Wokingham Today, January 20, 2022

MORE WOKINGHAM NEWS THAN YOU’LL FIND ANYWHERE ELSE

Thursday, January 20, 2022

WIN! A meal for

Shinfield and All hail the Wassail Arborfield Tories oppose King and Queen Hall Farm Crowds flock to watch EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

No. 347 90p

two at The Queen’s Oak

ancient ceremony • p5

See Page 31

CONSERVATIVES have been “split” over plans to build 4,500 homes on Hall Farm.

That’s the view of both the Liberal Democrat and Labour leaders for Wokingham.

Earlier this month, Conservative councillors in Shinfield created and distributed a leaflet opposing “inappropriate” development for their ward.

The leaflet featured the faces of ward councillors Cllr Jackie Rance, Cllr Barrie Patman, Wokingham’s MP Sir John Redwood and chairman of the Wokingham Conservatives, Dave Edmonds.

Mr Edmonds confirmed that both Shinfield and Arborfield Conservatives are opposed to the Hall Farm.

The leaflet states: “We believe that Shinfield South has taken more than its fair share of new housing. We will continue to speak out against any new inappropriate housing developments that would impact our community.

“If you are concerned about 4000 more houses being built then respond with your comments by Monday 24 January... Your Conservative Team opposes all inappropriate housing.”

Cllr Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat leader for Wokingham said that he thinks this indicates a “clear split” among Conservative councillors opinions for the site.

Last week, in a statement issued

by Wokingham Borough Council, a spokesperson said: “Two other sites were considered for the garden village and while none was perfect, the advantages of the land south of the M4 – known as Hall Farm / Loddon Valley outweighed the drawbacks by the greatest amount.”

“They are not supporting what the ruling group executive are pushing,” Cllr Jones said. “Are they going to vote against the plan? And what alternatives are they going to provide?” n Continued on page 9

POLICE INVESTIGATE BOOTS RAM RAID P7

LATE NIGHT CAR MEETS PLAGUE TOWN

‘Their engines sounded like gunfire’ say terrified Wokingham residents

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today ROARING engines and backfiring exhausts returned to Wokingham town centre over the weekend, as drivers gathered in Carnival Pool Car Park.

On both Saturday and Sunday night, residents were left anxiously calling the police, in a bid to stop the noise from hordes of cars.

Four residents told Wokingham Today that it sounded like gunfire coming from the multi-storey.

“I was listening to the bangs and seeking reassurance that they weren’t bullets,” said Geoff Simmons, whose name has been changed. “It was worse than fireworks and I imagine heard by most of central Wokingham.

“This problem has happened in the past but had gone quiet until this weekend.” n Continued on page 8

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2 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

BMW driver smashed into at Winnersh crossroads A CAR was smashed into at a Winnersh crossroads on Friday morning.

The driver of a black BMW told Wokingham Today that he had been hit side on by another car, at the King Street lane crossroads, next to Sainsbury’s.

It happened around 10am.

The driver was unharmed, and the car’s airbags had been deployed due to the force of the collision with a traffic light pole.

Debris was covering part of the pavement and road, with police blocking the car from oncoming traffic.

It is understood that officers attended to the other driver involved in the incident.

WE COVER WOKINGHAM BOROUGH

CRUNCH: The driver of the BMW said that he was hit side on Picture: Jess Warren

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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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Two men plead guilty after police find heroin and cocaine

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A READING man is one of two people found guilty of supplying crack cocaine and heroin in the town centre.

Three bags of the Class A drugs were found hidden in a brick wall in Anstey Road in Reading, on Saturday, February 22, 2020.

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, Daniel Smith, 39 and of Carey Street, pleaded guilty to one count each of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, January 5.

Lumko Nkanyuza, 29, of Westbrook Road, Croydon, had pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to supply the same drugs at Reading Magistrates Court on Wednesday, August 25 last year.

Following the seizure and related enquiries, Smith was arrested the same day on suspicion of possessing

class A drugs with intent to supply.

The drugs were forensically examined and were found to be 201 wraps of heroin and 494 wraps of crack cocaine, with a total value of around £9,000.

The forensic examination also linked Smith and Nkanyuza to the drugs packaging and they were charged on 24 July 2021.

Both defendants were granted unconditional bail and are due to be sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, February 2.

Investigating officer Inspector Iain Watkinson said: “This was a very large quantity of class A drugs that was found hidden in a public area.

“Taking this quantity of drugs off the streets would have made a dent in the ability of drug dealers to target vulnerable people on the streets of Reading.”

He continued: “Thames Valley Police will always do their best in investigating matters such as this in order to protect those at risk and

GUILTY: Daniel Smith, 39 and of Carey Street has been found guilty of supplying crack cocaine and heroin in the town centre Picture: Wokingham Today

vulnerable in the communities we police.

“Through Stronghold, we are committed to working in partnership to tackle serious organised crime and exploitation, such as county lines drug dealing.

“We continue to need the support of the public in this, and we would

ask them to report any information that they have about drug dealing.”

Reports can be made via Thames Valley Police’s website or by calling 101.

Information can also be reported anonymously by calling independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Thursday, January 20, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

New Carnival Hub is on track to open this summer says council

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today NEW LEISURE facilities in Wokingham are on track to open this summer.

Work on the town’s new leisure centre, library and cultural space is continuing, with work almost complete on the external cladding.

Once open, the Carnival Hub will offer swimming pools and a splash pad, spa area, a larger fitness suite, studio spaces, a four-court sports hall, cafe and a large library space.

The centre is also being fitted out tiered bleacher seating in the sports hall along with lighting and sound equipment, in the hopes that it will host cultural events too.

Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhoods and communities, said that a lot of time has been spent on “getting the designs right”.

He said that resident feedback has been used to shape the plans, and is confident people will “love” the new hub.

Focus has now shifted to finishing the inside of the building.

“During the coming months work will continue to fit out the inside of the space,” he added.”People will also see more happening outside, as the new residential block starts to take shape and hard landscaping starts to go in around the Carnival Hub.” Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure said: “You can really see the centre start to take shape and understand what a fantastic space this will be and how it will help us offer a much wider range of activities than before.”

Changing areas are being fitted out, stud walls are going up and underfloor heating is being installed the new library.

Both pools have now been tiled and a lift installed to make the main pool accessible.

CALL TO ARMS: NHS Blood and Transplant is urging residents to become a blood donor this year

‘ Switch your New Year resolution to become a blood donor’ NEW FACILITY: The entrance to the new building All pictures: Stewart Turkington

The main swimming pool at the Carnival Hub The teaching pool has also been fitted with a moveable floor to adjust the pool depth to classes and activities.

Solar panels and air source heat

The sports hall at the centre

pumps are also being installed on the roof.

Cllr Batth said that the borough council has invested heavily in new and improved leisure facilities in

recent years.

“We are sure the new hub will prove a real hit, like the new Bulmershe leisure centre in Woodley when we opened it in 2020,” he said.

Councillor left confused over charity cash at town bank A LONG term customer of HSBC Wokingham is frustrated after being told that he can no longer pay funds raised for charity in to the branch.

Cllr Jim Frewin said that he has been given conflicting information about how to go about ensuring that the cash reaches charities it was raised for.

Over a number of visits to the branch, Cllr Frewin said that he was told that he would need to be a registered member or signatory of the charities concerned, or pay a visit to the account holding branch to pay the cash in.

“I’ve been paying in to HSBC Wokingham for the best part of 10 years,” he said.

“For the charity I was attempting to support in my visit last week, if what I was told was true it would mean driving to a branch of HSBC in Cambridge to pay the money in.”

He believes that HSBC’s decision to

make its branch in Wokingham a digital service branch has made life more difficult for those wishing to pay the money they have raised into charity accounts.

He has also been concerned by the lack of information given by the branch about alternative places to pay methods.

“If you raise money for a charity, you should be able to pay it in easily, especially at the moment when charities really need our support,” Cllr Frewin explained.

“I was unaware that I could try a branch of the Post Office until a friend told me.

“There will be other people who have been similarly frustrated.”

A spokesperson for HSBC said that the bank is making changes to its branch network to make sure it is sustainable in the future.

“The removal of counters is an

HSBC: Cllr Jim Frewin said that he has been given conflicting information about donating cash at the bank Picture: Phil Creighton

AS MOST New Year resolutions are starting to fade by mid-January, NHS Blood and Transplant is asking people to switch it instead.

The service would like people to pledge to register as a blood or organ donor.

The invite comes after blood and organ donation topped a poll of ways that people felt they could make a difference to the lives of others.

A survey of more than 2,000 adults in England carried out for NHSBT made the findings, with 85% of respondents choosing blood or organ donation as the most important way to help others.

Helen Duggan, assistant director of marketing and creative services at NHSBT, said that making the pledge is a good way to avoid feeling disheartened by not sticking to New Years resolutions.

“We want to highlight the simple ways that people can make a positive change and help to save lives — by donating blood or talking to your loved ones about your decision to donate organs,” she added.

Last year across the UK, 3,391 people had their lives saved thanks to the generosity of 1,180 people who donated their organs after death.

And 132,172 new blood donors made their first blood donation. NHSBT needs around 450 donors a day to meet demand.

n For more information, visit: organdonation.nhs.uk or log on to blood.co.uk

evolution in our branches, and there will need to be a certain evolution in how our customers bank,” they said.

“Our branch staff will always be on hand to explain self-service options.

“While customers are not able to make a cash deposit into a third party’s account using our self-service machines, there are alternative ways they can make a donation, including from their nearest branch with a counter, using online banking or the mobile app to make a donation from their own account, or even depositing the donation through a local Post Office, which could be closer than their nearest HSBC UK branch.

“It is also important to note that HSBC customers can complete day-today transactions at the Post Office.”

4 | NEWS

Woodley Festival returns to the stage this spring CULTURAL events are cropping up in Woodley again, with the return of a much-loved festival.

In March, the Woodley Festival of Music and Arts will be back in action, following a virtual event last year.

Organisers are now looking for volunteers to help coordinate the event, which will run throughout the month.

It starts in over Saturday, March 5, and Sunday, March 6, with a finale concert on Sunday, March 27.

The event hopes to provide a warm and friendly environment for residents to perform before a professional adjudicator and a supportive audience.

It is a competition, however organisers are keen to stress that the aim is to enjoy the performances.

There are sections for instrumental, piano, choral, vocal, speech and drama entries. n For more information, visit: woodleyfestival.org.uk

Woodley Baptist Church launches coffee morning

WOODLEY residents are invited to enjoy a brew together.

Woodley Baptist Church is hosting a coffee morning every Wednesday from 10am until noon.

The first event was held last week, and will continue on a regular basis.

The Hurricane Way venue is serving up tea, coffee, squash, cakes and biscuits to all who attend.

Festival date THE date for East Reading festival, in Palmer Park, off Wokingham Road, has been set for Sunday, June 19, between noon and 6pm.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

New smokehouse brings a taste of Texas to Crowthorne’s High Street EXCLUSIVE

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today A NEW Crowthorne restaurant has successfully opened its doors to rave reviews.

Triple BBBs Smokehouse opened in the old HSBC bank building on High Street, Crowthorne, just before Christmas last year.

Since then, owner and pitmaster David Jotyar has been serving up a range of Texan-style dishes to hungry locals in a soft launch of the eatery.

“Up until now, we’ve been serving classic beef brisket and pulled pork platters,” he said.

“The full menu comes in this week, I can’t wait.”

For the time being, the restaurant is open evenings only, Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Mr Jotyar is a self-taught Texan barbecue enthusiast. An IT consultant by profession, his passion for the craft of smoking meat has driven him to perfect his own recipes and even build his own smoker in the pursuit of perfection.

“I though I could build a better barbecue and smoke better meat than what I could buy in the shops,” he explained.

“It’s taken me 10 years to learn the technique and it’s been a challenge because there is lots to consider.

“Even the rubs I use on the meat have

FAMILY BUSINESS: David with his family, Gracie (14) with Samsom, his wife, Nicky and Matilda (12) outside the smokehouse All pictures: Steve Smyth taken a long time to develop, so I am keeping the recipes a secret.”

Turning his love for the craft into a commercial interest was another challenge. The opening of the restaurant was the end of a three-year process since finding the old bank, acquiring planning, building outbuildings to house the smokers, and fitting out the shop.

He did much of the work himself, including building the bar.

20p bargains will help Co-op reduce food waste A NEW scheme will see Co-op stores in Binfield and Wokingham sell products that are past their best before date.

The food will still be safe to eat, and is part of an initiative to reduce food waste.

The products will be in a special display and priced at 20p.

At the moment, food waste is sent to special composters to produce biogas and bio-fertiliser.

Simon Eastwood, chief operating officer for Retail at Southern Co-op, said customers had welcomed the bargains.

“There are a large number of products that are still good enough to

eat past their ‘best before’ date - many of us are already familiar with this in our home environment so this just takes it one step further,” he said.

“The first stage in the fight against food waste is to make sure there aren’t products reaching their best before date. But if they do, we will now be reducing them to 20p to try and keep them in the food chain and improve sustainability.”

The stores taking part are in the Souther Co-op group and include Market Place in Wokingham and two stores in Binfield: Forest Road and Oakmede Place.

“We had a water tank burst on site last spring over one weekend,” he said.

“Repairing the damage set us back three months.”

But the wait was worth it. When Mr Jotyar was finally able to serve customers in his restaurant, it received a visit from a Texan who said that the smoked meat “was as good what he gets at home”.

“I couldn’t have done all of this without my wife Nicky and my two girls

supporting me though,” he said.

Nicky currently runs front of house at Triple BBBs. And Mr Jotyar has many plans for the restaurant’s future, beginning with adding a lunchtime service.

In the longer term, he would like to train future pitmasters and launch a barbecuing course. He even plans to bring his smokers to market and compete at international barbecue competitions. n For more details, visit the restaurant’s social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, or email: info@triplebbbs.co.uk

Children’s charity hosts its first fundraising pub quiz A BOROUGH charity will be holding its first ever pub quiz next month.

First Days Children’s Charity will be holding the fundraising event at the Rose Inn, Market Place, Wokingham, on Thursday, February 3.

Rounds will include

record breakers, big brands, and Berkshire knowledge.

There will also be a raffle, with prizes donated by many supporting businesses including Beyond the Download and Blue Orchid Bakery.

The pub has donated use of its function room to the

charity, plus a prize of a meal for the winning team.

Entry costs £10 per head, including a prosecco or beer on arrival.

Teams are a maximum of four players.

The quiz will begin at 8pm. n For more details, visit: firstdays.net/quiz-night

PCC climbs Scafell Pike for charity THE POLICE and crime commissioner is taking on a challenge next month for charity.

Matthew Barber will be climbing Scafell Pike to support servicemen and women who were injured either mentally or physically during their service.

He is raising money for Pilgrim Bandits, a charity that supports emergency service staff, and has helped some officers from Thames Valley Police.

Mr Barber will not be climbing the 3,209ft mountain alone.

He will be joined by officers from the force to reach the summit on Friday, February 4.

“The summit was donated to the National Trust by Lord Leconfield ‘in perpetual memory of the men of the

CLIMB: Matthew Barber will be climbing Scafell Pike next month Picture: George Bannister on Unsplash

Lake District who fell for God and King, for freedom peace and right in the Great War’,” Mr Barber said.

“As a natural war memorial, what better place to support the work of Pilgrim Bandits. “[The charity] uses trips just like this to restore selfconfidence and instil self-belief in those who have suffered a physical or mental injury.”

Mr Barber will be raising money for Pilgrim Bandits throughout the year.

As part of this, he is giving up alcohol for 365 days He hopes that residents will sponsor him in the challenges, and has raised almost £500 so far. n For more information, or to donate, visit: www.totalgiving. co.uk/mypage/matthewbarber

Thursday, January 20, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Air pollution confuses bees and butterflies

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

AIR POLLUTION is confusing butterflies and bees and reducing pollination, scientists at the University of Reading have discovered.

The pollutants, including diesel exhausts, stop insects from sniffing out the crops and wildflowers that depend on them.

Scientists from the University of Reading, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and the University of Birmingham found that there were up to 70% fewer pollinators, up to 90% fewer flower visits when there was ground-level air pollution.

This led to an overall 31% reduction in pollination.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Pollution, is the first to observe a negative impact of common air pollutants on pollination.

The theory is that the pollutants react with and change the scents of flowers, making them harder to find.

Dr Robbie Girling, Associate Professor in Agroecology at the University of Reading, led the project.

He said that the findings were much more dramatic than the team expected.

Dr James Ryalls, a Leverhulme Trust Research Fellow at the University of Reading, who conducted the study, said: “The findings are worrying because these pollutants are commonly found in the air many of us breathe every day.

“We know that these pollutants are bad for our health, and the significant reductions we saw in pollinator numbers and activity shows that there are also clear implications for the natural ecosystems we depend on.”

Each year, insect pollination delivers hundreds of billions of pounds worth of economic value.

It supports around 8% of the total value of agricultural food production worldwide, and 70% of all crop species, including apples, strawberries and cocoa, rely on it.

If pollination drops, this would have a knock-on effect on food production.

Dr Christian Pfrang, Reader in Atmospheric Science at the University of Birmingham and a co-author on the study, said: “This cross-disciplinary work demonstrated very clearly how atmospheric pollutants negatively impact on pollination with direct consequences for food production and environmental resilience.”

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Wassail helps chase away evil spirits EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today SHOPPERS, pub and café goers saw centuries roll back for an ancient ceremony of sacrifice, blessing and deafening noise to chase away evil spirits.

More than 40 morris dancers transformed Wokingham Market Place on Sunay for OBJ Morris dancers’ annual wassail event.

Tiny tots in the audience burst into dance spontaneously as OBJ and their guests, Garston Gallopers from west Berkshire and Mayflower Morris from near Aldershot, performed morris dances.

Then came the ancient wassail ceremony with OBJ’s Colin Charman explaining the tradition dated back long before Christianity.

He invited the onlookers to eat the wassail cake they’d been given.

Traditionally, the wassail king or queen is the person finding a bean inside their cake. The monarch then chooses their consort.

In these covid times the queen had already been selected, Diane Loveridge of Garston Gallopers, with fellow GG member Jim Wheatley as king.

Next, a wren, king of the birds, was “hunted and sacrificed”. The small stuffed toy wren was then buried by the royal couple beneath the wassail apple tree.

The little tree was in a pot normally kept in OBJ member Joe Gale’s Bracknell garden. It represented all the orchards for which blessings, with lots of autumn fruit, were being sought.

APPLETISER: Diane Loveridge and Jim Wheatley, of the of Garston Gallopers, were queen and king of the wassail in Wokingham on Sunday Picture: Sue Corcoran

Mr Charman said the potted tree did in fact fruit well each year.

The ceremony also asks for blessings for the community around.

The royal couple fed toast to the tree and, from the wassail bowl, poured cider on its roots and branches.

Hearty singing accompanied the action which finished with everyone shouting and banging drums to scare away demons.

Mr Charman said: “We get a lovely crowd to watch here and the acoustics from the buildings around are good for the music.”

We changed our name Dabbawalla is now called

6 | NEWS

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Charity offers dementia training A CHARITY based in Twyford is offering specialist training for healthcare professionals.

Understanding Dementia will be running a course for people who work with dementia patients. The nineweek programme will be taught online, beginning later this month. The date is yet to be confirmed.

The hour-long interactive sessions will be on Wednesday evenings. The charity also hopes to offer a daytime option.

It costs £175, including online sessions, an accompanying booklet and a certificate. n For more, email: lucy.w@ understandingdementia.co.uk

Dog finds burglar

Now taking registrations

POLICE are urging Wokingham residents to check if they have been burgled, following an arrest on Monday.

Officers were called out to Oxford Road at 4.30am following a report of a suspicious man in someone’s garage.

A Wokingham police dog, Hooch, tracked the scnet of the man, who was then arrested for burglary.

“PD Hooch one, Burglar nil,” the TVP spokesperson said.

Anyone the believes they were burgled is urged to contact the force on 101 and make a report.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

Frustration over lack of community facilities at Arborfield Green

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today

THERE is growing frustration among residents of one of Wokingham Borough Council’s current Strategic Development Locations (SDLs) over the lack of community facilities.

Householders in Arborfield Green are concerned about the length of time it has taken developers Crest Nicholson to deliver on promises of a village centre for the area.

The village centre, which is on the agreed plans, is to include a small supermarket, coffee shop and a bar, and an early years childcare setting.

Rachel Jordan, whose name has been changed, said that she and others were encouraged to move to the estate by sales pitches that included a vibrant centre.

“Boards were put up five years ago around the site where our centre is supposed to be, which say ‘coming soon’ and the paint is now peeling off them,” she said.

“There’s no sign of anything happening there and we don’t even know if it’s got full planning permission.

“We want to know when it’s going to happen.”

A spokesperson for Crest Nicholson said residents should

COMING SOON: Peeling paint on signs which have been up around the proposed site for five years Picture: Jon Atkinson expect to see some plans for the centre this spring.

But Ms Jordan said that if she were now buying a house in the area, she would be questioning where the facilities are.

“How can sales people and developers get away with saying all this stuff is going to happen without telling people when,” she said.

“They talk a lot of nonsense because they just want to sell the houses.”

Annoyance is not limited to newcomers into the area. Longstanding Arborfield residents have said that those who welcomed the development on promises of re-vitalising the area now feel that these have been forgotten.

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about the disruption to the area which the building work would cause,” said Jon Atkinson, who has lived in Arborfield since 1992.

“But the proposals were sold to us on the expectation of the village centre.

“It was one of the development’s key differentials.

“Houses are now being sold on the basis of there being a village centre and there isn’t one,” he said.

Mr Atkinson runs an online chat groups for residents. He opened the group two weeks ago to bring people together to lobby Crest Nicholson and WBC for progress on the village centre development.

It already has more than 300 members.

Joanne Peters, whose name has also been changed, said that it is good that organised resident action is beginning to happen. Ms Peters has lived in the area for 20 years.

“One of the good things about the proposals was the promise of facilities,” she said. “It’s the same old, same old, though — developers will promise all sorts to build houses.

“Many people have had enough.”

Residents have also voiced concerns about WBC’s handling of the process.

Mr Atkinson said that there is a feeling that they are failing to hold Crest Nicholson to account.

“The council should make sure that the big developments like this are finished properly before giving the go ahead for new ones,” he said.

“Will they really make sure that infrastructure is in place at Hall Farm if that happens?”

In response, Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement, said: “We know some residents on our Arborfield major development aren’t happy with the time it has taken to provide a village centre.

“Facilities like shops need sufficient footfall to ensure they remain viable, so these

NOT BUILDING any more homes in Wokingham would be a “terrible mistake” the council’s planning executive has said.

Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement at the borough council said that many residents have suggested building no more — or fewer — homes in the borough.

It comes as the borough council consults on its Local Plan Update, a document that sets out the future of housebuilding in the borough.

Cllr Smith said: “We appreciate that some residents aren’t happy with what is being proposed but we face some very difficult choices and are doing our utmost to make the best of a situation which, frankly, we have very little control over.”

He said that refusing to plan for the full number of new homes mandated by Government would be a terrible mistake, leaving the borough open to speculative development from housebuilding companies.

“Whatever people may feel, not having a valid

generally come later on in the development phases as it is necessary to increase the local population which these facilities will serve.

“We’ve been in regular contact with Crest Nicholson, which is required to build it under conditions imposed when we gave planning permission for new homes.

“We remain committed to securing high-quality infrastructure for our communities and ensuring that developers fund it.”

A Crest Nicholson spokesperson said: “We apologise for the delay and would like to reassure residents that we remain wholly committed to delivering a vibrant village centre with key retail and community services at Arborfield Green.

“Following unprecedented market shifts as a result of the pandemic, we have had to reassess our proposals to ensure the centre met the evolving needs of residents, local people, and occupiers alike.

“We are pleased that planning has now recommenced to deliver the village centre. We look forward to sharing our revised proposals for the hub through public consultation in the spring, prior to submitting a planning application.”

Local Plan is by far the biggest danger here,” he said.

