MORE WOKINGHAM NEWS THAN YOU’LL FIND ANYWHERE ELSE COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS
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THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Thursday, July 14, 2022
No. 372 90p
TAKE PRIDE
Picnic and pub night to help celebrate love • p3
JUBILEE TRIBUTE IN FLOWERS P35
COUNTDOWN TO NEW POOL OPENING P8
SHE SHOOTS, SHE SCORES: Theresa May opens school’s new 3G pitch • p11
ADVICE CENTRE’S URGENT PLEA FOR NEW HELPERS Citizens Advice needs more volunteers
EXCLUSIVE
By DANIEL BLACKHAM news@wokingham.today CITIZENS Advice Wokingham is calling for volunteers as it tackles the cost of living crisis across Wokingham borough.
The charity is looking for people from all backgrounds to deliver advice and support to help those
struggling with housing, benefits and employment issues. No experience is necessary as full training will be provided. Last year it supported 5,170 people, a 126% increase in the number of people helped compared to pre-pandemic times. And demand is continuing to remain high. Jake Morrison, chief Executive at Citizens Advice Wokingham, is
urging people to help out and “do something great” as referrals for support are “off the scales”. He said: “Over the last 12 months, compared to pre-pandemic times, issues around benefits and tax credits are up 59%, debt issues up 98%, housing issues up 181%, employment issues up 112% and referrals to food banks and other essential support is off the scales.” n Continued on page 2
THEATRE GOES BACK TO SCHOOL P34
CHURCH PASTOR RETIRES P33 ISSN 2634-8330 28
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Twyford library project up for renewal EXCLUSIVE By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
the long awaited Twyford library project. “The trustees are very grateful for the support from numerous local people in Twyford who have believed in this project for well over a decade. “We are also grateful to past members of the Wokingham Borough Council who supported the library project from the start, and Cllr Stephen Conway who has tirelessly lobbied the council on behalf of the new library project.” The Polehampton Charity is also celebrating its 300th anniversary this year and the trustees see this as “a fitting tribute”. The spokesperson added: “The trustees believe that the new library will continue the legacy of Edward Polehampton in his belief of education for the children of Twyford, Ruscombe and Charvil. “The Polehampton Charity is 300
THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED LIBRARY FOR TWYFORD PICTURE: Phil Creighton
Cllr Stephen Conway, Liberal Democrat councillor for Twyford, has been campaigning for a new AFTER more than 20 years of library in Twyford for more than campaigning, a new library in Twyford is on the verge of being 20 years. delivered. He said: “It’s a great sense of achievement in the community. A report will be put forward to “The campaigners deserve Wokingham Borough Council’s enormous credit and there has executive at a meeting on Thursday, been a real public passion from the July 28, and, if approved as expected, people of Twyford. will be a legal commitment from the “The most important thing now is council to the project. to get it signed off. It will see the former “Once the paperwork is over the Polehampton Old Boys’ School, a line, and the document is signed Grade II listed building, transformed by both parties, it becomes legally into a library and community hub. binding and we can rest a little A spokesperson for the easier. Polehampton Trustees said: “The He also paid tribute to David trustees of the Polehampton Charity Turner who helped fundraise and are delighted that Wokingham championed the project, including Borough Council will be meeting reenacting a record-breaking seeon July 28, to hopefully commit to saw challenge he carried out in the 1960s. He died last year. Cllr Conway said: “Mr Turner was among the first to come up with the idea to use 3URXGO\ VHUYLQJ WKH ORFDO FRPPXQLW\ the old Polehampton Boys School. “It was his passion :H FUHDWH HYHU\ IXQHUDO LQGLYLGXDOO\ MXVW IRU \RX and it is a great sadness that he is no longer here to see it KRXU VHUYLFH )ORUDO WULEXWHV come to fruition.” The trustees of the +RPH YLVLWV 3ULYDWH FKDSHOV RI UHVW Polehampton Charity were also keen to recognise Mr Turner’s %HUHDYHPHQW DGYLFH 5HSDWULDWLRQ ,VDEHOOD +RXVH $ 5HDGLQJ 5RDG efforts. 5* (; A spokesperson added:“The countless &DOO XV IRU LPPHGLDWH VXSSRUW DGYLFH RU WR DUUDQJH D KRPH YLVLW hours spent pushing this project forward :H DUH KHUH WR KHOS KRXUV D GD\ was championed by the very determined 3UHSDLG IXQHUDO SODQV DOVR DYDLODEOH David Turner; he refused to give up PLOHVIXQHUDOV FRP when people doubted the project would 2̇FHV DOVR LQ 5HDGLQJ :RNLQJKDP &URZWKRUQH %UDFNQHOO 7Z\IRUG DQG 0DLGHQKHDG succeed.” years old this year and the signing of the lease and the commitment from Wokingham Borough Council is a fitting celebration to mark this wonderful milestone.” Wokingham Borough Council were due to discuss buying the lease in September last year but were unable to do so because of rising building costs. At the time, Cllr John Halsall, then council leader, described the rises as “significant”. “This is simply not the moment to be cavalier with our capital spending,” he said. Now the required capital, believed to be around £300,000, will be funded by developer contributions. This is money paid by developers to mitigate the impact of new homes and other buildings.
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Thieves’ car on driveway A WOOSEHILL homeowner found another car in their driveway when they returned home from a trip out. The car, a blue hatchback, was occupied by a man who then sounded its horn several times. Two men came out of the Westmorland Close home, and got into the car, which then drove off. It is believed the thieves gained entry via the letterbox as the front door was not double locked. The incident took place around 4.40pm on Thursday, June 30. Anyone with information is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference 43220287376.
TIME TO SHINE: Participants in this year’s Wokingham Pride gathered in Market Place to celebrate love, acceptance and diversity Picture: Steve Smyth
Love is all you need By JAKE CLOTHIER Queer correspondent
WOKINGHAM showed it had plenty of pride, as communities came together to celebrate love and acceptance. This year marks 50 years since the first Pride in London event, and on Saturday, the town held its first proper event. Around 200 people attended as the day’s events, kicking off with a photo-opportunity in Market Place, before a picnic in Elms Field. Schools, churches, and shops all showed their support by displaying pride flags throughout the town as
people celebrated. Attendees included a number of councillors, as well as the Borough mayor, Cllr Caroline Smith, and deputy town mayor, Cllr Sally Gurney. Guests over 18 were invited to an evening performance at The Station Tap, where SemiColon performed drag cabaret, joined by performers Dulce Kraving and Tania Lecoq. One of the organisers, Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth felt the event had been successful. “The Pride team want to keep the huge goodwill and community connection going,” she said.
“And in particular we want those who are coming out in Wokingham to know that they have the solid support of a safe and inclusive community behind them.” She says that the team is now planning regular events for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. “We also hope to have another drag event soon, as The Station Tap was packed on Saturday night with people enjoying an incredible evening with our talented drag artists.” Next year’s Wokingham Pride will take place on Saturday, July 8, 2023.
Guests were invited to picnic on the grass
Enjoy a night out with bells on
A NIGHT out at the pub with bells on – that’s the promise for visitors to Hurst later this month. Members of Hurst Morris People (HuMP) are teaming up with Kennet Morris Men for a display of traditional English dancing. It takes place between 8pm and 10pm at The Wheelwright Arms, off Davis Street, on Thursday, July 21. They sides dance in the Cotswold, delighting audiences with the fun activity. Entry is free, and the sides welcome new members.
