Wokingham Today, April 27, 2023

A WOKINGHAM charity that supports families living on low incomes has been awarded nearly £70,000 to fund a number of vital projects.

The money will back a two-year scheme to increase life skills and enable life-changing benefits to families and individuals.

Linda Heppolette, head of coaching at First Days Children’s Charity, said: “People who are struggling with the effects of financial hardship often feel at their lowest, lacking confidence and self-esteem.

“This incredibly generous funding will mean we can get alongside families and help them to believe in themselves again. The confidence to learn new skills and take control of our lives should not just be the privilege of the well-off.”

The funding from Make Some Noise, the official charity of the media and entertainment group Global, will provide a vital lifeline in communities –from food banks to befriending projects for the elderly and isolated, cancer wellbeing programmes to domestic abuse refuges, from employment opportunities to physical therapy for people with disabilities.

This year, Global’s Make Some Noise supports will send grants of at least £5,000 to support with the growing impact of the cost-of-living crisis and to help keep their doors open. Many charities are facing unprecedented demand for their services, while facing increased energy bills and costs for frontline staff.

Suzanne Ryder Richardson, director of Global Goodness at Global, said: “It’s been an incredibly tough couple of years for everyone and as the cost of living continues to increase, more people are turning to local groups for help, putting extra strain on their resources.

“With that in mind, I’m so pleased that Global’s Make Some Noise is able to help charities at the centre of the communities they serve, and we will continue to raise money and awareness for their vital work.”

JAMES HASTINGS

HOSKING John Roger

Passed away peacefully at home on 11th April 2023 aged 97 years

Much loved father of Katharine and Jonathan, Great Grandpa and Grandpa to all his grandchildren

He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends

Funeral service to be held at Easthampstead Park Crematorium Wednesday 17th May at 10am

Funeral Directors: J B Hall 142 Finchampstead Road Wokingham RG41 2NU

No flowers please

However, donations can be made to Cancer Research UK or British Heart Foundation via johnhosking muchloved com

All enquiries JB Hall Tel: 0118 979 3623

ROTH Patricia (Pat)

Patricia (Pat) Roth sadly but peacefully slipped away on 17th April

A celebration of her life will be held at the Easthampstead Crematorium on 12th May 2023 at 3pm

Flowers are welcome and can be sent to JB Hall Funeral Directors, Wokingham

If you prefer to make a donation this can also be done via JB Hall to Dementia Uk at www patriciaroth muchloved com

All who knew Pat are welcome to attend and join us afterwards at the Three Frogs Public House in Wokingham

Piggott to welcome more than 200 extra pupils

A TWYFORD secondary school will be accommodate more than 200 additional pupils.

Wokingham Borough Council has approved a school expansion plan to meet demand at The Piggott School in Twyford Road.

It currently has 1,620 students and 175 staff, but the expansion increase capacity to 1,890 pupils.

To provide space for new entrants, a planning application was submitted for the reconfiguration of the existing dining hall into a new administration block, school entrance and dining hall, the construction of new multi-use dining hall and extension of the science block.

There will also be three new netball courts.

The council’s planning department acknowledged that the new buildings would be established on land designated in the Green Belt, which can only be built

on in ‘special circumstances’ according to national planning law. It was agreed that the loss of Green Belt land was outweighed by the need for new school places.

Cllr Stephen Conway (Liberal Democrats, Twyford) said: “This application is in the Green Belt, and ordinarily of course we would not allow

development in the Green Belt.

“It would seem to me very clear that in this case those special circumstances operate.

“The special circumstance here really is the public good, the expansion of the school to admit greater capacity and ensure local children are able to attend their local school is a very important consideration.”

The expansion and new buildings were approved unanimously by Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, April 12.

You can view the approved application by typing reference 223613 into Wokingham Borough Council’s planning portal.

New pool and sport hall for Reddam House school

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A SCHOOL in Sindlesham is to build a new sports hall with swimming pool after permission was granted by Wokingham Borough Council.

Reddam House, located off Bearwood Road, is a day and boarding school for children aged from three months to 18 years.

It is based in what was Bearwood College and is the former home to the Walter family.

Although the school already has a covered pool, the existing building was judged to be in a “poor state of repair” according to a report by council planning officers, while the existing gym is “not of sufficient size or specification to serve the school’s current needs.”

The replacement sports hall will have an observation deck on its first floor and expanded changing facilities.

To create the new facility and a 16-space car park, three ancillary single-storey buildings and a low boundary wall will be demolished.

The project was discussed by Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee, with Cllr Rebecca Margetts commenting that the plan would be a ‘big improvement’ on the existing swimming pool.

The Finchampstead South councillor added: “Looking at these buildings this would actually be a huge improvement for the site. I’ve had the unfortunate experience of having to take one of my children swimming in that swimming pool so any improvement would be a big improvement.”

The school’s owners required listed building consent for the project as the historic main building is Grade II* listed.

Two plans had to be submitted: one outlining the project itself application 221843, and the other for listed building consent application 222319. Both were approved unanimously by the council’s planning committee on Wednesday, April 12.

The new sports hall and exterior for the pool will provide facilities alongside the school’s existing, a 4G turf pitch, netball courts, tennis courts, dance studios and grass pitches for outdoor sports such as rugby, football and cricket. The school is one of 13 worldwide, with the majority being in South Africa and Australia.

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they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

The Piggott Church of England School, a secondary school in Twyford. Picture: Google Maps

Boots on the ground as walkers enjoy Lions’ charity day out

EXCLUSIVE

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

WALKERS in the borough gathered to ramble through interesting nearby outdoor spaces while raising funds for good causes.

The weather mostly held off for the springtime Wokingham Walk, which took place on Sunday.

Organised by Wokingham Lions Club, the event marks its eighth year of community fundraising.

It was held a little earlier this year, to avoid clashing with the nation’s Coronation events, and gave participants an opportunity to discover some of the borough’s Spring scenery.

Debbie Slay, public relations and marketing officer for Wokingham Lions Club, said: “We’re very pleased.

“The walk was very well attended, with more than 350 people joining the routes.

“A few of them got a bit damp, but the weather was actually much better than we had expected.

“There were 79 who opted for the longer 15 mile walk, with families of young children more likely to choose the shorter five mile or 10 mile walks.”

All three walks started at Elms Field.

Many participants walked for fun, but others used the event to prepare for other challenges.

“There was a real mix of people,” continued Ms Slay.

“Some were in training, while others enjoyed chatting with family and friends along the routes.

“Either way, it was a great opportunity to get out and about.

“One grandma told me that her family had

brought the teenagers, giving the youngsters a chance to escape from their phones and gadgets for a while.”

The Lions Club runs two annual Wokingham walking events, one in Spring and the other in Autumn.

Many participants use the event as a sponsorship opportunity to raise money for their chosen charity.

Organiser Andy Slay said: “When Stan Hetherington and I conceived the event in 2016 we were always hoping that people would walk to raise money for their own worthy causes, and it’s great to see that this is starting to happen.”

The Wokingham Walk is fully organised now by The Wokingham Lions Club.

And funds raised from the walk’s entry fees are distributed by the group to local charities and good causes.

This year the group hopes the April event will have raised more than £4,000.

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

Maya celebratesshop’s first anniversary

THE OWNER of a Wokingham zero waste store that began life as a market stall in the town, celebrated 12 months of trading at the weekend.

Business owner Maya Gheorghe invited customers old and new to join her at her shop, Maya’s Refillables, on Saturday, to celebrate with Prosecco, juice and free cake.

“So much has happened since we opened in Wokingham last year” she said.

“Wokingham is a great location, and there is real appetite from the community to want to consume differently, to be plastic free, and to do something for the environment.

“A lot of people are discovering the shop, and customers who knew me from the market, have continued to shop with me.”

The store’s all day celebrations included plastic free balloons from The Wild Card, vegan brownies baked by Jane Vegan Bakes, and juice and bubbles supplied by neighbouring bistrorestaurant, Hamlet.

“We have refilled more than 36,000 containers since the shop opened,” said Maya.

“This includes bottles and food containers, and amounts to around 1.1 tonnes of plastic that wasn’t sent to landfill.

“I’m really delighted with how things are going.”

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

The Wokingham Walk attraced all ages

The Clasp Group at the start of their walk

Hannah Edwards (centre) at the end of her walk being welcomed by Sarah Blane and Andy Slay (Walk organiser).

Julie Pizzey and Maeve Coupe, were walking for a cancer charity

A big thumbs up for the Wokingham Walk despite the wet weather Pictures: Steve Smyth

Maya Gheorghe celebrates her store’s birthday

IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE OF

SCENERY

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Mum’s bumper raffle at May Fayre in support of vital SEND charity

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A MUM whose son was diagnosed with autism has single-handedly created a 40th Anniversary Raffle of more than 40 prizes to be held at Wokingham’s May Fayre on Monday.

The raffle will raise funds for Dingley’s Promise, based in Norrey’s Avenue, which supports children under five with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, with prizes collected from dozens of generous local businesses.

Su Clements, from Bracknell, has pounded the streets and hit the phones to drum up support from a wide range of local businesses, and said she is “overwhelmed” by the response.

Dingley’s Promise offers nursery provision and developmental support to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the early years, with the aim of ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

At present, the huge demand for the services offered by Dingley’s Promise and lack of local provision, has meant that Su’s son Liam, aged 3, is currently on the waiting list

and receiving support from the Family Support Service. By raising funds Su hopes to help raise awareness and to help the charity to increase its reach to families who need their support.

“Liam was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the very early age of 2 years and 4 months,” she said.

“After all his assessments we quickly established that he also has Global Development Delay along with Sensory Processing Disorders, has learning difficulties and is non-verbal. He doesn’t communicate his needs, likes or dislikes in any

shape or form.

“I knew something wasn’t right even before Liam turned one. I came to terms with it over many months and even years. But for my husband, James, the emotional journey was much more difficult.”

And she said the couple had a “constant worry” about what life will be like for Liam.

“With the help of Dingley’s Promise and other local support we are finding a path through this as a family,” Su said.

“Liam is the sweetest, cutest boy we could have ever asked for. He is very content, he is happy, he never complains, he

READY TO HELP: Su and James Clements with their family. They are raising funds for Dingley’s Promise at Wokingham’s May Fayre on Monday

Bowling club’s open days

They include hair cuts, cinema tickets, gym classes, and photography sessions.

“I cannot thank the local small businesses, and some even big businesses, enough for the kindness and support they have shown me and Dingley’s Promise. The response has been overwhelming,” she said.

Su’s efforts are welcomed by Dingley’s Promise.

Lucy Staveley, its Wokingham centre manager, said: “The work that Su has put into organising the raffle and drumming up support is incredible.

IF YOU would like to try your hand at bowling but feel a little green, then pop along to Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club. There are two Open Days on Saturday and Sunday for new bowlers, explore the facilities and meet the members who, they say, make this one of the friendliest clubs in Berkshire. Family and friends are welcome to come along. Bowls will be provided, and follow-up sessions are available if you get bitten by the bowling bug.

There's no need to book, just turn up on one of the two days and bring some flat-soled shoes or trainers and your enthusiasm.

is patient, he has determination, he is very, very cheeky and playful. He adores his sister and expresses his love for all of us in his own unique, beautiful ways.

“So, feeling for all the kids like Liam that’s out there, not getting the help and support they need, left to struggle at mainstream nurseries or at home, falling behind on their learning and development journey, for every single one of those kids we decided the least we could do was help fundraise for Dingley’s Promise.”

And Su is looking forward to people coming to the May Fayre and seeing the prizes available.

“We can’t thank her enough for her efforts - it’s fundraising initiatives such as this that help Dingley’s Promise to continue to provide its vital service.”

The stall at the May Fayre isn’t the only thing the family are doing to help. Su’s husband is donning his running shoes to run the Green Park Reading 10K on June 4, the same day as his birthday.

Su said: “James hasn’t run for a good 15 years so it’s going to be a challenge, but he’s already raised £800.”

n For more details, or to make a donation, log on to: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ jamesclementsforliam, or dingley. org.uk

The invitation is also extended to seasoned bowlers looking to join a different club, get back into bowling, or maybe just want to find out a bit more about the Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club.

If you can't make it to one of the Open Days, feel free to drop in on a Friday evening (about 7pm) during the season to meet them.

New members can join for the special price of £50, which includes the annual subscription and one-time joining fee, with additional match fees as appropriate.

Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club is in Beech Lane, and the days run from 11am to 4pm. n For more details, log on to: www.maidenerleghbc.co.uk

St James plans picnic and more for coronation

A FINCHAMPSTEAD church is planning a picnic with music, to celebrate the coronation.

The Parish of Finchampstead and California Church’s free event is open to anyone.

The group invites people to bring their own lunch and a chair, and to enjoy a picnic together in the church gardens.

A band will be playing at the event which takes place at St James’s Church, Finchampstead, on Sunday, May 7.

The celebration, as part of the nation’s Big Picnic Lunch, starts at 12.30pm.

n For more information, call 0118 973 0133, or visit the church website, at: pfc-church.uk

Beatle show for the king

A WOKINGHAM pub plans to celebrate the King’s investiture with music from the Beatles.

The Two Poplars’ coronation event features Dave Horton performing songs of the band that revolutionised music in the 1960s.

Dave’s Beatle and Buddy Show offers two hours of hits.

People wanting to join the celebration can book a table to eat, or just turn up on the night.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 6 at The Two Poplars pub, Finchampstead Road. The music starts at 7pm, and entry is free. n To book vist: www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Fitness classes? That’s mega!

A BOROUGH leisure centre’s recent taster event gave hundreds of people a chance to try out new fitness classes.

Wokingham Leisure Centre at Carnival Hub held a Les Mills Mega Launch event, with a selection of different Les Mills classes available for members and non members to try.

The fitness sessions were accompanied by lighting effects, music, and even a smoke machine.

Classes included Body Workout, Body Step, Body Combat, Body Balance, Body Attack, Body Pump, The Trip, and Core taster classes.

Lauren Benning, Places Leisure marketing executive, said: “The event went very well, and was a great opportunity to get the community exercising together.

“Each of the 45-minute long classes had six or seven instructors leading workouts.

“There were 100 spaces available for the majority of the classes, but the Body Attack was so popular that we extended the class.

“We’ve had really good feedback from customers who loved the event, and said they wished it happened more often.”

n For more information about Wokingham Leisure Centre, visit: www.placesleisure.org

Part of the Hive: pub to be given thorough overhaul

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A WOODLEY pub will be given a facelift as part of a thorough overhaul.

The Good Companions, on Loddon Bridge Road, is currently a Greene King pub, but the firm is currently advertising for new landlords to come forward and reopen it as part of its Hive brand.

Each pub under this marque is set up by Greene King, and is run as a franchise.

The company aims to convert 170 sites to the Hive brand over the next five years, including the Goodies. More than 30 have been converted so far.

Greene King said, when announcing the brand in 2021, that the pubs would offer an innovative range of drinks including craft beers, a food menu with pub classics and regular entertainment from live sport to quizzes, music and events.

As well as giving an internal and external makeover worth up to £300,000, the brewery takes liability for

the property and pays all running costs including stock and supplies, marketing, training and ongoing support. The franchisee receives a guaranteed annual income as a management fee, plus a percentage of the weekly sales, with bonuses also available.

At the time, managing director for Greene King Pub Partners Wayne Shurvinton said: “This is a new format where the franchisee gets an invested ready to go pub with a lower risk from inception and going forward.

“It’s a model where we want our franchisees to feel part of something bigger, with the collaborative relationship with our talented team supporting them and backed by the scale of Greene King.”

In its advert for The Good Companions, Greene King say they plan to completely refurbish the pub and, in doing so, will “create a pub of which the community can be proud”.

The advert adds: “We will be investing in refurbishing the pub both inside and out and will be converting a part of the existing car park to form a new beer garden with a covered pergola which will increase the current garden space significantly and improve the layout of the current external trade space.

“Internally we will achieve some structural alterations to include a new side entrance and lobby and increase the size of the current sports area.”

And to make the plans complete, they are looking for an experienced pub manager to step and become the franchisee.

It has a forecasted turnover of £535,000, and a forecasted profit of £40,000.

n For more details, log on to: https://www. greenekingpubs.co.uk/pub-to-let/goodcompanions-reading

Instructors helped people to take part in a range of exercises

A moment to stretch

People were able to try out different activities during the sessions

Sessions were well attended at Wokingham Leisure Centre’s Les Mills Mega event

FIT SESSION: Les Mills Mega Launch event was held at Carnival Leisure Centre in Wokingham last week, giving tastes of different classes Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Eversley’s big coronation celebration

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

A BOROUGH village will enjoy cakes and treats as part of a lunchtime celebration to mark the coronation.

The free event is being organised by Eversley Parish Council to bring neighbours and communities together for an afternoon of friendship, food and fun.

Bringing their own picnics and drinks, including alcohol if they wish, villagers will be able to eat together, with plenty of sweets, soft drinks and tray bakes supplied by event organisers.

There will be music from singersongwriter John James Newman, and an opportunity to dance in a disco dome.

Adrian McNeil, a former Parish Council chair and one of the event organisers, said: "This is a great opportunity to get the Eversley community together.

"There will be lots of crafts for the children, and a chance for them to bounce in the disco dome.

"And in between the disco, John James Newman will perform –everyone raves about him.

"We'll also have ice-breaker activities for the adults, and Magical Mystery tours of Eversley in a vintage bus.

Tidying a village, a litter bit at a time

EXCLUSIVE

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

A VILLAGE in Wokingham was left looking spick and span on Friday, April 14.

Shinfield Parish Council’s litter pick saw residents come together to collect 28 bags full of rubbish.

Participants young and old gathered at the School Green Centre before heading out for a few hours to collect rubbish.

Their efforts were rewarded with cakes and pastries at Shinfield View care home.

“And the children of the village's Charles Kingsley School and Little Acorns Nursery will find out who the prizewinners are of a painting competition.”

Wearers of the best crowns on the day will also be able to win a prize.

"We would love as many residents as possible to come along," said Mr McNeil.

"We hope it will be a beautiful day, but the event will go ahead whatever the weather, as we can move inside if necessary."

The event takes place at Eversley Village Hall, on Sunday, May 7, from noon through to 3pm.

The council asks people to let them know in advance how many people are coming.

n To confirm attendance, text: 07752 735690 or email: clerk@eversley-pc.gov.uk

Lynda Hope, communications officer for Shinfield Parish Council, said: “Our annual litter pick was a huge success this year.

“We changed the day from a weekend to a Friday in the Easter holidays to see if this worked better for the community and we had twice as many participants as a result.”

The event was open to all, with those who had never taken part in anything of this nature encouraged to come along. Hi vis jackets and equipment were provided on the day.

Cllr Phil Emment, who has championed the parish council’s Adopt a Street litter project, threw himself into the collection, as did other councillors from Wokingham Borough Council.

The children in attendance were presented with eco-warrior certificates and stickers, and also got stuck into some colouring in while their parents shared hot drinks.

Ms Hope said: “We decided to give a small prize this year for collecting the

most litter, this went to a lovely family who already litter picks in their area on a regular basis as they’re signed up to Adopt a Street.

“Three more families signed up on the day and one teen is using this volunteering to assist with his Duke of Edinburgh Award, which is amazing.” n To sign up for Adopt a Street, visit: www. shinfieldparish.gov.uk/shinfield-parishvolunteers/adopt-a-street/

SPRING CLEAN: Shinfield residents came together to pick up litter around the village, and were rewarded with sweet treats afterwards Pictures: Shinfield Parish Council

Shampoo marks a milestone as community continues to rally round

EXCLUSIVE

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

FOR the past three years, Ronnie Goodberry has shared his living room with boxes of crisps, bags of nappies and even a king-sized hospital bed.

His modest two-bedroom house which he shares with wife, Jackie, has also been home to pet food, baby clothes and, at Christmas, seven well-cooked turkeys with all the trimmings.

But one particular item – a large bottle of coconut and lychee shampoo – has pride of place on the couple’s very crowded mantelpiece.

The shampoo is the one millionth item donated to the Woodley Volunteers For Our Community Facebook group which Ronnie set up three years ago.

“It all started during the panic buying in the early days of covid when basic items like bread and toilet paper were disappearing from supermarket shelves as quickly as they were put out,” explained Ronnie.

“Some of us in Woodley decided to set up a group which invited people to donate basic supplies which could be distributed around the town.

The aim was to help anyone who was in need. The response from local people was incredible with all sorts of items being handed in such as toiletries, food and clothes.

“We also reached out to emergency staff like nurses,

health care workers, police officers and firefighters who were working round the clock to keep us all safe but who didn’t have time to shop and when they did, the shelves were bare.”

The immediate problem was finding a location where items could be dropped off and stored until needed, and that’s where Ronnie and Jackie stepped in.

Working on a shoestring budget meant the group’s volunteers could not afford a warehouse so the couple turned their modest home into a storeroom.

“We’d put out an appeal on our Facebook page and whatever the need and whoever needed it, local people would turn up with the requested items,” he explained.

“Our living room was soon bursting with everything from tins of soup to medical supplies. The people of Woodley have hearts of gold. It is very humbling to witness such amazing generosity.”

As the group received more publicity, donations poured in from people in Hampshire, Surrey and other parts of the country as well as America. Someone there saw the Facebook page and mailed a box full of hats and scarves.

Ronnie explained how in the middle of lockdown, the group received a plea to help a man struggling to live in his own house.

“He needed a hospital bed to enable them to go about his daily life but as the man tested positive, the local authority would not get involved,” he added.

“So, another member and myself donned hazmat suits, masks and gloves and delivered and set up the bed. The man was extremely thankful.”

As the pandemic subsided, Ronnie and fellow volunteers thought their work would be wound up – but then came the cost-of-living crisis and the war in Ukraine. Requests for help came flooding in from increasing numbers of people in Woodley who were unable to afford to eat and heat their homes.

And as the plight of refugees became more severe, Ronnie along with other volunteers made the first of seven trips to date to Poland and Ukraine delivering aid, food, toys, clothes and other items.

“The situation in Ukraine is absolutely appalling. People live in constant fear of bombs and missile strikes. At the

same time, they need to search for food and basic things like toiletries and even clothes.

“Countless numbers of people have been displaced, living in temporary accommodation, often apart from their loved ones.

“They have lost parents, children, and friends to the war.

“When we deliver aid, the people are enormously grateful.”

Back in January, the group had distributed 500,000 items and Ronnie was determined to hit the million mark. That happened this month as boxes of items continued to arrive in response to requests on the Facebook page.

“I was going through some boxes and counting when suddenly I picked up the shampoo and knew we’d reached the million target.

“It was a special moment.

“I joked we’d put it in a glass box because it really is special to think of all the items the people of Woodley have so generously donated over the years to help others, both here and in Ukraine.”

The group will continue to respond to requests for help it receives and these will be posted on the Facebook page.

WOKINGHAM motorists may experience delays to their journeys in the coming days due to planned road works.

Multi-way lights will be in operation on B3016 Finchampstead Road between Barkham Ride and Nine Mile Ride on Tuesday, May 2.

