BLA5596 Christmas 21 Leaderboard Wokingham-Reading AW.pdf
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24/11/2021
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SEASON‘S GREETINGS
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Thursday, December 2, 2021
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Wokingham Foodbank moves to Winnersh By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today
END MALE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN P5
WOKINGHAM Foodbank is on the move after spending five years at its current site.
The Broad Street Walk facility is moving to Winnersh, in a bid to increase floorspace and help more residents. Collections will remain in Wokingham town centre. Manager Annette Medhurst said that she is really excited about the move, which is coming as a “big change” to the charity. “Our Broad Street Walk site is quite small and narrow, and there is no parking,” she explained. The new site at 498 Reading Road, next to Miles and Daughters Funeral Directors, has on-parking for the charity’s delivery van, and significantly more storage space. Ms Medhurst said this is important as the charity is experiencing more demand than ever before. Between April and September this year, it provided 1,768 emergency food parcels, and 741 of these went to children. The figures are an 83% increase on the same period in 2019. “We have been looking for a new space for quite a long time,” she said. “The pandemic really highlighted the level of food insecurity in the borough. “Lots of hardship charities are finding that it is busier than this time last year. Having enough physical space to operate has been a challenge.” Ms Medhurst said that Wokingham Foodbank covers the entire borough, and believes that Winnersh is a good, central location. “It will be a big change to move out of the town.” n Continued on page 2
SNOW: Winter Carnival returns to Wokingham • p12
LIB DEMS TAKE TOWN
Wokingham Town Council turns yellow following byelection win in Wescott East
EXCLUSIVE
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today THE LEADER of Wokingham Town Council says it has been a long journey to see the Liberal Democrats become its ruling party — and, she adds, it could be a sign of things to come for the borough.
Following the party’s victory in the Wescott East by-election on Thursday, November 25, the council is no longer a coalition,
with the Lib Dems the largest party. Winning the seat from the Conservatives was enough to change the council from being No Overall Control to under Lib Dem rule. Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey said: “I got elected in 2015 as a lone Lib Dem councillor. “Over the past six years, we’ve built it to the point where we have control. That’s an unbelievable journey.” n Continued on page 4
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FAMILY NOTICES WWW.ABWALKER.CO.UK
TOMLINSON Thomas Edmund Dr Thomas Edmund (Ted) Tomlinson of Wokingham. Died peacefully on 16th November 2021 at the age of 93 years Funeral service at All Saints Church Wokingham at 1:45pm on Tuesday 7th December 2021 Family flowers only but donations if desired to RNIB care of: A.B. Walker, Blyth House, 105 London Road, Wokingham, RG40 1YB All Enquiries to: 0118 978 4040 www.abwalker.co.uk
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HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by email Email news@wokingham.today Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Deputy editor • Jess Warren Reporters • Charlotte King, Laura Scardarella Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 2, 2021
Christmas community shop now open EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A NEW shop in Wokingham is helping families this Christmas.
The Christmas Presence shop is opening in one of the Elms Field units on Saturday. On Sunday, November 28, it was receiving donations of Christmas jumpers in preparation for its opening day. The shop has been created to provide gifts and festive food items for households that are financially struggling. It will have Christmas jumpers available for a donation, craft sessions for children, and carol singing on Saturdays throughout December. Support will be accessed primarily via a referral from a professional, however, people can self-refer into the project and will be called for a short conversation to discuss their need and whether they need any signposting to other services. It is a collaboration between Wokingham Borough Council, First Days Children’s Charity, Wokingham Foodbank and Share Wokingham. Cllr Laura Blumenthal, deputy executive member for equalities and poverty at the council, said they want to support the community this Christmas. This includes providing the shop space for free. “The festive season is a source of financial worry for some residents,” she said. “That’s why we’re being
proactive in supporting our communities and ensuring they have access to everything they need to stay warm, well, and enjoy the festive season with their loved ones. “The incredible charities leading the work act as a lifeline to many of our residents. We already work closely with them so it’s brilliant to be strengthening our partnership on this amazing initiative.” The shop will be open between 11am and 3pm on Saturdays throughout December. Residents are invited to drop in so that children join craft activities. Cllr Blumenthal said that the borough council is working closely with several charities and organisations to distribute the Household Support Grant from central Government. “This is a sum of money that all councils have been awarded to directly help those who need it this winter,” she said. “It’s the first time we have devolved the allocation of financial support directly to the voluntary sector, and we feel it is an important step to ensure we reach the most vulnerable households and help them cover essential costs in the coming months. “Our message to residents this winter is to please remember that the council and local charities are here for you. We’re on your side and will help you find the best way forward if you need support.”
n Any family that would benefit the Christmas Presence shop can email First Days at: referrals@firstdays.net
Foodbank moves to Winnersh n Continued from front page
“It will give us the space and opportunity to look at other ways we can help residents,” she said. The foodbank received the keys to its new site earlier in the autumn, and has been installing warehouse shelving to manage the stock.
“The people who have already seen it said that it feels like a great space for us,” she said. The move will begin on Monday, with the warehouse team moving to the new site to date and sort the donations. The foodbank will not close to
VILLAGE SCENE: A view of Maybank from the air Picture: Liam Murray
Sparkling S EXCLUSIVE
cheer as a result.
By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today
A team of volunteers worked through rain, sleet and snow to install 23 houses in Maybank, Shinfield Meadows with strings of colourful decorations. Liam Murray, one of the
A LITTLE corner of Shinfield has been lit up for Christmas — and two charities will get some festive
residents during this time. Anyone donating to the charity will be directed to the new site from next week. However parcel collections are not changing yet. Any residents who collect a food parcel from the charity will still do so from the Broad Street Walk site until February. From that point, collection
will move three minutes away to Waterford House, in Erftstadt Court, Wokingham. The building is being transformed into a voluntary sector hub, and is currently home to Citizens Advice Wokingham. Once the parcel collection point has moved, signs will be placed at Broad Street Walk to direct Foodbank visitors to the new site.
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NEWS | 3 SNIP: Eva cut her hair and raised more than £300 for charity
Eva braves the cut for charity SHINE BRIGHT: Maybank lights switch on in Shinfield on Sunday evening
ALL ON: Maybank is a winter wonderland, and welcoming visitors this Christmas
Shinfield helps charities organisers, said it took three days to complete the job, which will raise hundreds of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support and Epilepsey Action. “We started last Friday and the weather was lovely, but Saturday was atrocious and Sunday almost as bad,” he said. “We got just about every type of weather imaginable but everyone worked on regardless. “It cleared up a bit, and just as we
switched the lights on around 5pm the snow started to fall, which was really magical.” Only five houses were involved when it started five years ago, but Liam’s team have received inquiries from other householders to be included next year. “In the past, we were climbing up and down ladders which was really exhausting and time consuming so this time we hired a cherry picker which was so much easier.
“The company, Sunbelt Rentals, gave us a really reduced price and we’ve also had great sponsorship from local estate agents, Dan and Neil. “Hundreds of people come to Maybank to admire the lights. Every house contributes to the cost and they have a poster with a QR code in the window which people can use to send a donation. “The lights will stay up until January 1, and it’s always a bit sad
when they are taken down, but they do brighten the area on these winter nights and raise a lot of money for charities.”
GOOD NEIGHBOURS: Maybank residents at the lights switch on in Shinfield on Sunday evening Pictures: Steve Smyth
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WHEN it comes to raising money for a good cause, Eva Holdway is a cut above the rest. The Wokingham youngster decided to donate her long locks to the Little Princess Trust, which makes real hair wigs for children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions. And her big-hearted gesture has also raised £349 for Wokingham in Need after she launched a Just Giving page. Eva, 9, had hoped to raise just £100 and was stunned that generous donors tripled that amount in only one week. She said: “I am so happy and proud to cut my hair for Wokingham In Need. “I had really long hair for all of my life, and when I decided to cut it, I wanted to raise money to help others. I can’t believe we raised so much. Thank you to all my friends and family who supported me.” Writing on Eva’s Just Giving page, her mum, Beth, said her daughter was known “for her long hair” and had been afraid to have it cut. She added: “After a lot of thought, Eva has decided that now is the time to go for it. “I am so proud of Eva, how she raised money for Wokingham in Need, and donated her hair to The Princess Trust. We knew our family would support her, but we are blown away by the support from friends and local businesses who also wanted to donate, too.” Sue Sue Jackson, founder of Wokingham in Need, also said she was “very thankful” for Eva’s generous gesture. “It is lovely to know that one of our young members is so committed to charity work. “Wokingham in Need are lucky to have a young team who are good at raising money for worthy causes and who will grow to be strong charity workers in the future. “You are absolutely amazing, Eva, well done.”
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Still time to join The Giving Tree WOKINGHAM’S annual Giving Tree has been growing nicely since its launch last month. Organiser Gill Mckernan has urged those who wish to take part in the annual appeal to pick up a tag as soon as possible. “Tags are flying off of the trees,” she said. “There are not many left, so be quick if you want to take part.” The annual appeal sees Christmas trees decorated with tags planted in and around Wokingham. People are invited to take a tag off the tree, buy the gift listed on it and return it to the tree. The gifts are then distributed by charities to youngsters who would otherwise go without.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 2, 2021
By-election win gives Lib Dems control of Wokingham Town
n Continued from front page
Trees for the appeal are at: n Tesco Wokingham (tags for gift vouchers only) n Tesco Warfield n Tesco Martin Heron n Newbury Building Society n Nirvana Spa n Wokingham Library n Sedero Lounge Wokingham
Charities that benefit: n Barnardo’s n Sebastian’s Action Trust n Look Ahead Care n Berkshire Women’s Aid n Kaleidoscopic UK n Transform Housing n Home Start n Berkshire Young Carers n Dingley’s Promise n The Cow Shed n Building For The Future n First Days Children’s Charity n Berkshire Vision
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Lab Grown Diamonds
“It tells you what the people in Wokingham are thinking and where they want to go. They want change, and we can offer them change.” The party, she added, had worked hard to be at the point where it was in charge of the town council. “It’s quite a big scalp,” she said. “I can’t even think the last time the Lib Dems were in control of Wokingham Town Council. “It puts us up for possibly taking control of Wokingham Borough Council, and maybe even taking the constituency. These are very real options.” Wokingham Town Council is different from the borough council in that it operates under a cross-party committee structure, comprising Labour, independent, Conservative and Lib Dem councillors. “I think we work well together,” Cllr Shepherd-DuBey said. “I wouldn’t want to see there being any major conflicts coming out. I want us to continue to work well together and in a collaborative manner. “We work in a much better way than the borough council
WIN: Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, leader of Wokingham Town Council with newly-elected Cllr Jane Ainslie, and Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth does. It’s less confrontational, people feel they can get stuff done, and we do.” She cited events such as the children’s book festival as examples of this. “We also expect to offer more greener options,” she promised. “We’ve planted trees, we’ve put in recycling bins, we’ve done quite a lot of things for the community, including events. “We are fighting planning applications for the people who live in Wokingham, and we support a lot of charitable
organisations in the town. That’s what I want us to continue to do.” While Ms Shepherd-DuBey might be pleased with her party, there is another, personal, reason why she’s proud to be leader of the town council. “I was born in Wokingham, I grew up here, I went to school here,” she says. “It’s kind of an odd place for me to be in, now in charge of the town council. “I’m very happy and I can’t believe it.”
Woodley Concert Band prepares for Christmas
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WOODLEY Concert Band will be returning to the stage this Christmas. The group is hosting two concerts on Sunday, December 12, with a special one for families. Owen Lloyd, assistant director of music, said he is really excited to host the band’s Christmas concerts live and in person this year. “They’re always a real highlight of our annual calendar,” he said. “Jam-packed full of everyone’s favourite Christmas carols and songs, and the perfect way to kickstart the festive season.”
The group is hosting an hour-long family-friendly performance at 3pm, at Woodley Baptist Church. “We hope that this will be really appealing to families as a great opportunity to enjoy live music, get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy the opportunity to sing along with a couple of carols too,” Mr Lloyd said. “The music includes Frozen, extracts from The Nutcracker and a spectacular fanfare based on O Come All Ye Faithful — so there should be something for everyone.” Woodley Concert Band will
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then host its full concert at 6pm. Tickets for the hour-long show cost £8 for adults and £2 for children. And tickets for the full show cost £14 for adults and £12 for over 65’s and under 16’s. The group performed at Henley Christmas Festival on Friday, and will be playing at an Addington School Christmas Concert on Monday, December 13. They will also be carolling in Woodley.
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Bikers ready to pay tribute to Ben Spiller
By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today
HE had a heart as big as a Harley Davidson’s roar.
And more than a thousand bikers will pay tribute to Ben Spiller this Sunday when they take part in the annual Reading Toy Run. Ben, who founded the charity 35 years ago, died in April following a short illness. Over the years, he saw the event grow from just 18 riders to more than two thousand earning it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. In that time, hundreds of thousands of toys have been donated to Barnardo’s and other charities and good causes in Wokingham and throughout the Thames Valley region. While this year’s Toy Run will be tinged with sadness, spokesman Sean Stillman said it will be a fitting tribute to the vision of his friend of 40 years. Mr Stillman said: “The biking community in Britain and further afield, were heartbroken at the news of Ben’s death. “He was the foundational heartbeat of the Reading Toy Run. He loved the event and was on first name terms with bikers from all
over the country. “Ben lived his life in a way that leaves a huge legacy which came from his huge heart. He was an ordinary bloke who founded something extraordinary and dared to believe you can make a difference in the lives of others for good. “The Toy Run is only part of the story. Many of us will bear witness to his friendship, to his infectious enthusiasm to be a do-er, not just a talker. “He didn’t see himself as a leader, but he was. “He had an ability to gather people around him that grew to share the same vision, and get them involved to do the things he couldn’t do alone. It wasn’t about Ben, it was always about making a practical difference on the ground.” Bikers will gather at the Wood car park (the former Foster Wheelers building) in Whitley Wood Lane from 1pm before heading to Wokingham to deliver presents to Barnardo’s High Close School ready for Christmas Day. The huge convoy will mean a number of road closures with delays expected especially between 2pm to 3.30pm, as roads will be closed on the route as the bikes come through. n For full details of the Toy Run, visit: readingtoyrun.blogspot.com
NEWS | 5
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White Ribbon supporters call for action EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today A DEMONSTRATION to mark White Ribbon day was held at Wokingham Borough Council offices last week, ahead of a meeting of its ruling executive.
Around 50 people gathered at Shute End on Thursday, November 25, to raise awareness of the campaign aimed at ending male violence against women. It follows on from a council meeting last Thursday (November 18) in which Lib Dem councillor David Hare proposed that Wokingham should have White Ribbon accreditation. The motion was rejected by ruling Conservatives, who insisted that it duplicated work the council was already doing. In a statement released last week, the council said it is “committed to a comprehensive response to domestic abuse that provides support for people who experience it and holds perpetrators to account” and had been working for “many months” on a strategy to tackle this. However, protestors wanted the council to commit to obtaining White Ribbon status as soon as possible. Cllr Hare was present at the demonstration. He welcomed the large turnout. “It’s great that people care,” he said. “Men have got to tell other men how wrong the violence against women is.” He said he was disappointed with the Conservative stance at the council meeting a fortnight ago. “They say we’re doing things in the equalities strategy, but it’s so much
DEMONSTRATION: Groups gathered outside the borough council offices at Shute End to call for action against male violence to women and girls Picture: Phil Creighton more than equalities, it’s about personal safety for women. It’s about looking after and valuing women. “If the Conservatives had just accepted the motion, and got on with joining White Ribbon, surely that would have been a way forward that was so much stronger than waiting until after Christmas. This is an issue that needs tackling now. “Christmas is one of the worst times of year for this (abuse or violence) to happen.” Cllr Hare felt that the cost to have White Ribbon accreditation was around £1,000, and would be “one person’s tax bill, that’s it. It’s nothing really.” Louise Timlin is the Women’s Equality Party spokesperson for Wokingham, and was also present. “I think people have found it difficult to understand why this would be an issue that has been drawn along party lines,” she said. “Surely ending violence against women and girls is something that every party should stand behind?” She added that if the council wanted to take the issue to the equalities strategy, then she would be happy to
talk with them about ways to take the issue forward. “I’d like to know when that’s going to happen. I think everybody would,” she said. Labour party activist Andy Croy said the turnout had been one of the largest he had seen. “It showed the strength of feeling that people have about [it],” he said. As a result, Wokingham Labour has launched a petition aimed at getting the motion debated at a future meeting. The demonstration’s organiser was Cllr Sarah Kerr, who said: “The reason it’s important is because men who assault, rape and kill women don’t just suddenly do it, they work up to it. It stems from the misogynistic culture that is deep rooted in our society. We need to change this.” Speaking at the start of the executive meeting, council leader John Halsall addressed some of the concerns directly. “We fully support the principles and messages conveyed by the White Ribbon movement. We are committed to creating a community where everybody is safe… and a safe community for all.”
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NEWS | 7
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Thursday, December 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Christmas begins in Woodley
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By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today FESTIVE cheer has returned to Woodley thanks to a series of Yuletide events.
The hugely popular Christmas Fayre returns on Sunday, after being cancelled last year — and it is set to be a cracker. More than 3,000 people are expected to turn out to grab a gift, enjoy a mince pie and see Santa. Town centre manager, Brian Fennelly, said he expects a larger than usual crowd for the 25th anniversary event. “This is actually the 26th year the fayre has been running but as we missed out last year we will be celebrating our silver anniversary. Either way we are geared up for a smashing day,” he explained. “There are more than 80 stalls, ranging from food and drink to charities, lots of street entertainers and a host of talent on the stage in Crockhamwell Street. There is something for everyone and we look forward to welcoming shoppers old and new.”
LIVE: Woodley Concert Band performs at the town centre event The fayre follows last weekend’s Christmas lights switch on and carol concert which attracted more than 300 people. Mr Fennelly added: “That was a bigger turn out than 2019, so if that is anything to go by, Sunday should be a record crowd. “People said how much they missed what is Woodley’s biggest event of the year. “There was plenty of mulled wine and roast chestnuts last week as well as some wonderful singing.” There will be a total of nine acts on the stage
this year from jugglers to singers, theatre groups to a dance school. In addition, lots of entertainers will promenade Woodley town centre greeting shoppers and delighting those young and old. “Santa will arrive on his sleigh and will be helped by his elves in handing out presents,” said Mr Fennelly. “Our special guests include our two local MPs, Theresa May and Matt Rodda whom I am sure are looking forward to Sunday as much as everyone else.” The fun kicks off at 10am continuing until 3pm.
ACTION: Mayor of Woodley, Cllr Janet Sartorel joined poster competition winners, Nessie Hearn (7) and Jocelyn So (6) in switching the lights on Pictures: Steve Smyth
WOKINGHAM borough residents are being encouraged to take part in a festive cycling scheme this December. The Winter Wheelers competition launched yesterday and runs until Friday, December 24. And there is a chance to win a new ebike worth up to £1,500. Participants will need to ride daily for a minimum of 10 minutes to be eligible for the main prize draw. There will be a daily prize draw for items of cycling kit, with specialist gloves and high visibility wear up for grabs. A Christmas Eve prize of a £300 voucher to spend in a bike shop is also up for grabs. It is open to cyclists of all abilities, from keen bikers to those wanting to improve their skills and fitness. Rides must be logged on an app such as Strava which can be connected to a Love to Ride Wokingham account. The winner of the new ebike will be randomly selected by and notified by text message on Christmas Day.
n For more, visit: www.myjourney wokingham.com/events/winterwheelers-2021 or visit: www. lovetoride.net/wokingham
TREATS: Wokingham borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker is give mince pies by 2nd Woodley scouts
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RE you getting the best out of your team? You’ll want to ensure that individually and collectively, your team are delivering to the highest level, and key to this will be the dialogue you have with employees about their performance. Here are 5 things to focus on to embed performance dialogue in the culture of your organisation.
1. Make performance part of every conversation you have In our conversations at Organic P&O Solutions, we constantly assess what’s working, what’s not, and what incremental adjustments we need to make to improve our overall performance. It’s not always been easy, but has made us more effective. 2. Be alert to words matching actions Words can camouflage reality. I’ve met people who are clear about the principles of teamwork, but their observable behaviour demonstrably points to them not being natural collaborators or in another example, employers can be reluctant to discuss performance with employees whose results are below par yet they present as working hard. 3. Encourage personal responsibility As an employer, you may help your team to stay healthy in body and mind by providing access to benefits such as healthcare, gym membership and wellbeing programmes. Your dialogue with employees needs to clarify that they need to do the things that keep them healthy and fit for work and life. 4. Provide direction & support Exactly what shape direction and support are depend on a wide range of variables. It will benefit both parties to confront and address challenges to avoid unwelcome surprises. 5. Be compassionate & ensure accountability You’ll need be compassionate and adaptable, accommodating personal responsibilities and commitments some employees may have outside of work, and recognising that not everyone’s energy flow naturally conforms to a 9 – 5 day. Be pragmatic and make sure there’s a quid pro quo about allowing employees to use work time for personal matters and vice versa. Can We Help You Put Performance in Your Dialogue? If you’d like to know more about the power of performance dialogue and how to embed its principles in your organisation, get in touch with us today!