Cllr Smith said that it would be better to accept what cannot be changed, and instead “channel development in a constructive direction” to build “well-equipped” communities.

He said that this approach has had “great success” in Shinfield, Arborfield Green and north and south Wokingham.

But some residents would disagree with this sentiment. In this week’s edition of Wokingham Today, Arborfield Green residents said that they have been waiting five years for the promised village centre, with a small supermarket, coffee shop and a bar, and an early years childcare setting.

Cllr Smith said: “We know there’s no perfect solution but we have considered our options in great detail, taking advice from independent experts, and are confident that we can mitigate the downsides of building at Hall Farm while delivering many more benefits in the process.”

He invited residents to “come up with a better alternative” that also complies with planning requirements imposed by the Government.

The council’s consultation ends on Monday. n To take part, visit: engage.wokingham.gov.uk

Lions club return with pub quiz A POPULAR brain teaser is back next month.

On Friday, February 11, the Wokingham Lions Club will be hosting the Great Woky Pub Quiz.

The event will start at 7.30pm at Wokingham Cricket Club, with all residents invited.

Lion Ian Grange will be asking the questions.

He said: “We are hoping for a sell-out in February, just like we had last October. There will be

prizes for the winners, plus a raffle. All profits will go to local charities.

“It promises to be a fun evening, a chance to learn a few things, and also help worthy causes in the community.”

Mr Grange said that the club is looking for donations for raffle prizes and asked any companies willing to donate a service or product to get in touch.

Teams can include a maximum of eight people.

Tickets cost £14.15 each and include a meal provided by Bears Burgers and Chicken, which works out of the cricket club.

This will be a choice of beef, chicken or vegetarian burgers, or a hotdog and chips.

Special dietary requirements can be catered for with notice. n To book, visit: www.trybooking. co.uk/BJYD

Thursday, January 20, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 7

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Shinfield Studios opens first four stages for Disney THE BOROUGH’S newest film studios are now open for business.

Shinfield Studios, at the Thames Valley Science Park, has opened its first four stages and workshops.

It is Phase 1 of the new film and television hub being created.

Once finished, the site will have 18 sound stages, workshop and mill space plus offices and a post-production facility.

The first client to film in Shinfield is Disney.

The global media conglomerate will start production this year.

Air ambulance had busy year in county THAMES Valley Air Ambulance crews were called out almost 3,000 times last year.

Of the 2,880 incidents attended by TVAA critical care paramedics and doctors, 1,125 took place in Berkshire.

Adam Panter, chief operating officer at TVAA, said last year was an incredible busy one for his team.

“Behind these numbers are the stories of real people, each going through possibly the worst day of their lives,” he said.

BROKEN OPEN: The front doors were smashed open, with glass scattered on the floor All Pictures: Phil Creighton

Early doors: thieves ram raid Boots store RAIDERS hit a branch of Boots in Wokingham town centre in the early hours of Friday morning.

A small van was used to reverse into the doors leading to the perfume area of the store.

The offenders smashed a glass door to a fragrance cabinet and stole high value fragrance.

Debris from the vehicle was scattered across the pavement,

including a wheel arch and broken light fittings.

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said that they were alerted to an alarm at a business in Market Place just before 6am.

At 8.30am, officers received a report of a black Land Rover Discovery dumped on Emmbrook Vale, Wokingham.

It is thought that it may be

linked to the Boots break-in and is being investigated.

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “Officers attended the scene and an investigation is ongoing – no arrests have been made at this time.”

Anyone with information can call the police on 101 quoting reference 43220018676.

CALL OUT: Police officers were on the scene

Water firms work together over looming shortages

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today WATER companies in the South East have joined forces in a bid to address looming water supply shortfalls.

The first ever regional water resources plan has been published by Water Resources South East (WRSE), an alliance of the six water companies working in the south east of England.

It documents the scale of the future water security challenge facing the region — which could include a shortfall of one billion litres per day, in the next 15 years.

This is a fifth of the amount of water supplied each day across the south east.

Chris Murray, independent chair of WRSE, said that the south east faces the most severe pressure on its water supplies of any region of the country.

Mr Murray said: “It is warmer, more densely populated and is the home of more of the iconic chalk streams that we are seeking to preserve than any other part of the country.”

The plan sets out action that could be needed to avoid the

shortfall, and is now open to consultation.

Reasons for the predicted shortfall are climate change and population growth, WRSE said.

Mr Murray said: “The climate emergency is and will continue to have a profound impact on our water environment, so this plan aims to mitigate that through a long-term programme of investment that prepares us for the years ahead by changing how we use water and where we source it from.”

There is also a need to protect the water environment and make supplies more resilient to drought, the group said, which could bear a cost of £8 billion, rising to £17 billion by 2060.

At the moment, water companies use chalk rivers and groundwater among other sources, but these can be vulnerable to climate change.

The report identifies alternative sources, and suggests building three new reservoirs in the region to store water.

Other solutions proposed include spending around £5

billion to reduce leakage and help customers use water more efficiently.

The group also suggest schemes that will enhance the treatment of wastewater so it can be returned to the environment and used again.

More than 200 nature-based schemes have also been included, in a bid to improve the region’s rivers and streams that provide water supplies.

“This plan is a huge step forward in regional water resource planning and in developing it we have considered thousands of options that have resulted in an emerging plan that shows the potential for more connectivity than we have ever seen before,” Mr Murray said.

“This consultation is an important part of our journey to develop a regional plan that not only provides enough water for future generations but delivers wider benefits to people and places.”

The consultation closes on Monday, March 14. n To find out more, visit: www. wrse.org.uk

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

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8 | NEWS

Physiotherapy for the elderly in and around Berkshire

PARKINSON'S specialist physiotherapy and occupational therapy services in Wokingham and surrounding areas.

Parkinson's is a condition that must be managed in the right way to improve quality of life. Therapies on Thames has worked with many patients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's and has experienced the full spectrum of the disorder. It effects each person in a different way and can really vary in the speed at which it progresses.

Therapies on Thames offers patients a multidisciplinary service, where patients can undergo physiotherapy, occupational therapy as well as access any specialist equipment required to help day to day life. This can either take place in a patient's home, or patients can come to the WADE day care centre and speak to a specialist from Therapies on Thames.

There is also an inpatient (residential) physiotherapy option, where patients can benefit from in-patient or respite care with Bridge House of Twyford. This will give an opportunity for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones to have respite . The therapists can see patients as often as they need and there is also the option to use the specialised on-site gym.

Physiotherapy for patients with Parkinson's is vital to help maintain their general fitness in the earlier stages. In the later stages physiotherapy is beneficial to improve balance, transfers and reduce risk of falls. As experts in the field, Therapies on Thames can give expert advice and support about what will specifically help the patient. They will carry out exercises to help keep the joints and muscles as flexible as possible. This will aid the stiffness felt and enable smoother more fluid movement.

The physiotherapists can teach effective stretching techniques to maintain suppleness in the limbs and muscles. The Occupational Therapists can help patients with the practicalities of daily tasks such as getting dressed and offer advice to changes that could be made in the home to make life easier and safer.

New Opportunity - Registered Manager (NVQ Level 5) The Therapies on Thames founder is in the stages of lunching a brand-new home care company, specialising is domiciliary care. Having built such an excellent reputation for Therapies on Thames, it was an obvious move to make and fill a gap in the market for excellent home care services. We are currently recruiting for a Registered Manager for this exciting start up.

We are looking for someone who has an NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social care, a passion for delivering the best care to elderly people, and someone who has the entrepreneurial drive to succeed in a new business venture. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for the right candidate to grow and progress their career to the next level. � If this sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with tanya.campbell@therapiesonthames.co. uk or call 0118 907 6345.

0118 907 6345

7 day service to meet your needs

www.therapiesonthames.co.uk

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

Carnival car meets return: ‘It was like gunfire’ say residents TERRIFYING: Drivers took over the car park on Saturday and Sunday night, revving their engines at a car meet Picture: Phil Creighton

n Continued from front page

Sandra Asher, whose name has been changed, said that residents living close to the car park are scared and intimidated by the antisocial behaviour.

On Saturday night, she walked past the car park entrance, and spoke to two Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

“They said that there was nothing they could do,” she said. “They don’t have the authority.

“They said it’s now down to the council to close the car park at night.

“There must have been about a hundred of them, the roads were grid-locked with drivers,” she said.

Ms Asher said that the PCSOs told her the drivers had already congregated at Mereoak Park and Ride, off the A33 in Three Mile Cross on Saturday night, but they were moved on.

She recorded video and audio footage over the two evenings, and sent it to councillors and staff at the borough council, in the hopes of action.

On Saturday night, Linda Clifford, whose name has been changed, was walking home after dining at The Green Chilli in the town centre.

She said the noise could be heard as drivers sped past the restaurant’s frontage on Denmark Street.

“They were bombing past,” she said. “It was immensely dangerous.

The speed at which they were travelling, if you stepped out into the road, you’d be dead in a minute.”

Ms Clifford said that she thought some of the drivers were hitting around 50mph, even as they entered the Carnival roundabout towards the multi-storey.

“This will all end with someone dying,” Ms Clifford said. “Someone will crash, or hit a pedestrian.”

Cllr Maria Gee, Liberal Democrat councillor for Wescott shares the same concerns.

“There is also the risk that attendees, especially spectators, could be killed if one of the cars goes out of control,” she said.

Cllr Gee said that residents have become “prisoners in their homes” when these groups gather.

“Children are terrified because they think the backfiring is gun shots,” she said. “People are scared to go out. Pets are frozen with fear.”

Ms Asher said that the second night was just as bad as the first.

“It was ridiculously loud — deafening — they were screaming and swearing,” Ms Asher said. “It was really scary, my kids were terrified.

“Around six or seven residents on my road ended up calling 999 in distress on Sunday, as 101 said they can’t do anything.”

She said that evening, one police car arrived at the car park, and asked the drivers to leave.

“As they left, they were all hooting, revving and backfiring their engines,” Ms Asher said. “It lasted another half-an-hour.”

Ms Asher said that she fears that the drivers will be back this weekend.

The car meets were reported by Wokingham Today several times last year, when drivers congregated in the car parks throughout April and August.

Ms Asher said that it has been an ongoing problem for more than two years.

“In the summer months, they stand on the car park roof, shouting and swearing at people in their back gardens,” Ms Asher said.

“It’s intimidating and really aggressive,” she continued. “I’m worried they’re going to come down the street.”

Cllr Gee said a solution to the Carnival Pool Car Park venue would be installing barriers.

“The obvious solution is robust car park barriers on entry and exit,” she said.

“I have sent several requests to the council and its executive members for barriers, as have some residents. It is not impossible to allow access for permit holders and future leisure centre users, while deterring late night meets.

“It’s all very well dealing with problems as they arise, but much better to stop the car meets in their tracks by denying easy access.

“If the council has more effective proposals for prevention then I would be happy to listen to them.”

Protest planned Now, a protest is being organised outside the Wokingham car park in reaction.

Residents have been invited to gather at 2pm outside Carnival Poll Car Park on Saturday, January 22, to show that “enough is enough”.

It is being co-organised by residents and Cllr Gee. The protest will call for action from the borough council.

Kyra Simpson, whose name has been changed, is hoping that the protest will prompt the borough council to install barriers at the car park.

“We would like the council to accept that this is a problem,” she said. “It’s not just affecting one or two people, it’s thousands.

“When you start terrifying kids in their beds, you have to draw the line.”

Wokingham Borough Council said that the council is considering a Traffic Regulation Order to extend the operating hours of the car park to 24 hours.

“This will allow for additional enforcement powers to be used against anybody found to be utilising Carnival Pool Car Park for any purpose other than to lawful park their vehicle,” a spoksperson said.

But Cllr Gee is not convinced by this approach.

She said that she has reservations about council staff dealing with large car meets under a public protection order.

“This order is being held up by the idea that car parks need to have their operating hours extended so that enforcement action can be taken in them in the evenings,” she said.

“I cannot understand this reasoning because both Crawley and Burgess Hill, for example, have public protection orders around car cruising and car meets, and they don’t seem to require changes to car park operating hours to enforce the order.”

Cllr Gee said that car meets have now spread to other car parks.

She said that there were reports of drivers congregating in Tesco and Bridge Retail Park on Finchampstead Road over the weekend.

“I will be emailing and hopefully meeting with council officers to work out a plan for making Wokingham residents feel safe in their homes and the town again,” she said.

Under investigation The borough council spokesperson said that the weekend car meets are being jointly investigated by the council’s AntiSocial Behaviour Officer, Thames Valley Police and the Council Car Parks Team.

CCTV footage will be used to identify offending drivers and associated vehicles.

“Any drivers found to be using a vehicle in a manner which is causing, or is likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public will be issued with a Section 59 Police Reform Act Warning,” the spokesperson said.

“If [they are] seen driving in the same manner again, the police have the power to seize their vehicles or A Community Protection Notice inline with the Anti-Social Crime and Police Act 2014.”

The council spokesperson said that CCTV cameras have been

Action at Jennett’s Park POLICE officers from the Bracknell Neighbourhood Team visited car owners whose vehicles were drift racing in the Jennett’s Park and Great Hollands area at the weekend.

Officers said that they received complaints from residents about the late night noise.

“As a result of the manner of their driving, drivers were issued Section 59 Police Reform Act warnings,” a spokesperson for TVP Bracknell and Wokingham said.

“This warning puts a marker on the vehicle and the driver for 12 months.

“If they drive in an anti-social manner within this time, the vehicle they are driving can be seized by police.”

Officers said that they understand drivers’ passion for cars and are not against car meets.

“However, we will take positive action against those that are causing noise nuisance to our community,” they added. “Be considerate to our residents as you would not appreciate it happening on your doorstep.”

installed in hotspot locations and information and intelligence is shared with partners to prevent organised car meets taking place.

“Warning letters and notices have been issued to drivers, car park floors have been closed off and security patrols have been implemented – all of which have successfully helped act as a deterrent,” the council spokesperson added.

They said that other crime prevention measures are being looked at and considered as part of a problem-solving approach.

Thames Valley Police Neighbourhood Inspector for the Wokingham area, Jerusha LyseightJones that police are making plans to prevent car meets happening in future, and said that officers attended both nights.

“We have had meetings with our partners at Wokingham Borough Council and will continue to work with them regarding these incidents,” Mr Lyseight-Jones said.

“We encourage the public to continue reporting instances like this so that we can take the appropriate action,” he added.

n Reports can be on 101 or online.

Thursday, January 20, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 9

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

LOCAL PLAN: Shinfield Tories against Hall Farm development Co-op seeks new council members

Labour and Lib Dem leaders say there’s an opinion ‘split’ BUILDING IN SHINFIELD: Conservative councillors in Shinfield have distributed a leaflet opposing all inappropriate development in their ward

n Continued from front page

“They are completely split, it’s not a good thing for the borough to have the ruling group split in this way,” Cllr Jones said.

“Their responsibility is to ensure that we have a local plan. If they revolt and the plan doesn’t get through, then we really are in trouble.

“If we don’t get through a viable local plan, developers will have a free-for-all. We know they are already circling us.”

Cllr Jackie Rance, Conservative councillor for Shinfield South insisted that it was not political, and could not be called a “split”.

“I’m against the basic proposals because Shinfield has taken such a hit,” she said.

“Residents are not happy.

This is a ward-based issue and I’m just doing what residents require.

“I don’t see it as a split between the ward and the executive. I’m here for the residents.”

David Edmonds, chairman of Wokingham Conservative Association, said that he believes the choice of housing sites in the Local Plan is not a party-political issue.

“At the Wokingham Borough Council level, Conservative councillors believe that our borough has already taken more than its fair share of development and we are opposed to any further inappropriate developments,” he said. “(Wokingham) Conservative leader John Halsall led the very successful Enough is Enough campaign in 2019 which resulted in a reduction of housing targets, and we will continue to fight on behalf of our residents to reduce them further.

“At a ward level each Conservative councillor and Ward team acts in the interest of the residents they represent.”

Mr Edmonds said that he is a member of both the Shinfield and Arborfield ward teams, and is opposed to the Hall Farm development.

“Shinfield Conservatives and Arborfield Conservatives are opposed to the Hall Farm development because local residents feel our area has already taken too much housing and we are all concerned that the local infrastructure would not cope with the strain.

“The choice of housing sites ... is a ward interest issue on which councillors across all parties should take a position based on the views of their residents, not their party.

“Shinfield South’s Cllr Jackie Rance has made her position

Picture: Phil Creighton

very clear. She is opposed to the Hall Farm development.

“Both Jackie and I will continue doing all we can to stop further inappropriate development here.”

Cllr Jim Frewin, independent councillor for Shinfield South said that when he first saw the leaflet, he was surprised.

“I thought, ‘It’s about time they stuck up for residents’,” he said.

“Then I thought, ‘Why is this all of a sudden?’. I’ve been pushing this for years.”

Cllr Frewin said that he opposes the Hall Farm plan in its current form, and was particularly concerned about the impact it would have on traffic.

“There are no rail links, and the existing roads are too thin to add bus lanes,” he said.

The councillor called it a “totally ludicrous” plan and said that it would place a heavy strain on the Black Boy Roundabout and on Junction 11 of the M4.

“They are already at capacity,” he said. “This plan will use all of the same routes.

Everyone in Reading and Wokingham will suffer because of it.”

Cllr Rachel Burgess, leader of Wokingham Labour said that it was an “extraordinary situation” to see Conservative ward councillors campaigning against the Conservative leadership’s plan.

“The ruling Conservative party has set out its local plan, which includes thousands of houses in Shinfield, yet the local Conservatives are campaigning against its own party’s plan,” she said.

“Either the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing, or there is a serious split in the Conservative party on this issue.

“Or worse, the Conservatives are trying to hoodwink residents by having their cake, presenting the local plan, and eating it, by garnering local election support from residents by simultaneously campaigning against the local plan.”

Cllr Burgess said that Conservative councillors supported the plans to build the

new film and television studios in proximity to the Hall Farm site.

“The jobs created by these studios are one of the reasons causing housing demand in this location,” she said.

“It makes little sense for Conservative councillors to support the film studios but not the associated housing development.”

Cllr Burgess said that all residents have received a letter from the Conservative leader of the council, Cllr John Halsall, setting out the reasons for housebuilding.

“This expensive mailshot is a clear case of using Wokingham Borough Council’s name, and taxpayers’ funds, to try and protect Conservative councillors and make political gains,” she said.

“The letter notes that residents cannot just say ‘no’ to the Hall Farm development, because if the houses aren’t built there they may be built in Twyford and Ruscombe, northern parishes which currently have a lot fewer houses allocated than Shinfield.

“Residents should also consider whether it is a coincidence that the leader of the council is a director of The Campaign to Protect Rural Wokingham, a company that is dedicated to stopping development in his own backyard of Ruscombe, including in the past, the engagement of a top barrister and a firm of planning consultants.”

Mr Edmonds added that political parties of all colours accept that there is a need for more housing in the country.

“We can all agree that everyone should have a affordable place to live and to call home,” he said.

“It is all very well for Cllr Jones to throw stones and criticise Conservative councillors for doing their best to represent local residents but he has been silent on what the local Liberal Democrats would do in the same circumstance.”

Mr Edmonds said that the national Liberal Democrat party calls for the government

housing targets to be increased.

“Yet locally they are asking for the house building target to be reduced,” he said.

“The Lib Dems are sitting on the fence and trying to face all ways ... by opposing housing targets locally while saying they are too low in national campaigns.”

A NATIONAL co-operative business is looking for new council members from Wokingham.

Co-op has launched a recruitment drive for representatives to have a say in the running of the group, including Co-op food stores, funeral homes, legal services business and insurance arm.

The group are especially interested in applications from ethnic minorities, candidates with disabilities and those from the LGBTQ+ community.

Louise Walker from the Co-op council diversity

working group said that they are working hard to be more inclusive and build a council that will represent customers.

“Last year we elected our first Black female president,” she said.

To qualify to stand for election, members need to have joined before January 2019 and have earned 500 membership points between Sunday, January 3 last year and Saturday, January 1 this year.

Applications close at noon on Friday, February 25.

n For more information visit: cooperative.coop/councilelection

10 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

Hare Hatch Sheeplands submits plan for £5m refurb

BIG PLANS: Andy Dicks and Rob Scott at Hare Hatch Sheeplands have plans for a refurbishment of the site.

Picture: Jess Warren

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today HARE HATCH businesses owners have submitted their renovation plans to the council in a “last throw of the dice” to save their company.

Rob Scott, owner of Hare Hatch Sheeplands, said that his application to remodel the site is now live on the borough council’s website, and open to comments from residents.

The plans include changing the business from a plant nursery to garden centre.

This would mean they could then “compete on a level playing field” with Dobbies and The Berkshire Gardener on the Bath Road, said Mr Scott.

He estimates that renovations will cost around £5 million, and will modernise the site.

Mr Scott said that the plans are a “whole site solution” to keeping the business alive, and believes it to be a commercially viable and sustainable plan.

The plans include the current plant nursery being knocked down and replaced with a modern building with an outdoor display area.

The farm shop would remain, and the cafe relocated to a different section of the building.

Outside, a play area would replace existing glass houses,

OPEN: Cllr Kay Gilder was given a tour of the new HK Superstore in Woodley’s town centre Pictures: Woodley Town Council backing on to a field for recreational use.

Plans also include planting a woodland at the north of the site, alongside the Bath Road.

This would mostly consist of purple-flowering Paulownia trees, which research has shown can capture 10 times more carbon than some other tree species.

Mr Scott said that the scheme meets green belt requirements, and would see a 564% increase in hedgerow biodiversity.

It will also decrease floorspace by 58%, allowing more room for green areas.

In November last year, the duo ran a public consultation on the plans. These are still available to view at the site.

The three-day event showcased the visual plans in the current cafe, with questionnaires for visitors to complete.

“We have addressed any concerns raised from this,” Mr Scott said.

“There has been overwhelming public support, and we have shown in the past that the public want this.

“Our public consultation presentation is still on view at

Hare Hatch Sheeplands and I would be delighted to meet with Wokingham Today readers to answer any questions and discuss the plans in detail.”

Mr Scott said that ward councillor and council leader, Cllr John Halsall responded to the November consultation and wished Hare Hatch Sheeplands luck with the scheme.

Now, residents can have their say on the council’s planning portal. The consultation ends on Tuesday, February 1. n To view and comment, visit: planning.wokingham.gov.uk and search for application 214108.

Tea bag gift helps residents mark Brew Monday THERE are few problems that can’t be sorted out over a cuppa, and a new campaign launched on Monday aimed to tackle loneliness.

Residents of Loddon Homes and Berry Brook Homes received some tea bags so they can make their own brews.

Accompanying it was a leaflet

encouraging recipients to reach out to someone they care about.

Residents are also reminded that the team can be reached for help and support and includes a list of useful contact details.

The gift is to show support for the Samaritan’s Brew Monday initiative.

The text read: “We want to make sure that our residents know that we are more

than just a landlord and we want to help build communities and connections. And you can always reach out to us for any help and support.

“So, put the kettle on, have a brew, and reach out to someone you care about.”

It also included useful numbers including the Samaritans 24-hour helpline, which is 116 123.

Woodley’s deputy mayor cuts the ribbon to new superstore A NEW supermarket was opened in Woodley last week.

On Wednesday, January 12, deputy town mayor, Cllr Kay Gilder, cut the ribbon to mark HK Superstore officially open.

The town centre shop is managed by Suyashi Prrasad and owned by Harbal Singh and Kashif Asghar.

It stocks a wide range of fresh produce, including miniature pineapples, okra and a large selection of fresh chillies.

The supermarket also has an extensive range of spices, meats, sweets and traditional Indian foods.

Cllr Gilder was given an extensive tour of the shop.

“It was fascinating to see so many different fruits and vegetables, many of which I have never seen before,” she said.

“The staff were so helpful and told us about the different regions across India and how the ingredients were used in different ways.”

Cllr Gilder said that it was wonderful to welcome a new shop to the precinct and bring more variety to the “wonderful town”.

