Wokingham Today, April 6, 2022

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

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Town council ‘did not discuss 3G pitch plans’

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today EARLEY Town Council has issued a statement refuting allegations that it had supported plans to build a 3G football pitch in Laurel Park.

At a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council last month, council leader John Halsall shared an email from Lib Dem opposition leader which purports to show his support for such a scheme, something he strongly denies.

It was sent in December 2020, after plans to build a 3G pitch in Cantley Park were announced. “It would be great to have something similar (in Laurel Park),” he wrote. Cllr Jones told Wokingham Today that he was referring to plans to improve general facilities, and not requesting a 3G pitch.

Plans for such a venture were pulled last month, following resident opposition.

Now, Earley Town Council has made its position clear.

“The Town Council is aware of recent media reports suggesting that Earley Town Council had supported plans to build a 3G sports pitch at Laurel Park, next to Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve,” the statement says.

“We would like to confirm that neither Earley Town Council nor its committees have discussed the proposal and the Town Council has never adopted a view on the matter.

“Were a planning application be submitted, this would be discussed at a meeting of the planning committee.

“At no time did the officers of Earley Town Council have any information about the proposed 3G pitch, apart from what was in the public domain.”

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, April 7, 2022

No. 358 90p

Now that’s a PE lesson!

Rugby world cup winner visits Wokingham school • P6

A FRIEND ON THE PHONE P9

LATE-NIGHT LOUTS: POLICE TAKE ACTION

Spot checks on pubs and bars to ensure town is safe on nights out

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKAM news@wokingham.today AN OPERATION to ensure pubs and bars were adhering to licensing conditions took place last week.

Wokingham.Today was exclusively invited by Thames Valley Police to join its force on Friday, April 1.

The operation was hosted by the police’s Wokingham Geographical Neighbourhood

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team in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council, special constabulary and licensed premises in the town.

At the Gig House, the police worked with security to carry out additional checks for knives and also to detect drugs with the help of a £30,000 piece of equipment.

The machine requires a small swab from the palm of your hand and, once placed in the machine, can return a result in seconds for any traces of illegal substances. n Continued on page 11

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022

Borough among highest for home ownership

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM ranks among the highest authorities for home ownership in England.

In print

According to data released by Bird & Co solicitors, Wokingham has an ownership rate of 79%.

The study uses data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to compare the number of homes owned, either outright or via a mortgage, against the total number of properties in each local authority With nearly four in five homes owned, this makes Wokingham the highest for home ownership in the south east, only 3% behind Castle Point in Essex.

The figure also puts Wokingham as fourth for home ownership in England as a whole.

On the opposite end

STATS: Nearly four in five homes in Wokingham are owned of the scale came areas like Birmingham at 55%, Manchester at 40%, and most areas in London.

Hackney took the lowest spot, with a home ownership rate of 28%.

Daniel Chard, partner at Bird & Co, said: “Home ownership rates have been a contentious topic for a number of years now, as cost of living continues to rise

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HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by email Email news@wokingham.today Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Wokingham Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Daniel Blackham, Natalie Burton, Jake Clothier Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk.

Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

whilst salaries do not meet the demand.

“This is making it very tricky for particularly young people to jump on the property ladder these days.

“Despite this, it’s reassuring to see that the percentage of homes owned exceeds homes rented in most localities.

“Although a number of the houses in this equation

may be second homes, we’re pleased to see that many UK citizens have made it into home ownership, despite the challenges faced.”

Currently, the average house price in Wokingham is £519,887, nearly £100,000 higher than the average for Berkshire.

House prices in Wokingham are also 55% higher than the average of £293,339 in England.

Experts believe the number of homeowners in the south east directly correlates to the number of people aged 50 and over.

The population percentage of 50+ year olds in the region is higher than England as a whole.

Generally, older individuals have more equity, and therefore more ability to afford a house, possibly explaining Wokingham’s position in the rankings.

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ON FRIDAY, April 1, WADE held its latest draw in its monthly 150 Club lottery, with the winners scooping cash prizes.

The centre, on Reading Road, provides daycare facilities for the borough’s older residents, including hot lunches, entertainment and resources, and the fundraiser helps its activities.

Held monthly, there are three prizes.

First prize was £134, and went to member number 23. Second prize was £67 was given to member 8. And the third prize was £33.50 and awarded to 49.

A spokesperson for WADE said: “Congratulations to our three April winners.

“Thank you once again to all our members for your continued support.

“Please sign up and be in with a chance of winning a cash prize every month, while also supporting WADE” For details, call Jess on 0118 978 7025, email wade150club@ wadecentre.org.uk, or visit: wadecentre.org.uk

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A WOKINGHAM charity is hosting its Easter Fair on Saturday.

Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines (SAFE) will have a giant teddy tombola, raffle, crafts, a colouring competition and stalls from local businesses.

The event will take place between noon and 4.30pm, at Emmbrook Village Hall. Entry is a minimum £1 donation, and free for children.

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Thursday, April 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Early birds catch festival tickets

Jane Austen and Camilla Cook selling folk club tickets

READY FOR THE RUSH: Wargrave Festival ticket day organiser Cath Forsaith with Ellen Lindsay, first in the queue at 4.30am Picture: Mike Swift Coffee in the queue with Elizabeth Towse and Catherine Abbott, who arrived More than 300 people turned “And I was buying for at 5.30am friends too, so I didn’t want to out behind her in the queue, Picture: Mike buying some 4,500 tickets disappoint them.”

Swift Even though there was between them. Ms Lindsay frost on the ground and it was bought tickets to eight events dark when people first turned for her and friends to enjoy, out, Ms Lindsay said that the including The Tempest, Brass Selling literary atmosphere of the queue line on the Grass, Songs from the festival tickets on ticket day is part of the Shows and Pub on the Green. are Peter Dart, She said that: “The festival Andy Ferguson experience.

“Although years ago people has got bigger and it is so and Graeme used to camp overnight,” she professionally done and we Blythe want it to continue, which is added.

“I wasn’t there on my own also why we go out early to buy for long, only five or 10 minutes, tickets.”

This year’s Wargrave Festival and at 7am Wargrave Guides turned up and sold bacon rolls runs from Wednesday, June 8, until Sunday, June 26. and hot drinks to everyone.

“And the queue is an n For more information and opportunity to meet up and tickets, visit: wargravefestival. chat with friends.” org.uk

Taking breakfast orders from the queue are Sophia Monté (13) and Jessie Wayland (14)

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today EARLY birds turned out to queue for Wargrave Festival tickets last Saturday.

The 19-day programme of events is set to take place at venues around the village in June.

It was postponed last year due to covid concerns, meaning that the last time it took place was in 2019.

The ticket line was started at 4.30am by Wargrave resident and regular festivalgoer Ellen Lindsay.

“You have to queue for certain events because tickets sell out,” she said.

Easter bike sessions for children THERE are plenty of opportunities for youngsters to improve their cycling skills this Easter.

MyJourney Wokingham is running a series of bikeability sessions in Woodley and Finchampstead, beginning on Monday, April 11.

The training is designed for children aged five and older, to learn to ride a bike safely without stabilisers.

Several courses are on offer at Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley throughout the two weeks of the school holidays.

These include small learn-to-ride groups which are open to children who need to practise riding on their own without stabilisers.

Bikeability level one and two courses will also run, for more confident cyclists who are nine and older. n For more information or to book,visit Avanti Cycling: avanticycling.co.uk/holidaycourses

Additional needs courses at FBC Centre

MyJourney Wokingham is also running two bikeability level one sessions for children aged seven and older with special educational needs and disabilities.

These both take place at Finchampstead Baptist Church in Gorse Ride, on Thursday, April 21. n For more information or to book on to SEND courses in Finchampstead, visit: myjourneywokingham.com/ events

Sunday 17th April

"Easter Sunday" - Lunch & Dinner The perfect Easter Sunday for all the family, we have a special Sunday lunch menu to make it an occasion to remember – new beginnings, full of the joys of spring! Join us for our delicious three courses Sunday Roast Lunch with all the trimmings.

Three-Course Sunday Menu - Tea, Coffee and Petit Fours Priced at £34.95 per person (Children Menu Available) Easter Sunday Menu is served from 12 pm - 8 pm Easter Afternoon Tea Weekend Easter’s just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family for Easter-themed Afternoon Tea. Sipping cups of perfectly brewed tea, tucking into delectable sandwiches, freshly-baked scones and beautifully crafted patisserie - yummy!

Easter Chocolate Afternoon Tea | Priced at £24.95 per person Afternoon Tea is served on the following dates Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th of April.

To book please call us direct on 0118 979 8805 or email us at enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com www.chalkrestaurants.com Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU

4 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today ON SONG: BoxSet entertaining crowds in Twyford Pictures: Sue Corcoran

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022

Rescue dog Jack scores at QPR EXCLUSIVE

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today

BoxSet band entertains shoppers INTERNATIONAL touring pop/ folk duo BoxSet and other musicians have entertained shoppers with their pavement concerts outside a supermarket, writes Sue Corcoran The duo, Tony Lyons of Twyford and former Theale Green School student George Whitfield, born and bred in Reading, were outside Waitrose in Twyford last month.

It was their third and final session in the Twyford Together spring concert series organised by borough councillor for Twyford, Stephen Conway.

Professional musicians BoxSet pay tribute to the role of busking in their lives, at the start and much more recently.

George said: “I learned to play the accordion by busking, outside Heelas in Reading in the mid-80s.”

Tony said their careers didn’t suddenly take off: “We’ve

busked in the streets together in Brighton, we’ve played at the 3Bs at Reading Town Hall, at Reading pubs, then we got a record deal.

“We played in Germany where we got signed up to play in the US. We’re just back from a Belgium tour and we’re off to the US again this summer.”

In Germany, BoxSet busked to tell more people about their evening gig.

“We’ve never got above our station,” Tony joked.

For their Twyford performance, BoxSet were joined by young singer and songwriter Chloe Roberts, 13, a student at The Piggott School, Twyford, and the Drum Club including Colleton and Piggott School students.

A crowd of 120 cheered them on in the sunshine.

The previous week BoxSet were playing with the Guitar Club from Colleton and Piggott schools and earlier with Twyford Glee Club Choir and Twyford Ukelele Collective.

A HARE HATCH rescue dog scored away at QPR last month.

Black lab cross Jack, his owner Nike Roe, and some of his pooch pals from Friends of Animals Wales (FOAW) visited the club’s training ground in Hillingdon.

Manager Mark Warburton and director of football Les Ferdinand MBE were won over by the away team.

And players including Dominic Ball, Sam MacCallum and George Thomas also enjoyed their canine meet-andgreet.

They were there in the hope that QPR can help tackle the problem of finding homes for the animals FOAW currently has up for adoption.

Ms Roe became involved with FOAW following a meeting with the charity’s founder Eileen Jones.

“We were both at Number 10 when we were campaigning for legislation to empty puppy farms,” she explains.

“The work that they do in helping dogs from overseas, funding treatment for sick

HAPPY DAYS: From left: Mark Warburton, Niki Roe and Les Ferdinand Picture: Robert Meader animals and re-homing rescued dogs appealed to me.

“Everyone involved is a volunteer.”

Jack is an ex-FOAW dog, who suffered years of abuse before being rescued by the charity. He is still receiving physiotherapy to help him to walk.

He recently won Rescue Dog of the Year at the Animal Star Awards, organised by Mary Burgess. Jack received several nominations for the category, and was chosen as the winner by industry professionals in animal-related careers.

Ms Roe is a dog behaviouralist who has worked with Mr Ferdinand’s pets in the past.

“QPR were keen to restore the reputation of footballers following a recent high profile case of alleged animal abuse by a Premier League player.

“Many of the team are dog lovers and the club want to support us going forward.”

All of the dogs who accompanied Jack were ex-breeding stock or in need of operations due to abuse or untreated conditions. n For more information, visit: friendsofanimalswales.org.uk

Author to bring Ancient Egypt to life

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VISIT: Justin Newland will sign copes of The Genes of Isis Picture: Christopher Alan

ANCIENT Egypt is coming to Wokingham on Saturday, via Somerset.

WHSmith in Market Place is to be the venue for a book signing by Justin Newland.

Visiting from the nearby county, he will showcasing copies of his fantasy novel The Genes of Isis.

Described as a supernatural thriller, the book is set in Ancient Egypt, and focuses on a woman’s journey from maiden to mother, apprentice to priestess.

Mr Newland says he writes secret histories in which real events and historical personages are guided and motivated by numinous forces.

The signing starts at 10.30am on Saturday, April 9.

In addition to The Genes of Isis, the doctor of mathematics will also sign his other novels: The Old Dragon’s Head, The Coronation and The Abdication.

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Thursday, April 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Six of the best: Wokingham’s civic award winners revealed

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today

Trusts: managing wealth, safeguarding needs.

THEY ARE six of the best, and they have been rewarded for their efforts.

Last week, Wokingham Town Council held its annual civic awards, with the ceremony held in person for the first time since the pandemic.

Each year, it seeks to recognise residents who have gone above and beyond to make the town a better place. This could be through exceptional service, adding to the cultural life, or helping make it more environmentally friendly.

This year, there were six winners. They received their awards from the deputy town mayor, Cllr Maria Gee, at a ceremony held in the town hall on Tuesday, March 29.

Cllr David Lee, who chairs the civic committee, was thrilled with the occasion.

“I am constantly amazed at the voluntary contributions made by so many unsung heroes each year,” he said. “Usually, these people quietly carry on these good works in an unassuming way without seeking recognition or reward and bring untold happiness and relief to many of our residents.

“Whether help is given through putting food on the table, bringing families together, putting on events for the community to enjoy or offering a helping hand to those who need it, we salute you, “We have so many dedicated and selfless people working for the benefit of our community on a day-to-day basis, and it is a great honour to recognise them each year through the Civic Awards ceremony.

“Volunteering is a great thing to do and brings more rewards than money can achieve.”

And Cllr Gee was delighted to be presenting the awards, saying the ceremony was one of the highlights of the municipal year.

“It is when we recognise great people for doing great things for the greater good of our community,” she said.

“It is our chance to say thank you to those who have been recognised for going above and beyond in their charitable activities.”

This year’s winners Alan Rouse Nominated by Andy Goffin and Lyn Baily for all his contribution to Wokingham Lions, Wokingham Foodbank, Wokingham Fireworks, Wokingham May Fayre and Wokingham Citizens Advice.

Alan has been involved in many charities within Wokingham over the last 20 years and is always delighted to see charities work together for a common cause. Alan is described as very tenacious, going above and beyond to help others.

The quote ‘Whenever Wokingham needs volunteers, you will probably find Alan involved’ describes his dedication.

Alan has trained as a volunteer with Citizens Advice, spending many hours each week helping those who have great need in a variety of ways.

You’ll also find him ferrying residents around to events they will enjoy, collecting products for the foodbank from local supermarkets, helping at events and parties for those less fortunate working hard on all the events that the town enjoys such as the Winter Carnival, the May Fayre and the Christmas Living Advent calendar.

Claire Revie Nominated by Louise Jedras and Louise Buckingham as founder of SHARE Wokingham and her continuing driving force behind this wonderful community initiative.

Having set up SHARE during the dark days of the pandemic, Claire and a group of volunteers supported local families in need with food and supplies to get them through each week.

Claire is always cheerful, positive, and incredibly resourceful. She has a never-ending supply of energy and an amazing can-do attitude which has taken

Trusts have been around for thousands of years and are a useful mechanism for managing wealth, safeguarding the needs of family members, and even saving tax.

A trust is an arrangement by which someone (the ‘settlor’) gives assets to individuals (the ‘trustees’) to hold for the benefit of others (the ‘beneficiaries’).

Although the beneficiaries can receive the benefit of the trust assets (which could be capital or income), it is the trustees who have control, and they make the decisions.

HONOURED: The winners of this year’s civic awards from left: Jean Taylor, Alan Rouse, Siobhan Sanctuary, deputy mayor’s consort Chris Gee, deputy town mayor Cllr Maria Gee, Claire Revie, Gerald de la Pascua and James Taylor.

Picture: Stewart Turkington / www.stphotos.co.uk SHARE from strength-to-strength. Claire also coordinates and works with other local charities and community groups to ensure that no family in need goes without.

Not only does Claire’s work help families in need but also benefits the environment as her team collects and distributes food from supermarkets, local shops and traders that would otherwise be wasted.

Gerald de la Pascua Nominated by Claire Revie and Vickie Robinson for his volunteering work at SHARE Wokingham and his support with the Syrian Vulnerable Person Refugee Resettlement group Gerald has volunteered with SHARE Wokingham from day one. He has been integral in the set-up and success of the project. He is very resourceful and goes above and beyond to help those in need, whether it’s food, white goods, or an issue they are struggling with.

If there is surplus food at the end of each day, Gerald takes it around to people’s houses (often in a wheelbarrow) to ensure nothing gets wasted.

Gerald is also a dedicated volunteer at the Syrian Resettlement Scheme.

Gerald puts in time, love, hard graft, and anything else that is needed, from painting houses, sourcing needed items, arranging furniture, delivering food and making sure they are as happy and can integrate into the community.

This quote says so much: ‘There is no finer example of an upstanding, caring, considerate and gracious citizen than Gerald. He is incredibly humble and never takes any credit for what he does.’

James Baston Nominated by Kate Taylor and Lynne Simmonds for his contribution to Adopt-a-street and litter picks and his work with New Family Social and the Berkshire Adoption Panel.

James is a natural leader. He uses his spare time to volunteer and help in as many ways as he can.

Kate said: ‘People like James often remain “unsung heroes”, but he deserves recognition for the good he does. It would inspire his son, Sebastian, to see greatness and kindness being rewarded.’

James has a heart of gold and has never been afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty when it comes to helping people or his community.

He has even tandem jumped out of a plane to raise money for charity.

James has a great sense of humour and people find him approachable to talk to or ask for advice.

Jean radiates kindness and is always listening to and supporting others to express themselves and achieve their goals. She is a valued friend and confidant who can make people smile and feel happy.

Jean also helps out at cooking sessions, parties, trips out and a lunch club at The Cornerstone too.

Siobhan Sanctuary Nominated by Roy Fewster and Captain Jan Howlin for all her contribution to the Wokingham Pre School Alliance learning, Citizens Advice, Salvation Army and Employment Plus.

Siobhan has compassion, drive, and a huge amount of empathy. She has unending patience with service users who have a vast range of needs from addictions to mental health issues. Siobhan shows love in action with her knowledge and ability to communicate with people from all walks of life.

Siobhan currently supports 30 plus service users with tenancy support, benefit help, all form filling needs and help to access medical and all health services. Siobhan is passionate in her efforts to alleviate poverty and will strive to give everyone she works with hope and a future. Siobhan has also helped set up Employment Plus and has produced the Homeless Pocket Guide, a source of information regarding food and shelter, advice and support for housing and addiction problems.

This guide is used informally by other outlets such as the Police.

Trusts can be created orally but are usually written down, recording all the trustees’ powers and duties, as well as the ways in which the beneficiaries can benefit. This benefit could be a right to the income or capital, or a discretionary benefit – a mere potential to benefit (rather than an entitlement).

Trusts are set up for a variety of reasons.

Some typical scenarios where trusts can be useful are: • Passing assets down to later generations • Paying school or university fees • Protecting vulnerable beneficiaries who struggle to manage their money • Safeguarding assets from creditors, bankruptcy or divorce claims • Saving inheritance tax

Trusts can be created in Wills or through lifetime giving. You may be a settlor of a trust, a trustee or a beneficiary. Modern trusts can operate for a maximum of 125 years, so can be relevant to a family for many generations.

The law and the taxation of trusts change over time. It is important that anyone who has involvement with a trust, whether as a beneficiary or a trustee, is kept up to date on issues of compliance and taxation.

The most recent development is the introduction of the Trust Registration Service (TRS). This is a central register of trusts which is administered by HMRC and contains information such as who the trustees are, who can benefit from the trust and what assets are in the trust.

There is now a requirement that nearly all trusts are registered with the TRS. It is ultimately the responsibility of the trustees to ensure that this has happened, and there are financial penalties if this doesn’t happen. There is a new deadline of 1st September 2022 which will apply to many trusts.

The process for registration is not straightforward and therefore action needs to be taken at an early stage.

If you need help with an existing trust, or would like to set up a new trust, please get in touch with Catherine at Legacy Law. We are experts on all aspects of trusts and their taxation and we will work hard to ensure that you understand the terms of all documents you put in place, and comply with the relevant legislation.

Jean Taylor Nominated by Nikk Brown and Thomas Ormsby for all the valuable time she spends volunteering for Rose Buddies (a support service for Wokingham residents with learning disabilities) to help others.

Jean leads the active cycling and walking sessions at Rose Buddies, giving participants confidence to go out and explore new areas together.

Call on: 0118 40 50 131 www.legacy-law.co.uk Email at:catherine@legacy-law.co.uk

6 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022

Rugby World Cup winner visits Emmbrook school to present PE kit

Chain Reaction

I

n my twenty-plus years in estate agency I have never dealt with as many chains as I have over the past year. A rising market essentially puts the brakes on for anyone even considering ‘breaking’ a chain which in turn creates inertia in the market and it feels like some transactions come to a grinding halt before they’ve begun. So what can you do to make sure your sale or purchase goes through swiftly if you do find yourself (as Diana Ross so eloquently puts) in the middle of a chain reaction?

Carefully consider the offers you receive When you receive an offer for your property your estate agent should know everything there is to know about the chain of the buyer. Quiz them on how many properties are already lined up and what stage each transaction is at. A higher offer with a threeproperty chain may not be as attractive as a slightly lower offer from a first-time-buyer or investor. If your agent doesn’t know about every link then send them back to get the information before even considering the offer.

Hat and Home Founder, Ben Gee Knowledge is power If you agree a sale (or purchase) you are going to want to know exactly what is happening at every part of the chain so create a simple spreadsheet detailing the various links and agents so you can ask pertinent questions about progress along the way. (A free spreadsheet template is available from Hat and Home on request).

Regular updates You should communicate regularly with your selling and buying agent and take their advice about what the next steps are at each stage. Expect updates twice a week on your transaction and updates weekly or every ten days on the whole chain.

Patience Not all transactions in a chain will be ready at the same time so a degree of patience will be required. It’s inevitable that issues will come up which need dealing with but the earlier they are identified, the more time there is to solve them.

Completion day A chain of six properties will all need to agree the same completion date so that will require flexibility and pragmatism.

Your agents will liaise with the other agents to agree something between all parties. You may not get what you want, but you will get to move home!

If you need any advice at all from an independent voice please drop me a line on 07523106629 and I will be happy to help.

PLAY TIME: A donation of sports equipment from Balfour Beatty was given to Emmbrook Junior School Pictures: Daniel Blackham PUPILS at Emmbrook Junior School had a special guest on Tuesday, April 5.

Jason Robinson, former England rugby captain and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, visited the school as part of his JR Sports Stars programme.