Organic P&O Solutions
T: +44 1344 441 043 E: contactus@organicposolutions.co.uk
www.organicposolutions.co.uk
TWYFORD residents gathered for the annual switch on of the village’s Christmas tree lights, writes Natalie Burton. Theresa May MP led a large crowd in the countdown on Sunday, November 28. And it took place just as snow was falling. In her speech, Mrs May paid tribute to local stalwart Gordon Storey, who died earlier this year. Mr Storey was the driving force behind many of Twyford’s annual events. “It couldn’t be more perfect weather to begin Christmas celebrations,” Mrs May said. “Gordon probably organised the snow.” Amy Goodall-Smith, of event sponsor Goodall-Smith Wealth Management, thanked the large team of volunteers from Twyford Together who made the event possible. She was also emotional about the return of people to the event. “Last year, because of covid, there was only three of us,” she said. The Tree of Christmas Wishes has been decorated with wooden baubles featuring messages from the children of Colleton and Polehampton schools. Messages included “I hope for racism to stop” and “I wish for people not to be homeless”, as well as several wishing for an end to climate change and covid. Twyford Glee Club performed.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 2, 2021
SWITCH ON: Theresa May MP with event sponsor Amy Goodall-Smith All pictures: Natalie Burton
‘Protect Lower Earley’s trees’ EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE SLOW disappearance of oak trees in Lower Earley will lead to a loss in biodiversity, warned a resident.
The area, which was built from 1997 to 1988 in a mass development, was designed to keep existing oak trees in place. But decades later, many are being cut down from homeowners’ gardens. The trees are not usually recommended for garden sizes typical in Lower Earley, with smaller varieties often used in housing developments now. The result is that oak trees
could be interfering with building foundations, and felled as a result. William Luck said that he is concerned the chopping of oaks could lead to a loss of biodiversity. The trees support around 2,300 wildlife species, with 326 species dependent on oaks for their survival. “It impacts the wildlife, and they remove carbon from the atmosphere,” Mr Luck said. Research has also shown that trees in urban areas promote health and wellbeing, with people exercising more when they are around street trees. Mr Luck said that the trees also bring character to the neighbourhoods, and give Lower Earley a “sense of maturity”. This has been shown to boost house prices in leafy areas.
Thames Valley Hospice gifted Rotarian donation FUNDRAISERS for a new hospice facility by Bray Lake, Maidenhead, were officially thanked earlier this month. Rotary in the Thames Valley, which includes Rotary Clubs in Wokingham borough, raised £14,500 for Thames Valley Hospice at a number of events in 2019 and 2020. The money helped pay for garden benches around the hospice. It also was used to furnish the outside seating area for the hospice’s new Café by the Lake. Jane Symmons, head of major gifts at Thames Hospice, thanked the Rotarians at a presentation on
Friday, November 15. She said: “The gardens are such an important part of the hospice, supporting the wellbeing of our patients and their families at their greatest time of need, as well as our colleagues and volunteers.” Derek Smith, the project leader for Rotary in the Thames Valley, said: “After the restrictions of the past 20 months it is very satisfying to make a formal handover of funds and to wish the hospice every success.” The hospice costs £12million per year to run, more than half of which comes from charitable support.
The Woodland Trust runs a street trees project that helped 500 community groups in the UK celebrate and protect their street trees in 2019. The trust believes that life is better with street trees. “They’re a public asset and belong to all of us, so it’s up to us to make sure they’re recognised and valued,” the charity said. It also works with local authorities to put in place policies that recognise the “true value” of trees in urban environments. The charity said that many healthy trees are “condemned to death” for nudging kerbstones out of place or obscuring views. “Whatever the justifications, the maintenance cost for their care can be a real concern, and cash-strapped
councils may be tempted to turn to quick, cheap fixes,” the charity said. “But it doesn’t have to be this way.” Cllr Clive Jones, leader of Earley Town Council said that many of the trees are several hundred years old. “Earley Town Council is undertaking a survey of the trees that we have so we can get more and more protection,” he said. “That is being worked on by Cllr Tahir Maher, with the Wokingham Veteran Tree Association.” Cllr Jones said that they are securing Tree Protection orders (TPOs) for many trees, including some along Cutbush Lane. He added: “[The Lib Dems] want to protect trees wherever we can and plant another 300,000 across the borough.”
Wokingham Foodbank sees 83% rise in demand THE NUMBER of people needing foodbank help has increased in Wokingham, new figures have shown. Wokingham Foodbank revealed that it provided 1,768 emergency food parcels between April and September this year. And 741 of these went to children. The figures are an 83% increase on the same period in 2019. The charity believes that the increase is due to the impact of the pandemic on people’s finances. Annette Medhurst, foodbank manager, said that she was dismayed at the figures. “It’s not right that people in Wokingham are needing a charity’s help to put food on the
table,” she said. “We know our figures are just the tip of the iceberg, as different community organisations, independent foodbanks and local authorities have also been working to support our community.” Mrs Medhurst explained that December is the charity’s busiest month. This year, supporters are being asked to consider making a financial donation to support its fuel scheme. “Our work is only possible because of their incredible generosity,” she added. The foodbank warns that families face a tougher winter after the £20 Universal Credit cut.
n For more information, visit: wokingham.foodbank.org.uk
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Earley cars lifted for double yellow line painting and slapped with parking fines EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM councillor says she is furious after residents cars were targeted with parking fines on Tuesday.
Shirley Boyt, Labour councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates, said that on Tuesday morning the borough council’s contractor Volker Highways painted double yellow lines at Blackthorn Close, off Culver Lane. The contractor lifted cars parked along the close with a crane on a truck, and while suspended, painted the yellow lines underneath. Cars were then placed back down, and slapped with a parking fine by wardens. Cllr Boyt said residents were given no notice of the works. In an email from the borough council’s highways team, she was told that parking restriction cones would be placed on the road on Monday.
But this did not happen. Cllr Boyt said this is not the first time residents have been fined in this way in her ward. Moeen Ulhaq, 19, is one of the residents who was hit with a penalty notice on Tuesday. “I parked there on Monday night and there were no signs warning they would be painting lines,” he said. “I woke up about 10.30am and my Mum told me they were moving the cars and painting lines. They didn’t make much noise, I couldn’t hear them doing it. “One by one, they were lifting each car and putting them back down. I got there and my ticket had been issued at 11.20am.” Mr Ulhaq said, as a student, he would struggle to afford the £70 fine, and has already appealed it. He was also concerned that the car he is driving at the moment is a courtesy car, and could have been damaged by the lifting process. Cllr Boyt said she had reached out to the borough
FINED: Cllr Shirley Boyt said drivers should not have been fined and says signs should have been placed in the area Picture: Jess Warren council last week, concerned that residents would not know the line painting was happening. “I offered to place letters on each car parked there,” she explained. “But the council said that would not be necessary as there would be cones.” Cllr Pauline Jorgensen,
executive member for highways at the borough council said: “This incident was caused by an unfortunate coincidence that our parking enforcement contractors happened to be in the area shortly after the double yellow lines had been painted. “We have different contractors for painting the lines and for parking
enforcement. “We are sorry this happened and would encourage anybody who received a parking ticket in this way to appeal to have the fine cancelled.” Cllr Jorgensen said it is illegal for WBC to cancel any fines issued without an appeal being made, although it would want to. She added: “Residents in Blackthorn Close had requested the double yellow lines and our contractors have been out previously to paint them but had been unable because of parked cars. “On this occasion, some cars had parked there and had to be safely moved away while the lines were painted. “To avoid similar mix-ups in future we will ensure these two contractors communicate.” But Cllr Shirley Boyt, Labour councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates, said there needs to be “adequate” warning. “They should have had signs mounted on lampposts for two to three days,” she said.
“Some people might only move their car at the weekends.” She said that in previous years, signs warning about upcoming works such as line painting have been placed in the area prior. Cllr Paul Fishwick, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for highways, said he was appalled at the incident. “The vehicles in that street had committed no offence. There were no yellow lines when they parked,” he said. “Council contractors painted yellow lines on and, amazingly, Wokingham Borough Council had parking enforcement officers around the corner to place the penalty notices. “It’s all very underhand.” Cllr Boyt said she believes Wokingham Borough Council “does not know what’s going on” in regards to its contractor Volker Highways. In mid-October, the road opposite Blackthorn Close, Anderson Avenue, had yellow lines painted one week before it was resurfaced and re-painted.
Thursday, December 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 2, 2021
WHAT’S BREWING
IN FINCHAMPSTEAD?
I
T’S that time of year again where we get together and enjoy each other’s company, ideally over a good beer! It’s a time for giving, and saying thanks to those we care about. Christmas shopping can be a bit stressful, so we’re here to make it as easy as possible for you with this year’s Christmas craft beer gift guide. Just like there’s a beer for everyone, there’s also a gift for everyone… so here we go! MIXED CASES - If you’re looking for mixed cases, we have a great blog on the website detailing all of our carefully crafted Christmas boxes. New for this year, we also have some awesome Gift packs! See more at sirencraftbrew.com/blog
KEEP WARM: Gerry Mortimore handing out mulled wine and mince pies
FOR SECRET SANTA - Our cheeky little Secret Santa mixed case is the perfect option for seasoned beer lovers, or the awkward-to-buy-fors. It’s £10, contains 4 gorgeous (and enjoyable by anyone) beers, a tasting glass and some snacks. There’s something for everyone, and it’s bound to score you some good office karma points - who doesn’t like getting free beer? FOR THE COMMUTER - For the person on the go, check out our awesome travel coffee mugs. As part of this year’s Project Barista celebrations, we went one step further than just a tasting glass, with a beautiful enamel mug and this lovely sleek black double-walled insulated travel cup. GROWLERS - When you get a new 1 or 2 litre growler from us, not only do you get 50% off your first fill, we even have a growler fill loyalty scheme for future savings. Brewery fresh craft beer to take home! Our growlers are individually laser etched, and help to keep beer cold and fresh.
WINNERS: The 1st Emmbrook Scouts received the Best Stall Award at Wokingham Winter Car
Winter carnival r EXCLUSIVE By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today IT’S great to be back. That was the verdict of the huge crowds that crammed Wokingham for this year’s Winter Carnival.
FOR THE LAST MINUTE PANIC - And lastly… if you’ve left it too late, or just want a handy easy option then we’ve got a variety of gift vouchers available. Whether it’s Tap Yard or webshop credit, or a voucher for one of our new and improved brewery tours - it’s the perfect last-minute option. We also have some new merch incoming, so keep an eye out for some new beanie hats in the next couple of weeks, and check out the website for much more in terms of things for your home bar, glassware, books, tshirts and of course… brilliant beer! Happy shopping - sirencraftbrew.com for more.
SIREN CRAFT BREW 18 Marino Way, Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate, Finchampstead RG40 4RF 0118 973 0929
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CHARITY: Fundraisers for the Diana Brimblecombe Rescue Centre in Hurst
After last year’s event went online during lockdown, organisers said that they were delighted to see packed streets once more. But one man who missed out was Philip Mirfin, who was bowing our after 20 years involvement including chairman for the last five, after he tested positive for covid. Around 15,000 visitors filled the town centre, where 80 stalls, including a host of charities, food and drink, funfair rides, street entertainers, and Santa’s grotto enjoyed a roaring trade. Treasurer Richard Norton said that he and other marshals were on site from six o’clock in the morning. “To give you an idea of how busy it was, Santa nearly ran out of presents, and the Rotary almost ran out of prizes, but no one missed out,” he smiled. “It was wonderful to see such large crowds, and everyone was saying how much they missed the
carnival last year, and that they couldn’t wait for this year’s. “The charity stalls were very busy, and I’m sure they helped raise a lot of money and got the word out about their work. The food and drink stalls did a roaring trade, and the fun fair was busy throughout the day.” More than £8,000 was raised for three nominated charities, The Link, Home-Start Wokingham and the Mayor’s chosen charity, the 3rd Wokingham Scouts. Added Richard: “It was sad Philip missed his final carnival, but we were thinking of him.” The town was closed to traffic, making it easy for the crowds to wander around. Due to covid restrictions, the popular Trigger the Train ride had to be cancelled, and there was no carnival procession — although the performance stage in Peach Place had a full programme of entertainment. The weather remained bright, but cold and snow began to fall just after the carol concert ended. After, a full cleaning team swept in to clear up any rubbish. Phili Mirfin said he was “deeply sad” to miss his final carnival as chairman: “All the volunteers and anyone involved had to take a
Thursday, December 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
NEWS | 29
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Spacephiller Phil Creighton
The magic of Santa’s grotto LET’S PLAY: Robin Gafton, Charlie (10) & Claire Bagshaw on the Wokingham and Emmbrook FC Raffle Stall
CHURCH: Local church members handing out Christingle kits
rnival
returns to town PICTURES BY STEVE SMYTH
lateral flow test 48 hours before the start, and my wife and I came up positive. “We had been very careful, wearing masks and social distancing but somehow we caught it.
“I was delighted that during the day, my colleagues sent photos and updated me with reports. “I’m delighted everything went so well thanks to the hard work of all those involved.”
Y
OU NEVER forget your first time.
For me, it was the old Debenhams store, a toy department seemingly the size of several football pitches and stacked with everything a boy could ever want and then some. It was back in the days of everything being in black and white, and to speak someone had to bring up a caption – the only noise was the organist accompanying the moving pictures. A small section of the department – probably the caretaker’s broom cupboard – was transformed into a winter wonderland, a display that would make Young Mr Grace tell the team they’d all done very well. Polar bears, elves, presents, snow. It all glistened and made me excited for the man waiting just around the corner. Yes, the one who has a penchant for red capes, has a very long beard and, at the time, was able to let me sit on his knee. Santa Claus had come to town, and he was here to give me the most probing interview of the year. Had I been good? Had I washed behind my hair and brushed my ears? Yes, yes, and yes, I will continue to be good … well, until the stocking was overflowing. It was a wonderful experience. It remains a wonderful memory. But Santa then did something that was both amazing and confusing. “Do you like cowboys and Indians?” he asked me. “Well,” I said hesitantly, wanting desperately to say the space race was more my thing, but also wanting to ensure he visited on Christmas Eve. He handed me a present. A present. Before Christmas. What an unexpected pleasure. Inside were some tiny plastic cowboys and native Americans, each no taller than a shilling. I kept them and played with them for a few years out of guilt, but to be honest, recreating the Wild West was not high on my list of priorities. But none of that mattered – here was Father Christmas in the flesh. Just as he was also, somehow, in the janitor’s closet at a Christmas fair. And the same chap who rang a bell and gave us all space shuttle pencil sharpeners at a school Christmas beano. You never forget, it’s exciting and all part of the Christmas magic. Of course, it was never the same when the toy department was moved and shrunk. Somehow Santa ended up taking residence in the duvet department. That never felt right. That year, I visited on Christmas Eve, desperately counting down the hours until he made his house calls. It was hugely disappointing when all I got for Christmas was a badge letting the world know I’d been to see Santa. Then again, he had already loaded his presents onto the sleigh. These experiences were almost as exciting when, as a grown-up, Lidl popped round to the old Wokingham Times offices (I date back to the days when everything was black and white and read all over). The great man called me over for a little word in his ear. Yes, I had still been good. I’m getting on a bit, so not really any hair to brush, other than the ones now growing out of the ears (clean). Santa, I said, with not a hint of shame, could I have a bottle of Scotch? He promised he would see what he could do. And, in a Christmas miracle sure to gladden the hearts of even the Scroogist Scrooges, a bottle landed up on my desk a few days later. Yes, visiting Santa is magical. If you’re one of his special helpers this Christmas, remember that you are making memories that will last a lifetime. Oh, and I have no shame. Lidl – I mean, Santa – my bottle is empty, please send Scotch.
30 | VIEWPOINTS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
The fines are not fine in Earley LONG-TERM readers of the adult comic Viz will be familiar with a letter from one Tom McCann of Wokingham. In it, he says that Inland Revenue keep writing to him saying his tax return is outstanding, which surprised him as he couldn’t remember sending it in. It’s similar to the old joke “somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen, it said ‘Parking Fine.’ So that was nice.” We are constantly reminded that the council exists to serve its residents. There can be no doubt that for those residents in Blackthorn Close, that hasn’t happened. There is also an old adage that one should never put down to conspiracy what is a cock-up. We hope that is the case here. The residents who were legally parked in the morning shouldn’t have been ticketed by lunchtime. When Wokingham Borough Council brought in its own traffic wardens in Ocotber 2017, it initially issued warning notices rather than penalties. That is what should have happened here. We hope these unfair parking penalties are rescinded. These fines are not fine.
CHURCH NOTES
A Christmas Presence
T
HIS week a new shop has opened in Wokingham – this is a shop with a difference, it’s not there to make a profit. Post-pandemic there is lots that we want to leave behind but one thing we should not leave behind. The one positive thing to take from the last 18 months is surely the sense of community, the support for those in need, isolating or unwell. It is from this sense that A Christmas Presence has been born. Three local charities have come together for the festive period with the support of many other local groups and organisations and created a community space where people can take part in arts and crafts on Saturdays. During the week, anyone who needs a bit of extra help at Christmas can come by appointment and choose gifts for their friends and family. A Christmas Presence is only around for five weeks but we will continue to work throughout the year in support of the community. In the same way we focus our minds on a baby born in a stable at Christmas, but his love is available all year round. God’s son Jesus Christ is not just a Christmas Presence but a constant presence. The Bible tells us in Psalm 46, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” No matter what life throws at you, what your worries are, reach out to the one who is always present, he will be your refuge and strength. Claire Revie is a member of Norreys Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
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Liberal? I don’t think so THANK you to Cllr Clive Jones, Leader of the Lib Dem group on Wokingham Borough Council for his reply “In the Lords” (Wokingham Today, Thursday, November 25, 2021). Definition of “Liberal” - Favouring democratic reform. It is not 1911. The year is 2021 going on 2022. For the past 100+ years the Liberal Democrats have allowed themselves to be part of a privileged, unelected, unaccountable House of Lords. It would seem that they may favour democratic reform, but it hasn’t stopped Liberal Democrats joining the privileged club. If they had true reforming zeal in their stomachs they could have made a principled stand by refusing to nominate any more Lib Dem Peers and by standing down, permanently, all those currently on the books. This to send the clear message that Lib Dems will not be part of, or prolong, a “Politically corrupt” system, because in this modern age, that is what a privileged, unelected, unaccountable House of Lords is. A politically corrupt system. Definition of “Democrat” – Advocate of democracy. The United Kingdom held its biggest-ever exercise in democracy to determine whether our country should stay as a member of the European Union, or leave that organisation. The result was clear cut. The Liberal Democrats though, still refuse to recognise the result. Advocating democracy, but deliberately failing to recognise a legitimate democratic result because it went against you, is obtuse arrogance. One may even say that it is “politically corrupt” and Trump like to deliberately not adhere to the result. The conclusion therefore has to be that a name change is required, to that of the Non-Liberal Non-Democratic Party. This name would better reflect what this political party is about. I think it also shows that the Liberal Democrats are no better than the rest
of them, no matter how much they may pretend that they are not.
Paul Clarke, Wokingham
University of Reading and Shinfield
Cllr Frewin’s piece in your last issue ‘Shinfield turned from village to town’ rightly puts the blame for the urbanisation of Shinfield with the University of Reading. In trouble as an educational establishment thanks to expensive policy fiascos over recent years, the university has become a property investment business turning agricultural land over to housing developers. Residents have to deal with the results: traffic congestion, oversubscribed schools and doctor’s surgeries. And what role has Wokingham Today played? Not so long ago it was querying overdevelopment and regularly putting the Conservative council on the spot for allowing it. Now it’s cheerleading any scheme the university comes up with, from the ‘British Museum in Shinfield’ to ‘Hollywood-on-Loddon’, as long as it builds over more of our rural environment. You’ve even given the University Vice-Chancellor his own column. In the latest issue, he tries to get readers to believe his claim to be safeguarding the future of farming, as he prepares to sell off fields at Hall Farm so 4,000 housing units can be built. Visitors to the university’s open days might like to look for themselves at what its commitment to the green habitat means in Shinfield. Brick-andconcrete in all directions, plus some industrial-looking sheds in Cutbush Lane. Its website says it ‘puts the environment at the heart of the University’s strategic vision’. Whose environment that might be, I don’t know, but it’s certainly not Shinfield’s.
A concerned resident
Descriptive writing Last week’s article from the
Volunteer corner Helena Badger
D
IMENSIONS support people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs, helping them to lead ordinary lives in the community.
The charity needs friendly volunteer dogs. Would you like more fuss and the attention of friendly humans? We have a person we support who would love a canine companion to visit them on a regular basis – could that be you. They would enjoy giving you lots of attention and walking with you and your human owner. If you are free for an hour a week, get in touch with us.