Reading College offers new T-levels READING COLLEGE will be offering new T-level qualifications from September.

The new Technical Level programmes offer an alternative to A-levels or an apprenticeship.

The college will offer qualifications in management and administration, engineering, digital production, design and development, and adult nursing.

T-levels are employer led qualifications, which follow on from GCSEs. They carry the equivalent UCAS points as three A-levels.

The two-year programmes feature 80% classroom learning and 20% industry placement, and are aimed at students who prefer a more technical education rather than following a purely academic pathway, or a work-based apprenticeship.

Industry placements last for nine weeks across the two years.

Salwa Boon, curriculum design director responsible for the rollout of T-levels at Activate Learning, said that he is excited to extend the T-level offering.

“We believe T-levels are exciting new qualifications, that have been developed with even greater input from employers across the relevant sectors and give students a unique opportunity to be workready,” he said.

“We have worked hard at Activate Learning to develop a strong network of employer partners, which has opened up amazing opportunities for our students once they have successfully completed their T-level with us.” n For more information, visit: reading.activatelearning.ac.uk

Thursday, January 20, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 11

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

DOWN IN THE MOUTH: Unions warn that NHS dentistry is ‘hanging by a thread’

Number of NHS dentists in Berkshire West CCG has declined over five years

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today UNIONS have warned that NHS dentistry is “hanging by a thread” with some patients facing two-year waits for routine check ups.

Data from NHS England and NHS Wales shows more than 2,500 dental posts — made up of 951 dentists — have been lost.

In Berkshire West CCG, which includes Wokingham and Reading boroughs, the number of NHS dentists has decreased by 9% in the last five years.

Other areas of the country have faired worse.

The number of NHS dentists in two English CCGs fell by more than a quarter in the year ending March 31, 2021.

The worst-affected of these was Portsmouth CCG, which lost 26% of its NHS dentists over 12 months.

The British Dental Association (BDA) said that unhappiness with the NHS dental contract was a key factor.

Shawn Charlwood, chair of the BDAs general dental practice committee, warned significant numbers of dentists were planning

DECLINE: The number of NHS dentists in Berkshire West has declined by 9% in five years Picture: Yusuf Belek on Unsplash on leaving the NHS. “NHS dentistry is hanging by a thread, because without NHS dentists, there will be no NHS dentistry,” said Mr Charlwood.

“It’s a really serious situation and every dentist that is lost or every vacancy for NHS dentistry that remains unfilled affects thousands of patients in terms of care and their ability to access care.”

Some practices across the country have struggled to fill vacant posts.

“Every practice struggling

to fill vacancies translates into thousands of patients unable to access care,” said Mr Charlwood.

“Years of failed contracts and underfunding have meant a growing number of dentists no longer see the NHS as a place to build a career.

“The pandemic has upped the ante, and we are now facing down an exodus.

“Ministers have failed to grasp that we can’t have NHS dentistry without NHS dentists.

“Rather than punishing colleagues, we need a service

that recognises and rewards commitment.”

Concern has also been raised about the usefulness of NHS England’s Find a Dentist tool, which was created to help patients find an NHS dentist in their area.

BBC analysis shows around 75% of practices in England had not updated the site to show whether they were accepting NHS patients or not within the last three months.

Interim director of Healthwatch, Chris McCann, said getting up-to-date information as to where people can access service is a “real issue”.

“Information on practices on the NHS website can be outdated,” he added.

“We’ve seen some people having to contact up to 20 practices before finding someone to take them.”

Mr McCann said that struggling to find a dentist can affect the quality of people’s lives.

“The main impact will be the increase in waits for treatment,” he said. “We’ve heard examples of people being told that they have to wait for up to two years

for routine check-ups, and up to six weeks for emergency care.

“These lengthy waits can lead to more serious problems and long term that leads to increased pressure on the NHS like we’ve even seen, and in the most extreme cases people performing DIY extractions.”

And there is an issue of accessibility too, he said.

“We know that some of those who have really struggled the most have been children, disabled people, and people who live in care homes.

“It’s a twin crisis of accessibility and affordability.”

Mr McCann said that for some people even the NHS charges can be a struggle.

“We did research last year and I think around 60% of people find that NHS charges are expensive,” he said.

“But that’s if you can get an NHS dentist. What really puts people under pressure is when they can’t get an NHS dentist and they’re being pushed towards private treatment.”

Until last year, NHS dentists in England and Wales had been using the units of dental activity (UDA) system.

UDAs are used to measure

a practice’s activity. Courses of treatment — for example, a check up or a filling, are banded into UDAs. Practices are set targets of UDAs to achieve, and if that target is missed, the contract holder and the practice can be forced to pay back money — known as claw back.

Critics have claimed the UDA system does not incentivise preventative work, and is a key reason for dentists leaving the health service.

Wales moved away from the UDA system last year.

Mr McCann said: “For us it’s about building back a system where NHS appointments are available to people so that further health inequalities aren’t deepened.”

An NHS spokesperson said that additional funding has been provided to set up 600 urgent dental centres across England so patient services could be maintained during the pandemic.

“People should continue to come forward for the dental care they need, and the care and treatment of people who need it most should be prioritised,” they said.

ACTION: Cllr Rachel Burgess is petitioning for a crossing on the walking route. Picture: Wokingham Labour

Wokingham Labour leader presents petition for safe school crossing PARENTS ARE seriously concerned about the safety of their children when walking to school.

Residents in Norreys contacted Cllr Rachel Burgess, Labour ward councillor, about road safety near The Holt School, as their children cross Milton Road.

She is now presenting a petition to the council to call for action.

The Labour group leader visited the site at the end of the school day, to see the issue.

“I have witnessed just how dangerous the area at the junction of Jubilee Avenue and Milton Road is at busy times, with cars going in different directions on and off the mini roundabout,

people pulling up on the roads, and students unsure whether it is safe to cross,” Cllr Burgess said.

“Residents call it an accident waiting to happen.”

The borough council is planning a crossing on Milton Road as part of the Greenway extension from Cantley Park.

However this does nothing to help The Holt School students, said Cllr Burgess, as it is in the wrong place.

“The proposed crossing serves the Greenway only,” she said.

“Students crossing Milton Road at the proposed crossing site will still have to cross the very busy Jubilee Avenue, and possibly Holt Lane as well, in order to get to school.

“These roads are just as chaotic and dangerous at busy times of day.”

Cllr Burgess said that the vast majority of students this affects live in her ward of Norreys.

“We all know how important it is for children to walk to school but in these conditions I can understand why parents choose to drive, as they are rightly concerned about their children’s safety,” she said.

Cllr Burgess set up a petition to Wokingham Borough Council calling for a safe crossing at this location. It has had hundreds of signatures. She will be presenting the petition on behalf of concerned parents at the council meeting this evening.

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12 | NEWS

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Life of Brian

FUN: Jessie with her wheelchair rocker, built

by Remap volunteers

Brian Hicks

Why the Germans love Cornwall

M

Room with a br opens cafe-gym EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A NEW community focused café and strength training gym has opened in Earley.

Y ancestors originate from Cornwall and some were pirates and smugglers.

I often wondered why so many of my German friends came to Cornwall on holiday and found out the reason when I moved to Düsseldorf in 2011.

I had to buy a TV licence for my flat, as it is compulsory to have one for every German residence, whether you watch TV or not.

The licence now costs over £15 per month, even though state-supported broadcasters like ARD and ZDF take some advertising. I wanted to get my money’s worth and started watching all sorts of programmes.

My favourites were the German crime series.

They are often set in big cities like Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Munich, but also in the smaller ones like Bochum, Münster, Wismar and Potsdam.

There was even one in Düsseldorf, Kommissar Stolberg.

Most are about an hour long, but some, like ARD’s Tatort (crime scene) run for 90 minutes.

Its first episode was screened in 1970.

It is set in various German cities, as well as Vienna and Luzern, with separate teams of detectives.

There are usually elements of humour in these shows, especially Rosenheim Cops, which is more of a comedy than a crime series. After The Bill had ended its long run on ITV, I was amazed to see many of the characters appearing in two episodes of the German series, SOKO Leipzig, speaking perfect German and co-operating with their German counterparts.

BBC’s Crimewatch programme, first broadcast in 1984, is based on the German programme Aktenzeichen XY … ungelöst (Unsolved Cases), now in its 55th year.

One evening I watched a ZDF film based on a romance written by the English author, Rosamunde Pilcher. I was impressed by the beautiful Cornish scenery, grand houses, flashy cars and leading German actors playing British characters.

It was amusing to hear them saying “Guten Tag, Mrs Trewithick”, and no doubt for them too.

Nearly every Sunday evening a Pilcher film was broadcast and I got hooked on these Liebe und Landschaft (love and landscape) films.

It was not surprising that six million Germans were tuning in as well and converting their enthusiasm into Cornish holidays.

Pilcher was born in Lelant in Cornwall in 1924, and moved permanently to Scotland in 1946, after getting married.

Her first international success was The Shell Seekers in 1987, which was made into a Hollywood film starring Vanessa Redgrave und Maximilian Schell.

The German translation, Die Muschelsucher, sold two million copies. She only stopped writing at 87. Over 60 million of her books have been sold, including 15 million in Germany.

ZDF bought up the rights to most of the books and short stories by Pilcher and have broadcast more than 100 films since the first in 1993.

More than 350,000 Germans were holidaying in Cornwall each year until Covid came.

A handful of Pilcher’s books have been made into films for UK television, including Channel 4’s The Other Wife with John Hanna.

It is a pity that British viewers have not been able to see all the ZDF films, whether dubbed or with subtitles.

Mind you, if they had, Cornwall might not be able to cope with the extra hordes of visitors.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

The charity making gadgets that make wishes come true FOUR Wokingham borough volunteers for gadget-creating charity have made one girl’s wishes come true.

The engineers at Remap Berkshire created a special rocking device for wheelchair user Jessie.

She spends a lot of time in her wheelchair and loves to experience motion.

Mum Jane contacted Remap Berkshire’s makeability service to see if they could invent something for her.

The team came up with the device that converts Jessie’s wheelchair into a rocking chair.

Once in place on the rockers, the device is secured by retaining pins and Jessie can be gently rocked back and forth.

The invention was taken to

Jessie’s home for a trial, before making the final adjustments. The rocker worked perfectly and Jessie was so happy it was difficult to prise it away to finish and paint.

Jane was also pleased with the solution the volunteers had mad for her daughter and said: “There is no better gift than the gift of laughter.”

Remap is a charity whose volunteer engineers design and build equipment and gadgets for people with a disability or special need where nothing suitable is available to buy.

All gadgets and equipment are provided entirely free of charge. Volunteers often work in consultation with occupational therapists or physiotherapists.

n For more information, visit: berkshire.remap.org.uk

Get fit and be powered by potatoes SHINTY, climbing, martial arts, kickboxing and water sports are just some of the activities on offer in a special promotion, and it all starts with spuds.

Potato brand Albert Bartlett is on a mission to help the nation get fighting fit by offering free sports sessions The initiative is an opportunity for those looking to kick off 2022 with a healthy mindset by getting active after the festive season.

The sessions are ideal for couples, friends and families seeking fun activities to enjoy.

To sign up, buy a promotional pack of Albert Bartlett Rooster potatoes.

The offer runs until the end of February and the company says it is not to be missed.

It is ideal for those looking to tackle a brand new sport and challenge.

And the company says that its Rooster potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates to fuel any workout and can be enjoyed pre or post workout session.

Michael Jarvis, head of marketing at Albert Bartlett, is thrilled with the offer.

“With many people entering the new year with a healthy mindset, the sports sessions are an excellent way to get fit and active in a fun and exciting way,” he said.

“We’ve tried to offer as wide a variety as possible so people can choose something totally up their street, whether that’s a sport

they already enjoy or something completely different that they fancy taking up.

“The activities are suitable for families too and make for a great day out, particularly in January which can be tedious at the best of times.

“To take part, just pick up a promotional pack of Albert Bartlett Rooster potatoes to claim your free session.”

He adds: “Why not finish off your day with a healthy potato dish? It’s the best carbohydrate to fuel your workouts. It’s a win win.”

Some of the sports on offer in England are yoga, trampolining, tennis, rugby, martial arts, hockey, gymnastics, fitness, fencing, boxing, badminton, athletics, climbing and golf.

To take part, use the code on the promotional pack of Albert Bartlett Rooster Potatoes to book the session online.

Customers have until Saturday, July 30, to redeem the voucher and until Wednesday, August 31 to have their session.

n To check out what’s available, visit: www.poweredbypotatoes.co.uk

Singh Brews, created by Saranjeet Singh, combines his love of good coffee and physical well-being with a hunger to reconnect to the community.

“The pandemic started, and we were all working from home, so I decided to convert my garage into my own personal café and an area to workout in,” said Saranjeet.

However, after discovering that some of his neighbours felt isolated due to Covid-19 restrictions, he decided to invite them to join him.

“I wanted to open it up to my neighbours who were looking for a friendly chat, and maybe suffering from loneliness, but couldn’t go into the town.

“I have a hunger for re-connection with my community since the pandemic started and if I can help one person during these tough times then I have made a difference,” he explained.

After completing a barista course and working in a café, Saranjeet developed an understanding of the brewing process and wanted to share his passion with others.

“I want to give the community a taste of specialty coffee at an affordable price.

“Good things shouldn’t cost a fortune and if you can’t afford the high street prices we are an alternative,” he said.

As well as artisan coffee, Singh Brews offers a range of herbal teas, homemade bakes and cookies.

The snacks on offer at the Hilltop Road venue are not your traditional carb-loaded pastries as Saranjeet sought out recipes which had a nutritional benefit as well.

HAVE A BREW: Singh Brews combines a love “I wanted to bake but as I was getting more health conscious I wanted to avoid the unnecessary sugars and processed foods,” he said.

Alongside a refreshment you can access the on-site strength-training gym.

Saranjeet is a strong advocate for physical activity improving mental health and invites people to get involved and enjoy the benefits.

“It’s not a big space, but it’s functional and people are welcome to use it if they send us a message in advance,” said Saranjeet.

Singh Brews is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday. n For more information, or to book a gym session, follow @Singhbrews on Instagram.

Mikey’s virtual LEJOG with mental health in Mind A KEEN runner from Wokingham is taking on a virtual long-distance charity fundraising challenge.

Michael Kirkwood — known as Mikey — is attempting to run 874 miles, which is the same distance as LEJOG or Lands End to John O’ Groats.

He will build up the miles over the course of the year to raise money for Mind, a mental health charity.

The distance is part of Mikey’s training for two half marathons, Wokingham and Reading, and a 50 kilometre (32 miles) ultra marathon. A normal marathon is 42 kilometres or 26 miles.

“I’m looking forward to the Wokingham half next month, as it’s my first time doing it,” Micky says.

“But my biggest challenge will be in October, when I take part in the South Downs ultra marathon.”

Joining his local running club, Finchampstead Coasters, encouraged him to push his love for running

further. Mikey says they are a “very friendly group of people.”

He is also motivated by his own experiences with mental health and wants to give back to the charity which helped him.

“Mind helped me to get out of a low point I was having three years ago,” he says.

“Having someone to talk to really helped me.”

Fundraising for Mind is a family affair too, as Mikey’s wife Gemma took part in the hundred miles for Mind challenge last year.

“She’s encouraged me a lot,” he adds.

As well as being supported by his wife and two children, Mind have also got behind his efforts.

Ian O’Reilly, head of community and events fundraising at the charity, wished Mikey all the best with the challenge and says the charity are grateful Mikey for his support.

NEWS | 29

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Thursday, January 20, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

rew: Saranjeet m in his garage

Charity releases healthy heart tips for Dry January

WPR_2022‑01‑17_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go

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SWAP: The charity recommends trying alternatives to your usual drink Picture: Heart Research UK HEART Research UK is encouraging residents who started the Dry January challenge to stick with it.

The charity says that drinking too much alcohol can lead to increased blood pressure, some types of cancer and weight gain.

It says that the first step to making a change is knowing your numbers. It is recommended to drink less than 14 units of alcohol per week — the equivalent to approximately seven medium glasses of wine, or six pints of regular strength beer.

Its second tip is to find alternatives to your usual tipple, such as alcohol-free beer or soft drinks.

In recent years, companies have launched alcohol-free spirits to replace gin and whisky.

Heart Research UK says

of good coffee with strength-training All pictures: Dijana Capan

replacing habits can also help people stay dry this month, such as distracting yourself with another activity at the time when you would usually drink.

This could include going for a short walk or catching up with a friend, the charity says.

Anyone that isn’t doing Dry January but is still interested in decreasing their alcohol consumption could try having a soft drink for every other drink, or adding one or more alcohol-free days to the week, the charity says.

Other suggestions include opting for lower strength drinks such as a single spirit mixer instead of a glass of wine. This has around half of the units and calories.

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n For more tips on how to stay healthy, visit: www.heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips

“This is a place where prayer has been valid” (T S Eliot)

BIG CHALLENGE: Mikey Kirkwood is attempting to run 874 miles for charity

To complete one of these running challenges is impressive enough, let alone all the others on his list,” Ian says.

“One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year, and it’s so important that no one has to face this alone.

“Every donation that Mind receives allows us to support as many people as possible.” n For more on Mikey’s challenge, log on to: justgiving.com/fundraising/MichaelKirkwood2 n For more information on Mind, visit: mind.org.uk

This ancient wood, hallowed by more than time, Carries within its depths a quiet space, Where under years of fallen leaves there lie Foundation stones, marking a place, a home.

Hundreds of days have come and gone; sunset, Sunrise, cloud-fall and starlight, trees bare, Trees green, and birth and death of woodland Creatures. Here once, grew herbs of healing, Here, once, lived John the Hermit, his little cell Open to all: bird, beast and womankind.

Here he lived, sent up his quiet prayers, Studied the Holy Book, tended his garden.

Here, his candle-flame and glowing fire Made nightly a sacred ring, beyond which The darkness prowled.

© English Heritage

POETRY CORNER A woodland anchorite Those who sought him came for help We love receiving your poetry.

Email submissions to news@rdg. today and we’ll print a selection every week and healing; Mostly the women, anxious with the cares Of home and children, worldly concerns, spiritual Poverty. Always they left comforted, And graced with wisdom, knowing the Hermit’s prayers Would follow and guide them home, For here, all prayer was valid.

But some there were who came to mock and scorn His lowliness, and one, jealous of John’s Simplicity, came at last to kill.

The bones of Hermit John lie here, beneath What was his garden, tended once with beauty.

All fell at last to ruin, but stones and bones, And herbs run wild, make this a blessed space, Sacred to holy memory.

Rosi Morgan-Barry

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

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Action needed over car meets

IT IS inexplicable that yet again residents have been disturbed by anti-social petrolheads.

Residents who spoke to us this week did so on condition of anonymity, because they were afraid of reprisals.

What has it come to when police won’t shut down obvious breaches of the peace, and, in respect of last year’s meets, in breaches of the covid restrictions in place.

These weren’t parties at Number 10, where a weird kind of tolerance appears to have been given, these were meetings taken place after clear guidance had been issued stating that gatherings were not allowed.

We understand that people want to champion their pride and joys, but we don’t understand the desire to do so in residential areas or public roads where speeding could cause a fatality.

Nor do we understand why drivers feel the need to rev engines constantly.

And we cannot understand why the heartfelt cries of residents for action by the police are falling on deaf ears.

We need this stopped, now.

CHURCH NOTES

Hope and new life at the turn of the year

T

HE first few weeks after the celebrations of Christmas are always flat-the weather is generally awful and life can seem like a long drudge.

I never enjoy the first few weeks of the New Year. The only saving grace is that the evenings are beginning to lengthen, and when the sun does put in an appearance, it is higher in the sky, and gives us more light, this in turn gives us hope of better things to come, the arrival of Spring.

New life, buds, fresh green shoots, succulent leaves, the cycle begins again.

Nature is wonderful, and it is such an amazing example of ‘Hope and New Life’.

Christmas is a time to remember and celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ, who came into this world to offer us all, hope of better things, and a new life. We can’t do much about the ‘post-Christmas blues ‘and the January weather, BUT we can look to Jesus Christ, for hope in this life.

Choosing to follow Jesus allows us a freedom and a release in our lives, it also gives us hope of a new life, spent for all eternity with Almighty God. I always take comfort from Matt 28 vs 20 ‘And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’

We take for granted the fact that winter turns into spring-the dark and the cold become the light and the warmth, thus enabling new life to flourish and grow.

What are your thoughts on Jesus Christ?

Just an image on a Christmas card, or in reality someone to follow, who affords a life changing opportunity-We can have the hope, the joy and the peace.

Our darkness becomes light as we flourish and grow in the presence of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Revd Marina Brain is the community centre manager for the Wokingham Salvation Army Corps, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

Climate change brought to the fore I have been very fortunate to recently visit Antarctica​. I was however shocked to see how it is being affected by Climate Change.

Large amounts of the polar ice have disappeared and the weather across the continent, is very unpredictable.

There is currently too much snow on the ground, which means that seabirds who can only use rocky ledges to nest, cannot find space to lay their eggs.

There is also less krill than there used to be, which is a fundamental and vital food source for many ocean dwelling creatures. ​With the loss of krill, many ocean creatures will cease to exist, which in turn means other species will be lost, and ultimately humans will starve.

The consequences of ​climate change is significant across they whole world and we are all seeing that the weather everywhere is less predictable and more severe. Our government needs to wake up and act NOW to reduce the carbon in the atmosphere. ​ The UK needs to be leading the way, not following.

I have recently read in John Redwood’s Diary, that he claims that the UK’s Carbon Dioxide output would be reduced by reducing immigration to the UK. ​He has clearly missed the fact that climate change is a global issue. ​People don’t stop producing carbon if they are in another country.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 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

Picture of the week A fabulous sunrise over Hennerton Golf Club at Wargrave as the Dawn Patrol group of players set off for their monthly nine hole game.

The beautiful photo was taken by player John Duffy of Binfield.

The popular Dawn Patrol is run by Derick Silver who pairs people up to play and organises the prizes.

The event gives new members the chance to meet other players - and also raises money for a good cause.

Every single person on this planet has a responsibility to do what we can to help. E ​ ither with the cars that we drive, what we eat or the appliances in our home. The key to this though is government action. Government action, locally, nationally and internationally. ​ We have to do this together.

Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, via email

Show your papers, Sir John Opposition to covid passports was widespread amongst Conservative MPs, including from Wokingham’s own John Redwood MP, who joined 98 other rebels in voting against the plans.

But John Redwood MP has not

always taken such a stand against a move to what many Conservatives have called ‘a show your papers’ society. Indeed, they have said little on the dangerous proposals for mandatory voter ID which returned to parliament earlier this week – supporting the government’s plans to require photo ID at polling stations.

These plans are a dangerous threat to democratic equality in the UK and, as groups like the Electoral Reform Society have shown, risk locking millions of legitimate voters out of our elections.

I hope John Redwood MP’s recent concern for the risks of the increased use of ID now extend to access to the ballot box – surely something we can all agree is more key to our rights than getting into a nightclub or large venue.

The future of the BBC

A

COUPLE of tweets by the Culture Secretary does not create a new policy.

It appears for the next few years the Licence Fee remains, though for a couple of years it may not increase.

What she has done is invite those interested to debate the future financing of this important national institution.

The Licence fee is becoming increasingly difficult to collect as many people turn to social media and commercial entertainment and news services which they say they can legally access without paying the Licence fee.

The Fee is also resented by more people who are paying for access to non BBC service but still have to pay the tax because of the way

Proof of vaccinations

I’m disappointed to see that the government look set to bring their dangerous plans for voter ID back to parliament.

Opposition is widespread amongst campaign groups like the Electoral Reform Society, elections experts, academics, and civil society – yet few conservative MPs have spoken out against the policy.

But just before Christmas, John Redwood MP rebelled against the government’s plans to introduce

they watch other services.

The BBC continues to antagonise people who legally do not need to pay with their intimidating emails and messages demanding payment.

One of the reasons BBC support is dropping is the attitudes and content of much BBC output.