Thrusday 21st of July at 7pm
‘Australasia Tour - Wine Dinner’ Showing your pride means showing your stripes for these guests A rainbow halo combo
Discover Australasian Wines when matched with food by participating in a unique and informative experience. From barbecues on the beach to the cool heights of the New Zealand Alps, the two countries of Australia and New Zealand are a gourmet’s paradise. Sample the fine wines of Australia and New Zealand with a matching five course tasting menu. Glass of Sparkling Wine Five-Course Tasting Menu Accompanied Wine Flight Tea, Coffee and Petit Fours Guests Speaker
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No more food waste bags in bid to help the environment By Daniel Blackham dblackham@rdg.today RESIDENTS in Wokingham are being urged to line their food caddies with an environmentally friendly alternative.
This is part of Wokingham Borough Council’s effort to reduce the use of nonrecyclable single-use plastics. For the past two years, the council has given every household a supply of nonbiodegradable caddy liners to line their food waste bins in an effort to drive up food waste recycling. The council’s new Liberal Democrat administration, in power since May 2022, have decided not to continue supplying the bags and are instead encouraging residents to use environmentally friendly alternatives. Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “Production and disposal of non-recyclable single-use plastics result in greenhouse gas emissions and often end up polluting our rivers and seas. “At a time when we are encouraging all residents to decrease their use of single-use plastics, it just doesn’t make sense for us to continue to supply food waste bags that are single-use plastic.” Food waste collected from residents in Wokingham borough is taken to a recycling facility managed by re3, our waste management partner. The food caddy liners are burned and the energy captured after the food waste inside is removed for further processing at the facility. Cllr Shenton has suggested a range of alternatives which are
TIME FOR CHANGE: Wokingham Borough Council will no longer supply caddy liners as it looks to save money and reduce environmental impact of single-use plastic Picture: Meineresterampe via Pixabay better for the planet. He said: “Residents can line their kitchen caddies with a compostable liner, newspaper or any soft plastic bag they have that they were going to throw away, such as carrier bags, bread bags, cereal bags or fruit and vegetable bags. “Residents can also instead line the bottom with newspaper or used kitchen paper, emptying it into the outdoor caddy, and wash both between uses.” As a result of encouraging more environmentally friendly alternatives, the council will no longer supply additional food caddy liners, beyond its annual supply delivered to all households earlier this year. Previously, residents were able to get extra food caddy liners in a number of locations, such as libraries, in the borough. The council has run out of these and will not be ordering more. For the same environmental concerns, the council has also decided not to include food caddy liners in its annual delivery of blue bin bags to
residents starting 2023. The council estimates that caddy liners cost around £75,000 this year, but were not included in the budget. The estimated cost for the caddy liners for next year is just under £120,000, primarily the result of rising oil prices. Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the council, believes it “doesn’t make sense” to commit to this cost. He said: “The previous administration did not budget for these caddy liners, so to supply them we would have to take the money from something else. “In this perilous time when costs are rising across the board, it just doesn’t make sense for us to continue to supply these, particularly as they are bad for the environment.” The council is working on a new waste collection strategy for when the current waste collection contract ends in 2026 It will be asking residents for their views on the options later this year.
SUCCESS: Hurst Consolidated Charity chair John Edwards, Jacqui Watts, Elizabeth Pomeranz, Pamela Barnard and charity clerk Lorraine Gladdish.
Hedgehog house helps Hurst homes in contest judged by Prince Charles WILDLIFE including a hedgehog and nesting robins have approved three new almshouses which were runners-up in a competition judged by Prince Charles, writes Sue Corcoran. The Richard Bigg Almshouses in Hinton Road, Hurst competed against other new almshouses built around the UK. Gardens at the Hurst homes have been quickly populated by birds swooping to feed and nest – and also a hedgehog making nightly visits for his supper. One resident has even provided a hedgehog house for the visitor. John Edwards, chair of Hurst Consolidated Charity which built the almshouses, said: “We’re pleased to have been given the Excellence and Inspiration Award. “Prince Charles gave the top prize to new almshouses in Colchester which are Victorian replicas. He is well known for his love of older buildings.” New almshouse building schemes were “coming through thick and fast. More social housing is desperately needed,” he added.
“The award is recognition of our architects TP Architects of Maidenhead and builders Nutley Construction of Burchetts Green. They’ve been very good and I can recommend them.” Prince Charles is patron of the Almshouse Association, based in Wokingham, who ran the contest. Hurst’s new almshouses have solar panels, disabled access, wet room bathrooms, modern kitchen areas and gardens, front and back. The residents give their homes top marks. Elizabeth Pomeranz, 88, a retired air hostess and multicountry tour guide, said: “Our homes are really lovely, modern and well maintained. There’s a laundry for us to use. We’re all keen gardeners.” Pamela Barnard, 79, a retired teacher, said: “I absolutely love my home, I’m so lucky to have it. The hedgehog comes every night to eat kitten food. We’ve had robins nesting, and visits from a lesser spotted woodpecker, jackdaws, magpies, collared doves and blackbirds.” Jacqui Watts, 68, a community first responder supporting
ambulances, praised her friendly neighbours: “On a nice warm evening we sit outside at the back with a little something refreshing, have a chat and put the world to rights. “I couldn’t afford to rent privately. I absolutely love it here. It’s a nice community, with the residents of the original almshouses and the new ones. We’re well looked after.” The residents pay a weekly maintenance contribution set at an affordable level. The new homes cost £600,000 to plan and build. Many almshouse residents are older people, but the Hurst charity can house ‘needy people’ from Hurst or adjacent parishes. These can be key workers like teachers and police officers. Hurst Consolidated Charity also looks after The Harrison Almshouses in Twyford, built in 1640, the William Barker Almshouses in Hurst built in 1664 and four almshouses, built in the 1960s, also in Hinton Road. They provide a total of 20 homes.
Don’t yank SWR’s chain unless you really, really, really need to TRAINS have been delayed by more than 30 hours over the past six months – by customers yanking their chain. South Western Railway says that customers who incorrectly use alarms for non-emergency situations resulted in 1,825 minutes of delays, and nine service cancellations. Between December and May, there were 176 incidents, and each one causes the train to halt while a guard carries out a
safety check. One of the incidents was a passenger who forgot their luggage, another had dropped their phone out of a window. Another chain pull SWR highlighted was a customer feeling anxious. SWR said alarms should be reserved for emergencies, such as a fire. The penalty for deliberate misuse is £1,000. In non-emergencies, customers are urged to
use alternative ways to receive assistance, such as approaching staff members, seeking assistance at the next station, or using a help point button located in carriages. Christian Neill, Customer Experience Director for South Western Railway, said: “Customers in need of assistance should speak to a member of staff or contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016.”
Invite to sing a peaceful anthem for Ukraine
By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today
SING out for peace – that’s the message from organisers of a special event in Wokingham on Sunday.
The Festival For Peace includes a bring-your-own picnic, followed by a special ‘come and sing’ evensong at St Paul’s Church in Reading Road. The service will include prayers and music for peace, including: Lysenko: Prayer For Ukraine, Paul Mealor: Peace, and Walmisley in D Minor. Those who want to sing can take part in a rehearsal in the afternoon. Louise Turner, St Paul’s choir director said: “Our aim is to get together in prayer and music. “We would love keen musicians/singers to join us to sing. “Over the last year we’ve been thrilled to be able to get back to singing together. “Our choir is growing in numbers of both adults and children and we wanted a special event to finish the year.” The focus of the music and the prayers will be the illegal invasion of Ukraine. “Human nature is to get used to situations very quickly and the war seems to be featuring less and less in the news”, Ms
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VENUE: St Paul’s Church in Wokingham will welcome people a Festival For Peace on Sunday. Picture: Delyth Williams via Pixabay.
