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THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
A CONCERT FIT FOR THE QUEEN!
Rock of ages as council plans a jubilee party in the park
Thursday, April 14, 2022
No. 359 90p
ARTISTS CELEBRATE THEIR CREATIONS P3
AHOY THERE MATIES! SOFT PLAY OPENS P4
EXCLUSIVE
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A RIGHT royal celebration will help Wokingham celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee this June.
After a two-year break for covid, the Wokingham International Street Concert is returning, with a twist. The event will celebrate every decade of the Queen’s 70-year reign, and in a new location. Starting from 2.30pm, the street party will be one of the first to make use of the new Elms Field. As well as music, the free event will include stalls selling food and drink, and there will also be family fun on offer. Organised by Wokingham Town Council, the Platinum Party in the Park will bring the town together and the event will be a jewel in the crown of the four-day bank holiday weekend. Cllr Sally Gurney, Wokingham Town Council’s chair of arts and culture committee, said: ‘It’s been nearly three years since the last party in town at our very popular International Street Concert. “We are delighted that the return of this amazing event is perfectly timed with this auspicious occasion, and what better way to celebrate than with more music, more space, and more going on.” She added: “I’m particularly proud that we are focusing on our key principle of inclusivity and this year will be more accessible than ever, with an easy to access viewing platform, sign language interpretation for all the songs, and extra screens for those who prefer to a little more space. “It promises to be a great day out.” n Continued on page 10
EASTER FAYRE HELPS HORSE CHARITY P6
Churches mark Holy Week once again AFTER an enforced break caused by covid, churches have been able to resume their Holy Week events. On Sunday, All Saints Church in Wokingham held its annual Palm Sunday procession, headed up by a donkey. In the crowd was three-yearold Tino Meyer. pictured above. Pictures: Steve Smyth n For more see page 10
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House prices outperform salaries in Wokingham
WE COVER WOKINGHAM BOROUGH
Jon Skeet, Olivia Hunter, Louise Timlin and Charlotte Davis on the Women’s Equality Party Stall on Wokingham Market on Saturday. Picture: Steve Smyth
Women’s Equality Party candidate steps aside
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
A WOMEN’S Equality Party candidate has decided to step aside from the May local elections, instead opting to endorse the Liberal Democrat candidate,
In previous years, Louise Timlin has stood in Evendons ward, but this year she has chosen to endorse Sarah Kerr, who is up for re-election. She said that part of her decision was because Cllr Kerr had been working to ensure specialist services for women fleeing domestic violence are available to all who need them. Both parties say there is a deeper issue around how specialist services are commissioned, and want to see a change in the council’s procurement process going forward. Ms Timlin said: “I have contested the local elections for Evendons Ward twice in order to raise awareness of issues impacting women’s equality, including ensuring specialist services for women fleeing domestic violence are available to all who need them. “As a new party, winning 6% of the vote both times demonstrates that these are issues which matter to the residents. “I have seen Cllr Sarah Kerr speak out about matters of inequality,
and we have campaigned together on issues such as domestic abuse provision locally and the White Ribbon campaign. “She is a trusted partner and advocate for women’s equality. By working together, the Wokingham Lib Dems and WEP have shown that we can do politics differently and for the benefit of vulnerable residents in our community.” Cllr Kerr said: “I am thrilled that Louise is endorsing me in the 2022 local elections and we hope to demonstrate how positive collaborative working can be for our community.” On Saturday, the Women’s Equality Party held a stall in Market Place to raise awareness of its views and launch a petition calling on Wokingham Borough Council to seek White Ribbon accreditation. The scheme encourages men and boys to take action when their peers use inappropriate behaviour around women.
HOUSES in Wokingham earn more annually than people. According to data released by GetAgent, house prices in Wokingham outperform annual income. In 2021 the average house price in Wokingham rose by £63,926, whereas the average annual salary was £42,037. This means that houses in the area have out-earned the average person by £21,889. Colby Short, founder and CEO of GetAgent, said: “There are no less than 131 areas of Britain where house prices have outperformed the average income over the last 12 months, which really demonstrates how hot the market has been running pretty much since the start of the pandemic.” Wokingham ranked 15th out of the 131 areas in Britain with South Hams in Devon topping the list. The average house price increased from £345,242 to £424,072 in the past year, a rise of £78,831. Meanwhile, the average salary in South Hams sits at £28,711, meaning local houses have out-earned the
average person by £50,120. Mr Short believes this trend shows the growing issue of affordability for many people across the country. He said: “The flipside to this positive market trend is the issue of affordability and this has only grown larger due both upward house price growth as well as the fact that earnings simply haven’t kept pace. “Both factors have tipped the scales of affordability further out of kilter for the average homebuyer, but for those that have secured a foot on the ladder, the fact their home is earning as much, if not more on a yearly basis will be warmly welcomed.” In nearby Reading, wages outperformed annual house price growth by £16,825. The average house price in Reading increased by £20,499 last year, with the average annual salary sitting at £37,324. This is similar to the rest of Great Britain where the annual gross salary was £7,076 higher than the average increase in house prices.
New Post Office location A NEW Post Office is to open in Winnersh, restoring services to the parish. It will be located in Winnersh Convenience Store, in Sherwood Road, and opens from 1pm on Wednesday, May 18. Its general hours will be 8am to 6pm six days a week, and the counter will be situated next to the retail counter of the store. The Post Office has a wide door and a step at the entrance. Users with accessibility needs will be able to use a portable ramp. Internally, there will be a hearing loop and space for a wheelchair. The previous branch on Reading Road closed after the postmaster resigned, and a temporary mobile Post Office, visiting on Mondays and Thursdays, will close following its visit on Monday, May 16. The national Post Office said that it has been keen to restore
services, so is going ahead with the plan despite a consultation currently in place. This will close on May 4. Customers can share their views at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 258939. Submissions can also be made via email to comments@ postoffice.co.uk, by post to Freepost YOUR COMMENTS, or by calling: 03452 66 01 15 or Textphone 03457 22 33 55.
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Music event to help Ukraine A WOKINGHAM record shop is hosting a festival in aid of Ukraine. Beyond the Download has announced it is collaborating with Generation Studio to hold a festival in Wokingham’s town centre, featuring live music. The event will raise funds for British-Ukrainian Aid, a charity which is working to provide medical aid to Ukraine. Performing artists will be announced soon. Artists who would like to take part can apply at: www. jammamusic.com, or contact sales@beyondthedownload.uk. The Fesyival For Ukraine will take place on Saturday, June 25, from 2pm-10pm at Peach Place, Wokingham.
Easter buses Jill Watkins demonstrating her skills PETS: Marion Barter with her felt animals, part of the Woodley and Earley Art Group Exhibition in the Oakwood Centre on Saturday Pictures: Steve Smyth
Picture perfect return for art show A POPULAR art exhibition has made a picture perfect return, writes James Hastings. The Woodley and Earley Art Group show was yet another victim of covid lockdowns. But local artists are finally back in the frame and able to display and sell their work at the bi-annual event. More than a hundred paintings formed the latest exhibition at Woodley’s Oakwood Centre with special prizes in various categories for the twenty-two artists who took part.
Group treasurer Patricia Birt said: “It was so wonderful to be able to hold our exhibition once more. “We estimate there were as many as 600 people through the door. They not only enjoyed looking at beautiful and interesting work, but also bought lots as well as cards, posters and other craft items.” The Newcomer Award went to Paul Nemeth while Jill Watkins picked up Best in Show. Two artists, Clare Buchta and Liz Baldin were both highly commended.
The next exhibition is scheduled for October and Patricia invited artists to contact the group. “We currently have around 55 members but we always welcome new artists whether they are just starting out or have been painting for years, and whether they are local or not. “We meet on the last Thursday of the month in the Oakwood Centre when we have a professional artist provide a demo. “Members are also free to chat to them on a one-to-one basis.”
Adam and Helen Smalley with their son, Joshua (2) admiring a painting by Paul Nemeth
READING Buses has announced its timetables for its Easter services. Most routes will operate a Sunday service during the day on Good Friday, but normally during evening and night. Normal Saturday timetables will apply for all routes, and Sunday timetables will apply on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. During the Easter holiday, group tickets are available at a reduced price, with groups of four travelling for £6 within the simplyReading travel zone until Monday, April 25. Robert Williams, Chief Executive Officer, said: “These are valid for groups of up to four people so are a great way to get out and do things together.” n Further information and timetables are available on www. reading-buses.co.uk or via the Reading Buses app.
Safer cycling for adults
CYCLING proficiency training isn’t just for the youngsters.
MyJourney Wokingham is set to run sessions to help adult cyclists get pedalling in the borough later this month. They begin on Saturday, April 30 and will take place weekly at Woodford Park Leisure Centre, Woodley. There will be a beginners group at 10am, aimed at those who have never learned to ride or haven’t been on a bike for a while. And an improvers course at 11am is for cyclists who are ready to cycle on the roads. Both cost £6 per person. Bicycles can be provided if necessary, but participants must bring their own helmets. n For more information or to book, visit: myjourneywokingham.com/events
FRIDAY 29TH APRIL - 7pm
‘’Dram Lovers’’ - Whisky Club A ‘club’ is just a name. We bring an open-minded, thirsty for knowledge and adventure-seeking Whisky lovers and guide them on their journey through our selection of interesting Whisky. At Chalk Restaurant the idea is to learn and discover new whisky at each of our tastings. Each whisky has a story behind it, to the flavours and the distillery. All these stories add up to the finished product, the product you are about to taste at each of our events. So, whether you’re a whisky fanatic or just beginning your own whisky journey, join us at Chalk to socialise and learn. Each tasting is hosted by our Whisky Ambassador, Andrea Dionori. Andrea’s extensive knowledge of some of the finest single malts, bourbons and blend whiskies available will make for an educational and fun tasting evening.
Whisky Selection - Speyside Glentauchers 2010 - 9 Years Old Auchroisk 2009 - 10 Years Old Benriach 2008 - 10 Years Old Glenallachie - 12 Years Old
Green fingered events TWYFORD and Ruscombe Horticultural Association has two events at its shop next month. On Sunday, May 1, there will be a chance for visitors to the TRHA store on Loddon Hall Road to learn about stripping willow. Families welcome. A bring and buy plant sale takes place at the store on Sunday, May 29. This is a chance for gardeners to share cuttings and seedlings. Membership to the association will also be available at both events. n For more information, visit: trha.org.uk
Welcome Cocktail Whisky Tasting Finish off with a glencairn glass of your favourite dram
£27.95 per person
0118 979 8805 or email enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com
To book please call us direct on us at
www.chalkrestaurants.com Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
Virtual ward at Royal Berks treats 1,000 patients ON THE DECK: The Mayor joined staff to cut the tape to open Pirates Landing next to Elms Field on Saturday. Picture: Steve Smyth
Pirates welcomed at new soft play
HI-TECH TREATMENTS: A virtual ward has helped free up bed space at the Royal Berkshire Hospital By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A PIONEERING virtual ward set up at the Royal Berkshire Hospital has managed more than 1,000 patients since its launch.
Used by the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundations Trust’s Covid Medicine Delivery Unit (CMDU), the new arrangement was set up at the start of this year and is the first of its kind. It consists of medical technology based in the patient’s home which is remotely monitored by clinicians and means patients don’t need to come to hospital while their condition is safely managed. Treating patients remotely a also frees up beds and resources for the trust. Dr Joseph Nunan, acute medicine ultrasound fellow,
said: “This is a phenomenal achievement that is built on the back of a huge amount of hard work and innovation from everyone in the team. “CMDU has far exceeded our expectations, and it’s fantastic that we’re able to treat a greater number of patients more safely.” The CMDU treats high-risk covid patients – those who were advised to shield during the pandemic – with the minimum risk and exposure possible. The system was designed to reduce the pressure on the hospital during the initial surge of Covid-19 but, following its success, the trust is now looking at ways it can be used elsewhere. Currently, the trust treats a number of conditions on the virtual ward, including chest infections, pulmonary blood clots, gastric issues and kidney infections, Treating patients suffering
from alcohol withdrawal on the virtual ward has meant the average stay has gone from five days in hospital to receiving their treatment entirely from home. Steve McManus, chief executive officer at the trust, said: “I’m so proud of the work that the CMDU and Virtual Acute Care Unit (VACU) are doing. “It’s so important for us to be at the forefront of patient care, and the trust is employing new techniques that will change the way patients are treated.” The trust believes the full potential of this style of treatment is yet to be realised and the VACU is exploring the possibility of treating heart failure patients remotely. This would use new technology to administer infusions that would ordinarily only be possible in person at the hospital.
YOUNG pirates were made to walk the plank on Saturday, as a new soft play centre was opened. Borough mayor Cllr Keith Baker was on hand to cut the ribbon to Pirates Landing, based in Elms Field. The centre is, as the name testifies, a bit piratey, and includes slides, ball pits, climbing frames and a café area. It is part of the town centre regeneration, and its opening had been delayed by the pandemic.
Following the launch, Sarah Morgan, assistant director of commercial property at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Pirates Landing to our Elms Field regeneration. “While their original opening was delayed by the pandemic they are an amazing business and well worth the wait. “We’re sure they will be a real hit with local families for years to come.” The company has another
branch in Camberley, and has an aim of providing a fun day out for families, with high quality play equipment kept in shipshape condition. Chris Jefferson, owner of Pirates Landing, said: “Our goal at Pirates Landing is to make a positive impact on the lives of the families in the communities we serve. “The passionate team at Pirates Landing will always provide a first class captain’s experience.”
Trust scored well by NHS staff STAFF at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust rate their workplace as a safe and healthy organisation. Findings from the 2021 NHS Staff Survey show the trust performed better than the national average in a number of categories. Of those surveyed, 67% would recommend the trust as a place to work, higher than the national average of 58%. The results also show 80% of staff are happy with the standard of care provided compared with the national average of 67%. As with all NHS trusts, staff have been under a lot of pressure from the pandemic and the survey is an opportunity to give feedback and voice their feelings about their experience at work. The Royal Berkshire Trust uses the survey as an insight to their staff and through the
survey it has been recognised as a compassionate and inclusive organisation, where staff feel their voice counts. The survey also highlighted the trust performed above average in areas for staff including flexible working opportunities and learning and development. Steve McManus, chief executive at the trust, said: “I’m really pleased our staff have rated us well and it’s great to see we are above average in most areas of the survey. “The trust prides itself on being a supportive workplace and we are working hard to boost staff morale and wellbeing after such a difficult two years. “We want our staff to feel valued in the work they do and we will continue to work on ways to improve this.” Initiatives recently
introduced at the trust include special thank you cards for staff recognition and a health kiosk on trust sites to support staff in their health and wellbeing. The trust is also set to welcome back its annual Royal Berkshire CARE Awards later this year.
Coffee morning will help sight loss charity A LEADING sight loss charity is reaching out to people in the Wokingham area who have been diagnosed with a sight loss condition. The Macular Society will host an information and coffee morning on Wednesday, April 20, between 10am and noon. The event, at Café Mosaic in The Bradbury Centre, is a chance for people to find out about its services. The charity offers information and encouragement to people who are affected by macular disease – the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK – and other eye conditions who may otherwise feel isolated or alone. For more details, contact its regional manager Tyler Phillips on 0792 0643 710.
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Sue Ryder Hospice takes action to improve patient experience HELP: John Sykes visited the hospice with volunteer Sian McCoubrey (second from left) to meet staff and see the changes that have been introduced. They are pictured with Sue Ryder Nurse Melanie Hicks (left) and Housekeeping Supervisor Debbie Harris (right) who are wearing their dementia-friendly name badges Picture: Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today A HOSPICE has introduced a range of improvements to support patients at the end of their life, including those living with dementia.
Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, based on Liebenrood Road in neighbouring Reading, provides specialist palliative care, advice and support to people across Berkshire who are living with lifelimiting conditions, as well as supporting their families. Funded by a grant of £1,000 from the John Sykes Foundation, staff at the hospice will now wear dementia-friendly name badges, which feature a large black font on a bright yellow background. The badges have been created to use colours which make them highly readable for patients with dementia and visual impairments, as well as featuring minimal text and simplified job titles. Abby Pearson, quality and improvement manager at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “With an ageing population, more people are being diagnosed with dementia than ever before, so it’s essential that we are a
dementia-friendly hospice. “These name badges will help all of our patients to feel in control of knowing who is caring for them, as well as reminding us of the importance of introducing ourselves properly. “It’s the perfect example of how a small gesture can make a huge difference in providing personalised care.” The grant from the John Sykes Foundation has also funded soft-close bins to reduce
sudden loud noises which can be disturbing for patients with heightened senses, specialist dementia-friendly calendar clocks and soft lighting lamps. Fern Haynes, head of community fundraising – Thames Valley, said: “We are so grateful to have received this generous funding from the John Sykes Foundation to support these important improvements which we hope will enhance our patients’ experience. “We are reliant on generous
supporters and companies donating and fundraising for us, which ensures we can continue providing the compassionate end-of-life care and support we are so well known for in the local community.” John Sykes, the founder and chair of trustees of the John Sykes Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have awarded the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice with a grant which has been used to purchase equipment for patients
Supporting over 8,000 families
suffering with dementia. “We hope these items make a big difference to patients and their families’ experience at such a very distressing time.” Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice provides a comprehensive range of services, including inpatient care, day services and Hospice at Home care to people in the community.
Wokingham Film Society to show BAFTA nominated title Supernova A BAFTA nominated title will be shown by the Wokingham Film Society in April. The group will screen Supernova (15) on Thursday, April 28, from 7.30pm It stars Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci and follows Sam and Tusker, partners for 20 years, on a journey in their camper van to visit people and places in the north of England. Tusker has been diagnosed with early onset dementia and the pair must make the most of their remaining time together. The film was shortlisted for two BAFTA awards in 2021, including Best British Feature. It is screened at The Whitty Theatre, and places must be pre-booked. n For details, visit: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
Creative family fun at Wokingham’s libraries LIBRARIES in Wokingham are hosting creative sessions for families this Easter. Drop-in sand art making at three venues will be led by Kids Bee Happy with Maddi. She will be at Woodley library on Tuesday, April 19, between 10am and noon. The following day Maddi will run the art session between 2pm and 4pm at Wokingham library. And on Thursday, April 21, visitors to Lower Earley library between 10am and noon can see what pictures they can create with sand. The activity is suitable for children aged three to 10 and costs £4 per picture, to be paid on the day. n For more information, visit: wokingham.gov.uk/libraries
Craft market A CRAFT fair will take place in Wokingham this Easter weekend. The town hall will host a craft and gift market on Saturday, April 16. It will be open between 10am and 4pm. There will be a range of stall, including jewellery and other hand made items. Entry is free to customers.
Pre-school fair SWALLOWFIELD Pre-School is to host a fete on Saturday, April 23. Running between 1pm and 4pm, the event will include a host of attractions including games, stalls, a bouncy castle and refreshments. It takes place at the recreation ground, next to the village hall on Swallowrfield Street. Entry is £1 per adult and free for under 16s.
Connie Macswan (8) and Sadie Carroll (9) with some soft toys
ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR: Julie Wickens and Sam Danby with Gillian Nelson on the tombola stall
Easter fair helps horses A CHARITY which rescues and re-homes abandoned horses has raised £350 at an Easter fair. SAFE – Saving Abandoned FlyGrazing Equines - says the money from the event at Emmbrook Village Hall will help with feeding and medical bills. Spokesperson Gillian Nelson
said the past two years have been challenging for the charity with lockdowns and other restrictions. “The fair raised vital funds which are very much needed. “This was our first time doing such an event and we hope to do more in the future. We will continue with our fundraising
throughout the year and our next event is a quiz night on May 14th. We are hoping to confirm our SAFE Summer Fun Day at the end of July. “We want to thank everyone who has been very generous and we always welcome new donors and supporters so we can help many more horses.”
Kerry Spencer and Sheena Adams with some of their candles on the Candlehouse Duo stall Picture: Steve Smyth
Police provide advice for deterring vandals and intruders to homes By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@wokingham.today THAMES Valley Police has released its recommendations for avoiding vandalism and deterring intruders.
Police recommend a number of steps to make breaking into or vandalising your home harder. The use of high walls and fences around
a property is discouraged, and fences no higher than one metre are recommended. This means that the property can easily be seen by neighbours and the public, and makes it harder for an intruder to hide. Police say that an intruder may be more tempted by a property if it cannot be seen from the street. Lighting is also recommended during dark hours, with low-level white lighting
being most ideal. They also recommend making the boundaries of your property clear. Low fences, walls, hedges or flower beds can be used to mark a clear line to indicate where public access ends and private property begins. Police say that this makes cases of trespass more obvious. They discourage the use of rockeries or large stones, which may be used by vandals. Similarly, it is recommended that ground floor windows are protected. Security film can be applied, which makes it harder to smash the glass, and prickly bushes can be used to safeguard potentially vulnerable points. Areas to the side and behind properties are recommended to be secured with a fence of at least two metres in height. Police say that the use of a
lightweight trellis over the top of fencing can also deter potential intruders. They help to conceal potential entry points, and are too lightweight to be used to gain entry. The police also advise that exteriors are left tidy and free of rubbish, or items such as bins or ladders which could be used to vandalise a property. There is also an accreditation scheme for home security products which are recommended by the police. The Secured By Design scheme gives recommendations on locks, glazing, lighting, garages and shutters, as well as vehicle storage and CCTV solutions. The scheme also provides a list of accredited suppliers, and advice on home, personal, and cyber security. For advice and a list of accredited products, visit www. securedbydesign.com.
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Out with the old, and in with New Door NEW DOOR Real Estate is kicking the old habits that many estate agents tend to stick to. It’s a property management company that sets its focus on its clients, not its numbers.
New Door’s Directors Lisa Goddard and Danielle Murray say that their personable approach is what makes business better for their customers. “For us, property management is about sustaining a relationship going forward, and having open lines of communication with our landlords and tenants," Lisa explains. "We're a boutique firm – but our smaller team doesn't mean we're not able to provide the service you'd expect from larger companies." Danielle adds the company is "proud to have such a warm, friendly relationship with all of our clients. We’re laid back, but skilled in what we do. Our clients know that we're always just on the other end of the phone." New Door shrugs off what some might feel can be at times a cut-throat perspective when it comes to property management and sales. "We're immensely proud of being female-led and by taking a different approach we believe it really sets us apart from your regular big corporate estate agents” explains Lisa. “We took our time to do our research and we were shocked to discover that a staggering 49% of British landlords are infact women with only 13% of estate agents companies being owned by women.”
From a landlord’s perspective, New Door might feel very different when compared to other property management companies. "It's not always about getting that hard sale; it’s about the bits in between that you can't measure and where we can help landlords on their journey" explains Danielle. The company also looks to support the community, through sponsorships and other ventures. They’re passionate about local events and aim to maintain strong relationships within and around their focus areas. “Community and strong partnerships are really important to us" stresses Lisa.
New Door isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to property management. They simply believe it can be done by taking a softer, adaptable approach. They’re also upfront about fees which can often be bones of contention where estate agents are concerned. New Door’s ethos of being open with costs from the get-go means clients are never surprised by hidden, extra or unanticipated costs. With three transparent service levels to choose from, landlords know what to expect from the moment they sign up and there are options to suit everyone’s budget.
Call us on 0735 923 8373 www.new-door.co.uk admin@new-door.co.uk
New Door understands the persona of an estate agent can sometimes be construed less positively and they really are passionate about doing everything they can to change this. By looking at properties through the eyes of those who live in or own them, Lisa and Danielle realise that houses are homes and not just bricks and mortar. They’d love to help anyone in or around the Reading and Wokingham areas find happiness with their special places and would love to talk about how that might be possible. For more information, or to get in touch with New Door, visit them online at www.new-door.co.uk or call 07359 238 373.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
Swallowfield’s big sort
Travelling far and wide to help pick up litter A FAMILY from Tilehurst were among those who travelled to Earley to take part in a community litter pick. The event took place, like many others, over the weekend of April 2 and 3. Volunteers came together to pick
up litter and waste dumped on the streets around Whitegates and North Woodley areas. A spokesperson said: “It was well supported by residents and volunteers from other parts of Earley.”
