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THE lack of dentists willing to take on NHS patients in Wokingham was raised in parliament in a debate held before Christmas.
While some people in the UK pay for dental care at private practices, patients can get their dental care subsidised or paid for on the NHS.
Wokingham’s Liberal Democrats are calling for a government health minister to visit the borough to observe the issue for themselves –and make an apology – after Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham, spoke about the issue in parliament.
But Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood said this is not an issue for the borough as it had not been raised by constituents.
In her speech on Monday, December 20, Mrs Wilson said: “In Wokingham there are no dental practices taking on new patients.
“This means people there are suffering in pain or forking out for
private care in the middle of a costof-living crisis.
“An investigation of dentist services found that 100% of the 12 dentistry practices in Wokingham are not accepting any new NHS patients.
“Ministers should go to Wokingham and find out for themselves.”
The NHS has a website which lists dental practices in an area and whether they are taking on NHS patients.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service counted a total of nine dental practices in Wokingham,
Winnersh and Finchampstead in a search. Of those, five are only taking on new NHS patients who have been referred.
Cllr Clive Jones, leader of Wokingham Borough Council and Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Wokingham, called it a scandal, and pressed Sir John Redwood, the sitting Conservative MP for the seat, to raise the issue with the government.
“For years the Conservative Health Ministers have neglected our area,” he said. “Local people are now forced to fork out for private dental care or suffer in pain for weeks at
a time because there are no NHS appointments left.
“This is a scandal. A Minister must come to visit Wokingham to apologise to people waiting too long to see an NHS dentist.
“Wokingham is not receiving its fair share of local dentist and GP services. The Government always overlooks the area. Local health services are crumbling because of a lack of resources.”
Sir John said that no one in the area has reported any recent problems with finding a dentist.
He added: “If they do so I will of course follow up energetically to help them.”
Additionally, Sir John’s office said he receives an “average of three complaints a year” about the lack of dentists willing to take on NHS patients in the constituency.
The LDRS has asked the Department of Health and Social Care whether it will send a minister to the constituency by the end of January 2023 but has not received a response.
A COUNTRY dancing group is welcoming people to its fortnightly sessions.
Dancing is to recorded music.
The Dunsden Green Country Dance Club meets fortnightly on Wednesdays, at Dunsden Green Village Hall, just over the border from Sonning, and start at 8pm.
The first in 2023 is on Wednesday, January 4, with following sessions on January 18, February 1, February 15, and March 1.
Sessions cost £4. n For more information and to check times and cancellations call: 07714 226723.
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SHOPPERS have been their most generous ever in support of foodbanks and charities, helping to make it a record-breaking year.
The total amount of food donated by Tesco customers to the Trussell Trust and FareShare during 2022 was equivalent of 12.5 million meals – 28,505 of which came from Wokingham.
The donations to the Trussell Trust help food banks to provide emergency food parcels to people in crisis, while donations to FareShare support frontline community charities.
Tesco topped up all customer donations during the collection by 20% in cash, to support the two charities with their operating costs.
Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and Northern Ireland CEO, was grateful for Wokingham’s efforts.
“Our customers have always amazed us with their generosity, this year more than ever,” he said. “We know that budgets are very stretched, but our customers have been incredible.
“We had people donating whole trolleys of food at our recent Tesco Food Collection, and it is genuinely heart-warming to see so much kindness. The fact that we now have collection points in every store has made it easier than ever for customers to donate, and those donations are really needed.”
Tesco customers donated more than 2.4m meals during the winter Food Collection at the beginning of December, with 4,239 of those coming from shoppers in Wokingham.
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.todayThe Yateley Mummers – aka Yateley Morris –took their traditional Mummers play to pubs, in Wokingham town centre just before Christmas.
That was followed by a visit to The Queen’s Oak in Finchampstead and Yateley’s Dog and Partridge pub on Boxing Day.
And if that wasn’t enough, the team will make appearance at The Cricketers in Hartley Wintney on New Year’s Day, starting at 1pm.
The play is a traditional Christmas custom that dates back several centuries and is a bit like a pantomime. It sees much silliness as Santa defeats an evil king.
The Queen’s Oak car park, was packed with people who turned out on Boxing Day for the noon performance, which saw a special guest appearance from Doctor Who and K9, and a display of morris dancing.
The group’s squire, Ian Sutherland, spoke to Wokingham Today after The Queen’s Oak performance had finished, but before setting off to The Dog and Partridge.
“This has been the biggest crowd we’ve had for a long time, it’s been great to see everyone in the sunshine,” he said.
“This is an English tradition that we’re proud to keep going,” he continued. “The mummers play has been played for centuries; we don’t know how far back the morris dancing goes, but we think back to the 1400s. We’re keeping a tradition alive, and we enjoy doing it.”
Mr Sutherland felt the pre-Christmas tour had been successful as well.
“That really was excellent,” he said. “The crowds there were pleased to see us, and the landlords were welcoming as well.
“A great time was had by all of us.”
After the New Year’s Day show, the group will be making preparations for the year ahead. Anyone who has made it their new year’s resolution to join a side would be welcome to join them. They welcome musicians as well as dancers.
“We return to practising on Tuesday, January 3, and welcome new members all the time,” he said.
These sessions run from 8pm to 10pm at Yateley Manor School and no experience is necessary.
n For more details, including how to sign up, log on to: yateleymorrismen.org.uk
In addition to the donations of food, the preChristmas Tesco Food Collection saw customers donate more than £382,000 to the charities by rounding up their bills, donate £133,000 through a link from Tesco’s online groceries website and give more than £19,000 of Tesco Clubcard vouchers, which Tesco has matched.
Tesco also donates its unsold food to FareShare and, including those donations, more than 39 million meals have been provided by Tesco and its customers in the past year.
Emma Revie, Chief Executive at the Trussell Trust, said: “Food banks are facing their hardest winter yet as they struggle to cope with a tsunami of need caused by the cost-of- living.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of Tesco customers, food banks across the Trussell Trust network can continue to provide emergency food and support to people facing hardship.
“Each donation made in Wokingham will enable food banks to provide immediate help to people in the community.”
BUS tickets will be capped at £2 per journey for a threemonth period in a bid to get the nation out of their cars and back on to public transport.
The Government has announced more details of the £60 million scheme, which starts on New Year’s Day and runs until the end of March.
Single journeys will cost no more than £2 outside of London – that’s a 30p saving on Reading Buses SimplyReading fare, and £4 on a SimplyWokingham & Reading one-day ticket.
A SimplyNetwork day ticket is £7.70.
There are more than 130 bus operators across the country taking part in the Get Around For £2 scheme, including Reading Buses. Its exceptions are dedicated school buses and the matchday services to the Select Car Leasing stadium.
Its chief executive, Robert Williams, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring this scheme to our network, complementing the great value fares we already have in place.
“It is a real opportunity for those who perhaps would not have previously considered the bus to give it a try, especially on longer distance routes like
Green Line 702 to London where the savings are the largest.
“The £2 fare will be available to purchase in advance on our app, or directly from the driver.
“In certain circumstances during this promotion it may be that two single tickets provide better value than a return ticket, but depending on travel plans period tickets may still be the best choice.”
The Reading Buses, Thames Valley Buses, Green Line 702 and Newbury & District apps can be used to find things to do, plan journeys, buy tickets and
check live bus times on the day.
Long distance routes, with the most significant reductions to fares within this offer include:
n Jet Black 1 between Reading and Newbury
n Lime 2 between Reading and Mortimer
n Leopard 3 between Reading and Wokingham n Lion 4/X4 between Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell
n Pink 25 between Reading and Peppard Common n Green Line 702 between
A PHD student at the University of Reading is seeking participants in a sleep study.
The study is examining the effects of herbal supplements on sleep, mood, and well-being, taking place over five weeks.
It will include a four-week trial followed by one week of run-in screening sessions, over three visits to the university’s nutrition labs. It will also involve some simple, daily home testing, and the provision of saliva and stool samples.
The study is being conducted by PHD student Imogen Matthews and is overseen by Professor Claire Williams.
Participants need to be healthy adults aged between 18-40 and will be paid for their time.
n For more information or to sign up to participate, visit the sign-up sheet via: forms.office.com
THIEVES smashed the doors of a Woodley town centre store just before Christmas and stole a quantity of men’s fragrances.
The incident took place in the early hours of Friday, December 23, to the branch of Superdrug in the Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct.
The main doors to the store, which is close to the Centre Stage area of the pedestrianised precinct, were smashed in. They have since been covered over, and the store is still open.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “The offenders had gained access causing significant damage to the door, and took a quantity of men’s fragrances from the shop.
“We would ask anyone with witness information to please provide it through our website or call 101, quoting reference 43220573907.”
WOKINGHAM Lions are toasting the new year by celebrating the success of their first winter carnival.
Previously, they have just had a fundraising stall at the annual event, held on the last Sunday in November, but this year they took on organising duties, complementing their May Fayre event.
Wokingham Lion Tim Hanton, Chairman of The Winter Carnival Committee, said the volunteer-led group were “really pleased” and wanted to thank those who came along and made the day a great success.
“Our thanks also go to our supporters Wokingham Town Council and The Wokingham Society, as well as our sponsors Trademark Windows and The Rose Inn,” he said.
“We are also grateful to The Town Mayor, Councillor Maria Gee, Mayor’s Consort Chris Gee and Mini-Mayor Jayden Hawie for opening The Winter Carnival, the charities who make up A Christmas Presence for their wonderful Santa’s Grotto, and all the volunteers who gave their time to help and make sure everything went well.”
Wokingham Lions Club
made £13,500 from the event which will be distributed to this year’s major beneficiaries, Kaleidoscopic UK and Building for the Future, as well as other local charities and good causes.
“We estimate from feedback that charities present at the Winter Carnival also made a fantastic total of around £30,000 on the day, which is great news,” Mr Hanton added.
n For more information about the Winter Carnival and Wokingham Lions Club, log on to: wokinghamlions.org.uk, or call: 0345 8337384.
Legoland, Windsor, Slough and London
n Green Line 703 between Bracknell, Legoland, Windsor, Slough and Heathrow T5
n Thames Valley Buses 194 between Bracknell and Camberley
n Thames Valley Buses 16 between Maidenhead and Windsor Buses Minister Richard Holden said: “Brits love buses. “They’re the most popular form of public transport in England, making up half of all journeys.
“We’re investing £60 million to cap single bus fares at £2 to help families, students and commuters and get people back on the bus.
“The scheme will also take two million car journeys off the road and it’s fantastic to see so many bus operators signing up.”
The news has been welcomed by Graham Vidler, chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, who said he was looking forward to seeing more passengers from the New Year.
“The £2 fare cap complements great value fares already in place that make taking the bus more attractive and environmentally friendly this winter,” he said.
“Travelling for £2 on the bus both helps customers facing rising cost challenges and try a new travel option to get to work, education, public services, leisure or see loved ones.”
There is a possibility the scheme might continue in some form after March: the Government is promising to work closely with bus operators and local authorities to consider future support.
Neighbouring Reading Borough Council has already been promised a share of a £2bn Bus Back Better fund.
JEWELLERY was stolen during a raid on a Wokingham home, just before Christmas.
Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward for the incident, which took place between 6.45pm and 9.45pm on Wednesday, December 21.
The thieves broke in via the rear of the home in Brookside, off Oxford Road.
They used tools, thought to have been a screwdriver or similar utensil, to smash a pane of glass.
This allowed them to turn the key left in the lock, and they were able to let themselves in.
Police said they then searched the home for valuables, but the only item thought to have been taken is a pair of diamond earrings.
It is thought the thieves gained access to the home via the garden fence, as there is a connecting alleyway between Brookside and Rotherfield Avenue.
Thames Valley Police is appealing for help to catch the thieves.
Anyone with information, or CCTV footage from doorbells, dashcams or cameras, is asked to call 101, quoting reference 43220572164.
ALL CHANGE: Single fares on Reading Buses routes will be capped at £2 for three months from New Year’s Day Picture: Reading BusesTHE weather outside has been frightful, but Jack Frost hasn’t yet let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. If it happens, Wokingham Borough Council says it doesn’t show signs of stopping.
Gritting that is.
It says the cold weather experienced before Christmas made it one of the coldest December periods since 2010.
Its crews were hitting the streets to ensure they were treated to keep them as safe as possible – and they’re ready to do the same if the sub-zero temperatures return.
It has around 1,500 tonnes of salt stored in its Toutley depot, and 170 miles of primary routes are treated.
A further 60 miles of secondary routes receive a course and 94 miles of third-tier routes if conditions worsen. In all, five gritting lorries are on standby from November through to April, and operated by council contractor VolkerHighways.
The council says routes are cleared in descending order of priority, with the most used roads cleared first, and a full
“Our gritting service is in full swing after we’ve seen temperatures drop well below zero and had our first snow of the season,” said Cllr Paul Fishwick, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for active travel, transport and highways.
“Road users safety and keeping traffic moving are among the key priorities for our highways teams, and while people still need to be cautious and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others, gritting the network helps us keep residents and visitors safe while out and about this winter.”
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today
AS SANTA was ramping up his production line, David Wilson Homes were busy delivering a gift of their own.
The developer, who is building Ashridge Grange in Wokingham, donated £250 to the Wokingham Foodbank.
Demand at the food bank remains higher than this time last year with the organisation recording a 130% increase from the previous August in food parcels provided to residents.
The housebuilder’s donation will help to cover the costs of purchasing household essentials from the foodbank’s wish list, including coffee, squash, and cleaning products.
Kimberley Benson, sales and marketing director at David Wilson Southern Counties, is hoping the donation will help alleviate some of the pressures.
“Food banks are already seeing unprecedented levels of usage, with more than 320,000
people in the UK turning to local services for the first time,” she said.
“This winter we wanted to help those directly affected in our local community and spread a little bit of hope in time for Christmas.”
Wokingham Foodbank operates a system of referrals in order to exchange vouchers for food parcels and is open four afternoons a week, up from
demand and spread footfall across the week.
Annette, spokesperson for Wokingham Foodbank, said: “It shouldn’t be this way, people are left faced with impossible choices about how to spend their money.
“It isn’t right that households need to fall back on charity to put a meal on the table.
“This donation will make a genuine difference to
umbrella of support, enabling us to fill the gaps in our supply levels.
“We would like to extend our thanks to David Wilson Southern Counties for its donation and encourage anyone who can give any spare food or warm items this winter to reach out to us to offer support.”
n For more information, or to make a donation, visit:
FESTIVE GIFT: The donation will support Wokingham Foodbank’s rising demand Picture: David Wilson HomesRESIDENTS are trying to work out what their village society will think about a new plan to build up to 24 homes on the old site of Hurst Show.
Recently 90 people packed Hurst Parish Council’s meeting where they heard about the proposal for Willowmead field between Hurst primary school and village hall.
Edward Butler-Ellis, on behalf of Helmsley Land and land owner Penny Clayden, said he would be delivering leaflets to central Hurst, asking for villagers’ views on the plan.
It’s hoped to ask for outline planning permission early next year, he said. The consultation details are at www.consult-hurst.co.uk. Wokingham Borough Council does its own consultation when deciding whether to give planning permissions.
Hurst Village Society, which comments on planning applications, was unable to give a view at the moment on the plan described at the parish council.
Some residents have discovered that the society told Wokingham Borough Council in January that Willowmead field is suitable for development. Sixteen homes had been suggested.