The special visit was organised by the school in collaboration with Balfour Beatty, who donated £1,000 worth of sports equipment to the school.

Throughout this term the school has also received a number of PE lessons provided by JR Sports Stars.

Chris Hall, project director at Balfour Beatty, said: “It’s pleasing to see another example of the legacy we will be leaving.

“I hope the Emmbrook Junior School gets many years of use and enjoyment from the equipment provided through JR Sports Stars and Balfour Beatty.”

Mr Robinson delivered an assembly to the students showing highlights of his career along with his World Cup winners medal, OBE and MBE. Some of the students then attended a special PE lesson with Mr Robinson joining in for a number of rugby-based activities.

Mr Robinson said: “The key message for the programme is about encouraging students to put the time in and be the best they can be.

“If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Jason Robinson taking part in PE lesson

Coach giving instructions to children during their PE lesson

Jason Robinson giving pupils a special assembly

New neighbourhood watch planned EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A NEW neighbourhood watch is set to launch in Earley.

The Earley Neighbourhood Watch has been created in response to the rising number of burglaries in the area.

The aim of the scheme is for people to get together with their neighbours to take action to reduce crime.

The team behind the scheme has a vision to create a society where neighbours collaborate to create safer, stronger and more active communities.

Earley Neighbourhood Watch is also focused on building community spirit and good relations.

Ritesh Nigam, one of the organisers behind the scheme, said: “We are glad the scheme has been approved and we are working hard to get things going.

“There will be a number of activities to raise awareness and an opportunity to work with other people in the community as a team to reduce crime.”

A number of burglaries have taken place across the area in recent months with family jewellery specifically being stolen.

Incidents have been reported in Kenton Road, Sevenoaks Road, Henley Wood Road, The Crescent, Sutcliffe Avenue and Finch Road.

Victims to these burglaries have all been of Asian

LOOK OUT: Earley residents will keep an eye out to look for thieves Picture: Bruno Martins on Unsplash

descent, mostly Indian and Chinese.

Thames Valley Police has recognised a rise in the number of family jewellery thefts in the last few months.

The police have also confirmed plans to host

a public conference this month to speak with the communities affected by the burglaries, and details will be released soon. n For more information on the Earley Neighbourhood Watch scheme visit: ourwatch.org.uk

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Second phase of Shinfield Studios is underway

Bishop Philip Egan at St Thomas More RC Church in Twyford

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today IT’S GOING to be a worldleading media hub that makes Hollywood blockbusters, and it’s being built on our doorstep.

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Last week, councillors from Wokingham borough joined University of Reading’s pro vice-chancellor, and a team from Shinfield Studios to make the start of the second phase of construction for the site.

When finished, it will comprise 18 sound stages areas where actors are filmed when making movies. It will be one of the largest film and TV studios in the UK. The first phase, which has been completed, saw four of the sound stages completed, after an accelerated planning permission process.

These are now being used for forthcoming productions.

And Friday’s visit was a chance for councillors to see the work currently being undertaken to prepare the ground, and the foundations, for the next five sound stages to be construction.

Bishop visits churches in Twyford and Wargrave

VISIT: The team behind Shinfield Studios welcome Cllr Halsall, Cllr Frewin, Cllr Patman and Cllr Rance to mark the second phase of construction. Picture: Laura Bennetto In all, it will be a 85,000 sq m media hub, situated on the Thames Valley Science Park, the new campus from the university.

Council leader John Halsall was joined by Shinfield colleagues Cllrs Jim Frewin, Barrie Patman and Jackie Rance, as well as Paul Inman from the University of Reading, a team from Curo Construction, and Shinfield Studios joint managing directors Nick

Smith and Ian Johnson.

“We are now well on our way to creating a worldleading media hub in the heart of Berkshire,” the joint managing directors said.

“The encouragement from Wokingham Borough Council, the University and the local community has been fantastic.

“We would like to thank all our partners who have supported our progress so far.”

Above: Cristina and Ambrogio Volonte introduce their baby to Bishop Philip Egan at St Thomas More RC Church, Twyford Left: Meeting parishoners at Our Lady of Peace

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Bishop Egan celebrated mass at both churches and then met with young people from the churches and other parishioners including those from the St Vincent de Paul Society, the children’s liturgy group, the parish council and the faith-sharing group.

The bishop, parish priest Father Jude Mbonu, and deacons Mike Jackson and Peter Kelly also had the chance to talk together.

Earlier, Bishop Egan had visited St John’s Convent at Kiln Green.

Parish priest Father Jude Mbonu said: “It was a lovely opportunity for us all to get together with our bishop and to talk together.

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Thursday, April 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Neighbours mark 50 years of working together

CELEBRATION: Sue McIntosh and Sue Hestor cut the cake.

Good Neighbours Cake Cutting at Crowthorne Baptist Church.

Pictures : Mike Swift

By Natalie Burton nburton@wokingham.today A VOLUNTEER group which helps people who cannot drive to attend medical appointments celebrated its 50th anniversary last weekend.

Members past and present of Crowthorne Good Neighbours gathered at the Baptist Church on Saturday, April 2, to mark the occasion.

They were joined by service users, Wokingham Borough Council mayor Cllr Keith Baker, Bracknell Forest Borough Council mayor Cllr Ash Merry and her consort Cllr Isabel Mattick, and Baptist minister, the Revd Kevin Mills.

Scheme coordinator Sue Hester said that she was helped by an “excellent” team of volunteers to run the thanksgiving.

“I couldn’t have done it without them, they were all fantastic,” she added.

“We had around 50 people come along and several more who couldn’t make it but who sent good wishes.”

The event was led in the Crowthorne Good Neighbours prayer by Mr Mills, and Ms Hester presented an overview of the last 50 years

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Lower Earley Post Office to reopen with longer hours THOSE looking for a stamp to go with their cornflakes are in luck, as a Lower Earley Post Office is preparing to reopen, almost all hours.

The Maiden Place branch closed in October last year, after the Postmaster stepped down.

The search to find a replacement has been successful, and they will be preparing to help customers post parcels and letters from Tuesday, April 26.

On re-opening day, it will start serving up stamps from 1pm. After that, it will be open seven days a week from 7am to 7pm, or 84 hours a week.

Graham Brander, Post Office Network Lead, said: “We are delighted to be restoring Post Office services to Maiden Place as we know how important a Post Office is to a community. The daily opening will make it very convenient to visit.”

Wokingham u3a’s April talk

of the group’s work.

There was a guess the location photo competition with scenes from around Crowthorne through the years. It was won by volunteer driver Brian Jones.

Ms Hester was joined by volunteer Sue McIntosh to cut the celebratory cake, and slices were delivered to some of those who couldn’t make it.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer driver are asked to call the

The Revd Kevin Mills, pastor of Crowthorne Baptist Church, in touch on a chocolate handset

Crowthorne Good Neighbours office on: 01344 761 001.

A message can be left

outside of their normal office hours, which are weekdays, 10am until noon.

MEMBERS of a lifelong learning group have the chance to learn some hidden history later this month.

Ann Smith will present a history of Woodley to Wokingham u3a — university of the third age — on Tuesday, April 19.

The meeting takes begins at 2pm in St Paul’s parish rooms on Reading Road, Wokingham.

Wokingham u3a’s shared learning project discovered that there is a lot more to the town than the aerodrome and Mile Aircraft.

Join Ann as she talks about Cobblers City, Bulmershe Manor, and a link to the Rolling Stones.

It costs £2 and is open to members. n For more information, visit: wokinghamu3a.org.uk

Vive la Twyford TWYFORD celebrated its French connection last month.

The village’s twinning association held a bi-lingual birthday celebration to mark four years of links with Cuincy, northern France.

Coffee and croissants were enjoyed by party-goers, which was held at La Fontana restaurant on Thursday, March 24.

Organiser Jacky Crossman said that the raffle raised a “good sum of money.”

“Folk enjoyed speaking French and we gained new members. It was an excellent morning.”

The next event is in June, when the village’s youth football team Twyford Comets visit Cuincy to play in a football competition.

10

Food banks plan Easter activities for families TWO Wokingham borough food banks are planning fun for families this Easter.

Share Wokingham and Woodley Lunch Bunch will both be working to make sure that the children they support won’t miss out.

Plans for a sunflower trail with ending with activities and food at the Norreys Church are being made by Share Wokingham. It is hoped the event, in memory of Chris Pape, will take place on Tuesday, April 20.

Woodley Lunch Bunch will be including Easter-themed fun in their kits, in addition to their twice-weekly lunches.

These will include a mini chocolate egg nest to make.

The Lunch Bunch supports 135 children in 65 households in the RG5 area. One made up lunch plus ingredients for a second lunch are given out weekly.

Organsier Juliet Sherratt said that she is concerned that increases in the cost of living will bring about a decline in donations, just when people are needing more help.

“It is a perfect storm, because we are expecting more referrals,” she said.

“We’ve joined with Unite’s campaign calling for benefits to include the cost of food.

“A basic need should not rely on philanthropy.”

Share Woodley is running a drop-in at Emmanuel Church on Southlake Crescent.

There will also be a food drive near Waitrose Woodley on Saturday. It will collect nonperishable foods. The alliance is a new initiative led by Cllr Shirley Boyt between Share Woodley, Woodley Lunch Bunch and Wokingham Food Bank.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022

Water, water everywhere ... immersive fun at The Lexicon

EASTER FUN: The Lexicon has opened Forest Springs in time for the school holidays Picture: Simon Jacobs/PA Wire

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

A HOST of immersive activities have opened at The Lexicon in Bracknell.

The Forest Springs event, a collaboration between The Lexicon and Bracknell Forest Council, has been created to celebrate one of earth’s most precious elements water.

Visitors will be greeted with a canopy of blue, spinning raindrops at the Braccan Walk North with an information cube full of facts about water and the role it plays in the environment.

In Princess Square, the River Nets Retreat will allow visitors to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

The main attraction is the world premiere of As Water Falls, a unique interactive experience that explores our relationship with water using a digital waterfall.

As well as the site and sound of flowing water, residents will be able to create their own art using the light from a mobile phone torch.

Rob Morris, general manager of The Lexicon, said: “We’re doing something a bit different this Easter

with what is really a contemporary art experience.

“As Water Falls is an amazing experience and I think there’ll be a lot of people impressed when they come and visit.”

Seven large water bubbles will take over Union Square and visitors are invited to touch them to activate different water sounds There are a further two art exhibits with a Riverbed Garden at Fenwick Bridge and a special shoal of fish, made entirely from recycled materials, at Braccan Walk South.

A number of workshops will be taking place in Princess Square

with bookable yoga workshops and watercolour painting available throughout the day.

All activities are accessible and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) sessions are available daily between 10am and 11am.

Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration at the council, stressed the importance of making it available to everyone.

He said: “This is a real UK first and it is so important the SEND provision allows everyone to engage in different ways.

“For the last two years we’ve been told to keep our distance and not engage but now this is about inviting people to immerse themselves in the art installation “I’m really excited and I can’t wait to see people’s reaction.”

On Saturday, from 1pm to 8pm, there will be a musical celebration in Bond Square with TikTok stars Here at Last topping the bill.

Forest Springs is open at The Lexicon in Bracknell until Saturday, April 16. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: thelexiconbracknell.com

11

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Thursday, April 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Crack down on anti-social behaviour in town centre

Wokingham Borough Council has pledged to help Ukrainian refugees Picture: WBC

n From front page

A mobile CCTV unit was also parked outside the venue to provide further assistance and reassurance to the public.

On the night, nobody with any drugs or knives were apprehended.

Paul Bentley, sergeant in the Wokingham South Geographical Team, said: “We were able to offer hi-visibility patrols and reassurance to the public throughout the evening.

“The operation was a success and we will continue to work together to tackle alcohol fuelled violence and knife crime.

“Wokingham is a safe place to live and we will continue to deal with any crimes and antisocial behaviour robustly.”

The evening also saw the debut of the council’s antisocial behaviour team which carried out a number of detailed licensing checks in pubs across the town.

Recently, councillors have called for more action to be done to handle anti-social behaviour in the area with a rise in police incidents and complaints from residents.

The new team will offer a visible presence throughout the week to address a range of concerns.

How Wokingham Council’s new PPP team is helping Ukrainian refugees coming to the borough

TEAMWORK: Representatives from Thames Valley Police, XRM Security and Wokingham Borough Council outside The Gig House Picture: Daniel Blackham These could include noisy neighbours, fly tipping, nuisance bonfires, abandoned vehicles or bothersome vehicle use including car meets, noise and dust from building sites, unauthorised advertising, mismanagement of waste and unlawful encampments.

Officers will also attend disturbances in public places

like drinking, barbecues or out-of-control dogs and will focus on ‘hot spots’, including parks and open spaces, where problems are most frequently reported.

The new service includes an animal warden to handle stray dogs, tackle animal neglect and promote responsible ownership.

The team will also work

closely with food safety officers who in turn work with retailers, pubs and restaurants, and will have licensing officers overseeing alcohol sales, betting shops, arcades and taxis as well as a housing team supervising landlords in the private rented sector. n Councillor hopes Pubwatch can return – Executive report, page 36

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ONE OF the first tasks of the council’s new public protection partnership team is to help Ukrainian refugees settle in.

Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhood and communities, shared the news as a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s ruling executive noted that the public protection partnership was moving in-house from Friday, April 1.

It has previously been part of a service shared with West Berkshire and Bracknell Forest councils.

“I would like to thank our officers and staff, and those of West Berkshire Council for their work in bringing this to a conclusion,” he said. “We’re grateful for the work the partnership has done over the years.

“We believe that by bringing these services back in house, we will be able to offer our

residents a service that meets their needs and expectations.”

This would include responding to incidents rapidly and efficiently. However, some of the services would continue to be provided by West Berkshire.

The work with the refugee he said involved ensuring their safety. “(They are) checking the homes and the hosts are best suited to the needs and safety of these unfortunate people,” he said. “That’s a point I’m sure you would all agree is very important.”

Deputy leader Cllr John Kaiser wanted to know if this work would have been harder without the “flexibility” of the new arrangement.

Cllr Soane confirmed it was and the support “in a more practical way” was one of the advantages of the new set-up.

n More executive news on page 36

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022

Hurst will be lit Queen’s Platin

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PEN PALS: 1st Falkland Islands Brownies meet in Port Stanley and have made friends with members of the 1st Twyford Brownies

Now there’s a thought ..

Brownies make new friends A GIRLGUIDING unit in Twyford is making new friends.

Members of 1st Twyford Brownies took part in celebrations as part of World Thinking Day, an event held on February 22 each year.

One tradition sees units from around the world swap badges and homemade cards with each other.

Cards are decorated with the trefoil symbol of Girlguiding and pictures showing what being in Brownies means to girls.

1st Twyford Brownies unit leader Helen Jones explained that the group has now linked up with units in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, and British Guiding Overseas group based near Disneyland Paris.

“We also got in contact with 1st Falkland Brownies in Port Stanley, through their leader Jody Aldridge,” Helen says.

“The girls were excited when they learned how far away the Falklands are — I don’t think many had even heard of them.

“And they were really excited when I told them that the 1st Falkland Brownies meet near a beach with penguins on it.

“Each Falkland Island Brownie sent letters telling us about themselves, and my girls loved finding out how different our areas are and what we all have in common.”

The Port Stanley unit sent information about the islands, including maps and details about their wildlife and history.

Since the card swap, the two units have remained in touch.

Later this year the Twyford unit will celebrate its 75th anniversary and will be sending their new friends special birthday badges.

Botanical artist turns her hand to poetry A BOTANICAL artist has published a book of pandemic poetry.

Lorna Minton, from Twyford, released Poetry and Painting in the Pandemic in November 2021. The limited print run of 100 sold out and the book is being reprinted to meet demand.

“I’m very surprised as I had no intention of turning my poems into a book,” Lorna says.

“My family persuaded me to print so many and I thought I would end up with lots left over.

“Now there is a waiting list.”

Her work as a botanical artist has gained Lorna several Royal Horticultural Society medals, including gold, for her paintings.

Poetry is a hobby she returned too when the pandemic began as a way to record what was happening.

Since then, several of her poems have been published in Wokingham Today and Reading Today.

The poems in the book cover the period from March 2020 to late summer 2021.

Each is accompanied by a piece of Lorna’s botanical art, some of which she painted during lockdowns.

Lorna explains that she “writes poetry about current events in a narrative style” as a way to respond to events.

“The reasons that people have bought the book are because they like my artwork, or that they like

FLORAL WORDS: Lorna Minton creating another blooming masterpiece poetry, or that they just want to remember what has happened over the past couple of years.

“Some have told me that they had forgotten about the events I talk about in some of the poems.

“I did not think that my poetry would be a part of helping people to think about the pandemic.”

n Poetry and Paintings in the Pandemic costs £17.50 and is available from HF Newberry on London Road in Twyford or from: lornaminton.com

A SKILLED engineer is crafting a magnificent beacon to pay tribute to the Queen on her 70th jubilee.

John Jones usually maintains tractors and other farm machinery at Haines Hill Estate in Hurst where he has worked for over 40 years.

Now he is using his metalwork skills to create the beacon which will be lit to launch Hurst’s four-day platinum jubilee celebrations starting on Thursday, June 2.

Haines Hill Estate read about the Hurst jubilee team’s appeal in Wokingham Today for a craftsperson to make a beacon.

Their offer was readily accepted by the jubilee organisers Hurst Parish Council.

Engineer John said: “We have found a 22cm diameter steel pipe, used before in oil and gas wells, to make a strong support pole.

“The beacon is going to be unique.

It’s made to the official design but will have four crosses around the top.”

The crosses are based on the cross in St Edward’s crown worn by the Queen at her coronation.

The crown, centrepiece of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, is part of the official jubilee emblem.

A Haines Hill spokesperson said: “The crosses make it slightly different from every other beacon in the country.

“We’re delighted to support the village like this.

FIT FOR THE QUEEN: Haines Hill estate engin “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the village to come together for a very special occasion.

“We’re huge supporters of the royal family.”

Hurst parish councillor Paul Palmer said: “The beacon will be a permanent feature so it can be used by the village

Crowthorne duo make bracelets for Ukraine TWO school children from Crowthorne have used their creative talents to raise money for Ukraine.

Eva Rose Riddell and Abbie Cook have created a range of bracelets which they have been selling to their friends at school.

So far the duo have raised more than £350 for the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

Eva, aged nine, said: “I have seen the Ukrainian war on the TV and talked about it in school.

“I wanted to help raise money for food and water and toys for the children that have lost their homes, so my friend Abbie and I decided to sell our bracelets at school.

“We had lots of play dates making the bracelets which was fun and I hope the money raised will help.”

Each bracelet is handmade and comes in a decorative pouch The bracelets cost £2 each with

all money from the sales going to the appeal.

Abbie, aged 10, said: “We decided we wanted to do something to help the people there and thought we could sell our bracelets at school and donate all of the money.

“It was really fun doing it and knowing that we have helped in some way.”

The girls have received support from their friends and parents as well as teachers at Oakland Junior School in Crowthorne, including head teacher Ms West.

Carlie Riddell, mother of Eva, said: “We are ever so proud of the girls for taking the initiative to sell their bracelets to raise money for the people of Ukraine.

“I think we all agree this is in the forefront of everyone’s hearts and minds and for two young girls to be able to recognise this cause is fantastic.”

Thursday, April 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

up to celebrate num Jubilee …

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Volunteers tame Wild Acres garden

Another view Neil Coupe

Facing the rising costs of living

A

OMETIMES the simplest of things can be the most thought-provoking.

BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL: The team of volunteers from Boehringer Ingleheim Picture: courtesy of Wild Acres Care Home

neer John Jones with the Queen’s platinum jubilee beacon he is making Picture: Sue Corcoran for other special occasions like the Queen’s birthday, coronations or Armistice Day.” On Thursday, June 2, a procession will go from Hurst pond to Church Hill, where the beacon will have been erected in the community orchard.

It will be lit at 9.45pm.

It’s planned to have St Nicholas Church bells ringing.

Handbells will ring the national anthem and a piper will play Diu Regnare (meaning Long to reign), a tune composed

by Stuart Liddell for the jubilee.

A TEAM of volunteers spruced up the garden of a Finchampstead care home last month.

The group from Boehringer Ingleheim in Bracknell cleaned, tidied and filled plant pots with spring colour for residents and staff at Wild Acres to enjoy.

And the makeover was supported by Louise Jedras, community champion at Tesco Wokingham, who gave a bag of compost and three trays of plants to help the project to get growing.

Michele, Wild Acres activities coordinator, thanked Ms Jedras for the supplies and the Boehringer Ingleheim staff for choosing to help out at the care home.

“They were wonderfully

enthusiastic, getting stuck in straight away with all the jobs that needed doing,” she said.

“In total, the hours they gave equalled a full-time working week for one person, something we just wouldn’t have had the time to do.

“We’ve already made good use of the garden already.”

Residents Joan and Alice said that “it is nice to see the garden tidy” and that it is now “very pleasant” to enjoy the sunshine in “The volunteers were very busy and have done a beautiful job,” added resident Marian.

n For more information, visit: wildacrescarehome.co.uk and follow Wild Acres Care Home Wokingham on Facebook.

Give Ollie some skill for a tenner YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to join an entrepreneurial challenge for charity this month.

The Ollie Young Foundation is running Build up ya Bill and Benner throughout April as part of its 10 for 10 fundraising campaign.

The charity was set up in 2012 following the death of five-year-old Ollie Young from a brain tumour.

It funds paediatric brain tumour research and support.

Participants in the challenge should start with a tenner — or bill and benner — and aim to turn it into a profit.

Ideas from OYF include using £10 to buy some cake ingredients and then holding an Easter bake sale, or paying for a car boot stall to sell unwanted items.

Money could then be reinvested

and then turned into something bigger, with the aim of raising as much money as possible for the charity.

Entrepreneurs have until Saturday, April 30, to raise as much as they can from their original investment.

There will be prizes awarded for the top three profit margins. n For more information, visit: ollieyoungfoundation.org

POETRY CORNER Welcome Spring We say goodbye to Winter Felt in the chill within our bones We look out through our window See that Spring has made its home.

We feel the light gold sunshine A warm glow upon our skin Hear pretty hedgerow birdsong They’re happy now it’s Spring.

TEAM WORK: Eva Rose Riddell and Abbie Cook making bracelets, which they have sold to help Ukrainians suffering from the war

Smile at posies of yellow primrose Beneath a cloudless cornflower sky Spring waves her wand of colour Warms the air with a loving sigh.

By Tina Cathleen MacNaughton www.writerhymespoetry.com

We welcome your poetry. Email: news@wokingham.today and we’ll print a selection every week

Driving home on Saturday evening I was listening to the radio and a very calm and articulate lady phoned in and talked about her monthly budget.

