Wokingham Today, January 6, 2022

HOLME GRANGE SCHOOL

Healthy Me, Healthy Planet

Saturday 29th January 2022 A day of workshops around the themes of wellbeing & sustainability

holmegrange.org/parent-conference

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Covid case rates hit 1,797.3 per 100,000 in borough

ARTIST TEACHES WATERCOLOURS WITH VILLAGES P3

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today CORONAVIRUS rates in the borough have soared during the festive season, with infection rates reaching 1,473.5 cases per 100,000 people.

Data at the most granular level has revealed that the highest infection rates per population were in Wokingham North and Hurst.

The area, which includes parts of Emmbrook and Winnersh, had an infection rate of 1,797.3.

Also exceeding 1,700 cases per 100,000 people was Spencers Wood and Swallowfield.

In the seven days up to Wednesday, December 29, the infection rate for these areas sat at 1,739.1.

This is higher than the national infection rate, which is currently 1,525.9.

Wokingham West and South, which also includes parts of Woosehill and Barkham recorded an infection rate of 1,659.1.

Crowthorne North had a rate of 1,638.5 per 100,000 and Earley recorded 1,629.8 cases per 100,000 during this time-frame.

Across the entire borough, the average rate of infection sits at 1,473.5 cases, and there were 299 positive covid tests reported on Monday.

Before Christmas, Wokingham borough had the highest case rate in Berkshire, but the area has now been overtaken by Bracknell Forest, and Windsor and Maidenhead.

Despite the rising infections, coronavirus deaths remain low, with one death recorded in the last seven days. However hospitalisations have risen by 54%, with 48 patients admitted to hospital in the seven days prior to Sunday, December 26.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital said that is has “strong, tried and tested plans” to deal with a surge in the pandemic.

A spokesperson for the trust said that staff are coping with the pressure and are continuing to care for everyone who needs it.

No. 345 90p

NEW YEAR’S P8 HONOURS FOR AREA VISUAL PLAN: The outline proposals for the site include 2,500 homes, a health centre, primary school, and station Picture: Berkeley Group

NEW PLAN FOR 2,500 HOMES IN TWYFORD Developer consults on outline proposals for site east of the village

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today PLANS FOR 2,500 homes in Twyford have reached a consultation stage, with leaflets about the outline proposals being sent to village residents.

Berkeley Group says it has ambitions to build low carbon homes, alongside new business space, shops, parks, a health centre, nursery and primary school.

The development – which is not one of the sites put forward for the Local Plan Update by Wokingham Borough Council – would sit to the east of Twyford, and could also include a new train station, to be known as Twyford Gardens.

This would be directly connected to the Elizabeth Line and main line train services.

Other travel options would include a new local bus interchange and a relief road to ease traffic congestion, the developer said. n Continued on page 4

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2 | NEWS

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Alcohol-related hospital visits rise in borough

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today ALCOHOL-RELATED hospital admissions have risen in Wokingham during the pandemic.

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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 • Natalie Burton, Daniel Blackham 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.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

New data from Public Health England revealed that alcohol mortality figures have soared with hospitals bombarded with admissions.

In 2020, 3,132 people across the South East died from alcoholrelated conditions, the highest ever recorded.

This was 6% rise in deaths directly attributable to alcohol from 2019, and a 10% rise on four years ago.

Wokingham’s alcohol-related hospital admissions rose in 2019/20 from 1,575 the previous year to 1,740 admissions.

Analysis from UK Addiction Treatment Group (UKAT) revealed that admissions are up 10% in the South East.

Hospitals across the region were hit with 141,648 admission episodes for alcohol-related conditions.

And the 2020 alcohol-related mortality per 100,000 people rate

is worst in Isle of Wight, at 47.2 per 100,000, 44.4 per 100,000 in Portsmouth and 44.3 per 100,000 in Reading.

UKAT head of treatment, Nuno Albuquerque, said that 2021 has also seen record-breaking admissions for alcohol addiction treatment.

“We believe this is a direct fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic where unfortunately more people than ever turned to alcohol as a coping strategy, and for some, this developed into addiction,” he said.

“This can be a difficult time of the year for a lot of people, regardless of the added stress and worry of the on-going covid crisis.

“We’re urging people to try to avoid using alcohol as a way to mask or cope with their emotions. Please remember that although it is a legal substance, it is very dangerous and can have a real impact on your mental health.”

He urged anyone struggling to talk to a loved one or a professional.

“Going for a walk and enjoying nature which is wonderful at this time of year,” he added. n UKAT provides 24/7 free, confidential help and advice on alcohol at: www.ukat.co.uk

FALLING DOWN: Santa tried to climb Hurst’s Christmas tree Picture: Sue Corcoran

Father Christmas takes a tumble FATHER Christmas, expert on rooftops, took an adventurous step too far this Christmas, writes Sue Corcoran.

The man in red tried to climb Hurst village’s Christmas tree.

Recycle Christmas trees on your curb

Commuters donate more than 2,000 Christmas presents GENEROUS commuters donated more than 2,000 presents for a Christmas appeal, writes Phil Creighton.

South Western Railway asked people to fill shoeboxes or give presents at stations so they could be donated to charities helping the homeless and vulnerable.

In all, there were 1,350 shoeboxes of gifts and more than 650 individual gifts, nearly double the number collected in 2020.

Jim O’Brien, Station Contracts Manager for SWR, who coordinated

GIFTS GALORE: South Western Railway asked people to fill shoeboxes with presents for Christmas Picture: SWR

He end up tumbling down it head first, his comments captured for all to see at the tree in the middle of Hurst by the School Road pond on Christmas Eve.

the appeal, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people across the South Western Railway network coming together to help vulnerable people in their local communities have a better Christmas.

“People’s generosity of spirit at the end of what has been another difficult year is truly amazing to see, and I’d like to thank everyone who donated something to the appeal.

“Their efforts have helped us to collect nearly double the number of boxes that we did last year.”

WOKINGHAM borough residents have been reminded that they can recycle their real Christmas tress on the roadside.

Trees can be cut up and placed in brown bins or compostable sacks and put out as normal on collection days.

Compostable sacks are available to buy from the borough’s libraries or online.

Residents can also take trees to Smallmead recycling centre, on Island Road, Reading, or Longshot Lane recycling centre in Bracknell. n For more information, visit: wokingham.gov.uk/rubbish-andrecycling/garden-waste

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Thursday, January 6, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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How Twyford and Hurst are helping people learn how to paint with watercolours EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today AN artist whose earlier books topped best seller lists, has produced a brand new one on how to do ink and watercolour pictures.

Liz Chaderton’s new book, Line and Wash Painting, is full of her trademark and clear guidance.

“Using ink and watercolours is wonderful because it’s perfect for anything from the simplest doodle to a fully finished piece of art,” said Liz, of Hurst.

“The ink is like scaffolding on which you hang the beautiful and transparent watercolour. It’s almost like draping silk. The technique is both hard and soft, that’s why I like it.”

Combining ink and colour goes back hundreds of years. The Lindisfarne Gospels, fabulously written and illustrated by monks in around 700 AD, is ((correct)) an outstanding example.

Line and Wash’s 170 illustrations is pictures of local places like Twyford Post Office, Reading Abbey ruins with clever use of the town’s map within the walls, The Castle Inn and St Nicholas Church at Hurst and also Mapledurham watermill.

She’s just sold the original of her picture of Reading Town Hall and its clock tower transformed to have the feel of a fairy tale castle.

“The lady who bought it has just moved from Reading and was very fond of the town. The town hall is a fantastic building and I love the museum there,” added Liz. The new book describes a wide variety of styles and other subjects including insects, people, animals, a statuesque cedar tree and a small blue sports car with smoke pouring from its bonnet – seemingly on a trip to France, indicated by background maps.

The book advises on materials to use, exercises to hone drawing and painting skills and use of mixed media. There are ways to take line and wash to another level and step by step demonstrations of ideas

TIPS AND TRICKS: Liz Chaderton with her new book Picture: Sue Corcoran

IN COLOUR: The Old Post Office building on Twyford High Street and The Castle Inn, in Hurst Pictures: Liz Chaderton and projects. The publishers, The Crowood Press, say it is “a visual treat and an essential guide.”

They printed Liz’s earlier books: Painting Watercolours on Canvas and Painting Animals in

Police warn residents over gift card email scam POLICE are warning people to be on their guard against a new gift voucher fraud.

Emails have been sent out by scammers appearing to be from a friend or colleague.

In it, they ask the recipient to buy a gift card, saying they can’t do it themselves as they are in a meeting or can’t get to a shop, but will reimburse as soon as possible.

Thames Valley Police said that the email will also likely ask the victim to photograph the cards and send the unique codes printed on

them. This allows the scammer to use the gift cards to make online purchases.

The force advises that recipients do not buy any gift cards.

If in doubt, contact the friend or colleague via another method such as calling them, to see if they really did make the request.

Anyone working in retail is asked to be on guard for this scam, and phishing emails can be reported by forwarding the email to: report@phishing. gov.uk

Watercolour. The second reprint of the latter was caught in last March’s Suez Canal container ship traffic jam, but did make it to the UK. Both books have been top of Amazon’s best seller lists for their

category.

The new book, costing £12.99, is due out on Monday, January 24.

n For more information, visit: www. crowood.com/products/line-andwash-painting-by-liz-chaderton

NEWS | 3

COLD: OFTEC is warning that people who live in fuel poverty often have poorly insulated homes

Government urged to tackle Berkshire’s cold home crisis

NEW research shows that more than 350 Berkshire people died from excess winter deaths between 2019 and 2020 – and with more than 25,000 homes in fuel poverty, there are fears that this winter’s total could be higher.

Now, a trade association for off-gas grid heating, is calling for action, warning that many of the deaths were preventable, as they were caused by people living in cold homes, particularly in rural areas where properties are typically older, less energy-efficient and harder to keep warm.

The Excess Winter Mortality report, from the Office for National Statistics, shows that, in England and Wales, there were 29,290 excess deaths between December 2019 and March 2020, excluding Covid-19.

OFTEC says that in rural areas, a disproportionate number of households live in fuel poverty, many of whom are classed as vulnerable, adding further complexity to the problem.

In Berkshire, around 25,700 households are classed as fuel poor, which means their disposable income after energy costs puts them below the poverty line and their home has an energy efficiency (EPC) rating of band D or below.

Official figures for last winter (2020/21) have yet to be released.

OFTEC’s Malcolm Farrow said: “Experts believe that people who are older, live with long-term health conditions or have lower average income are most at risk of winter illness or mortality. We have serious concerns that another cold winter, coupled with rising living costs and the ongoing risk posed by coronavirus, could make this situation much worse, as more households face a stark choice between heating and eating.”

He added: “We know that many of those in Berkshire who are least able to afford their heating costs live in some of the most poorly insulated properties, making them much harder to heat and keep warm.

“The government needs to take action and provide more support for fuel poor households to help tackle the excess winter death crisis.”

4 | NEWS

Will Rapunzel escape her Twyford tower?

A BOROUGH theatre group will be taking to the stage for its annual pantomime next week.

Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group will present Rapunzel, the tale of a girl held as a prisoner in a tall tower by a wicked witch.

The group guarantee all the usual panto characters to add to the fun, including a dame, a handsome prince, a fairy and some bumbling sidekicks.

For covid safety, the group will reduce maximum audience numbers to increase spacing.

There will be two matinées and two evening sessions.

All performances are at Loddon Hall, Twyford. Opening night is at 7.45pm on Friday, January 14. There are two pantos on Saturday, January 15; a matinée at 2pm and an evening performance at 7.45pm. The final performance will be on Sunday, January 16 at 2pm.

The panto is produced and directed by Peter King and Bill Evans, written by Bradford and Webster and by arrangement with NODA Limited. n Tickets are from £9 and can be bought at: twyrusdrama.org.uk

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

Berkeley consults on 2,500 home Twyford Gardens plan for borough

n Continued from front page

The plan proposes that 35% of homes would be available through affordable housing schemes. These could be broken down into a mix of affordable rented, key worker and shared ownership properties.

“Every home would be individually designed to respect local character,” a spokesperson for the company said.

The site would also include green open spaces and a newly created woodland, with wetlands, ponds, swales, hedgerows and tree belts worked into the 2,500 home plan.

The company spokesperson said that the masterplan has been designed to “support nature recovery”, with existing habitats enhanced, persevered and joined together with new natural spaces.

“This highly connected and biodiverse landscape would support more wildlife and be open to the community, with green cycling and walking routes and a mix of parks, community gardens, allotments, sports pitches and playing fields,” the spokesperson explained.

Cllr Lindsay Ferris, Liberal Democrat councillor for Twyford said that he would do everything he could to oppose the plans.

“I’m very much against it,” he said.

“It’s virtually all on the green belt — it’s

VISUAL IDEA: An artist’s impression of the outline proposals for Twyford Gardens Picture: Berkeley Group inappropriate.”

Cllr Ferris said that a railway station was “pie in the sky” thinking, and believes that Berkeley Group is trying to “sell the development” on its green “benefits”.

“I think that they’re using the railway station to look green but know that it won’t go anywhere,” he said. “I can’t support it at all. It would completely do away with our green spaces in this area and create an urban sprawl.”

Berkeley Group believes that the

proposals could be an alternative to additional large-scale developments in the south of the borough, as proposed in the Local Plan Update, which is being consulted on by the borough council until Monday, January 24.

“During the last 10 years, 97% of new homes have been built in the south of the borough, creating pressure on infrastructure as well as a significant shortage of new homes in the north,” the Berkeley Group spokesperson added.

Tuesday, January 18 is a Friendship Alliance café session, with more art with Rosebuddies on Wednesday, January 19.

All are welcome to the CLASP Annual General Meeting on Friday, January 21.

WBC return to CLASP on Tuesday, January 25 to give an update on the local Adult Social Care Workforce.

The Happy and Healthy Club will meet on Wednesday, January 26 with a visit from Amy Owne from Omada.

CLASP will end the month on Friday, January 28. Members have the opportunity to receive first aid training from the Red Cross.

running a number of events for both children and adults in January.

Writing groups, a Winter reading challenge and a talk on Victorian Broadmoor are all on offer to residents.

Igniting Writing is for a creative writing group for young people aged 11 to 18. Guest speaker, author Temi Oh, will join the group on Saturday, January 8. It will take place at Wokingham library between 10.30am and noon.

A creative writing group for children aged eight to 10 will run online, from 4pm to 4.45pm on Thursday, January 13.

The Winter Mini Challenge is a reading challenge run by The Reading Agency.

The theme is Wild World Heroes

“This imbalance could become more severe in future, as the Local Plan Update proposes 4,500 homes in the south of the borough at Hall Farm, and no strategic development in the north.

“Twyford Gardens could help to address that imbalance through the delivery of a highly sustainable and well-connected neighbourhood, which offers the existing community a mix of valuable new amenities, transport links and economic opportunities.”

On its green belt location, a spokesperson said that local authorities can review green belt boundaries when they update their Local Plans.

“In this case Twyford Gardens is sustainably located close to the borough’s best public transport links, within an area of exceptionally high housing need and would help to reduce development pressures on the south of the borough,” they said.

Cllr Ferris added that he believes the borough is on a “tipping point” between being a semi-rural area, and being classed as “suburbia”, and wants to see the overall housing numbers reduced across the entire borough. n Residents are being encouraged to view the outline proposals and submit comments online at: www. twyfordgardens.co.uk

Help keep Charvil Action packed January planned for Wokingham CLASP Wokingham borough’s library events in January tidy with litter pick MEMBERS of CLASP can look forward to from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. and the activity is in partnership with WOKINGHAM Borough libraries are A LITTER picking group is asking for residents to lend their support to its next session later this month.

Charvil Matters, a community group led by Cllr Sam Akhtar, is meeting on Sunday, January 23.

Volunteers will meet at 9am for one hour on Milestone Avenue, in the lay-by opposite the Texaco petrol station. n For more information or to register interest in taking part, contact: charvilmatters@ gmail.com or visit the group’s Facebook page: facebook.com/ charvilmatters

a busy month of activities in January.

The programme begins on Tuesday, January 11 with Dancing to Music from 10am until 11am. This will be followed

by Coffee Club with visitor Tony Burrows from Wokingham Borough Council.

CLASP’s 12-week programme, ShapeUp4Life, will also begin on Tuesday, January 11. Sessions are 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

On Wednesday, January 12 CLASP will run an art session with Rosebuddies.

The learning disability nurses will talk to the group on Friday, January 14, about how to look after their teeth. This will be followed by the choir

n For more information, visit: wokinghamclasp.org.uk

WWF. Young readers will be encouraged to find out about the creatures who live in the Arctic, as well as about the environmental issues facing the region.

Participants need to set a goal for the number of books they would like to read.

The challenge ends on Saturday, January 15.

Mark Stevens will be giving a virtual glimpse behind the walls of Victorian Broadmoor, on Tuesday.

He is county archivist for Berkshire and the Broadmoor archive is one of the collections in his care at Berkshire Record Office, Reading.

n For more information or to sign up, email libraries@wokingham.gov.uk

PCC launches survey on precept rise that could add £10 to your council tax RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on proposed increases to the budget for Thames Valley Police for 2022/23.

Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, has launched an online survey for feedback on the proposals, which could see the precept rise by £10 for a Band D property – the maximum permitted rise.

On Thursday, December 16, the Home Office announced the funding settlement for police forces across the country.

In Thames Valley, this means an additional £15.5 million Government grant to pay for a further 244 police officers.

The increase in officers is part of the national uplift programme that will aims

to recruit 20,000 additional officers across the country by March 2023.

Mr Barber said that he is want the police precept to be spent wisely and deliver the best value for money.

“I am committed to ensuring effective spending across policing, to ensure we employ the maximum number of police officers possible,” he said.

“By giving us your feedback, you can help shape decisions about police funding and how Thames Valley Police can continue to work to keep us all safe.”