Willowmead, plus a smaller field (for three houses) in Whistley Green, should be developed, the society said. But land north west of Hogmoor Lane (for 12 homes) was unsuitable for development. Willowmead should be built on as an alternative to the plan near Hogmoor Lane.
They were commenting on WBC’s draft local plan update revised growth strategy. The final local plan will be used to select areas for future building up to the year 2036.
HVS’s comments to WBC, published among other planning documents on the HVS website, include: “HVS would ... wish to take this opportunity to comment on ... Land North of Orchard Road [Willowmead], Hurst. This [is] an ideal opportunity for The Society to promote this site for inclusion in The Local Plan Update as suitable for future development as an alternative to Site 5HUO30 [north west of Hogmoor Lane] which we believe should be excluded.”
The society’s support in January for building on Willowmead puts them in conflict with residents who want to see the green space retained.
Hurst Neighbourhood Plan Working Group told WBC in the same Draft Plan consultation that building on Willowmead would be outside the village development limits, affect the historic character of Hurst and it was valuable open space.
Villagers have suggested the field should become Local Green Space, giving it protections from development. Protect Hurst Action Group says houses on Willowmead would be unsustainable as the village has limited facilities. The field was outside the parish’s development limit.
And they are worried that pony, William, the
long-term and popular resident of Willowmead field, could be made homeless.
“They’ve asked where the horse would go,” said Mr Butler-Ellis. “I hadn’t appreciated how much people have enjoyed seeing him there. I will speak to Penny (the landowner) to understand what the future would be for William, where he might be able to go.”
William’s owner Sue Scorer said: “I haven’t got anywhere for him to go if the planning permission goes ahead.
“He used to spend some of the year in the [nearby] triangle of land at Sawpit Road, but that’s no longer available because houses are going to be built there. I’d like to hear from anyone who could help find him a field.”
Many children and other passers-by stop at William’s field to talk to him.
Mr Butler-Ellis said he had heard varying opinions from residents about the Willowmead proposals.
Wokingham Today asked the village society for their view on the recent proposal for up to 24 homes at Willowmead.
On behalf of Hurst Village Society John Osborne said: “The Society always responds in a timely and professional manner to significant planning issues having always taken the opportunity to study and understand in detail any proposals put forward, both during any consultation stage and also at the time of any planning application so as to identify any potential impact on the local community.
“In so doing, we take full regard of local and national planning policies, material planning considerations and what as a committee we believe to be the wishes of the majority of our members.
BERKSHIRE residents who have saved lives have been honoured posthumously for organ donation.
The Order of St John Award for Organ Donation was given to the families and loved ones of 14 donors, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant.
The awards were given at a private ceremony in The Guildhall, Windsor, one of many which honour donors with the award across the country.
NHS figures show that more than 4,000 people have donated
organs after death since 2019, which has transformed or saved the lives of around 10,000 patients.
Mick Messinger, Chancellor of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, said: ““It is so important to recognise all organ donors and it is an inspiration to meet the families attending the ceremonies.
“Organ donation saves lives, and it is a genuine privilege to be able to say thank you to these families, whose loved ones have had such an impact on others.”
“HVS has published its planning guidelines and adheres to these in all of its involvement in any local planning issues, and all responses made by the Society are readily and clearly available on the Society’s website (planning@hvs.org.uk) and individual comments are always encouraged. It would therefore be somewhat premature for the Society to answer some of the issues you have raised at this time.
“For instance, Wokingham Borough Council through its Growth Development Team has yet to publish the findings of its Borough wide Revised Growth Strategy Consultation – to which The Society responded, and the response can be viewed on planning@hvs.org.uk – which included the promotion of sites for future development for inclusion in The Local Plan update.
“In the same vein The Society considers it would be unprofessional and inappropriate to comment on a specific site, such as land north of Orchard Road (Willowmead) at this time because we understand, following information we heard at the recent meeting of Hurst Parish Council, it is to be the subject of a village wide public consultation shortly, and presumably after consideration of any comments made, a detailed application will be submitted to The Planning Authority.
“Certainly in an attempt to make the often complex planning process more transparent the Society supports the concept enshrined in the planning process that each individual planning application should be judged on its own merits; as will be the case in relation to this particular site.” n Details about the land promoters’ consultation are at www.consult-Hurst.co.uk. When planning applications are submitted residents are able to give their views to Wokingham Borough Council.
Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Transplant patients tell us that organ donors and their families are heroes and the Order of St John award is a chance for us all to recognise them and their amazing contribution to society.
“We hope these awards will inspire other people in Berkshire to tell their families they want to save lives.”
He continued: “Being clear with your family about what you want makes things easier at a difficult time, leave them
certain about your organ donation decision.
“Please tell your family about your organ donation decision and join the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk.”
The NHS has estimated that one donor can provide medical help for up to nine other people.
In May 2020, all adults in England are considered to have consented to be an organ donor unless a recorded objection is made or they are in an exempt group, though family is always consulted.
n For more information about organ donation, visit www.organdonation. nhs.uk
POPULAR: William the pony in Willowmead field, Hurst Picture: Sue CorcoranIT HAS become an annual tradition for people with links to the borough to receive recognition in the New Years Honours list and this January was no different.
Matthew White, a former chef at the University of Reading, was made an MBE for his services to the catering and hospitality industry.
He was nominated for an MBE for his career achievements at Reading, as well as for his leadership of the national university caterers’ organisation, TUCO.
Recognition continued for people across the borough as The Queen’s Head in The Terrace was judged CAMRA Berkshire South East’s pub of the year for 2021.
The group, which is passionate about real ale in pubs, said that the award represents the efforts made by the pub during a very difficult year for the hospitality industry.
Mr Burrows said: “They have still provided the warm welcome and great beer when so many others in the hospitality trade have struggled.
“This is not the first time that The Queen’s Head has picked up this award and reflects the high quality of the offering.
“Very close runners-up were The Crispin and The Ship Inn, which goes to show what great pubs are available in Wokingham.”
January is often the time for new beginnings and that was the case for the owners of a new smokehouse in Crowthorne which received rave reviews for its full menu.
Triple BBBs Smokehouse opened in the old HSBC bank building on High Street, Crowthorne, just before Christmas but had only been serving some food as part of a soft launch.
David Jotyar, owner and pitmaster, said his passion
for the craft of smoking meat drove him to perfect his own recipes and even build his own smoker in the pursuit of perfection.
“I thought I could build a better barbecue and smoke better meat than what I could buy in the shops,” he explained.
“It’s taken me 10 years to learn the technique and it’s been a challenge because there is lots to consider.
“Even the rubs I use on the meat have taken a long time to develop, so I am keeping the recipes a secret.”
Turning his love for the craft into a commercial interest was
another challenge. The opening of the restaurant was the end of a three-year process since finding the old bank, acquiring planning, building outbuildings to house the smokers, and fitting out the shop.
He did much of the work himself, including building the bar.
“We had a water tank burst on site last spring over one weekend,” he said. “Repairing the damage set us back three months.”
But the wait was worth it. When Mr Jotyar was finally able to serve customers in his restaurant, he received a visit
from a Texan who said that the smoked meat “was as good as what he gets at home.”
On Friday, January 14, at around 6am, police were called to the Boots in Wokingham town centre after burglars had raided the store.
A Land Rover Discovery was used to reverse into the doors leading to the perfume area of the store.
Debris from the vehicle could be seen across the pavement, including a wheel arch
and broken light fittings.
Market Place was also cordoned off for most of the morning as police investigated.
Later in the year, James Frost, aged 32, of The Oaks, Bracknell, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison at Reading Crown Court in connection to the Boots raid, among other burglaries.
Later in January, residents and councillors gathered outside a Wokingham town car park to protest noisy car meets in the area.
It came after a weekend of disturbance at the Carnival Pool multi-storey, when hordes of drivers met at approximately 10pm each night on Saturday, January 15, and Sunday, January 16.
At the time, residents said that backfiring engines sounded “like gunfire” and that their children were left “terrified”.
On the same weekend, residents in Wokingham were chasing away a different kind of nuisance as the Wassail returned.
Shoppers, pub and café goers saw centuries roll back for an ancient ceremony of sacrifice, blessing and deafening noise to chase away evil spirits.
Tiny tots in the audience burst into dance spontaneously as OBJ Morris Dancer’s and their guests, Garston Gallopers from west Berkshire and Mayflower Morris from near Aldershot, performed morris dances.
Then came the ancient wassail ceremony with OBJ’s Colin Charman explaining the tradition dated back long before Christianity.
He invited the onlookers to eat the wassail cake they’d been given.
Traditionally, the wassail king or queen is the person finding a bean inside their cake. The monarch then chooses their consort.
In these covid times the queen had already been selected, Diane Loveridge of Garston Gallopers, with fellow member Jim Wheatley as king.
Next, a wren, king of the birds, was “hunted and sacrificed”. The small stuffed toy wren was then buried by the royal couple beneath the wassail apple tree.
Hearty singing accompanied the action which finished with everyone shouting and banging drums to scare away demons.
Mr Charman said: “We get a lovely crowd to watch here and the acoustics from the
buildings around are good for the music.”
In the January 13, edition of Wokingham.Today, we covered the heartwarming story of the homecoming of a painting that brought early Christmas joy to Ollie Young’s family.
Wokingham street artist Pistol has once more immortalised the face of the young local boy, who died of a brain tumour.
The original work was defaced but Pistol created a second.
Ollie died in February 2012, a day before his sixth birthday. The Ollie Young Foundation was set up in his memory to fund research into childhood brain tumours.
Pistol, who likes to keep his face and proper name out of the limelight, painted Ollie’s picture to front his first Paint Jam in 2014.
Graffiti artists travelled from far and wide to transform eyesore hoardings in Wellington Road as a fundraiser for the foundation.
After the event, another artist started to paint over it without realising its significance. But Sarah still took it as a keepsake and hung it in her garden.
Pistol promised to restore it — but she didn’t know that the artist would devote much of his spare time over three months creating a replica made to last.
He was helped in the bighearted effort by Dave Hatch, of Berkshire Events, who supplied the paint and varnish and Neil Peachey, of Carrera Carpentry, who helped with the frame.
Pistol said: “Everything doesn’t have to be done for money, especially if it is going to make someone’s Christmas. It was nice to do this for her.”
And the labour of love wasn’t lost on Sarah.
She said: “I was so shocked, I was just expecting Pistol to restore the old one.
“It’s gorgeous.”
OUR first edition in February celebrated the opening of a new building which became home to 11 charities.
Then Wokingham borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker, cut the ribbon to the Wokingham Charity and Community Hub, a facility spanning almost 6,000ft based in Waterford House, at Erfstadt Court.
Cllr Baker said: “It’s a pleasure to have opened this fantastic facility which will undoubtedly help hundreds of people from our area in the years ahead.”
The building became home to Involve, Cranstoun Wokingham, Home Start Wokingham District, Health Watch Wokingham Borough, The Link Visiting Scheme, Mind in Berkshire, CLASP, Promise Inclusion, Wokingham Volunteer Centre and Wokingham Foodbank.
It was already home to Citizen’s Advice Wokingham.
More good news was on the way as we exclusively unveiled The Arc to Wokingham. It is the proposal from award-winning artist Nicola Anthony.
Her plan was selected from 60 different proposals submitted to Arts4Wokingham. Five shortlisted artists made presentations to a panel that included Wokingham Today editor Phil Creighton.
Ms Anthony’s proposal is for a metal text sculpture that will feature words relating to each of the 17 towns and parishes that comprise Wokingham borough, and follows on from a recent commission in the United States that was initiated by moviemaker Steven Spielberg – he unveiled her work at its launch.
She was thrilled to be chosen for the challenge of turning her idea into a reality.
“I can’t wait to embrace the local community and secure their input into helping me shape my initial ideas into something that is both relevant and meaningful to all those who live in the borough,” she said.
In the same edition, we visited a new Wokingham cafe which was determined to make a difference.
The Kimel Cafe in Evendons Lane, created by the Kimel Foundation, provides workplace training for young people with autism. It was founded by Nic Lander, who has three neurodivergent daughters. He created the foundation over concerns about the number of people with autism in employment.
As one business opened its doors, a long-standing one in Crowthorne closed theirs for the final time after more than 60 years.
Decor Interiors, on the high street, had served the village
and surrounding areas since 1960 when Geoff Heron set up the soft furnishings specialist.
Geoff started the business in Church Street before it moved to the High Street in 2004.
After Geoff retired, his sons Mark and Richard took over the running of the business but both decided the time was right to draw the curtains on trading.
Richard said: “We would like to thank all our very loyal customers.”
Another stalwart in the community saw a change as the organisers of the Winter Carnival welcomed their successors.
After 21 years’ involvement, serving as committee chairman for the last five, Philip Mirfin handed over the reins to the Wokingham Lions Club.
Following the announcement, Mr Mirfin presented Andy Goffin, president of the Wokingham Lions and Tim Hanton, new chair of the Winter Carnival, with a cheque for £10,000 to help fund the 2022 event.
We also caught up with a Twyford student who has developed a taste for success after winning five sporting medals.
Elowyn Meeres, 13, won four silver and one bronze medal at the Berks and South Bucks County Speed Swimming Championships.
Elowyn competed in S6, which is for swimmers with short stature or amputations of both arms, or moderate coordination problems on one side of their body.
As the scores came in, Elowyn said she wasn’t expecting to come home with a medal, let alone five.
Also celebrating their success was the team being the Woodley Food Drive as they surpassed 200,000 items donated.
Originally called Woodley Volunteers for Covid-19, the scheme was set up during the early stages of the pandemic to ensure no Woodley resident would be left without essential food or medicine.
It then developed with the aim of helping vulnerable families and households across the town.
February then saw the borough hit with its most extreme weather front in many years as Storm Eunice battered its way across Wokingham.
High winds brought trees crashing down, with many blocking roads. Some crushed cars as they fell. Large portions of the borough lost power, as electricity lines went down.
A tree damaged three cars and the roof of the barn at the Wade Day Centre.
It fell at the site on Reading Road, and all members and staff were inside when the tree fell — so no one was injured.
Some Hurst residents were also left without power for three days.
A family pet has also gained a new room mate after losing his home in the stormy weather.
The rabbit’s hutch was destroyed by the wind, so he hopped over to join his neighbours in their stables.
Owner Eve Mears said that she found out about the new living arrangement for her son’s rabbit after completing late night checks on her horses.
“The sweetest thing was how gently the horses treated him,” she said. “They had even shared their food.”
Love was in the air for the Barkham Hookers as they knitted more than 1,000 yarn
hearts in shades of pink and red to decorate a dress, which was being auctioned for palliative support charity, Sue Ryder.
Residents at Pinehurst Care Centre were also feeling the love as they wrote down their Valentine’s wishes, which were then shared to the centre’s social media.
Wishes included seeing family, visiting the countryside and enjoying a drink.
Vicki Pembroke, from the centre, said the post went crazy on social media.
“We’ve been contacted by quite a few people wanting to help make their simple wishes come true,” she said. “It’s been really lovely.
“The post on Facebook
has reached well over 10,000 people, including one from Canada.”
Twyford Parish Council announced its citizen of the year.
Gerry Wise, who coordinates the village’s adopt a street litter picking scheme, was surprised with the award after presenting his annual report to councillors on Tuesday, February 22.
The Wokingham Half Marathon returned after a year off due to the pandemic.