Activities include; visiting the people at their home, enjoying doggy treats and fresh water, being cuddled and stroked and, potentially, enjoying short local walks together. We are looking for volunteer dog buddies who are well behaved, caring and enjoys the company of others, have a friendly owner who is chatty and a good listener and reliable/ dependable and willing to commit to volunteer regularly (exact times/days can be discussed). n Thrive uses gardening to bring about positive changes to the lives of people living with disabilities or
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 2, 2021
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokingham.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper Reading University Vice Chancellor was a surprise to many Shinfield residents. It is difficult to recognise the University as being created by people from the local community, run by people in the local community, and to benefit the local community. Can this be the same University who has forced tens of thousands of houses onto the local community, all built on green farm land, pushed through planning by an army of highly paid ‘experts’, who have reneged on the wishes of families who bequeathed land for agricultural use and had to refer itself to the Charity Commissioner due to mismanaging Trustee responsibilities? Surely this cannot be the same University? Yet again we read about ‘keenness to work with the local community’ on the next stage of creating Europe’s biggest housing estate across Shinfield and Arborfield. There is an issue of trust in this as the record over recent years has been appalling. The article states that the University has a rich history and a global reputation for the study of agriculture and food. It is difficult to see how concreting over many hundreds of hectares of farm land, cutting down thousands of trees and miles of hedgerows (including some cut down during the nesting season) justifies this reputation. Where are the ‘agriculture students, the food producers of the future’, going to learn around Shinfield when all the local farms are been built on? As an estimate the University in the next few years will have concreted over the equivalent of 2500 football pitches around the Shinfield area alone. Unfortunately the actual sports pitches promised to benefit the local community have failed to appear. The article states that the University core principles include focussing on people and being engaged positively with the local community. The end of term report would read Must Do Better.
Cllr Jim Frewin, independent councillor for Shinfield ill-health, or isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. We are looking for client support volunteers to assist the client gardeners and horticultural therapists at our garden in Beech Hill. Helping directly with our clients, volunteers support our horticultural therapists in delivering a high level of service to client gardeners with a disability or ill health. Our client gardeners come to our gardening programmes with a range of disabilities and health conditions. We are looking for people with; patience and understanding with a commitment to being supportive and companionable, flexibility. n The Friendship Alliance is a project brought together by The Link Visiting Scheme, Age UK Berkshire, Involve Community Services and the Wokingham Volunteer Centre to tackle loneliness, promote friendship and improve the mental and physical wellbeing of residents in Wokingham borough.
Save the green belt The Campaign to Protect Rural Wokingham headed by the Leader Of Wokingham Borough Council and the ward member for most of Wokingham’s green belt claims it is being seriously considered by Wokingham Borough Council (where is the leader?) for 3,500 houses. The council leader supports signing the petition on protecting the green belt but the same council leader will not entertain residents’ petitions on housing matters in the draft housing local plan. So much for localism and democracy What a joke as the new housing plan for his ward, Ruscombe shows a menial increase of 34 houses. His deputy leader at Barkham will take 19 homes while his executive member heading up the new housing plan disaster is the member for Hurst who will get 15 houses. How unfair is that? On protecting the green belt, Cllr Halsall says we’ve been working to build our legal case against the green belt development, while broadening the campaign to promote the Forward Plan for Wokingham. Cllr Halsall maintains that a new, resident-centred, approach which would build the homes that are needed without exacerbating the traffic problems or destroying the character of the area. What about exacerbating the traffic and the destruction of the character of Arborfield, Shinfield, Sindlesham and Winnersh with 6,000+ houses and another 1,000 odd in South Wokingham. Don’t they deserve the same protection he is giving his own ward and those of his fellow executive mates? Obviously not. On the 1,000 odd houses south of the borough at Grays Farm and Pinewood the housing executive member for Hurst (and housing) states that improvements are conditional on funding. For funding read developer funding generated by houses. He also states that the 4500+ houses at Hall Farm will be outside We are looking to establish a network of Friendship Champions whose role it would be to promote the Friendship Alliance’s services, actively encourage friendships and develop community spirit. We are currently running an online Friendship Café through Zoom for people to come together weekly for an informal chat and to make some friends. We would also like to encourage local places such as cafés to set up a Friendship Table where people can feel free to chat with others. If you organise a group or activity, run your street’s WhatsApp group chat, work in your local café, library, we’d love a few hours of your time. n These are just a few roles on our books. Please visit our website, www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk, to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer. If you would like to get in touch with us please call 0118 977 0749 or email: volunteer@ wok-vol.org.uk
An open letter to council leader John Halsall DEAR John Halsall, Leader of Wokingham Borough Council, We recently attended the demonstration at Shute End council offices in support of White Ribbon Day, 25th November, and were pleased to be in the company of 50+ others who also feel strongly that we must end men’s violence to women. As you already know, women have been calling for this for many years, but only recently has there been the call for men to also stand up against misogyny, harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls. As things stand, the culture of misogyny in society leads to one woman being killed every three days by her partner or ex-partner, 85,000 women a year being subjected to rape or attempted rape and 20% of women suffering from sexual assault. The White Ribbon Charity is a global organisation operating in 60 countries, engaging with men and boys, to end violence against women. They understand that women cannot do this alone. Women need men to lead the cultural change to end violence against women and girls. At last month’s council meeting, Cllr David Hare, with the full support of the Liberal Democrat and Labour groups brought a motion to the council, proposing that WBC seek White Ribbon accreditation. The aim of stopping violence against women is of course an issue which crosses political divides, and as such, the Conservatives were asked to second the proposal to ensure full cross-party support. We were shocked and disappointed when you personally asked for the motion to be withdrawn. the floodplain but the site will include wetland along the side of the Loddon River and not far from Bearwood Lakes dam. When one looks at the actual loss of life and serious damage to property in Europe very recently as a direct result of Climate Change who is he trying to fool? His head in the sand attitude says it all as long as there is no development in his or his mates wards. Although there are some excellent local Conservative Councillors when it comes to major decisions they are all subjected to supporting the party’s ideology agreed in secret meetings behind closed doors before. Conservative ideology dressed up as democracy is how they try and sell it but let’s hope that in next May’s elections residents see through this confidence trick.
Cllr Gary Cowan, independent borough councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council
Open up the toilets For a long time now over a year I have asked the SW Railways to open the toilets up that are always locked. They are that rude enough without replying to mine and other people’s request. The trains from Reading to Waterloo takes over 1 hour and 30 minutes, also the other way from Waterloo. Many women, men have medical complaints and so do children. The fares are not cheap
Conservative councillors claim that WBC policy already covers much of the White Ribbon accreditation program, e.g., policies on victim support. Consequently, the Conservatives offered an alternative proposal to that brought by Cllr Hare. Unfortunately, this proposal dilutes the aims, ignores specific requests, and, by pushing it out to a working group, de-prioritises the safety of women and imposes unnecessary delays to the provision of education, resources, and policy to protect women. We are disappointed that the council did not demonstrate the support for the White Ribbon aims in the way we anticipated at that meeting, or since. We struggle to understand how this issue is contentious. The demonstration on White Ribbon Day was to ask WBC to unequivocally commit to seeking White Ribbon accreditation and thus recognise the
though the services are not good, when one walks the length of the train and finds it locked up, this is outrageous. I have sent messages to them and voicemails still no answer. I have also written to James Sunderland Bracknell MP. He has done nothing yet just telling me it is maintenance. This is not true. People from Wokingham are on that train over 1 hour and 12 minutes. Something must be sorted.
Victor Rones, Bracknell.
A little bit of scrutiny Wokingham Borough Council operates with an Executive structure drawn entirely from members of the Conservative ruling group. It is therefore required to have Overview & Scrutiny committees whose role is to scrutinise the Executive by investigating their decisions and policies. These O&S committees consist of councillors from all parties represented on the council. Unfortunately, there is a lack of openness from some of the Conservative Executive members which is becoming all too characteristic of the Conservative party in general. At last week’s Community and Corporate O&S committee which was scrutinising the budget for the next three years. Under the heading, “Optimise parking income”, the document says, and I quote, “Restructuring car parking charges to reflect value especially around long stay parking”. It was stated that the council expects to increase income by
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damage that a culture of misogyny inflicts on women. This commitment would show the council taking an active and visible lead to Wokingham Borough residents, demonstrating that men need to take action to change the misogynistic society we live in, which starts with banter and jokes, proceeds to cat-calling and harmful gender stereotypes, and ultimately results in woman being killed. While we welcome your commitment to review the accreditation scheme with White Ribbon UK, we ask that this is done with some urgency and that WBC ultimately makes the commitment to become White Ribbon accredited. Please bear in mind that so far this year, in the UK alone, 129 women have been killed by men. This is why we urge WBC to formally make this commitment without delay, and that we ask that you consider what the consequences would be
£700,000 from our car parks. I wanted to know how this figure of an extra £700,000 had been reached and how achievable these increases in income were. A very legitimate question for a member of an O&S committee. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen (Exec Member for Highways) refused to answer my questions. If the council are expecting £700,000 of increases of income from car parks, they must have an idea of how they will achieve this. Usually, members’ questions are answered by officers or executive members at the Community & Corporate O&S committee. It’s very disappointing that reasonable questions are not being answered. Which then makes you wonder what is being hidden from residents by the ruling Conservative group? It would be nice if Cllr Jorgensen reflects on this and gives me an answer. How is the figure of £700,000 of extra income arrived at?
Cllr Clive Jones, member of the Wokingham Borough Council, Community & Corporate Overview & Scrutiny committee
I speak from experience I am compelled to counteract Liberal Democrat David Hare’s letter on his Motion to support White Ribbon. The whole debacle of a demo outside WBC offices, the shouts of Cllr Kerr that she is ‘angry’ are all the actions of parading in order to make a display, designed to validate a cause. I believe that all the
to the council both materially, and reputationally of not working with a charity championing women’s safety from male violence. The accreditation process will work like an audit to highlight the policies and resources that WBC has in place, and to identify the gaps in provision; it will give a focus on implementing the necessary improvements and ultimately achieve accreditation with a suite of policies and resources that can make measurable improvements in the safety of women and the quality of life for both men and women. We urge you to commit to a timeframe for producing and publishing an action plan as part of this accreditation process and to consult with local stakeholders before finalising its content. We also welcome your commitment to review and assess the “value add”, as you put it, at one or two, out of the dozens of other councils and private and public organisation who have already signed up to White Ribbon accreditation. There will, undoubtably, be some valuable benchmarking and best practice to be shared and we ask for you to make public your report on that matter. Please remember, the “value add” is measured in women’s safety and security, not the financial bottom line. At the demonstration John, you were asked to personally take the White Ribbon Pledge to “never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.” We were disappointed that you declined to do so. We very much look forward to you reviewing the pledge and leading the council by your example in taking this
performers – Messrs Hare, Jones, Croy and Kerr – have missed the point. I quote: ‘Almost every woman at this meeting will have survived some form of sexual harassment or assault. One should not have drink spiked, or hide in a shop doorway until a stalker passes.’ No mentions of the more insidious domestic abuse that occurs. Listening to a group of people arguing over the validity of White Ribbon and those who probably have no experience of domestic violence, telling others what they should or should not do is virtue signalling. This behaviour completely undermines the absolute stain that domestic violence leaves on victims and should not be trivialised by two men talking about ‘my wife being safe taking the dog out’ or ‘my daughter being at risk walking along the road’. All of these things DO matter but no one spoke of the deeper issues. My son, three daughters and I suffered for six years at the hands of my second husband 30 years ago, the ramifications of which still haunt us today. He, and entrenched perpetrators, would not engage in such a charity as White Ribbon, because the very nature of their aggression, narcissistic predatory behaviour, thrives on the power of secrecy, intimidation, fear and bullying. Note that word. Shouting out in a respected Chamber ‘I am so angry actually, very angry’; ‘I cannot believe for one minute any member
simple promise in the near future. WBC represents and works for the people of Wokingham, half of which are women, and all deserve to be safe and respected. However, the underlying difficulty nicknamed ‘toxic masculinity’ which refers to men’s conditioned response to emotion and their interpersonal relationships, is a huge problem for them, with a massive impact on men’s mental health. It is so bad that suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 49 years of age. White Ribbon accreditation will also help to address this issue. The current WBC policies and resources do not adequately set out how male violence against women and girls will be stopped, but with the guidance of White Ribbon UK and their accreditation scheme it will be possible to build on and strengthen the existing policies and lead the way to greater safety, respect, and wellbeing for all Wokingham residents. Given the importance of this issue to all Wokingham residents, we look forward to the publication of your action plan in the near future, with clear timelines and plans for stakeholder involvement outlined.
Louise Timlin – Branch Lead, Wokingham and Reading Women’s Equality Party Clare Waters – Wokingham Resident Vickie Robertson – Founder of Kaleidoscopic UK Sally Gurney – Town & Parish Councillor Juliet Sherratt – Wokingham Resident Sarah Kerr – Borough Councillor
can vote against this motion’, ‘You’ve kicked the can down the road again’; ‘They all looked very uncomfortable’; Calling people out on FB ‘You abstained – unforgivable’; is just that: Bullying – something White Ribbon advocates should cease. I was in the council chamber five feet away from Cllr Hare. Where was he looking? Not at us Tory women. I assure him that no one put us in a difficult position. To say we looked uncomfortable is utter nonsense and untrue. My fellow Conservative councillors are independent, free thinking, clever women and each have minds of their own. They had carefully considered Cllr Blumenthal’s presentations and decided, collectively, that while agreeing with Cllr Hare’s motion in spirit, it duplicated existing work. An amendment was needed to allow the Equalities Working Group to explore this more fully. The Council is committed to protecting its residents and already much is in place – I speak from personal experience – such as the launch of a new Domestic Violence Strategy in 2022.
Cllr Jackie Rance, Conservative councillor for Shinfield South, Wokingham Borough Council
We want to do better I am writing to you regarding the letter from Councillor David Hare that you published regarding the White Ribbon Motion last week. In his letter he stated that
he felt that is was unfair that the local Tories put their female members in a difficult position and that the women speaking all looked very uncomfortable. I would like to put the matter straight as one of the women who spoke. Nobody decides for me if I speak in council, I am an independent woman and I chose to speak on this motion and wholeheartedly supported the notion behind it. For Councillor Hare to suggest that it was unfair that we were made to speak is entirely untrue. The motion was not voted down, an amendment was made to scrutinise it in more detail in January, we actually want to do better than what the Liberal Democrat’s proposed, and I feel we can. As the woman speaking, to suggest I felt uncomfortable is derogatory. I am not sure how he can claim to understand my motives or feelings when, at the time, I had never had a direct conversation on any subject with him. I wrote my own speech and included facts which I was clear that I could justify to the residents of my ward. Cllr Hare claims in his piece he is able to interpret the true views of the various women speaking in this debate in comparison to what they actually said. This is a gift I would never claim to possess.
Cllr Rebecca Margetts, Conservative councillor forFinchampstead South, Wokingham Borough Council
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association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle
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A business park that is changing
Lights, Camera, Action - TV and Films Studios Come to Winnersh
Hollywood is coming to Winnersh Triangle. Frasers Property UK announced that long-term lease contracts have been exchanged with Stage Fifty, at its 90-acre business park, Winnersh Triangle, near Reading. Stage Fifty, a company that specialises in building film and TV stages, is opening its second UK site at Winnersh Triangle. It will bring an estimated £50m economic boost to the UK economy annually, creating around 500 new jobs in the UK film and production sector, and supporting a further 500 indirect jobs in the supply chain. The deal will ultimately create around 120,000 sq ft of studio space, one of these studios will be the world’s largest fully encapsulated virtual production stage. The stage easily fuses computing graphics with live-action footage in real-time and will be supported by 25,000 sq ft of offices and 50,000 sq ft of workshops. Stage Fifty specialises in providing the film and TV industry with purpose-built studio space and innovative production services. The deal enables Stage Fifty to immediately operate at the business park, providing workshop space and offices for production use, with the first of the bespoke sound stages, to be delivered in 2022. Key to the development is a purpose-built virtual production stage that measures 30,000 sq ft. The stage is being created in partnership with Fin Studio Pictures and features an 84m x 7m screen with more than 140 million pixels. The UK studio market continues to cater for the ever-growing demand for filming space, primarily from U.S. Rupert Batho, Commercial Director, Frasers Property commented: “The diversity of accommodation at Winnersh Triangle, combined with our market leading facilities and integrated transport infrastructure, has been at the heart of attracting Stage Fif ty. It joins the likes of Pip Studios, Virgin Media and Evertz, thus expanding our technology enriched, creative industry cluster and provides the film industry with much needed capacity here in the UK. This is a transformational step in the continued evolution of Winnersh Triangle as one of the Thames Valley’s most dynamic economic areas.” James Enright, CEO, Stage Fifty, said: “Winnersh Triangle is the perfect site for our second film studio in the UK. In partnership with Fin Studio Pictures, we’re building the world’s largest VP volume, which will be the centrepiece of our pioneering creative tech hub. The substantial investment in the site will grow the UK economy, support existing local businesses, and create hundreds of new jobs at the studios and throughout the wider supply chain. We’ve redeveloped existing spaces on the site to create offices and workshops that are in use now, and the stages at Winnersh Film Studios, including the VP stage, will be operational in 2022. Our stages are robust, high-quality, and quick to build. And as 90% of the construction materials are reusable or recycled, they’re more sustainable too.”
www.winnershtriangle.co.uk
Reading success leads to expansion By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today AN AMERICAN burger chain says that the success of its new Reading branch means it’s looking to open another 50 sites across the UK next year.
Wendy’s opened in the summer in the former Nationwide branch at the junction of Friar Street and Station Road in the town centre. It has been followed by branches in Stratford, Oxford, Romford and, last month, Croydon, as well as five ‘dark kitchens’ to offer deliveries on sites such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats. The company had originally intended to open 10 additional outlets next year, but the company is growing. The Croydon branch was the company’s 1,000th international restaurant. Abigail Pringle, president, international and chief development officer, said: “It’s an exciting time to be a part of Wendy’s and we are proud to achieve this significant growth milestone with the help of our franchise partners, dedicated restaurant crew, support centre team and
NEW HOME: Wendy’s Reading branch supplier partners around the globe. “Together, we have built a solid foundation, great momentum and have a very bright future ahead.” On the additional sites, she told the i newspaper: “We have seen incredible success that outperformed our expectations, and it’s clear to us that customers are loving our fresh, highquality food.” The company launched in the US in 1969, with a branch in Ohio. It’s USP is offering made-to-order square hamburgers. Other staples of its menu include chilli, baked potatoes and the Frosty dessert. Worldwide, it has around 6,900 restaurants.
Save money on water bills BUSINESSES can now get help to reduce their water bills thanks to a new online tool from Thames Water. The company has launched a Business Water Use Calculator specifically for the leisure, retail, hotel and hospitality sectors, as well as offices, and is available to use across the country. It will help identify low or no cost ways
to reduce water consumption and in turn offer solutions for businesses to become more sustainable and potentially save money on water and energy bills. The company says that simple actions can lead to reductions on their usage. These include fixing dripping taps and leaks, and using water- saving devices in
Christmas fayre at Winnersh Triangle A SPECIAL festive fayre is coming to Winnersh tomorrow, offering people the chance to get into the Christmas spirit. Frasers Property UK, the owners of Winnersh Triangle business, says it will be a beautiful outdoor Christmas market, featuring a host of stalls, including local sustainable, festive and artisan sellers. There will also be an outdoor bar serving mulled wine, beer, soft drinks, and food trucks available. The event is open to occupiers of the business park and residents living near Winnersh, Woodley, Wokingham or further afield. It takes place on Thursday, December 2, from 11am-3pm on The Green, next to the 100 Building on Eskdale Road in Winnersh Triangle. The business park is home to a host of amenities for the local community, including MOVE HQ the state-of-the art sports facility which recently opened, and a brand new astro turf pitch. Rupert Batho, commercial director at Frasers Property said: “There is so much to rediscover at Winnersh Triangle, so we are delighted that we can host an outdoor Christmas market this year. “We look forward to welcoming our supportive local community to the park for some festive shopping, fabulous food or a glass of mulled wine. It’s the perfect start to the Christmas season.”
toilets, showers and urinals. Andrew Tucker, head of demand reduction at Thames Water, said: “At a time when businesses face increasing pressure to become more sustainable, reducing their water use can be a really quick win. “We’ve been visiting businesses for several years, supporting them to reduce their water use and are welcomed with open arms
when they realise that by saving water, they can not only improve their environmental footprint but also save money on water and energy bills.” The company says it can take just 10 minutes to use. n For more details, visit https://www.thameswater. co.uk/wholesale/nonhousehold-customers/ business-water-savingcalculator
Charity raises £8,000 at women’s brunch A CHARITY that helps women return to work is celebrating fundraising success. Smart Works Reading held a fashion-themed brunch on Friday, November 12. The event at Badegmore Park, Henley, raised more than £8,000. More than 80 guests enjoyed a morning of shopping followed by brunch, a charity auction, and a panel discussion by leading female figures in the fashion industry. Charity ambassador Virginia Chadwyck-Healey, a fashion stylist and writer, hosted a panel discussion with Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder of online fashion brand Scamp & Dude, and Pip Durell, founder of With Nothing Underneath. Sarah Burns MBE, chair of Smart Works Reading, thanked the panelists for giving an insight into leading
BRUNCH: The charity helps women return to work. Picture: PixelLit Commercial Photography
a fashion brand. “They are all such strong, inspirational women and really made the day,” she said. Ms Burns also thanked attendees for the funds they raised. “It will allow us to take our
service to even more women across the Thames Valley,” she added. The Smart Works Reading centre, on London Street, is one of seven Smart Works sites across the UK. It offers individual support such as
clothes styling and interview coaching to women returning to work. Since opening in the Thames Valley in 2015, the charity has helped 700 women get a job. n For more information, see: reading.smartworks.org.uk
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On t saick le ets nO w
A south hill park pAntomime
the stars of aladdin return JacquelinE tatE as Wicked stepmother
Faye EllEn as cinderella
Michael Ayiotis as Buttons
Writer Joyce Branagh Director adam stafford Beth Bradley as ugly sister Ben Featherstone as Prince charming Paul toulson as ugly sister ‘another christmas cracker of a show’ maidenhead advertiser on aladdin 2019
Fri 26 Nov 2021 — Mon 3 Jan 2022
Wilde theatre, south hill Park, Bracknell RG12 7Pa @southhillpark
/southhillparkartscentre
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Box offiCe 01344 484123
Berkshire’s Centre for the Arts, Business and Community
Registered charity 265656 Please support the future of the Arts
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Count down to Christmas n WOODLEY GOLDSMITHS AS an independent business, Woodley Goldsmiths are proud to be one of the remaining family run goldsmiths on the high street. Our qualified and experienced team provides you with a range of unique and bespoke jewellery services. With a focus on customer satisfaction, we guarantee an attention to detail and a range of quality and trusted solutions. For an authentic approach to your jewellery. With 20 years of experience, our skilled team of experts have a passion for craftsmanship. We offer a personal approach when it comes to your design because we want to get it right. Our qualified goldsmiths have worked on a full range of jewellery design and have the specialist knowledge you can trust when creating your bespoke piece. We are proud to be your first-choice for jewellery services in the Berkshire area. Contact us for that special Christmas gift. n RURAL PIE CO LTD FAMILY owned and run, Rural Pie Co Ltd was founded by a love of good quality food and a desire to share this with the local community. We hand-craft a wide range of sweet and savoury pies, pie meals and pastries; available to order online for free local delivery. In September 2020, the team opened a shop and restaurant in Twyford offering Barista Coffee, All Day Breakfasts, Lunch
& Dinner services and of course our Award Winning Pies. Over the Festive period we will be opening on Thursday evenings throughout December until 10pm in addition to our usual Friday and Saturday evenings. Our Christmas special pies are available now for pre-order and available for collection from December 1 to Christmas
Eve, along with our selection of local beers and ciders, and hampers. We will be open from 10am to 10pm on Christmas Eve, with a festive antipasti and aperitif served between 5pm and 10pm. We will be closed from Christmas Day through to December 27. On December 28, 29 and 30, we open 10am to 4pm, and will be open from 10am to 1am on New Year’s Eve.