Mr Barber said that previously, the support of tax payers through their council tax has helped reduce the time it takes for the police to answer non-urgent 101 calls.

He said this money has also been used to increase detection rates, meaning that more victims of crime receive justice and more criminals are held to account. It has also been used to create a rural crime taskforce.

“It is important that if there is any increase in council tax now, at a time when many families are struggling and costs are rising, it is focused on frontline policing to tackle the concerns of the public,” he said.

Alongside funding from the Home Office, the Government has allowed Police and Crime Commissioners to increase council tax by up to £10 for a Band D property in order to make additional investments in policing.

The survey closes at 5pm on Tuesday, January 18. n To find out more, visit: survey. alchemer.eu/s3/90415648/ Council-Tax-Survey-2022-23

Twyford charity offers training for dementia TWYFORD-BASED charity Understanding Dementia is offering an online training course for those caring for people with dementia.

The eight-week course is free to anybody who is an unpaid carer, who will FOUNDER: Shirley only need to purchase Pearce Picture: Asya the accompanying Barskaya booklet.

The course is based on Understanding Dementia’s approach to the condition. It covers topics such as wellbeing, memory and how to deal with distress.

Shirley Pearce, founder of the charity, said that feedback received after previous online courses has been positive.

She encouraged carers to take part.

“If we are prepared to think in a different way about dementia, we can make a real difference to those who live with it,” she said.

There are two classes available. Sessions will take place over Zoom on Monday evenings or Wednesday mornings.

The course booklet costs £3.99 plus postage and packaging. The charge for professional carers is £175. n For more information, email: lucy.w@ understandingdementia.co.uk

NEWS | 5

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Thursday, January 6, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Region records lowest serious violence in England and Wales DATA: Matthew Barber, the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner said the statistics are remarkably positive

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

KNIFE CRIME statistics in the region are “remarkably positive” according to the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley.

Matthew Barber said that it is likely that lockdown restrictions had an impact on reducing some crime.

“Even taking this into account, serious violence, including knife crime is down and across Thames Valley,” he said.

Mr Barber said that the latest figures show that, by population, the region has the lowest levels of serious violence of any police force in England and Wales.

“This welcome trend is however no excuse for complacency,” he said.

“We’ve all seen the headlines that retell the tragedy of lives lost and families broken.

“These statistics that show the successes of proactive policing are of little comfort to those who have had loved ones ripped away from them in recent months through the unthinking violence of others.

“Too many families faced Christmas with an aching wound that will never fully heal.”

Mr Barber said the issue often goes beyond law enforcement.

“When knives are involved, the difference between a serious assault or a murder can be just a matter of inches, or the speed of the emergency response,” he said.

“This truth is even more stark when looking at the age of some of those involved.

“Although the police will be dealing with gangs and drug offences we’re often not talking about hardened criminals, but children who are making — sometime fatal — mistakes.”

He said that police alone cannot solve the problem.

“My Violence Reduction Unit brings together schools, social services, the NHS and others, seeking to get ahead of the problem,” he said.

The organisations work to change attitudes, identify those at risk of becoming involved in violent crime and attempt to prevent things from escalating out of control.

“We all have a role to play,” Mr Barber added.

“If you know or suspect someone is carry a knife, please report it to the police by calling 101.

“Often people are nervous of criminalising family and friends, but early intervention will mean a proportionate response and may prevent the most serious consequences next year, next month or next week. Your call might save a life.”

Mr Barber said that proactive policing, including taking knives off the streets, and stopping young people picking up weapons in the first place are helping to reduce violent crime.

He added: “Of course for those who mourn lives lost or irrevocably altered there are no words of comfort I can offer to ease the pain.

“The evidence is however that we’re moving in the right direction and there is hope that we will see fewer families suffering the same way in the future.”

6 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

Professor concerned about biodiversity loss in development

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local Democracy Reporter

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A UNIVERSITY professor has raised concerns about a loss of biodiversity, if 4,500 homes are built at Hall Farm.

Wokingham Borough Council is currently consulting on the Local Plan Update, which will be used to determine housebuilding across the borough into the future.

The proposals include a mass development on land south of the M4, in the Loddon Valley between Shinfield and Arborfield.

Some of the Hall Farm site is on land owned by the University of Reading. It has been welcomed by the institution, in part due to its proximity with its Thames Valley Science Park.

But there are questions over whether the 4,500 home plan aligns with the environmental concerns

of the Uuniversity’s leading academics.

Tom Oliver, professor of Applied Ecology at the institution researches loss of biodiversity.

Professor Oliver said that it is vitally important to protect the nation’s declining biodiversity. He said that it underpins the capability for children to be healthy and to prosper.

“The degradation of UK and global biodiversity through a billion small cuts must be stopped,” he said. ”Approaches to restore plants and animals that are lost though development, known as biodiversity offsetting, must be robust.”

He said that schemes need to be regulated, implemented, enforced and evaluated, in order to restore biodiversity and create a net gain, as opposed to increase its decline.

“Places to live should not replace vital biodiversity but instead be

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NEW RESEARCH: Scientists have been recovering DNA from mummified remains that date back 1,500 to 2,000 years Pictures: University of Reading SCIENTISTS at the University of Reading have discovered that human DNA can be extracted from the cement-like substance head lice used to glue their eggs to hairs thousands of years ago.

It is thought that this discovery will provide an important new window into the past.

In a new study, scientists recovered DNA from mummified remains that date back 1,500 to 2,000 years.

This is possible because skin cells from the scalp become encased in the cement-like substance produced by female lice as they attach eggs, known as nits, to the hair.

Analysis of this newly-recovered ancient DNA has revealed clues about pre-Columbian human migration patterns within South America.

It is hoped that this method could allow many more unique samples to be studied from human remains where bone and tooth samples are unavailable.

The research was led by the University of Reading, working in

collaboration with the National University of San Juan, Argentina; Bangor University, Wales; the Oxford University Museum of Natural History; and the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

It has been published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution.

Dr Alejandra Perotti, associate professor in invertebrate biology at the University of Reading, led the research.

She said: “Like the fictional story of mosquitos encased in amber in the film Jurassic Park, carrying the DNA of the dinosaur host, we have shown that our genetic information can be preserved by the sticky substance produced by headlice on our hair.

“In addition to genetics, lice biology can provide valuable clues about how people lived and died thousands of years ago.”

Dr Perotti said that more researchers are looking into migration and diversity in ancient human populations.

“Headlice have accompanied humans throughout their entire

closely surrounded by thriving nature that supports the physical and mental health of people,” he explained. “Environmental sustainability is a core principle of the University of Reading strategy and is of fundamental value to our community.

“We have some of the leading experts in the world studying the environment, including in climate change, wildlife, habitats and land use.

“We are also one of the greenest universities in the country, with ambitious and award-winning plans to make all our operations net zero by 2030.”

A spokesperson for the University of Reading said that they support academics to speak

independently about their research and world-leading expertise.

The spokesperson said that sustainable development must also fit with society’s need to become carbon net zero.

“We also recognise the need to improve habitats and species biodiversity, prevent pollution of soil, air and water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” they said.

“These aims can be met alongside sustainable, welldesigned development for housing and employment.”

“We look forward to continue working with Wokingham Borough Council as it progresses its Local Plan Update.”

existence, so this new method could open the door to a goldmine of information about our ancestors, while preserving unique specimens,” she explained.

Until now, ancient DNA has mostly been extracted from dense bone from the skull or from inside teeth, as these provide the best quality samples.

However, this can cause severe damage to the specimens which compromise future scientific analysis.

It is also against cultural beliefs to take samples from indigenous early remains.

Recovering DNA from the cement-like substance delivered by lice provides a solution to this problem.

Dr Mikkel Winther Pedersen from the GLOBE institute at the University of Copenhagen, and first author, said that the high amount of DNA yield from the nit cements came as a surprise.

“It was striking to me that such small amounts could still give us all this information about who these people were, and how the lice related to other lice species but

also giving us hints to possible viral diseases,” he added.

As well as the DNA analysis, scientists are also able to draw conclusions about a person and the conditions in which they lived from the position of the nits on their hair and from the length of the cement tubes.

Their health and even cause of death can be indicated by the interpretation of the biology of the nits.

Analysis of the recovered DNA revealed a genetic link between three of the mummies and humans in Amazonia 2,000 years ago.

This shows for the first time that the original population of the San Juan province migrated from the land and rainforests of the Amazon in the North of the continent, south of current Venezuela and Colombia.

It also found the earliest direct evidence of Merkel cell Polymavirus.

The virus, discovered in 2008, is shed by healthy human skin and can on rare occasions get into the body and cause skin cancer. It opens up the possibility that head lice could spread the virus.

DNA: The cement-like substance created by nits trap human skin cells from the scalp, which can be used to extract DNA from ancient human remains

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Thursday, January 6, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Wokingham mental health charity for young people receives £1,000

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

GIFT: ARC Wokingham Youth Counselling charity received £1,000 from Tesco’s Community Grants Scheme

YOUNG people in Wokingham with mental health problems have received a welcome boost for the New Year.

ARC Wokingham Youth Counselling was given £1,000 from Tesco’s Community Grants Scheme, with the aim of providing essential help and support to young people for months to come.

The charity offers face-toface sessions at its offices, as well as online sessions, for young people living in the Wokingham borough.

The money will be used to keep these sessions available during the charity’s busiest time of the year.

Paul Cassidy, coordinator at ARC Wokingham Youth Counselling, said he is so grateful for the money.

“It couldn’t come at a better time,” he said. “The build-up to Christmas is exciting for most people, but when it’s over it’s sometimes not gone as well for some young people as they’d have hoped.

“It can be a time of tensions and problems, so it ends up being our busiest time of the year.

“It’s really important that

young people have someone to turn to, to talk to, someone who won’t judge them.”

Mr Cassidy said that ARM provides counselling sessions to young people who are struggling with mental and emotional health.

“We help them to make sense of their thoughts and feelings so that they can make choices about what they can do to bring about changes in their life,” he said.

“Of course, in addition to the festive period, many young

people have struggled to cope during the pandemic, which has given them reduced contact with family and friends, leading to increased anxiety or a low mood.”

Mr Cassidy said the funding will help ARC continue to offer much-needed support to the young people of Wokingham, whatever the reason for their struggles.

Louise Jedras, Tesco community champion at the Finchampstead Road superstore praised the positive SHOP HERE: Baljit Dhindsa, area manager; Anita Sawa, health care assistant; and Julie Rowley, director of retail at Thames Hospice

changes ARC makes to young people’s lives.

She added: “We’re delighted to be able to provide this funding for ARC. The work they do is amazing — and it’s never been more important than now, after the past two years.

“The counsellors help young people better understand their life so that they can make a choice about their future and, in doing so, take back control of their own life.”

The Tesco Community Grants scheme awards £500,

£1,000 and £1,500 to charities and organisations.

The scheme is run in partnership with the Groundwork charity.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK chief executive, said that he is delighted to be working with Tesco. “[These] much-needed funds will help to support communities as we recover from the pandemic.”

n To apply for a Tesco Community Grant, visit: tescocommunitygrants.org.uk

Snow White comes to Shinfield SNOW White will be making a special appearance in Shinfield this month.

The cast at Shinfield Players are performing Snow White and the Four Swedish Popstars, a reworking of the classic fairytale set to the music of ABBA. It will feature all the usual panto favourites including a dame, a handsome prince, and an evil queen.

Shows will run over two weekends, Friday, January 14, to Sunday, January 16, and Friday, January 21, to Friday, January 23.

On both Fridays, the show begins at 7.30pm. There are two performances on the Saturdays, 2pm and 6.30pm.

The fun starts at 2pm on both Sundays.

Tickets are £7 for children, £13 concessions and £14 adults. n For more details, visit: shinfieldplayers.org.uk

Welcome the dawn this Saturday

A SPECIAL event is being held in Earley to welcome the dawn this Saturday.

Residents are invited to St Nicolas Church’s garden, off Sutcliffe Avenue, for 7am to welcome the light.

It will be followed by a breakfast for all attendees.

It has been organised by Oakwood Forest Church.

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Thames Hospice signs up to Charity Shop Gift Card scheme A CHARITY with bases across the borough has signed up to a special gift card scheme.

The Charity Shop Gift Card will be sold and accepted in Thames Hospice’s 23 shops. It is the first multi-retailer gift card for charity shops.

Julie Rowley, director of retail at the charity said that it is a fantastic national initiative.

“With more and more people seeing the environmental

benefits of charity shopping, we hope it will encourage even more shoppers to come and spend for worthy causes.”

Funds raised through the card will help Thames Hospice support its nurses and doctors providing compassionate care to families facing terminal illness.

It is hoped that the national scheme will help charities tap into the £7 billion gift card market.

Lee Fellows, managing

director of The Charity Shop Gift Card, said: “The gift card market is huge and growing, and central to our aim is to come up with a nationally-accepted, multi-retailer scheme that allows charity shops to tap into that for the first time.”

The single-load gift cards are recyclable and compostable. n For more information, visit: www.thecharityshopgiftcard. co.uk

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NEW YEAR’S HONOURS 2022

Becci’s work on fire crew mental health rewarded

WORK to transform the health and wellbeing services at the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

The service’s head of HR and learning and development, Becci Jefferies, was awarded a BEM for her role in championing mental health provision.

This has included creating a mental health action plan, and pioneering a trauma support volunteer group, which helps firefighters who are involved in traumatic incidents.

Ms Jefferies joined the service in 1993, after working with the then Berkshire County Council’s social services department.

Her passion and energy has been acknowledged by the fire service, which said she has created an environment where mental health is openly discussed without stigma, while also ensuring that it is focused on creating a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer, said that Ms Jeffries has ensured that these principles are embedded in every aspect of the work the service does.

“Becci is a credit to the Service and we’re delighted to see this formally recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours,” he said.

“The measures she has actively campaigned for and implemented improve the lives of team members and our communities.

“Becci is an inspirational leader and unsung hero of the Service, putting the needs of colleagues and her community before her own. I’d like to thank her for her continued efforts to support the Service and the communities of Berkshire.”

And this view was echoed by Cllr Colin Dudley, chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority: “I am delighted that Becci has been recognised as part of the Queen’s New Year’s Honours,” he said.

“She has made an outstanding contribution to the people of Royal Berkshire through her work and she should be deeply proud of her achievements.

“Congratulations Becci.”

And the recipient said that she was ‘extremely honoured’ at the award.

“I and see it as reflection of the hard work, professionalism and contribution made by my team and colleagues in Royal Berkshire and Fire and Rescue Service,” Ms Jefferies said.

“I have the absolute privilege of working for a truly fantastic organisation which is committed to making a positive difference to the communities we serve.”

Former University of Reading chef awarded an MBE for catering work EXCLUSIVE

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today A FORMER chef at University of Reading has been made an MBE on the New Year Honours List for his services to the catering and hospitality industry.

Matthew White, MBE, began working as a relief chef at the University 29 years ago. He is now the director of campus commerce, with responsibility for sports, accommodation, bars and catering. Under his leadership, catering has turned from a loss-making operation to contributing £12 million back into education and research.

He was nominated for an MBE for his career achievements at Reading, as well as for his leadership of the national university caterers’ organisation, TUCO. He will become chair of the Public Sector 100 Group, which brings together public sector catering organisations from education, health care and prison settings, in late 2022.

Mr White was told about the accolade at the beginning of November.

“I was really worried when I

saw the Cabinet Office envelope, I wondered what I had done,” he said.

“I had to get my partner to read it to me as I was so emotional.”

It has been a long two months for Mr White, who was been unable to tell his family, friends and colleagues ahead of the official announcement.

“It’s been the hardest secret on earth to keep, especially from my parents, because I’ve been bursting with joy since I found out,” he added.

Not being able to tell colleagues has also been difficult, Mr White said, as he firmly believes the award reflects the hard work of his whole team to implement changes at the university.

Measures there have included introducing refillable bottle, cup and container schemes across campus, opening marketplaces for students to buy small amounts of loose ingredients, increasing use of local suppliers and produce from the university farm, and serving food at all university bars.

“Food is a very important part of life at Reading, and eating habits for life can form when

CELEBRATED: Matthew White was given an MBE for his achievements and leadership of the national university caterers’ organisation, TUCO students are at university,” he explained.

“We want to make sure our students develop sustainable

and healthy attitudes.”

Mr White and his team have also adopted a pastoral approach to their work. Catering staff are offered mental health first aid training. As they are student-facing, they are often seen as being a friendly face on campus and may spot warning signs that a student is in difficulty.

During lockdown, the University’s food provision became click and collect and the team began to provide food boxes to self-isolating and quarantining students. It is a service which has continued.

His many other achievements include setting up a TUCO fundraising partnership with Mary’s Meals, an organisation which feeds school children in developing countries.

He also created a national training academy and an MA in catering, at London Southbank University.

The University of Reading is also the first in the UK to be approved by US university Stanford’s Menus of Change research project, which aims to encourage the catering and hospitality industry to make sustainable, environmental and social commitments.

‘MBE is cooler than a gold’ A READING resident has been awarded an MBE for sporting achievements in the New Year’s honours list.

Oliver Stanhope was nominated for his services to rowing. With his fellow PR3 mixed coxed four team mates, he holds the European, World and Paralympic titles. He rows at stroke.

The 23-year-old brought home gold from his first Paralympic Games in Tokyo last summer.

“Being awarded an MBE is cooler than the gold medal though, as I will always be an MBE. The Paralympic title only really lasts for four years,” he said.

Originally from Middlesex, he started rowing at Walton Rowing Club in 2008, and was

encouraged by teachers to take the sport more seriously.

He had a strong rowing influence in his personal life too.

Both of his parents have rowed for Great Britain at the Olympic Games.

“I was originally more into Triathlon, although I was inspired by going to see the mens’ eight race at the London 2012 Olympics,” he said.

He rowed in an eight for Hampton School at the Henley Royal Regatta in 2015 and 2016.