More than 2,500 people completed the race which featured a new route for 2022, passing through the town centre for the first time since its inception in 1984.
Starting and finishing at
Left: The launch of the new community hub in Wokingham town centre, bringing together a range of good causes to make it easier for them to work together to help residents in need
Bottom far left: Crowthorne’s Decor Interiors closed due to retirement
Bottom
Cantley House, the route took runners south on Milton Road and into the town centre passing many familiar shops, bars and restaurants on their way
Joshua Close, representing Aldershot, Farnham and District Athletic Club, won the race with a time of 01:06:06, Tom Merson was second with 01:07:05, and Nicholas Torry was third with 01:07:23
Naomi Mitchell, of Reading Athletic Club, was the fastest female with a time of 01:11:53, only 44 seconds slower than the current women’s record held by Liz Yelling.
Second in the women’s race was Becky Briggs with 01:13:51, and third was Kirsteen Welch with 01:14:42.
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A storm saw trees fall on cars in the WADE Day Centre, just one of many problems caused by storms
“We contacted Nigel and received wonderful service. He filled in the extensive forms for us and did so in a very caring way.”
Cedric Lander, Woodley
MARCH began on the sad note that Chris Pape had died.
Many people in Wokingham would have known Chris who most recently worked for Just Around The Corner (JAC), helping young people who, for whatever reason, needed some additional support.
This included her longheld vision to open a shop in Wokingham town centre to allow the youngsters to get vital work experience.
Throughout her life she was also active in a number of churches, in particular St Mary’s & St John’s – California, Wokingham Baptist Church and Norreys Church (as well as the Salvation Army).
A Wokingham stalwart who is truly missed.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia triggered an outpouring of support from all corners of the borough.
Wokingham Borough Council raised a flag in solidarity with Ukraine.
Cllr Keith Baker, then mayor of Wokingham, did the honours and said: “We want to show full support to the people of Ukraine who are under vicious attack from Russia.”
This was one of a number of messages of support from a united council as it readied its services to assist with welcoming refugees.
One of the nation’s political party leaders also came to Wokingham.
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, called in at the Wokingham Medical Centre and Market Place.
He was joined by councillors and campaigners to discuss local and national issues with residents ahead of local elections later in the year and the general election in 2024.
Sir Ed said: “It is great to be in Wokingham and the response we are getting on the doorstep has been really, really strong.
“There is a momentum behind the Liberal Democrats across the town.”
A Berkshire charity also received a special visit, but from a different kind of public figure.
Parenting Special Children welcomed HRH Sophie Countess of Wessex to an anniversary event on Wednesday, March 2.
The charity, founded in 2006, offers specialist support across Berkshire to families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, including families who foster and adopt.
Ruth Pearse, Parenting
Special Children’s founder and CEO said: “Thank you to HRH The Countess of Wessex for joining us to celebrate our 15th anniversary, it was an honour and privilege to welcome you to meet our families.
“I will remember the pure delight on the children’s faces for a long time to come, especially my daughter presenting your gift, special memories to treasure forever.”
A runner from Lower Earley completed a gruelling challenge as she ran five marathons in as many days for charity.
Nicki Farrell, née Aitken, joined a virtual team of six runners to take on the task for the My Name’s Doddie Foundation, a Motor Neurone Disease charity setup by former Scotland Rugby Union international player Doddie Weir OBE.
She completed the challenge by running 26.2 miles around Lower Earley and surrounding areas every day from Saturday, March 12, to Wednesday, March 16.
Finishing at Dinton Pastures meant that her husband Gary and many of her club mates from Thames Valley Triathletes and Bracknell Road Runners could run with her.
Speaking of the support
received from her friends and family, she said: “They have been great, many of them ran with me out on the roads and some came out to ring cow bells.
“We had lots of cake afterwards.”
One of the more positive stories we covered in March was headlined “Late retirement for Earley man” and that’s exactly what it was.
David Wilson BEM spent 66 years conducting the Slough Philharmonic Orchestra but just before his 90th birthday decided it was time to retire as conductor and as the director of music at Slough Philharmonic Society.
Mr Wilson conducted for the final time with the orchestra on Saturday, March 5.
Mr Wilson’s daughter, Sally, said that conducting could be the secret to his longevity.
“It has kept him fit,” she said, “and he’s very sprightly indeed, and he wanted to go out on a high.”
The final concert of his tenure was attended by Sally, and his partner Jan, who has missed only two of his concerts in 66 years.
Mr Wilson was educated in Maidstone, where he
played piano with the school orchestra.
He later went on to study at the Royal College of Music, before completing national service in the RAF Central Band.
After National Service he went into teaching at Renelagh School in Bracknell, where he taught for 38 years.
The concert began with a rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Ms Wilson said that this was an emotional start to an already emotional evening.
“When dad heard the air raid sirens in Kyiv on the news, it really reawakened memories that he’d parked almost a lifetime ago.”
But the evening was a happy occasion, and he celebrated afterwards in the pub with friends and family until late.
Celebrations of a different kind were heard as residents celebrated the abandoning of plans to build a 3G pitch at Laurel Park.
Initially proposed by the Berks and Bucks Football Association to tackle a lack of football facilities in the area
– an ongoing problem – the borough council decided the site was not suitable.
This was not the last that readers would hear about it as Cllr John Halsall, then leader of the council, accused Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the Liberal Democrats, of “misleading residents” on the issue –something he denied.
Cllr Halsall revealed an email sent by Cllr Jones, on December 8, 2020, at a council meeting in late March.
It was sent to a council officer after plans for revamping Cantley Park were revealed.
Cllr Jones wrote: “How are discussions going with them about Laurel Park? It would be great to have something similar there?”
Following the meeting, Cllr Jones hit back.
“This isn’t saying we want something similar (to a 3G pitch), it’s asking to have a conversation about what is being planned,” he said.
The month ended with “six of the best” as Wokingham Town Council unveiled the winners of its civic awards.
Each year, the awards 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.
The winners were Alan Rouse, Claire Revie, Gerald de la Pascua, James Baston, Jean Taylor and Siobhan Sanctuary.
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.”
Far
Left:
APRIL started with the sound of drums ringing out around Hurst as a 12-yearold Crowthorne student picked up her sticks in a bid to help Ukrainian refugees.
On Friday, April 1, Lola Teague played a sponsored drumathon at the Dolphin School in Hurst.
Starting at 8am, she played five solid hours, through to 1pm – and, luckily for her, it was a half-day so she recovered without worrying about double algebra.
Her efforts helped raise more than £5,000 which was used to equip a hostel supporting more than 40 people of mostly women and children.
Emmbrook Junior School welcomed rugby royalty 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 in collaboration with Balfour Beatty, who donated £1,000 worth of sports equipment to the school.
Some of the students attended a special PE lesson with Mr Robinson joining in rugby-based activities.
Further support for Ukraine was on its way from the borough as a Woodley community stalwart organised a 4,000 mile round trip to deliver aid to refugees.
Ronnie Goodberry set off for Jaroslaw, on the Ukrainian border in the south-east of Poland, on Tuesday, April 19, and returned on Thursday, April 26.
He described the journey as heartbreaking.
“We’ve heard some horrific and sad stories from some of those affected,” he said.
“I for one have been very humbled by the fact these refugees welcomed us with open arms, smiles and with their politeness.”
He was joined on the journey by Duane Harris.
The pair delivered crucial supplies to three locations including blankets, medical supplies, toiletries, nappies, baby clothes and dried food.
A number of wheelchairs, buggies and crutches were also sent thanks to donations from the Woodley community.
This was the fourth trip organised by Mr Goodberry, with 50,000 items totalling 24 tonnes – and it wouldn’t be his last.
Mr Goodberry was among
the winners at the Woodley Civic Awards. The ceremony was a double celebration as the winners from 2020 were also acknowledged for their efforts.
Woodley Town Council was unable to host the awards for the past two years as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Matt Allwright, host of The One Show and Rogue Traders, entertained the crowd and revealed his fee for hosting was to share a bag of chips in Woodford Park with the mayor.
He said: “Woodley is where I come from, I’m proud to say that I spent the first 12 years of my life hanging around Woodford Park.
“Now I get to come back and celebrate the remarkable Woodleyites who are making the world a better place.”
The 2020 winners were up first with awards given to Mandy and Allan Dodd, Alistair Todd and Philip Barry.
Sam Milligan was presented the mayor’s award, by former mayor Cllr Kay Gilder, for his outstanding contribution to the children and youth in Woodley for the past 26 years.
Sue Woodcock, Peter Quemard, Peter Armand, Ann Smith, Juliet Sherratt, Carolyn Wildman were all recognised for their respective efforts
before Mr Goodberry was given the mayor’s award by Cllr Janet Sartorel.
Wokingham town centre is home to many fantastic independent businesses which make it so easy to champion.
They include Rose Street record store, Beyond the Download. In April, it hosted Record Store Day (RSD), one of its most anticipated events as customers looked to secure exclusive vinyl releases.
Hundreds of punters visited on the day with queues of eager punters lining the pavement at 6am, two hours before the store opened.
A spokesperson for the store said: “To all of our wonderful customers who supported us on RSD this year, thank you.”
Parishioners of St Thomas More RC Church, Twyford, and Our Lady of Peace RC Church at Wargrave also had a day to remember as they welcomed their bishop, Philip Egan.
He 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.
Parish priest Father Jude
Mbonu said: “It was a lovely opportunity for us all to get together with our bishop and to talk together.
“We’re grateful to him for coming and enjoyed his visit.”
Members of Wokingham churches made one of the shortest walks to remember one of the oldest walks in history.
Members of St Paul’s Church held their Palm Sunday procession from St Paul’s Junior school in Oxford Road, before finishing at the Reading Road church.
Around 70 parishioners took part in the event which commemorates the biblical story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, while another 40 elderly or disabled people waited at the church.
The Revd Richard Lamey, rector at St Paul’s, said it was “wonderful” to once again hold the Palm Sunday procession which had been cancelled twice during lockdown.
“We didn’t have a donkey or even a pony disguised as a donkey this time but that didn’t matter,” he smiled.
“So many parishioners told me how much they missed this traditional part of the Easter celebrations (during lockdowns) and they were
delighted to be taking part once more.”
Members of All Saints Church in Wiltshire Road also held a procession, going from All Saints primary school towards The Cornerstone.
For their procession, they did have a donkey.
There was a fond farewell for the team behind the popular Dragonfly Café at Dinton Pastures.
Barbara Miles, of Woodley, was deluged with cards and best wishes from customers when she left the café after 14 years of serving coffees, teas and ice creams.
“Probably the thing I’m most proud of was building a team of really nice and incredibly loyal people able to talk to customers well. Many were with me for up to 12 years. We looked after the customers and each other,” she said.
One common theme throughout all our April editions was political leaders and councillors canvassing votes ahead of the local elections.
This included three in-depth interviews with the party leaders as they looked to secure residents’ votes ahead of what would be an historic election for the borough.
AN HISTORIC local election saw Wokingham Borough Council left with no overall control as the Conservatives lost their majority for the first time in 20 years.
The Conservatives lost five seats to the Liberal Democrats, and Labour picked up a seat in Bulmershe and Whitegates.
The result left the Conservatives one short of a majority, with 26 seats, and the Lib Dems with 23. Labour had three and there were two independents.
The elections were set in the backdrop of turmoil in Westminster with politicians facing accusations of partying during lockdown – including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and then chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Cllr John Halsall, leader of Wokingham Conservatives, believed the result was a reflection of attitudes towards Whitehall politicians, not local councillors.
Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, he said: “In terms of administration we are very good, however there are tides in the affairs of men and a gale force wind and we got caught in it, it’s very sad.”
This would be one of his
last actions as leader of the council and the Wokingham Conservatives as he stepped down from both positions.
Wokingham.Today exclusively revealed that it would be the Liberal Democrats who would take the reins with support from Labour and independents to form the Wokingham Partnership.
“This is very exciting, for all of us,” said Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the Liberal Democrats.
“It’s very daunting and a huge challenge. There are some big issues to come up.”
But, he added, “we have been getting on so well, there is so much we’re going to be able to agree on. It’s been really refreshing, we’ve been able to find a lot of common ground.
“We really want to change the way the council is run, and change the culture.”
At a council meeting on Thursday, May 19, the first meeting since the election, Cllr Jones was confirmed as leader.
The Conservatives announced their new leader as Cllr Pauline Jorgensen.
A new borough mayor was another piece of the political puzzle. Cllr Keith Baker was replaced by Cllr Caroline Smith.
Wokingham Town also had a new mayor as, after two
years wearing the ceremonial robes, Cllr Tony Lack passed the chains of office on to fellow town councillor, Maria Gee.
The Ukraine war continued and the UK government imposed sanctions on Russia’s parliament and oligarchs.
This had implications for Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood and Reading East MP Matt Rodda as they were two of 287 British MPs placed on a list of people banned from entering the nation by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in retaliation.
In short, it was a “nyet” to Sir John and Mr Rodda from the Kremlin and any chance of a Russian summer holiday for the two could be kissed do svidaniya.
Away from politics, the Wokingham May Fayre returned after covid forced two years of cancellations.
Thousands lined the streets of Wokingham’s town centre with charity stalls, games and dancing, all entertaining visitors.
Alan Rouse, May Fayre chairman and member of Wokingham Lions which organised the event, said: “It was an outstanding success with possibly the most people we have ever seen.
“This is the first year in
five that we have been able to run full-scale with two years of covid postponements and ongoing refurbishments at Elms Field.
“I went to visit as many of the stall holders as possible and without exception they were all bowled over by the numbers of people who turned up to support the event.”
The May Fayre is the Wokingham Lions Club’s biggest annual fundraising event with all funds supporting local charities.
This year, the two main charities that benefited from the May Fayre were The Link Visiting Scheme and JAC (Just Around the Corner).
Although it’s not possible to get an exact number, Mr Rouse estimated around 25,000 people attended the event throughout the day.
Mr Rouse described organising the event as a “major exercise”.
He added: “We must give a huge thanks to all our volunteers and partners who make the May Fayre possible.
“The event has been going since 1995 and this was possibly our most successful one so far.
“We look forward to doing it again next year.”
The Lions were busy in May as they also hosted the spring Wokingham Walk in Elms Field.
More than 300 people laced up their boots and went for a walk and they were given a medal for doing so.
Lion Andy Slay was one of the organisers and said it had been a “great day”.
“We should have comfortably made in excess of £4,000 for local charities, so it’s been a great day, I’m really pleased.”
Residents across the borough were following a different kind of route as the Henley Arts Trail showcased work across more than 30 venues from 200 artists.
Among the inspiration behind works was Gertie the lost goose.
The young greylag arrived on artist Liz Chaderton’s doorstep out of the blue.
She explained: “The person who found her just said, ‘I know you like animals, can you help?’
“I took Gertie in, thinking she was domesticated and put out pleas to find her owner but no one answered. Gertie, who couldn’t fly, spent the night in our downstairs loo.
“By morning she’d gathered
her strength and it was clear she was a wild goose. I took her to Swan Lifeline at Eton in a cat box. They looked after until she was old enough to fly away, free.”
Gertie’s brief visit inspired Liz of Hurst to paint her portrait which joined Liz’s other bird and animal pictures on the trail.
Artists from all over Wokingham borough took part in the trail at Hurst, Twyford, Charvil and Wargrave venues. We couldn’t resist the temptation to cover a stereotypical local news story as a cat lost one of his nine lives, after getting stuck up a tree.