Although the BBC sought to be impartial over the formal period of the EU referendum for the rest of the time before and after , it is remorselessly pro-EU putting the EU case against the UK and refusing to treat the EU to critical pieces on its policies and on its ways of arriving at them in the way it does for any UK government.

It campaigns relentlessly for net zero policies, weaving them into the fabric of many of its programmes, and favours the experts of world organisations however wrong they turn out to be.

It plays up Scottish and Welsh identity but refuses similar treatment for England.

It also has some great back catalogue material, employs some talented and interesting people and produces some good programmes.

If it wishes to re establish itself as the accepted voices of the UK it needs to become the people’s BBC. I suggest that the government should now move to decriminalise the licence fee, making it a bill like other household bills.

Enforcement occupies too much time and resource in magistrates courts.

The BBC should also be told to offer the same level of support and service to England that it shows to Scotland by having BBC Scotland.

Sir John Redwood is the MP for Wokingham

Disappointed

Sir John Redwood

Ian Aitken, Earley While most of us in Wokingham would agree some level of precautions are necessary to combat the ongoing spread of Covid-19 the use of covid passports has been one of the more controversial measures.

Requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test to access venues or large events is something that John Redwood MP and 98 other Conservative MPs voted against before Christmas.

The Elections Bill returned to parliament earlier this week, with plans to introduce mandatory voter ID at polling stations – something the Electoral Reform Society have found could see millions potential voters prevented from casting a vote due to a lack of accepted ID. I’m sure John Redwood MP would agree that the impact of being

Chris Mitchell, Winnersh

Westminster diary

covid passports – a ‘show your papers policy’ – to access some large events and venues.

I can only hope John Redwood MP takes a similar stand on this attempt by the government to demand identification before law abiding citizens can exercise their democratic rights.

Surely the risk of being locked out of the ballot box is far more serious than missing out on a concert or event.

Thursday, January 20, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

prevented from taking part in our democratic process is far greater an issue than being turned away from a concert or nightclub - so I hope to see them once again standing up for our rights and opposing this ‘papers please’ policy in parliament.

David Hodgson, Wokingham

Thanks for your support I just wanted to say a huge thanks for the story you ran on our free dementia training for family carers. The article directly resulted in two more people booking onto the course, who are already starting to benefit from the techniques that we teach, and the chance to meet other like-minded carers. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support for our local charity.

Lucy White, Fundraiser and Training Co-ordinator, Understanding Dementia

Well paid, council tax payer Dear Resident. Those are the opening words from Leader of Wokingham Borough Council Conservative John Halsall in a very lengthy glossy threepage letter – paid, of course, by you the council tax payer.

In it he pleads the case for building 4,500+ houses along the side of the River Loddon.

The Loddon river and the surrounding area floods badly and Hall Farm also sits under the shadow of Bearwood Lakes Class A Dam. This madness Cllr Halsall is selling as the saviour of Wokingham Borough.

Cllr Halsall makes references to FAKE NEWS but goes on to say we cannot build on green belt in one document yet on another page he says you can build on green belt in exceptional circumstances.

Which is it?

Green Belt in the North could be

swapped with the Green Fields at Grazeley if Grazeley cannot be built on.

What a bonus that would be.

More FAKE NEWS: “What happens if we don’t have a local plan” should be read that the local plan does not have to include 4,500+ houses at Hall Farm. They can be anywhere.

Yet more FAKE NEWS: Cllr Halsall makes a case for developers rubbing their hands with glee if we don’t have a plan as we would face the prospect of no green space in the Borough. What he really means is no green space available in his Ward and his mates ward in Hurst both in the North of the Borough but lots in Arborfield, Shinfield, Barkham Winnersh etc.

Can a Conservative council which, in the last 10 years has built 97% of all its housing in the South of the Borough and only 3% in the North (his domain) be trusted to do the fair and honourable in housing allocation? One for our residents to answer.

Where are the rejected options to the riverside Hall Farm and its 4,500+ houses? It’s Ruscombe and the Ashridge area.

Who is the Councillor for Ruscombe?

Why it’s the Leader of the Council, the one and only John Halsall. NIMBY springs to mind.

The architect of this Local Plan is Cllr Wayne Smith and he is the Councillor for Hurst and where is Ashridge? Hurst, of course.

Perhaps they explains why they would rather destroy lager tracts of our green borough as long as their parishes stay green. I rest my case. May elections will be the time to right this wrong.

Finally, my thanks to all Wokingham council tax payers for paying for this expensive glossy three-page letter sent to every household in the borough.

Reading its message makes it very

VIEWPOINTS | 31

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 clear that not a houses is to be built in Cllr John Halsall’s and Wayne Smith’s parishes in the north of the borough.

As Del Boy would say, you know it makes sense.

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

It’s time to clear the swamp Boris, Partygate, Handcock, Jenrick, Cummings, Corbyn, Starmer, the Jackie Weaver experience, the Downing Street social club, the list goes on and on and is growing daily.

All of these recent events have highlighted that the ‘political and administration world’ has become a bit of a ‘swamp’.

Donald Trump got many things wrong but on the ‘swamp’ he was spot on. One set of rules for them and one set for the rest of us is wrong and needs to change.

It’s time to clear the swamp.

Just over three years ago, after being aggressively and arrogantly told by a local Cllr that there was nothing I could do because (quote) ‘I was only a resident’, I stood as an Independent candidate and was surprisingly elected.

I am under no illusion that this was due more to Shinfield residents being totally fed up with Wokingham Borough Council and the incumbent Cllrs than it was about me.

I am told that being elected as an Independent is extremely rare and something I should be proud of. Yet when asked what I do, why do I find myself justifying being a Cllr?

Instinctively I feel a level of embarrassment about being associated with a culture and set of behaviours that appear common place. It should not be like that.

I find myself in a place where you would not believe how hard is to get a

street light bulb changed, where vehicles get lifted to paint double yellow lines and then ticketed before the paint is dry, where getting action for families living under significant health risks from damp housing or trying to prevent repeated fatalities on a stretch of road, takes far too long.

A place where the local plan is so far removed from being fair and equitable that it really highlights the culture and mind set of those in our local ‘swamp’.

Is this really how we want Wokingham to be?

It is not all bad, there are some really good people, who truly care about the ‘real world’ and a lot of good things can and do happen.

But it needs to change.

Public service should be about serving the community. If political parties and political leaders cannot recognise this or are unwilling to do so, then it’s time to kick them out. It is time for communities to take back control.

There are local Ccouncils that have moved away from party politics and become independent. There are Councils where political parties have learned to work together. Could this work in Wokingham? Could we have an independent and/or a collaborative Wokingham? A Wokingham where the political and administrative focus was on our community and not party politics or self-interest. Why not?

Cllr Jim Frewin, indpendent councillor for Shinfield South on Wokingham Borough Council

Still time to take part in NSPCC Maths fun fundraising day

On February 4, schools across the UK will come together for a day filled with fun educational maths activities, as part of the NSPCC’s Number Day.

Number Day is an annual event that sees teachers and pupils raise vital funds for the NSPCC so it can continue its important work protecting children from abuse and supporting them with any issues they may face. It is free for any school to sign up and there’s still time Berkshire to get involved.

Once registered, the NSPCC will send it everything it needs. This will include resources that can be used in the classroom, including games and activities such as Buddy’s Key Challenge.

This features the NSPCC mascot Buddy the speech bubble, which pupils may recognise from the charity’s Speak Out. Stay Safe assembly. For this challenge, pupils complete maths puzzles to create a key which can unlock a door so Buddy can visit their school.

Schools will also be sent tips and ideas on how to fundraise, resources to help promote Number Day and teachers will have access to a wide range of games and tasks.

After the challenges of the past 18 months and the disruption that children have faced, we hope that Number Day will be a day of fun that children look forward to. I’d encourage any school that hasn’t already signed up to visit the NSPCC website and get involved.

The fallout of the pandemic has been huge for children and young people and by fundraising for the NSPCC through Number Day, schools will help our staff continue to be here for those facing abuse, neglect or struggling with their mental health.

To sign up to take part in Number Day, all you need to do is visit the NSPCC’s website and search for Number Day and fill in your school’s details using the registration form.

Andrew Skea, NSPCC Assistant Director for the East of England

32 | BUSINESS

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Time for a refreshing cuppa

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today

New home supply challenges in THE HOUSING sector will continue to face a lack of supply this year.

That’s one of the takeaways from the WhatHouse? Predictions Report for 2022.

It says that while 71% of housebuilders are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead, 73% predict the impact of supply chain problems – specifically material shortages of bricks and timber – would be a key issue going into 2022.

Inflation and product prices are also concerns, with logistical issues from Brexit also cited as concerns: 67% of housebuilders said that an increase to the supply of new housing stock would be hampered by a scarcity of bricklayers and plasters and planning constraints, as well.

Daniel Hill, managing director of WhatHouse? said: “Throughout 2021, UK housebuilders raised concerns around supply chain shortages.

“The problem was reported by volume and SME housebuilders alike, with almost threequarters of both groups reporting supply shortages of key building materials.

“Looking ahead, more than a quarter said supply chain delays would have the greatest impact on the housebuilding sector in 2022.”

His view was echoed by housebuilders.

Kelly Sharman, the sales and marketing director of Hayfield Homes, said: “These ongoing issues – which have been significantly affected by the pandemic and Brexit – are having an impact on output and ultimately the number of new homes being delivered to customers.”

A NEW Winnersh-based business is bringing a medicinal herb from West Africa to the UK in the form of tea.

Respite Tea is made from dried Vernonia amygdaliana, commonly known as bitter leaf. It has been used for centuries in West Africa as a traditional remedy for inflammatory ailments and is grown all over the region. It is used like a vegetable in cooking.

Business owner Ngozi Fakeye says that for her, it has been beneficial in treating the symptoms of endometriosis.

It is a long-term condition affecting women, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can be hereditary, and symptoms include extremely painful periods. Ngozi uses bitter leaf alongside prescribed and overthe-counter medication.

“It was my Nigerian grandmother who reminded me about the benefits of bitter leaf,” Ngozi says.

“This kind of knowledge gets forgotten or not passed down in

second generation immigrant families.”

The idea for the business came after it became more challenging during 2020 to get fresh bitter leaf in the UK. Ngozi and her sister Kate Adetola went in search of alternatives.

“We found a supplier of dried leaves, but it is just not the same using it for cooking.

“So we wondered how we could use the dried bitter leaf and still get the benefits, and we realised that turning it into a herbal tea would be a great solution.

“We were really surprised that it was not already being produced in the UK.” Ngozi began to research tea production and the food development process needed to

bring her idea to market. Respite Tea took 12 months of development and testing before being registered and launched in July.

Respite Tea has a range of five bitter leaf tea blends.

“My background is in business development for IT software, so I had some idea of questions to ask about the process,” she explains.

“But I had no idea that I would be able to blend the bitter leaf when I started out.

“The warm blend with chilli flakes is my favourite.”

She has chosen to grow the business slowly, by going to markets and using word-ofmouth. As well as having a small production site in Caversham, Ngozi’s daughter Kishi helps make teabags at home in Winnersh.

Next steps include getting the teabags into local delis and launching an advertising campaign.

“It’s about bringing my heritage and culture to a new place,” Ngozi says.

“And so far, it’s going really well.”

n For more information, visit: respitetea.com

Job loss lights a new flame for Gemma and Ivan THE FOUNDER of a candlemaking business based in Twyford is celebrating the end of a successful year. And it began with losing her job, writes Natalie Burton.

Gemma Chadwick had been working in the event planning industry for 15 years before the pandemic hit. Work dried up as a result, and she was made redundant at the beginning of this year.

Her business, A Late Night Tale, was born after a conversation over a bottle of wine one evening with her husband, Ivan.

“We noticed that many of the bottles and beer cans we had waiting to go for recycling had attractive labels and we wondered whether they could be used for something else,” Gemma explains.

“It was Ivan who suggested that we upcycle them into candles.

“The name we came up with is about how empty bottles and cans tell a story of the moment when the contents were consumed.”

Gemma researched how to set up her own business.

She also learned about candlemaking and began to experiment with the process.

It included learning how to use specialist glass cutting equipment, and making the cut edges of bottles and cans smooth and safe.

A Late Night Tale’s website was launched in February, with Gemma using the couple’s own empties to make orders.

“To begin with, I was making the

BRIGHT IDEA: A Late Night Tale sells upcycled candles, using recycled bottles from companies including Loddon Brewery and Stanlake Vineyard

candles alongside homeschooling,” she adds. The Chadwicks have two daughters, Lizzie, who is 11, and Millie, six.

Business began to pick up once lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Gemma says that she initially thought the idea would develop into making upcycled candles with bespoke labels for events such as weddings and festivals.

“But then I had a call from Natalia at Stanlake Vineyard, a

sking whether I could make their empties into candles for their shop.

“Now I have other vineyards and breweries I make for, including Chiltern Valley Winery and Loddon Brewery.”

Other shops supplied by Gemma include Twyford’s Rural Pie Co. and a vegan store in Lechalde, Gloucestershire.

Her products also sell at fayres and online, and customers give their own empties for upcycling too.

“All of my candles are made in small batches of between 20 and 40 and use soy wax as I found this was the best method,” she says.

She is enjoying the experience and says that she probably always wanted to run her own business deep down.

“I did not ever think this time last year I would be where I am this year.

“Without redundancy I would never had made a change.” n For more, visit: alatenighttale.com

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Thursday, January 20, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Council meeting was like ‘a toxic Vicar of Dibley episode’ EXCLUSIVE

By STAFF WRITER news@wokingham.today A HEATED parish council meeting was “like something out of an unusually toxic Vicar of Dibley episode”, it’s been claimed.

The meeting with about 20 members of the public present was described as a “real humdinger” with feelings high about sites proposed for building and other matters.

But it’s not the only humdinger there’s been at Hurst Parish Council in recent weeks.

At a previous meeting, in November, the public forum part “became increasingly lively and acrimonious” and had to be closed down, the minutes reveal.

Thirty members of the public attended.

The minutes leading up to the forum closure show disagreement between two villagers Lou Robinson and Hurst Village Society planning member John Osborne.

According to the minutes, Mrs Robinson alleged that the Hurst Village Society (HVS) was “not protecting the village from future development and, if the village is not careful, it is paving the way for landowners and developers to build all over Hurst’s greenfield sites.”

She made other comments about HVS. The minutes reported Mr Osborne saying Mrs Robinson’s comments were outrageous.

He had hoped she might have commented to his face rather than in a public forum.

Mrs Robinson felt that HVS was not being proactive against development.

Mr Osborne replied that the [Protect] Hurst Action Group [another village group] was shrouded in secrecy and no one was truly aware of its operation.

Parish council chair, Councillor Wayne Smith told the [November]

VILLAGE CENTRE: Hurst Village Halls in School Lane where parish council meetings take place Picture: Brendan and Ruth McCartney / Wikimedia Commoons meeting that the conversations were for outside the meeting, and the matter was not for the parish council.

This week Mr Osborne said: “We would vehemently deny Hurst Village Society are not protecting the village from any adverse or inappropriate development.

“I would direct people to our website planning page.

“On it our engagement in a whole variety of ongoing planning issues and proactive stance in relation to many planning issues and applications can be seen.”

There’s been strong debate in Hurst about proposals and planning applications to build homes on fields in the last year.

As a result, many more villagers go to parish council meetings.

People at last week’s meeting declined to comment on it to Wokingham Today.

Sue Ryder thanks county for raising £20,000 A CHARITY has thanked Berkshire residents for raising £20,000 during October last year.

Sue Ryder supporters from across the county put their best foot forward and headed out on a Walk to Remember throughout the month to honour someone special.

One of those who laced up their trainers was Caroline Parry from Wokingham, who walked in tribute to her husband, Patrick.

He received care at Sue Ryder’s Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading before his death in January 2018.

Ms Parry chose to walk at Dinton Pastures Country Park on the day that would have been her husband’s 80th birthday.

“I wanted to take part in Walk to Remember to help Sue Ryder because of all of the incredible support they gave us as a family,” she explained. “Patrick wasn’t in the hospice for a long time, but the help that was given to us was just amazing and the charity will

Caroline Parry who walked in tribute to her husband, Patrick always be close to my heart.”

Laura Kell from Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, thanked everyone who took part.

“Every step that was taken and every pound that was raised will help us to continue to offer our compassionate care and support and be there for families when it matters most,” she said.

The hospice is currently on the lookout for people who want to run the Reading Half Marathon in April.

On Tuesday Parish Council chair Wayne Smith had not replied to Wokingham Today’s earlier requests to discuss the meeting.

The parish council is due to comment on what it thinks about the sites put forward in the Local Plan for future housing.

Two sites for a total of 15 homes are in Broadwater Lane. The Green Heart of Hurst campaign is fighting to stop the homes and protect 300 year old oak trees.

Asked for the council’s comments on the Local Plan sites the council clerk said: “Councillors are currently considering their response and this will be sent to WBC [Wokingham Borough Council] by the deadline of the 24th January.”

She said a copy of the council’s response would go on the parish council website. Last week’s meeting minutes will be on the website later.

Leighton Park School achieves top marks A PRIVATE school in Shinfield is celebrating after being awarded top marks.

Leighton Park School was awarded a double excellent by the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI). It is the highest award an independent school can be given, which recognises both the quality of pupils’ personal development and academic progress.

Findings include the progress made by pupils with special educational needs and the outstanding commitment pupils have to contributing to the school and wider community.

It is the first time the school has gained the top category in all areas of inspection.

Headteacher Matthew Judd said that he is pleased that the report is so positive about every aspect of his school.

“This is testament to the collective commitment and dedication of the whole school community — students, parents, staff, governors and Old Leightonians,” he said.

“Leighton Park is a truly remarkable school and I am tremendously pleased that the work and character of all of the community has been recognised this way.”

The report follows several accolades, including the Independent Schools Association award for outstanding community involvement last year.

NEWS | 33

34 | NEWS

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FROMTHECOURTS A TWYFORD man has been fined £500 and banned from driving for 12 months after being found guilty of getting behind the wheel while drunk.

Daniel Pincott, 41 and from New Road was stopped by polices in Plough Lane, Shiplake on March 29, 2021.

A test revealed he had 57 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, making him above the legal limit.

Pincott pleaded guilty and, at a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on October 11, he was given the penalties.

He must also pay £135 costs and £50 to victim services.

A READING man who stole household products and meat from the Co-op in School Green, Shinfield, has been ordered to undertake a drug rehabilitation activity.

Philip Willliam Duell, 42 and from Park View, was caught in the store on September 17, 2020. The value of the goods was unknown.

He carried out a similar theft at the same store three days later, on September 22, on October 6.

He also stole meat worth

£105 from the Co-op branch at the University of Reading on September 29. He was ordered to pay compensation of £105 for this theft.

At a hearing of Reading Magistrates Court on October 11, Duell was instructed to get treatment for his addiction and carry out 100 hours of community service.

No order for costs was made due to his means.

A WOKINGHAM man has been given a 12-week jail sentence, suspended for two years, after failing to provide a breath specimen while in custody.

Manntansir Ahmed, 42 and from Kingbridge Cottages, pleaded guilty to the following charges when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on October 12: Failing to provide a specimen at Loddon Valley police station on March 16, 2020 and using threatening/ abusive/insulting words or behaviour designed to cause harassment, alarm or distress to a police officer on the same day.

He was ordered to get treatment for alcohol

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Courts in recent weeks

addiction, pay £100 compensation and £128 to victim services.

He must also pay £300 costs and was banned from driving for 10 months.

A WOODLEY woman who drove without insurance in place has been given a six-point penalty on her driving licence.

Hayley Frankham, 29 and from South Lake Crescent, was stopped in Bracknell on November 21, 2020, when the offence was committed.

She pleaded guilty and, at a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on October 29, she was fined £180, ordered to pay £200 costs and £34 to victim services.

A WOKINGHAM man has been given a six-month conditional discharge after pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour in Wokingham on November 7, 2020.

Liam Mark Cook, 21 and from Old Forest Road, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates COurt on November 3.

He was ordered to pay £85 costs and £22 to victim services.

AN ARBORFIELD man who drove while over the limit has been banned from driving for 19 months.

George Mwangi Maina, 38 and from Kelvin Close, was stopped on Park Lane in Finchampstead on Augurst 15, 2020. A test found that he had

170 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood – more than twice the legal limit.

Maina’s driving ban will be reduced by 18 weeks on completion of a safe driving course.

At a hearing on November 8, Reading Magistrates fined him £180, ordered him to pay £180 costs and £34 to victim services.

For a second offence of failing to appear in court on September 3, Maina was fined £50.

A TWYFORD woman who was nearly twice over the drink-drive limit has been given 10 points on her licence and fined £900.

Nicola Dickson, 41 and from Broad Hinton, was stopped on Kiln Lane in Bourne End and Lower Cookham Road in Maidenhead on October 10, 2020.

A test found 156 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millitres of breath. The limit is 80.

She was also charged with driving without due care and attention.

Although Dickson had

pleaded not guilty, at a hearing on November 9, Reading Magistrates disagreed.

In addition to her fine and points, she must pay £620 costs and £90 to victim services.

A SPENCERS WOOD man who failed to attend appointments set by the court has been fined £50 and ordered to pay £75 costs.

Brendan Joseph Ryce, 21 and from Blackwtaer Close, failed to attend the sessions on August 24 and September 14, 2021.

At a hearing on November 15, he admitted the breach.

A WOKINGHAM man who used threatening, abusive or insulting words towards another person has been fined £50.

Jack William Godfrey, 25 and of Potters Crescent, pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place on November 7, 2020 in Wokingham.

Godfrey was given the fine and ordered to pay £34 to victim services, during a sitting of Slough Magistrates on November 17.

35

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

News from your clubs & groups.

Email news@wokingham.today

Planting more than ideas for 2022

PLANTERS: More than 50 volunteer Easthampstead Rotarians and Friends, 2nd Easthampstead Scout Group, and pupils and parents from Jennett’s Park School gathered on Jennett’s Hill to plant dozens of trees IT was early on a cold misty morning, and more than 50 volunteer Easthampstead Rotarians and Friends, 2nd Easthampstead Scout Group’s beavers, cubs and scouts, and pupils and parents from close-by Jennett’s Park School gathered on Jennett’s Hill to plant dozens of trees.

The 75 saplings of English oak, crab apple and wild cherry – funded by the Rotary Club – were supplied by Bracknell Forest Parks and Countryside.

Park Ranger Joe Malyan showed how to plant, stake and protect the saplings.

Bruce Irvine, who had organised the Rotarians’ earlier tree plantings at Savernake Park and Lily Hill Park back in 2018, reported that the vast majority of those saplings were growing well.

And Easthampstead Rotarian Peter von Bergen engaged with the younger volunteer tree planters to explore why they should plant trees now, and to discover how tall the saplings will grow and how long they might live.

Protecting our environment is the latest focus for Rotarians locally and globally.

Others are: Disease prevention – where Rotarians worldwide have been at the forefront in the campaign to End Polio Now. The global vaccination infrastructure has been the key, and is now helping to vaccinate the world against the Coronavirus. Also providing clean water through Sand Dams in Supporting education – where Rotarians help to fund schools in Africa, and help local students with CV writing, interview techniques, and career choices. Easthampstead Rotarians have organised Technology Tournaments at Garth Hill College, and the Youth Speaks competition hosted

by Luckley House School near Wokingham.

Promoting peace – where Easthampstead Rotarians have awarded grants to Youthline to help fund their counselling service.

Also, during Covid, Easthampstead Rotarians have

assisted at vaccination centres, supported the Bracknell and Wokingham Foodbanks and the Cowshed crisis charity.

Future fundraising events include the Reading Male Voice Choir charity concert on Saturday. March12, at the Caudwell Hall, Holme Grange School in Wokingham; the Bracknell Together Walk on Sunday 22 May around South Hill Park; the 3 Counties Cycle Ride on Sunday, June 12 from Garth Hill College; and the Bracknell Samaritans Run on Saturday, June 25, from Easthampstead Park School.

