members read the comments ahead of time, but it's better to hear them in person.”

Speakers will have three minutes to address the committee.

Cllr Shepherd-DuBey said there have been some issues in the transition from physical meetings to virtual ones.

“There is some technical difficulty within the members,” she said.

“Microsoft Teams isn’t rocket science, and I’ve studied rocket science.

“We usually vote by show of hands when we’re in Shute End. You can raise hands in Teams, but everyone feels they have to speak to get their thoughts

known. We have to go around in alphabetical order and it lengthens meetings dramatically.”

A spokesperson from Wokingham Borough Council said members and officers have now become more confident using Microsoft Teams.

Cllr Shepherd-DuBey added: “The borough council is pushing to bring meetings back to Shute End, but we would have to spend more money to social distance people.

“We have too many members to space two metres or one metre apart.

“Glass or plastic screens don’t make sense for this, and they cost money. I’d rather we saved some money — it’s tight right now.” � To speak at a virtual meeting, email: democratic.services@wokingham.gov.uk by 5pm the working day before the meeting

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Thursday, August 27, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Mulberry Grove residents’ push for change as cars drive on path EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk FAMILIES are calling for a housing development to take action over a drivers’ cut through before someone gets hurt.

Residents of the Mulberry Grove development off Keep Hatch Lane said that vehicles are driving along a gravel pathway off Culver Grove which leads to a green used by dog walkers and playing children.

Motorists are being sent down the path by sat navs, and the problem is so bad that the residents say that there have been some close calls.

They want developer Crest Nicholson to install some bollards to prevent vehicular access.

Resident Claire Soden said: “There are bollards installed at the end of pathways in some areas of the estate, presumably with the purpose to prevent this exact issue, but for some reason they are not in all of the necessary places.

“This is a clear design flaw which Crest are seemingly choosing not to acknowledge.”

She also said that the residents had contacted Crest on a number of occasions over the “frequent problem”.

“Vehicles are driving along a

NEWS | 13

Apartments plan for Twyford business park A TWYFORD business park could see one of its offices converted into 41 flats, if approved by the planning committee.

The plans are to change Interserve House, in Ruscombe Park from Class B1a offices into 31 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments.

Each flat would have one parking space, and there would be nine unallocated spaces for visitors. There would also be in-built bicycle and bin storage.

Neighbouring units include a kitchen appliance shop, interior design company, a pet shop., Binghams Brewery, a building materials shop and a range of IT companies.

If approved, it will be the only residential building in Ruscombe Park.

Public consultation ended on Wednesday, August 5, and there were no comments received by local residents, councillors or parish councils.

Police arrest three men in attempted murder Residents in Culver Grove want cars to stop driving up the path , so that children can play outside safely Pictures: Steve Smyth

gravel pathway which cuts through a green where people walk their dogs and children play,” she said. “It’s been a problem since the houses were built.

“The drivers claim that sav nav is causing the problem.

“It’s usually delivery drivers and the problem is becoming more and more frequent. It’s a clear health and safety issue, they could hit a child.”

Ms Soden also said that Crest’s maintenance problem wanted to put

the suggestion of a bollard to a residents’ vote, “But we’d have to foot the bill ourselves”, and that Crest had not directly responded to their concerns.

A parent herself, she is afraid that her toddler could run out of the house in an attempt to get to the green only to be faced with a motorist.

“I don’t let him do that anymore.

I’m too scared in case a vehicle was came down the path. A number of

residents here feel the same way, they all have children under five. We just can’t use the green.”

A spokesperson for Crest Nicholson said: “The concerns of the residents on Culver Grove at our Mulberry Grove site have been brought to our attention.

“Safety is always of our upmost priority and we are working closely with the Management Company on the development to investigate and resolve the issue.”

POLICE have arrested three men in connection with an attempted murder in Wokingham last year.

The incident took place in Shefford Crescent at 1.30am on Sunday, November 10 last year, and police have now made the arrests.

Police say a man in his 50s, sustained injuries consistent with being stabbed, and was taken to hospital. He has since been discharged and is recovering.

Two men from Reading, aged 18 and 23, and a 19-year-old man from Devon, have all been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

They have been released on conditional bail until Friday, September 11.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, or to make a report online.

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Warren Lodge: Making people happy is one of our most important roles

M

AKING people happy is one of the important roles of Warren Lodge, a warm and friendly care home that specialises in Residential and Dementia care for the borough’s older residents.

The home is located in a quiet and exclusive area of Finchampstead and offers 24-hour residential care in an elegant country residence surrounded by two acres of lawns, trees and flowers, complete with a sensory garden.

Warren Lodge’s primary aim is to improve the quality of life of its residents and their families, with an emphasis on promoting independence, choice and dignity of the individual, while maintaining a safe and secure environment with a relaxed and stimulating environment that motivates residents to a full and happy life.

Part of that includes the activities, which are based on lifestyle needs and preferences of guests.

In non-Covid times they will include days out to maybe London, garden centres, shopping trips or visits to the seaside and the Lodge would also welcome outside entertainment, all aimed at engaging residents.

Currently, the home is unable to invite visitors for their wellness program, so the talented team is busy arranging a programme that includes skittles, ball & balloon games, quizzes, book club, gardening, arts & crafts, baking etc.

It’s all masterminded by Melody, who joined the team at Warren Lodge just as lockdown started.

0118 973 4576

One of the first things she implemented was a Friday Night Experience, alternating between a classic movie, a pub sing-along or games night and a bingo session: “It’s what residents may have done in the past, we’re trying to create those experiences here,” she says.

“At the moment, with Covid, we are limited to what we can do, our whole world has changed. Reminiscence sessions are very important whether they are outings or conversation based, as they validate the lives of the residents before the on-set of dementia.

“It’s important to relive memories of what they used to do.”

Melody is clear that activities are not just for the sake of doing something. “Our role at Warren

Lodge is known as life enrichment – other places call us activity coordinators, but we’re not red coats, we’re so much more than that: we’re confidants, companions, listeners and motivators”.

“Dementia can be scary, people don’t know what’s going on, they just need someone to hold their hand and reassure. That’s a big part of our day as well as stimulating them physically, mentally and emotionally.”

This includes giving structure to the day, with physical activities in the morning, cognitive stimulation in the afternoon and then gradually winding down as the day goes on.

One such activity Melody has introduced has been a monthly armchair travel day, featuring food and activities based on a country. “The

Warren Lodge, Warren Lane, Wokingham, RG40 4HR

residents are thoroughly enjoying them, asking where the next one will be.”

She adds: “I’ve only been working within the care industry for the past 10 years or so, but I tell everyone this, by far, is the hardest most challenging job I’ve ever done, but it’s the one I love the most.” � Nothing we can write here can convey the understanding, warmth and care that Warren Lodge staff have for their residents. Our reputation is one we are very proud of and as rooms are in very short supply we often have to operate a waiting list. It is best if you meet with us at your earliest opportunity to register your interest. � Please visit Warren Lodge at any time, however as we are a busy home it’s best to telephone and arrange a visit with our manager, or administrator who will show you around. � Call 0118 973 4576 or email us at warrenlodge@foresthc.com or visit www.foresthc.com

www.foresthc.com

14 |

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Citizens Advice launches free phones to connect with residents EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk CITIZENS Advice won’t be leaving residents hanging with the launch of their new community telephones.

Located in libraries and community centres across the borough, the free phones connect directly to Citizens Advice volunteers, to help residents with any concerns.

The scheme launched last week as part of a plan to keep help on hand, despite the charity keeping offices closed to the public this year.

Instead of a regular drop-in, residents are encouraged to pick up the phone, which dials Citizens Advice directly.

If more help is needed, or if the topic is more complex, volunteers will then arrange a one-to-one meeting to chat about the problem some more.

Jake Morrison, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wokingham, said the 10 phones have been funded by Wokingham United Charities.

“They cost £100 each,” he said.

“But once they’ve been bought, that’s it. It’s an investment. We’re hugely thankful to Wokingham United Charities.”

The first three phones have been placed in Woodley Library on

Jake Morrison and his team will soon have all ten phones up and running across the borough Picture: Jess Warren

Headley Road, Salvation Army on Sturges Road, Wokingham and The Cornerstone community hall on Norreys Avenue.

The remaining seven phones will be distributed to community spaces next month.

Mr Morrison said: “With the offices not open, the phones give us more flexibility to speak to people.

Our volunteers can even work from home and take the calls.

“Throughout the pandemic, 97% of calls have been answered within

Wokingham Festival launches virtual summer event this year EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokinghampaper.co.uk

DUST OFF your dancing shoes because Wokingham Festival is back, but with a twist.

Wokingham Music Club has announced that this year’s event, due to take place this bank holiday weekend, is going virtual.

“As there is no Wokingham Festival this weekend, a few of the festival teams have been putting together YouTube playlists featuring a selection of videos by many artists that have appeared at the festival over the years,” said Stan Hetherington, one of the event organisers.

“The videos feature official promotional videos, live performances from various venues and of course some videos filmed at the festival itself.

“The playlists will be appearing over the festival weekend so keep an eye on the Wokingham Festival Facebook page and YouTube channel,” he added.

Each playlist is set to go live online at noon on this coming Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Mr Hetherington said he

Martin Turner, ex-Wishbone Ash performed at the festival last year

hopes the event will return in full force next year.

He told Wokingham.Today: “It’s a real sadness, having to cancel this year’s festival. But dealing with the virus must come first.

“Festivals will be back in full force, but the virus is in charge of that.

“It’s nice to give people something to look forward to, though,” he added.

Acts due to perform at this year’s Wokingham Festival included Willie & The Bandits, Unikque, and The Skangsters.

The event was due to be held in Cantley Park.

Mr Hetherington hopes that next year, the borough will be able to enjoy live music, good food and great company

together again.

Aside from Wokingham Festival, there is more for people to look forward to as Wokingham Music Club also continues to plan gigs over the next few months.

While some have been cancelled, many are still under consideration and may well go ahead.

The Band Plays On, a group celebrating the music of Paul Kossoff, are currently due to perform towards the end of October.

Katrina, from Katrina & The Waves, is also booked in for a gig in early November. � For more information, and to watch the performances, visit: www.facebook.com/ WokinghamFestival

seconds. People who call these phones won’t be left waiting. It connects straight to Citizens Advice and they can get talking to someone within minutes.”

Mr Morrison hopes the scheme will be used by residents who may have not thought about calling the charity before.

“We want to be in convenient spots for people, so they can just pick up the phone and reach out,” he said. “We don’t want people to be missed out.

“We’ve also had a number of councillors get in touch, asking if we would consider adopting some of the telephone boxes in the borough.”

BT are currently running a consultation on nine phone boxes, which could be kept or adopted by a charity — depending on the public reaction.

Ros Fernley, senior library assistant at Woodley Library, said she was happy to see the new phone for local residents.

“I’m so impressed with Citizens Advice,” she said. “They’ve really masterminded the support system during the pandemic, and this is the next step.”

The phone lines are open from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday and 9am until 1pm on Saturdays.

Currently, Woodley Library is open from 9am until 1pm, Monday to Friday.

NEWS | 15

Warning to elderly residents over loft scam RETIRED Crowthrone residents are being targeted with loft insulation scams.

The Public Protection Partnership has warned that older people are being targeted for spray loft works, often costing £4,000.

The scam is a targeted phone call, with false information about pathogens, glass fibre, condensation and damp problems in the loft potentially affecting the health of those living in there.

A spokesperson from the PPP said the company is very persistent and pushy, trying to get a survey completed.

They said: “May we remind residents to never agree for any work to be undertaken in your home from a cold call or someone knocking at your door.

“If you receive such a call, or visit, do not agree to any work or give out any further details about you, your home or your bank account.”

The calls often come from a Reading number, beginning 01184.

By responding to unsolicited contact, victims may be put onto a mailing list and have their information sold to other scammers. � To report a scam like this, visit: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/ reporting-a-scam or call Action Fraud UK on 0300 123 2040

Entry to Wokingham half EARLY BIRD entries are now open for next February's Wokingham half marathon.

The 13.1-mile course will return, coronavirus permitting, on Saturday, February 21, at 10am.

This year's event was one of the few races to go ahead, and usually acts – for many – as a warm-up to the London Marathon.

Places cost £30 for unaffiliated runners if they book before September 30, and £24 thereafter, with a £2 discount for club runners. � For more details, visit: wokinghamhalf.co.uk

16 | NEWS

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Hurst charity prepares to fill gap in school uniform supply EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk SCHOOL UNIFORMS are in short supply this year due to the disruption caused by coronavirus.

But Hurst-based charity, First Days, said they’re ready to fill the gap.

Stevenson’s, the biggest uniform supplier in the UK, has announced that country lockdowns, factory shutdowns and delays to supplier shipments have all impacted the supply of uniforms this September.

In a statement, the company said: “This year we know we will struggle to have all the stock we need before term starts. We don’t like it any more than you.”

Co-CEO, Mark Stevenson said the delays in manufacturing and need to social distance in store have created the “perfect storm” for the supplier.

This summer, the company has seen online sales increase by 90% as fewer people head to their nearest shop.

In the Reading branch, the pandemic has triggered a 218% rise in online sales, compared to getting kitted-out in store.

More orders are being split

into separate parcels, so that items are sent as soon as the stock arrives. This means a blazer might arrive before the shirt and PE kit.

And more clothes are being back ordered, with some shipments still due to come in from South East Asia.

Mr Stevenson told Wokingham.Today: “Fulfilment of online orders at the Reading branch is behind by five to six days.

“Children go back to school next week, and we are doing our best to get on top of web orders, but undoubtedly there will be some without uniform.”

Hoping to meet any shortages, Emma Cantrell, founder of First Days Children’s Charity (pictured on front page) said she will do everything she can to meet the demand.

She told Wokingham.Today: “We would hate for any child not to start the year with the right uniform. We’ve been helping families with this for a few years, but this year is different.

“We are running uniform swap shops, where parents can donate good quality uniforms, and get stocked up with brand new, and nearly new uniforms to replace what they’ve donated.

“This year, more parents own uniforms that haven’t worn out, but might not fit anymore. I bought my daughter new school shoes before lockdown, they’ve barely been worn but her feet have grown.”

And research from clothes label company, My Nametags showed that more than one in 10 parents in the South East throw uniform items away once their children have outgrown them, even though they are still in a wearable condition.

Last year, there were more than 200,000 uniforms across the region binned that could have been re-worn.

Ms Cantrell said First Days is poised and ready to run swap shops at community centres in the borough, should there be a surge in demand.

“I’m confident that we’re in a place to do that, we don’t want Year 7s going into their new school without the right stuff.

They may not get the blazer to last until Year 11 but they can get one that works for now.”

Mr Stevenson said the supply of uniforms had been heavily affected due to the seasonality of the business.

“Our production usually happens in March and April, but

that was the complete eye of the storm,” he said. “Factories across the world have been in turbulent times with their own lockdowns.

“Our products usually arrive in May, ready for sale in June and July, but we’ve been peddling hard to fly garments in, over July and August.