The restrictions will allow BT to carry out the excavation and replacement of pole in verge.

The lights will be in place from 9.30am-4pm.

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

Multi-way lights for Finch Road Road closure in Shinfield

SHINFIELD motorists may be required to find alternative routes in Coronation week as planned road works are set to take place overnight.

B3349 Hollow Lane will be closed from Brookers Hill to Church Lane from Tuesday, May 2, to Friday, May 5.

The restrictions will allow Wokingham Borough Council to carry out maintenance resurfacing ancillary works. The closure will be carried out from 8pm-6am on the specified dates.

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

The bottle of shampoo was the millionth item to be donated to Woodley’s community collection organised by Ronnie Goodberry Picture; Ronnie Goodberry

Shoppers slapped with £70 fines … for parking at Tesco

EXCLUSIVE

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

ANGRY shoppers have criticised supermarket giant Tesco after being slapped with £70 fines for parking at the Wokingham store.

Two women held a protest last weekend outside the entrance to the Finchampstead Road site while holding placards to warn other motorists.

Both were issued tickets for allegedly parking in an unauthorised area by Horizon Parking which monitors the car park for Tesco.

Stephanie Woods and Katherine Riley claim that when they complained to staff at the supermarket they were told “it’s nothing to do with us”.

The two women who have vowed not to return to the Wokingham branch, parked in an unmarked bay in front of the Timpson concession at the front of the store.

“There is absolutely nothing to say you can’t park there. There aren’t any no parking signs or marks

Coronation picnic at Arborfield Park

ARBORFIELD residents are set to celebrate coronation weekend with a bank holiday Monday picnic event.

The village will come together at Arborfield Park to

on the ground such as yellow lines,” said Stephanie.

“I have left my car in that bay hundreds of times over the years and never received a fine. I was only in Tesco for 10 minutes and was furious when I came out to see the ticket.

“I have seen loads of cars at the spot and there has never been any problem. I went back inside and spoke with the manager, but I was told it was nothing to do with Tesco and I needed to take it up with Horizon.”

Kat said she had regularly parked at the same spot since she moved to Wokingham in 2007 without any problem.

“I showed the manager and a security guard where my car was and asked them if there was any reason why I couldn’t park there,” she explained.

“They said there wasn’t but when I asked them to cancel my ticket they refused saying it had nothing to with Tesco.

“I told them it had everything to do Tesco

mark King Charles III’s special day by breaking bread with their neighbours.

Farley Hillbillies will provide live music at the event which is organised by Arborfield & Newland Parish Council.

Visitors are asked to bring their own food and drink, as

Stephanie Woods conducting her protest over a parking fine at the Wokingham branch of Tesco Picture: Phil Creighton

£35 if paid within a time limit but both women who have appealed say they found the Horizon online site difficult to operate.

Added Stephanie: “I had to go round it several times just to process my appeal which was then turned down.

“There is no one you can speak to, a voice on the phone to whom you can explain the situation which is very frustrating.”

Wokingham Today visited the store, and can confirm there is nothing to indicate people could be ticketed for parking in the bay, which is next to a parking spot for a bus.

who must hire Horizon to regulate the car park and the supermarket has a responsibility to ensure its customers are treated fairly and correctly.

“Tesco likes to boast that every little helps. Well, a £70 fine is not little and helps no one except Horizon and Tesco who probably take a percentage of each fine. They are making money while customers who do nothing wrong are losing money.”

The fines are halved to

well as tables, chairs, picnic blankets and marquees, although there will be a limited number of seats for elderly attendees.

The event takes place from 1pm-5pm on Monday, May 8, and is free to attend.

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

PLACES AVAILABLE

When Wokingham Today contacted Horizon Parking, we were told the press office did not take phone calls from journalists and were advised to use an online media form.

Moments later we received an automated response which stated: “Your communication has not yet been read but we are acknowledging that we have received it. We will aim to respond to your communication within 28 days. “

Tesco has been approached for comment.

A CROWTHORNE group is planning a 50s music night to celebrate the King’s coronation.

Crowthorne Musical Players and Emily Rachel have organised an evening of numbers from the 50s, along with vintage versions of modern songs.

Performed by The Vintage Belles, the concert will be accompanied by a fish and chip meal.

Drinks can be purchased from the bar, and a raffle will be held at the event.

The celebration takes place at Crowthorne Parish Hall, on Friday, May 5.

Doors open at 7.30pm.

Celebrate the coronation with Vintage Belles Coronation lunch at Beech Hill

Tickets cost £6 for music only, or £16 for entry to the concert plus fish and chip supper. n For information and tickets, visit: www.cmp-berks. org.uk BEECH HILL residents will come together to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation weekend.

The Coronation Big Lunch will see families, friends and neighbours break bread at the Memorial Hall on Wood Lane on what promises to be a joyous occasion.

The commemorative event is open to all, with children invited to make a crown to wear throughout the afternoon - a prize will be given to the best one.

Visitors need only turn up on the day with their lunch. Prior booking is not required.

The event will take place from 12.30pm3.30pm on Sunday, May 7.

Welcoming girls in Year 7

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Open Morning: Saturday 13 May

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n For more information, visit: www.bhmh.org.uk rbcs.org.uk

10 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 27, 2023

Red carpet showcase for CLASP

B y T r a c y S t o n e , C l i n i c a l H y p n o t h e r a p i s t

Recently I was a guest speaker at a conference for entrepreneurs and business people from all over the world I was not the first speaker to take the microphone I took to the stage after several other enthusiastic and intensely driven speakers had seized their opportunity to inspire and motivate the conference participants about their ability to build and conquer their multimillion dollar ideas and businesses

The energy was high but something was off I watched the participants as each speaker whipped them up with their ‘can do’ positivity and techniques I watched the audience as the speakers left the stage I was intrigued by their body language and facial gestures which told me they were excited at the potential of what they had just heard, yet many also looked wistful and defeated

When my time came to speak, I asked if they were enjoying the conference A resounding ‘Yes’ I then asked for a show of hands of who was excited to go and build their multi-million dollar business Another resounding response of hands excitedly reaching up high in the air Then I asked for a show of hands of those who felt that building a multi-million dollar business was beyond their capabilities and resources About half the room put their hands up, somewhat sheepishly Finally, I asked who felt that they were in the wrong room and didn’t belong among all the success-magnets around them About a third of the room raised their hands

It was at this point that I informed them that I was here to speak directly to them To the people who doubted their ability to succeed The people who felt the acute pressure to deliver something big but believed it to be beyond them The people who felt like imposters in this room full of driven go-getters In the following minutes I looked them in the eye and shared with them some important truths

If you feel like those people who raised their hands and admitted that they felt like imposters among a sea of successful high achievers, I am here to share those same truths with you too

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More people around you than you realise suffer from imposter syndrome also

Nobody else sees you as an imposter

You are already doing much better than you realise

You have valuable skills, experience and energy

You weren’t just lucky and you didn’t get to where you are by accident

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- it’s not up to others to persuade you

So, choose to believe that you are talented, knowledgeable, experienced, creative, energised, motivational, spectacular and are in the right place at the right time to work your magic

PARTICIPANTS in a talent show enjoyed the red carpet treatment for a movie premiere of their own making.

Members of Wokingham CLASP, a self-advocacy charity for adults with learning disabilities, gathered at the WADE Day Centre in Wokingham to watch the first screening of a movie version of their performance.

Filmed by Silk Purse Productions, it showcased the many acts that took part in the show, held at The Whitty Theatre last month, and was sponsored by Wokingham In Need.

For the screening, CLASP members dressed up as if it was a West End premiere.

A spokesperson said: “It was wonderful to relive the show and see how supportive the group are of each other as they clapped and cheered each other on.

“There was a wonderful spread and a

ON

SCREEN:

Members of CLASP enjoyed watching their talent show

great time was had by all.

“This fabulous event was organised, sponsored and hospitality provided by local charity Wokingham in Need.”

n For more on CLASP and its meetings, log on to: www.claspwokingham.org

Hurst plans a feast of fun to help celebrate King Charles’ coronation

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

CORONATION activities galore are being planned to mark the occasion – and create some fun.

There’s a screening of King Charles III’s coronation in Stanlake Meadow, Twyford on the big day, Saturday, May 6. A children’s movie will also be shown. Entry is free.

Billed as the Coronation Picnic in the Park, there will also be a bar, food and music from local band Box Set. Times are to be confirmed. Updates will be on the Twyford Parish Council Facebook page.

The parish council, Twyford Beer Festival and Twyford Together are organising the event.

At the Wheelwright’s Arms pub in Davis Way, Hurst the coronation will be screened on the television in

Are

the public bar area. There will be a barbecue from 5pm-9pm and live music, in the garden if the weather is good, from 5pm to 10.30pm. Entry is free. It’s advisable to book a table as more than 50 people have already booked.

St Nicholas Church at Hurst is inviting everyone to join them for afternoon tea on Monday, May 8, 2pm4pm. Scones, jam, cream and unlimited hot drinks will be on sale for £5 per person. There will be ice creams and also children’s craft activities

in the parish room.

Also on May 8 there is a Coronation Colour Run being organised by Twyford Youth Centre at the King George recreation ground, Twyford.

The run is part of the centre’s Big Help Out giving their young people a volunteering opportunity to raise funds for the centre.

Those signing up in advance at www.tdyc.co.uk/ colour-run will receive a

PARTY TIME: The Wheelwright Arms is celebrating the King’s coronation

medal though they cannot guarantee medals for everyone signing up on the day. Tickets are £7.50 for all ages.

The idea is to run one, two or three laps of the recreation field, ie up to three km.

The powder paint may stain clothes, so they suggest wearing a cheap white T-shirt for maximum effect. Arrive for 10am to register. The race starts at 10.30am.

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Picture: Sue Corcoran

LABOUR’S role in Wokingham Borough’s ruling partnership has been positive according to its leader, Rachel Burgess.

The councillor for Norreys ward said that residents are always the top priority for the party, and coming together with the independents and the Liberal Democrats following last May’s local elections was therefore the right thing to do.

“I know from talking to lots of residents on the doorstep that people want to see politicians working together,” she says. “We hear time and time again, ‘Why can’t you all just work together?’ I know it’s something residents value, and the Partnership has been the best way to ensure cross-party working.”

She said that key to going into the agreement was Labour councillors being able to keep their independence when it came to voting on council agendas.

“It allowed us to provide constructive scrutiny of the ruling Liberal Democrat group, which is vital for good local government.

“The Conservatives have, many times, called it a coalition and that’s not correct at all. There are no Labour members on the ruling group. There were disagreements (with the Lib Dems) in terms of some of the policies and we were able to handle those in a respectful way.”

She felt the partnership enabled the council to make “some really bold and difficult decisions”, including changes to waste collection.

“These are issues that, when the Conservatives were in power and had a majority, were never even presented to the rest of the council as decisions that might be made,” she says. “Instead, the Conservatives ran down the general reserves in order to balance the books because they weren’t prepared to make those difficult decisions.

“The votes of non-Conservative counsellors have enabled some of those really difficult decisions to be really tackled head-on.

“I think there has been a greater emphasis on supporting people with a cost-of-living crisis and people who are in poverty, which is something that the Labour group absolutely supports.”

That includes a full review of the local welfare provision scheme, aimed at helping people in a financial crisis.

“What I noticed is its budget was never spent, people didn’t know about it,” Rachel says. “Our contribution as part of that partnership has been to completely review it, and it’s going to be utilised much more effectively to make a real difference to, probably, a fairly small number of families, but a real difference to people who find themselves in difficulty.”

Labour’s representation on the council has been minimal with, at times, just a single councillor in the chamber. Its highest representation so far has been four councillors, but this doesn’t phase Rachel.

“We are a very small group and I hope we get more councillors in the upcoming elections, but we’re probably known for two things: we are very hard-working, and we punch above our weight. We’re not afraid to stand up and say if we think something is wrong. We’ve been very strong opposition over the years.

“Even though we’re a small group, we’ve definitely made our voice known. We’ve actually had an impact and people have listened to us, our views and our Labour values.”

And she expects any new Labour faces in the chamber to carry on with that ethos.

“Any councillor that gets elected for Labour you know they’re going to be really hard working – you can’t get selected as a Labour candidate unless you’ve got that hard-working ethic,” she says.

“It’s really important to have a greater diversity in the council. It’s still two-thirds men, for example. We need a greater diversity and that is something we’ve really tried to do in the candidates we’ve put up. Any councillor that does get elected for Labour, they’re going to work really hard in your community, and in your area.”

An example of this is the Rose Street crossing, which Rachel herself had been campaigning for over the past three years, just one of a number of road safety issues she has focused on.

“I’ve been able to show the strength of opinion on some of these issues,” she says, adding that this is part of a wider picture of the partnership working for the benefit of residents, including the cycling and walking infrastructure plan.

“What we’ve called for is for more transparency around how some of these projects are prioritised. What if, say, a petition goes in for a crossing, what happens after that? What do officers do? How do they prioritise that, does it go into a black hole? That was a motion from a Labour councillor and that was passed.

“It also shows the lack of funding for the council. It can’t fix every single pothole just like that because they don’t have the funds to do so. That’s due to years of cuts to local councils.”

These cuts, Rachel feels, meant the council tax rise of 4.99% was a necessary evil.

“I can’t really overstate how difficult though the financial situation is for our council and most councils around the country, that the financial pressures are absolutely immense,” she says. “The council officers worked tirelessly to find savings. It was extremely, extremely difficult.”

The reasons include 13 years of austerity, the war in Ukraine, and the pandemic. “But we’ve also had a disastrous mini budget by the Conservatives, which crashed the economy and has contributed to the situation that we find ourselves in.

The Conservative government haven’t got a grip on inflation. The mini-budget made everything so much worse.

“There was absolutely no choice: the Lib Dems had to put up council tax to that to the maximum … but council tax rises are not the long-term solution. Residents should not have to foot the bill for what is essentially Conservative incompetence.”

The price rises for the car parks is another issue the Lib Dems had no choice over, Rachel says. “The Conservatives dodged the issue for years. If they had increased it by a small amount every year over five years it wouldn’t be such a big hit to residents and businesses.”

The increase is in line with other local authorities: “Let’s be honest, none of us wants to see the car parking charges go up, we don’t want to have to pay more and we don’t think residents should. It was a difficult decision the ruling group had to make. There simply is no other choice.”

Waste collections switching to a fortnightly pattern is another difficult decision, but Rachel feels it is the right one: “It makes environmental sense, and an overwhelming financial sense. Our neighbouring authorities did it years ago and they increased recycling rates.

“By bringing in the changes, the council will end up making massive savings of around £1.5m.

“I’m sure the ruling group and the officers are very much bearing in mind any proposed changes the government is bringing in.”

When it comes to a vision for the borough’s future, Rachel says a change in government would bring significant change.

“I’d like people to be able to get a doctor’s appointment, I’ve lost count of the number of residents that have contacted me, just distraught, because they can’t get a GP appointment, and there’s very little that the council can do about that,” she says. “I’d like to see people not have to wait in A&E for hours and hours.

“If we had a Labour government, they would use funds generated from changes in tax to radically expand NHS workforce.

“Labour has said we would, if we were in government, we would freeze council tax, funded by the windfall tax on oil and gas.

“It’s an easy thing to say, isn’t it? We need a change in government, but it’s absolutely true. That’s the only way we’re going to see real change in Wokingham.”

Would Labour go into a partnership again after the local elections? Rachel says it’s too early to say. “We don’t know what the make-up of the council will be until after the elections, but we will always look to find agreement with other parties, not just the Lib Dems, because that’s what residents want to see. We will look to find agreement rather than disagreement.”

“Residents can use these elections to send a message. Every vote for the Conservatives would be a message to the Conservatives in Westminster that people don’t care about the way they trashed the economy, there’s a massive tax break for the top 1% on their pensions, that the government has no grip on inflation and our economy is lagging behind our peers.

“I know that people do care, and if they want change I urge them to send that message by voting Labour.

“If you vote for a Labour councillor, you are voted for a councillor who will always put residents first and not just tow the party line. They will be really hard working.

“It’s tough to get elected as a Labour councillor in Wokingham, we have to always keep working all year round. We will never be the kind of councillor that just pops up when elections come around, they will always put residents first.”

FOR THE past 12 months, the Liberal Democrats have been running Wokingham Borough Council, thanks to a partnership agreement with Labour and the two independents. For council leader Clive Jones, it has been quite the journey.

“It has been an enormous thing for us to take over running the council,” he said. “A few years ago we had less than 10 councillors. When I was elected in 2016, we only have five, so to take over running the council was a massive achievement for us,” he says.

“We were really pleased to be able to work with other political parties to form an administration. We did offer chairs to committees to the Conservatives, but they rejected those offers – they didn’t want to make a positive contribution to the council. They actually prefer to disrupt council meetings.

“It was disappointing to read last June how they were going to interrupt speeches, and challenge the mayor’s authority. That’s not really a responsible thing to do.”

Clive feels the Lib Dems have made an impact. “We have given the council strong financial credibility, something recognised by the Local Government Association. They did a peer review before we took it over and six months after. They said there has been a palpable improvement in the way councillors and officers are working together six months into the new Lib Dem administration.”

He was also proud of the way the council had improved relationships with town and parish councils, schools, local businesses, the voluntary sector, the university, and health providers.

One of his first acts as leader was to write to the government calling on them to take action over housing numbers, while they have also approved a new library for Twyford, secured funding for two additional SEND (special needs) schools, begun work on a covid memorial wood in Rooks Nest, supported families on low incomes, among other initiatives.

“It’s been a pretty busy year for us,” he says.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Just before the election period, the two independent councillors quit the partnership accusing the Lib Dems of bullying one of them.

“We worked very well together for 11 months, and then the independents wanted us to do a few things, such as changes to the local plan, which we had been telling them for months that we weren’t able to do,” Clive explains. “So, they said it was time for us to leave as they hadn’t got what they had wanted.

“I don’t think there was any bullying whatsoever, definitely not.”

In this election, the Lib Dems will be looking to make gains, possibly enough to gain full control of the council. Why should residents trust them?

Clive says it’s because they have provided stability to the council and offered a new way of working.

“We realise we do not have a monopoly on all the good ideas, which is why we have been happy to work with other groups on the council. We will be happy to work with them after May, whatever the result,” he says.

On housing numbers, he says there are signs the government is listening and that campaign will continue, while pushing for getting more affordable one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes built.

“Financial stability is very, very important to Liberal Democrats,” he adds. “We have balanced the books in very difficult times, we’ve prioritised need, rather than political popularity.

“When we took over the running of the council, within a couple of hours, we were told that there was a £4 million hole in the council’s budget –so much for being left a very well run financially sound council. We weren’t, we had to clear up the mess that had been left by the Conservatives.”

He adds: “There’s still much to do to continue improvements here. Liberal Democrats, if we’re elected, will continue to offer financial competence and compassion to our residents.”

The local plan, and its delayed appearance, is an election issue. Cllr Jones says the existing one runs until 2026, and they are working on the new one which they inherited. Their plans come against indications from the government that there will be changes to the way housing numbers are allocated to councils.

“It looks like we’re going to be able to take into account previous over delivery and the 5% buffer that has been imposed on councils is going to disappear,” he says.

“If these two things happen – and we should know within a few weeks – then we will be able to take 2,000 homes out of the local plan. That will make a big difference.”

On increasing car parking charges, he says no one wants to make the rises, but “we were faced with a big hole in the council’s budget, with the last Conservative administration just far too optimistic about the revenue they were going to get. We had to find this extra £600,000-£800,000 to plug the hole.

“We can’t approach finances like the Conservatives did last year, just burying their heads in the sand and hope something will turn up next year and it’ll be alright. That’s not the way to be running a council.

“If the Conservatives had put modest increases in car park charges over the last five years there would not be the need to put them up as we have done.”

He said the decision had been taken after “listening very carefully” and some of the proposed increases had been reduced. Evening charges are now just £1.

Is it fair to say the Lib Dems have been listening when they ignored a petition over changes to waste collection, signed by 4,000 people? And why make changes to blue bags when the government might be forcing

‘We’ve had an impact. People have listened to our Labour values’ LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

‘We have given the council credibility, recognised

council strong financial by the LGA’

WOKINGHAM’S Conservatives are campaigning on a platform of axing some of the changes proposed by the Liberal Democrat-led partnership: car parking price increases, the budget allocated for pothole fixing, and changes to the doorstep waste collection services.

But that’s not all the party is standing for. The party’s leader, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, says they are keen to make travelling around Wokingham easier, for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

“We believe in trying to deal with congestion, and we are very keen to promote more, safe, off-road cycleways and paths,” she says. “We don’t want to shut roads or reduce the opportunities for people to get about their normal business.

“We’re very much a party of enabling people to do the right thing rather than punishing them.”

that we did the year before,” she says, adding that saying not enough funding was coming from central government was “an excuse”: “They’ve frozen expenditure on potholes, which suggests to me they’re not interested.”

In February, the Conservatives presented an alternative budget, which they say would have found £2.2 million in savings, some of which could have been diverted into road maintenance.

a different system on councils?

Clive says he can’t see the government proposals of up to seven bins per home becoming a reality, but the Lib Dems’ plans would save £1m a year and were only being introduced following a consultation which gave approval for the plans.

“Lots of residents will have read in Conservative Leaflets that Liberal Democrats are scrapping weekly waste collections. That’s just another example of the Conservatives’ very casual relationship with the truth,” he says. “There will be weekly collections of food waste, and alternate week collections of generate waste and recycling. That system is used by 85% of councils in the country and it improves recycling rates.”

What is his big vision for Wokingham? Unsurprisingly, it starts with the Lib Dems continuing to run the council.

“I don’t want to see the Conservatives coming back into power in Wokingham and it’s my belief that the vast majority of the residents of Wokingham do not want to see the Conservatives coming back into power,” he says.

“Local Conservatives are becoming just like the national Conservatives. They can’t be trusted to be honest and truthful with the electorate.

“I want to see political parties continuing to work together for the collective good for all our residents.

“I want a council that listens and consults properly with residents and improved resident services making it easier for them to access services from both digital and non-digital channels.

“We need a council leadership with a proven record of financial competency and the leadership that will not shy away from taking difficult and unpopular decisions to ensure the financial stability and viability of the council.”

He feels that after a year in power, Wokingham is now in a much better

financial situation, something achieved despite inflation being over 10%, and Wokingham being the lowest funded unitary authority in the UK.

“The average local authority gets an extra £30 million a year more than Wokingham. Imagine what we could spend that on – schools, adult social care, more cycleways, potholes and resurfacing of roads.”

And the budget is an issue. He says the Conservatives took £2.3 million out of general reserves to plug a hole in their revenue budget, which meant there wasn’t enough in reserves for this to be done again.

“We had to make savings and change the way the council was working to plug that gap,” he says.

“We didn’t have the luxury of being able to carry on with the deficit they had. We have put the finances right.

“Liberal Democrats believe very, very strongly in sound finances, and I would say we are much, much better at running the council’s finances than the Conservatives have been in the last couple of years.”

He continues: “Residents should vote Liberal Democrat because we will continue to suggest ways that the government can reduce housing numbers, and we can have more affordable housing.