In summary, after paying her rent, council tax and utilities, she had £200 per month to cover all her food, clothing and other necessities. She had just learnt that her utility bill was about to increase by £120, thus reducing her remaining budget by 60% to a mere £80 month.

She spoke with a very dignified and stoic despair, leaving the radio presenter unsure of what to say next. There was a long pause and he quietly said that he did not know how to help, but that she was very welcome to stay in touch.

This exchange has stuck in my mind.

The increases in gas and electricity bills have gone from being a looming inconvenience in the future to being a potentially devastating crisis for a huge swathe of the population who are currently just about managing.

Economic policy has been focused for decades on keeping inflation down to foster stability, and to protect the economically most vulnerable. When there is such a huge increase for something which comprises a disproportionate part of people’s income, the effect can be debilitating.

We do not want to see a scenario where people have to choose between heating and eating.

Inflation I attended a meeting with the Bank of England four months ago. At the time it was clear that there would be some increase in utility bills and fuel costs, but their view was that this would be a oneoff spike and that the price would revert to normal in the relatively short-term.

There is no criticism of their forecast, but this is cited purely to illustrate how quickly situations can evolve, and we suddenly find ourselves confronted with a whole host of unanticipated problems.

For the past 30 years, inflation has averaged under 3% per annum. Only once, in 2011, has it gone above 5%. Between the 1970s and early 1980s it averaged 16%, and, to put it mildly, there are few economic historians that look back on that period with any great fondness.

People in business that I have been speaking to are talking of double-digit increases in prices, from steel prices which have doubled, to someone telling me that the cost of flour has increased by 23% since January, partly due to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, as our European neighbour is a major supplier of flour.

The increased costs of fuel and utilities will also impact on businesses which will then pass the increased input costs onto customers, fuelling inflation yet further.

It is fair to say that economic forecasts tend to be doom-laden in general. Brexit and Covid had both been expected to cause severely more economic harm than happened in reality.

Twelve months ago, for example, there was huge concern about how unemployment would rise significantly when the furlough scheme ended.

The reality was that a fear of not having enough work for people to do has gone full circle into a fear of not having enough people to do the work.

So, it is possible that things will not turn out to be as bad as we currently fear.

However, if increasing bills do result in great distress and struggle for people such as the lady on Saturday night’s phone in, then I hope that there are people in power looking out for them and taking action to mitigate what looks to me like a potentially enormous crisis.

30 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Wise steps to tackle an issue

OUR FRONT page story this week is focusing on the issue of anti-social behaviour.

Only this time, we’re not looking at the effect, instead actions taken by Thames Valley Police to nip it in the bud.

It is something many of us have been calling for for some time.

Over the past couple of years, lives have been blighted by late-night louts, car meets and anti-social behaviour.

There has been a perception that police have been absent, or invisible.

Now, at last, we can see some visible action from officers.

We were delighted to accept their invitation to join them on Friday, as they carried out spot checks to ensure Wokingham is a safe and vibrant place.

We hope it will be the first of many such initiatives.

After all, we all deserve a calm, peaceful place for us to be able to socialise, meet with others and enjoy some leisure time.

We can’t let a minority spoil it for the majority of us.

CHURCH NOTES

Remembering self-given love

A

S I look out into the garden from my study window the signs of spring are all around.

The warm sunshine of the last few days has encouraged the flowers to open and the burgeoning green leaves to burst forth giving a delicate pale green sheen where brown bare branches had been a few days earlier.

But today the skies are grey and I’m thinking very seriously about turning my heating back on (albeit maintaining the 2°C lower I had adopted to help the climate change).

It got me thinking about how unpredictable life can be and how suddenly this can happen.

For the last few weeks, the Christian Church has been observing the penitential season of Lent.

This weekend, April 8 is Palm Sunday.

This is when we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem when the crowds lined the road cheering and shouting Hosanna, which translated means Save Now. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and there is a sudden change, as we recall on Good Friday those same crowds again lined the street, but mocked and hurled abuse, as Jesus carried his cross to the place of crucifixion.

These days are a poignant reminder of Christ’s self-giving love.

This love calls us to walk with Him through the events of the last week of His earthly life, and in a paradox of time to come to the foot of the cross and bring our sinfulness and failings, doubts and fears, despair and grief and lay them at His feet.

The Revd Jane Kraft is part of the ministry team at St Paul’s Church in Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

The cost of living crisis Many thanks to Wokingham Today for their excellent coverage of the Cost of Living Crisis and signposting to where residents can get help from the council and local charities. In order to help those most affected by the crisis it is important to understand who they are.

Women make up the majority of low earners, spend more of their income on household bills (especially those that spike with inflation), and have fewer savings to fall back on.

90% of single parents are women.

An analysis by the New Economics Forum shows single parents will spend 56% more disposable income on higher bills compared to the average family. Women are more likely to have responsibility for unpaid work, including care and domestic work which means they have less time for paid work. Without affordable childcare parents, usually women, are prevented from taking on paid work.

Nationally it is estimated 1.7 million women are prevented from taking on more hours of paid work due to childcare costs.

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, had an opportunity to address this in his spring statement yet, as with every other budget statement, there was no mention of women. The measures announced won’t make things better for the majority of women. Men are more likely to drive and drive longer distances than women therefore fuel duty cuts will benefit men more.

Cuts mean there is less money for public transport which women are more likely to rely on. Scrapping VAT on home insulation will only benefit those who can afford a house.

The Women’s Budget Group found that there is no region in England where a single woman on median earnings can afford to rent or buy an averagely priced house.

One in three families now spend a third of their monthly budget on

childcare fees. Despite the cost of childcare in the UK being the highest in OECD countries, and the focus of this statement on families, there was no mention of childcare.

Without urgent support, many more mothers will be forced to leave their jobs or cut their hours. By prioritising tax cuts over investment in public services and social security, the Chancellor has prioritised men over women. The poorest people would have been helped much more by a benefit uplift in line with inflation, than they will from any changes to the national insurance threshold. And it would have cost the government less.

I’m delighted to hear that an extra £500,000 has been agreed

by Wokingham Borough Council to support their anti-poverty strategy for the borough. I urge the council to ensure they really understand who is most impacted locally by this cost of living crisis, and to tailor their support to ensure those most affected get the help they deserve.

Louise Timlin, Branch Lead - Reading and Wokingham Women’s Equality Party

Tackkling climate emergency John Redwood’s views (Westminster Diary 31st March) on energy policy lack the sense of urgency needed to tackle the climate emergency. In this he reflects the Government’s failure to match its planned actions with its promises made at COP26.

He supports the idea that we can carry on with business-as-usual, using fossil fuels for another decade “as we await the technologies and investments in a greener future”. This is dangerously complacent .

The world needs to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030 if we are to have a chance of avoiding the desperate consequences of exceeding a 2ºC rise. So, we must start seriously now. Carbon emissions globally are still rising, caused by ever-increasing fossil fuel use. Irrespective of which country is producing these

Volunteer corner

Helena Badger

B

UILDING for the Future is a Wokingham-based, parent led charity providing activities, support and therapy for children with disabilities and/or extra needs and their families.

We are looking for volunteers to help at various groups we run from Our House in Wokingham.

They include: Ladybirds (0- 5yrs) Friday 9.30am-11.30am approx twice per month, Youth club Friday 7-9pm approx twice per month, Saturday club 11-1pm (quiet session) 3-5pm (active session) approx twice per month and we also run Holiday clubs.

Our House is a unique and

accessible play centre for children with any disability.

These are not respite sessions as parents are always in the building, but a willingness to play and ensure the children have the most fun they can have is vital.

Please get in touch if you’d like to help, even if you can only commit to one session a month. n The Link Visiting Scheme is a charity dedicated to reducing the serious impact of loneliness in Wokingham Borough.

We believe the best way to do that is through friendship and helping people feel connected to their community.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022

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 emissions, the rise is driven by advanced economies like ours, committed to economic growth and financial returns on global trade and investments. This is not consistent with a sustainable future without rapid replacement of fossil fuels by renewable energy.

Therefore, we need to lead the way to renewable energy now, and not delay. This includes taking seriously our responsibilities to help poorer nations make the transition to renewable energy too. It includes restoring the cut in overseas aid the Government made after 2019.

We cannot accept a distinction between a business-as- usual shortterm plan and a longer-term plan.

That is like deciding not to bother leaving a burning building until more of it has burnt down. There is a need for a single plan starting now to cut carbon emissions by all means possible. The latest report from The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), just published this week, makes it clear that it is now or never, if we want to limit global warming to 1.5ºC. It calls for a dramatic reduction in the use of fossil fuels starting now. The next few years are critical; and what is more, we have the tools and the know-how already.

There is no need to wait.

John Redwood dismisses the potential of wind power too readily.

Britain could be a world leader in this field bringing much-needed skilled jobs to regions currently lacking employment opportunities. But at present the UK is lagging behind Germany in battery production and development.

The intermittent character of wind is a red herring given the rapid innovation. There needs to be much more than a doubling of wind capacity - more like 20-fold - but this is entirely feasible and less expensive than nuclear and it needs to start now.

He also appears to support a plan to increase massively the use of nuclear power as if the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters can be forgotten.

Even aside from the unnatural risks which nuclear presents, it is not economically viable and far more expensive than investing massively in renewables.

An immediate and massive expansion of renewable energy sources with investment in battery and hydrogen technology is the effective way to reduce both our carbon emissions radically and our dependency on foreign oil and gas, whilst “keeping the lights on”.

An increase in home-grown fossil fuel production would include fracking, a word John Redwood does not use but surely intends to include in his solutions. It is a completely inadequate ambition given the scale of the challenge facing the world.

Greenhouse gases and their impact on climate are no respecters of national borders. We call upon the Government to produce an energy strategy which will genuinely protect us from climate disaster and upon our MP to stop promoting fossil fuels more vigorously than renewable energy sources.

We rely on volunteers to enhance the lives of those experiencing loneliness and isolation by making regular home visits.

We ask you to give 1-2 hours per week or per fortnight, to be that friendly face and listening ear.

We’ll make sure you’ve got all the support and training you need and answer any questions you might have along the way.

It’s essential that you will have had your own cancer experience.

You will either be a cancer survivor or have cared for a close loved one in the past.

We are specifically looking for Cancer Champion Volunteers.

Volunteers offer direct support to lend a listening ear and offer emotional support.

You will have an empathetic nature and understand the difficulties when someone faces cancer.

You are asked to commit to a possible weekly session, but this may vary depending on individual arrangements.

Volunteers receive full training and will be asked for references and be expected to agree to a DBS reference check.

n The Cancer Support Network has been established to support people living in and around the Wokingham, Bracknell, Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead boroughs that are affected by cancer.

The aim of the network is to support people through their cancer journey offering, direct peer-to-peer voluntary support, monthly group meet-ups, an online chat facility, an information/signposting hub and health and wellbeing events.

We aim to support people when they are feeling vulnerable or alone through a holistic programme of support. We bring people together to share experiences.

David Chapman, Wokingham, Peter Barrett, The Revd Canon David Hodgson, Lorraine Hodgson – members of the “Climate Matters Group” at All Saints Church Wokingham

Does history repeat?

In December 1943, the recently liberated Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, hosted a Russian Military Tribunal to consider the German atrocities.

The Russian prosecutor reviewed the ‘burning down and destruction of entire towns’, the bombing of hospitals and the shooting and starvation of civilians. The defence that those German soldiers were ‘just following orders’ was rejected and their actions constituted a breach of international law and the laws of any civilised country. The perpetrators were executed as a result.

Perhaps there is no Russian history pre-Putin?

David Arnold, Finchampstead

n These are just a few roles on our books. Please visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer. If you would like to get in touch with us please call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@ wok-vol.org.uk.

From the chamber

Cllr John Halsall

Standing up for democracy

I

N last week’s column, Labour leader Rachel Burgess wrote about the Council’s ongoing public consultation on whether to change Wokingham Borough’s election system. Her column unfortunately contained several errors, which I wish to correct.

Reading Cllr Burgess’ piece, you would think that we have foisted this whole process on the public.

We have not.

Wokingham Borough must undergo a ‘Ward Boundary Review’, in which an independent body looks at making sure that our electoral areas are the right place and the right size.

At the start of the process, the council must decide on whether to have every ward having elections once every four years (Whole Council Elections or All-Out Elections), or every ward having elections in three out of every four years (Elections by Thirds).

Neither option is currently used in the Borough.

A complete farce

Councillor Halsall’s comments on domestic abuse in Wokingham Today 14th March are a complete farce.

This is typical of the Tory idealology sweeping the country and creating an undemocratic dictatorship.

The front page article in Wokingham Today 7th March is truthful and correct. The Domestic Abuse Service is not fit for purpose and is another example of total shambles in our Council. Thank goodness we have the dedication of people like Louise Timilan, Cllr Sarah Kerr, and Thames Valley Police Berkshire Women’s Aid desperately trying to rescue the situation. They all had reservations about Cranston being awarded the contract in the first place, but nobody would listen. Yet another example of a council dictatorship. How to you award a contract to the lowest bidder that has no experience.

The telephone service is on answerphone with a message saying that someone will get back to the caller, but this doesn’t happen. There is no domestic abuse advisor available.

The time has come for a change in the council. Ask yourself 1. Why am I voting for this person?

2. Am I voting for a person who might listen to me, or am I voting for a political party?

Cllr Halsall sent out his £50,000 letter to everyone saying that you don’t have any choice but to accept the 800 houses a year in the Borough plan – impracticable!

How do you vote for these circumstances? If you don’t know, don’t vote.

Cedric Lander, Woodley

On our elections A lot of Wokingham residents are

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Thursday, April 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Some areas have Elections by Thirds, and some do not. As such, the Council was obliged to ask you which system you think the Council should have.

Is Cllr Burgess saying that we shouldn’t ask you what you think?

After all it is you, the residents, who should decide.

The Labour leader also attacks the way the online consultation form works. Given a clear interest, I properly recused myself from the content and nature of the consultation. It was prepared and undertaken by Council officers to the exclusion of any councillor.

As your reply is an instruction to the Council, there must be checks to stop people replying numerous times by requiring personal details – and thus removing people’s right to be anonymous.

However, we have run numerous other consultations in the exact same way – is Cllr Burgess now saying that every consultation we have run is invalid?

It’s important to be clear about what is on offer. We are unable to have what we currently have which is wards which broadly reflect communities, and a borough election in three out of every four years but not an election in rightly concerned that the current and very important consultation on how councillors are elected, was communicated to them as being an ‘online only’ exercise.

This disenfranchises many residents who do not use the internet.

The Liberal Democrats have challenged this and a hard copy of the consultation will be sent on request to any Wokingham resident. This was not on the letter.

If you would like to have your voice heard, please take part in this consultation, please call the council on 0118 974 6000, write to them at Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN, or call in and ask for a copy at reception. The consultation closes on 15th April.

I will be challenging the council to ensure that we improve the accessibility of our communications.

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, Emmbrook Ward

Meal time I’m proud to support Mary’s Meals, a charity which feeds more than two million children in some of the world’s poorest countries every school day.

With spring now upon us, it’s an ideal time for your readers to get active to help Mary’s Meals reach more hungry children. The charity’s Move for Meals campaign allows people to set their own challenge – whether that’s running, hiking or cycling – to raise funds for its work.

And with it costing just £15.90 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year, it’s easy for your moves to make a difference.

Thank you!

Mark Beaumont, athlete and broadcaster

every ward.

Currently wards are one, two or three councillor wards either going to election once every four years, two years or every year (excepting the fallow year).

The Boundary Commission argues that the system must be electorally uniform to be electorally fair.

The consultation leaflet is very clear about the options, and the pros and cons.

Under the law, if we have Elections by Thirds, every ward will have to have three councillors, and cover a large area to be equal in number of electors with others.

This means that there will be councillors who reflect several villages, or parts of towns, which may have very different priorities.

How will your local councillors be able to represent all their residents?

By contrast, under All-Out Elections, there can be different ward sizes with different numbers of councillors. This means that the Local Government Boundary Commission, who make the final decision on where wards go, can draw up areas that really reflect existing communities, rather than lumping your neighbourhood together with another that have nothing in common.

Cllr Burgess references the savings

quoted in the consultation. These are not my numbers, nor have they been arrived at by any other councillor. They are the work of the Council’s Chief Financial Officer and Monitoring Officer.

Cllr Burgess is either suggesting that they are incompetent or mendacious – which is it? The savings which could be made are material equivalent to 1% of the Council tax.

As the lowest funded authority in England, we need to be sure that we are spending your money wisely and not on vanity projects.

Finally, we turn to this bizarre assertion that All-Out Elections is an attempt to hide from the voters.

On the contrary, All-Out Elections mean that if you don’t like what the party in charge are doing, you can remove them from power in one sweep.

There is a real lack of courage in standing behind a system where only a third of councillors are facing the voters at any one time.

It means residents can vote for or against a party, and the party in power will stay in power. It also means parties in Opposition can promise unicorns, knowing that however well they do at the ballot box, they still won’t get into power to deliver on

them; opposition can be entirely dishonest in their approach to the public without any possibility that they will be found out.

All-out elections are what Parliament, Counties, Mayors, Crime Commissioners, and the vast majority of Unitaries and Districts do once every four or five years; it what European elections were. We are an outlier for no apparently good reason.

The Conservatives in Wokingham Borough back adopting All-Out Elections because we believe that is the fairest system, the one that ensures councillors best reflect a community and value for money.

However most importantly, we want to know what you, the public, think we should do. Despite what Labour claims, that’s not an “affront” to democracy but standing up for democracy.

So please reply to the consultation https://engage.wokingham.gov.uk/en-GB/ projects/future-election-cycle on the engage.wokingham.gov.uk platform. The Consultation ends on 15th April.

Cllr John Halsall is Wokingham Borough Council leader Conservative member for Remenham, Wargrave & Ruscombe Ward

Celebrate Easter with your local church St Paul's Church 10th April - Palm Sunday 9.05am Procession of Palms from St Paul’s Junior School 9.30am Parish Mass 6.15pm Readings and Music for Holy Week 14th April - Maundy Thursday 8pm Solemn Mass with footwashing followed by stripping of the altars and keeping watch until midnight 15th April - Good Friday 10-12 Easter Messy Church for children Meet at 11.45am for CTW Walk with the Cross to the Methodist Church 2pm Good Friday liturgy 17th April - Easter Day 5.30am First Mass of Easter, with the blessing of the Holy Fire 9.30am Joyful All Together Mass All Saints Church 10th April - Palm Sunday 8am Morning Prayer 9.15am Procession with our Donkey from All Saints School to The Cornerstone 9.30am Parish Communion, including Children’s activities with a chance to meet our donkey after the service.

15th April - Good Friday 9am Solemn Liturgy 10.15am Coffee and hot cross buns 10.30 Family service with crafts 16th April - Messy Easter 10am - 1pm Floreat School, Montague Park 17th April - Easter Day 6am Dawn Eucharist with new fire, followed by a simple breakfast 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Communion 11.15am Family Service, ‘Café’ style with Easter Egg Hunt

‘No Exceptions’ – A meditation for Good Friday 2022 presented by Churches Together in Wokingham Created entirely by Wokingham residents for Good Friday, this short film is a meditation on the person of Jesus, his crucifixion and its enduring meaning for our lives today. With drama and music, the film is striking, moving, yet full of hope. Watch and share with friends and family: You are loved. No exceptions.

The video will be available at this link to watch from 12 Noon on Good Friday 15th April. https://www.wokinghambaptist.org.uk/GoodFriday Kings Church Wokingham Easter Service will be held at 10.30 am on Sunday 17th April at Kings Place, 9 Station Road, Wokingham, RG40 2AD. Anyone wanting to attend using Zoom should contact admin@kingschurch.org.uk for the link details.

Norreys Church Sunday 10 April - Palm Sunday 10.00 am Service Thursday 14 April Communion Service 8.00 pm Sunday 17 April - Easter Day 10.00 am Service Wokingham Baptist Church 14th April - Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Blue Easter A quiet reflective service for those who have experienced loss, or feelings of loss, over the last year or so 15th April - Good Friday 10.45am Readings, Worship & Prayer for Good Friday Finishing in time for CTW Walk with the Cross 11.45 from St Pauls Church

Sunday 17 April - Easter Day 10.30am Easter Celebration Service An informal service for all ages to celebrate the risen Jesus (livestreamed) www.wokinghambaptist.org.uk/351/ Livestreamed-Services Wokingham Methodist Church 14th April - Maundy Thursday 7:30pm Service of Holy Communion to remember the Last Supper Sunday 17 April - Easter Day 10:30 am All Age Communion Service to celebrate Easter Day Christ Church Wokingham (meets in the Sixth Form Centre at St Crispin’s School): 15th April - Good Friday Joint Good Friday service with Arborfield and Barkham Churches – 10am at Arborfield Church Sunday 17 April - Easter Day All-Age Easter Sunday service - 10:30am at St Crispin’s School

Find out more at www.wokinghamchurches.org.uk

32 | BUSINESS

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association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022

Got a business story?

Email news@wokingham.today

A business park that is changing

Why people want to return to Winnersh Triangle Business Park

At Winnersh Triangle we put our occupiers at the heart of our business. Frasers Property do regular research with our occupiers at Winnersh Triangle. The latest research was to find out how they were feeling as Covid-19 restrictions eased and offices started to adapt to a new normal. They were keen to see how people felt about returning to work, find out about any new working patterns and if occupiers were keen to get back to the office.

Reasons to return to Winnersh Triangle The top reasons for returning to work at Winnersh Triangle were socialising with nearly half (48%) of all respondents citing that this was a key factor in wanting to return. 41% wanting to be able to collaborate and attend in-person meetings again. With The Exchange co-working space as the perfect place for collaboration, it certainly beats trying to get creative on a conference call at the kitchen table!

A great benchmark incorporated in the research was to find out how the business park is doing is whether occupiers would recommend Winnersh Triangle as a workplace to others. Over a third of people (33%) scored an impressive 10 out 10 and in total 67% would recommend the business park at over 8 out of 10.

Work patterns 43% of people expected to return to the office five days a week, compared to 26% when they were surveyed in May 2021. Threequarters (73%) expect their work pattern to continue as they have been previously, with one-fifth (21%) likely to be back onsite more frequently, which fits with the increase in people wanting to socialise. Our onsite amenities are a key part of the business park and with four cafes, outdoor walking trails, green public space, health promoting events, a state-of-the-art gym facility MOVE HQ, astro turf pitch and wellness hub for a host of fitness classes, it’s no wonder people are keen to get back to the business park.

Sustainability Sustainability and biodiversity is at the heart of Winnersh Triangle. Last year we planted over 7000 new bulbs, installed five new bug hotels, four beehives and planted a new native planting area and installed two new bat boxes. In 2021 the business park received a two-star Fitwel accreditation which assesses all site outdoor and communal areas accessible by all occupiers, something in abundance at Winnersh Triangle, which is another great reason for people to return.