- The Queen’s Oak Come for the History, stay for the food! This is a truly unique rural pub experience. The only pub in the UK with the name The Queen’s Oak (after Queen Victoria planted an Oak opposite - which is still there.) In a lovely rural setting in Finchampstead just by St James Church, (which is almost a thousand years old). Built on ancient remains - which might make it England’s oldest pub! (The current building is from the early 17th century.)
As if the setting is not enough, once there you’ll find: > A menu that anyone can understand! > Everything freshly made on the premises > A selection to tempt all visitors > High quality, seasonal ingredients > Highly skilled team, with top-notch restaurant experience > A range of wines, beers and spirits > Private dining available for 12-18 people
Award Winning Hand Made Pies All Day Breakfast - Barista Coffee Sunday Lunch - Fully Licensed Opening Hours Monday 8am - 2pm Tuesday - Thursday - 8am - 6pm Friday & Saturday 8am - 10pm Sunday 9am - 4pm
Call us on: 0118 996 8567 Email us at: brotherton@thequeensoak.com
w w w.thequeensoak.com Church Lane, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 4LS
www.ruralpieco.co.uk - 01183 271570 - @RuralPieCo
Rural Pie Co Ltd,Unit 2 Apsley House, 27-29 London Road, Twyford, RG10 9EH
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Count down to Christmas n CINDERELLA AT SOUTH HILL PARK South Hill Park’s much-loved pantomime is back. This year you’re invited to join Cinderella as she tries to go the ball and meet her prince – but what evil trick will the wicked stepsisters play to stop Cinders finding her happy ever after? Bringing a fabulous line-up including returning stars from their 2019 pantomime Aladdin – Michael Ayiotis (Buttons), Faye Ellen (Cinderella) and Jacqueline Tate (Ruth Less) – plus wonderful newcomers Beth Bradley (Grace Less), Ben Featherstone (Prince Charming) and Paul Toulson (Joy Less), South Hill Park has a talent-filled treat for you this Christmas. So no ‘ifs’ or ‘Buttons’, join South Hill park for a 2021 festive season filled with fabulous fun, colourful characters, slapstick comedy, enchantment and all the creative sparkle you’ve come to love in this Great British pantomime favourite. It’s the perfect way to get the family together this Christmas. South Hill Park Arts Centre is determined that the shows will go on, so please support live theatre at your local arts venue. If you would like to donate to the South Hill Park fundraising campaign please visit southhillpark.org.uk/donate. Cinderella runs until Monday, January 3, times vary. n For details, log on www.southhillpark. org.uk/events/cinderella-2021-christmaspanto/ or call 01344 484123.
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PUBLIC NOTICES
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application
Address
Reasons for Advert
Description
213397
16 Market Place, Wokingham
Conservation Area
Full application for the proposed glass shopfront and door, bringing the door forward in line with the shopfront, introducing stall riser. LED externally illuminated fascia sign with channel light and Projecting sign. (RETROSPECTIVE)
213645
213742
213797
Hogwood Farm, Major Application Sheerlands Road, Arborfield
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (HONEY HILL, CROWTHORNE) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 25th November 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Honey Hill, Crowthorne between its junctions with B3430 Nine Mile Ride and Redlake Lane.
Application for approval of Reserved Matters pursuant to Outline Planning Consent O/2014/2179 (as varied by 181194, dated 14/11/2018). The Reserved Matters comprise details of 135 dwellings across parcels P2 & P3 with access via development parcel P1 and the proposed Nine Mile Ride Extension bus loop; emergency access via Sheerlands Road, associated internal access roads, parking, provision of Public Open Space (PG1), children’s play areas including a LEAP, LAP and LLAP and NEAP, together with parking, cycleways, footpaths, landscaping and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). Details of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale to be considered.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Heathlands Road and B3430 Nine Mile Ride or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th December 2021 and 21st January 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Southern Gas Networks contractors to undertake gas main replacement and associated connection work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.
Farley Castle, East Wing, Castle Hill, Farley Hill
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Full application for the proposed erection of 1 no. 3 bedroom house, plus landscaping and associated works.
The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.
6 Peach Street, Wokingham
Major Application
Application to vary condition 30 of planning consent 190871 for the variation of conditions 2 (approved drawings) and 3 (approved uses) of planning permission F/ 2014/2637 (full planning permission for part redevelopment and part retention and refurbishment of existing buildings to provide a mixed use development for town centre uses) as varied by Section 73 applications 170718, 172765 and 183115 and amended by non-material amendments 181242 and 182714. Condition 30 refers to opening hours and the variation is to allow no. 6 Peach Street (Unit SU03) to open to customers at 06:00.
The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 6th December 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.
Dated: 2nd December 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
Any comments must arrive on or before the 16th December 2021. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses. Date: 2nd December 2021
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 A. P024-21 – PROPOSED – 30MPH SPEED LIMITS ON NINE MILE RID E [EXTENSION]. B. P025-21 – PROPOSED – SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION READING ROAD, FINCHAMPSTEAD. THE WOKINGHAM BOROUGH (30MPH LIMIT) (NINE MILE RIDE [EXTENSION]) ORDER 202* THE WOKINGHAM BOROUGH (30MPH LIMIT) (READING ROAD, FINCHAMPSTEAD) ORDER 202*
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (POUND LANE, HURST) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Pound Lane, Hurst between its junctions with Broadcommon Road and Nelson’s Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Broadcommon Road and Nelson’s Lane or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 20th December and 22nd December 2021. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake pressure monitor installation work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 20th December 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 2nd December 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
More Eyes than a sack of potatoes!
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make the Orders under Sections 1, 2, 4, 84 and 124 and Parts III and IV of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and of all other enabling powers. 2. The effect of the Wokingham Borough: (a) (30mph Limit) (Nine Mile Ride [extension]) Order 202* would be to impose a 30mph speed limit on the entire length of Nine Mile Ride extension and designate the remainder of Nine Mile Ride as a 30mph speed limit; (b) (30mph Limit) (Reading Road, Finchampstead) Order 202* would be to reduce the existing 40mph speed limit to 30mph on a length of Reading Road, Finchampstead. 3. Copies of the draft Orders, statement of reasons and plans may be inspected at the offices of the Traffic Management Team, at the address given below between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Mondays to Fridays. These are also available to view at ‘www.wokingham.gov.uk/tro’. 4. Any objections to the draft Orders, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing to the Traffic Management Team, Localities & Customers, PO Box 153, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or via email to ‘tm.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk’ quoting either the relevant reference above ‘P024-21’ or ‘P025-21’ respectively’, by no later than 23 December 2021. Dated: 2nd December 2021 Andy Glencross, Assistant Director Place & Growth, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WL.
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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
Get sweaty with Buster Bloodvessel M ANY parents know that Christmas doesn’t come to those with Bad Manners.
For Reading-based lovers of ska, nothing could be further from the truth — Buster Bloodvesel is bringing his world-famous two-tone band to Sub89 on the Sunday before Christmas. And the star, famous for his large tongue, can’t wait. Not least as he’s living on a houseboat. “It’s filled with large plastic snowmen, Father Christmases and reindeer,” he says between boxes of decorations, ready to be pressed into use on the Bad Manners Christmas tour. “We collected them. About six months ago, we went to a show and they were throwing them out, so we’ve got all these plastic things ready. “What makes this different from previous Christmas tours is only the fact that we’ve got some decorations… It’s the style of Bad Manners — Christmas is always fun. Go crazy, dance, enjoy yourself, do whatever you want to do. “Christmas is party time.” The Bad Manners Christmas show is a staple for Friar Street-based venue Sub89, and this year takes place on Sunday, December 19. Expect some of the favourites from the two tone kings including Ne-Ne Na-Na Na-Na Nu-Nu, Lip Up Fatty, Special Brew, and Can Can. “Sub89 is a wonderful venue,” he says. “Anytime we’ve played Reading I’ve really enjoyed the response. It’s such a little, hot, sweaty club. I love that, especially on the Christmas tour. “Festivals during the summer are wonderful, they’re big and open and thousands of people, fantastic… but I feel at home when I play a small little venue like Sub89 and go down so well.” Bad Manners has been around, in various forms, since 1975. Why does Buster think ska has endured? He doesn’t even pause to think — in fact, he barely pauses during our chat, such is his enthusiasm for performing. “It’s fun music,” he says. “You can’t kill it, it’s been so strong. Two-tone had been going for 20 years, so it’s not music of its era, it’s music that will continue, I’m sure.” Buster says that ska is big businesses across the world: “South America is so hot for ska, there’s so many ska bands over there doing it. “We’ve just come back from there and it was amazing, absolutely amazing, the response that we got. “Then there will be somewhere like Canada, where it suddenly springs
up and everybody wants ska music live. Then it’ll be Germany, France, Europe. It’s a music that keeps going around. “And we’re very keen on it in Britain, because of the two-tone era, which sort of captured everybody’s imaginations at the time. Everybody loved it, the young and the old. It’s a music that’s people have got a lot of affection for.” Buster is a big Christmas fan, and said that he was lucky as a child. Being adopted meant he had two mothers and was very spoilt as a result. “I was lucky enough to have, you know, most presents that I wanted because the mothers were fighting for my affection, I suppose. Wonderful times are always the best of memories for me,” he says. Of course, the Bad Manners Christmas tour means Buster is creating new memories of “hot, sweaty nights” that “give me a sauna every night”. He jokes: “My skin should be so perfect”. The show features special guest Max Splodge, of whom Buster says is: “He’s an important part of the Bad Manners’ story, it’s all part of the fun.” And Buster says that there will be some crowd pleasers that he’s not released on vinyl, yet. “Our version of You’re Too Good To Be True really gets the crowd going. I just said in a soundcheck to do it. “We’ve never released it as a piece of vinyl, but one day we might. It’s become one of the bigger songs for the crowds, another is Sally Brown, we perform that well and the crowds love to singalong with it. It has that sort of tempo to it that is very Bad Manners, fast tempo ska music.” With lots of events, carol concerts and partying going on, why should people spend the last Sunday before Christmas in Buster’s company? “I want to get them sweating, I want them plugged into our music and I think there’s enough people in Reading that would have known a Bad Manners gig from previous, so I think it will be a sell-out gig. “To miss it? They must be mad. Or they must be so boring it’s untrue. What have they been doing for the last two years? “I’m sure it’s not a Bad Manners Show. Come along if you want a night with a difference.” n Bad Manners will be at Sub89 on Sunday, December 19, from 7pm. For more details, or to book, log on to sub89.com or visit www.ents24.com/ uk/tour-dates/bad-manners
PHIL CREIGHTON
02.12.21
14 | LEISURE
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 2, 2021
Your guide to all the pantomimes IT’S THAT time of year again – theatres across the Thames Valley will be raising the curtains on their festive shows. Oh yes they are. PHIL CREIGHTON rounds up all the pantomimes and Christmas magic you can look forward to this year.
As with everything at the moment, the coronavirus pandemic means that shows can be cancelled or curtailed at the last minute. We encourage you to check with the box office before heading out.
Go to the ball, thanks to South Hill Park
A TALE of glass slippers, unrequited love, and staying up past your bedtime is on offer in Bracknell this Christmas. The curtain has already gone up on Cinderella at South Hill Park, and the show continues until Monday, January 3. The show needs little introduction: Cinderella must go to the ball and meet her prince — but what evil tricks will the wicked step sisters play to stop Cinders finding her happy ever after? It is once again written by Joyce Branagh, and the cast includes Faye Ellen as Cinderella, and Ben Featherstone as Prince Charming. The Ugly Sisters are Paul Toulson and Jacqueline Tate. South Hill Park is aiming to cater for all audiences. There will be a signed performance on Saturday, December 4, and there will also be an adults-only night for those who like their slapstick to be bawdy. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123 or log on to www.southhillpark.org.uk
Climb the beanstalk at Camberley
JACK TROTT is battling to save the sleepy market town of Little Camberley On The M3 in a new take
n For more details, log on to www. camberleytheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01276 707600.
Guildford’s streets will be paved with panto
Dick Whittington is the show at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. It opens on Friday, December 3, and runs until Sunday, January 9. Dick is heading to London to seek his fame and fortune — after all, the streets are paved with gold. But when he gets there, he finds that grime is covering the gold, and King Rat is out to get him. Between Dick and his faithful cat, can he save London? The show stars Kit Hesketh Harvey as King Rat, Peter Gordon and Dame Sally the Cook, Robbie Scott as Dick Whittington and Maya Elliott as Alice Fitzwarren. Shows on Thursday, December 9 and Wednesday, December 15, will be signed, and a relaxed performance will take place on Saturday, December 18 at 10.30am.
n For more details, or to book, call 01483 440000 or log on to www.yvonne-arnaud. co.uk
Stars fly in for Peter Pan EastEnders actor Jake Wood will be
AT THE THEATRE
Every week, we bring you a round-up of all shows taking place in the region’s theatres. It covers this weekend and next, so you can plan ahead and book tickets to the shows that you want to see. As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.
Cinderella is at South Hill Park this Christmas Picture: Iona Newton
on Jack and the Beanstalk. Camberley Theatre is promising an epic adventure filled with larger than life characters in this festive show. It opens on Friday, December 10, and continues until New Year’s Eve. Jack is taking on Fleshcreep and the Giant Blunderbore, aided by his daft brother Simon, Dame Dolly Trott, Colin the Trainee Fairy and farm hand Jill. Oh, and their cow, Daisy. The show will include a medley of songs, energetic choreopgraphy, dazzling costumes and plenty of squirty cream. Tickets cost from £15, and the show will help raise funds for Crowthornbased Sebastian’s Action Trust. A signed performance will take place on December 29, at 1pm. This will also be a relaxed performance.
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Cinderella. Until Jan 3. Bracknell Jazz: Blue Town. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Christmas With Blake. Mon. Platinum: The Live Abba Tribute Show. Tues-Wed. Coach House Christmas Parties. Thurs 9. Conservatoire International Concert Series: Junyan Chen. Fri 10. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 10.
Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 The Noise Next Door: Run Wild. Sat. Bring Your Own Baby Comedy. Tues. Jack and the Beanstalk. Fri 10-New Year’s Eve. Baby Broadway Christmas. Sat 11.
playing baddie Captain Hook in a new production of Peter Pan, coming to the Wycombe Swan this Christmas. Also appearing is Benidorm’s Jake Canuso and Niki Evans, who appeared on The X-Factor. Comic Jamie Brook and Giselle Byron complete the main cast of the show, which opens on Friday, December 10, and runs through to Sunday, January 2. The Swan’s blurb says: “Don’t miss out on this family show packed with laughter, boos and hisses as the Jolly Roger navigates the perilous high seas and throws anchor for another unmissable festive season in High Wycombe”. And who are we to argue? n For more details, log on to wycombeswan.co.uk or call the box office on 01494 512000.
Cinders, thanks to Bear In The Air
The wonderfully named Bear In The Air theatre company is producing the festive show at Henley’s Kenton Theatre. Cinderella will be full of magic, wonder and silly jokes, as the put upon girl manages to get her chores
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Dick Whittington. Until Jan 9. Christmas With Duo. Fri 10-Sat 11.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Fairytale of New York. Wed. Christmas Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs. Ed Byrne. Thurs. Christmas Cracker Party Night. Fri-Sat. That’ll Be The Day. Fri. Rick Wakeman. Sat. Christmas Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 9. The Christmas Extravaganza with Baby Go Boom. Fri 10, Sat 11. Christmas Mammy’s Boys. Fri 10. Peter Pan. Fri 10-Sun Jan 2.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 The Take That Experience. Thurs.
A Joyful Christmas with the IDMC Gospel Choir. Sat. Cinderella. From Sat Dec 11-Dec 30
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Kipper’s Snowy Day. Until Dec 30. Jess Robinson: The Twelve Days of Christmas. Thurs. Mig Kimpton’s Tale of the Golden Goose. Fri. The Thinking Drinkers: Pub Quiz. Sat. Stephen K Amos: before and Laughter. Thurs 9-Fri 10. Jo Harrop and Friends: Jazz at the Musicals. Fri 10. Robin Morgan, What A Man, What A Man. Sat 11.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Cinderella. Until Sun, Jan 2.
sorted and dress cleaned up ready to go to the ball, where true love awaits. The show opens on Saturday, December 11, with a 2.30pm matinee, and the run continues through to Thursday, December 30. There will be a relaxed performance on Tuesday, December 14, when all tickets will be at the special price of £10.
n For more details, call 01491 525050, or log on to www.kentontheatre.co.uk
Something different at Norden Farm
Kipper’s Snowy Day is the festive show at Norden Farm in Maidenhead this Christmas. The show is based on the children’s books from Mick Inkpen about Kipper The Dog. Snow is falling, and Kipper is very excited. With his friends Tiger, Pig and Arnold, adventure awaits … but can they find their way home? The show includes puppets, mischief, songs and music, and is suitable for ages three upwards. The show is already running and continues to Sunday, January 2. There are relaxed performances on
Newbury – The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 The Jungle Book. Until New Year’s Eve.
Reading – South Street
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Snow Queen. From FriChristmas Eve. Shimmering Oasis. Sun.
Reading – The Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Beauty and the Beast starring Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse. Sat-Jan 3.
Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Lunchtime Organ Recital. Jan 17.
Saturday, December 4 and Wednesday, December 29. Touch tours for children with autism and visually impaired children can be arranged. n For more details, call the box office on 01628 788997 or log on to norden.farm
Another Cinderella, this time in Newbury
The Corn Exchange in Newbury is presenting its take on the classic ragsto-riches story. The show started last week, and runs until Sunday, January 2. Producers have promised songs from across the decades, magic and sparkle, plus plenty of jokes. Across the run there are adultsonly notes, and socially distanced performances. A signed performance will be on Wednesday, December 29, a captioned performance will be on Thursday, December 30, at 2pm, with an audio described performance at 6pm. And there is a relaxed performance at 2pm on Sunday, January 2. n For details, call the box office on 0845 5218218 or log on to cornexchangenew. com
Reading – Progress Theatre
Windsor – Theatre Royal
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre
Wokingham – Theatre
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Babe The Sheep-Pig. Wed 8-Sat 11
www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: A Christmas Carol. Sat-New Year’s Eve.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Youth Group Revue. Fri-Sat. Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses. Sun 5.
Sonning – The Mill
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Top Hat. Until Jan 8. The Rat Pack at Christmas. Sun.
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Jack and the Beanstalk. Until Jan 9.
www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 The Government Inspector. Wed 8-Sat 18.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 NEXT SHOW: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Jan 17-18.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 Talking Heads Part 2. Until Sat. NEXT SHOW: Jazz Concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Sat Jan 22.
Thursday, December 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LEISURE | 15
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and festive shows this Christmas Lyrics and music are by Irving Berling. The show runs Tuesdays to Saturdays in the evening, there are matinees on Saturdays and Sundays, and there will be Sunday evening shows between December 12 and 26. Tickets include a two-course meal before each performance.
Why Beauty star Sarah is super excited to be back at The Hexagon
P
LAYING Beauty is ‘just incredible’ says Sarah Giorgina of her role in The Hexagon’s festive show.