“Hopefully we will continue to make some progress here.

“Liberal Democrats can be trusted to ensure that the council has a balanced budget and sound financial management. We have demonstrated this over the last year.

“Liberal Democrats care about the least well off, and those who, through no fault of their own, are struggling in the current cost of living crisis.

“We will work with others to create conditions in which everyone in our community, regardless of their background, has an opportunity to realise their full potential and lead happy and fulfilled lives.”

She says her administration had been working on initiatives such as smart traffic lights but this had been “scrapped by the Liberals”.

The party would get the local plan, which determines housing plans, finished. It had been started by the Conservatives but had to be redrawn after the Ministry of Defence rejected plans for Grazeley. The Liberal Democrats have not produced their first draft yet.

“I’ve been working very closely with our local MPs to try and protect the borough as much as possible from development and I’m very, very keen to reduce the housing numbers further,” she says. “We’re happy to have some development, but it needs to be in the right place and sustainable.

“The Liberals kicked it down the road and … they now look like they’re fighting like a bunch of rats in a sack to decide where the new development is going to be, which opens us up to planning by appeal.”

A key policy for the party is to put the right schools in the right places. Given the party was in charge of the borough’s education over the past 20 years, and led the move of Farley Hill Primary School and building a SEND school next to a motorway, isn’t this too little, too late?

“It’s a new thing for us,” Pauline says. “It’s come about largely from people being unable to get to their nearest school because it’s over subscribed. It creates congestion, and pupils can’t go to school with their friends.

“We need a longer-term strategic plan,” she adds. This would come from expert forecasters, to ensure it is properly mapped and take into account people coming in from outside the borough, such as people from Hong Kong and Ukraine, which is difficult to estimate.

Last May, the Conservatives lost six seats, taking the council to no overall control. A partnership agreement – which the Conservatives call a coalition – saw the Liberal Democrats take charge.

How have the Conservatives found the transition to opposition? Pauline says it has been an interesting time.

“It’s quite a change, but I think I’ve got used to it,” says Pauline. “I’ve used the period to reflect on the various policies we’ve got. I’ve been very active on social media, and been out and about a lot

listening to people and trying to persuade them that the other parties need to do what residents want them to do.”

Her opposite number in the Liberal Democrats says that they offered chairs of the various council committees to the Conservatives. Why didn’t they take them?

“We were fundamentally not part of the partnership,” Pauline says, adding that the two independent councillors left it before the campaign trail started because they felt they were being taken for granted, not being given information, and being bullied.

“We didn’t want to be part of that. We want to be part of an organisation that is listening to residents, trying to solve problems and bring their arguments back to the council. We have, however, been active on scrutiny, we’ve been very constructive, and produced ideas.”

She adds that her party have been happy to support the Lib Dems and Labour when they agreed with them.

Last summer, Wokingham Today revealed a secret document that unveiled their plans to be disruptive in council meetings. Pauline says she won’t comment on leaks, but asked voters to judge the party on their activities: “we’ve behaved very well in council meetings, we haven’t tried to disrupt things. We have used standing orders to make points for residents when they need to be made”.

Her party, she adds, wasn’t the one calling for changes to council rules to control debate in the chamber: “We use the rules to make sure we represent residents”.

There are some policies that her party have been critical of: proposals to increase car parking fees, scrap weekly waste collections, and to freeze the budget for road maintenance.

“Car parking is a big issue in Wokingham town,” she says, “There are quite a few local employers who open on a Sunday and now won’t. Their apprentices will lose a massive amount of their income because of the new charges.”

She says her party didn’t increase fees due to the covid pandemic, and trying to protect businesses: “If you put up car parking too much, you will end up with empty premises and people without jobs. That’s not what we want.

“What we’ve said is this year we would not increase car parking if we get in, but next year we will look at the economic environment and we will probably increase it by the rate of inflation, presuming the economic environment and the state of the shops is good.”

Before she became leader, Pauline was the executive member for highways, so she understands the issues caused by potholes.

“The Liberal action of freezing the budget for road maintenance is completely ridiculous given the level of inflation. They’ve repaired less potholes this year

“We’ve pledged we wouldn’t touch front-facing services, so you can be sure that if you elect the Conservatives, you will have the same amount of money spent on schools and adult social care.”

But the chief financial officer’s verdict on their sums was that it would add a “sizeable risk” to the council’s finances. Is their budget reckless?

“I don’t think so,” says Pauline. “He said that because he hasn’t got all the detail … he had a week to look at it. Most of the data we used was provided by the finance officer in the first place, so we’re not making it up.

“We’ve run the budget for 20 years and we’ve got a lot of experience in delivering budgets that work for residents. I suggest it will be fine and people should give us the opportunity to prove that.”

The Conservatives want to keep the blue bag waste system, but the government is to announce a shake-up after the local elections. Surely pledging to keep the status quo is a folly?

Pauline says she is not convinced that leaked plans – suggesting households will have to pre-sort waste into seven bins – is entirely correct.

On Wokingham’s plans for wheelie bins, she says the Conservatives have been asking for a business case since last summer as part of the scrutiny process.

“The only thing it seems to do is there’s a vague view it might increase recycling. That’s not borne out of any data we’ve been given,” she says. “We still haven’t got the business case. We think there are other ways to increase recycling without penalising residents with piles of nappies that they might not want hanging around the house for two weeks.

“If Liberals thought it was such a good idea, why didn’t they give residents the options of retaining the existing system when they consulted? They didn’t because they knew what the answer would be.”

As to why people should vote Conservative on May 4, she says: “Wokingham borough is a great place to live and I want it to stay that way.

“It’s not perfect however, and there are things that we need to fix.

“Residents deserve a group of councillors that will actually listen to them and do the right things.

“I want to deliver the best I possibly can for the residents of the borough.

“We need to get on and get the local plan sorted out.

“I’m very, very keen to make sure that we listen to residents and make the changes that need to be made. I’ve been very detailed in the manifesto – I noticed some of the party’s manifestos really don’t say anything.

“We’ve been really detailed, and I can promise people that what we’ve put in the manifesto we will deliver given the chance.”

‘We’re a party of enabling people to do the right thing’

Reader travel

TORQUAY Weekend

WOKINGHAM DECIDES

VOTE 2023

‘The WEP is making a difference’

FOUNDED in 2015, the Women’s Equality Party has a branch in Reading and Wokingham headed up by Louise Timlin. While still a relatively new political entity, it is growing and recently held an event that attracted more than 100 people.

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“It was founded by Catherine Mayer and Sandi Toksvig, who felt quite frustrated that women’s voices were not being heard and represented in national politics,” Louise says. “Almost on the spur of the moment, they decided to form a national political party. I think their first manifesto was written around the kitchen table with enthusiastic volunteers.”

Louise says she joined early on, saying she felt so passionate about the WEP’s aims she had to be part of it. Since then, she has organised events to raise awareness, and has stood for election in Evendons ward in Wokingham borough. She is the party’s only candidate locally this year.

What does the party stand for?

forward, and we work collaboratively.

“We’re not about adversarial party politics. We have policy solutions that are well researched.”

As an example, she cites childcare as an issue that had been “ignored and ignored and ignored”, but no longer: “Finally, we have the Conservative Party making really big announcements about how they’re going to drastically change childcare provision. Labour are still working it out and we’re waiting for details for their announcement. This is because of the campaigning that organisations like the Women’s Equality Party have made – we are making a difference.”

funds. This went on for over a year, and we were unable to get the old administration to really collaborate and listen to find a solution.

“Prior to the last local elections, we sat down with the Lib Dem leader and members of the party, talked through what had happened and why, and what some of the solutions could be. We also talked about how to prevent it happening in the future.

“They were more than happy to sit down and listen and apply those learnings going forward. That’s the kind of collaboration I think we can bring to politics locally.”

As a party with no councillors and one candidate, it’s clear they have to work differently to make their voice heard. How are they engaging with the public?

“We’ve had stalls at various fairs, and we want to talk to people to find out what are the important things that matter to them locally,” Louise says.

“We have also had petitions.

lot of time, but we’re trying to do as much as we can, because we want to engage with people as much as possible.”

She also says the aggressive nature of politics can put people off standing.

“One of the reasons I’m standing is to say politics doesn’t have to be this way, it can be done in a collaborative way that’s for the benefit of everybody. This means it will be a more attractive place for a more diverse group of people and the more diverse the council is, the more different people’s voices get represented, and we can really represent everybody in our community.”

On council tax increases, Louise says that councils are being squeezed for funding, and this has an impact on women as they are more likely to use public services.

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In a nutshell, equality: equal pay and opportunity, equal representation in politics and industry, shared parenting, equal education, equal treatment in the media are all things Louise mentions. And the party also wants action on violence against women and girls.

“In every one of those key policy areas, we still have gaps that are not being addressed at the national or local level by any party,” she says.

The WEP is small, and funded by donations – no billionaire donors Louise explains. “I think for the size of party we have, we make a real influence, we’re able to bring issues

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Locally, Louise says the main focus is currently on Wokingham, and says that they have also been trying to work collaboratively with the council on a number of issues.

“A really key example is domestic abuse services in Wokingham,” she says. “We had a situation where the previous, Conservative, administration changed the service provide for its domestic abuse services and the new contractor was being paid and contracted to provide a women’s refuge but were unable to – it’s not something you can just immediately set up from scratch.

“We had the old provider continuing to provide a refuge through charitable

“People are really interested in what we do, why we do it, and talking about the issues. In general, we’ve had a really positive response.”

This is the third time she has stood as the only local candidate for the party, and understandably the campaign trail can be a lonely path.

“It’s really hard work, particularly when you come from a small party with a smaller number of volunteers, and less money,” she explains. “It’s mostly women with paid jobs and unpaid jobs that we try and do on top of this.

“There’s a big expectation from residents, and I completely understand this, that they want you to go round and knock on doors. It takes an awful

“When public spending gets cut, it’s women that bear the brunt of that disproportionately,” she says. It’s really important to take a really deep look at proposals being made.

“While there might be a need to raise more finances, we’ve got to make sure that the people who are going to be impacted are supported.”

So why should people get behind the Women’s Equality Party, not just on May 4, but going forward?

“We are small, but we have influence on the national and local level,” Louise says adding that she wants voters to think about the issues that matter to them, rather than voting along party lines.

“Take a bit of time, think about what the party’s stance is on these issues, what their track record is, how hard they’re going to work. Take a little bit

of time and see what the candidates have been doing, how well are they embedded in the community? How do they understand the issues?

“This is about where we live, we’ve got to make sure we have the best people representing us and they’re really standing up for us.”

She adds: “The Women’s Equality Party makes sure that issues that matter to women are raised, that they’re heard and they’re active.

“I really think my track record speaks for itself. I’ve been really engaged in the community I worked at the Community Hub during covid, I was a vaccinator, I used to run groups for the NCT, and was a school governor.

“We want to show that politics can be done differently. And we want to show what can be done with a different style of politics and with collaboration. I really think that we can make a difference.”

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Guest Speaker

Tesco must act on parking spaces

THE RESIDENTS who received a rude surprise in the post are right to be shocked.

The space outside the Tesco store in Finchampstead Road is, for all intents and purposes, a parking bay.

It might be a short stay, it might be one in which everyone can use while they pop in for the weekly shop.

Without any signage saying otherwise, it is hard to say.

It is disappointing therefore that residents are being hit with £70 fines for using this space, quite innocently.

We know that parking can be problematic – the fines issues for people who abuse Aldi’s parking spaces by Elms Field are correctly issued, for example. But here is it not as clear cut.

And it is disappointing that affected residents find the parking firm very difficult to talk to.

As with any problem of this nature, it all hinges on the starting point – without the correct warnings in place, these fines should not have been issued.

We hope Tesco sees sense.

Send us your pet pictures

Next week’s paper comes out on election day – we hope you will vote.

We won’t have our usual Viewpoints space as a result. Instead, we’ll print your pictures of your pets. You can email them to news@wokingham.today, or comment on our Facebook post.

CHURCH NOTES Ian

IHAVE travelled to the other side of the world to stand in front of the stained glass window before me at St Andrew’s Church in Plimmerton.

The window is a tribute to my childhood friend, Ian, whose journey ended some 20 years ago. A school and church friend who welcomed me, a ‘green behind the ears’ stranger of eight years, recently arrived from Christchurch.

As I reflect on Ian’s simple act of compassion many years ago it is Fr Richard’s words in Wokingham which remind me that a church is one of those rare places where you can meet everyone in your community, from eight weeks old to octogenarians, joined by a simple premise of being kind to others.

I am certain that the same could be said of a mosque, synagogue, temple or gurudwara for that matter. A simple premise that compels us to gather as a community to look after our neighbour as ourselves.

As we face the challenges and difficulties of 2023 then maybe now is the time to consider or return to our community of kindness?

‘Yeah, nah’, I hear you say, ‘I have plenty of existing connections into the community which work well with all the demands of daily living.’

Actually, that is perfectly understandable. So…., How about doing something kind for your neighbour?

Well ‘who is my neighbour?’, you may ask.

I suspect, if you look up and around as you finish this article, your neighbour will not be too far away.

Jason Searancke, from St Paul’s Church in Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches

Together in Wokingham

Your letters

Why did Shute End get resurfaced?

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

Perhaps the delusional ‘No Holes’ Fishwick can explain to everyone why the couple of shallow potholes in the road outside the Shute End council offices warranted its complete resurfacing for a significant distance in both directions? Curious indeed.

Meanwhile the cart track that is the Barkham Road just gets bitumen, often without any aggregate content, dolloped into the craters which exist almost every metre along its length. Journeys are a bone-jangling experience and involve swerving regularly to miss any number of suspension-busting holes, surface delaminations or the exposed ironwork of manhole frames.

Unfortunately, oncoming vehicles are doing the very same thing, so one has to choose between colliding with them and thudding into yet another void. Some choice.

Add to this at least two permanent water leaks and the result is a road surface that gives back alleys in any

From the stump

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen

IAM proud that during the Conservatives’ leadership of the Council, Wokingham Borough was consistently ranked one of the best places in the country.

We want to build on this success, whether people are here to live, raise a family, or do business.

We have published our manifesto because we believe it is important to be honest and clear with voters. It is important that all political parties are consistent and keep the promises they make. We want you to be clear what you’re voting for, and that you can hold us to account for it.

Central to all our policies is putting residents and local businesses at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring future Council consultations are meaningful. From talking to residents, from petitions, and from consultation results, we know that residents want

Indian city a run for their money (I know, I’ve driven them). Despite still being categorised laughably as a residential B-road, this is one of the major commuter routes in the borough, especially now the new housing at Arborfield Garrison is adding significant traffic loading. I say ‘laughably’ but no-one I know who has to use it is smiling.

I’d happily take the La-la Land councillor for a ride along it any time as maybe the experience would be sufficient to jolt him out of the enduring denial from which he obviously suffers. And whatever contractor carries out these ‘repairs’ needs to be given the boot pronto, to stop it pocketing any more of our money in return for such shoddy excuses for workmanship. My sixyear-old daughter could produce something of more longevity with her beach bucket, spade and some wet sand.

David Reid, via email

Not excellent reporting

We are lucky to have excellent journalism in our area from the Wokingham Today and other local newspapers. With democracy challenged around the world, I was excited to see a byline from a “Local democracy reporter”.

I hoped for coverage of our multiparty WBC coalition - or maybe fact checking election claims - or coverage of the negative impact of the new Voter ID laws. Any would be important local stories that bolster democracy.

Instead, I was horrified in the April 20 paper to see our “democracy reporter” publish a lengthy culture war attack under the clickbait headline: “Cancelled: MP receives ‘snub’ from politics society”. This

piece reports on local MP James Sunderland’s rescheduling of a speaking event by the politics society of the University of Reading (a student club). The piece quotes extensively from Mr Sunderland’s appearance on a partisan cable talk show in which he attacked the student group, then pivoted to an attack on “bias in our academic institutions” then moving on to a sweeping broadside on the “odious ‘cancel culture’ that harms us all.” What? All that because one student society postponed his scheduled date and challenged his immigration policies in a private letter.

Now Mr Sunderland is my MP with whom I’ve had several exchanges, so I am used to such responses. But a man who is published in Hansard and appears on national TV is never “cancelled”, not by a student society or anyone who challenges his policies. This is an overreaction, designed to divide and bully. It is shameful that a public servant would attack young students on national TV.

I hope for better of the Wokingham Today. We need democracy reporting, such as the topics mentioned at the start. Or, perhaps the paper could host a roundtable between Mr Sunderland and the student group where they debate immigration policies. But please, keep the culture war claims in the “letters” section, where they belong, not as news stories.

Tom Ross,

via email

Importance of free speech

I was appalled to read in Thursday’s Wokingham Today of our Bracknell MP, James Sunderland, having an invitation to speak at Reading University withdrawn. I have long had a significant distaste for Mr Sunderland’s party and most of its works but freedom of speech is vital.

n continuing our regeneration schemes to replace worn-out Council homes

n providing free food caddy liners to be collected at libraries and Council offices – to help residents recycle more

n continuing the Conservative programme of investment in leisure centres, libraries, parks, and playgrounds

Students do seem rather poorly informed these days; for example, they do not seem to know that the genetic diversity of the whole human race is very low, compared with that of most other mammals, and differences in race are superficial indeed.

Mr Sunderland is actually one of the better Conservatives, in my opinion, as was his predecessor, Dr Lee. I once heard Mr Sunderland admit that something he had recently said was incorrect, which is pretty rare for a politician.

John Sheridan, Finchampstead

Facts and alternative facts

In a recent copy of Wokingham Today I read a number of election related articles written by prospective candidates. It was disappointing that some candidates and letter writers seem to be keen to create a mix of “alternative facts “ and misunderstandings.

We had candidate one pushing the line that the current administration is responsible for the delay in the completion of a solar farm. Yet a few pages before that, was the clear statement by SSEN, that it was their inability to provide the connection that was the reason for the delay.

Thus, no matter which party had been in control, the connection will be delayed. Was the candidate unaware, were they poorly informed , or were they trying to create “alternative facts” of no accuracy, in order to mislead ?

Then we had Ms Jorgensen suggesting that the decay in the state of the roads within Wokingham borough has all occurred within the last 12 months. It seems, that she missed the effect of Westminster initiated deep cuts in road maintenance funding over the last

also one that they can ill-afford.

The Liberal Democrats’ record is one of dither and delay on planning and development, on education and schools, and on investing in the future.

The Liberal Democrats have no plan.

their Council to maintain weekly bin collections, invest in roads maintenance and anti-congestion measures, and scrap the punishing increase in car parking charges – and that is exactly what we will do.

Our manifesto puts your concerns at the centre of the Conservatives’ pledges.

We are also committed to:

n no cuts to customer-facing services

n keeping fees and charges fair

n ensuring the Council will have balanced and sustainable finances

n completing a new Local Plan to protect the Borough from planning by appeal while continuing to campaign to cut the Borough’s housing numbers

n supporting expansion of Bohunt School

n accelerating the installation of solar panels on school buildings – a programme started by the previous Conservative administration

n increasing capacity of Local Authority care homes to provide good quality care for residents who need it.

The Council has been nominated for awards in social housing, connecting residents to health and wellbeing services, delivering sustainability from the Wokingham regeneration, and working with the voluntary sector. All these nominations were for projects completed under the previous Conservative administration. We want to build on this work. We are ambitious for our Borough. We want residents and local businesses to thrive.

When residents made the decision to leave the Council with no overall control last May, they signalled that they wanted something different.

We accept that. But a year on, it’s becoming increasingly clear to local people that the Liberal Democrat-led experiment has not only failed, but it is

Under them parking charges are doubling, weekly waste collections are being cut, and road maintenance and pothole repair budgets have been frozen. What’s more, Liberal Democrats have ignored residents by disregarding consultations and petitions and attempting to stifle debate.

I believe you deserve better. You deserve an administration that will invest in services, not cut them.

You deserve to have your taxes and charges kept to a level you can afford. You deserve to have a Council Leader who will listen to you and actually act to cut housing numbers and plan for future development, not just talk about it.

You deserve to have a Council that will deliver on local communities’ priorities. You will get all this if you elect a Conservative administration on May 4.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen is the leader of Wokingham Conservatives, and ward member for Hillside. She is not a candidate in this year’s local elections

13 years. The accumulated national backlog is now estimated to be £14 billion. The £500 million or so extra allocated nationally, will take 28 years to deal with the backlog. Well, it would if the fact that roads have a maintenance cycle that runs from around eight years at worse for heavily used ones to 25 years or so for lightly used roads. Thus, the funding will just slow down the decay, not even arrest it and certainly not deal with it. The cuts were so prolonged and so deep during the last 13 years, that roads Nine Mile Ride had become the Nine Mile cart track.

One correspondent asked why some expensive equipment for fixing potholes had not been used more. I suggest, that it may be because the accumulated deficit in maintenance has resulted in such deep and extensive decay in the road structure, that using this machine would be like painting rotten timber. Having seen the result of the use of the system, it appears to only a short term repair system in many cases. We have roads where the surface has crumbled away in large areas, a hint that it was life expired and in needed replacement for some time. Now we have the additional substantial increase in cost to repair the damage to the foundations of an increasing number of roads, caused by inadequate maintenance over a long period.

Martin

Alder,

via email

Not the government’s fault

Next week we are all going to the Polling Stations, before you cast your vote think about what is happening today high living costs and more and more people going out on strike.

It isn’t the Government’s fault that prices rose but the troubles over the World i.e. the cost of vaccinations for Covid, war in the Ukraine and gas shortages etc etc.

We are all feeling the pinch but have to budget very carefully

If we had left it to the Labour and

From the stump

Lib Dem we would have waited longer for them to solve the problem and more deaths.

Alan, via email

Safe cycling for SEND school

I do not understand how a council that says it is encouraging active travel, would allow a new school to be built without the provision for safe cycling.

The new SEND school being built in Winnersh has built its new junction across an existing cycle lane, without putting in place a wide dropped kerb or raised surface. Also it is now building a path along the new access road that appears to be too narrow for pedestrians and cyclists. This is 2023 with a climate emergency!

Bridget Hobbs, via email

Over 50s and cycling

Vic Sarin (letter in last week’s Wokingham.Today) believes that walking and cycling ‘is NOT suitable for a town like Wokingham’, on the basis that the over 49 population is growing. He may be surprised to learn that the latest Office for National Statistics data shows that the age group which cycles the most for travel is 50-59, and that the over 50s walk on average a lot more than the under 50s. There are so many reasons why our local council should be making this easier and safer, not least because fitting exercise into your daily routine is a big factor in prolonging active life and reducing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Mr Sarin is welcome to not take part, but I am absolutely delighted that we have a councillor who is laying out a vision for the future of local travel that isn’t all about the car.

Adrian Betteridge, Wokingham

Keep it weekly, please

The Lib Dems have been saying that they are keeping weekly bin collections, despite forcing through their plan to move to collect general

waste and non-food recycling fortnightly from 2024. Why would that be?