UNITED NATIONS: Elms Field will offer a warm welcome on Saturday
Welcome event for Wokingham’s new arrivals
Turner said. “We don’t want to forget the people of Ukraine who are suffering in this terrible war. “The beautiful anthem, Peace, by Paul Mealor seemed a fitting choice for the event and we will also sing a Ukrainian prayer. “We are hoping that if possible some Ukrainian families might join us for the event and be welcomed into our community. The speaker for the evensong will be Liz Jackson, the Associate Archdeacon of
Berkshire. The Revd Richard Lamey, Rector of St Paul’s, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Liz. “She has a long history of working with those newly arrived in the country from her previous job in Coventry. “And she has led the work for the Diocese of Oxford, welcoming people from Hong Kong and Ukraine, supporting host families and organising language courses. “She’s the perfect person to preach at this service.”
What you need to know
The Festival For Peace takes place on Sunday, July 17. It is hosted by St Paul’s Church, Wokingham. The event begins with a music rehearsal in the church at 2.30pm. This is followed by a picnic at 4.15pm. And evensong begins at 6.15pm. People are welcome to come to all or any of the festival. n For more information, call the parish office on: 0118 979 2122, or log on to: spauls.co.uk
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AN EVENT to greet new residents in Wokingham is being held this weekend. Wokingham Borough Welcomes New Arrivals will take place at Elms Field on Saturday, July 16. It’s the borough’s chance to meet new residents, including more than 400 refugees from Ukraine as part of the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, as well as families from Hong Kong, Afghanistan, Syria and other places who have moved to the area. Cllr Clive Jones, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We’d like to welcome anyone who wishes to join us on the day to provide a warm welcome to those who have
moved to our borough. “This is a perfect chance to build relationships and make new connections, as well as being a fun day out for all the family.” There will be a range of activities for children and families at the free event. Those attending will be able to get food from stalls, or bring their own picnics to enjoy in the town centre green space. Various departments of the council, charities and other partners will be running stalls on the day, including some which provide direct support and services to new arrivals and families that are hosting refugees. The event takes place from noon to 6pm.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
COST OF LIVING CRISIS
Parking restrictions brought in for Coronation Hall PARKING at Coronation Hall in Woodley will now be restricted. From Wednesday, July 13, the gate will be locked when the hall is not in use. A spokesperson for Woodley Town Council said: “Many of the hirers at Coronation Hall have been arriving for their bookings to find few or no available parking spaces. “This is a particular problem for older people attending bookings who cannot park near to the hall. “There is signage in place advising that the car park is for hall users only, however, there are often many cars parked that are visiting The Oakwood Centre, the park or the shops.” The council has also confirmed that any unauthorised vehicles parked will be locked in. People are encouraged to find alternatives with free parking available at Woodford Park Leisure Centre or the pay and display car parks in the town centre.
Stats reveal child poverty in Wokingham is down, but… EXCLUSIVE By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today OFFICIAL statistics released earlier this week show child poverty in Wokingham has reduced, but it’s likely to increase with rising inflation and the cost of living crisis.
The End Child Poverty Coalition has been compiling data for a number of years. Its latest research shows that 5,276 Wokingham borough children were living in poverty in 2020/21, representing 14.6% of the child population. This is a reduction from 5,390 children in the previous year. However, the figures are for the previous financial year, when families received either an uplift to Universal Credit payments of £20 per week, or a furlough payment if they were unable to work due to covid lockdowns. Joseph Howes, Chair of the End Child Poverty Coalition & CEO of
Buttle UK, said: “The additional £20 support from the government during the covid crisis does appear to have affected the figures positively in most areas. “This shows that change is possible, these levels of child poverty do not have to be the norm.” In the south east nearly one in four children live in poverty, this is the same as when recorded in 2015. Across the UK, child poverty has reduced by 200,000 to 3.6 million children Although overall numbers in the UK have decreased, Mr Howes fears for the future and wants to see more action. He said: “The numbers may have gone down overall during the initial period of the covid crisis, but it still feels like we are on the edge of a precipice. “There is significant concern that they will now rise again sharply with families facing huge cost increases in the coming months. “It remains incredibly worrying that at a moment like this there is nothing in the government’s Levelling Up strategy on this issue. I just don’t understand this. “We must see a national child poverty strategy created, it is heartbreaking that
there isn’t one when we can see evidence that shows change really is possible.” Mr Howes’ concerns are shared by Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, who has predicted “a huge spike” in energy prices later this year and into 2023
as the October price cap takes effect. Mr Lewis said on Twitter: “If you pay £100/mth now, from Oct £165, Jan £170 “If you pay £150/mth now, from Oct £250, Jan £255. “If you pay £200/mth now, from Oct £330, Jan £340.
To meet demand, Citizens Advice Wokingham appeals for volunteers n Continued from front page
Join our Pre-Reception Class From the academic year your child turns 4
Book a private visit or attend an open morning www.sjcr.org.uk /admissions
Citizens Advice Wokingham currently has a team of 59 volunteers with advisers taking clients from the first initial call through to closing a case. Mr Morrison said: “A typical client journey could include us receiving a phone call to request a food bank voucher. “Through triaging the case, our team identify that there are issues around money and debts, so we make an appointment to go through an income and expenditure check and review debts as well as providing a food bank voucher straight away, and a referral for other essential items from a charity like The Cowshed for clothing.” If money issues, such as rent arrears, are identified Citizens Advice Wokingham can assist with a solution. Mr Morrison explained:
“We’re able to get debts put on hold whilst we’re working with them to identify a debt solution and budget planning, including identifying and applying for any other benefits and grants they may be eligible for. “We help unpack all of those connecting and or wider issues, helping them put a plan in place for addressing these issues with our support.” As well as doing something positive for the community,
Mr Morrison believes there are a number of positives to volunteering. “We know people who give their time get a lot back, be it enjoying the camaraderie of working in a team, learning new skills or campaigning on issues that are important to them,” he said.
n For more information on volunteering, visit: citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk/ volunteering
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COST OF LIVING CRISIS Food Lunch Bunch full unless Woodley Bank’s needs list
it gets more helpers EXCLUSIVE By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today WOODLEY Lunch Bunch has reached full capacity unless it gets more volunteers.