Younger members of the Swallowfield Community take part in the annual litter pick
PARISHES and towns across Wokingham are looking tidier thanks to an annual litter pick. Among those taking part over the first weekend in April were Swallowfield Parish residents. More than 70 people turned out to collect more than 200 bags of rubbish and larger items from Swallowfield, Riseley and Farley Hill. Organiser Peter Sampson said: “After a gap of two years due to covid, our villages were in dire need of a tidy up. “You cannot but admire the community spirit of so many residents, including a great many youngsters, from the Parish turning up to support the day and pick up the rubbish left by others. “Their help and hard work has made an enormous difference to where we live and every single one of them deserves a massive thank you.” Swallowfield Parish Council said it wanted to thank Peter and Claire Sampson for organising, promoting and coordinating the event. Other people they wanted to thank included Margaret Clayton, Ed Handley, Stephen Haynes, Parish Clerk Liz Halson and Cllr Margaret McDonald for their roles on the day, and Cllrs Angela King, Ian Fullerton, David Lamont, Laura Edmonds and Mark Binns, the fishing club including Martin Moore and Hatchett, and all of the residents and families who supported the litter pick.
Thursday, April 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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3,000 homes for Ashridge? By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A DEVELOPER has unveiled plans for 3,000 homes in Wokingham.
Ashridge Wokingham Ltd released a document last month to promote 227 hectares of land to the north of Wokingham, between the M4 and the A329. The company is looking to be a Strategic Development Location in the council’s new local plan. This sets out a vision for development in the borough until March 2036. The proposal is for 3,000 homes across six neighbourhoods including affordable homes, homes for the elderly, first homes, self-build and custom homes. There will also be a new district centre with space for a healthcare hub as well as retail, employment and recreational uses. Within the 227 hectares of land there is provision for 102 hectares of open space, including woodland, sports pitches and suitable alternative natural greenspace. Ashridge Wokingham states the area is “clear of any serious planning constraints” and “is not in the Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ) surrounding AWE Burghfield”. Local authorities are responsible for setting DEPZ for nuclear sites where there could be a radiation emergency with off-
site consequences and preparing detailed plans for responding to such an emergency. Plans for a new garden town featuring 15,000 homes in Grazeley were withdrawn due to its proximity to the nuclear site. Ashridge Wokingham’s documents also show the area is not a high flood risk or in the green belt. The company is also proposing to build two, two-form entry primary schools with early years provision, with one possibly accommodating a secondary school to provide an allthrough school. To accommodate the increase in traffic on roads, an on-site park and ride facility with services to Wokingham, Reading, Twyford and Bracknell is being proposed. There is also a new road junction with the A329 from Warren House Road, enabling direct access and reducing congestion. For pedestrians and cyclists, the plans show three “Active Travel Crossings” over the A329, creating a safe route into Wokingham. The scheme will retain a number of on-site businesses, including the Ashridge Manor Garden Centre, protecting existing jobs and potential employment opportunities for residents. Wokingham.Today understands no official application has been made to Wokingham Borough Council.
VISITOR: Dr Justin Newland was in WHSmith in Wokingham’s Market Place on Saturday to sign copies of his new book, The Genes of Isis, and meet fans Picture: Steve Smyth
Fantasy author delights readers
Man charged FOLLOWING a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been charged with a count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent in Reading. Jordan Musa, aged 27, of London Road, Earley, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon and GBH with intent on Monday, April 11. The charge relates to an incident on Saturday, April 9, in east Reading when a man was stabbed. Musa has been remanded in custody to appear at Reading Crown Court on Monday, May 16.
management reports so it was writing, it is so good to get to FANTASY fans in Wokingham quite a change to start fiction,” meet readers face-to-face. have been flying with dragons he explained. “I loved my time in the town and discovering ancient Chinese “Many of my characters where even the staff in WH secrets in the town’s Market are young protagonists who Smith bought copies.” Place, writes James Hastings. experience a coming of age. Justin writes histories in The man who has led them “The stories are set in an which real events and historical on a trail which also uncovered historical setting but I take it on personages are guided and EASTER fun is promised forgotten Egyptian treasures is further inviting readers to ask motivated by numinous forces. from a pair of dogs from author Justin Newland who is on if history tells the full story. I The Genes of Isis focuses on a Down Under. a book signing tour of the south love to write about supernatural young woman’s spiritual journey Bluey & Bingo, who east. from maiden to mother and from things like dreams and ghosts.” Justin is regarded as one feature on CBeebies, He lives with his partner in apprentice to priestess. of Britain’s leading authors of will be making a guest Somerset. “I would describe it as a historical novels which have a appearance at Broad “I live in a county which tale of love, destruction and supernatural twist. Street Mall in Reading’s is home to many myths and ephemeral power set under the His latest offering, The Genes town centre on Saturday, fantastic tales with places like skies of Ancient Egypt. It is a reof Isis, is an epic fantasy set April 16. Glastonbury and the Tor drawing telling of the Biblical story of the beneath Ancient Egyptian skies Between 11am and people from all over the world. flood, it reveals the mystery of which had dozens of fans lining 3.30pm, they will be “It is certainly inspirational the genes of Isis – or genesis – of up for a copy. hosting a series of free although all my novels take place interactive storytimes in mankind.” “I was delighted to meet so in places such as China or Egypt. Central Square. The author took up many fans and gain new ones I am fascinated with history writing after a career as a on my visit to Wokingham,” said Entry is free, and a and characters and telling their mathematician. Justin. “When you spend a lot queuing system will be ” April_130X160mm_MAY_EVENT “I used to write mainly of time in a room on your own Wokingham in place. Today 13th andstories. 14th
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
Music from across Queen’s reign at all-day party St. Paul’s Church Palm Sunday procession about to set off Pictures: Steve Smyth
Churches gather to mark start of Holy Week MEMBERS of Wokingham churches made one of the shortest walks to remember one of the oldest walks in history, writes James Hastings. Members of St Paul’s Church held their Palm Sunday procession from St Paul’s Junior school in Oxford Road, before finishing at the Reading Road church. Around 70 parishioners took part in the event which commemorates the Biblical story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, while another 40 elderly or disabled people waited at the church. The Revd Richard Lamey, rector at St Paul’s, said it was “wonderful” to once again hold the Palm Sunday procession which had been cancelled twice during lockdown. “We didn’t have a donkey or even a pony disguised as a donkey this time but that didn’t matter,” he smiled. “We hold the walk to remember the Gospel account of Jesus going into Jerusalem although our route is probably a bit shorter. So many parishioners told me how much they missed this traditional part of the Easter celebrations and they were delighted to be taking part once more.” Father Richard added many people unable to get to the church were able to watch the Sunday service online. “During lockdown we decided to go online as restrictions meant the church had to close,” he said.
Supersonic Queen! n From front page
“But the value of the procession is so important as it reminds us we are part of the local community and it is a very public witness to our faith. It is also good fun too.” And members of All Saints Church in Wiltshire Road also held a procession, going from All Saints primary school towards The Cornerstone. For their procession, they did have a donkey.
All Saints Church Palm Sunday procession in Wokingham.
Six bands will be performing throughout the day. Celebrating the music of the 1950s – the rock n roll era – will be Peggy Sue and the Jukebox Jives. Dressing up in petticoats and quiffs is encouraged as the boogie band will provide some 50s frolics. The sounds of the sixties will be recreated by the Midnight Soul Sisters, a female group that sing soul, funk, Motown, disco and R&B classics. A tribute to one of the greatest Jamican reggae bands, Bob Marley and the Wailers, will be returning to Wokingham to hail the music of the 70s: Trenchtown Experience. And one of the country’s best Queen tributes bands, Supersonic Queen!, will represent the 1980s. Girl Power beat BritPop to represent the 1990s: Spice! is a tribute to one of the most influential groups since The Beatles. The group Spice will perform a host of Spice Girls hits including Wannabe, Say You’ll Be There, and Viva Forever. Bringing Wokingham up to date will be Fully Funktional, a party band who will perform hits from the charts of the past decade. Wokingham Town Council says it is doing everything it can to ensure the event will be family friendly and accessible to all. A viewing platform for people with mobility issues will be
READY TO ROCK: Fully Funktional will bring the Jubilee Party in the Park to a close with some modern songs, all part of an amazing jubilee concert available, while a screen will show a British Sign Language interpreter during the music. Those attending can bring picnics, blankets and camping chairs, but asked not to bring gazebos as they can block views of other people. Catering will include sweet and savoury street food with vegan, vegetarian, and meat options. And children’s activities, courtesy of morearts Wokinghan, Wokingham Library and Circus Scene will run between 2.30pm and 7pm. Wokingham Town Council’s mayor elect, Cllr Maria Gee, hoped people would save the date. “This year’s platinum jubilee celebrations will culminate in a four-day UK bank holiday in June, and on Saturday of that weekend our Party in the Park will be held on Elms Field,” she said. “We have a fantastic day planned with musical acts and tribute bands from across the decades. Bring a blanket, chairs and refreshments and make a day of it. “We look forward to welcoming you all.” n For more details, log on to www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk
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Conservatives promise stability & continuity if they are re-elected
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM Conservatives have released their manifesto, and are promising continuity should they be running the council after the local elections.
Their pitch to voters ahead of the May 5 is based on eight priorities. The first is finances. The Conservatives warn that where councils fail to manage money properly they can go bust. “We recognise it is not our money, it is yours,” the manifesto states, saying that over the past 20 years the council has been “financially prudent” and not had to cut back on services. It aims to deliver balanced budgets, make no cuts to services, deliver value for money and make the council less dependent on tax for income. It will do this through investments. Conservative leader, Cllr John Halsall, said: “We’ve had three turbulent years with covid, and there’s been a very steady hand on the tiller. We’ve navigated through it carefully and successfully, we’ve minded our finances very carefully. “We’re now facing similar pressures going forward and we will navigate through those
as well. “We have an experienced team, a very good team. It’s really no time to experiment with novices.” During covid, the council was instrumental in setting up the One Front Door initiative which helped bring together community groups and charities to support the vulnerable. The Conservative manifesto aims to do more of the same. The measures have been previously announced, with pledges to issue grants to residents and businesses who are struggling and need help. This includes maintaining the council tax reduction scheme, and building on its anti-poverty strategy.
The party also pledges to freeze car parking charges to encourage people to shop local. On the economy, the party wants to encourage investment from businesses that will create jobs. It also says that there should be investment in infrastructure and regeneration of towns and villages. The manifesto notes that these will be to ensure “ensuring that there are the best roads, public transport, parks, green spaces and sites for offices and shops”. These will be paid for partly through contributions from developers, who will be made to pay their “fair share” towards these projects. And the party wants to ensure housing goes to the right place. The manifesto notes: “Over the past couple of years, we have successfully fought off attempts to impose housing targets on Wokingham Borough which would have doubled the number of homes that developers would build in our area. “Our borough has delivered more than its fair share of development. However, we also recognise that in some areas there is a need to build more affordable and social homes to
help younger people get on the housing ladder and help less affluent people to stay here. “At the same time, we must ensure that homes are built in the right places with the right infrastructure.” The Conservatives pledge to invest £57 million to modernise and build social and affordable housing, specifically to help younger people so they are not priced out of the borough. The party also promises to build 300 social homes a year. It will continue to challenge the government over the housing numbers imposed on them so it can be reduced further. At the same time, it aims to fight speculative developments. “Social homes, the homes that we are delivering, will be wholly owned by housing trust,” Cllr Halsall said. “The biggest the biggest short-term deliverer (for the numbers) will be Gorse Ride, it will deliver a huge number of social houses.” He added: “I’m committed, by hook or by crook, to delivering an increased number of council homes. The reason is selfevident: if house prices are maintained in Wokingham borough, there will be a sector of society that will not be able to afford houses. We need to provide them.”
He promised that the council would be pushing developers to deliver more one- and twobedroom homes, rather than executive homes. On education, a Conservativerun administration would pledge to build new schools in the right places. This includes new special educational need schools, investments in secondary schools and older primaries. It will also increase spending on adult social care to £61 million, with a focus on individual need. The decision to bring the public protection partnership services back in house at the start of April forms part of the Conservatives plans for keeping Wokingham as a safe and healthy place to live. Its manifesto pledges to “deliver low crime rates and reduce anti-social behaviour”, as well as investing in more greenways, cycleways and leisure centres. The party also aims to improve air quality and reduce noxious emissions. As part of this the Conservatives will continue work on a smart traffic system which it hopes will ease traffic congestion. And the party pledges work to tackle utility companies
digging up roads close to existing road closures. The environment forms the final policy in the manifesto. The Conservatives are pledging to maintain the weekly waste collections, fight fly-tipping, plant 250,000 trees and continue work to create four solar farms to provide green energy. Summing up, Cllr Halsall said: “The reason we’re here as a local council is for our residents. “The central mission is to make them safer, more secure and happier. Everything we do must be for that. “I’m really privileged to find myself in this position as leader, and it’s been an honour to have been appointed. Hopefully I’ve laid a platform for that central mission which will endure after me, and that if the good residents of Wokingham consider that I’ve done a good job, then it will be an honour to continue to do it.” He added: “We have some very good candidates and I’m looking forward to working with them.”
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Ex-Forest pup Ukrainian refu
Honest Motherhood Angela Garwood
By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today
Just the two of us
A FORMER pupil at The Forest School in Winnersh is on the front line of efforts to help Ukrainian refugees.
M
OTHERING two children, often at once, can be tricky. And loud. The toddler can be so demanding that the older one will give up on me entirely, retiring to her room for peace.
I don’t blame her. But then begins the guilt. My attention is so frequently divided, and she feels it. How does one woman carve out enough time, ideally (but never) equally, for her children? By purchasing two tickets to a musical and declaring she is taking the eight-year-old to London. It seemed the most appropriate course of action and evidently the only way I was going to get some one to one time with Maia. (That and I hadn’t been to the theatre in a while.) And so it was that last Saturday Maia and I hopped on a train to London to see The Lion King. I was delighted. Our little adventure, just us two. We walked across the Golden Jubilee Bridge, stopping to take photos and glance up at the London Eye. “Where’s Big Ben?” she asked. I pointed and vowed to bring her here more often. She particularly enjoyed browsing the Jubilee Market in Covent Garden, eyeing up every birthstone and piece of jewellery. I regretted having to drag her away. After emptying my bank account for popcorn and a slushy, we found our seats. (£7.50 for a slushy, even if you can re-use the cup, is obscene.) The Lion King was just as magical as I remembered it to be. I think I began to cry before Mufasa had even died this time, emotional in anticipation. The talent, the staging, the story. I was brought back to reality, and slightly taken back when, during the tense stampede scene, seconds before Mufasa is murdered by his only brother, Maia leant over to me and quietly whispered, clearly concerned: “Will there be time to get something from the shop before we go?” Shocked, and a little annoyed at her timing, I quickly replied “Yes... well... maybe!” From one stampede to another, soon came the interval. All women know the start of the interval marks the beginning of a scramble for the toilets. (Can’t say the same for the men’s. I’ve considered using them myself more than once.) Unless you want to spend the entire 20 minutes queuing for the loo, it’s wise to vacate your seat with some urgency as the curtain comes down, and even then you might be in for a wait. (If you’re a man you can take your time and leave your seat in a relaxed and breezy manner, knowing you have easy access to a nearby toilet throughout the interval, minus the mile-long queue.) Me: “Just going to the toilet darling, do you need it?” Maia: “Nope!” “Okay, back in a minute..”. I made a swift dash (record timing) and we were conveniently located near the back anyway; no queueing for me. When I returned, I was surprised to find Maia stood in her zipped-up coat, backpack in one hand, popcorn in the other. “I’m ready!” She announced. “Ready?” “Yeah, to go!”. Go? “We’re not leaving! It’s the interval! We’re half-way through?!” I splattered out. The lady behind me failing to hide a giggle. “Did you think it was over?” She shrugs, slowly taking off her coat, a little sheepish. I chuckle to myself. “There’s still the other half to go!” I say, wondering if she’s enjoying it then realising she’s probably still thinking about that souvenir. “So, would you see it again?” I asked on the train home as we munched on our leftover popcorn. “Definitely.” She said, smiling. A perfect day, just us.
Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
One of the warning signs which have been placed around Charvil Picture: Sam Akhtar
Watch out for hedgehogs! A COMMUNITY is aiming to become the most hedgehog friendly village in Berkshire. Residents of Charvil have placed road signs alerting drivers to the prickly mammal’s presence. Cllr Sam Akhtar explains how many people began sharing videos of hedgehogs in gardens during lockdowns. “Many of us spent more time at home and we have come to enjoy our own gardens and the village more than ever,” he says. “We think that our hedgehog population is growing in Charvil’s back gardens thanks to some manmade huts.” Numbers of hedgehogs are
generally in decline in the UK. Some estimates put the figures as being down by more than a half in rural areas and a third in urban areas since 2000. Residents Karen Ostrowski, Dawn Brenton and Sarah Swatridge all wrote to Wokingham Borough Council requesting help to reverse the trend in Charvil. They were supported by Cllr Akhtar. “We hope these signs across the village will help our resident hedgehogs stay safe when they are crossing the roads,” he says. Charvil residents hope that their project will encourage other villages in Wokingham borough to become hedgehog friendly too.
Raise your glasses to train firm’s Thursday special TIME AT THE BAR: South Western Railway is giving away a bar tab every Thursday between now and the end of the month
SOUTH Western Railway is ready to offer people a round of drinks on them. The scheme started last week, and through its Thank Goodness It’s Thursday fund, rail users have the opportunity to win a £25 pub voucher. The promotion is aimed at getting people back in the rhythm of socialising with their work colleagues after two years of covid restrictions. Data released by South Western Railway shows more than 60% of people surveyed believe the biggest positive to going back to the office is seeing colleagues again. The promotion will run every
Thursday until the end of the month, and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis with 125 prizes to be claimed each week. Punters will be able to use the voucher for post-work gettogethers to purchase food, drinks or snacks. To be in with a chance of winning all you have to is follow and tweet @SWR_TGIT with “#TGIT” every Thursday between 2pm and 5pm. Winners will be contacted and provided a code for a £25 The Great British Pub Card voucher which can be used in more than 1,500 pubs in London.
Simon Gill has lived in Poland since the early 1990s and has spent the past 30 years working in crisis situations. Now, he is working in his home town of Serock, north of Warsaw, to help people who have fled the conflict in Ukraine. He is also fundraising for a Polish charity, Żywiecka Fundacja Rozwoju or Żywiec Development Foundation. “I fell for a Polish girl and moved here after completing a MSc in agricultural economics,” Simon says. “I started working on humanitarian aid programmes funded by the US government, which became the springboard for my life since. “I have worked post-conflict in Bosnia and Kosovo, and on rebuilding projects after natural disasters like the Marmara earthquake in 1999 and the floods in central Europe in 2013. “A Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs project with refugees in Georgia led me to get involved with the foundation.” Żywiec Development Foundation is helping to support some of the 2,300,000 Ukrainians — 1,000,000 of whom are children — who have arrived in Poland. Serock’s population of just over 4,000 people has grown by 800. Simon and his family have been acting as a transit home for refugees since early March. He is part of a group staffing a help point in the town, and a group of British people living in Poland who run refugee support projects across the country. He explains that the group’s projects include finding and renovating accommodation, therapy for children, refugee transport, food banks and even a rugby team. “But all of this costs money, and the foundation was kind enough to organise separate accounts for our use so we can arrange things quickly,”
“I ran two Facebook fundraising appeals, which bought in £5,000, and other efforts mean that so far we have raised around £28,000. “All of that money has already been assigned or spent, and we always need more.” Funds are spent on housing costs for refugees, buying food for Serock food bank, stocks of essential clothing — which include more than 300 sets of underwear, socks and school shoes — and providing breakfast for two weeks to a group of 50 children who had just arrived in Warsaw. The group also runs activities for children, including trips, choirs, and sports clubs. “Finchley Rugby Club gave us money to buy some equipment, and a Warsaw club comes to play with the kids in
Lee hopes fundraiser will inspire others A TWYFORD pub will be hosting a fundraiser for a mental health charity at the beginning of next month. Regulars of the Waggon and Horses have arranged a day of events on Sunday, May 1, to raise funds for Prospect Park Hospital. The hospital, on Honey End Lane in Reading, is the main NHS site for people in Berkshire with mental health conditions. It has a number of inpatient wards, including provision for people with learning difficulties and a specialist dementia unit. Pub-goer Lee Tennant joined forces with friends David Somner and Richard Burns, the pub’s landlord, to organise the day. Lee chose to raise money for Prospect Park following his own mental health struggles. “I have always struggled with anxiety and depression, but 2020 was the worst year ever,” Lee says.
“Before lockdown, I split with my girlfriend. “I began to self-harm regularly and was having suicidal thoughts.” He tried counselling, hypnotherapy, medication, breathing exercises, running and listening to podcasts on mental health. “Nothing was working and I was at my lowest ebb,” he says. “But in December 2020 I plucked up the courage to tell people how bad I was feeling on social media. “The support I got from my family and friends was mind-blowing and I realised that keeping things to yourself is the worst thing you can do.” Lee credits people checking in on him with saving his life. He trained to become a mental health adviser following the death of a friend who took his own life. And another of Lee’s friends has a family member who is being helped
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Thursday, April 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
pil Simon helps ugees in Poland
Crochet group goes postal again with a special delivery
WPR_2022-04-11_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go
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HELPER: Former Forest School pupil Simon Gill now lives in Poland and is helping Ukrainian refugees Picture: Simon Gill
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5 Days by Coach Serock on Saturdays,” Simon says. “And when we visit shelters and get them to sing and they start smiling, it’s really emotional.” It is not always easy or fun. “Seeing exhibition centres with thousands of beds for Ukrainians to rest up before they move on to more secure and safer housing is hard,” he says. “It’s heartbreaking seeing a train coming into a central station with thousands of homeless people on board. “It’s not fun when you encounter a wife or mother coping with the news that a husband or a father has been killed. “It’s not fun when you have a wave of covid in one of the big shelters and
there are several hundred ill on camp beds.” Simon says that his he is “proud and humbled” to be working alongside Poles managing the arrival of so many people into their country, largely without intervention from the Polish government. “Generally the mood in Poland is good, but we cannot afford to keep this up for much longer,” he says. “Ukrainians are not going home quickly, especially those from Kharkiv or Mariopol or Sumy. “We cannot send them back to live in rubble or tents, we have to now think long term.”
n For more information, visit: zfr.org.pl or follow Simon on Facebook: facebook. com/SimoninPoland
FROM LEFT: David Somner, Lee Tennant, Richard Burns Picture: Natalie Burton
EASTER BONNET: One of the Barkham Hookers crochet creations Picture: Gaynor White A CROCHET group is going postal over Easter. Members of the Barkham Hookers have been decorating post boxes across Wokingham borough with seasonal bonnets. Some of the colourful yarn creations first appeared last year. Group leader Gaynor White says that she has been careful to put the Easter bonnets on different boxes this year. “We’ve all been busy making jubilee decorations, so there aren’t many new ones,” she explains. “But each one has got a QR code for people to scan if we’ve brightened their day.
“It will take them to a website so that they can donate to our Ukraine fundraiser.” Toppers can be found on post boxes in Wokingham, including outside the library, Arborfield, Barkham and Finchampstead. Many feature crochet Easter eggs, chicks, and flowers. Blue and yellow forget-me-not flower badges made by members of the group for their Ukraine appeal are available at Stitchery Do in Wokingham. A sub-group of crafters, the Hurst Hookers, has also decorated bollards along School Lane in the village.
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3 Days by Coach at Prospect Park, following severe problems with their mental health. He explains that “their problems began following a sexual assault, and things got so bad that they attempted to take their own life several times.” “Eventually they were sectioned. “They have been in several units, but has made real progress in Prospect Park. “They will soon be moving into assisted living in the community,
and the family are so relieved.” Lee, David and Richard are all hopeful that the event is successful at both raising funds for the hospital and encouraging people to talk openly about mental health issues. Tickets cost £7, under 18s are free. There will be a barbecue and raffle from 2pm raffle, and music from rock covers band Wise Monkeys beginning at 7pm. n For more information, follow Waggon and Horses Twyford on Facebook
I’ve been clearing out old diaries now I’m ninety two But before I shed each one of them I’ve just been glancing through And it seems to me amazing how much we used to do!! I wonder how we managed it to do so much each day
But that is how life was for us - busy in every way. No doubt your life was much the same When more active you could be. But it’s nice to think about those days As now we move s l o w l y.
Jim Horsnell
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30 | VIEWPOINTS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Jubilee party will be a great day
THE VISION for the Party in the Park – this year’s International Street Concert – is one to celebrate. Wokingham Town Council should be congratulated for devising an epic event that spans every decade of our Queen’s reign. From rock n roll through to the modern tunes, there will be something for everyone, while reminding us of how far we have come as a country since 1952. And it will be the first such event to take place in the new Elms Field, so we can finally see the vision for the park that we were promised many years ago. In one afternoon, we can celebrate our recent history, and look forward to the future. It is certainly a date to remember. And it is also fantastic that the town council is once again making this a free concert that everyone can come along and enjoy. In this straightened times, every little helps, and this certainly will be a fantastic time that all ages will enjoy – and remember for years to come.