To raise funds for your favourite charities, book the dates in your new 2022 diaries, and watch this space for more details.

Easthampstead Rotarians are currently meeting fortnightly to have fun together, welcome guest speakers and progress their community projects - local and international. n For more details call Brian on 07720 321 526 Email: brian. sutterby4@gmail.com

Peter von Bergen

60 not out for Woodley Townswomen WOODLEY Townswomen’s Guild turned sixty in May 2021.

As the Guild was unable to celebrate last May due to restrictions we held a belated birthday celebration earlier this month.

Forty-eight ladies went to the Berkshire Masonic Centre in Sindlesham.

On arrival we had coffee followed by a short talk about the history and charitable work of the Masons and a visit to the Masonic Temple.

We then went to the Flavell Suite for a delicious lunch.

We had our scrapbooks going back to 1961 on display

and it was very interesting to look back on what the guild had done over the years.

Some of our longstanding members talked briefly about their memories of visits, holidays and other happy times with the Guild.

We also held a free raffle.

Woodley Townswomen’s Guild meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7.45pm at Chapel Hall, Loddon Bridge Road, Woodley RG5 4BG. We have a varied programme of speakers and plenty of time to socialise as well.

We also have several small interest groups which meet through the month. New members are always welcome.

For further details, please contact our secretary on: 0118 969 8846.

Lesley Powell

ANNIVERSARY: The Revd Canon David Hodgson has been at All Saints Church in Wokingham for 25 years Picture: Emma Ramsgill

Silver Sunday for parish priest: All Saints marks 25th anniversary of its rector MEMBERS of All Saints Church Wokingham have celebrated 25 years since its Rector, the Revd Canon David Hodgson, first came to the church.

Special congratulations were offered, and gifts presented both to David and his wife Lorraine during a Sunday service.

Colleagues and parishioners shared their memories and photos in an e- card emailed to David on the morning of the anniversary.

Bell ringers at the church rang a congratulatory quarter peel using a method called Pudsey Surprise Major in recognition of David’s hometown of Pudsey in West Yorkshire.

Flower arrangers incorporated the theme in

floral pedestals at the church.

David said: “Lorraine and I have been truly overwhelmed by the kind words that many people have said or written to us in connection with the 25th anniversary of the start of my work at All Saints Church on 12th January 1997.

“It is a real privilege to serve in such a lively, active, and interesting town as Wokingham and it is a joy to meet and share in ministry with so many different people here.

“We look forward to an exciting time ahead at All Saints this year as we transform the church building to be an accessible and flexible community space through our ‘spaceforall’ project”.

He said: “Of course there have been many changes and a growth in the size of the town over the last 25 years.

“My aim has been to lead the church community to adapt its life and work by innovating to ensure that we have continued to support and serve the changing community around us.

“I’ve worked at this task with some amazingly dedicated and talented minister colleagues and church members who have brought their energy and many gifts.

“I feel blessed and thankful to lead a thriving church community at the heart of the parish of All Saints Wokingham offering a welcome and support to anyone who looks to it.”

New term announced for Newbold College’s Diversity Lecture series THE 2022 Newbold Diversity Lectures begin next month.

This term’s theme is faith and environmental action – diverse responses.

The first session is on Tuesday, February 8, starting at 7.30pm.

Professor David Clough, a professor in theology and applied sciences at the University of Aberdeen will be the guest speaker, and he will explore the theme of Christianity, Animals and the Environment Crisis.

A lay preacher in the Methodist Church, he describes his central concern as ‘the place of animals in Christian theology and ethics’.

An interactive Q&A will follow the lecture – only registrants to the webinar will be able to submit their questions.

On Tuesday. March 8, it is International Women’s Day. Dr Zivayi Nengomasha, the programs and planning director of ADRA Africa, will visit.

The topic will be The Environmental Crisis – Through

the eyes of a Christian woman in Africa.

And on Tuesday, April 12, to mark Earth Day, Ruth Valerio, the global advocacy and influencing director for international aid agency Tearfund will speak.

Her subject will be Life is for Lifestyle – Christian choices that don’t cost the earth.

Sessions start at 7.30pm, and can be watched online n For more details, or to book a place, log on to https://www. newbold.ac.uk/diversity-centre/

37

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Thursday, January 20, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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

Address

Reasons for Advert

Description

214108

Hare Hatch Sheeplands, London Road, Twyford

Major Application

Full application for the proposed redevelopment of existing mixed-use site to a new garden centre with associated play area, allotments, reconfigured parking and servicing, landscaping and other associated infrastructure, replacement café, demolition of existing glasshouses, and retention of existing farm shop, site office/toilet block.

214116

214117

The Old Swan, Eversley Road, Arborfield

The Old Swan, Eversley Road, Arborfield

Works to a listed building

Works to a listed building

Householder application for the proposed landscaping to remove the existing carpark impermeable tarmac, and replace with a permeable gravel and improve drainage, erection of a low brick wall with the removal of redundant gates, and garden landscaping. Additionally, the replacement of 4. No windows and 1. No door to the to the rear of the main property.

Application for Listed Building Consent for the proposed landscaping to remove the existing carpark impermeable tarmac, and replace with a permeable gravel and improve drainage, erection of a low brick wall with the removal of redundant gates, and garden landscaping. Additionally, the replacement of 4. No windows and 1. No door to the to the rear of the main property.

214173

Land adjacent to Sonning Golf Club, Duffield Road/Pound Lane, Sonning

Major Application

Full application for the proposed development of a specialist dementia residential care home (Use Class C2) with the creation of new pedestrian, cycle, and vehicular access, plus landscaping and associated works.

214184

43,43b,43c,45 and 47, Peach Street, Wokingham

Major Application

Full application for the proposed creation of 24No residential units consisting of 10 x 1 bedroom, 10 x 2 bedroom and 4 x 3-bedroom units at No 43, 43b, 43c, 47 and ground floor at No45 Peach Street with associated formation of a ground floor foyer and creation of a communal roof terrace following demolition of existing roof structures and link between No47 and the main building, addition of 10No balconies and 7no dormers, changes to fenestration and provision of parking and bin storage.

220081

Wiltshire Cottage, Monks Alley, Binfield

Works to a listed building

Application for Listed building consent for the proposed repairs/replacement of windows to the Grade II Listed building.

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.

Any comments must arrive on or before the 10 th February 2022. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.

Date: 20th January 2022

For up to date news in the borough follow us on @wokingham.today

@WokinghamToday

@wokingham.today

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (COMMONFIELD LANE, ARBORFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Commonfield Lane, Arborfield between its junctions with Biggs Lane and Barkham Street.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Biggs Lane, Langley Common Road, B3349 Barkham Road and Barkham Street or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 7th February and 11th February 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake new water connection 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 7th February 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: 20th January 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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LEISURETODAY LEISURETODAY A Siberian front you’ll welcome

20.01.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia is preparing to return to The Hexagon for three favourite ballets.

PHIL CREIGHTON takes to the barre to find out more

A

COLD front will be descending on The Hexagon, and it will receive a warm reception.

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia is once again returning to tour the UK – its 20th anniversary.

Accompanied by the Russian State Ballet Orchestra, they will present Cinderella, Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet at the end of the month.

It will be a real winter warmer as the ballet will melt hearts and enchant audiences.

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia is led by artistic director Sergei Bobrov, and music director Anatoly Tchepurnoi.

Over the past 20 years, it has established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and depth.

Since their first Christmas season at St David’s Hall in Cardiff in 2002, the Company has completed 18 UK tours and also performed in Italy, Spain, Slovakia, Japan, Turkey, Bulgaria, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

But it is to The Hexagon, and other similar venues, that the company can’t wait to perform in.

Sergei says: “I am delighted to return to the UK this year.

“The response of audiences wherever the company performs is overwhelming.

“We can’t wait to be back on stage again in front of UK audiences once again.”

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia was formed in 1978 by talented graduates from choreographic

schools in Moscow, St Petersburg, Kiev, Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg.

Many have gone on to become award winning artists and made prominent appearances at international ballet competitions and festivals.

The company is proud of its dancers who are highly acclaimed worldwide for their unique interpretation of both dramatic and comic roles, delivering performances of sincere emotional and dramatic integrity.

Here’s a look at the shows in store:

Swan Lake The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score.

From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tutu as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette, as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.

Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare’s tale of primal passion and timeless tragedy is brought to life

by Prokofiev’s soaring score, set in bustling Renaissance Verona and with an emotionally charged choreography that befits the world’s greatest love story.

From the grandeur of the masked ball to the intimacy of the lovers’ balcony, this star-crossed story of duels, bitter family feuds and love that cannot be, is unmissable.

Cinderella The world’s favourite rags-to-riches fairy-tale where dreams can come true is a magical mix of Prokofiev’s energetic score, lively choreography and colourful costumes.

While her bad stepmother and her ill-mannered daughters prepare for the Royal Ball, graceful Cinderella can

only dream of dancing with the dashing Prince.

Later that evening, her rags become a glittering gown and she is swept magically to the Ball. From that very moment the Prince is smitten, midnight strikes and one lost crystal slipper later, he must now embark on a journey to find his lost love…

The performances run over three nights. Cinderella on Monday, January 31; Romeo & Juliet on Tuesday, February 1; and Swan Lake on Wednesday, February 2. n For more details, log on to: www.raymondgubbay.co.uk or whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

14 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

Happy birthday Mozart

their show, Sweet Release, ahead of their UK tour at the Kenton Theatre on Sunday.

The siblings’ unique, sharp-tongued style has taken them around the world with multiple sell-out tours.

They have also featured on BBC Two’s Live at the Apollo and their viral songs have had more than 50 million views. Alive on Stage, an Amazon Prime special, is available to stream now.

Armed with a piano and a percussion section, expect to hear all the hot topics of the day covered, including overthinking and fringes.

Tickets cost £12, including a £10 theatre restoration levy. The show begins at 7.30pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk

THE MUSIC of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart returns to Norden Farm at the end of the month, a few days after the Austrian composer’s 278th birthday.

George Ku, pianist, and Katie Mazur, violinist, will perform Mozart’s final pieces in this special concert.

The programme includes Symphony No.27 in G, K.199, Violin Concerto in A, K.219 and Piano Concerto No.27 in B flat, K.595.

They will join the St John’s Chamber Orchestra to perform the pieces and be conducted by Nigel Wilkinson.

Live stream tickets are also available for this event.

The concert takes place on Saturday, January 29, from 8pm. Tickets are £18 adults and per livestream, £16.50 concessions. Under 16s get in for £5. n For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

What’s on?

Watson!

TASKMASTER survivor, author and comedian Mark Watson’s tour stops off in Reading’s Concert Hall early next month.

Spiritual enquiry meets observational comedy in his show This Can’t Be It. The self-confessed pathological overthinker will attempt to answer questions about the fragility of life, but he isn’t making any promises on a solution.

Mark Watson is one of the three friends behind cult lockdown game No More Jockeys, with Taskmaster creator and presenter Alex Horne, and Tim Key, best known as playing Alan Partridge’s sidekick Simon.

The show takes place from 7.30pm on Thursday, February 3. Tickets are £22. n For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

In suspense

AN AWARD-WINNING international physical theatre company is bringing a classic suspense thriller to Newbury.

The Voloz Collective will stage it’s version of The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much on Wednesday, February 2.

Roger Clement is a Frenchman in 1950’s New York. His days have always followed a highly predictable yet not-

Monster mash will be a graveyard smash

A CELEBRATION of Merseybeat and so much more will be coming to South Hill Park next week.

The R ‘n’ Beatles show focuses on the band’s early, pre-Fab Four days.

The set list includes Long Tall Sally, Twist and Shout & Lucille. Smooch and sway to You Really Got A Hold On Me & Till There Was You. The show aims to celebrate the Cavern Club days of the unpleasant routine, until a minor delay saves him from an explosion. A powderkeg of twists and turns is ignited as Roger chases his wannabe assassins around the world to discover the truth.

The company promise to delight and stun in this fast-paced whodunnit.

The performance takes place at the Corn Exchange and begins at 7.45pm.

Tickets £15, £13 concessions. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0845 5218218 or log on to: cornexchangenew.com

Charting the lives across generations

NATIONAL Theatre Live hits the screens in Maidenhead with an award-winning show next week.

Leopoldstadt, by Tom Stoppard and directed by Patrick Marber, won an Olivier Award for best new play in 2020.

The play is a passionate drama of love, family and endurance which is inspired

by Stoppard’s Czech roots.

band, when they weren’t so much mop tops as all leather trousers.

And to help with the recreation of the Cavern, it takes place in South Hill Park’s cellar bar.

The show takes place on Wednesday, January 26, from 8pm. Tickets are £14. n For more details, or to book, log on: southhillpark.org.uk or call: 01344 484123.

The story is set in Leopoldstadt, the crowded Jewish quarter of Vienna, Austria. It follows the family of Hermann Merz, a Jew, and his wife Gretl, a Catholic, across half a century. The family pass through war, revolution, impoverishment, annexation by Nazi Germany and the Holocaust.

Tickets cost £15. Screenings are on Thursday, January 27 at 7pm, and 2pm on Friday, January 28 and Wednesday, February 2. n For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

I told you I was ill

A PLAY about one of the 20th century Britain’s best-loved comedians has its world premiere in Newbury next week.

Spike is a new piece by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. It tells the story of Spike Milligan during the 1950s, at the height of his success with ground-breaking radio programme The Goon Show.

While fellow Goons Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers get down to the serious business of becoming celebrities, chief writer Spike finds himself pushing the boundaries of comedy, and testing the patience of the BBC. The role of Spike Milligan will be played by Olivier award-winning actor John Dagleish.

Spike runs from Thursday, January 27 to Saturday, March 5.

Tickets start from £10. Performances begin at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2.30pm on Thursdays and Saturdays.

There are no Sunday performances. n For more details, or to book, log on to: watermill.org.uk or call the box office on: 01635 46044.

Go with the Flo (and Joan)

A MULTI-AWARD winning musical comedy duo will be making sure their show is up to scratch in Henley this weekend.

Sisters Flo and Joan are previewing

A LEADING touring theatre company is bringing one of literature’s most famous Gothic horrors to life next week in Bracknell.

Blackeyed Theatre begin their tour of John Ginman’s stage adaptation of Frankenstein in the Wilde Theatre on Thursday, January 27.

Set in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1816, Mary Shelley’s novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a man obsessed with the elixir of life itself. But nothing can prepare him for what he creates.

The production fuses ensemble storytelling, live music and puppetry and is suitable for those 11 and up.

Performances take place until Saturday, January 29. Tickets start from £18. n For more details, or to book, log on to: southhillpark.org.uk or call: 01344 484123.

Singers welcomed

A CENTRAL Reading folk music club is holding its first Singers Night of the year this Sunday.

Readifolk will be holding the informal evening of singing, playing, poetry and jokes at the community hall of Watlington House on Watlington Street.

The group will happily entertain you, so there is no pressure to perform and all will be made welcome.

Singers Night costs £2, starting at 8pm. n For more details, visit: readifolk.org.uk

AT THE THEATRE As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Polcas E Boas: An Evening of Brazilian Music. Sat. The R ‘n’ Beatles.

Wed. Blackeyed Theatre presents Frankenstein. Thurs 27-Sat 29. Conservatoire International Concert Series: Lotte Betts-Dean and Cristian Sandrin. Fri 28. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 28.

FILMS: C’mon C’mon. Thurs-Sun. The Power the Dog. Fri-Sun. Natural Light. Mon-Tues. House of Gucci. Wed-Fri 28. National

Theatre Live: Leopoldstadt.

Thurs 27. West Side Story. Fri 28-Sun 30.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Lorna Timms Theatre Arts show.

Fri-Sun. Gladys Knight: Midnight Train to Georgia.

Thurs 27. The Elvis Years.

Fri 28. Sweet Caroline CANCELLED. Sat 29.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Magic Goes Wrong by Mischief and Penn & Teller. Tues-Jan 30. Robin’s Winter Adventure.

Sat. The Hare and the Tortoise.

Wed.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Etoile Dance Company: Moving

Through the Movies. Sun. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs.

Rave On: Starring the Bluejays.

Sat 29. Dirty Dancing v Grease Dinner Dancer. Sat 29. Be Bop A Lula. Sun 30.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Phoney Fools and Horses. Thurs.

The Elton John Show: A Tribute To Rocketman. Fri. Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. Sat. Flo and Joan: A Work In Progress.

Sun. Jazz at the Kenton: The Max Wright Trio with Lilli Unwin. Wed. Off The Kerb at the Kenton: Andy Parsons and Angela Barnes. Thurs 27. Ghost Lights. Fri 28. The History of Rock. Sat 29.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Sound of Springsteen. Fri. Wildfire (15). Sat. The Power of Dog (12a). Sat. Art Themen

Quartet. Sat. National Theatre Live: Leopoldstadt. Thurs 27-Fri 28. Endymion Ensemble.

Thurs 28. King Richard (12a).

Sat 29. Mozart Birthday Concert. Sat 29.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Matilda The Musical Jr. Thurs-Sat. The Tragedy of Macbeth (15).

Fri-Thurs 27. The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (12a). Fri-Thurs 27. Bolshoi Live: Jewels. Sun. What’s Love Got To Do With It? Thurs 27. The Rat Pack Live.

Fri 28. Showaddywaddy. Sat 29. National Theatre Encore: Leopoldstadt. Sun 30.

Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Spike. From Jan 27-Mar 5.

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

Ed Gamble: Work in Progress. Thurs. Poets Cafe Online. Fri. Flo & Joan: Work in Progress. Fri. The Great Big Vent Event: The MKII, Dolly & The Clothespegs, The Pink Diamond Revue, Damien A Passmore, Daughter of the Water, Captain Batgirl. Sat. Matt Forde and Luke Kempner: Works in Progress. Wed 26.

The Acquisitions Panel. Fri 28Sat 29. South Street Comedy Club. Sat 29.

Reading – Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Lost In Music. Sat. American Superslam Wrestling. Sun. The Music of Prince. Thurs 27.

Kevin Clifton: Burn The Floor.

Sat 29.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Red Priest: Truly, Madly, Baroque.

Tues.

Reading – Progress www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Dark Sublime. Until Sat.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: Alby the Penguin Saves The World. April 6-18.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Snow White and the Four Swedish Popstars. Fri-Sun.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Still Life. Thurs-Sat 29.

The Freddie and Queen Experience. Sat. An Evening with Rick Wakeman and Peter Egan. Sun. Voice of the Heart: Karen Carpenter.

Sat 29.

Windsor – Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Blood Brothers. Until Sat 29.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: Apologia. Jan 27-Feb 5.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Music Club: Toyah Wilcox. Fri. My Mountain Live: Simon Yates. Mon. Wokingham Film Society: Sound of Metal (15).

Thurs 27.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Jazz Concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Sat Jan 22.

Thursday, January 20, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LEISURE | 15

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From Mansun to Sub89, Paul knows the answer to life

Standing ovation for Blood Brothers revival

Paul Draper is preparing to come to Reading to showcase tracks from his latest album, Cult Leader Tactics. NATALIE BURTON meets the musical legend

T

HE FRONTMAN of 90s alternative rock group Mansun is coming to Reading next month.

Paul Draper is touring his new album, Cult Leader Tactics, and plays at Sub 89 on Monday, February 28.

The album, which will be released on Friday, January 28, is a dark satire on selfhelp books. It explores using dirty tricks and Machiavellian tactics to achieve life goals. The songs cover themes including manipulation, nationalism, lying and back-stabbing, before concluding that the only real answer in life is love.

“It’s really dark,” Paul says.

“The self-help manual I wrote to go with the album carries a disclaimer that it’s not to be taken seriously.”

The album is a reflection on behaviour he has witnessed over a 28 year career in the music industry, as well as on politics and personal experiences.

“Never underestimate the shallowness of the music industry,” he adds.

After Mansun split in 2003, Paul became a record producer.

He released his debut album Spooky Action in 2017. Cult Leader Tactics is his second album.

He says “it’s a bit covid rock” due to pandemic restrictions: “I was trapped on my own with it, so there’s a lot of electronic instruments.”

Niki Evans in Blood Brothers – the show is at Theatre Royal Windsor until Saturday, Janaury 29

Blood Brothers Theatre Royal Windsor Until January 29 01753 853888 Theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Paul Draper is on stage at Sub 89 at the end of February Picture: Tina Korhonen Lockdown prevented Paul from using a choir on the album’s closing song, so instead he appealed to fans to record the end refrain on their mobile phones and email them to him.

A virtual choir of 266 voices was put together instead.

His gig at Sub 89 will be the second time Paul has performed with a band in front of an audience this decade.

Touring again is something he is looking forwards to, as the process of recording and touring the album was disrupted by covid.

“I’d just got going again, so it now feels like a false start,” he says.

“But Mansun was a live band and now, in digital music age, musicians need to tour as we

cannot rely on album sales.

“I see myself as a troubadour — I need to get out, sing well and play well.”

Paul is also influenced by conversations he had with David Bowie when Mansun supported his 1997 Earthling Tour.

“He said that by working within your box, you won’t achieve anything,” Paul explains.

“By doing the same thing over and over again, it’s easy to lose interest.

“Bowie moved and assimilated, he changed direction to keep things fresh.

“I think it’s really important.”

One of the things he is looking forwards to about the upcoming tour is seeing

the demographic make up of the crowds in person. Paul believes that on of the good thing about music streaming sites is the ability to see what kind of people are listening to his music.

“It’s fascinating,” he says.

“Some appeal to fans of prog rock and others to pop fans.

“And it’s not just people who are old enough remember Mansun either.”

Advance tickets for Paul Draper, Cult Leader Tactics at Sub 89, Friar Street, cost £16.50.

The gig takes place on Monday, February 28, at 7.30pm. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: heavypop. co.uk

Jon’s folk to come to Nettlebed FOLK music is returning to Nettlebed at the end of the month, following a Christmas break.

Running at 80% capacity due to the ongoing covid situation, the Nettlebed Folk Club will welcome Jon Boden on Monday, January 31.

He is well-known as the lead singer of the progressive folk group Bellowhead.

The group has sold more than 250,000 albums, had seven singles playlisted on Radio 2 and sold out hundreds venues including The Royal Albert Hall.

Since Bellowhead split up in 2016 Jon has continued to perform a mixture of English folk music.

Solo Jon performs material from Bellowhead and his duo - Spiers & Boden, self-penned

songs from his albums Songs From The Floodplain, Painted

Lady, Afterglow and Rose In June, plus his A Folk Song A Day project in which he recorded 365 folk songs in one year.

He also released a new album Last Mile Home in March 2021, the final part in the trilogy of post-climate change albums.

And he also appeared in the Richard Curtis film About Time, performing some of his music in the time-travel romantic comedy.

His gig takes place at Nettlebed Village Club, in the High Street of the village.

Doors open at 7.50pm, and the music starting shortly after. n For more details, or to book, call the box office between 10am and 8pm on 01628 636620, or log on to www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

B

LOOD Brothers, the acclaimed musical depicting societal differences in 1960’s Liverpool, opened to a packed house in Windsor on Friday, January 14.

As the house lights slowly went down the band set the scene with a sombre overture, against an evocative, bloodstained backdrop.

The musical tells the story of Mickey (Sean Jones) and Eddie (Joel Benedict), twins separated at birth – one child given away as the mother had too many mouths to feed.

Eddie is brought up by a wealthy family with the accompanying privileges and opportunities, while Mickey, the youngest of seven siblings, hangs around on street corners getting up to mischief.

Despite a hard-working and loving single mother (Mrs Johnstone, played

by X-Factor star Niki Evans), the challenges of growing up with poverty and deprivation are clearly portrayed.

The boys meet by chance when they are seven – nearly eight – and, discovering they share a birthday, decide to become ‘blood brothers.’

Despite not being a typical feel-good musical, Blood Brothers contains some incredible songs, from That Guy, where Mickey and Eddie reflect on the differences between them, both physically and socially, to the well-known Tell me It’s not True, where Mrs Johnstone laments the way life has turned out for her children.