Rupert Batho, Commercial Director at Frasers Property UK, commented: “Last year was a transformational one for Winnersh Triangle. We adopted a counter cyclical approach to invest within our estate during the pandemic and our commitment for inspiring experiences and creating places for good is paying dividends. This is shown in the occupier survey with people returning to Winnersh Triangle.”

www.winnershtriangle.co.uk

Lucky 13: Housebuilder celebrates top rating

BY PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A HOUSEBUILDER says it’s lucky 13, after receiving the highest rating in a survey of its customers.

David Wilson Homes Southern says it has been given the maximum fivestar rating by the New Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey.

It is the 13th year in a row that the housebuilder has received this maximum rating.

The number of stars is based on customer responses to the question: “Would you recommend your builder to a friend?”

More than 90% of David Wilson Homes customers said they would.

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, said: “To achieve a Five Star rating demonstrates the commitment of the company to its customers and is a significant achievement.”

To celebrate its latest Five Star award, Barratt Developments is donating £100,000 to Starlight, a charity that provides distraction and boxes filled with sensory toys and games to hospitals around the country.

Cathy Gilman, CEO of Starlight, said: “Thank you so much to Barratt Developments for choosing Starlight for such a significant donation.

“Their generosity will help us to provide time, space and even more opportunities for play in hospital for seriously ill children across the UK.

IN DEVELOPMENT: David Wilson Homes’ Landmark Square development in Wokingham “Thanks to David Wilson Homes, we will be protecting play with important resources like Distraction Boxes, Boost Boxes and sensory trolleys.”

And Campbell Gregg, managing director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “We are very proud to have been rated by our customers as a Five Star housebuilder for a record 13 years in a row.

“We focus on looking after customers by building high-quality homes using

sustainable methods and materials, so it is always great to hear back from them saying how much they value this, and rate us so highly.”

The HBF New Homes Survey is one of the largest surveys of its type in the country and is completed by nearly 50,000 people.

David Wilson Homes current developments include Newbury Racecourse and Donnington Heights in Newbury, and Landmark Square in Wokingham.

Siren wins national business award FINCHAMPSTEAD brewery Siren has won a national business award.

It was named as the winner of the Marketing Implementation category at the annual Society of Independent Brewers Business Awards, held on Wednesday, March 16.

The brewery were awarded the accolade for its eighth anniversary beer festival, The Grateful Eight, which was held online in early April 2021.

Siren’s managing director, Darron Anley, said that the award was a validation of the brewery’s strong brand image and desire to try something different during lockdown.

“We wanted to find a way to run the best elements of a beer festival online,” he said.

“So we looked around for a platform which would enable us to offer different options at the same time.

“We found Canapii were a good fit for us, and they are

SUCCESS: Siren’s SIBA award for Best Marketing Implementation Picture: Siren

based just down the road in Grazeley.”

Using Canapii’s software, Siren were able to run three simultaneous stages for 800 ticket holders to choose from on the day.

Along with the event access code, festival goers also received a box of 10 of Siren’s craft ales, a festival

glass, snacks, and exclusive collectibles.

Events on offer as part of the line up included talks on beer label design, guided beer tastings, a cook-a-long and an inter-brewery lip-sync battle.

There were chat rooms open alongside each session.

Mr Anley said that it “was a very ambitious event” for

Siren to undertake.

“It was an unseen and untried format for us, and a step up from usual our online offering at that point.

“We wanted it to be accessible and it had to deliver.

“On top of the award, people are still telling us how much they enjoyed the online festival a year later.”

News from your clubs, groups and societies.

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INTHECOMMUNITY

STEPPING DOWN: Greg Wilkinson has retired and was thanked by Berkshire Vision CEO Laura Mitchell

Greg retires as charity’s chair

A CHARITY has thanked its outgoing chairman for helping steer it through the past six years.

Greg Wilkinson is stepping down from his role with Berkshire Vision, a Reading-based group that provides practical support and activities for people with visual impairments and their families.

“I am very proud of what I achieved over the last six years and feel that I am leaving the organisation in very capable hands,” Mr Wilkinson said.

“Berkshire Vision is pretty unique in coming out of the whole covid episode as a better organisation.

“Our Sight Loss Support Service started just before the first lockdown and has grown through it; befriending has developed a whole momentum of its own; tech buddying has blossomed, and activities for members (both adults and children) are better than ever.”

His role will be taken over by Jane Veys, a registered optometrist.

Mr Wilkinson said: “With a wealth of experience in education she will take Berkshire Vision to the next level in providing services to our members.

“We also have two new trustees, Peter Orr and Andrew Jones who bring additional skills to the board.”

The charity’s CEO, Laura Mitchell, said that Mr Wilkinson has made a huge contribution to its work over the past six years, but revealed that it’s not a complete farewell for him.

“He’s not leaving us completely and will still be driving our minibuses, making sure everyone gets to take part in our activities programme,” she said.

“I look forward to welcoming Jane as our new Chair. She’s ideally positioned to work with us to take Berkshire Vision forward and I’m very much looking forward to working with her.”

A leaving lunch for Mr Wilkinson was held last month.

Pangbourne Rotary makes donation to help refugees PANGBOURNE Rotary Club has transferred to the Warsaw City Rotary Club the sum of £2,000 - or 10,800 zlotys - to help them to support the huge influx of refugees arriving in Poland.

As in previous emergencies, we find this is the fastest way to get support to the people who need itbypassing bureaucracy hurdles that sometimes exist.

Our support locally will focus on welcoming the refugees who arrive in our area.

It is thanks to the generosity of the public who support our ongoing fund-raising activities, such as Santa Sleigh, Woodcote 10K, Dragon Boats, Pangbourne and Streatley Art Exhibitions, that make these donations possible.

A reminder that our next event is the Pangbourne Art Exhibition from May 6-8. n If you are interested in finding out more about us and want to get involved, email: membership@ pangbournerotary.org.uk

NEWS | 33

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TOGETHER: The Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh recently celebrated their belated Inner Wheel Day with a walk followed by a soup lunch.

Inner Wheel Club celebrates its day

T

HE Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh recently celebrated their belated Inner Wheel Day with a walk followed by a soup lunch.

It was a beautiful Spring morning and 14 of us arrived at our President’s house for a walk through the woods in Calcot.

There was a lot of chatter as we are still catching up after the deprivations caused by covid and the daffodils and fresh leaves on the trees were a beautiful back drop to our walk. Members not walking were now at our lunch venue and 20 sat down to a choice of home made soups followed by cheese and biscuits and coffee.

Moneys raised will be going to the Ukraine Appeal.

We have enjoyed coffee with an Inner Wheel Club member who lives in New Zealand and is here on holiday in Reading visiting her daughter.

A friendly and interesting morning was had by all.

On Saturday, May 14, starting at 10.15am, our International lead and her committee have organised a Saturday Brunch at Charvil Village Hall in aid of the Karun School in Trichy, India.

We have supported this school for many years and recently we have bought them two sewing machines and paid for a teacher to help both adults and children learn to sew.

The tickets are £15 for a quality full English breakfast with all the extras.

Please contact Sue Edwards on 0118 934 2883 for tickets, or visit: innerwheelrme.org, or our Facebook page or email iwcrme@gmail.com.

We will get back to you.

We are a fun and friendly club always looking for new members and new ideas.

Please get in touch to find out more about us.

Toni Trathen Club Correspondent

30 years on: end-of-relationship course prepares for new session VOLUNTEERS who help people after relationship breakdowns are celebrating the 30th birthday of charity Divorce Recovery Workshop.

Their way to celebrate is highly practical. They’re relaunching the Wokingham and Reading area Divorce Recovery Workshop course in Earley after a two-year break due to Covid.

John Kemp, 68, of Wokingham, found the first UK course, at Berkshire College of Agriculture near Maidenhead, life-changing.

“I felt my world had come to an end when my 16 year marriage collapsed. The workshop helped me put things into perspective. I needed to work things through, see my future and not look back,” he said.

He went on to help set up DRW across the UK. “It’s great that DRW still flourishes, helping some of the thousands affected by divorce and separation every year,” he added.

The next course for Berkshire is on Friday evenings of June 10 and 17 and during the day on June 11 and 18 at Brookside Hall, Brookside Close, Earley.

John Kemp and the course leaders Seamus Jennings and Julia Green met at the hall last week

to discuss arrangements for the course.

Seamus, of Reading, said: “DRW’s courses are for people whose relationship has broken down, whether they’re divorced or separated, and whenever the breakdown was.

“All DRW’s volunteer leaders have been on the courses themselves. There’s plenty of free parking at Brookside and you will be warmly greeted with a cup of tea or coffee before every session. A light lunch is also provided. Please call me with any queries.”

Topics covered include: Is this really happening to me? Coping with your ex-partner.

Assuming new responsibilities.

Letting go and forgiveness.

Family matters. Thinking about new relationships.

A modest charge covers costs including lunches.

Anne of Wokingham said: “After my divorce, I struggled to come to terms with bewilderment, loss, anger, bitterness, and betrayal. It’s a horrible, tough, awful time. DRW showed me a way through. I never imagined I could live life to the full again.” n For details: call Seamus on 07887 800521, email reading@ drw.org.uk or go to facebook. com/readingdrw. n DRW’s website www.drw.org. uk gives tips for going through separation or divorce

Hindus across Reading and Wokingham celebrate Holi HOLI, the ancient Hindu festival which marks the beginning of spring and good over evil, was celebrated with great energy by the local community in Woodford Park last month.

Friends, families, and neighbours gathered to celebrate with food, music, dancing and the customary throwing of bright colours to celebrate the concept of Unity in Diversity.

This year was extra special as we emerge from lockdown to the victory over the devastating pandemic, with people looking forward to normality.

The local branch of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) UK, a charitable organisation hosted the cultural event with children’s performances, tombola game, food, singing and dancing.

The children set up food stalls and raised more than £150 for Sewa International charity which is currently raising donations towards Ukraine relief.

Organisers said that no Holi is complete without the obligatory colour throwing.

The four main colours used were red, blue green and yellow: all with symbolic meaning in Hinduism.

Red signifies love and fertility, blue represents determination, green symbolises life and happiness and yellow for knowledge.

Guests included community leaders as well as local councillors from Reading and Earley.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022

Reccobiz, bringing people together, supporting your business and the local community

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Y name is Neil and I am the founder and cocreator of Reccobiz with my wife Camilla.

After over 30 years of running my own business in home improvements and trying many marketing and advertising methods, I decided there was nothing available that really suited my needs. I started thinking about what would suit my needs and Reccobiz was born.

Like most business owners I found the best way to grow my business is through recommendations from existing customers, word of mouth.

This is how I came up with the name Reccobiz (Recommend a business), I wanted to come up with something internet based that could harness the power of word of mouth in a digital format that made it easy for business owners to connect with their customers and for their customers to be able to recommend them easily at the touch of a button.

Our focus is sole traders and small businesses, we offer a level playing field where everyone pays the same price and gets access to the same resources. No sponsored ads, no algorithm, and no featured listings.

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across many industries and 412 total users, our aim is to provide a valuable service not only to business owners but consumers and the local community. We publicise events of all kinds and have topical groups where people can communicate with like-minded people.

In addition to the platform, we also run networking meetings both virtual and in-person, anyone can come along, not just Reccobiz subscribers.

Our home improvements business Ellen James Limited has thrived since Reccobiz has launched, and helps us stay true to what we are trying to achieve. If it works for Ellen James Ltd it will work for any business and does. We work closely with our subscribers to ensure it is working and they are getting a great user experience.

Camilla and Neil, the founder and co-creator of Reccobiz.

Reccobiz is not just another faceless website, it is a community.

Camilla and I are very hands-on, we believe in the importance of building relationships with those around us and keeping the community spirit alive and thriving.

Here are some of our other local home improvement subscribers.

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Malden Window Cleaning is a family run business with over 30 years’ experience. With our distinctive liveried vans and small team, our main focus is to provide a reliable and friendly service. We can do regular cleans or one-off cleans, domestic or commercial.

Our passion is your satisfaction. People come to us because we care about the work we do and how we communicate with you. We are reliable, affordable and we have over 30 years of experience in home improvements.

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Piggott students meet Twyford’s Dragons

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today A GROUP of 12 future entrepreneurs from Piggott CE Secondary School came face to face with dragons last week.

The Year 11 students are studying GCSE Business Studies.

They were presenting ideas for their own start-ups to a panel of judges, just like in BBC’s Dragon’s Den. Among the ideas looking for investment were cycle hire shop Bishop Bikes and vegan supermarket Green Foods.

It is a regular event organised in a partnership between Twyford Together and teacher Ashley Pearce.

Twyford Together aims to bring businesses, community organisations and residents closer together.

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Thursday, April 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

FROM LEFT: Year 11 entrepreneurs Tom, James, Josh, Kiran, Johanna, Olivia, Grainne, Avneet and Neve Picture: Natalie Burton Mr Pearce said the idea came about in conversation with Gordon Storey, the man credited with organising several events in the village who died last year.

“Pupils work in pairs and are assigned mentors from Twyford Together, and then they work together over a few

weeks to develop a business idea,” he explained.

“I chose the best six ideas to go forward to the final.

“It is a great experience for them and the standard this year was really high.”

And according to Kevin Lancaster, managing director of Right at Home Reading and

Hurst residents keep it tidy

Wokingham District, it is a great experience for mentors too.

“It’s important for me to put something back into the the community, and working with Josh and Kiran to develop Green Foods was brilliant.

“I’ve been through sales pitches too, so we were able to prepare for some of the questions they would be asked.”

The final was held at Rural Pie Co on Monday, April 4.

The young entrepreneurs presented to Cllrs Stephen Conway and Lyndsey Ferris, and Alex Barfield of Havisham Group.

Overall winners were dessert business Encake, developed by Neve and Georgia. Green Foods came second, and the mobile dessert start-up Temptations to Go by Avneet and Grainne came third.

SPRING CLEAN: Litter cleaners tackling School Road, Hurst: Emily Heath, Nandita Vanderpuye-Ayoola, Sophie Vyse, and Nandita’s son William Picture: Sue Corcoran A LARGE band of caring residents cleared litter from the roads and lanes of their community.

They were all taking part in the litter pick organised by Hurst Parish Council.

It took place on Sunday.

Chairman Wayne Smith said: “A big thank you goes to the 60-70 residents with children who were involved.

“We covered all the village roads and lanes.”

Pupil at St Nicholas Primary School, Hurst, William VanderpuyeAyoola, nine, said: “I found lots of empty alcohol bottles, a shopping basket and cigarette packets.”

The rest of his group’s haul included energy drink bottles, McDonald’s and KFC takeaway packaging.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022

COUNCIL NEWS PHIL CREIGHTON reports from a meeting of the ruling executive, held on Thursday, March 31 Lights on the road Parking shake-up?

THE COUNCIL’S policy of lighting buildings and roads when they are not in use was questioned during the executive meeting held on Thursday, March 31.

Peter Humphreys, a resident, told Cllr Gregor Murray, the executive member for resident services, communications and emissions, that an unopened section of the North Wokingham Distributor Road had been “illuminated every night since last autumn”, while Wokingham’s town centre library and the new Carnival Hub, were also lit up all day, every day.

“Some of the Christmas illuminations in Broad Street are still switched on each night. [Leaving the lights on at Carnival Hub] can’t be for security reasons as it’s unlikely the pool will be stolen,” he said.

Cllr Murray said that the climate emergency “remains a key priority” for the council and everyone, including residents, needed to do their bit to reduce carbon emissions. However, the council also needed to ensure safety and security of residents and staff, hence some lights being left on.

“The Council is committed to working with businesses to increase awareness of good energy efficiency practices, we can remind contractors and staff to switch off lights and be more climate conscious,” he said.

Mr Humphreys said that Cllr Murray’s answer did not address the lighting of the distributor road.

However, the road is still under the jurisdiction of the construction company, so Cllr Murray said there wasn’t much the council could do, other than requesting that they turn the lights off.

“All we can do is ask them, but they are under no obligation to do it,” he said.

Mr Humphreys’ question also addressed issues caused by new trees in the borough dying “due to lack of watering”, with some replacements dying, while at other sites, mature trees had been removed.

“Wokingham is thus in a negative position with regard to trees, how many will need to be planted to achieve a net 250,000 increase?” he asked.

Cllr Murray said that trees planted by developers are part of their obligations and not part of the council’s 250,000 target, and a tree planting strategy is being worked on He added: “From October 2021 to the end of March 2022, over 15,000 trees have been planted by various community and volunteer groups, schools, Town and Parish Councils, WBC Countryside Service and private landowners. The Council will continue to actively engage the community to support the delivery of this target.”

He also said the council was asking developers “to live up to their obligations” and promised the local plan update would include “very, very high targets” for tree planting and maturity.

CPO powers sought for Gorse Ride home plan PLANS: Some of the new homes in Arnett Avenue and Gorse Ride.

Picture: Stewart Turkington

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A NUMBER of homes in Gorse Ride could be bought using a compulsory purchase order following a vote by the ruling executive.

At its meeting on March 31, the group agreed to use its powers to buy land off Gorse Ride South in Finchampstead so its work in rebuilding the estate can continue.

Eight homes needed to be acquired, and the executive were warned that although the council would try and buy them by agreement, “ if negotiations are not successful then there remains a risk to the delivery of the project, resulting in delay and adding to costs” .

The CPO would help mitigate against this.

Introducing the item, deputy leader Cllr John Kaiser, said the Gorse Ride regeneration project was a flagship project for the council, as it aimed to provide “more and better social housing”, with 178 existing homes replaced with 249 homes.

“The use of compulsory purchase powers will enable all the necessary land interests to be acquired

to secure the delivery of the regeneration, and the consequential benefits to the local community,” he said.

These include social, economic and environmental benefits.

He said the council would do everything it could to avoid using a CPO, “and the package we offer is a substantial, generous one”.

CPOs are “a very last resort … after all other stages of negotiations have been ignored and exhausted, and will enable the regeneration scheme to proceed in accordance with a timeframe which not only saves money, but means these people can move into these homes sooner.”

He added the council had a

Pubwatch scheme could make return

IT IS hoped Wokingham’s Pubwatch group will resume meetings soon, which will help tackle anti-social behaviour in Wokingham town centre.

Cllr Imogen Shepherd-Dubey, who is a borough councillor for Emmbrook and also Wokingham town council leader, said that late-night drinking had led to all kinds of problems including broken windows, smashed glasses and bottles, and loud behaviour that

disturbed sleeping residents.

“This is blighting the lives of those who live, work and use the town centre area, especially as the mess is still there in the morning,” she said during members question time during a meeting of the executive committee on Thursday, March 31.

“We are in desperate need of a solution that ensures that a few people do not make things so unpleasant for the many.”

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moral duty to deliver homes “for the most vulnerable people in our community”.

Summing up ahead of the vote of approval, council leader John Halsall said: “(Gorse Ride is) central to what we’re trying to do (to battle) hardship and deprivation, it’s a very good job that we’re doing.”

The report presented to the executive noted that in February last year, five objections to the CPO were received, and it was referred to the Secretary of State for inspection.

In November, the inspector said that “ he was not satisfied that the Council had demonstrated a compelling case in the public interest for the CPO”.

AN UPDATE on the borough-wide parking management action plan was requested by a resident.

Peter Must told the meeting that back in September 2019, the council announced the review, which would then lead to a full public consultation.

He asked Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport, for more details.

She said the planned review had been suspended due to the impact of the covid pandemic on parking demand.

Despite this, a pilot project was undertaken in Twyford, while supplementary studies have also taken place, and the results are being assessed.

As a result, “commuter parking, resident parking zones and permit policy and greater, daytime on-street parking demands by those now working from home more frequently can be considered,” Cllr Jorgensen said.

A review of off-street car parks was also carried out, with changes now progressing through the systems, while a revised action plan will be consulted on in the autumn.

In response, Mr Must asked how the consultation would be run.

Cllr Jorgensen said that it would be like any other consultation, including using libraries and websites to canvas residents’ views.

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She added that under the council’s new public protection partnership, which launches on Friday, April 1, the anti-social behaviour taskforce will only operate until 2am.

“Most of the alcohol related anti-social behaviour we see occurs after 3am, as the bars close and people are heading home,” she said.

“We desperately need extra support in Wokingham Town – now – especially in the early hours at the weekend.”

She wanted to know what the council was planning to do.

Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhood and communities, said that anti-social behaviour had been discussed by the problem solving tasking group which was chaired by Thames Valley Police.

Actions planned include an operation to check licence standards in the town, while an unnamed “problematic” licence holder was being ordered to update their premises’ security measures, including CCTV. Following visits to venues, it was agreed that door staff would stop customers from leaving with glasses and bottles, while it was hoped the pubwatch group would also resume soon.

Cllr Shepherd-Dubey’s suggestion of a late-night levy had been reviewed but rejected as not enough Wokingham town centre premises opened in the early hours.

“We anticipate that these actions will send a clear message to both the licensee and anybody thinking

about behaving badly,” Cllr Soane said.

Responding, Cllr Shepherd-Dubey said: “The problem we have is not so much in the bars themselves, it’s when people leave.

“They’re going to look for taxis, they’re wandering around, they’re walking home.

“That’s generally when we have the problem.

“We want people to enjoy the town, but we need more support on the street as people leave (venues) and we need some controls.”

Cllr Soane said that the ASB teams would work until 2am “at the moment”, with the police in attendance, but “the times of the ASB team would be flexible”.

“We don’t even know whether we need 10 officers throughout the night or two at the moment, it’s very early stages … should there be a high demand that can be reviewed,” he said.

At this point, council leader John Halsall said that the Liberal Democrats had “voted against the repatriation of our antisocial behaviour (team)”.

This was a reference to a council meeting where the opposition raised concerns about the plans to bring public protection partnership team away from a collaboration with West Berkshire and Bracknell Forest councils.

The new in-house service started on Friday last week.

“I think we’re going to find the sort of service we’re going to offer is going to be very beneficial to our residents,” Cllr Soane said.

Diocese working to help refugees

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today

THE DIOCESE of Oxford has partnered with Citizens UK to house Ukrainian refugees in the Thames Valley.

It was set up in response to the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, which requires sponsors to name individuals they wish to help.

It is hoped that 50 people who have fled the war-torn nation will be helped by the partnership over the coming months.

Associate Archdeacon of Berkshire, the Revd Liz Jackson, is leading the diocese project team.

“We want to make sure that we can provide safe places for refugees, and that the support they will need is in place,” she said.

“We are carefully matching people with hosts, and we will support hosts too.

“Our idea is to house people in clusters, so that there is a community of people going through similar who can be there for each other.

“It is important to get this right, they have been through so much.”

Following the launch of the diocese’s scheme, almost 400 people registered

HELP: The Diocese of Oxford is supporting families hosting Ukrainian refugees Picture: Mirek Pruchnicki / Flickr offering accommodation or other practical support including language tuition, providing transport and help with paperwork.