The feline couldn’t get down, and ended up spending the night not on the tiles but in the branches.
Had he fallen, it would have been into a lake.
The one-year-old moggy, called Lucky, had his own lucky escape after his plucky rescuer risked a 30ft drop to bring him safely down.
Nothing was damaged but the moggy’s pride and, after a hearty meal and a cat nap or two, Lucky was back to his usual purring ways, much to the dismay of the Woodley
ONE event dominated our coverage in June as Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne.
Starting on Thursday, June 2, through to Sunday, June 5, the borough came together for a range of activities to recognise the Queen’s public service.
Beacon lighting took place across the country to mark the start of the festivities.
Tears welled up as the Hurst beacon was lit and the St Nicholas Singers performed the jubilee song A Life Filled With Grace.
Among those enjoying the DJ Paul Palmer’s music afterwards were local MP Theresa May and her husband Philip – who obligingly threw some shapes to dance for a young villagers’ phone videos.
A large band of 14 took turns to ring the church bells. Two new ringers were Janice Howell of Whistley Green, Hurst and Angela Vickery of Winnersh. They had answered a call, backed by Wokingham Today, for more ringers for the jubilee. They said tower captain Graham Slade was a great teacher.
Wokingham Rock Choir’s 80 singers performed. The Hurst Clangers played the national anthem with their hand bells. Reading bagpipe player Colleen Scott gave moving renditions of the jubilee bagpipe tune Diu Regnare [Latin for Long to Reign] and other tunes.
The beacon was lit by Lucy Zeal, Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire and John Jones engineer at Haines Hill Estate, Hurst. Mr Jones made the beacon which was the estate’s gift to the village.
Hundreds of Finchampstead residents came together as the Revd Dr Leonard Onugha welcomed people to the ceremony at St James Church.
The crowd joined together for a rendition of the national anthem before Cllr Simon Weeks, chair of Finchampstead Parish Council, raised a toast to the queen and signalled for the beacon to be lit.
In Woodley, the town council mayor Cllr Janet Sartorel welcomed people before taking the large taper to light the crown-shaped beacon.
The crowds applauded as the Bel Canto Chorus sang the special jubilee anthem, A Song for the Commonwealth.
Cllr Sartorel then joined the choir to lead everyone in the singing of the national anthem.
Sonning held a series of special events to mark the occasion.
On Jubilee Thursday and
Friday, the bi-annual scarecrow trail took place with thousands of visitors admiring all kinds of witty tableaux, some with a royal theme.
The village church, St Andrews, welcomed bellringers who rang out a full peal of Spliced Surprise Major.
This piece of music lasts three hours and seven minutes.
In the evening, attention switched from the village to the King George V recreation ground for the village’s beacon lighting ceremony.
Children were allowed to gather at the front of the crowds to ensure they could see, and the beacon blazed.
On Jubilee Saturday, Six bands representing all seven decades of the Queen’s reign performed in Elms Field, and the town partied on. From rock n roll to the present day, all genres of music were represented.
The show kicked off with the sound of the 50s, courtesy of Peggy Sue & The Jukebox.
That was followed by some of the greatest Motown hits, thanks to the Midnight Soul Sisters.
The 70s was represented by a tribute to Bob Marley and the Wailers, Trenchtown Experience.
Well and truly warmed up, by the time Supersonic Queen took to the stage the dancing shoes were on, and the crowds took to their feet as classics such as We Are The Champions and I Want To Break Free were heard.
Spice! Celebrated all things Girl Power, and the audience wholeheartedly joined in on the singing of top tunes including Mama, Wannabe, and Say You’ll Be There.
The evening closed with everyone on their feet for Fully Funktional, playing 21st century musical hits.
Thousands flocked to Elms Field for the event, which replaced this year’s international street concert and was the first time that the field had been used in this way.
To close the weekend, hundreds of street parties were held in every corner of the borough with roads closed so communities could host their own festivities.
A double celebration was held at a Sonning church.
Not only did St Andrew’s hold a service to celebrate Pentecost and 70 years of the Queen’s reign, but they dedicated a new buggy which will be used to help parishioners with mobility
issues get around the church grounds.
The service featured a Scripture reading from former prime minister Theresa May, and an address by Lord Carey, a former Archbishop of Canterbury.
Funding for the buggy, named Bertie, was provided by Christina Goodacre, in memory of her late husband, Peter, and by Janet Robson, in thanksgiving for the work of the church.
In Woodley, the town council saw plenty of people pitch up with their own tables, chairs and picnics to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment as part of its big lunch.
Cllr Sartorel addressed the crowd before the town crier called for three cheers to the Queen.
She was joined at the main table by deputy mayor, Cllr Kay Gilder along with the winners of the town centre’s jubilee stone competition.
As part of the weekend, the Twyford Donkey Derby returned for the first time since the start of the pandemic to a crowd of more than 3,000 people.
The popular event saw several heats take place, with competition almost as fierce as
the horse racing.
Away from the jubilee, the University of Reading had been busy preparing for #ShowYourStripes Day.
This included unveiling its latest climate stripes for Wokingham.
No words. No numbers. No graphs. Just a series of vertical coloured bars, showing the progressive heating of our planet in a single, striking image.
The stripes, created by Professor Ed Hawkins at the University of Reading in 2018, show clearly and vividly how global average temperatures have risen over nearly two centuries.
Each stripe represents the average temperature for a single year, relative to the longer-term average temperature. Shades of blue indicate cooler-than-average years, while red shows years that were hotter than average.
The deep red stripes on the right-hand side of the graphic are a stark reminder of the rapid heating our planet has seen in recent decades, especially given the temperatures we endured over the summer.
In our final edition of the month, we revealed that
Wokingham Conservatives had hatched a secret plan to disrupt council meetings as much as possible.
A briefing given to councillors laid out a number of tactics including interfering speeches, accusations of bias and taking credit for the policies of other parties.
The confidential document, obtained by Wokingham.Today, was titled Using Council for Effective Opposition and sets out a strategy for the party to get their “own way” during council meetings.
This included challenging rulings made in meetings, and disrupting the administration to keep them “constantly on their toes”.
Cllr Clive Jones, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, heavily criticised the tactics, describing them as “shameful”.
A spokesperson for the Wokingham Conservative Group has said it is the “democratic responsibility” of the opposition to “robustly challenge” the actions and comments of the administration”.
They added: “The administration may not like this, but it is an integral part of our political process.”
JULY kicked off with thousands of people lining the streets of Crowthorne.
After a four year break the Crowthorne Carnival returned and this year’s theme was to celebrate 70 years of Her Majesty the Queen.
The carnival kicked off with a procession at Wellington College and spectators were treated to a range of floats and street entertainers.
The procession culminated with a fete at the Morgan Recreation Ground where attendees were entertained by a packed programme of performers.
James Sunderland, MP for Bracknell, said: “The carnival was fantastic and superbly supported by so many people from Crowthorne and beyond.
“Thank you to all the organisers, participants, visitors and schools for making it happen.”
While Crowthorne partied, Wokingham rolled back the years for its first Classic Car Show. More than 100 classic cars and motorcycles were on display at the Elms Field event, organised by the Wokingham Lions Club.
It started with a procession of vehicles from Reddam House, Sindlesham to Wokingham town centre where the event was officially opened by the town mayor, Cllr Maria Gee.
Although free to attend, donations were accepted to support Leukaemia UK and the Men’s Shed in Wokingham.
After expenses, the Lions raised £3,000, this included £1,000 from the Barkham and District Classic Car Club.
Bob DuGard, co-organiser of the event, said: “We were delighted with the success of our first-ever show and are looking to see whether we can build on the success of this year’s event to stage more in the future.”
Wokingham Pride brought colour and acceptance to the borough on Saturday, July 9.
With 2022 marking 50 years since the first Pride in London event, around 200 people attended.
Schools, churches, and shops all showed their support by displaying pride flags throughout the town as people celebrated.
Attendees included a number of councillors, as well as the borough mayor, Cllr Caroline Smith, and deputy town mayor, Cllr Sally Gurney. Guests over 18 were invited to an evening performance at The Station Tap, where SemiColon performed drag
cabaret, joined by Dulce Kraving and Tania Lecoq.
As the Liberal Democrats settled into their new position of running the council, one of their first decisions was to halt the supply of food waste caddy liners.
This is part of Wokingham Borough Council’s effort to reduce the use of nonrecyclable single-use plastics as residents were encouraged to use environmentallyfriendly alternatives.
Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “At a time when we are encouraging all residents to decrease their use of single-use plastics, it just doesn’t make sense for us to continue to supply food waste bags that are single-use plastic.”
The decision was met with dismay from residents and opposition councillors over fears it would reduce recycling in the borough.
The council estimated that caddy liners cost around £75,000 this year, but were not included in the budget – something the previous Conservative administration still disputes.
The estimated cost for the caddy liners for next year was just under £120,000, primarily the result of rising oil prices.
Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the council, believed it “didn’t make sense” to commit to the cost.
The UK experienced its hottest day on record on Tuesday, July 19, with temperatures exceeding 40ºC in some areas. The records came as much of England remained under its first extreme heat warning.
Despite some events being cancelled, many went ahead with advice to stay hydrated and in cooler areas wellreceived.
One event that survived the heat was Wokingham Borough Welcomes New Arrivals.
It offered the community a chance to meet families from Hong Kong, Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine.
More than 400 refugees had moved to the borough as part of the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The mayor of Wokingham, Cllr Caroline Smith, partook in the festivities, and said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and the people who attended seemed to have a great time too.
“It was very well received by everyone. My husband and grandchildren came along and they had a lovely time.”
A report in our July 21 edition revealed that less
than one in 10 Wokingham burglaries resulted in a prosecution, with some areas seeing no suspects charged at all. According to an investigation by The Daily Telegraph, 94.2% of burglaries in Wokingham were left unsolved between May 2019 and April 2022. During this three-year period, 1,116 out of 1,185, remain unsolved.
The data, released by Police UK, did not include cases where investigations are ongoing, no update is supplied or a location is not provided.
The worst area in Wokingham, Wokingham East, went three years without any of its 53 burglaries being solved. Lower Earley South also had 13 cases closed without a conviction.
Sonning and Woodley North had the best resolution rate with 10.2% burglaries leading to a conviction.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We will always seek to bring offenders to justice for any crime reported, where we can and where there are lines of enquiry we will investigate thoroughly.
“On occasions, however, cases remain unsolved. This can be for a number of reasons,
such as no suspect being able to be identified, or insufficient evidence is available to prosecute a suspect.”
A Finchampstead primary school closed out their year in style by bringing glitz and glamour to Wokingham.
Nine Mile Ride Primary School’s year three students held an Oscar-themed event at the Everyman Cinema on Elms Field, to present an array of movies they had created for the big screen.
Mark Scurr, one of the teachers who organised the event, said: “This is a really nice way for us to end the year and show all the hard work of the teachers and students.
“The reason we like this event is it gives the children a purpose behind their work with something they can look forward to.”
Mr Scurr was also keen to pay tribute to his colleagues’ efforts, as well as thanking Everyman Cinema for hosting.
Festival season was also in full swing as tribute festival Marvellous made a triumphant return to Dinton Pastures.
Performers such as Retake That & Robbie, The One and Only Adele, UK Foo Fighters, Definitely Might Be, and Platinum Abba delighted
attendees with their tributes to some of the biggest acts in music.
Festival director Pete Lincoln said: “There was such a great atmosphere – a gentle, familyevent, garden party vibe, and I love getting that kind of reaction from a crowd.
“We have a really loyal following, as well as new faces every year of course, but so many people said that they were glad it was back.”
Hundreds of Swallowfield residents also came together for MaxStock, a festival held thanks to a legacy fund left by Max Bower, who died in 2018, for a one-off event.
The live stage saw five acts perform with Let It Beatle, Rosedale, The Green Man, Limpopo Groove and The Skangsters pleasing the crowd.
Cllr Mark Binns, one of the organisers behind the event, said: “Max’s wish was for us to stage a community event for all ages that the entire parish could enjoy.
“With our mini festival, featuring the family funfair and children’s circus school, an indoor swing dance and band and a diverse range of musical acts I hope that we achieved exactly that.”
July ended with the
Wokingham’s new leisure centre welcoming the public for the first time as the multimillion pound development at Carnival Hub opened its doors, a month ahead of schedule.
The site includes swimming pools, children’s splash pad, a health suite, 120 station fitness suite, fitness studios, a café and a dual-purpose hall for sports or 400 seat-cultural performances.
It is also a new home for the Wokingham library and cultural spaces.
Cllr Shenton said: “This is a really exciting moment for the residents of Wokingham borough, who have been waiting patiently for this state of the art leisure facility to open its door in the heart of the town.
“The new centre has something for everyone regardless of your age or fitness levels; and I hope it will exceed everyone’s expectations.”
It took just over 18 months for the main construction work to be completed, which started at the beginning of the pandemic.
Cllr Jones added: “Everyone involved from our contractors to council officers and our leisure partners should be proud of the achievement.”
AUGUST kicked with Wokingham Borough Council unveiling a £2.2 million hole in its finances, caused mostly by the cost of global fuel prices and inflation
The admission was made by Cllr Imogen Shepherd-Dubey whilst presenting the council’s revenue monitoring for Q1 of 2022/23.
She said: “This report highlights a predicted shortfall in the revenue budget of £2.2 million for this year.
“To be fair, when this budget was set, no one predicted the invasion of Ukraine or the impact it would have on global fuel prices and inflation.
“Those current inflationary pressures also affect Wokingham Borough Council just as much as our residents.”
Cllr Shepherd-Dubey highlighted a number of challenges the council faces to try and achieve a balanced budget. She believed this was also the result of “overambitious targets”.
The council also predicted an overspend of £1.33m on place and growth, contributed to by a drop in car parking revenue and higher costs for waste collections and bags –more on that later.
Another week brought another heatwave as temperatures remained high.
The University of Reading confirmed July had been the driest in more than a century with just 3.1mm of rainfall.
It was also the third driest first half of the year in the hundred or so years since records began, with just 216mm of rainfall from January to July in the area.
Dr Stephen Burt, Meteorology Research Fellow at the University of Reading, said: “We have all noticed the record temperatures and dry weather.
“This data lays bare just how abnormally dry the weather has been this year, partially driven by a changing climate.
“Local streams are beginning to dry up for the first time in decades. Water restrictions surely can’t be far away.”
Fears over rising energy prices continued as the cost of living crisis was at the forefront of people’s minds.
The Wokingham Citizens Advice Bureau experienced unprecedented demand for its services with a 59% increase in need for its services from July last year.
Prior to government intervention, industry experts, Cornwall Insight, were expecting the energy price cap to rise to £3,582 a year in October.
A further increase in January was predicted to exceed £4,200. The higher estimate meant the average household would be paying £355 a month, more than double the current cost of £164.
Jake Morrison, chief executive at the charity, feared the rise would compound an already significant problem across the borough.
In more positive news, unity was on show at a Kenyan family fun day at Bearwood Recreation Ground in Winnersh.
Organiser Ken Gathere was full of praise for the event’s success, saying: “When we started seven years ago, I never thought [the fun day] would get this big.
“It was meant to be a small barbecue gathering after my mother passed, but we picked this August date annually and it’s just grown.”