She is returning, having played Snow White in 2016’s pantomime. The show also featured Karl Loxley and, of course, Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse. “To be cast as Beauty was unexpected,” she says, “The year we’ve had … we all thought pantomimes might go ahead. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be back in The Hexagon again, with lovely staff and a lovely cast. “We had such a wonderful time here doing Snow White, so to be back is wonderful. I’m super excited.” With this enthusiasm, it’s no wonder she is a fan of the festive genre. “I love pantomime, I think everyone does,” she says. “But being in it is an absolute joy. It is so much fun. “Audiences are there to have fun, they’re wanting to smile and laugh, now more than ever. So, we’re excited to make that happen and ensure that every single person who comes through the doors leaves with the biggest smile on their face. “We’re already smiling, we can’t wait.” Beauty is an important part in the show, the heroine who is also a role model. Does that weigh heavily on her shoulders? “Yes, absolutely,” she says. “Beauty is everything really: she’s emotional, she’s strong, and she’s sassy. She is definitely my
Jungle tales from Kipling THE THING about Rudyard Kipling is that he makes exceedingly good tales. The Watermill in Newbury is currently performing its version of The Jungle Book. It tells the story of Mowgli, a boy raised in the jungle by wise old panther Bagheera and loveable sloth bear Baloo. Can they beat the ferocious Shere Khan? The show runs through to New Year’s Eve, and there is a relaxed performance on Saturday, December 18.
n For more details, log on to www. watermill.org.uk or call the box office on 01635 46044.
Snow wonder from RABBLE A NEW version of The Snow Queen is being performed at South Street Arts Centre in Reading this Christmas. Written by Anna Wheatley, and based on Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairytale, it is being produced by RABBLE Theatre.
n For more details, call the box office on 0118 969 8000, or log on to www.millatsonning.com
Basil Brush helps make the beans talk
Justin Fletcher is at The Hexagon Picture: Philip Tull/Reading Arts
favourite princess.” This isn’t the first time she’s played Beauty. In fact, if you have ever visited Disneyland, chances are Sarah is in your photos. “I’ve been lucky enough to play Belle for Disney for many years,” she says. “It’s brilliant to get to bring her to The Hexagon. I hope children love my interpretation of Beauty.” Away from panto, Sarah is in a small, vintage trio. When we met, during the photocall earlier in the autumn, she was preparing for Chelsea Flower Show, had performed in some summer gigs and also helped co-star Karl
Set in Denmark’s midwinter, it tells the story of how Gerda is forced to undertake a treacherous journey across Scandinavia to find her missing best friend, Kai. She sails the sea, breaks into palaces, wrestles out of forests and even learns how to speak crow. The show is for ages eight upwards, and the show runs from Saturday, December 4, through to Christmas Eve. n For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to whatsonreading.com
Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse return to The Hexagon Pantomime’s most formidable double act is back. In some ways, the show doesn’t even matter any more, all that matters is once again CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher is teaming up with Paul Morse for hi-jinks, silliness and laughter. This year, it’s Beauty and
create a Christmas album, which is on sale now. Now though, it’s all eyes on Saturday’s opening night. “I’m looking forward to creating a beautiful show that’s just joyful, full of love and fun,” she says, adding with a smile, “and, of course, Christmas dinner.” n Beauty and the Beast is at The Hexagon in Reading from Saturday, December 4, through to Monday, January 3. For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to www. whatsonreading.com
festive show is one of the most famous Christmas stories of them all, just with some of the details changed. Ebenezer Scrooge is having a miserable Christmas, but with a little help from Christmas Past, Present and Future, will he be able to see the festive joy after all? A Christmas Carol opens on Friday, December 3, and continues through to New Year’s Eve. There are relaxed performances on Sunday, December 12, a touch tour on Tuesday, December 14, and a signed performance on
Wednesday, December 15.
n For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to whatsonreading.com
Putting on the Ritz A TOUCH of glamour is at The Mill at Sonning this Christmas, thanks to its festive show, Top Hat. The show is an adaptation of the 1935 film of the same name and tells the story of Broadway sensation Jerry Travers who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of society girl Dale Tremont.
Windsor’s panto favourites are all back again this year: dame Steven Blakeley, comic Kevin Cruise, and Basil Brush, the fox who likes to go boom, boom. Joining them for Jack and the Beanstalk is Anita Harris, Alice Fillary and Elizabeth Carter. The show will be packed with comedy capers, dazzling dancer, colourful costumes and plenty of fun. The show runs all the way through to January 9, and takes place at the Theatre Royal — in the shadow of Windsor Castle.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01753 853888 or log on to theatreroyalwindsor. co.uk
PHIL CREIGHTON the Beast in a show that Justin has written. Also returning are David J Higgins, Karl Loxley, Sarah Giorgina, and Rachel Delooze. Ryan Alexander Full stars as Bear Botemme. Expect plenty of magic, laughter, songs and set pieces in the family-friendly show. The first night is on Saturday, December 4, with performances continuing through to Monday, January 3. Signed performances are on Saturday, December 18 at 1pm and Wednesday, December 29, at 5pm. Relaxed performances take place on Friday, December 10 and Thursday, December 30. n For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to whatsonreading.com
Biscuitmen take over the Rep
EVERYONE knows A Christmas Carol. But not a lot of people know that it’s actually about biscuits and set in Reading. Reading Rep Theatre’s first
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Discover the biscuity base to Scrooge’s Christmassy redemption
I
T’S one of the most Christmassy stories of them all — a tale of redemption, changed lives and celebrations. But did you know that A Christmas Carol is actually set in Reading?
This weekend, the curtain goes up on Reading Rep Theatre’s very first Christmas production, a new take on Charles Dickens’ famous festive story, only with more biscuits. In honour of Reading’s heritage as the biscuit town and being in the shadow of the former Huntley and Palmers factory — appropriately enough for the Rep Theatre’s near Newtown location — this is A Christmas Carol as you’ve never seen it before. Ebenezer Scrooge is now the miserable boss of Huntley and Palmers, Reading’s world-famous biscuit company. With a little help from Christmas Past, Present and Future, will he be able to feel the festive joy? Audiences are invited to step back in time and enjoy the whimsy and wonder of this yuletide production, drawn from the cobbled streets of Reading. It’s written by Reading-based playwright Beth Flintoff and directed by the Rep’s artistic director, Paul Stacey. The family-friendly show launches on Friday, December 3, and its run continues through to New Year’s Eve.
In the cast is Samuel Kyi, who plays Fred. Speaking during a break in rehearsals, he reveals that this isn’t his first brush with Scrooge. “It brings back memories, as I did A Christmas Carol back when I was at school,” he says. “The show is definitely a change to what people are used to. But once they get into it, the story is told very well, so it won’t feel alien, it will just feel good, it just flows. “Obviously people that live in Reading, or have visited, will be familiar with the story, and they will like it.” Even though he’s a Slough boy, Samuel knows about our reputation for beer, bulbs and biscuits, and he’ll be using that knowledge as he creates Fred. “He represents the complete opposite of how Scrooge is at the beginning of the play”, he says. “He’s a character that brings joy and light to a very dark Scrooge. He comes out of nowhere, and loves Christmas. He doesn’t stop singing and dancing. It’s very good to have a type of character like that.” The main cast of five are working hard to create that festive magic, and Samuel is delighted that they are gelling well. “We have so much fun
together,” he says, adding that they’ll be spotted walking to the shops at Cemetery Junction in their lunchbreak or enjoying a pint after hours. “We’re getting to know each other really well.” Samuel is hoping that audiences will come along and enjoy the play – it seems they are as many of the performances have sold out, although there are still seats available for the relaxed performance on Sunday, December 12. After lockdowns and various covid restrictions, Samuel says: “This is an opportunity to come down and have fun, either by yourself or with the whole family or friends. Come along and be entertained. “I think there’s joy in that … this is an opportunity to get back into the swing of things. “The cast are very talented and you will be entertained.” He adds: “This is the first Christmas production for Reading Rep, so don’t miss it — you don’t want to be at home, and everyone is saying how amazing it was and how they were happy they went.” n For more details, or to book, log on to www.readingrep.com/achristmas-carol or call 0118 370 2620.
PHIL CREIGHTON
WPR_2021-11-29_ReadingToday_16x4 (1)_Just Go
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Departing Fri 11 Mar ‘22
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Your break includes
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading 3 nights at the Kilbirnie Hotel, Newquay with dinner & breakfast Happy hour every evening Entertainment every evening Movie afternoon Afternoon tea dance with tea, coffee and cake Excursion to Padstow
Return coach travel from Reading Overnight stay at the 2-star Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool with dinner & breakfast (all meals buffet style) 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks The Beatles tribute act plus a live DJ at the hotel Free time in Liverpool
Optional excursion to St Ives & Penzance (£10pp)
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FESTIVE FUN: The Wurzels are at Sub89 next week Picture: Mike Alsford
Who wants a combine harvester this Christmas?
S
ANTA is busy receiving letters featuring festive requests and on many of them will be people wanting a brand new combine harvester. While he can’t get a new Massey Ferguson down the chimney of every home this Christmas, he can at least point people in the direction of Sub89 in Reading next Wednesday. No, he’s not turning the dancefloor into a tractor showroom. The venue is welcoming The Wurzels back for their latest tour. The band, who have been performing in various guises since the 1960s, have developed a whole new audience thanks to their ability to adapt, taking famous songs of the day and Wurzelling them. When they appear at the Friar Street venue next week, people can expect covers of the Kaiser Chiefs song Ruby, among others, as well as their famous set list that includes the hit singles The Combine Harvester and I Am A Cider Drinker. Tommy Banner can’t wait to return to Sub89. “It’s a great venue, we love it,” he says. “We’ve played a few places in Reading, but the atmosphere at Sub89 is something else. We really love it.” The band have, like everyone else, mothballed over the past 18 months due to the pandemic. Given their long performing career, surely this was a moment to take stock and consider retiring to the countryside? Not a chance, Tommy says. “As long as we enjoy ourselves, we carry on,” he says. “If we are,
we hope the audiences are too. We hate seeing bands going out and going through the motions. We give it everything we’ve got, even as old as we are. “It’s good time music.” He adds: “We’ve been together since 1973. We keep saying that as soon as one of us stops enjoying it, we’ll stop. We’ve had 18 months of forced retirement and not one of us enjoyed it. We just wanted to get back on the green.” The band have had people coming up to them thanking them for performing over the summer at a number of venues. “It’s lovely,” he says “It gives you such a lift.” And don’t expect Sub89 to be full of people who are, shall we say, silver haired. The audiences are, Tommy says, “getting younger and younger”. Part of this success is the band’s ability to adapt, going from parody albums to their unique West Country take on popular songs. It all stems from a guest appearance on Harry Hill’s show, where he asked them to perform a Barbara Streisand song in their own style. “It was brilliant, it worked,” Tommy says. “From then on, when we were looking to do an album we said there’s no point doing parodies.” A new vein of music beckons, and it’s been popular ever since, leading to their collaboration with the Kaiser Chiefs. “We get so many requests for Ruby,” he says. “I think maybe that’s helped us keep young and fresh.” Of course, being in December, next week’s gig will see The Wurzels slip a few Christmas
songs into the set. “We did a Christmas album a couple of years ago… Christmas songs that have been Wurzelised,” Tommy says. “It’s a good album.” There’s something about Tommy that puts him at odds with his West Country background. He’s a Scot. And being a Scot, Hogmanay is just as important as Christmas. In 2019, he was able to join family in Scotland to see the bells ring for the new year, and he’s hoping to go back up again soon. But there’s something he wants to confess: “You’re not going to believe it,” he says. “Nobody ever does. I must be the only Scotsman who doesn’t actually drink whiskey. It’s true. I get the odd present of a bottle of Scotch. I try it and I’ve never, ever liked the taste of it. “I do like Drambuie,” he smiles. “Maybe, just maybe, I’ve got a taste for the good stuff.” Next week, though, he’s looking forward to beer (well, cider), bulbs and biscuits — and seeing fans turn out at every gig. “We’re looking forward to seeing the Brakspears in the front row,” he says of his dedicated supporters. And for everyone he promises: “Come and see us, you will forget all the bad stuff that happens in the world these days. “If you’ve seen the film Mamma Mia, the whole audience come out singing. I’ve never forgotten that atmosphere. It’s the same with The Wurzels. You’ll come out singing a Wurzels song.” n The Wurzels, with the Skimmity Hitchers, will be at Sub89 on Wednesday, December 8, from 7pm. Tickets are available from sub89.com
LEISURE | 25
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Thursday, December 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LIVEMUSIC
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RaW SOUNDS TODAY
Legion. Wow, the RBL is becoming quite a venue. Geno appears with the Yo Yo’s as his backing band, made up of the rhythm section of his famous Ram Jam Band, and they play R&B, Blues & Soul Classics such as this one – https://genowashington. blogspot.com/
Chris Hillman
bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday
T
Crooked Shapes – Appetite
HIS WEEK’S RaW Sounds Today playlist showcases the diversity of music that comes to our neck of the woods.
First up, we’ve got Spriggan Mist, famous for their amazing shows, special events and unique prog rock. Hot on their heels is Geno Washington, with a cover of the famous Everybody Needs Somebody to Love. Both acts will be appearing in Winnersh over the coming days, and we can’t wait. They are just two of 10 tracks you can listen to for free, thanks to our Spotify playlist. The RaW Sounds playlist is a brilliant way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing. To tune in, simply head to https://bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday and get ready to rock. There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
COOL YULE: Spriggan Mist will be at the Winnersh British Legion on December 11 Picture: Andrew Merritt
Spriggan Mist – The Portal Their live performances combine strong visuals with their magical mix of prog, folk and rock to create quite a spectacle. Spriggan Mist will be bringing their magic to Wokingham’s Royal British Legion on Saturday, December 11, for a special Yule Feast event. The band are also behind the impressive Enchanted Market weekend event that returns to Bracknell in February. Watch out for a new album in 2022. While we wait for that here’s one of their most popular tracks – https://www.sprigganmist.com/
Geno Washington – Everybody Needs Somebody to Love
It’s great to see Wokingham Music Club bringing so many legendary artists to the town and here’s a great example. It’s Geno Washington who is at this weekend’s club event on Friday, December 3 at Royal British
GIG GUIDE
Thursday, December 2
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Gogo Juice. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jazz singers night with Fleur Stevenson. Details: 0118 959 5500. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Coach House Christmas Parties. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Pozi and Speedboat. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Christmas night. Details: 0118 968 1442. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Friday, December 3
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New hot Bands double bill: Rila’s Edge, Simple Fiction. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Luther Vandross. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Blue Town. Details: 01344 484123. EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Live music. Details: 0118 966 7153. EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Live music. Details: 0118 978 0544. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Geno Washington and The Yo Yo’s with TR5’s. £18. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk EVERSLEY – The Frog & Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Garry Nock. Details: 0118 973 1126. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Memorial Hall, The Village RG40 4JU. Remix Jazz Orchestra with Stuart Henderson. 8pm. Details: johndeemer@icloud.com READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Rd RG6 1JL. Marvellous Fridays. Details: 0118 935 1009.
READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Afterwork, Horse Meat and more. Details: www.marketyard.co.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents Attila The Stockbrocker. Details: 0118 986 6788. SINDLESHAM – The Walter Arms, Bearwood Road RG41 5BP. Art and music night: The Midnight Rebel Band. Details: 0118 977 4903. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Up2NoGood. Details: 0118 977 3706.
Saturday, December 4
BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. The Bootlegs Band. Details: 0118 983 2220. BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Coronation Kings, Rise of the Machine. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultra 90s: 90s Tribute. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. White Light. Details: 01344 422622. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. The Cherries. Details: 01344 530615. CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01344 772161. EARLEY – Earley Home Guard Social Club, Pitts Lane RG6 1BT. Abba tribute. Details: 0118 926 5936. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Totally Tina. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Evolutiond. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. 90s/00s brunch, Brixton Radio Takeover, Raw Silk. Details: www. marketyard.co.uk READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Sam and the Gang. Details: 0118 935 1009. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Proper Ammo DNB: DJ Rap, Dope Ammo, Jumpin Jack Frost. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Queen’s Head,
Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. P’Jam. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Skavengers. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930. TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Far Away Trains. Details: 0118 941 5064. WINNERSH – Royal British Legion, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Geno Washington and the Yo Yos. Details: 0118 978 0307. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Red Hoax Chilli Peppers. Details: 0118 977 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Roebuck, Market Place RG40 1AL. Garage night. Details: 0118 979 6486.
Sunday, December 5
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Greatest Showman Singalong, Smooth Sundays. Details: www. marketyard.co.uk READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Slade. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – South Street arts centre. Shimmering Oasis. Details: 0118 960 6060. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Rat Pack at Christmas. Details: 0118 969 8000. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Tenor Ethem Demir, pianist Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Monday, December 6
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Christmas with Blake. Details: 01344 484123. NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: The Ladies of Nettlebed. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. British Lion. Details: 0118 959 5395.
This three-piece rock band with members from Reading and Wokingham have just released their debut self titled album Crooked Shapes. This track is their latest single and is one of nine tracks on the album – https://www.crookedshapes.com/
Last Picture Show – The Joy and the Wonder
Reading-based band, Last Picture Show, are interested in combining visual imagery with their music and that shows with the award-winning video they created for this single – http://www.lastpicture-show.com/
Valeras – Let Me Go Reading-based indie rock duo, Valeras, with a single from their four-track EP, Tell Me Now. Following their Sub 89 show, they appeared at Wokingham’s Beyond the Download ‘in store’ event on November 27 – facebook.com/valerasband
Mordecai Smyth – Sinister Cyclist Mordecai’s 2011 album Sticky Tape and Rust, on Wokingham based Mega Dodo Records, ‘has been
Tuesday, December 7
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Platinum Live: The Live Abba Tribute Show. Details: 01344 484123. ENGLEFIELD – Theale Village Hall RG7 5AS. Graeme Hewitt’s High Society Jazz Band with Andy Dickens. Details: graemehewittjazz@hotmail.com PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Quirky Corner Unplugged. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Cats In Space. Details: 0118 959 5395. SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON – The Four Horseshoes. Equinox jazz night with Sarah Jane Eveleigh. Details: 01256 882296 WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Wednesday, December 8
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open Mic night. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Platinum Live: The Live Abba Tribute Show. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Wurzels. Details: 0118 959 5395. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Judie Tzuke. Details: 01491 681048.
Thursday, December 9
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Just Genesis: tribute night. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Coach House Christmas Parties. Details: 01344 484123. READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Christmas Session Details: www. marketyard.co.uk READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Christmas night. Details: 0118 968 1442. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.
re-issued as a special 10th-anniversary two-CD release. Psych pop with clever lyrics – https://www. facebook.com/stickytapeandrust/
Hoopy Frood – Horse with No Name Here’s a Wokingham-based band with a very cool cover of a classic 70s hit by America. It’s a great interpretation of the song with good grooves, strong vocals and even a guitar solo at the end – https://www.hoopyfrood.co.uk/
Katie Ellwood – More Than Perfect It’s another wonderful indie-pop single with an infectious melody and chilled beats from Katie who is from Wokingham and who writes, records, plays and sings on her releases. Very talented. – https:// www.katieellwood.com/
Moth Man – Nutter This band, with members from Reading and Manchester, have released a new video of this track from their latest album. It was filmed by Gigshotz from Reading and reflects the moody atmospheric feel of the song and the album – https://mothman.band/
Mike Wagner – Face of Light This song is an uplifting singalong anthem that showcases the talents of this local singersongwriter. It’s taken from Mike’s Life...A Seven Day Journey mini-album – https://www.facebook.com/ mikewagnermusic
Friday, December 10
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Wise Monkeys, Reaction. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Wow 90s. Details: 01344 303333. EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Live music. Details: 0118 966 7153. EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Live music. Details: 0118 978 0544. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presentsNever 42. £18. Details: www.wokinghammusicclub.co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Nigefest: The Pistols, Remones, Eat Daddy Eat, Head Drop, Rev John H. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Select Car Leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Sir Duke Disco and Dance Party Band. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Afterwork, Guilty Pleasures. Details: www.marketyard.co.uk READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Marvellous Fridays. Details: 0118 935 1009. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Mollys Jam. Details: 0118 376 9159. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Side Hustle Rock. Details: 0118 977 3706.
Saturday, December 11
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The De Rella and Rage DC. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. George Michael tribute. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. From The Ashes. Details: 01344 422622. EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 935 4103. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Sing-along-aNicktivity. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Doody Nights Grease and Dirty Dancing. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Select Car Leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Madison Heights ultimate live soul and Motown band. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Jukebox Brunch, DJ, Natasha Kitty Kat (Glitterbox). Details: www. marketyard.co.uk READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Cafe Zazous. Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Magical Mystery Four. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Blue Hayz. Details: 0118 957 6930. TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Live music. Details: 0118 941 5064. WINNERSH – Royal British Legion, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Spriggan Mist’s Yule Feast. Details: 0118 978 0307. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Gas Trick Band. Details: 0118 977 0918.
Sunday, December 12
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Magpie Lane. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Elf Screening, Abba Magic Duo, Live Music. Details: www.marketyard. co.uk READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Primaitai Headline Show. Details: 0118 959 5395. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Tenor Ethem Demir, pianist Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.
No. 5390
Your weekly puzzle challenge TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662
26 | LEISURE
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 2, 2021
5388
Quiz Challenge
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5. Where in the human body are the four small fused bones known as the coccyx?