“We’re still receiving shipments.”

Mr Stevenson said the admin side of the business has been crippled as more parents left buying uniforms until later this summer.

“We’ve been trying to get people to book appointments, but there's only so much we can do to advertise and get people to shop early,” he said.

“There have been some mixed messages from Government about what uniforms might consist of this year, so I understand why there were reservations about buying early.

“But it bottlenecked the business.”

Ms Stevenson said last week, the Reading branch saw queues of 100 metres, a combination of late buying and social distancing inside.

“We would usually be able to

First Days volunteers are appealing for people to donate school uniforms that haven’t worn out this year Picture: Emma Cantrell

fit 18 families in that shop,” he said. “But now we can only have six customers at one time.

There's queueing during peak times of 11am and 2pm so we’re encouraging people to come in earlier or later.”

Parents struggling to het hold of uniform, or have clothes they can donate can visit the First Days warehouse on Broadwater Lane, Hurst.

Donations are welcome between 10am and noon each Saturday.

The charity is appealing for

good quality school shoes, trainers and football boots — especially larger sizes, generic uniform with lots of life left in it, blazers and logo items for secondary schools in Wokingham, Bracknell and Reading and new stationery, bags, pencil cases, tights and socks suitable for all ages. � For more information about finding uniforms through FirstDays, visit: www.firstdays.net � And for more information about the disruption at Stevenson’s, visit: www.stevensons.co.uk

Call for residents to lobby MPs over housing numbers THE LEADER of Wokingham Liberal Democrats is calling for residents to lobby the Government over housing numbers.

Cllr Lindsay Ferris believes the planning white paper announced at the start of this month hands over the power to housebuilders, in what he calls a “developers charter to concrete over almost everywhere” (letters, page 19).

He wanted to pre-warn residents that the borough council will be launching a united, crossparty plan to lobby housing numbers.

He said: “Included in this document will be links to a parliamentary petition, a link to the Government website and document where you will be able to provide your views.”

And Cllr Ferris wants residents to lobby their local MP and take action themselves.

This, he said, would help further the case against housing numbers.

He told Wokingham.Today: “John Halsall, the leader of the council, and I absolutely agree that the current housing numbers are too high.

“Under the new plans, the local authority will have no control to stop anything — the only restrictions are for greenbelt and conservation areas.”

He added: “I will do anything I can to stop these housing numbers, I may not protest naked like John but I’ll tie myself to a tree.”

Cllr Ferris said the plans were an insidious threat to the way of life in Wokingham Borough, and condemned the Government for launching the reform during the summer months when coronavirus continues to affect the country.

Last week, Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement at Wokingham Borough Council said that the plan to increase annual house building numbers to 1,635 is “inherently unfair” on residents, businesses and communities in the borough.

Plan for solar farm intrudes on countryside warns parish council

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk PLANS FOR a solar farm in Arborfield have been hotly contested by residents for encroaching on the countryside.

In March, Wessex Solar Energy submitted an application for 40,000 solar panels on Farley Farms Estate, off Swallowfield Road.

The proposal attracted more than 100 comments from nearby residents, Swallowfield Parish Council and Arborfield and Newland Parish Council.

Plans include 11 cabins, a control building, vehicle access roads and fences to surround the development.

Initially, Swallowfield Parish Council said it did not have any comments. Seven days later, it objected on several grounds including intrusion on the countryside, flood risk and building on high quality farmland.

The parish council said: “This application proposes an industrial site on hugely visually important countryside to the residents of Farley Hill.

“These fields are the gateway to the village and have huge visual amenity; they also provide the green gap between the villages of Farley Hill and Arborfield Cross.

“Rural heritage is as important as the environmental arguments for renewable energy.”

The parish council also said the site is prone to flooding, making it unsuitable for a large electrical installation.

But Wessex Solar Energy have rejected many of these claims.

It said the solar park is not permanent, and once decommissioned in 40 years time, could then be used for arable or pasture land.

A spokesperson for the company said: “During the operation of the solar park, the land will be effectively regeneratively farmed. It will be sown as pasture for grazing by sheep, with appropriate native wildflowers also included within the seeding mix. This is a preferred method of management for biodiversity improvements used by the National Trust.”

They also said that any seasonal surface water flooding on the site “would not be detrimental to the continued operation of the solar park”.

Arborfield and Newland Parish Council said that while it supports renewable energy in principle, the council feels that other sites locally could be more suitable.

One Arborfield resident suggested the park was built on Tanners Dairy, a brownfield site in Farley Hill.

He said: “The site is also owned by Farley Farms Farley Estate and situated less than 500 metres from

Residents invited to join Wokingham Walk next weekend

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokinghampaper.co.uk IT’S TIME TO dig out the hiking boots because this year’s Wokingham Walk is taking place next weekend.

The annual event was due to happen in May, but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

On Sunday, September 6, residents are invited to walk either a five-, 10- or 15-mile route while raising money for charity. Although organisers warn the event may be cancelled at short notice.

Each year, the event organisers choose a different organisation to support.

This year’s walk is fundraising for the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, based in Maidenhead.

It provides support and care to families with children who have life-limiting and lifethreatening conditions.

Harjit Bola, fundraising manager at the hospice, said: “We feel very honoured that the Wokingham Lions Club have chosen to support our charity with this year’s Wokingham Walk.

Ms Bola said 96% of the charity’s funds used to run their service comes from fundraising

NEWS | 17

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and donations, but Covid-19 caused so many fundraising events to be cancelled.

“We are very grateful to the organisers of the Wokingham Walk,” she said. “It is such a well-organised family event and a wonderful way to explore beautiful Wokingham.”

Andy Slay, one of the event organisers, said: “It’s a very important charity that needs as much help and support as we can give it, especially during these difficult times.”

And this year’s event will be a bit different to previous walks.

Mr Slay has been working with fellow event organiser Stan Hetherington to make sure people can participate in the event and maintain appropriate social distancing.

“It’s been more labour intensive,” Mr Slay said.

“The last few years, we’ve been at Howard Palmer Park, but this year we’re starting and finishing on Elms Field. There’s more space.”

People are also being encouraged to register in advance, and walkers will be given phased arrival times.

Registering will also be done at arm’s length, Mr Slay added, and walkers will be asked to start immediately after

registering.

This means that there will be no official launch at this year’s event.

Social distancing measures also means that Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service will not be able to attend the event, as the organisers are limiting the amount of people present at any one time.

“We’re very much looking forward to running the postponed Walk,” said Mr Slay.

“And we’re pleased that we’re in a position to raise some much needed funds for Alexander Devine.”

Susie Patterson, marketing and communications coordinator at Alexander Devine, told Wokingham.Today that the money raised from this year’s event will ensure that charity can continue to be a lifeline.

“The sustainability of our children’s hospice service is a key priority, making sure we continue to be there for those that depend on us now as well as those who will need us in the future,” she added. � The event is still subject to change and may be cancelled at late notice. For more information and the latest updates, visit: www.wokinghamwalk.co.uk

Arborfield and Farley Hill residents say the farm land isn’t appropriate for a solar farm Picture: Ian Calderwood via geograph

the proposed site.

“Tanners Dairy already has planning permission for three houses and is set off the Swallowfield Road where an infrastructure already exists.”

There is concern over the environmental impact of the site, and Arborfield and Newland Parish Council has asked for trees, hedgerows, byways and bridleways to all be protected, along with a guarantee the land will be restored in 40 years time.

One Farley Hill resident said that building the solar farm would betray local people.

He said: “When you consider the other hugely disruptive

development work that has been, and is being, undertaken in the local area, including the Arborfield Relief Road and a significant number of housing developments of all sizes, the addition of this appalling development to the local landscape is nothing more than a betrayal of the local people, a ludicrous error of judgment and a total failure of due process.

“This is agricultural land, and we should fight to retain this precious resource, and not simply give in to the demands of a single-minded profiteer.”

The consultation ended in May, but the solar farm has not yet gone to the planning committee.

18 | VIEWPOINTS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER NEWS WITH A HEART FOR THE BOROUGH

A win against development in Wokingham THE NEWS that Woodcray Meadows will remain undeveloped and oak trees protected will be welcomed by many across the borough.

It is a win for local planning and a symbolic stand against development in Wokingham.

Those familiar with the Finchampstead Road site will know that developer Gladmans has twice applied to build on the land — and twice this has been rejected.

The appeal decision, made by the planning inspectorate shows that at least some Government departments understand the planning concerns across the borough.

So it seems that continued and carefully coordinated protests work.

That, or the lack of nearby amenties, combined with the encroachment on the countryside was motivation enough to deny permission to build.

But these two reasons have been cited across the borough to deter planning consent in previously rural areas — with varying success.

So does that mean that coordinated protest makes the biggest difference?

It certainly helps.

As Cllr Lindsay Ferris says in his letter, residents must also mobilise if they want to help stop development in the borough.

The planning white paper announced at the start of this month could be the tip of a development iceberg.

So how does Wokingham stop this from happening?

The borough council is soon launching a consultation calling for feedback, and action from residents to help battle the housing numbers down.

As demonstrated by Woodcray, if enough people mobilise, change can happen.

CHURCH NOTES

Thank you to our farmers

H

ARVEST is fast approaching in what’s been the strangest year of most of our lives.

So it’s time to celebrate our farmers and we are excited about some resources, produced by the Arthur Rank Centre.

While the Arthur Rank Centre has long been known as a source of ideas and resources for rural churches, it’s been quite some time since we produced a substantial new harvest resource.

But this month, it’s launching its Harvest 2020: Thank you to our farmers campaign, inspired in large part by the recognition of people across the UK have gained of the role ‘key workers’ have played in keeping us all going through the Covid-19 epidemic.

Farmers are one such group of key workers, and over the last few months many people have become aware – some for the first time – of the vital role UK farms play in feeding our nation, while the food shortages we experienced in the early days of the Covid-19 lockdown reminded us how fragile the supply chain can be.

As churches and communities across the UK prepare to celebrate harvest, let’s embrace this opportunity to thank both the farmers across the UK who grow our food for us and the Creator God that sustains and nurtures each of us.

The Diocese of Oxford

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Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 27, 2020 We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

Park and rides will be white elephants It is now the vogue for towns to create large animal statutes on gateway approaches.

Falkirk has the Kelpies while Ascot has the War Horse Memorial.

Wokingham is now about to join the club albeit with a virtual reality twist with a white elephant disguised as a park and ride facility at Coppid Beech.

In the right context park and rides are a good thing with dedicated express bus services transporting people quickly to the centre of towns thereby reducing congestion.

What sets the Wokingham one apart is that there isn’t planned to be a dedicated express bus, instead the current all stopping services will be diverted into the car park.

Normally park and ride schemes are billed as environmentally friendly but again this one is different.

Cllr Gregor Murray is billing it as carbon neutral but it may well lead to an increase in pollution since existing frustrated bus passengers may switch to travelling by car since journey times will be significantly increased by the buses being diverted off the existing route and having to negotiate the filter lanes at the notorious traffic lights outside the Oakingham Belle.

And if, as claimed, the scheme “will have not significantly affect emission levels” if can be concluded even the council are expecting many travellers to ditch their cars in favour of buses so what is the point of it?

Maybe it’s meant to be a counterpoint to the white elephant that is the Thames Valley Park fiasco.

That park and ride facility was completed many months ago but there are no plans to open it as no buses serve the facility.

Cost is also a deterrent to using the scheme, currently a return bus fare from St Anne’s Manor to Broad Street is £2.60.

Assuming the park and ride car park is free that’s still £1.40 more expensive than a two-hour stay in the Rose Street car park.

Even a four-hour stay in the town centre only costs £2 so why would anyone be tempted to use the more expensive park and ride?

Surely a better use could be found for £3 million of public money.

Peter Humphreys, Wokingham

Reading, not Wokingham In answer to Cllr Rachel Burgess’s letter re the new park and ride, I want to clarify a point (Wokingham.Today, August 20).

I thought this new park and ride was to give us an easier way to catch a bus into Reading and not to just go back into Wokingham which seems ridiculous to say the least (Sorry Cllr Gregor Murray).

The current park and ride at Winnersh is always full up and it is dangerous to access.

As for suggesting we elderly and, yes disabled too, should use the new car park at the other end of Wokingham (Carnival Pool) this too is unacceptable.

How can you expect elderly people to walk from there or push a relative or

And finally Circumstances dictate the cessation of my weekly contributions, for a while at least.

As I lay aside pen and paper, my gratitude goes to The Wokingham Paper and those of its readers who have supported my views or indeed disagreed with them.

Finally, my special thanks to the inmates of Shute End Towers who, all too often, have made themselves easy targets for my apparent satiric irreverence.

At the end of the day, for all our sakes, they must be wished well.

JW Blaney, Wokingham friend in a wheelchair all the way up to the town centre is beyond belief.

I would NEVER use that car park.

Disabled parking is now non-existent in Wokingham and I believe there are many elderly people living in this town.

I do miss the Rose Street car park so much and all we are left with is the old M&S one where the meters are impossible to understand, let alone use.

The same applies at Dinton Pastures the pay meters are just too complicated.

Not only have you to pay by card but have to go back and re-enter before leaving. Bring back the cash meters.

What a waste of money as if life was easy in these difficult times.

Name and address supplied

Remember the Uighurs There is unequivocal evidence that terror is being perpetrated by the Chinese state against the Uighurs Muslims in the Xinjiang region of northwest China.

This includes reports that concentration camps have been set up for the mass internment and ‘reeducation’ of up to a million Uighurs Muslims, along with reports of torture and coercion in these camps.

The Uighurs also face harsh religious and cultural restrictions, for example – facial hair being too long, not being allowed to fast in Ramadan, and prohibitions on speaking the Uyghur language in public spaces.

In August 2018 the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination challenged the Government of the People’s Republic of China over abuses in Xinjiang.

In September 2018, during her firstever speech in the role, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet noted the ‘deeply disturbing allegations of large-scale arbitrary detentions of Uighurs and other Muslim communities, in so-called re-education camps across Xinjiang’.

From our knowledge of history, does this sound familiar?

So, what can we do? We have written to our local MPs and the Foreign Secretary to ask them to exert pressure

on the Chinese government, to give access to Human Rights and humanitarian organisations, such as the Red Cross, as well as journalists to Xinjiang region and the internment camps. I would urge everyone who cares about Human Rights to do the same.

Cllr Imogen Shephard-DuBey, Wokingham Liberal Democrats and Wokingham Liberal Democrat Borough Group

Privilege and honours Cllr Sarah Kerr (Liberal Democrat Councillor for Evendons Ward, Wokingham Borough Council), is yet another Liberal Democrat who is part of the “Privilege Problem” and not part of the solution (Wokingham Today August 20).

When the Liberal Democrats, national and local, unilaterally and immediately stand their 89 Peers down and scrap or refuse any honours then the ordinary Pleb voter might take their Lib Dem bleatings about ‘privilege’ seriously.