It seems that with the election fast approaching the Lib Dems have realised just how unpopular their policy is. Their statement highlights the absurdity of their plans.

The collection lorry will indeed still turn up at your house every week, but it will just take less of your rubbish.

For this reduced service residents are going to be charged more (Council Tax, fees and charges have all gone up).

Wokingham Conservatives don’t think this offers residents value for money. If we are elected in two weeks’ time we are committed to retaining weekly waste collections as they are now and as a petition of 1,800 residents wanted.

The Lib Dems should be clear and transparent in their communication with voters. And if the Lib Dems think their policy is so great they should champion it.

Cllr Norman Jorgensen, Maiden Erlegh Music & Meditation

St Paul’s Church in Wokingham, with the South Berkshire Singers, stirred a large audience on Sunday, April 23, with an amazing Chorus and solo Sopranos, Bass and Tenor performance of The Messiah.

The beautiful Composition by G F Handel, tells the story of the birth and life of Our Lord, followed by his years of troubles before his giving his Life for us.

Such musical stories by masters such as Handel, are an ideal way of teaching Christianity to anyone who would listen.

I would like to praise the Organ playing and the singers all, plus an outstanding Trumpeter for the famous “The Trumpet Shall Sound”, not forgetting the Hallelujah Chorus!

Thanks for the great performance – keep offering such joy and pleasureeagerly awaiting another “story”.

Reg Clifton, Wokingham

with many impressive people in our community who devote their time to helping others. Working with our partners in the Hardship Alliance of local charities and voluntary sector organisations has increased our reach. By working together, we have been able to pool money, personpower, resources and information to maximise our ability to help.

ELECTIONS are about choices.

Above all, they are about you, as an elector, choosing who you want to represent you and your community. In these local elections, you will be deciding who you want to be your local councillor and who you want to run the borough council.

But if the most important choice is yours, political parties have choices, too. They can choose to fight elections on a negative or a positive platform. They can choose to play on people’s worries and fears, or they can appeal to people’s positive instincts - their compassion, their kindness and their community spirit.

We have chosen to fight a positive election campaign, making clear what we have achieved over the last year as a minority administration at Wokingham, and setting out the direction of travel that we would like, with your support, to follow.

That positive campaign reflects the way we have tried to run the council

Soft, strong and very long

As in any conflict, the first casualty of electioneering is the truth. Both Tories and LibDems have been equally guilty of perpetrating some absolute whoppers, if the content of what has plopped through my letterbox so far is any guide (I cannot comment on others, as nothing from them has hit the mat).

So, as the candidates strain over their final push to polling day, I have one heartfelt request: should they be planning to distribute any more leaflets, please could they be printed on softer paper, so that they can then at least serve a useful and fitting purpose in my household? Many thanks.

Charles Leigh, via

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Cllr Clive Jones

Listening and learning

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I’VE spent a lot of time talking to residents across the borough over the last few months. I’ve attended countless meetings and have had a very large number of doorstep conversations. I can honesty say that I have listened and learned.

What has encouraged me is how many people are very positive about the Liberal Democrats’ running of the borough council. I’ve encountered lots of residents – from Barkham to Twyford and from Wokingham Without to Woodley – who have noticed the difference we have made and approve of what we have been doing.

After 20 years of Conservative control, the residents of the borough voted for change in May 2022. They gave no party an overall majority, but as the council had to function, a new administration was formed, in which the Liberal Democrats were given support by councillors of other parties and none.

A year is a short time to put right all that needed to be corrected, but we have made a start and hope that you will enable us to continue our work to make the borough a better place to live and work. We couldn’t have achieved what we have done without the help of others. I want to thank council officers for their hard work and commitment to public service. I want also to thank all our external partners, who have worked with us so fruitfully over the last year.

Wokingham is full of good people who care about others. The generosity shown in helping us to raise money and mobilize people-power to tackle the cost-of-living crisis has been truly uplifting. I want to thank all those who have worked so tirelessly to help those who need help.

over this last year.

We have shared with you the challenges the council faces in a time of double-digit inflation, rising demand for services, shortfalls in anticipated income, high interest rates, and very limited core funding from the government. Despite these considerable challenges, which have driven many councils to the brink of bankruptcy, we have eliminated the inyear budget deficit we inherited and have set a sound, forward-looking and compassionate budget for 2023-4.

About 70% of our spending has to be devoted to statutory responsibilities – adult social care and children’s services. The remaining money we have has to cover everything else. We have sought to focus our limited discretionary spending power on helping those who most need help in these difficult times.

The cost-of-living crisis is affecting many families here in Wokingham borough, and we have been doing all we can to offer support.

We have been fortunate to work

We have also embarked on a new and more constructive relationship with the borough’s town and parish councils. The knowledge and expertise of the towns and parishes has not been sufficiently recognised by the borough council in the past, but we are now trying to establish a new partnership of equals. The aim is again to maximise the good we can do for the communities that make up the borough by more joined-up work.

I could give you many examples of where we have made a difference to those who need support – such as our successful bid for funding for two new Special Educational Needs schools, which will transform the lives of many families in the borough; or saving eighteen bus services from the threat of closure; or coming in with a rent increase for residents in councilowned housing below the government cap; or providing money to enable children who receive free school meals in term time to be supported in the school holidays.

I could also give you instances of where we have sought to help

the community more generally –such as our successful negotiations with schools that have meant that 96% of children will receive a place at one of their preferred schools in September (a record); or the designation of part of the Rook’s Nest Farm site for a Covid Memorial Wood, which will provide a place of quiet contemplation for families of the victims of the pandemic as well as help the council meet its climate emergency goals and save a muchloved green space from the threat of housing development.

But the way most people will judge us – and our opponents – is by values, not specific policies.

So let me tell you what motivates us. We believe in doing all we can to create conditions in which every member of our community –regardless of their background – can achieve their full potential and lead happy and fulfilled lives. That will not only benefit every individual; it will also benefit the community as a whole, as it will make our society more creative, more productive, more enriched, and more prosperous.

This is the vision that inspires us. If it inspires you, too, I hope you will support us in carrying on our work to make Wokingham borough a better place to live and work.

Stephen Conway is the deputy leader of Wokingham Liberal Democrats and their candidate in Twyford

We have sought to harness that good work and goodwill, and ensure we maximise our efforts to produce a coordinated response that reaches as many people in need as possible. We have also sought to learn from the expertise and experience of a wide range of people across the community; their knowledge and understanding helps us to make more informed and rounded decisions.

We have sought at all times to be positive and to find constructive solutions to the problems that the borough, its residents, and its businesses face. This year has been a tough one for the council as well as for many of our residents and businesses, but we have not shied away from tough decisions and we have always sought to engage and explain rather than impose. I have been lucky to lead such a talented group of councillors, with a breadth of experience and expertise that has been of great help.

I want to end with one of the things of which I am most proud. We have set out a route for a jointly-authored borough vision, created by the community, rather than the council, which will form the basis of the council’s own strategy and plans in the year ahead. We have sought to be inclusive and to produce a bottom-up set of aspirations, with the council acting as the public’s servant not its master. We have started with key stakeholders, such as town and parish councils, the voluntary and charitable sector, businesses, educators, health providers and the emergency services. The next stage will be to bring in members of the public, to ensure that the vision reflects what the community wants to see.

This a new and exciting approach that is in stark contrast to what has gone before. It exemplifies the approach that we, as Liberal Democrats, believe is the right one. We have sought to empower people to have more of a say over key decisions.

With your help on May 4, we can continue this.

Cllr Clive Jones is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council and ward member for Hawkedon. He is not up for election this year

Cllr

Cllr Stephen Conway

Tasha helps train new collaborative lawyers

A PARTNER at a Reading-based law firm is preparing to help train lawyers dealing with clients undergoing a family separation.

Tasha Bevan-Stewart, who worked for Blandy & Blandy, formed a team to work on a collaborative approach to divorce where there are families involved. The project is in conjunction with the family law body Resolution. Training had been paused during the early stages of the covid pandemic, and it has been adapted for the post-lockdown life.

“Collaborative divorce is a way for couples to sort out their financial and other arrangements with each of them having a lawyer present at round table meetings, adopting a constructive problem-solving approach,” Ms Bevan-Stewart said.

“It allows other professionals such as financial advisers to consult and be part of the team.”

Ms Bevan-Stewart is also co-chair of Resolution’s Collaborative Practice Working Party.

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

Entries open for awards

ENTRIES are now open for the 2023 Business Awards organised by the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce.

There are 10 categories with the closing date for completed applications on Friday, May 5:

n SME Business of the Year – sponsored by James Cowper Kreston

n Excellence in Sustainability – sponsored by SEGRO

n Export Business of the Year – sponsored by Heathrow

n Commitment to the Community – sponsored by Buckinghamshire New University

n Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by Saffery Champness

n Workplace Health and Wellbeing – sponsored by Doyle Clayton - Workplace law and advisory

n Employer of the Year – sponsored by IBB Law

n Most Promising New Business – sponsored by GEMS

n Equality and Diversity Award and Best Use of Technology

The Awards are free to enter.

n For full details and how to enter, go to: www. thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/business-awards/

Pharmaceutical container specialist wins King’s Award

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A PHARMACEUTICAL container specialist from Theale has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise.

Tower Cold Chain received the honour in the Innovation category, adding to the Queen’s Award for International Trade the company won last year.

The business develops and manufactures temperaturecontrolled containers for the transportation of life-science and biotech products. Its new honour is in recognition of its KTM container – a thermally insulated passive pallet shipping system, with a patented modular construction design.

To win, the team from Tower had to demonstrate outstanding commercial success over two years, attributable to the KTM.

The firm says that extensive investment enabled Tower to scale production at the beginning of the decade, a period that also coincided with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the KTM was widely used by pharmaceutical manufacturers to ship vaccines globally.

Its passive systems help

maintain the internal contents of the container within a specific temperature range for 120 hours, without any requirement for active control, electricity, or manual intervention.

The standard controlled temperatures are ambient (15°C to 25°C), chilled (2°C to 8°C), frozen (-15°C to -25°C) and deep frozen (-60°C to -80°C).

And Tower says the KTM has filled a gap in the cold chain shipping market, with its design striking the optimum balance between volumetric efficiency, durability, and optimised weight.

“To win any King or Queen’s Award requires the highest standards, so for Tower Cold Chain to receive awards in two consecutive years is a fantastic achievement,” said Niall Balfour, Tower Cold Chain’s CEO.

“With our industry-leading product, it is an incredible honour to receive such recognition for the KTM range as we continue to work with global pharmaceutical manufacturers, airlines and thirdparty logistics customers to deliver products to patients in a robust, reliable, reusable method.”

Renamed to reflect King Charles

III’s Accession, following Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the King’s Award for Enterprise remains to be the most prestigious business awards in the UK, with winning businesses able to use the esteemed award emblem for the next five years. The Awards recognise British businesses who excel in specific areas, including international trade, innovation, and sustainable development –two of which Tower has been endowed.

n For more information on Tower Cold Chain, visit: https://www. towercoldchain.com/

When in Rome ... estate agent’s valuations prize draw

PEOPLE who have a house valuation could find themselves far from home.

Romans Estate Agents is giving customers the chance to win a luxury weekend in Rome for every face-to-face home valuation and instruction of sale before May 15.

The prize includes a weekend in a luxury hotel in Rome for any date within 2023 – whether you want to take the family or have a kid-free break, you’ll stay in a hotel that suits your needs. Return flights are from a London airport – convenient and close.

Scott Caudwell, Regional Sales Director for Romans, said “We are thrilled to be able to offer something a little different for our homeowners. We’ve teamed up with Kuoni to offer the lucky winner a show stopper of an experience in an incredible Italian city and we can’t wait to announce

the lucky winner.

“The trip could include a premium transfer to your hotel, a stay in a luxury hotel and a cultural excursion, to see either the sights of the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon amongst others. Also included is £500 spending money for

food, drink, experiences and of course mementoes. Working with our partner Kuoni, you’ll be able to create a trip to suit your requirements worth up to a value of £5000.”

To enter the prize draw, applicants will need to have had a valuation of their home

The Colosseum in Rome - one of the places that could be visited by the winner of a contest organised by estate agents

Romans Picture: Andrea Albanese from Pixabay

The King’s Award for Enterprise 2023 has been awarded to Tower Cold Chain in Theale or have listed it with one of Romans’ branches before May 15. Homeowners who have both a valuation and also instruct Romans to list their home for sale, are eligible for two entries into the prize draw.

The winner will be chosen at random on Monday, May 22.

A week of celebratory events planned as Wokingham town marks coronation

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

PREPARATIONS are under way for Wokingham town’s Coronation celebrations.

Charities, organisations, schools, and services are teaming up with Wokingham Town Council to ensure there are inclusive activities across the town for everyone to enjoy.

The town will be transformed by coronation motifs, decorations and bunting, which will accompany celebrations held from Monday through to Friday of the Coronation week.

Post Box Topper Trail

People visiting Wokingham and the surrounding areas will also notice a number of post boxes wearing coronation toppers created by local crafting group, the Barkham Hookers.

A Post Box Topper Trail has been arranged, and a downloadable map has been created by First Days children’s charity, to help families hunt

for all the crocheted creations.

The Barkham Hookers have decorated the borough’s post boxes on other occasions too, most notably for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Gaynor White, founder of Barkham Hookers, said: ‘We’ve really enjoyed making post box toppers over the last few years.

“Being able to use our skills to raise a smile and bring people together is a wonderful thing.

“Many of the toppers will be within walking distance of the town centre, with others in the surrounding villages that can be cycled to.

“We were very busy making toppers for the Queen’s

Tea and Cake for ‘a crown’

Platinum Jubilee, and then to commemorate her death.

“It’s lovely to be able to celebrate the royal family in better circumstances this year, and to decorate boxes, this time, for the King’s Coronation.”

Maps can be downloaded from the Town Council website from May Day Holiday Monday, when The ‘topper trail will go live.

The Bradbury Centre Café Mosaic will be open for beverages and treats.

A slice of cake and a drink will be available to purchase, not for a crown (five shillings) but for £2.

The café will be open, serving special coronation refreshments from Tuesday, May 2 through to

Friday, May 5, from 10am until 2pm.

Coronation crafts and royal selfie opportunities

Café Mosaic will also be running a coronation craft session.

As well as enjoying craft activities, visitors will be able to take photographs of themselves with two special cut-out ‘guests’ standing by for selfies.

Everyone is welcome to come along and take a picture with the pair as a memento of the Coronation, on Wednesday, May 3, between 2pm and 5pm.

Children’s Colouring Competition

Children can take part in the celebrations, and display their artistic talents, by entering a colouring competition.

To enter, they’ll need to colour a picture of the new monarch’s crown, using their creativity and imagination to bring the image to life.

Children of all ages are invited to have a go at this

contest.

There are prizes to be won, and entries will be showcased on Facebook.

Wokingham’s May Fayre

In the run-up to the coronation, Wokingham’s May Fayre will be taking over the town, with plenty of children’s activities, fun fair attractions, stalls and street food to enjoy.

The theme this year is the Coronation, and it is hoped that the town will welcome thousands of residents.

People are encouraged to dress in red, white and blue, along with any union flag themed clothes they wore for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

May Fayre attractions will be located in Peach St, Denmark Street, Broad Street and Elms Field.

The event is part funded by Wokingham Town Council and takes place on Monday.

n For more information about Wokingham’s Coronation Events, vist: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk

READY TO PARTY: The Coronation couple will be standing by for selfies at The Bradbury Centre Café Mosaic. Picture: Wokingham Town Counii

Free taster sessions for young cricketers this Friday in Hurst

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

JUNIOR cricketers are being invited to free taster sessions in a campaign to encourage more young players at a local club.

Part of the fun at the Hurst Cricket Club tasters on Friday, April 28, will be a barbecue for the parents and their youngsters. The club bar will be open as well.

In past summers, Friday evenings at the club have been a social and cricketing highlight of the week for many families and other supporters.

Boys and girls are welcome on at the sessions for under 9s and under 11s between 5.45pm and 7pm, and for under 13s and under 15s between 7pm and 8.15pm.

Cricket club chairman Martin Garrard said Rob Dewey, who managed the under 9s team last year, had stepped up to organise the junior section, after previous coaches had to withdraw, the first because he moved to New Zealand, and

his replacement due to work commitments.

“Rob offered to reignite the [junior section]. We’re getting a lot of interest from people in Hurst and the surrounding area. The junior players are the bedrock for the future of the game. They are very important for us,” said Mr Garrard.

Mr Dewey is working with an enthusiastic group of people who, like him, are parents of young cricketers. He said: “We have teamed up with a professional coaching company Pure Cricket, they are providing coaches.”

Parents have been on an England Cricket Board training

session, organised through Berkshire Cricket at Wokingham Cricket Club, to learn how to support the coaches.

“We’ve started afresh. Twenty parents have met up to volunteer, get stuck in and make a go of it,” added Mr Dewey.

“To join the juniors you don’t need experience of cricket. The ethos is very much to get kids active, playing and having some fun.

“We welcome people from nearby and further away. It’s a welcoming environment here.

Tai Chi group’s charity event

”We’re delighted to have found a main sponsor for the juniors, Richard Boyden, of Hurst, who runs his exteriors cleaning business, Richard of Hurst. We’d love to hear from other sponsors.”

n To register for the tasters go to: https://forms.gle/ QinDd5Sz89Ht6StF6

There’s also cricket at Hurst for five to eight-year-olds under the English Cricket Board AllStars scheme. Run by Catherine Pearce of Hurst for the past four years, the course will start on May 8 on Fridays at 5pm for eight weeks. Children registering for All Stars receive a backpack including a cricket bat, cricket ball and a T-shirt with the child’s name on it.

n To register visit: https://www. ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars

Hurst Cricket Club, started in 1861, is also seeking some senior players. The first team finished second in the Thames Valley Division II last year. “That was very good,” said Mr Garrard.

The club has more than 25 players for the first team. They would be pleased to hear from all potential players, though the second team has a particular need for more.

n Details are at: https://hurst. play-cricket.com/Aboutus

A MEDITATION and exercise group will join Tai Chi practitioners around the world to celebrate World Tai Chi and Qigong Day.

Twyford’s Tai Chi for Well Being class, will run a meditation and movement session this weekend.

Instructor Tricia Miller says that all are welcome, including beginners. The session is free, but participants can contribute funds to a collection box in aid of Alzheimers Society.

The event is at Twyford’s Scout Hall, Loddon Hall Road, on Saturday, April 29. The class begins at 10am.

n For more information visit the group’s Facebook page

Spencers Wood

WOKINGHAM residents are invited to join a weekly needles and natter group.

Meetings take place on Mondays at Spencers Wood Village Hall, with members looking to develop their sewing and knitting skills.

Individuals of all skill levels and ages are welcome to attend. Beginners will be assisted by the more experienced members of the group.

Sessions run from 7.30pm9.30pm and cost £2 to attend.

n For more information, search: Spencers Wood Needle and Natter on www.facebook.com

Reader travel

TEAM MATES WANTED: Samuel Palmer at Hurst Football Club’s ground in Hinton Road, Hurst

Football club in Hurst appeals for more younger players to join

A FOOTBALL club is encouraging young players to join its teams.

Samuel Palmer, who coaches the Hurst Football Club under 16s in the season just ending and will follow them up as under 17s, said: “We need a few more players for the team from September.

“We have players from a wide area including Wokingham, Woodley, Wargrave, Charvil, Maidenhead and Twyford. For people who have recently moved into the new homes at Emmbrook we’re only just up the road. We’d be pleased to see them.

“We have our own pitch with ample parking at Stow Bridge

Field, just past The Green Man in Hinton Road, Hurst. We train there once a week on Mondays during British Summer Time and play our home games there.

“In the winter we train on the 4G artificial pitches at Cantley Park, Wokingham.” The team is currently in Division 4 of the East Berkshire Football League.

Samuel, an A-level student at The Piggott School, Wargrave, says potential players can be sure of a great welcome.

Another of the club’s boys’ teams, the current under 12s coached by Nick Roberts, would also like some more players. The team, which trains on Thursdays,

is in the Berkshire Youth Development League Division 2.

Contact Samuel and Nick by emailing: info@hurstvillage.co.uk

There’s coaching, known as Minis, for children from the age of five on Saturdays at 9am at Stow Bridge Field.

n Email Contact@hurstfc.org. uk or message by Hurst Football Club’s Facebook page for details.

n The Club’s Party in the Park live music festival is on Saturday July 1 from 6pm at the Stow Bridge Field, Hinton Road, Hurst. The event is a fundraiser for the club. Tickets are available from www.tickettailor.com/events/

of Lindisfarne & Alnwick Castle

 En-route visits to the Angel of the North & Durham

Departing Fri 16 Jun ‘23

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 3 nights at the Trecarn Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast

 Excursion to Exeter

Optional excursion to Sidmouth (£10pp)

CHANCE TO PLAY: Hurst Cricket Club is hosting taster days for youngsters on Friday, April 28

A day out by special train to Plymouth

The South Devon Explorer

Saturday 27th May 2023

From Reading. Join our special train at Reading for a day out to remember. We will be met by an historic steam locomotive at Bristol to steam along the Kennet and Avon Canal, through Somerset countryside and the Culm Valley to Exeter. A run along the famous Dawlish sea wall, one of Britain’s most scenic stretches of railway, will be a highlight of the journey. A break at maritime Plymouth provides chance to explore the Hoe and the old Barbican area with the Mayflower Steps or the city’s shops On the return our vintage train will leave our steam loco behind at Taunton to complete our journey diesel hauled.

• Premier Dining £295 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £195 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £130 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHP

Steam to seaside Minehead

West Somerset Steam Express

Saturday 22nd July, 12th Aug, 16th Sept 2023

From Slough and Reading. Enjoy a day out departing from Slough or Reading to the Bristol Channel coast by train featuring two historic steam locomotives. This seaside special will be hauled by a magnificent steam loco along the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal and through the pretty Vale of Pewsey. Our train will join the West Somerset Railway and a WSR steam loco will take over for the stretch past Dunster Castle and into the resort of Minehead, where you can enjoy the sea and sand before we steam for home.

• Premier Dining £285 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £185 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £115 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHQ

A day out to Cornwall The Royal Duchy

Sunday 30th July 2023

From Slough and Reading. Step on board our special train at Slough or Reading to enjoy a day out to Cornwall. We shall be joined by a magnificent steam locomotive at Bristol ready for an exhilarating run beside the Exe Estuary and along the famous Dawlish sea wall. The Royal Duchy will stop at Plymouth, where you can explore the Hoe, ancient Barbican, seafront or National Marine Aquarium. Alternatively, stay on board for Cornwall to Par, where we shall have coaches ready to take you to the pretty seaside village of Fowey or Charlestown, home to the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre and location for the BBC’s Poldark.

• Premier Dining £309 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £209 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £134 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHR

Bob Green

Bob Green

Bob Green

LEISURETODAY

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Any dream will do

From Flintlock to Joseph via The Tomorrow People ... via Radio 210 and Marc Bolan,

Stars Mike Holoway

FOR Mike Holoway, Berkshire

will always have a special place in his heart.