In 2017, he raced with Molesey Rowing Club in the Thames Cup at Henley, just before breaking into the Great Britain PR3 mixed coxed four squad.

“That’s when I decided to

MBE for forensic expert who helped convict terrorist A MEMBER of Thames Valley Police’s counter terrorism team who led this investigation into the Forbury Gardens terrorist attack has been given an MBE. Ian Elgeti, a forensic manager who has worked on some of the most intricate and high-profile terrorist incident crimes scenes in recent years, has been praised by the force for his work.

As well as managing the forensic strategies for the Forbury Gardens attack of June 2020, he helped with investigating incidents in Salisbury in March and July 2018, and the Manchester Arena bombing in April 2017.

Thames Valley Police said that he worked in meticulous detail to preserve evidence

move to Reading,” Mr Stanhope explained.

“It’s a better journey to Caversham, where we train, than the one from my parents’ house in Hampton would be.

“I have three training sessions a day, so it’s pretty intense.”

Alongside sport, Mr Stanhope is studying part time at Oxford Brookes University for a degree in real estate management.

“Although I deferred a year in 2019 to prepare for Tokyo 2020, which then happened a year late, so by the time I go back I am going to be a mature student,” he added.

Ahead of the games, Mr Stanhope spent several months living in the hotel at the then Madjeski Stadium with team mates Giedre Rakauskaite, Ellen

ON SCENE: Police at Forbury Gardens

for the Forbury attack, which saw three men murdered and others injured.

In doing so, he was praised for being sympathetic to the wishes of the victims’ families, while his strategy led to the recovery of significant CCTV and forensic evidence, which

MBE: Oliver Stanhope was nominated for his services to rowing Buttrick, James Fox and Erin Kennedy. They have also been awarded MBEs, and he is looking forward to celebrating with them: “We did not really have a chance to celebrate our Paralympic gold together, so this will be a great,” he said.

Mr Stanhope is hopeful of a place on the rowing squad which will represent Great Britain at the Paris 2024 games.

Beyond that, he would like to spend some time as a rowing coach before moving into the real estate industry.

ultimately led to the defendant pleading guilty at court.

The defendant was jailed for life for the murders and the judge imposed a whole-life order.

The force’s Chief Constable, John Campbell, said he was delighted with Mr Elgeti’s recognition.

“This award highlights Ian’s professionalism, commitment and hard work in protecting and keeping our communities safe and he should be rightly proud of this achievement,” he said.

“Ian is a credit to the police service and I offer him congratulations on behalf of all his Thames Valley Police colleagues and our partners.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing South East, added: “I couldn’t think of a more deserving person to receive an MBE. Ian is one of our highly competent and committed people who gets on with his work quietly, often with hugely impressive results.

“I am brimming with pride.”

Thursday, January 6, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

Got a business story?

Email news@wokingham.today

A business park that is changing

WINNERSH TRIANGLE PUTTING YOU AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO

It’s never been more important to stay healthy and well as we head into 2022.

At Winnersh Triangle we are fortunate to have some great onsite amenities that can be enjoyed whilst knowing that every precaution has been taken to keep you safe.

At the end of last year, we opened our brand-new AstroTurf pitch opposite MOVE HQ, on Eskdale Road, with easy access and parking. The pitch can be booked by both occupiers and the local community - whether you want to set up a 5-a-side team or enjoy a kick about with your friends or work colleagues.

Occupiers enjoyed christening the pitch and taking part in the first Winnersh Triangle football tournament; it was great to see so many teams taking part. The pitch is the perfect way to get some exercise and enjoy some fresh air.

Award-winning grounds Our award-winning grounds are for all to enjoy and are expertly landscaped to ensure that Winnersh Triangle is a great place to work and visit. We won a number of awards in 2021 including four GRESB stars. The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) measures the environmental, social and governance performance of real estate and placed Frasers Property UK, first amongst its peers.

Initiatives at Winnersh Triangle which contributed to the four-star accreditation include energy and water savings initiatives, health promoting events such as yoga and bootcamp, and over 19, 000 sq ft of rooftop solar PV panels, which represents 378kW of power generation also the park has over 500,000 sq ft of office space that has been certified with green building certification BREEAM. Holistic health Winnersh Triangle also received Fitwel accreditation. The accreditation is the benchmark for developers tuned into the realities of what modern occupiers want and need and assesses holistic health. Frasers Property has invested heavily in Winnersh Triangle to ensure health and wellbeing are integral to the design, development, and the operation of our buildings. What it also means for our occupiers is plenty to do apart from just work. Sustainability and biodiversity are key priorities across all our parks, and we are excited that later this year we will be able to start collecting our very own honey. Beehives were installed in 2021 to help pollinate our wildflower meadows and our buzzing occupiers didn’t take long to settle in!

Keeping safe Our offices and amenities which include The Exchange co-working space and three Gather & Gather cafes across the park have several, thorough, and regular deep cleans, throughout the day. This high level of cleaning is down to our fantastic staff who support occupiers across Winnersh Triangle. It ensures that everyone on the park is kept safe as possible. Our offices also have plenty of ventilation and natural light, which makes a huge difference to the working day.

Last year we welcomed Evertz, Sequans, BMC Software, Future Publishing, Berkshire Medical Clinic and Winnersh Studios to the park, which shows just how much we are community is growing.

Visit www.winnershtriangle.co.uk to find out more.

www.winnershtriangle.co.uk

Plan B ‘could derail recovery’

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today

THE country’s economic recovery could be affected by the Omicron Covid-19 variant.

A Reading-based restructuring and insolvency (R&I) practitioner is warning that the Plan B measures could have a “devastating and disproportionate” effect on SMEs. Under government advice, which recommends home working where possible and mandatory face coverings in most public settings, Matthew Richards, R&I Partner at accounting firm Azets says unclear guidance and an increasing lack of confidence could lead to a catastrophic impact on SMEs, at a time when support measures such as the Job Retention Scheme (JRS) are no longer available.

And Mr Richards warned that with SMEs being the ‘lifeblood’ of the UK economy, they have a critical role to play in the country’s recovery from the covid pandemic. He said that there were more than 5.5 million companies across the country, employing more than 16 million people.

They also account for nearly half the UK economy’s revenues.

“The ability to furlough staff where necessary and access to other support measures that are now closed offered a lifeline to many of these businesses,” Mr Richards said.

“Without these and little clarity regarding the likelihood of even stricter measures, confidence amongst SMEs is now faltering and businesses are once again feeling exposed.

“The government’s Plan B could have big consequences for the business community – and could be potentially

Matthew Richards from Azets devastating for the hospitality and traditional retail businesses.

“People who have been told to work from home to stop the spread of the virus might feel uncomfortable socialising and that will further diminish what is normally a critical period for retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses.”

Mr Richards does not foresee the re-introduction of schemes such as the JRS, under which a business could claim up to 80% of a furloughed worker’s usual wages, via the payroll, of up to a total of £2,500 each month.

“Given the significant amount of money already spent on Covid support measures, such as the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) extended into next year, it’s likely the government might well resist bringing back closed schemes,” he continued.

“This is bad news for businesses operating in a stop/start economy, some of which were only just getting back on their feet.

“Typically, it’s businesses who seek advice early that have the best chance of recovering from financial distress, and have more options open to them, with more time to take a decision about their next step.”

IoD Berkshire launches task force to drive UK-Africa trade THE Berkshire branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD) has set up a task force to improve trading ties between the UK and Africa.

The Special Interest Group for Africa aims to stimulate business opportunities, increase networking and grow awareness of British businesses in Africa and African businesses in Britain.

The task force will be launched in London on Thursday, May 19, with all African diplomatic missions and some heads of state expected to attend.

And to help Berkshire prepare, a series of IoD-hosted online round tables will be held to discuss post-Covid and Brexit business opportunities for UK and African businesses.

Since Brexit, the UK government has negotiated eight free trade agreements with African countries and trading blocs, which has created tariffs and duty-free trade between Britain and 30 African nations.

These agreements, the IoD says, open up significant opportunities for African

consumers and companies.

Dr Shaun Davis, IoD Berkshire chair, said: “One UK parliamentary report recently noted that UK-Africa trade has ‘flat-lined’ and accounts for just 2.5% of all UK trade. But before Covid-19 the world’s five fastest-growing economies were all African, and regional leaders like Nigeria and South Africa are likely to become superpowers of the global economy as we move towards the second half of this century.

“More needs to be done on both sides to take advantage of the opportunities on offer. As one of the world’s most influential and established business leader forums - with royal endorsement dating back to 1906 – the IoD is the ideal forum to develop opportunities for UK-based firms to establish and grow new business in Africa and vice versa.”

A Special Interest Group digital round table will be held on Tuesday, February 8. n For more details, or to book log on to www.iod.com and search events.

2022 could be the year of rural tourism boom THIS year could see a boom in rural tourism across the south east, and the sector is expected to grow.

Latest figures show that farmers derived 35% of their income from diversified business activities during the covid-hit year of 2020.

Total income for the region’s farmers fell by £174 million last year to £360 million, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with £127 million coming from diversified business activities.

Rural insurance broker Lycetts says that with farmers losing direct payment subsidies as a result of Brexit, it will see the growth of the tourism sector.

The company’s spokesperson, Rupert Wailes-Fairbairn, said he expects farms to offer experience days, turning land to camping, glamping and yurts for overnight stays. He also expected farms to turn to renewable energy projects as operators pay farmers and landowners rents of up to £1,000 per acre.

However, it is not without risk and Mr Wailes-Fairbairn says farms should undertake due diligence.

“Tourism-related projects will invariably involve members of the public setting foot on farmland,” he said. “Before embarking on any new business venture, it is important that farmers seek advice from specialists in the field.”

Prosperous new year for Aldi staff IT WILL be a prosperous new year for staff working at a supermarket chain with branches in the borough.

Aldi says it is increasing the rate of pay for its store colleagues to at least £10.10 per hour, a move which it says means it maintains its position as the UK’s best-paying supermarkets, and is a pay rise worth at least £750 per year.

These rates are also above the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended rate of £9.90 an hour nationally.

There are different rates of pay for those staff members working inside the M25, to reflect the higher cost of living in London.

Giles Hurley, chief executive officer for Aldi UK and Ireland, said that the company’s staff members had shown commitment and enthusiasm during the pandemic, and has helped drive its success.

“We want to ensure our colleagues are always fully rewarded for their amazing work,” he said.

“These new rates, together with the fact that we are the only supermarket to pay colleagues for breaks taken during their shifts, means we continue to offer the best pay in the supermarket sector.”

The company is planning to invest £1.3 billion over the next two years, to see its portfolio of 950 stores grow. To help, it is planning to recruit more than 2,000 additional colleagues, with some of these roles in Berkshire. n For details, log on to www. aldirecruitment.co.uk

Thursday, January 6, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Woodcote: Toughest 10k in the Chilterns returns on Sunday

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

The Queen’s Head wins CAMRA pub of the year EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

RUNNERS across the area are under starters orders for the toughest race in the South Chilterns this weekend.

Entries for the 2022 Woodcote 10k are on track for a record breaking number after last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

While people can sign up online until 9am on the day, organisers are advising entrants to do so quickly as numbers are limited to 600.

Jerry Wilson, treasurer of the Rotary Club of Pangbourne which hosts the race, said that there was a huge interest from enthusiasts after missing out on the 6.2 mile race last year.

“The vast majority of people were kind enough to donate their entry fee despite the cancellation as a result of the lockdown which enabled us to help the sponsored charities,” he said.

“The Woodcote 10k is regarded by many as their favourite course and just competing it is regarded as a real achievement. Our limit for entries is 600 and while we have never exceeded this number, there is a lot of interest as people were sad to miss out on January’s race. If it looks likely that we are getting close to the maximum, a warning notice will be put on the race website.”

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AN EARLY Christmas present was delivered to a Wokingham pub – their award.

RETURNING: The 10k race is back this weekend Picture: Massimo Sartirana on Unsplash

This year’s selected charity to benefit from the race is Parkinson’s UK although the Rotary Club is continuing its donations to the fight to eradicate polio.

Mr Wilson added: “Only two countries, Polio is still a major health issue in Afghanistan and Pakistan so it is vital efforts are stepped up to the disease in these countries until it is finally eradicated from the world. For every pound we raise, it will be matched by twice that amount by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.”

The Woodcote 10k takes place on Sunday, January 9, starting at 10.15am from Woodcote Village Hall. Entry is by online only at £18 with a £2 discount for affiliated Club runners. The minimum age for runners is 15 years. n For more information, visit: www. woodcote10k.org.uk

The Queen’s Head in The Terrace has been judged CAMRA Berkshire South East’s pub of the year.

Landlady Carol Williams received her certificate from Terry Burrows just before the festive weekend.

The group, which is passionate about real ale in pubs, said that the award represents the efforts made by the pub during a very difficult year for the hospitality industry.

Mr Burrows said: “They have still provided the warm welcome and great beer when so many others in the hospitality trade have struggled.

“This is not the first time that The Queen’s Head has picked up this award and reflects the high quality of the offering.

“Very close runners-up were The Crispin and The Ship Inn, which goes to show what great pubs are available in Wokingham.”

TOP PLACE: Landlady Carol Williams received her certificate from Terry Burrows

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‘Have your say on borough house building’ say Lib Dems

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

THE WOKINGHAM Liberal Democrats are urging residents to have their say on future development in the borough.

The borough council is currently consulting on its Local Plan Update, which will be used to determine future house building in the area.

It sets out key sites for development, and includes proposals for a mass 4,500 home development south of the M4, near Shinfield and Arborfield, at Hall Farm.

Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the Wokingham Liberal Democrats, said that it is essential residents feedback on sites they care about.

“I hope that lots of residents send in their views on the sites proposed,” he said.

Cllr Jones said he has some concerns about the Hall Farm site, and said that the land gets “very wet, if not flooded” in the winter months.

He said one of the most important aspects to future development is the supporting infrastructure.

He is concerned that Shinfield does not have a supermarket, despite all of the recent building in the area.

“The job hasn’t been done properly,” he said.

HAVE A SAY: Wokingham Liberal Democrat leader Clive Jones (left) and deputy Steven Conway want you to fill out the survey Picture: Phil Creighton Cllr Stephen Conway, deputy leader of the Wokingham Liberal Democrats said that it is important that residents who commented on the last draft Local Plan Update do the same again.

Cllr Conway said that he asked at a council meeting whether previous comments on the last plan would be carried over. But he was told that residents should write in again with any concerns they have about sites.

He pointed out that some housing numbers have changed, such as Bridge Farm, a development in his ward of Twyford, growing from

Water pipe route investigation to begin A WATER company has launched an investigation into the best route for a new, strategic water main in Wokingham.

South East Water will carry out ground surveys around the town to help establish

where the company can install approximately 1.4km (just under a mile) of pipe.

It is needed, the company says, to maintain water pressure to the area and the work involves digging small holes to help determine the

150 to 180 homes.

“The most important thing is that people submit their views and have their say,” he added.

The councillor said that while petitions against specific sites can be useful, the council will be putting more weight on individual responses.

Beyond the Local Plan Update, Cllr Jones also called on residents to sign a Liberal Democrat petition calling for housing numbers to be reduced for the borough.

A similar call was made to then housing secretary, Robert Jenrick, by the Conservative leader of the borough council.

But Cllr Jones believes that condition of the ground.

The work began on Tuesday, January 4, and will carry on for 10 weeks in Glebelands Road, Warren House Road, Keephatch Road and Wiltshire Road.

A four-day lane closure will be required from Tuesday, March 1, when the work reaches Wiltshire Road.

Jeremy Dufour, South East

another one should be sent to the new secretary, Michael Gove.

“We want him to change the way that the Government calculates housing numbers,” Cllr Jones said.

The current system is based on historic performance, with areas that have built more homes being asked to continue at that number.

Cllr Jones said he would also like to see more one- and twobedroom homes built, as well as bungalows.

This, he said, would help young buyers to get onto the property ladder, and give older people the opportunity to downsize.

Cllr Jones said that at the moment, developers are building “more or less what they want”, which is leading to many four- and five-bedroom properties popping up across the borough.

“They can make a decent profit on these,” the councillor added.

Cllr Jones said that he would like the borough council to have more control over what is built.

The consultation on the Local Plan Update ends at 5pm on Monday, January 24.

n To have a say, visit: engage. wokingham.gov.uk/en-GB/ projects/right-homes-rightplaces-local-plan

Water Project Manager, said “We know this is one of the main routes out of Wokingham and we’re very sorry for any disruption this may cause.

“A clearly-signed diversion route, as agreed by the local Highways team, will be in place during this time.”

n For details, log on to: southeast water.co.uk/wokingham

GIVING: Presents delivered to the Royal Berkshire Hospital by Aston Martin Reading

Who needs a sleigh when you have an Aston Martin?

FESTIVE gifts arrived in style at the Royal Berkshire Hospital just before Christmas, thanks to Aston Martin Reading.

The firm used an Aston Martin DB11 Volante to deliver presents for the Lion Ward’s young oncology patients, many of whom received treatments over Christmas.

The four-seat sports car pulled up by the steps to the historic entrance to the hospital, and staff helped unload the presents from

the boot and back seats.

The company said that it had worked closely with the RBH to provide appropriate presents for the age ranges.

A spokesperson for Royal Berkshire Hospital said: “We’re thrilled that Aston Martin Reading and H.R. Owen have so generously brought some festive cheer to our children’s ward with this enormous pile of gifts.

And what a way for them to be delivered.”

Flooding appeal thanks from twin town Erftstadt A THANK you has been sent out to people who supported an appeal for Wokingham’s flood-hit twin town.

In August last year, Erftstadt was hit by freak weather, causing much of the town to be hit by torrential rain and flooding.

Wokingham groups, including the Town Council and Lions, send financial support, while others contributed to an online fundraiser on GoFundMe. Just before Christmas, organiser Klara Zepp posted an update, revealing that the €100,000 goal was met within a month.