The House of Lords, rotten and corrupt. The Honours system, rotten and corrupt. Privilege heaped upon privilege. Yet the Liberal Democrats continue to support these systems. So, instead of lecturing the rest of us about ‘priviledge’ why isn't Cllr Kerr and her fellow Lib Dems actively and publicly campaigning for the scrapping of the House of Lords and the Honours system altogether? Immediately.

The answer of course is that the Liberal Democrat party is so wedded to privilege that the Lib Dems are the biggest virtue signalling hypocrites in the UK. As long as a single Lib Dem Peer is still sitting I suggest that Cllr Kerr keeps quiet about ‘privilege’.

And tell that Ed Davey bloke to get rid of and give back the ‘Sir’ permanently. While he has it it smacks of the ‘privilege’ that hypocrite Cllr Kerr keeps moaning about.

So Lib Dems, are there to be no words or deeds on this subject? I'm still waiting for an answer from you printed in Wokingham Today.

Paul Clarke, Wokingham

Taken to the cleaners News that from Monday this week employees in Tesco Express and Metro stores are expected to undertake cleaning duties is a stark reminder that these staff are undervalued, overlooked and vulnerable to stereotypical assumptions.

Cleaning is often characterised as women’s work, and reinforces the belief that retail work is a female role.

There have been no such reports of similar measures being implemented in the distribution centres.

This is a matter of health and safety and should not be seen as an opportunity to reduce costs.

The decision is particularly galling when it has been widely reported that supermarket sales have been at a record high during Coronavirus.

For years, Leigh Day has been acting on behalf of store workers, most of whom are women, who we claim are paid unfairly in comparison to their predominantly male distribution centre colleagues.

We hear first-hand from our clients, how physically and emotionally demanding retail work already is, and this is an added pressure that staff shouldn’t have to meet.

Instead of having more work piled on top of them, store workers should be given the recognition, respect and pay they deserve.

Lara Kennedy, solicitor in the Leigh Day Tesco Equal Pay team

People in Glass Houses Cllr Gary Cowan is once again engaged in rabid criticism of the local Conservative council and the stance of its leader John Halsall regarding proposed changes to our planning laws.

As readers of this paper will know, Cllr Cowan is a regular contributor to the letters section, however in terms of taking the time to read his letters, there is very little point as they basically all say the same thing.

Housing in all its forms is bad and it’s because of Conservative policy that they are being built.

To borrow a phrase from the good

Thursday, August 27, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Councillor, ‘what a load of tosh.’

Firstly, there is an acute shortage of housing in this country and any government of any colour would be embarking on a policy which would see an increase in the housing stock.

Secondly, it is not the local council which has been increasing the numbers of houses to be built, this has come about because the house builders are not building quickly enough to hit the targets mandated by central government.

Hence if Cllr Cowan wishes to continue his blame game politics, it is a matter for him.

Personally, I would prefer to support Cllr Halsall in his attempts to moderate this attempt to further liberalise planning laws, as simply put, the proposals set out in the current White Paper will not increase the number of new houses being built.

Additionally, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, current plans by house builders to focus on areas like Wokingham may well be redundant.

Largely, because of the Covid crisis, information technology has finally come of age, the video conference replacing the meeting and the home replacing the office.

As a result, the knowledge worker living in Newcastle can be just as effective as the knowledge worker in the City of London.

This presents us with a huge opportunity to rebalance the economy by spreading jobs across the entire country and thus the demand for housing at the same time.

Therefore, instead of a simple relaxation of the planning laws, a much more fundamental rethink is required: Major employers in both the public and private sector need to be incentivised to adopt a regionally distributed employment model and adapt their business processes to embrace remote working.

This will create a regionally diverse economy which benefits the whole country and fosters the development of viable communities outside of the home counties.

The house builders need to be held accountable for the delivery of housing numbers and not local authorities.

This in turn would encourage them to dispense with the archaic building practices currently used and embrace the quality prefabricated building methods employed in Europe.

It is only by targeting a more regionally diverse employment model that we can diversify the areas where houses are built and only by holding the builders to legally binding production targets can we ensure that we build the houses that we need.

I would urge both Cllr Halsall and our MP Sir John Redwood, to take up these ideas with Government and work positively to change the course of current thinking in Westminster.

Finally I would advise the lead councillor who signed the 2010 Adopted Core Strategy Development Document to reflect on the wisdom of what was written and how it has proved to be the very engine of over development in this town.

That lead councillor is no other than Gary Cowan now throwing stones in the very glass house created by his own hand.

Andrew Waters, Wokingham

We urgently need your help You may have seen or heard that the Government are proposing some

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tonyjohnson That was the week

Picture of the week

Housing: Plan B

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AST week was a bad one for Government ministers - struggling with the numbers.

In Housing, Robert Jenrick had side-stepped numbers completely, launching his Planning Reforms with an algorithm to hide bad news from voters and policy-speak to hide the replacement of local planning authorities with centralised control, giving Permitted Development for just about anything developers want to build.

‘Plan A’ - The Local Plan

I took this when I was out on my bike with my family. We’ve recently moved to Montague Park and love that we have some beautiful open spaces and landscape in our doorstep. What a view.

Andrew Lock

major changes to the Planning process.

While not perfect the current system does allow some local involvement, however these proposed changes being suggested by this Conservative Government remove all, but some minor powers. This is totally unacceptable.

We are particularly concerned at the proposals to increase the number of homes being pushed onto Wokingham Borough, up from an already too high 789 homes a year to a whopping 1635 per annum, more than a doubling to an additional 26,000 properties between now and 2036.

Just ask yourself ‘Where are they going to build them?’

If these proposals are not stopped, not only would we be deluged with additional housing, they are also proposing to reduce the number of social homes, instead just focusing on developer properties and your local council would not be able to do anything about it to stop them.

It is in effect a Developers Charter to concrete over almost everywhere, with one or two minor exceptions.

What is even more important is that we (as residents) only have until midnight on October 1 (yes just one month) to let the Government know your views.

Over the past week, as leader of the local Liberal Democrats on Wokingham Borough Council, we have put party politics to one side and we have been discussing with the Leader of the Council how we can put together a UNITED FRONT TO OPPOSE these quite dreadful and dangerous changes.

There will shortly be a jointly agreed non-party political WBC A4 leaflet coming through your door imploring you to respond to these proposals.

Included in this document will be links to a parliamentary petition and a link to the Government website and Document in question where you will be able to provide your views.

We also need you to lobby our local MP’s.

On a personal note, I have been involved with local politics for many years, this proposal is in my view the most serious threat to our way of life in Wokingham borough and throughout many other parts of the Country I have

ever encountered.

Please help us stop this now.

Cllr Lindsay Ferris Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wokingham Borough Council and councillor for Twyford

Speaking up for my ward residents I am writing in response to Cllr Jim Frewin’s letter in last week’s paper concerning the application for 57 flats where he mentioned a “local WBC councillor” who suggested “on match days at the local rugby club traffic will be even more chaotic”. I am that local WBC councillor.

Cllr Frewin also mentioned the chaotic traffic in Shinfield, Earley, Winnersh and Wokingham Town Centre.

I actually live in Earley, so I am very aware and experience this throughout the borough.

Again mentioning chaotic, the application site itself is just off the busy A4 in Sonning and will be adding, if approved more vehicles to an already congested road network.

I am speaking up for and representing residents in my ward.

This is the same as Cllr Frewin in Shinfield South. Why should this be any different?

Cllr Michael Firmager, councillor for Sonning at Wokingham Borough Council

Join the BLM protest The shocking killing of George Floyd in the USA has started a discussion across the world about discrimination and marginalisation of Black communities.

Our issues here in the UK are different in some ways from those of the US, but we face the same central question – what can we do to eliminate racism in our society?

We are therefore very pleased to hear that a local group has planned a friendly demonstration of support for the UK’s Black Lives Matter movement in Elms Field at 3pm on Saturday.

We hope that Wokingham people from all backgrounds and from across the political spectrum will join us in this demonstration of support for our Black friends, colleagues and neighbours.

You don’t need a deep

understanding of the issues and we don’t need to agree on the solutions to join us – this is a show of goodwill and a commitment to find the answers together.

We hope that this is the start of a positive dialogue about what each one of us can do to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and to build a fairer society.

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, Liberal Democrat councillor for Emmbrrok and The Wokingham Liberal Democrat Group

Earth Overshoot Day Last Saturday was Earth Overshoot Day for 2020 – it’s estimated that by that date humanity’s consumption of ecological resources exceeded what Earth can regenerate in a year.

If everyone in the world lived as we do in the UK, Overshoot Day would be even earlier on 16th May. Greenfield housing development to increase the population in Wokingham both increases local consumption and reduces locally available resources — a double impact.

Government should develop positive policies to manage population size and distribution, as well as consumption and technology use, so that we and future generations can be both prosperous and sustainable.

John Booth, Earley

Moral bankrupcy Reading the hatchet along with the knife in the back and front job the naked chef (sorry naked Conservative leader of Wokingham Borough Council) did on me in last weeks Wokingham Paper came as no surprise.

The Conservative DNA is if you don’t like what you hear or it does not fit into their anti-residents ideology then the trick is to ridicule them in public so well done there.

It's very sad when the fear of the facts leads to such a nasty vile reaction from the Conservative leader of Wokingham Borough Council.

It explains why the Conservatives are such a morally bankrupt party.

Roll on next May. Cllr Gary Cowan, independent councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council

Back around 2010, David Lee (Conservative) as leader authorised the “Core Strategy” which, together with “Managing Development Delivery” authorised by Keith Baker (Conservative) as leader in 2014, became WBC’s Local Plan. Wokingham’s housing “number” was 623 per annum.

More recently, under John Halsall’s (Conservative) leadership, the bid to get £250 million, of the circa £1,250 million needed to develop Grazeley, collapsed when the Ministry rejected Wokingham Borough Council’s new Local Plan.

But the new housing algorithm is alleged to have (roughly) doubled Wokingham’s number. This halves the five year land supply, and without an up-to-date local plan, Wokingham has no powers to manage development location under the current system or the new one. Leaving the vultures circling overhead…

The germ of an idea As even the dimmest government minister has learned, if you have to build LOTS of houses, the only way is UP, and the Planning Reforms celebrate UP as Permitted Development — no planning permission needed.

Our councillors having all failed to win over Whitehall, they clearly need help, but getting MPs properly focused and motivated is tricky.

Two clear lessons from history, The Great Stink (1858) and the Great Flood (1953), show us that the best way to convince MPs to make a difference is for events happen in, or threaten, their own back yards.

… So here’s ‘Plan B’ For developers, the simplest way of keeping land costs down and using the new freedoms in Mr Jenrick’s Planning Reforms is to put in some higher density housing.

The nearest place that does this well is New York and of all the high rise projects, one that stands out is Co-op city in the Bronx — a well spaced complex of 24 to 33 storey buildings containing just over 15,300 homes.

However, because Wokingham’s number has doubled, we’re going to need twice as many houses as the old Grazeley 'Plan A', so we’re going to want not one but two places for Wokingham’s Co-op Cities.

Fortunately, there’s two really nice locations and the first one’s around South Sonning, North Woodley and West Charvil.

The second one’s around Wick Hill, Finchampstead Ridges, Simon’s Wood and Lower Wokingham Road.

So what does this all mean?

‘Plan B’ means that two of Wokingham Borough’s MPs will be guaranteed a fine view of the Co-op cities.

Particularly as their homes would be surrounded by the tower blocks.

Once they’ve recognised the threat that the Planning Reforms pose to their own back yards (literally), one suspects that ‘motivation’ may not be long in coming.

Our two MPs will be in good company — as they’ve got 107 Conservative colleagues including the Prime Minister and Home Secretary whose boroughs are worse affected than ours is and whose very own ‘Plan B’s can provide matching motivation. And with a government majority of ‘only 80’, those 107 colleagues might just give the Borough’s two MPs a fighting chance.

The Last Word It’s heartwarming to note that the last Councillor to successfully negotiate with Whitehall was Cllr Cowan under David Lee’s and Keith Baker’s leadership, so it might be an idea for King John to stop squabbling with him and start listening to him before he has to explain to the Borough’s MPs why the Planing Reforms make ‘Plan B’ not only possible but inevitable. caveat.lector@icloud.com

20 | NEWS

rachelbradley Think local

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Poetry that’s hitting home

Back to school

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 27, 2020

10 legs pedalling hours = a grand

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk FIVE WOKINGHAM dads have been pedalling for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice in a team fundraiser.

One of the poems written by a refugee who has been working with the university

Picture: My Nametags

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S the recent rain will attest, summer is coming to a close and with it school uniforms are being dusted down. Let’s rejoice … life seems to be returning to some kind of normal and I’m utterly delighted about it.

My youngest son seems to have doubled in size during lockdown (all that sleep and all that food no doubt!), so I’ve had to start from scratch on the school uniform front.

With a week to go, school uniform is labelled, sorted and ready for the new term.

I’m so organised I don’t even recognise myself because this has NEVER happened before.

I’m usually the one at the back of the queue for school shoes, convincing my kids that whatever shoes are left are the coolest in the store (they never are, obviously).

Anyone would think I’m desperate to get the teenagers out of the house and back to school.

And they’d be totally spot on.

This time next week, as the boys leave to start their new school years, routine will arrive at my house and it’s a very welcome, and long overdue, guest.

Hopefully we won’t have another lockdown as I need routine to hang around until, like, forever.

As a freelancer, routine isn’t something I have when it comes to work.

No set hours and no one setting the agenda.

So when it comes to the rest of life, routine is EVERYTHING. I need to get the kids back in school so that I have a marker to start the day and I can draw a line in the sand when the day is done.

I need more regular meal times, not the current constant of everyone seemingly eating all the time.

I need to get back to my local gym where I’ll head as soon as the kids are in their first lesson.

That said, that I’ve been getting back into my (somewhat lax) fitness routine since the gym reopened and it feels good.

I even went to the Everyman Cinema this week (which was fantastic by the way) so things are definitely starting to look up.

So I think I speak for all when I say that Back To School also means Back To Normal.

Slowly, slowly, life is starting to look like it’s familiar old self and, despite a few extra pounds and worry lines, it’s looking rather good.

Don’t you think?

Rachel is founder Gossip Girl Gang, a networking group for women in business in and around the borough

REFUGEES in the Reading area are using poetry to reconnect with home with new University workshops.

Celebrating memories of their home countries and identities, poetry writing is proving to be a creative way to process emotions.

Arranged by Dr Yasmine Shamma, of the University of Reading, and Jude Haste of Reading Refugee Support Group (RRSG), the sessions have been running throughout the summer.

And the poetry written during the workshops will be published as a collection in the future, and showcased in a new online archive called Making Home Away.

Dr Shamma, a lecturer in modern and contemporary literature, said: “The refugees we work with come from all over the world, and have some incredible, and heart-breaking, stories.

“Sometimes feelings of frustration or anger come through in their writing, but poetry allows you to mentally order those kinds of feelings and make sense of the turmoil, as a form of art therapy. We offer a safe place to process their senses of displacement, and direct them to their own notebooks’ pages for future processing.”