The highlights of the event were the sports competitions, which saw visitors old and young compete for prizes in running and other athletic disciplines.
The organiser expressed his gratitude to those who made the event possible, particularly Wokingham Borough Council and Winnersh Community Centre.
He also thanked Thames Valley Police for attending, the surrounding neighbourhood for accommodating the event and gave a specific shout-out to Chris, the facility’s caretaker, who has helped out at the event since its inception.
“I can only say we felt humbled and the occasion will forever be ingrained in the Kenyan community’s hearts,” Mr Gathere said.
The Ollie Young Foundation was also celebrating as it marked its 10th anniversary with a fun day at Reddam House School, a new venue for the event.
The annual event aims to raise funds for research into finding prevention and cure for children’s brain tumours.
Ollie was five when he and his family learned that he had a brain tumour, and that nothing that could be done to save him.
When he died in 2012, just before his sixth birthday, his parents, Sarah Simpson and Simon Young set up the foundation in his memory, determined to help other children and their families.
Sarah said:“ I’m so grateful and delighted with how the committee and the volunteers came together for the fun day.
“They did an amazing job, and everything went smoothly.
“I’m so proud of them, they
made the day special.
“We don’t know yet how much was raised, but it will have been worth it whatever the amount.
“People turned out, and they turned out for Ollie.”
Normally it’s rain that stops play at cricket matches but on a sweltering afternoon in Shinfield, a match was halted to allow players to extinguish a fire.
Shinfield Cricket Club’s first team were taking on Penn & Tylers when players from both sides noticed flames in the woods surrounding the Millworth Lane ground.
Using water containers and the club’s fire extinguisher, they were able to handle the situation without calling the fire brigade.
Shashank Garg, the club’s secretary, was present and said: “There were some kids who put the root of a tree on fire, they then ran away.
“It must have been going on for around 15-20 minutes before we noticed the smoke, at which point all 22 players
poured water on it and used the fire extinguisher from our pavilion. The flames were comfortably a foot high.
“We were able to put it out without calling the fire brigade, but had it been left for another 15-20 minutes, the whole woodland could have been in flames. It would have been a real emergency.”
Temperatures of a different kind were being raised outside libraries across the borough as protests broke out over drag queen events.
They were against a storytime event given by Aida H Dee, a drag queen on a national tour, which saw her reading children’s books to families.
Among those protesting was activist Piers Corbyn who arrived outside the Woodley Library in a car equipped with a roof-mounted loud-hailer.
Although there were many protesting, there was plenty of support for Aida.
Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and residents’ services at
Wokingham Borough Council, said: “I attended this with my two boys – it was brilliant.
“Kids had a blast and I kept wiping tears from my eyes due to laughing so hard.
“To then walk out and have someone shout out ‘poor kids’ at my children and then someone tell me in front of my kids that I shouldn’t be taking my kids to be groomed, is outrageous.”
After a two-year break the Twyford Village Fete was back, at Stanlake Meadow, with lots of excitement and plenty of visitors.
More than 2,000 people are estimated to have attended the day, which was opened by rower Jacob Dawson and cox Henry Fieldman.
Both Olympians and bronze medal holders, they are part of the GB rowing team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
To kick off the activities, Steve Colley, three times World Trials champion, delighted audiences with his motorcycle mastery and stunts.
Fete committee chairman, Malcolm Bray, said: “It was a beautiful day for the event.
“We had a mixture of new as well as regular attractions which provided a lot of fun for young and old.”
It was estimated the event
raised more than £2,000 for local charities.
The summer of 2022 was one of comebacks as another event was back on the calendar after a covid enforced break.
The Swallowfield Show made a glorious return over bank holiday weekend after a two-year absence.
Thousands of visitors were treated to two days of entertainment, food and horticultural competition on Sunday, August 28, and Monday, August 29.
Swallowfield Park played host to the renowned event organised by the Swallowfield Horticultural Society.
In a post shared on social media after Sunday’s show, the organisers said: “Thank you to all of the visitors who attended today’s Swallowfield Show.
“The weather was very kind to us.”
Students across the borough were celebrating as A-Level and GCSE results were collected by thousands of young people preparing to take the next steps in their lives.
Teachers proudly praised the resilience of their pupils who had studied throughout the pandemic and sat their first set of public exams to achieve their successes.
IN SEPTEMBER, the world mourned Queen Elizabeth II. She died on Thursday, September 8, at the age of 96.
A statement from Buckingham Palace read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
She was the longest serving monarch in British history, marking her 70th anniversary on the throne with Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
On Thursday, September 8, Buckingham Palace confirmed the Queen’s doctors became concerned for her health and she was kept under medical supervision at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
On Tuesday, September 6, the Queen was seen in public for the first time in several weeks when she received the outgoing and incoming prime ministers, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.
This was the first time in her reign that she had carried out this duty at the retreat, rather than at Buckingham Palace.
During her reign, Her Majesty had been a frequent visitor to the area.
In June 1962, the Queen and Prince Philip, in a Rolls Royce, were driven through packed streets of Wokingham town centre.
Archive photos taken by our predecessor, Wokingham Times, show a town decorated with bunting and flags, dignitaries salute and the assembled crowds wave and cheer.
In 1974, she visited Wellington College in Crowthorne, to open its new buildings. She returned to the school in October 2011, to open the International Round Square Conference.
She opened the Shire Hall complex in Shinfield in 1982, again joined by Prince Philip. More than 5,000 children are reported to have been in the crowds, and played a fanfare in her honour.
The Royal Berkshire Hospital welcomed her in 2006 to celebrate the merging of the Battle Hospital with the main buildings.
In 2013, she presented Maundy money at Christ Church cathedral in Oxford. Recipients included parishioners from Sonning.
The queen’s jubilees – 1977, 2002 and 2012 – have been well celebrated in the borough, with street fayres, parties and special commemorations.
In 2012, members of Wokingham Art Society created a 36-metre long frieze with 18 panels depicting scenes from across her reign. A replica
of it is on display outside Wokingham’s railway station.
In recent years, she remained fit and active, still carrying out visits and chairing meetings.
She contracted covid in February, but recovered, and the town was able to celebrate her platinum jubilee in June with beacon lighting ceremonies, thanksgiving services, street parties and celebrations.
The borough’s four MPs all paid tribute to the Queen, recounting their personal emotions towards her.
Theresa May shared an anecdote of a picnic at Balmoral with the Queen during a House of Commons tribute: “The hampers came from the castle that we all looked into, put the food and drink out on the table. I picked up some cheese, put it on a plate and was transferring it to the table.
“The cheese fell on the floor.
“I had a split second decision to make. I picked up the cheese, and I put it on the plate, and put it on the table. I turned around and saw my every move had been watched very carefully by Her Majesty the Queen.
“I looked at her, she looked at me, and she just smiled and the cheese remained on the table.”
Books of condolence opened in many civic offices and churches across the borough as thousands wrote messages and shared their own personal encounters.
About 100 Hurst residents joined together at the community orchard at Church Hill for a moving commemoration of the Queen’s life
This included the lighting
of a beacon, first lit just 14 weeks earlier for the happy celebration of her platinum jubilee.
The bells at St Nicholas Church, Hurst, had rung fully muffled, apart from the tenor bell which was half muffled. This is the custom on the death of the monarch.
Rejoining the St Nicholas ringers for the first time in 20 years was Nicky Jones.
The church drew a large congregation for their commemoration service after the ringing.
The Revd Helen Charlton led the service and spoke of the Queen’s hope, humanity and faith.
Deacon at St Thomas More RC Church at Twyford, the Revd Michael Jackson, led the prayers.
After singing the national anthem the congregation crossed the road to the beacon lighting.
Churchwarden Sue Payne said: “We’re delighted so many people came.”
In the following days, local authorities up and down the country hosted their own proclamation ceremonies for the new Sovereign.
The ceremony does not create a new King.
It is an announcement of the accession which took place immediately upon the death of
the reigning monarch.
On Sunday, September 11, at exactly 2pm, Market Place in Wokingham Town Centre fell silent for the town’s own proclamation ceremony.
It felt like the whole of Wokingham had turned out with just one aim – to shout God Save The King.
Thousands of people flocked to Market Place to be part of this history. They filled the courtyard area, spilled round the sides of the town hall.
They stood on the other side of the road.
Toddlers sat on parents’ shoulders, while phones were held aloft, all to honour this moment in time.
Among the dignitaries were Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood, senior council staff, and councillors from town and borough councils.
As Wokingham’s first citizen, borough mayor, Cllr Caroline Smith explained the ceremony before proclaiming the beginning of the King’s reign.
She finished by saying God save the king, a refrain repeated by the assembled crowds.
A similar ceremony was held by Woodley Town Council, led by the town mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel.
Cllr Sartorel was joined by the town crier, Tony Roper, the deputy leader of Woodley
Town Council, Cllr Shandi Brindley and hundreds of residents.
A number of civic services were also held in churches as the borough wished farewell to the nation’s longest-serving monarch.
September saw the launch of The Berkshire Pet Food Bank, created by the owners of Best Friends Pet Store in Crowthorne.
The scheme aims to help pet owners who are struggling amidst the cost of living crisis.
Ridwan Sai, owner of the store which opened earlier this year, was determined to start the cause after learning of people giving up their pets due to affordability.
As a dog-owner himself, Mr Sai said he couldn’t imagine being forced to make a decision over keeping his dog.
He said: “The thought of having to give him up, if I didn’t have any money to feed him, it would destroy me so that was another motivation behind the idea.”
In our September 29 edition, we unveiled two proposals launched by Wokingham Borough Council as it continued to search for savings to cover a shortfall in its budget.
One would see weekly bin collections come to an end and the other would result in parking charges more than double for some areas in the borough.
Both would cause outcry from residents and councillors with the issues set to rumble on throughout the remainder of the year.
In more positive news, PT:U marked the opening of their new training centre, at the Pinewood Recreation Centre on Old Wokingham Road, with a range of activities and charity fundraisers.
As well as celebrating the new location, the open day was also raising money for a cause close to gym owners’ hearts.
“Kevin was a long term client and had worked with three of us throughout the time he trained with us,” said Richard Jones, co-owner of PT:U.
“During covid he was diagnosed with bowel cancer and unfortunately, just before we were due to move sites, he lost his battle so he was unable to see our new gym but we know he would’ve been fully supportive.
“We felt like we wanted to do something in memory of Kevin, a local businessman, a family man and an all round nice guy.”
The fundraising activities included a raffle and a sports massage and in total, the event raised £460 for Bowel Cancer UK.
IN OCTOBER we reported a harrowing story after a survey by Citizen Advice Wokingham, in collaboration with Age UK Berkshire, Wokingham United Charities and the Cowshed, revealed the devastating impact of the cost of living crisis in Wokingham.
Of the more than 600 replies, many residents were already struggling with more fearing how they would manage through the winter.
One Wokingham resident said: “Often the children eat pasta only and I scrape the plates down and eat the remains.”
Jake Morrison, chief executive at Citizens Advice Wokingham, said: “What we don’t know is what we don’t see, and that is the purpose of the survey.
Mr Morrison has worked at Citizens Advice for four years said he hasn’t before witnessed this level of demand for support.
One person described the rising cost of living as “catastrophic” with many saying they are having to choose between heating and eating.
“In a place like Wokingham borough, these are not things we would expect to hear every day,” said Mr Morrison.
“Never in the four years that I’ve been here have I heard such a volume of stories of real hardship that people are living in and experiencing.”
Of the responses to the survey, 93.4% were worried by energy costs with 78.8% anxious about the price of food.
Petrol and diesel was also high on the list of concerns, along with rising mortgage rates.
Plans to raise car parking prices continued to be at the forefront of discussions at Wokingham Borough Council meetings.
A Conservative petition to reverse the rise in charges received more than 4,000 signatures.
But the council decided increases were still necessary but chose to split the borough into two zones with the increases outside of Wokingham town centre not as large.
There will also be an increase to the charging hours when the changes come into force in January.
Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said the fees had to increase as income was between £600,000 and £800,000 below forecast, with usage below pre-
pandemic levels.
“Taking funding from the reserves, like the previous administration did, is not an option open to us, as the reserves are now low,” he said.
The increase of charging times was because “a Sunday and a bank holiday is similar to a normal shopping day”.
He felt: “The introduction of charges on these days is likely to cause a greater turnover in car parking, bringing in additional footfall with more people spending money in our town centres.
“That will be a boost to the local economy rather than long stays taking up spaces.”
It wouldn’t be a Wokingham review of the year if there weren’t concerns over development in the borough, an issue which has plagued residents and councillors of all political backgrounds in recent years.
Hall Farm’s place in the forthcoming local plan update – where homes will be built in Wokingham borough up to 2036 – continued to see residents raise questions.
The new administration said it had been working on revisions following consultation earlier this year.
Cllr Lindsay Ferris, the executive member for planning and the local plan, said the council was looking carefully at its options to ensure it would pass public examination.
A week later, scores of demonstrators took to the University of Reading to voice concerns over its plans to sell the 580 hectares of agricultural land.
Members of Save Our Loddon Valley Environment (SOLVE) Hall Farm were campaigning against the plans, which could see the development of 4,500 houses in Arborfield.
Frustrations could also be heard in Shinfield following a new traffic calming measure on the Reading Road.
Motorists described the new give way sign as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘dangerous’.
The sign was installed to reduce speeds, with vehicles heading towards Arborfield required to yield to oncoming traffic.
Drivers cited limited visibility due to the sign’s location on a bend.
Shinfield resident, Rob Boreham-Fish, said: “Why would anybody think it was a good idea to spend thousands of pounds sticking a signpost literally in the middle of the road on bends, forcing you into oncoming traffic?
“At night, there are no lights, just reflective bollards. These
installations need removing as soon as possible before the council has a fatality on their hands.”
Cllr Fishwick said the sign had complied with road safety checks but insisted an independent party would visit during the day and at night and suggest improvements if needed.
It’s an industry secret that many parents have super powers, and Justin Malin of Twyford is no different as he beat all the odds to complete 52 marathons in 52 weeks.
Justin was left with a broken breastbone (sternum), whiplash injuries and bruising in a car smash just 36 hours before he was due to make his last run in late September.
Despite his aches and pains he still turned out that day to thank his supporters at Stanlake Meadow, Twyford and tell them the run was postponed.
Then, amazingly, just 12 days after the crash, he went off to finish his challenge.
“When I finished the 26.2 miles I put out the news and had so many congratulations. The support from everyone has been fantastic,” he said.
Justin raised more than £6,000 for Make-A-Wish. The total will be doubled by his employer Volante in London.
He wasn’t the only Twyford resident getting their running shoes on as the village’s
fun run celebrated its 10th anniversary.
More than 300 people took part in The Twyford Together charity 5k and fun run at the Piggott School.
The bragging rights were awarded to Longfield Road, Jarvis Drive and Kibblewhite Crescent who won the fastest street competition.
Wokingham town was celebrating after scooping top honours in the Thames and Chiltern In Bloom awards.
The green-fingered efforts of residents and businesses saw it receive a gold award in the large town category. And several projects such as the Langborough Wildlife Garden
Clockwise from far left: Justin Malin completed 52 marathons in just over 52 weeks; plans to raise car parking fees caused much debate; the Twyford family fun run returned; fears over Hall Farm housing numbers formed part of the discussions over Wokingham’s new local plan
at Reading Cricket Club on Saturday, October 15, to mark Diwali, the festival of light, and Dussehra, the festival of good over evil.