CHURCH NOTES
It was from a tomb like this
A
FEW years ago – in a time before Covid – I travelled to Israel. It was amazing and unsettling to be in such a divided and contested land. I spent some time trying to engage with the political realities of life in Israel and Palestine and more time travelling in the footsteps of Jesus. In some places, it was hard to see through the centuries of building and development to the world Jesus knew, but in others, it was incredibly easy to feel that I was standing in the same place as Jesus looking at the landscape he knew. One such place was the Lake of Galilee, where the hills and wildlife and shoreline had barely changed. The other was the Tombs of the Prophets near Jerusalem. Standing alone in the cavelike tombs, once my eyes had adjusted to the single shaft of light from above, surrounded by burial chambers, I felt as close as I could be to the events of Easter Day. It was in a tomb like this that Jesus’ heart started to pump again. His lungs filled with air again. His eyes saw again, muscles flexed, thoughts raced. It was from a tomb like this that Jesus rose. And when he rose, he carried all of us with him – up from the depths of selfishness and anger and fear and hatred to the bright light of love and hope and acceptance and peace and delight. We died with him, and now he carries us back to the light. We are his Easter people: alleluia is our song. Father Richard Lamey is the rector of St Paul’s Church, Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
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Struggling to get help I read Louise Timlin’s letter – The Cost of Living Crisis (Wokingham Today, April 7). Much poverty could be averted, if people who are entitled to benefits firstly, get them, and then, keep them. Recently, I contacted the Department of Work and Pensions, with regard to a lady who had been required, by them, to complete an application for the continuation of her Employment Support Allowance. They lost the first Application Form, so she had to submit a second. Then they found the original form, so she had been required to plough through 40 pages – twice. I explained to the Department of Work and Pensions, that the lady had been diagnosed with schizophrenia 40 years previously, and had been on medication ever since. Overnight change was unlikely, and her reassessment for benefit unnecessary. I got the Benefit for her, but not without a struggle. Then, I accompanied another mentally ill lady, to an assessment for Personal Independence Payment. To qualify for this benefit, you need to score a minimum of eight points. This lady was awarded two. On her behalf, I submitted to the Department of Work and Pensions, a 2,500 word report – detailing all this lady’s mental, and indeed, physical, disabilities. By contrast, I awarded her 54 points. I got the Benefit for her – but not without a struggle. Then, I completed an application
Question 4. Starter for 10. Reading University in conjunction with Wokingham BC have made numerous promises to provide community amenities as part of the development approvals. Have these promises been fulfilled and how is this measured? And for bonus points: Where is the Shinfield supermarket? Where are the promised sports/ playing fields and supporting pavilion? Will the community ever get the Cinema, promised as part of the Film Studio development? Finally, the BIG questions. Reading University have continuously stated that they want to work with residents and listen to their concerns. Have Reading University met that challenge? Can local Shinfield and Arborfield residents trust the University of Reading?
How well do you think Reading University are rising to the challenge? Here are a few questions that seem to be taxing the combined IQ of the team, what do you think? Question 1 – Starter for 10. Reading University has sold large expanses of local farmland around the Shinfield and Arborfield area for housing and commercial development over the past 10 years. How does this align with their much-publicised Ecology and Wildlife Conservation BSC aims? And for bonus points: How many trees have been lost? How many miles of hedgerow destroyed? How much green space have we lost forever? Question 2 – Starter for 10. The Reading University has sold (??? See above) hectares of local working farmland for housing and commercial development. How does this align with
their stated agricultural aims of sustainable food production, biodiversity conservation, animal welfare and food security? And for bonus points: How many local working farms are no longer viable? How many local agricultural jobs have been lost? What volume of crops are no longer grown locally? Question 3 – Starter for 10. Reading University has sold land for various developments stating that they will bring with them local employment. How successful has this been? And for bonus points: How many local construction workers (15-mile radius) have been utilised in the Shinfield and Arborfield area? How many Science Park jobs are currently undertaken by people in the local Shinfield and Arborfield area (5 miles)? How many local jobs (5-mile radius) will be guaranteed by the new Film Studios?
form for Employment Support Allowance for a man suffering from a number of disabilities. The Department of Work and Pensions claimed not to have received this Application, even though it had been sent by Special Delivery. They said that they could not send me a second form, but that the man would have to apply for Universal Credit, online. I explained that a vulnerable person can sit, in comfort, with a cup of tea, in the crisis house lounge while
I complete the forms. Struggling, alone, and online, people cannot cope with pages and pages of questions, and will give up. I shall get the benefit for this man, but not without a struggle. I also read the report ‘Celebrating Success, and Building for the Future of Social Care’ (Wokingham Today, March 17). It is no good ‘celebrating’ social carers; you have to pay them, properly! A carer who brought a mentally ill man to our drop-in centre,
said that she liked care work, but struggled to meet living costs. She received only the Minimum Wage – while her son – at half her age – was earning twice as much as she did – working on a building site. The argument runs that people who work in social care, do so for love, and not for the money, but love does not pay the bills, and there is much truth in the old saying – ‘Love flies out of the window, when poverty knocks on the door’. Interestingly, the argument is
furniture restoration, choir, katakanuing across the working week. We are continually adding to our range of workshops to meet the interests of those with young onset dementia. We currently work with a small team of staff and are always looking for the help of volunteers and welcome however much time they can offer to support our attendees at our workshop out in the community, across Berkshire. We are also looking for volunteer drivers who can help transport our clients to our workshops. Would you like to be a voluntary trustee for a charity but don’t know where to start? Are you aged 18 to 25 without experience of charities? We have an opportunity for you to ‘shadow’ our Board of trustees for 12 months, give you the knowledge, training and support needed for charity trusteeship and assist you into an ongoing trustee position.
Your total time commitment will be about four or five hours per month, much online, including many of the meetings; you can also meet with us face-to-face. You will be expected to contribute to those meetings; you’ll get opportunity to see how trustees’ strategic plans are translated into day-to-day charity operations. We are not expecting you to represent “your community”, but we want to enable our existing trustees and the whole organisation to better understand inVOLve Community Services’ future users, to find community voices, understand and reflect societal changes. At the conclusion of this ‘shadow’ opportunity, our trustee recruitment service will actively assist you to search for and obtain a full trustee position with another local charity. This is a new idea for inVOLve Community Services, and our Board of trustees wants to learn from this, to be better responsive to the local voluntary and community sector.
Helena Badger
www.volunteer wokinghamborough.org.uk
A
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokingham.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper
University Challenge!!
Wokingham Volunteering
T ABC to Read we believe life is better when everyone can read and express themselves confidently. Our trained reading mentors provide children with the skills and confidence they need to do just that. A decline in the percentage of Berkshire children achieving the expected level for reading in the recently published Key Stage 2 SATs results, local charity ABC (Assisting Berkshire Children) to read is keen to do all it can to help schools and families in the borough to raise children’s achievement. With the pandemic over the past two years, we feel there is even more need for volunteers as some children may have fallen behind. Once volunteers are trained, they are then matched up with a local school. Commitment is ideally twice a week for 1 1/2 hours in the
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
afternoons but once a week will be considered. The role is extremely rewarding, learning new skills and strengthens our community. At the current time, we will be conducting online interviews and training. Our next online training will be held on 3 May, so if you are interested, please get in touch ASAP! n YPWD Berkshire supports those diagnosed with working-age young onset dementia (65 and under) across many Berkshire communities. Our specialist team provide services so that people with this progressive disease can maintain their skills, wellbeing, creativity, and a sense of purpose in their community. We provide workshops and support to those with young onset dementia. Some examples of workshops provided are art, walking, gardening, cooking,
n InVOLve Community Services are an ‘infrastructure’ charity – we support other charities in the Thames Valley. Our Board wants to find a younger person to act as ‘shadow’ trustee, attending 4 Board meetings and our AGM, with a mentor and formal trustee training offered.
Mark Chatfield, Shinfield
n These are just a few roles on our books. Please visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer. If you would like to get in touch with us please call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@ wok-vol.org.uk.
Thursday, April 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
not applied to workers in other vocations. Teachers and doctors are paid, properly. All this explains the national shortage of social care workers. We people, who run charities, may well be doing our work, for love, but constantly struggling to get people their Benefits, means that I am, definitely, not in in love, with the Department of Work and Pensions.
Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House.
Not enough power In response to the letter from the “Climate Matters Group” may I point out two things? One, the UK only generates at most 3% of the greenhouse gasses so you could wipe out the total UK population and it would have no effect on climate change. The group seem to support this by saying that carbon emissions are rising irrespective of which country produces them. Try looking at China, India and the USA, which contribute the major emissions. Two, if the UK stops using its own reserves of fossil fuels, but we still need power, then the carbon emissions are still being produced, just elsewhere on the globe. In December 2021 and January 2022 there was a period of about six weeks where the wind was light and the weather was overcast. During this period renewables only generated about 1% of the required electricity. Even if you covered the whole of the UK in millions of wind
farms and solar panels you would still not generate the power if the wind and sun are not there. Intermittent wind is not a red herring as they say in their letter, it happens and so do cloudy days. At the moment nuclear and tidal generation appear to be the only two forms of power generation that do not produce on-going emissions and can provide consistent power, but they do produce some carbon emissions during production, just like manufacturing wind generators and solar panels and the production of batteries to store the excess power. The UK government on its own cannot produce a strategy that will protect us from climate disaster because this is a global problem and we are not one of the major players.
Derek Harding, Wokingham
Woodlands Avenue oneway proposal
Has Wokingham Borough Council gone completely mad and got money to spare in creating a one-way section of this access road to the car park in Crockhamwell road from the east??? All that will happen is that traffic going to the car park will avoid the lengthy diversion by turning right into Fairwater Drive - left into the narrow residential Antrim Road and Fairwater Drive on to Crockamwell Road.
Richard Bennett, via email
Revisit Heathrow The Department for LevellingUp, Housing and Communities
From the chamber
Cllr Clive Jones
Your concerns are our concerns
M
Y Lib Dem colleagues and I have spoken to many residents across the borough over the last few months and weeks and we have heard what is concerning you in both national and local politics.
Many of the subjects raised with us are issues that Liberal Democrats have campaigned on recently, these are some of the priorities we will focus on. Residents are very concerned about over-development in the Borough. A few weeks ago I, along with several other Lib Dem councillors, went to the offices of The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Michael Gove) to deliver a petition asking for a reduction in the Conservative targets for extra housing in Wokingham over the next 20 years. We pointed out to Mr Gove that over the last 40 years around
40,000 new houses have been built in Wokingham. The space for sensible development is now limited, but the Conservatives are planning for another 16,000 in the next 20 years. They are doing this while claiming large scale development is coming to an end in some parts of the Borough, a claim that is at best misleading. We know some development locally is needed, particularly affordable housing, but the Conservative plans are not sustainable. Another issue raised with us is violence, particularly against women and girls. We will seek White Ribbon accreditation for the Council and will encourage other organisations to do the same. Ending violence against women and girls is not controversial. It is a basic human right, and the Council must lead in tackling the root causes of it. The accreditation we are
VIEWPOINTS | 31
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 (DLUHC) has “called-in” the decision to expand Luton Airport which would cater for 19 million extra passengers. The decision to hold an inquiry is based on “the extent to which the proposed development is consistent with Government policies for meeting the challenges of climate change, flooding and coastal change” and “conserving and enhancing the natural environment”. Heathrow expansion would see around 50 million extra passengers, a plan approved by Parliament before the more stringent environmental legislation became law. It is imperative for Government to immediately revisit the Airports National Policy Statement on Heathrow Expansion. If this does not happen, it is quite clear that there is one rule for Heathrow and one rule for everyone else. After decades of uncertainty, it’s time to give local communities around Heathrow peace of mind and bury any idea of Heathrow Expansion.
Geraldine Nicholson, Stop Heathrow Expansion
Care with cat buying
is eight-weeks, and sadly dying from debilitating illnesses. Last year, 340,000 of the 500,000 cats that were purchased in the UK were found online on sites like Facebook, Gumtree, Pets 4 Homes and Preloved. Though many sellers are responsible people, there are unscrupulous individuals who will exploit the anonymity of the internet to sell kittens that have been taken from their mums too young, denying them vital nutrients and social development, while passing them off as healthy, eight-week-old kittens. As well as giving advice, we are encouraging the public to sign a petition calling on the Government to regulate cat breeding. It has just been introduced in Scotland and we would like to see England, Wales and Northern Ireland follow suit. We want anyone who breeds two or more litters of kittens in a year to be licensed, which would make them subject to regular inspections. To watch Cats Protection’s The Big Kitten Con video and to sign Cats Protection’s petition, please visit www.cats.org.uk/ kitten-con
With kitten season nearly here, Cats Protection is releasing a documentary highlighting the potentially tragic risks of buying underage kittens online from unscrupulous sellers who put profit before welfare. The Big Kitten Con, narrated by Caroline Quentin, features traumatic accounts of kittens being sold at less than the legal age for commercial sale, which
Direct cremations
seeking is a gap analysis that will help the Council understand what it needs to do to help end this problem. Liberal Democrats will be seeking a review of how specialist services are commissioned due to our concerns about the awarding of the domestic abuse contract to an organisation that has never directly provided domestic abuse support to victim-survivors before, which led to at least one key service not being delivered by them despite being in the contract. We cannot ever allow the council to be in a situation where vulnerable residents are left without the support they need Residents have told us how concerned they are about environmental issues – concerns we share. Our precious environment will be a focus of our attention, as we do everything we can to protect the green spaces that make our Borough such a lovely place to live in. We want to significantly extend tree canopy cover and upgrade our open spaces wherever possible by introducing sections of species-rich habitat such as wildflower areas. We will also press developers to meet challenging targets for increasing biodiversity, because maintaining the status quo is not good enough for the UK which is the most biodiversity depleted country in Europe. While knocking on doors
we have been greeted by many former staunch Conservative supporters who now cannot bear the thought of supporting a party led nationally by Boris Johnson. They can no longer associate themselves with a party that accepts dishonesty and lack of competence in its highest echelons. They are also bitterly disappointed with the Conservative government’s indifference to the cost-of-living crisis, an indifference brought about by enjoying such personal wealth and privilege that they just cannot comprehend the effect that their political choices and their failures to intervene have on ordinary people. Every time we do a food shop we see increases in prices. Many people are seeing their food bills rise by more than 20%. And now that other bills are leaping up, too many families are having to make the impossible choice between heating their homes or feeding their families properly. Increases in pensions are not meeting inflation. For people of working age, this month we see a rise in National Insurance contributions, reducing take home pay for many after the Conservatives promised in the 2019 general election that there would be no such tax rises under a Conservative government. And in keeping with what nowadays appears to be the Conservatives’ ethos, this tax increase disproportionately hits lower earners.
Madison Rogers, Acting Head of Advocacy & Government Relations, Cats Protection Direct cremation has become increasingly popular as people’s budgets have tightened and Covid restrictions have prevented more traditional funeral services.
There is certainly a healthy amount of television advertising on the topic to remind us. However, as the leading UK trade association for independent funeral directors, we are increasingly concerned by the level of misunderstanding around direct cremation. We have spoken to members in your area who are independent funeral directors and share these concerns. Research shows that many people do not fully understand what direct cremation entails, nor are they aware of how little involvement they can have. For example, families tend to be barred from visiting their loved one or attending a committal, and it’s often the case that direct cremations take place at a hub location far away from the deceased’s home, making it logistically difficult and potentially very distressing if the next of kin change their mind about the service. The lack of understanding can be easily perpetuated by 30-second soundbites on a TV advertisement which focuses on the simplicity of such services. Bereavement is one of the most challenging times in someone’s life. People must understand the choices. I would urge anyone who has concerns or questions about direct cremation to write to Citizens Advice or their local MP, or speak to their local SAIF independent funeral director or to visit https://www. funeraladvice.org
Terry Tennens, Chief Executive, SAIF Huge increases in energy costs have more than doubled spending on gas and electricity for many people, with a hopelessly inadequate government response leading to bills of over £2,000 a year for many households. A loan of £200 is not going to cut the mustard for millions of people, comparing shoddily with the response to the energy crisis of other European countries. In France the rise in energy prices is capped at 4%. And on top of all that comes the increase in the cost of petrol and diesel, so that to fill up an average car now costs £90, half of this raked in by the Chancellor in fuel duty and taxes. Meanwhile, he hopes we will not notice his sleight of hand whereby his 5p reduction in fuel duty is less than his increased revenue from VAT on fuel. Add to this the Downing Street parties which took place when many of us were unable to say a proper goodbye to loved ones who lost their lives during the Covid pandemic. We were assured by Boris Johnson that no parties had happened, and no rules were broken. Yet, police investigations and their issuing of fixed penalty notices suggest that the Prime Minister was at best economical with the truth. This is now confirmed when the Prime Minister himself and the Chancellor are to receive fixed penalty notices for attending gatherings/parties in Downing
Community connections more vital than ever Many of us are painfully aware of how isolated we’ve become over the past two years. The pandemic affected two groups in particular – care home residents and school children. A wonderful new initiative now hopes to bring older and younger members of our communities together. The nationwide Become a Care Home Friend scheme invites schools across the country to join a 10-week programme of activities that will build meaningful, much-needed links with care homes and foster understanding between the generations. Children and older people get so much out of a relationship with each other, but their contact can be very limited. This project will boost children’s self-esteem by allowing them to make a positive difference to others. And it will help care home residents feel more connected to their local community. We’ve seen so much joy, fun and energy in similar initiatives, so we warmly encourage schools to take part. One youngster who’s made new friends through our work said: “I feel overjoyed because we made wordsearches for the older people and that makes me feel nice.” I think that says it all.
Tom Owen, Director of My Home Life England, c/o School of Health Sciences City, University of London, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB Street when it was illegal to do so. Rishi Sunak is now appearing to be less than trustworthy as Chancellor of the Exchequer, given the questions over personal tax affairs and his extended possession of a United States Green Card. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, “A green card holder is a permanent resident,” which seems incompatible with acting as a UK Government Minister. All of this has eroded trust in the Conservatives and may well be reflected when Wokingham residents cast their votes in this year’s local elections. If you are thinking of abandoning the Conservatives you are not alone, many of your neighbours are considering doing the same. Residents have a choice in the coming elections, a choice that in most parts of the Borough is realistically between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems. On May 5, they have the opportunity to elect Liberal Democrat councillors who are open, honest, hardworking, listen to residents and care about the issues that matter to people, as I have laid out. Increasingly on the doorstep, that is an opportunity that residents have told us they will take.
Cllr Clive Jones is the leader of Wokingham’s Liberal Democrats, and ward member for Hawkedon. He is not a candidate in May’s local elections
32 | BUSINESS
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A business park that is changing
Citizens Advice leader to talk networking A NETWORKING group is inviting people to join them for its April meeting. Jake Morrison, the chief executive of Citizens Advice Wokingham will be the keynote speaker for the Wokingham Positive Difference gathering. Also speaking will be Graeme Hobbs of Hobbs Granger Roitt will offer his insights on chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcements in the spring statement, and other press releases you may have missed. There will be opportunities to network, share ideas and learn more about business and community initiatives. It will be held online from 8.50am on Friday, April 22, and entry is free. The group’s March meeting featured a presentation from Toastmaster competition winner Nick Jones about electric vehicles, their financial implications and energy-saving features. March’s Wokingham Positive Difference saw contributions from two first time attendees, along with our essential input from local government. The meeting also welcomed Michelle Lambeth of Herrington Carmichael who gave a comprehensive account of responsibilities for corporate governance. n For more details, log on to: www. wokinghampositivedifference.co.uk
Entrepreneur’s natural remedies out to break menopause taboo Marva Williams of Shhh... Menopause Wellness
By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today A READING entrepreneur is out to break menopause taboos through a new range of natural remedies.
Katesgrove resident Marva Williams created Shhh…Menopause Wellness following her own experiences of the life stage. Her products are designed to support and encourage woman who are going through the menopause, and help ease their physical and emotional health. “The menopause made me really ill and, in 2019, I collapsed twice,” she explains. “Doctors discovered I had a lack of magnesium and iron in my blood. “Magnesium tablets were ineffective — I cannot digest and absorb it, because I am dairy and gluten intolerant. “I was given lots of medication, including tramadol and antidepressants to manage my health, but I was spaced out all of the time.” Ms Williams is the founder of
natural skincare and personal care product brand Beauty Stable. She has been developing and making products for medical professionals since 2013, which are used by a range of practitioners including acupuncturists and physiotherapists. “One of the practitioners I work with said that there must be a
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more natural solution, so I started playing with essential oils and developing products to help me,” she said. “She tried them with her patients in her private practice during lockdown. “The feedback was so good that I decided to launch them as a brand.” Next week, Ms Williams will be
running a pop-up stall of Shhh… Menopause Wellness in John Lewis’ Reading store. The range includes bath salts, supplements and pillow sprays, and use a blend of essential oils and magnesium believed to hold therapeutic qualities for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. “I also want to break the taboo around menopause and get conversations started,” she added. “So many women feel as though they are the only ones experiencing their symptoms and keep quiet. “Menopause is a rite of passage for women, we should embrace it, not hide it.” Ms Williams hopes to launch a Shhh...Menopause Collective mobile app soon. Her John Lewis Reading pop-up follows successful stands at John Lewis branches at Brent Cross and Bluewater. She will be in store from Monday, April 18 until Sunday, April 25. n For more information, visit: shhhmenopausewellness.com
What is the importance of lifetime tax planning? ASSOCIATE solicitor Louise Nelson, from Thames Valley law firm Blandy & Blandy’s Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts team, highlights HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) recently released Inheritance Tax (IHT) figures for the past year and offers a reminder to individuals and families of the importance of lifetime tax planning. HMRC has recently released figures showing that they collected a record £5.5 billion from Inheritance Tax receipts between April 2021 and February 2022, an increase of £0.7 billion on the previous year. The previous record of £5.36 billion was set in 2019. Whilst property prices and the value of other assets continue to rise, the nil rate band (the value above which IHT becomes payable) has remained unchanged at £325,000 since 2009, and will do so until at least 2026. Despite the introduction of the residence nil rate band from April 2017, which is available to some estates provided certain conditions are met, more estates are being brought within the scope of Inheritance Tax. Individuals and their families may also be impacted by Capital Gains Tax (CGT), a
Louise Nelson from Blandy & Blandy tax you pay on the profit made when selling (or ‘disposing of’) something (an ‘asset’) that has increased in value during your ownership, such as a second property. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has suggested that £125 billion will be raised from IHT and CGT receipts in the next five years. There are a number of tax-free allowances which may be available to an estate, allowing you to pass on a greater share of your estate
to loved ones upon your death. If an estate’s value exceeds the relevant allowances, IHT is payable on the balance of the estate at the rate of 40%. There is no tax at all, whatever the value of the estate, on property going to a widow or widower or to a charity. The value of this exempt property is deducted from the value of the whole estate before the tax calculation is done. In this way, gifts to husbands, wives and charities can take an estate out of the tax bracket. Blandy & Blandy, which has offices in Reading’s Blagrave Street, says its specialist Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts team can provide advice on Wills and estate planning, including in relation to trusts and lifetime tax planning. It has also published two blog articles that some people will find helpful. They are entitled When I Die, Will Inheritance Tax Have to Be Paid on My Estate?, and What is the Purpose of Inheritance Tax (IHT)?
n For further information, log on to: www.blandy.co.uk, email: law@blandy.co.uk or call 0118 951 6800.
33
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Reddam principal Rick celebrates his epic marathon success
SUCCESS: Rick Cross at the finish line of the Marathon des Sables Picture: Rick Cross
By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today
THE PRINCIPAL of Reddam House has completed his marathon fundraising challenge.
Rick Cross competed in the Marathon Des Sables ultra challenge for two charities, female education advocates Camfed and Wokingham-based First Days Children’s Charity. “Before I left for the race, the total was £4,000, but when I looked at the end of the race, it had gone up to £5,060,” he says. “I am really looking forward to presenting both of them with a cheque for £2,530.” The Marathon des Sables sees participants attempt to run 250 kilometres (155 miles) in a multi-staged race over seven days in the Moroccan Sahara desert. Runners must be completely self-sufficient and carry their own backpacks containing food, sleeping gear and other items. He finished 179th from a field of 1,000 participants. Rick says that: “it was an incredible experience, but really tough at times.” “The fourth stage was 85 kilometres (53 miles) and took me 14 hours to complete. “But my body held up well and I finished without any blisters, because I put in a lot of
THERE is a treat for early birds at a Hurst country park later this month. A dawn chorus walk around Dinton County Park will take place on Sunday, April 24. Volunteers from Wokingham and Bracknell branch of the RSPB will meet keen naturelovers at 5am in the main car park. The cost is £2 donation to the RSPB. For more details, contact Patrick Crowley on: 07963 076940 , Alan Moore on: 01344 775022 or email: rspbwandb@ gmail.com
Royal celebration training and work beforehand.” Following an injury while competing in an ultra marathon earlier this year, Rick underwent physiotherapy. He built up his leg and glute muscles, and worked on his running cadence to achieve 170 steps per minute in an effort to avoid further problems. And a daily regime of moisturising his feet for three months prior to racing, plus two pairs of socks, tape, blister shield and lubricant kept him up and running.