The community group delivers packed lunches to children in need out of term time This summer, the group will be delivering packed lunches, through the six week break, to around 140 children, but they are calling for more help. Cllr Shirley Boyt, Labour councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates, is the volunteer coordinator for the scheme. She said: “We are beyond capacity really as the number of people in need for our service continues to rise. “During the pandemic we had more volunteers to make sandwiches and deliver the lunches and there were less families relying on us. “But now people are back in their normal routines and have returned to work so are unable to volunteer their time, just as the demand for lunches has risen.” With inflation continuing to increase and the energy price cap set to rise in October, Cllr
Wokingham Foodbank’s appeal for donations WOKINGHAM Foodbank is appealing for more donations. Like many food banks across the country, it relies on the generosity of its community. With families struggling amid the current cost of living crisis, demand for its service is continuing to rise. Sumi Rabindrakumar, head of policy at the Trussell Trust which supports Wokingham
Foodbank, said: “Soaring food and fuel costs are affecting us all, but for families on the very lowest incomes the cost of living crisis means so much more.” The service is running short on some items and its updated shopping list includes: n Tinned rice pudding and custard n Fruit juice/squash
Boyt fears people will be left behind. She said: “It really worries me that families are struggling and it is expected to get worse. “I think the cost of everything is really going to hit people in October half term. “We already have people in Woodley and across Wokingham talking to us about how hard they are finding it.” Cllr Boyt is now asking people to come forward to help in any way they can. She said: “If people are able to volunteer their time to help make or deliver the lunches then please get in touch.” As well as volunteers, the charity is also accepting monetary
n Jam and preserves n Noodles n Cereal bars n Nuts n Confectionary n Toilet roll n Shaving foam n Washing up liquid n Sun cream
donations via its Go Fund Me page which helps fund fresh products such as bread, cheese and fruit. Food donations can be made at multiple drop-off locations in Woodley. Specific items on the Woodley Lunch Bunch shopping list include crisps, mini biscuits, jelly pots, small boxes of raisins and hot dog sausages. n To find a drop-off donation box, visit the Woodley Lunch Bunch Facebook page. n To donate money, search Woodley Lunch Bunch on gofundme.com n To volunteer, email: woodleylunchbunch@gmail.com
THE Woodley Food Bank has made a plea for donations. The service is seeing a rise in demand as residents feel the impact of the cost of living crisis and rising inflation. A spokesperson for the food bank said: “The latest update from us affirms the stark reality of the economic crisis and world events that have impacted everyone. “Sadly, we’ve seen a sharp increase in those who are requesting our ongoing help. “Given the rising costs of everyday life, we are, like many food banks nationally, also experiencing a reduction in donations. “This has culminated in little or no stock on many items that form a food parcel at our store. “It is with this in mind, we make a heartfelt plea once again.” The items being requested are: n Sugar n Coffee n Pasta n Cereals n Pasta Sauce n Dried spaghetti n Noodles n Tinned Vegetables n Tinned pies n Tinned fish n Tinned fruit
n Tinned Soups n Custard n Tinned desserts n Long-life milk n Juice n Toothbrushes and
toothpaste n Shampoo and shower gel n Deodorants n Toilet rolls
Woodley Food Bank has eight donation points including at The Oakwood Centre, Woodley Baptist Church, Woodley Library and its own store at Emmanuel Church in Southlake Crescent.
n For more information, or to make a donation, visit: pilotlight.org
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HIRING
There are donation points at multiple supermarkets in Wokingham including Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose. n For more information, or to make a donation, visit: wokingham.foodbank.org.uk
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
Carnival Hub leisure centre due to open later this month By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today THE new Wokingham Leisure Centre is set to open later this month.
GIFT: Waingels College presented a cheque to the Air Ambulance for £500 Picture: Waingels College
Students’ marathon effort helps three charities PUPILS from a Woodley school put their running shoes on to help three charities. During the autumn term, Waingels College held a minimarathon that saw 100 students from years 7 to 9 run, jug or walk 2.6 miles – a tenth of usual marathon. Between them, they raised £1,500, which has been shared equally between Make a Wish,
LaunchPad and Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAB). A spokesperson for the school said: “It was great to welcome Andy Holland, the air ambulance’s director of fundraising, and present to him a cheque for £500. “He explained to a selection of students who took part in the Mini Marathon how the money raised will help maintain the lifesaving emergency service.”
Bracknell Choral Society to present its summer concert this weekend
BRACKNELL Choral Society is presenting its summer concert on Friday, July 15. Songs For A Summer Evening is a programme of music appropriate for this time of year. It includes George Shearing’s Songs and Sonnets of Shakespeare, Nick Austin’s A Bunch of Flowers, Eric Whitacre’s The Seal Lullaby, Ola Geilo’s The Rose, and Gerald Finzi:’s My Spirit Sang All Day. The group will be conducted by Greg Hallam, and
feature accompaniment from the British Sinfonietta String Ensemble, and Nick Austin on the piano – he has devised the arrangement of A Bunch of Flowers. Tickets cost £18, or £5 for under 18s, and includes strawberries and cream and a drink. The concert takes place at Lambrook School in Winkfield Row. n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.bracknellchoral. org.uk
On Monday, July 25, the multi-million pound Carnival Hub will welcome the public for the first time. The site brings together a large leisure centre and a new home for Wokingham library, along with flexible cultural use of the space. The new flagship community building is part of the final phase of the council’s regeneration project in Wokingham town centre. Cllr Ian Shenton, newly appointed executive member for environment, sport and leisure at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “The Carnival Hub is a fantastic community facility and I am sure many of you, like me, cannot wait for the leisure facilities to open this month. “The impressive, state of the art leisure centre will help residents improve their health and wellbeing.” The new Wokingham Leisure Centre includes swimming pools, children’s splash pad, a health suite, 120 station fitness suite, fitness studios including group cycling studio, a café and a dual-purpose hall for sports or 400 seat-cultural performances. There will also be a specialist gym for those with long term health conditions. It has taken just over 18 months for the main construction work to be completed, which started at the start of the pandemic. More than 700 construction workers have been involved in the project. Cllr Clive Jones, leader of
COMING SOON: The new Wokingham Leisure Centre is to welcome the public from July 25 after Pellikaan handed over the building earlier this month Picture: Stewart Turkington
the council, said: “For most of the construction period we have been in the midst of the pandemic which has created some challenges which had to be overcome. “Everyone involved from our contractors to council officers and our leisure partners should be proud of the achievement, especially as the leisure centre is opening ahead of the original schedule.”
Earlier this month, council’s construction contractors Pellikaan handed over the building) and the council’s leisure partner Places Leisure has begun fitting-out the interiors and installing equipment. Tony Penge, contract manager at Places Leisure Wokingham, said: “We are really excited to be opening the new Wokingham Leisure Centre
on Monday, July 25. “We are looking forward to welcoming both new and existing customers through the doors of this fantastic facility.” Ahead of the official opening, Places Leisure is offering residents the chance to take a sneak preview. Places must be booked in advance. n For more information, visit: placesleisure.org
Free lecture to focus on Angel of the North sculptor
SEA VIEW: Antony Gormley’s Another Place Picture: carbhangal from Pixabay
THE WORK of sculptor Antony Gormley is to be the focus of an lecture next week. The Arts Society Wokingham will look at the 40-year career of the artist, and some of his creations. They include Another Place at Crosby Beach or the iconic Angel of the North. The free lecture will be held on Monday, July 18, at Newbold Church in Binfield, starting at 7.45pm.
It will also be live-streamed on the group’s YouTube channel. A spokesperson said: “Come and hear what makes his art so appealing and meaningful to people.” To reserve a place, email: memsectheartssocietywham@gmail. com n For more details, or to see the group’s programme of lectures, visits and study days, log on to: www. TheArtsSocietyWokingham.org.uk
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Thursday, July 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Rat infestation torments family for nearly two years EXCLUSIVE
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A WOKINGHAM resident is “at a loss” after more than a year of dealing with a rat infestation.
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said the rats have been tormenting her and her family for around 18 months. She has contacted her housing association, Housing Solutions, but feels their actions have been insufficient. She said: “I have made contact with my housing association on multiple occasions by phone and email, including emailing my housing officer 15 times. “From September last year, we had rats running around consistently for eight weeks and they sent a cleaner out once.” The woman has also been “promised” brushes for the bottoms of some in her property to try and restrict the rats’ access points, but these have not yet been fitted. She said: “The brushes are supposed to stop the rats from getting under the doors but they are coming in from more than one place. “This is basically admitting that rats are OK to be in one part
CAUGHT: One of the rats living in a Wokingham borough home. The affected family say the problem has been ongoing for two years of my home but not others.” At one point, the entire family were forced to sleep together in one room. “The rats were everywhere and you can hear them running around. “My daughter was terrified so we got together in one room and stuffed towels under the doors to stop the rats getting under,” she said. Prior to the rats appearing, the woman said she was forced to get rid of her dog. “When we had the dog we didn’t have this problem, but
after the housing association forced us to get rid of it, the rats appeared. “I have since filled in the paperwork to get another one but it was rejected,” she said. After living with the problem for nearly two years, she is losing faith that it will be resolved. She said: “I have tried everything, I have written to my local MP Sir John Redwood and contacted Environmental Health. “I am at a loss and am completely sick of it.”