Attendees were entertained by more than 40 artists throughout the afternoon including singers, dancers, Dhol drummers and a performance of a traditional Ramayan drama.
The focal point of the celebration was the effigy burning of demon king Raavan, an age-old tradition during Dussehra.
Ritesh Nigam, part of the organising team alongside Aradhana Singh, said: “It was a stunning afternoon and the burning of the effigy was spectacular.
“There were plenty of families bringing their children to see it and some that had travelled from far away.
“We would like it to happen again next year.”
In our last October edition, we produced a special report analysing where the council was proposing cuts to services.
were singled out by judges for being outstanding.
Wokingham was the regional winner for Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire in the awards, which are part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom contest.
The awards didn’t stop there.
Several of the projects that made up the Wokingham in Bloom entry received awards of their own with high praise from the judges.
Nearly 4,000 people came together to celebrate the Hindu festivals Diwali and Dussehra in Sonning.
The first Reading Dussehra Diwali Festival took place
At a meeting on Wednesday, October 27, councillors explored a number of ways the council could claw back a £4 million shortfall.
The alternative, dipping into the reserves, could see Wokingham placed in special measures in the same way as councils such as Slough are now run by the government
Among the options explored was night time dimming of street lights, reduced grass cutting, changes to waste collections and reducing the number of play areas.
None of the proposals are set in stone, but the financial position of the council, described as “perilous” by Graham Ebers, deputy chief executive and director of resources and assets, is the main priority for council staff.
THE month started with Wokingham remembering the fifth of November on Saturday as the annual firework display took place, with all tickets sold out.
Ten thousand people took part in a torchlit procession from Market Place to Cantley Park, before enjoying the night sky display.
Headed up by Wokingham borough mayor, Cllr Caroline Smith, 10-year-old mini mayor Jayden Hawie, and four-yearold poster competition winner Scarlett Kay, those taking part could enjoy music from Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band.
The firework display, created by MC Productions Group, was started by the mayor, with the help of Jayden and Scarlett.
The event was organised by members of Wokingham Rotary Club, Easthampstead Rotary Club, Wokingham Lions Club, Windsor Forest Unicorn Club, and Thames West Unicorn Club, and raised more than £30,000 for good causes chosen by the groups.
This year, that included Wokingham Foodbank, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Bracknell Foodbank, Tropic of Cancer, Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum, Life Education Wessex and Thames Valley, and Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.
The former Wokingham Post Office in Broad Street was recognised by Wokingham Borough Council as a building of traditional character following efforts from the Wokingham Society.
The Wokingham Society obtained agreement from Wokingham Borough Council that the Broad Street property should be recognised as a building of traditional local character – this category is just below that of listed structures maintained by Historic England.
The Council’s rules mean that the award “does not result in itself in any additional planning controls, but it is a material consideration in assessing any planning application for demolition, alteration or extension”.
The building, designed by David Dyke and completed in 1932, is considered to be a fine example of Neo-Georgian style architecture.
Peter Must, chairman of the Wokingham Society, said: “Wokingham, as an old market town, has a considerable number of distinctive buildings and other structures.
”We believe that affording listed or local recognition to as many of them as possible will help to preserve Wokingham’s
rich architectural heritage.
“The Post Office is a magnificent building in its own right, and it needs some protection from development.”
A bench to commemorate the bravery of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse was unveiled in Sonning.
Maidenhead MP Theresa May joined Professor Alexis Jay to mark the moment which was part of a project that is seeing benches installed across the country.
The borough’s bench has been placed in King George V Field in the village, and its motto reads: “Every child deserves love, guidance, understanding and protection”.
This was a message from a victim and survivor who gave evidence to an independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.
Mrs May said: “I’d like pay tribute to all those who have had the courage to speak out and who did so to save the next generation of children from the abuse they suffered.”
The borough once again pulled out all the stops to ensure the annual season of remembrance was a fitting memorial to those who paid the ultimate price for peace.
Prior to Armistice Day, the main focus was on the Poppy Appeal store that opened in Peach Place. Then, on Friday, November 11, at 11am, Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Maria Gee led a short moment of reflection, including a twominute silence.
On Sunday, the borough held a number of services and moments of reflection to ensure people had an opportunity to take part.
Hurst’s Remembrance service on Sunday started with a short procession including Winnersh Royal British Legion and the village’s Scouting and Guiding movements.
A two-minute silence was held and two guides read out the names of the Hurst people who died in the two world wars.
Scouts paraded in Twyford to St Mary’s Church, where an act of remembrance took place around the war memorial in the churchyard with hundreds in attendance.
Finchampstead held its first service in the Memorial Park, following the move of the war memorial.
The Barkham Hookers played their part in decorating postboxes across the village.
In Woodley, Ronnie Goodberry was among those who helped organise a service around its war memorial in Woodford Park.
Arborfield residents gathered around Arborfield
Cross, and were joined by Sir John Redwood.
The Wokingham MP was also in the procession that formed up in Market Place in Wokingham’s town centre on Sunday afternoon.
Due to renovation works taking place in All Saints Church, the civic service, also attended by Wokingham town councillors, was held at St Paul’s on Reading Road.
The procession was headed up by the Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band, while the service was led by Richard Lamey, canon of St Paul’s. Afterwards, wreath laying took place in Wokingham town hall.
Beech Hill Memorial Hall’s event saw more than 80 visitors, young and old, light torches at the village green before walking up to the memorial hall.
Organiser Anton Roberts said: “Everyone has busy lives so it’s important to enjoy events like this as a village, grabbing a bite to eat at the end. It was a great opportunity to talk about what’s been going on in the village.”
With one of the hottest summers on record a distant memory, attention turned to how to protect the most vulnerable in our
community as winter set in.
Wokingham Borough Council invited organisations and groups within its boundaries to run warm spaces.
Co-ordinated by The Hardship Alliance, the initiative aims to ensure anyone struggling to heat their homes has access to support close to where they live.
The spaces will allow residents to stay warm while their heating is off at home, while also maintaining social interactions over fun activities.
Emma Cantrell, chief executive officer of First Days Children’s Charity and member of the Hardship Alliance, said: “These spaces will be somewhere anyone can go, be treated fairly, get help if they need it and ensure those who need us most get the support they need.”
Shinfield Parish Council launched its own warm hub on Monday, November 14, providing a weekly heated room in the School Green Centre.
Shinfield Parish clerk Bruce Winton said: “Unfortunately, there is a need for them and it’s sad that we have to do it, but we’re very happy, as a parish council, to
be offering a service like this.”
Help hub network Torch also organised warm banks in Earley and Lower Early seven days a week, rotating between the Salvation Army, St Nicholas, Lower Earley Baptist Church, Brookside and Trinity.
No winter in Wokingham is complete without The Wokingham Winter Carnival.
Despite a damp start to the day, an estimated 20,000 people came to enjoy the event.
The winter celebration was spread throughout the town, with a funfair that stretched from Broad Street to Peach Street.
Tim Hanton, chair of Wokingham Lions Club who were organising the event for the first time welcomed everyone to the carnival, and began by thanking all the committee members, who have been working on the project for the last 10 months.
Wokingham Town mayor, councillor Maria Gee then opened the event, along with her mayor’s consort Chris Gee, and mini mayor Jayden Hawie.
Visitors enjoyed fairground rides and free all-day entertainment from the Market Place stage, with performances from a number of choirs and music groups.
The day’s festivities ended with a traditional carol concert, the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Market Square, and a laser show that lit up the town.
Following the event, Mr Hanton said: “We were really pleased with the Winter Carnival this year.
“We had more stalls than last year and the initial feedback from the charity stalls is that they have done really well, which is fantastic as that is part of the aim of the day to support the local charities in Wokingham.”
A light-hearted story we covered was the discovery of the largest chip in the United Kingdom – well not quite.
Alistair Coleman, 56 and living near Wokingham, discovered the extraordinarily long teatime treat in a £1.50 packet of Waitrose Essentials Crinkle Cut oven chips.
Although the Guinness World Records says that there is no known record for the longest chip, this would have been a contender at almost the length of a standard fork.
Sadly, Mr Coleman won’t be able to brandish anything other than a photo should it need verification – he liked the chip so much, he ate it.
DECEMBER came with the news that the Government is set to shake-up housing targets so they are flexible and meet local circumstances.
The move was welcomed by all corners of the borough as it was a potential light at the end of the tunnel for Wokingham’s battle with development.
The housing bill would be amended to allow ‘the right homes in the right places with the right infrastructure’, and give residents a greater say.
Wokingham borough currently has to build nearly 800 new homes a year, but would no longer be a fixed target.
Michael Gove, the returning Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said: “If we are to deliver the new homes this country needs, new development must have the support of local communities.”
James Sunderland, the MP for Bracknell, said: “I have been clear since being elected that we must not concrete over what is left of our open spaces.
“Having fought hard against top-down housing targets, I am delighted their abolition will now allow local people to better protect their own communities.
“It will also give our councils the power to say ‘no’ to unscrupulous developers and landowners.”
Wokingham Borough Council leader Cllr Clive Jones also welcomed the change in policy.
“We’re very, very pleased,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to taking up an invitation to join a round table discussion with ministers on the matter.
“It gives us a chance to influence housing numbers, something a leader of Wokingham Borough Council has never had a chance to do before. It means more influence on the type of housing that is built in Wokingham. We need more affordable homes.
“Our position has led us to having a big opportunity to have an influence on government policy.”
Cllr Jones’ predecessor, Cllr John Halsall, also lobbied the government – then led by Boris Johnson – over housing numbers.
As one battle for council representatives appeared to have eased, the concerns around its finances continued.
Our front cover on December 22, depicted Rishi Sunak as Ebeneezer Scrooge after the government released the first details of its Local Government Finance Settlement grants for
the forthcoming financial year, and once again Wokingham is set to be the lowest funded unitary authority.
While the final figures have yet to be determined, it is thought the borough will receive around £1.8 million –£200,000 less than expected, adding to the council’s financial deficit.
Announcing the plans, the Levelling Up secretary, MP Michael Gove, said overall it was a 9% increase on last year’s settlement. The rate of inflation at the time was 10.7%.
Mr Gove said: “We recognise the pressures councils are facing right now and this spending boost will provide the support and funding local authorities need to continue delivering first rate public services.”
Cllr Jones had concerns over the figures that were announced.
“I have quite a number of questions,” he said. “We’ve unwrapped a Christmas present from the government and the box is empty.”
Earlier in the month, Wokingham welcomed a new pub to the town as The Foundry Bell opened its doors to punters on December 2.
The London Road pub, on the site of the former Loch Fyne which closed earlier this year, was returned to its roots nearly 100 years after it opened as The Plough back in 1924.
It underwent a three-month refurbishment that pays tribute to its heritage while looking forward to the future.
The pub’s manager Mason Gray said: “After months of renovation, we’ve been waiting patiently to be able to open our doors, and the whole team is hugely excited to finally welcome locals dropping in for a pint by the fireplace, friends getting together or families hosting celebrations in our new pub.
Woodley’s town centre was once again transformed into a winter wonderland as its annual extravaganza returned..
The Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct was packed with people as crowds turned out for a day of festive merriment.
Launching the event were Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Caroline Smith, Woodley town mayor Cllr Janet Sartorel and Reading East MP Matt Rodda.
Woodley Town Centre manager Brian Fennelly was delighted with how the event had gone, not least as it was set up in drizzly rain which later gave way to a cold, but dry day.
“I’m really pleased, we had
decent weather in the end and huge crowds came out,” he said.
The final month of the year saw the launch of a new initiative launched by town centre stores as they teamed up with Thames Valley Police, Wokingham Borough and Wokingham Town Council to create Shopwatch, a way to share real-time information about thieves.
The scheme will operate in the Wokingham town area, including Woosehill and Norreys, and has been funded for an initial two years thanks to the Community Safety Partnership.
PS Paul Bentley said: “If a theft has just occurred in store, or some anti-social behaviour outside, that can immediately be shared with other shops, so everyone in Shopwatch gets the message.”
And to any thieves thinking of targeting Wokingham, PC Bentley warned: “You will get banned from all premises that are participating in Shopwatch. It’s going to make it tough for shoplifters.”
With Christmas just around the corner, Santa’s were busy delivering presents – but not on a sleigh.
Thousands of Santa’s and Minions took to the streets of Reading and Wokingham
on their motorbikes for the 36th running of the Reading Christian Motorcyclists’ Toy Run
Gifts were delivered to High Close School to be given to children who might not otherwise receive presents this festive season.
New and experienced participants were blessed with ideal conditions as the course stayed dry throughout the event.
The Revd Sean Stillman, one of the event’s organisers, said: “It went really well, we had a great turnout with around 1,600 participants altogether coming from far distances.
“As always, we are hugely grateful to those who took part as riders and for the community’s support and volunteers. We have a team of 20 people called the road crew who take care of logistics, signage and liaising with the council and police, as well as 100 volunteer marshalls.
“For a volunteer effort, it’s not bad. Most of those working relationships have come out of doing the Toy Run, so it really is a communal venture from start to finish.”
At the time of writing, the group had exceeded their £1,500 target and were close to £2,000.
Kris Kringle wasn’t finished there as hundreds of red robed runners took part in a charity fun run.
The Rotary Club of Reading held its annual Santa Run at a new venue - the grounds of the University of Reading.
There were two-routes with an accessible option making it a family-friendly event, the only proviso is they had to run wearing a Santa suit or Elf costume.
And given the very cold temperatures – the mercury was just above freezing – it was almost as if the race was taking place in the North Pole.
Eydis Bjornsdottir, one of the organising team, was delighted with how the event had gone.
“The new venue was winter wonderful, the white fog and frosty trees were absolutely beautiful and incredibly festive,” she said.
Saint Nick was being wellrepresented in Emmbrook the grounds of Emmbrook infant and junior schools were de-iced in time for the Jingle Bell Jog.
Freezing temperatures may have meant the earth stood hard as iron, but that didn’t stop those taking part from enjoying the two-mile course.
Christine Leddy, from the PTA, said around 250 runners took part in the event.
“People enjoyed dressing up,” she said. “There was a prize for the best fancy dress, which was won by a man with a turkey hat on, a man wearing an Elf dress, and a family wearing Oodies.” (A kind of poncho-like hooded blanket – editor).
The season of giving continued in with more than 1,000 presents donated to this year’s Giving Tree appeal, ensuring it will be a happy Christmas Day for children across the borough.
Each recipient is a young person whose family is experiencing hardship, and may not otherwise have a present to open on the big day.
The appeal was organised by Gill Mckernan. She is work experience coordinator at Barnardo’s High Close School, Wokingham, and starts planning the annual appeal in September, with November and December very busy months as the appeal gains momentum.
She said: “Words cannot express how grateful all the charities are with the response to this year’s Giving Tree.
“The kind and generous local people have dug deep, even during these difficult financial times, and bought the most amazing gifts so that no young person will go without this Christmas.”
WHAT a great 12 months it’s been for the music scene in Reading and Wokingham.
We’ve had some big names pay a visit, some great acts make massive strides, and new acts have come to the fore.
We’ve loved every second of it.
Each week, the RaW Sounds Today playlist has presented 10 great tunes for you to enjoy, and this week we thought we’d look back at the best of the best.
A panel that supports the local music scene has come together to select the 20 top tunes.
And best of all, you can tune in courtesy of our free Spotify playlist.