Poetry writing also taps into the tradition of oral history and performance which have taken place for centuries across the globe.

Historically, manu poems were traditional folk testimonies with long descriptions of the landscape and their spiritual importance.

Building on this theme, refugees in the workshops – which are run in both English and Arabic – are prompted to think about the significance of their everyday actions, both in Reading and their home countries.

One refugee wrote about coming home and smelling breakfast being

cooked and explored the details of the recipe’s ingredients during the workshop.

Another Palestinian man was encouraged to swap his literal description the city of Haifa, where thousands of Palestinians were forced to leave in 1948, for one that described his personal memories of being raised there.

Dr Shamma said: “The resulting sensory description of the breakfast recipe, with the smell of the onions and paprika cooking, revealed far more about his family’s culture and provided meaning to his everyday experience by showing that ordinary details matter.

“The Haifa poem was written as a way of mourning a lost home, but it allowed the writer to go back there for a second in his mind. He hadn’t been to the city since he was about 10-years-old, but could remember so many small details.”

The workshops are inspired by techniques taught by poet and author Kate Clanchy, a creative writing lecturer at the university.

Her work with refugee school pupils has led to them producing award-winning published poetry and she was given an MBE in 2018.

Her creative writing techniques are soon to be published in a book titled Grow your Own Poem.

The poems will also be included in Dr Shamma’s upcoming book, When We Talk About Home, which will draw on interviews she conducted with refugees in camps in Jordan and Lebanon as part of field work funded by the British Academy.

There are also plans for online performances of the poetry by the refugees, in keeping with traditions.

The poetry workshops are part of an RRSG project titled Routes to Roots, commissioned by Living Reading and Reading Culture Live, in partnership with Dr Shamma.

Sarah doesn’t want you to overthink tuning in A WOKINGHAM mental health advocate has launched a podcast to unpick the world of overthinking.

Sarah Sylvester, who runs peerled mental health support group It’s About Time, has launched Thoughts and Facts, a podcast that highlights spiralling thoughts and sorts through the good, the bad and the ugly — with some humour too.

Sarah said: “Every guest I’ve chatted to said that it’s common to overthink and get into a spiral about thought.

“It’s become quite cathartic and explorative as well as lots of fun.”

She’s spent lockdown recording the first season and will be airing series two this month.

Available on multiple streaming sites, the podcast has already interviewed Simon Blake, chief executive of Mental Health First Aid England, Jess Robson, founder of Run Talk Run and Hannah Beecham, founder of fitness and mental health charity RED January.

To tune in and unpick your thoughts, search for Thoughts versus Facts on Sound Cloud, iTunes or Spotify.

James Killian encouraged four friends to join him and cycle 100 miles for the hospice. And they’ve raised £3,800 so far.

On Sunday, August 16, the group cycled for more than six hours across Berkshire and Oxfordshire to support seriously-ill children and families across the region.

James said: “I would describe us all as fairly average and very recreational cyclists.

“We were all determined to try and raise as much money as possible for this special charity.

“None of us had ever ridden anywhere near that distance but we figured the harder we made the challenge, the more people would get behind us and donate.”

James said that with most of the team being fathers, the charity is close to their hearts.

He added: “Despite the aching legs, we are all feeling a huge sense of achievement for raising over £3,800 for such a fantastic cause and we know that every pound will make a difference to the children and families Alexander Devine supports.

“We want to say a massive thank you to everyone that donated and supported us.”

Alexander Devine’s fundraising manager, Harjit Bola said: “It is really inspiring to see how people like James, Stuart, Dan, Derek and Steve push themselves out of their comfort zones

The five Wokingham dads who cycled 100 mil

to try and help others.

“We are hugely grateful for their impressive efforts and everyone that supported them.

“The money they have raised is a huge help for Alexander Devine, especially during these uncertain times when fundraising is incredibly challenging and we have lost vital funds as a result of the cancellation of

Who lets a little bit of stand in the wa A HOPELESS romantic from Wokingham says online dating experts saved him from the perils of loneliness – despite spending most of lockdown 182 miles from his Norfolk-born soulmate.

Farmer's son James Girdler, 28, met Amy Walduck, 25, a year ago on countryside dating site Muddy Matches after more than two years of swiping left on different dating apps.

One year on, the pair’s love has blossomed despite not being able to bubble with each other. “I want to shout from the rooftops how muhc I love Amy — I have never been so much in love if I honest,” James says.

“Amy is definitely a match for life, my soulmate. She was a keeper as soon as I set eyes on her profile picture, it was just a matter of winning her over and pulling out all the stops.

“I knew she was on another level and is very much out of my league, but we have so much in common, it’s as if we’ve known each other for years.”

Now the pair are desperate to set up home together – somewhere off grid or a project property in the middle of nowhere and say the 400-round trip for

James and Amy are looking forward to finding

a romantic date is proving a little tedious.

“We are taking it day-by-day in these current climes,” James says. “We’ve

Thursday, August 27, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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100 miles for six gift for hospice Trevor in the air during his skydive for COATS

Trevor’s sky high with excitement about Sunday

les to raise nearly £4,000 for the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice

key fundraising events.

“What a difference this money will make, indeed it could help us fund over 47 splash sessions in our hydrotherapy pool at the hospice.

“These sessions are such a wonderful opportunity for families to spend quality time together, making memories that they will treasure.”

Alexander Devine Children’s

Hospice Service provides specialist clinical care, practical and emotional support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions free to families across the borough.

Each year, it costs around £1.6 million to maintain its current level of care. � For more information, visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JamesKillian

mud – and 182 miles – ay of true love?

g a place together in the countryside

managed, many couples have suffered from what I’ve heard, but our love is strong.

“Living 200 odd miles away from

each other and with travel restrictions in place, it’s been difficult to meet up as regularly as we’d like, but we make it work and make the most of our time together.

“It’s not ideal but love conquers all I say. We’ll pull through, even if we come out muddy on the other side.

The pair have bonded over an interest in the great British countryside – something that has seen love bloom in many singletons due to lockdown.

“We both grew up in the countryside and love all aspects of the outdoor lifestyle,” adds James. “We have both held office jobs in the past that drove us crazy, so we stick to the outdoors wherever possible.

“We love going on walks and getting out in the open air. We both love the beach and nature. For us, exploring and mini adventures are the spice of life and we love nothing more than taking spontaneous trips together and making lots of mini memories.”

Looking for love has not stopped during lockdown, Muddy Matches welcomed its 500,000th sign-up as people spent time at home.

MOST people when they get to their golden years enjoy taking it easy: relaxing with some good books and comfy slippers.

But not so Trevor Jones.

He’s just completed a skydive, plunging 13,000ft out of a moving plane and landing in the Oxfordshire countryside.

Oh, and he’s 84.

If Trevor’s tale rings some bells, it’s because we’ve written about him before. The tandem parachute jump had been pencilled in for May, but was put on hold due to Covid-19.

A new date on Sunday, August 16, was delayed due to bad weather.

And Storm Ellen threatened to delay the re-rescheduled flight. But thankfully Ellen eased and on Sunday, Trevor the magnificent man in a flying machine going up tiddly up, before going down tiddly down.

Everything went well and he’s none the worse for his high adventure.

It’s all in a good cause too.

He’s been raising funds for COATS, the centre in

Four Months and Counting….

Coronavirus is still around, in fact it is getting worse, With increasing numbers of people who are desperately needing a nurse.

The Government used to tell us just how many died each day, But now it’s so alarming, they think it better not to say.

They prefer to fumble on, inventing rules for all to follow, But many feel the success of this is nothing short of hollow.

The medics offer sound advice which deaf Ministers fail to hear, Until they have to take some note, which makes the public jeer.

But all of a sudden they’ve taken heed of what’s going on in Spain, As the infection numbers there are on the rise again.

So all of a sudden (yes that’s twice!) they’ve issued another directive To all those people now in Spain, and at risk of being infected, When you return to this country, you must stay home two weeks,

Crowthorne for older people.

Originally from the North East, Trevor served five years as an infantryman in the Green Howards before setting up a successful printing business.

He retired to the sunshine of Cyprus 20 years ago and arrived in Crowthorne last year to be near his daughter, and quickly got to know COATS. The Centre is currently closed due to Covid-19 but it will reopen soon.

In the meantime, the centre is being used as the COATS pop-up charity shop which is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

“I was keen to make a contribution to my new community and so decided, at the age of 84, to do a tandem skydive to raise money for COATS,” Trevor said.

“Please support me in my adventure and COATS in their great work with a donation no matter how small.”

To take Trevor at his word, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/Trevorsskydive-for-COATS Hard luck on your employer and many other geeks!

Even a Cabinet member is now caught up in this, Grant Shapps is on vacation there, and will need to give Parliament a miss.

Another rule these past few days is all about the face mask, It must be worn in shops and pubs: a not too pleasant task, Especially if your hearing’s poor, and lip reading helps you out, You’ll have to react with an intelligent look, when actually you’re in doubt!

Did he say this? Or she say that?

You cannot keep saying “What?”

(Even although you secretly feel the person’s talking rot) But we have no choice, so on it goes, and we have to do our best, For it might reduce the infection rate of this wretched covid pest.

Lorna Minton � Have you written any lockdowninspired verse? We’d love to be able to share them with our readers, email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

NEWS | 21

22 | LEISURE

wokinghamlovesmusic

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

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HERE’S no two ways about it, this weekend we’ll be missing the Wokingham Festival. But never fear, Chris Hillman from White Star Records has some tracks to help us feel like it’s still happening.

All you have to do is visit Spotify, sit back and relax.

Chris’s Wokingham Love Music soundtrack features songs from bands and artists with some connection to Wokingham’s music scene, including the Festival at Cantley Park.

There’s a range of musical styles to enjoy meaning that there’s something for everyone You can listen for FREE via Spotify. There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic Wille & The Bandits – Find My Way

Here’s a dynamic four-piece band with a powerful immense sound that showcases their fresh approach to blues rock music. They’ve developed a reputation as one of the best live acts around and were due to headline the final day of Wokingham Festival this year. While we, sadly, now have to wait to get the chance to see the band live again we’ll carry on enjoying their latest album, Paths, from which this track is taken – www.willeandthebandits.com Warmrain – Here Comes The Rain Again This band based around singer songwriter Leon J Russell and were due to play Wokingham Festival this year for the first time, playing tracks from their acclaimed debut album, Back Above The Clouds.

The album features naturally structured rock music with infectious melodies and lyrics that really move you. The album also features this beautiful cover of the Eurythmics classic as you’ve never heard it before — warmrainband.com Fred’s House – Walls And Ceilings From their self-titled EP here’s an excellent live band with gorgeous vocal harmonies and very good musicianship, who were also due to be at Wokingham Festival — fredshousemusic.co.uk Cafe Chaos – Seventh Heaven Another from the festival. The band are a group of excellent musicians from Henley who describe themselves as a progressive rock / fusion band, with a track from their debut debut album Shifting Sands — cafechaos.net Flutatious – Wendel the Witch Festival faves who combine violin, flute, guitar, bass, drums and occasional vocals to produce an uplifting mixture of rock, celtic, folk, psychedelia and dance that you can’t stop yourself moving to — www.flutatious.co.uk Crystal Jacqueline – White Horse Hill This track is from Jacqueline’s latest album A Prayer for the Birds, which was released by Wokingham based Mega Dodo Records — www.facebook.com/ crystaljacquelinemusic Gemma Dorsett – Broken, Blessed & Beautiful As well as her solo work, Gemma also fronts the blues/ rock band Eleven:11 who went down a storm at last year’s Wokingham Festival — www.gemmadorsett.com Zach Johnson – Mississippi Taken from the live EP Songs from the Riverhouse Barn by this up-and-coming local indie/folk singer songwriter who has appeared at WMC and Wokingham Festival. www.zjohnsonmusic.com Fish – Garden Of Remembrance Latest single from forthcoming album Weltschmerz’ With poignant and personal lyrics written by Fish, the music for the single was co-written with local musician John Mitchell — www.fishmusic.scot

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 27, 2020

Sounds of the undergrowth C

RUCIAL to creating a calming environment, sounds are often overlooked in gardens.

But listening and focusing on the sounds of your garden can provide essential moments of mindfulness and will also keep you in tune with the passing seasons.

Water, wind and wildlife all have a part to play.

Water features can provide movement, reflection and a sense of calm - and they attract wildlife, which is an added bonus. Everyone’s idea of a water feature is different.

A babbling brook or gentle flowing cascade makes a sound that is separate to that of a waterfall or fountain. But still water can also provide gentle background noise – as birds and wildlife dip into it.

If the sound of running water isn’t your thing, or you don’t have room for a fountain or babbling brook, try a simple bird bath or rain chains (attached to guttering so that rainwater can run down them).

Whatever size water feature you have it will attract wildlife, especially small frogs that seem to make their way to any pond they can find.

They require little effort on your part, other than water, some nearby plants for protection from predators and a couple of large stones to sit on and catch flies.

For birds, it’s all about shelter and

food as well, which means shrubs that give them somewhere to nest and hide and berries. Hawthorn, holly and ivy are all great for providing sanctuary and subsistence as are hedgerows along garden boundaries.

Don’t forget to plant nectar rich flowers that encourage bees and butterflies. Buzzing pollinators add yet another sound dimension to the garden.

As the seasons change so does the sound of your garden. Summer breezes and autumn winds affect plants in different ways.

Certain ornamental grasses create unique sounds as do bamboo stems or any billowy plant that gets caught by the wind. Many seedpods make interesting sounds as well, and the rustling of leaves is both soothing and evocative.

Our general wellbeing is intrinsically linked to the natural world which is why Thrive – the gardening for health charity – has developed the Thrive Gardening Club.

Fortnightly tips on getting the most out of your garden, whatever you age or ability, and information on how

gardening can keep you healthy and feeling good.

To find out more, visit www. thrive.org.uk/get-involved/keep-intouch/subscribe-to-gardening-club � Thrive is the UK’s leading provider of social and therapeutic horticulture programmes using gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities, ill health or mental health issues, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. www.thrive.org.uk

� 1 Garlic Clove � 15ml Lemon Juice � 15ml Olive Oil � ¼ tsp Salt � ¼ tsp Pepper � ¼ tsp Paprika

� ½ Lemon, juiced � 1 tsp Paprika � 1 tsp Ground Cumin � ½ tsp Salt � ½ tsp Pepper Tzatziki as per Chicken Gyros � 1 Strong Wooden Kebab Skewer (or multiple thinner kebab skewers)

It’s all Greek to Aldi

P

ART of its international dining menu, supermarket Aldi is serving up Greek recipes to give that holiday-feeling from

home.

The Greek avocado and feta salad combines ripe avocados with crunchy lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, olives and feta — a traditional dish to whisk you away to the cobbles of Corfu.

The chicken gyros make a tasty main course to share with the family. Pan-fried chicken wrapped in a soft folded flatbread with shredded lettuce, red onion, tomatoes and some homemade traditional tzatziki.