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TEADY CONSULTING is a small, local consulting firm that is focused on helping other small businesses achieve more. Steady Consulting’s Director & Managing Consultant, Neil Stead has amassed an extensive set of skills, knowledge and experience having worked for The John Lewis Partnership for over 30 years - and is now using these to help others. “I hold a very strong belief that an organisation cannot be successful if it does not have clear direction, is not operationally efficient, and does not invest enough time or focus on people – be it customers or employees.” explains Neil. And it’s with this belief that Neil developed the Steady Consulting proposition, to define, develop and deliver an approach that gives small businesses the opportunity to grow. Neil adds “Our consulting services are designed to provide expert guidance and support across strategic, operations, customer experience and employee mental health & well-being areas of a business.” He adds, “We use our depth of experience to provide an affordable client-focused approach to consulting” With a smile on his face Neil lets us know that “I’m extremely proud of what’s already been achieved since we launched, and the feedback from clients has been amazing.” Neil is clearly passionate about helping others and appears humbled by such positive praise, and adds “I get enormous satisfaction knowing I’m helping small business owners to move things forward.” Neil wants other small business owners to understand the benefit that can be realised by bringing someone in who has extensive business knowledge and experience. He goes on to explain “I recognise that there are myths surrounding business consultants which may put off a small business owner from investing in an external expert to help improve their business.”
‘They’re only for underperforming large companies’ and ‘They’re expensive’ are two myths Neil hears and is looking to dispel. Neil stresses “Even a thriving small business will have something that it wants to improve or change - it simply may not know what it is or how to put it in place”. He adds “...and a large consulting firm will charge a large organisation a large fee - I take an approach that respects the small business, and understands the scale of investment it may have available to develop.” Sitting alongside the strategic and operational elements of the Steady Consulting services is a focus on equipping organisations with an improved understanding of, and tools to support, the mental health and well-being of employees in the workplace. And driven by his own lived experiences, Neil has recently become an approved provider of a half day mental health course, accredited by The Royal College Of Psychiatrists, and designed to support managers and front-line workers. Neil explains, “The course is the UK’s leading evidence-based mental health and wellbeing programme for understanding and managing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and has been successfully rolled out across many organisations throughout the UK and around the world.” Neil would love to support any small business owners in or around the Reading and Wokingham areas, and offers a free (no obligation) conversation to kick things off. This time is used to listen to your thoughts, concerns and discover what you’re trying to achieve. � For more information about Steady Consulting, visit them online at www.steadyconsulting.co.uk, email hello@steadyconsulting.co.uk or call 07375 482637.
A spokesperson for Housing Solutions said: “The health and wellbeing of our residents is a key priority for Housing Solutions. “We are aware of the family’s concerns and have been in direct contact with them regarding the rodent issue. “Our pest control contractor initially visited the property in September 2021 when the first report was made. He carried out a thorough cleaning programme and made good to prevent all possible methods of access from rodents.
“We have maintained regular contact with our resident following this and the contractor made a visit again last week, and reported that there was no evidence of rodents found at the property.” Housing Solutions are aware there have been issues previously in the area and are actively trying to prevent them moving forward. The spokesperson said: “We are aware that rats have been accessing waste left in the bin stores. “To try to mitigate the problem, our caretaking team thoroughly cleans the bin stores on a weekly basis, and they are bleached regularly to improve their condition. “However, there are issues with ongoing fly tipping and misuse of the bins, which we are trying to manage with the assistance of the local authority.”
Residents warned of new bin day WOKINGHAM Borough Council has announced a new waste and recycling collection day for some residents. The plan will see 1,162 northeast Shinfield households’ collection day moved from Fridays to Wednesdays, from August 3. Minimised vehicle movement is set to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint. Cllr Ian Shenton, the new executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “The collection day change is an example of our continued effort to build a greener borough. “The new schedule means that the service will be more efficient and carbon emissions will be reduced.” Alongside collection partner Veolia, the council is ensuring residents are informed of the change before it takes effect. Relevant information will be sent by post to each affected household this month. A new collection route will be implemented, providing operational and environmental benefits. The frequency of collection in the concerned area will remain unchanged, with general waste, recycling and food waste gathered every week. The fortnightly garden waste collection service will continue as usual.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
Make every drop of water count urges South East Water By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
AS the sun shines and the country basks in a heatwave, one of the borough’s water companies is urging people to make every drop count.
The Met Office has forecast temperatures reaching more than 30ºC, and this will have an impact on water supplies. The company said its supplies in reservoirs and groundwater stores is good for this time of year, but as summer continues this could change. It wants people to take simple actions to help preserve supplies. Their advice includes: n Let nature water your grass – Allow lawns to go brown – it will soon go green again when it rains n Save paddling pool water Top-up and reuse paddling pool water for your plants and grass n Put down the garden hose – Use watering cans for lawns, plants and flower beds, instead of garden hoses n Running taps are wasteful – Don’t let taps run when brushing your teeth – turn them off
n Take shorter showers – Knocking a minute or two off to take shorter four-minute showers n Fill your dishwasher before you use it – Don’t use your dishwasher until it is full and save water and energy n Wash your car less frequently – it’s a small change that will make a big difference for everyone. In the past couple of years water companies, including South East Water, have seen a dramatic rise in household water usage with demand going up in hot weather by 50% An increase in hotter drier summers caused by climate change as well as an increasing population mean there is a risk of water shortages by 2050 – saving water has never been more important. Lee Dance, head of water resources for South East Water, said: “We have 2.3 million customers in the South East and if everyone uses a lot of water at once, demand can outweigh the amount of water we are able to treat and get to homes and businesses. “We are asking our customers
to help us by being mindful of the water they use not only to protect our environment but to make sure everyone gets what they need to keep cool and hydrated. “During the hot periods we are producing an extra million litres of drinking water a day – the equivalent of 1.25 million flushes of the toilet. “Although we’re used to managing high demand and have tried and tested plans in place, we are grateful to customers who play their part by using water wisely, so that we can continue to keep water flowing to everyone.” Speaking on the latest Met Office 10-Day Trend Met Office Meteorologist and Presenter Alex Deakin said: “The strong July sunshine plus the high pressure squishing the air means that temperatures will be building through Sunday and Monday, likely to be over 30ºC and perhaps going up a notch further by the time we get to Tuesday.” n For water saving tips along with water efficiency freebies, log on to: www.southeastwater.co.uk/ savewaterinthesun
VENUE: The Bradbury Centre hosted many groups and societies throughout Carers’ Week. Picture: Emma Merchant
Giving back to carers DURING last month’s Carers Week, Peach Place provided some special time for those looking after a loved one. The Bradbury Centre, run by Wokingham Methodist Church, hosted the week’s activities. Claire Knight, Church & Community Outreach Team Leader at Wokingham Methodist Church which runs the centre, said: “It was all about nurturing the carers. “A week just for them, a chance for them to be spoiled a bit.” The event was well attended, with a number of different
activities. “There was a pampering session, and afternoon tea,” said Mrs Knight. “We provided the space. “Alexandra Grange Care Home provided the lunches. “And Tu Vida, an organisation dedicated to supporting carers and their families, provided many of the activities.” The Bradbury Centre hosts regular support meetings for carers and their loved ones. Its Alzheimers’ Cafe runs fortnightly on Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm.