As the vocalist and drummer with the hit 70s band, Flintlock, TV and radio interviews were an everyday event. On one whirlwind tour, Mike found himself on the now-defunct Radio 210 which broadcast across the Thames Valley.

While waiting to be interviewed on a show hosted by Mike Read and Steve Wright - in the days before they moved to Radio 1 - Mike went to the Green Room where, for once, he admits he was speechless.

“There sitting on the sofa was Marc Bolan, one of my musical heroes and one of the greatest musicians in the business,” he said.

“It turned out we were both being interviewed on Mike and Steve’s show. I was just a teenager and was quite awed at not only meeting Marc Bolan but being on the same programme as him.

“While we waited to go on, we talked about music and did a bit of jamming. Before you knew it, we’d written a jingle for Radio210. We sang it on air and Mike and Steve loved it. Anytime I’m in Berkshire that memory

comes back and makes me smile.

“It was a very special moment.”

That memory will be rekindled when Mike, 62, returns to the region in Dreamcoat Stars, which features a host of big names.

The colourful show is packed with vibrant and energetic songs from the nation’s most loved shows including Joseph, Jesus Christ Superstar, SIX, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys, Les Misérables, Moulin Rouge and many more.

Amazingly, Mike was only 19 when he first played the role of Joseph in the Technicolour Dreamcoat and, even more amazingly, he reprised it until 2006, totalling more than 4,000 performances spanning a 24-year period.

“I never tire of singing Joseph,” added Mike

“It is such an uplifting show for all the family. It is the perfect show for parents to get their children interested in the theatre. I always look forward to performing songs from it in Dreamcoat Stars which also features many wonderful numbers from incredible musicals.

“My favourite is the Frankie Valli song, My Eyes Adored You, which has such beautiful lyrics. It always goes down well with audiences.

“The tour goes all over the country so I need to be careful about catching bugs. Fortunately, I have worked with wonderful voice coaches so I know how to rest my voice.”

Mike’s first appearance as Joseph was not his first-ever big stage event. He was only 10 when he began his music career with a group called The Young Revivals and was spotted by talent scouts.

The band changed its name to Flintlock and soon appeared on TV shows such as Magpie, Blue Peter and Top of the Pops. During a performance on ITV’s Pauline’s Quirkes featuring the Birds of a Feather actress when she was a teenager, a 13-year old Mike sang live while balancing on a large stage crane.

“I had to sign all sorts of waivers in case I fell off,” he laughed.

“I was more terrified of the hundreds of screaming girls who were just yards away. I loved it but at the same time I was scared in case they all rushed at me. On top of all

that pressure, I sang live so I was also focused on making sure I did it right.

“When I finished singing, the screaming got even louder but I had an amazing bodyguard who just lifted me up and said, ‘We’re getting out of here.’ It was quite surreal.”

As well as singing from a young age, Mike’s acting career had an equally youthful start, starring in the cult science fiction show, The Tomorrow People at the tender age of 12.

The programme ran from 1973 to 1979 with a memorable theme music composed by Australian Dudley Simpson, who also composed music for Doctor Who and Blake’s 7.

The Tomorrow People followed the adventures of a group of ordinary kids who turned out to be extraordinary, discovering their latent powers of telepathy, teleportation, intelligence and strength as they reached their teens, in a painful process known as ‘breaking out’.

“It was a pioneering show which broke the mould regarding science fiction,” explained Mike.

“Back then, we didn’t have any special effects techniques like digital and the sort of stuff that exists today,

which meant the writing and the acting had to be sharp, bold and intelligent.

“My favourite story from the series was Hitler’s Last Stand. I was around 15 at that time and I’d learnt a lot about acting from great people like Denis Waterman, George Cole and, believe it or not, Benny Hill who was a very intelligent and very knowledgeable man.

“The Hitler storyline was rather dark and serious but it was still suitable for the young audience we had because it was educational. What’s important on a subject like that is you are factual and don’t sensationalise or patronise.

“The Tomorrow People has never got old becoming a cult show winning a whole new young audience.”

The audience for Dreamcoat Stars can expect a less broody performance but one no less exciting, professional and just sheer fun.

n Dreamcoat Stars is at the Camberley Theatre on Sunday, May 28. Tickets are £26, with a £1 discount for Theatre Club members. For more details, or to book, call the Box Office on: 01276 707600, or log on to: www. camberleytheatre.co.uk

JAMES HASTINGS

it’s been a busy life for Dreamcoat

So, whodunit then?

AUDIENCE members will be left to pick up the pieces of a murder investigation at Shinfield Players Theatre.

Ravenscroft, a psychological drama written by American playwright Don Nigro and directed by Maggie Smith, follows Inspector Ruffing’s quest to get to the bottom of Patrick Roarke’s death. His arrival at the remote house where the heinous incident took place sees his journey become intertwined with the lives of five alluring and dangerous women.

Ms Smith expressed her excitement for opening night, describing the play as “unusual” due to one of its more unorthodox aspects.

She said: “Everyone is on stage at all times, no-one leaves during the entirety of the two acts, which is quite different, but it’s super super.”

The production overcame a significant hitch when the original Inspector Ruffing was forced to withdraw due to personal circumstances just three weeks before opening night.

Experienced actor Ashleigh Wells was drafted in and has done a stellar job.

“Ashleigh is married to the governess (Alana Wells), so I think there were some intensive practice sessions at home,” Ms Smith joked. “He’s stepped in and been remarkable.”

Ravenscroft uses dark comedy to tell each of the characters’ stories, which can be seen in the dialogue and characterisation, with speech

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell –South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk

01344 484123

Angela Barnes: Hot Mess. Thurs 27. A Celebration of Dance. Sat 29. Francis Rossi: Tunes and Chat. Tues 2. Forbidden Nights: Sexy Circus. Wed 3. Rich Hall: Shot From Cannons. Thurs 4.

Bracknell Jazz: Blue Town. Fri 5. From Gold

To Rio, The Greatest Hits of Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. Fri 5. The Golden Festival of Food and Music.

Sun 7-Mon 8.

Camberley –Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz

01276 707600

Solve-along-a-Murder-She-Wrote.

Thurs 27. Cloudbusting The Music of Kate Bush. Fri 28. Comedy Club. Fri 28. The Mumford and Sons Experience.

Sat 29. Craft Market. Sun 30. Bingo That’s Bonkers. Sat 6.

The cast of Ravenscroft, the latest production from the Shinfield Players Theatre

transitioning from friendly to frightening at the flick of a switch.

With all cast members watching on for the duration of the show, the audience will be on edge throughout, in anticipation of their re-entry into proceedings.

The lighting and music team will ensure the sense of foreboding remains intense from start to finish.

Ms Smith credited the strength of the five female characters as one of the key factors for choosing Ravenscroft.

“They’re very strong, all of the women in the play. It’s quite rare to find plays where all the women are so strong,” she said.

From Mrs Ravenscroft (Lara Savory) who tries to seduce the inspector in attempt to convince him to drop the cases, to Gillian (Millie Naylor) the demented daughter who “should be in an asylum”, to Marcy the Viennese governess - all deliver comedic lines, but have the ability to capture the sinister elements of their characters.

All the while, the terrified maid Dolly (Sami Sharp) tries to evade the grasps of the passionate cook, Mrs French (Barbara Richards).

Ravenscroft is being performed until Saturday, April 29, at 7.45pm. Adult tickets are £14, concessions are £13 and children are £8. n For more information or to book tickets, visit: www.shinfieldplayers.org.

JI-MIN LEE

Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000

Sub:Version/Surge. Tues 2. Elegie Rachmaninoff, A Heary In Exile. Wed 3. Stewart Lee - Basic Lee. Thurs 4-Sat 6. Jarman. Fri 5.

High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk

01494 512000

In The Name of Love - The Diana Ross Story. Fri 28. The George Michael Legacy. Sat 29. Pure Elite Pro-Am UK Championships.

Sun 30. Frankie Boyle Lap of Shame. Tues 2. La Boheme.

Wed 3. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 4. Dara O BriainSo, Where Where We?

Thurs 4. An Evening WIth

Anton Du Beke and Friends. Fri 5. Peter Andre.

Sat 6. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac. Sun 7.

Listen very carefully...

AN AMATEUR theatre group’s spring show should bring back plenty of funny memories for its audience.

Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society’s (CATS) latest production, based on 1980s television sitcom Allo Allo, promises to be a throwback night of giggles and romps.

CATS Chair Charlotte GouldsmithLeigh says that following covid, the group is now picking up again.

“We wanted to choose a show with broad appeal this year, that lots of people would enjoy,” she says.

“Allo Allo, is very funny.

“There are so many double entendres, and lots of people will recognise the story.

“The show ticks every box, CATS’ cast of 15 have been rehearsing since early January.

“It’s a complicated show with some interesting props,” Charlotte says.

“There’s Helga’s suspender belt with mousetraps attached, a talking parrotand exploding Edam cheeses.”

The group have been hard pressed not to laugh their way through rehearsals.

“There are only so many times you can talk about the Van Klomp sausage and the Fallen Madonna With The

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk

01491 525050

Our House. Until Sat 29. Henley Drama Festival. Tues

2-Sat 5. Liz Pulman and Joe Stilgoe - a couple of swells.

Thurs 11.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org

01628 788997

Made in (India) Britain. Thurs 27. Maidenhead Music SocietyLinos Piano Trio. Thurs 27. Lucy

Porter Wake Up Call. Fri 28. Honey and the Bear. Sat 29. St

John’s Chamber Orchestra. Sat

29. Royal Opera House LiveThe Marriage of Figaro. Tues 2. Rhys James - Spilt Milk. Wed

3. One Fine Morning (15). Wed

3-Thurs 4. Charlie Dore. Thurs

4. Magical Bones - Soulful Magic. Fri 5. Norden Farm

Market. Sat 6. Coronation

Ceilidh. Sat 6. Imogen Ryall and Julian Nicholas Quintet. Sat 6.

Newbury –The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com

0845 5218 218

ROH: The Marriage of Figaro.

Thurs 27. Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear. Wed 26-Thurs 27. The Cavern Beatles. Sat 29. An Evening With Stuart Maconie. Tues 2. Made In (India) Britain. Wed 3. Dementia Friendly - Judy (12).

Thurs 4. An Evening of Magic With Richard Jones.

Thurs 4. Don’t Stop Believin’.

Fri 5. Jess Gillam Ensemble.

Sat 6. Family Film: Wallace and Gromit - The Curse of the Were Rabbit. Sat 6. Sound

Beginnings - The Magic Flute.

Sun 7. Steven Osborne. Sun

7. Newbury Spring Festival Chorus. Sun 7. Cabaret Night.

Sun 7.

Newbury –The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

Big Boobies, without bursting into laughter,” she says.

The original television series, Allo Allo, ran for seven seasons, and followed the adventures of hapless café owner René in occupied France during the Second World War.

Exaggerated European accents and larger than life caricatures were the hallmark of the comedy, which was originally conceived as a parody of BBC wartime drama, Secret Army.

In CATS’ stage adaptation, René and his wife Edith have hidden in their cellar a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis – in a sausage.

Also in their basement are two British airmen, hiding until the Resistance can repatriate them.

And to complicate things further for René, communications with London require use of a wireless disguised as a cockatoo.

But it is when the Führer himself is scheduled to visit the town that René’s troubles really run away with him.

And with his tone-deaf wife Edith, Major-General von Klinkerhoffen, and Gestapo officer Herr Flick involved, chaos is never far away.

René must summon all the wit he can muster to save his café and his life.

“It has been such a pleasure rehearsing this show,” says Charlotte.

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher.

Fri 5-Sat Jun 10.

Reading –South Street www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

South Street Comedy Club. Sat 29. Emily Chappell’s Epic Tales of Cycling Adventure.

Wed 3. Geoff Norcott work in progress. Thurs 4.

Reading –

The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Lucie Jones and the Fulltone Orchestra. Thurs 27. An Evening with Anton Du Beke and Friends. Wed 3. Test

Match Special Live: The Ashes.

Thurs 4. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Antony Hermus.

Fri 5. The Elvis World Tour.

Tues 9.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com

“It brings back wonderful childhood memories of sitting with the family on a Saturday night to watch the series.

“But it’s really not dated.

“Anyone aged 13 to 80 will enjoy the production.

“It’s still funny, and it’s OK to laugh.”

CATS was founded in May 1978, with the aim to ‘provide theatre and theatrical presentations for the people of Crowthorne and the surrounding area’.

The group performs a Spring production in April or May, and a pantomime early in December.

Visitors to CATS’ latest theatre production will be welcomed straight into René’s café, where they will be able to purchase drinks from the bar.

“René’s cheap red plonk will be masquerading as vintage wine of course, along with crisps, and if we can manage it, some cheese snacks too, “ says Charlotte.

“The audience will really be able to immerse themselves in the 1980s sitcom.”

n Allo Allo can be seen at Crowthorne Parish Hall, until Saturday, April 29. Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £10. For tickets and information visit: www. catscrowthorne.com

EMMA MERCHANT

0118 960 6060

NEXT SHOW: Lunchtime organ recital. Mon May 15.

Reading –Progress Theatre

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195

Silver Lining. May 19-27.

Reading –Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620

Peter Pan. Until Sat 29. The Rumble Under The Rug. May 31-Jun 3.

Shinfield –Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880

Ravenscroft. Until Sat Apr 29.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Noel Coward’s Hay Fever. Until

May 13. An Evening With Rich Wakeman and Peter EganCharity Gala Night. Sun 30. Beyond Faith. Sun 7. Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888

Dom The Play.

Until Sat 29.

Wokingham – Theatre

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Flare Path. Thurs 27-Sat 6. Wokingham –The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

NEXT SHOW: Teechers - Leavers 22. Wed May 10. Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org

07488337838

NEXT SHOW: Educating Rita. June 20-24.

Roque-Forbury Gardens: Cheesey line-up revealed

ONE OF Reading’s culinary events has laid out its full line-up of food offerings and live entertainment.

Cheese Feast Festival from Blue Collar has announced which vendors and performers will be taking part in a three-day weekend of cheese-based street food in Forbury Gardens from Friday, April 28.

Shaun Williams, best known for appearances in EastEnders and Ricky Gervais’ Extras, will bring Barrioke to the festival from 7pm on Saturday, April 29.

He’ll be joined by The ABBA Tribute Band, performing two separate sets from 7pm on Friday, April 28.

Cheesy Like Sunday Morning will see an hour of power ballads and “yacht rock” from 11am on Sunday, April 30, followed by a dance showcase by Dancia International Dancers from noon.

Sunday night will be closed by The Eurovisionaries, a seven-hand supergroup celebrating the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, performing an hour of ESC highlights from the history of the contest. As well as live entertainment, the festival has announced what street food offerings will be available.

Fans of cheese and bread will be able to try Georgian khatchapuris and wraps from Georgian Feast, and gourmet toasties made with awardwinning cheese from the Marlow Cheese Company.

Cheese Feast takes place in Forbury Gardens from Friday-Sunday, April 28-30.

Fans of world cuisine can sample jerk halloumi and Caribbean fare from Sharian’s Jamaican Cuisine, cheese quesadillas from Mr Pig Stuff, cheese churros from Churros Garcia, Spanish manchego tapas and paella from Tapas Culture, and Thai from Krua Koson.

The list is rounded out by topped hotdogs from Heavenly Sausage,

Poet’s Cafe celebrates Berkshire-based bards at South Street

bao buns from Harlem2Manila, brownies from the Fine Brownie Co, Greek from Pitta Pitta, and authentic pizzas from Soleluna Pizza.

Fried Chicken from Hurricane Huggys, kebabs from Berlin Doner, venison from Game Keeper UK, and halloumi burgers from Clark’s Kitchen complete the roster.

Coffee and other hot drinks will also be available courtesy of Anonymous Coffee Co.

The stars of the events will be the cheese products on offer, hand selected by Reading’s own independent cheese and craft beer purveyors, The Gurmpy Goat.

The Somerset Cheese company, Fen Farm Dairy, and Mons Cheesemongers are among those offering a range of artisinal, continental, and specialist cheese.

They’ll be joined by Marlow Cheese Company, international cheese experts and consultants The Cheese Explorer, and offerings from Berkshire provided by Bray Cured, Tilehurst Beekepers, and Jenny’s Bees.

The Grumpy Goat’s own offerings will also be available for attendees.

Cheese Feast Festival takes place in Forbury Gardens from Friday to Sunday, April 28-30.

n More information about the event is available via its Instagram page (/ cheese.feast) or on Facebook.com/ cheesefeastfest.

JAKE CLOTHIER

The show can go on: Hurst Panto has a new producer, thanks to Wokingham Today

APANTO group has tracked down a new producer for its next show – thanks to Wokingham Today.

It turns out that experienced panto person Emily Grant was right behind them when Hurst Panto Group started their hunt to fill the role.

Well, right in the middle of them actually – Emily having moved in to the centre of Hurst three months ago from Buckinghamshire.

Emily, 32, and a veteran of a dozen pantos, said: “I moved in to Hurst not knowing anyone apart from my partner. So I was keeping an eye out for walking groups or another social group.

“Then I saw the story in Wokingham Today saying Hurst panto was looking for a producer. I love the theatre and thought it looked perfect. I went on to meet some of those involved.

“I’m very excited about it. I love the people and the ethos of it all.”

Emily, who studied performing arts at university, works planning corporate events. She’s also involved with The Blend choir performing at Wycombe Swan Theatre in July. They’ve already sold 1,000 tickets.

She is pictured above with her partner, Alex Dew.

Panto group co-chairman Claire Lawrence said: “We’re

delighted Emily is joining us and look forward to working with her. We’re also grateful to Wokingham Today for their article which Emily read.

“We now need a director who will have the artistic vision and drive for the show being performed in January next year. They will very probably have had experience working with a theatre group.”

The group is inviting people involved with costumes, set

design, lighting, props and other creative essentials in the past Hurst pantos to meet Emily at the Castle Inn, Hurst next Wednesday, May 3, at 7.30pm. They’d also warmly welcome new people along to join the team.

In June and July they will invite actors to the read through and auditions which will be at the start of September.

To contact the group,. email Hurstpanto@hotmail.co.uk SUE CORCORAN

A REGULAR poetry cafe in Reading celebrated local poets even more than usual with its latest event.

The Poet’s Cafe hosts guest poets at monthly salons, held at South Street Arts Centre, and invites attendees to perform their own work through open mic slots.

While last month saw esteemed London-born poet John McCullough perform a number of poems from his latest collection, Panic Response, this month focused three poets based in Reading.

Robin Thomas, Kate Noakes, and Jules Whiting were invited o showcase their work, with host Jez Dyer kicking things off by performing a poem written by his partner about a night spent in a lighthouse.

Jules Whiting was first to read, selecting a number of works from her published collection, Folding Time, which explore her experiences with organ donation.

Her set included impactful and tender poems such as Cadaveric Transplant, Addicted to Life, and Folding Time, concluding with a piece called Damage.

Robin Thomas followed with set including pieces inspired by classical artists such as Van Gogh, and closed with a joyful and poignant poem about the eventual absence of a neighbour’s cat.

Caversham’s Kate Noakes performed a selection from her

collection, Goldhawk Road, published by Reading-based Two Rivers Press.

Her set included Flat Holm/ Steep Holm, which explores one’s relationship with culture and identity when moving from place to place.

She also performed a poem about a bad date, Your Table Will Be About 10 Minutes, before concluding her set with Waiting for Ikebana, Mayfair, exploring the outward presentation of other people.

It concluded with a rejoinder lamenting “the end of days,” but closed on the hopeful “still, there is art.”

Two Rivers Press is seeking submissions from poets with links to Reading for an upcoming anthology until Sunday, April 30.

More information is available via: tworiverspress.com

Poet’s Cafe takes place on the second Friday of every month, with the next cafe set for Friday, May 12.

That event will be hosted by Vic Pickup and feature guest poet Khadija Rouf as well as the usual open mic slots.

Tickets cost £5, with a discount for readers.

It also hosts an online salon on the third Friday of the month, with details and tickets available via: whatsonreading.com

SPECIAL OFFER

THALI WITH UNLIMITED NAAN AND A DRINK* FOR £24 95 PER PERSON

Valid from Sunday to Wednesday

*The offer includes either a pint of beer a small glass of wine or any soft drink

At Sultan you’ll receive exemplary service from restaurateur Raja Majid and his team, who will give you a warm welcome when you arrive

We offer an exciting menu featuring a mouth-watering array of fine dining Indian dishes, including a 7-course tasting menu priced at £44 95 per person (£69 95pp with matching wines)

You can also order takeaway/delivery food from both the à la carte restaurant menu and Sultan Express. For more details and to order visit sultanindian.co.uk

To make a reservation, please call 0118 977 4397.

Picture: Courtesy of Blue Collar

JAKE CLOTHIER

An historic tale of love and war takes to the skies

ADRAMA performed by a Wokingham group should appeal to anyone with a love of history– and planes.

Terrence Rattigan’s Flare Path, written in 1941, is the story of a love triangle between a wartime pilot, his actress wife and a famous film star.

Based in part on Rattigan’s own experiences, the play’s romantic tangles unfold, despite or perhaps because of, the constant fear and tension of living through the Second World War.

The story opens as pilots from a nearby RAF airbase gather at a Lincolnshire hotel to spend the weekend with their wives.

It’s meant to be a peaceful break from action, but tensions rise when love and duty clash.

When the men are called to take part in a night raid, no-one knows who will return to see the dawn, and who will not.

The characters begin to realise that life is nothing like a romantic film – it is to be cherished.

Director Margery Jackson chose the piece because of her love of history.

“It’s a poignant story,” she says. “I very much wanted the opportunity to bring it to the stage.”

“The script lends itself very well to this particular period in our past.

“And I think that’s because Rattigan was really there.”

The play presents a very different world.

“Perhaps because I’m older, I possibly have a better understanding of people’s lifestyle at that time,” Margery says. “But the actors are quite young, so none of them has experienced for themselves what it was like to live through that war.”

The play’s sound and lighting effects have presented some particular challenges for the team.

Flare Path’s stage manager, Sophie Vallely says: “Our sound operator has had to research very specific sounds made by the actual planes referenced in the story.

“They worked hard to find recordings of all the different bombers taking off and landing.

“It’s been quite an operation to source them accurately.”

“The accents, the mannerisms, and the music of the time all have to be right too,” says Margery.

“And we’ve sourced footage of the actual planes and real wartime pilots, to give authenticity, and to help the audience understand better what life was like then.”

With the play firmly set in a particular decade and social milieu, how does Flare Path

communicate with a modern audience?

“I think it speaks of an age when people were much kinder to each other, than perhaps they are today,” says Margery.

“When people go out in action in this story, nobody knows whether they will return.

“That changes everything.

“I think it made people care a bit more.

“ And with struggles currently going on in Europe, perhaps watching these characters, for whom it was very much a part of their lives, the play is a reminder of what war can be like.”

Flare Path will appeal to anyone with an interest in the Second World War: it’s history,

it’s machines, its times, its manners, and values.

“Young people will enjoy it too,” says Margery. “Our cast presents these characters with authenticity.