Containing some hard-hitting scenes including fighting, knife and gun crime, drug-taking and more, this is not a show for young children and at times provides uncomfortable viewing.

However, the juxtaposition of lighter scenes – such as where the seven-year-old characters are played by their adult actors to great comic effect, relieve the tension of the heavier parts of the story.

The audience, clearly moved by the story that had been so skilfully and convincingly told, gave the company a standing ovation.

There will be sure to be many more before the run at Windsor ends on Saturday, January 29.

JUDITH CREIGHTON

Mates Rates Comedy Club is bringing Live Stand-Up Comedy to Reading W h e t h e r i t i s TV n a m e s o r n u rt u ri n g n ew ta l e n t a t t h e g ra s s ro o t s , i f yo u l ove s ta n d - u p co m e d y, M a te s Ra te s Co m e d y h a s a s h ow fo r yo u !

Fo r m o re i n fo r m a ti o n c h e c k o u t t h e l i n ks be l ow a n d s ca n t h e Q R co d e to bo o k yo u r ti c ke t s .

Fo l l ow u s o n: f: / M a te s Ra te s C o m e d y c: @ M a te s ra te s co m e d y www. m a te s ra te s co m e d y. co . u k

16 | LEISURE

A celebration of English music MEMBERS of the West Forest Sinfonia are busy preparing for their first concert of 2022, following a two-year absence.

The orchestra will be performing three 20th century English music pieces: Bax’s Garden of Fand, Walton’s Viola Concerto, and Elgar’s Symphony No 2.

The guest soloist is Yue Yu. It takes place at the University of Reading’s Great Hall on London Road from 4.30pm on Sunday, January 30.

Tickets cost £15, or £5 for under 18s or students. n For more details, log on to: www.westforestsinfonia.org

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Prepare to tickle your funnybones

LAUGHS: South Street’s Comedy Club finally returns on Saturday, January 29 ENTERING OUR VELOCITY: The Hawkmen

Make a date for The Hawkmen, thanks to Reading’s Club Velocity

The organist entertains MEMBERS of the Berkshire Organist Association are resuming their activities.

In addition to the lunchtime concerts at Reading’s concert hall in Blagrave Street, the first of which took place on Monday, the group will be looking forward to another recital this Friday.

Reading Minster Church in Chain Street is the venue for the performance. It will be given

by John Halsey, the organist for Windsor Parish Church.

The music takes place from 12.30pm to 1.15pm. Entry is free.

A retiring collection will be taken. n For more details, log on to: www.berkshireorganists.org.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

A

month.

FTER a long hiatus, club comedy will return to South Street later this

The evening of laughter is a partnership between Reading Arts and Mates Rates Comedy, and there’s a great line-up for the return night.

Headlining is Catherine Bohart an Irish stand-up comedian, writer and actor. She’s appeared on shows such as The Mash Report, Eight out of 10 Cats, Richard Osman’s Celebrity House of Games and Pointless Celebrities.

Supporting her are Ria Lina, who has appeared on Yesterday Today and The Day Before, Mock The Week, Steph’s Packed Lunch, among others.

And there will also be gags from Iszi Lawrence, the co-host of BBC Radio 4’s Making History and author of Billie Swift Takes Flight.

The team behind Mates Rates can’t wait for the gig to get started.

Resident MC Carl Richard said: “Catherine Bohart, Iszi Lawrence and Rai Lina on the same line-up is going to be something special.”

And Nick Byard, Mates Rates Comedy’s promoter, said: “I am excited for the show, it is a big moment in my career as a Comedy Promoter, and I think it is going to be a good thing for Reading’s comedy scene.”

The gags start from 8pm on Saturday, January 29, with doors from 7.15pm. A bar will be available.

The night is for over 18s only, and tickets cost £18.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to www. whatsonreading.com

PHIL CREIGHTON

TICKETS have gone on sale for a double header of great music.

The Hawkmen are headlining a show for Club Velocity at the Face Bar in Reading’s Ambrose Place, on Thursday, March 3.

The group draw from an array of influences such as rhythm’ n’ blues, soul, and rock ’n’ roll which they bring together in a classic, rootsy, hybrid blend.

The band emerged as a full, live act in 2017 following the early successes of soul 45 and Craig Charles favourite, Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover (Record Kicks), a Northern Soul remix of Emma Beatson’s debut single Do It. It was selected by Craig Charles for the second volume of his Freestyle Records compilation series.

The Hawkmen’s Keep On Working EP yielded another 45, and was widely played on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 6.

In 2017 Love Is Blind was released and features on the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club Vol.5 compilation and received more BBC 6 Music airplay.

The band have toured both Germany and the UK, and will be looking forward to their Reading date.

Joining them will be Tom Webber, a Didcot-based singersongwriter.

The 21-year-old is a relative newcomer to the scene, but is getting people excited.

Tickets cost £12.10 including a booking fee. n For more details, or to book, log on to www.readingarts.com

Happy birthday Mozart A CELEBRATION of Mozart will be coming to Norden Farm later this month.

The Maidenhead arts centre will be marking the birthday with a concert featuring some of his most famous work.

It’s easier than baking a cake and putting 256 candles on it.

For the event, St John’s Chamber Orchestra perform a programme of the composer’s work, conducted by Nigel Wilkinson. They are joined by George Fu and Katie Mazur.

George Fu is an American pianist and composer. George performs regularly as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician in venues around the world.

George has been praised for his performances of distinctive intelligence, sensitivity and virtuosity.

He has performed as a soloist

with orchestras such as the National Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and North Carolina Symphony.

He has appeared at international venues such as the Konzerthaus Berlin, Kennedy Center, New York’s Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall in London.

Katie Mazur is a violinist at the Royal College of Music. She has

played with various orchestras including at the International Music Festival in Malta, The International Music Festival in the Lake District and with The National Youth Orchestra.

The concert’s programme includes Mozart’s final, poetic concerto; one of the most sparkling of the violin concertos; and a rare outing for Symphony No.27.

The annual Mozart Birthday Concert takes place at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts on Saturday, January 29, at 8pm.

The concert is also being livestreamed.

Tickets are £18, £16.50 concessions and £5 under 16s.

A live stream ticket: £18 per household. n For more details, call the Box Office on 01628 788997 or visit: www.nordenfarm.org

Wargrave holds court with Camelot CONNIE CLATTERBOTTOM, Sir Laughalot and King Uther are all the comedy characters you can look forward to seeing when you head to Camelot this week.

And don’t get lost – it’s not near Tintagel, but located in the heart of Wargrave.

For Camelot is the title of this year’s pantomime from the Wargrave Theatre Workshop.

The group are currently preparing their very own tale of

the knights of the round table, with magic from Merlin, trouble from Morgan Le Fay and her evil sisterhood, and laughter from the Wargrave Dame.

Will they help or hinder Prince Arthur’s quest for the love of Guinevere?

The group will be performing the show from Wednesday, January 26, through to Sunday, January 30. There are nightly perofrmances at 8pm apart from the Sunday, and matinees at 1pm and 4pm on the Saturday, and 1pm on Sunday. n For more details, or to book, log on to wargravetheatre.co.uk

LEISURE | 25

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, January 20, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LIVEMUSIC

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

RaW Sounds Today

ON THE ROAD: The Honey Pot are Somewhere Between Here and Everywhere Picture: Mega Dodo Records Wokingham

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/ RaWSoundsToday

W

E’VE GOT two great new entries in this week’s RaW Sounds Today playlist.

The Honey Pot are one of the signings to a new record label, and you can hear one of their latest songs as a prelude to a big gig in London at the end of the month.

And Quantum Pig make a statement of intent about their music with a new song called, well, Statement of Intent.

These are just a couple of the 10 great tracks in our list, all with connections to the area.

You can listen, for free, thanks to our Spotify playlist.

The RaW Sounds playlist is a terrific way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing.

To tune in, simply head to https://bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday and get ready to rock.

There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap in to. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

The Honey Pot – Somewhere Between Here and Anywhere

Billywitch Records is an offshoot of Wokingham’s Mega Dodo Records and late last year they released The Secret, a new album by psychedelic popsters The Honey Pot, from which this track is taken.

The band will be performing at The Honey Pot Extravaganza in the legendary Half Moon Putney on Sunday, January 30, together with four other bands that have been on Mega Dodo and/or the

Toyah – Levitate She’s an iconic performer who first came to fame with some classic 80s hits and she will be heading to Wokingham Music Club (WMC) at Whitty Theatre on Friday, January 21.

Levitate is from Toyah’s latest album Posh Pop – https://toyahwillcox.com/

Sam Handy – Done Sam is a singer-songwriter from Reading who has released a number of singles with a soulful alternative pop feel and Done is his latest. It has a melody that sticks in your head, delivered by Sam’s silky smooth vocals – https://www.samhandy.com/

Wille and the Bandits – Solid Ground 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 release this month – https://www.willeandthebandits.com/

Rachel Redman (ft. Damian C Carruthers) – Obvious

renowned Fruits De Mer Records label – https:// www.facebook.com/thehoneypotband

Quantum Pig – Statement of Intent Ian Faragher and Mark Stevenson played their first-ever gig as Quantum Pig, headlining the Wokingham Music Club stage at Wokingham Festival last year.

They performed an acoustic set and they will be doing the same at their second gig when they support The Paradox Twin at Reading’s Facebar on Friday, February 4.

This song is taken from their acclaimed debut album Songs of Industry and Sunshine which resulted in the duo being nominated for an award at the prestigious Progressive

Rachel is a local singer-songwriter who has appeared in our playlist previously and she has just released a new single with talented musician, Damian Carruthers – https://www.facebook.com/ rachelredmanmusic

Music Awards – http://quantumpig.net

The Room – Run This band with members from the local area have been invited as special guests at the Hammersmith Club in London on Friday, January 22, by a brandnew band, Little Finger, whose members are made up of Gary Numan’s backing band – https://theroom.band/

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

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

Penelope Isles – Have You Heard

Ocean Ruins – Teen Drama

Penelope Isles are from Brighton and will be appearing at Reading’s Facebar on Friday, January 28, as part of their extensive UK tour, before they head off to a North American tour in March – https://www.penelopeisles.com/

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

GIG GUIDE Thursday, January 20

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Graham Steel Music Company: Music awards night. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, January 21

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG.Split the Dealer and Lyra. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Porridge Radio. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Small Fakers and Who’s Next. Details: 0118 959 5395.

HENLEY – The Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BS. The Elton John Show – A Tribute. Details: 01491 525050.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Junkyard Rocket. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Toyah Acoustica.

7.30pm. £25. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

Saturday, January 22

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Double Bill Rock Bands: Black Tree Crow, The Whiskey Knights. Details: www.

theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate Party Band. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Polca E Boas: An Evening of Brazlian Music Details: 01344 484123.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music.

Details: 01344 530615.

HENLEY – The Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BS. Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. Details: 01491 525050.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk.

Lost In Music. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Mythicals.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – South Street arts centre. The Great Big Vent Event: The MkII, Dolly and the Clothespegs, the Pink Diamond Revue, Damien A Passmore, Daughter of the Water, Captain Batgirl. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Freddie and Queen Experience. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG6 4JZ. Woodley Theatre presents The Martin Hart Trio. Details: 0748 833 7838.

Sunday, January 23

HENLEY – The Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BS. Flo & Joan: A Work In Progress. Details: 01491 525050.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon Karaoke. 2pm..

Details: 0118 966 7153.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers Night.

Details: www.readifolk.org.uk WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Monday, January 24

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Bully Wee Band. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

Tuesday, January 25

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesdays.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Burns Night Celebration: ceilidh, kippers and kilts. Details: 01491 681048.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Wednesday, January 26

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The R ‘n’ Beatles. Details: 01344 484123.

HENLEY – The Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BS. Jazz at the Keton: The Max Wright Trio with Lilli Unwin.

Details: 01491 525050.

Thursday, January 27 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ryewolf. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk CAMBERLEY – Theatre, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. A Midnight Train to Georgia, a tribute to Gladys Knight. Details: 01276 707600.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk.

The Music of Prince. Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen,

Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, January 28

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Karaoke with DJ Alex.

Details: 01344 457318.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. All About You. Details: 01344 303333.

CAMBERLEY – Theatre, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. The Elvis Years. Details: 01276 707600.

CHARVIL – The Heron On The Ford, Lands End Lane, RG10 0UE. Trim.

Details: 0118 934 0700.

HENLEY – The Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BS. Ghost Lights. Details: 01491 525050.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Boom Boom Racoon. Details: 0118 958 0473 READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Penelope Isles. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Vasilis Xenopoulos Dexterity Quintet.

Details: www.jazzinreading.com READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Jah Wobble and the Invaders of the Heart. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930.

RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. The Right Times.

Details: 0118 343 0565.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents

Richard Digance. £19. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

Saturday, January 29

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Reggae Fever. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Crazy Little Thing Called Queen.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Subway. Details: 01344 457318.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music.

Details: 01344 530615.

HENLEY – The Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BS. The History of Rock.

Details: 01491 525050.

READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Readi2Listen. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Bad Hombre.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Voice of the Heart: Karen Carpenter. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. The Echo. Details: 0118 969 9756.

Sunday, January 30

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon Karaoke. 2pm..

Details: 0118 966 7153.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and guests. 3.30pm Details: 0118 376 9159 READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Pete Morton.

Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

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

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. Thomas Heppel Live: blues and originals. Details: 07889 226309.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Monday, January 31

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Open mic. Details: 0118 958 0473.

Tuesday, February 1

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Thursday, February 3

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Graham Steel Music Company Christmas Party: Atomic Rapture and The Filthy Llamas. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, February 4

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Lilac supported

by The Minkees. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Melvenia. Details: 01344 303333.

CAMBERLEY – Theatre, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. The Counterfeit Stones. Details: 01276 707600.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

No. 5397

Your weekly puzzle challenge

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To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

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

Quiz Challenge

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1. Norwich City football club has what nickname?

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NONAGRAM

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

MAGIC SQUARE

ACE DRIVING AGREED

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

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How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines: 28 Good; 33 Very Good; 39 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).

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

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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

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DOWN 2. Not disturbed by French translation of ‘flea’ as ‘puce’ (8) 3. Assert in court with some legal legerdemain (6) 4. Manner of take-off on the runway (8) 5. Band of soldiers needing help to start with (4) 6. Evade the way round town (6) 7. Argue about a boy (6) 10. Mistakenly I ask for alcoholic drink (4) 14. Rod has notes as prompt to cook outdoors (8) 15. Leaving out nothing with young lady I take on (8) 16. Outlook is tense (6) 17. Yes, the pig’s home is insubstantial (6) 18. Cut down and dismissed (4) 19. Open a French piece of wax (6) 22. Most important shareholder? (4)

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To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

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WORD PYRAMID: Hurricane season.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; multiply; add; divide. Total: 4.

SOLUTIONS

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QUICK CROSSWORD 1

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

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ACROSS 1. Encouraging words in child-raising (3-1-5) 8. Yorkshireman initially takes wrong key (4) 9. A lady who will suit you? (9) 11. Donkey follows a hare and badger (6) 12. Delay action, say, for a heavy load (6) 13. Novel Swiss family (8) 16. Cook apple and fry stick insect with it (8) 20. Prohibition his undoing – dismiss the thought from your mind (6) 21. Some extra velocipedes needed for journey (6) 23. Tried to change record first – what disgrace! (9) 24. Go off with a cycle of duty (4) 25. Emphasise where one can find a sleeper (9)

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

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Hard

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10. Which famous architect designed the Guggenheim Museum in New York?

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 S through openings in the walls. The A first letter may appear in any chamber.

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9. Who was the first member of the Royal Family to gain a university degree?

5. What A is the name of a species of seabird and a word meaning a burden or encumbrance?

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8. Rapper, singer and songwriter Drake was born in which country?

4. Which Roman town in Britain was the first target of the Boudican Revolt?

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7. Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman present which TV game show?

3. Algernon Moncrieff is a principal character in which Oscar Wilde play?

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6. The muscle-relaxing drug curare was discovered by tribes in the Amazon Basin who used it for what?

2. In the Dr Who TV series, what was the name of the robotic dog?

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5397

CROSS CODE

5397

ACROSS 1. Potency (8) 6. Pack to capacity (4) 8. Poem (3) 9. In the fresh air (8) 10. Slat (4) 12. Sound of young bird (5) 14. ----- Callas, opera singer (5) 17. Pale (4) 18. Tropical tree (8) 20. High acidity of the blood (8)

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24. Mistake (4) 25. Glaringly bright (5) 26. Small boat (5) 29. Jupiter (4) 30. Unfriendly (8) 31. Scarlet (3) 32. Vertical spar (4) 33. Small telescope (8) DOWN 2. Work the soil (4) 3. Coarse (6) 4. Seal (6) 5. Cowl (4) 6. Wine store (6) 7. Reach (6)

11. Trite (5) 12. Chorus (5) 13. Overwhelming fear (5) 14. Chart (3) 15. Firearm (5) 16. Adjust (5) 19. Pole (3) 21. Dome (6) 22. Turn aside (6) 23. Soundness of mind (6) 24. Convivial (6) 27. Covers (4) 28. Church service (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Strength; 6 Cram; 8 Ode; 9 Alfresco; 10 Lath; 12 Cheep; 14 Maria; 17 Ashy; 18 Tamarind; 20 Acidosis; 24 Slip; 25 Lurid; 26 Canoe; 29 Jove; 30 Inimical; 31 Red; 32 Mast; 33 Spyglass.

Down – 2 Till; 3 Earthy; 4 Gasket; 5 Hood; 6 Cellar; 7 Attain; 11 Banal; 12 Choir; 13 Panic; 14 Map; 15 Rifle; 16 Adapt; 19 Rod; 21 Cupola; 22 Divert; 23 Sanity; 24 Social; 27 Lids; 28 Mass.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The Canaries; 2 K9; 3 The Importance of Being Earnest; 4 Camulodunum (present-day Colchester); 5 Albatross; 6 To FIVE ALIVE: tip poison arrows for stunning game; 7 Pointless; 8 Canada; 9 Prince Charles; 10 Frank Lloyd Wright.

(1) Across – Jaunt; Young; Dales.

Down – Joyed; Usual; Togas.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Ups-a-daisy; 8 Tyke; 9 Tailoress; 11 Harass; 12 (2) Across – Kites; Diary; Seedy.

A U I K W D R C P N Q G M Weight; 13 Robinson; 16 Flypaper; 20 Banish; 21 Travel; 23 Down – Kudos; Trace; Shyly.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Discredit; 24 Rota; 25 Underline.

Z J X B Y F T L E O V H S Down – 2 Peaceful; 3 Allege; 4 Airstrip; 5 Sash; 6 Bypass; 7 NONAGRAM: erst; etui; oust; ouster; outer; outré; Reason; 10 Saki; 14 Barbecue; 15 Omission; 16 Future; 17 querist; quest; questor; quiet; quietus; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Yeasty; 18 Axed; 19 Unseal; 22 Lion. care; avid; ring; quirt; quit; quite; quoit; quote; resit; edge. rest; riot; rite; roquet; rote; roti; roust; rout; route; rust; site; sort; sortie; souter; squirt; squit; stir; store; stour; suet; suit; suite; suitor; suture; tier; tire; tiro; toque; tore; torque; torse; torus; tour; trio; triose; true; TURQUOISE; uterus.

WHAT’SON Wednesday, January 19

ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society Woodley branch presents: The New 1921 Census, a talk

by Mary McKee from Findmypast. 7.15pm.

Details: berksfhs.org DUNSDEN – Dunsden Green Village Hall RG4 9QG. Dunsden Green Country Dancing Club: country dancing with a caller. 8pm10pm. £4, first evening free. Details: 07714 226723.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Dark Sublime. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm.

Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk

Thursday, January 20

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Over 50s group. 2.15pm4.15pm. Details: 0118 966 9080.

HURST – Village Hall, School Road RG10 0DR. Hurst Pantomime group presents A Lad In The Wild West.

7.30pm. From £7. Details: www.hurstpanto.org.uk LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Wellbeing cafe: coffe and chat in the church. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 931 3124.

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Stand and Deliver comedy club. Over 18s only. £8. 7pm Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Dark Sublime. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace.

Do You Do The Brew? A chance to find out more

about one of the breweries’ favourite beers. From 6.30pm.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. 15 Minutes of Fame. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

Friday, January 21

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org HURST – Village Hall, School Road RG10 0DR. Hurst Pantomime group presents A Lad In The Wild West.

7.30pm. From £7. Details: www.hurstpanto.org.uk READING – Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin, Chain Street. Lunchtime organ recital by John Halsey from Windsor Parish Church. Free, retiring colection.

12.30pm-1.15pm.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players, Whitley Wood Lane, RG2 9DF. Snow White and the Four Swedish Popstars. 7.30pm. £14, £13 concessions, £7 children. Details: 0118 975 8880.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Dark Sublime. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street. Big Soulscape Coffee Morning. 10am11.30am.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

LEISURE | 27

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, January 20, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, January 22

ONLINE. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society online meeting: Thutmose III Temple Project: same late period tombs located outside the enclosure wall.

2pm. Details: www.tvaes. org.uk ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society workshop: Getting More Out of Ancestry and Findmypast.

2pm. Details: berksfhs.org HURST – Village Hall, School Road RG10 0DR. Hurst Pantomime group presents A Lad In The Wild West.

2pm and 7.30pm. From £7.

Details: www.hurstpanto. org.uk SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players, Whitley Wood Lane, RG2 9DF. Snow White and the Four Swedish Popstars. 2pm and 6.30pm. £14, £13 concessions, £7 children.

Details: 0118 975 8880.

READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Come and Sing Little Masses workshop: Haydn’s Little Organ Mass, Bob Chilcott’s Little Jazz Mass. 1pm. Performance at end of workshop. £25.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Nonvioolent action: A force for Chaneg. 9.30am-3.30pm.

Free. Details: kirsty@risc. org.uk READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Dark Sublime. 7.45pm. £12,

concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – Town Hall. Second Life fashion pop-up. 10am4pm. Details: hello@weare. shop WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Quiz night. 7pm. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, January 23

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table.

10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

BEECH HILL – Trunkwell House Hotel, Beech Hill Road RG7 2AT. Wedding fair. 11am3pm. Details: www. berkshireweddingfairs. co.uk READING – Union Street RG1 1EU. The Big Drop 5k in aid of Reading Refugee Support Group. Noon-2pm.

Details: 0118 958 1765.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players, Whitley Wood Lane, RG2 9DF. Snow White and the Four Swedish Popstars. 2pm. £14, £13 concessions, £7 children. Details: 0118 975 8880.

SOUTHCOTE – St Matthew’s Church, Southcote Lane RG30 3AX. Service for week of prayer for Christian Unity with the Revd Dr Andreas Andreopoulos (Reader in Orthodox Christianity at the University of Winchester. 6.30pm.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday, January 24

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

Tuesday, January 25

Wednesday, January 26

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace.

Battle of the Brains: a pub quiz. From 7pm.

WARGRAVE – Woodclyffe Hall, High Street.

Wargrave Theatre Workshop presents

Camelot, the Panto. 8pm.

Details: wargravetheatre. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm.

Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk

Thursday, January 27

ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society presents: A Potpourri of Social History Talks. £12.50. 2pm. Details: berksfhs.org ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society presents: Georgian Reading, a talk by Professor John Missenden. £5. 2pm. Details: berksfhs. org ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society Reading branch presents: Posted in the Past. 7.45pm. Details: berksfhs.org EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Over 50s group. 2.15pm4.15pm. Details: 0118 966 9080.

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Wellbeing cafe: coffe and chat in the church. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 931 3124.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WARGRAVE – Woodclyffe Hall, High Street.

Wargrave Theatre Workshop presents Camelot, the Panto. 8pm.

Details: wargravetheatre. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury

What’s event submission submissionform form What’s on event Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups,

Name Name

charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

Address

Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:

Address

Postcode Email Postcode

Time of event: Contact number for readers:

Send Emailyour forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Round three PDI competition, open, judged

by Kelly Louise Jennings.