Royals committed to Twenty’s Plenty scheme
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READING Football Club are offering to cap matchday tickets for away fans at £20, but only if other clubs reciprocate. The Royals have contacted all 23 other Championship sides. Only Blackburn, Cardiff and Huddersfield have signed up for the scheme so far. “Since 2016, we have championed Twenty’s Plenty. Despite our best efforts very few other clubs in the Championship have followed suit,” read the club’s statement. “That has resulted in our travelling fans routinely paying well in excess of £20 to watch the Royals on the road.
Elms Field entertainments LIVE entertainment is coming to Elms Field this summer, thanks to Wokingham Town Council. There will be a mixture of music and theatre and everything is free to attend. On Saturday, July 30, Sunny Saturdays returns with a performance from the Blue Sky Big Band. They will entertain with jazz and swing tunes between 11am and 1pm. A day later, on Sunday, July
“Every Championship club will be given the opportunity to offer their fans £20 tickets when their team visits Reading, but only if they commit in advance to a reciprocal arrangement for our loyal away fans in the reverse fixture.” Some home tickets at the Select Car Leasing Stadium would cost more than £20. League rules ensure that clubs only charge away supporters the same price they charge their own fans sitting in comparable parts of the stadium. The Premier League has adopted a £30 cap for visitors, with all 20 clubs agreeing for the next three seasons. 31, Theatre in the Park returns with two performances of Bottom’s Dream, based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shows start at 11am and 2pm. On Saturday, August 6, Rachel Hayward will bring her steel pans to the popular park. And the season ends with a performance from the Liquorice Allsorts clarinet ensemble. This takes place on Saturday, September 17. Both these performances take place from 11am to 1pm.
n For more details, log on to: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk
This is an informal time, with songs and chat. And the Alzheimers Carers Group runs monthly on Tuesdays from 1pm to 2.30pm. It is a support and networking group, where people can get together over lunch. They can ask questions, seek advice, share solutions. n For information about care meetings at the Bradbury Centre, log on to: www. wokinghammethodist.org.uk n For information about Tu Vida, visit their website: www.tuvida. org/berkshire
Motorcylists dies THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision in which a man has died. Police say at approximately 11am on Sunday, July 10, a black Honda motorcycle and a silver Toyota Corolla collided on Ringmead, Bracknell, near to the junction with Jevington. The rider of the motorcycle, a 37-year-old man, died at the scene. The man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained family liaison officer. Investigating officer detective constable Nigel Doyle, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, based at Three Mile Cross, said: “My thoughts and the thoughts of Thames Valley Police are with the family and friends of the man who has died as a result of this collision. They are receiving support at this time. “This collision took place late morning and I would anticipate a number of people would have been driving in the area at the time. “If anyone has any information, please call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference 43220303602. “Further, if anyone has any dash-cam footage that may assist the investigation, you can upload it directly to our online platform.”
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Thursday, July 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Memories made as Waingels celebrates CEREMONY: Waingels College celebrated their 50th Anniversary on Saturday. Theresa May MP unveils a plaque at the entrance to the school, watched by deputy borough mayor, Cllr Beth Rowland
EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today IT WAS a day of memories – newly made and those made in a past – for a Woodley school as it celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Originally Waingels Copse, the school in Waingels Road held a party on Saturday with special guests, alumni, past headteachers and present day pupils and their families. Among them were two MPs – Maidenhead MP Theresa May, and former pupil Charlotte Nicholls, who now represents Warrington North. Mrs May opened the school’s new 3G pitch and even had a go at scoring a goal herself. She also unveiled a plaque detailing her presence at the school on its anniversary. In a speech, she said: “It’s a great pleasure to be able to join everybody here for this celebration of Waingels, and for this launch of the next 50 years, which I’m sure is going to be fantastic.” She added: “I want to say a huge thank you to staff and to the governors… There are two particular times when I have see the staff and the community of Waingels come together in difficult circumstances. “The first was when the new school was being built and everyone had to work their way around the building work, but the quality of education did not suffer. “More recently, during the pandemic, when the staff and the whole
community of Waingels, made sure the quality of education was maintained.” And headteacher Tom Bartlett explained more in his speech. First, he paused to remember Richard Jewitt, a languages teacher who had passed away after a short illness. “He will be fondly remembered by all of his colleagues and the many students he taught in his 16 years in the languages department,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” He pledged the school would honour the teacher in due course. Then, he reflected on the school’s journey, from being an open plan school when it opened in 1971, to switching to traditional classrooms in the 1990s, before the rebuild in 2010. “Since then, we’ve added a few walls and doors as the nature of the curriculum has changes back from a
skills-based to a more knowledge base,” he said. “In light of this constant change, how is it that throughout its 50 years, Waingels has been one of the highest performing schools, always in the top 20% of schools nationally? Without doubt, a large part of that is down to the thousands of highly motivated, hardworking, ambitious young people who have passed through these classrooms; it has also been down to the teachers and support staff, our school’s greatest resource.” Mr Bartlett added that there had been just six headteachers during its 50 years, but it would get its seventh in September as he was to become the head of a new academy trust which encompasses 10 schools. Lindsey Humber will step up from her role as interim head of school to become the new headteacher in the autumn.
The Pheasant Bar and Restaurant, the focal point of great food and drink in Winnersh.
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INCE reopening, over the past few months the Pheasant Bar and Restaurant have established themselves as the focal point of great food and drink in Winnersh, Wokingham. The Pheasant team led by Ceci Sousa (General Manager) have all been working hard to provide the best service possible to all those who enter, whether you have a reservation, are staying in the Pheasant Hotel or just coming in for a drink, the Pheasant will fulfill your needs to the upmost standard. The Pheasants new European influenced gastro-pub food menu (designed by their highly accomplished head chef) has been very well received by the local people and hotel guests passing through. Pub favourites such as the gammon steak and the chefs pie have become renowned in the area along with other dishes including the traditional fish & chips and pan fried salmon. On top of the every-day food menu, on Sundays between 12pm and 7pm the Pheasant serves a delicious Sunday roast which includes roast chicken, beef, pork and a vegan wellington; all of which are freshly prepared that day and all are served with an extra portion of gravy to satisfy those gravy lovers! There is always something going on at The Pheasant, one of them being their weekly Quiz night. Held every Tuesday and with multiple teams competing, the Pheasant Quiz night is free for all to join and there are prizes available for winners and runners up. Held by Nate Palmer, the Quiz consists of 8 rounds and is as competitive as it is fun! Wednesday at The Pheasant is Wine Night, where customers get 50% off selected wines.
This is perfect for those who wish to come for dinner and share a bottle between themselves and their partner or with loved ones. Join the Pheasant every other Friday for Karaoke night as all the guests sing their hearts away! Everyone is welcome, from song hummers to shower singers, Karaoke night at The Pheasant is always a good time. The Pheasant also holds free live music at the beginning of each month (usually on the Friday) in partnership with a local band. This live music can range from anything such as rock, jazz, popular music and covers as well. If you are a part of a band and would like to get in touch please contact the Pheasant on their email info@the-pheasant-hotel.co.uk. Whatever the occasion, whatever the event, The Pheasant has the space for you. Their range of private spaces are available for booking all kinds of events. This includes anything from dinner parties, birthday celebrations, weddings and more. The dedicated team have a wealth of experience and will ensure your expectations are not only met, but exceeded. The Pheasants stunning Dining Room can be used for everything from intimate dinners to long Sunday lunches. The Pheasants experienced kitchen staff along with our courteous front of house will provide you with a high-quality dining experience, from custom pre-orders to 3course dinners and of course, our exemplary menu.