And Ms Jackson understands the challenges and rewards of having strangers to stay. She has hosted a number of people in her home, including asylum seekers.

“It is hard work, but it really opened my eyes to what some people experience in their lives,” she explained.

“Anglican churches are a presence in the community

NEWS | 37

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Thursday, April 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

and often meet people at the point when they are in need.

“We get lots of volunteers for all the work we do — some who attend church and some who do not — who just want to love their neighbours.”

The diocese will connect volunteers with local host families to forge a strong network of support across the area.

Citizens UK is working with 20 strategic partners, including the Diocese of Oxford, to link Ukrainians with no connections in the UK with those who have offered accommodation under the government scheme.

The situation is rapidly changing, which adds to an already complex operation.

Many refugees are anxious about moving such a long way from home and there are bottlenecks on the UK border.

The Diocese of Oxford know the names of the first group of Ukrainians they will help thought the scheme and it is hoped that they will be settled in the Thames Valley

by Easter. n For more information or to register for the scheme, visit: oxford.anglican.org/ukraine

Register to vote in local elections RESIDENTS have been reminded to register to vote in next month’s council elections.

The deadline to join the electoral roll is 11.59pm on Thursday, April 14.

Elections to choose representatives for Wokingham Borough Council will take place in 18 wards on Thursday, May 5.

They are: n Arborfield n Bulmershe and Whitegates n Coronation n Emmbrook n Evendons n Finchampstead North n Finchampstead South n Hawkedon n Hillside n Loddon n Maiden Erlegh n Norreys n Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe

DECIDES

VOTE 2022 WOKINGHAM TODAY

n Shinfield South n South Lake n Swallowfield n Winnersh n Wokingham Without.

There will also be parish council elections for Arborfield and Newland, Swallowfield, Remenham and Wargrave held on the same day.

Andrew Moulton, electoral registration officer for the borough council, said that residents who are not registered

by April 14 will not be able to vote.

“Local elections are an important opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect dayto-day life here in the borough,” he said.

Residents can vote in person at a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone to vote on their behalf — which is known as a proxy vote.

The deadline to apply for a new postal or postal proxy vote – along with any changes to existing postal or proxy votes – is 5pm on Tuesday, April 19.

The last day to apply for a proxy vote on election day is Tuesday, April 26 at 5pm. n For more information, visit: gov.uk/register-to-vote or search for elections and voting on wokingham.gov.uk

Police sell seized goods COMMUNITY and voluntary organisations are to get a share of more than £100,000 – from the sale of goods seized from criminals.

The fund is jointly managed by the PCC and the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police.

More than 160 organisations applied to the latest round of the Community Fund, with 25 successful.

PCC Matthew Barber said: “I’m delighted to be able to award

this funding to community and voluntary organisations, who provide valuable services across the Thames Valley.

“A key part of my Police and Criminal Justice Plan is to enable organisations to collaborate and tackle issues facing our communities.

“These organisations are all working hard in support of my Police and Criminal Justice Plan priorities for the region.”

John Campbell, Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, added: “This funding will help a number of projects which will contribute to the prevention of crime and protection of the vulnerable, in line with the PCC’s priorities.”

Successful recipients have been invited to attend a presentation ceremony on the morning of Thursday, April 21, in Thame, Oxfordshire.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (SHINFIELD, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle:

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application

Address

Reasons for Advert

Description

220494

6 Purslane, Wokingham

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed erection of a single storey side/rear extension, erection of porch to the front plus changes to fenestration.

220603

Works to a listed building

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Shinfield Eastern Relief Road, A327 Black Boy Roundabout and return.

The Verge, The Village, Finchampstead

Householder application for the proposed erection of a part single, part two storey side and rear extension plus fenestration changes.

220604

Works to a listed building

2. From proceeding along A327 Shinfield Road, Shinfield between its junctions with A327 Shinfield Eastern Relief Road and A327 Black Boy Roundabout.

The Verge, The Village, Finchampstead

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed erection of a part single, part two storey side and rear extension plus fenestration changes.

220825

39 The Terrace, Wokingham

Conservation Area

Householder application for proposed single storey rear extension, installation of glazed turret spiral staircase, extension of existing first floor roof terrace with 2No. rooflights, new terracing, lawns, and stone pathing to the rear, and associated fenestration, following removal of integral spiral staircase.

1. From proceeding along A327 Shinfield Eastern Relief Road, Shinfield from its junction with A327 Shinfield Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Shinfield Eastern Relief Road and A327 Black Boy Roundabout or by this route in reverse.

3. Turning right from Access from B3270 Whitley Wood Lane, Shinfield to A327 Black Boy Western onramp.

220826

39 The Terrace, Wokingham

Works to a listed building

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3270 Whitley Wood Lane, A327 Black Boy Roundabout and return.

Works requiring these restrictions will take place between 25th April and 22nd May 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Matrix Group contractors to undertake installation of High Voltage cables in safety.

220883

Church Cottage, Waltham Road, Ruscombe

Works to a listed building

Application for Listed Building Consent for the proposed single storey rear extension, installation of glazed turret spiral staircase, extension of existing first floor roof terrace with 2No. rooflights, new terracing, lawns, and stone pathing to the rear, and associated fenestration, following removal of integral spiral staircase.

The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

Any comments must arrive on or before the 28th April 2022. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.

Date: 7th April 2022

Dated: 7th April 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL LICENSING ACT 2003 S34 APPLICATION TO VARY PREMISES LICENCE NEWSPAPER NOTICE Regal Garages Ltd of BP …Budgens .658-660 Wokingham Road, Lower Earley, RG6 7HN proposes to vary the Premises Licence for the above premises as follows To amend to allow for the sale of alcohol off premises to match normal trading hours i.e 24 hours Representations may be made in writing by any responsible authority or other persons in the vicinity of the premises to the licensing authority - Licensing Team, Wokingham Borough Council, POB 155, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WW or by email to licensing@wokingham.gov.uk All representations made are open to public inspection Representations to be made by: 25th April 2022 This application has been made to the Licensing Team at Wokingham Borough Council where a register of applications is kept and a record of the application may be inspected. Contact 0118 974 6358 or www.wokingham.gov.uk Under S158 of the above act, a person commits an offence if he knowingly or recklessly makes a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a unlimited fine.

Dated: 7th April 2022

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (GIPSY LANE, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022

It’s good news for everyone

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representers must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.

A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

Application for Listed Building Consent for the proposed single storey rear extension, installation of glazed turret spiral staircase, extension of existing first floor roof terrace with 2No. rooflights, new terracing, lawns, and stone pathing to the rear, and associated fenestration, following removal of integral spiral staircase.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 25th April 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Darren Bicknell trading as A Better Service Ltd of The Homestead, Park Lane, Charvil, Reading, RG10 9TR is applying to change an existing licence as follows to keep an extra 8 goods vehicles at the operating centre at The Homestead, Park Lane, Charvil, Reading, RG10 9TR.

Advertise regularly and save ££££s Sp ecia l ra tes for 4, 12, 26 a nd 52 weeks Reach local people We c over th e w h o l e o f th e Wo ki n g h a m B o r o u g h Fr i en d l y Ser vi c e Email u s t o day fo r a p rice

DOING COPYRIGHT, RIGHT UK publishers invest

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 31st March 2022 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

£1 BILLION a year creating content like this newspaper

Newspapers

Magazines

Gipsy Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with Murdoch Road and Southlands Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Southlands Road, Easthampstead Road and Murdoch Road or by this route in reverse.

Websites This content is protected under copyright law

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 11th April and 14th April 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake new gully installation and connection to surface water drain in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 11th April 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

If your organisation...

...sends articles via email... ...uses press cuttings...

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...you need a licence from NLA media access

royalties publishers Licence fees are paid back to publishers as royalties to help support journalism

Dated: 7th April 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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Thursday, April 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY

07.04.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

‘I’ll perform until I can’t sing any more’

Later this month, The Christians will be coming to Reading’s SUB89 for a special gig.

JAKE CLOTHIER catches up the group’s lead vocalist, Gary Christian, who can’t wait

W

HEN THE CHRISTIANS play Sub89 next week, it will be a first for the band.

“I can’t remember having played there before,” says Gary Christian, who has led the band since 1987, “But we must have!”

The show was due to take place in August but was rescheduled due to continued uncertainty with the coronavirus pandemic.

But Gary says that the band is ready to feel their way back in.

“We tried a few online sessions, but

we just found it too hard,” he explains.

“So we’ve got our studio, we got on with writing, and now we’re getting back on track with live gigs, and back on the road.”

The band is also playing at Rewind Festival in September.

The Christians were on the line-up when it began in 2009, celebrating acts who came to prominence in the 1980s.

Gary says that despite fond memories, which include sharing the stage with Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen, he doesn’t like to look back too much.

“I prefer to look forward.”

“Back in the day, everybody was angsty, and you didn’t meet other bands, or maybe you would’ve been in competition.

“As you get older you start to mellow, and that’s human.

“And these days its more about connecting with an audience than just getting through it.”

He says that enjoying the work is what the music industry should be about.

“It’s so much fun being on stage, especially if you’re going full octane and having a laugh, and that’s what we’re doing.

“You can’t afford to force it, you have to do what you like doing.”

He warns also of the dangers of taking yourself too seriously.

“There used to be these nihilists in black clothes, all po-faced and serious,

and I can’t really decry it.

“But there’s no need, and most grow out of it.

“We’ll play anywhere, because we love it, and we’ll turn up with our Tesco bags and our kit, and if people want to spend money to see us, we make sure we’ll give them 100%.”

Gary says that he’ll keep going until he can’t.

“People always seem to ask why Keith Richards or Paul McCartney are still playing.

“They’re not ready to stop, so why should they?

“There’s no time limit- while I still want to do it, I’ll perform until I can’t sing any more.”

As well as a more general shift during the last few decades, he notes also that the pandemic has changed the structure of the music industry.

“People lost their jobs, lighting techs

and sound engineers, and it’s been really very difficult for everyone, “Right now, there are millions of people who can’t pay their bills.

“Even recording doesn’t feel as worth it any more – I don’t go in for Spotify, since the payment for artists is just terrible.”

This in particular seems to be one of the reasons that enjoyment is so necessary for an artist.

“We were lucky to get our shot, and there’s even more bands just trying to break through.

“But I loved the tours, and the audiences are great – if you enjoy it, it’s a big party” The Christians will be at Sub89 on Friday, April 15, from 7.30pm.

Reading’s own Tomorrow Bird will be providing support. n Tickets are £28, available from premier.ticketek.co.uk.

14 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022

They’re Havana laugh THE WATERMILL Theatre hosts a world premiere of a new musical for a run which begins on Thursday, April 7 at 7.30pm.

Ben Morales Frost and Richard Hough have written and composed Our Man in Havana, based on Graham Greene’s novel.

In the midst of the warm, tropical air of pre-revolutionary Havana, Englishman James Wormold lives a quiet life running a modest vacuum cleaner business, and raising his teenage daughter. Just as daughter Milly’s shopping habit reaches new heights, James is made an offer he can’t refuse from the British Secret Intelligence Service.

What he lacks in sleuthing experience, he makes up for with imagination. But his life is soon turned upside down when the fictional events of his intelligence reports start to come true.

Suitable for an audience aged 10 and up.

Three socially distanced performances and an audio-described event with a pre-show touch tour will take place in the course of the run, which ends on Saturday, May 21.

Tickets start at £15. n For more details or to book, visit: watermill.org.uk or call the box office on: 01635 46044.

A toad-ally terrific show

A CLASSIC children’s story comes to life on stage at the Kenton Theatre in Henley this Saturday, April 9.

Immersion Theatre will perform its adaptation of The Wind in the Willows at 1.30pm and 5pm.

Join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasel.

The critically-acclaimed company promises a show packed with audience participation, songs, and fun for all the family.

Tickets cost £13.50 adults and £11.50 concessions and include a £1 theatre restoration levy. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk

King Harry

A FORMER King of the Jungle swings by Reading this weekend.

Harry Redknapp will be on stage at the Hexagon at 7.30pm on Sunday.

undergrowth and squish, squelch and play their way through this surreal and funny show.

Running time 45 minutes and 15 minutes of free play.

All seats cost £9.50. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

Royal Women

THE FINAL tickets remain for an evening exploring the scummier side of parenting in Newbury at the end of this month.

Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn, also knows as the Scummy Mummies, are back on tour.

They reach the Corn Exchange on Wednesday, April 27, and after the year they’ve had they are going out-out.

Join them for a big night out of The I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here winner and former football manager will be telling stories from his club and managing career, as well as a few tales from the jungle.

Audience members will have the chance to ask Harry questions at the end of the evening.

Standard tickets cost £37 and VIP tickets cost £87.

The VIP package includes a meet and greet and a signed photo. n For more details or to book, visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

A handbag?

THE WINDSOR on Air season at the Theatre Royal continues next week.

Oscar Wilde’s classic play The Importance of Being Earnest is the latest work to be adapted as a radio production.

Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff wish to marry Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew. But the courtship of the ladies is complicated by the double lives led by the two gentlemen. Chaos ensues as Jack struggles to convince Gwendolen’s mother, the intimidating Lady Bracknell,

comedy, songs and filth as they discuss everything from drinking wine at teatime to hiding from the school PTA. The pair have an award-winning podcast which has attracted guests including Jenny Eclair and Dara Ó Briain. Other credits include selling out their entire 25 night run debut at the Edinburgh Festival in 2019, where they also featured in the Top 50 Jokes of the that he is a worthy suitor and the gentlemen’s false identities sees them caught in a trap of their own making.

The cast includes Jenny Seagrove, Liza Goddard and Christopher Biggins.

Shows are daily from Tuesday, April 12, until Saturday, April 16.

Evening performances are at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2.30pm.

Tickets from £24. n For more details or to book call the box office on: 01753 853888 or visit: theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Sing again

NORDEN FARM will host three screenings of a film sequel over the next two weeks.

The family friendly Sing 2 will show on Tuesday, April 12, at 5pm and Thursday, April 14. A relaxed screening, ideal for families with babies and toddlers or children with additional needs, will take place on Wednesday, April 20, at 5pm.

Can-do koala Buster Moon and his all star cast of animal performers prepare to launch their most dazzling stage extravaganza yet. There’s just one hitch.

First, they have to find and persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star to join them.

Characters in the animated film are

Fringe list.

Ellie and Helen welcome everyone along and guarantee to make parents, grandparents and carers laugh.

Suitable for an audience of 18 years and above.

Tickets cost £20. n For more details or to book, visit: cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 5218218 . voiced by performers from 2016’s Sing, including Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Taron Egerton and Jennifer Saunders.

Written and directed by Garth Jennings, rated U. Tickets cost £9 for adults and £7 for under 16s. A family and friends ticket for 4 people is £28. n For more details or to book, visit: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

Be one of The Herd

THEATRE company The Herd is performing a squishy, squelchy show for the very young next week.

Slime will leave a trail on stage at South Street at 11am and 2pm on Wednesday, April 13.

Slug and Caterpillar are starving, and the only leaf left in the garden is just out of reach. Slug thinks they should work together. Get the leaf, eat the leaf, play a game, be friends. Caterpillar has other ideas. Slugs are gross, they’re covered in slime and they have terrible taste in music.

Things get sticky.

Little ones aged between two and five can bring their families to enter the

AT THE THEATRE

Coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Bracknell Jazz: Trish Clowes - My Iris. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Shrek The Musical. Mon-Mon 18. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 15.

FILMS: Coppelia. Thurs. Nightmare Alley. Fri-Sun. Sing 2. Sat-Sun, Wed-Sun 16. Road To Morocco.

Mon. Taming The Garden. MonTues. Royal Opera House: La Traviata. Wed. Cyrano. Thurs 14-Sun 16.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600

Revenge. Thurs. Lou Sanders: One Word - Wow. Fri. Spontaneous Potter Kidz. Sat. The Wind in the Willows. Sun. BTA Matilda Jnr. Tues-Thurs 14. The Wizard of Oz. Fri 15. The Doris Day Story. Sat 16. Lost Voice Guy. Sun 17.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em. Until Sat. The Glee Club. Tues-Sat 16.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Lesley Garrett: A Diva and a Piano.

Thurs. Live/Wire - The AC/DC Show. Fri. Showwaddywaddy.

Fri. DJ Luck and MC Neat Live The UK Garage Showcase.

Sat. Gyles Brandreth. Sun. Madama Butterfly. Mon. The Glenn Miller and Big Band

Spectacular. Tues. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 14.

Someone Like you: The Adele Songbook. Thurs 14. The South.

Fri 15. That’ll Be The Day. Sat 16.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Gary In Punderland. Thurs.

Beatles Ballet. Fri. The Wind In the Willows. Sat. Rent.

Wed-Sat 16.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Suzi Ruffell and Friends. Thurs.

The Real Charlie Chaplin (12a).

Fri. Ma Bessie and her Pig Foot Band. Fri. Cyrano (12a). Fri-Sat. St John’s Chamber Orchestra.

Sat. Family Concertini with YolanDa Brown. Tues. Sing 2 (U). Tues. Jack and the Beanstalk. Wed. Royal Opera House Live: La Traviata. Wed. The Duke (12a). Fri 15-Sat 16.

Steve Waterman: The Latin Connection. Fri 15. The Small Fakers. Sat 16.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Ali and Ava (15). Thurs. The Power of the Dog (12a). Thurs. The Sound of Springsteen. Sat. An Evening with Pam Ayres. Sun. Royal opera Live: La Traviata.

Wed. Dinosaur World Live.

Tues-Thurs 14. Ben Elton: Warm Up. Sat 16.

Newbury – The Watermill

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Our Man in Havana. Until May 21.

Reading – South Street

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Bas Jan and support. Thurs.

Morgan and West:

Unbelievable Science. Fri-Sat. Poets Cafe. Fri. SLIME by The Herd. Wed. Jackie Oates and John Spiers. Thurs 14.

Poets Cafe Online lunchtime.

Fri 15.

Reading – The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Sensational 60s Experience.

Fri. An Audience with Harry Redknapp. Sat. The Big Comedy Bash. Tues. Steve Backshall’s Ocean. Thurs 14.

Fireman Sam Live. Sat 16.

Reading – Concert Hall

THE LIVES of three women from the Tudor court of Henry VIII will be discussed in Reading Central Library next Thursday afternoon.

Catherine Sampson will talk about Catherine of Aragon, Anne of Cleeves and Lady Katherine Knollys.

Aragon and Cleeves are famous, Lady Katherine Knollys less so. She was part of a family whose name would have been well known in the Reading area, and which is still remembered in street names.

All survived the potentially lifethreatening difficulties they faced, largely utilising strategies learned during their childhoods. The talk will explore their lives and their Berkshire connections.

Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society.

Tickets cost £5 and include refreshments. n For more details or to book, visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

Dive in

A CHILDREN’S television presenter will make a splash in Reading next week.

The last few tickets remain for Steve Backshall’s latest show Ocean at the Hexagon on Thursday, April 14.

He describes Ocean as a love letter to the most exciting environment on the planet, and a great way to learn more about what needs to be done to save the seas.

Steve will use stunts, experiments, props, cutting edge science and big screen footage from his two decades in TV to bring his talk to life.

From great whites to great whales, seals to sardine shoals, this is an opportunity for all the family to dive deep into the wonderful world beneath the waves.

The show begins at 7pm and tickets are priced from £20.50. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 Alby The Penguin Saves The World. Until Easter Monday.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Theatre closed due to Storm Eunice damage.

NEXT SHOW: The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

June 15-18.

Sonning – The Mill

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Gwyn Arch: A Celebration. Sat.

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Still Life. Until Sat. Beyond Faith.

Sat. Dire Straits: Money For Nothing. Sun.

Reading – Progress Theatre

Windsor – Theatre Royal

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Catch-22. May 2-7.

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Pygmalion: Windsor on Air. Until

Sat. The Importance of Being Earnest: Windsor on Air. TuesSat 16.

Wokingham – Theatre

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: The Father. April 28-May 7.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Music Club presents Logicaltramp: The Spirit of Supertramp. Fri 15.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOWS: Things We Do For Live. May 17-21. Jazz concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Sat May 28.

Thursday, April 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Selina’s lockdown blues leads to a lucky 13...

A

Selina and the Howlin’ Dogs

READING band discovered that they had the blues over lockdown.

And now they have just released their debut album.

Selina and the Howlin’ Dogs are regulars on the live music scene across the Thames Valley.

They have appeared at events including Wokingham Festival, Marvellous and Reading Beer Festival. Recently, they supported renowned R&B artist Geno Washington.

Their self-produced album Blues Revisited is a collection of 13 songs, drawing on the influence the blues genre has had on the band during eight years of playing together.

It has already received attention from radio shows including The Blues Show on Bishop FM, The Rock and Blues Show on ABC radio, Blues Corner on Rock Radio, and Blues@.

Howlin’ Dogs members Tobi Andersson, Alan Burgin and Mark Peace have been playing together since 2002, when Tobi and Mark answered an advert placed by Alan to be a band.

Lead vocalist Selina Arch came on board in 2014.

All of the band members have families and full-time jobs as well as playing in the band.

Tobi says that the cancellation of live bookings due to lockdowns gave them a chance to listen over their back catalogue.

“We have a lot of musical influences and play a wide range of styles — indie, funk, rock, even a bit of hip-hop — but we noticed that we have a strong blues influence when listening back.”

“So this album marries something old, something new and something blues.”

Selina explains that the band wanted to find a way of making music together during lockdowns.

“Our first project was a video which we made using contributions from

LEISURE | 15

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our communities and our fans,” she says.

“The idea to record an album grew from there, because we enjoyed it so much and just wanted to play.

“Up until now we had put out singles and EPs, because albums are really timeconsuming — lockdowns gave us the time to do it.”

The band recorded the album collaboratively online from their own homes. Tobi’s home office is also furnished with a drum kit.

“At one point I had my head in a wardrobe while singing, for the acoustic effect,” Selina adds.

The album was produced entirely by band members,

from art work to production and publicity.

It is set to be reviewed in specialist magazine Blues Matters.

Later on in the year, they are supporting prominent blues artists Alice Armstrong and Matt Long at The Acoustic Couch in Bracknell.

“We’ve been welcomed by the blues community, things are really falling into place,” Tobi says.

Selina and the Howlin’ Dogs will play Wokingham Festival in August.

Work on their second album is already under way. n For more information, visit: selinaandthehowlindogs.com

A world class programme at The Watermill

T

HE WATERMILL Theatre has announced its line-up for the rest of the year.

It includes world premieres, a revival of an Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical and a Christmas panto.

Paul Hart, artistic director, is looking forward to what the Watermill has in store for audiences.

“It is a bumper new season,” he said.

Bleak Expectations is a new stage adaptation of the hit BBC Radio 4 comedy written

by Mark Evans. Credits for director Caroline Leslie include Trial by Laughter and The Wiper’s Times. It premiers at the Watermill and will run between Friday, May 27 and Saturday, July 2.