And the halloumi kebab tower recipe combines red onion, peppers, aubergine and courgette and glaze in a sweet honey dressing.

Aldi’s Greek Avocado and Feta Salad � 2 x 2 packs Ripe and Ready Avocados � 1 Lettuce � 200g Feta Cheese � 1 large Red Onion � 250g Cherry Tomatoes � 60g Black Pitted Olives Dressing � Juice of 1 Lemon � 70ml Olive Oil � 1 tsp Dried Basil � Sea Salt and Black Pepper Mix together the olive oil, lemon juice and basil. Season with some salt and black pepper and whisk.

Cut the avocados in half. Remove the stones and, with a spoon, scoop out the flesh. Thinly slice the avocadoes and put into a shallow bowl.

Pour over the dressing to stop the avocados from discolouring.

Slice the lettuce and put into a large

salad bowl. Cut the tomatoes in half and add to the lettuce. Cut the onion in half, peel and thinly slice and add to the bowl.

Drain any liquid from the cheese and cut into small chunks, then add to the salad. Add the olives to the bowl and mix together.

Gently fold in the avocado slices with the dressing and serve.

Aldi’s Chicken Gyros � 8 Chicken Thigh Fillets � 1 tbsp Olive Oil � ¼ head of Iceberg Lettuce, shredded � ½ Red Onion, thinly sliced � 2 Salad Tomatoes, sliced � 4 White Folded Flat Bread Marinade � 2 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped � 30ml Lemon Juice � 30ml Olive Oil � 1 tbsp Freshly Chopped Mint � 2 tsp Dried Oregano � 1 tsp Ground Cumin � 1 tsp Paprika � ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon Tzatziki � 200g Greek Style Yogurt � ½ Cucumber

Place all the ingredients for the marinade into a bowl, add the chicken thighs then leave to marinate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight.

Prepare the tzatziki by removing the seeds from the cucumber, then grating.

Combine the grated cucumber with all the other ingredients, then leave in the fridge until needed.

Heat a heavy-bottomed pan, add the tablespoon of oil, then cook the chicken thighs for 8-10 minutes on each side until nicely browned/charred on the outside and cooked through.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad and heat the pitta bread in a hot pan for 1 minute on each side.

When cooked, cut the chicken into slices and assemble the gyros by distributing the chicken and salad between the pitta breads, then drizzle with the tzatziki.

Aldi’s Greek Halloumi Kebab Tower Kebab � 2 x 225g packs of Halloumi � 1 Large Red Onion � 1 Courgette � 1 Red Pepper � 1 Yellow Pepper � 1 Aubergine � 2 tbsp Honey, for glazing � 4 Pitta Breads Marinade � 75ml Olive Oil � 1 tbsp Dried Oregano � 2 Garlic Cloves

Begin by preparing the ingredients for the kebab.

Halve the onion then cut the aubergine, courgette and peppers into chunky slices, suitable for stacking.

Slice each block of halloumi into 2 slices, around 1-2cm thick.

Mix together the ingredients for the marinade and pour over the vegetables and halloumi.

Pre-heat the oven to 200ºC/Fan 180ºC/Gas Mark 6.

Use one of the onion halves as the base (flat side down) and insert the skewer into the onion.

Stack the vegetables and halloumi on top of the onion, using the kebab sticks to secure them, and press down to fit as much as possible.

Top the kebab tower with the other onion half and place any vegetables you couldn’t fit onto the skewer on the tray around the base.

Roast the kebab for 30 minutes then brush with the honey and put back in the oven for a further 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are cooked and beginning to char.

While the kebab is in the oven, start the tzatziki by removing the seeds from the cucumber, then grating.

Combine the grated cucumber with all of the other tzatziki ingredients, then leave in the fridge until needed.

Carve the kebab and serve along with the tzatziki and pitta bread.

INTHECOMMUNITY helenabadger volunteer corner

The benefits of volunteering

W

HEN talking about volunteering the focus usually falls on how a volunteer may help others and improve their lives or give them valuable support to deal with a particular challenge.

It may be an older person, someone who feels lonely (of any age) or it may be helping with the running of a group or club where others participate.

This can miss an invaluable benefit and one that has been proven through multiple research projects – the value to the volunteer themselves.

This is especially true for people who are active and mobile but also feel lonely or isolated.

In research conducted by the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), an organisation with 18,000 volunteers nationally, 95% of their volunteers said they’ve gained additional knowledge and skills from their volunteering and 80% of those that have gained knowledge felt this has helped them in other areas of their life.

Also, 81% reported volunteering makes them feel better about themselves, 68% felt more confident and it made 84% feel more cheerful.

I’m sure we would all endorse the value of these benefits but it extends further.

Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health: lacking social connections is a comparable risk factor for early death to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is worse for us than well-known risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity.

Loneliness can increase the likelihood of mortality by 26%, as reported in the government’s strategy for tackling loneliness.

Volunteering as a befriender, for example, could fix this for two people at once if someone feels lonely but is able to volunteer their time.

This is where Link Visiting can help, supporting both the client and volunteer, or through The Wokingham Volunteer Centre where one of our services involves taking older or disabled clients shopping, for example, or to other activities when they resume.

The Friendship Alliance is a group of charities working together specifically to address loneliness and is seeking Friendship Champions, to actively encourage friendships and connections through community involvement; to provide information and encourage people to participate in local initiatives; to promote friendship, look out for others and develop a community spirit.

If any of these opportunities appeals, or you are simply looking for something to occupy some spare time, add purpose to your life or simply ‘give back’, then contact us at The Wokingham Volunteer Centre on 0118 977 0749, send an email to: volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit our website www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer.

SOCIETY | 23

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Thursday, August 27, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

News from your community groups, clubs and societies Send your reports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Easthampstead Rotary Club EASTHAMPSTEAD Rotary Club’s president for the last 12 months, Terry Edney, chose Home-Start Bracknell Forest to benefit from donations by club members for their minor misdemeanours during his year in office.

Wearing shorts, eating two desserts, over-exuberant laughter during our pre-lockdown get-togethers to name but a few.

"Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to donate £1,500 to HomeStart," reported Terry to club members attending one of their recent Zoom meetings.

Having recently visited Home-Start, Terry was able to provide some feedback on what the charity has achieved during the year.

“The charity has helped 62 families and 129 children living in Bracknell Forest, and what impressed me was how they have adapted to these strange times.

“Their 30-odd volunteers have been using telephone and Zoom calls instead of their normal home visits, not currently possible during Covid-19.”

Home-Start manager Sharon Kearins (pictured) said: “This very generous donation has helped us set up a closed Facebook site to assist parents, run a virtual fitness class enjoyed by 52 mums, as well as provide specialist webinars and online talks on a variety of important topics.

“Although we will return to home visits after Covid, we plan to keep some of these online activities as they allow us to provide our services to a wider group of parents.”

Terry added: “I’m delighted that, circumstances allowing, the Home-Start Bracknell Forest team plan to participate

Wokingham Art Society THE WOKINGHAM Art Society is bringing its summer exhibition to the home, with a virtual showreel.

This year would have marked the 65th annual event, but is instead being celebrated with a 10-minute video showcasing the work produced by society members.

The film also serves as a taster for next year's exhibition, when organisers hope to throw a full exhibition.

Society member, Annet Pullen said: “Much to our regret, but for obvious reasons our main event, the Annual Summer Exhibition, had to be cancelled this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This exhibition is normally held at St Paul’s Parish Rooms around this time of the year.

“It would have been our 65th and we have really missed the displays, buzz and everything that goes with it, not in the least our visitors, many of which have been to see us for quite a few years now.”

Founded in 1956 by a few local artists, the society has grown to more than 200 members across the borough.

Annet added: “We hold monthly demonstrations where we invite professional artists.

Musical treat for care home residents

again in our Community Christmas Draw and Bracknell Together Walk to raise valuable funds.

“I think Home-Start is just the sort of charity that we hoped to help with both of these activities.”

New members always welcome. Post COVID, we meet most Monday evenings at The Coppid Beech.

For more information, call Brian on 07720 321 526 or visit www. easthampsteadrotary.org The group is also on Facebook search for easthampsteadrotaryclub PETER VON BERGEN These events are now cancelled but will resume once it's safe to do so. We welcome new members at any skill level.

“You may like to see our showreel instead and enjoy these artworks via YouTube.”

To watch the 10-minute film, visit: youtu.be/gtYl_Tr-tKo � The Art Society would like to note a correction to one of the paintings included in the film, by Rod Jones. It should read Tai-Shan Schierenberg.

FINCHAMPSTEAD care home residents were treated to an afternoon concert thanks to an armed forces charity.

Around 23 residents and staff from Wild Acres Care Home enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment on Tuesday, August 18, as part of a special concert series organised by The Not Forgotten.

The British Armed Forces charity for serving and ex-service men and women recently launched Those Not Forgotten Years, a nationwide outdoor concert tour of care homes to entertain, boost morale and lift spirits by reaching thousands of people across the country.

Around 23 residents and staff gathered for the Wokingham concert and a fabulous tea, all at a suitable social distance, for a memorable afternoon to lift the lockdown blues.

A team of singers and musicians performed popular classics and rousing

favourites from the 1930s and 1960s including a poignant special tribute to the late Dame Vera Lynn.

Michelle Munro, activities coordinator at Wild Acres, said: “We can’t tell you what an absolute tonic it was for the residents and the staff, we all had a fabulously entertaining afternoon in the sun with you all. This afternoon has been absolutely one of my favourite times with the residents ever – just magical.”

Brigadier James Stopford, the chief executive of The Not Forgotten, said: “Sadly, events to commemorate VE Day, VJ Day and D Day could not take place properly this year, so we were determined to help Second World War veterans and those who have served their country mark these important days by bringing the celebrations to them.”

For more information about The Not Forgotten, call: 0207 730 2400 In normal times, the art exhbition for the Art Society is held at St Paul’s Church parish rooms

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Reading producers launch action film

W

ITH AN army of volunteers behind them, two Berkshire-based producers have released their first feature-length film, and it hits quite close to home.

The Bonded production company recently released their film The Bond which tells the story of a killer virus and society’s struggle to eliminate it.

Relying on volunteers for actors, music and all things behind the scenes, this film is truly a community affair and even features some familiar landmarks in the final cut.

Producers of The Bond, Erica Evans and Zoe Robinson, told Wokingham.Today they were unsure about running the film.

“It was actually written in 2017, so we had no idea Covid-19 was going to happen,” Erica says.

“When the coronavirus happened, we thought it was a bit weird because the film talks about things like isolation, quarantine and rationing.

“We thought it might be a bit insensitive, but we ran with it anyway,” she adds.

The Bond addresses a number of themes and issues facing the world today.

“It touches upon what makes us human,” Erica explains.

“And it tackles humanity and having empathy for others,” Zoe adds. “It’s in the undertones a lot.”

The Bonded team worked closely with local organisation Look Beyond Theatre when casting.

The Bracknell-based creative drama group works with young adults with additional needs, and ensures people with special educational needs have access to ample opportunities.

“To give these young people the opportunity to learn and hone their social skills was amazing,” Zoe said.

The Bonded also worked with local artists to produce the soundtrack, too.

“It was great fun. There are so many amazing people out there who came together to help us on the music front,” Erica says.

Some of the artists who have worked on the film’s soundtrack include Travis Preston from Reading-based band Dead Men, and local indie folk rock band Colours & Fires.

Ultimately, producing the film was an experience for everybody, Erica and Zoe explain.

Embarking on the production with little to no experience meant they were constantly learning on the job.

“We even filmed it on a mobile

Filming action scenes on set Picture: The Bonded phone,” Erica says.

And Zoe, the one behind the camera, says she would do it all over again.

“There were times when I was hanging off the back of jeeps and hiding in bushes, so there was a lot of stuff I could do with a phone that I couldn’t with a chunky bit of kit,” Zoe explains.

After releasing the film virtually, the producers feel that it has been received well so far. And, viewers have been tuning in from across the world to give it a watch.

“The feedback that we’ve had has been really good.

“One of my friends in America has even been watching it, and he got some of his friends to watch it too,” Zoe says.

John Grisham to speak at Henley Literary Festival

A

POPULAR author, who has sold more than 200 million books will be joining the Henley Literary Festival this autumn.

John Grisham will be talking about his new book A Time For Mercy — a follow-up to his 1989 novel, A Time To Kill.

Grisham will appear at the festival direct from his US home on Thursday, October 15 at 8pm.

Each ticket holder will receive a copy of the new book, which will be published just two days earlier.

Grisham has authored more than 30 international bestsellers including The Client, Camino Winds, The Rainmaker and the Theodore Boone middle grade series for children.

Several of his novels have been adapted into blockbuster films, including The Firm with Tom Cruise and The Pelican Brief with Denzel Washington.

He joins fellow chart-topping novelists David Mitchell, Fern Britton, John Boyne and Joanna Trollope on the line-up of 40 online events for adults and

children in September and October.

There will also be a range of speakers including Graham Norton, Andrew Marr, Candice Brathwaite, Michael Morpurgo, Nadiya Hussain and James Haskell.

Festival director Harriet Reed said: “An exciting aspect of an online festival is the possibilities it opens up, allowing us to have speakers joining us direct from the US, Canada and Ireland as well as to potentially reach audiences internationally.

“As we can’t bring tens of

thousands of visitors to Henley this year we are excited to bring a bit of Henley to the world and having one of our mostrequested authors join the lineup is fantastic.”

The festival will run from Saturday, September 26 until Friday, October 4.

There will be special postfestival events in October with Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert, Jodi Picoult, Andrew Marr and now Grisham. � For more information and to book a ticket, visit: henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk or call: 01491 575948

The duo have plans to enter The Bond into film festivals in the future, too, and would love to produce more films in the future.

“Our plan initially was to enter into film festivals,” Erica says. “Even if it’s just local ones to see how it goes.”

The Bond is currently being streamed exclusively by Reading Culture Live on its virtual venue, with all proceeds going towards Look Beyond Theatre.

The film’s first chapter can also be viewed for free. � For more information, to watch the trailer and find out how to watch the film online, visit: www.readingculturelive.co.uk/events/ the-bond

Norden Farm Youth Theatre return to class DRAMA STUDENTS are returning to Norden Farm Youth Theatre after three months of online classes.

Starting on Wednesday, September 16, the sessions will run fromNorden Farm’s building.

The classes are led by drama teacher Karen Wallace-Jones with Jane Hibbs and explore a range of physical theatre techniques.

For juniors, this includes characterisation, physical comedy, story-telling and clowning. Children play games and explore ways to free their voice, body and imagination.

And they’ll create brand new pieces of theatre that they will share in a performance at the end of term.

In the seniors class, storytelling draws on physical theatre styles of companies such as Frantic Assembly and students are encouraged to play with the imaginative possibilities of using music and text to devise short, original pieces to share at the end of term.

Karen Wallace-Jones is a professionally trained actor and qualified drama teacher.