It’s a different link to our usual one. Head to https://spoti.fi/3YGqokU and you can hear it in all its glory.
We wish you a very happy and musical new year.
They were No 2 in last year’s Top 20 of the year. At the time we said that they were ‘clearly one to watch in 2022’. They certainly proved that we weren’t wrong.
Third Lung have had an incredible year and their hard work combined with the band’s great musicianship and front person, Tom Farrelly’s impressive songwriting ensured that they are very worthy of this year’s top spot.
No Names is taken from their critically acclaimed debut album Gameplay, which is surely one of the albums of the year.
They were one to watch in 2022 and they are clearly one to watch in 2023 too – http://www. thirdlungband.com/
Here’s another artist that has climbed our Top 20.
Last year he was No 9 with Chinchilla and this year’s he’s at No 2.
He performed a brilliant showcase set at Wokingham Festival in the summer where he came on and owned the stage.
It felt as if we were watching a star in the making and one of the highlights of the year was the Split the Dealer headlining show at Sub 89. What a night that was.
Being part of the crowd singing along to this anthem was a moment to savour – https://www. splitthedealer.com/ Selina and the Howlin Dogs –Slow Train Blues
Selina and the band performed great shows during 2022 including a support to the legendary Dr Feelgood and at Wokingham Festival where they were interviewed by festival MC, Andy Jones for broadcast on his BBC Radio Berkshire Show.
The band also released their debut album Blues Revisted which was well received as evidenced by this high Top 20 entry – https:// www.selinaandthehowlindogs.com/
This is an excellent single from a local band who have been growing their audience with some great live shows. They have exciting plans for 2023 and, if this single is anything to go by, they are destined for a good year – https://www. rilasedge.com/ Reliant – Pain of it All
Reliant are another band that have been picking up new fans with their shows at gigs and festivals during the year as well as releasing a couple of indie anthem singles which showcase their powerful sound – https://linktr.ee/ wearereliant
It’s wonderful when you hear an exciting debut single, such as this one, from a new young local band that shows great potential.
This three-piece have just released their second single and that’s great too – https://www. facebook.com/AdomaniaBand
This artist and his songs have such a feelgood vibe that you have a smile on your face
whenever you see him play live. His performance at Wokingham Festival in the summer sun was wonderful –https://linktr.ee/ thewavemachine
Katie Ellwood –Twice Katie, from Wokingham, has had a very good year with the release of her incredibly creative album Interference, some very well received live shows and this single which showcases her songwriting talents – https://www. katieellwood.com/
Lonely Robot –
As well as touring with Frost* and Arena, Reading’s John Mitchell joined The Room and The Paradox Twin on stage at Wokingham Festival and released a brilliant
Lonely Robot album, A Model Life including this song – https://johnmitchellhq.com/
Dakorra released the Elevate Me EP during the year, a four-track EP combining Electronica, guitars and voice to great effect. Having seen a very good live set at Loddfest we look forward to hearing more in 2023 – https://www.facebook. com/dakorraband/
As well as supporting local bands we like to support venues and promoters that bring artists from elsewhere to play. One example is Club Velocity who put on a show bringing this legendary artist to Reading – https://www. spizzenergi.com/
Another promoter bringing legendary artists to play in the area is Stan Hetherington through his Wokingham Music Club. What a great show Toyah performed when she visited back in January to play her classics and new material –https://toyahwillcox.com/
Deva is an exciting artist that has released a
number of impressive singles over the last few years including this one in 2022. She certainly went down well at Wokingham Festival with a brilliant powerful set – https://www.facebook. com/dayvasaintjohn/
During 2022, Spriggan Mist have been spreading their magic throughout the country at festivals and gigs with their unique live performances. This is from their latest album, Isambard the Mechanical Dragon – https://www. sprigganmist.com/
Joe performed a wonderful solo set when he visited to perform on the Wokingham Music Club Stage at Wokingham Festival. This is from his By Name, By Nature album. Watch out for new music in 2023 – https://www.thatjoepayne.com/
OSP are a rap collective from Reading who released a number of singles in 2022 including this one.
They create music and lyrics with a positive attitude and when they perform live that positivity really lifts the audience – https://www. facebook.com/ospmusicuk/
Beautifully melodic vocal harmonies with a psychedelic feel from a Derby band who released their album, Prosaic Turbulence on Billywitch Records, a label of Wokingham’s Mega Dodo Records – https://www.facebook.com/
These London-based indie rockers performed a blistering set at Third Lung’s Loddfest in the summer and released this single. They also came to Wokingham’s The Redan a few weeks ago –https://www.louisandtheshakes.com/
This Reading based band showed how good they are during the year with the release of their impressive debut album, Problematic Passions from which this is taken. They also performed a great set at Loddfest – https://linktr.ee/melloruk
We first heard this single when the band posted it in the Wokingham Loves Music chat group. It was so good we went to check them out live and were very impressed. Looking forward to seeing what they do in 2023 –https://lilacband.co.uk/
No Names by Third Lung
Chris Hillman (White Star Records / Magick Eye Records)
Heavy Rain by Adomania Nathan Fullbrook (Jamma Music)
Laura by Third Lung
Dean Nelson (Generation Studio)
Someone New by Rila’s Edge
John Blaney (Mega Dodo Records / Billywitch Records)
Where’s Captain Kirk? by Spizzenergi
Slow
Levitate
From Slough and Reading. Enjoy a nostalgic steam journey reliving the Golden Age of rail travel with a choice of destinations – Bath or Gloucester.
We shall steam along the Kennet & Avon canal, climb up to Savernake summit and steam on through the attractive Vale of Pewsey and pass the famous White Horse at Westbury. You can choose to visit the Georgian city of Bath, renowned for its fine architecture, magnificent Abbey, Roman Baths, Pump House and small independent shops.
Alternatively, stay on board for Gloucester where you will find the 11th Century cathedral. Gloucester’s historic maritime connections are centred around Gloucester Docks home to the National Waterways Museum.
• Premier Dining £285pp/£870 family – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
• First Class £185pp/£565 family – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
• Standard Class £115pp/£358 family – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
£10 per person discount quote: WEA
From Slough and Reading. Join us for a scenic rail tour by steam train through the beautiful Cotswold Hills with a choice of destinations –Cheltenham or Worcester. With our magnificent steam locomotive at the head, our train will travel through the Vale of the White Horse and along the Golden Valley line. You can choose to spend the afternoon at spa town Cheltenham enjoying the fine Regency architecture with its Pittville Pump Room. Alternatively, stay on board for the fine city of Worcester. Set on the River Severn, Worcester’s 12th Century cathedral is the resting place of King John. The final battle of the Civil War between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II took place here and you can also find the Museum of Royal Worcester.
• Premier Dining £285pp/£870 family – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
• First Class £185pp/£565 family – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
• Standard Class £115pp/£358 family – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
£10 per person discount quote: WEB
RC
ACROSS DOWN
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
14.
Mowed a ploughed field (6)
Sarah puts peg in this column (6)
It is fair when it isn’t sloping (2,3,5)
Discover heartless devil (4)
Place worker after ten with officer (10)
The man next door has taken her in (4)
Hold out to the final (4)
Smallest circus performer? (4)
Have a drink in the east lying on one’s back (6)
Unusual task for casual worker (3,3) 5. It is used by acrobats including river in public transport route (10) 6. Ordered square Edam in disguise (10) 10. Grounds for making a second time (10) 11. It’s nonsense to fool around with paddle (10) 15. Her ingenuity first will fade (6) 16. Lust he discovered in detective (6)
Violet takes Alan a small bottle (4)
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.
Strip of wood from a mill at Huddersfield (4)
Guidelines:
Creates; 22 Ormolu; 23 Pliers; 24 Single; 27 Mane; 28
19
Hi-fi;
Pass;
13 Lawless; 16 Item; 17 Tale; 18
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Thankless; 9 Caliph; 10 Grip; 11
CRYPTIC
RAMS were knocked off the top of the National One table after their home game with Chinnor was postponed due to a frozen pitch.
The game was originally due to be played under the Old Bath Road floodlights on Friday, December 16, but even pushing it back to the following day was not enough to get the game on.
New leaders Sale FC came from 15-7 behind to beat Leeds Tykes, establishing a four-point advantage at the summit albeit Rams have a game in hand.
Despite slipping to second, it has been a successful four months for Rams, who set a club record 11 wins to start the campaign.
They began with an entertaining 38-21 home win against Esher, before triumphing 46-30 in a floodlit game at Chinnor.
A 59-26 home success
against the other promoted team, Hull, and preceded an outstanding 40-10 victory at Bishop’s Stortford.
The points continued to flow with a 40-15 win against visitors Darlington Mowden Park – the north-east side hampered by an early red card for hooker Josh Crickmay.
Rams ended Cambridge’s
perfect start to the season by holding off a ferocious fightback in a 29-26 win at Old Bath Road, and then torpedoed Rosslyn Park’s unbeaten run with a 29-21 triumph at The Rock.
A third half-century came during a 50-25 defeat of visitors Birmingham Moseley in Round Eight, and Rams then ran in another six tries
during a 36-10 win at Leeds Tykes.
A slight wobble was overcome the week after as the hosts came from 14-7 down with 15 minutes remaining to beat Plymouth Albion 26-14, with the record 11th win coming in a 27-24 success at a wet Taunton Titans.
A 27-24 home reverse to Sale ended the streak – Will Partington’s last-gasp penalty just falling the wrong side of the posts – before a lack of discipline led to a 37-17 loss at Cinderford last time out.
All this leaves Rams with 57 points from their 13 games – in the mix at the top with Sale (61 from 14), Rosslyn Park (53, 14), Cambridge (50,12) and Cinderford (46, 12).
Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds is pleased with where his side at. He said: “We wouldn’t swap our position – this is the best slot we’ve ever been in at Christmas and I can’t fault the effort of any of the lads.” n Rams return to action at Hull on Saturday, January 7.
MASTER marksman Cameron George admitted his heart was racing before he landed the match-winning last-gasp penalty which helped Rams Under 23s to a thrilling 18-17 success at Chinnor on Wednesday evening.
A terrific contest under the Kingsey Road floodlights saw the lead change hands three times in the final five minutes, but it was flyhalf Cameron who had the ultimate say when his 35-metre penalty crept in off the right-hand post to just about get his side over the line.
When asked whether he thought the kick was good as it left his boot, the match-winner said: “No. There might have been a bit of help, but we’ll take it.
“Stepping up to take it there were a few nerves and the heart was going a bit, but it was just a great feeling afterwards when it went through and then with the final whistle.”
Cam was one of several players involved who have been part of the league-leading Centaurs outfit this season.
“It’s definitely improved my game a lot,” he said.
“Playing with a few older people
has helped me grow up a bit, and hopefully I can keep getting better.”
“The emotion in these sorts of games is just great and the atmosphere on and off the pitch was good – they’re friendlies in name, but they’re not really.
“It was great to see everyone back from University and it was a good standard throughout.
“It was a cracking evening.”
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
After a tricky 2021/22 campaign that saw Moore stripped of the club captaincy and then shipped out on loan to Stoke City, there was more adversity for him as he suffered a season ending injury.
Moore has been out on the sidelines now for more than eight months but is finally nearing a return.
“One thing for sure is that when Liam Moore was playing that he was a very good player and captain of this football club,” said Ince.
“I wasn’t here when it all went on and I don’t really give a monkeys what’s gone on.
“All I’m concerned about is having a quality player come into my team and help us to get where we want to be.”
With Moore’s return to the team causing a split in opinion among fans, Ince believes that it will prove to only be a positive thing for the team.
He continued: “If there’s issues with the fans, I don’t think there should be.
“We’re all trying to pull in the same direction.
“If he can help us do that, then great. I love fans, they;re great, they all have opinions and that’s football.
“If Liam Moore comes back in and starts performing the way we know he can, that can only benefit the football club.
“He looks super duper.
“He’s fit, he’s tackling, he’s aggressive. I can’t believe he’s been out for so long.”
Moore joined the Royals back in 2016 from Leicester City, and has played more than 200 league games for the club.
The centre-back was handed the club captaincy at the start of the 2019/20 season but after stating that he wanted to leave, he was stripped of that title at the start of this year.
Since returning and going through injury rehabilitation,
Moore is close to making a return to first-team action, but Ince stated that he must remain patient after the defender has been out for more than eight months.
“He’s come back looking like a machine and sometimes you
get a bit excited but we have to be careful because he’s not ready yet.
“We might have an in house game to get him and Scott Dann up to scratch.
“He’s looking really good, they’re both looking really good to be fair.”
The Kestrels got themselves in front after 12 minutes when Conor Richardson’s strike hit the post, but he was first to react to the rebound to find the net.
Just before the hour mark, Woodley found their second of the game when Ciaran Carolan netted to give them comfort.
The win means that Woodley end the year in ninth position in the Combined Counties Division One table on 28 points from 19 games.
Woodley manager Jordan Blake said: “A professional performance from us this afternoon (Tuesday). Clean sheet to go with it.
“On another day we could have had four or five goals but pleasing nonetheless.
“After nearly a month of not playing we showed great energy levels and quality in key moments to get us the win.”
SANDHURST TOWN smacked six past Hillingdon Borough without reply to end their year on a high.
After a superb first-half of the season, the Fizzers sit in second place on 42 points having won all seven of their home fixtures.
Sandhurst only trail top of the table Langley by one point and have two games in hand to catch up on.
BRACKNELL TOWN picked up three points on the road at Beaconsfield Town in the Southern League Premier South.
After falling behind in the 19th minute, George Knight levelled the game to make it all square at the break.
Beaconsfield retook the lead in the 50th minute but Bracknell hit back again when Gary Abisogun scored.
The Robins then used the momentum to go on to take all three points when Joe Grant scored the winner seven minutes from time.
The win moves Bracknell up to fifth on 33 points from 18 games.
The Robins also have games in hand to play on all the sides above them in the table.
READING FC travel away to Carrow Road tomorrow to face Norwich City in their final match of 2022.
The Canaries will prove to be a tricky test having been relegated from the Premier League last season where they are now looking to win back yet another promotion to the top flight.
Prior to the Boxing Day fixtures, Dean Smith’s team are in fifth position in the Championship.
They have 10 wins, five draws and eight losses which sees them on 35 points at Christmas.
Smith took over at Norwich in the Premier League last season but couldn’t help them avoid the drop as they finished bottom of the table on 22 points.
The Canaries have had a tough run of results at home, but have managed to pick up plenty of points on the road.
Norwich are winless at Carrow Road since October when they defeated Stoke City 3-1.
Since then, they have drawn one and lost two home matches including their 2-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers on December 17.
The Royals have already faced
Norwich once this season at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in October.
The match ended with both teams taking a share of the points after Jeff Hendrick’s goal after an hour cancelled out Grant Hanley’s opener just 10 minutes earlier.
Despite having plenty of possession in that game (66%), Norwich were unable to hurt the Reading defence and managed just one shot on target throughout the
READING FC will be looking to get revenge over West Brom during the busy festive period.
With several tough games on the horizon, the Royals kick off the New Year with an away trip to the Hawthorns on Monday, January 2 (kick-off 3pm).
The Baggies have had a difficult start to the season and have underperformed thus far after being tipped as one of the favourites for promotion prior to the start of the season.
A dreadful run under Steve Bruce, that saw them win just once in their opening 13 matches, cost him his job and he was replaced by former Huddersfield Town boss Carlos Coberan with West Brom in the relegation places.