It will be followed by Camp Albion, a play about environmental activism and the 1996 anti road protest dubbed the Battle of Newbury.

Written and produced by a team of associate artists at the Watermill, the production will tour around the region before opening for an 11 day run at the theatre on Wednesday, July 6.

A revival of Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Jim Steinman’s rock musical Whistle Down the Wind will open on Friday, July 22 and close on Saturday, September 10. The company will feature a company of actor musicians alongside a cast of local young people.

Shakespear’s Othello by the Watermill Ensemble and directed by Paul Hart weaves live music into what promises to be a bold new adaptation.

Michael Morpergo’s The Sleeping

Sword has been adapted by Tatty Hennessey and will run at the Watermill from Thursday, October 27 until Saturday, November 5. The play weaves a contemporary tale of self-discovery with the ancient legend of King Arthur.

The show will have creative access at the heart of it, working with a team of sighted and visually impaired artists, and every performance will feature the use of creative captioning and integrated audio description.

This season’s Watermill Youth Ensemble production will be A Monster Calls, based on the best-selling novel by Patrick Ness.

It plays from Thursday, November 10, to Saturday, November 12.

Rapunzel will then let down her hair in time for Christmas.

She will take to the stage, helped by director Lucy Betts, from Friday, November 18 until Sunday, January 1.

Associate artistic director for the Watermill, Abigail Pickard Price, said that the team continues to strive to create ambitious work despite the challenges faced by theatres in the UK. “We remain incredibly grateful to our audiences for the support they are showing to live theatre and to the next generation of theatre makers through our fundraising campaign, Nurture.” n For more information on the coming season, or for tickets, visit: watermill. org.uk

16 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022

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Poetry is in the South Street: Poets’ Cafe returns POETS’ CAFE will take place on Friday, April 8.

This month’s cafe will feature guests Vic Pickup, Damon Young, David Cooke, and Robin Thomas, and will be hosted by Jez Dyer.

There will also be an open mic session where patrons may volunteer to read.

It is Reading’s longest-running poetry night, having run for nearly 20 years, and organised by the Reading Stanza of the Poetry Society.

Last month’s café was hosted by Susan Utting, who founded the event in 2004.

The Poet’s Café takes place at South Street Arts Centre on Friday, April 8, from 8pm.

It returns every second Friday of the month.

Tickets are £5, or £4 for those who are reading. n Tickets can be bought online at www.whatsonreading.com

An Ellen Kent Production featuring the Ukrainian National Municipal Opera Kyiv

Comedian Mark Steel plays Henley’s Kenton Theatre in June

Mark will make it all alright in Henley

A comedian and award-winning columnist will bring a positive message to Henley in June.

Mark Steel performs his new show Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright at Kenton Theatre on Thursday, June 2.

Despite feeling as though everything has gone to pot over the last few years, Mark remains optimistic.

Mark thinks that not so long ago, it seemed unlikely the UK would vote to leave the EU. There was a reasonable opposition to the Tory Government, Donald Trump was a buffoon who surely wasn’t going to beat Hilary Clinton, and Mark was living the married suburban ideal. But he is determined that every little thing is gonna be alright.

The sell-out show Who Do I Think I Am? — now available as an audiobook on Audible— revealed

that his natural father was a world backgammon champion.

Now Mark is back on the road with a show that he guarantees will make the world seem even more mental than it really is.

The Mark Steel Lectures for the BBC earned him a BAFTAnomination and he is a regular on Have I Got News For You and Radio 4’s The News Quiz.

His acclaimed books include Reasons To Be Cheerful and What’s Going On, and his weekly column for The Independent won Columnist of the Year at the Press Awards in 2015.

He now writes for the Sunday Mirror and films his columns for The Independent. n Tickets are £16. The performance starts at 8pm.For more information, or to book, visit: kentontheatre.co.uk

a South hill park production

WINNER ‘BEST OPERA AWARD’ LIVERPOOL DAILY POST THEATRE AWARDS

Based on the dreamWorks animation motion picture and the Book By William steig

Book and lyrics by david lindsay-abaire

music by Jeanine tesori

originally produced on Broadway by dreamWorks theatricals and neal street productions

“A Butterfly to cherish” MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

Sung in Italian with English surtitles. † Cast subject to change.

Welcoming back the fabulous Korean soprano Elena Dee, Ukrainian sopranos Alyona Kistenyova and Katerina Timbaliuk from the Odessa Opera together with celebrated Ukrainian mezzo soprano Irina Sproglis†.

With an exquisite Japanese Garden and spectacular costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.

SATURDAY 23 APRIL | 7.30pm WHATSONREADING.COM | BOX OFFICE 0118 960 6060

TICKETS £35, £32, £30

georgie Banks as Princess Fiona

Brad Clapson as Shrek

poppy ridell as Donkey

ashleigh Wells as Lord Farquaad

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe www.mtishows.co.uk

Mon 11 – Mon 18 april 2022 Wilde theatre, South hill park, Bracknell rg12 7pa box office 01344 484123 · Southhillpark.org.uk @southhillpark

/southhillparkartscentre

southhillpark

Registered charity 265656 Please support the future of the Arts

LEISURE | 25

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, April 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LIVEMUSIC

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

RaW Sounds Today

Needed, from which this song is taken, maybe they will.

They have good songs which are well played and they have sing-along choruses so we’ll look forward to checking them out live when they appear on the Wokingham Music Club (WMC) Stage at Wokingham Festival in August – https://tommyhand. wixsite.com/smalltownheroesuk

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday

That Joe Payne – End of the Tunnel

T

HE music community in Reading and Wokingham is a great thing. By working together, we can help dangle some great tunes under your noses.

This week’s top new entry is a classic example of that: a hat-tip to Wokingham’s record store for spotting The Amazons’ new release.

The RaW Sounds playlist is a terrific way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing – make sure you bookmark the Spotify page.

To hear this week’s set, simply head to https://bit. ly/rawsoundstodayand get dancing.

There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

The Amazons – Bloodrush Ian from Wokingham’s Beyond the Download record store alerted us to this new single.

We gave it a listen and loved it as it’s another brilliant anthem from this fast-rising band from Reading.

Joe will be returning to headline the WMC Stage at Wokingham Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday with his solo set following a brilliant performance there in 2019 – https://www. thatjoepayne.com/

A Better Life – A Moment of Nothing

The Amazons It’s from their forthcoming third album How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me? which is out in September.

The band is going from strength to strength and recently played London’s O2 Arena as part of a support tour to Royal Blood. They have their own UK and EU headlining tour later in the year – https:// theamazons.co.uk/

Small Town Heroes – i need u Here’s a new five-piece band that we are sure would like to achieve the success that The Amazons are having and judging by their debut EP, No Filters

This chill-out collective based around local music producer, Phil Daniels, have recently released a brand new video to this track from their acclaimed debut album Take A Deep Breath – https:// abetterlifemusic.com/

Focus – Sylvia Exciting news that legendary rock band, Focus, will be headlining Wokingham Festival this year on August Bank Holiday Monday, August 29. This song is from their Focus 3 album and hit No.4 in the UK singles chart – https://focustheband.co.uk/

The Go Go Cult – Town Called Sorrow Club Velocity celebrated an impressive 19 years

of putting on events with a Birthday Party Gig at the Rising Sun Arts Centre last month, featuring these psychobilly punks – http://www.thegogocult.com/

Wishbone Ash – Sometime World It’s from the band’s classic album, Argus, and Martin Turner Ex-Wishbone Ash returned to Wokingham Music Club on Friday, April 1 to perform the album in full, as well as their Wishbone Four album – https://www. martinturnermusic.com/

Rachel Redman – You Set Me Free Rachel is a singer-songwriter from the area and, she’s recently released this wonderful new single. It’s another well-crafted song with Rachel’s distinctive country-pop feel – https://www.facebook.com/ rachelredmanmusic/

Third Lung – Laura This is the band’s first release of 2022 and they are certainly showing that they can maintain the quality of their previous excellent single releases. It’s from their forthcoming album, Gameplay. We’ll look forward to that. – http://thirdlungband.com/

OSP – Breathe Here’s the debut single from Reading-based rap collective OSP. They were live at Readipop Festival’s Launch Party at Purple Turtle on March 19, along with Brother Zulu and Hatty Taylor – https://www. facebook.com/ospmusicuk

GIG GUIDE Friday, April 8

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Clay Soldiers, Chashing Violet. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Odyssey Live. Plus: All About You. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Trish Clowes - My Iris Details: 01344 484123.

GORING – Community Centre, The Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB. Jazz night with Mike Wilkins, Nick Hall, Howard King and Mike Goff.

7.30pm. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/goringcommunity-jazz-club READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Swamp featuring Morass of Molasses.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside RG1.

Dolly and the Clothespegs.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Sensational 60s Experience: Mike Pender from The Searchers, The Trems, Dozy Beaky Mick and Tich, The Fortunes and The Dakotas. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Wakey Blakey and the Ingham-Davison Sextet. Details: www. jazzinreading.com READING – The Rising Sun,

Silver Street RG1 2ST. Nothing Will Change Events, a collective of the alternative of alternative music: Pej and Dr Satso, Viaska, FFO, Masquerader. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Kokoroko.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Mythicals. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Funkin Soul’d Out. £18. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. The Chestnuts.

Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Logicaltramp: The Spirit of Supertramp. 7.30pm. £20. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk

Saturday, April 9

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Paul Tino. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The lee Aaron Band. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Lexicon.

Forest Springs afternoon and evening of live music: North Ascot Academy of performing Arts,

Vocalese, Jen Merchant, James Grant, Abi Powell, The Originals, Here At Last. Details: www. thelexiconbracknell.com BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Tequila Chase. Details: 01344 422622 CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music. Details: 01344 530615.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. De Satso. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Viaska and special guests.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Abba tribute..

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Pond House, Oxford Road RG30 1EH. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 958 3664.

READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.

READING – Q-Club, Friar Street. We Are Saturdays/ Jay1.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Echo.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 957 6930.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Beyond Faith. Details: 0118 969 8000.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. The Mythicals. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WHITLEY – Whitley GrowAllot, Meavy

Gardens RG2 7RD. Food4Families fundraiser: pond dipping, planting seeds, Easter egg hunt, and more. Noon-2pm. £5. Details: https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/ food4families WOKINGHAM – The Rifle Volunteer, Reading Road. The Midnight Rebel Band.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. The DoubleShots. Details: 0118 979 7402.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Steve Brookes.

Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, April 10

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Steve Turner. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Primitai.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. B Side at the Bull..

Details: 0118 343 0565.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Fire Straits: Money For Nothing. Details: 0118 969 8000.

Tuesday, April 12

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music

Tuesdays. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

Wednesday, April 13

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open Mic Night. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Sea Shanty session. Details: 0118 958 0473.

Thursday, April 14

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Winter Wilson and support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Reckless v Delight Alternative clubight.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – South Street arts centre. Jackie Oates and John Spiers. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Shonen Knife. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Christians. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Logicaltramp: The Spirit of Supertramp. 7.30pm. £25. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Midnight Rebels Band.

Details: 0118 969 3325.

Saturday, April 16

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. The TR5s. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Legends of the Oldskool.

Details: 01344 303333.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live

music. Details: 01344 530615.

EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis.

Details: 0118 935 4103.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Easter Meets Western: DAP & The Loveable Fraudsters. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Freudian Session and Freinds. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Western Rock. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Holy Cowbell. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TILEHURST – The Royal

British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. T Roze and Co.. Details: 0118 942 9606.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. The Turn.

Details: 01252 870648.

Easter Sunday, April 17

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Beatles Tribute.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul presents: David Rodigan. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – Lola Lo, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Eden Project presents Jess Bays.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

Good Friday, April 15

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Skaranaga Duo. Details: 01344 303333.

BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS. Rockin’ The Joint: a party to celebrate the 31st anniversary of 3Rs. £12. Details: rock3rs. co.uk CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Victoria Elizabeth.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Friday April 15th 2022 - Doors 7:00pm Advance tickets £25.00

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26 | LEISURE

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WHAT’SON Exhibitions

READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Community Voices A series of displays showcasing responses to The MERL’s collections. Open daily except Monday. Details: 0118 378 8660.

READING – Edith Morley building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 6AA. The Ure Museum presents: Discover the beauty of Etruscan pottery. Tuesdays to Thursdays. 9am-4.30pm.

Free. Details: 0118 378 6990.

READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Reading Museum presents Collected: 150 Years of Reading FC. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm (Sat 5pm). Free, suggested donation of £5.

Details: 0118 937 3400.

Films at Reading Biscuit Factory this week

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Hive (15). Thurs. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (PG). Thurs.

Morbius (15). Thurs. The Batman (15). Thurs. The Worst Person In The World (15). Thurs. Ambulance (15). Thurs. X (18). Thurs.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (12a). From Fri. Keep It Cult: Risky Business (18).

Fri. Revolution of our Times (15). Sat. Easter In Art: Exhibition on Screen.

Sun. Keep It Cult: Mad Max (15). Mon, Good Friday.

Royal Opera 21/22 Season: La Traviata. Wed. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Thursday, April 7

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS.

Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Dave Tollow Creative Challenge.

7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street. Comedy on Tap. 7pm. £17. Details: 0118 978 0389.

WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road. Ladies Fashion Show in aid of WADE. £10, includes a glass of wine/soft drink.

Details: www.wadecentre. org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents:Limbo (PG). £6.50, £4 members.

7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, April 8

EARLEY – 3Sixty University of Reading, RG6 6UR. CosXPo 2022: a celebration of cos play. £35-£15. Under fives free.

Workshops, panels and more. Details: cosxpo.com EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin, Chain Street. Lunchtime organ recital by Ian Hillier. Free entry, retiring collection.

12.30pm-1.15pm. Details: www.berkshireorganists. org.uk READING – Centre for Heritage and Family History, Second Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Terry’s tours: Edible Reading Walkabout & Cream Tea with Terry Dixon. Ends with a cream tea at the centre. 10amnoon. Booking essential.

Details: events@berksfhs. org.uk WINNERSH – Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Funlkin Souled Out. £18. Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Patti Boulaye’s one-woman show Aretha and Me. £20. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, April 9

BRACKNELL – The Lexicon.

Forest Springs afternoon and evening of live music: North Ascot Academy of performing Arts, Vocalese, Jen Merchant, James Grant, Abi Powell, The Originals, Here At Last. Details: www. thelexiconbracknell.com CAVERSHAM – Methodist Church, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and makers’ fair. Free entry.

10am.

EARLEY – 3Sixty University of Reading, RG6 6UR. CosXPo 2022: a celebration of cos play. £35-£15. Under fives free.

Workshops, panels and more. Details: cosxpo.com EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Village Hall, Emmbrook Road RG41 1JN. SAFE (Saving Abandoned FlyGrazing Equines) Easter

Fair: Tombolas, raffle, Easter crafts and local small business stalls. £1, children free. Noon4.30pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, Alberto House, Marino Way. Guided tours of brewery.

1pm-2.30pm. Details: www.sirencraftbrew.com READING – New Hope Community Church, York Road RG1 8DU. Easter Fete plus family-freindly events, games, and more.

10am-3pm.

READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Abbey Quarter tours: explore the heart of medieval Reading led by trained volunteer guides.

Ninety-minute tour from 11am. £10. Booking essential. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk SOUTHCOTE – Grange United Reformed Church, Circuit Lane RG30 3HD. Easter market. Crafts, Homemade Cakes & Preserves, Raffle, Tombola, Books, Jigsaw Puzzles, Bric-a-Brac, plus charity stalls including Thames Valley Animal Welfare and Duchess of Kent Hospice. 11.30am1.30pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 956 0380.

TILEHURST – Double Barrelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Brewery Tours and Tasting.

Over 18s only. Booking essential. 1pm. £13.50.

Details: doublebarrelled. co.uk WOKINGHAM – WH Smith, Market Place RG40 1AN. Booking signing by Justin Newland: The Genes of Isis.

From 10.30am.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Bulmershe School, Woodlands Avenue RG5 3EU. Woodley Concert Band spring concert: Let’s Dance! Music from West Side Story, Glenn Miller, Shall We Dance (from The King and I) and more.

7.30pm. £14, concessions £12, under 16s £5. Details: 0870 321 2186.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley

Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, April 10

EARLEY – Culver Lane Conveience Store, Culver Lane. Dr Bike surgery organised by My Journey Wokingham.

Booking essential. 10amnoon. Details: www. myjourneywokingham.com PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Classic car and bike meet. From 9.30am.

Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – Global Cafe, RISC, London Street. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your best course of action might be”. 12.30pm4pm. Free, donations welcome.

READING – From Broad Street/St Mary’s Butts Junction. Churches Together in Reading presents a Palm Sunday procession. 12.30pm. Palm Sunday celebration until 1.15pm, outside Marks & Spencer. Details: 01491 671357.

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Spencers Wood Village Hall Easter Community Farmers Market. 10am. Details: www.spencerswoodhall. co.uk TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church, Station Road.

Twyford Singers Palm Sunday concert: Hope!

Joy! Celebration! Includes Gloria, Laus et Honor, Stainer’s Crucifixion, Maunder’s Olivet to Calvary. 7pm. £12, under 16s £6. Details: http:// twyford-singers.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Wokingham vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: www.sparkleveganevents. com WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars

What’s on event submission form Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community

Name

Address

groups, charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:

Postcode Email

Time of event: Contact number for readers:

Send your forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022 £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday, April 11

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bike sheds, Wokingham Borough Council offices, Shute End. Dr Bike surgery organised by My Journey Wokingham.Booking essential. 10amnoon. Details: www. myjourneywokingham.com WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table.

1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, April 12

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table.

10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Coronation Hall, Headley Road RG5 4JB. WISE Over-50s Forum: Richard Dolinski to talk about Ukraine. A personal/ family perspective. Also: Cllr Bill Soane (Wokingham Borough Council) will talk about Public Protection. £3. Raffle tickets will be on sale at .50p each. 2pm-4pm.

Details: Woodleywise@ gmail.com or: 0118 969 6206.

Wednesday, April 13

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. MS weekly drop-in. 10.30am-1.30pm Details: 0118 921 0555.

ONLINE. Forest management and red squirrel conservation, a talk by Dr Louise De Raad. Hosted by the Berkshire Mammal Group and Cole Museum of Zoology, University of Reading. 7.15pm. Free.

Details: berksmammals. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, April 14

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Royal Women, a talk

by Catherine Sampson.

Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society.

2pm-3.30pm. £5. Details: 0118 950 9553.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Round 4 Print competition: open judged

by Andrew Mills. 7.30pm.

Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

Good Friday, April 15 BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS. Rockin’ The Joint: a party to celebrate the 31st anniversary of 3Rs. £12. Details: rock3rs. co.uk CAVERSHAM – New Testament Church of God. Good Friday service.

10.30am.

MAPLEDURHAM – St Margaret’s Church. Nine stations of the cross service, largely outside.

11am.

READING – Park United Reformed Church, Wokingham Road. Good Friday service. 3pm.

READING – Rivermead, Richfield Avenue. Reading Vinyl Collectors Fair.

9am-3pm. £4 before 11am, £3 after. Details: facebook. com search for Vinyl Record Collectors Fair READING – Broad Street.

French market. 9am-5pm.

Free entry.

READING – Outside Reading West Salvation Army, Oxford Road. Good Friday service led by the Salvation Army band. Noon.

READING – From Stadium Way. Berkshire Egg Run organised by Thames Vale Vultures. From 11.30am.

SOUTHCOTE – From Grange Church, Ciruit Lane. Good Friday walk of witness from the church to Southcote Family Church via St Matthew’s. Meet at 10am, service at Southcote Family Church 10.30am.

TILEHURST – The Triangle.

Good Friday walk of witness from churches to the Triangle, short service from noon.

Saturday, April 16

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, Alberto House, Marino Way. Guided tours of brewery.

1pm-2.30pm. Details: www.sirencraftbrew.com READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING – Broad Street.

French market. 9am-5pm.

Free entry.

READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Abbey Quarter tours: explore the heart of medieval Reading led by trained volunteer guides.

Ninety-minute tour from 11am. £10. Booking essential. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Wokingham craft and gift market. 10am-4pm.

Free entry. Details: 07522 523519.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Easter Sunday, April 17

READING – The Bandstand, Forbury Gardens.

Churches Together in Reading Easter celebration.

8am. With hymns led by Reading Central Salvation Army Band. If wet in Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Followed by refreshments in Abbey Baptist. Details: 01491 671357.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Miniature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Miniature Railway running. £1.50 per ride, four rides £5.

1.30pm-4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

No. 5408

Your weekly puzzle challenge

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Thursday, April 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Quiz Challenge

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1. Which play by Shakespeare has the alternative title What You Will?

2. The sport of lacrosse originated in which Commonwealth country?

3. Mount Elbert is the highest peak of which mountain range?

4. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam had which senior health advisory role in government?

5. What F is another word for a jester and a type of fruity dessert?

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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

MAGIC SQUARE

A WEIRD IDEA, KICK IT

C O Y 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: 31 Good; 37 Very Good; 43 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

7. What does a fossicker search for in Australia?

8. What is the common flavouring ingredient in spirits such as absinthe, ouzo and raki?

9. ‘Well, my friends, the time has come, To raise the roof and have some fun’ is a lyric from which Lionel Ritchie hit song?

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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

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DOWN 2. Affair by a large number of us (5) 3. Nothing in Siam bar possibly is delightful to taste (8) 4. Staggered to see a brightly coloured fish caught (6) 5. Puritan greedy guts right to be detained (4) 6. Right-back taking one group to divide into three (7) 7. Where you can have meals on wheels (6-3) 9. Large bird seen at the funfair (3,6) 11. Commonly cheap restaurant is sold out of temporary framework (8) 13. Maybe US claim South Pacific, for example (7) 15. Finish on one side of the cricket field first?

It’s a myth (6) 18. Built up, say, or knocked down (5) 19. I put up with Amazonian People (4)

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

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To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

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© Sirius Media Services Ltd

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QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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WORD PYRAMID: Best foot forward.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; subtract; divide; add. Total: 6.

SOLUTIONS

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Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

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Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

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ACROSS 1. Turkish commanders rejected the story (4) 4. Alleged to have been placed in a wind instrument (7) 8. Second sight a symptom of concussion (6,6) 9. Not interested about a line that had been adopted (8) 10. Shed not to have an inclination (4) 12. A doctor and I are in Georgia or an African country (6) 14. One with a twitch found it vinegary (6) 16. It goes round both poles during the current month (4) 17. Salt needed for cockles and mussels, right? (8) 20. Imagine home as being a cinema (7,5) 21. Recovered on court? (7) 22. Mythological princess performed with nothing on (4)

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WORD PYRAMID Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed A through openings in the walls. The W first letter may appear in any chamber.