She has worked in arts and

education for more than 20 years.

She said she loves working with young people to share her love of theatre and the power of the imagination.

Jane Hibbs trained at East15 Acting School and has a first class honours degree in Acting and Community Theatre. She has been a workshop facilitator for five years, working with groups aged from three months to over 80.

She also runs drama sessions at a SEN school.

Jane said she loves exploring the different aspects of theatre, from physical clowning to reciting Shakespeare.

Junior Youth Theatre runs from 4pm to 5pm every Wednesday and is for children in school Years 5 and 6. Classes cost £67 for 10 weeks of teaching.

And the Senior Youth Theatre runs from 5.30pm to 7pm every Wednesday for Years 7 to 11. Classes cost £97 for 10 weeks of teaching.

All classes will be run with social distancing in place and with a reduced capacity to enable this. � To book a place, visit: norden.farm/events

26 | PROPERTY

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A4 LONDON ROAD, EARLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 20th August 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: A4 London Road, Earley between its junctions with Wokingham Borough Boundary and A4 Sutton Seeds Roundabout.

The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 London Road, A329 Wokingham Road, B3350 Church Road, B3350 Pitts Lane and A4 London Road.

The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 London Road, B3350 Pitts Lane, B3350 Church Road, A329 Wokingham Road, A4 London Road, A4 Crown Street, A327 Southampton Street, Mill Lane and A329 Queens Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 31st August and 3rd September 2020 between 22:00 and 06:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake bridge examination work in safety.

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application

Address

Reasons for Advert Description

201881

Stanlake Farm Cottage, (Affect setting of) Waltham Road, Listed Building Twyford

201942

Ash Tree Cottage, 90 High Street, Wargrave

Conservation Area

202133

Land east of Gorse Ride Major Application South, south of Whittle Close, and to the north and south of Billing Avenue and Firs Close

Householder application for the proposed erection of a detached outbuilding to form a garden office following demolition of 3 no. existing outbuildings and removal of decking.

Householder application for proposed erection of 2no. outbuildings to the rear of existing dwelling, following the demolition of existing outbuilding.

Full planning application for the proposed redevelopment of the existing Gorse Ride South Estate, comprising demolition of existing buildings and replacement with 249 no. dwellings (mixedtenure flats and houses) together with associated access, parking, landscaping, public open space and drainage.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. All libraries in the Borough have internet access in order to view this page.

Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 31st August 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Any comments must arrive on or before 18th September 2020. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.

Dated this 27th August 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (HOGMOOR LANE, HURST) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Hogmoor Lane, Hurst between its junctions with A321 Broadwater Lane and Poplar Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Poplar Lane, Hinton Road and A321 Broadwater Lane or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 16th September and 17th September 2020 between 09:30 and 15:30.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake Openreach cabling work in safety.

Date: 27th August 2020

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (EDNEY’S HILL, BARKHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Edney’s Hill, Barkham between its junctions with Barkham Road and Edney’s Hill, Wokingham.

2. Edney’s Hill, Wokingham between its junctions with Edney’s Hill, Barkham and Nash Grove Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by these restrictions shall be via Edney’s Hill, Evendons Lane, Blagrove Lane, Doles Lane and Barkham Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 15th September 2020 and 17th September 2020 between 20:00 and 06:00.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake a new customer connection works in safety.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 16th September 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

Dated this 27th August 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 15th September 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated this 27th August 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (PART LANE, SWALLOWFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Part Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with Church Road and School Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Trowes Lane, The Street and Church Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 18th September and 21st September 2020.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake BDUK Superfast Broadband work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 18th September 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated this 27th August 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE Mr Oliver Kidby trading as Berkshire Removals Ltd of 19 Dowles Green, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 5AB is applying to change an existing licence as follows: To keep an extra 2 goods vehicles and 2 trailers at the operating centre Amen Corner, Buckhurst Road, Binfield, Berkshire RG12 8TD. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) Who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected,should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House,386 Harehills Lane,Leeds, LS96NF,stating their reasons,within 21 day soft his notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE Barry Kingsbury trading as Kingsbury Transport of Oakwood Park, Peacock Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire RG40 3YZ is applying for a new operators licence at the above address.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) Who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

Thursday, August 27, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

SPORT | 33

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A3032 OLD BATH ROAD, TWYFORD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. A3032 High Street Twyford between its junctions with A3032 Old Bath Road and A321 Wargrave Road.

2. A3032 Old Bath Road, Twyford between its junctions with A3032 High Street and A4 New Bath Road The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 New Bath Road and A321 Wargrave Road or by this route in reverse.

FOOTBALL

MOORE DOUBLE SEES MOLES DEFEAT SUMAS

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 14th September and 9th October 2020.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake materials delivery and bridge strengthening work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 14th September 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated this 27th August 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

NEWSPAPER NOTICE AS PART of the refurbishment plans at All Saints Church some memorials need to be moved. Any descendant of the person commemorated on the monument, or any person who is aware of the identity of a descendant, should contact The Churchwardens, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham, RG40 1UE and the Diocesan Registrar at 2 Chawley Park, Cumnor Hill, Oxford OX2 9GG.

Binfield took the Martin Joyce trophy after defeating Wokingham & Emmbrook 3-1 at Lowther Road Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballInBerkshire

The memorials showing the first person named (dates of death in brackets) concern, within the church: Edward Cotton (1682), John Davis (1801), David Cheap (1752) , William Horne (1750) Charles Barker (1786), Simon Weaver, Lucy Lamplow (1819), Matthew Green, Charles Bird (1828), Gervass Berkeley (1699), Thomas Godwin (1590), Benjamin Baldwin (1809), Emma Soames, Mary Morres (1835) Commander Elliot Morres (1884) ? Godsal (17?), Thomas Trickley (1830), and in the churchyard: Sarah Smith (1851), Elizabeth Smith (1843), Sarah & William May (1899), Martha Matilda Loosley (1899), Frances Neal (1832), Mary Twycross (1837), Harriet Goldsmith (1878), Suzanne Brooke (1853), Louisa Ann Shorter(1911), Diana Loughton (1845), Farr Loughton (1829), Mary Binfield (1815), Julia Trower (1831), Thomas Holton (1831), John Langridge (1940).

Dated 27th August 2020

SERVICES

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Having taken a quick lead, the Sumas continued their momentum and looked to add a second as Harris just missed the target after he was fed the ball by Atkinson.

Harris then threatened again and forced a brilliant save from the Binfield keeper who saved at full stretch to prevent a second Sumas goal.

The chances kept coming

for Harris who fired just over the bar after he won a free kick on the edge of the Moles’ box.

Both goalkeepers were kept busy as Mullen forced another smart save from the Binfield keeper before Sumas stopper Woodward stretched high to palm away an attempted lob to maintain his sides lead.

The Moles found an equaliser on the stroke of half time as Moore levelled

the scores with both sides impressing in an entertaining opening 45 minutes.

Sumas loked to take the initiative once again early in the second half and came close as Bateman forced another superb save, before Binfield then twice went agonisingly close to snatching the lead.

Having missed a coupl eof good chances, uit was the visitors who eventually

capitalised and went ahead through Josh Howell.

The match was then settled when Moore bagged his second goal of the evening to gift Binfie,ld the Martin Joyce Trophy after a brilliant contested match up between the two local rivals.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK: Woodward, Carter, C Eagle, Cummuskey, W Day, Mullen, Harris, Bateman, Atkinson, E Day, White

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ROYALS ON TARGET BOWEN’S BOYS START PRE-SEASON WITH WIN Reading 2 Gillingham 1 � Continued from back page

Gillingham then had their first shot after Liam Moore committed a foul 30 yards from goal.

Jacob Mellis took aim from distance with a low effort as he tried to find the far corner but got his execution wrong as the ball flew harmlessly wide.

Reading took the lead after 21 minutes when Lucas Joao nodded in from John Swift's inswinging corner. Gillingham's keeper tried to collect the ball but got nowhere near as Joao headed into the unguarded net.

Just moments after the first goal Reading had a second. Andy Rinomhota snatched possession from the Gills on the halfway line and burst through the centre of the defence on a solo mission all the way into the box as he held off a defender to tuck the ball into the bottom corner.

George Puscas replaced goalscorer Joao just after the 45 minute mark and looked bright as he burst forward with a strong run which saw him nutmeg a defender before finding Olise with a cut back, but the young midfielder's shot was blocked.

Gillingham found themselves back in the contest after 51 minutes when Felipe Araruna's challenge on John Akinde was deemed to be a foul and they were awarded a penalty.

Akinde took the resulting spot kick and sent Rafael the wrong way as he powerfully

Rafael Cabral throws to a teammate

dispatched from 12 yards.

Reading continued to look the more likely to get a fourth goal of the day as Liam Moore got forward on the right and whipped in a dangerous cross which was palmed awayand somehow didn’t fall to a Reading shirt.

There were plenty of changes in the final half an hour as Marc McNulty, Yakou Meite, Samuels, Southwood, Holmes and Holsgrove all got amongst the action.

Yakou Meite found his strike partner on the wing as he slipped a ball behind the Gills defence, but the Romanian flashed a wild shot high and wide from a difficult angle.

The Gillingham goalkeeper had to stay alert to keep out a fierce volley from Sam Baldock who latched onto Jordan Holsgrove's delivery as the

BOWEN MAY BE REPLACED AS ROYALS BOSS � Continued from back page The Royals are due to begin their Sky Bet Championship campaign for the 2020/21 season on Saturday, September 12 but it is currently unclear who will be in charge of the first team

after speculation that the club are set to make changes.

Bowen was in charge in the Royals’ first pre-season clash as they beat Gillingham at the Madejski Stadium, however it is believed that the owner wants to replace Bowen as manager before

Sam Baldock races away from the Gills defence Pictures: Steve Smyth

forward watched the ball come over his shoulder and connected sweetly.

With 80 minutes played, Gillingham came close to finding an unlikely equaliser as Luke Southwood flew to his left to keep out a curling effort from the Gills left-back who found space to get a shot away on the

the start of the league season.

Speculation has continued to persist among fans that a managerial change could be imminent after the club announced that Howe was to be replaced as chief excecutive of the club.

Following the Royals’ 2-1 victory over Gillingham on Saturday, Bowen had suggested that the club are keen to make reinformcements tote squad ahead of the season, with Josh Laurent on a free transfer from Shrewsbury Town currently being the

edge of the box.

McNulty then found Puscas with a defence splitting through ball but the Romanian striker couldn't take advantage as he was squandered by the Gills defence before he did well to hold up the ball but lost possession after having a lack of support.

Having completed their first action of pre-season ahead of the 2020/21 Championship season, the Royals play Premier League teams Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United in the coming weeks.

Reading then host Colchester United in the Carabao Cup on Saturday,

only permanent signing.

“I’ll keep trying to get the right players in because everyone gets a lift when new players come in,” said Bowen.

“Last year we had 26 outfield players and that was too many but when 12 go out you want to bring five or six in.

“They have to be the right ones and not just squad players.”

Bowen led the Royals to a 14th place finish in the 2019/20 Championship season which was the highest finish since the 2016/17 season for the club Omar Richards ventures forward in to Gillingham’s half

September 5 before the Championship season kicks off a week later with a trip to Derby County.

READING: Rafael, Yiadom, Morrison, Moore, McIntyre, Richards, Laurent, Rinomhota, Swift, Olise, Joao.

SUBS: Southwood, Holmes, Samuels, Araruna, Holsgrove, Tetek, Baldock, Aluko, McNulty, Meite, Puscas.

SPORT | 35

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TO BEAT GILLS

FROM THE TILEHURST END With Olly Allen

A

Tom McIntyre flies highest to win an aerial battle against the Gillingham attackers

Andy Rinomhota finishes off a superb solo effort

Swift looks to pick out a teammate

New recruit Josh Laurent gets stuck into the action

Michael Morrison takes aim with a long pass

couple of weeks ago, I wrote in this column about the summer of change that lay ahead for the Reading men’s team.

That change is still happening – as I write, Mark Bowen appears set to be replaced as manager – but is leaving the future looking more uncertain by the day.

However there has also been change occurring within the women’s side, but the outcome would appear to be a much more optimistic one.

Eight first team players, including Remi Allen, Sophie Howard and Jo Potter, all left the club at the end of their contracts in June, following on from the announcement that England international Jade Moore would be joining NWSL outfit Orlando Pride.

It left the squad looking a little threadbare, and meant supporters were slightly worried about whether the team would be able to compete towards the top end of the WSL again next season.

Yet those fears have been quickly suppressed by a host of a new arrivals to bolster Kelly Chambers’ ranks. In mid-July, a double signing from Arsenal whet the appetite as Danielle Carter and Emma Mitchell joined the Royals. Two extremely experienced options, the pair were WSL and FA Cup winners with the Gunners and have both been capped at international level by England and Scotland respectively.

Next through the door was centre-back Deanna Cooper from WSL champions Chelsea, followed by New Zealand international goalkeeper Erin Nayler.

But the biggest signing was still to come. Last week, Reading made a huge statement of intent by capturing Jess Fishlock on a loan deal for the season.

Wales’ all-time appearance maker with 133 caps to her name, Fishlock has quite the CV. She has been with US side OL Reign since 2013, but has spent several off-seasons on loans around the world, leading to an enviable medal collection: including league titles in four different countries, two Champions League crowns and a host of individual honours.

There is no doubt that the midfielder will be an invaluable presence in the group. Fishlock’s arrival also means that the Royals have the unique quirk of having two MBEs in their squad – along with Fara Williams, England’s most-capped footballer of all time.

It would seem that there has never been a more exciting time to follow the women’s side. Kelly Chambers’ team have finished in the top five in each of the last three WSL seasons and reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 2019, but are now keen to kick-on and progress even further. The addition of players who are experienced in winning silverware will only help that ambition.

The 2020/21 campaign will also see the Women play at the Madejski Stadium much more regularly, following the departure of London Irish from RG2, making fixtures more accessible.

Their first home game is against Aston Villa on September 13, a week after the season opener away to Arsenal. If you want to watch a Reading team do well next season, you know where to head.

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

ROYALS CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF WITH TRIP TO DERBY READING will kick off their 2020/21 Championship campaign with an away trip to Derby County on Saturday, September 12.

The Royals will then host Barnsley at the Madejski Stadium in their first home match of the new league season with games still set to be played behind closed doors for the foreseeable future.

Reading will also be at home on Boxing Day once again when they host Luton

Town.

Their season concludes with an away trip to newly releghated Norwich City before they are at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday, May 8.