Bruce was sacked just days before Reading hosted West Brom at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in October.
Despite not yet having appointed
entire match.
On their last visit to Carrow Road in May 2021, Reading were beaten heavily by the side that eventually won promotion.
Josh Laurent put the visitors ahead after 12 minutes but a double from Kieran Dowell had Norwich in front before late goals from Xavi Quintilla and Teemu Pukki ensured the hosts took all three points.
Reading are winless in their last eight meetings with Norwich and
last defeated them in December 2016.
Yann Kermogant, Garath McCleary and Callum Harriott were on the scoresheet for Reading that day to help them to a 3-1 success.
Norwich striker Josh Sargent is currently on nine goals from 21 matches which puts him joint second in the list of top scorers in the division.
Meanwhile, Pukki has seven goals and four assists to his name.
Reading before Boxing Day. Reading are winless against West Brom in their last seven meetings (five defeats, two draws).
They last beat the Baggies in February 2016 in the FA Cup. Goals from Paul McShane, Michael Hector and Lucas Piazon ensured the Royals progressed to the quarterfinals.
Reading will come up against former player John Swift who departed Berkshire in the summer to join West Brom on a free transfer after his contract expired.
After suffering several injury issues from a number of players during his tenure at Reading, Ince was delighted to report no new injuries.
“Today was the first time since I started that we’ve had a full squad out on the training ground,” said Ince before Christmas.
“Not one person in the medical room –everyone was out and that’s a nice feeling.
“To look and see no injury worries, in the next 23 games we should be stronger and we can afford to start moving the formation and go more attacking.
“We’ve got tough fixtures coming up. The spirit is there and we will keep fighting.”
Despite having no new injury worries, Ince confirmed that Ovie Ejaria is still away from the squad.
Ejaria missed the one week trip to Tenerife due to disciplinary reasons and is currently recovering from an injury.
He continued: “Ovie has not been back in the squad.
“He’s still getting treatment and we will welcome him back once he’s fit.
a new boss, Albion came away with a much-needed win with goals from Matty Phillips and Taylor GardnerHickman giving the away team three points.
West Brom’s form has picked up considerably since Coberan joined as head coach, and he managed to push them up the table.
Prior to the Boxing Day fixtures, Albion are in 16th position having won five of their last six games.
Before the World Cup break, West Brom picked up wins against Blackpool, QPR, Stoke City and
returned to action after the four week hiatus with an away victory at Sunderland before they defeated Rotherham at the Hawthorns. However, the Baggies’ purple patch was brought to an end on Wednesday, December 21 where they suffered a 1-0 loss at Coventry City after a last-gasp penalty from Viktor Gyokeres won the Sky Blues the game.
After 23 games, West Brom have amassed 29 points with seven wins, eight draws and eight losses, which sees them three points behind
Swift joined Reading in 2016 from Chelsea and played 187 times for the Royals in the Championship.
He netted 31 goals and became a pivotal player during his six season stint at the club.
His highest scoring campaign came in his last year at the club in 2021/22 where he scored 11 times in 38 matches to help Reading avoid the drop.
Swift has currently scored three times and has four assists in 21 matches for his new club.
“He has to play a part in what we are trying to achieve and if you’re not going to do that at some stage, you have to be dealt with. He’s a talented player and we could do with his help.
“Hutch (Sam Hutchinson) is probably another week away. We’ve got Naby (Sarr) coming back, Liam Moore is another two or three weeks away.
“We’ve got a big squad, but you look at it now and Naby [Sarr] still needs to get up to scratch, Tom McIntyre has been out for a month-and-ahalf.
“Liam Moore has been out for eight months, Scott Dann has been out for eight months.
“So, you think they’re back, but they’re not really back because they’re going to need three or four games to get to Championship level.”
Made a vital double save to deny Cooper moments before Carroll’s goal. Came out promptly when required.
Junior HoilettA quiet night on the offensive side of things, but the Canadian did well to blunt the threat from Swansea’s left.
Andy YiadomStarted brightly making interceptions in Swansea’s half. Was caught out in behind on a number of occasions.
Tom HolmesMade a few rash challenges receiving a yellow. A disciplined performance but was sometimes a little too high up the pitch.
Naby SarrWas solid in the air and dominated his aerial duels. Hardly let Joel Piroe out of his sight.
Tom McIntyreAdjusted to left-wing back well and was largely able to contain Matty Sorinola. Was even able to add the odd foray forward.
InceA committed performance. Was willing to run beyond Carroll while also adding metal in the centre of the park. Took his goal well.
Mamadou LoumDazzled with some neat turns and flicks. Almost scored from the halfway line after spotting the keeper off his line but it flew wide.
Jeff HendrickWas always going to be a difficult night against a possession-based side but should be credited for his industry in the middle.
Yakou MeiteWill be disappointed not to have converted his penalty. Was willing to do the hard yards on both ends of the pitch.
CarrollWorked hard and deserved to get on the scoresheet. Was a threat in the air and also protected it well.
Carroll put the Royals in front and after Yakou Meite missed from the spot, Ince’s deflected effort gave Reading a two-goal cushion quickly after the restart.
Swansea got themselves back in the game after Liam Cullen scored to set up a nervy last 20 minutes.
But the Royals learnt their lessons from the reverse fixture and held on to the points to move to eighth in the Championship table.
Paul Ince made three switches from Reading’s defeat at Birmingham City 11 days ago as Andy Carroll and Junior Hoilett returned to the side.
Reading flew quickly out the traps when they pressed high to win the ball deep in Swansea’ half as Andy Yiadom nicked the ball, tried to find a teammate in the box but was thwarted.
Reading’s bright start saw Tom McIntyre, deployed at left-wing back, link nicely with Yakou Meite who was persistent and energetic throughout the half and he won the games first corner.
The Swans grew into the game and wasted a chance from a freekick wide on the right that was well overhit before Joe Lumley rushed off his line to head away an attempted through ball.
The first effort on target came when McIntyre released Tom Ince down the channell and he found
READING: Lumley, Yiadom (c), Holmes, Sarr, McIntyre, Hoilett, Hendrick, Loum, Ince, Meite, Carroll
SUBS: Bouzanis, Rahman, Mbengue, Guinness-Walker, Azeez, Long, Joao
SWANSEA CITY: Benda, Manning, Fulton, Cabango, Darling, Allen, Grimes (c), Piroe, Wood, Sorinola, Cooper
SUBS: Fisher, Paterson, Cundle, Oko-Flex, Latibeaudiere, Naughton
GOALS: Carroll 27’, Ince 53’, Cullen 71’
Carroll in the middle with a cross, but he couldn’t get enough on his header to cause any trouble for Steven Benda.
Lumley then came to the rescue when a ricochet fell kindly for Oli Cooper to strike, but the keeper made a strong double stop before Ryan Manning blasted the ball over the top.
The Royals broke the deadlock when Benda could only punch Ince’s free-kick as far as Carroll who reacted quickest and drilled a low
volley past a host of bodies to find the net.
In a flurry of frantic action, Reading had the chance to extend their lead just four minutes after the opener when Carroll was hauled down in the box by Jay Fulton.
Meite stepped up to take the spot kick but smashed his effort high into the stands as the chance to take a comfortable lead went begging.
The game paused just before half-time after a medical emergency
READING FC boss Paul Ince described the Royals’ win over Swansea City as a ‘chaotic’ game of football.
The Royals went two goals ahead with goals from Andy Carroll and Tom Ince despite a missed penalty from Yakou Meite.
The win means that Reading climb up to eighth in the Championship table.
“We made hard work of it, but that’s us,” said Ince.
“It’s the way we are at this moment in time.
“We’re at a club that’s not used to winning games consistently.
“I’m delighted that’s three out of four we’ve won. We’ve got to get used to winning games and feeling comfortable when
we’re in a winning position.
“The way they play football it’s a manager’s worst nightmare. You try to get them up the park and they just don’t move.
“Eventually it’s just fingers crossed and hope you get the result.
“We have to be braver and get higher.”
He continued: “Even if we scored the penalty I wouldn’t have felt comfortable after what happened at the Liberty Stadium where we were 2-0 up and then lost 3-2. You’ve got to hit the target, you’ve got to score.
“(Carroll) took the last one, we’ve got a few penalty takers. Shane has taken them and Tom (Ince) can take them. Yak said he wanted to take it but if you do that, you’ve got to score.”
Ince was unhappy with his team dropping deep to defend the lead but was pleased with their persistence to see the game out having lost a two- goal lead to Swansea earlier in the season.
He continued: “All of a sudden you could sense it and feel it and know what’s going to happen.
“We were defending deep and they had a free header three minutes into injury time. You can’t allow people to have free headers in the six yard.
“We were panicking and you can’t do that when you’re defending, you have to be cool and calm.
“It put pressure on our goal and at times we rode our luck in the second-half. It was chaotic football and that’s not good for a manager of my age that’s for sure.
“We have to learn from those mistakes because you won’t always ride the luck. “Luckily for us we managed to hold on. It was a good game of football and very exciting and now I know why Sky keeps picking us every week.”
in the Swansea end.
Reading went into half-time with a one goal lead but left ruing a missed penalty having seen a lead slip against Swansea earlier in the campaign.
Lumley was called into action quickly after the restart and spread himself wide to prevent Joel Piroe nipping past him in the box.
The hosts were rewarded for their positive display via a fortuitous deflection just seven minutes after the restart to double their money.
After the Swans lost possession just outside their box, Ince made them pay when he aimed for the
bottom corner and the ball trickled past Benda after taking a deflection.
Having already surrendered a 2-0 advantage to Swansea earlier in the season, the Royals knew they had to guard against complacency.
Just after the hour mark Russell Martin made a triple change to try and get his side back in the game.
After a stray pass, Mamadou Loum tried to catch the keeper out from the halfway line, but his effort flew wide.
With 20 minutes to go, Swansea grabbed a lifeline when Liam Cullen was on hand to tap home from two yards out after Joel Piroe’s header struck the post.
Looking to consolidate the lead, Amadou Mbengue and Shane Long were introduced for the final 15 minutes in place of Carroll and Junior Hoilett.
There were a couple of late scares as Reading instinctively dropped deep to try and preserve their lead, including a calm catch from Lumley in added time from a powerful header.
But Reading managed to claim the points with a dogged defensive effort after surviving six minutes of added time to climb up the table.
Next up for the Royals is an away trip to Norwich City on Friday night.
PAUL INCE was quick to praise Tom McIntyre after his versatile performance in Reading’s win over Swansea City.
McIntyre, who is a natural centre back, filled in at left-wing back before being deployed in midfield late on as the Royals consolidated their lead to take the points.
“He is a clever player,” said Ince. “He played there (midfield) last season against Sheffield United and won.
“He understands the role and what you ask of him.
“He’s been out for six weeks and he had two tough games so he’s not 100% yet.
“He can play left centre-back, left wing-back, left side of midfield. I was going to play Baba, but I thought he looked tired.
“He’s had a World Cup; Junior’s had a World Cup.
“Most of my players have had two weeks off.”
Ince was also please with Junior Hoilett’s performance as he has slotted straight back into the team after his World
Cup adventure with Canada.
He continued: “Junior’s had a World Cup.
“Most of my players have had two weeks off.
“They haven’t, so we have to be careful.
“Junior doesn’t fail to surprise me, someone of his age with his numbers.
“He gives you coolness and calmness, he never panics.
“I love him.”
Ince continued: “The other day was the first time we trained with a full squad since June.
“It’s not to say they’re ready to
play, the likes of Liam Moore and Sam Hutchinson, they will be a bit away from it.
“Ty [Tyrese Fornah] got a knock on his knee so he could be two or three weeks out, he did that yesterday.
“Aesthetically you look at the side now and it gives you a bit more of a buzz.”
And a full squad creates its own problems.
“It gives me a selection problem, and that’s what you want as a manager,” Ince said. “I’m very pleased, (Swansea was) a great result, but we have to keep going.”
SWANSEA City boss Russell Martin criticised his team’s defensive display after they lost to Reading.
Goals from Andy Carroll and Tom Ince put the Royals two in front and Martin was displeased with the way his side conceded ‘cheap’ chances.
“I’m fed up of us rolling over and getting our stomachs tickled by opposition teams who come off the pitch saying we’re the best team they’ve played this season – but we get beaten,” he said.
“We’re soft. We concede the first goal too many times – that’s why we haven’t won.
“I think we dominate every facet of the game but we give away a goal from a set-piece [against Reading], we give away a penalty from a set-piece.
“There’s a problem there, and that will perpetuate a myth that we give away loads of goals. We’re chasing the game again, as usual.
“I can’t criticise the performance between the boxes again but I’m fed up of saying the same thing.
“We’re too nice in both boxes.”
He continued: “That doesn’t mean anything if you’re not willing to fight and protect your own box and protect your own goal.
“The amount of goals we’ve conceded from the amount of chances we’ve given away is pathetic, really pathetic and it’s boring.”
Despite having 76% possession in Tuesday’s contest at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, the visitors failed to make their domination with the ball count and were left without anything to take back to Wales.
Swansea are now winless in their last nine Championship games as Reading leapfrogged them in the table to climb up to eighth.
Martin continued: “We’ve outscored everyone in terms of shots on target, chances, regains on the press, all that stuff – but it’s pointless if we don’t win,” Martin added.
“When you’re that soft in your own box, you’re going to have a problem.
“I’m just fed up. People have this picture that we’re really happy playing that way and getting beaten, as long as we dominate the ball and all that stuff, but that’s ridiculous.
“We want to win.
“But we haven’t won for a long while and it really hurts, and the goals we’re conceding really hurt.”
With survival still clearly the objective in
they
took
Having lost a two-goal lead at Swansea earlier in the season, Reading guarded against
complacency this time around and managed to hold on to the points despite Liam Cullen clawing a goal back for the visitors.
The Royals are now up to eighth in the Championship in a compacted table that sees just three points separate fifth
all the way down to 16th.
Reading are away at Norwich City on Friday night in their final match of the year.
Both teams go into the contest level on 35 points.
n Full Royals report and pictures on pages 30 & 31
READING CITY, Eversley & California and Sandhurst Town will restart their league campaigns on Monday, January 2.
The Cityzens have enjoyed an excellent first-half of the campaign in the Combined Counties Premier North. They kick off 2023 by hosting Virginia Water (12.30pm kick-off).
Simon Johnson’s team are the only unbeaten team in the entire division and are in second place after 16 games.
With 13 wins and three draws, City are just four points off the top and have a game in hand over current leaders Ascot United.
City are up against Virginia Water, who are ninth in the standings after picking up 21 points from their opening 16 matches.
SANDHURST TOWN begin the year by welcoming AFC Aldermaston.
The Fizzers are just one place off the top in the Combined Counties Division One and have collected 14 wins from 17 games so far this campaign.
They also have two games in hand on league leaders Langley and only trail them by one point.
Sandhurst will be confident of starting their year as they ended the previous one up against Aldermaston who are in 16th position.
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA will be hoping to push up the table in the second half of their Combined Counties Division One campaign.
The Boars are currently in 12th position on 24 points with seven wins, three draws and seven losses with a mixed bag of results.
Matty Angell’s team made a strong push for promotion in the 2021/22 season and will need to replicate that form to have a shot at making the play-offs again.
Eversley start 2023 by hosting Cove who are just two points behind the Boars.