7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Sound of Metal (15). £6.50, £4 members.

7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, January 28

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, January 29

CAVERSHAM – Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road RG4 6DX. Mum2Mum children’s and baby nearly new sale. £2. 2pm-4pm. Details: www.mum2mummarket WARFIELD – Jealotts Hill Community Lanedhare, Wellers Lane RG42 6BQ. Walk and Wassail.

One-hour walk from noon, arrive at 11.45am, dress for the weather. 2pm Wassail ceremony. Free entry and parking. Details: WARGRAVE – Woodclyffe Hall, High Street.

Wargrave Theatre Workshop presents Camelot, the Panto.

1pm, 4pm, 8pm. Details: wargravetheatre.co.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship

table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, january 30

PANGBOURNE – Village Hall RG8 7AN. Pangbourne Twinning Association French Film Night ‘Cezanne et Moi’. £6. Doors 6.45pm, film 7.30pm.

Details: 0118 984 4401.

BRACKNELL – The Lexicon.

Bracknell Vegan Market.

11am-4pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. West Forest Sinfonia orchestral concert: Bax’s Garden of Fand, Walton’s Viola Concerto, Elgar’s Symphony Number 2..

4.30pm. £15, students £5.

Season tickets £40. Details: www.wokingham-choralsociety.org.uk WARGRAVE – Woodclyffe Hall, High Street.

Wargrave Theatre Workshop presents Camelot, the Panto. 1pm.

Details: wargravetheatre. co.uk

Monday, January 31

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Quiz night. 7pm. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, January 25

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table.

10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

28 | LIFE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Italian-style Fish Stew with Kale In the kitchen

F

This is a hearty Italian-inspired meal that takes no time to prepare thanks to a few storecupboard heroes.

Tasty and filling, you can feed four for under a tenner with this recipe – helping you to bring on better living.

Leftovers can easily be reheated for lunch the next day.

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

Watch Wokingham Adrian Betteridge

Love Seafood OR those nights your craving comfort food, Love Seafood’s Italian fish stew is the perfect dish for a faff-free mealtime.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

Taking care of each other

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.

For more recipe inspiration, visit www. loveseafood.co.uk.

Skill Level: Easy Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes

n 1 reduced-salt vegetable stock cube n 500ml passata with garlic Ingredients n 400g can chopped tomatoes n 400g boneless, skinless cod loin or fillets (Cod n 2 tsp dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs loin tends to be a little n 500g pack gnocchi firmer and will hold n 1 bag chopped kale, together better than stalks removed cod fillets, but either n Crusty bread, to serve option will taste (optional) delicious.)

Method 1. Prepare the fish by patting it dry with kitchen roll, then cut it into 5cm chunks. Cover and set aside.

2. Dissolve the stock cube in 500ml boiling water.

3. Put the passata, chopped tomatoes, herbs and stock into

a large pan. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by one third.

4. Add the gnocchi and kale and bring back to a simmer to allow the gnocchi and kale to cook through.

5. Gently drop the cod chunks into the stew and cook for a further 3-4 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily.

6. Serve the stew in large bowls, with fresh crusty bread, if desired.

HealthwatchWokingham Joanna Dixon

How to look after your mental health while self-isolating with Covid-19

W

ITH record numbers of people in Wokingham Borough testing positive for Covid-19, many of us are starting the new year in isolation.

family member in the same situation?

If you are finding it difficult to cope your GP can refer you to the Wokingham Wellbeing Service run

by MIND in Berkshire or Talking Therapies. For more details and options for self-referral call us on 0118 418 1418

Read our tips for looking after your wellbeing when self-isolating.

Self-isolating can be difficult for anyone, from feeling bored and lonely to being frustrated and restless.

So it’s important to remember this time will pass and what you’re doing is vital in protecting yourself and others.

Here are a few top tips to keep in mind while self-isolating:

4. Carry on doing things you enjoy

1. Be practical First, think about how you will manage practical everyday tasks that you might not be able to do while self-isolating. From letting your work know you have tested positive to ordering an online grocery shop or asking a neighbour to help deliver household supplies.

If you take repeat medication and don’t have enough, don’t panic – you might be able to order repeat prescriptions by phone or online via your pharmacy. If this isn’t possible, contact your GP and ask for their advice.

If you need extra support, then contact Citizens Advice ‘One Front Door’ on 0808 278 7958 MondayFriday 9am-5pm

If you are likely to experience financial hardship as a result of selfisolation, then contact Wokingham Borough Council for information about test and trace support payments. Wokingham.gov.uk or 0118 974 6000

2. Stay connected to others It can be a very lonely time but staying connected to your friends and family can really help you feel more yourself. Think of all the ways to keep in touch with loved ones – by phone, messaging, video calls or social media.

You might want to block out some time each day to chat with someone on the phone. This can give each

day some structure and help tackle feelings of loneliness.

3. Stay on top of difficult feelings

Feeling anxious during this time is very normal. Try to focus on the things you can control, such as how you act, who you speak to and where you get information from. For example, don’t watch the news if it makes you feel worried.

Looking at the bigger picture and thinking about your problem or situation from someone else’s view can make it easier to come up with a plan to combat your anxiety. What advice would you give to a friend or

It’s not easy but try and relax and do things you enjoy. Why not start a new book, get into a TV series or complete a daily crossword?

Whatever works for you. But don’t try and set yourself impossible tasks and put too much pressure on yourself.

Remember, this time will pass, and many people are in the same boat.

Look after yourself and keep in mind that what you’re doing is helping save lives – so cut yourself some slack.

You could book onto a course with Wokingham Recovery College which offers free mental health and wellbeing training courses, call 0118 989 0707.

How to get in touch with Healthwatch Wokingham

0118 418 1418 between the hours of 9am- Monday to Friday.

Healthwatch Wokingham, Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham, RG40 1AS. Email: enquiries@ healthwatchwokingham.co.uk

L

ATER this month one of the biggest updates in recent times to the Highway Code will be introduced.

The Highway Code contains the rules of the road, and it applies to everyone who uses the road, whether they are driving a vehicle, riding a horse or bike or even a pedestrian.

Some rules are law and disobeying these is a criminal offence.

Other rules do not directly create an offence, but failure to follow them can make you liable in the event of an incident.

So why the change, and how will it affect you?

People walking or riding are the most vulnerable of road users and road casualty statistics show consistently that the existing rules give them inadequate protection.

Walking and cycling are good for us in so many ways, as regular readers of this column will appreciate, but safety worries lead to many people choosing to drive instead.

The changes aim to address this concern by clarifying existing rules on responsibilities and introducing some new rules.

A ‘hierarchy of road users’ is introduced, which states that “those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.”

This isn’t an attack on drivers, just a recognition that the consequences of bad driving or a lapse in concentration rise with the size and speed of the vehicle.

The Code explains how and where priority needs to be given within the hierarchy.

When followed this will reduce or remove the risk at junctions where most injuries happen, and will also make walking and cycling easier and quicker, encouraging sustainable travel.

There isn’t room here to go into all the details.

However, for the changes to make a difference we need anyone who uses the road to understand their new responsibilities.

A public information campaign has been promised for this purpose.

We think the changes are proportionate and reasonable, and look forward to the benefits to our community that will follow. n If you want to know more, or get involved, follow WATCH Wokingham on Facebook: @WatchWokingham

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US WOKINGHAM EDITION

20.01.22

S BERKS HELD BUT STAY AT SUMMIT

BEST FOR CRICKET

KESTRELS HURT IN HOME LOSS

HEAD TO HEAD KESTRELS TO HOST BOARS IN DERBY CLASH

By ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today THIS SATURDAY sees two sides go head to head in the Combined Counties Division One when Woodley United host Eversley & California.

The Boars go into the game at the Rivermoor in red hot form which places them in fourth heading into Saturday’s clash.

It’s not only in the league where Eversley have been impressive, but they have replicated that in respective cup competitions.

Last Wednesday saw them progress into the final four of the Hampshire FA Russell Coates Cup with a penalty shootout win over Locks Heath.

That was followed by a midweek victory in the Combined Counties Division One Cup, where goals from Reece Buckett, Harinder Singh Hunjan and Connor Allston saw them safely past Wallingford Town.

Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “A really good battling performance against a dangerous Wallingford town side. Minutes in

WOMEN READY FOR JANUARY BLUES READING FC Women are back in home action on Sunday against bottom of the table Birmingham City.

Kelly Chambers’ team were due to play Arsenal at the weekend, but had to postpone the match after positive covid cases in the Reading camp.

The Royals are in fine form with five wins and a draw from their last six Women’s Super League matches.

Birmingham City pulled off an extraordinary result two weekends back to find their first league victory of the season as they shocked top of the table Arsenal.

But the Blues proved that they would be no walkover and raced into a two-goal lead at half-time with goals from Libby Smith and Veatriki Sarri.

However, Darren Carter’s team were unable to replicate their heroics from the previous week when they faced Manchester United on Sunday.

They were handsomely beaten

by United after they conceded five goals without reply.

The Blues now find themselves back at the bottom of the table on four points.

Birmingham have a serious challenge on their hands if they are to stay up and retain their status in the top flight having picked up just four points from their opening 12 matches.

They have struggled to find goals, and have scored just six times in 12 games and have conceded 31 times.

The Royals already boast a win over Birmingham this season when they travelled away and came back to Berkshire with all three points in their November meeting.

Natasha Dowie opened the scoring before a brace from Deanne Rose consolidated the win.

the bank for some and improved sharpness for others. Lots of headaches with six players to come back in for Saturday.”

Woodley head into the contest in 18th place after a much improved spell of form at the back end of 2021.

Christian Parker’s team climbed out of danger with a run of three games unbeaten in the league before they suffered defeat in their first game of the new calendar year at home to Langley.

The Kestrels have recorded just one league win at home all season, while Eversley have picked up four wins on the road to keep them in the hunt near the top of the table.

Woodley have the opportunity to ascend up the table having only played 18 games this season and therefore have plenty of games in hand on the sides directly above them.

The Boars already boast a win over Woodley this season after achieving the points in dramatic circumstances that saw Sam Knight fire in a stoppage time winner for 10-man Eversley.

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18 | SPORT

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 20, 2022

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

HOCKEY ROUND-UP

SOUTH BERKS 3S STAY TOP DESPITE DRAW

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Women’s Thames 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s were held to a draw at home against Maidenhead 3s.

Despite the draw, South Berks remain at the summit of the table, level on points with Wallingford.

South Central Women’s Division 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s pocketed three points on the road with a clean sheet victory at Newbury & Thatcham.

Emily Yorke-Goldney, Yellie Powley and Lola Theodoulou netted to help their side to a 3-0 success.

The win puts them up to seventh in the standings.

SONNING 1s took a point away from home against Henley.

South Berks fight for the ball

South Central Men’s Division 2

South Berks Ladies 3s in possession

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s were hit with a heavy home loss against Phoenix & Ranelagh.

South Berks are in sixth after their 7-1 defeat.

South Central Women’s Division 2

South Central Men’s Division 4

SONNING 2s hit four past Henley 2s without reply.

The victory lifts them up to eighth in the table.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s collected three points after they got the better of Buckingham.

Keegan Nienaber, Daniel Ray and Sam Coombes got on the scoresheet to secure a 3-2 triumph for South Berks.

The victory keepes South Berks within touching distance of first place, where they sit in second just three points off the top.

South Central Women’s Division 3 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s added a point to their tally with a 2-2 draw against Amersham & Chalfont.

South Berkshire Ladies 3s drew against Maidenhead Pictures: Steve Smyth

South Central Men’s Premier 2

SOUTH BERKSHIRE suffered an away defeat at Eastcote.

They went down to a 3-2 loss

that leaves them in fifth in the table after they were leapfrogged by their opponents.

ATHLETICS

Roadrunners take to the cross country for Prospect Park fixture

By DAVID LEWIS sport@rdg.today SATURDAY saw Reading AC play host to the third Hampshire League Cross-Country fixture of the season.

Prospect Park would be the venue for the proceedings, and one small lap followed by two larger laps totalling approximately 9.25km would await the men in red, white and blue.

As was to be expected for a fixture held in the middle of January, conditions underfoot were somewhat slippery, and the runners would have to navigate their way around some particularly treacherous sections of the park, in particular the steep downhill stretch at the far end of the course.

With a pack totalling more than 200 runners from various clubs across the South of England, home advantage meant that Reading’s men were out in force, with a total of 18 runners ranging from U20 right through to V60 lining up on the start line.

The mud and undulating terrain were no match for Dan Thorne, as he successfully made his way

around the course to cross the finish line in sixth place in a time of 31:49, making him the first Reading man home.

Close behind him was the in-form Isaac Farnworth, with a clocking of 31:59.

Making it three Reading men in the top-10 was James Rennie, who was ninth in 32:26; Rennie was also the first U20 finisher, 58 seconds ahead of his closest rival.

Fourth scorer was Richard Price, who came through in 23rd position in a time of 33:27, enough to earn him a very impressive second place ranking among the Vets.

The fifth and final scorer was Sarab Dhillon, who posted a decent performance to finish in 28th position in a time of 33:53. Not far behind Dhillon was Ryan O’Brien, who, in spite of an unfortunate incident involving a concrete pillar earlier on in the week, managed to get round in a very respectful time of 34:55, earning him 42nd position.

Following on from O’Brien was Haider Razzaq, who ran a very good race for his Reading AC debut to come through the finishing funnel in 44th position, and 35:12 on the clock.

Next through was Tom Nike, who as always had a solid outing to get himself home in 55th position, and a time of 36:20.

Arturo Martínez de Murguia continued a run of good form to be the next Reading man home, positioning himself in 76th place, with Vet Jeff Titmas not far behind in 37:56, the two of them clocking 37:16 and 37:56 respectively.

The next man through was David Lewis, who is just beginning to get back into fitness, and who was just outside of the top 100 in 108th position, with a time of 39:16. U20 Aryan Gupta was not far behind David, having a decent run to cross the line in 39:46, earning him 116th.

Veteran Charlie Madelaine mastered the mud to earn himself 135th and a time of 41:19, followed

by Andy McDonald, who rounded off a solid afternoon of running with 158th position and 43:52 on the clock.

Hot on the heels of McDonald was Neil Walker, who successfully navigated the course in a time of 44:19, giving him 163rd place.

Fellow Vet Sergej Filippov was just two places behind Walker, crossing the line in 165th position, and with

44:29 on the watch.

Finishing in 197th place was George Reich, who ran a time of 48:27, and rounding off the Reading contingent was Gerry O’Driscoll, who had a very decent outing to finish in 203rd position, and a time of 48:57.

In terms of the team results, as always the first five runners formed the scoring team. With an impressive tally of 73 points, this was enough for a very decent third position behind AFD (38 points) and Southampton (49 points); this cements us into third place after three fixtures.

As for the individual rankings, Richard Price is currently joint leader amongst the Veterans, along with James Baker of City of Portsmouth AC. Dan Thorne is ranked in seventh position across on the Senior Men’s leaderboard; very impressive indeed.

A reminder that the fourth fixture of the Hampshire League will be held on Saturday, February 19, at Popham Airfield near Basingstoke, As always, a big thank you to Ray Stevens for all his organisation as team manager.

BASKETBALL

COVID HIT ROCKETS FALL TO SOLENT

FOLLOWING Saturday evening’s game in the Midlands, Rockets entertained the league champions and National Cup finalists on Sunday afternoon.

They were without head coach Dan Pearson, suffering with covid. The illness had befallen some players too the previous week.

Reis Pinnock, who transferred from Solent early in the season, drove determinedly to the basket and flew high to take down rebounds in an excellent performance which inspired the team.

Pinnock opened Rockets scoring with a drive and lay up which Jaz Bains followed with a fade away score before Lewis Champion drove and scored.

When Bains struck a treble from way beyond the top of the key, Rivermead was rocking with delight.

Sam Toluwase then scored off an offensive rebound and Lufile worked an opening inside giving Rockets a 20-11 lead. A Solent time-out changed their focus and they hit five of the last seven points to finish adrift of Rockets who led 26-20 at the first break.

Solent scored off their first possession but a Bains assist to Lufile helped him to a jump score before Pinnock rose high to take down a defensive rebound and then stormed up court to hit a top of the key treble.

Unfortunately Rockets found themselves in team foul trouble which Kestrels capitalised on together with hitting a brace of trebles to reduce Rockets lead to just a single point with three minutes to the interval.

More penalty free throws gave Kestrels the lead but a superb treble from way out wide by Ashley Kitchen saw the score 46-43 in Kestrels favour at half time.

Pinnock spun and made a similar three point play before Dixon stroked a treble to see the teams drawn on 56 and then 59 points apiece.

Kestrels went on a game winning streak as they hit four trebles before the quarter ended with Rockets trailing 60-75.

Then they continued their dominance with another eight quick points to take the game away from a somewhat tired Rockets.

But this Rocket team has style and tenacity and fought right to the buzzer as the four Academy students played together for the last couple of minutes giving them very useful court time against the best team in the league for the last three seasons, fighting with scores from Isaac Round and Live Kivuvu to see Rockets finish 77-91.

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REACTION

RUGBY UNION

REYNOLDS PRAISES SPIRITED RAMS HAT-TRICK HERO: HAYHOW RAMS 41 PLYMOUTH 27 RAMS’ Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds hailed his players after they overcame Jak Rossiter’s first-quarter red card to beat Plymouth Albion 41-27 in a cracking encounter.

Two Connor Eastgate penalties put the visitors in front before hat-trick hero Connor Hayhow crossed for the first of his treble, Drew Humberstone’s conversion pushing his side a point in front.

Rossiter was then given an early exit after being ruled to have taken Shea Cornish out in the air, leaving Rams with more than an hour to play with a man down.

Reynolds said: “Credit to the players the way they managed it.

“The first thing they had to do was not drop their heads and get upset about the whole thing.

Rams v Plymouth Albion Pictures: Paul Clark “I was glad their lad was okay and was able to carry on and it was one of those occasions where Caolan (Englefield)’s box kick was almost too good, and two players got caught up underneath it – there was no malice and it’s just part of the game.

“The way the guys responded to going down to 14 men – we do have a

plan for it and we’ve always discussed what we would do – was excellent and they executed it so well in terms of the shift in how you have to defend.”

He continued: “Sometimes it’s tricky for the team who remain with 15 and I felt for 10 or 15 minutes Plymouth weren’t sure how to play, and it is hard for a team in that position.

“It doesn’t mean gaps suddenly open up everywhere and you can tear a team apart – it normally means you get some gaps towards the end and that happened because you get a dip in energy levels as every player has to work a little bit harder (earlier on).”

While the pack were outstanding, inside centre Hayhow was the try-scoring star of the show, resembling a dominant NFL running back as the American Football season hits the start of the play-offs.

And Tennessee Titans fan Reynolds beamed: “He reminds me of Derek Henry – he’s the best! Connor’s a powerful runner and if he takes the ball on the gain-line at pace he can break tackles, but he’s also got other elements to his game.

“He’s got great skills, chip-kicks the ball well and we’ve been waiting for him to deliver and he did it brilliantly, so I’m very pleased for him.”

HELPS 14-MAN RAMS TO WIN

HAT-TRICK hero Connor Hayhow starred as Rams produced a magnificent display to overcome the early sending off of Jak Rossiter and record a stunning five-try 41-27 home win against Plymouth Albion.

The hosts started slowly, conceding a succession of penalties in their own 22, and deservedly fell behind to a brace of Connor Eastgate penalties.

However, they responded emphatically on the quarter-ofan-hour mark as Hayhow opened his account after barrelling over from close range following a strong rolling maul.

Jak Rossiter was sent off having been ruled to have taken an opponent out in the air.

With James Baker yellow carded Rams were down to 13, but they made light of that as Hayhow completed his hat-trick on the hour-mark and a penalty try from a scrum then made it 38-13 as the forwards’ endeavours were again rewarded.

Despite having substitute Dan Collier sin-binned Plymouth

Rams v Plymouth Albion Pictures: Paul Clark showed their resilience and grabbed a second try courtesy of scrumhalf Henry Clement at the end of a flowing backs move, replacement Tom Putt swiftly drop-kicking the conversion.

Jake Clemson then went over and Putt added the extras almost immediately from the restart, but Rams had the final word as Humberstone landed a penalty with the last action of the afternoon.

National League One Rugby returns to Old Bath Road on Saturday 29th January 2022 K.O. 3.00pm 1st XV v Taunton Titans RFC A range of great food and drink is available for you to savour. Great Beer, Great Food and Great Rugby!

E tickets can be pre-purchased via our Ticket Office at: Entry is £15 for over 18s for non-season ticket holders, FREE for under 18s.

FREE Park and Ride available for this fixture.

Rams Rugby, Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ © RAMSRUGBY 2022

160mmx8 columns (265mm) Taunton Titans Home 29th January - Wokingham and Reading Paper 19-20.01.22 copy.indd 1

17/01/2022 12:35:47

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BINFIELD FRUSTRATED AFTER LATE MIS FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

Binfield missed the chance to take a point after a saved penalty in stoppage time Pictures: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Isthmian South Central

BINFIELD fell short in their home encounter with Chalfont after a missed penalty in stoppage time.

With 15 minutes gone, Chalfont went in front from the penalty spot when they were awarded a spot kick.

The Moles were then hit on the counter attack in the second-half as the visitors were clinical to score on the

counter attack.

Binfield replied halved the deficit with just three minutes to go as captain Sean Moore got on the scoresheet.

The hosts had the chance to take a point when they were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, but Chalfont’s keeper performed heroics to keep it out and help his team to victory.

Combined Counties Premier North

Binfield player/manager Jamie McClurg

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK took a step towards safety with three points away at Burnham.

The Sumas got off the mark in the eighth minute when Luke Scope was perfectly placed to profit from a spill from the Burnham keeper and tap the ball into the unguarded net.

The hosts responded well in hope of finding a quick reply, but they couldn’t find a way past Sean Woodward in the Wokingham goal who made several important stops to keep

his team in front going into the break.

Woodward was called into action again in the second-half and looked determined to keep a clean sheet.

The Sumas then endured a late flurry of action to settle the match with two late goals.

Callum Eagle got on the end of Charley Tuttle’s corner to power an effort into the net.

Nathan Mindomba then got on the scoresheet to seal the points when he turned oe

Cummuskey’s volley past the keeper.

The win lifts the Sumas up to 16th in the table and they will be looking to venture further up the standings with games in hand on the teams above them.

READING CITY stay in 11th despite tasting defeat away at Abbey Rangers.

The third-placed side ensured they would collect all three points after they netted three times in the second-half following a tight opening 45.

Russell Coates Cup

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA made progress in the cup last Wednesday with a penalty shootout victory.

Up against Lockheath, the Boars took the upper hand in the 36th minute when Lewis Wall score from outside the box.

But the away side forced the game to penalties after Joe Pantony scored an own goal with virtually the last play of the game.

Eversley booked their

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From the middle

SSED PENALTY

Dick Sawdon-Smith

Automatic offside is on its way

A

place in the next round after Liam Vaughan made a stop before Joe Moriarty notched the winning kick to give them a 4-2 shootout success.

Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “Great to make it into semifinal of Russel Coates Cup. “We weren’t at our best at all which needs to change but we continue our run of 11 games unbeaten and shows the direction this squad has made this season.”

Thames Valley Premier League League leaders BURGHFIELD consolidated their place at the top

with a 5-1 win at WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS. Goals from Lewis Butcher, Lorenzo Medford, Oliver Brown, Josh Cook and Adam Telford saw them fire five past the Kestrels.

FINCHAMPSTEAD stormed to an 8-1 triumph away at Mortimer Village to keep their title charge intact.

Dylan Chaffin netted a hattrick, while braces from Callum Vallance and Ethan Simmons, and a goal from Alex Woodhead saw Finch put in an astonishing performance.

Finch are just one point off league leaders Burghfield, with a game in hand.

WARGRAVE took a point after the game was shared in a six-goal contest against Marlow United.

READING CITY U23’s also picked up a draw on the road against Windlesham & Chobham.