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NONAGRAM
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
THIS CREEPIER SHIP
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
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How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines: 26 Good; 31 Very Good; 36 Excellent.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
HR
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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
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Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
DOWN 1. I can with initial hesitation produce this sort of reaction (5) 2. Perhaps this is how long it would take at any time to build Rome (8) 3. Paint a new film on the surface (6) 4. Old Scottish theologian suffered a few setbacks, one hears (4) 5. To agree wholly (7) 6. Easy attempt made by fewer (10) 9. Omen is in favour of member of early Christian sect (10) 12. Subtropical plant found in Lampeter (4,4) 14. Badly winged duck - but here’s another! (7) 16. In Faro puts up with a dazed state (6) 19. Young trainee acted badly (5) 20. Sword brought up from the deepest (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
26 28
30 1 4 2 3 8 7 6 5 9
6 5 9 2 1 4 8 3 7
2 8 1 9 5 3 4 7 6
5 3 7 1 4 6 9 2 8
9 6 4 8 7 2 3 1 5
WORD PYRAMID: Scrape the barrel. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; add; divide; subtract. Total: 7.
SOLUTIONS
16 19
ACROSS 1. Miser has low-priced fish (10) 7. A small amount of snow will come off (5) 8. Dance round wet spot (3-4) 10. Exchange mint note for lubricant (8) 11. Singer is in the final tonight (4) 13. To draw back in the direction facing one (6) 15. Gorge, one is grand in America (6) 17. Father leaves little Frederick for another boy (4) 18. Chasms to be adapted into food stores (8) 21. Clean the mess second small dog made (5,2) 22. In a circle more than one spoke (5) 23. Affection of dear fellows in hospital department (10)
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.
8 7 3 5 6 9 1 4 2
4
9 2 3 5 7 4 2 1 4 2 8 6 4 7 1 5 5 1 9 6 6 1 9 3 6
16
18 17
EQUALISER 5 10 2 2 3 3 4 10 3 1 8 2
Hard
7 1 5 6 3 8 2 9 4
2 8 1 3 6 9 7
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
12
15
17
24
E
ME
3 9 6 4 2 5 7 8 1
7
14 15
H
XM
TE
SUDOKU Easy
13
11
21
AU
IN
SF FH
13
21
YT
HI
7
9
13
FIVE ALIVE MC
5
11
10. What type of creatures are classed as ophidians?
OT
4
10
WORD PYRAMID
CI
3
8 10
9. Which river forms most of the border between Essex and Suffolk?
Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed B through openings in the walls. The L first letter may appear in any chamber. E R
2
7
8. In 2019, Mikel Arteta became the manager of which Premier League football club?
13
1
6
7. Who wrote the hit song I Will Always Love You which featured in the 1992 film The Bodyguard?
3. Central Perk is a cafe which features in which TV sitcom?
26
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1
6. What type of creature is a pipistrelle?
2. In the clothing industry, what is measured in deniers?
14
9 16
1. Which annual sporting contest was declared a dead heat in 1877?
13
9
2
16
21
16
16 18
14
15 6
13
20
14
20
9
26 13
9
22
24
17 6
19
14
20
20
6
4
1
4 2 8 7 9 1 5 6 3
10
26
24
13
5 2 9 7 8 4 6 1 3
14
14
24
21
6 4 1 5 2 3 9 8 7
20
22
23
3 8 7 6 9 1 4 5 2
14
15
16
20
2 7 5 4 1 6 8 3 9
16
8
9
9 3 6 8 7 2 1 4 5
14
8 1 4 9 3 5 2 7 6
2
1 9 3 2 4 7 5 6 8
18
4 6 8 3 5 9 7 2 1
15
7 5 2 1 6 8 3 9 4
8
PZ1P5390
CROSS CODE 25
ACROSS 1. Catastrophe (8) 5. Drains (4) 9. African language (7) 10. Japanese dish (5) 11. Planet (5) 13. Boredom (6) 15. Arctic (5) 17. Pierce (4) 19. Pinch (3) 20. Porgy and ----, opera (4) 21. Vital liquid (5)
27
29
31
23. One or other (6) 24. Awaken (5) 28. Marriage announcement (5) 29. Clumsy (7) 30. Flair (4) 31. Unfounded (8) DOWN 1. Twilight (4) 2. Dishonour (5) 3. Small mistake (4-2) 4. Give out (4) 6. Omen (7)
7. 8. 12. 13. 14. 16. 18. 21. 22. 25. 26. 27.
Brief struggle (8) Showy flower (5) Echo sounder (5) Become narrower (5) Gather together(8) Illuminated (3) Aerial (7) Celtic language (5) Raw recruit (6) Frighten (5) Information (4) Appends (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Disaster; 5 Saps; 9 Swahili; 10 Sushi; 11 Venus; 13 Tedium; 15 Polar; 17 Stab; 19 Nip; 20 Bess; 21 Water; 23 Either; 24 Rouse; 28 Banns; 29 Awkward; 30 Elan; 31 Baseless. Down – 1 Dusk; 2 Shame; 3 Slip-up; 4 Emit; 6 Auspice; 7 Skirmish; 8 Aster; 12 Sonar; 13 Taper; 14 Assemble; 16 Lit; 18 Antenna; 21 Welsh; 22 Rookie; 25 Scare; 26 Data; 27 Adds.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race; 2 The thickness of yarn; 3 Friends; 4 When it enters a port with a clean bill of FIVE ALIVE: health; 5 Base of the spine; 6 Bat; 7 Dolly Parton; 8 Arsenal; 9 The Stour; 10 Snakes. (1) Across – Comet; Annex; Foyer. Down – Chaff; Minty; Taxer. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1. Cheapskate, 7. Flake, 8. Two-step, 10. Ointment, 11. (2) Across – Itchy; Idiom; Hefty. F K J G Z P B U S X V M L Alto, 13. Toward, 15. Canyon, 17. Eddy, 18. Stomachs, 21. Down – Irish; Chief; Yummy. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Sweep up, 22. Radii, 23. Endearment. E I A Y C D T O N W H Q R Down – 1. Chain, 2. Evermore, 3. Patina, 4. Knox, 5. Totally, 6. NONAGRAM: acme; amice; calm; calmest; came; Effortless, 9. Prognostic, 12. Palm tree, 14. Widgeon, 16. Stupor, camel; case; cast; caste; castle; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU chip; here; iris; pest. 19. Cadet, 20. Épée. cease; ceil; celesta; celt; cist; cite; claim; clam; clast; cleat; clematis; climate; clime; éclat; elastic; elect; emetic; ileac; lace; laciest; laic; mace; macle; malice; mascle; mastic; melic; mescal; mesic; metic; metical; mica; scale; scam; scat; sect; select; sice; slice; talc; telic; TIMESCALE.
WHAT’SON Friday, December 3
CROWTHORNE – Across village. Late night shopping evening, light switch-on and carols. 5pm-9pm. Free entry. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe from Earley Help Hub. 10am-noon. Details: 07493 784091. READING – Broad Street Mall. Enjoy Christmas Carols by local choir ‘Moving On’ next to Christmas tree in Central Square. 1pm-1.30pm. Details: broadstreetmall.com SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players Youth Group revue. 7pm. £5, children £3. Details: 0118 975 8880. SINDLESHAM – The Walter Arms, Bearwood Road RG41 5BP. Art and music festival with Beth Morris, Midnight Rebel Band and painters Daniel Adrianov, Brad Kenny, Vanessa Lavy, Martyn Wood. Details: 0118 977 4903. TWYFORD – Across village centre. Twyford Together Christmas Fayre. Stalls, entertainment, jugglers, choirs, brass band and more. 6pm-9pm. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 979 6267.
Saturday, December 4
BURGHFIELD – The Cunning Man, Burghfield Road. Christmas market: decorations, gifts and more. Noon-5pm. CAVERSHAM – The Weller Centre, Amersham Road RG4 5NA. Plastic Free Caversham’s Festive Fundraiser: eco-friendly crafting workshops, raffle, family-friendly activities. 2pm-6pm. Suggestion donation £1. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Oakwood Forest Church meeting. Darkest Night: nature sleeps. 4pm. Details: oakwoodforestchurch. wordpress.com
HURST – Village halls. St Nicholas Church Christmas fayre and outdoor market with stalls, refreshments and a visit from Father Christmas. 11.30am-3pm. READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free personalised letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm. Details: broadstreetmall. com READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Christmas market: stalls, refreshments and more. 11am-4pm. Free entry. Details: reading biscuitfactory.co.uk/ READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading farmers market. 8.30am-noon. Details: www.tvfm.org.uk READING – Readipop, Trafford Road RG1 8JP. Family jam: a music session for children and adults. No experience necessary. Instruments available or bring your own. 10am11.30am. £3 per family. Details: office@readipop. co.uk or 0118 938 7156. READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, 30 Silver Street, Reading RG1 2ST. Christmas Art Market. Noon-6pm. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players Youth Group revue. 7pm. £5, children £3. Details: 0118 975 8880. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Stageability presents Robin Hood and The Golden Arrow. 3.30pm and 6.30pm. Details: stageability.ticketsource. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Wokingham Living Advent Calendar performance: Redlands String Quartet, Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band, Thames Valley Chorus. From 7pm. Booking essential. www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokingham/4th-decwokingham-advent/eojdele WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents
LEISURE | 27
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, December 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokingham.today Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Sunday, December 5
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Christmas market: stalls, refreshments and more. 11am-4pm. Free entry. Details: https:// readingbiscuitfactory. co.uk/ READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free personalised letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm. Details: broadstreetmall. com READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane RG2 9DF. Christmas Wishes and Misletoe Kisses, a charity show for all the family. 7pm. £5. Details: 0118 975 8880. TILEHURST – Double Barrelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading’s Indie Market: Christmas Gifting. Noon-5pm. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk ACROSS WOKINGHAM BOROUGH – From Foster Wheelers building in Whitley Wood Lane. Reading Toy Run. Road closures in place from 1.30pm. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Christmas Extravaganza. 10am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Monday, December 6
CAVERSHAM – @Creativ. Spaces Art Studio & Event Spaces, Southview Business Park, Marsack Street, RG4 5AF. Art Soul creative club monthly creative meetup. 7pm8.30pm. EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe from Earley Help Hub.
10am-noon. Details: 0118 966 4474. EARLEY – 3SIXITY, Reading University Students’ Union, Whiteknights Campus. RUDS presents its Christmas pantomime, No Time Like The Present. 7.30pm. £5.75.
Tuesday, December 7
READING – Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin, Chain Street RG1 2HX. A Thanksgiving to the NHS at Christmas. 6pm. Free, registration essential. All proceeds to Royal Berkshire Hospital. Details: https:// register.enthuse.com/ps/ event/Thanksgivingto theNHSatChristmas Wednesday, December 8 READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Babe The Sheep Pig. 7pm.. Come As You Are Night. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk. READING – Market House, Market Place RG12EQ. Drag Queen Bingo. £10. Details: www. markethousereading.com WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk
Thursday, December 9
LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe, 2pm-4pm. Details: 07493 784091. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Babe The Sheep Pig. 7pm. Socially distanced seating night. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk. READING – St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road RG1 5JT. Reading Hadyn Choir carol concert. 7.30pm. £5, children free. Details: www.haydnchoir. org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints
Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Christmas social. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.
Friday, December 10
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe from Earley Help Hub. 10am-noon. Details: 07493 784091. READING – Broad Street Mall. Enjoy Christmas Carols by local choir ‘Moving On’ next to Christmas tree. 1pm-1.30pm. Details: broadstreetmall.com READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Babe The Sheep Pig. 7pm. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 6267.
Saturday, December 11
BEECH HILL – Memorial Hall RG7 2BE. Belle Canto Concert: It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas. 2.30pm. Free entry. CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook RoadC RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. From 10am. Free entry. CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist Church, Waterloo Road. Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Concert. 4.30pm. £10, under 16s free. Details: www. crowthorneorchestra.com READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm. Details: broadstreetmall.com READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Babe The Sheep Pig. 7pm. Relaxed performance. 11am. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk. READING – Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin,
Chain Street RG1 2HX. Reading Phoenix Choir carol concert: a choral fantasia in support for Reading Minster Sanctuary. 5pm. £7.50. Details: https://www. readingphoenixchoir.com/ carols READING – St Bart’s Theatre, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QA. Access To The Arts presents a Winter Festival. Stalls, refreshments, performances, games and more. 2pm-5pm. SONNING – St Andrew’s Church. Bel Canto Ladies’ Choir Traditional ‘Christmassy’ Christmas Concert, 7pm. £8, £4 children. Details: belcantomembers@gmail. com SOUTHCOTE – Grange United Reformed Church, Circuit Lane RG30 3HD. Christmas Market: crafts, preserves, cakes, tombola, books and more. Please wear a face covering. 11.30am. Free entry. Details: 0118 956 0380. TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church, Twyford RG10 9NE. Twyford Singers present Hope! Joy! Celebration! Christmas music and carols. £12, under 16s £6. Details: twyford-singers.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Sing Healthy Choirs charity Christmas concert with carols. 7.30pm. Details: singhealthy.co.uk. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Choral Society presents Around The World with Christmas, a family concert. £10, under 18s and students £5. 6.30pm. Details: www.wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Wokingham Living Advent Calendar performance: Love That Jazz, Chloe Zarb and the Mitchel Trio Family, Graeth Ainsworth, Kendel Pyne and Pauly Zarb. From 7pm. Booking essential. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre market. 9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
What’s What’s on on event event submission submission form form Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups,
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charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.
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WorcesterObserver
Reader travel HISTORIC YORK & the Dales
HistoricYork&theDales_D.pdf
Departing Mon 21 Mar ‘22 Join us on this lovely short break to beautiful Yorkshire, where we combine the rolling hills, panoramic landscapes and charming towns of the Yorkshire Dales with the historic city of York, famous for its glorious Minster and warren of narrow streets.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 4 nights at a selected hotel in the Leeds area with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursions to York, Skipton Market & Grassington Optional excursion to Knaresborough & Harrogate (£10pp)
5 Days by Coach
only £159
.99
Single Supplement £60
STRATFORD
& Cotswolds Weekend Special
Departing Sat 26 Mar ‘22 Join us as we soak up the peaceful ambience and charm of the Cotswolds, with their gently rolling hills scattered with honey-coloured stone towns and villages. We also discover Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon on what promises to be a lovely weekend getaway.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 2 nights at a selected hotel in Coventry with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursion to the Cotswolds (Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold & Broadway) En-route visit to Stratford-upon-Avon
3 Days by Coach
only £99
Single Supplement £30
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
Time of event: Contact number for readers:
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Send Emailyour forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
28 | LIFE
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Sage & Onion Stuffing In the kitchen Freely Fruity
Serves 4 as a side, with plenty left over for sandwiches.
I
N the run-up to Christmas, December is all about traditional trimmings with the best the season has to offer. It’s no wonder that evergreen sage is a classic Christmas stuffing ingredient along with British brown onions, simple and humble; the oldies are the best.
Ingredients n 3 large brown onions, diced n 20g fresh sage leaves, picked and shredded
In the garden
December
the remaining butter to the pan to melt; season generously with salt and black pepper 3. If using bread, discard the crusts from half of the bread, then in batches place the bread into a food processor. Blitz to n 90g butter make breadcrumbs n Salt & pepper 4. Mix the onions, n 250g white bread or sage butter and 200g fresh breadcrumbs breadcrumbs together in a large Method bowl then leave to cool. Refrigerate or 1. Place the onions freeze until needed into a medium pan 5. You can use this to and cover with stuff your Christmas water, bring to the bird on the big day. boil then cover and Typically these days, simmer gently until we cook the stuffing really soft; about separately either 25 minutes. Drain rolled into balls or in and press to remove a shallow dish, cook excess water at 180°C for 20-30 2. Melt half of the butter minutes in a small frying pan and add the sage to cook gently for 6-8 Recipe by Charlotte minutes, until it starts Simpkins for Freely to crisp up. Remove Fruity from the heat and add www.facebook.com/
The gift from the garden
Y
OUR garden gives up some beautiful gifts of its own at this time of year — allowing you to bring the outside into the home with foliage and ‘green’ decorations.
Plastic Free Home David Lamont
10 tips for a more eco-friendly Christmas “MAYBE Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means just a little bit more.” It’s not often that I quote The Grinch, but in this case, and perhaps at the moment more than ever, Dr Seuss’ fictional character is spot on. Ordinarily, Christmas is a magical time of year but it is also one of significant excess and unnecessary waste and excess. If we are to get serious about tackling the climate emergency, then even the festive season shouldn’t be off limits when it comes to making changes. Below are ten top tips on how you can make a difference this Christmas and put ‘a more sustainable future’ at the top of your wish list…
Avoid the gimmicks From pre-packed ‘reindeer food’ (what’s wrong with a good oldfashioned carrot?!) that can be bad for wildlife, to Christmas Eve boxes full of quickly discarded novelties, try not to get sucked in.
Presents Think quality, not quantity. Maybe introduce shared gift lists and secret Santa’s to encourage everyone to buy less and to help save on unwanted items. Consider what gifts are made of, who by and where — aim to buy presents that are produced ethically, sustainably and here in the UK wherever possible. Shop independently if you can. Cut back on plastic toys or switch to those made from recycled materials, wood and so on. Ditch big-brand toiletries in favour of more eco-friendly
not make your own, reusable, ones? If you do decide to buy some, try to ensure that they are both recycled and recyclable and free of plastic toys.
Trees
alternatives. And give homemade gifts, experiences or your time in place of ‘things’.
Wrapping paper It isn’t an exact science, but if you scrunch wrapping paper into a ball and it stays that way, it’s more likely that it’s plastic free and can be recycled. Even better, use recycled kraft paper, which is both home compostable and recyclable. Avoid gift bags if you can, as the majority are never reused and, crucially, avoid plastic sticky tape. Paper tape is readily and cheaply available online, compostable and recyclable. And skip the bows, gift tags and ribbon or find reusable and recyclable alternatives.
Cards Of course, the obvious answer would be to avoid cards altogether. If that’s a step too far, aim to buy cards that are made from recycled, FSC (sustainable) or seed paper and free from non-biodegradable glitter, badges and plastic wrapping. Or get crafting and make your own!
Christmas crackers Again, you could opt to avoid crackers completely or, again, why
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 2, 2021
If you already own an artificial tree, enjoy it year after year for as long as you can. As and when you are in need of a new one, consider instead a real tree that is FSC or Soil Association approved. Or, you can now even rent a real tree, with the tree replanted after Christmas and used again next year.
Advent calendars Make or buy a reusable advent calendar and fill it with homemade goodies or plastic-free treats. Anything wrapped in foil or delicious chocolates from the likes of Divine or Tony’s Chocolonely are among the better options. The growing trend of more expensive, toy-filled calendars just means more unnecessary waste.
Christmas lunch Can you buy your meat unwrapped from a local butcher, and your vegetables loose from a local greengrocer, farm shop or certain supermarkets? Wherever possible, aim to avoid unnecessary packaging and only buy and prepare what you really need to avoid food waste. Or give a vegetarian or vegan Christmas a go.
Drinks Wine bottles with a (real) cork are a better option than a screw-top because cork is home compostable. Take a look at some of the fantastic British wines available from the likes
of Stanlake Park, Windsor Great Park or Chapel Down to cut down on imported goods and the miles associated with them. If you’re buying beer, avoid plastic packaging and, of course, opt for cans or glass instead. When it comes to other alcoholic or soft drinks, swap plastic bottles for glass or cans too.
At the end of it all Importantly, ensure that you recycle and dispose of everything correctly when the fun is over. If in doubt, look online, contact your local council or drop Plastic-Free Home a line! Prepare beforehand by getting bags or boxes ready for things like wrapping paper, cardboard and recyclable plastic. Remember to donate any unwanted leftovers to a charity shop or (if in date and unopened) food bank. Not everyone can do everything but if we can each make changes they really do add up. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy Christmas when it comes, and let’s all cross our fingers and toes that Santa brings us a more positive year in 2022. n Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with more than 32,000 followers that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably.Visit www. theplasticfreehome.com or www. facebook.com/plasticfreehomeuk
By using your garden as a resource you can create some simple, yet beautiful decorative displays for the Christmas festivities. A great use for your winter prunings is to arrange bare or lichen-covered twigs in a tall glass vase and festoon with tea-light holders, or use lengths of trailing ivy and evergreen foliage twisted into swags for looping along mantelpieces or winding round banisters. Sprigs of aromatic leaves and herbs — bay, rosemary, sage, thyme and anything else you can lay your hands on — arranged around a large candle on a deep fluted dish to make a fragrant table centre piece. If you can’t source your Christmas greenery from your own garden, then take a trip to your local garden centre where you’ll find just about everything you need. Small living Christmas trees can be bought in pots for children — so that each year they can be brought inside for the festivities and be part of your Christmas tradition. Alternatively, you can create your own permanent Christmas decoration in the garden. Buy a larger living Christmas tree and plant it in a good position allowing for future growth. You need to plant it no later than the beginning of January. In the depths of winter, the quiet charms of plants with strikingly coloured bark come into their own. Textures and stem colours of trees and shrubs attract the eye and brighten the winter gloom. By planting, for example, dogwoods, snake bark maples, willows and whitewashed brambles, you can create a stunning winter effect in any garden or landscape. Most winter stems are best planted in groups to maximise their impact, and in locations where they can be seen and appreciated. They perform well in full sun and in deep, moist, loamy soil, so try to avoid shallow and chalky soils. Dogwood and willow shrubs will need pruning each year in March, almost to ground level, to ensure that a fresh crop of the brightest coloured stems are produced in the next winter. December is definitely a time to catch up on some indoor gardening jobs and have a rest, but for those who are out and about the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) has some tips … n Carry on harvesting winter crops such as parsnips, kale, leeks, sprouts (don’t forget to pick sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upwards) n Collect all empty plant pots and seed trays and wash them for next year, together with garden tools n Collect the rest of the leaves that have fallen from the trees for composting as leaf mould n Do some early wrapping by covering any large outside containers with bubblewrap, fleece or hessian, to help prevent the pots cracking in the cold frosty weather n Don’t be too much of a tidy gardener — leave some seed heads and berries on plants for animals and birds to eat n Provide clean water for wildlife to drink
SPORT TODAY
WOKINGHAM EDITION
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
02.12.21
ROYALS ON SONG IN SWANS WIN
TEAMS CELEBRATED AT SPORTS AWARDS
SUMAS SUFFER HOME LOSS
HIGH FIVE FOR BOARS
EVERSLEY UP TO FOURTH
GILL STRIKES FOUR IN COMMANDING WIN By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA showed their attacking prowess as they hit five goal past Chalvey Sports.