She added: “I would like to say thank you very much to each and every one of you. For your immediate and very generous willingness to help. For crossborder support from many locations around the world. For numerous sharing of the appeal.

For many uplifting messages.

DAMAGE: Flooding in Erftstadt “Rebuilding is a marathon, but many people here are doing well.

“So far, the city of Erftstadt has received a total of €8.2 million in donations. €5.1 million have been approved and new applications are constantly being added.”

Thursday, January 6, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

FROMTHECOURTS

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Courts in recent weeks

A WOODLEY man who failed to provide a breath specimen has been fined £250.

Colins Mwawakudua Sitei, 25 and from South Lake Crescent, committed the offence on September 5 last year.

He had pleaded not guilty but a hearing at Reading Magistrates on September 10 found him guilty.

The day before, he had been stopped on Fobney Street in Reading and found to be driving without insurance.

He was ordered to pay £500 costs, and £34 to victim services. He is also banned from driving for 14 months.

This will be reduced by 14 weeks on completion of a safe driving course.

A WOKINGHAM man who assaulted a police officer has been found guilty and ordered to undertake 100 hours of community service.

Liam Godfrey, 22 and from Potter Crescent, carried out the attack in Wokingham on January 25, 2019.

In addition to the work, he must pay £250 compensation.

No order for costs was made.

A LOWER EARLEY man who caused actual bodily harm when he assaulted his victim has been given a 23-week jail sentence, suspended for 24 months.

Leon Paul Flenvzous Pearson, 23 and from Ramsey Close, must also undertake 100 hours of community service.

The incident took place in Reading on November 14.

While he initially pleaded not guilty and requested a summary trial, he changed his plea ahead of a hearing on September 13.

Magistrates placed a restraining order on Pearson, preventing him from contacting his victim for five years.

He must pay £200 costs, £128 to victim services and £100 compensation, at a rate of £20 per fortnight.

A WOKINGHAM woman who was found guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour has been given a 12-month conditional discharge.

Charlene Shelia Bowers, 31 and from New Acres, carried out the harassment on December 18, 2019, in Milton Keynes.

In addition to the discharge, Bowers was ordered to pay £150 costs and £21 to victim services.

No order for compensation was made due to Bowers’ mental health.

A BRACKNELL man found guilty of being drunk and disorderly at Wokingham Railway Station on May 25 has been fined £220.

Piotr Jankowski, 40 and from Bishopdale, had his case proven in absence at Reading Magistrates Court on September 22.

In addition to the fine, he must pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services.

A WOKINGHAM man who stole items from a Co-op and assaulted a man has been jailed for 10 weeks.

Terry Smitheyman, 25 and from Longs Way, took food worth £35.59 from the Wokingham store on July 17. For this he was given six weeks.

The assault happened on the same day, and for this he was jailed for eight weeks.

He was given an additional two-week sentence for failing

Help keep borough clean and green RESIDENTS are being encouraged to help keep Wokingham borough clean and green this year.

Wokingham Borough Council has reminded householders to ensure unwanted items are recycled or disposed of properly.

This can be done by using the Re3 recycling centres at Smallmead, Reading or Longshot Lane, Bracknell.

Residents can also book the council’s large, unwanted items service or any man in van service that carries a valid waste carrier’s licence.

Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhood and communities, said that it is the responsibility of residents to ensure their waste is recycled using the correct channels.

“If we find fly-tipped waste and trace it back to you, you will receive a Fixed Penalty

BE RESPONSIBLE: WBC is encouraging residents to help keep the borough clean and green

Notice,” he explained.

Last year, 25 people were issued with fines of either £80 or £400 because their waste was fly-tipped illegally. n To book a slot at a recycling

NEWS | 13

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

centre, visit: re3.fccenvironment. co.uk n For more information on the large unwanted item service, log on to: large-item-collection. wokingham.gov.uk

to surrender to court on August 13.

He must also pay £128 to victim services.

A WOKINGHAM man has been jailed for five months, suspended for 18 months, for prolific and persistent offending.

Steven Kenneth Francis Scott, 47 and from London Road, appeared before Slough magistrates on September 24, were he was found guilty of the following offences: n Stealing baby formula worth £170 from Boots in Bracknell on January 18, 2020 n Stealing cough mixture and baby formula from Boots in Bracknell on November 11, 2019. This was worth £150 n Stealing alcohol worth £166 from Marks & Spencer in Reading on September 3, 2019 n Stealing baby formula, cough mixture, alcohol and body spray worth £113.45 from

Lightfoots filling station in Bracknell on November 5, 2019 n Stealing baby formula, alcohol and food worth £80 from Lightfoots filling station in Bracknell on November 13, 2019.

Scott also failed to surrender to the court on February 5, 2020, and carried out an offence while already on a 12-month conditional discharge made on July 8, 2019.

As part of the court order, Scott must undertake a treatment for alcohol dependency, and pay £166 compensation.

In a second hearing at the same sitting, Scott was found guilty of: stealing household items worth £186.91 from Morrisons in Bracknell on May 1, 2020.

In a third hearing, Scott admitted stealing 50 bars of Lindt chocolate worth £147 from a BP garage in Bracknell on November 5, 2020; stealing a further 36 bars worth £111 on November 7.

And on November 28, he stole 80 bars worth £240 from the BP garage.

Scott returned again on November 28, this time taking 13 boxes of Lindt chocolates worth £117.

In a fourth hearing, Scott admitted possession of class A drugs heroin and a quantity of diamorphine. This was found in Wokingham on February 1 last year.

A WOKINGHAM man who used racially aggravated abuse towards a police officer has been given an eight-week jail sentence suspended for six month.

Charlie Tony Pearce, 23 and from Budges Road, admitted the offence which took place

in Wokingham on November 16, 2019.

He was ordered to pay £40 compensation, at a rate of £10 per fortnight.

A TWYFORD man who was found to be in possession of a quantity of cannabis while at Abingdon Police Station has been fined £40.

Neil Joseph Manning, 38 and from Crest Close, was at the station on May 21.

In addition to the fine, he must pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services.

A MAN who drove while disqualified has been fined £200 and given an additional 12-month ban.

Laurento Stingaciu, 26 and staying at Elmhurst Hotel in St Peter’s Road, was stopped in Bracknell’s Ogden Park on January 10.

He was also found to be driving without insurance in place.

In addition to the fine, he was ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services at a rate of £50 per month.

A WOODLEY man who failed to provide a breath specimen for police has been ordered to undertake 80 hours of community service.

Samuel Frederick Dormer, 25 and from Wallace Close, was stopped by police in Reading on May 29.

In addition to the community service, Dormer must pay £300 costs and £95 to victim services.

He was banned from driving for 24 months, this will be reduced by 24 weeks on completion of a safe driving course.

His case was heard at Slough Magistrates on October 8.

Covid rates force changes to RBH visitor guidelines INCREASING covid infection rates have led to the Royal Berkshire Hospital changing visitor guidelines, writes Natalie Burton.

New rules affect visitors to adult, paediatric and maternity wards.

They came into effect on Saturday, January 1.

They include taking Lateral Flow Tests prior to visiting and wearing masks on wards.

An RBH spokesperson said that the hospital will keep the situation under review and added: “We appreciate this is very difficult for both visitors and patients but it is essential to ensure the safety of everyone at the hospital.”

Current guidelines are as follows: n Visitors to all wards should take a Lateral Flow Test

beforehand and only attend if this is negative. n Visitors to all wards must wear a mask. n Those who do not wear a mask will not be permitted to visit. n People exempt from wearing a mask will only be permitted to visit adult wards in very exceptional circumstances. This must be discussed in advance with the ward manager. n The one person limit remains in place for visits to adult wards. n These should be for essential visits only and must be pre-booked with the ward manager. n Parents, or guardians, are able to visit paediatric wards at any time without having to make appointments. Other

visitors are only allowed by exception. n In maternity, parents and their one additional visitor do not need to make an appointment to visit. n On the ward, a single named visitor can be with the mother from 8.30am to 8.30pm. n The named additional visitor can visit between 2pm and 6pm. This person cannot change during the mother’s stay. n The maximum number of people at the woman’s bedside is two. n On the postnatal ward, the supporter and any other visitor must provide proof of a negative LFT from the last three days before visiting the ward.

They need to provide a new test result every three days.

14 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

News from your clubs & groups.

Email news@wokingham.today

INTHECOMMUNITY

Twyford Singers hunt for composer to write song of joy

LIVE AGAIN: Wokingham Choral Society have made a return to the stage. Picture: courtesy of Wokingham Choral Society

Wokingham Choral Society opens rehearsals for March concert

SING UP: Members of Twyford Singers perform at their Christmas concert

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today THE HUNT is on for a composer who can write a song on the theme of hope, joy and celebration for a choir celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Songs sent in for Twyford Singer’s first composition competition will be judged, with the winning composer being awarded £500. The second prize is £250 and the third £100.

The choir tells potential entrants: “We are a true community choir and, despite everything the pandemic has thrown at us, we are still singing and celebrating our 60th birthday year. “[We] are looking for submissions that reflect our anniversary year themes of hope, joy and celebration.”

Entries are already being sent in.

Musical director Helen Styles said: “The competition is very

exciting for the choir. It’s also potentially very exciting for the composer as the winning piece will be offered to Chichester Music Press to be considered for publication.

“Community music is really important, for friendships, wellbeing and much else. There’s some kind of music in every culture, it’s part of the human condition.”

The choir kept going online for 18 months. In September last year, members started practising together again, with covid precautions in place, at roomy St Marys Church in Twyford.

The new song should be “something tuneful and fun to sing, to celebrate the fact that the choir is still going strong.”

To get ideas flowing the singers mention that the River Loddon flows through Twyford on its way to the Thames.

“Something watery with sparkling light reflecting our diamond jubilee could work,”

they say.

But they are open to many other themes.

Composers should though avoid texts specifically about anniversaries as the piece will be part of the choir’s repertoire for years to come.

Entries should be emailed to the choir secretary at: competition@twyford-singers. org.uk by Monday, January 17, by 11.59pm.

Composers must submit a PDF of a digital score for the voice parts and piano accompaniment.

Three songs will be shortlisted and performed at the choir’s final concert of their anniversary year on Saturday, June 25.

The three composers will be in the audience and a panel of three judges will decide on the first, second and third prize winners. n For more information and the full competition details, visit: www.twyford-singers.org.uk

Freemasons help foodbanks feed 65,000 people at Christmas MORE than 65,000 people will be able to put food on the table this Christmas, thanks to grants to 135 foodbanks across England and Wales from the Freemasons.

The grants, totalling £343,000, are said to be an important boost to foodbanks, which are expecting a surge in demand, following the upheavals of the pandemic, continuing supply chain problems and rising fuel bills.

And the Freemasons said

they have made additional contributions to foodbanks during the lockdown period.

In addition to money, many local Freemasons have given their time to help share food and other essential supplies to those in need. This is continuing over Christmas.

The grant from local Freemasons are financed jointly with the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from

across England and Wales.

Les Hutchinson, chief executive of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help local foodbanks with their hugely important work over the festive season.

“We were able to support them during the pandemic and we’re happy to help them again during what will be a very difficult Christmas for the most vulnerable people in our community.”

WOKINGHAM Choral Society has had a fantastic time since returning to live performances last year.

The group’s publicity officer, Jo Tremlett, said that their November performance was uplifting. It featured Handel’s Messiah, performed live at The Great Hall, at the University of Reading.

She said the choral society had wonderful support from the Hampstead Chamber Orchestra, as well as four fine soloists.

“We finished the term in

festive style with community carol singing to celebrate the decoration of the Wokingham Christmas tree by school children,” Ms Tremlett said.

The group then held its own Christmas Carol Concert featuring some tunes from around the world as well as traditional favourites.

Ms Tremlett said that the society has now started rehearsals for its next concert in March.

It will feature Faure’s Requiem, Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical

Songs and Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms.

“We would be delighted to welcome new members and will be holding an open rehearsal on Thursday, January 13, at 7.30pm at Emmbrook Senior School Hall.”

The society’s final concert, to mark its 70th anniversary season will feature Bach’s B minor Mass on Saturday, June 25. n Anyone that would like more information is encouraged to contact the society’s membership secretary via its website: www. wokingham-choral-society.org.uk

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WorcesterObserver

Reader travel

THE BEATLES TRIBUTE

STRATFORD

Live in Liverpool

& Cotswolds Weekend Special

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Departing Sun 6 Feb ‘22

Departing Sat 26 Mar ‘22

Your break includes

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Return coach travel from Wokingham 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

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

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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.

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NEWS | 15

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Thursday, January 6, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Watch out for water rogues on your doorstep this winter season

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

WATCH OUT: Bogus callers will often claim to be from the water board. Picture: South East Water

WATCH out for rogues on your doorstep this winter. That’s the warning from South East Water, which wants people to look out for bogus callers and online fraudsters.

The company is urging customers not to let their guard down and to remain wary of visitors claiming to be ‘from the water board’ as well as being alert to online scams.

Tanya Sephton, Customer Services Director at South East Water, said: “When callers use the phrase ‘water board’ it is often a big giveaway as this is not a term legitimate water companies have used for many, many years.

“Unfortunately, these criminals can be very believable and persuasive and use our good nature this time of year.

“If you have even the slightest bit of doubt as to whether the person at your door is one of our staff or not we urge you to contact us to check.”

She added: “With new and valuable gifts being in many homes at this time of year it is better to be safe than sorry.”

The company is also warning people to be wary of unsolicited

telephone calls or emails claiming to be from South East Water.

“Fraudsters are looking to gain access to accounts and will use many techniques – normally over the telephone but increasingly via email – to trick people into handing over their details,” Ms Sephton said.

“Please be mindful of any unsolicited emails or telephone calls claiming to be from South East Water, and don’t open the attachments unless you are

sure you know who the email is coming from.

“They can target anyone and you don’t have to be vulnerable to fall victim to a bogus caller.

We want to remind everyone to stay safe this winter and to call us if you are unsure.”

Tips to stay safe this winter include: n Register for a South East Water security password and our Priority Services

FESTIVE SCENE: The final nativity tableau Picture: Crowthorne Methodist Church

Crowthorne church lights up grounds with Nativity scene A CROWTHORNE church spread Christmas joy with its Nativity scene.

Crowthorne Methodist

Church organised an almost life-size display outside its Duke’s Ride entrance to mark the occasion.

Shepherds, lambs and donkeys gathered around the stable where baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Joseph sheltered.

Register on 0333 000 1122 n Make sure the back door is always locked before going to the front door n Put on the door chain if there is one before opening the door n Check to see who is at the door by looking through a window or spy hole n Look for an identity card, a uniform and a liveried van n Check the person’s identity via our bogus caller telephone line on 0333 000 2244 n If still suspicious telephone the

police – better to be safe than sorry n Delete suspicious emails immediately n Install a reputable anti-virus product on your computer and keep it up to date n Ensure all of your devices’ operating systems are updated as and when the provider issues updates n Never reveal usernames or passwords to others n Use a different password for every online account you have.

Bracknell-based choir raises nearly £200 for charities A CHAMBER choir based in Bracknell has raised almost £200 for local charities.

Thames Voyces collected the funds at its carol concert at St Mark’s, Binfield, and by carol singing for shoppers at Waitrose in Bracknell.

“We would like to thank the generous people of Binfield and Bracknell for their donations,” said Peter Anderson, publicity lead for the choir.

One of the charities to benefit is the Binfield Lighthouse Program, which supports homeless and vulnerable people in the Binfield area.

At the beginning of last year, the charity was helping 15 individuals. The program now supports 115 people, including young families.

It provides home cooked meals and essential supplies on a weekly basis to those in need.

This includes approximately 300 balanced meals and basic toiletries.

Sarah Muller, treasurer of All Saints’ with St Mark’s Churches also thanked those who contributed. She added: “Every donation to Lighthouse makes a difference, whatever the size.” n For more information on Thames Voyces, visit: thamesvoyces.org.uk and for more on Binfiled Lighthouse, log on to: binfieldcofechurches.org. uk/binfield-lighthouse

16 | NEWS

Spacephiller Phil Creighton

A resolution you can keep

H

OW’S YOUR resolve at this time of year?

A long time ago I made a New Year’s Resolution that I have resolutely stuck to every year without fail. It’s a brilliant one and I thoroughly recommend that you do too.

It is, as the internet clickbait parlance goes, one easy change. And you’ll be able to stick to it. It won’t cost you a penny, and it will make you smile.

Back in the black and white days, when television sets were steam powered and the radio played records recorded on wax cylinders, the Radio Times marked New Year’s Eve with some illustrations on its listings pages.

It featured a baby and an elderly man with a long white beard, a scythe and an hourglass.

Being more baby-faced than elderly, it was the first time such an image had appeared before me.

Who was this strange old man. He might have a white beard, but he was no Santa, that’s for sure.

And lo, the concept of Old Father Time was introduced to a small boy in short trousers.

Fast forward a few years and another kind soul introduced me to Minnie Louise Haskins’ poem The Gate of the Year. It’s a verse that looks to the future, starting: “And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown’.”

2022 is certainly an unknown. Well, apart from death and taxes.

Here we are with the bright, bouncing new year: a mere slip of a 12 months and raring to go, covid restrictions dependent.

For many of us, the diary pages are blank.

Making plans in the middle of the pandemic seems foolhardy.

For others, we’re looking at the dates with expectation, be it a new arrival, a marriage, a dream holiday, or a new chapter in life.

In a normal year, those would be what many of us will be anticipating, but uncertainty lingers. Old Father Time from 2020, never mind 2021, is still hovering in view while our lives are in a kind-of limbo.

At the same time, it has always been thus, pandemic or not.

A number of years ago, my new year’s resolution was to keep a diary. A page a day, plenty of space to record all manner of trivia and nonsense. It was never going to be Samuel Pepys, nor would it reach the literary heights of Kenneth Williams, but it was a peep into teenage angst.