“They have learned to inhabit them, and to imagine their situations in a very different era.

“I’ve really enjoyed the actors’ interest and enthusiasm.

“Seeing them engaged in the story has been very inspiring.”

Flare Path is performed at Wokingham Theatre until Saturday, May 6, with the exception of Sunday. Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets at £15. n For tickets call: 0118 978 5363 or visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk

COMING SOON: Nigel Pivaro is to star in a new tour of The Commitments

The Commitments to come to The Hexagon

IT WAS a West End sensation, a hit film, a TV series … and a book. Now it’s coming to Reading’s Hexagon theatre this summer.

The Commitments, by Roddy Doyle, tells the story of Jimmy Rabbittee, a young working-class music fan who dreams of starting the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced.

Placing a classified advert in a music paper, Jimmy auditions a number of wannabes before finalising the members of his new band, but nothing ever goes smoothly, especially after a few pints.

The soundtrack includes 20 soul classics including Night Train, Try A Little Tenderness, River Deep, Mountain High, In The Midnight Hour, Papa Was A Rolling Stone,

Save Me, Mustang Sally, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Reach Out, Uptight, Knock On Wood, and I Can’t Turn You Loose.

For this new tour, its first in five years, Coronation Street actor Nigel Pivaro –aka Terry Duckworth – will play Da.

It will be performed at The Hexagon from Tuesday, June 13, through to Saturday, June 17. Tickets cost from £29.50 to £52.50, with concessions available, and discounts for group bookings.

n For more details, or to book, log on to www.whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on 0118 960 6060. For group bookings, call: 0118 937 2011.

Departing Thu 15 Jun ‘23

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 2 nights at the Leonardo Hotel, Newcastle Gateshead Quays with dinner & breakfast

 Excursions to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne & Alnwick Castle

 En-route visits to the Angel of the North & Durham

Departing Fri 7 Jul ‘23

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 3 nights at the Scarisbrick Hotel, Southport with dinner & breakfast

 Excursion to Liverpool

Optional excursion to Ormskirk Market (£11pp)

EMMA MERCHANT

FLARE PATH: audiences can appreciate the carefully sourced sounds of the Second World War in this story of wartime life Picture: Emma Merchant

LIVEMUSIC

RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

IT’S BACK to the future this week with the RaW Sounds Today playlist: a band on the cusp of stardom, and a band returning with new tracks are top of our hit parade.

We think Only The Poets are amazing, and are about to hit stardom. Find out why by listing to their song Jump.

Rila’s Edge, our second new entry, are also on the rise, while we’re also welcome a new track from Kyros. Something for everyone.

Tune in for free on Spotify. Our playlist is a mixture that will help you discover something new.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music. There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

GIG GUIDE

Friday, April 28

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. A Night of 60s rock n roll with the Self Preservation Society.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Malt Load v Blondie. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Ed Sheeran Experience.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street

RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds

karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Hard Times. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Leon Greening Trio with Alex Garnett. Details: www.jazzinreading.com

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents... The Snags/Horse Rock/Alan Caruso. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Peter Hook and the Light. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Live guitar and saxophone. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 7402.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar & Cafe, Unit 8, Pinewood Centre, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Stoney Lane. Details: 01344 778543

Saturday, April 29

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Broken Colours with Red Tape Resistance. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Angels Can Dance. Details: 01344 303333.

PURLEY – St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Avenue,RG8 8BJ. Danni Nicholls in concert. 7pm. £15, Under 17 £10. Details: www.stmaryspurley.org.uk

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Corvid. Details: 0118 958

0473.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Natural Right: Specialized

Kyros – The End in Mind

Kyros are back with their first new music in nearly three years and it’s an epic. This new single, released on our own White Star Records label, is nearly eight minutes long with an opening melodic section moving into a crazy instrumental of incredible musicianship before returning to the more song based section to close. Brilliant stuff.

The song has already gone down well with the band’s fans as we saw when they played it live recently. You can see the band play Wokingham Festival on August 28 – www.kyrosmusic.com/

Rila’s Edge – Take Time

They are one of the bands of the moment with their last two singles, Someone New and Share the Night being among our faves of the last year.

Rila’s Edge are certainly on the rise with the consistent quality of their songwriting and recordings which they show again here with the release of a new two-track single which includes this song. It’s another good one with good melody and

Reading. The Corsairs. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Spirit of Carnival. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Mollys

Jam. Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Scarlet Vixens present the Eurovision Thong Contest with Mojo Jones, Oliver Ty Tassel, Layla Cherry, Dutch-S and Kate Aherne. £8.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Reading Railway Pub, Station Road, RG1 1NB. Martin sings Through the Decades. £5. Details: 07949 948310.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Thomas Heppell Blues Band Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Continuum Covers Band. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Saint Laurence Church, Blagrave Street RG1 3EJ. On The Block Battke. 2pm-8pm. From £6. Details:

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Centralizin’ Soundz. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Paddington. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Mystery Machine. Details: 0118 941 5064.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. The Silver Searchers. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, RG2 7QA. Mini Scratch Acoustic Duo. Details: 0118 374 0052.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Make Shifts.

7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Three Frogs, London Road RG40 1SW. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 978 5925.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Men Behaving Sadly. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, April 30

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk theme night - Money Matters. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Chop Suey. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Bank

LEFT: Kyros at The Lower Third Picture: Andrew Merritt

production and another excellent vocal performance from singer, Alfie Harris – www.rilasedge.com/

Only the Poets – Jump

Reading band Only the Poets are certainly building a following with their live shows around the world.

They’ve even been on tour with Lewis Capaldi and, following their own successful shows in Europe, they will be at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire next Wednesday, May 3, for a headlining show.

Jump is the band’s latest single and its infectious melody and driving beats shows that this is a band that is about to jump into the mainstream – https:// onlythepoetsofficial.com/

Tankus the Henge – You Can Do Anything

With Tankus the Henge headlining Wokingham Festival on Sunday August 27, we popped along to their show at Guildford’s Boileroom recently to check them out. What a night it was. – https://www. tankusthehenge.com/

Jessica Winter – Choreograph

The Are You Listening? festival celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year and this talented artist and producer who just released her new EP, Limerence, from which this song is taken will be there on May6 –

https://www.jessicawinter.tv/

Reliant – Do What You Want

Wokingham/Reading-based indie rockers return with a new catchy riff laden single, recorded at Generation Studio – https://linktr.ee/wearereliant

Split the Dealer – Capsize

He’s been in every one of our Top 20 listings of the year so far and this new single is another brilliant recording – https://beacons.ai/splitthedealer

One Last Day – Stay Away From Me

It’s another slice of well played powerful but melodic rock on this single from the local band whose tour includes a Reading date on July 22 at Facebar and at Wokingham Festival appearance on August 28 – https://linktr.ee/onelastday

Ghost Dance – Down to the Wire

Back in time to the 1980s with an anthem from gothic rockers, Ghost Dance, who are at Reading Facebar on May 4 – https://ghost-dance.co.uk/

Deva St. John – The Curse

Deva just released her debut EP, Nauseous Ad Nauseum from which this is taken – https://www. facebook.com/dayvasaintjohn/

holiday bucks.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. Thomas Heppell. 5pm. Details: 07889 226309.

WOKINGHAM – The Crispin, Denmark Street RG40 2AY. The Gas Trick Band. 0118 978 0309.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Jazz with P’Jam. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. The Victoria Arms Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Details: 0118 979 9437.

May Day Holiday Monday

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test.. Details: 0118 959 7196.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Live acoustic music. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, May 2

BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Bracknell Folk Club. Details: www.bracknellfolk.org.uk

READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road RG1 7HR. Tom Martin. Details: 0118 958 6222.

Thursday, May 4

BRACKNELL – The Golden Farmer, Reeds Hill RG12 7LS. Karaoke. Details: 01344 302038.

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Elvis with Mike Nova

Details: 0118 983 2059.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. FSJB presents Fusion6.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity presents Ghost Dance. Details: 0118 959 5500.

WOKINGHAM – The Grasshopper, Rose Street RG40 1XU. Live at the Grasshopper: Mark Warner’s Full Swing. From 6.30pm. Details: 0118 901 2678.

Friday, May 5

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Pure Queen. Details: 01344 303333.

BURGHFIELD – Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Mirror Effect. Details: 0118 959 8067.

CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Utter Madness. Details: 01344 772241.

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South. Crowthorne Musical Players present The Vintage Belles Coronation Party. 7.30pm. £6, with fish n chips £16. Details: www.cmp-berks. org.uk

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Karaoke. Details: 0118 978 0544.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – CultureMix Arts and Music Centre, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Reggae Fridays: music, dancing, bar, open mic, music and more. £5. Details: 0118 958 7351.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Desperate Measures. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Marky Dawson. Details: 0118 212 0720.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR.OC D&B. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Saint Laurence Church, Friar Street RG1 3EJ. Are You Listening?

Warm-up Party: Dream Wife, Divorce, Doops, Heartworms, The Pink Diamond Revue, The Push DJs. From 6.30pm. Details: areyoulistening.org.uk

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. 4G. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Coronation Saturday, May 6

ACROSS READING. Heavy Pop presents

Are You Listening? 10th birthday

event. Acid Claw - Ash the Author -

AshKat - Black Honey - Butch Kassidy

- Cameron Hayes - Chiika - Cities in Dust - Coach Party - Colours & Fires

- Constanza - Cowboyy - Deadletter

- Deijuvhs - Dr Satso - Eat Daddy

Eat - Ever Hazel - Gag Salon - Ghosts

In The Photographs - Girli - Glass Half

Broken - Henjila - Holiday GhostsHolly Shillito - HolySMS - Hoopy Frood

- Jacob Lilac B2B Slippery People DJ

- Jeffery Lewis & The Voltage - Jessica

Winter - John Kennedy (Radio X)

DJ - Kid Kin - Kill Committee - ambrini

Girls - Lilac - Marisa and the Moths

- Matt Greener - Mila Todd - Missing the Scene - Mr Fogg - My Northern Sky - Neither to Launch nor Land - One

Eyed Man - Opus Kink - OSP - Page Of

- Saloon Dion - Shelf Lives - Sophie Jamieson - Spielmann - Steve Dore DJ

- Strabe - Suds - $un $keletons Kinky

Hands Support Group - Tayo SoundThe Bobo - The Dianas - The Nextmen

- Thomas Headon - Tiece and the Pieces - Tracks and Grooves DJ - TVAM

- Uncle Peanut - Ziyad Al-Samman.

Details: areyoulistening.org.uk

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Recycler. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Bad Penny. Details: 01344 422622.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Paul Spittle. Details: 01344 772161.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Coronation day events: live coverage of the coronation from 11.15am, live music and barbecue from 5pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Back 2 Love’s Jolly Good Royal All Dayer Knees Up. From 2pm. Details: Search Tickettailor.com for Backtolove

READING – Reading Abbey Ruins, Chesnut Walk, RG1 3HW. Coronation concert: Scouting For Girls, The Royston Club, Tom Webber, Natalie Shay, Joey Oscar. £30 plus booking fee. From 3pm. Tickets via Fatsoma.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR.Sound Jame. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Full Flavour.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1

5BJ. Number of The Beef. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – The Victoria Cross, Basingstoke Road RG2 0NT. The New Jazz Age. Details: 0118 931 0115.

WOKINGHAM – The Two Poplars, Finchampstead Road RG41 2NU.

Beatles and Buddy Holly tribute.

Details: 0118 978 0590.

Coronation Sunday, May 7

BEECH HILL – Memorial Hall, Wood Lane. Beech Hill village Big Lunch: share with family, friends and neighbours.

Children invited to make a crown and wear it on the day. Prize of the winner.

From 12.30pm.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Golden Festival of Food and Music: Skamungas, a Tribute to Little Mix performed by Lil Mix, a Tribute to Beyonce performed by Lauren G, and a Tribute to Elvis (The King) by Bracknell’s TC. Noon-6pm. Details: 01344 484123.

EVERSLEY – The Tallo Ho, Fleet Hill RG27

0RR. Tequila Chase. Details: 0118 973 2134.

PANGBOURNE – Woking Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS. Sarah Jane Eveleigh with the Terry Hutchins Quartet. Details: 07500 333743.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Hats Off To The King including Robert Butterick, Andy and Paul, Undercurrent, Third Quarter, Rocket King, Boxset. Hats on the Hatwalk contest 4pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: singers night. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk

READING – Reading Abbey Ruins, Chesnut Walk, RG1 3HW. King’s Coronation Tribute Festival including Paw Patrol, Queen, Elton John, Oasis, Take That, Madness. From noon, last entry 2pm. £15 plus booking fee.

Details: Search Fatsoma.

READING – The Victoria Cross, Basingstoke Road RG2 0NT. Crowning of Soul. Details: 0118 931 0115

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Beyond Faith. Details: 0118 969 8000.

TILEHURST – The Atrium Health Club, Scours Lane RG30 6AY. Reading Dub Club presents NATURAL PROGRESS meets RUEBEN IRIE soundsystem. £10. Details: www.facebook.com/ readingdubclub

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Super chilled open mic. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Coronation Monday, May 8

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Golden Festival of Food and Music: Atomic Rapture, The Filthy Llamas, Man Made Soul, The Small Strings. Noon-6pm. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test.. Details: 0118 959 7196.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Dean Friedman. Details: 01491 681048.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Monday evening acoustic cafe. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Thomas Heppell. Details: 01252 870648.

WHAT’SON

Thursday, April 27

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne

Amateur Theatrical Society - CATS - presents ‘Allo ‘Allo. 7.30pm. Details: catscrowthorne.com

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Coffee morning. 10amnoon. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QB. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5106.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.15am and 11.15. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – Biscuit Factory, Queen’s Walk RG1 7QE. Stand and Deliver comedy club: Steve N Allen, Ahmed Ibrahim, Rhodri Buttrick. 7pm. Details: standanddelivercomedy. com

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Reading in the time of Jane Austen Online Talk with Joy Pibworth. 2pm-4pm. £5, £4 members. Booking essential. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – Just The Tonic Comedy Club, Sub89/ Popworld, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Just The Tonic Comedy Club: The Thinking Drinkers Pub Quiz. 7.30pm. £16 plus booking fee. Details: www. justthetonic.com

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Ravenscroft. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Rhymetime. 9.45am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 2.15pm Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5112.

WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Rhymetime. 11am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5115.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic 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. TBA. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

Friday, April 28

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30amnoon. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne

Amateur Theatrical Society - CATS - presents ‘Allo ‘Allo. 7.30pm. Details: catscrowthorne.com

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road RG6 1EY. Reading Guild of Artists presents: Portrait with Mick NcNicholas. 7pm. £8. Details: www. rga-artists.org.uk

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. A Study in Rum: Renegade tasting in aid of Reading Refugee Support Group. Pay-what-you-can fundraiser. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Forbury Gardens The Forbury RG1 3EJ. Blue Collar present Cheese Feast. Free entry. 5pm10.30pm. Details: www. bluecollar.co.uk.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Ravenscroft. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, April 29

BRADFIELD – Rushall Farm, Scratchface Lane RG7

6DL. Bluebell Walks in aid of Reading Multiple Sclerosis Society. 11am5pm. Views of Pang Valley, various routes available. Wear clothing and boots according to weather conditions. Refreshments available including hot

and cold food. Suggested donation £5, £3 pensioners and children aged three upwards.

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society - CATS - presents ‘Allo ‘Allo. 7.30pm. Details: catscrowthorne.com

CROWTHORNE – Morgan Centre, Wellington Road RG45 7LD. April comedy night: Rich Wilson, Jack Skipper, Steve Hall, Jonathan Elston. SOLD OUT. Details: search Skiddle.com for “comedy in crowthorne”

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Tap Yard, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF. Siren Beer Steamed Up Gathering. 9am-3pm.

Details: https://www. sirencraftbrew.com/

GORING – St Thomas of Canterbury Church RG8 9DS. Reading Bach Choir presents By Royal Command. 7.30pm. £15, under 18s £5. Details: readingbachchoir.org.uk

EARLEY – Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club, Beech Lane, RG6 7PT. Open day – come and try bowling, bring flat soled shoes or trainers. 11am to 4pm. Details http://www. maidenerleghbc.co.uk

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street. RSPB Wokingham and Bracknell dawn chorus walk. 5am. £3. Details: Details: https://group.rspb.org.uk/ wokinghamandbracknell/

READING – Forbury Gardens

The Forbury RG1 3EJ. Blue Collar present Cheese Feast. Free entry. 11am11.30pm. Details: www. bluecollar.co.uk.

READING – Town Hall, Blagrave Street. The Gin To My Tonic Craft Spirit Festival. 12.30pm10.30pm. Details: thegintomytonice.com

READING – Venue to be confirmed on booking. Terry’s Walkabout: Guided Walk around Tilehurst Village. Maximum 16 people. £5, child over 10 £1. In aid of PACT and Royal Berks Charity. 9.50am-12.30pm. Booking essential. Details: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Ravenscroft. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

SWALLOWFIELD – Village Hall, Swallowfield Street RG7 1QW. Swallowfield

Pre-School fete: games, raffles, stalls, face painting, bouncy castle. 1pm-4pm.

TWYFORD – Berkshire Dolls House and Model Co. Wargrave Road RG10 9NY. Giant warehouse sale. 10am-4pm. Details: 0118 934 3700.

WOKINGHAM – The Crispin, Denmark Street RG40 2AY. Beer festival. 0118 978 0309.

WOKINGHAM – Main hall, Baptist Church, Milton Road, RG40 1DE. Wokingham Eco Living Fair. POSTPONED.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road

RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, April 30

BRADFIELD – Rushall Farm, Scratchface Lane RG7 6DL. Bluebell Walks in aid of Reading Multiple Sclerosis Society. 11am5pm.

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society - CATS - presents ‘Allo ‘Allo. 7.30pm. Details: catscrowthorne.com

EARLEY – Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club, Beech Lane, RG6 7PT. Open day – come and try bowling, bring flat soled shoes or trainers. 11am to 4pm. Details http://www. maidenerleghbc.co.uk

READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. The Way ministry presents a warm bank: Free hot meal, free fresh and frozen food from our community fridge.

4.30pm-6pm. Details: 0118 950 5661.

READING – Forbury Gardens

The Forbury RG1 3EJ. Blue Collar present Cheese Feast. Free entry. 11am-7pm. Details: www. bluecollar.co.uk

READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6

1DN. 5k Run n Walk Fun Day. 9am 5k run and Couch to 5k challenge event. 10.30am Family and Friends walk. Starting point – Tutu’s Ethopian Table. In aid of Cancer and Blood Disease Awareness.

Details: Search Facebook for 5K Run ‘n’ Walk FunDay or call 07999 976355.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. How to Just Stop Oil, a talk with Phoebe Plummer. 7pm. Registration via eventbrite. co.uk - search for How To Just Stop Oil.

WOKINGHAM – The Crispin, Denmark Street RG40

2AY. Beer festival. 0118 978 0309.

May Day Holiday

Monday, May 1

ACROSS WOKINGHAM TOWN CENTRE. Wokingham Lions Fayre. READING - The Outlook, Kings Road. Mates Rates Comedy Raw - open mic night. 7.30pm. £5 on door, £2 in advance.

Details: https://www. matesratescomedy.co.uk/ SILCHESTER – The Calleva Arms, Little London Road RG7 2PH. Rogue Opera presents A ight at the Opera. 5pm. £25. Details: www.rogueopera.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – The Crispin, Denmark Street RG40 2AY. Beer festival. 0118 978 0309.

Tuesday, May 2

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Rhymetime. 10.15am10.45am and 11.15am11.45am. Booking essential. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

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

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Art group. 1pm-3pm. £3 per session. Details: 0118 973 2484.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Royal Get Arty. Booking essential. £2.

3.30pm-4.30pm. Details: 0118 931 2150.

LOWER EARLEY – Salvation Army, Chalfont Close RG6 5UG. Singing By Heart: For those living with dementia and their carers or if you just want to come and sing.

11am. Details: 0118 931 0760.

READING – Reading Quaker Meeting House, Church Street RG1 2SB. Reading Humanists present The History of Reading Prison, a talk by Mark Stevens.

7.30pm. Details: Search meetup.com for Reading

Humanists

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5950.

SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Coffee morning. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5109.

WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Berkshire mini maestros. 2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 937 5115.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, May 3

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Sandhurst and Crowthorne Flower Club presents A talk by Irene Manson entitled ‘One, two Buckle my shoe. 7.30pm. Details: Search Facebook for Sandhurst and Crowthorne Flower Club.

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org

TWYFORD – URC Hall, Church Street, RG10 9DR. Twyford Arts Group Life Drawing Sessions. 7pm. Details: www. twyfordartgroup.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Thursday, May 4 CALCOT – IKEA Reading, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. IKEA Reading Coronation event. Create a crown, decorate biscuits, street-party style celebrations, face painting, balloon art and more. Children can eat for 95p. 4pm. Booking essential. Details: www.ikea.com

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Coffee morning. 10amnoon. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QB. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5106.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.15am and 11.15. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – Venue to be confirmed on booking. Terry’s Walkabout: Edible Reading Walkabout: From Biscuits to Beer through Sausages to Water. Maximum 16 people. £5, child over 10 £1. In aid of PACT and Royal Berks Charity. Various times. Booking essential. Details: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts

SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Rhymetime. 9.45am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 2.15pm Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5112.

WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Rhymetime. 11am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5115.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic 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: Talk by Steve Smyth: Shooting NASA at the kennedy Space Centre. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

Friday, May 5

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Merry Opera’s Staged Messiah. 7.30pm. £20, £10 concessions. Details: www. standrewscaversham.org

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30amnoon. Free. Details: 0118

937 5103.

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South. Crowthorne Musical Players present The Vintage Belles Coronation Party. 7.30pm. £6, with fish n chips £16. Details: www. cmp-berks.org.uk

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6

7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Travelling Talesman: Off With Their Heads. Folktales, myths & legends. For ages 16 upwards.

7.30pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5100.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Coronation

Saturday, May 6

BARKHAM – Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane, RG40 4PL. Barkham Village Residents Association coronation celebration. Watch streaming live, children’s entertainment, bingo, craft and more. 11am-4pm. Free. Royal Barn Dance with hog roast. £12, £5 under 16s. Details: 0118 978 3373.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Coronation day events: live coverage of the coronation from 11.15am, live music and barbecue from 5pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.

PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall.

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk

READING – Crunch Comics, Harris Arcade. Free Comic Book Day - choose from a free comic book from a range of more than 20. Special offers and more. 9am-4pm. Details: Search Facebook for Crunch Comics.

STRATFIELD SAYE –Wellington Farm Shop, Welsh Lane. Lighting of the coronation beacon. From

5.30pm, beacon lighting 7.30pm. Donations to NSPCC.

Coronation

Sunday, May 7

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Golden Festival of Food and Music. Noon-6pm. Details: 01344 484123.