Theresa May with members of Woodley FC’s junior teams on the new 3G pitch The plaque to mark the opening of the new 3G pitch is unveiled Pictures: Steve Smyth
Head students Abigail and Arysha welcome visitors
The Waingels Choir performing
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Theresa May MP unveils a plaque at the entrance to the school.
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Honest motherhood Angela Garwood
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
Reading challenge will keep youngsters busy
Two years of two
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EXT month my son Leo will turn two.
Two whole years of parenting TWO children. I’d say I don’t know where the time has gone, but I know exactly where it’s gone. It’s gone to nappy changing and breastfeeding and catching up on lost sleep during the day. It’s gone to bedtime stories and bubble baths and baby music classes. It’s gone to maths homework and family days out and school runs. Leo’s second birthday will mark two years of Maia being a big sister. A kind, patient and loving older sister. A best friend. It’s not easy being the older sibling of a toddler (particularly when he goes into your bedroom and empties the contents of your pencil case out all over the floor just because he feels like it). And it’s not easy sharing your Mum. But she is brilliant. The way she guides, teaches and plays with him is utterly heartwarming. Leo has reached a whole host of “milestones” this year. I’ve no idea what he is meant to be doing at this point, (I’m not one for reading up on these things, textbook expectations can be torturous) I just know what he is doing. Here’s a brief and random summary: 1. He gets very excited when he sees a familiar face, squeals of excitement are his “Hello there!” 2. He can now count from one to 14, albeit in two stages. 3. He repeats pretty much whatever we say, including one particular occasional obscenity. 4. He regularly helps himself to an ice lolly from the freezer, insists I open it, then allows me to re-wrap it and return it to the freezer before repeating the whole process again. We currently have about 12 open uneaten ice lollies in there. 5. One of his favourite activities is the simple act of emptying a room. All pans out of the pan drawer, same goes for the Tupperware and the dry food. Any drawer within reach. Because it takes us months to get anything done, neither Joel nor I have secured the necessary safety lock fixtures onto these drawer. 6. Toilet roll must be kept out of reach; far too tempting. 7. “Daddy. Train. Work!” Is one of his favourite morning sayings. Short, sweet and accurate. 8. He will occasionally apologise when he thinks he’s done something wrong. “Sorry Mummy.” It is very, very cute and never used at the appropriate moment. 9. Today I spent about a minute just staring as he played with a wind-up rabbit, winding it up and watching it go repeatedly. I was amazed that he had the fine motor skills to rotate the winder. They can be fiddly. 10. He loves watering/drowning the plants with his Dad. As one child learns to count to 15, another reminds me of the importance of keeping childhood magic alive. Maia lost a tooth in the car a few days ago and as usual placed said tooth under her pillow. I failed to take note of this tooth loss and forgot to contact the relevant fairy. Days passed and as I tucked her into bed one evening she commented on it. “Mummy my tooth has been under my pillow for days and you and Joel still haven’t given me any money.” “WHAT? Do not let the tooth fairy hear you say that! She might not come!” She smiles up at me. I am hanging on by a thread trying to resurrect the magic. “Mummy. Come on.” I persist anyway. “That fairy is coming.” It absolutely is. n Angela blogs at https://colourfulkind.com/
CHALLENGE: The 2022 Summer Reading Challenge kicked off on Saturday, July 9, with children encouraged to read six books during the holiday Picture courtesy of Wokingham Borough Council THE WOKINGHAM Borough Councilbacked Summer Reading Challenge kicked off on Saturday, July 9. The initiative encourages children aged between four and 11 to read six books during the summer holidays. This year’s programme is entitled Gadgeteers, exploring science and innovation. It is designed to be flexible and fun for all abilities. Cllr Sarah Kerr, the new executive member for climate emergency and resident services, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way of sparking the imagination of children and getting them interested in the wonderful world of reading. “Although the challenge is to read six books, they can read as many as they wish and have a lot of fun in the process.” “Reading helps them to become more independent and develop a sense of achievement. “There is an excellent selection of books to choose from at libraries across Wokingham Borough. “I would encourage all children to take part in the challenge and all our residents to make use of our wonderful library services. There is something for every age and interest.” By visiting libraries across the borough, participants can sign
up to the challenge and collect prizes, including a certificate and medal. Children can choose from a selection of books, ebooks and audiobooks, receiving a Gadgeteer poster after they have read and returned their first book. Incentives can then be collected from the library each time they finish a book. Alternatively, children can sign up online, setting individual goals, unlocking badges and rewards along the way. Online participants can unlock a certificate, play games, enter competitions and share book recommendations. By taking part in the challenge, children will be able to join six fictional Gadgeteers, brought to life by writer and illustrator Julian Beresford. The books will help to explain the science behind fashion, technology, cooking, music and much more. The Summer Reading Challenge was launched in 1999 and is run by The Reading Agency. It encourages children to read as many books as they can and each year has a different theme. The challenge concludes on Saturday, August 27.
n For more information, visit: www. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
WINNERSH allotment holders are buzzing about their new arrivals … they’re small, yellow and black striped, and allegedly aerodynamically impossible when it comes to flight. Bees have moved into the green space by Reading Road One of the plot holders is a registered beekeeper and has installed a hive on the site to help improve biodiversity and pollination. And no one has told them to buzz off.
‘Outstanding’ curate their very By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today LAST week a Woodley nursery celebrated its artists by creating an art gallery.
The Ambleside Centre Art Gallery was opened by Cllr Janet Sartorel, Woodley Town mayor, on Tuesday, July 5. The exhibition highlights the work being done at the nursery, which received its fifth outstanding Ofsted inspection in November last year. Kerrie Clifford, headteacher at the Ambleside Centre, said: “Days like today when you have an event or when Ofsted come are fantastic as they give us an opportunity to acknowledge what we are doing. “But actually what I want to acknowledge is the everyday. “Every interaction that an adult makes here on site makes a difference to that child, and we are inspiring the children to be what they are. “What we want for our children, and what I think we have created, is the opportunity for them to be independent lifelong learners.” The nursery is divided in two with the Pastures offering care and education aged three months to three years, and the Meadows aged three to five. The temporary gallery combined a mix of art, with sculptures, paintings and other crafts on display, created by all the children. Rhiannon Clamp, co-chair of governors at the nursery, believes the gallery shows the work being done by staff to create a positive and creative
YOUNG TALENT: Students displaying their art environment. She said: “I know just how hard the whole team works each and every day to provide an outstanding experience for our young people. “I’m aware how tirelessly Kerrie has worked in particular steering both Meadows and Pastures through covid times and seeing the provision not just surviving, but thriving.
Thursday, July 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Remembering Beryl, a much-loved Hurst villager
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Departing Fri 7 Oct ‘22 FONDLY REMEMBERED: Beryl Sims on her 100th birthday By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today A MUCH-LOVED woman who helped many children learn to read has died seven months after her 100th birthday.
young artists y own exhibition
Beryl Sims celebrated her centenary last November, with a visit from friends and children from St Nicholas Primary School at Hurst, where she had heard children read. A former pupil said: “It was always a special day when Mrs Sims came. We all hoped it would be our turn to read to her.” At the birthday gathering current Year 6 pupils gave her a card and sang Happy Birthday. Hurst Parish Council chairman Wayne Smith gave her a birthday cake and flowers from the village. In December, Mrs Sims switched on the village’s Christmas lights at their St Nicholas night celebrations. Mrs Sims told Wokingham Today with clarity and wit about her busy life. Asked about being 100, she joked: “I feel the same as I did a week ago.” She added: “I’ve got nothing really bad wrong with me at all. I’m quite lucky really except I can’t see properly. I miss reading but I listen to the radio and television. And I can get around with my stick.” She had worked with the NSPCC children’s charity in London as the financial director’s secretary.