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10. In the TV sitcom Friends, which character works as a palaeontologist?

SUDOKU Easy

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

6. Bristol is famous for making glassware in which colour?

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CROSS CODE 7

5408

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28. Record-breaking ACROSS (3-4) 2. Circumscribed (7) 29. Metal money (4) 7. Gemstone (4) 30. Ice cream 8. On top of (2,2) holder (4) 9. Tympanum (7) 10. Rudolf ----, Nazi (4) 31. Downward slope (7) DOWN 12. Unruly child (4) 1. Subdue (4) 15. Possession (5) 17. Responds (6) 2. Sediment (4) 18. Place of worship (6) 3. Quagmire (6) 19. Make beloved (6) 4. Small tower (6) 21. Exacting (6) 5. Speechless (4) 22. Nasal cavity (5) 6. State of 23. Utters (4) unconsciousness (4) 26. Auction (4)

10. Equestrian gear (7) 11. Emergency replacement (5-2) 13. Reproduction (7) 14. Playhouse (7) 15. Book of maps (5) 16. Nipples (5) 20. Plunders (6) 21. Lying face upward (6) 24. Sailor’s cry (4) 25. Beach grains (4) 26. Religious order (4) 27. Limp (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 2 Limited; 7 Jade; 8 Up on; 9 Eardrum; 10 Hess; 12 Brat; 15 Asset; 17 Reacts; 18 Temple; 19 Endear; 21 Strict; 22 Sinus; 23 Says; 26 Sale; 28 All-time; 29 Coin; 30 Cone; 31 Descent.

Down – 1 Tame; 2 Lees; 3 Morass; 4 Turret; 5 Dumb; 6 Coma; 10 Harness; 11 Stand-by; 13 Replica; 14 Theatre; 15 Atlas; 16 Teats; 20 Rifles; 21 Supine; 24 Ahoy; 25 Sand; 26 Sect; 27 Lank.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Twelfth Night; 2 Canada; 3 The Rocky Mountains; 4 Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England; 5 Fool; 6 Blue; 7 Gold FIVE ALIVE: from old mine workings; 8 Aniseed; 9 All Night Long; 10 Ross Geller.

(1) Across – Globe; Altar; Putty.

Down – Grasp; Octet; Early.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Saga; 4 Reputed; 8 Double vision; 9 Borrowed; 10 (2) Across – Skill; Ivory; Sisal.

H M B I A V S T P J Q D R Lean; 12 Gambia; 14 Acetic; 16 Inst; 17 Seafarer; 20 Picture Down – Swims; Idols; Loyal.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 house; 21 Rallied; 22 Dido.

U E G O N Z C K W X Y L F Down – 2 Amour; 3 Ambrosia; 4 Reeled; 5 Prig; 6 Trisect; 7 NONAGRAM: chert; cherty; chip; chirp; chirpy; chit; Dining-car; 9 Big dipper; 11 Scaffold; 13 Musical; 15 Legend; 18 choir; chop; chore; chypre; cipher; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU cake; arid; kiwi; edit. Rased; 19 Tupi. echo; echt; ephor; epoch; etch; ethic; hector; heir; heriot; hero; heroic; hire; hoer; hope; hoper; hype; hyper; hypo; HYPOCRITE; ichor; itch; itchy; oche; ochre; ochry; other; perch; phot; photic; pitch; pitcher; pitchy; pith; pithy; porch; pother; retch; rhotic; rich; rochet; tech; techy; theory; thorp; thrice; thrip; tich; torch; trophic; trophy.

28 | LIFE

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Healthy snacking for children Ideas

Healthy heart tips

Heart Research UK

N

UTRITIOUS snacking can help children curb hunger throughout the day, as well as provide energy and important nutrients.

Getting children off to a good start with healthy snacking is a behaviour that will stick with them for a lifetime.

Here, we share some ideas:

Encouraging Healthy Snacking

By involving children in the preparation or purchase of healthy snacks, you are encouraging healthy snacking as well as independence.

The more exposure children have to healthy foods the better.

Have healthy options readily available such as ready-to-eat veggie sticks in a box for when you are out and about, fresh fruit available in a bowl in the kitchen and wholegrain cereal and canned fruit in your cupboards.

Timings Having regular meals at set times, with two or three snacks per day is ideal.

Try not to allow snacks too close to mealtimes as this can cause children to fill up.

If your child is not eating well at mealtimes, try looking at the amount and type of snacks they are having; they could still be full from their last snack.

Plastic Free Home Dave Lamont

Where possible, try to combine snacks from at least two food groups, for example vegetables and houmous or fruit and sugar-free yoghurt.

Other healthy snack ideas include wholegrain foods such as bread, toast and breadsticks. This will provide extra nutrients and be filling for your little one.

Dividing up packaged snacks

If packaged foods are given to children, they may need to be divided up and shared.

This is because packaged foods are normally designed for adults.

As a general rule, one portion is roughly the amount that a child can fit in the palm of their hand.

Have an Egg-Stra special eco-friendly

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for Heart Research UK’s weekly healthy tips at: www.heartresearch.org. uk/healthy-tips

According to the Retail Data Partnership, Cadbury has a 20% share of the country’s confectionary market at Easter, with the other nine best selling brands being (in order) Nestle, Haribo, Wrigley’s, Galaxy, Kinder, Maltesers, Maynards Bassetts, Swizzels, and M&M’s.

No surprises there perhaps.

And sadly, no brands known for their ecofriendly or ethical credentials make the list.

Luckily, we’ve made you one below…

While some of the leading brands have recently re-thought their packaging, including seeking to reduce or eliminate their use of plastic, as we always say at Plastic Free Home, what’s on the inside counts too.

Don’t forget to look at the company making the product and it’s ethical and sustainability credentials, the ingredients used and the supply chain involved.

As a general rule of thumb, is something seems comparatively cheap, somebody is being squeezed somewhere along the line.

When buying Easter eggs, look at whether a product is Fairtrade (or similarly accredited), to help ensure that the chocolate has been ethically grown and sourced, with workers’ rights and pay better protected as part of the supply chain.

You may also want to consider whether your Easter eggs are organic, vegan, dairy free or palm oil free, depending on your personal preferences, and, of course, plastic-free.

So, the best bit…

Our top five recommendations when it comes to eco-friendly Easter eggs are: Divine Easter Egg, Montezuma’s Organic Easter Egg, Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Eggs, Traidcraft The Real Easter Egg, and Moo Free Easter Egg. These brands are widely available online, at certain major supermarkets or, better still, often found in zero waste shops and ethical retailers.

And, it goes without saying, if you can avoid all of the gimmicks at Easter time, from fancy dress kids will wear once to baskets, bonnets and toys.

A

N ESTIMATED 80 million chocolate Easter eggs are sold annually in the UK.

IN THE GARDEN

Plants that make you smile

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HE garden really comes alive in April and the number of tasks to be carried out is considerable.

Making the best use of the lengthening days is a bonus and, providing the weather stays fair, it can be a brilliant gardening month.

In addition to dead-heading spring bulbs, now is the time to get planting so why not think about one or two new additions to your garden that will make you feel really happy.

A survey carried out at the Chelsea Flower Show identified the top three plants in the UK that are most likely to put a smile on your face – Lily of the Valley, Sweet Pea and Jasmine – so they might make good additions to you garden this year.

Lily of the Valley – can be planted in borders or underneath a tree and they are very low maintenance and easy to grow. They make good ground cover for shady spots and are beautifully fragrant with creamy white bellshaped nodding flowers.

Sweet Pea – available in a huge variety of bright and pastel colours with frilly, delicate and often sweetly fragrant flower heads. They work well in a sunny or partially shaded area in fertile well-drained soil.

Climbing Jasmine – can be highly scented, with varieties that flower in summer and and winter. All produce pretty flowers and are fairly easy to grow against walls or up trellis.

If you want to make the kids happy then there are some fun options for them to plant such as Sunflowers, Snap Dragons and the Four O’Clock Flower.

The Sunflower is a real family favourite.

If you look at a sunflower, you can’t help but smile. Not only does it remind us of the sun, but its head will track the sun through the sky, and wherever the light is a sunflower will find it.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 7, 2022

Snapdragons are great because they come in a variety of colours and sizes, and also you can pinch the blossoms so they open and shut just like a dragon’s mouth. Snapdragon flowers are specifically designed for bumblebees, which are just the right weight to trip the opening mechanism of the lower lip of the flower to gain access to the nectar.

The Four O’Clock Flower, also known as the Marvel of Peru, is a bushy plant with trumpetshaped flowers in shades of pink, yellow or white. The fragrant flowers don’t open until late afternoon, around four o’clock – so good for telling the time.

If you are growing your own veg then now is a good time to start sowing tomatoes, so you can enjoy them throughout the summer.

To grow tomatoes successfully, you need rich, fertile soil or peat-free potting compost, and a good sunny, sheltered spot. Water regularly and feed regularly once the plants start to flower.

Tomatoes are split into two main growing types - bush and cordon. Bush types are usually planted in containers and their stems trail around the edge.

Cordon types are trained to grow tall and are supported by a cane or stake and will require pinching out. Growing tomatoes from seed is best done under cover, into seed trays, then when the seedlings get to 2-3cm tall transplant to small 5cm pots. Keep potting on as they grow in size. They can be planted outside with cane supports once the last frosts have gone, so around May time.

For best results, choose trusted varieties like Gardener’s Delight, Money Maker or Sweet Olive.

As usual, April really kick starts the gardening season.

As the RHS says … Spring is finally in evidence as daffodils and flowering trees start to bloom.

Expect the inevitable April showers this month but with sunny days too, when you can turn your attention to the lawn.

It’s an exciting month, with indoor-sown seeds well into growth, and it’s also time to start sowing outdoors. Just watch out for frosts.

Top three jobs this month – sow hardy annuals, herbs and wildflower seed outside; protect fruit blossoms from late frost; and tie in climbing and rambling roses.

n Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with more than 32,000 followers that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably. Visit www. theplasticfreehome.com or www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk

SPORT TODAY

WOKINGHAM

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

07.04.22

ABBEY FINISH IN STYLE

READING CLINCH PROMOTION

PIVOTAL POINT FOR SUMAS

EIGHT POINTS CLEAR OF THE DROP

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

ROYALS LEAP TOWARDS SAFETY

READING FC opened up an eight point buffer between them and the relegation places as they took another step towards securing Championship safety.

Goals from Michael Morrison and Lucas Joao put the royals ahead

either side of Romaine Sawyers’ strike for Stoke on the stroke of half-time.

Despite having some nervous moments to contend with, the home crowd gave the players some much needed energy to feed off to survive in the final 15 minutes and pick up another vital victory.

Paul Ince has led his team to a much improved spell of form which has seen the Royals pick up eight points by going unbeaten in their last four games.

They are edging ever closer to Championship survival with just six matches left to play in the 2021/22 season.

They now have an eight-point

lead over 21st placed Barnsley, having played one more game than their relegation rivals.

Reading will fancy their chances of piling more misery on Cardiff City when the Bluebirds visit Berkshire on Saturday on the back of suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat at home to their bitter rivals Swansea City.

n Full report, and pictures on p22 & 23

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THAMES VALLEY KINGS TO HOST FUNDRAISER THE Thames Valley Kings Wheelchair Basketball Club is holding an all day Wheelchair Basketball Fundraiser on Saturday, June 18.

The event, which will take place at the FBC Centre in Wokingham, will be aimed at local businesses and other local groups to help one of the largest wheelchair Basketball clubs in the South to raise much needed funds and experience the sport in a mini-competitive environment.

The Kings were founded in 2004 and have seen explosive growth in the last six years expanding from one junior league team.

They have added three adult teams, including one in the top division of the British Wheelchair Basketball National League.

The Berkshire-based club’s fundraiser will feature a roundrobin tournament and some fun basketball-related challenges.

The Kings are looking for people with no experience of playing wheelchair basketball as players from the adult teams will be on hand to show participants the ropes.

The tournament is open to teams of five to six people on firstcome-first-serve with a £100 per team entry fee.

For more information visit: http:// www.berkshirewheelchairbasketball. co.uk

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Max Hayman hands off former South African international Ashley Johnson

Skipper Robbie Stapley Connor Hayhow on his way to scoring Rams’ third try Pictures: Tim Pitfield

REACTION

Stevie Bryant tries to make something happen for Rams

REYNOLDS PRAISES OPPONENTS FOR DESERVED VICTORY

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

DIRECTOR of Rugby Seb Reynolds conceded Birmingham Moseley deserved their dramatic 27-26 National One win at Old Bath Road after Rams failed to convert a number of chances to secure a victory of their own.

“All credit to Moseley, they played some good rugby and we probably took too long to get into our defensive sets, giving them two cheap scores in the first half which ultimately cost us,” said Reynolds.

“You just can’t do that at this level and give any side freebies.

“Attacking and continuitywise there was some really good stuff, and on another day it might have been a comfortable victory, but

it wasn’t and Birmingham deserved it.”

When Lewis converted his own try on the brink of half-time it seemed a turning point, with Tonks’ second score also coming against the run of play and also proving crucial in the end.

And Reynolds confessed: “(At the end of the first half) there was kind of a 14-point swing when we were knocking on the door five metres out and then we coughed up the ball, they go down the other end and score and it probably gave them the boost of energy they needed.

“We’ve got to know when to pull out of (the continuity game). I really like the way we play our rugby; we go for the off-loads and at times it was sublime, we could have sent a couple of players under the posts.

Ollie Taylor led Rams out on his 150th appearance for the side

“At times it can make you pull your hair out (when it doesn’t go to hand) – even though I’ve not got much – and while it can be frustrating, we have to be OK with that as we develop.”

He continued: “We had a lot of youngsters in the squad and I was really pleased for Sam Nicholls, I thought he had a really strong game and kicked with composure.

“Paul Englezos when he came on was excellent and Max Hayman made a number of bullocking runs around the pitch and made plenty of chop tackles, Vince Everitt in combination with Vooghty was very good at the breakdown.

“Axel (Kalling-Smith) coming off the bench and Kieran (Leicester) on the wing were good, we’ve got

lots of changes but we’re fine with that – we’ve got a deep squad with young guys coming through and I’m pleased with where they’re at.”

And while the younger generation attracted the DoR’s praise, he also issued a glowing tribute to Stevie Bryant, who made two extraordinary plays at the start of the second half when the home side were under the cosh for the opening five minutes.

He said: “Stevie’s still going strong and playing some of the best rugby I’ve seen him play along with Ollie Taylor on his 150th appearance and Robbie (Stapley) whose playing so well.

“There was lots of good stuff but it wasn’t to be – sometimes that’s the way it goes.”

Jak Rossiter with ball in hand

RUGBY UNION

RAMS PIPPED BY A POINT IN THRILLER AT BIRMINGHAM

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today RAMS slipped to a 27-26 home reverse against Birmingham Moseley in an entertaining encounter at Old Bath Road.

Rams rallied almost immediately, however, Connor Stapley claiming a bouncing ball in midfield before surging 35 metres towards the line.

Moseley suffered a further setback when Ollie Allsopp was yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on as Rams attacked some eight metres out.

The hosts extended their lead, the returning Tom Vooght going over from close range before Nicholls added the extras for 14-5.

Trailing by four points at the break, the visitors moved in front five minutes into the second half

Paul Schroter

as a flowing backs move was well finished by Mason Tonks on the left, Lewis adding the extras to put his side in front.

Nicholls made no mistake to nudge his side back in front at 21-17, but the hosts endured another bitter blow 13 minutes from time as Tonks intercepted the ball and ran the length of the pitch to score.

Rams hit back again as skipper Robbie Stapley went over at the back of a maul for his fourth try in three games.

Birmingham took the lead for the fourth time, though, as the hosts were penalised at the breakdown.

And despite a valiant rally from Rams towards the end, they could not fashion a final score as they fell to defeat to the Midlanders for the first time in four occasions.

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READING MEN SECURE PREMIER LEAGUE PROMOTION Oxford Hawks Men 2 Reading Men 4 READING Men can look forward to life in the Premier League after they secured promotion with an away win at Oxford Hawks.

Tom Minall celebrates his goal Connor Beauchamp and Nick Parkes

Ryan Crowe scores Pictures: Helen Ritchie

Chris Wyver swipes away from goal

Freddie Newbold in action

HOCKEY ROUND-UP

WIN SEES READING LADIES SECURE LEAGUE TITLE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Women’s National Division One

READING secured the league title and ended their season with victory over Wimbledon.

The 2-1 home success sees them crowned as league champions, finishing six points above second-

placed Sevenoaks.

Reading won 13 of their 18 league fixtures which saw them complete the campaign with 43 points having lost just one game all season.

South Central Men’s Division 1 SONNING earned a huge victory on the road by smashing seven past Oxford.

The 7-0 triumph puts Sonning in fourth with two games left to play.

They need just two points from their remaining games to overtake Wallingford and secure a third-place finish.

South Central Women’s Division 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE took a point on the road with a draw against Oxford Hawks 3s.

Pippa Longfield and Kelly Hancock were on the scoresheet to help South Berks to a 2-2 stalemate.

They are in seventh with one game left to complete the campaign.

South Central Women’s Division 2 SONNING 2s lost out at home to title hopefuls Amersham & Chalfont

The match started in front of a packed crowd, with the usual home supporters being augmented by a large number of Reading supporters hoping to see their team secure at least the draw that they needed to gain promotion back up to the National Premier League.

Reading’s initial dominance of possession calmed any nerves, but they failed to make an early breakthrough as chance after chance was squandered as final passes went agonisingly astray and shots were scuffed.

Reading eventually won a penalty corner and Connor Beauchamp stepped up confidently, but his fierce drag flick took a deflection onto the post and out for a long corner.

As the tension mounted, play was mostly in and around the Oxford circle, and it seemed only a matter of time before the ball would break kindly for a Reading player to open the scoring.

The lucky beneficiary was Ryan Crowe, who has been in scintillating form all season and, when the ball broke to him in space in the middle of the circle, he deceived the Oxford defence and struck a fierce reverse stick shot past the diving Oxford keeper low into the corner of the net.

2s. The 1-0 defeat leaves Sonning in seventh on 30 points.

They have one game let to play but cannot climb any higher in the table.

South Central Women Thames 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s wrapped up the league title after they beat READING 5s away from home.

The 3-1 win for South Berks gives them an eight point lead at the top with one match left to play, but they cannot be caught by any of their rivals.

SONNING 3s climbed up to fifth after they earned an impressive win over Wallingford 3s.

The 1-0 win against the team in second in the table means that Sonning could finish as high as third

There were few scares for the Reading defenders, but Chris Wyver in goal did have to make a very smart save from Oxford’s first penalty corner, nonchalantly swiping the ball away with his stick as the ball threatened to go past his shoulder into the net.

Reading quickly resumed control, and their increasingly slick passing game was rewarded when Freddie Newbold netted their second when the ball broke to him, and he directed his shot out of reach of Oxford’s despairing keeper.

Scrappy goals count just as much as elegant ones.

Oxford halved the deficit when the ball ricocheted around the circle before being forced over the line by an Oxford forward.

Reading’s two-goal advantage was quickly restored, and there was nothing scrappy about their third goal. After Connor Beauchamp had frustratingly been taking a breather for Reading’s second penalty corner, he was back on the pitch when they were awarded their third and he sent an unstoppable rocket past the Oxford defenders’ ears high into the net.

In a fitting finale, Tom Minall broke his mini goal drought with an emphatic finish to round off yet another slick passing move.

Oxford pulled another goal back following a defensive error in the Reading defence, but the rest of the game was played out without incident with Reading comfortably in game management mode, The final whistle blew to allow the Reading players and coaches to start their celebrations. if results go their way in the final matches.

South Central Men’s Division 2 SOUTH BERKSHIRE were narrowly beaten away from home at Oxford Hawks 2s.

The 3-2 defeat leaves South Berks in sixth with one league game left to contest.

South Central Men’s Division 4 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s title hopes were put to an end after they lost to Aylesbury 2s.

The loss means that they drop down to fourth and are now unable to catch the current leaders, Buckingham, with one game left.

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SUMAS TAKE VITAL POINT WHILE PA FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

Wokingham & Emmbrook v Burnham Pictures: Andrew Batt

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Combined Counties Premier North WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK moved another point towards safety after they held Burnham to a draw.

Both sides battled to find an opener that proved elusive for the first hour after some impressive defending and sturdy goalkeeping from Sean Woodward.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 67th minute through a deflected effort, but the Sumas responded instantly and were only behind for a matter of moments.

After James Clark was brought down in the penalty area, Jack Mullan converted from the spot to level the score.

The point keeps Wokingham in 16th on 27 points, four clear of 17th Holyport and five points ahead of bottom of the table CB Hounslow, who were both beaten at the weekend.

The Sumas added a point in their fight for safety

READING CITY continued their excellent home form by picking up three points at home to Windsor.

The Cityzens went in front after 20 minutes through Joe Waight who finished after being set up by Luis Le Paih.

The advantage was doubled for the hosts when Ezio Touray got on the end of Tyler D’Cruz’s delivery and scored.

Things went from bad to worse for Windsor when a red card for Liam Baker saw them reduced to 10 players.

Windsor grabbed a goal back from Danny Horscroft in the 66th minute, but City maintained their lead to take the win and move above Windsor into eighth.

Combined Counties Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA’S fourth-placed position is under threat after they suffered a heavy defeat to Kensington & Ealing Boro.

The Boars found themselves three goals behind at the break in a disappointing opening 45 minutes.

Eversley got a goal back in the 54th minute through Jamie Griggs’ header but it didn’t inspire a comeback as the hosts went on to score twice more to complete a 5-1 triumph.

Eversley are one point ahead of fifth placed Wallingford Town who have four games in hand to play.

BERKS COUNTY’S

momentum was halted with a humbling loss to British Airways.

The Swords shipped five goals without reply which leaves them in ninth on 47 points.

Thames Valley Premier League BURGHFIELD stretched their lead at the top of the table with victory over Wraysbury.

Their 3-1 triumph gives

SPORT | 21

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ANTHERS REACH CUP FINAL

From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

Referees face oddities in laws

R

them an eight point lead over second placed Finchampstead who have four games in hand to catch up on.

Cup FINCHAMPSTEAD cruised through with an away win against Windlesham & Chobham.

They defeated them 5-2 to book their place in the next round.

READING YMCA progressed after they eliminated WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS. Nick Reynolds, Andrej Homola and Michael Holder netted to put YMCA through with a 3-0 success.

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division WOODLEY UNITED stay bottom after they lost 4-1 to Winchester City Flyers.

Southern Region Women’s Division One South EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were edged out 2-1 by AFC Stoneham to keep them at the foot of the table.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One CAVERSHAM UNITED hit five

past WARGRAVE to claim victory.

Holly Swan netted a hat-trick and goals from Elle Dorey and Caitlin Levy secured a 5-2 win.

Cup TILEHURST PANTHERS went through to the final after they defeated Mortimer 2-0.