In a commanding display from the Boars, they put on an attacking masterclass in the opening 45 minutes to take a four goal lead into the break. Paras Gill had his shooting
boots on and was in sensational form. Eversley took advantage with two quickfire goals as they raced into a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes courtesy of a Gill brace. the forward then added to his tally to secure is hat-trick in the 38th minute and rounded off a superb half in the 44th minute as he scored his fourth of the afternoon.
Eversley displayed their all-round dominance in the match and secured the points with a fifth goal to finish the scoring in the 77th minute when Troy Baker was on hand to fire the ball in after Harinder Singh’s strike cannoned off the crossbar. Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “Awful conditions to play in but the squad settled into the game really quickly. “A really good three points and
performance to match. Time to focus on our next game now.” The Boars have been in fine league form which has seen them rise up to fourth place in the Combined Counties Division One table They currently have a record of 10 wins, three draws and four losses after 19 matches. n Their next league test comes against Sandhurst Town on Saturday, December 4.
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MOLES FALL IN FA TROPHY
RAMS SEEK BLACKHEATH REDEMPTION RAMS RFC will look to beat one of the most famous clubs in the country when they host Blackheath on Saturday (3pm).
Seb Reynolds’ men had their National One trip to Birmingham Moseley postponed due to snow in the Midlands last weekend, and subsequently dropped to fifth. Rams have fallen short in their two previous clashes against the Londoners, slipping to a 22-17 reverse away from home back in October, 2019, when a late Louis Ellis penalty at least ensured a losing bonus-point on the back of a penalty try and his conversion of James Baker’s try. In the reverse fixture at Old Bath Road, Rams were also defeated in a game which severely dented their promotion aspirations, going down 31-18 at the start of February, 2020. Rams go into the contest with seven wins and three defeats to their name this season, and with four home wins from five games, their only slip-up coming against third-placed Sale. They have narrowly edged out the top two – Rosslyn Park and Cinderford by scores of 24-21 and 22-20 respectively – and experienced prop James Baker has said they now need to replicate those performances more consistently. The veteran, who has been at the club for more than two decades, played a pivotal role in helping overcome Cinderford. He said: “Coming off a high like two weeks ago, we have to make sure we don’t fizzle out – if we want to try and do something we have to take every game like Cinderford. “If we take our eye off the ball, Blackheath will beat us – we don’t want to do that, we want to go and get another win.” Another big crowd is expected at Old Bath Road and fans are asked to pre-purchase tickets through the club website – www.ramsrugby.com – to ensure smooth access to the ground.
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Binfield captain Sean Moore strikes at goal against Truro City Pictures: Neil Graham
Ollie Harris hits the bar from his penalty
MOLES DENIED COMEBACK WITH LATE PENALTY MISS FA TROPHY
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Binfield 2 Truro City 3
A late penalty miss denied Binfield from completing a second-half comeback in their FA Trophy tie against Truro City.
The Moles rallied to put in a spectacular second-half display after a disappointing opening 45 minutes in a gripping cup tie, but they were eliminated by the visitors. Binfield are accustomed to
Moles celebrate their second goal
cup success. They enjoyed a remarkable run in the FA Vase last season that took them all the way to the final at Wembley Stadium, where they were beaten by Warrington Rylands in a magnificent occasion. The teams traded early chances as Binfield captain Sean Moore hit a shot that flew over the bar just two minutes in, before the Moles had to make a last ditch block on the line to deny Truro the lead just moments later. But just a minute after being denied from close range, Truro
took their chance this time after Tyler Harvey put them in front in the seventh minute. The Cornish side continued to threaten in a commanding opening and were rewarded with a second goal in the 25th minute when Rocky Neal doubled the advantage in the 24th minute. Truro’s impressive first-half performance saw them take a three goal lead into the break as Neal grabbed his second, and Truro’s third, in the 41st minute. With plenty of work to do in
Goalkeeper Chris Grace
the second-half to get back into the cup tie, Binfield came out with a renewed intensity after the break. They gave themselves a lifeline in the 53rd minute when Josh Howell hit a stunning free-kick that flew past the goalkeeper to reduce the deficit. The Moles applied the pressure throughout the second-half and went agonisingly close when Jack Thomson-Wheeler’s cross found Kensley Maloney in the middle but his shot rolled wide.
Binfield kept fighting to find another goal and they found it with just over 10 minutes to go when Ollie Harris converted from close range. The hosts were given the chance to complete a spectacular turnaround when they were awarded a penalty to try and level the tie in the 87th minute. Harris stepped up to the spot, struck his kick cleanly but watched it smash the top of the crossbar in a cruel ending to the game for the Moles. Carl Withers’ and Jamie
McClurg’s team are back in Isthmian league action at the weekend away at Uxbridge. Binfield: Grace, Thomson-Wheeler, Tack, Maloney, Gator, Veal, Howell, McClurg, Bunting, Moore, Montague Subs: Helmore, Harris, Duncan, Short, Parsons, Gavin Truro City: Hamon, Thompson, Riley-Lowe, Diabate, Tomlinson, Richards (c), Dean, White, Rooney, Harvey, Neal Subs: Yetton, Johnson, Brett, Pollock Goals: Harvey 7, Neal 24’, 41’, Howell 53’, Harris 77’
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BASKETBALL
DEPLETED ROCKETS FALL SHORT AS THEY GO DOWN TO DERBY TRAILBLAZERS
By JAMIE KING sport@wokingham.today
Derby Trailblazers 83 Reading Rockets 72 READING ROCKETS fell to an away defeat against fellow rivals Derby Trailblazers in National Basketball League Division One.
Things didn’t go to plan for coach Pearson and his men, without two of their starting five through Achilles and ankle injuries to A J Basi and Tyler Cartaino respectively. and their scoring effort fell short in an 83-72 loss. Reis Pinnock opened up the Rockets’ account
early with a three-pointer to match one by the Trailblazers’ Malcolm Smith. Meshack Lufile and Lewis Champion got to work in the paint to build a slight advantage for the Rockets as the quarter wore on before another Pinnock treble extended the lead to 14-9. The Trailblazers got to the line and hit free throws throughout the early exchanges to prevent the Rockets tightening their grip on the quarter, with both teams showing an offensive focus on getting in the paint and splitting the defence. The Blazers, on the other
hand, scored from across the floor as Reading’s lead began to crumble. An early three by Jonas Dietrich was bolstered by more trips to the line for Malcolm Smith, but more missed shots by both teams saw the score go unchanged during the middle stretch of the quarter. Lewis Champion found the ball in his hands with 10 seconds to go and promptly accelerated from halfcourt into the paint for a soft left-handed layup to end the quarter with Rockets up 52-51. After a hard-fought first three quarters, the game started to slip away from
the Rockets in the fourth. Dietrich was red-hot for the Blazers and racked up eight points with the team’s first three shots. A Ben Dixon midrange shot was cancelled out quickly by a Bowman three and Smith matched Meshack’s production inside as the midpoint of the quarter came around, extending Derby’s lead to nine before Jaz Bains made an essential three-pointer to keep the game within reach.
Malcolm Smith continued to wreak havoc in the paint, however, weaving around Rockets defenders for easy baskets. A Reis Pinnock three with two and a half minutes remaining gave Reading some hope that was quickly extinguished by a series of baskets by Derby. With the game decided, the final baskets were traded and the game concluded 83-72 to the hosts.
RUGBY
BRACKNELL BRAVE CONDITIONS TO TAKE AWAY VICTORY Marlborough 12 Bracknell 15
BRACKNELL braved difficult conditions to take an away victory at Marlborough.
The opening exchanges were in Marlborough territory and after 10 minutes Bracknell had a stroke of good fortune – or genius – one of the two. Alex Frame, with the 10 shirt on for the first time to accommodate Lewis Franklin at nine, chipped a ball over the top and while the Bracknell touchline “experts” were in the process of criticising the tactic the Marlborough full back fumbled his catch. Bracknell played the advantage and then forced a penalty from the slightly startled defence. A charge
Bracknell away at Marlborough Pictures: Paul Ridley to the line after a quick tap was halted as a defender ripped the ball in the tackle – only for it to fly up into the air, get blown back over the try line and Ben Bathurst was on hand to touch it down.
The attempt at the impossible – a touchline conversion – wasn’t to be so Bracknell went just 0-5 up. No more than five minutes later however Marlborough hit back.
A series of phases saw the home side make ground with pop passes and finally a clever angled line of running saw the Marlborough loose head crash over. After several Bracknell forwards had their attempts to cross the line thwarted Ken Hodgson finally forced his way over The second half got underway with a reminder to the home side that they wouldn’t necessarily have everything their way. Bracknell had learned lessons from the first half. Passes needed to be sympathetic and accurate. Jake Findlay tiptoed up the touchline for the opening score of the second half. Again unconverted, what was once a very slender lead was stretched to 10
points. 5-15. Bracknell’s resolute defence did little more than to shift the somewhat inevitable score along the try line until it was right under the posts. The conversion was to be the one and only successful kick of the game and made it 12 -15 with a full 30 minutes left to play. until Marlborough really ramped up the pressure in the last 10 minutes in search of that match winning score. Time after time they battered the Bracknell defence – time after time they were repelled. Marlborough finally crossed the line and knocked on rather than touching down. The final whistle blew – the home side were in disbelief – the away side ecstatic.
HOCKEY
SOUTH BERKS 2S ADD POINT IN OXFORD DRAW
South Berks 2s in action Pictures: Steve Smyth
South Central Men’s Premier 2
SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s had to settle for a point at home against Marlow 1s in a 1-1 stalemate. The point leaves them in fifth position after eight matches.
South Central Men’s Division 2
SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s picked up three points in a local clash against league leaders SONNING 2s. South Berks took the points with a 3-1 win to put them up to seventh. Sonning stay at the top of the table despite their defeat.
South Central Men’s Division 4
READING 4s took the bragging rights against SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s in a goal filled contest. The match ended 7-4 in Reading’s favour to put the hosts up to fifth in the table. South Berks are still at the summit despite their loss.
South Central Women’s Division 3
SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s added a point to their tally with a draw against Oxford 4s. The 1-1 draw at home to Oxford keeps South Berks in ninth position.
South Central Women’s Thames 1
READING RIOTS earned victory over SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s with a 1-0 success. Despite their contrasting positions in the table, with Reading bottom of the table and South Berks in first, Reading took the points.
WHEELCHAIR RUGBY
BERKSHIRE BANSHEES CROWNED CHAMPIONS WITH SUCCESS IN STOKE BERKSHIRE Banshees Wheelchair Rugby team took part in the GBWR Wheelchair Rugby 5s League held in Stoke during the months of September, October and November 2021.
Playing at the Mandeville Stadium Aylesbury, known worldwide as the ‘Birthplace of the Paralympic Movement’, the Banshees were participating in League One playing against Brighton
Buccaneers, Dragons, Saracens, and Saracens Wolfpack. Having won three out of four games in the September tournament, Banshees managed to win all four games in the October event, leaving it all to play for in the November tournament. On Saturday November, 27 Banshees played Dragons in a competitive opening game winning 23-15. Next up were Brighton
Buccaneers and the Banshees ended up winning 19-15. Saracens Wolfpack were the next competitors, and after a tight first half Banshees played some excellent rugby, ending up winning 31-9. The fourth and final game was against Saracens, with the victors taking the title. The half-time score was 13-7 to the Banshees. After the break, the teams were
matching each other try by try, eventually the Banshees got a stranglehold on the game and won 22-15. So, the Banshees were crowned League Champions and now look forward to playing in the Championship league next time around. The club are also looking to develop its own Youth team for children aged eight-16 years, initially collaborating with schools - mainstream and
SEND - who have children with physical disability to demonstrate this sport. The club are reaching out to the Business Community to ask for funding support for youth wheelchairs, facility hire, kit, transportation and to help fund 6-week programmes into schools.
n If you or your company would like to discuss this further, email berkswr@gmail. com or call Craig Hunter on 07798844202.
South Berks Ladies 2s take on Oxford 4s
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GILL STRIKES FOUR IN AS BOARS FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
Hurst and Eldon Celtic drew Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Combined Counties Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA put on a clinical scoring display as they hit five past Chalvey Sports. The Boars made a ruthless start as they scored two quickfire goals to race into a commanding lead as Paras Gill capitalised twice. Gill then sealed his hat-
Wokingham & Emmbrook v Egham Pictures: Andrew Batt
Eversley enjoyed a successful fixture
trick in the 38th minute when he was played through by Ross McKernan and made no mistake with his finish. Gill’s remarkable half continued and he had a fourth before the break as his 20 yard shot found its way past the keeper via a deflection, Eversley rounded off a fine afternoons work with a fifth goal in the 77th minute through Troy Baker. BERKS COUNTY went down to an away defeat to Rayners Lane.
Leigh Allen and Luke Hayden notched for the Swords in their 4-2 loss. WOODLEY UNITED suffered a 5-1 home defeat against AFC Hayes. Ciaran Carolan levelled for the Kestrels to take them in at 1-1 at half-time, but they conceded four in a disappointing second-half display.
Combined Counties Premier North
Paras Gill rounds the keeper to net for Eversley Pictures: Richard Milam READING CITY took a hardearned point on their travels at Wembley as they overturned a two-goal deficit. The Cityzens made a slow start and found themselves a goal behind after five minutes when the host took their chance. The hosts doubled their lead after half an hour but City hit back in the second-half after Jemel Johnson netted from the penalty spot to get them back in the game. With eight minutes left,
Reading earned their equaliser as Ben Holder hit a thunderous effort that found its way in via the crossbar. The point keeps Reading in 11th position in the table. WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK were punished at home at Lowther Road against Holyport. The Sumas fell behind early as the visitors took the lead after five minutes. Holyport then extended their lead just before the break with a well-executed counter attack.
The loss keeps the Sumas in 16th after 13 matches.
Thames Valley Premier League WARGRAVE fired seven past Wraysbury in a stunning attacking performance. They move up to seventh in the table after their 7-1 triumph. FINCHAMPSTEAD stay top of the table despite suffering an away loss at Windlesham 7 Chobham. They were edged out in a 1-0
SPORT | 21
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BEAT CHALVEY SPORTS
From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith
Has goalkeeper timing law changed?
F
Hurst (orange tops) get the better of Eldon Celtic defeat, which is just their third loss of the season. They remain two points above second placed Westwood Wanderers.
Thames Valley Division One HURST maintained their status as league leaders as they picked up a point at home to ELDON CELTIC. Shaun Bannon and Joshua Hodgkins netted for Hurst in the 2-2 draw.
Thames Valley Division Two BERKS COUNTY SWORDS claimed three points on the road with a win at Mortimer
Development. Laurence Marris scored a brace as the Swords picked up a win and a clean sheet. HURST RESERVES earned a 1-1 stalemate away at SB Phoenix Reserves after Matt Lambert’s goal. TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE were edged out in a nine-goal contest against AFC Winkfield. Alfie Alleyne, Jamie Connor and Jordon Greenough got on the scoresheet for Twyford in their 5-4 defeat.
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division WOODLEY UNITED stay rooted to the bottom of the table after a 2-0 loss against Wycombe Wanderers.
Southern Region Women’s Division One South EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES were beaten 4-1 away at Chichester City to keep them one place off the bottom of the league.
Thames Valley Women’s Division One TILEHURST PANTHERS climbed up to second after they got the better of Penn & Tylers Green. Keris-Louise Hunt and Lydia Vettese found the net to help Tilehurst to a 2-1 victory. WARGRAVE were overtaken in the league after they lost out to CAVERSHAM UNITED.
Rosie Page-Smith and Caitlin Levy both netted braces to help the Goats to three points.
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES and CAVERSHAM AFC shared a point each after they drew 2-2.
Reading & District Sunday League results
Senior: AFC Bradfield 6-1 Tilehurst Ym, Burghfield 3-4 FC Sporty, Mortimer 2-2 Woodley Wanderers One: Caversham United 1-8 Westwood Wanderers, GC United 1-2 Woodley Saints
FOOTBALL
BINFIELD BOUNCE BACK IN BERKS & BUCKS SENIOR CUP By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today BINFIELD and WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK were both involved in midweek action with mixed fortunes.
Binfield 2 MK Irish 1 THE Moles came from behind to book their place in the next round of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup. Hosting Milton Keynes Irish at Hill Farm Lane, Binfield went a goal
down just before the break when the visitors ensured they went into half-time with a 1-0 advantage with a 39th minute goal. Binfield hit back in the secondhalf when Joe Gator powered in a header in the 65th minute to put the cup tie back in the balance. Josh Helmore then ensured he made a significant impact from the bench to put the Moles in front in the 72nd minute. Binfield goalkeeper Harvey Rackley-Hayes made a vital stop in the 90th minute to preserve Binfield’s lead which saw them
safely through to the next round of the competition. Binfield: Rackley-Hayes, Thomson-Wheeler, Tack, Dunca, Gator, Gallimore, Howell, Maloney, Bunting, Moore, Harris Subs: Gavin, Parsons, Helmore, Montague, Veal
Sumas 0 Egham 3 WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook fell to a second consecutive home defeat in the Combined Counties Premier North. Visitors Egham dominated early proceedings and eventually took
the lead from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute. Their half got better when they found two more goals before halftime to reflect their impressive attacking display. The Sumas improved in the second-half with a resilient display to avoid doing any more damage to their goal difference but had to settle for a defeat. Sumas: Woodward, Robson, Cummuskey (c), C Eagle, Tuttle, Carter, Mullan, Mindomba, Curtis, Noyes, Scope Subs: Harrison, Aklobessi, McDermaid, Shaw, Pearson
OOTBALL supporters often complain to me about the time goalkeepers take to release the ball, once it is in their hands. I’ve even had a couple of emails from supporters outside the Thames Valley. One, after watching Bridlington play, asked if the law had changed. The other actually timed the goalkeepers at his local club. It was, he said, seldom less than 20 seconds whereas he thought it was to be no longer than six seconds. The answer, of course, is that there has not been a change. The law still says, ‘an indirect free kick is awarded if the goalkeeper controls the ball with the hand or arm for more than six seconds, without releasing it’. The question here of course, is when do the laws deem the goalkeeper has control of the ball. The answer is quite long and complicated. It’s when the ball is between the hands or between the hand and any surface (e.g. the ground or body), or is touching it with any part of the hands or arms, or if the goalkeeper is holding the ball in an outstretched open hand. or bouncing it on the ground or throwing it in the air. Another reason this is spelt out so diligently, is because a goalkeeper cannot be challenged for the ball, when in control with the hand. Nor can players prevent them from releasing it. Goalkeepers often throw themselves on the ground once they have caught the ball. They feel this gives them a few free seconds to hold on the ball. However, as we can see, that is part of the six seconds. That doesn’t help us when considering why goalkeepers are allowed to take so long before releasing it. It is of course difficult for referees to judge the timing accurately. They can’t stand there looking at their watch, when there are so many other things going on. They could of course be counting to themselves ‘one elephant, two elephant’ etc, the law was intended to help speed up the game, but like many other similar changes, the footballing authorities don’t seem to fret too much, and in some cases, referees are actually told not to bother. Let’s face it, supporters only get hot under the collar when it is the opposing goalkeeper wasting time, and for the referee it can cause a lot of anguish. I remember a Women’s World Cup Final, America v Canada, when the woman referee gave a free kick to Canada after the American goalkeeper held on to the ball too long. She was surrounded and pilloried by American players and officials, especially after the player taking the free kick passed it to a teammate who scored, resulting in the trophy going to Canada. She should have warned the goalkeeper, they cried, but that’s not in the law, although some referees might give a little ‘get on with it’ wave.
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HOW THEY RATED
LUKE SOUTHWOOD
Made some vital stops in the second-half to help protect Reading’s lead and couldn’t have done much about either goal
ANDY YIADOM
Tried to hook the first goal off the line and maybe should have done better had he got his feet sorted quicker. Was key defensively.