Full fixtures are below:

20- Wycombe Wanderers (H) 24- Rotherham United (H) 27- Blackburn Rovers (A) November: 4- Preston North End (H) 7- Stoke City (H) 21- Bournemouth (H) 25- Millwall (A) 28- Bristol City (H)

September: 12- Derby County (A) 17- Barnsley (H) 26- Cardiff City (A)

December: 2- Sheffield Wednesday (A) 5- Nottingham Forest (H) 9- Birmingham City (H) 12- Queens Park Rangers (A) 16- Norwich City (H) 19- Brentford (A) 26- Luton Town (H)

October: 3- Watford (H) 17- middlesbrough (A)

29- Swansea City (A) January: 2- Huddersfield Town (A) 16- Brentford (H) 19- Coventry City (H) 23- Preston North End (A) 30- Bournemouth (H) February: 6- Stoke City (A) 13- Millwall (H) 16- Bristol City (A) 20- Middlesbrough (H) 23- Wycombe Wanderers (A) 27- Rotherham United (A)

March: 2- Blackburn Rovers (H) 6- Sheffield Wednesday (H) 13- Nottingham Forest (A) 17- Birmingham City (A) 20- Queens Park Rangers (H) April: 2- Barnsley (A) 5- Derby County (H) 10- Watford (A) 17- Cardiff City (H) 21- Luton Town (A) 24- Swansea City (H) May: 1- Norwich City (A) 8- Huddersfield Town (H)

LOCAL FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

MORTIMER HIT FIVE PAST SLOUGH MORTIMER LADIES earned a huge victory over Slough Town Rebels with a 5-1 win.

The Kestrels defeated Tilehurst Panthers Development 2-1 to take the win.

WOODLEY UNITED men’s firstteam also recorded a 2-1 triumph as they came from a goal down to see off Pangebourne.

WOODLEY UNITED LADIES continued their pre-season with a victory thanks to two goals from Rosie Page-Smith.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK suffered a 2-0 defeat against Hartley Wintney.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were narrowly beaten 3-2 by Penn & Tylers Green FC, while EVERSLEY

& CALIFORNIA DEVELOPMENT were also defeated 4-0 by Penn & Tylers.

MORTIMER LADIES earned a huge victory over slough Town Rebels with a 5-1 win.

BINFIELD smashed six past Hartley Wintney with a superb second half showing which saw the Moles hit five goals.

Sean Moore nothced a hat-tirck, while Asa Povey andJamie McClurg also got on the scoresheet.

FINCHAMPSTEAD were tested against higher opposition in the form of Chalvey Sports FC and gave them a tough contest that finished in a 3-2 victory for Chalvey.

LONDON Irish were dealt a thrashing

by Northampton Saints in their first home game since the restart of the Gallagher Premiership as Saints took a bonus point win.

The Exiles are playing their remaining home fixtures at the Twickenham Stoop but made it two consecutive losses since the restart after Saints put four tries past them with just one penalty on the scoresheet for Irish.

Irish went 3-0 down early to a Saints penalty but could have had the first try of the match had Ollie Hassel-Collins got his pass right. The clinical winger showed his pace as he drove down the left wing but his pass to try and find a teammate went astray leaving an opportunity missed for the Exiles.

Irish levelled the score at 3-3 through a Paddy Jackson penalty

The Sumas walking side compete nationally and in the local Thames Valley WF League, and have enjoyed great success having won the division.

“We are looking for players age 50+ who would like to resume their football careers or continue playing in a safe, slightly slower paced yet no less competitive form of the game,” said Mike Allpress.

“If you love your football it’s a great way to enjoy keeping fit past 50. But don't be fooled, it's not easy so come along and try it first before you scoff.”

BERKS STORM TO EIGHT WICKET WIN

By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk BERKSHIRE’S experience proved too much for a young Glamorgan XI as they swept to an eight-wicket victory in a friendly before a large crowd at Falkland CC on Sunday.

Mortimer Ladies hit five past Slough Town. Picture: Andrew Batt FootballInBerkshire

EXILES TOOTHLESS IN SAINTS DEFEAT which saw a low scoring first-half come to an end with the sides locked with just one penalty score each.

But the Saints scored early in the second half with just ten minutes played as a swift passing move out to the left found Tom Collins who chipped a ball over the top and used his blistering pace to touch the ball down to score the first try of the match.

Just moments after, Saints looked for their second try of the day but Lewis Ludlam was pushed out of touch just before he touched down in the corner.

But the Saints pressure continued as they took the attacking initiative in the match as they drove over the line with a maul but Mikey Haywood dropped possession before he could touch down.

However the referee awarded a penalty try and sent Sekope Kepu to the sin bin for an offence which

WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook Walking Football team are on the lookout for new players to join their side.

� For more information email: mallpressno1@gmail.com, call: 07734954111 or visit: www.wefc.club

GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP RUGBY

London Irish 3-27 Northampton Saints

SUMAS WANT NEW WALKING PLAYERS

stopped the act of Saints scoring a try from the maul.

Irish’s day went from bad to worse as they were reduced to 13 players as Will Goodrick-Clarke was shown a yellow card with 67 minutes on the clock.

Saints made their two man advantage count as they were rewarded a second penalty try of the match as they raced into a big lead.

The away side earned theri bonus point try as Tuala danced past the oncoming Irish tackles and touched down in the right hand corner to further extend his sides lead and wrapped up a convincing victory.

The Exiles are in ninth position in the league table with a midweek trip on Wednesday evening to Leicester Tigers(6pm) before they host Saracens on Monday (1pm).

LONDON IRISH: Homer; Loader, Williams, Brophy Clews, Hassell-Collins; Jackson,

Meehan; Dell, Cornish, Hoskins, Nott, De Chaves, Cooke, Cowan (capt), Tuisue.

REPLACEMENTS: Matu'u, Goodrick-Clarke, Kepu, Donnell, Ioane, Phipps, Atkins, Neal.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS: Furbank; Olowofela, Proctor, Hutchinson, Collins; Grayson, Mitchell; Van Wyk, Haywood, Hill, Moon, Isiekwe, Gibson, Ludlam (capt), Adendorff.

REPLACEMENTS: Marshall, Hobbs-Awoyemi, Painter, Bean, Uru, James, Bird-Tulloch, Tuala.

Paddy Jackson scored Irish’s only points of the match

Berkshire remained as competitive as ever by blasting out Glamorgan for just 130 in 37.1 overs on a turning wicket which saw Wokingham's Chris Peploe claim 4-16 from 10 overs and fellow slow left-armer Luke Beaven 3-39 from 9.1.

The other wickets fell to Tom Nugent with 2-25 and Andy Rishton 1-9, the latter's victim featuring an outstanding catch by keeper Stuart Davison.

Berkshire lost Archie Carter in the opening over when he was caught behind for a four-ball duck, but Matt Rowe and Jack Davies – who has just been given a new two-year contract by Middlesex - lifted the total to 43 before he was dismissed for 20.

From then on, however, it was plain sailing as skipper Richard Morris ripped into the Glamorgan attack, blasting an unbeaten 75 from 45 balls, which included five sixes and seven fours.

Henley team-mate Rowe was left on 19 from 59 deliveries when Berkshire reached 131-2 off the first ball of the 38th over.

They will be looking for further success when they host a Middlesex XI at Henley CC this coming Sunday (11am).

Former England Women's Test player Beth Morgan has been appointed Berkshire's first female pathway manager. She joins the county in advance of next year's women's regional domestic structure. Beth played for England between 1999 and 2011, competing in 72 one-day games, 28 in the T20 format and seven Tests.

In 2009, she was part of the victorious England team that won the women's World Cup and the World T20.

The 38-year-old played county cricket for Middlesex, her last appearance being against Berkshire in June last year.

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CHILTERNS CRICKET LEAGUE

CLINICAL BOWLING SEES EMMBROOK TO VICTORY

HONOURS BOARD THE TEAM EACH PLAYER REPRESENTS IS LISTED FIRST

BATTING MARK RICHARDS: Sonning 2s v Theale & Tilehurst- 147* SUNEET BASRA: Woodley 2s v Reading Lions- 112* NAVEED NASEER: Shinfield 2s v Crowthorne & Crown Wood85 VISHAAL KUMAR: Binfield 3s v Windsor 2s- 81 SAFWAN TPQIR: Wokingham 5s v Eversley 4s- 78 SIMON JESSUP: White Waltham v Taplow- 75 FEARON: Finchampstead 5s v Aldershot 3s- 71 WYNAND LAMPRECHT: Binfield v Thatcham Town- 70 TOMMIE PREDGEN: Finchampstead 2s v Reading- 69 JACQUES PIENAAR: Yateley v Aldershot 2s- 68* VINAY MATTHEW: Yateley 2s v Newbury 3s- 57* HARRY MAXFIELD: Yateley v Aldershot 2s- 57 MICHAEL O’DONAHUE: Finchampstead 2s v Reading- 54* JAMES WHITEHURST: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Shinfield 2s- 54

Ellen Tiffin bowling

Emmbrook & Bearwood 2s after taking a wicket in their defeat to Denham 2s Pictures: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Holyport (81 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (84 all out) EMMBROOK and Bearwood (35 points) came out as victors in a tightly contested match as they took the points with a three-run win over Holyport.

Emmbrook batted first and put on an opening partnership of 16 before Will Wells fell for three runs.

The next pair proved to be sturdy as they build Emmbrook towards 32 runs before captain Alex Cobb was removed for 14.

After a reasonable start the wickets began to tumble quickly.

Emmbrook managed to put on just 27 runs for the next six wickets which came in quick succession to leave them in a precarious position in the match.

TJ Wells fell for just one to leave Emmbrook with a dangerously low

A missed piece of fielding sees a boundary scored

score of 65-9. However, their innings was somewhat recovered thanks to a score of 20 from Andrew Robertson before he eventually fell to bring an end to Emmbrook’s innings with a total of 84.

With a relatively low score to defend, Emmbrook had to be cool and clinical in the field, and they managed to do exactly that. Richard Cole put in an outstanding performance as he took 4-22, while Will Wells added 2-21 as Emmbrook sealed victory by bowling Holyport all out just three runs shy of the target to win their second match of the season.

EMMBROOK & BEARWOOD BATTING: Cobb 14, Wells 3, Williams 11, Trueman 4, Smart 3, Narraway 6, Ramsey 8, Robertson 20, Cole 0, T Wells 1, Morgan 0no EMMBROOK & BEARWOOD BOWLING: Cole 422, Morgan 0-8, Wells 2-21, Robertson 1-6, Cobb 1-14

Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (148/8) lost to Denham 2s (149/7)

Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s were beaten for the second time this season in Chilterns Division Two after Denham took a three-wicket victory.

Emmbrook won the toss and elected to bat first with the opening pair of Stuart Fairhead (14) and Iwan Perry (10) getting the hosts off to a reasonable start to their innings.

Sandeep Nair could only add one run before he was bowled out by Danny Dawson but the pair of Ravi Balakrishnan and Mark Lazenbury proved to be vital to Emmbrook’s innings.

Balakrishnan fell just one run shy of his half century as he was run out of 49, while Lazenbury added an important 26 to the scoreboard.

Paul Hunsdon added 16 to the total, while Ben Murray was 17 not out to take Emmbrook and Bearwood to 148 at the end of their overs.

Hunsdon took the first wicket of Holyport’s innings as Arun Singh

Geoff Marsden bowling

was dismissed lbw for seven runs.

Balakrishnan took the wicket of Bobby Rai for 10 runs before Hunsdon took his second wicket of the day to dismiss Holyport’s opening batsman for 35.

Josh Simpson and Anik Kanabar formed a formiddle pairing at the crease to take Holyport.

Emmbrook dismissed the tail end of the Denham order for a return of a low combined score but the damage was done as Denham surpassed the total with three wickets to spare after 28 overs.

EMMBROOK & BEARWOOD BATTING: Fairhead 14, Parry 10, Nair 1, Balakrishnan 49, M Lazenbury 26, Goodwin 0, Murray 17no, Hunsdon 16, McNab 0, S Lazenbury 5no, Marsden dnb EMMBROOK & BEARWOOD BOWLING: Balakrishnan 1-29, Murray 0-24, Hunsdon 2-19, Nair 0-17, Marsden 1-9, McNab 2-37, S Lazenbury 0-8, Goodwin 0-7.

TOM ANDREWS: Binfield v Thatcham Town- 53 GERARD SOAMES: Sonning 2s v Theale & Tilehurst- 52 JOSH HUMPHREY: Binfield 3s v Windsor 2s- 52 TOM SURRALL: Eversley 2s v Bagshot 2s- 51*

*NOT OUT

BOWLING JOSEPH MCGOWAN: Yateley 2s v Newbury 3s- 7-6 ADEEL CHAUDRY: Sonning 2s v Theale & Tilehurst- 5-21 ROBERT SAUNDERS: Eversley 3s v Royal Ascot 3s- 4-10 CLOUDESLEY LONG: White Waltham v Taplow- 4-17 DANNY FLOYD: Finchampstead 4s v Wokingham 4s- 4-21 ZAHID MOHAMMED: Sonning v Finchampstead 3s- 4-24 JAMES ROXBURGH-SMITH: Hurst 2s v Wargrave 3s- 4-25 VENU GOPAL: Wargrave 4s v Theale & Tilehurst 3s- 4-28 SHIV MUNIYAPPA: Wokingham 6s v West Reading 4s- 4-30 JACQUES PIENAAR: Yateley v Aldershot 2s- 4-30 ANDY LAZENBURY: Finchampstead 2s v Reading- 4-33 JACK COLLETT: Binfield 2s v Bracknell- 4-34 MIKEY FORD: Fichampstead 3s v Sonning- 4-46 JOSEPH NEALL: Wargrave 3s v Hurst 2s- 3-10 ALEX PEARCE: Wokingham 3s v Maidenhead & Bray 2s- 3-14 LEWIS BOWERS: Wargrave 3s v Hurst 2s- 3-16 SABYA SEN: Wokingham 5s v Eversley 4s- 3-16 CHRIS BULLETT: Binfield 2s v Bracknell- 3-20 ATUL PAWAR: Wokingham 6s v West Reading 4s- 3-23 TAJDAR JAWAID: Woodley 2s v Reading Lions- 3-34 SHAHID IMTIAZ: Sonning 3s v Kidmore End 4s- 3-38 KRISHAL MARU: Eversley 4s v Wokingham 5s- 3-43 ABHIR JOSHI: Hurst v Fleet- 3-56

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THAMES VALLEY CRICKET LEAGUE ROUND-UP

EVERSLEY UP TO SECOND

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk SONNING climbed up to third in division 3a after they defeated FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s (7 points) by five wickets earning themselves 22 points.

Zahid Mohammed put in a superb all round performance as he took 4-24 in the first innings to help bowl Finch all out for 155.

He then added to his bowling figures with a solid innings at the crease, top scoring with 45 to help Sonning to a five wicket win.

In the same division, WHITE WALTHAM (22 points) moved up the table as they enjoyed their first win of the league season.

Cloudesley Long was on form with the ball as he took 4-17 to decimate Taplow with a clinical bowling spell in the first innings, while Taplow still managed a strong total of 184.

However, White Waltham stood up to the test as Simon Jessup put in an outstanding display which saw him collect 75 runs as his team won the contest with seven wickets to spare.

WOKINGHAM 3s (22 points) remain at the summit of division 4a after they claimed their fifth win in six matches.