“I was the only person in my tent of eight not to get blisters,” he adds. “I was sharing with my brother Jonathan and six other men from across the England. “We were a competitive group too, we all finished in the top 215. “I was the oldest one in there at 45, despite being in the average age range for competitors.” Rick says that he probably will not take part in the event
Legacy lunch date Footpath closure for Henley Festival WOKINGHAM and District Association for the Elderly is holding a legacy lunch later this month. It will take place at the Wade day centre on Reading Road, on Saturday, April 23. A light lunch will be available, and there will be a chance to take a tour of the facility. There will be an opportunity to hear about the services Wade provide and learn about plans to expand its daytime dementia respite care service. A lawyer from CP Law will also be present to highlight the importance of making a will. Discounts will be offered to those who make or change a will, or who wish to leave a legacy to Wade. For more information, email secretary@ wadecentre.org.uk or call 0118 978 7025.
THE HENLEY Festival can once again close a public footpath to allow the annual event to take place this summer. At a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s ruling executive, held on Thursday, March 31, Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for leisure and environment, said: “The festival trust applies for this application annually, it’s nothing new. “It’s asking us to approve making an order for the closure of the footpath from Wednesday, July 6, to Sunday, July 10,” he told the executive. The plan was approved by the executive, meaning the riverside festival which takes place in Wokingham borough can go ahead as normal.
Council approval to appoint contractor to maintain homes THE COUNCIL’S housing service has been given permission to appoint a contractor to maintain, repair, and improve its empty properties prior to being re-let to new tenants. Introducing the motion to the executive at its meeting held on Thursday, March 31, deputy leader Cllr John Kaiser, said that houses became vacant for a number of reasons, such as a resident moving to a smaller or larger home, or moving into a care setting. “We have a policy of visiting
Early birds catch the worm at Dinton Pastures
every home before we put any new tenants into them,” Cllr Kaiser said. “In a lot of cases, we do quite substantial refurbishment because, over the years, especially if you’ve had somebody elderly living in the home, they’re not always up to keeping the house. “If we give a new home to somebody, I think nobody would argue it’s not a bad idea to give them a fresh start.” He said the executive was voting on the proposal because
the contract was worth more than £5 million. Cllr Graham Howe wanted to know how many homes were involved, to which Cllr Kaiser said between 2,700 and 2,800, with around 10% Each year “dipping in and out” of being empty, and there was currently a great demand for social housing. “If we’re giving someone a new home, it’s a new start in life, so we should do everything we can to make that as fresh as possible,” he added.
because of the impact it has on his family. His wife Georgie and 12 year old daughter Dare have been supportive of his efforts, but he is looking forward to spending more time with them. “I’ll be running in both Reading and Wokingham half marathons next year, and hopefully I have inspired my daughter to run too. “Distance running is achievable if you are willing to put the effort in.” Jenny Westmorland, head
of fundraising at First Days, thanked Rick and said “we are incredibly grateful for his fundraising efforts.” “It is one of the toughest ultra events in the world and takes a very special person to complete it with such tenacity — he was even smiling about it when he came to visit us,” she says. “Without support, many of the families we help would go without essential items. “This money will help those who need it most.”
ROYAL celebrations are being planned for Finchampstead. The first events for the Platinum Jubilee long weekend in June have been announced. On Thursday, June 2, residents are invited to bring their own food to a community picnic at Finchampstead Memorial Park. The event begins at 6.30pm and is free to attend. A brass band will provide entertainment. At 9pm, a beacon will be lit on the tower of St James’ Church. The ceremony will be led by a piper.
Happy Easter Wishing you a Happy Easter!
Wishes all its customers a Happy Easter. www.childbasepartnership.com
Tel: 0118 973 3231
34
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‘MP should be calling for Partygate resignations’ By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM’S MP should be calling for the resignation of Boris Johnson following the news that he has been fined for attending a party when covid rules prevented it.
The police have issued fixed penalty notices to the prime minister, his wife, and the chancellor Rishi Sunak, for a gathering in June 2020. Now, Wokingham parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrats, Clive Jones, has called for the incumbent, Coversative Sir John Redwood, to take action. The party also wants parliament to be recalled so a vote of no confidence can take place. “The Conservative MP for our area cannot hide behind lame excuses any longer. It is time for Sir John Redwood to sack Boris Johnson. No more
FINED: Prime minister Boris Johnson attended illegal parties when covid rules prevented them ifs or buts,” Cllr Jones said. “While people in Wokingham made heartbreaking sacrifices during lockdowns, Boris Johnson and his team were partying in Downing Street. “We all have painful memories of that lockdown, from not being able to see dying relatives, to being separated for months on end from our friends and family.
“How on earth can Conservative MPs keep supporting a law-breaking Prime Minister and Chancellor? “Our country needs leadership right now, not a Government in chaos.” Sir John has not issued a public statement on the current fines, but had previously expressed his view that there were more pressing issues facing the country. He told Talk Radio in January: “My advice to the Prime Minister is to concentrate on making things better for the British public. I’m less fussed about Partygate.” And he wrote on his blog: “Sorting out the question of what senior officials and maybe some Ministers and the PM did in lockdown is less important that ensuring they govern well today, though
the one does reflect on the central problem of when will the government as a whole bend to the will of the people that pay for it? “People would be less angry about the office arrangements if they were getting what they voted for. “The government needs to reset, to show Ministers are in charge, and to demonstrate they can work productively with civil servants to deliver promises.” Reading East MP Matt Rodda is also calling for the prime minister to resign. “Across Reading, Woodley & Earley, families made huge sacrifices to keep their families, our neighbours & our communities safe,” he tweeted. “While we all followed the rules, the Prime Minister and Chancellor were breaking the law and attending parties. “They should both resign.”
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
Children challenged to go on a growth spurt … sunflower seeds are being given to under 16s this summer
HERE’S an offer that will grow on you … a Wokingham-based garden centre is offering sunflower seeds to children during May.
Available from the information desk of the Heathlands Road garden centre, people will be invited to make a donation to its charity of the year, Just Around the Corner. Known as JAC, it offers children and young people a range of handson activities including arts, crafts, music, carpentry, mechanics, horticulture and pottery, and is probably best known for their work with horses from its stables based off Forest Road.
The seeds come with some growing tips, so that the plants can reach for the sky. And then when they bloom, children will be invited to take a picture of themselves with the sunflowers and a measuring tape. The tallest one will have the change to win a £100 gift certificate for Squires. Two runners-up will both receive £50 gift certificates. There’s only one pack per household, and is for under 16s only. n For more details, log on to: www. squiresgardencentres.co.uk
Don’t move, Improve ! Refresh your home with the help of Koncept KONCEPT are a refreshing change to your average double glazing company. We don’t come to your house and deliver a relentless sales pitch, trying to make a sale regardless of suitability. It’s just not acceptable, and it’s not how we do business. Instead we take a different approach. Call us, send us an email or upload drawings with some approximate dimensions through the website, and a brief summary of what you require. We will come back to you with a fully-itemised quotation that offers the most cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or energy-efficiency. Our approach means we don’t need to employ field salespeople, or pay ridiculous sales commissions. Yes, we do have a showroom, but it’s there so we can show you the products, so it’s not an expensive High Street location, Instead, it’s a relaxed space where
customers can see, feel, slide, open, shut and generally manhandle all our products without us breathing down their necks all the time. Yes, we know every company claims to offer fantastic customer service, but we genuinely walk the talk. We’ve seen first-hand how customer service can nosedive once the sales team hand over to the supply or installation teams. Instead we decided to provide an honest, reliable service for the right price; simple as that. So, when you become a Koncept customer, we want you to stay a Koncept customer, and we know that will only happen if we get everything right – product, price and aftersales service. � To find out more information or to make an enquiry go to www.koncepthomeimproveme nts.com or call 0118 370 3488
If you’re building an extension or thinking of making some improvements to your home, we have the following ready to see: Aluminium Bifold Doors Sliding Doors UPVC & Aluminium Windows Composite and Timber Front Doors Flat Rooflights Aluminium Roof Lanterns 3 full-scale extensions Co
me and vi s i t us at our showr o om
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Tel: 0118 370 3488 | Email: info@koncepthome.com www.koncepthome.com
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Thursday, April 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Reccobiz, bringing people together, supporting your business and the local community
M
Y name is Neil and I am the founder and cocreator of Reccobiz with my wife Camilla.
After over 30 years of running my own business in home improvements and trying many marketing and advertising methods, I decided there was nothing available that really suited my needs. I started thinking about what would suit my needs and Reccobiz was born. Like most business owners I found the best way to grow my business is through recommendations from existing customers, word of mouth. This is how I came up with the name Reccobiz (Recommend a business), I wanted to come up with something internet based that could harness the power of word of mouth in a digital format that made it easy for business owners to connect with their customers and for their customers to be able to recommend them easily at the touch of a button. Our focus is sole traders and small businesses, we offer a level playing field where everyone pays the same price and gets access to the same resources. No sponsored ads, no algorithm, and no featured listings. We currently have 193 businesses
across many industries and 412 total users, our aim is to provide a valuable service not only to business owners but consumers and the local community. We publicise events of all kinds and have topical groups where people can communicate with like-minded people. In addition to the platform, we also run networking meetings both virtual and in-person, anyone can come along, not just Reccobiz subscribers. Our home improvements business Ellen James Limited has thrived since Reccobiz has launched, and helps us stay true to what we are trying to achieve. If it works for Ellen James Ltd it will work for any business and does. We work closely with our subscribers to ensure it is working and they are getting a great user experience.
Camilla and Neil, the founder and co-creator of Reccobiz.
Reccobiz is not just another faceless website, it is a community. Camilla and I are very hands-on, we believe in the importance of building relationships with those around us and keeping the community spirit alive and thriving. Here are some of our other local home improvement subscribers.
Malden Window Cleaners
Ellen James Ltd
Garden Rooms Online
Based in Reading and covering surrounding areas. Domestic window cleaning or commercial. Malden Window Cleaning is a family run business with over 30 years’ experience. With our distinctive liveried vans and small team, our main focus is to provide a reliable and friendly service. We can do regular cleans or one-off cleans, domestic or commercial.
Our passion is your satisfaction. People come to us because we care about the work we do and how we communicate with you. We are reliable, affordable and we have over 30 years of experience in home improvements. We have been involved with construction and home improvements for over 30 years. We initially started with domestic replacement double glazing. This expanded into general home improvements including kitchen and bathroom replacements, small to medium sized extensions and other associated home improvement works.
We supply composite wood, fully insulated garden rooms, with a choice of 4 maintenance-free wall finishes. All our rooms come with double glazed UPVC windows and doors as standard.
� For more information go to www.reccobiz.co.uk/ places/malden-window-cleaning-ltd/ or call 0118 988 9606
� For more information go to www.reccobiz.co.uk/ places/ellen-james-ltd/or call 0739 959 7768
0118 449 2414 www.reccobiz.co.uk Suite 569, 105 London Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4QD
� For more information go to www.reccobiz.co.uk/ places/garden-rooms-online/ or call 01494 706 806.
36 | NEWS
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
News from your clubs, groups and societies. Email your news to: news@wokingham.today
INTHECOMMUNITY Discover lab-grown diamonds AN INDEPENDENT jewellery boutique in Crowthorne is offering customers a revolutionary alternative to mined diamonds. Taylor & Co Master Goldsmiths in Dukes Ride is providing lab-grown diamonds as an environmentally-friendly substitute to naturally occurring diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are formed of pure carbon so share the same chemical composition as their natural counterparts. The differences between the two can’t be detected by the naked eye, it takes a specially developed machine which examines the stone’s crystal structure to detect any variations. Mike Taylor, founder of Taylor & Co Master Goldsmiths, has worked in the industry since 1976 and believes the alternative is an exciting opportunity. He said: “In my opinion this is the biggest thing to happen to the industry in my 40 plus years of working in it. “Lab-grown diamonds are the kind, right and obvious choice for so many of our customers.” They use up to 50% less energy to create and are kinder to your bank balance, averaging at around half the price of a natural diamond. Lab-grown diamonds also come with a conflict-free guarantee as they are created in a controlled environment. Mr Taylor said his business is intending to switch to lab-grown diamonds as standard, due to the positive reaction, with mined diamonds available on request. n For more information visit: mastergoldsmiths. co.uk or call 01344 780212
Railway and Transport Club visits Sicily HAVE you ever dreamt of going overland to the Med? Then you can at the next meeting of the Railway and Transport Club on Tuesday 19th April at 7.45pm in the main hall of the Bradbury Centre, Rose Street, Wokingham.RG40 1XS. David Brace will be telling us about a journey he made by train from his home in Basingstoke to Sicily. David combines excellent photography, plenty of detail about places of interest on the way as well information about the railways on which he travelled. The Wokingham Methodist Railway and Transport Club meets every Third Tuesday at the Bradbury Centre, Rose Street. It has regular presentations on transport topics including heritage and steam railways. For more details please contact Jim Dunning on 0118 977 1754.
Doreen recieves the Vistors Choice prize from deputy town mayor Cllr Maria Gee
Jenny Gilbert receives a certificate of merit from deputy town mayor, Cllr Maria Gee
Horticultural Association sees return of its spring show WOKINGHAM Horticultural Association held the second show of the year on Saturday 2nd April with the focus on domestic and flower arranging entries. Once again the Trading Store at Ormonde Road was transformed into an exhibition hall for the over 40 exhibits. Ann Hart won the Eve Scott Horniman Trophy for her superb Simnel cake against competition from three other bakers. Another traditional Easter Bake – hot cross buns - was won by Pauline MacBrayne. Sheila McKeand’s delicious vegetarian quiche also got top marks from the Judge. Doreen Hogston followed two recipes given in the schedule and won both the Easter Biscuits and Lemon Drizzle Sponge Cake classes, giving her the most points in the Domestic Section and winning the St Kilda Cup The Lambert family did well with Dad Jonathan taking 1st prize for his delicious Bakewell Tart whilst younger daughter Charlotte came a close 2nd to her sister Jessica’s
Left: Ann Hart’s Simnel cake Right: Jonathon Lambert’s Bakewell Tart
1st for decorated Easter fairy cakes. Mum Kathleen took 1st prize for her ‘Host of Golden Daffodils’ arranged in her own vase. The flower arranging judge was impressed with the nine entries and awarded Doreen Hogston a Best in Show Certificate of Merit for her arrangement entitled ‘Spring Splendour’ – a celebration of British
flowers and foliage. Visitors in the afternoon also voted it their favourite exhibit. Wokingham Town Deputy Mayor, Cllr Maria Gee with her husband Mayor’s Consort, Chris, presented the prizes. She was impressed by many entries and commented on the quality of the daffodils on show, given the recent
How I learnt to love the National Theatre
T
HERE are few buildings in the United Kingdom which divide public opinion as much as The Royal National Theatre on the South Bank of the Thames in London, opened in 1976.
The Theatre features prominently in surveys of both most liked and disliked buildings and has even drawn the opprobrium of the Prince of Wales who compared it to a “nuclear power station”. On the other hand, John Betjeman found it to be “a lovely work and so good from many angles … it has that inevitable and finished look that great work does”. Alan Read in his lecture to The Arts Society Wokingham on March 21, on Denys Lasdun and the National Theatre, proposed that the main reason for the controversy lies in the fact that the Theatre is built in concrete, a material used for centuries in its basic form. However, the advent of reinforced concrete at the beginning of the 20th
Spring splendour by Doreen Hogstson
The National Theatre in London Picture: Arts Society Wokingham century unleashed potential for design, resulting in outstanding buildings such as Notre Dame de Raincy, designed by Auguste and Gustave Perret in 1922, and the modernist house Falling Water designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1936. The use of reinforced concrete grew apace and was largely used to build social housing and institutional buildings such as universities and was associated with the polarising term “brutalism” which critics inferred coldness and soullessness. As early as 1907, there had been calls by theatre directors such as Harley
Granville Barker, to build a National Theatre and a site in Bloomsbury had been offered in 1913 as well as a site off the Cromwell Road with a design by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1942. It was not until nearly 20 years later that the architect Denys Lasdun was commissioned to design the National Theatre on a site provided by the GLC on the South Bank of the Thames. Lasdun was much influenced by Le Corbusier but also had an appreciation of the more classical work of Hawksmoor. This is demonstrated by his breakthrough work in 1960-1964 for the Royal College of Physicians building in Regent’s Park, now listed as Grade I, using modern reinforced concrete technology and highly expressive structural methods, together with several other commissions including the Grade II* listed Hallfield Primary School in Paddington. The lecture presented evidence that
Lasdun’s design for the National Theatre reflects his mature style in its use of textured bare concrete and angularity, as well as its more human scale and this, argues Read, is the key to the success of the building. Audiences flow into the theatres on to the terraces and to intimate spaces as the outside is reflected by the inside and the “fly towers”, now illuminated at night, have added a new dimension to the London Skyline and the South Bank vibe. Its three theatres provide a variety of experiences from the traditional theatre environment of the Lyttelton to the fan shape auditorium of the Olivier where actors have a 130-degree viewpoint and performances are enhanced by a unique Drum Revolve facilitating spectacular scene changes. In short, Read believes that the Theatre works as a theatre with the public in mind and confounds its critics. In a considered and well-presented
alternately dry and cold weather. They enjoyed tea and cake and chatted to exhibitors and other visitors. More information about the WHA can be found on the website www.w-h-a.org.uk, including details of the Bring and Buy Plant Sale on Saturday, May 14, and the Spring Flower Show on Saturday, May 21 – both events at the Trading Store on the Ormonde Road Allotments site.
Pauline MacBrayne and Sheila McKeand lecture, Alan Read may very well have convinced me to join with John Betjeman and to love the National Theatre. Toby Faber will be giving the Society’s next talk is on Monday, April 25, at 7.45pm. It is entitled The Imperial Easter Eggs of Carl Fabergé - before the Revolution. Between 1885 and 1916, Carl Fabergé made 50 jewelled eggs – Easter presents from Russia’s last two emperors to their wives. They have become the most famous surviving symbols of the Romanov Empire: both supreme examples of the jeweller’s art and the vulgar playthings of a decadent court. Guests (in person at Newbold Church or online in the comfort of their own home) are most welcome. Email: memsectheartssocietywham@gmail. com for more details. Details of all future talks are available at www.TheArtsSocietyWokingham. org.uk
Dudley Cooper
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Fond farewell for Dinton’s Dragonfly Cafe By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today A CATERER who ran the popular Dragonfly Café at Dinton Pastures for 14 years has paid tribute to her customers and her team working there.
Barbara Miles, of Woodley, was deluged with cards and best wishes from customers when she left the café recently. She was moved to tears by the appreciative thank yous. She and her team put down their aprons afterwards to enjoy a meal together – which they hadn’t had to prepare and serve - at The Castle Inn, Hurst. The café businesses at Dinton in Hurst have been taken over by Cleverchefs who say they are “chef-led” and a “multi awardwinning catering company with multiple locations around the UK.”
LAST ORDERS: Staff from The Dragonfly Cafe at Dinton enjoying a farewell meal at The Castle Inn The Dragonfly Café is now The Coffee House, the Dinton Activity Centre café is The Coffee Deck and The Coffee Pod will open near the children’s play area in peak seasons. Mrs Miles, whose company is called Baking Waves, said: “We did tender to continue running the business but the service
specification did not match with my company profile.” Her Dinton contacts started when she sold her cakes at Woodley farmers’ market. “I was approached and asked to supply them for the Dinton café. Later I took on the café and also catering at the old golf clubhouse,” she said.
In 2014 she took on the park’s mobile café and later the activity centre café. “Probably the thing I’m most proud of was building a team of really nice and incredibly loyal people able to talk to customers well. Many were with me for up to 12 years. We looked after the customers and each other,” she said. She’s also proud of her managers who helped young people starting their first jobs grow in confidence. And she is pleased that her sandwiches and other dishes were made to order. A key job was keeping a watchful eye on weather forecasts to work out staffing levels and food orders. She said the café’s turnover had increased by nine times. A large number of dog walkers, lots of young families
and other locals and older people used the café every day, she said. “We got close to them, even going to people’s funerals. We held their wakes at the café and were very fond of so many customers. I love what I do, I’m a waitress at heart. Only a happy team makes happy customers.” Mrs Miles, 54, is now talking to various people about different business projects. As the cafés changed hands Wokingham Borough Council, Dinton Pastures’ owners, said the Coffee House would “sell Cleverchef’s own blend of coffee, which is hand-roasted in the UK by master roasters and gives a percentage of its profits to a children’s charity. “The site will be offering not only their unique coffee, but a range of breakfasts to eat in
or takeaway, alongside a lunch menu filled with dishes such as cajun chicken shawarma and woodfired pizzas.” A Wokingham Borough Council spokesperson said: “All staff were transferred under TUPE from Baking Waves to Cleverchefs and that no staff were made redundant or had their hours reduced. “Some staff have had their hours increased at their request and pay rises were awarded where due. Cleverchefs have also taken on new staff and are still looking for more local talent to join the new team.”
All aboard at Pinewood railway this weekend FAMILIES can catch a miniature train from outside Wokingham this weekend. The Pinewood Miniature Railway will be running on Sunday, offering rides on small gauge engines which can be enjoyed by passengers of all ages. Departures will happen every few minutes between 1.30pm until 4pm, so there is no need to book. Tickets cost £1.50 per ride, or there is a multiride ticket available for £5.
Payment can be made using debit and credit cards. This year the railway will be open on the third Sunday of each month until October. n For more information, visit: pinewoodrailway.co.uk
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Celebrate Easter with your local church St Paul's Church 10th April - Palm Sunday 9.05am Procession of Palms from St Paul’s Junior School 9.30am Parish Mass 6.15pm Readings and Music for Holy Week 14th April - Maundy Thursday 8pm Solemn Mass with footwashing followed by stripping of the altars and keeping watch until midnight 15th April - Good Friday 10-12 Easter Messy Church for children Meet at 11.45am for CTW Walk with the Cross to the Methodist Church 2pm Good Friday liturgy 17th April - Easter Day 5.30am First Mass of Easter, with the blessing of the Holy Fire 9.30am Joyful All Together Mass All Saints Church 10th April - Palm Sunday 8am Morning Prayer 9.15am Procession with our Donkey from All Saints School to The Cornerstone 9.30am Parish Communion, including Children’s activities with a chance to meet our donkey after the service. 15th April - Good Friday 9am Solemn Liturgy 10.15am Coffee and hot cross buns 10.30 Family service with crafts 16th April - Messy Easter 10am - 1pm Floreat School, Montague Park 17th April - Easter Day 6am Dawn Eucharist with new fire, followed by a simple breakfast 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Communion 11.15am Family Service, ‘Café’ style with Easter Egg Hunt
‘No Exceptions’ – A meditation for Good Friday 2022 presented by Churches Together in Wokingham Created entirely by Wokingham residents for Good Friday, this short film is a meditation on the person of Jesus, his crucifixion and its enduring meaning for our lives today. With drama and music, the film is striking, moving, yet full of hope. Watch and share with friends and family: You are loved. No exceptions. The video will be available at this link to watch from 12 Noon on Good Friday 15th April. https://www.wokinghambaptist.org.uk/GoodFriday Kings Church Wokingham Easter Service will be held at 10.30 am on Sunday 17th April at Kings Place, 9 Station Road, Wokingham, RG40 2AD. Anyone wanting to attend using Zoom should contact admin@kingschurch.org.uk for the link details. Norreys Church Sunday 10 April - Palm Sunday 10.00 am Service Thursday 14 April Communion Service 8.00 pm Sunday 17 April - Easter Day 10.00 am Service Wokingham Baptist Church 14th April - Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Blue Easter A quiet reflective service for those who have experienced loss, or feelings of loss, over the last year or so 15th April - Good Friday 10.45am Readings, Worship & Prayer for Good Friday Finishing in time for CTW Walk with the Cross 11.45 from St Pauls Church
Sunday 17 April - Easter Day 10.30am Easter Celebration Service An informal service for all ages to celebrate the risen Jesus (livestreamed) www.wokinghambaptist.org.uk/351/ Livestreamed-Services Wokingham Methodist Church 14th April - Maundy Thursday 7:30pm Service of Holy Communion to remember the Last Supper Sunday 17 April - Easter Day 10:30 am All Age Communion Service to celebrate Easter Day Christ Church Wokingham (meets in the Sixth Form Centre at St Crispin’s School): 15th April - Good Friday Joint Good Friday service with Arborfield and Barkham Churches – 10am at Arborfield Church Sunday 17 April - Easter Day All-Age Easter Sunday service - 10:30am at St Crispin’s School
Find out more at www.wokinghamchurches.org.uk
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Classifieds 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
220375
32 Broad Street, Wokingham
Conservation Area
Householder application for the proposed erection of a single storey rear extension with 2 no. rooflights to link the existing detached outbuilding to the main dwelling and facilitate conversion of the outbuilding to habitable accommodation, plus changes to fenestration, associated internal works, repainting of front elevation and raising of boundary wall to rear.