A number of years later, my new year’s resolution was to shred every page. It was worth it.

No Old Father Time, you’re not letting me relive in that awkward teenage past a moment longer. And thankfully no one else will be either.

On social media across New Year there were photos of people who had written something they were grateful for every day of 2021, folded it up and put it in a jar.

This was to be reopened on December 31, so they could spend the day reflecting on 12 months of gratitude.

It’s a lovely idea, and a better way of keeping track of time above my sub-Adrian Mole witterings.

Perhaps in this fleeting moment, when covid is lingering and lingering like a bad smell that just won’t go away, it’s actually worth doing. Every cloud always has a silver lining, and it’s good to say something positive happened each day, even when it feels like it hasn’t. It could be mundane – the milkman coming for example. It could be unique, it could be a memory, but surely there is something to look forward to each day.

What about that resolution I made? Never make another new year’s resolution.

See, told you it was easy.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

Meet the artists hoping to I T’S decision time for Arts4Wokingham, a local charity that is championing art across the borough.

Its current project is to commission a major landmark work of art which will be located outside Wokingham’s new culture and leisure complex, The Carnival Hub. An invitation to artists to pitch for this project received more than 60 expressions of interest from all over the world.

Arts4Wokingham has shortlisted just five artists who most successfully met an extensive range of judging criteria.

They are a distinguished group with impressive track records. Now, it’s time to scrutinise their proposals and select just one to take the project forward.

The five shortlisted artists will be presenting their ideas to a commissioning panel before the end of January. They will face a number of searching questions and be assessed against a rigorous set of requirements and conditions.

So, who will triumph and leave an indelible and long lasting signature on the landscape of Wokingham?

On these two pages we’re offering an insight into the five artists bidding for this work and an example or two of their style captured in commissions they’ve undertaken elsewhere.

If you’d like to comment or express any views there’s a short questionnaire on the Arts4Wokingham website. Just go to www.arts4wokingham.com and click on the Get Involved page.

We’ll be bringing you news of the winning artist as soon as the final decision is made.

John Atkin

JOHN ATKIN can lay claim to a truly international reputation.

Since leaving the Royal College of Art in London, where he was personally funded by Henry Moore, he has exhibited his art worldwide.

Apart from the UK, his work can be viewed in Ireland, North America, UAE, Australia and China.

As a public artist his role is in

providing solutions for particular spaces, creating places with a special significance that the public can enjoy.

He is especially interested in the interaction of people with artworks that change a space into a place.

In this way the community secures a landmark for the area and a meeting point for all generations and cultures.

George King

A graduate of the University of Liverpool and UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture, George King is an award winning chartered architect who has worked around the world.

As senior architect to Zaha Hadid, he worked on the London 2012 Olympic Aquatic Centre and the FIFA 2022 Quatar World Cup Stadium.

George works within the disciplines of architecture, art, landscaping and design to create unique works that unite these fields.

He prides himself on creating works that are elegant, poetic, tactile and experiential.

Key to his approach is finding innovative solutions to challenging sites and briefs.

Thursday, January 6, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

o brighten up Carnival Hub Nicola Anthony

NEWS | 17

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WorcesterObserver

Reader travel HISTORIC YORK & the Dales

HistoricYork&theDales_D.pdf

Departing Mon 21 Mar ‘22

A graduate of the University of the Arts, London and Loughborough University, Nicola Anthony is perhaps best-known for her metal text sculptures.

She collects human testimonies, empowering and transforming them into contemporary art.

From the playful to the heart wrenching, each artwork is shaped by the narrative it contains.

Nicola focuses her research on untold narratives and collective memory.

Her work is frequently informed by poems, proverbs, riddles, curses, confessions, laments, prayer and prophecies.

Nicola Anthony’s public sculptures can be seen in Ireland, Myanmar, America and Singapore.

Richard Hudson

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

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Single Supplement £60

F1 SPECTACULAR The British Grand Prix

BritishGrandPrix4daysbyRail_D.pdf

SHOWN internationally and collected worldwide, Richard Hudson’s sculptures are organic and striking.

Best known for his work in polished mirrored steel, bronze and wood, they quickly become landmarks in their own right.

Coming late to sculpture and brought up on a farm, his early influences as a

child were stirred by country walks on which he marvelled at the wonders of the world and the complexity of nature.

Richard is keen to capture in his work is the flux, shape and movement of the billions of particles that nature draws together from their unbridled chaos to create pure natural beauty.

Peter Randall-Page

Departing Sat 2 Jul ‘22 Don’t miss the chance to experience the drama of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Home of British Motorsport! Whether you are a wide‑eyed first‑timer or seasoned veteran, the oldest race in the F1 calendar promises an exhilarating weekend.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham Overnight stay at a selected 3‑star hotel with breakfast Admission to the F1 British Grand Prix on Saturday and Sunday (General Admission ticket), with coach transfer Upgrade to the Luffield Grandstand for £195pp

2 Days by Coach

only £349 PETER RANDALL-PAGE studied sculpture at Bath Academy of Art in the 1970s and now holds no fewer than four honorary doctorates.

His work is held in public and private collections throughout the world, including permanent collections at the Tate Gallery and the British Museum.

His work has always been informed

and inspired by the study of natural phenomena and its subjective impact on our emotions.

As a member of the design team for the Educational Resource Centre at the Eden Project in Cornwall, he influenced the overall design of the building incorporating an enormous granite sculpture (‘Seed’) at its heart.

Single Supplement £35

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

or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

18 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Deadline looms, have your say THE issue of housing in Wokingham borough is deceptively simple. Too many new homes are being forced on us.

But, as we are regularly reminded, if we don’t have a plan for them, the situation could be so much worse.

The Draft Local Plan published last year is now being consulted on.

It’s not perfect, but then perfect – no more homes – is not possible.

However, it will help protect us from potential speculative devlopments, such as the one currently being mooted for land between Twyford and Ruscombe.

Is it needed? Now that’s a question that gets a different answer depending on who you ask.

But it is not in the Draft Local Plan, and if it is a step too far for the borough, then having the finished Local Plan will help the borough council fight our corner.

Council leader John Halsall said when launching the consultation on the Draft Local Plan that he will not consider petitions. Instead it is your responses that matter.

If you like or don’t like the plans we’ve highlighted over the past few weeks, now is the time to make your voice heard.

You have until January 24 to do so.

Don’t stay silent – this is the future of the borough that’s at stake.

CHURCH NOTES

Spend more time in prayer with God in 2022

W

HEN we engage in any form of business, time is very precious.

We often say “time is money” but we know in reality, time doesn’t always or necessarily translate into money.

On the contrary, time when properly deployed in accordance with God’s will is of great value.

In other words, time well spent with God translates into a joyful life.

Time is what you make of it.

We should therefore make the best use of 2022, because it is a precious gift from God. The more time we spend in prayer, the better we are.

There is always an inner transformation that happens in our spirit when we pray.

Needless to say that 2021 was not always smooth, but God gave us the grace to pull through.

I am sure if we give him our time in prayer, He will love us back and spend His time with us in the new year.

After all, God promised that He will be with us always until the end of time.

As we reflect this week on the gifts of the three wise men from the East, have you thought for a moment what gift to give to the king of kings?

I think the one Precious gift that we can present to the newborn king and to one another is the gift of our time.

Time given to God or spent in prayer is never wasted.

May 2022 be better for all.

Father Anthony Ikhenoba from Corpus Christi Church in Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokingham.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

Solar absence in the local plan NONE of the maps published with the Local Plan Update (LPU) consultation show the area of the planned “solar farm” at High Barn Farm, Barkham.

If they did, they would show that it actually overlaps with the area proposed by WBC for 270 homes on Rooks Nest Farm.

It is clear that the boundary of the solar farm is still elastic and that the recent changes to allow the tenant of High Barn an open space south of the farmhouse and access to land he farms at Rooks Nest are only temporary concessions. WBC has no intention of maintaining High Barn Farm as a viable agricultural business. When the solar panels are obsolete in 15-25 years the area will be isolated between Finchampstead, the Arborfield SDL and any future northern extension on Barkham Square (as submitted in 2020).

Was WBC prescient when they allocated Rooks Nest Wood as a SANG or was this just a first step in the eventual urbanisation of Southern Barkham? When a Tory controlled borough council is owner, developer and planning authority the only meaningful consultation will be at the ballot box.

Tim Lloyd, Wokingham

Meta How appropriate … that Facebook’s new name is Meta. Years ago there was a brand of slug pellet with the same name. It was removed from sale as it was considered to be too toxic for the environment.

David Arnold, Finchampstead

Green fields After the trials and tribulations of Covid and Brexit I welcome 2022 with new hope. Locally though, I am not confident when I see that after 20+ years of disastrous Conservative rule at Wokingham Borough Council the final destruction of Wokingham Borough’s green fields in the South of the Borough is upon us. The blame for this can be laid fairly and squarely on the ruling Conservatives and their bosses/mates the Conservative Government.

Whatever Wokingham’s Conservatives say they are joined

at the hip to the Conservative Government. In fact to be a Member of Wokingham’s Conservatives one has to contribute to the Conservative Party. How independent is that? If the Government says jump Wokingham’s Conservatives say how high.

It explains why concreting over the green fields in Arborfield, Shinfield and other Southern Parishes while none on the green fields where the leader of the council lives. No houses either where his mate and executive member for this disastrous housing plan reside. I wonder why?

Remenham and Hurst get no houses but 4500+ will be built on the side of a river at Arborfield adjoining a flood plane along the Loddon River with thousands more planned stretching from Wokingham without to Finchampstead, Barkham, Winnersh and Shinfield. Don’t feel smug if no houses come your way as every bit of greenery in any part of the borough with the exception of Remenham, Hurst and Sonning are on the cards for future housing. Nothing in the leaders backyard.

Do they care? The answer is no as long as north of the borough is safe from the ravages of housing. The only thing the Nasty Party (Sorry Wokingham’s Conservatives) will understand is where residents put their X in May’s Local Elections.

Wokingham needs housing but it should be based on fairness to all not the Conservative NIMBY leaders approach designed to allow him and his cronies to live the green rural dream while the rest of us pay the price.

With no local elections in 2023 this May is the last opportunity to fight the destruction of the boroughs green fields and remember that a vote next May for any Conservative is a vote to concrete all over Wokingham except Remenham, Hurst and Sonning.

Cllr Gary Cowan, independent borough councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council

Have your say on housing Your last chance to object to the housing plans is 24th January.

Every resident in Wokingham

Volunteer corner

Helena Badger

D

O you want to start the New Year getting more involved with your local community?

Would you like the chance to gain more skills to help improve your employment opportunities?

Are you hoping to meet new people and have fun?

Do you want to gain more confidence and give yourself a new range of skills?

If the answer to any of these is yes, then contact us at the Wokingham Volunteer Centre.

Volunteering has so many benefits; it’s not just about those you help, it’s about helping yourself too!

Our online portal www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk provides an up-to-date list of all the roles we currently have available.

If you feel you would like more advice, then the Wokingham

should sign the petition against the borough plans which are in line with government legislation to build 800 houses each year for five years which will affect everyone in the Wokingham borough. Please also write to John Redwood MP objecting to these plans. After 24th January the Council will have a mandate to proceed with these numbers and not be able to fight against them.

Wokingham will be completely destroyed if these numbers are not modified. It has already started with a greedy developer’s planning application for Rooks Nest Wood.

This will lose 100 acres of farmland and sensitive habitat for 270 homes and a possible 300 cars. Our antiquated roads won’t cope with the extra cars.

Please just think of all these crazy numbers.

All residents should watch the latest video by the Council with proposals to build 4,500 new homes south of M4 between Shinfield, Arborfield and Sindlesham to make a new community.

Those areas which will be affected should be ready with their planning consultants, surveyors and barristers to challenge the planning application.

To sit at home and do nothing will result in the nice area you have chosen to live in being completely destroyed.

Sign the petition before it’s too late.

Thanks for your support

As we approach two years since the start of the pandemic, it’s never been more important to talk about our mental health.

The last two years have affected us all and we know that talking about it can help us feel less alone, more able to cope and encouraged to seek support if we need to.

We are running Time to Talk Day on 3 February and we want to see more communities than ever getting involved this year.

However you do it, have a conversation about mental health this Time to Talk Day.

We would like to thank all those who have supported the work of Barnardo’s during the last 12 months.

It has been one of the most difficult for the charity in our 155-year history, but we adapted and innovated our services to keep them going and reach more vulnerable young people and families than ever before.

It is thanks to our supporters that we were able to extend our work to support more than 382,000 children, young people and families across the UK, through almost 800 services and partnerships.

That work has helped change the lives of children who have been affected by abuse, mental health issues and disability.

We have supported young people in care and those leaving care, given young carers the resilience to cope with caring for sick and disabled relatives and supported young people in the challenging areas of child sexual exploitation, trafficking and many others.

Our Barnardo’s Coronavirus appeal raised more than £2.4m, allowing us to provide direct practical support to struggling families. We also helped more than 100,000 young people who were struggling during the pandemic and couldn’t access other support, working alongside 87 other charities.

We couldn’t have done this without our dedicated staff, the 10,400 volunteers who support us in our services, shops and fundraising and our partners including People’s Postcode Lottery and others, who donate money to support Barnardo’s each year, enabling us to develop innovative programmes to transform young lives and deliver this work.

We also couldn’t have achieved what we have without every member of the public who has donated to Barnardo’s during the last year, whether that be through our shops or fundraising.

We face many challenges in 2022 but know that with your support we can continue to make a difference.

Wishing our supporters all the very best for a happy 2022.

Paul Farmer, chief executive, Mind

Lynn Perry & Michelle Lee-Izu, Interim Co-CEOs, Barnardo’s

Volunteer Centre can provide information on which organisations you can volunteer for and what is available.

We will come up with suggestions that best suits your interests, availability and skills.

There really is something for everyone.

Whether you are looking for something that only takes a couple of hours a month to fit around work or the family or you are looking for work or recently retired and would like to fill up a few days every week, there is a role that is right for you.

We support all kinds of charities; those who work with children, families, the elderly, the environment, support health issues, animals, homelessness, sport, disabilities and many more.

Fundamentally, volunteering is about giving your time, energy and skills freely.

Unlike many things in life there is choice involved in volunteering.

As a volunteer you have made a decision to help on your own accord, to choose to help where you want, to support a cause which you are passionate about.

It may be true that no one person can solve all the world’s problems, but what you can do is make that little corner of the world where you live just that little bit better.

Contact us now to find out how you can get involved.

Website: www. volunteerwokinghamborough.og.uk Email: volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk Tel: 0118 977 0749.

Cedric Lander, Woodley

It’s time to talk

19

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Thursday, January 6, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Modern retirement living, exclusively for the over 45’s If you’re looking for a convenient mix of town and country then our parks in Berkshire will allow you to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve always wanted in a place that you’ll love. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the countryside safe in the knowledge that you have all the amenities you need right on your doorstep. Take your pick from a range of plot sizes and design your own brand-new home or simply purchase a fully-furnished move in ready home and start enjoying your new lifestyle immediately.

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20 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

Home sweet home for Strictly’s Ian Waite

I

AN WAITE will be returning to his home stage when the UK tour of his new show arrives at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre.

Rachel Stevens and Edwina Curry.

“I don’t think that Vincent, being Italian, knew about the whole comedy duos thing when we discussed ideas for our first show, but I wanted to have that humour and audience connection as part it,” Ian explains.

“The height difference between Vincent and I is already funny, I’m 6ft 4in and he is 5ft 7in.

“Also, Vincent is a comedy genius.”

The two friends had planned to tour The Ballroom Boys – Act Two in 2020.

Despite being rehearsed, they had to delay the show due to covid restrictions.

Ian views this as a positive, because it meant that the pair came to rehearsals for the autumn 2021 leg with a fresh pair of eyes.

“It’s even better now,” he says.

“But when Vincent and I travel around together performing the show, things develop and change all the time.”

Although Ian has a love of touring and performing, being on stage at The Hexagon is always a very special experience for him.

“Family and friends are in the audience, and there is

The former pupil of the County School of Dance on Southampton Street, Reading, is joined by longtime friend Vincent Simone in The Ballroom Boys – Act Two, on Wednesday, June 8.

The show is inspired by variety performances and comedy duos such as Morecombe and Wise, The Two Ronnies, and Cannon and Ball.

“Our show is variety – we have an amazing West End singer, Amelia Adams, there are group dances, plenty of comedy and audience participation,” Ian says.

“I think a lot of the men who come along to our show with their wives and girlfriends expect to see yet another dance show, and are surprised that it’s so much more.”

Ian and Vincent have known each other for the best part of 30 years.

As well as competing against each other on the professional dance circuit, they appeared on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing in the 2000s, alongside celebrity partners including Denise Lewis, Zoe Ball,

LIVEMUSIC BRAVE NEW WORLD: Punk pop legend Toyah will be performing at Wokingham’s Music Club later this month – to whet your appetite tune in to our playlist

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday

H

APPY New Year and welcome to another 12 months of great music from bands in and around the Reading and Wokingham areas.

Each week, the RaW Sounds Today playlist features 10 great tracks that you can listen, for free, thanks to our Spotify playlist.

Every song featured has a connection with the area, be it a touring artiste like Toyah, or an up-andcoming talent like Sam Handy.

The RaW Sounds playlist is a terrific way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing – why not make tuning in every week your new year’s resolution?

To hear this week’s set, 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.

An excellent and uplifting track from an iconic performer to head up our first playlist of 2022.

It’s Toyah, who first came to fame with some classic 80s hits such as It’s a Mystery, Thunder In The Mountains and Brave New World.

She’s coming to Wokingham Music Club (WMC) at Wokingham’s Whitty Theatre on Friday, January 21, as part of her Up Close and Personal tour.