READING YMCA suffered an away loss by shipping three goals without reply to Yateley United.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One CAVERSHAM UNITED earned their fourth league win of the season against Long Crendon.

Holly Swan and Ellanor Dorey scored to gift Caversham a 2-1 away victory.

WARGRAVE got the better of TILEHURST PANTHERS in their league clash.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K BERKS COUNTY extended their stay at the top after hitting five past CAVERSHAM AFC. Megan Cox struck a hat-trick, while Kiah Owen and Samantha Sadler added to the score to secure a 5-3 win.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES added a point on the board in a 2-2 stalemate at Yateley United.

COMBINED COUNTIES

KESTRELS LOSE TO LANGLEY AS SQUAD RETURNS TO ACTION

By MARK ROZZIER sport@wokingham.today

WOODLEY UNITED experienced defeat in their first match of 2022 after four weeks out of action.

Woodley started sprightly and took the lead in the ninth minute when Rafa Brandao lobbed visiting keeper Shane Farrer to score his first goal for the club.

Ashley East was called upon to make a good save in the 11th minute but Langley were level on the quarter hour mark through Antonio Denis and then proceeded to enjoy

the better of the first half.

Samuel Essien was allowed an unchallenged corner while East was again required to make a save in the 34th minute.

With the game approaching half time, a Woodley ball played forward to Ciaran Carolan deep in the visitors half saw the United slip allowing Langley to gain possession and hit the hosts on counter attack which saw Flavio Gyawu-Kyem beat East one-on-one in the second minute of stoppage time.

As with the first half United started positively and levelled

in the 54th minute when Farrer parried Carolan’s shot for Caleb Lucas to react first and level from close range.

It was from a Woodley free kick that Langley retook the lead.

Having defended the kick in their penalty area and then Woodley’s resulting second ball into the area, Langley broke on the counter attack and a cross from their left hand side allowed Kushon Lewis-Thomas to score unmarked at the far post in the 66th minute.

Max Reid was introduced in the 77th minute and immediately

forced Farrer to save for a corner with Farrer doing likewise to deny Carolan following a good run by the Woodley forward.

East was required to deny Savva with 18 minutes remaining as the game opened up.

A Reid challenge in the 78th minute saw a penalty awarded and converted by Rodgers Omondi. With players tiring on the pitch that was becoming increasingly heavy and slippery United found it difficult to gain momentum with Langley seeing out remaining time to take the match points.

NYONE who is not a fan of VAR might be dismayed to learn that another piece of football technology is on its way.

It was recently confirmed at the IFAB business meeting, that the experiment with the Automatic Offside Alert is being trialled.

This is something that has been on the boil for a few years.

Basically it is more technology to assist the correctness of offside decisions.

Offside, as I have often said, is a complicated decision mainly because there are three separate sections to it.

The player has to be in an offside position at the moment the ball is played by a team mate, who could, of course, be a considerable distance away.

This is where they are going to use this technology.

The original concept was for this information to be relayed to the VAR who would pass it on the assistant referee but it was decided that would take too long.

The updated version is that the assistant referee involved will be alerted directly that a player is offside.

But of course, the third part of the offside law is that the player in an offside position is not committing an offence unless he/she plays the ball or interferes with play or an opponent.

The technology can’t cope with this, so this has to be left to the assistant referee.

One of the things that I have been critical about with VAR is that the cameras are static, they don’t go up and down like an assistant referee, keeping in line with the last but one defender.

So when you see a photo from the VAR, the camera is seldom in line with the player.

I have probably run more than 1,000 lines in my refereeing career and it is quite obvious that to get the decision correct you have to be in line with the last but one defender.

When illustrating this to trainee referees, I have used a magnetic or felt board marked out as a pitch and put three ‘players’ in a straight line across the pitch.

Then, placing a set square just in front or behind the first two players, it shows how just a small difference gives you an entirely different decision.

However, we are told that there will be 10-12 cameras, checking 29 points on the body of a player 50 times a second, and software will be analysing the data in real time, to calculate the exact moment the ball is played and the position of every player.

It will also include grids to make offside clear, presumably for the VAR to peruse.

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How they rated Royals midfielder Danny Drinkwater

LUKE SOUTHWOOD

7

ETHAN BRISTOW

4

TOM HOLMES

7

Made some really important saves to keep Reading in the match.

Will be gutted he couldn’t keep them out.

The inexperienced defender really struggled up against a tricky winger in Isaiah Jones. Got a booking early on.

A much-improved performance after Tuesday’s defensive disaster.

Came up with several important blocks and clearances.

JOSH LAURENT

5

DEJAN TETEK

6

Again required at centre back due to injury shortages. Similarly to Holmes, a better display from Tuesday but couldn’t keep Boro out.

Filled in at right-back which he probably will for the remainder of Yiadom’s time at AFCON. Worked hard and did a solid job.

DANNY DRINKWATER

A disappointing game from the experienced midfielder. Sloppy with his passing with is usually his strong suit and gave the ball away cheaply.

ANDY RINOMHOTA

Showed Reading what they’ve been missing. Energetic and tenacious, big boost to have him back from injury.

4 8

TOM DELE-BASHIRU

7

JOHN SWIFT

6

His burst of pace upfield almost led to a goal early in the secondhalf and he provided the assist for Carroll’s goal.

Still not replicating the brilliant performances that we saw so often early on in the season, but improved on his performance from midweek.

JUNIOR HOILETT

6

ANDY CARROLL

8

A decent display on the rightwing. Had a couple of attempts at goal but was taken off early in the second-half with injury.

Should have been the perfect parting gift with his headed goal. Put in a great shift in what could have been his final appearance for us.

SUBS Mamadi Camara 6, Lucas Joao n/a

Reading winger Junior Hoilett

Andy Carroll put Reading in front but two late goals saw them beaten Archive pictures: Steve Smyth

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

NOT AGAIN: ROYALS HURT

BY STOPPAGE TIME WINNER MIDDLESBROUGH 2 READING 1

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING were dealt a sickening blow deep into stoppage time as Matt Crooks snatched three points for Middlesbrough after he scored two late goals.

The Royals have now gone six games in all competitions without a win after Crooks scored a leveller to cancel out Andy Carroll’s 68th-minute opener and he then snatched a winner deep into stoppage time.

Carroll’s short-term deal with the club is due to expire this weekend with the striker attracting the attention of several clubs in England after his impressive performances, but he was denied leaving the Royals fans with a parting gift.

The defeat leaves Veljko Pauovic under immense pressure with his team still just a place outside of the Championship relegation places.

Reading came into the match on the back of an abhorrent seven days for the club after an exit in the FA Cup to non-league Kidderminster Harriers was followed up with a 7-0 home loss to Fulham in the league.

There was a boost on the bench with the return of last season’s top scorer Lucas Joao, who returned to the matchday squad for the first time in more than 150 days.

Andy Rinomhota was handed

his first start since September after his recent comeback from injury, while Andy Carroll lined up as the central striker.

The Royals started the day just one place outside of the Championship relegation zone.

The first attack and subsequent corner of the match came Reading’s way after some smart work from John Swift. But Boro keeper Joe Lumley made his presence felt and came out to claim a simple catch from Swift’s delivery.

The first yellow card of the game was distributed after 12 minutes when young full back Ethan Bristow was penalised for fouling Isaiah Jones.

The hosts almost had joy getting in behind Reading with a simple ball over the top but goalkeeper Luke Southwood was quick to rush off his line and head away the danger from the onrushing Aaron Connolly.

Reading’s first move of promise came in the 23rd minute when Swift and Junior Hoilett traded passes but the Canadian international snatched a shot well wide of the target.

Middlesbrough came into life and went close on a few occasions as they pressed for an opener.

Captain Jonny Howson’s shot took a wicked deflection off Josh Laurent to wrongfoot Southwood, but to Reading’s fortune, the ball spun just wide of the post.

The hosts then came even closer a few minutes later when Southwood initially made a fine

stop to deny Andraz Sporar before the rebound bounced off Laurent and struck the post.

There was some end-to-end action to end the half. Southwood bailed out Tom Dele-Bashiru with a save after the midfielder lost possession deep inside his own half.

Hoilett broke down the other end and had a shot saved before Boro countered but couldn’t take advantage through Connolly who curled his shot wide.

Connolly had another opportunity presented at his feet but couldn’t direct a shot on target and he also had the final chance of the half after Tom Holmes lost the ball cheaply, but Southwood came up with another block to end the half goalless.

Match stats MIDDLESBROUGH: Lumley, Dijksteel, Taylor, Fry, Tavernier, Sporar, Howson (c), McNair, Crooks, Connolly, Jones SUBS: Daniels, Payero, Peltier, Watmore, Bamba, Coburn, Balogun READING: Southwood, Bristow, Holmes, Laurent (c), Tetek, Rinomhota, Drinkwater, Dele-Bashiru, Swift, Hoilett, Carroll SUBS: Collins, Joao, Camara, Clarke, Puscas, Holzman GOALS: Carroll 68’, Crooks 84’, 90+5’

A bright start to the second-half from the Royals saw Dele-Bashiru bear down on goal and win a corner after his shot took a ricochet off a Boro defender.

Veljko Paunovic made his first switch in the 55th minute as Mamadi Camara replaced Hoilett who went down with an injury.

With 68 minutes on the clock, Carroll gave the Reading fans what could be a parting gift by heading them in front.

Dele-Bahsiru whipped a cross into the box and the rangy striker rose highest in the air and looped a header past Lumley.

Reading held off Boro who continued to grow in frustration in their quest to find an equaliser.

Southwood had to come up with another important stop to claw the ball away from his goal, but just moments later he couldn’t keep out Matt Crooks who pulled Boro level.

Joao entered the action with his first appearance of the campaign for the final five minutes of the match.

Laurent had a chance on the counter to snatch a win but couldn’t muster enough power in his shot.

But deep into injury time, there was more anguish for the Royals after Crooks prodded the ball in at the back post with his second of the afternoon.

Reading have two successive home games on the horizon. They host Luton Town on Wednesday evening (8pm) and Huddersfield Town on Saturday (3pm).

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PREVIEW

ROYALS TO HOST TOP SIX HOPEFULS HUDDERSFIELD

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING are looking to bounce back after what has been a catastrophic last week for the club.

After being knocked out of the FA Cup by non-league Kidderminster Harriers, the Royals shipped seven goals at home to Fulham and were then beaten deep into stoppage time at Middlesbrough.

The defeat leaves Veljko Paunovic’s team just one place above the drop zone in the Championship heading into Wednesday night’s match at home to Luton Town (match report and reaction online at Rdg.Today).

After Wednesday night’s action at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading are back at home again on Saturday when they play host to Huddersfield Town.

Huddersfield are going well in the league this season following a couple of lacklustre campaigns since returning to the championship after a two-year stint in the Premier League.

They are well within the hunt for the play-off places, sitting in seventh place in the table prior to the midweek fixtures.

Reading v Huddersfield Town last season Picture: Steve Smyth Their impressive form of late has allowed them to stay within touching distance of the top six, where they are just a point behind

sixth placed Middlesbrough.

The Terriers are on a run of seven games without defeat in the league.

A 1-1 stalemate at home to Swansea City at the weekend followed an impressive point on the road at high flying Blackburn Rovers in between an inspired FA Cup display where they eliminated Premier League outfit Burnley at Turf Moor.

Town have netted just three more times than the Royals in the league with 33 goals, but their much sterner defence sees a large gap in the standings between the sides.

Huddersfield have conceded 30 times in 27 matches, while Reading have let in 45 goals from 25 games.

Carlos Corberan is at the helm for Huddersfield since taking over as manager at the beginning of the season and so far has enjoyed a positive debut season in England.

Danny Ward is Huddersfield’s top scorer this campaign with seven goals and two assists from 24 matches.

Huddersfield’s last trip to the SCL came in the final game of the 2020/21 season where they earned a point in a 2-2 draw.

Rakani Edmonds-Green salvaged a last gasp point with a 93rd minute leveller after goals from Michael Olise and Yakou Meite had seen the Royals overturn a one goal deficit.

REACTION

PAUNOVIC: ‘FOOTBALL WAS CRUEL TO US’ READING FC manager Veljko Paunovic admitted he needs to ‘fix his team’s mentality’ after their stoppage-time defeat to Middlesbrough.

The Royals had led after Andy Carroll’s opener but Matt Crooks bagged a late double to snatch the points away from Reading.

“Football was cruel to us today,” said Paunovic.

“We were severely punished. It was an amazing performance for 86 minutes and a recovery after the hardest loss in a long time.

“I was pleased with how we reestablished our spirit and game.

I’m proud of the effort of the guys.

“We still need to fix our mentality and game management and get the job done until the end, don’t stop.”

The Serbian boss believes that his team’s inexperience cost them the ability to see out the game, which has been the case in several matches this season.

“There is a mix of lack of experience and adjustments we have to make because of lack of

Reading manager Veljko Paunovic options because of the injuries we always mention,” he continued.

“That remains an issue.

“We lost Junior (Hoilett) with his hamstring injury and have to make a substitiution. It’s part of the game “The team in the last minutes cant cope with the pressure “You have to know the last minutes of the game are the most important.

“Every opportunity you have to slow them down you have to take and that’s something because of inexperience we don’t do well.

“Otherwise, we would have been in a different situation.

“And everyone after the game was disappointed. The first feeling was one of frustration.

“It was loud, everyone had to say something about it – things were thrown around the dressing room.

“But after that energy had been released, we wrapped it up.

“And we encouraged the guys, telling them that we did really well today.

“I was envisioning the game against Cardiff, the games at Fulham and Birmingham and Swansea – although I think we played better today in some of those games. I was hoping this could be a chance for our fans and our players to celebrate together again.

“We appreciate them coming, we appreciate their support and we will keep fighting.

“Now we have to step up to the occasion.

“It’s just much more composure and courage, and avoiding mistakes.

The second goal is after an

unforced mistake in our backline. It leads to a corner and consequently a few minutes of having to defend our own box.”

“And we need action. We’re going to go into Wednesday night and aim to show an even better performance and chase the points on offer.

“We’re not going to give up.

Paunovic is still hopeful that the club can extend Andy Carroll’s stay.

“Today is his last contractual day with us but hopefully, we can have him back as soon as possible, that’s our desire.

“We submitted our offer to his representatives three weeks ago and are still waiting.

“Performances like today, and the whole time he has been with us, he was one of our best players and will have a lot of opportunities so we will see.

“My relationship with him and conversations were always positive so I remain in hope.

“We have to look at what we can do to get him to stay with us.”

READING FC

GOALKEEPER TERMINATES CONTRACT

Rafael Cabral is leaving Reading FC READING FC goalkeeper Rafael Cabral has left the club after cancelling his contract so he can join Brazilian side Cruzerio.

The shotstopper’s contract was due to expire in the summer, however the player and the club have mutually agreed to terminate his deal.

Rafael joined the Berkshire club on a free transfer in the summer of 2019 from Sampdoria and consolidated his place as the first-team goalkeeper since his arrival.

He has gone on to make 89 league appearances for the club and was awarded as Reading’s player of the season for the 2019/20 campaign.

He began the current season as the first choice keeper, but has since lost his place to academy graduate Luke Southwood after the Brazilian initially lost his spot after suffering a hand injury.

But Veljko Paunovic has opted to stick with Southwood despite Rafael’s quick recovery from injury after several impressive displays.

Rafael’s final appearance came in the Royals’ disastrous FA Cup third-round exit to Kidderminster Harriers.

A ststament on the Reading FC website reads: “We would like to thank Rafael for his hard work and profesionalism during his time at Reading Football Club and wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his career.”

24 | SPORT

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CRICKET

CROWS U11’S CROWNED CHAMPIONS

RESULTS Saturday, January 15

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Middlesbrough 2-1 Reading Isthmian South Central Binfield 1-2 Chalfont St Peter Combined Counties Premier North Abbey Rangers 3-0 Reading City Burnham 0-3 Sumas Combined Counties Division One Woodley United 2-4 Langley Thames Valley Premier League Mortimer 1-8 Finchampstead Wargrave 3-3 Marlow United Windlesham & Chobham 3-3 Reading City U23’s Woodley United Royals 1-5 Burghfield Yateley United 3-0 Reading YMCA Thames Valley Division One Maidenhead Town Reserves 1-2 Hurst RUGBY UNION National League One Rams 41-27 Plymouth Albion South West 1 East Bracknell 31-8 Beaconsfield

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today CROWTHORNE & Crown Wood CC Under 11’s are celebrating success after being crowned champions of the Berkshire Cricket Foundation Indoor League.

The squad, most of whom only started playing hard ball cricket

last season, demonstrated a great level of skill and term work where they overcame several clubs, including Shinfield CC and Emmbrook & Bearwood CC on their way to the title.

As a result of their success, two of the team’s players, Ollie McDonagh and Jackson Bhatti have

been invited to represent Berkshire Under 10’s.

Under 11’s coach, Viray Bhatti said: “I am extremely proud of all the players, some of whom are only eight and nine years of age and only started playing hard ball cricket this season.

“Their hard work, commitment and amazing team spirit take them

from strength to strength.

“Most importantly the players have all embraced our philosophy of playing with respect for others, encouragement, support and positivity.

“Whether they win or lose they always walk off the pitch as a team laughing and smiling.”

TABLE TENNIS

ROBERTS HAT-TRICK HELPS SONNING A TO DERBY WIN

By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today A FINE hat trick from Jason Roberts helped SONNING COMMON AND PEPPARD A to a 7-3 derby win against SONNING COMMON AND PEPPARD B.

Jason beat highly rated Jamie Barlow 11-7 11-5 11-3 in some style.

Jamie hit back for the B team by earning a good win over Neil Hurford 7-11 11-2 8-11 11-9 13-11, while Brian Meheux managed a win over Malcolm Gregory.

A two-player KINGFISHER C team still managed a 5-5 draw at Tidmarsh A thanks to a maximum from Daniel McTiernan and two wins from Emma Blachford including an excellent 12-10 11-9 11-9 win against Tony Baker.

KINGFISHER B battled hard in their match at OUR LADY OF PEACE A, despite only having two players available.

Alan Cummings won twice and Nigel Keedy once, but a hat trick from Sam

Ricks ensured the OLOP team ran out 7-3 winners.

In Division 2 KINGFISHER G drew 5-5 with OUR LADY OF PEACE C, thanks to Satej Jaywant’s treble and Hamid Mohseni’s double, Hamid’s dreams of a treble destroyed after he lost his opener to Binit Bhaskar.

OLOP’s Binit, Arun Rajagopal and Pradeep Desh each defeated Mick Mitcham, with Binit and Pradeep also winning the doubles.

SONNING SPORTS A ensured they remained top by beating TIDMARSH C 8-2, Nick Sears and Paul Savage both recording maximums, although they lost their 100% doubles record to David Sheppard and Ian Wu, Ian also beating Bob Woodmansee to deny Bob his first treble.

READING FC A beat TILEHURST METHODISTS A 9-1 to close the gap at the top of the table, Mike Childs and Jazz Dhillon both recording maximums, Wayne Alleyne having to settle for a double after

losing his opening set to Phil Jones, with Phil’s teammates Bill Stamatiou and Jes Eassom both leaving empty-handed.

Danny Dockree recorded a maximum to ensure the win as SONNING COMMON AND PEPPARD D beat TIDMARSH B 6-4, Angus Jones’ double and Jon Abbott’s single, earned by defeating Chris Webb, also crucial for the win while, for Tidmarsh, Francois Durand won twice, narrowly beating Jon 11-9 11-8 4-11 9-11 14-12, and Barry Carter won once.

OUR LADY OF PEACE B earned a 6-4 win over Kingfisher F, despite no-one being able to defeat Roger Pritchard, Chris West and Dave Godfrey both recording two wins apiece, as well as partnering each other to a Doubles win, the sixth point courtesy of Louise Forster, who lost the opening set, to Ajai Kamath 7-11 12-10 5-11 11-7 6-11, but guaranteed victory when she beat John Liddle in the final set.

Two wins in a week has seen the youngsters from KINGFISHER I go to the top of the division 3 table.

Firstly they beat OUR LADY OF PEACE E 8-2 with their youngest player Rishaan Sawant getting an excellent double, there were also two good wins for OLOP’s Parvin Baishkiyar.

Two days later Kingfisher beat Tidmarsh D 7-3 with maximums from Theo Kniep and the unbeaten Ryan Chung.

Dave Edwards played well for Tidmarsh and he almost took Ryan’s 100% record before just losing 11-8 in the fifth.

MILESTONE A kept in the promotion hunt with a 9-1 win over SONNING COMMON AND PEPPARD E. The set of the night was between Anthony Reeve and Sachin Mundra with Anthony almost recovering from two games down before just losing out 11-7 in the fifth. Zoltan Keleman and Sachin Mundra both got trebles as Milestone.

SPRINGFIELD beat OUR LADY OF PEACE D 7-3 to

open up a gap between themselves and the two teams in the relegation places.

Rob Wilkie got a good maximum for Springfield and was well supported

by Peter Gurney and Jason King who both picked up doubles.

TILEHURST METHODISTS B surprisingly lost 6-4 at home to SONNING COMMON AND PEPPARD F in their division 4 encounter, despite a Martin Wetherell hat trick for Tilehurst.

Martin’s victory over Gerry Bacon was a bit tight winning 19-17 12-10 12-10.

OUR LADY OF PEACE F beat a two-man READING FC B 7-3. For the Biscuitmen Joe Bull gained a fine maximum.

Peter Bennett starred for KINGFISHER J by winning all three to help them beat SONNING SPORTS C 6-4, while SONNING SPORTS B beat a two-man MILESTONE B team 10–0.

Cris Reynolds, Harry Brough and Brett Hastings all won two each.

HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 2 Eastcote 3-2 South Berkshire South Central Men’s Division 2 South Berkshire 1-7 Phoenix & Ranelagh Sonning 2s 3-1 Eastcote 2s South Central Women’s Premier 1 Henley 2-2 Sonning South Central Women’s Division 1 Newbury & Thatcham 0-3 South Berkshire South Central Women’s Division 2 Sonning 2s 4-0 Henley 2s South Central Women’s Division 3 Amersham & Chalfont 2-2 South Berkshire 2s

Sunday, January 16

FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Arsenal P-P Reading FA Sunday Cup second-round Burghfield 4-1 Banstead Rovers Thames Valley Women’s Division One Long Crendon 1-2 Caversham United Tilehurst 1-2 Wargrave Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K Berks County 5-3 Caversham AFC RUGBY UNION Championship South 1 Blackheath 12-27 Abbey

Tuesday, January 18

FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Hilltop v Berks County

Wednesday, January 19

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship

Reading L-L Luton Town Full reprt online at wokingham.today

FIXTURES Saturday, January 22

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Huddersfield Town Isthmian South Central Staines Town v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Sumas v Southall Combined Counties Division One Berks County v FC Deportivo Galicia Woodley United v Eversley & California Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v Reading City U23’s Finchampstead v Wraysbury Marlow United v Wargrave Windlesham & Chobham v Reading YMCA Woodley United Royals v Yateley United Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions v Henley Town Holyport Reserves v Eldon Celtic Hurst v Westwood Wanderers Reserves Thames Valley Division Two Hurst Reserves v Datchet Berks County Swords v Hambleden Thames Valley Division Three Reading YMCA Rapids v Goring United Reserves SB Phoenix A v Reading City Development Thames Valley Division Four Harchester Hawks v Henley Town Development White Eagles v Finchampstead Development Windlesham & Chobham A v Finchampstead United RUGBY UNION National League One Leeds Tykes v Rams South West 1 East Witney v Bracknell HOCKEY South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning v Reading 2s South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire v Phoenix & Ranelagh South Central Women’s Division 2 Reading 4s v Sonning 2s South Central Women’s Division 3 South Berkshire 2s v Marlow 4s South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning v Wycombe South Central Men’s Division 2 Bicester v Sonning 2s

Tuesday, January 25

FOOTBALL Esoteric Recordings Division One Challenge Cup Berks County v AFC Aldermaston Woodley United v Cove