220663
Land South of Old Major Bath Road Sonning Application
220822
Reading FC Training Ground, Park Lane, Finchampstead
Major Application
The Waggon and Horses Public House, 61 High Street, Twyford
Works to a listed building
220955
220987
The Rose Toop Boatyard, Wargrave Road
Major Application
Outline planning application for the proposed erection of 57 dwellings suitable for older persons accommodation following demolition of the existing dwellings (Access, Layout, Scale and appearance to be considered). Application for the approval of Reserved Matters pursuant to Outline planning consent 163547 for the erection of 140 residential dwellings (Use Class C3), associated amenity spaces, play area, access, garages, parking, internal roads, pathways, drainage and associated landscaping (Appearance, Landscaping, Layout and Scale to be considered). Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed erection of timber pergola with polycarbonate roofing over; 3 No garden seating pods with scaffolding plank cladding and felt roof cover to rear garden; new serving hatch in new opening with ledge & brace shutters on east elevation of existing rear hipped roof extension. Full application for the proposed ground floor and first extensions to the existing buildings. To provide additional workshop, gallery and mezzanine level for dry storage along with recreational floorspace. Re-cladding of external walls with vertical timber boards. Creation of a river cutting to provide additional /replacement moorings.
The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. Comments on the application can be made online from this web page. Any comments must arrive on or before the 5th May 2022. 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. Date: 14th April 2022
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (REMENHAM LANE, REMENHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 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:
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3270 WHITLEY WOOD LANE, SHINFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 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: B3270 Whitley Wood Lane, Shinfield between its junctions with A327 Black Boy Roundabout and Wokingham Borough Boundary.
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3430 NINE MILE RIDE, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 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: B3430 Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham between its junctions with A321 Lower Wokingham Road and New Wokingham Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via New Wokingham Road, B3348 Dukes Ride and A321 Lower Wokingham Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place from 2nd May 2022. Further communications will be sent when this location has been planned. The reason for this prohibition is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake Structural Maintenance including Plane Inlay Resurfacing, Microasphalt Resurfacing, Surface Dressing and Rejuvenator work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of this restriction will be maintained at all times, however access may be restricted at 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 2nd May 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 14th April 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (BELL FOUNDRY LANE, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 7th April 2022 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: Bell Foundry Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with Wiltshire Road and A321 Twyford Road.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Aston Lane and A4130 White Hill or by this route in reverse.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A33 Basingstoke Road, B3031 Basingstoke Road, A327 Christchurch Road and A327 Shinfield Road or by this route in reverse.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Twyford Road, A321 Wokingham Road, Broadwater Lane, A321 Hurst Road, B3018 Waltham Road, The Straight Mile, Maidenhead Road and Warren House Road or by this route in reverse.
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 2nd May and 28th June 2022.
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 2nd May and 10th May 2022.
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 18th April and 26th April 2022.
The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake fibre optic installation and associated work in safety.
The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake ground investigation and associated work in safety.
The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to reprofile the carriageway and adjust the kerbs in safety.
Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.
Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.
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 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 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 2nd May 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 2nd May 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 18th April 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
Dated: 14th April 2022
Dated: 14th April 2022
Dated: 14th April 2022
Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
Remenham Lane, Remenham between its junctions with A4130 White Hill and Aston Lane.
39
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, April 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A321 FINCHAMPSTEAD ROAD AND MOLLY MILLARS LANE, WOKINGHAM (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 7th April 2022 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: 1. A321 Finchampstead Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Landen Court and Tangley Drive. The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Wellington Road, A321 Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Langley Common Road, Biggs Lane, Park Lane, Nine Mile Ride and B3016 Finchampstead Road. The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3016 Finchampstead Road, Nine Mile Ride, Park Lane, Biggs Lane, Langley Common Road, B3349 Barkham Road, A321 Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road, A321 Wellington Road 2. Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with A321 Finchampstead Road and The Business Centre. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Finchampstead Road, B3016 Finchampstead Road, Nine Mile Ride, Park Lane, Biggs Lane, Langley Common Road and B3349 Barkham Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 19th April and 31st May 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Southern Gas Networks contractors to undertake diversion of steel pressure main and replace with PE main 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 19th April 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 14th April 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL LICENSING ACT 2003 S34 APPLICATION TO VARY PREMISES LICENCE NEWSPAPER NOTICE University of Reading Students’ Union of Students Union Building, Whiteknights Campus, Pepper Lane, Reading, RG6 6EH proposes to vary the Premises Licence for the above premises as follows The proposed variation (to the existing Premises Licence PR0232 relating to the above ‘Premises’) is to include, in the existing licensed patio area a new external bar, ‘Mojos Shack’. No other changes to Premises Licence PR0232 are sought i.e. there are no changes proposed to the current licensable activities; the current licensing hours; the existing overall capacity or to the extensive licence conditions which already apply and will continue to apply if the Variation application is granted. Representations may be made in writing by any Responsible Authority or interested party to the Licensing Authority in writing to The Licensing Service, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN or by email to licensing@wokingham.gov.uk All representations made are open to public inspection. Representations (which must relate to the Licensing Objectives) must be made by 5 May 2022 (the application having been given to the Licensing Authority on 7April 2022). This application has been made to the Licensing Team at Wokingham Borough Council where a register of applications is kept and a record of the application may be inspected. Under S158 of the above act, a person commits an offence if he knowingly or recklessly makes a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to unlimited fine on the standard scale. Dated: 14th April 2022
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LEISURETODAY
14.04.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
Standing up to snowflakes
S
TEWART Lee started out as a stand-up in 1988 at the age of 20 and won the Hackney Empire New Act of The Year award in 1990, 32 years ago.
He made four series of his own show, Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, for BBC Two and has been rewarded with Baftas, Oliviers, and British Comedy Awards. As his delayed Snowflake Tornado tour rolls into Reading’s Hexagon Theatre next week, just what it feels like to be The Times newspaper’s World’s Greatest Living Stand-Up Comedian? “It’s funny you should ask,” Lee cackles hysterically down the line from his North London home, contradicting his public persona as a grumpy contrarian, “because the Tornado half of the show is partly about the disconnect between that kind of critical acclaim, and not being exactly a household name.” Lee’s modesty doesn’t ring true. Your gran may not have seen him trip the light fantastic on Strictly but his tours play to audiences of a quarter of a million. “Yes, but the internet is full of angry people saying ‘Who is he? I’ve never heard of him!’ To be honest, that suits
me, as I can chatter away to strangers without being recognised,” he says. “The current tour has a long bit based on a conversation I had with a woman about baked potatoes that I couldn’t have had if she’d known who I was.” Despite his supposed avoidance of publicity, Lee has been all over social media this year. A comically obsessive critical list of everything he has seen, eaten, heard or read in the previous year, that he sends privately to his mailing list each Christmas, somehow leaked out causing unintended annoyance. It was condemned by the golf comedian John Robins as “something that Joseph McCarthy or The Stasi would recognise.” “I don’t really know what happened there,” Lee cackles again, “maybe The Stasi gave Jimmy Carr’s Netflix special a one-star review as well!” The Snowflake section of Lee’s current show includes references to Jimmy Carr’s ongoing use of material about the Traveller and Roma communities, that recently saw calls for the 8 Out Of 10 Cats star to be prosecuted for incitement to racial hatred, something Lee sees as “a step too far, especially when he’s being condemned by members of the current government”.
Is the material still topical after a two-year layoff during the pandemic? “Well, believe it or not, the stuff making fun of Jimmy Carr for doing jokes about ‘gypsies’ has been in my show since 2019, as it’s the sort of thing he always does, so it’s just an indication of how he tends to hit the same shock buttons every time. The weird thing is that, because of the two-year downtime, lots of the material that was a bit ahead of the curve came into focus and goes down even better now. For example, everyone’s thought a lot more about the supposedly ‘woke’ ideas I endorse, what with Black Lives Matter and those leaked police e-mails about hating women. And Boris Johnson’s dishonesty and hypocrisy, which I discuss on stage, is undeniable now. “The first half of the night, Tornado, is a long shaggy dog story about how I saw loads of rotisserie chickens being delivered to the American comedian Dave Chapelle’s dressing room in London in 2018, and more people know who he is now because he got in trouble with transgender people last year. Some material had to be ditched after lockdown though. “I had 20 minutes in 2019 about what I imagined the new James Bond film would be like - but it’s out now. That said, dropping that bit and
switching in some new stuff actually tightened the second half, which is largely about attempts by the right to weaponise a ‘culture war’ against liberals and minorities.” Presumably more people will have to see Lee live if they want to experience his unique humour, as he has controversially pulled his material off Spotify in solidarity with the Canadian rock star Neil Young, who opposed the comedian Joe Rogan’s factually inaccurate podcasts about covid vaccination. “Yes, that all went a bit wrong,” laughs Lee madly again, “I do think it’s bad that internet platforms aren’t subject to the same kind of factchecking that even I am when I do jokes on traditional media like TV and radio, or in newspapers. But I also thought it would be funny if the two people removing their stuff were unknown me and superstar Neil Young. And of course, it’s an easy stand to take, because you only get 0.003 cents a play on Spotify, so I only need to sell one DVD to make up a year’s Spotify dosh. “Then loads of musicians pulled their stuff too and people said I was trying to get this Rogan bloke no-platformed, and he was a fellow comedian. “First of all, I didn’t know he was a comedian - I thought he was a wrestler
or from Ice Road Truckers or something – and I wasn’t saying he should be banned, just that the YouTube and Spotify and Facebook should be factchecked so they can’t use unverifiable sensationalism to drive their numbers. “And I stand by that, especially when you have Boris Johnson spreading internet conspiracy theories about Jimmy Savile in parliament. “As usual, the press release about little me pulling my comedy off this massive platform was full of jokes which got cut out by people that covered the story and made me look much more of misery than I am.” Does such misrepresentation bother Lee? “Not really,” he giggles, again, “people are paying to see a miserable and frustrated middle-aged man wind himself up into a frenzy about everything, so it probably helps. “Although the funny thing with this tour is that my obvious delight at being back on the boards can’t help but infect the audience. I’m just an old-fashioned entertainer at heart. “Like Vera Lynn. Or that Emu.” n Stewart Lee tours Snowflake/ Tornado at The Hexagon in Reading on Friday, April 22. The show has sold out, but some returns may be available. For more details, log on to www. whatsonreading.com
14 | LEISURE
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
The hero next door CHILDREN’S favourite Fireman Sam is coming to Reading this Saturday afternoon. He’ll be rescuing Norman Price — and making sure the show goes ahead — in Save the Circus, at The Hexagon. All of Norman’s friends have gone away, so he has decided to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus? Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. There are two performances, noon and 2.30pm. Tickets priced at £17.50 adults and £16.50 for under 16s. n For more details or to book, visit: whatsonreading.com or call: 0118 960 6060.
It’s due
AN AMATEUR production of Rent has just started a four-day run at Henley’s Kenton Theatre. Performances take place daily at 7.45pm until Saturday, April 16. There is also a Saturday matinee at 3pm. Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme and set in the East Village of New York City, Jonathan Larson’s Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice, and living for today. It follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves, and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this ground- breaking musical. Tickets begin at £14 and include a £1 theatre restoration levy. n For more details or to book, call: 01491 525050 or visit: kentontheatre.co.uk
Ben’s just getting started
LIMITED tickets are available to see the godfather of modern stand up in Newbury this weekend. Ben Elton is on stage for a warm up gig at the Corn Exchange on Saturday, April 16, at 8pm. His 1987 and 1988 shows Motormouth and Motorvation cemented him as one of the scene’s most outspoken voices, with his left-leaning politics, ranting style, and quick wit capturing public consciousness.
you on a trip of self-discovery, love and friendship, all backed by a soundtrack of brand-new toe-tapping parodied hits. Starring Crissy Rock, Rebecca Wheatley, Nicki French and Susie Fenwick. Tickets are £32 and the performance begins at 7.30pm. Suitable for an audience aged 16 and up. n For more details or to book, call: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com
The other side of the story
A SHOW full of family-friendly bubbles pops up in Maidenhead next week. Louis Pearl, also known as The Amazing Bubble Man, returns to Norden Farm with a captivating show which combines art, magic and science. He will explore the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding Since then, he’s translated his comedy stylings into television — most recently BBC2’s Upstart Crow. He has also written several books, musicals and films. Ben returns to the stage to explore the modern crisis and outrage-ridden age. Tickets cost £22.50. n For more details or to book, call: 0845 5218218 or visit: cornexchangenew.com
Who’s that guy?
A BRITAIN’S Got Talent winner is back on tour, and he’ll be appearing at Camberley Theatre on Sunday. There is limited availability to see Lee Ridley, also known as Lost Voice Guy. He’ll poke fun at his life living as a disabled person in a post-apocalyptic world, as he tries to cope with the fame and fortune since his memorable victory. From the highs of meeting 50% of The Chuckle Brothers to the lows of being called “him off The X Factor”, and everything in between. The stand-up comedian might not have a Geordie accent yet, and he might still sound like a posh version of Robocop, but he promises that his comedy will
bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised. From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and trampolines, to people inside bubbles, Louis’ show suits all ages. Louis is an Edinburgh Fringe Festival favourite, where he has enjoyed 12 years of sell-out success.
Performance times are at 11.30am and 2pm on both Tuesday, April 19, and Wednesday, April 20. Tickets are £12 for adults and £10 for under 16s. A family and friends ticket for four people costs £40. n For more information or to book, visit: norden.farm of call the box office on: 01628 788 997.
leave you speechless. Lee has featured on America’s Got Talent: The Champions, The Royal Variety Performance, Live At The Apollo, The Last Leg, The One Show, and stars in Ability on Radio 4. The show begins at 7.30pm, tickets are £17. n For more details or to book, visit: camberleytheatre.co.uk or call: 01276 707600
Before the performance, there will be a presentation which explains the dance’s history and how the actors present the story through facial expressions and gestures. Tickets cost £15, concessions and under 18s are £12. The programme starts at 7.30pm. n For more details or to book, visit: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.
A RENOWNED dance company will perform a traditional Indian dance at Norden Farm on Tuesday, April 19. The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company will perform Kathakali, a classical dance drama from Kerala, south India. It combines storytelling, dance, drama, ritual, vibrant costumes and intricate makeup. The dance evolved in the 17th century from earlier temple art forms. It is based on Hinduism and is a highly charged and powerful drama which combines sacred devotion with performance.
THE SEQUEL to Menopause the Musical swings in to the Hexagon next Wednesday, April 20. Cruising Through the Menopause catches up with the four characters from the original show. It is set on the high seas, five years after they first met while buying lingerie in a department store. Hot flushes, mood swings, memory lapses, weight gain - this is a hilarious, heartfelt, reassuring and unflinching look at the joys of menopause and friendship. When life is a bumpy ride full of twists and turns, it’s hard to find true friends. Step on board and let the cast take
Experience classical Kerala
Flushed with success
AT THE THEATRE
As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.
Camberley – Theatre
Bracknell – South Hill Park
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Shrek The Musical. Until Mon. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Folk Night with Antoine, Owena and Guests. Wed. Someone Like You: The Adele Songbook. Thurs 21. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 22. 1, 2 Step Dance Academy celebrates 15 years. Sat 23-Sun 24. FILMS: Cyrano. Thurs-Sun. Parallel Mothers. Mon-Tues. Licorice Pizza. Wed. National Theatre Live: Henry V. Thurs 21. The Duke. Fri 22-Sun 24.
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 BTA Matilda Jnr. Thurs. The Wizard of Oz. Fri. The Doris Day Story. Sat. Lost Voice Guy. Sun. Matt Forde. Wed. An Evening With Mark Billingham. Thurs 21. Frankies Guys. Sat 23.
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Glee Club. Until Sat. Wolf. Fri-Sat. Nobody. Wed. The Man Behind The Mask. Thurs 21-Sat 23. If This Is Normal. Fri 22-Sat 23.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs. Someone Like you: The Adele Songbook. Thurs. The South. Fri. That’ll Be The Day. Sat.
The Wizard of Oz. Wed. An Audience With Harry Redknapp. Thurs 21. Paul Merton: Impro Chums. Fri 22. Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps. Sat 23. Paul Chowdhry. Sat 23. Twirlywoos. Sun 24.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Rent. Until Sat. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Fri 22-Sat 23.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Duke (12a). Fri-Sat. Steve Waterman: The Latin Connection. Fri. The Small Fakers. Sat. The Amazing Bubble Man. Tues. Kathakali. Tues. The Not So Ugly Sisters. Thurs 21. National Theatre Live: Henry V. Thurs 21. Ahmed Dickinson and Eduardo Martin present The Bridge. Thurs 21. Groove Into The Woods. Fri 22. Fara. Fri 22. Matt Forde:
Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right. Fri 22. The Batman (15). Sat 23. No Jacket Required. Sat 23.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Dinosaur World Live. Thurs. Ben Elton: Warm Up. Sat. Charlotte’s Web. Fri 22-Sat 24.
Newbury – The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Our Man in Havana. Until May 21. The Boulevards. Sun 24.
Reading – South Street
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Jackie Oates and John Spiers. Thurs. Poets Cafe Online lunchtime. Fri. The Unit Ama, Typical Hunks, Timothy Werewolf. Wed.
Carl Hutchinson. Thurs 21. Nobodies Birthday single launch party. Sat 23.
Reading – The Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Steve Backshall’s Ocean. Thurs. Fireman Sam Live. Sat. Menopause The Musical 2. Wed. Remembering The Oscars. Thurs 21. Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado. Fri 22. Puccini Madama Butterfly. Sat 23.
Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Berkshire Organists’ Association 100th anniversary concert. Thurs 28.
Reading – Progress Theatre
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Catch-22. May 2-7.
FAMILIES are invited to Norden Farm to hear the other side of a fairytale next week. Cinderella’s Not So Ugly Sisters will tell the whole hair-raising truth in this musical re-telling. Dolly rests on her broom counting the passers-by outside her salon window, whilst sister Barb watches the phone that never rings. It’s the morning of Cindy and Prince Smarming’s big royal wedding, and Dolly and Barb are not invited. Hell hath no fury like a hairdresser scorned. Yorkshire-based company Wrongsemble will share their version of events at 11.30am and 2pm on Thursday, April 21. Tickets cost £12 adults, under 16s £10. A family and friends ticket for up to four people costs £40. n For more details or to book, call: 01628 788997 or visit: norden.farm
Anything could happen
THERE is a chance to see one of the UK’s top improvised comedy companies in High Wycombe next week. Paul Merton’s Impro Chums will take to the stage at Wycombe Swan at 8pm on Friday, April 22. He’s joined on tour by Richard Vranch, Suki Webster and Mike McShane, and each show will be accompanied by a pianist. The Chums guarantee that their collective improvisation experience will delight and entertain the audience. But as their show may contain some swearing and adult themes, it is recommended for ages 14 and up. Tickets are £27.50. n For more details or to book, visit: wycombeswan.co.uk or call: 0343 3100060.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 Alby The Penguin Saves The World. Until Easter Monday.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Theatre closed due to Storm Eunice damage. NEXT SHOW: The Beauty Queen of Leenane. June 15-18.
Sonning – The Mill
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 The Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand Show. Sun 23.
Windsor – Theatre Royal
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 The Importance of Being Earnest:
Windsor on Air. Until Sat. Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Wed-Sat 23.
Wokingham – Theatre
www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: The Father. April 28-May 7.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Music Club presents Logicaltramp: The Spirit of Supertramp. Fri. Starmaker Theatre Company presents Shine Again. Fri 22-Sat 23.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOWS: Things We Do For Live. May 17-21. Jazz concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Sat May 28.
Thursday, April 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Crumbs! Time to enjoy the summer of biscuits
Will Nandi Poo and Yum Yum be allowed to fall in love?
F
ORGET the summer of love, this is the summer of biscuits, as The Ding prepares to celebrate one of its most famous exports.
A town-wide celebration of Huntley & Palmers will be held with a series of special events, all in honour of the firm that started life 200 years ago from a small bakery in London Street. And in the 40 years on from 1822, the company created store cupboard staples including the Nice biscuit, the gingernut and the Bath Oliver, going on to become a global force in biscuit making, until it merged with Peak Freans in the 1970s. To mark the big anniversary, Reading will once again become The Biscuit Town, with an exhibition, guided tours, biscuit events, a unique museum collection and afternoon teas… with biscuits. The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL), which houses a large collection of Huntley & Palmer’s emphermia, will explore the company’s impact on the growth of Reading, and tell the stories of people who worked in King’s Road factory. There is also a collection of the many decorative biscuit tins, a biscuit supplied to Captain Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition and the rude ‘Kate Greenaway’ biscuit tin that embarrassed the biscuit company in 1980. It runs from Tuesday, May 10, through to Sunday, September 25, and the museum is located in what was Alfred Palmer’s family home. A self-guided Biscuit Crumb Trail will start from The MERL or Reading Museum, but there will also be a weekly Biscuit Walkabout guided tour running until October. Organised by Terry’s Reading Walkabouts, the intrepid tour guide’s mother
Huntley and Palmers helped bring the railway to Reading and put the town on the map worked for Huntley & Palmers, and this special guided walk will take in many of the places synonymous with biscuits in the town. Another walk is a special audio trail, launching on Tuesday, June 21. Aundre Goddard and Richard Bentley use a mixture of real and imagined voices and sounds to tell the story of how Huntley & Palmers went from London Street to the world. Listen and walk the trail via your smartphone at https://www. reading.gov.uk/audiotrails/ londonstreet Next month’s Reading Children’s Festival (14 May – 5 June) will have a biscuit theme, including an Alice in Wonderland-theme tea party, a biscuit choir, a chance to make biscuit hats, and feature in a biscuit parade.
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This is part of the Forbury Fiesta on Saturday, May 14. And there will be biscuits inspired by Huntley & Palmer at a special afternoon tea at the Roseate Reading Hotel, served from Monday, May 9. A cruise along the River Thames is also planned. Alex Brannen, from Reading UK which is helping to organise the events, said: “The impact of Huntley & Palmers biscuits on Reading has been huge and this summer Reading will be paying tribute to its fascinating biscuit story with a series of special events and activities. “The coming of the railway to Reading in the nineteenth century helped take Reading’s biscuits all over the world, so we are delighted that GWR has become the ‘Official Travel Partner’ for Biscuit Town 2022, bringing people to Reading to
retrace the steps of the largest biscuit manufacturer in the world.” And this partnership has been welcomed by the train company. Its senior regional marketing manager, Gauthier Hardy, said GWR was proud to be taking part. “Great Western Railway has a long association with Huntley & Palmers as its factory was located on King’s Road, close to the railway line, and its biscuits were carried by train to London, Bristol and beyond. “Reading remains one of the busiest destinations on the GWR line and we look forward to welcoming customers keen to get a taste for the town’s rich biscuit heritage.” n More information at www. visit-reading.com/biscuittown
Some of the cast of Mostly G&S’s performance of The Mikado Picture: Phil Creighton
A
TALE of unrequited love and an execution is coming to Woodley just after Easter, after being on hold for two years.
Members of the Mostly G&S society will be performing Gilbert and Sullivan’s famous comic operatta The Mikado at The Oakwood Centre. Originally performed in 1885, the musical is set in Japan and tells the story of the unrequited love between Nandi Poo and Yum Yum. The Mikado himself loves an execution, and in his task he is aided and abetted by Koko The Lord High Executioner. Will true love prevail, or at least escape the executioner’s axe? Mostly G&S hope you’ll come along to find out. The group was formed in 2009 by Gill Morgan and John Lewis who had been associated with Reading Operatic Society for 25 years.