Levitate is taken from Toyah’s latest album Posh Pop, which shows that she is still creating great music – https://toyahwillcox.com/

NATALIE BURTON

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

RaW Sounds Today

Toyah – Levitate

support from the dancing school too,” he says.

“It can be a bit nerve-wracking though, once I was heckled by a dance partner I had when I was a teenager who told me off for leaving her.”

Ian has lived in the Reading and Wokingham area for most of his life.

He is proud of his roots and enjoys being close to his family.

The school where Ian was first encouraged to dance by his father is now County Dance and owned by his sister Anna Dieguez, who won a Pride of Reading award last month.

His mother lives nearby to the home Ian shares with his husband Drew Merriman and their two dogs. He is also grateful for his career and full of appreciation for life.

“I am so lucky to live in Finchampstead, it’s great for walking our dogs. I thought I would hate being stuck at home during lockdowns, but actually being here was the best place in the world.” n Tickets for The Ballroom Boys – Act Two at the Hexagon start at £32. The show takes place on Wednesday, June 8, at 7.30pm.

For more details, or to book, visit: whatsonreading.com

Damian Carruthers – https://www.facebook.com/ rachelredmanmusic

Beans on Toast – Humans Beans has just released his new album Survival of the Friendliest and Human’ is a single from it.

He’s on an extensive UK tour at the moment which included a recent visit to Reading’s Facebar – https:// beansontoastmusic.com/

Ocean Ruins – Teen Drama Here’s a melodic alt-rock band from Reading who have released a string of singles including this one.

If you missed it then, it’s well worth a listen, with its uplifting sing-along chorus – https://www.facebook. com/OceanRuins

Crooked Shapes – Appetite 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 you can enjoy – 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/

Sam Handy – Done

Wille and the Bandits – Solid Ground

Sam is a singer-songwriter from Reading who has released a number of singles with a soulful alternative pop feel and Done, his latest, was released in December.

It’s got a cool groove with a melody that sticks in your head, delivered by Sam’s silky smooth vocals and great instrumentation and production.

The Spanish guitar licks in there are wonderful.

Hopefully we’ll get to see him play some live shows during the year – https://www.samhandy. com/

What a great live band this is, as shown by their headlining performance at Wokingham Festival.

This is from their new album, When the World Stood Still which gets a full January release – https:// www.willeandthebandits.com/

Reading-based indie-rock duo Valeras are here with a single from their Tell Me Now EP. Following their Sub 89 show they appeared at Wokingham’s Beyond the Download ‘in store’ event in November – https://www.facebook.com/valerasband

Rachel Redman (ft. Damian C Carruthers) – Obvious

Mordecai Smyth – Sinister Cyclist

Rachel is a local singer-songwriter who has appeared in our playlist previously and she has just released a new single with talented musician,

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Valeras – Let Me Go

Mordecai’s 2011 album, Sticky Tape and Rust on Wokingham-based Mega Dodo Records, ‘has been re-issued as a special 10th anniversary two-CD release. It’s psych pop with clever lyrics – https:// www.facebook.com/stickytapeandrust/

Thursday, January 6, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

21

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Your weekly puzzle challenge

22 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

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1. The skin marking lentigo is better known by what name?

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NONAGRAM

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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

TEXT PALS: SKIP LAKE

P N O

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: 20 Good; 23 Very Good; 27 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

PB

RA

AI

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NR

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ID

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1 8 4

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ACROSS 2. Broadcast so it is heard (3) 5. The man behind court order to 11 Across (6) 7. Bowler’s petition (6) 9. Spruce doctor perhaps (4,7) 10. Every time Sal struggled to accept procedure (6) 11. Show distress from embarrassment and wriggle out of it (6) 13. Spots city maze complex (6) 16. Connected with Joanne, one who comes to a sad end (6) 18. He does not appear able to save himself (11) 19. Nasal eruption (6) 20. Woman not on when it comes to yours (6) 21. For what reason this might be asked (3)

E

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I E

H N

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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.

To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com © Sirius Media Services Ltd

9 2 5 7 1 3 4 8 6

5 1 9 3 4 2 8 6 7

3 7 4 1 6 8 2 5 9

1

6

14 15

DOWN 1. Cruel graduate left furrow inside (6) 2. Putrefaction caused by infected pies taken on board (6) 3. Sort of moustache found on carpenter’s mate (6) 4. More conceited when I enter vehicle with hesitation (6) 6. Unspectacularly it is used for seeing (3,5,3) 8. Causing harm to detectives caught up in Peru jail riot (11) 10. Cut a Times article finally (3) 12. Wildly foolish to stop up (3) 14. There’s endless cash in old place for gambling (6) 15. Warden translated into saint (6) 16. Chap who comes lately, a bumptious newcomer (6) 17. Involve fifth-rate Latin translation (6)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

1 4 7 6 8 5 9 2 3

8 6 2 5 7 9 3 4 1

7 5 8 2 3 1 6 9 4

2 3 1 4 9 6 5 7 8

4 9 6 8 5 7 1 3 2

WORD PYRAMID: Hole in the bucket.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; divide; add; multiply.

Total: 7.

SOLUTIONS

U

DY

7 6

B

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.

2 5

20

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

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EQUALISER 9 9 15 1 2 2 3 3 2 1 1 4

Hard

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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

3 4 5 6 1 7 6 5 4 6 9 7 8 5 3 1 2 6 8 1 2 9 3 3 8 9 7 5 1 1 5 2 7 1 8 2 5

13

FIVE ALIVE

SUDOKU Easy

13

10. What is the currency unit of Hungary called?

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 K through openings in the walls. The H first letter may appear in any chamber.

O L

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WORD PYRAMID

A X E

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9. What piece of weaponry shares its name with a 2018 hit song by George Ezra?

5. Who in 1988 became the first British golfer to win the US Masters tournament?

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8. What is the collective noun for a group of sharks?

4. After a six-year wait, what is the name of singer Adele’s new album released in 2021?

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7. Which film was directed by David Lynch in 1984 and Denis Villeneuve in 2021?

3. What is the principal characteristic of lapsang souchong tea?

1

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6. What D is a letter of the Greek alphabet and the name of a major American airline?

2. Linen fibre is obtained from which plant?

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1

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PZ1P5395

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8

24

6 5 8 2 7 3 1 9 4

9

19

11

20

1 4 7 6 8 9 5 2 3

4

2

5 2 9 3 6 4 7 8 1

16

2

4 8 1 5 9 7 2 3 6

11

6

7 6 3 8 1 2 9 4 5

24

17

2 9 6 4 3 1 8 5 7

22

24

8 7 4 9 5 6 3 1 2

6

3 1 5 7 2 8 4 6 9

CROSS CODE

5395

29

30

31

32

ACROSS 1. Paradise (6) 4. Requesting (6) 8. Fearful (6) 10. Small stoned fruit (6) 11. Beautiful woman (5) 12. Speaks slowly (6) 14. Covered walk (6) 16. Vegetable (4) 17. Honey drink (4) 19. Affirm (4) 22. Jot (4) 26. Lead sulphide (6)

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

Turn pale (6) Plait (5) Shoe insert (6) Hovers (anag.) (6) Roofing material (6) 32. Sea channel (6) DOWN 1. Amasses (6) 2. Antenna (6) 3. Fit to eat (6) 5. Orb (6) 6. Encroachment (6) 7. Hot water spring (6)

9.

10.

13.

15.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

Bureau (4) Mollusc (4) Interlace (5) Social class (5) Self-centred person (6) US state (6) As a group (2,4) Uncommon (4) Wading bird (4) Outmoded (3-3) Mohair (6) Menace (6)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Heaven; 4 Asking; 8 Afraid; 10 Cherry; 11 Belle; 12 Drawls; 14 Arcade; 16 Leek; 17 Mead; 19 Aver; 22 Iota; 26 Galena; 27 Blench; 28 Braid; 29 Insole; 30 Shrove; 31 Thatch; 32 Strait.

Down – 1 Hoards; 2 Aerial; 3 Edible; 5 Sphere; 6 Inroad; 7 Geyser; 9 Desk; 10 Clam; 13 Weave; 15 Caste; 18 Egoist; 19 Alaska; 20 En bloc; 21 Rare; 22 Ibis; 23 Old-hat; 24 Angora; 25 Threat.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Freckles; 2 Linseed or flax; 3 It has a smoky flavour; 4 30; 5 Sandy Lyle; 6 Delta; 7 Dune; 8 Shiver; 9 Shotgun; 10 The FIVE ALIVE: forint.

(1) Across – Pairs; Lifts; Early.

Down – Pulse; Infer; Sissy.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 2 Sow; 5 Writhe; 7 Appeal; 9 Tree surgeon; 10 Always; (2) Across – Brand; Adopt; Dined.

F S Q N J A G H M D R V W 11 Squirm; 13 Eczema; 16 Joined; 18 Spendthrift; 19 Sneeze; 20 Down – Beard; Acorn; Dated.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Nellie; 21 Why. K B U L X P I T E Z C O Y Down – 1 Brutal; 2 Sepsis; 3 Walrus; 4 Vainer; 6 The naked eye; 8 NONAGRAM: aeon; axon; exon; hoax; hone; hoop; Prejudicial; 10 Axe; 12 Mad; 14 Casino; 15 Andrew; 16 Johnny; hope; hose; naos; noose; nope; nose; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU task; axle; slip; kept. 17 Entail. nosh; ohone; oops; opah; open; paeon; peon; peso; phon; phone; phono; pone; pons; pooh; poon; pose; posh; SAXOPHONE; shoe; shone; shoo; shop; snoop; soap; sone; soon; spoon.

Thursday, January 6, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LEISURE | 23

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Pheasant’s pleasant if you want to pair food and drink The Pheasant 355 Reading Road, Winnersh RG41 5LR 0118 978 4529 the-pheasant-hotel. co.uk

R

ECENTLY refurbished and under new management, The Pheasant Inn is a bar, restaurant and hotel all in one.

It reopened its kitchens in November, just in time for the festive season.

Its menu is East meets West fusion cuisine with a selection of perfectly paired wine, craft beers, cocktails and a very large gin selection.

No wonder, as the venue’s manager, Neil Mottishead, has a wealth of experience within the wine industry – he knows how to pair the correct drink to your meal.

The Pheasant uses fresh, seasonal ingredients where possible, and the menu when we visited included some festive treats. These will no longer be available - well, until later in the year.

For starters, my son and I opted for Santa’s Nachos (£6), a tantalising combination of seasoned tortilla chips baked with turkey, cheddar cheese, peppers, onion, jalapenos, served with fresh salsa and guacamole.

Delicious, it made such a difference with the salsa and guacamole. This was the first time we have ever had turkey on nachos we were pleasantly surprised.

My husband and daughter shared the Meze Plate (£6.50).

This comprised chargrilled artichoke hearts, sun-kissed cherry tomatoes, roasted red

The Pheasant has a range of burgers, all featuring its very own special sauce peppers, pickled cucumber, harissa houmous and toasted pitta bread.

The portion was plentiful and featured a fresh combination of flavours with an Eastern twist.

Other starter options included Avocado and Tomato Crostini (£6.50), Festive Chicken Wings (£6) marinated with a cranberry orange glaze and a blue cheese dip, and Festive Cauli Wings (£6), which are battered cauliflower florets coated in a flavour-packed ginger and orange glaze and served with ranch sauce for dipping.

For the main course, my son – who has a teenage appetite – decided the only option was to go all-out and try the Pheasant’s Big Boy Burger (£14). It’s a bit of a beast: two burgers slathered in a special sauce, topped with crispy bacon, cheese, onion rings, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, and jalapeños.

“Wow,” was his reaction when he saw it.

This was a humongous treat, devoured promptly, and juicy, succulent and flavoursome.

My daughter also chose from the burger menu, but

opted for its vegan alternative, The Phez Vurger (£14). This also has two burgers, but these are plant-based. It is topped with vegan cheese, onion rings, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, and fried jalapeños. She enjoyed it very much.

All burgers are served with a choice of skin-on fries, loaded fries (for an extra £1.50) or sweet potato fries.

My husband opted for the Chipotle Ribs (£13.50).

These are marinated pork ribs in a chipotle sauce, served with loaded fries and paprika seasoned corn on the cob. The meat fell off the bone, and was tender, juicy and tasty.

I chose a light, but very tasty Chicken Tikka Salad (£10.50).

This featured Tikka spiced chicken served on a bed of cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, lemon juice, black pepper, red chilli powder, extra virgin olive oil. It was fresh and delicious.

There is also a menu for children, including hot dogs, burgers and fish n chips. This, coupled with The Phesant’s large garden, makes for a perfect choice for a family meal.

The Reading Road-based pub, which has plenty of parking, also offers a breakfast menu, served from 7am to 10.30am. Fans of Full Englishes will not be disappointed, and there are also pancakes and pastries to choose.

And, if that’s not all, it also has an afternoon tea, featuring cakes baked daily by the chef.

This month, it will be taking part in Veganuary, with 50% off all plant-based food across the month.

There are lots of reasons to visit and try The Pheasant, it’s great to see a local business thrive and we can’t wait to go back again.

CLAIRE WORSFOLD

REVIEW: An extra festive treat Mark Thomas: An Extra Plate South Street Arts Centre Reading December 30 markthomasinfo.co.uk

T

HERE IS something special about Christmas and in his humorous festive show, Mark Thomas aims to distill that je ne sais quoi.

It was a touching evening that weaved together personal experiences from across the seven ages of man.

From childhood festivities, to the spectre of death, Mark’s show moved the audience as well as made them laugh.

On arrival, Mark was playing DJ, spinning some of his favourite festive tunes and being a full-on meeter and

greeter to everyone who came in, and it was a packed house.

Turns out that, thanks to the faith of his parents and vicar sister, he’s already got some experience in the welcoming, because he’s helped visitors to midnight masses and other festive services, despite his self-confessed atheism.

Anecdotes include a hilarious dissection of his father’s very blunt spell

as a school fete Santa, the Christmas Eve spent on the roof of a house, an ex-girlfriend’s unusual, and unprintable, way of asking for a small glass of wine, as well as the pathos of present giving.

There was a dip into history and the impact that had on his father’s view of Christmas – essentially, eat, drink and be merry.

Mark also looked at the presents he received and the

differences they made to his Christmasses. He even brought one along as a show and tell in one of the most moving moments of the evening.

The show weaved around issues in a very entertaining way, but always came back to the point: Christmas is better together, however that manifests itself. The best present is presence.

It was a warm, engaging evening, featuring plenty of Christmas stories to put a smile on every Scrooge’s face, with a touch of nostalgia, and looking forward.

It also has enough bite to keep fans of Mark’s more usual fare happy.

Coming between Christmas and New Year, this was a special evening of festive entertainment.

PHIL CREIGHTON

PRIVATE WEALTH: WHAT IS A DECLARATION OF OWNERSHIP? A Declaration of Ownership (also known as a “Declaration of Trust”) is a legal document commonly used to set out the interests of individual parties where an asset is held in joint names with others.

When a couple, for example, purchase their home, they may decide to put in place a Declaration of Ownership to set out their property interests.

They could, for instance, decide that the property should be held equally or specify unequal proportions.

There are a number of benefits to putting in place a Declaration of Ownership. It not only clarifies the way in which the property is to be owned but also confirms the responsibilities of each of the co-owners, thereby avoiding complications from arising in the future. For example: Mortgage and other outgoings – who will be responsible for paying the mortgage and other household bills? Should the costs be divided equally between each of the owners or in the same proportions as they intend to hold their property interests? If one party is to take on sole responsibility, will they be reimbursed out of the sale proceeds or not?

Repairs and maintenance – who will be responsible for the repair and general maintenance of the property? Should the costs be divided equally between each of the owners or in the same proportions as they intend to hold their property interests? If one party is to take on sole responsibility, will they be reimbursed out of the sale proceeds or not?

Power of sale or option to buy – should the co-owners’ power of sale be restricted in anyway? If the relationship breaks down for example, should a sale be forced to take place within a specified time frame or should one co-owner be given the option to buy out the other co-owner’s share?

As this is a legally binding document, which protects the co-owners’ interests in the property, it can be extremely useful if a disagreement arises between the co-owning parties. A well prepared Declaration of Ownership will help avoid dispute if all factors such as those referred to above have been agreed from the outset.

There are also potential tax implications to consider as a result of purchasing a property. Here is a summary of some of the relevant taxes: Stamp duty – this has become a more complicated area of tax with the inclusion of the ‘additional’ 3% rate for second homes. Careful consideration is needed if one or all of the owners are purchasing a second property.

Capital gains tax – if one or all of the owners do not intend to occupy the property, a potential charge to capital gains tax may arise upon a future sale. There are options available to help mitigate capital gains tax, which we can advise further on.

Inheritance tax – in the event of one or all of the owners dying, inheritance tax may be payable from the deceased co-owner’s estate.

Every owner should consider the inheritance tax position of their estate and the consequences if inheritance tax is due. We can assist with inheritance tax planning and if possible mitigate inheritance tax.

If you would like to discuss the creation of a Declaration of Ownership in more detail, please contact us.

01276 686222

info@herrington-carmichael.com

www.herrington-carmichael.com

24 | LIFE

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Cajun Prawns with Spicy Rice

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

In the garden January

In the kitchen loveseafood.co.uk

A new year

A

DD some spice to your week with this one-pan prawn wonder from Love Seafood.

This recipe is bursting with flavour, combining juicy prawns with vegetables and Cajun spices that pack a punch.

A tasty weeknight meal that’s faff free and ready in a flash – helping you to bring on better living.

If you’re using frozen prawns, make sure to thoroughly defrost them and pat dry before cooking.

Love Seafood is focusing on how

seafood can Bring on Better Living, showcasing how easy and tasty seafood is to cook at home.

It’s simple, budgetfriendly and encourages consumers from across the UK to bring more balance into their diets with a high-protein seafood option.

Shop your local fishmonger for a great choice of sustainably sourced seafood and for more recipe inspiration visit www. loveseafood.co.uk.