There was several steady batting performances in the Oaks order which saw Glyn Clements (44) and Jake Turner (40) boosted their teams total to 195 before they were bowled all out for a challenging target of 195 for Maidenhead to try and catch.

Alex Pearce helped ensure a triumph for Wokingham as he took 314 which saw the Oaks wrap up victory after 37.3 overs with Maidenhead & Bray all out for 176 after 37.3 overs.

WARGRAVE 2s (three points) suffered just their second defeat of the campaign as they went down to an eight wicket loss against Reading 2s.

Matthew Townson performed well at the crease with 38 but his side faltered as they only managed to total a first innings score of 112 before they were bowled all out after 29 overs for just 112.

It took Reading just 27.4 overs to sail home to a comfortable win with eight wickets to spare.

EVERSLEY 2s (22 points) moved away from the bottom of the table as they recorded their first win of the season with a four wicket win over Bagshot 2s.

Bagshot set Eversley a target of 208, which they achieved after 33.1 overs after Tom Surral guided them to victory with 51 not out, while Mike Judd added a valuable 49.

BINFIELD 2s (22 points) boosted their league position and climbed up to second place in division 5b after they beat bottom of the table Bracknell by 21 runs.

Dan Humphrey top scored for Binfield with 47, while Shaun Miller (41) and Lewis Hall (37*) helped to keep the runs ticking over to see Binfield end on 189.

Jack Collett starred with the ball

Tom Mcgowan bowls for Eversley as they take victory over Wokingham Pictures: Steve Smyth

and took 4-34, while Chris Bullet contributed with 3-20 which helped Binfield to seal victory after Bracknell were all out for 168 after 38.1 overs.

YATELEY (22 points) moved up to the top of division 6b after taking their fourth win of the season.

Jacques Pienaar showed his quality bowling as he took 4-30 which limited to Aldershot to setting a total of 175 in their allotted 40 overs.

Pienaar then continued his stunning showing by hitting 68 not out, while Harry Maxfield added 57 which saw Yateley cruise to their fourth triumph in six games with a six wicket victory after 33.5 overs.

SONNING 2s (22 points) moved up into fourth position with a 173-run thrashing over Theale & Tilehurst 2s.

Mark Richards was the outstanding performer with the bat which saw him rack up a huge total of 147 not out as Sonning went on to record a tough total of 257 from their 40 overs having lost only two wickets, while Gerard Soames added 52.

Adeel Chaudry was the star with the ball as he took a brilliant 5-21 which

saw Theale & Tilehurst fall for just 84 as their chase was ended early.

WARGRAVE 3s (22 points) took the points with a crushing victory over HURST 2s (3 points).

Lewis Bowers (3-16) and Joseph Neall (3-10) both proved to be too much for the Hurst batting line-up as they only managed to total 68 runs before they were bowled all out after 25.4 overs.

James Roxburgh-Smith performed wonders with the ball taking 4-25 to make Wargrave’s task more difficult, but they managed to take victory after just 13.3 overs.

WHITE WALTHAM 2s (6 points) fell to their third defeat of the season in division 6b with a four wicket loss to Falkland 3s.

Ali Damirchi (55) and Harvey Grout (41*) helped White Waltham to a decent first innings score of 143.

And Grout showed his all round talent as he added to his batting performance by taking 4-42 with the ball, however Falklanad got over the line after 38.4 overs to seal the win.

EVERSLEY 3s (22 points) are still at

Tom Nichols bowling for Eversley in their triumph

the top of the table after they recorded a convincing 74-run triumph over Royal Ascot 3s.

Jim Heywood was the top scorer with 35 in a consistent batting line up with saw Everley total 160 before they were removed all out for 160.

Robert Saunders was the star in the bowling attack with 4-10 as Royal Ascot was bowled all out after 32 overs for just 86 to see Eversley cruise to victory.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s (22 points) are just a point behind league leaders Eversley after they defeated WOKINGHAM 4s (7 points) by 44 runs.

Finch batted first and totalled a challenging target of 183 as Ashley Brinsford top scored with 43.

Wokingham set about their chase with Charlie O’Brien scoring 30 and Ranjeet Sidhu 29, but the brilliant bowling of Danny Floyd for Finch saw them take the win as he took 4-21 to see the Oaks all out for 139 after 26.2 overs.

BINFIELD 4s (10 points) were dealt an agonising defeat as they were beaten by just one run by Windsor 2s

in an infuriatingly close contest.

Vishaal Kumar smashed 81 runs, while John Humphrey took Binfield closer to victory with 52, but despite only losing two wickets, they fell just short as they ended on 229 after their 40 overs giving Windsor the win by the barest of margins.

WOKINGHAM 5s (22 points) improved their league position and moved into fourth place with their fourth win of the season with a 43-run win over EVERSLEY 4s (7 points).

Safwan Toqir top scored for the Oaks with 78 runs.

Eversley bowler Krishal Maru took 3-43 with the Oaks ending their 40 overs on 176.

Sabya San was key for the Oaks victory with 3-16 as Eversley finished their innings on 133, giving Wokingham the bigger share of the points.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 5s (8 points) suffered a big loss in division 8a with a 70-run defeat to Aldershot 3s, while WARGRAVE 4s (10 points) losing run continued with a 24-run defeat against Theale & Tilehurst 3s.

SPORT | 39

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Thursday, August 27, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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WITH OAKS WIN

RESULTS Saturday, August 8 CRICKET Championship Shinfield P-P Ballinger Waggoners

Thames Valley Cricket League 9a Sonning 3s (174/8) beat Kidmore End 4s (166/9) Newbury 3s (32/all out) lost to Yateley 2s (174/9)

BCL Division 1 Earley (108/2) beat Woodley 2s (105 all out) Crowthorne & Crown Wood (193/0) lost to Shinfield (195/0)

FIXTURES CRICKET (1pm unless stated)

Chilterns Division 1 Holyport (81/all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (84/all out)

Friendly Peppard Stoke Row v Woodley

BCL August Cup – Division 2 and 3 Shinfield 3s (147/9dec) lost to West Reading 3s (151/2) West Reading 4s (113/all out) lost to Wokingham 6s (174/all out)

Thames Valley Cricket League 2b Binfield (208/8) beat Thatcham Town (207/5) Finchampstead 2 (216/6) lost to Reading (217/8) Hurst (199/all out) lost to Fleet (214/8) Wokingham 2 (149/ all out) lost to Eversley (184/all out) Thames Valley Cricket League 3a Sonning (158/5) beat Finchampstead 3s (155/ all out) White Waltham (186/3) beat Taplow (184/7)

Wokingham 2s (149 all out) lost to Eversley (184 all out) SAM KENNET took three wickets as Eversley moved into second place after beating Wokingham 2s.

Despite suffering their third loss of the season, the Oaks moved above Finchampstead 2s into fifth place in the division after taking nine points from the match.

Wokingham won the toss and elected to field first. It took a while for a first breakthrough for the Oaks which eventually came from Jacob Clark’s bowling which saw Sam Kennett caught out on 13 by Tauseef Mehdi with Eversley on 30-1.

Tom Nichols was next to go as Clark collected is second wicket of the match which saw the Eversley opener caught

by Sean Bendall, with his innings ending for 16 runs.

Chris Last added 20 to the board for Eversley before two wickets came in quick succession as Last went on 70-3, before Tom Howarth quickly followed for 11, with Jack Fisher and John McDondla taking a wicket each with Eversley on 77-4.

Wokingham claimed two more wickets before Eversley reached the century mark with Aaryan Pawar taking the wicket of Mustoe before McDonald took his second of the day to dismiss Byron Hickman on 18, to leave Eversley on 98-6.

Sykes was the top performer with the bat as he provided a much needed boost to Eversley’s total in the middle order and proved to be a tricky customer.

Harry Leach joined Sykes in forming a crucial partnership as Eversley made it to 144 before Leach fell, while Sykes was next to go but having contributed 48 from just 52 balls to take Eversley to 176.

The final two wickets in the innings came with the Oaks bowling Eversley all out after 39.4 overs for 184.

Wokingham made a promising start to their innings before Tauseef Mehdi had to retire not out having scored a quick 19 runs from 21 balls.

Eversley took their first wicket to dismiss Craig Rintoul for five as he was stumped by Howorth, bowled by Ben Barnard for five runs.

Tom Magowan then found a wicket as Jack Fisher was caught out by Nick Rigg for nine with the Oaks on 58-2.

Wokingham made it to 88 before a quickfire double of wickets as Ben Myles was bowled by Chris Last and Jacob Clark was stumped by Howarth, bowled Magowan with the Oaks on 89-4.

With the match hanging in the balance, Wokingham moved past the century mark and onto 123 and looked in a good position in the match before the crucial wicket of Stuart Hayter was taken as his innings ended on 38.

The tail end of the order fell quickly as Eversley closed in on victory as Sam Kennett took the first of his three wickets by removing Joe Drabble for 22.

Wokingham’s chase fell 35 runs short as Eversley took the final wicket of the game with 39 overs bowled as they claimed 22 points to move into second place in the table.

EVERSLEY BATTING: Kennett 13, Nichols 16, Last 20, Haworth 11, Mustoe 4, Hickman 18, Sykes 48, Leach 19, Barnard 8, Magowan 1, Rigg 7no.

WOKINGHAM BOWLING: Sharp 2-37, Clark 2-27, Fisher 2-28, McDonald 2-30, Pawar 2-52.

WOKINGHAM BATTING: Mehdi 19 rno, Rintoul 5, Hayter 38, Fisher 9, Myles 10, Clark 0, Drabble 22, Sharp 1, Bendall 0, Pawar 5, McDonald 5.

EVERSLEY BOWLING: Barnard 1-27, Rigg 0-28, Last 1-21, Magowan 2-16, Nichols 2-20, Kennett 3-27.

Saturday, August 15

BCL August Cup semi-finals Waltham St Lawrence (197/9) lost to West Reading 2s (200/7) Woodley 2s (276/6) beat Reading Lions (237/all out)

Chilterns Division 2 Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (148/8) lost to Denham 2s (149/7)

Mcgowan comes close to taking a wicket

Eversley 4s 9133/8) lost to Wokingham 5s (176/7) Theale and Tilehurst 4s (187/9) beat Wargrave 4s (163/9)

Thames Valley Cricket League 4a Eversley 2s (212/6) beat Bagshot (208/5) Reading 2s (115/2) beat Wargrave 2s (112/all out) Wokingham 3s (195/all out) beat Maidenhead and Bray 2s (176/all out)

Thames Valley Cricket League 5b Bracknell (168/all out) lost to Binfield 2s (189/all out) Thames Valley Cricket League 6b Theale and Tilehurst 2s (84/ all out) lost to Sonning 2s (257/2) Wargrave 3s (69/5) beat Hurst 2s (68/all out) Yateley (178/4) beat Aldershot 2s (175/9)

Championship Great Kingshill v Shinfield

Chilterns Division 1 Harpsden 2s v Emmbrook & Bearwood Chilterns Division 2 Emmbrook & Bearwood 2s v Penn & Tylers Green 2s Thames Valley Division 2b Bagshot v Wokingham 2s Eversley v Finchampstead 2s Reading v Binfield Thatcham Town v Hurst Thames Valley Division 3a Aldershot v Sonning Finchampstead 3s v Sulhamstead & Ufton Windsor v White Waltham Thames Valley Division 4a Wargrave 2s v Eversley 2s Wokingham 3s v Falkland 2s Thames Valley Cricket League 5b Binfield 2s v North Maidenhead 2s Thames Valley Cricket League 6b Fleet 2s v Wargrave 3s Hurst 2s v Falkland 3s Sonning 2s v Yateley White Waltham 2s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s Thames Valley Cricket League 7a Binfield 3s v Finchampstead 4s Eversley 3s v Wokingham 4s Thames Valley Cricket League 8a Wargrave 4s v Newbury 2s Finchampstead 5s v Eversley 4s Wokingham 5s v Theale & Tilehurst 3s

Sunday, August 30 CRICKET BCL August Cup- Division 2 & 3 Wokingham 6s v Shinfield 3s

Thames Valley Cricket League 7a Finchampstead 4s (183/7) beat Wokingham 4s (139/all out) Royal Ascot 3s (86/all out) lost to Eversley 3s (160/all out) Windsor 2s (230/7) beat Binfield 3s (229/2) Thames Valley Cricket League 8a Aldershot 3s (257/6) beat Finchampstead 5s (187/all out)

Sidharth Shetty bowling

EVERSLEY ON TOP

THE FAST SHOW

EVERSLEY are sitting pretty at the top of the Division 2b table thanks to an impressive away win against local rivals.

They visited Lowther Road on Saturday when they beat Wokingham 2s by 35 runs.

Victory was helped by a 48 from Alex Skyes, and three wickets from Sam Kennett.

The win puts Eversley nine points clear of second-placed rivals Reading. � Match report on page 38

MOLES, RE: JOYCE

BINFIELD TAKE HOME THE TROPHY

ROYALS SEE OFF GILLS WITH SPEEDY DOUBLE

BINFIELD won the first trophy of the new season on Tuesday night as they overcame the Sumas in a sensational tie.

Sean Moore gave the visitors the edge – and ensured that they travelled home with the Martin Joyce Trophy for they efforts.

The game, under the floodlights at Lowther Road, was part of the two sides’ pre-season preparations before returning to Hellenic League action next season.

Although Wokingham & Emmbrook took the lead thanks to an Ellis Day goal, it was Binfield who emerged the victors.

Royals 2 Gillingham 1

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk Sean Moore netted twice for Binfield Picture: Andrew Batt / Football In Berkshire

� Full report page 33

Andy Rinomhota in pre-season action Picture: Steve Smyth

RUMOURS FLYING OVER CLUB SHAKE-UP

IS BOWEN OVER & OUT?

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

ROYALS are facing a shake-up days ahead of the new season.

At the weekend, chief executive Nigel Howe was moved to a vicechairman role with responsibility for the property side of the business. Dayong Pang takes over as

CEO – he has worked with club owner Dai Yongge for several years.

Reading said in a statement that Howe will stay on to oversee the completion of Bearwood Park and future plans for Hogwood.

The news has sent shockwaves through the fanbase – and led to speculation that Bowen could return to his previous role as

sporting director. This was the position he held before taking over from Jose Gomes as team manager in October last year.

The club is remaining tightlipped over the rumours that Bowen could be replaced just two weeks before the Reading’s opening game against Derby at Pride Park. � Continued on page 34

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A QUICKFIRE double from Lucas Joao and Andy Rinomhota ensured that the Royals return to football was a happy event.

Bowen’s men took on League One’s Gillingham in a thrilling friendly on Saturday.

Royals made sure the home advantage counted as they beat Steve Evans’ team thanks to two goals in as many minutes.

Joao nodded home from John Swift’s corner with a simple header before Rinmohta went on a blistering solo run.

It didn’t go all the Royals’ way though: Gillingham’s Akinde scored a penalty after 50 minutes.

After a quick turnaround from last season’s unorthodox finish to the campaign, the sides played three 30- minute halves. � Continued on page 34

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2020