Despite going down to 10 players after Charlotte Wheeler was given a second yellow card, the Panthers managed to regroup and still win their cup tie.

Two goals from Lydia Vettese put them on their way to the final where they are now just one match away from taking silverware.

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

ROYALS THUMPED BY LEADERS AS WINLESS RUN IS EXTENDED Chelsea Women 5 Reading Women 0

READING FC Women are now seven games without a win in the Women’s Super League after Chelsea moved back to the top of the table.

The Royals defended resolutely but were eventually breached in the 40th minute by Jessie Fleming’s opener.

Chelsea added gloss to the scoreline with four more goals in the second-half to secure a comfortable win.

The result leaves Kelly Chambers’ side in eighth in the table with four games left to play Chelsea had plenty of possession as expected in the opening 20 minutes but were frustrated by Reading’s tight defensive structure which limited them from creating any openings.

The defensive pressure was ramped up when Moloney did well to catch Bethany England’s powerful header before Tash Harding got in the way of another effort from England.

Reading’s resolve was eventually

broken in the 40th minute when Fleming was allowed time to chest the ball down and fire a volley into the corner.

Emma Hayes’ side extended their lead early in the second-half when England ran onto Reiten’s cross and connected perfectly to place a volley past Moloney.

The Blues punished Bryson after she lost control and gave up possession far too easily which allowed Reiten to charge into the box and put the ball on a plate for Sam Kerr to finish.

Rose almost burst away to get

through on goal but was thwarted

by Chelsea keeper Zecira Musovic who beat her to the ball by a fraction of a second.

The Canadian international again provided a threat when she sprinted down the left only for a defender to clear her eventual cross.

Kerr found the back of the net for the second time when she was found free in the box and dispatched the ball into the corner.

England secured her brace in stoppage time when she slammed the ball home from the penalty spot to complete the scoring.

EFEREES are sometimes foxed by oddities in the Laws of the game, by that I mean decisions that can be different for the same offence, when committed at a different time.

As an example, take a player swapping with a goalkeeper. This doesn’t happen very often, usually through injury, but is covered by Law three.

This says, ‘any player may change places with a goalkeeper if the referee is involved before the change takes place and is during a stoppage in play’.

The referee will therefore, be fully aware of the change.

However, if the referee spots a change that has taken place without his knowledge, he will issue a yellow card to both culprits.

If the game is in progress he will wait until a stoppage, before issuing the cards.

Let’s go to the second half of the game with the referee spotting that a change has taken place of which he has not been informed.

If on questioning the two players, he discovers that the change was made during the half time interval, then he takes no action, no yellow cards.

This would also include half time of extra time if it is being played, and the period between the end of the match and start of extra time.

Substitutes are somewhat similar.

The Law says, if the competition rules (which referees also have to learn), state that names of players and substitutes have to be given to the referee before the game, there is a list of possible situations.

For instance, if the referee discovers that a substitute is actually playing right from the beginning, instead of a player listed, no action should be taken.

On the other hand, if a substitute should come on, once the game has started without the referee’s permission, it’s a yellow card for entering the field of play without permission. Unless, that is, the substitution was made during the half time break which makes it OK. I mention all this because at a recent match the referee realised that a player he had just cautioned was a substitute that he had not given permission to come on.

Although being told that the substitution took place at half-time, he gave him another yellow card for entering the field of play without permission.

This of course, meant a red card and sending off.

A team mate objected to the referee, who sent him to the sin bin for dissent.

So for 10 minutes that team were down to nine men, which should not have happened.

This just shows as I said, how referees, even competent ones, can be foxed by the Laws oddities.

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How they rated

ROYALS TAKE BIG STEP TOWAR READING 2 STOKE CITY 1

ORJAN NYLAND

Will be very disappointed to have let in Sawyers’ strike, despite it being hit well, it should have been close enough for him to push away.

ANDY YIADOM

Worked exceptionally hard down the right and linked up well with Junior Hoilett. Put in some vital tackles and blocks towards the end.

MICHAEL MORRISON

Popped up with the opening goal.

After his header was saved at point blank range, the rebound fell kindly for him to bundle it in.

TOM HOLMES

A solid performance from the young defender. Won some important aerial duels at the end.

TOM MCINTYRE

Struggled at times again having to fill in at left-back. Won’t be surprised to see Baba Rahman return given that he’s fit enough to start.

DANNY DRINKWATER

Another excellent showing.

Shielded the defence well, broke up play and passed with purpose.

JOSH LAURENT

Played deeper in midfield alongside Drinkwater in the absence of Rinomhota. Put in plenty of tackles and hard work in the middle.

JOHN SWIFT

Put in a well placed corner to find the head of Lucas Joao to set up the winner.

OVIE EJARIA

Started brightly but missed a couple of presentable chances and got worse as the first-half wore on with some very sloppy mistakes.

JUNIOR HOILETT

Returned to the side in place of Tom Ince and grabbed his chance.

Some excellent crosses and set up Morrison’s opener.

LUCAS JOAO

Had a frustrating night in parts but came good when it mattered with the winning goal as he rose highest to head in from a corner.

SUBS Tom Dele-Bashiru 6, Femi Azeez 6, Scott Dann n/a

5 9 7 6 5 8 6 6 4 7.5 7

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today READING FC took another step towards securing championship safety by beating Stoke City.

The Royals went ahead through Michael Morrison, only to be pegged back on the stroke of halftime by Romaine Sawyers’ strike.

Reading regained the lead and took the three points thanks to Lucas Joao’s 63rd minute header.

Paul Ince’s side are now four games unbeaten and are eight points clear of the relegation zone having played one more match than Barnsley.

Ince made one enforced change from the draw at Barnsley as Tom Ince was unable to face his parent club which meant that he was replaced by Junior Hoilett.

Meanwhile, former Royals player Lewis Baker, who enjoyed a successful loan spell in Berkshire for the second half of the 2018/19 season, lined up for Stoke having returned from injury.

The Royals came into the contest on the back of picking up five points from their last three Championship games to see them five points clear of the relegation zone.

Reading made a promising start and had plenty of possession as Stoke struggled to find their feet in the early stages.

Ovie Ejaria came close to breaking the deadlock after five minutes when Junior Hoilett’s cross found him at the back post, and after he twisted and turned, his shot was deflected behind for a corner.

Another chance came the way of

McIntyre and Holmes at full-time

Reading celebrate the first goal

Reading fans celebrate at full-time

Match stats Reading: Nyland, McIntyre, Morrison (c), Holmes, Yiadom, Drinkwater, Laurent, Swift, Hoilett, Ejaria, Joao Subs: Southwood, Thomas, Dann, Rahman, Barker, Dele-Bashiru, Azeez Stoke: Bonham, Wilmot, Harwood-Bellis, Jagielka, Tymon, Thompson, Baker, Allen (c). Brown, Maja, Wright-Phillips Subs: Bursik, Chester, Clucas, Vrancic, Fletcher, Campbell, Sawyers Goals: Morrison 13’, Sawyers 44’, Lucas Joao 63’

Morrison opens the scoring Ejaria, set up again by Hoilett, who drilled a low cross into the box but Ejaria failed to connect.

Having made an energetic start to the contest, Reading were rewarded by scoring the first goal of the game with 13 minutes gone.

Hoilett again fired in another excellent cross, this time to the back post in the aftermath of a corner to find Michael Morrison and despite his first effort being kept out by Jack Bonham, the rebound fell kindly for him to chest over the

Goalsfrom Morrison and Joao saw line.

Canadian international Hoilett continued to find plenty of joy down the right where he dovetailed effectively with Andy Yiadom, but this time his teasing cross was collected by Bonham up against the leap of Lucas Joao.

Ejaria picked up the first booking of the game when he went in late on Jordan Thompson who had to be stretchered off. The challenge was met with discontent from the travelling fans who pleaded with

REACTION

INCE: ‘WE THOROUGHLY DESERVED THREE POINTS’ READING FC manager Paul Ince believed his side took three ‘thoroughly deserved’ points against Stoke City in their home victory.

The Royals went ahead through Michael Morrison, only to be pegged back on the stroke of halftime by Romaine Sawyers’ strike.

Reading regained the lead and took the three points thanks to Lucas Joao’s 63rd minute header.

“I’m drained, I’m getting too old for this,” said Ince.

“We thoroughly deserved to win, we came out of the traps really quickly.

“The fact we started so well we looked confident. It was nice for us to get a goal first at last and build on that.

“We started dropping off and allowed them to get back into it and before half time just before half time the keeper throws one in, he was disappointed with that and he made himself accountable, which I like.”

Having gone in level at half-time, Ince was pleased with his team’s response to regroup and regain the lead.

He continued: “We had to go again, the spirit they’ve got at the moment, they went out again in the second half and you’ve seen what they’re capable of.

“We got the goal, Lucas (Joao) is claiming it but I don’t think he’s going to get it.

“We should have made it 3-1, and they go back and should have

made it 2-2.

“You usually get punished for them. We had that bit of luck and we deserved that.

“We were nervous at times but you can understand that. We were under that little bit of pressure.

“It was an all round very good performance despite being nervous at times.

“Physically, emotionally, mentally it’s tiring. They dug in and stuck together and thoroughly deserved the three points “It’s an eight point buffer but we can’t get complacent and think it’s done because things can change quickly.”

Ince heaped praise on Andy Yiadom and Danny Drinkwater after their impressive displays in the

Royals’ home win over Stoke City.

Fresh on the back of helping Ghana qualify for the 2022 World Cup, Yiadom has returned in excellent form for his club, and put in a tremendous performance last night which helped Reading over the line to claim three big points against Stoke to take them eight points clear of the relegation zone.

“It’s hard to pick out individual but Yids (Andy Yiadom) was unbelievable,” said Ince. He was amazing and you can see why he’s going to the World Cup. “He was unbelievable from the first minute to the last minute when we needed him to make tackles and get us up the park.

“It was a big, big, big display. he was man of the match by miles.”

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RDS CHAMPIONSHIP SAFETY Lucas Joao heads in the winner

Joao’s celebrates with Swift Morrison

Danny Drinkwater battles for the ball Ovie Ejaria in action

w Reading go eight points clear of the drop zone Pictures: Steve Smyth

McIntyre and Laurent celebrate

the referee to show a red card.

It appeared as if the Royals would go into the break a goal ahead, but the Potters hit back on the stroke of half-time with their first shot on target.

Josh Maja let the ball run and it broke for Romaine Sawyers who unleashed a powerful effort towards goal that Orjan Nyland could only parry into the roof of the net.

Danny Drinkwater came to Ejaria’s aid late in the half when he produced a lung bursting recovery run to win back the ball after it had been carelessly given away.

Stoke started the second-half Joao aims at goal

with improved confidence with their first chance after the restart falling for Jacob Brown who scooped an effort over the top of Nyland’s bar.

Having made a flat start to the half, the Royals burst into life and regained their lead.

After Hoilett’s shot was turned behind for a corner after he was cleverly found by John Swift’s short free-kick, the Royals scored from the resulting set-piece when Joao rose highest to head in.

Ince opted to make a double switch straight after the goal as Tom Dele-Bashiru and Femi Azeez replaced Ejaria and Hoilett.

Michael O’Neill’s side came close to a quick response when Tyrese Campbell got into the box but just evaded the far post with his shot.

A golden came and went for Stoke in the 78th minute when the ball was cut back for Brown who was found unmarked and just 10 yards from goal, but he spooned his shot high over the target.

A final change saw Scott Dann enter the match to solidify the defence in place of Swift for the final few minutes.

After four minutes of stoppage time, Reading survived any scares to hold on to three points to take them further clear of the drop zone.

ROYALS HOST BLUEBIRDS AS FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL CONTINUES READING FC have another home test this Saturday against Cardiff City to continue their bid to secure their place in the Championship.

The Royals have picked up form which sees them eight points clear of the relegation zone after beating Stoke City on Tuesday night.

The team from the Welsh capital have little to play for in their remaining games as they sit in mid table in 17th with no chance of making the play-offs, but also with the security of having a sizeable gap between them and the relegation places.

They suffered a humbling defeat at the weekend at the hands of bitter rivals Swansea City.

Hosting Russell Martin’s side at home, the large home crowd that turned out to watch Cardiff left disappointed after the Swans dispatched four goals past them without reply.

With no midweek game in their schedule, Cardiff have seven games left to play in their campaign.

Prior to their defeat to Swansea, they were in fine form which had seen them win three of their last four league games.

They earned wins over Derby County and Stoke City at home, in between picking up an impressive away victory at Queens Park Rangers and a goalless draw at home to Preston North End. Reading already boast one league win over the bluebirds this season, which came in October.

Former Cardiff player, Junior Hoilett, netted the only goal of the game, which was subsequently Reading’s only shot on target in the entire match.

On their last visit to Berkshire, Cardiff picked up a point in a 1-1 draw at the SCL in April 2021.

There were two late goals on that day after Kieffer Moore gave Cardiff the lead from the penalty spot in the 87th minute only to be pegged back by Yakou Meite’s 94th minute equaliser.

Reading have an impressive record against Cardiff and are unbeaten in their last 12 meetings which stretches back to 2015.

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

LAURENT LEAVES IT LATE AS ROYALS PICK UP IMPORTANT POINT BARNSLEY 1 READING 1

JOSH LAURENT bagged a crucial late goal to give Reading a point against relegation rivals Barnsley.

The Royals went a goal down after just five minutes after Lucas Joao was denied a shout for an early penalty and they were punished moments later by Carlton Morris.

After a frustrating afternoon, the tension in the away end turned to triumph When Laurent netted in the 82nd minute.

Reading made a bright start

after Lucas Joao was tripped in the box and wanted a penalty that the referee was never interested in awarding with a big decision going against the Royals shortly after kick-off.

But the positive start didn’t last long and quickly turned to disaster just five minutes in when the Royals conceded yet another early goal.

Carlton Morris was afforded far too much time to swivel and strike a shot low past Nyland to score with The Tykes’ first attack of the game.

A frustrating half came to a close

with Reading producing far too little in the final third to trouble the hosts and went in a goal down. .

Reading did have the ball in the back of the Barnsley net after Ince was slipped through by Ovie Ejaria but the linesman’s offside flag was raised well before Ince’s shot crossed the line.

The Royals threw all they had at a tired Barnsley team with 15 minutes left on the clock but lacked any real quality to open up the hosts’ defence.

Paul Ince opted to make his first change in the 78th minute as Tom Dele-Bashiru replaced Ejaria.

The Tykes’ defenders put their bodies on the line to prevent an equaliser when Callum Brittain blocked Joao’s effort on goal.

With eight minutes to go, Reading’s persistence paid off to send the away end into jubilation when Josh Laurent crashed a shot into the back of the net, with his second goal in as many games.

Reading looked to snatch a winner having got level and came close when Swift bent a shot towards goal that was tipped behind for a corner by Brad Collins. n An exclusive picture special is in Reading Today

Josh Laurent celebrates his goal against Barnsley

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ABBEY RFC 24-22 BLACKHEATH

ABBEY SECURE SEVENTH PLACE FINISH Abbey head towards the try line

By Annette Tomas sport@wokingham.today ABBEY Women secured a seventh placed finish in their return season to Championship 1 South, with an enthralling 24-22 win over established Championship side Blackheath Women.

Opening the rugby at Abbey Rugby Club for a Super Saturday of fixtures, the women’s 1st XV final match of the season did not disappoint; eight tries between the teams and some wide, expansive rugby delighted the large home crowd.

First-half tries from flanker Charlotte Faux and fullback Lou Pullan were finishing touches to well-worked team tries. Winger Hannah Skeels showcased her playmaking abilities with a series of snipes and breaks while prop Hannah Gale demonstrated her workrate with strong carries.

Centres Alice Denton-Rice and Kelsea Montgomery combined well in the first half, making scintillating breaks and important tackles.

It was an impressive performance also from the retiring club stalwart Meaghan Fowler, exhibiting her trademark storming runs.

Although Abbey stole the first points of the afternoon. Blackheath responded well and the score at half time was two points in the visitor’s favour.

The awards night, which will be held on Wednesday, June 15, will feature 16 different categories that awards will be distributed for.

The awards recognise efforts both on and off the pitch, including volunteer of the season, goal of the season, referee of the season and best website or blog.

Co-founder of Football in Berkshire, Tom Canning, said: “The thing we have been trying to focus on is if our content can engage just one person to go down and support their local non-league club and check out what is going on, then we’ve done our job.

“It is vitally important that club have volunteers supporting them.

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Barnsley 1-1 Reading

Isthmian South Central Binfield 0-0 Uxbridge

Combined Counties Division One British Airways 5-0 Berks County Kensington & Ealing 5-1 Eversley & California Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield 3-1 Wraysbury Cup Windlesham & Chobham 2-5 Finchampstead Woodley United Royals 0-3 Reading YMCA

Abbey RFC Women Pictures: @rugbygrandad Scrum half Ellie Denton-Rice enabled quick ball and her out half partner Annette Bevan released the back line well. Eventually, after Blackheath saw a yellow card for a high tackle, Pullan grabbed her second of the afternoon.

Although Blackheath bit back with another from pacey centre Iona McCusker, it was Abbey who then responded to nudge the score back in their favour. Another surge at the Blackheath try line, started

by Joey Fowler, saw Skeels release

Abbey touch down

Alice Denton-Rice, who crossed for her 18th try of the season, making her the league’s highest try and point scorer.

With two minutes left on the clock, Abbey knew they just had to retain possession. Two unlucky yellow cards for Faux and Skeels, who otherwise had enjoyed a brilliant afternoon, saw Abbey close out the game with thirteen players but as Alice Denton-Rice booted the ball into touch, the win was sealed.

It has been a remarkable season

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR FOOTBALL IN BERKSHIRE 2022 AWARDS NOMINATIONS are now open to vote for this year’s 2022 Football In Berkshire awards.

Saturday, April 2

Combined Counties Premier North Reading City 2-1 Windsor Sumas 1-1 Burnham

FOOTBALL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

RESULTS

“There are some brilliant grounds all around Berkshire that wouldn’t look out of place if they were to be a step or two higher.

“I wish that more people would go and support their local teams, and thankfully a lot more people are.

“We want everyone to nominate anyone who they believe has done a good job because there are so many great people that make things happen at their clubs.

“Supporting your local club is a choice, no one can force you to do it but it’s so incredibly important and helps to build a wider community connection.

“It’ll be amazing to be back together, we’ve got a capacity of 150 people and we can’t wait for the event.

“There would be no grassroots without volunteers.”

Among the awards is Referee of the season, and Tom

highlighted the importance to recognise the important job match officials carry out.

He continued: “It’s absolutely crazy what referees have to deal with, for 90 minutes they are the most important people on the pitch they have to put up with such nonsense and rubbish so it’s so important that they are respected and recognised.

“We’ve all been guilty of criticising them, but if we all take a step back and realise what an amazing job they do.”

The awards night will be hosted by Sky Sports presenter Tom White, and the whole event is sponsored by Eddie Stobart.

Tickets for the awards ceremony, at Double Barelled Brewery in Tilehurst, are now on sale. n For more information and to send in your nominations, visit: www.footballinbracknell.co.uk

Abbey burst forward for Abbey Women 1st XV; their highest-ever finish in the leagues.

Together with their 2nd XV, the squad is in a prime position for next season.

Abbey Women 2nd XV also closed out the season with a 3210 win over Windsor Ladies the following day to secure third place in National Challenge 2 South West East. A hattrick from Jess Williams, as well as a brace from Jordanne McGregor and one try from Ezzy Ephgrave-Goddard secured the win.

TABLE TENNIS

KINGFISHER A CLINCH DIVISION 1 TITLE KINGFISHER A clinched the division 1 title after their two man team of Hari Gehlot and Martin Adams won 7-3 at Tidmarsh A. KINGFISHER C picked up four useful points in their battle against the drop, but still ended up losing 6-4 to club mates KINGFISHER B, Nigel Keedy keeping up his hot streak for the B team with a fine treble.

Jason Roberts and Gary Morgan maximums saw SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A close in on third spot after winning 8-2 against relegated TILEHURST RBL A. An Ed Lush treble helped SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD C draw 5-5 at KINGFISHER B, Matt Isherwood beating Alan Cummings and Matt Stone defeating Phil Mead 11-9 7-11 11-8 4-11 11-9.

KINGFISHER D won 8-2 at SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B, Graham Mendick recovering from 0-2 down to defeat Simon Berry 7-11 8-11 11-3 11-3 11-8 after earlier holding off a good display from Nigel Maltby to win 12-14 11-8 5-11 11-5 11-9.

KINGFISHER C picked up four points despite a 6-4 defeat at SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A to ease their relegation fears.

TIDMARSH A fought back from 1-3 down to win 6-4 at TILEHURST RBL A, Tony Baker with a good maximum.

In Division 2, READING FC A were beaten for the second time this season, losing 4-6 to KINGFISHER F, which meant that title rivals SONNING SPORTS A only needed to win or draw to regain top spot.

RUGBY UNION National League One Rams 26-27 Birmingham Moseley South West 1 East Oxford Harlequins 31-7 Bracknell HOCKEY Women’s National Division 1 South Reading 2-1 Wimbledon 2s South Central Men’s Division 1 Oxford 2s 0-7 Sonning South Central Women’s Premier 1 Oxford v Sonning South Central Men’s Premier 2 Oxford Hawks 2s 3-2 South Berkshire South Central Women’s Division 1 Oxford Hawks 3s 2-2 South Berkshire

Sunday, April 3

FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Chelsea 5-0 Reading Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Winchester City Flyers 4-1 Woodley United Southern Region Women’s Division One South Eversley & California 1-2 AFC Stoneham Thames Valley Women’s Division One Caversham United 5-2 Wargrave Cup Tilehurst Panthers 2-0 Mortimer Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Wargrave Development v Thatcham & Newbury

HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Reading v Canterbury

Monday, April 4

FOOTBALL Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead 3-3 Wargrave

Tuesday, April 5 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 2-1 Stoke City

Combined Counties Division One Woodley United 0-2 Kensington & Ealing

FIXTURES

Wednesday, April 6 FOOTBALL Thames Valley Premier League Reading City U23’s v Maidenhead Town

Saturday, April 9 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Cardiff City

Isthmian South Central Chertsey Town v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Holyport v Reading City Egham Town v Sumas Combined Counties Division One FC Deportivo Galicia v Woodley United London Lions v Berks County Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v Marlow United Reading YMCA v Finchampstead Wargrave v Westwood Wanderers Windlesham & Chobham v Woodley United Royals Wraysbury v Reading City U23’s RUGBY UNION National Division One Blackheath v Rams South West 1 East Bracknell v Sherborne

Sunday, April 10

FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Woodley United v Eastleigh Thames Valley Women’s Division One Caversham United v Penn & Tylers Green Mortimer v Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave v Badshot Lea

Tuesday, April 12

FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Woodley United Eversley & California v London Lions