Their idea was to create a small group devoted to the works of Gilbert and Sullivan presented in concert form with emphasis on original scores. Their first performance in 2010 was The Gondoliers. Their last performance in 2019 was celebrating the group’s 10th anniversary before having pause work on The Mikado due to the covid lockdowns. Now, at last, the group is back in action and the show will be conducted by Barry Seaman – his final show before retiring. The show is performed from Thursday, April 21, through to Saturday, April 23, and tickets cost £12. n For more details, call the box office on: 07514 423894, or email: mostlygands@gmail.com n The group’s website is: www. mostlygands.co.uk
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
Joe Meek celebrated with screening and Tea Chest
R
EADING’S Biscuit Factory is hosting an exclusive talk and film screening to celebrate Joe Meek.
The legendary music producer, engineer, label owner, and songwriter will be honoured with the session, which will be given by Alan Wilson. Mr Wilson has been digitising a collection of music which was left behind after Meek’s death in 1967. The tapes, now known as the Tea Chest tapes, have become famed for containing unheard music by musicians such as David Bowie, Tom Jones, Marc Bolan, and Jimmy Page. He will be speaking about the contents of these tapes, due to start being released by Cherry Records in the summer. The event will also feature a screening of Telstar, a film which tells the story of Meek’s struggles with depression, homosexuality, and debt. The film features Con O’Neill and Pam Ferris, with appearances from Ralf Little, Mathew Baynton, and Jimmy Carr. Meek was a pioneer of studio techniques such as close miking, compression, sampling, and
Alan Wilson, who has spent two years digitising the Tea Chest tapes from Joe Meek (pictured below), will be discussing his findings. effects such as reverb and echo. He was self-taught in electronics, and wrote the song after which the film is named, which was the first single by a British rock group to reach number 1 on the US Hot 100. The song, performed by the tornadoes, spent five weeks at number one in the UK charts in 1962, with Meek receiving an Ivor Novello award for his work on it. The event will take place at the Biscuit Factory, Broad Street Mall, on Saturday, July 16, from 6pm. n Tickets are £20 each, available from www. wegottickets.com.
An Ellen Kent Production featuring the Ukrainian National Municipal Opera Kyiv
WINNER ‘BEST OPERA AWARD’ LIVERPOOL DAILY POST THEATRE AWARDS
Spring Gospel concert for RRSG READING Gospel Choir will hold a spring concert next month. The BBC Gospel Choir of the Year winners are performing at Reading Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin on Saturday, May 14. Originally the fundraiser for Reading Refugee Support Group was due to take place last December, but, covid. It begins at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £10, concessions £5, under 11s and refugees are free. All tickets sold for the gospel carol concert will be valid. n For more or to book, visit: refugeesupportgroup.org.uk
The Reading Operatic Society has staged more than 100 shows in Berkshire since it was founded in 1951. Picture: Wikimedia Commons
Rent on at the Kenton: Reading Ops are back
READING Operatic Society is staging a production of Rent. The society has produced more than 100 shows, and its latest is set to hit the Kenton Theatre in Henley. Jonathan Larson’s Rent, set in New York City’s East Village, follows the lives and struggles of a group of bohemians during the late 80s under the shadow of HIV/ AIDS. Roger, Mimi, Tom, and Angel
grapple with the disease, as well as issues of being an outsider, infidelity, and political conflict. Since it was first performed in 1996, Rent has won a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize. The production is showing at the Kenton Theatre in Henley from Wednesday, April 13, to Saturday, April 16. Tickets are available from www.kentontheatre.co.uk.
Adrienne Black set to dazzle CONCERTS in Caversham is back once again, this time featuring harpsichordist Adrienne Black. Ms Black is an alumnus of the Royal College of Music, as well as co-founder of Concerts in Caversham. She has also played as an accompanist for winning performances in the BBC Young Musician of the Year. She will perform solo, playing pieces such as Bach’s
Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, and Italian Concerto, Handel’s The Harmonious Blacksmith, and character pieces by Rameau and Daquin. Established by Adrienne Black and Timothy Watts, the concert series has now been running for 11 years. The venue features a bar, which will be open before the show and during the interval. The event will take place at St
Andrew Church, Albert Road on Saturday, April 23. Doors open at 6.45pm, with the recital beginning at 7:30pm. Tickets are £20 per adult, £18 for over 60s, £15 for students, and attendance is free for under 16s. n Tickets are available at www. concertsincaversham.co.uk, through 0118 948 1610, at the box office, and in person from Caversham Picture Framers.
Organists pull out all the stops for 100th year anniversary concert “A Butterfly to cherish” MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
Sung in Italian with English surtitles. † Cast subject to change.
Welcoming back the fabulous Korean soprano Elena Dee, Ukrainian sopranos Alyona Kistenyova and Katerina Timbaliuk from the Odessa Opera together with celebrated Ukrainian mezzo soprano Irina Sproglis†. With an exquisite Japanese Garden and spectacular costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.
SATURDAY 23 APRIL | 7.30pm WHATSONREADING.COM | BOX OFFICE 0118 960 6060
TICKETS £35, £32, £30
BERKSHIRE Organists’ Association is marking 100 years with a celebratory concert. Renowned organist Daniel Moult will be playing masterpieces of the instrument by composers such as Bach, Elgar, Schumann, and Liszt. The Berkshire Organists’ Association has supported organ players and held music events in Reading since it was founded on Tuesday, April 19, 1921. It provides help and advice to church organists and organised numerous concerts and recitals Daniel Moult is famed for presenting three feature-length documentaries charting 500 years of organ music from across three continents.
He also performed more than 10 hours of music from English history which accompanied the documentary series. He will also provide a free talk before the concert. The recital will take place on
the historic ‘Father Willis’ pipe organ, built in 1864 by Henry Willis, commissioned by the Reading Philharmonic Society. The organ is famed for being one of those kept closest to its original state in the country, and features 1660 pipes. Originally built to be part of the Victoria Hall, the organ now resides in Reading Town Hall’s Concert Hall. It cost £770 at the time of building, equivalent to more than £45,500 today. The concert will take place at the Concert Hall, Blagrave Street, on Thursday, April 28, from 7.30pm. n Tickets are £12.50, £6 for under 18s, available from www. whatsonreading.com.
LEISURE | 25
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Thursday, April 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LIVEMUSIC
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RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman
bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday
O
NE of this week’s new entries into the RaW Sounds Today playlist has sax appeal… and evokes memories of the 1980s.
The other, well, it’s a track from a band with a thing for the blues. Two very different and diverse songs, but that’s what the RaW Sounds playlist is here for: a terrific way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing – make sure you bookmark the Spotify page. To hear this week’s set, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and get dancing. There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
Selina and the Howlin Dogs – Slow Train Blues
Fancy some blues? Well here’s a song
Selina and the Howlin Dogs at Acoustic Couch Picture: Andrew Merritt from this band’s debut album Blues Revisited. They were featured in this paper recently and following the launch of the album they have been added to the bill at Wokingham Festival. This song is the opening track of the album featuring some fine guitar playing and of course Selina’s distinctive vocals. Have a listen and if you like what you hear check out the full album and pop along to the festival to see them live https://www.selinaandthehowlindogs. com/
GIG GUIDE
Thursday, April 14
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Winter Wilson and support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Reckless v Delight Alternative clubight. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Amapinao presents Afrohouse, Afrobeat. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street arts centre. Jackie Oates and John Spiers. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Shonen Knife. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village Easter Festival: The 99s. Details: 0118 376 9159.
Good Friday, April 15
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Skaranaga Duo. Details: 01344 303333. BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS. Rockin’ The Joint: a party to celebrate the 31st anniversary of 3Rs. £12. Details: rock3rs. co.uk CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Victoria Elizabeth. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE.
Beyond Grace, Vulgaris, End of Salvation. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Lyndhurst, Queen’s Road RG1 4DG. The Village Festival: Cafe Zazous (3pm), David Gray and John Dunsterville (9pm). Details: 0118 950 3888. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Christians. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village Festival: The Sting Operation. Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. The Village Festival: Keith Allen Band. Details: 0118 958 6048. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Logicaltramp: The Spirit of Supertramp. 7.30pm. £25. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Midnight Rebels Band. Details: 0118 969 3325.
Saturday, April 16
BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. The TR5s. Details: 01344 420690. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Legends of the Oldskool. Details: 01344 303333. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music. Details: 01344 530615.
EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 935 4103. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Easter Meets Western: DAP & The Loveable Fraudsters. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Freudian Session and Freinds. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Lyndhurst, Queen’s Road RG1 4DG. The Village Festival: The Mulberry Earls. Details: 0118 950 3888 READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village Festival: Mayor and James (3pm); Rufus Ruffcut (9pm). Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Western Rock. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Holy Cowbell. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. The Village Festival: The Sidepiece Function (1pm), Jackie Doe and the Uncertainty of Passion (5pm), Dolly & The Clothes Pegs (9pm). Details: 0118 958 6048. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. T Roze and Co.. Details: 0118 942 9606. YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. The Turn.
Modesty Blue – Sea of Emotion From the sound of the blues, we go to the sound of the 80’s with the new single from Modesty Blue. This is their second single is another catchy summer feel pop song so, if you enjoy dancing around to The Pet Shop Boys, Wham and other 80s icons, you’ll like this one. It’s also got a very cool sax solo. If you are one of the many musicians in the area that have had CD’s made by Torch in Ascot, you’ll know one of the members of the band – it’s Sean Lynch - https://www.facebook.com/ modestybluemusic Details: 01252 870648.
Easter Sunday, April 17
CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Beatles Tribute. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul presents: David Rodigan. Details: 01344 303333. READING – Lola Lo, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Eden Project presents Jess Bays. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Fleur Stevenson and Hugh Turner (3pm), PIG (9pm). Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Blueprint presents Back2Basics Tour £5 rave. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. The Village Festival: Paula Riordan (4pm), The Mark II (7pm). Details: 0118 958 6048.
Easter Monday, April 18
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Femi and Marco (3pm). Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – Piwnica (The Polish Club), London Road Rg1 4DX. The Village Festival afterparty: Limpopo Groove. Details: 0118 958 9908.
The Amazons – Bloodrush
Focus – Sylvia
Here is an anthem from this fastrising band from Reading who recently played at The O2 Arena supporting Royal Blood. It’s from their forthcoming third album, How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me? - https://theamazons.co.uk/
Exciting news that legendary rock band Focus will be headlining Wokingham Festival this year on August Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August. This song is from their Focus 3 album and hit No.4 in the UK singles chart - https:// focustheband.co.uk/
Small Town Heroes - i need u
The Go Go Cult – Town Called Sorrow
Here’s a new band with a song from their debut EP, No Filters Needed. They will be live on the Wokingham Music Club (WMC) Stage at Wokingham Festival in August - https://tommyhand. wixsite.com/smalltownheroesuk
That Joe Payne – End of the Tunnel
Wishbone Ash – Sometime World
Joe will be returning to the WMC Stage at Wokingham Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday with his solo headline set following a brilliant performance there in 2019 https://www.thatjoepayne.com/
A Better Life – A Moment of Nothing
The chill out collective based around local music producer, Phil Daniels, have recently released a brand-new video to this track from their acclaimed debut album, Take A Deep Breath - https:// abetterlifemusic.com/
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
Wednesday, April 20
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Folk Night with Antoine, Owena and Guests. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Reckless presents Dreameater, Sunfall, Starved, URSUS. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Stereo MCs. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – South Street arts centre. The Unit Ama, Typical Hunks, Timothy Warewolf. Details: 0118 960 6060. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Wokingham Folk and Acoustic Blues Club. Details: 0118 977 0918.
www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Bottle Kids. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – Theatre, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. Frankie’s Guyst. Details: 01276 707600. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. FM and Grand Slam. Details: 0118 959 5395.
Saturday, April 23
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Fleetwood Mac Songbook. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Strats. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN.
Club Velocity celebrated an impressive 19 years of putting on events with a Birthday Party Gig at the Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading on March 25, featuring these psychobilly punks http://www.thegogocult.com/ It’s from the band’s classic album, Argus, and Martin Turner Ex-Wishbone Ash returned to Wokingham Music Club recently to perform the album in full at a great sold out show - https://www. martinturnermusic.com/
Rachel Redman – You Set Me Free
Rachel is a singer-songwriter from the local area and, she’s recently released this wonderful new single. It’s another well-crafted song with Rachel’s distinctive country pop feel - https://www.facebook.com/ rachelredmanmusic/
The Right Times. Details: 01344 422622 CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music. Details: 01344 530615. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Bootlegs Band. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. A Band Called Malice. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Move It. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – South Street Arts Centre. Nobodies Birthday: Single Launch Party. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Paddingtonl. Details: 0118 957 6930.
SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand Show. Details: 0118 969 8000. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Harmonica Lewinsky. Details: 0118 942 9606. YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Blues and Tunes. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, April 24
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Steve Donnelly and Friends. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.
Thursday, April 21
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Rise of the Machine and support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Someone Like You: The Adele Songbook. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Heir. Details: 0118 959 7196.
Friday, April 22
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. P45, 21st Century Ska, Dead Eyed Smiles, Echo Chambers.. Details:
Tuesday, April 19 HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
THE CHRISTIANS By Arrangement with Selective Agency and Club Velocity presents
Friday April 15th 2022 - Doors 7:00pm Advance tickets £25.00
www.wegottickets.com / www.seetickets.com / www.eventbrite.com
Sub89 110-117 Friar Street Reading RG1 1EP 0118 959 5395
26 | LEISURE
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WHAT’SON Exhibitions
READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Community Voices A series of displays showcasing responses to The MERL’s collections. Open daily except Monday. Details: 0118 378 8660. READING – Edith Morley building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 6AA. The Ure Museum presents: Discover the beauty of Etruscan pottery. Tuesdays to Thursdays. 9am-4.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 378 6990. READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Reading Museum presents Collected: 150 Years of Reading FC. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm (Sat 5pm). Free, suggested donation of £5. Details: 0118 937 3400.
Films at Reading Biscuit Factory
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (12a). Thurs-Thurs 21. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (PG). Thurs-Thurs 21. Morbius (15). Thurs. The Batman (15).Thurs. The Worst Person in the World (15). Thurs-Thurs 21. The Bad Guys (U). Fri-Mon. Compartment No. 6 (15). Fri-Thurs 21. The Northman (15). Fri-Thurs 21. Keep It Cult: Mad Max (15). Fri. Keep It Cult: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (15). Mon, Fri 22. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Thursday, April 14
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Stand and Deliver comedy club. Over 18s only. £8. 7pm Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Royal Women, a talk by Catherine Sampson. Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm-3.30pm. £5. Details: 0118 950 9553. SPENCERS WOOD –
WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Easter Holiday activities: Artist’s facepainting. 11am-3pm. Details: 0118 977 6715. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.
Good Friday
BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS. Rockin’ The Joint: a party to celebrate the 31st anniversary of 3Rs. £12. Details: rock3rs. co.uk MAPLEDURHAM – St Margaret’s Church. Nine stations of the cross service, largely outside. 11am. READING – Park United Reformed Church, Wokingham Road. Good Friday service. 3pm. READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Launch of new chocolate stout, doughnuts and Happy Go Souvlaki. 1pm-10pm. Details: www. phantombrew.com READING – Rivermead, Richfield Avenue. Reading Vinyl Collectors Fair. 9am-3pm. £4 before 11am, £3 after. Details: facebook. com search for Vinyl Record Collectors Fair READING – Broad Street. French market. 9am-5pm. Free entry. READING – Outside Reading West Salvation Army, Oxford Road. Good Friday service led by the Salvation Army band. Noon. READING – From Stadium Way. Berkshire Egg Run organised by Thames Vale Vultures. From 11.30am. RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road. Welly Parks Mega Egg Hunt. From 9.30am. Easter Bunny appearances at 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk SOUTHCOTE – From Grange Church, Ciruit Lane. Good Friday walk of witness from the church to Southcote Family Church via St Matthew’s. Meet at 10am,
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk service at Southcote Family Church 10.30am. TILEHURST – The Triangle. Good Friday walk of witness from churches to the Triangle, short service from noon.
Saturday, April 16
CALCOT – Beansheaf Community Centre, Linear Park RG31 7AW. Easter fayre: meet the Easter bunny, Easter bonnet contest, stalls, refreshments and more. 10am-4pm. CAVERSHAM PARK – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Milestone Centre, Northbrook Road. Meet the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg hunt, games, activities and more. Noon3pm. Booking essential. £2 non-members. Details: www.cpva.org.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, Alberto House, Marino Way. Guided tours of brewery. 1pm-2.30pm. Details: www.sirencraftbrew.com READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-noon. Details: www.thamesvalley farmersmarket.co.uk READING – Broad Street. French market. 9am-5pm. Free entry. READING – Broad Street Mall. Bluey and Bingo visit: free interactive storyt9ime sessions from 11am3.30pm. READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Launch of new beer, axe throwing 3pm-7pm, doughnuts and Happy Go Souvlaki. 1pm-10pm. Details: www. phantombrew.com READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Abbey Quarter tours: explore the heart of medieval Reading led by trained volunteer guides. Ninety-minute tour from 11am. £10. Booking essential. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk READING – St Luke’s Parish Hall, Erleigh Road RG1 5LH. Reading Tango Club presents Milonga 50x50, a tango and alternative music evening. 7.30pm. £10, £5 students. Light refreshments available. RISELEY – Wellington
Country Park, Odiham Road. Welly Parks Mega Egg Hunt. From 9.30am. Easter Bunny appearances at 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Wokingham craft and gift market. 10am-4pm. Free entry. Details: 07522 523519. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Easter Sunday, April 17
READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. The Ultimate Egg Hunt, new beer release, Sunday Sofa Sessions: Willy Wonka nad the Chocolate Factory. Smoke Tin Kitchen. 1pm-6pm. Details: www. phantombrew.com READING – The Bandstand, Forbury Gardens. Churches Together in Reading Easter celebration. 8am. With hymns led by Reading Central Salvation Army Band. If wet in Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Followed by refreshments in Abbey Baptist. Details: 01491 671357. READING – The Boundary, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2LS. Easter charity raffle. 6pm-8pm. RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road. Welly Parks Mega Egg Hunt. From 9.30am. Easter Bunny appearances at 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT
– Pinewood Minature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature Railway running. £1.50 per ride, four rides £5. 1.30pm-4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Tuesday, April 19
EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org. FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. U3A presents The History of Woodley: Cobblers City, Bulmershe Manor and the link to the Rolling Stones. £2, booking essential, by April 17. Details: www. wokinghamu3a.org.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Wednesday, April 20
EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. MS weekly drop-in. 10.30am1.30pm Details: 0118 921 0555. EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org
READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square RG1 3BE. History of Reading Society presents Henry I and his Abbey. 7pm. £2 visitors, members free. Details: historyofreadingsociety@ yahoo.com WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Thursday, April 21
EARLEY – Now Building, Thames Valley Park RG6 1WG. Art Expo: brandnew eco venue featuring watercolour, silver jewellery, ceramics, urban sketching and mixed media. 11.30am-2.30pm. Outdoor cinema, music and more. Details: hereandnow.place EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Treasure Hunt in Henley. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Easter Holiday activities: Artist’s facpainting. 11am-3pm.
What’s What’s on on event event submission submission form form Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups,
Name Name
charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.
Address
Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:
Address
Postcode Email Postcode
Time of event: Contact number for readers:
Send Emailyour forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
Messy Ducklings, booking essential. £6.50 per child, £3.50 per sibling. 11am2.30pm. 0118 977 6715. WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre RG5 4JZ. Mostly G&S presents The Mikado. 7.30pm. £12. Details: www. mostlygands.co.uk
Friday, April 22
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Drag Night with screening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. 7.30pm. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – Pentahotel, Oxford ROad. Reading Careers Fair. 10am-2pm. Details: https://www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/ reading-careers-fairtickets-173325881377 WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Easter Holiday activities: Artist’s facpainting. 11am-3pm. Details: 0118 977 6715. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre RG5 4JZ. Mostly G&S presents The Mikado. 7.30pm. £12. Details: www. mostlygands.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, April 23
CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham presents: Adrienne Black, harpsichordist. 6.45pm. Tickets £18-£20, under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220. CAVERSHAM – Our Lady and St Anne’s Roman Catholic Church, South View Avenue. Thames Valley Air Ambulance Tribute Audax Cycle Ride 2022: 50km, 100km and 200km routes through The Chilterns. From 9am. Details: www. tributeaudax.uk HURST – Hurst Bowling Club, Church Hill. Hurst Bowling Club open day. Noon-6pm. Free taster sessions, wear flat sole trainers. Details: 07917 195722. SOUTHCOTE – Grange United Reformed Church, Circuit Lane RG30 3HD. Spring Fayre in aid of Alexander
Devine Children’s Hospice: Tombola, Raffle, Crafts, Charity Stalls, plus Tea and Coffee. 11.30am. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 4131 SWALLOWFIELD – Recreation Ground, Swallowfield Street. Swallowfeld pre-school fete: bouncy castle, stalls, face painting, cake, refreshments, games and more. 1pm-4pm. £1, under 16s free. READING – Forbury Gardens. Sparkle Vegan Events presents Reading Vegan Fiesta: hot food, artisan stalls, charity baking competition, live music and more. 11am-4pm. Details: sparkleveganevents.com READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Iota presents The Clothes Swap: Drop between 1pm-3pm. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Queens Arms, Great Knollys St. New Beginnings Reading spring fair: Raffle, Afternoon tea, BBQ, tombola, Bric-a-brac, Cake stall, Children’s treasure hunt, Book stall and more. Noon-4pm. READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Abbey Quarter tours: explore the heart of medieval Reading led by trained volunteer guides. Ninety-minute tour from 11am. £10. Booking essential. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Brewery Tours and Tasting. Over 18s only. Booking essential. 1pm. £13.50. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre RG5 4JZ. Mostly G&S presents The Mikado. 7.30pm. £12. Details: www. mostlygands.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, April 24
READING – Jelly, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Sunday life drawing. 11.30am-1pm. £12. Details: www.jelly.org.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Iota The Clothes Swap: Swap, from 1pm. Tickets from £2.50-£7.50, in aid of Rising Sun Arts Centre. Details: 0118 986 6788. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
No. 5409
Your weekly puzzle challenge
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To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, April 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662
Quiz Challenge
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5. English comedian Jon Richardson’s comic sketches often deal with which personality disorder?
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NONAGRAM
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
REMNANTS SO SCARCE
R D A Y O B
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines: 18 Good; 22 Very Good; 25 Excellent.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed G through openings in the walls. The P first letter may appear in any chamber. E D
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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
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DOWN 1. Exactly what is needed when travelling by public transport (4,3,6) 2. Praying mantis in disarray (6) 3. Animal acceptable to a Greek character (5) 4. Search out half-tamed animal (6) 5. Hazel has broken left rib (7) 6. Writer entertains good man in restaurant (6) 7. Construct hastily despite strike at the same time (5,8) 13. To start with Juan the Spaniard told stories about such eels (7) 15. The positive aspect of being a winning team (6) 16. Mysteriously mind us wearing no clothes (6) 17. The way to get the revs going! (6) 19. Excessively active at this market (5)
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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
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To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
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Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
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WORD PYRAMID: Pedigree spaniel. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; add; divide; subtract. Total: 9.
SOLUTIONS
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QUICK CROSSWORD
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.
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ACROSS 1. Start the deciding round on horseback perhaps (4-3) 8. Issue broadcast instalment (7) 9. Arrange trade show when it is fine and settled (3,4) 10. Automatic rubbish about former pupil in charge (7) 11. Woven nets on French island capable of being stretched (7) 12. Expel all the people at the event (7) 14. Star bully? (7) 18. Bring down from a French steed (7) 20. Swapped positions on board when actors went first (7) 21. Accuse one member before everybody (7) 22. Some have to attend lessons that are interminable (7) 23. Almost rearming another seaman (7)
EQUALISER 6 10 4 2 1 2 8 12 3 1 3 2
Hard
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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
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WORD PYRAMID
SUDOKU Easy
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6. Which cartoon character has a boss called Charles Montgomery Burns? 7. What D is a book of the Bible and the title of a hit Elton John song? 8. The Enhanced Fujita Scale measures the strength of what natural occurrences? 9. Which country has adopted the cockerel as its national bird? 10. Heath Ledger, Joaquin Phoenix and Jack Nicholson all had film roles as which comic book villain?
2. Aleppo is a major city in which Middle Eastern country?
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1. What is the minimum age for players in the National Lottery?