Skill Level: Easy Serves: 4 Prep time: 5 mins Cooking time: 15 mins

I

T’S the start of a new year and the start of the gardening season.

Ingredients n 400g ready-to-eat cooked and peeled prawns n 2 tbsp vegetable oil n 1 large onion, sliced n 2 peppers, deseeded and sliced n 2-3 tsp Cajun seasoning, according to taste n 1 small can of

sweetcorn, drained n 2 x 250g packs of ready-to-heat Mexican-style rice n 2 spring onions, sliced

Method 1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the onions and cook for 5 minutes, or until they start to brown.

2. Add the peppers and cook for a few minutes before adding the Cajun seasoning. Mix together and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add the prawns and sweetcorn to the pan, stir together to combine and heat

through until the prawns are piping hot.

4. Heat the rice according to the pack instructions, then stir into the pan with the prawns and mix well.

5. Serve, garnished with the sliced spring onions.

PlasticFreeHome David Lamont

Seven simple ways you can make 2022 more sustainable

1. Shop smarter

Aim to only buy and consume what you need, to help reduce your footprint and the amount of waste you produce.

Support local and independent businesses wherever possible and explore how you might rely less on big supermarkets and major retailers.

Is there a zero waste shop or business, butchers, greengrocers, bakery and so on near you?

Aim to buy sustainably sourced, ethically produced, high quality and long-lasting products.

Think - where has the product come from, who made it and where?

What from? How is it packaged? How can it be disposed of afterwards?

2. Lightbulb moment Energy is responsible for around a quarter of our emissions.

If you haven’t already, switch to a renewable energy supplier, or at least a green tariff.

From insulating your home and avoiding endless devices and gadgets to using central heating sensibly and washing your clothes on a cooler setting, consider ways to reduce your use of gas and electricity at home.

3. Staycationing Taking one medium to long-haul flight generates more emissions than an average person in many countries produces in a whole year.

We’ve all been reminded of just

disposing of and recycling everything you use correctly, from kerbside, food and garden waste collections to supermarket recycling points and local TerraCycle schemes.

If you can, donate, pass on or sell something, do.

7. Nuture nature

What will be your lightbulb moment for 2022? Picture: Pixabay how much the UK has to offer – get out there and explore it more before venturing further afield.

Even cutting two annual overseas holidays down to one can make a big difference.

4. Plan ahead We live in a fast-moving and convenience-led world, which has resulted in us becoming lazier and far more wasteful.

Plan ahead.

Carry a refillable drinks bottle, take a packed lunch or picnic, and if you can’t live without coffee, a reusable coffee cup too.

The same goes for a reusable bag – you never know when you might

Nature was there for all of us when we needed it most. Now it’s our turn to be there for it. Plant trees, wildflowers and pollinator friendly plants, add bird, insect and animal feeders and create habitats, litter pick locally, support a wildlife charity.

There are many ways to show you care.

need one. If you are buying on the go, consider the less packaged and more eco-friendly options.

5. Not so fast fashion The fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global emissions and globally just 12% of the material used for clothing ends up being recycled. Buy far fewer clothes and aim for organic or naturally derived textiles (e.g. 100% cotton) and clothes that are responsibly sourced and made.

6. Waste not, want not Nowadays, very little should end up in ‘the bin’. Be sure that you are

n Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with over 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

Time to plan your planting and how you want your garden to look over the coming months, stock up on seeds and service any essential equipment such as lawn mowers and tools.

It’s also a time for New Year’s resolutions and here are 12 that will make your garden super diverse and environmentally friendly…

Use less plastic; Plant a tree; Start sowing seeds; Plant something for fun; Grow more veg; Go green and have a go at organic growing; Learn to relax and enjoy your garden; Be more water aware; Compost more of your garden waste; Welcome wildlife; Bring the outside in with houseplants; Look after your tools.

First on the list is using less plastic. The biggest ‘bad boy’ is the plastic pot. It’s estimated that 500 million plant pots and seed trays are sold every year and the majority are sent to landfill. There are alternatives such as biodegradable pots made using materials like coir, wood chips, bamboo and rice husks. A growing number of garden centres and nurseries use biodegradable pots, but it’s worth checking out their sustainability policies.

You can also make your own pots using newspaper or toilet roll tubes. Now is a good time to make your own supplies. Simply roll a 15cmwide strip of newspaper tightly around a glass tumbler, leaving 5cm beyond the bottom of the glass. Fold the excess paper across the bottom, then press the glass down to flatten the pot’s base.

There is no need to fix your paper pot with tape, just slide it off the glass. When ready to plant, just fill with compost.

You can also reuse any plant pots you have again and again for new seedlings, cuttings and plants. If you look after your propagator trays and lids, repairing them if they crack, they will last for several seasons. You can also reuse compost bags to store compost or turn leaves into leaf mould.

The added bonus of recycling or reusing items is that it also reduces cost – as does growing from seed rather than buying established plants.

Even in winter you can grow something from seed, you just need a seed tray and a window ledge, or small cold frame or greenhouse – whatever space and budgets allow.

For anyone growing their own veg, this month is great for sowing onions. IDo this now and it saves the expense of buying onion sets (small bulbs) later and you can have a much larger crop of onions in the summer.

Onions seeds do not have a long shelf life, so it’s best to buy new seeds each year. Seeds will germinate between 16-21ºC one or two weeks after sowing. When large enough to handle, transplant to individual small pots and keep in a bright, frost-free place until April when they can be planted out.

Varieties to try … Setton – high yield, yellow skinned and good storage potential, Red Baron – a late maturing red onion with globe shaped bulbs and strong taste, and Hybound – an early variety with bronze-brown skins, excellent for storage.

Often the coldest month in the garden, there are still some things you can be doing to keep busy.

As the RHS says … January might be the middle of winter but as the days lengthen the garden starts to grow.

Now is a great time to plan and to order seeds and plants. Enjoy the fresh air on dry sunny days, and check your winter protection, stakes, ties and supports are still working after any severe weather. Also put out food for birds and leave some garden areas uncut.

Top three jobs: clean ready for spring, dig over empty or unused plots and prune fruit trees.

SPORT | 25

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Thursday, January 6, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk COMBINED COUNTIES DIVISION ONE

WALL DOUBLE CONTINUES BOARS WINNING STREAK

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Eversley & California 4 Cove 1 Harinder Hunjan celebrates

Joe Pantony and the Eversley team celebrate Pictures: Richard Milam

Lewis Wall celebrates his first goal

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA kept their magnificent winning streak intact with victory over Cove.

Eversley & California v Cove Pictures: Richard Milam

Wall slots the ball past the Cove goalkeeper

The Boars flew out of the traps and scored the first goal of the match in the ninth minute when Joe Pantony’s whipped corner delivery beat everyone in the box and made its way directly into the net.

The hosts found their second of the match in the 24th minute when Harinder Hunjan threaded the ball through to Ross McKernan who unselfishly squared the ball to Lewis Wall who obliged with the finishing touch.

Matty Angell’s side nudged themselves further in front before the break when Luke Frewin played through Wall who slotted the ball past the keeper in first-half stoppage time to notch his second of the match.

Eversley looked to

consolidate their advantage and made two subs either side of the hour mark when Ben Catt and Paras Gill entered the action to replace Cam Blackie and Wall.

The visitors looked to find a way back into the match and gave themselves something to reach for when they scored from the penalty spot with just over half an hour to play.

But the Boars quickly scuppered any hopes of a Cove comeback when Hunjan latched onto a rebound and dispatched the ball into the net to put the result beyond doubt.

Eversley manager Angell said: “Was good to start the year with a win but there is so much more to come from the squad as a lackluster second half left a sour taste.

“Thank you though for everyone who came down, fantastic support for the squad and the club.”

Eversley & California: Pidgeon, Dickie, Moriarty, Griggs, Pantony, Blackie, Frewin, Wint, Wall, Mckernan, Hunjan Subs: Gill, Buckett, Hancox, Catt, Appleton

COMBINED COUNTIES DIVISION ONE

SWORDS SNATCH LATE WINNER TO BEAT CHALVEY Berks County 2 Chalvey Sports 1

BERKS COUNTY opened 2022 by picking up three points against Chalvey Sports.

After a quiet opening to the match, Berks County goalkeeper Liam Harris was forced into action and made a super stop to prevent Chalvey’s number seven from putting them ahead.

Chalvey then tried an optimistic effort from 35 yards that flew over the target.

County’s first clear-cut chance came on the counter attack and almost ended in an own goal, but Chalvey’s keeper came to the rescue.

The Swords were given the chance to break the deadlock in the 35th minute from the penalty spot and they took advantage when Luke Hayden dispatched the spot-kick.

The visitors replied just before halftime to capitalise on a defensive error to square the game.

With the game looking as if it was heading for a draw, County scored a decisive goal in the 81st minute.

Ebby Epoku-Ware applied the finishing touch from close range after getting on the end of Mark Jordan’s cross.

Berks County: Harris, Griffiths, Smith, Wyllie, Laverty, Money, Broome, Epoku-Ware, Allen, Hayden, Akem-Che Subs: Brighton, Kennedy, Craske, Jordan, Eatwell

Isthmian South Central BINFIELD started the new year with an away defeat at Marlow.

The Moles came fractions away from making the ideal start to the match when captain Sean Moore stuck the ball into the back of

Berks County FC beat Chalvey Sports Pictures: Andrew Batt the net, only to be denied by the offside flag by the linesman.

Binfield stayed on top in the early stages and went close when they progressed the ball from midfield and found Kensley Maloney who headed a few inches wide of the target.

Marlow picked up the first booking of the game in the 19th minute when their full-back wiped out Gabriel George.

The visitors then had to stay resilient to prevent Marlow from

Berks County FC Pictures: Andrew Batt

taking the lead and did so when Christian Rowe blocked a goalbound shot.

The teams went in level without the deadlock being broken in the first-half.

Goalkeeper Chris Grace pulled off some heroics to keep the scores level just five minutes after the restart.

The Moles then came agonisingly close to snatching the lead in the 52nd minute when Ollie Harris chipped the ball over the

keeper but it bounced back out off the crossbar.

But on the hour mark, the home side got in front when they converted from the penalty spot.

Binfield pushed to find a way back into the game but Marlow extended their lead in the 80th minute and then sealed the game with a third two minutes after.

Binfield: Grace, Thomson-Wheeler, Legg, Maloney, Gator, Rowe, Harris, McClurg, Moore, Tack, George Subs: Howell, Griffiths, Valentin, Veal

26 | SPORT

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

How they rated

HOILETT BRACE PEGGED BACK READING 2 DERBY COUNTY 2

LUKE SOUTHWOOD

Had a really good game up until the 86th minute where he made a horrible howler to let Derby back into the game.

TYRELL ASHCROFT

Struggled to make much of an impact and was eventually taken off at half-time having been assessed for a head injury early in the first-half.

SCOTT DANN

Made a brilliant block from Curtis Davies which at the time looked crucial to holding onto the lead but Derby scored from the corner.

TOM HOLMES

A really strong display from the centre back who played a pivotal part in Reading’s second goal to get the assist for Junior Hoilett.

BABA RAHMAN

Got forward down the left on a few occasions and put in some decent deliveries but didn’t have much impact in the second-half.

JOSH LAURENT

Clumsy on the ball, lost possession too easily at times. Went on one driving run but was stopped by a foul from Davies.

TOM DELE-BASHIRU

A more withdrawn role than usual to give attacking licence to Swift and Halilovic. A solid display without doing anything too spectacular.

JOHN SWIFT

A lacklustre display from Reading’s usual talisman. Didn’t have his usual energy and looked off the pace despite a few bright moments.

ALEN HALILOVIC

Made some promising runs and looked to create with some balls in towards Carroll. Was replaced by Femi Azeez after 65 minutes.

JUNIOR HOILETT

Made a big impact on his return from injury. A sublime strike to open the scoring and was in the right place to squeeze in his second.

ANDY CARROLL

A formidable display. Worked his socks off and was a danger to the Derby defence all game. Was denied in the first-half by a superb save.

SUBS Femi Azeez 6, Felipe Araruna 6,

5 5 7 8 5 5 6 5 6 8 8

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING let a two-goal lead slip as Junior Hoilett’s brace was pegged back by an impressive late Derby County fightback.

The Canadian international marked his return from injury with a glorious strike to open the scoring in the 38th minute.

Hoilett then put the ball past Allsop from close range following a free-kick to double the score.

Colin Kazim-Richards got a late goal back for Derby following a blunder from Reading keeper Luke Southwood.

A nervy finish at the Select Car Leasing Stadium was then compounded when Curtis Davies debt a bullet header past Southwood in stoppage time to rescue a point for the Rams.

The draw means Reading stay in 21st place, just three points above the relegation zone.

Returning to action for the first time since December 11, the Royals made two changes from their away loss at West Brom.

They welcomed talisman John Swift back into the starting eleven, while Junior Hoilett was also selected to start and Jahmari Clarke and Felipe Araruna were named among the bench.

Josh Laurent was handed the captaincy for the first match of 2022 in the absence of Liam Moore.

The Rams came into the contest in hot form with three successive wins to their name while Reading’s fixtures were postponed but were without manager Wayne Rooney in the dugout due to illness.

It was a lively start from the hosts who looked fresh having not played for more than three weeks.

They looked to take advantage of

Andy Carroll leaps in the air

Josh Laurent is fouled

Junior Hoilett marked his return with a brace

Match stats

READING: Southwood, Ashcroft, Dann, Holmes, Rahman, Laurent (c), DeleBashiru, Swift, Halilovic, Hoilett, Carroll SUBS: Rafael, Araruna, Stickland, Camara, Azeez, Clarke, Puscas DERBY: Allsop, Byrne, Forsyth, Jagielka, Jozwiak, Bird, Lawrence (c), Davies, Knight, Thompson, Plange SUBS: Roos, Stearman, Williams, Ebosele, Morrison, Baldock, Kazim-Richards GOALS: Hoilett 38’, 56’, Kazim-Richards 87’, Davies 90+1’

Carroll is denied by an excellent save Andy Carroll’s height and presence in the box with some deliveries into the area early on.

But it was the visitors who won the first corner of the game when Craig Forsyth’s cross was blocked behind by Tyrell Ashcroft. Royals goalkeeper Luke Southwod palmed the set-piece away from his goal area.

Chances were few and far between for both teams with the early high press and energy from

Reading let a two goal lead slip la Reading quickly dissipated which gave the visitors more time in possession.

The clearest cut chance of the half fell Reading’s way in the 18th minute.

John Swift picked out Carroll in the middle with a pinpoint delivery, and despite the aerial expertise of the forward who headed the ball into the ground, he was denied by a sublime stop from Ryan Allsop.

Tom Dele-Bashiru tried to latch

REACTION

PAUNOVIC BLAMES ‘LACK OF FITNESS’ IN RAMS COLLAPSE READING FC manager blamed his players ‘lack of fitness’ after their late collapse against Derby County.

The Royals had a two-goal lead with less than five minutes of time remaining, but conceded two late goals and had to settle for a point.

“We had a fantastic 60 minutes and executed our game plan,” said Paunovic.

“It’s probably the best first half we had in a long time.

“From that moment, we started to lose our fitness because of the circumstances over the last three weeks.

“The first goal hit us hard and we kept going back and giving away the ball and couldn’t recompose.

“It’s not good to see that but it’s comprehensible given the circumstances.”

Paunovic believes that disruptive few weeks that has seen three successive games postponed, contrbiuted to his team’s downfall in the closing stages.

“I contributed this one to the fitness levels,” he continued.

“We couldn’t cope with the last minutes of the game.

“There is a part of the mentality I

didn’t like, not only in this game and that has been addressed.

“We have enough experience and quality to manage better those last minutes.

“In some moments we didn’t manage the game well with the ball. It’s because of the lack of fitness.

“We still have players who are recovering from symptoms. We’ve only trained two or three times with certain players this week.

“It will take some time to pick up our form.

“We have an unusual season. With all the circumstances our guys are committed fully and dealing with different things behind the scenes.

“We keep having the right attitude from everyone.

“This team always fights hard.

“Sometimes the plan works better, sometimes it does not.”

SPORT | 27

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FROM THE MIDDLE

BY LATE RAMS COMEBACK

Dick Sawdon-Smith Hoilett bags his second goal

Yellow or red card offence?

L Southwood takes a catch Southwood

Baba Rahman sends in a cross

ET me take you back to a game played just before the Christmas holiday, Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool.

There was a controversial tackle by England and Spurs centre forward, Harry Kane, for which he received a yellow card.

Made controversial by the antics of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The first thing I should say is that we shouldn’t take too much notice of managers’ heated exchanges.

I think it is more profitable to look at what the laws of the game has to say on challenges, which we might think of as tackles, and the difference between warranting a yellow or red card.

Yellow – Making a reckless tackle

‘Reckless is when a player acts with disregard to the danger to or consequences for an opponent and must be cautioned (yellow card)’.

Red – Using excessive force

ate on to Derby County Pictures: Steve Smyth

onto the loose ball in the aftermath of Allsop’s vital stop but couldn’t convert from close range.

The game went through a quiet patch before Southwood had to turn a deflected effort from Luke Plange round his near post.

Derby couldn’t forge any opportunities despite forcing a succession of corners, with the Royals defence staying organised.

The match had to wait 38 minutes for the first goal, but it was one well worth waiting for.

On his return from injury, Junior Hoilett cut infield onto his right foot and lashed an unstoppable curling drive past Allsop that flew into the top right hand corner.

The Rams should have been level within five minutes of the opener when Plange found himself with a free header from a corner just eight yards out, but he failed to find the target with a disappointing effort that rose over the bar.

Carroll nearly caught out Derby keeper Allsop who hesitated too long on the ball, but was able to make a fortuitous recovery to spare his blushes just before the break.

There was a change required at the break by Reading which saw Felipe Araruna replace Ashcroft for his first appearance after 15 months out injured.