EVERSLEY – Village Hall, Glaston Hill Road RG27 0LX. Coronation celebrations. Bring your own picnic and drink. Music from John James Newman, disco dome, crafts and games. Free. Noon-3pm. Register by emailing: clerk@eversley-pc.gov.uk

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Hats Off To The King including Robert Butterick, Andy and Paul, Undercurrent, Third Quarter, Rocket King, Boxset. Hats on the Hatwalk contest 4pm. Free entry. 0118 969 98978.

READING – Prospect Park, Bath Road. Prospect Park Railway public running organised by the reading Society of Model Engineers. From 1pm-3pm. 60p a ride, 10 tickets £4. Traines will run until 3.45pm.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org

TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading’s Indie Market. From noon-5pm. Crafts, food, and more. Oh, and beer. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Market Place RG40 1AS. Sparkle Vegan Events presents vegan market. 11am3pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com

WOKINGHAM – St Crispin’s Sports Centre, London Road RG40 1SS. Crispin Antique and Collectors Fair. £1. 10am-3pm. Details: 07723 068189.

Coronation

Monday, May 8

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Golden Festival of Food and Music. Noon-6pm. Details: 01344 484123.

HURST – St Nicholas Church, Church Hill. Coronation cream teas and ice creams. Children’s entertainment, and more. 2pm-4pm.

READING - Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Jelly’s The Creative book club meeting. 7pm-8.30pm. £2. Places limited, pre-booking essential. Details: jelly. org.uk

TWYFORD – King George V Recreation Field, from Twyford District Youth and Community Centre, Loddon Hall Road. Coronation Colour Run. 10am. £7.50. Details: tdyc. co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Party in the Paddock: barbecue, bar, inflatables, face painting, craft stalls, and more. 11am-4pm. Free entry. Details: holmegrangecraftvillage. co.uk

Quiz Challenge

1. Which bitter Spanish orange variety is traditionally used to make marmalade?

2. What is the capital city of the Philippines?

3. What S is a weaving tool and a type of spacecraft?

4. Who became New Zealand’s next prime minister after Jacinda Ardern resigned in January 2023?

5. Svalbard is at the western edge of which Arctic body of water?

6. Aryna Sabalenka defeated which Kazakhstani tennis player in the women’s final of the 2023 Australian Open?

7. What is the name of the SI unit of radio frequency, equal to one cycle per second?

8. Hotel California, Desperado and Tequila Sunrise were hit songs for which rock band?

9. In science fiction writing, what is a triffid?

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD QUICK

10. Which type of creature is a nudibranch? ACROSS

FIVE ALIVE EQUALISER

CROSS CODE

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

1. Drink with ten others – it’s a sign of what is to come (7)

5. Run holding a fortune-teller’s card (5)

8. Accompanied by a large number included from side to side (5)

9. Highest value skirt mother had (7)

10. How one might act in a playful way? (12)

12. Make one’s home with about eleven players perhaps (6)

14. Boss with ten, it appears, in the workroom (6)

17. Musical boys and girls? (4,3,5)

21. Swingers’ bar (7)

22. In Brighton garaged the vehicle (5)

23. Crept, but didn’t start in the nude (5)

24. It’s oppressive to try out girl before end of day (7)

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

1. Boy said to be an engaging catch (4)

2. Method of detection that’s the same whichever way you look at it (5)

3. Got up late! (7)

4. Chap initially averse to fruit (6)

5. To ten in charge it is poisonous (5)

6. Went like thunder but lost blood after a drink (7)

7. Thomas right to rise – what nonsense (8)

11. Scare just inside the marshy area (8)

13. Frolic from a high-flier (7)

15. Answer back when holding the first animal’s foot (7)

16. Refer to green notice first (6)

18. A schoolteacher further on (5)

19. Right to make a point appear inside cloth (5)

20. Last letter in the grass is indistinct (4)

NONAGRAM

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:

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 123 N 45678 T 910111213 14151617181920 I 212223242526

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.

SUDOKU

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

6 9 4 7 1 3 35 426

8 6 2 1 2 9 24 7 3 5 491 5 6 78 31

SOLUTIONS

ACROSS DOWN

‘Dance out’ for hospice charity

Healthy Heart Tip

Spotlight on stress A

PRIL is National Stress Awareness Month, which aims to highlight the negative health impact stress can have on us.

MORRIS dance

‘apprentice’ Jess

Tyers was so impressed by lifeaffirming care given to her mum at a hospice she inspired her dancing team to fundraise for it.

Jess, of Reading, dances with Hurst Morris People who have adopted Katharine House Hospice, Adderbury in Oxfordshire as their charity for the year.

It was especially fitting as Adderbury is where one of the Hurst dancers’ Cotswold dance styles originated.

The hospice provides specialist palliative care for adults with incurable illnesses. Their team supports patients and their loved ones, ensuring that every moment matters.

Hurst Morris are inviting audiences to help ensure this important work continues. Donors can bring cash to the dancers’ pub evening performances or give online. Type #HurstMorris into the JustGiving. com search box. UK taxpayers can add Gift Aid.

After practising all winter, Hurst Morris begin their 2023 dance out season at 7.45pm on Wednesday, May 3, at The Jolly Farmer, Hurst.

Later performances include Thursday, May 11, at The Ship Inn and The Queen’s Head, both in ,Wokingham, and on Thursday, May 25 at The Wheelwrights’ Arms, Hurst.

n All the team’s performances are listed at www.hump.org.uk or follow them on Instagram @ hurstmorrispeople or Facebook @ hurstmorris. Find Katharine House Hospice at khh.org.uk

Fair’s fair when it comes to appealing a motoring fine

FOR most people, their parking is fine, but sometimes, well, it gets a fine. But what if your fine is not fair?

Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk says that every day tens of thousands of people are hit with fines of up to £100, despite some being genuine errors or mitigating circumstances, such as inputting the wrong digit on a pay machine.

With the government now vowing to clamp down on rogue parking firms with a new code of practice, motorists are being urged to challenge any parking fine they feel is unfair.

Research shows that one in two drivers who challenge private parking fines win, avoiding charges.

A spokesperson for LeaseCar. uk said: “With money really tight for many households across the UK, these fines from private parking firms are excessive and more than often unfair. We welcome these tougher government regulations and urge the Levelling Up ministers to introduce the new Code of Practice soon..

“Drivers should not be scared to appeal private car park tickets as many are not enforceable.

“If you think there is a reasonable reason which makes a ticket unfair, it is worth your time to gather evidence and make a dispute against it.

“Motorists should not be put off from appealing a ticket over fears they could miss out on a reduced fine because there is a high chance of winning.

“If in doubt, do your own research

APPEAL: Parking penalities aren’t always given fairly Picture: Shutterstock

to find out if you are being unfairly fined and ways to dispute it.”

Here are LeaseCar.uk’s tips for appealing a private parking ticket:

Get photographic evidence

Collecting any evidence to support a claim is vital. Returning to the ‘scene of the crime’ is worthwhile to take photos as it will provide a stronger case. Get multiple angles that offer a clear image to prove a case, such as unclear markings or damaged signs. Highly cautious drivers should consider taking pictures on the day of their parking to prove they are within the bays or photograph any issues, such as out-of-service payment meters.

Gather witness statements

Any mitigating circumstance that caused the fine should be accounted for with a witness statement.

If, for example, a driver couldn’t make it back to the car in time because of a medical emergency, supplying evidence from a doctor would usually be sufficient.

Asking someone to witness, like a passenger, fellow driver, or local shopkeeper, can also help prove facts.

Study the dates

If a private company takes too long to send a fine which wasn’t left on the vehicle, the penalty can be excused. In most cases, firms have 28 days to send the fine, so drivers should check the dates to see if it is over the usually allowed period.

Challenge the fine quickly

Motorists hit with a fine have 28 days to challenge the charge. However, if this is done in the first 14 days, they may still be entitled to a 50% discount, a considerable saving, that applies to those who agree to pay the fine.

Appeal to an independent appeals service

If a challenge is initially rejected, drivers should appeal to an independent appeals service on a lawfulness charge, where a team of adjudicators will reconsider it. If applicable, drivers must provide information and upload evidence they wish to rely on, such as signed witness statements, photographs, and a crime reference number. The IAS will not alter the value of a charge, but the operator may reject claims for a reduced rate.

It may not be a good idea to pay straight away

Think of it as an admission of guilt.

If there is a reason to believe the fine is unfair, people should appeal immediately. Generally, it is much harder to get money back and win an appeal once it has been paid.

Check for the ‘grace period’

If a motorist is issued a fine despite only being a few minutes late back to their car, there may be sufficient grounds for an appeal. Parking officers should give people a grace period to return to their car, generally between five to 10 minutes.

Proactively managing our stress levels by scheduling in self-care practices is an important part of staying healthy. Specifically relating to heart health, those with higher levels of stress tend to make less healthy lifestyle choices such as not exercising and not eating a balanced diet.

If we are chronically stressed we may also use less healthy coping mechanisms such as drinking more alcohol or eating too much sugar.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but we can take positive steps to limit its impact on our health.

Take time to recharge

Scheduling in time to recharge throughout your day is a great way to mitigate stress. This could be something as simple as getting outdoors and going for a walk or stepping away from work and listening to some calming music for 10 minutes.

More and more people are turning to meditation to recharge and reduce stress, there are some great free apps available.

Prioritise food and sleep

If we are well-rested and well-nourished, we are more able to handle stressful events.

Prioritising your daily seven to nine hours of sleep will ensure you are full of energy and ready to tackle the day, whatever it may bring.

Put steps in place to ensure you keep up with healthy eating even when you are feeling stressed.

Prepping your food in advance can help as it makes you less likely to reach for a less healthy option when you may be feeling stressed at the end of the day.

Limit your exposure to the news

While staying on top of worldwide affairs is important for some people, consuming it too often or too much can have a negative impact on our stress levels.

Even if you don’t realise it, these repeated small exposures to negative information (which the news can be) throughout the day will be impacting your stress levels. Remove the news apps from your phone or turn off the notifications and set aside a specific time every day to get up to date with world events.

n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our healthy recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-ukrecipes-2/

RAMS WAIT FOR TITLE OUTCOME

DEFEAT LEAVES ROYALS ON THE BRINK

WE NEED A MIRACLE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC will be hoping for a minor miracle to occur as they try and preserve their status in the Championship after their six-point deduction.

‘ON THE WRONG SIDE OF BIG DECISIONS’

READING FC WOMEN’s manager Kelly Chambers believes a wrong penalty call cost her side in their defeat to Everton in the Women’s Super League.

After an early Justine Vanhaevermaet brace, the Royals saw a two-goal lead evaporate as the Toffees completed an impressive comeback.

The result leaves Reading one place off the bottom over Leicester who have a game in hand.

“The penalty, it’s never a pen,” said Chambers.

“And unfortunately it’s just another example of where the level of officiating is in this league.

“Once it’s given, the game swings in their favour and ultimately it’s gone on to cost us.

“We’re in an emotional position in terms of where we are in the league, but there’s only so much you can to do control the outcome.

“When you see these incidents going against you it’s just so difficult to take.

“You wish you could show the officials the footage during the match, but until something is done to support the officials, the game won’t advance.

“Momentum is such a key factor in the game and the ref making that decision instantly swings the game and from there it’s an even greater challenge.”

Despite surrending their lead, Chambers believes that her team has performed exceptionally well.

Reading’s survival hopes took another big blow on Saturday when they lost out at Coventry City. It keeps them in the drop zone with just two games remaining.

Noel Hunt’s team will be in front of what is expected to be a bumper crowd this Saturday as they take on

Wigan Athletic in a pivotal match for the club’s future – and it could be their last home game in the Championship for a while.

The three teams directly above the Royals each have a game in hand, meaning that Reading need results to go in their favour as well

as winning their last two games to have any hopes of staying up.

Reading’s opponents are also fighting for their lives knowing that they must win if they want to secure their second tier status.

n Full Royals report and reaction on pages 22 & 23

“It’s a tough one to take when you’re 2-0 up and I think we played some of our best football we’ve seen all season,” she said.

“There’s no hiding from the position we’re in and, potentially, some will say it’s a position we should be in based on the club we are.”

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Pictures:

CRICKET

RAMS ANXIOUS WAIT FOR TITLE AFTER COMEBACK WIN AT ESHER BERKS MAKE FLYING START TO T20 CAMPAIGN

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Esher 19 Rams 33

‘WE CAPITALISED on errors,’ said Rams’ director of rugby Seb Reynolds as his team kept their National One title hopes alive with a comeback win over Esher.

On a day of high drama, two Pierre Thompson scores, the second added to by Sam Morley, gave the relegation-battling Eees a 12-0 lead inside the first quarter.

Rams responded thanks to two of their players of the season – James McRae, courtesy of a trademark 40-metre break, and Axel Kalling-Smith – combined for the Swedish wunderkind to add another special to his highlight reel.

But Josh Jordan’s converted score made it 19-5, only for Connor Stapley to dot down before Drew Humberstone added the extras before the break.

Despite trailing, Rams had enjoyed the bulk of territory and possession against an Esher side belying their lowly league position, and when Humberstone converted his own try midway through the third quarter, the game was level.

The visitors then made a decisive move around the hour-mark, Zach Clow brilliantly finishing a move on the left, Humberstone with a belter of a conversion, before a stunning fifth try was conjured by Rowan Grundy.

The fly-half’s deft chip over the defence was marvellously collected by the brilliant Henry Bird, and the selfless full-back then passed for replacement Ollie Monye, enjoying a rich vein of late-season form, to swan dive under the posts.

Humberstone made it 33-19, and while Esher battled away, they could not avoid falling through

the trap door back into National Two despite a performance which suggested they were far better than a bottom-three finish.

Reflecting on the way his side held their nerve, Reynolds said: “You don’t want to be 12-0 down, but in a way you felt it could go like that – the game meant a lot to Esher because they were playing to stay up and with that comes a very unique motivation which you only get to experience a few times in a career.

“They moved the ball around, played some great rugby and it was another

wonderful advert for National One.

“They deserved to be in the lead at half-time and we had to grind them down, but we did that well and then some great line breaks from the likes of Henry and Axel put the pressure back onto them.”

While the RAMS end their season at the top of the table, it could change as Cambridge have their final game on Saturday. Depending on the result, RAMS could stay on top or slip down to second place.

He continued: “We also had to win. Now, we’ll see what happens

(with Cambridge). It made for a fantastic, intense, and emotional game and they were superb especially early on.

“The comeback was good. We felt they might fatigue towards the end – although we were ourselves – but we capitalised on some errors and saw the game out.

“I’ve no doubt Esher will bounce back because they showed they’re a great side even though it went our way.”

While there were a litany of fine performances among the Rams’ ranks, Monye again caught the eye off the bench and the DoR said: “Ollie’s developing well, starting to push now in the conversation (for the starting jersey) and we wanted to get him on early because he’s got a zip. He was excellent when he came on.”

With nearly 500 Rams’ supporters descending on Molesey Road, the atmosphere created was once again outstanding.

“We’ve taken a step forward regardless of what happens, and I cannot say enough about the Ramily who have followed us all around the country. Thank you,” said Reynolds.

Rams captain Robbie Stapley added: “When we started, each week we were winning but it was also about progressing and I think we’ve done that.

“We lost a few points here and there, but each time we bounced back and continued to improve.

“We’ve got better together and hopefully it can continue.

“This season has been another step in the right direction, no matter what the outcome is next week.”

Rams’ victory means Cambridge, who secured a superb 31-10 bonuspoint success at Plymouth Albion, must repeat a five-pointer at home to mid-table Birmingham Moseley next Saturday if they are to secure the title.

By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today

FOLLOWING the double abandonment against Wales NC the previous week, Berkshire County Cricket Club got their NCCA T20 campaign off to a flying start last Sunday with two wins over Buckinghamshire.

With the contest being played at High Wycombe, Berkshire came out on top by eight wickets and then five wickets.

In the first game, the Championship and 50/50 Trophy holders blasted Bucks out for just 104, with Andy Rishton taking 3-19.

Berks raced to their target in 11.3 overs after Savin Perera had cracked a 29-ball 50 with 10 fours and shared an opening stand of 89 with skipper Dan Lincoln (35).

In the second match, useful contributions from Ewan Cox (38), Ross Richardson (33) and Teddie Casterton (32 not out) ensured that Berkshire had a more challenging chase with Bucks posting 144-6.

Rishton took another three wickets, this time for 33, and the all-rounder also went on to take the batting honours, striking an unbeaten 62 from 47 balls with the aid of four sixes.

Berks reached their target at 148-5 with 14 balls to spare, Josh Lincoln (17no) finishing the game with his second six in five balls.

They top the table with six points going into their final Group Four games this weekend.

They face Bedfordshire at Wargrave this Sunday and then on May Day Holiday Monday, they go to Thame to play T20 holders Oxfordshire, who won only two of their opening four games. Matches on both days start at 11am and 2.30pm.

Oxon hope to have the services again of 19-year-old Zach Lion-Cachet, who last weekend hammered an outstanding 101 from 56 balls and shared a competition record second-wicket stand of 175 with Tom Hinley (83no).

The holders piled up 207-1 and Bedfordshire were 96 runs adrift of their revised target of 180 from 17.3 overs in a game cut short by rain.

RUGBY UNION

Axel KallingSmith took his try tally to 13 for the season

Tim Pitfield and Paul Clark

Scrum-half Ollie Cole tackles opposite man Pierre Thompson

Rams forward Ant Marris in action Henry Bird put in another superb display

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FOOTBALL PANTHERS

ROBINS SECURE PLAY-OFF PLACE AS RUNNERS-UP

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BRACKNELL TOWN concluded a memorable league season by finishing as runners-up after their away win at Plymouth Parkway.

The Robins scored the first goal of the game through Mickel Platt to give them a 1-0 lead at half-time.

The hosts replied to make it 1-1 just after the hour mark, but Bracknell ensured they would go back with all three points as George Knight restored their advantage and Darryl Sanders netted deep into stoppage time to settle the game and seal a 3-1 win.

Bracknell finish the league campaign in second on 90 points, just three points behind league champions Weston-super-Mare.

It has been a remarkable season full of highlights for Bracknell which included a glamour tie in the FA Cup earlier this campaign against League One Ipswich Town.

The Robins gave a fantastic account of themselves to keep the Tractor Boys at bay for more than an hour before Ipswich went on to win the tie 3-0.

However, Bracknell carried that spirit and desire throughout their league journey under the management duo of Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg.

The management pair were

FOOTBALL

COMPLETE COMEBACK TO WIN FINAL

Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy Final

TILEHURST PANTHERS got their hands on the trophy as they overturned a one-goal deficit to beat WARGRAVE

After initially trailing the cup contest as Wargrave got themsevles in front, the Panthers replied to take the lead.

With a 2-1 advantage heading into the late stages of the game, Tilehurst managed to execute on the counter to add two more strikes to seal the match and confirm themselves as cup winners.

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA

RESERVES concluded their campaign with a loss to Penn & Tylers Green.

The 2-0 defeat means they end in seventh from eight teams on 12 points.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

ASCOT UNITED RESERVES moved another step closer to the league title after their away win at MORTIMER

Keira Lourdes scored the decisive goal to help the Yellas to a 1-0 win.

They stay top of the table with a two point lead over closest rivals New Bradwell having played one game fewer.

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two

S4K BERKS COUNTY are just one point off the bottom after their away loss at Ruislip Rangers.

Megan Cox and Kate Stewart were on the scoresheet for the Fawkes as they lost out 6-2.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA stay top of the pile after their crushing victory over Hillingdon Abbots.

The Boars hit a stunning total of 12 goals without reply to ensure they kept a four point lead over Larkspur.

A hat-trick from Daisy Cooke,

braces from Laura Comerford and Katie Rebecca Sayer, Lilly-May Varney and goals from Chloe Burton, Rachel Allwright and Mia Leanoard saw the Boars win 12-0. However, the team in second has two games in hand.

CAVERSHAM AFC got the better of BURGHFIELD to move further clear of Wargrave.

appointed by Bracknell September having done an exceptional job with Binfield FC which saw them win promotion and take the team to the FA Vase final in 2021.

After previous boss Bobby Wilkinson left Bracknell to join Weymouth, Withers and McClurg took the reins and have helped Bracknell to complete a superb season with the chance of promotion still up for grabs in the play-offs.

Bracknell Town co-manager Carl Withers said: “What a group. Second place confirmed, 100 goals scored with everyone of these lads playing their part and we’re not done yet. Thank you to our loyal Robins, you really do make a difference and have done all season but we need one more push.

Co-manager Jamie McClurg added: “Great result and once again these men gave us a well earned result to finish our league fixtures.

“A fantastic group of personalities on and off the pitch with an amazing fan base who give us everything. Thank you for travelling and onto the playoffs we go together.”

The Robins will now play in the play-off semi-finals on Wednesday against Chesham United.

Their opponents finished in sixth position in the division on 79 points.

The 2-1 win helped Caversham to their third win of the season, while Burghfield are in eighth place.

SHINFIELD RANGERS lost out 1-0 at home to Larkspur Rovers.

YATELEY UNITED stay in sixth position after they earned a 4-1 win on the road at Thatcham & Newbury.

Tilehurst (red) defeated Wargrave (blue) Pictures: Andrew Batt

Bracknell Town won away at Plmyouth Parkway

Tilehurst won 4-1 to lift the Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy

The Robins celebrate their 3-1 win on the final day

Bracknell scored three in their away success

Mickel Platt scored in the win

Bracknell will play Chesham Town in the play-offs Pictures: John Leakey

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FOOTBALL

FINCH FALL SHORT IN FINAL, SUMAS SAFE AFTER STRONG FORM KESTRELS LOSE OUT IN FINAL AWAY GAME OF CAMPAIGN

FOOTBALL

By GUEST CONTRIBUTOR sport@wokingham.today

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Isthmian South Central BINFIELD finished their league season with an away draw at Leatherhead.

The Moles twice went behind. The first goal was scored after five minutes by the hosts before Liam Gavin levelled the game in the 49th minute.

Dave Tarpey gave Leatherhead the lead for the second time with 15 minutes to go, but the Moles responded again, this time in the 90th minute when Gavin scored his second to ensure the game ended 2-2.

Binfield finish in sixth place on 57 points.

Combined Counties

Premier North

ASCOT UNITED surpassed the 100 points mark to ensure they became

centurions having already captured the league title.

In their final outing of the season, Ascot won a six goal game at Burnham to move onto 102 points.

The Yellas took a two goal lead into the break with strikes from Rob Gerrard and Brendan Matthew.

Matthew then headed home to make it 3-0 before Burnham converted a penalty.

Ascot’s final goal of the league season was scored by Louis Bouwers as they finished as 4-2 victors.

READING CITY lost out 4-2 at home to Wembley in their final match.

The Cityzens experimented with their line-up knowing that they had already secured a third placed finish before kick-off.

Gareth Cyprus and Dan Warre were on the scoresheet for City.

Reading finish in third

place on 76 points from 38 matches.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK put a point on the board in their last match having already confirmed safety.

Former Sumas player Jack Mullan scored twice for visitors Virginia Water.

Joao Jardim scored for Wokingham before Lewis Wilson scored a stoppage time leveller to make it 2-2.