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
PZ1P5409
CROSS CODE
5409
ACROSS 1. Buried explosive (8) 6. Financial obligation (4) 8. Expire (3) 9. Cuban dance (8) 10. Glen (4) 12. Floral leaf (5) 14. Relating to mankind (5) 17. Prayer ending (4) 18. Vista (8) 20. Tactful (8) 24. Item of footwear (4) 25. Move stealthily (5)
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26. Flowing garments (5) 29. Drink heavily (4) 30. Lassitude (8) 31. Deciduous tree (3) 32. Fly high (4) 33. Balance, proportion (8) DOWN 2. Distant (4) 3. Muffle (6) 4. Polar covering (6) 5. Dutch cheese (4) 6. Eat greedily (6) 7. Resinous healing agent (6)
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 19. 21. 22. 23. 24. 27. 28.
Playing ----- (5) Meaning (5) Single thickness (5) In what way? (3) School subject (abbrev.) (5) Bare (5) Irritate (3) Entirely (2,4) Vocation (6) Type of drum (3-3) Oil-producing plant (6) Aid to the poor (4) Seaweed product (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Landmine; 6 Debt; 8 Die; 9 Habanera; 10 Vale; 12 Sepal; 14 Human; 17 Amen; 18 Panorama; 20 Discreet; 24 Shoe; 25 Sneak; 26 Robes; 29 Tope; 30 Lethargy; 31 Elm; 32 Soar; 33 Symmetry. Down – 2 Afar; 3 Deaden; 4 Icecap; 5 Edam; 6 Devour; 7 Balsam; 11 Cards; 12 Sense; 13 Layer; 14 How; 15 Maths; 16 Naked; 19 Irk; 21 In toto; 22 Career; 23 Tom-tom; 24 Sesame; 27 Alms; 28 Agar.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Eighteen; 2 Syria; 3 The ice cream cone; 4 Evander Holyfield; 5 Obsessive compulsive disorder; 6 Homer Simpson; FIVE ALIVE: 7 Daniel; 8 Tornadoes; 9 France; 10 The Joker. (1) Across – Sling; Items; Tatty. Down – Skint; Inert; Gusty. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Jump-off; 8 Edition; 9 Set fair; 10 Robotic; 11 Tensile; (2) Across – Waged; Ounce; Evens. G B U Z A Q O K I P H L C 12 Turnout; 14 Taurean; 18 Unhorse; 20 Castled; 21 Impeach; 22 Down – Whole; Genie; Dregs. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Endless; 23 Mariner. F R J V Y W E X T D M N S Down – 1 Just the ticket; 2 Matins; 3 Okapi; 4 Ferret; 5 Filbert; 6 NONAGRAM: baddy; bard; bardo; baud; board; Bistro; 7 Knock together; 13 Jellied; 15 Upside; 16 Nudism; 17 body; BODYGUARD; brad; broad; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Ordain; 19 Hyper. scan; core; arms; buddy; budo; byroad; dado; dago; nest. daub; dobra; dodgy; dory; dour; drab; drag; dray; drub; drug; dryad; dyad; gaud; gaudy; goad; gourd; grad; guard; road; rudd; ruddy; yard.
28 | LIFE
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Managing stress Healthy heart tips Heart Research UK
S
TRESS can indirectly affect our heart by reducing motivation to eat well and exercise.
Feeling stressed can also increase the likelihood that we will use negative coping strategies such as increasing the amount of alcohol we drink. Stress occurs when we feel that we are unable to cope with the demands placed on us. We can address stress by assessing and changing our demands, and by changing our relationship to the things that cause us stress. Here are some top tips
for helping to manage your stress:
Keep Moving Regular exercise has been shown to positively influence our ability to manage stress and reduce symptoms of some mental health conditions.
Take Time to Re-Charge
Managing our energy levels throughout the day by taking moments to re-charge can help us to better deal with the demands placed on us. This could be taking regular breaks from work, relaxing through meditation, or even a short powernap.
Plastic free home
Challenge your Thoughts
David Lamont
The way we think about our demands will influence how stressed we feel. You can ask yourself questions such as “how would I advise a friend in my situation?” to help re-frame what is going on in your life.
The refill revolution takes its next step in Wokingham…
Break it Down When we have lots to do, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. When this happens, it can be useful to break down your tasks and plan how you will tackle a situation.
Z
ERO waste business Maya’s Refillables has been a regular fixture at Wokingham Market for several years.
Seek Support It is okay to ask for help. It can help to share stressors with a friend or contact a mental health professional via your GP or another service such as Samaritans. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.
org.uk/healthy-tips. n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some Healthy Heart recipes from:
https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2/. n Or have a look through the Healthy
Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs: heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-cookbook
Eco-friendly ways of reducing running costs and adding value to your home
T
HE rising cost of living means we’re all looking at ways in which we can make savings, but little thought is given to how it can be done in an eco-friendly way.
lighting throughout the home (£1,069 profit), and addressing any faults or weaknesses with the roof (£987 profit).
Solar panels
With Easter traditionally being a busy time of year for the property market, new research by estate and lettings agent Barrows and Forrester aims to show how homeowners can help to protect the environment while adding value to their property. But which upgrades add the most value? Here, experts from the firm give some pointers.
Insulation Upgrading a home’s insulation, specifically solid wall insulation, is one of the best ways of improving efficiency and reducing energy usage. It costs an estimated £2,750 to do but can boost property value by 3%. Based on the average UK house price of £273,762, this equates to £8,213, adding value to the tune of £5,463. This makes it the most profitable eco-friendly upgrade available to homeowners when it comes to adding value to their home, as well as reducing their carbon footprint.
Adding charging points can help increase the value of your home
Electric car charging port
Similarly, if a home uses a tank system for its hot water, in which it uses a large tank to store large amounts of water that must then be heated every time hot water is required, it’s a very good idea to replace it with a tankless heater system.
Despite the increasing popularity of electric and hybrid cars, it’s still very rare to find a home that comes with its own charge point. Installation is relatively inexpensive, around £800, and
can add around 1.5% to the home’s value, adding £3,306 in value.
Boiler upgrade Many homes can still benefit from a good old fashioned boiler upgrade. While notoriously expensive to do, around £2,500, the increased efficiency and longevity that a new boiler provides adds around 1.9% to the home’s value, adding £2,701 in value.
Tankless water system
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 14, 2022
Doing so costs around £1,275 but adds 1.2% to the property’s value, a boost of £1,984.
Double glazing Fitting double-glazed windows throughout the home is very expensive, costing an estimated £6,575. It is, however, an essential step towards creating an energy efficient and warm home and is so important to homebuyers that the improvement adds 3% to the value of a property. Measured against the cost, this brings an added value of £1,638.
LED lighting and roof repairs Increased efficiency and good profits can also be added through installing energy efficient LED
One outlier is solar panels. Despite being one of the most common ways of improving the carbon footprint of a home, it seems they do very little in terms of added value. Installation is expensive, around £5,875, while the value added is estimated to be £1,916, a loss of -£3,959. However, there are obvious savings to be made from reduced utility bills, so if the owner is planning to stay in the home for many years to come, solar panels can still offer good savings. Managing director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, said: “Eco-friendly home renovations and upgrades can be a brilliant way of reducing the running costs of your home, which is something that has been brought into focus due to the spiralling cost of living. “But they don’t just reduce the day to day costs associated with our homes, they can also add value for such a time that you do come to sell. “In addition to the financial benefits they bring to the home, they can also help us make a positive change with regards to the environment and this eco-friendly conscience is something we are seeing more and more from the modern-day homebuyer.”
With the business soon set to move into a shiny new permanent home in Peach Place, in Wokingham’s town centre, we caught up with owner and friend to Plastic Free Home, Maya Gheorghe, to find out more. “Having a shop has always been a goal for me, but it’s also a big commitment, so starting as a market stall has been a great way to test the appetite for zero-waste consumption amongst our community,” explains Maya. She discusses the many benefits that a shop will bring, including a bigger and broader range of eco-friendly products (certain items are very difficult to sell when outside), a more hands-on refill experience for customers, a speedier service and being able to escape the elements on a bad day. “It has been coming for a while,” she continues. “The huge increase in demand is obviously fantastic, but impossible to satisfy from a small market stall and the business has really outgrown that model.” Outlining her vision for the shop, Maya says that “It will be an extended and enhanced version of what I offer now – household and cleaning products, personal care items, dried goods and other food items – many of which are refillable.” She continues: “My aim has always been to listen to what my customers want or need and after researching and testing, to help everyone on their journeys towards becoming more sustainable. “I try to tick the sustainable, affordable and locally sourced boxes as much as possible.” When asked about the future, Maya explains: “I felt like taking on a new challenge and I also wanted to bring something new to the town, in addition to being a zero waste shop. “I really want Maya’s Refillables to become a sustainability hub and to host upcycling workshops, to become a recycling point in collaboration with Ali’s Recycling, to invite producers and suppliers to come along and talk about their products and to organise themed evening to connect people from our community to new and ongoing projects.” Producers and suppliers, as well as those involved in eco-friendly crafting projects or those aimed at altering, repairing, upcycling or recycling items, interested in working with Maya’s Refillables is encouraged to get in touch Maya at contact@mayasrefillables.com. You will find Maya’s Refillables at Peach Place towards the end of April. Personally, we can’t wait to visit and to engage with some of Maya’s wider plans too. n Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with more than 32,000 followers that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably. Visit www.theplasticfreehome. com or www.facebook.com/plasticfreehomeuk
SPORT TODAY
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
WOKINGHAM 14.04.22
GAMBIA KIT BOOST
CRICKET’S BACK!
RAMS EPIC AWAY WIN
INCE’S IRE: ‘REF COST US THE GAME’ BLUEBIRDS SINK ROYALS
By DANIEL BLACKHAM sport@wokingham.today
READING FC interim boss Paul Ince believes a ‘diabolical’ refereeing performance cost his side at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The Royals went ahead through a Lucas Joao header, only to be pegged back on the hour by Alfie Doughty before Will Vaulks secured the points for the visitors with five minutes to go. “The whole thing hinged on a
diabolical decision by the referee – absolutely pathetic,” said Ince “Lucas (Joao) has clearly been dragged down and it looks like their player is offside for the second phase of the first goal. “All you ask is that referee’s do their jobs properly.” Ince believes his side should have put the game beyond Cardiff in the first half. “We should have been 3-0 up at half-time,” said Ince. “Two great chances when we
were 1-0 up and could have made the game a lot easier for us. “We aren’t just talking about chances, we are talking about golden chances. “We need to be more ruthless.” Two second-half goals for Cardiff ended the Royals unbeaten run and Ince was disappointed his players didn’t manage the game more efficiently. He said: “Second half for some reason we decided to drop deep and I’m not sure why.
“We did the same on Tuesday against Stoke and that is where you need your leaders to get you up the park. “For the second goal we got pulled out of our structure.” The Royals now look forward to an away trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Good Friday, April 15, before returning to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Monday, April 18 to play Swansea City
n Match report inside
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UNDER 23S REACH FINAL
READING’S under-23s have reached the final of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup. Noel Hunt’s young Royals produced a dominant performance to secure a 4-0 victory against MK Dons at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Monday, April 11. A stunning first half strike from Mamadi Camará was followed after the break with goals from Kian Leavy, Rashawn Scott and Jahmari Clarke. The home side started brightly and were ahead after five minutes when a corner fell to the edge of the box and Camará hammered his strike into the top corner. Reading almost rued a number of missed chances when the visitors produced their first shot on target from a curling free kick. Thankfully Jökull Andrésson was on to palm it away. After the break the Royals were clinical and eight minutes into the second half they doubled their advantage through Leavy. Five minutes later Scott intercepted a loose pass from the visitors and then curled a strike into the top corner. Just after the hour mark, substitute Clarke produced a confident finish to make it 4-0. The Royals now look to secure their first Berks and Bucks Senior Cup victory since 1995. In the final where they will face Combined Counties League Premier Division North side, Ascot United. The contest will take place at Slough Town’s Arbour Park on Saturday, May 7. Unfortunately this is the same day as the first team’s game against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, the final fixture of the 2021/22 season.
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SEB HAILS SQUAD’S ATTITUDE IN EPIC WIN By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
Vooght and Robbie Stapley embrace
The vice-captain celebrates Pictures: Tim Pitfield
Robbie Stapley scores Rams’ opening try
RUGBY UNION
RAMS START STRONG TO EARN MAIDEN VICTORY AT BLACKHEATH
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
Blackheath 17 Rams 29 A MAGNIFICENT first-half display helped Rams seal a maiden victory against Blackheath with a bonuspoint 29-17 success at Well Hall.
The visitors came out the blocks strongly and took an early lead when captain Robbie Stapley continued his try-scoring hot streak with a fifth in four games, peeling off the back of a rolling maul to touch down on the right. Sam Nicholls stroked over a superb conversion, and things got even better for the away side shortly afterwards when the maul again gave strong field position before a series of pick-and-goes ended
with Tom Vooght burrowing over from close range. While Nicholls’ attempted conversion this time drifted wide to the right, the Rams defence was forcing error after error with their speed and aggression as they denied Club any space. The third score arrived again from the line-out, but this time with a clever piece of interplay which saw Paul Schroter flick a ball back to Connor Stapley from the rear of the setpiece, and following a couple of off-loads, Vooght again dived over for his 13th of the campaign. With Nicholls slotting the extras, the visitors went into the break 19-0 to the good, only for Blackheath to come roaring back into the contest at the start of the second half.
Connor Hayhow puts a perfect kick through
Almost immediately they got themselves onto the scoreboard as a slick handling move was finished by Jake Lloyd, former Ram Andrew Denham with the assist as his off-load on the left touchline set-up his fellow wing for the try. A second followed shortly afterwards as Jake Hennessey – off target with the conversion effort – landed a brilliant 50-22 to give his side field position before prop Matt Collins blasted over from close range. The fly-half was again unable to slot the kick, but his side were right back in the game. However, the away side showed they have learned lessons from weeks gone by as they began to reassert control, gaining a bonus
point as they headed into the final 10 minutes when Connor Hayhow’s clever grubber kick was hoovered up by Michael Dykes to cross on the left, substitute Drew Humberstone landing a brilliant touchline conversion to all but put the game to bed. Yet Club gave themselves a glimmer of hope when full-back Marcus Kershaw grabbed an interception inside his own 22, going the length of the field before Hennessey drop-kicked the conversion. Rams, though, were not to be denied, and after winning a couple of scrum penalties five metres from the line, eventually settled for Humberstone to kick a three-pointer with what proved to be the last action of the game.
Michael Dykes tries to escape a tackle
RAMS Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds was delighted with his side’s attitude after they beat Blackheath for the first time with a 29-17 National One away triumph. A majestic first-half display put the visitors 19-0 up at the break on the back of a Tom Vooght double and a try from skipper Robbie Stapley, Sam Nicholls adding two conversions. However, Club rallied brilliantly at the start of the second period, Jake Lloyd and Matt Collins touching down to cut the gap to nine points. Rams, though, recovered and struck a decisive blow when Michael Dykes collected a Connor Hayhow grubber kick before Drew Humberstone struck a brilliant touchline conversion. And while Marcus Kershaw grabbed a length-of-the-field interception try for the hosts, added to by Jake Hennessey, Humberstone’s last-play penalty sealed the deal. With Blackheath fighting for their lives at the foot of the table and Rams realistically only trying to finish as high as fifth, Reynolds highlighted the desire of his side to put in a performance. He said: “It was probably the most impressive thing. We knew they would be up for it because they are battling to stay up, it was their last home game and we’re in a position where we have to make sure we have clear focus on each game and don’t let things drift – it’s been a long season and you don’t want minds wandering. “But everyone was really focused and I think the captain really helped with that. He demanded it on Thursday and before the game and the players really responded to that well. “One of the nicest and most important things about rugby as a sport and this squad especially, is how tight-knit they are. They back each other and I think that was crucial in seeing out the game against a very good Blackheath side who came back well. “We knew it was going to be a tough challenge because they’re a good side who have 14 losing bonus-points, if they’d changed those results (into wins) they’d be near the top of the league, and they play some really good rugby, so I’m tremendously pleased.” Rams’ first-half display in particular was outstanding the director of rugby felt. “I thought the first 40 minutes was some of our best rugby of the season,” he said. “We forced a lot of errors. We
were creating opportunities by making them try and force the pass, and because they’re a very good attacking side they always wanted to try and do something, but we were able to catch man and ball or take them down. “It’s a credit to the work (defence coach) Danny (Batty) has done in the last couple of years, over the season and in the past week – it was a huge emphasis in getting back to what we believe is a strength of our game and I commend all the lads for the effort and execution they put in. “Strangely both sides played their better rugby uphill into the wind – we did in the first half and then they had a period at the start of the second – but we played some really good stuff which was typified by the guys coming in and especially the younger ones. “I was really chuffed for Sam Nicholls on his second start to get the win, I thought Colin Thomson was excellent coming back into the side, and Paul Englezos as well, so it was a good performance.” Among the highlights in an excellent performance were the third and fourth tries, Vooght’s second coming from an intricate line-out play before Dykes’ effort came from some Hayhow magic, and Reynolds said: “We’ve been developing elements throughout the season and (forwards coach) Owen (Root)’s tried to put in a couple of things in during the last few weeks - part of that is trying to keep things creative as we finish the season – and it worked perfectly. “And then Connor’s got really good footballing skills, he has it in the locker and he’s just got to pick the right time to do it.” Rams host table-topping Caldy next Saturday, with the Wirralbased side on a 15-match winning run and within touching distance of the title.
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CRICKET
CRICKET
BERKSHIRE WARMS UP FOR SEASON WITH DOUBLE VICTORIES
By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today
BERKSHIRE County Cricket Club warmed up for the start of the NCCA T20 competition with two emphatic wins over Wiltshire at Tidworth, securing the Marlborough Cup in the process. They defeated Wiltshire by 24 runs in the first game and by eight wickets in the second, where new skipper Dan Lincoln hammered 53 off just 22 balls with five sixes and four fours. Last Sunday’s details – Game 1: Berkshire 118-9 (20 overs; Euan Wood 38, Andy Rishton 25). Wiltshire 94 all out (16.2 overs; Jacob Lintott 57, Max Uttley 4-9). Game 2: Wiltshire 99-8 (20 overs; Rhodri Lewis 3-22). Berkshire 100-8 (8.1 overs; Lincoln 53, Lewis 25no).
Berkshire will face tougher opponents on Easter Sunday when they take on NCCA Championship holders Oxfordshire at Falkland CC
Max Uttley was in action for Berkshire, pictured here in 2020 playing for Wokingham Picture: Steve Smyth in Group 4, with the games starting at 11am and 2.30pm. Oxon also won two T20 friendlies last weekend, defeating Free Foresters by seven wickets in one game and by 10 runs in the other. Berkshire Women were also in T20 action last weekend, playing two games against Middlesex
at Falkland. In the first they made 117-7 (Mia Rogers 37, Freya Johnson 31) but went on to lose by four wickets (119-6). The second game saw Middlesex post 139-4 with Berkshire managing only 89-8 in reply to lose by 50 runs. The Marlborough Cup is
COVERS COMING OFF AS CLUBS PREPARE FOR NEW SEASON
not the first trophy to come Berkshire’s way this season, as their seniors side recently won the Malta O60 Festival by defeating Essex, Norfolk, Sussex and a combined Kent/ Bedfordshire side. With a number of players unable to travel, the squad was boosted by two from Essex Seniors (one of whom had toured with Berkshire before) and three friends of players. One of the guests, Ian Milligan from Cheshire, hit two half-centuries and missed out on another by just one run. He was rewarded with the tournament’s top player award although Phil Ridgeway was named Berkshire’s best player in addition to taking the tournament’s best bowling award Ian Stuart recorded Berkshire’s highest score of 73 not out in a total of 172-4 to beat Essex (169-4) by six wickets.
THE bails are on and the covers coming off as Thames Valley Cricket League teams prepare for the start of the new season, writes JAMES HASTINGS. Matches across all 10 divisions will officially get underway on May 7 with a 1pm starting time. A number of clubs, including Wokingham CC, have arranged preseason friendlies with the first and second XI teams playing Bashley (Rydal) CC first and second on Saturday April 16. Further friendlies include the 6th XI up against Reading United CC the following day and the First XI meeting Wargrave on Saturday, April 23. A number of other friendlies are scheduled for April including a Twenty 20 against Finchampstead on Saturday, April 30. Details of all games can be found at wokingham.play-cricket. com n Shinfield CC also have a series of friendlies lined up starting with the 2nd XI playing Sulhampstead on April 16 and the 1st XI taking on Stratfield Turgis/Hartley Wespall CC on Easter Sunday.
The new cricket season will soon get underway Picture: Johnnie Shannon Full details at www.shinfieldcc. co.uk/fixtures/ n Wargrave and Reading have both thanked volunteers who came out to help last week with ground force days. James Moss, Wargrave Club Captain said: “Like most sports clubs the vast majority of work is done by volunteers, with WCC now having more than 300 members, 150 plus games of cricket men, ladies, boys and girls.”
n To check your team’s summer season, full details of all this season’s fixtures across all divisions can be seen at www.tvlcricket.com
National League One Rugby returns to Old Bath Road on Saturday 16th April 2022 K.O. 3.00pm BARS OPEN from 12.30pm 1st XV v Caldy RFC A Pie ‘n Pint or a pre-booked sit down meal in the clubhouse? The choice is yours! Contact steven@RAMSRUGBY.com to book a pre-match two-course meal and experience game hospitality with us! E tickets can be pre-purchased via our Ticket Office at: Entry is £15 for over 18s for non-season ticket holders, FREE for under 18s.
FREE Park and Ride available for this fixture.
Rams Rugby, Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ © RAMSRUGBY 2022
160mmx8 columns (265mm) Caldy Home -16nd April - Wokingham and Reading Paper 6-7.04.22.indd 1
04/04/2022 12:05:29
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How they rated
ROYALS GIVE-UP LEAD AS BATT ROYALS 1 CARDIFF 2
Orjan Nyland
Saved well from Rubin Colwill’s effort early in the second half. The Norwegian could do very little for either of the Cardiff City goals.
Andy Yiadom
Continues to be Reading’s most consistent performer and delivered the assist for Lucas Joao’s goal.
Michael Morrison
Quiet afternoon for the captain but part of the defence which looked shaky for much of the second-half.
Tom Holmes
Some crunching tackles and important blocks in the first half. Tracked Jordan Hugill’s run which allowed space for Vaulks’ winner.
Tom McIntyre
Caught out of position for the first goal and his slip left the space for Cardiff’s second. Harsh as he isn’t a natural left-back
Danny Drinkwater
A good performance without doing anything spectacular.
Josh Laurent
Plenty of effort as always and involved in some lovely link-up play with Joao early on.
John Swift
Should have put Reading 2-0 up after 36 minutes. Could have played his last game in a Reading shirt depending on his injury.
Tom Ince
Involved in the build-up for the goal and looked lively in the early stages. Failed to make much impact after the break.
Junior Hoilett
A quiet game in comparison to his performance against Stoke. Replaced by Dele-Bashiru after 60 minutes.
Lucas Joao
Towering header to open the scoring. Very isolated in the second half and cut an extremely frustrated figure towards the end of the game.
SUBS Tom Dele-Bashiru 6 Femi Azeez n/a Brandon Barker n/a
6 7 5 5 4 6 6 6 6 5 6
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today THE Royals went ahead through Lucas Joao’s header, only to be pegged back just before the hour mark by an Alfie Doughty curling effort.
The away side secured all three points with five minutes of normal time remaining through Will Vaulks Paul Ince’s side remain eight points clear of the relegation zone having played one more match than Barnsley. Ince made one change from the 2-1 victory against Stoke in midweek with Tom Ince replacing Ovie Ejaria. Meanwhile, the visitors made four changes following their 4-0 defeat against local rivals Swansea City last weekend. The Royals came into the contest looking to extend their four game unbeaten run in the Championship which put them eight points clear of the relegation zone. The home side edged the early stages and on the five minute mark, Joao setup Laurent with a clever backheel but the midfielder couldn’t get his shot past the Cardiff defenders. The Royals then took the lead two minutes later when Tom Ince and Andy Yiadom combined down the right. Yiadom then chipped a ball to the far post for Joao who rose above Perry Ng to head past Phillips for his seventh goal of the season. Cardiff struggled to get any control in the game and could have gone further behind but Tom McIntyre couldn’t redirect John Swift’s free-kick on-target. The away side had their first effort on goal after 20 minutes when Jordan Hugill flashed an effort from 25-yards over the bar after winning the ball in midfield. Reading continued to work the ball well with Laurent and Joao linking up well before setting up Ince who smashed his effort over the bar. Cardiff almost gifted the Royals a second through Swift nine minutes before the break when Ince intercepted a pass on the edge of the 18-yard box but he couldn’t get his shot away. A minute after the interval, Yiadom wriggled free down the right but Joao couldn’t connect to his looping cross. Steve Morison’s side had their first shot on-target after 49 minutes. Joe Ralls drilled a cross from the left but Colwill’s effort was straight at Orjan Nyland. Cardiff continued to threaten and equalised just before the hour mark.