Carroll presses Allsop

Femi Azeez hits the side netting

KazimRichards scores

Araruna was required to perform his defensive duty early after coming on when he turned an inviting Derby cross behind for a corner.

The gloves of Southwood were required early after the restart when he reacted marvelously to get a palm to Tom Lawrence’s strike inside the box.

Just moments after Derby’s big chance, Reading punished their

opponents and scored their second of the match.

A free-kick to the back post was knocked down by Tom Holmes to find Hoilett, he took a touch and squeezed the ball in at the near post through the legs of Allsop to double his and his team’s tally.

Veljko Paunovic turned to his bench in the 65th minute by sending on Femi Azeez who replaced Alen Halilovic.

Reading pushed to find a third and another darting run into the box by Carroll nearly ended with a headed goal from Araruna’s delivery but he glanced the ball just wide.

Josh Laurent looked to get the Royals firing on the break with a driving run at Derby, but he was upended by Curtis Davies who picked up a booking.

Scott Dann came across to make a crucial block to get his body in the way of Davies’ shot.

From the resulting corner, the Rams were given a glimmer of hope when they grabbed a goal in the 86th minute.

A deep cross into the box went through the gloves of Southwood and was finished from close range

by Colin Kazim-Richards.

Reading had a chance to wrap up the game in the 90th minute with a purposeful run from Azeez that ended with a shot fired into the side netting.

Derby hit back again and were level in the 91st minute when Davies powered a header past Southwood into the right corner to claw back a point for Rooney’s men.

The Royals are in FA Cup action this weekend away at National League Kidderminster Harriers.

‘Using excessive force is when a player exceeds the necessary use of force and/or endangers the safety of an opponent and must be sent off (red card).

I think it can be seen that the referee is still left having to use a certain amount of interpretation.

It’s unlikely that every referee will have the same view on what the difference is between acting with disregard to the danger of an opponent (YC) and endangering the safety of an opponent (RC).

Also for how much force can be considered as necessary or at least acceptable.

In this type of situation, the referee has to make a decision on what he sees before him.

There is no template that he can neatly put the incident into.

See, Think, Act is the procedure that the referee’s mind goes through when he has to make a decision.

But it is his decision.

Pierre Luigi Collina, FIFA’s head of referees, said to an Italian newspaper recently, ‘Interpretation is part of the Laws, so although situations can be similar, no two will ever be identical.

We simply have to accept that there will be different views of a situation. Technology helps, but it can never replace the human element’.

In the Spurs v Liverpool game, some people asked why the referee didn’t check with the VAR. The VAR is not a second referee, they are there to point out to the referee, something he might have missed that has a bearing on his decision.

As Collina said, ‘He’s not there to eliminate controversy but to eliminate clear errors that influence a result.

28 | SPORT

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

FA CUP PREVIEW

RESULTS

ROYALS OUT TO AVOID FA CUP UPSET Reading celebrate against Middlesbrough Picture:Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today THE ROYALS will be tested by nonleague opposition this weekend when they travel to Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup third-round.

The magic of the cup often throws up surprises, but Veljko Paunovic’s side will be hoping that they can avoid being victims of a cup upset when they visit the Addborough Stadium.

The National League North side have already battled their way through five FA Cup ties to earn their shot against the Championship side.

Their journey in the world’s oldest cup competition began in the second qualifying round in September when they beat Sporting Khalsa 3-1 away from home.

An away draw at Ware in the third qualifying round forced the game to a replay back a Kidderminster where the hosts progressed with a 3-0 triumph.

In the first-round proper, they got past Conference Premier side Grimsby Town thanks to Ashley Hemmings’ successful penalty in a 1-0 win.

They then defeated Halifax Town in the second round with goals from Hemmings and Amari MorganSmith.

Under the management of Russell Penn, who was appointed as their boss in April 2020,

Kelly Chambers’ team made a remarkable end to the calendar year that saw them push themselves up the table after an initial torrid start to the 2021/22 campaign in the Women’s Super League.

Having lost the opening four matches of the league season without scoring a goal, the Royals have turned things around dramatically.

Despite losing their final match of the year in the FA WSL Cup to Championship outfit Lewes on penalties, Reading have been in hot form in the league.

Isthmian South Central Marlow 3-0 Binfield

FIXTURES

Saturday, January 8

FOOTBALL FA Cup Kidderminster Harriers v Reading

Kidderminster are currently in fifth position in the table after 16 matches.

They go into the cup game in the midst of a purple patch having won five of their last six matches with leaves them firmly in the race for the promotion places.

Despite being nine points off the top, Harriers have three games in hand on three of the four sides above them in the standings.

Hemmings, who already has two goals to his name in the FA Cup, is Harriers’ top scorer in the league with nine in 16 games, while Sam Austin has seven in 16.

Having only played one match in the last four weeks due to covid-19 postponements, Paunovic may choose to elect a stronger squad than initially expected when the tie was drawn to get his team up to speed.

ON FORM WOMEN’S TEAM TO HOST LOWLY LEICESTER READING FC WOMEN will hope to continue their outstanding form when they return to action for the first time in 2022.

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 2-2 Derby County

Combined Counties Division One Berks County 2-1 Chalvey Sports Eversley & California 4-1 Cove Woodley United P-P AFC Aldermaston

WSL PREVIEW

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Monday, January 3

They have picked up four wins and a draw from their last five WSL matches, which included a stunning victory against current champions, Chelsea, at the Select Car Leasing Stadium after Deanne Rose netted the only goal of the game.

Their excellent form leaves them eighth in the table after nine matches in a tightly contested division that sees just two points separate the next three sides above them.

Sunday’s opponents Leicester, have had a tricky start to the campaign since being promoted from the Championship last season as division champions.

They are now under the management of Lydia Bedford who was appointed as the new boss in November after previous coach Jonathan Morgan left his position with

the team at the bottom of the table at the time.

They were beaten in all of their opening nine matches but finally picked up their first points, and win of the season in their final match of 2021.

Up against fellow strugglers Birmingham City in a relegation battle, Leicester came out strongly and were rewarded for a positive display with goals from Sophie Howard and Sam Tierney to get them off the mark.

They have struggled at both ends of the field since making the step up to the top flight and have scored just five times and have conceded 23 goals in 10 matches.

Sunday’s match at the Select Car Leasing Stadium will be the first-ever meeting between the teams in the Women’s Super League.

Reading’s only previous FA Cup campaign under Paunovic came to an abrupt end last season when they were knocked out of the thirdround by Luton Town.

The Royals got all the way to the semi-finals of the competition in 2015 with a memorable run that saw them edged out by Premier League, and eventual winners, Arsenal after extra-time with a brace from Alexis Sanchez.

READING FC

MORRISON TARGETS INJURY RETURN READING defender Michael Morrison has targeted the end of January to make his return from injury.

The defender has been a vital part of the team since joining on a free transfer from Birmingham City in 2019.

He has only managed to get on the field eight times in the current season after picking up an injury in Reading’s miraclous away win at Fulham in September.

Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, Morrison said: “I was back outside a couple of days before Christmas, which is really good, it’s one of the big milestones when you’re coming back from any injury. ““There’s still a way to go. I’d like to be back before the end of January, whether that is realistic or not, I don’t know.

“It’s just a case of how I get on with the running in the next couple of weeks – you can get setbacks as every stage you advance.

“Everybody is always worried of putting a deadline on it, so it’s just a case of assessing it week by week and taking it as it comes in every level you move forward.

“Wearing the brace for so long, I thought it would be coming off after eight weeks but I had a setback and it had to stay on for another four weeks after that – but I’m working as hard as I can to get back as quick as possible. But you have to respect your body.”

Isthmian South Central Binfield v Chertsey Town Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v St Panteleimon Sumas v Wembley Combined Counties Division One Cove v Woodley United AFC Hayes v Berks County Sandhurst Town v Eversley & California Berks & Bucks Cup Finchampstead v Slough Heating Laurencians Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v Maidenhead Town Reading City U23’s v Mortimer Reading YMCA v Yateley United Westwood Wanderers v Wargrave Woodley United Royals v Marlow United Thames Valley Division One Hurst v Holyport Reserves Maidenhead Town Reserves v FC Imaan Lions Thames Valley Division Two Berks County Swords v Slough Heating Reserves Twyford & Ruscombe v Richings Park Reserves

Thames Valley Division Three Robertswood v Reading YMCA Rapids Thames Valley Division Four AFC Corinthians v Harchester Hawks Finchampstead Development v Henley Town Development White Eagles v Berks County Rovers RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Plymouth Albion South West 1 East Banbury v Bracknell

Sunday, January 9 FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Reading v Leicester City Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Winchester City Flyers v Woodley United Southern Region Division One South Eversley & California v Woking Thames Valley Women’s Division One Badshot Lea v Caversham United Wargrave v Mortimer Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K Berks County v Eversley & California Reserves Wargrave Development v Yateley United Cup Caversham AFC v Holyport

29

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PUBLIC NOTICES

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3349 BARKHAM ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 30th December 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: B3349 Barkham Road, Wokingham between its junctions withOxford Road andA321Wellington Road.

The alternative route for allcarsand lightvehicles (Northbound)affected by the restriction shall be viaB3349Barkham Road, MollyMillarsLane,A321Finchampstead Road andA321Wellington Road.

The alternative route for all cars and light vehicles (Southbound) affected by the restrictionshall be via Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road,A321Wellington Road,A321 Finchampstead Road, MollyMillarsLane andB3349Barkham Road.

The alternative route for all HGV’s (Northbound) affected by the restriction shall be via B3349 Barkham Road, Bearwood Road, B3030 King Street Lane, A329 Reading Road and A321 Station Road.

The alternative route for all HGV’s (Southbound) affected by the restrictionshall be via Station Approach,A329Reading Road,B3030King Street Lane,BearwoodRoad andB3349Barkham Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 12th January and 13th January 2022 between 00:01 and 05:00, 18th January and 21st January 2022 between 00:35 and 04:40, 11th February and 14th February 2022 between 22:00 and 06:00, from 01:15 15th January until 04:15 on 17th January 2022 and 26th February to 28th February 2022 between 01:15 and 04:30.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake annual level crossing maintenance, track renewal, sleeper renewal and refurbishment and associated 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 12th January 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 6th January 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

REMOVALS

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, SHINFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (CHURCH LANE, ARBORFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 30th December 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:

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 30th December 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:

1. A327 Arborfield Road, Shinfield at its junction with Shinfield Eastern Relief Road.

Church Lane, Arborfield between its junctions with A327 Reading Road and B3030 Sindlesham Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Hollow Lane, A327 Shinfield Road, A327 Black Boy Roundabout, B3270 Lower Earley Way West, B3270 Lower Earley Way, B3270 Lower Earley Way North, Hatch Farm Way, B3030 King Street Lane, B3030 Mole Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road and A327 Reading Road or by this route in reverse.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Reading Road and B3030 Sindlesham Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 23rd February and 25th February 2022 between 20:00 and 06:00.

2. Shinfield Eastern Relief Road, Shinfield between its junctions with A327 Arborfield Road and Cutbush Lane East.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Shinfield Road, A327 Hollow Lane and A327 Arborfield Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 10th January and 18th February 2022 and overnight between 23rd February and 25th February 2022 between 20:00 and 06:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Blaze Construction Ltd to undertake roundabout alteration and surfacing 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 10th January 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 6th January 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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Works requiring this restriction will take place between 10th January and 12th January 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake boundary box exchange 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 10th January 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 6th January 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (CHURCH ROAD, SWALLOWFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 30th December 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: Church Road, Swallowfield between its junctions with The Street and Nutbean Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Swallowfield Street, B3349 Basingstoke Road, B3349 Hyde End Road, A327 Arborfield Road, A327 Reading Road, A327 Observer Way and Swallowfield Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 10th January and 21st January 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake mains connections and associated work in safety.

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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 10th January 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 6th January 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (COMMONS ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 30th December 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: Commons Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Old Forest Road and Emmbrook Road.

The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Old Forest Road, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A321 Milton Road, Matthewsgreen Road and Emmbrook Road.

The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Emmbrook Road, Matthewsgreen Road, A321 Milton Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Market Place, A329 Broad Street, A329 Shute End, A329 Reading Road and Old Forest Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 10th January and 21st January 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake sewer repair 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 10th January 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 6th January 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (FAIRVIEW ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 30th December 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: Fairview Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Gipsy Lane and Langborough Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Gipsy Lane and Langborough Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 10th January and 14th January 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake repairs to a broken gully 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 10th January 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 6th January 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

30

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 6, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION

Adver t i se

The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Build ings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990

r eg ul a r l y a nd save

The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application

Address

Reasons for Advert

Description

213985

Elm House, Thames Street, Sonning

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed erection of front canopy following demolition of existing front porch, infill side extension, front/side/rear extension, part garage conversion to create habitable accommodation, erection of boundary wall, plus the insertion of 1no. balcony and 2no. dormer windows to first floor, the insertion of 3no. roof lights, erection of new wall boundary following demolition of existing conservatory, front porch and parapet wall

££££s Sp ec i al rates for 4 , 12, 26 and 52

213998

Wargrave Court, Station Road, Wargrave

Works to a listed building

Householder application for the proposed two storey and single storey rear extension, with general internal and fenestration alterations/refurbishment to the existing dwelling.

213999

Wargrave Court, Station Road, Wargrave

Works to a listed building

Application for Listed Building Consent for the proposed two storey and single storey rear extension, with general internal alterations and refurbishment to existing dwelling

214042

7 Market Place, Wokingham

Works to a listed building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed installation of a new shopfront and internal alterations at ground floor level. (Part Retrospective)

214067

Sarum Cottage, Pearson Road

Works to a listed building

Householder application for the proposed Loft conversion to form a bedroom, two new rear roof windows, erection of a single storey rear extension.

214097

1 Barkham Manor, Barkham Road, Barkham

Works to a listed building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed dismantling, repair and rebuilding of the upper timber part of the front external entrance door canopy.

214120

26 Rose Street, Wokingham

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed removal of exterior fire escape, proposed infill of existing balcony to rear elevation, plus changes to fenestration.

214147

2 Deanery Cottage, High Street, Sonning

Works to a listed building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed erection of a single storey rear extension with 1 no. rooflight and internal alterations to the existing kitchen to form a utility/cloakroom.

weeks

lo c al pe o ple We cove r t h e whole of the Wo k i n g h a m

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (SCHOOL GREEN, SHINFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 30th December 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:

Bo r o u g h Fr i e n d l y Service

Any comments relating to applications 213985 and 214120 should be made by 20th January 2022.

Any comments relating to applications 213998, 213999, 214042, 214067, 214097 and 214147 should be made by 27th January 2022.

Comments must arrive on or before the consultation end date. 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: 6th January 2022

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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (LANGBOROUGH ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

Langborough Road, Wokingham between its junctions with A321 Denmark Street and Murdoch Road.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake new connection, disconnection and associated work in safety.

The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Murdoch Road, Easthampstead Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Market Place and A321 Denmark Street.

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

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 10th January and 14th January 2022.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 10th January 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

GOODS WANTED

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 30th December 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:

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 10th January and 17th January 2022.

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.

RECYCLING

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The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Denmark Street, A321 Wellington Road, A321 Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, Easthampstead Road and Murdoch Road.

School Green, Shinfield from its junction with B3349 School Green.

ACCOUNTANCY

R e ac h

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.

@wokingham.today

TREE SURGEONS

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow South East Water contractors to undertake new connection and associated work in safety.

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

TILING SPECIALISTS

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.

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The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 10th January 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

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Dated: 6th January 2022

Dated: 6th January 2022

Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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R E T S A S I D

RAMS PUNISH ROYALS WITH LATE GOALS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today A DISASTROUS last five minutes saw Reading let a two-goal lead slip at home to Derby County on Monday.

It looked as if the Royals were going to make a winning start to 2022 with a 2-0 advantage at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in the 86th minute after a brace from the returning Junior Hoilett who made his first start in three months.

But for the third time at home this campaign, Reading lost hold of a two-goal lead.

Bottom club Derby, who have showed immense resilience all throughout the season despite being deducted 21 points in total for breaching EFL profit and sustainability rules, fought back valiantly from an unlikely position.

It was a blunder form the usually reliable goalkeeper Luke Southwood

that allowed Wayne Rooney’s team back into the game after he failed to gather a cross that slipped from his grasp and saw Colin Kazim-Richards prod the ball in from close range.

The Rams then used their momentum in front of a nervy home crowd to captilise in the 91st minute when Curtis Davies powered a header past Southwood to resuce a point.

Reading manager Veljko Paunovic believes that a lack of match fitness

contributed to his team’s late collapse.

“We started to lose oyr fitness because of the circumstances over the last three weeks,” he said.

“The first goal hit us hard and we kept going back and giving the ball away, and we couldn’t recompose.

“It’s not good to see that but it’s comprehensible given the circumstances.

“We couldn’t cope with the last minutes of the game.”

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WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK are looking to push up the table in their first match of the new calendar year.

The Sumas have endured a precarious first-half of the campaign in the Combined Counties Premier North in their first season under manager Eliot Whitehouse.

They are currently just one place off the bottom of the table after 18 matches with three wins, three draws and 12 losses giving them 12 points.

They are just one point above bottom club Holyport but will have their sights on progressing higher up the standings and moving away from the drop zone.

Despite their faltering form, Wokingham do have a game in hand on the two sides directly above them, Virginia Water and CB Hounslow United.

If they can take advantage and win their game in hand, that would take them up two places in the division.

Their first match of 2022 falls this Saturday when they host Wembley at Lowther Road.

The visitors will present a tricky test for Whitehouse’s men who have won just once at their home ground in the league so far this season.

Meanwhile, Wembley are competing at the higher end of the table where they currently sit in seventh.

They have amassed 30 points from their 21 matches this season with eight wins, six draws and seven losses.

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2022

SUMAS LOOK TO PUSH UP THE TABLE