Combined Counties Division One

BERKS COUNTY stay top of the table after their convincing 3-0 win over AFC Aldermaston.

Goals from Ellis Day, Luke Hayden and Ebby OpukuWare helped the Swords wrap up the points.

County currently sit at the summit with a one point lead over second place Sandhurst Town who have two games

in hand to play. EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA stay in 11th place after they picked up a point away at Langley.

After going a goal behind, Ben King scored for the Boars to earn a draw.

Charles Twelftree Trophy Final

FINCHAMPSTEAD missed out on the chance to pick up silverware after they lost to Old Bradwell United. It was a disappointing day for Finch who lost 4-0.

Thames Valley Premier League

BURGHFIELD moved closer to a top three finish after they defeated WARGRAVE in a fivegoal contest.

An Ollie Brown double and a Tom McClellan goal saw the Fielders win 3-2.

WOODLEY UNITED lost in their final away match of the season against a side in desperate need of points to try and avoid relegation.

Manager Jordan Blake gave under 18s Manny Adu-Essah and Shakeel Ahmad their starting debuts and it was the former who was the thrust of much of Woodley’s early play with his runs down the right wing which often resulted in him being fouled.

However, the resulting free-kicks were either overhit to Bonnett or cleared by the home defence.

Despite its start, United fashioned few chances with Bonnett saving low from Connor Suckling in the 33rd minute.

Londors made an excellent save from Tom Windsor for another corner kick which saw the ball end up in the visitors’ net but the goal was disallowed for handball.

Suckling fired wide when one on one with Bonnett after 58 minutes but three further Hounslow corners caused Woodley problems.

The second corner was cleared for a third corner that Charlie Light kick evaded the near post and squirmed over the goal line for the opening score in the 62nd minute.

As the match entered second half stoppage time the hosts were reduced to 10, but Woodley were unable to take advantage of the situation with the closest they came to scoring being in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Bonnett saved from close range a header from Londors.

Finchampstead missed out on the chance to win silverware Pictures: Andrew Batt The Kestrels

Woodley United in action against FC Deportivo Galicia Picture: Steve Smyth

Finch lost 4-0 in the Charles Twelftree final

Wokingham picked up a point in their final game of the season

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WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

ROYALS SURRENDER LEAD AS WSL SURVIVAL HOPES TAKE HUGE HIT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING 2 EVERTON 3

READING FC WOMEN

squandered a two-goal lead against Everton as they missed out on the chance to move further clear of the relegation places.

Justine Vanhaevermaet gave Reading the ideal start when she converted from the penalty spot just two minutes in before extending the team’s lead in the 17th minute.

Everton responded through Hanna Bennison before half-time and levelled the game when Katja

Snoeijs scored from a penalty.

The Toffees completed the turnaround in the 83rd minute with the pick of the goals through Nicoline Sorensen.

The defeat leaves Reading a point above bottom side Leicester City, who have a game in hand.

Reading got off to the perfect start when they were awarded a spot kick inside the opening minute.

After bursting upfield, Charlie Wellings worked her way into the box and was tripped from behind, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.

Justine Vanhaevermaet took responsibility and slotted the ball calmly into the

bottom right corner, sending goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan the wrong way.

The Toffees repossessed down the right with an inviting ball in the box that was dealt with by Easther Mayi-Kith who got an important touch to turn the ball behind for a corner.

Reading proceeded to create plenty of attacks in search of a second and were rewarded through some tenacious work from Sanne Troeslgaard who stole possession in Everton’s box, turned past her marker and put it on a plate for Vanhaevermaet to apply the finish to make it 2-0.

The visitors did manage to respond to reduce the deficit a few minutes before half-time

with a slick move that started inside their own box.

Everton worked the ball swiftly upfield on the left as Lucy Hope’s overlapping run ended with her finding Hanna Bennison to stroke the ball past Moloney.

Everton started strongly in the second-half to try and level when Hope got in behind the Royals defence only to fluff her lines and slice a shot wide of Moloney’s far post.

Another chance came the way of the Everton skipper shortly after when Diane Caldwell missed an opportunity to clear and the Toffees midfielder curled wide of the post.

In an attempt to nullify

Everton’s promising play, Chambers made her first switch in the 60th minute that saw Faye Bryson replace Primmer.

Having pressed for the opening 15 minutes of the half, Everton were given the chance to level from the spot when Caldwell for judged to have fouled Jess Park.

Katja Snoeijs ensured she put the visitors on terms by placing the ball neatly into the bottom right corner past Moloney.

The away team missed a golden chance to snatch the lead just a few minutes later when Snoeijs smacked over the top after Reading switched off and failed to clear from a corner.

Pressure continued to build and Moloney was called into action to stop a powerful effort from Snoeijs.

The wave of Everton attacks eventually became too much as Nicoline Sorensen scored with a sublime solo effort to put her team in front to complete the comeback.

She dribbled past two players and cut inside from the right and unleashed a soaring effort that flew past Moloney into the corner to put the away team in front in the 83rd minute.

The defeat leaves Reading one place off the bottom over Leicester who have a game in hand. The Royals have four league games left to play.

Reading are one place off the bottom of the WSL Pictures: Neil Graham

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How they rated

Joe Lumley

Kept busy and made decent stops to deny Gyokeres and Hamer. Could not have done anything with the goals.

Andy Yiadom

Was tormented by Gyokeres when he pulled out wide, particularly in the first half. Wasn’t afforded the licence to get forward.

Tom Holmes

Picked up an early yellow after getting beaten for pace by Gyokeres down Reading’s right in the first half. Run ragged all afternoon.

Naby Sarr

Marginally better than his centre-back partner, but still not by any means assured. Never got to grips with the home side’s front line.

Nesta Guinness-Walker

Gave the ball away with loose passes and got beaten in behind on a number of occasions. The more positive of the two wing-backs.

Femi Azeez

Looked uncertain in possession and was anonymous for long periods. Got a couple of strikes away from range in the second half.

Jeff Hendrick

At the heart of a midfield which was massively overrun. Took a nasty-looking knock in the build-up to Joao’s goal.

Cesare Casadei

Not his best showing. Was bullied off the ball too many times and wasn’t able to showcase his ability on the ball.

Mamadi Camara

Struggled to make things happen and with the intensity of the game. Was replaced by Fornah at half time.

Lucas Joao

Took his goal brilliantly. Spent large portions of the game in his own half looking for the ball.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan

Worked hard, but was working off scraps all afternoon. Replaced by McIntyre just past the hour mark.

SUBS

6 5 4

5 5 6

4 5 5

5 5

DEFEAT SEES ROYALS PLUNGED

COVENTRY CITY 2

READING 1

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC were plunged deeper into relegation trouble after they suffered their first defeat under interim boss Noel Hunt.

After consecutive draws, the Royals’ dreadful away form continued to plague them.

The Royals were level for a matter of minutes when Lucas Joao scored, only for Gustavo Hamer to restore Coventry’s advantage with the next attack of the game.

Relegation rivals QPR picked up a stunning win over Championship leaders Burnley which means Reading are four points behind them with two games left.

Reading trail Huddersfield by a point and the Terriers have a game in hand, while they are three points behind Cardiff who also have a game in hand.

Lining up for their first trip on the road under Noel Hunt, the interim boss made a clear show of faith in youth.

Gyokeres caused Reading problems right from the first whistle in a bid to add to his tally of 20 Championship goals. His first sight of goal came with three minutes gone after he benefited from Gustavo Hamer’s work down the right and shot across goal.

After receiving a short free-kick, Gyokeres spun past Andy Yiadom with ease, but could only manage a tame shot that was held by Joe Lumley.

The Swedish international then went agonisingly close when Lumley did well to shut down his

REACTION

Match stats

SUBS: McFadzean, Norton-Cuffy, Allen, Walker, Bidwell, Howley, Tyler

READING: Lumley, Yiadom (c), Holmes, Sarr, GuinnessWalker, Hendrick, Casadei, Camara, Azeez, Lucas Joao, Ehibhatiomhan

SUBS: McIntyre, Dann, Long, Fornah, Mbengue, Abrefa, Boyce-Clarke

GOALS: Godden 36’, Lucas Joao 51’, Hamer 54’

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Lucas Joao

switched off. We have to deal with it better with a sharper mindset.

“We had chances near the end of the game that we couldn’t latch onto.

angle as he tried to take the ball past the keeper before Holmes made a heroic block.

The Sky Blues continued to turn the screw in search of an opener and somehow failed to open the scoring when the Royals defence made two big blocks before Gyokeres shot off target from close range.

Reading struggled to get out of their half to cause the hosts problems in attack as Nesta Guinness-Walker hit a stray pass

CHAMPIONSHIP NOEL HUNT: ‘THE BOYS UNDERSTAND WHAT’S AT STAKE’

looking for Femi Azeez with a host of bodies waiting in the box for a cross.

Coventry goalkeeper Ben Wilson then grasped the ball after Jeff Hednrick’s drilled ball couldn’t quite find Naby Sarr.

Covetnrys’ pressure eventually became too much and they took the lead after 36 minutes.

Camara lost possession cheaply and was beaten on the wing and Hamer clipped the ball into Matt Godden who fired a volley into the

The Royals lost out at Coventry City which means they remain in the relegation places with two games left to play.

They trail QPR by four points and are a point behind Huddersfield and a point behind Cardiff who both have a game in hand.

“We had to throw caution to the wind (in the second-half,” said Hunt.

“We identified their players of quality and they started the game better than us.

“We scored a good goal and then

“Maybe we were a tiny bit leggy in the first half. We tried to freshen it up with a few younger ones.

I think Coventry started, in my view, better than us, and they did to us what we wanted to do to them, but then we settled down into the game.

“I thought we had some really good passages and with some more belief in the final third, we had a couple of chances.

“But then the goal goes in, it is a mistake from us, but to be fair, it is a great finish.

Reading are now in desperate

need of wins and play Wigan Athletic next Saturday at home before an away trip to Huddersfield on the final day of the season.

Hunt continued:

“We have to keep going. The boys understand what is at stake.

“We can’t focus on other teams around us but focus on ourselves. Full focus is on us and how we will get a result against Wigan next week.

“We’ve got to make sure we prepare properly, have a solid game plan and try to execute it.

“Meite is on the grass this week so we will wait and see if he is ready for next week, but maybe the week after.

“We keep on pushing. “It was a gamble we needed to take. He (Shane Long) made us a handful and he came through it ok and we see how he goes through the week.

“They’re disappointed. With four or five minutes to go they felt there was one more chance in the game, it’s not time to keep your heads down, get your heads up and we go again next week.”

McIntyre rises high to win a header

Femi Azeez glides down the wing

A dejected Tyrese Fornah at full-time

Mamadi Camara made his first Championship start Reading are in the relegation zone

READING FC manager Noel Hunt has urged his team to ‘keep their heads up’ ahead of two critical games in the Championship relegation battle.

Tyrese Fornah 5, Tom McIntyre 5, Shane Long n/a

COVENTRY: Wilson, McNally, Doyle, Panzo, Dabo, Eccles, Kelly, Hamer, Wilson-Esbrand, Gyokeres, Godden

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

DEEP INTO RELEGATION ZONE

From the middle

A simplified laws of the game

ANEW book called Football Rules has been produced by the International Football Association Board who are responsible for the Laws of the Game.

Rules of Association Football was the original name when football first became organised back in 1863 but sometime later, this was changed to Laws.

The idea of this new book is to simplify the Laws of the Game and is not aimed at referees but at coaches/managers and players to help them understand the Laws better, and so stop the too frequent harassment of referees.

A scuffle between the two teams as tensions boil over

It is a little like the memorandums, sometimes called International Board Decisions, that the IFAB used to send out many years ago, also to clarify parts of the Laws.

I campaigned against this in my early days as a referee because they would come out in one year and if someone started refereeing in subsequent years, they would know nothing about them. I suggested that they include them in the Laws of the Game book, which sometime later they did.

with just two games to go Pictures: Steve

bottom corner with a precise finish on the turn.

The Sky Blues then nearly punished Reading on the counter from their own corner when they steamed forward and Gyokeres smacked the post with a shot from the edge of the box.

Having made a big call to put Camara in from the start, Noel Hunt made the decision to withdraw him at half-time and bring on Tyrese Fornah.

Buoyed by that change, Reading made the ideal start to the half to get level.

Fornah ignited the move by playing it into the feet of Lucas Joao

PREVIEW

who took aim from almost 25 yards out and curled an exceptional finish past Wilson to find the corner and to put his team on terms.

But just as Reading got level, they shot themselves in the foot as the home team replied instantly to restore their lead.

Hamer tried to play the ball into the box and saw the ball ricochet off Sarr and kindly into his path. He took the invitation gratefully and clipped the ball past Lumley to make it 2-1.

Azeez was knocked down from 25 yards to give him a striking chance from a free-kick. But the effort was wasted as his effort was

blasted into the wall. The next switch from Hunt saw Ehibhatiomhan replaced by defender McIntyre.

Hamer went close to capitalising after Sarr surrendered possession, but Lumley came up with an important stop to keep his side in the game.

Gyokeres missed two massive chances in the final moments of the match before eight minutes of additional time were indicated by the fourth official.

Reading were unable to muster another equaliser which leaves them in 22nd position with just two matches left to play.

ROYALS LOOK TO PLOT GREAT ESCAPE IN FINAL GAMES

READING FC host Wigan Athletic in their final home match of the campaign with their Championship status under serious threat.

After defeat to Coventry City at the weekend, the Royals find themselves in the precarious position in the relegation zone with just two games to go.

With the three teams directly above them in the table with games in hand, it will take a sizeable effort and a large chunk of fortune to see Reading escape the drop.

Both teams are in serious danger of facing the drop to League One with Wigan needing a win at the

Select Car Leasing Stadium to avoid their relegation from being confirmed.

Having looked almost certain to succumb to the drop, the Latics managed to claw back some hope by finding back to back wins.

A midweek win away at Stoke City courtesy of Will Keane’s goal was followed by a victory over play-off chasing Millwall on Saturday thanks to an 84th minute winner from Thelo Aasgaard.

Shaun Maloney’s side remain bottom of the pile but are now just three points behind Reading and four points behind Huddersfield

heading into the final straight.

Wigan have scored the fewest goals of any team in the division, netting just 37 times in 44 games.

Keane has been their most prolific player and has managed 12 goals in 42 games which puts him joint 11th in the list of top scorers in the Championship.

The Latics also have the joint least number of wins this season having picked up just 10 victories, putting them on 40 points.

However, Wigan have collected two more wins on the road this season than Reading which gives them hope going into

their final away trip of the season knowing that they need to pick up points to stay in the fight.

The Royals were victorious in the reverse fixture at the DW Stadium back in September as Tom Ince netted the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute with a sublime free-kick.

But Reading’s perilous run of form, which has seen them now go 11 Championship games without a win, means they are in desperate need of putting an end to their winless streak to find an unlikely route to survival.

In fact, they went further. The book as issued by the FA was called ‘The Referees’ Chart and Players Guide to the Laws of the Game’ and as well as the International Board Decisions, included advice to referees, players and club secretaries. In the current Laws of the Game, these decisions are merged with the Laws.

This new book came about, we are told, because many people who watch, play, or coach have asked for a simpler version of the Laws with terms and words that are most widely used.

Referees for instance talk about the ‘field of play’ which most people call the ‘pitch.’

Another feature is that while the Laws of the Game is listed by Laws, for example Law 2 is ‘The Ball’ the new book has an alphabetical index.

Under S for instance you will find, scoring a goal, semi Automated offside technology, simulation, substitutions, substitutes or team officials on the pitch, swearing.

Most sections have a question-and-answer session. It includes some items which are not covered in the Laws of the Game, and there are also some items which used to be in the Laws but now left out.

Football referee Picture: Pixabay

Smyth

McIntyre swings in a cross

Joe Lumley Royals skipper Andy Yiadom

Lucas Joao goes close

Guinness-Walker at full-time

Cesare Casadei moves forward in attack

Dick Sawdon-Smith

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

ATHLETICS

KAREN CLAIMS BRONZE BEFORE INJURY STRIKES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING ATHLETICS CLUB master athlete Karen Burles took a bronze medal in the World Indoor Championships before her hopes were dashed by injury.

A fantastic world championships in Tampere in July saw Karen break the W40 British record over 200m and gain a world bronze medal.

The World Indoor Championships in March looked promising as the local business owner took three months out of her usual training schedule to deal with a Plantar fasciitis injury, while training for a non impact event at the national fitness games.

Leading up to the championships in Torun, Poland, Karen managed to run a lifetime best over 200m.

Working on her starts to races, Karen also raced in the 60m in which she describes as her ‘fun event’.

Another lifetime best of 8.12 seconds was achieved in the 60m heat to take Karen into the semi-finals.

Karen managed to clinch a bronze medal with another lifetime best of 8.09 seconds.

However, it was to be a bitter ending for the Reading AC athlete after an achilles injury flared up and she had to limp off to the finish line in the 200m heats the next day.

“To make the podium in the 60m

ATHLETICS

was a dream I hadn’t even dreamt,” said Karen.

“Going into the championships I knew the 200 was my best event and coming out of the heats I was ranked number one.

“I had to try. For the six months of training. The sacrifices made. For my team of coaches behind me. The eight days away from my children and work.”

“I didn’t want any regrets and I don’t. I am just glad it happened in my individual event and not the

team relay as that would have been hard to get over.”

“I was so lucky that my Polish competitor in the semi final was a doctor and came to my rescue.”

“The masters community is such a friendly and supportive environment.

“Obviously we all want to win but everyone helps each other and no one certainly wants to see the favourite go out the way I did.”

Now needing to rehab the injury,

RESULTS

Saturday, April 22

FOOTBALL

Championship

Coventry City 2-1 Reading

Southern League Premier South

Plymouth Parkway 1-3

Bracknell Town

Isthmian South Central Leatherhead 2-2 Binfield

Combined Counties Premier North Burnham 2-4 Ascot

United

Reading City 2-4 Wembley

Sumas 2-2 Virginia Water

Combined Counties Division One

Berks County 2-0 AFC

Aldermaston

CB Hounslow United 1-0

Woodley United

Langley 1-1 Eversley & California

Thames Valley Premier League

Burghfield 3-2 Wargrave

Reading City U23s 0-1

Westwood Wanderers

Karen is targeting a return for the European Masters Championships in Pescara, Italy, later this year.

She continued: “I am in no rush to get back to track training, being a personal trainer I know there are so many other ways to replicate track sessions and keep myself fit so my recovery will be done at sensible pace.

“My target is to be on the start line at the European Masters Championships in, later this year.”

FIXTURES

Wednesday, April 26

FOOTBALL Southern League Premier South Bracknell Town v Chesham United

Woodley United v AFC Aldermaston

Thames Valley Premier League

Burghfield v Finchampstead Reading City U23s v Slough Heating Laurencians

Thursday, April 27

Charles Twelftree Trophy

Final

Old Bradwell United 4-0

Finchampstead

RUGBY UNION

National League One

Esher 19-33 Rams

Sunday, April 23

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League

Reading 2-3 Everton

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

RACE DIRECTOR LOOKS

AHEAD

TO ‘EXCITING’ SHINFIELD 10K EVENT

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

RACE Director Colin Cottell is excited ahead of this year’s Shifield 10k which takes place on Monday, May 1.

The Shinfield 10k, which first began in 1985, provides a great opportunity for people to lace up their running shoes whether they are new to the sport or experienced.

“Entries have really picked up in the last couple of weeks and we’re expecting many more people to enter before online entries close on 27 April,” said Colin, a member of Reading Roadrunners, the race’s organisers.

Race organisers are expecting strong representation from local clubs, especially Reading AC, Bracknell Forest and Reading Joggers, Reading Roadrunners and Shinfield Running Club.

Matthew Green. Last year’s winners has vowed to defend

this title, while James Suarez from Shinfield Running is expected to compete strongly for the first local prize.

Beginning at School Green Shinfield, the route takes in many of the area’s quiet lanes, as well as some of the newer roads, drives, and avenues. With a short section on well-maintained paths, a few mild undulations and slopes, including a fast downhill section into the finish at School Green, the route is full of variety.

The race is organised by Reading Roadrunners, one of the largest running clubs in the South of England, with support from local sports charity The Shinfield Association, and in

WOMEN TO FACE TITLE HOPEFULS

association with Shinfield Running Club and Shinfield Parish Council.

From its first staging in 1985 when 610 runners completed what was then called the Shinfield Fun Run, the Shinfield 10k has always involved the whole community. Shinfield Scouts continue to provide the water station. Honeysuckle Day Nursery, Grant & Stone, Courtiers based in Henley and Vistry Group are this year’s sponsors.

Over its three decade span, Shinfield has raised more than £110,000 for Reading Roadrunners’ charities and The Shinfield Association, helping the latter to maintain the area’s sports facilities, including the Recreation Ground.

Online entries close on Thursday, April 27.

Subject to the race limit not being reached, entries will be available on the day.

n For further information, please contact: shinfield@ readingroadrunners.org

READING FC WOMEN face an arduous task in their continuing fight to stay in the Women’s Super League away at Manchester City.

The Royals’ hopes of securing their top flight status took a serious hit on Sunday as they let a two-goal lead slip in their 3-2 defeat to Everton.

Reading sit just one point and one place above the relegation zone over Leicester City who have a game in hand.

There are still four sides who are fighting to avoid the drop with Reading, Leicester, Brighton and Spurs all entrenched in the relegation scrap.

Brighton are a point ahead of Reading with a game in hand, while Spurs are two points above having played the same number of games.

Sunday’s opponents are fighting at the other end of the table in hopes of making a late push for the title.

City climbed up to second place on Sunday night after earning a convincing 6-2 win over West Ham.

Chloe Kelly hit a double and goals from Laura Coombs, Khadija Shaw, Steph Hoghton and Mary Fowler helped City stroll to a 6-2 victory.

The Citizens are now one place off the top and three points behind city rivals Manchester United with four games to go.

However, they are only one point ahead of third placed Chelsea having played two games more and three points above fourth placed Arsenal who have a game in hand. City won the reverse fixture at the SCL 3-0 in November

Eversley & California 0-2 Penn & Tylers Green

Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy

Wargrave 1-4 Tilehurst Panthers

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Mortimer 0-1 Ascot United Reserves

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two

S4K Berks County 1-4 Ruislip Rangers

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

Burghfield 1-1 Caversham AFC

Eversley & California Reserves 12-0 Hillingdon Abbots

Shinfield Rangers 0-1 Larkspur Rovers

Yateley United 1-0 Thatcham & Newbury

Tuesday, April 25

FOOTBALL Combined Counties

One Hillingdon Borough v Eversley & California

City v Reading Cup Eastleigh v Ascot United

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Harwell and Hendred v Tilehurst Panthers Mortimer v Wargrave

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

Burghfield v Eversley & California Reserves

Taplow United v Larkspur Rovers

Wargrave Development v Shinfield Rangers

Monday, May 1

FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Hillingdon Borough v Berks County

Karen Burles in action at the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championship

Karen competing on the track

Karen Burles on the podium to pick up bronze

Injury cut her championship journey short