Reading vs Cardiff City Pictures: Steve Smyth
Happy fans
Celebrations
Match stats Reading: Nyland, Yiadom, Morrison ©, Holmes, McIntyre, Drinkwater, Laurent, Swift, Hoilett, Ince, Joao Subs: Southwood, Thomas, Rahman, Barker, Dele-Bashiru, Ejaria, Azeez Cardiff City: Phillips, Drameh, Ng, Nelson, Bagan, Wintle, Ralls ©, Doyle, Colwill, Doughty, Hugill Subs: Luthra, McGuinness, Flint, Vaulks, Ikpeazu, Harris, Davies Goals: Lucas Joao 7’, Aidan Doughty 59’, Will Vaulks 85’
Ralls chipped pass found Doughty who latched onto the through ball and curled a shot past Nyland from inside the box. The Royals manager decided to react to the leveller by switching Hoilett for Tom Dele-Bashiru. Ince was forced into another substitution shortly after when John Swift went down and was replaced by Femi Azeez. Reading struggled to regain control of the game after the equaliser and the away side took a deserved lead on 85 minutes. Tommy Doyle’s pass parted the
Reading vs Cardiff City Royals defence leaving Will Vaulks to tuck home from six-yards. With three minutes to go, Reading made their final change with Brandon Barker replacing Tom Ince. Despite seven minutes of added time, the home side couldn’t create an opening to find an equaliser. The Royals now look forward to an away trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Good Friday, April 15, before returning to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Monday, April 18 to play Swansea City.
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TLE FOR SURVIVAL CONTINUES
From the Tilehurst End Olly Allen
Is Ince the man for the job?
A
S Reading edge ever closer to Championship safety, eyes begin to turn towards next season and specifically who will be in the dugout at the start of the new campaign.
Reading vs Cardiff City
Reading vs Cardiff City
Reading vs Cardiff City
PREVIEW
TRICKY TEST AWAITS ROYALS AS THEY HELD TO SHEFFIELD – WILL THEY SHOW SOME STEEL?
READING FC face a tricky away test against play-off pushing Sheffield United on Good Friday. The Royals’ strong recent run of form has seen them increase the gap between them and the relegation places to snatch much hope of the teams below them being able to catch them with only a small period of the season remaining. Reading went four games unbeaten, with draws against Bournemouth and Barnsley as well as home wins over Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City seeing them inch ever closer towards Championship safety. However, Paul Ince’s team will be in for a tough encounter against another side that is desperate for points when they travel to Bramall Lane as they prepare for two
Championship games in the space of four days. The Blades have recovered their season and looking to make a swift return to the top flight having been relegated from the Premier League last season. Having had the stability of being under the helm of Chris Wilder for several seasons, he was sacked and replaced at the start of the season by Slavisa Jokanaovic, who had previously been promoted with Fulham. However, it appeared to be an unsuitable match for both parties as United endured a dreadful start to life back in the Championship. With the club in a disappointing 16th position in the Championship having been expected to challenge for promotion, Jokanovic was sacked in November and replaced
by Paul Heckingbottom. It has proved to be an inspired change as Heckingbottom has helped to drag the Blades up the table where they are now challenging for a play-off spot. After 40 matches, Sheffield United sit in fifth position in the table after former Reading player Oliver Norwood scored the winning goal in their midweek match at home to Queens Park Rangers. The Blades have been in fine form at home this campaign and are unbeaten in their last 10 matches at Bramall Lane, a run that stretches back to October when they were beaten 1-0 by Blackpool. Stalwart striker, and former Royals loanee Billy Sharp tops the goalscoring charts for United this campaign with 14 goals and seven
assists from 38 Championship matches. Wolves loanee Morgan GibbsWhite has also impressed with nine goals and seven assists to his name from 29 games. On their visit to the Select Car Leasing Stadium earlier in the season, Sheffield United went home with all three points. The match was unfortunately overshadowed by an injury to Blades midfielder John Fleck after he collapsed on the field and received extensive medical attention. Jayden Bogle scored the only goal of the game which came in the 57th minute to give United an away victory. Reading have an awful recent record against Friday’s opponents and have lost the last six fixtures against the Blades.
In recent days reports have emerged that that man will be current interim boss Paul Ince, who is reportedly set to be offered the role on a permanent basis. It’s fair to say the news hasn’t gone down too well among the fanbase, particularly as it comes after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City at the weekend when Reading once again got nothing from a game in which they took the lead. The way I see it, two things can be true. You can acknowledge that Ince has done a ‘good’ job in the sense that he is set to fulfil what was asked of him. He had one clear remit when he replaced Veljko Paunovic in February: to keep Reading in the Championship. With the club currently eight points clear of the relegation zone, he is on track to achieve that. Confidence was at rock-bottom when the former England captain arrived and he has done well to lift spirits among the squad. That gives him some credit in the bank at least. Yet it is also fair to say he has shown little to suggest he should be here longer than the end of the season. The reality is it hasn’t been a drastic overhaul. Ince was not handed an impossible job – Reading were five points clear of the relegation zone at the time of his arrival – and he has only had to encourage some minor improvements to push the club further away from danger. Considering how badly the team were playing under Paunovic, that wasn’t exactly hard. Three wins from nine games is hardly inspired form. There is also a feeling of a lack of transparency and honesty from the club, which isn’t something new. When Ince was announced as interim manager, it was framed that he would be here in the shortterm while, I quote, “we embark on the thorough search for a new permanent manager”. If Reading were to now turn around and appoint Ince on a full-time basis, it raises questions as to how thorough that search actually was. All of the concerns raised around Ince when he came in remain valid. The 54-year-old has always been a ‘firefighter’ and doesn’t seem suited to a long-term project. This, of course, is his first job in eight years, and he doesn’t come across as a modern manager suited to the Championship in 2022. After Reading’s 4-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last month, Ince declared his players should forget about playing ‘tippy tappy c**p’. This appeared to contradict his marvelling at the team ‘playing like Barcelona’ when he first arrived. Add in his apparent ignorance towards the advice of physios and sports scientists, and he doesn’t particularly strike me as the man I want leading my club.
22
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AWAY MISERY
The Gambian Sumas line-up with their new kit
SUMAS’ KIT ARRIVES AT SISTER CLUB IN GAMBIA
By ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today
Sumas were bested by Egham Town on Saturday Pictures: Andrew Batt
THE latest batch of donated kit from Wokingham & Emmbrook FC has been greatly received by their sister club in Gambia.
The Sumas have been paired with Junction BA Football Academy in Gambia for several years and donate kit and other football equipment to Africa each year. The club received a heartfelt thank you letter from head coach at Junction BA Football Academy, Siaka Jatta. “We received the latest shipment of football equipment from Wokingham & Emmbrook FC, the presentation and handing over of the kits to the teams/players was done on the following weekend,” Siaka said. “This is the fourth shipment of football goods from our friends and this time we received 391kg worth of football kit, boots and accessories. “We are very thankful and lucky to have this close friendship with Wokingham & Emmbrook FC, since the onset you were always helpful
and supportive of our football academy, and that has been manifested here in our local community. “I am personally very excited about the arrival of these items, everyone here at Junction-Ba football Academy are extremely happy.” He added: “During the handing over of this kit at our training ground, I commented, that the WEFC donation of football materials came just at the right time for us, as we are currently lacking lots of football items, like balls, bibs, boots and playing kit, so this recent delivery will go a long way in helping both the coaches and players to have easy access to training and matches, we are really delighted. “We’d also like to thank Wokingham & Emmbrook FC for the collection of kits
from Yateley FC and pass a thank you message to them for their kind donation. “Also the WEFC volunteers for their efforts in packing, moving, sorting and storing all the goods, and the companies who arranged and sponsored the shipping of these goods to The Gambia. “These football items are very good and rare for us to obtain locally, and most of them seem quite new to us. There are 40 footballs in good condition, different coloured bibs and playing kits enough for all our age groups. “Once again we thank you all for your immense contribution in developing football in Africa. “Thank you.” n For more information on the Sumas’ work in Gambia, visit: www.wefc.club
By JAMES HASTINGS sport@wokingham.today
The result leaves Reading City in ninth place.
Isthmian South Central
Combined Counties Division One
It was a game of two halves for BINFIELD but unfortunately, the second was not much better than the first. The Moles were shocked when Jake Baxter netted for Chertsey Town in the 17th minute and that remained the score at half time. But just 10 minutes into the second half, Binfield conceded a second when Didi Ndombe struck for Chertsey. A double substitute saw Elliot Legg replace Ollie Harris and Kian Duncan swap for Dylan Ive but the Moles’ could not find the net. The result leaves Binfield stuck in eight place.
Combined Counties Premier North With Egham Town three from the top of the table and the SUMAS three from the bottom, this was always going to be a tough one. The memory of one of their heaviest defeats of the season in the reverse fixture may still have been on the minds of Wokingham & Emmbrook when they started the game. The visitors made a promising start when a goal attempt was cleared off the line but a two footed lunge on Ryan Phillips in the 33rd minute saw the Sumas’ Raphael Aklobessi sent off. Two second half goals from Egham compounded the misery. THE CITYZENS made the short journey to near neighbours, Holyport FC, in a match which ended in a one all draw.
WOODLEY UNITED’S first team travelled to play-off chasing FC Deportivo Galicia and soon learnt why their opponents are tipped for promotion. The two previous games this season saw Deportivo win 3-2 while in the second United came from two-nil down to secure a much deserved draw. Two goals in the first half and three in quick succession in the second, stunned Woodley and ended their six run unbeaten record. A much-needed three points secured a 2-0 victory for EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA over Hillingdon Borough. Brad Brown scored from the penalty spot in the 44th minute ending a satisfactory first half. He was replaced early in the second by Ben Anderson then Harinder Hunjan Sing secured a second. BERKS COUNTY knew it would be a tough trip to London Lions but they took the three points in a sensational win. A goalless first half saw Berks come out fighting and the reward was a second half goal by Lee.
Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD netted four goals to secure a much deserved away win over READING YMCA. Goals came from Nathan Rogers,
23
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Y FOR SUMAS
From the middle
Dick Sawdon-Smith
What is Arsenal up to?
R Defeat keeps Sumas near the bottom of the table
Sumas played in their away kit
Aqeel Butt, Charlie Sawyer and Nick Payne. With Finchampstead 2-1 up at half time, there was everything to play for but they piled on the pressure in a convincing victory. Top of the table BURGHFIELD came out victors in an exciting 3-1 win over Maidenhead. Two goals from Thomas Adams and a third from Rhys Iremonger clinched the three points. WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS dropped to the bottom of the league after a 7-1 thrashing by Windlesham & Chobham which leaves the club facing many questions. Andrew Juett grabbed four in a very one sided match. READING CITY U23S: A 3-1 defeat sealed a miserable afternoon
Thames Valley Women’s Division One: MORTIMER LADIES versus TILEHURST PANTHERS, a Home Walkover.
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S The ref makes a point against Wraysbury and leaves the U23s third from bottom.
Southern Region Women’s Premier Woodley United’s match against Eastleigh in the Community was postponed. Two points were dropped after CAVERSHAM threw away a two goal lead from the first half against Penn & Tylers Green Ladies. The game saw four more goals in the second 45 minutes ending in a 3-3 draw.
EVERSLEY & CALI RESERVES enjoyed a 10-goal feast against Wallingford Town AFC Ladies with both teams taking five a piece. Second from bottom WARGRAVE DEVELOPMENT went down 3-0 against GORING UNITED WOMEN, losing 1-0 at half-time. CAVERSHAM AFC WOMEN thrashed Thatcham and Newbury Town Ladies a magnificent 7-0.
Reading & District Sunday League
Senior: FC Bapco H-W Twyford Comets FC, Maiden Place (Home Walkover) Woodley Wanderers FC Division One: Reading Kites 0-9 Loxwood Park Rangers, GC United 1-5 Give Back FC, Caversham United 0-3 116 Exiles, Burghfield
Reserves 0-2 Emmer Green, Loxwood Park Rangers H-W Rose & Thistle. Division Two: Southbank 6-1 Farley Hill FC, Caversham AFC Men 1-3 Barton Rovers. Division Three: Royal Albion A-W Racing Club de Woko, Hurst 0-0 Berkshire Royals, Burghfield B 0-1 FC Woodley, 116 Exiles Reserves 0-4 RE United Division Four: NFFT FC 2-4 Core United, MAC FC 2-3 FC Whitley Wood, Hype Train FC 1-3 Reading United, Give Back Reserves H-W RG6 FC
Bracknell & District Sunday League Premier: William Twigg FC WilliamTwigg FC 2-3 Bracknell Rangers 1st, Crowthorne Inn 1st 2-1 Wokingham & Emmbrook Sunday TMW Division One: Bigshot FC Black H-W Finchampstead Sunday Athletic Reserves Division Two: Bracknell Cavaliers First Sunday 4-3 Newbold FC 1st, Bracknell Spartan Vets 4-2 Harts of Bracknell Mens, Bracknell Athletic First 5-1 Sandhurst F First Division Three: SF7 FC First 4-1 Crowthorne Football Club ‘A,’ Bracknell Royals FC First 3-0 Bracknell Bisons FC Mens, 3M First 4-2 Ashbridge Park Sunday Division 4: Wokingham Wanderers 3-4 Hope & Anchor First, Harts of Bracknell Stags 1-1 Bracknell Athletic Reserves, Finchampstead Athletic Sunday B Team 6-0 Bracknell Titans First
FOOTBALL
Slow to start Kestrels punished by lively FC Deportivo Galicia FC Deportivo Galicia 5 Woodley 2
WITH the kick off delayed due to traffic, United were slow to start and found themselves a goal behind after four minutes. Matti Orobio’s free kick into the visitors’ penalty area was headed goalwards where Bryan Vinueza scored from close range after his initial attempt was blocked by Andrew Walker. United responded seeing Ciaran Carolan’s free kick go over the crossbar and home keeper Toby Perkins smoother a shot from Rafa Brandao in the 10th minute. Brandao levelled the scored in the 14th minute when Kaylum Barlow’s shot beat Perkins but was
cleared by a defender. Brandao reacted quickest to find the net from the edge of the penalty area. Walker was immediately called on to tip a shot over his cross bar followed by Razy Nadeem heading the ball into Walker’s arms after 22 minutes, followed by Bevan Van Wyk seeing a shot blocked by Perkins and his follow up put wide of the post. With Deportivo moving the ball quickly, United struggled for possession and were called upon to defend more than create chances. It was unfortunate that Deportivo retook the lead when Jordan Goddard was caught in possession and the resulting pass found Vinueza unmarked for his
second goal of the game. Vinueza was denied by the cross bar from a hattrick three minutes later while Zach Tull had an opportunity to level a minute before half time but put his shot over the cross bar. Woodley started the second half in positive fashion with Gary Smith heading a freekick to Perkins and then being adjudged offside before Van Wyk put the ball in the net in the 50th minute. Being caught offside was a theme of United’s second half, and the undoing of their forward play. They were made to pay 20 minutes from time when Fran Naut’s run saw the full back cross the ball low to Woodley’s far post to allow Aitor
Andon to tap home unchallenged. It was Naut who score the fourth in similar fashion getting on the end of a low cross from his team’s right hand side in the 79th minute. Woodley’s Tull saw Perkins save a free kick to be followed by Tahir Carmichael’s cross to the far post going over Perkins’ head to reduce the deficit just three minutes later. Buoyed by the goal, Woodley finished the game strongly with subs Archie Swell and Janash Brown lively in attack, but were punished in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time when tired challenges allowed Juan Devia to complete the scoring.
ECENTLY, I read two articles on refereeing that surprised and in some way worried me. Let me concentrate on the first one about Arsenal. Apparently, the club has developed a series of videos showing how each referee works. They have discovered where each referee position himself, and when doing so, whether he can look behind himself, which side of the pitch each prefer to be etc. This reminded me of a system called Prozone, which was introduced to the Premier League by Keith Hackett, when manager of the PGMO. I am fortunate enough to have a copy of one Prozone, which not only shows the referee’s movement, but the speed of his movement, in other words how quickly he got into position, and also what was his vision from his positions. This Keith showed to his referees, and what a tremendous training aide this must have been. I know we talk about these sort of things at lower levels but imagine how much more powerful seeing how you performed must be. It wasn’t all criticism of course, as Keith says, it is important to recognise good practice. Keith also used Prozone when paying regular visits to club managers, where he was able to show the accuracy of decision making and the speed profile for referees etc. This brings two questions to mind. First, why did Mike Riley dump this valuable tool when he took over from Keith? Second, what is Arsenal’s reason for such a scheme? It is thought to be an extension of a programme to improve tackling by its players, so reducing cards being shown. This is a very worthy aim, but highlighting each referee’s movements, it sounds as if they plan to play to the weaknesses of individual referees. The same article also alleged that Arsenal has agreed with the PGMO, which employs the Premier League referees, that they can choose the referee for their matches. Not for each individual game but a shortlist of referees for the PGMO to choose from. This is based on only six referees being appointed to 23 games at the Emirates Stadium, all referring four games or more. Arsenal has not confirmed any of this, but if true, means that the players can adjust their play according to the individual traits of each referee and the club has fewer videos to make.
24 | SPORT
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COMMUNITY
FOOTBALL SHIRTS FOR CHARITY AIMS TO HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
In division 2 there were going to be two matches, but OLOP C conceded to TILEHURST METHODISTS A after they didn’t turn up. There is one further match, on Wednesday, April 20, still to play, but it has no effect on promotion or relegation. SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD D were 7-3 winners over OUR LADY OF PEACE C, Danny Dockree defeating all three opponents, Binit Bhaskar, Pradeep Desh and Arun Rajagopal. Mark Jones and Angus Jones each recorded two wins, Mark only losing 11-9 10-12 8-11 11-8 9-11 to Pradeep while Angus
Isthmian South Central Chertsey Town 2-0 Binfield
Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield 3-1 Maidenhead Reading YMCA 2-4 Finchampstead Wargrave 1-5 Westwood Wanderers Windlesham & Chobham 7-1 Woodley United Royals Wraysbury 3-1 Reading City U23’s Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions 1-3 Tadley Calleva Reserves Goring United L-L Eldon Celtic
Football Shirts for Charity does what it says on the tin: sell old football shirts to raise funds for cancer charities “Football Shirts For Charity was born from the love of knowing the pride in securing ownership of a pre-loved, historic, retro or vintage football shirt, whilst also contributing to vital charities.” 100% of the profits made by the organisation are donated to charity, with the main beneficiaries being The Bobby Moore Fund and Cancer
Research UK. Jayme and Tania continued: “The future success of our organisation obviously depends on our capacity to secure football shirts and associated kit from generous donations. “If somebody has a spare football shirt they no longer wear and are in a position to donate it to us, this can be put to very good use.
KINGFISHER A SCOOP LEAGUE TITLE AS SEASON COMES TO AN END
HARI Gehlot and Darren Jones proved too strong for a SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B team as KINGFISHER A ran out 7-3 winners in division 1.
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 1-2 Cardiff City
Combined Counties Division One FC Deportivo Galicia 4-2 Woodley United London Lions 0-1 Berks County
TABLE TENNIS
By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today
Saturday, April 9
Combined Counties Premier North Holyport 1-1 Reading City Egham Town 2-0 Sumas
AN organisation that is dedicated to selling football shirts from around the globe is sending all profits to contribute to vital charities.
Football Shirts For Charity, established by Jayme Sporton and Tania Harding, provides kits from all walks of football life all the way from international teams to local non-league sides. The duo said: “Football is the national sport that transcends all generations and all walks of life. It is a very special community that provides belonging and togetherness. “As massive football fanatics and having both been affected by cancer in people very close to us, we saw an opportunity to do something about it. We wanted to do something different. We established Football Shirts For Charity.” The group is, they say, dedicated exclusively to selling retro, preloved and vintage football shirts from all over the world whether it be international teams, or local nonleague football. “Our strapline is that Every Shirt Has A Story,” Jayme and Tania said. “The sight of any football shirt always evokes so many special memories and conversations.
RESULTS
narrowly lost 11-8 11-9 7-11 1012 5-11 to Arun, the Commoners third point courtesy of a Doubles win for Pradeep & Binit. SONNING SPORTS A are champions while READING FC A complete a rise from the bottom division to division 1 by clinching the runners-up spot. KINGFISHER G and TIDMARSH C are relegated. In division 3 the final match for TILEHURST RBL B and PANGBOURNE WMC had turned out to be a promotion decider with Pangbourne needed a comprehensive win to catch or overhaul Tilehurst. In the end Tilehurst won 9-1 to clinch the runners-up spot in a match which was much closer than the final score suggests. Kate Maksimento and John Willcocks both got excellent maximums which meant that Kate has only lost once since early December.
Highlights of the night were Kate recovering from 2-1 down to beat Clive Taylor 11-9 in the fifth and Nick Lean beating John Simmonds 11-8 in the fifth having lost the first two games. TIDMARSH D’S good second of the season form continued when they beat OLOP E 8-2, although the OLOP team were only able to field one player. This was Parvin Baishkiyar and he did well to win two sets including a very good three straight victory over Dave Edwards. SONNING SPORTS B are champions of division 4 with OUR LADY OF PEACE F also promoted as runners-up. TILEHURST METHODISTS B just miss out in third place.
“Shirts can be sent to us directly, or we can collect them if we can. “People can use the contact us form on the website for an address, or to discuss anything else for that matter. We really love to engage with the football community - and hear other people’s great ideas.” n For more information, visit: www. footballshirtsfc.co.uk
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
TITANS TOPPLE KINGS
ALL three Thames Valley Kings teams were in action this past weekend in BWB National League. On Saturday, Kings 1st and 2nd teams faced London Titans 1st and 2nd teams respectively. In the Premier Division match-up, it was another high-octane fast-paced game as the Titans beat the Kings, 66-34. Former Paralympian, Matt Sealy was the game’s top score with 20 points for Titans whereas Reece Barker was the top scorer for Kings with 15 points. Kings 2nd fought a valiant battle in their Division two south game against the Titans 3rd team, as the game was close all the way, with Titans picking up the win by four points, 34-30. On Sunday, The promotion-chasing Kings 3rd team faced local rivals the Windsor Monarchs in Division Three South and controlled the game throughout to pick up a huge 40-16 win.
HOCKEY
FRIENDLIES TAKE PLACE THE hockey season is all but finished, however several matches were held this week. In a friendly game, South Berkshire Men’s Supervets X1 narrowly beat Woking Pitts Elders 3-2. Meanwhile, Sonning 040s meet with Crawley was cancelled but Sonning Mens 6s scored a 2-1 victory over Yateley 4.
Thames Valley Division Two Berks County Swords 2-2 Twyford & Ruscombe Hambleden 1-0 Hurst Reserves Cup Harchester Hawks v Hambleden Reserves Thames Valley Division Three Reading City Development v1-2 Goring United Reserves Thames Valley Division Four Henley Town Development 1-2 Berks County Rovers RUGBY UNION National Division One Blackheath 17-29 Rams South West 1 East Bracknell 53-17 Sherborne HOCKEY South Central Men’s Thames 4 Yateley 4s 1-2 Sonning 6s South Berkshire 7s 3-1 Amersham & Chalfont 7s Friendly South Berkshire Supervets 3-2 Woking Pitts
Sunday, April 10
FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Woodley United P-P Eastleigh Thames Valley Women’s Division One Caversham United 3-3 Penn & Tylers Green Mortimer P-P Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave 1-1 Badshot Lea
FIXTURES
Tuesday, April 12
Matches played after we had gone to press FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Woodley United Eversley & California v London Lions
Wednesday, April 13
FOOTBALL Cup Finchampstead v SB Phoenix
Friday, April 15
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Sheffield United v Reading Isthmian South Central Binfield v Marlow
Saturday, April 16
FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v Hilltop Enfield Borough v Berks County Woodley United v Rayners Lane Thames Valley Premier League Reading City U23’s v Mortimer Windlesham & Chobham v Wargrave Yateley United v Finchampstead Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions v Rotherfield United Tadley Calleva Reserves v Hurst Thames Valley Division Two Slough Heating Laurencians Reserves v Twyford & Ruscombe Thames Valley Division Three Pangbourne v Burghfield Reserves Cup Reading YMCA Rapids v Reading City Development RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Caldy
Monday, April 18
FOOTBALL Combined Counties Premier North Holyport v Sumas Reading City v Egham Town Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Eversley & California AFC Aldermaston v Woodley United
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Swansea City Isthmian South Central Basingstoke Town v Binfield