TOM HOLMES
Will be disappointed with the first-goal that split the defence open early on but was solid throughout. Played a pivotal role in the victory
SCOTT DANN
Similarly to Holmes, was culpable for the first goal but recovered well and used all his experience and nous to help his team see out the game.
BABA RAHMAN
Made a crucial intervention late in the game where he was perfectly positioned to intercept a dangerous cross and hook the ball away.
JOSH LAURENT
Improved compared to some below par performances. Provided energy and heart in midfield and contributed in the defensive effort.
DANNY DRINKWATER
A solid afternoon. He scored his first goal in four years, which turned out to be the winner. Also played a brilliant pass for Carroll’s goal.
TOM DELE-BASHIRU
A fine finish for his fourth of the season. Unlucky not to have scored another when he struck the post but Drinkwater got the rebound.
JOHN SWIFT
Quiet given his high standards but still played a role in the attack that led to Reading’s first equaliser and registered an assist.
ALEN HALILOVIC
Another creative force for Reading to utilise now he’s back form injury. Showed some promising link up play in the attacking third.
ANDY CARROLL
A really well taken goal to open his account for Reading with a faultless first touch and finish. He has been a real asset since joining.
7 7 7 7 8 7 8 9 6 6 8
Royals midfielder Alen Halilovic
Danny Drinkwater in action for Reading Archive pictures: Steve Smyth
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
OFF THE MARK: DRINKWATER AND CARROLL ON SONG FOR ROYALS SWANSEA CITY 2 READING 3 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING broke their long-standing winless run at Swansea City on Saturday, in a goal-packed contest.
Swansea went in front after three minutes but Reading replied within a minute through Tom DeleBashiru. Andy Carroll put the Royals in front before two goals in two minutes at the start of the secondhalf saw Ryan Manning level for the Swans before Danny Drinkwater restored Reading’s lead. There were two changes from Veljko Paunovic after Tuesday’s defeat to Sheffield United as Andy Carrol came in for George Puscas to make his first start, while Tom Holmes replaced skipper Liam Moore at the back. Reading went into the match in Wales with a horrible track record away at Swansea where they were winless in their last seven visits having not earned three points there since 2001. Reading have conceded far too many early goals of late, and once again they made a disastrous start as Swansea took the lead after just three minutes. A pass split through the centre-back pairing of Scott Dann and Holmes which left Jamie Paterson to take the ball past Luke Southwood and despite Andy Yiadom’s efforts to hook the ball off
the line, he put the hosts in front. But the Royals hit back with an immediate response through Tom Dele-Bashiru just a minute later in a manic start to proceedings. After some build up from Alen Halilovic, Baba Rahman and John Swift, Dele-Bashiru cut back onto his right foot and lashed the ball i n at the near post to net his fourth Championship goal of the season. The next chance came for Carroll as Halilovic swung a cross onto the penalty spot but Reading’s number nine headed over the target. Swansea had the ball in the back of the net in the 23rd minute only to be denied by the linesman’s offside flag. The ball was sent in from the right and finished by Joel Piroe, but he had strayed offside as Reading were let off the hook. Carroll had made an impressive impact from the bench in his previous two cameo appearances, and he made an even bigger mark on the match having been handed his first start when he put the Royals ahead after half an hour. He brought down the ball neatly from Drinkwater’s through ball, worked room to pull the trigger and beat the keeper to score his first goal in a Reading shirt. The Royals had to hold out to preserve their lead going into the break as the Swans turned up the heat. Rahman stayed alert at the back post to turn a dangerous cross behind for a corner.
Matt Grimes had the final chance of the half as he struck a free-kick from the edge of the box through the wall but it was caught comfortably by Southwood. The half started with Swansea pressure as they broke through and cut the ball back across the box but Swift tracked back excellently to punt away the danger. The Swans came up with an equaliser just three minutes after the restart as Manning hit a sumptuous volley from the edge of the box that flew past Southwood. But just as they had done in the first-half, Reading came up with an instant reply from kick-ff to get back in front. Carroll got behind the defence and found Dele-Bashriru whose shot cannonned off the post but
MATCH STATS READING: Southwood, Yiadom (c), Holmes, Dann, Rahman, Laurent, Drinkwater, Dele-Bashiru, Halilovic, Swift, Carroll SUBS: Rafael, Azeez, Tetek, Abrefa, Puscas, Ashcroft, Camara SWANSEA CITY: Hamer, Bennett, Naughton, Williams,Laird, Smith, Grimes, Manning, Ntcham, Paterson, Piroe SUBS: Latibeaudiere, Walsh, Bidwell, Downes, Benda, Cullen, Cooper GOALS: Paterson 3’, Dele-Bashiru 4’, Carroll 30’, Manning 49’, Drinkwater 50’
Drinkwater was on hand to fire in the rebound. Reading continued to break through the high defensive line from Swansea as Carroll again got in behind, but this time failed to take advantage as he tried to play in a teammate instead of driving at goal. There was more frantic goalmouth action, this time in Reading’s box as Southwood pulled off a miraculous point blank save to deny Manning before the Royals eventually thumped the ball clear. Paunovic made his first change in the 65th minute as Halilovic was replaced by Femi Azeez. Carroll’s superb afternoons work ended with 10 minutes left to play as Puscas took his place up top. Reading looked for a goal to seal the game on the break as DeleBashiru sprinted forward and was fouled by Ethan Laird, who received a yellow card. Swift struck the resulting freekick sweetly but Ben Hamer got a hand to it to put it behind for a corner. Trying to rescue an equaliser, Swansea came agonisingly close again as Manning fired in a cross but Southwood again made a vital stop before Rahman hooked the ball off the line. But Reading managed to hold on to earn three crucial points to push them further away from the relegation zone. The Royals host Hull City on Saturday at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Kick-off 3pm.
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REACTION
PAUNOVIC HAILS ‘SUPERB’ WIN IN WALES
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
READING manager Veljko Paunovic hailed a ‘superb’ performance as his team earned an away victory at Swansea City.
“It was a superb performance and a superb win,” said Paunovic. “Fantastic cohesion on the field with the fans that came, they came in a big number. “It is a great moment for us to build momentum on this team’s performance and bring the pieces together.” Two former England internationals, Andy Carroll and Danny Drinkwater, both got off the mark with their first goals for the Royals to help them to a 3-2 win. “I’m very happy for Danny and Andy’s goals, their first for the club, and the performance from the team,” Paunovic continued. “Most of the players who played today had some knocks or physical issues but they were capable of putting out a fantastic physical performance. “I know that this team in recent years has struggled when going behind first, but with all the difficulties we’ve had, the team are learning to deal with situations. “Now we are better at responding to set-backs in games and we were capable of not only coming back, but winning the game. “We had to close the lines, look to win the ball back and fire up the counter attack.
Reading boss Veljko Paunovic Picture: Steve Smyth “It worked for us and it’s great to see the capability of our players. “For the second goal, it was an instinctive reaction from Drinkwater when he played the ball in behind for Carroll. “It was the perfect storm. It was difficult to play against this team, but everyone put in an excellent performance and it’s the right moment for the team to keep rising up.” Paunovic was particularly
pleased with his teams response as they hit back with two instant goals after Swansea went ahead after three minutes and scored a leveller early in the second-half. “We gave a statement that we’re never going to give up. “We’re all in this together and we’re going to fight. “It just shows the changes we made and the new personnel we brought in is capable of dealing with difficulties.
“That’s a huge strength for the team, I’m very grateful to the players for their output and performance.” The Royals boss is also hopeful that the club will be able to extend Carroll’s contract, which currently runs until mid-January. “It was good for both of us and it was the best we could do in that moment (short term deal). “He understands that if we could, and there are others in a similar situation, we would commit him for the longer term because we want people to know where they belong so they can build their future. “We can play the ball long so we have an alternative in our game on top of bringing the ball into the final third. He has a presence in the box and our crosses are more purposeful and dangerous because he is someone who can affect them.” “It’s something we have to keep working on and we have to solve that soon. “It’s an organic situation where we can recover the guys and use the great feeling this win propels towards the future. The statement in this week was very important. I told the players after the points deduction, this week everyone will look at us so we need a result as soon as possible. “We need to make a statement and we achieved that goal with this game. Now we have to build momentum so we can catch up those above us in the table.”
REACTION
CARROLL: ‘WE’RE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT’ STRIKER Andy Carroll expressed his delight after he bagged his first goal for the club in the Royals’ away win at Swansea.
Having signed a short-term deal with Reading until mid-January, Carroll was handed his first start on Saturday after two impactful appearances from the bench. He marked his first start with a goal as he brought down Danny Drinkwater’s pass with an immaculate first touch before striding into the box and finishing past the keeper with his left foot. Carroll has become accustomed to scoring goals throughout his career, which has seen him represent England nine times. However, he has been plagued by injury, including his second spell at his hometown club, Newcastle United, came to an end at the conclusion of last season when he was released as a free agent. Not only does he have experience at playing at the top level both internationally and for club sides, Carroll also has previous Championship experience during is
Andy Carroll
first spell with Newcastle United. He enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Toon Army in the 2009/10 season where he helped his team to achieve promotion back to the Premier League with 17 goals in 39 matches. Another impressive spell with Newcastle back in the top flight saw him attract the interest of Liverpool where he made what at the time was a British transfer record for £35million in 2011. After several seasons of playing in the Premier League, the 32-yearold is now enjoying finding his feet back in the Championship where he is getting the chance to prove his talent and worth with regular football. The forward hadn’t netted an away goal since 2017, but he broke that drought on Saturday to help his new team to a valuable win. “It was a tough one, they kept the ball a lot and we had to grind it out to get the three points,” said Carroll. “It’s been a tough week with three games. “Coming off the bench when you’re 1-0 down is difficult, but
being in the starting line-up was a great feeling. “There was one just before, Drinky put it in, but I wasn’t there. “As soon as I saw the ball from Alen, I thought ‘I’m going, I cut back on my left and hit it.” Carroll explained the meaning behind his celebration after he ran to pick up the corner flag, and was joined by his teammates to enact a rowing motion. He continued: “We had a meeting and Pauno said we’re all in the same boat and that was it. I waved the lads over and said we’re all in the same boat, let’s go. “We knew they would keep the ball a lot, but the way we grinded it out shows the character of the team. “Even when we don’t have a lot of the ball, we came out winning. “We bounced straight back when they scored, for Danny to score his first goal to win it, it’s even better. “The lads were buzzing with this one, and we just keep striding forwards to the next one. “We’ve got a game per week now si it’s easier for the team to recover and we’re looking forward to it.”
PREVIEW
READING HOPE TO TAME IN-FORM TIGERS
Reading defender Tom Holmes Picture: Steve Smyth READING will look to turn their away form into home momentum when they host Hull City on Saturday.
The Royals earned a shock win away at Swansea City to make it two wins on the road in succession. Meanwhile, they will face one of the league’s in form teams on Saturday when Hull make the trip to the Select Car Leasing Staium. Grant McCann’s team have hauled themselves away from the relegation places with four wins in their last four matches. The Tigers have been in fine form which has seen them beat Barnsley, Birmingham City, Cardiff City and Millwall to climb up to 19th in the Championship table. Their 2-1 win at home to Millwall last weekend with goals from George Honeyman and Ryan Longman puts them two places and one point adove the Royals heading into the match. Hull had a difficult start to the season and had just two wins to their name before their impressive run of form that has seen them steer four points away from the relegation places. They now have six wins, three draws and 11 defeats after 20 matches having won promotion from League One last season as division champions. Hull have a tighter defensive record than Reading, with 23 conceded, while the Royals have let in 32. However, the Tigers have struggled at the other end of the pitch and have managed to net just 16 times in the league, compared to Reading’s 26. The team’s last met at the SCL in February 2020, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Jordan Obita opened the scoring but Mallik Wilks salvaged a point for Hull with an 82nd minute goal. Reading have a poor recent record against Hull, winning just one of their last 12 meetings.
24 | SPORT
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SPORTS AWARDS
AWARDS PRESENTED IN WBSC EVENING Crowthorne & Crown Wood CC Coyotes with their award
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today WOODLEY United FC picked up a trio of awards at Wokingham Borough Sports Council’s annual awards evening.
WBSC held its awards night on Friday November, 26, after a year’s absence, at the Cantley Café, Cantley Recreation Ground, Wokingham. Sadly due to the rising number of positive coronavirus results in the borough, the evening was restricted to award winners only. Woodley United were presented with the Service to Sport (Club) award to go with the awards won in 2015, 2017 and 2019. Chris Coniam was recognised for 30 years’ service to local football and sport with the Service to Sport (Individual) award. Making it a trio of awards was Paul Ferris who received the Unsung Hero award. The Mayor of Earley, Cllr Anne Bassett, was also on hand to attend the ceremony where she presented the Spirit of Sport award to winners Colin and Kate Stonehouse for their outstanding work with Berkshire Brigands mixed ability rugby team. Other winners included Crowthorne & Crown Wood Cricket Club’s ‘Coyotes Women’s Softball Team’ who were awarded the prize for the Female Team
For the C team, Tim Raby managed a fine win over Brian Meheux while Matt Isherwood played superbly at the end to defeat Jamie Barlow. For the B team Simon Berry starred with a maximum. Kingfisher D moved away from the bottom of the table after a convincing 9-1 success against Tilehurst RBL A, Graham Mendick and Julian Telford both getting trebles, while Tidmarsh A beat a two man Sonning Common & Peppard A side 6-4, Simon Barter just getting the better of Malcolm Gregory. Despite an early win by Nigel Keedy, Kingfisher B lost their inter club derby with Kingfisher A 8-2, Hari Gehlot and Darren Jones with trebles for the A side.
FOOTBALL Swansea City 2-3 Reading FA Trophy second-round Binfield 2-3 Truro City Combined Counties Premier North Wembley 2-2 Reading City Sumas 0-2 Holyport
Thames Valley Premier League Wargrave 7-1 Wraysbury Windlesham & Chobham 1-0 Finchampstead Thames Valley Division One Hurst 2-2 Eldon Celtic
WBSC Sports Awards Pictures: Stewart Turkington Award to cap off a remarkable debut season for the side.
Full list of winners
U14 Girls (Ivor Baker Awards Cup): Danae Boitsidis (Reading Royals/Bracknell & Wokingham Swimming Club Bulmershe School) U14 Boys: Maddox Gillas (Reading Athletics Club/Oxford United FC Forest School) U18 Girls (Squires Garden Centre Cup): Lottie Clarke (Tumbling The Holt School) U18 Boys (Trademark Windows Cup): Reuben Henry-Daire (Reading Athletic Club) Coach of the Year (Sand Martins Golf Club
Woodley picked up three awards
Shield): Ajay Naik (Kingfisher Table Tennis Club) Volunteer of the Year (Wokingham Town Council Cup): Morgan & Bronwyn Brennan (Reading Cricket Club) Unsung Hero (The Chris Evans Trophy): Paul Ferris (Woodley United FC) Female Team Award (South Berkshire Hockey Club Cup): Coyotes Women’s Softball Cricket Team (Crowthorne & Crown Wood Cricket Club) Male Team Award (Reading Rugby Club Cup): Woodley Pensioners Football Team Service to Sport - Individual (The Get Reading Cup): Chris Coniam (Bulmershe School/ Woodley United FC)
SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B VICTORIOUS
SONNING Common & Peppard B were 8-2 winners against the club’s C team in a division 1 match much closer than the score suggests.
Saturday, November 27
Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 5-0 Chalvey Sports Rayners Lane 4-2 Berks County Woodley United 1-5 AFC Hayes
TABLE TENNIS
By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today
RESULTS
Sonning Sports A stay top of division 2 and Our Lady of Peace B climb to second, following their 5-5 draw, Sonning Sports winning the doubles set to ensure that they remain undefeated. For OLOP, Alistair Richardson defeated substitute Harry Brough, Chris West took the scalps of Nick Sears and Harry and Darek Kaminski missed out on a treble when he lost to Harry 8-11 11-5 11-13 11-9 6-11. Despite a maximum for Francois Durand, Tidmarsh B lost to Our Lady of Peace C 4-6, Mike Aistrop earning their other point, with OLOP’s substitutes Parvin Baishkiyar and Morgan Sykes both winning, Parvin beating Chris Webb 11-9 11-3 12-10 while Morgan was only denied her treble by Francois winning the 10th set Tilehurst Methodists A returned to winning ways, defeating Kingfisher F 6-4, Eric Van Looy recording another treble and Bill Stamatiou
winning twice, Eric and Bill also winning the doubles. Kingfisher G lost to Tidmarsh C by the same 4-6 score line, with Satej Jaywant’s treble not enough for the win, since neither Anup Chopra nor Hamid Mohseni were able to overcome Simon Craig, David Sheppard or Richard Hudson. Kingfisher’s other point courtesy of Hamid & Satej’s doubles win. It proved to be a bad week for the Kingfisher Club as Sonning Common & Peppard D also won 7-3 against Kingfisher E, meaning that all three Kingfisher Clubs lost this week. In Division 3 Kingfisher I’s youngsters have had two excellent wins which has pushed them well and truly into the promotion race. Firstly they beat an experienced Our Lady of Peace D side 7-3 with Theo Kniep getting a good maximum and they followed this by winning 6-4 at promotion contenders Milestone A where new signing Ryan Chung had a dream debut.
Berkshire Brigands
Service to Sport - Club: Woodley United FC Spirit of Sport (Earley Town Council Cup): Colin & Kate Stonehouse (Berkshire Brigands Mixed Ability Rugby Reading RFC) Senior Man (Wokingham Borough Council Cup): Monty Neave (Reading Hockey Club) Chairman’s Award (WBSC Chairman’s Cup): Beverley Thompson (Sport & Leisure Manager, Wokingham Borough Council) Service to Disabled Sport (BT2000 Cup): Keith Hutchings (Wokingham Bowling Club) Excellence in Sport (Woodley Town Council Cup): Emma Thompson (Chelsea FC & Waingells College)
SNOOKER
WALLACE TAKES PRIZE IN SENIORS MARTIN Wallace overcame his nemesis to take an early lead on the Cuestars Seniors (40+) Tour.
The 54-year-old from Wokingham pocketed £100 in prize money after seeing off old rival John Hunter 2-0 in the final of the first leg at Fareham Snooker Club. Wallace made a 49 break to secure the opening frame and he fired in a long pink in the next after a lengthy safety battle on the colours. The left-hander hadn’t won a Seniors tournament since his historic first ever victory over Hunter (Andover) in the final at Salisbury Snooker Club more than three years ago. Earlier, five-time rankings champion Hunter chalked up the day’s highest break of 78 in his 2-0 semi-final win against Phil Morgan (Salisbury). This eclipsed the 74 which Dhar Lilly had knocked in against Hunter in the group stages of the Dransfields-sponsored event. Morgan was appearing in the last-four for the first time for nearly three years. Wayne Muddiman (Southampton) lost 2-0 to Wallace in the second semi. The Crucible in Newbury, hosts the second leg of eight on Sunday, December 12. Quarter-finals: (12 pts):Martin Wallace 2-1 David Brock Semi-finals :(15 pts, £20): Wallace 2-0 Muddiman, Final: (25/18 pts, £100/£40): Wallace 2-0 Hunter.
Thames Valley Division Two Mortimer Development 0-2 Berks County Swords SB Phoenix Reserves 1-1 Hurst Reserves Twyford & Ruscombe 4-5 AFC Winkfield Thames Valley Division Three Burghfield Reserves 2-6 Pangbourne Thames Valley Division Four Berks County Rovers 4-2 SB Phoenix Development Finchampstead Development 3-1 AFC Corinthians
South West 1 East Marlborough 12-15 Bracknell HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire 1-1 Marlow South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 3-1 Fareham
Sunday, November 28
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 Woodley United Southern Region Women’s Division One South Chichester City 4-1 Eversley & California Thames Valley Women’s Division One Tilehurst Panthers 2-1 Penn & Tylers Green Wargrave 2-4 Caversham United Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Eversley & California Reserves 2-2 Caversham AFC Women
Tuesday, November 30
FOOTBALL Combined Counties Premier North
Sumas 0-3 Egham Berks & Bucks Senior Cup Binfield 2-1 MK Irish
FIXTURES
Saturday, December 4
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Hull City Isthmian South Central Uxbridge v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v CB Hounslow United Spelthorne Sports v Sumas Combined Counties Division One Bagshot v Woodley United Berks County v London Samurai Rovers Eversley & California v Sandhurst Town Thames Valley Premier League Reading City U23’s v Burghfield Reading YMCA v Woodley United Royals Wargrave v Finchampstead Thames Valley Division One Hurst v Slough Heating Laurencians SB Phoenix v FC Imaan Lions Thames Valley Division Two AFC Winkfield v Berks County Swords Datchet v Twyford & Ruscombe Richings Park Reserves v Hurst Reserves Thames Valley Division Three Burghfield Reserves v Reading City Development HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 2 Havant 2s v South Berkshire South Central Men’s Division 1 Reading 3s v Sonning South Central Women’s Division 1 Wallingford v South Berkshire Marlow v Sonning RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Blackheath South West 1 East Bracknell v Oxford Harlequins
Sunday, December 5
FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Woodley United v Abingdon United Southern Women’s Division 1 South Abbey Rangers v Eversley & California Cup Caversham United v Wycombe Wanderers Reserves Charlbury Town v Tilehurst Panthers Procision Oxford v Wargrave