“It was a good job, a jolly nice one. I had my own little desk and typewriter. I took letters from him [the director] and did the book keeping for the NSPCC,” she said. She recalled a daylight raid at work and going down to the basement with her colleagues. “I wasn’t really frightened, you just hoped for the best,” she said. Later she joined the Land Army, helping grow food. She remembered standing on a big stack of wheat above a noisy threshing machine. “I was feeding the wheat down into the threshing machine. It was frightening, awful, up there,” she said. Mrs Sims met her husband-to-be George when she was about 17. They married when she was 21 and later moved to a house in Hurst. It was at that same house that she died peacefully on June 28. Her son Tim lived with her. Mrs Sims helped her husband with his highly regarded bookselling business and typed the books, including thrillers and poetry, which he wrote. She also collected for charities including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the NSPCC. Mr Sims died in 1999. The couple had two other children, Christopher of Henley, and Linda of Devon. There are three grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.
POETRY CORNER The Carnival’s Come! The Carnival’s come! The Carnival’s come! Stamp your feet and bang your drum! Join the queues For party food. Soon you’re in a happy mood.
alongside some very proud staff after achieving another outstanding Ofsted inspection “We have a unique setup here at Ambleside with fantastic premises and passionate staff to guide our children to become resilient, independent and collaborative learners.” The Ofsted Inspector reported that “children love their time in this happy, welcoming and inclusive school”. The report continued: “Children
move eagerly and confidently from one high-quality activity to the next. They behave exceptionally well because they are engrossed in what they are doing. “Children are very safe in the school’s nurturing and well-organised environment. “The warm and trusting relationships they develop with adults
Spicy soup and salty chips, Cakes or hot-dogs, Lick your lips... Goodies on your paper plates, Munch a feast To share with mates. Sugar spills on doughnut rings, Sweet enough For Queens and Kings. Candyfloss on sticky thumbs... Wiped away by Laughing Mums.
Beloved for its mild climate and miles of golden sands, Exmouth in South Devon provides us with the perfect base for our short break away. From here we explore this picturesque corner of the West Country, including a visit to Exeter, the capital of Devon.
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FOLKESTONE
& France Weekend Folkestone&FranceWeekend_D.pdf
Departing Fri 28 Oct ‘22 We venture across the Channel to the pretty French seaside town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, with its domed cathedral and attractive medieval quarter and visit beautiful Canterbury, one of the most important cathedral cities in England for a lovely weekend break.
Your break includes
Here’s a dog With biscuit-bones! Now the Bands begin to play, Let’s all clap And shout HOORAY! Stamp your feet And BANG on your drum At last! At last! THE CARNIVAL’S COME.
Clare Bevan
Ice-cream drips from crunchy cones,
Email news@wokingham.today and we’ll print a selection every week – we love printing your verse
Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Slough 3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Excursion to Boulogne-sur-Mer & Canterbury
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.99 Single Supplement £45
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
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30 | VIEWPOINTS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Don’t be shy about getting help WE ARE on the cusp of the summer holidays. School will be out for six weeks and parents everywhere will be looking for ways to keep their little angels happy. But for some, it will be a difficult time. The cost of living crisis, the increase in energy bills – and the sharp rises to come - will put additional pressures on what should be a happy time. Families will need to juggle childcare with work, days out with budgets, and food stocks with dwindling funds. For some, the cupboard is already bare, and this summer will be a nightmare to get through. For others, it will get worse as the year goes on, with little spare resource for Christmas frivolity. But you are not on your own. Charities, community groups, dogooders and the council are all working hard to ensure that help is at hand. Shops and cafes are also offering cut price hot meals for children. Help exists – and the groups want to be there for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.
CHURCH NOTES
Rebellious hope
D life.
AME Deborah James coined the phrase ‘rebellious hope’ to highlight her determination to beat cancer and not let it control her
She urged others to “never give up” and “live life to the fullest – and check your poo.” Sadly she died on June 28, but she filled others with hope and joy and left a legacy. Where do you place your hope? In the government? The latest drug trial? Your pension pot? What with everything going on in the world we need something to place our hope in – but we need something that is not finite or fallible. We need to place our hope in something that is sure, steadfast, and reliable. The hope that Christians express is not wishful thinking; it is found in a confident assurance and faith that God who created the world and loves us, is with us, and will meet our needs. It is hope that gives our lives meaning. My faith gives me hope because I know from experience all the ways in which God has been with me and provided for me and I am confident that this will continue to be the case. Hope does not mean that bad things will not happen to us, but it does mean that we can face life’s challenges with joy and peace and can live our life to the fullest. My hope in God is like a light, shining even in the darkest of times, helping me to keep going. That hope is indeed a rebellious hope – fighting against the adversity that is all around.
The Revd Becky Medlicott is a curate at All Saints Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
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Your letters
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What’s in a name? IN a recent Residents Roundup email there was a Carnival Hub opening article, which is indeed a magnificent multi-purpose building. The original reason for the title did not stem from the Carnival Pool (only opened in 1990), but from the historic Carnival Field on the site. This was for years the destination of the annual (summer) Carnival parade where local and youth groups participated in the celebratory fete. In the 1970’s there was a local action group called SWIM, an acronym for Support Wokingham Indoor pool Movement, taking part in the Carnival. The town then only had an outdoor pool in Milton Road, but it’s days we’re numbered. Little did that like-minded small group realise what they spawned nearly a half-century later.
David Arnold, Finchampstead
End the agression I have to take issue as a resident, with the articles of Cllr Charles Margetts and Cllr Pauline Jorgensen and their nasty attitude, not trusting and picking faults in Cllr Jones’ policy since 19 May (Wokingham Today 10 June 2022). Unfortunately, there is no hope whatsoever of both parties working together with Cllr Margetts’ aggressive manner and telling anybody to change his approach. He does however, have to be applauded for the time he spent at meetings dealing with social care and the meetings planned with James Kent, head of NHS management, look hopeful. I do hope he invites Cllr Jones then one can say they have been working together. He was not right about Cllr Jones. He did inform the Council in
EVERY week. I understand the Council has power to fine anyone who puts their rubbish out overnight but I don’t see this put to the test because residents support the aim. The collection lorries clang a very loud bell as they come round (perhaps at 5am) and residents bring out their sacks to give directly to the workers. Clean streets and few rats.
The “Bin Collection Shake-up” issue (Wokingham Today, July 7) echoes a wider tendency for politicians everywhere to be crying “My tax cut is bigger than your tax cut” - in this case by prioritising a low tender price with the level of service that they buy way down the list, even though this is the reverse of the reported consultation result. I suggest defining the standard first and then being prepared to pay the proper cost for it. The problem with the collection of
blue sacks now is that most residents put them out the night before collection is due and they get ripped open by wildlife (or domestic cats?) looking for snacks. The present contract does not include a responsibility for collectors to carry broom and shovel and clear this mess. So amend the contract to make sure this spillage is cleared up – and pay more if we need to. An alternative way I have seen is in my late wife’s hometown. Rubbish is collected two or three times in
opposition that the total cost of the social care system in Wokingham was going to cost the council £20 million – so he does want to get his facts right. Cllr Jorgensen’s attack on Cllr Prue Bray after the mess she made of Highways saying they should not call themselves Liberal Democrats, is just ignorant and has no standard to be a local councillor. The Tories with their wicked ideology are the last party to be accusing anybody of not telling the truth, or of not being honest with the local residents. Any political party taking control this May will have had a few nightmares as to what to do as the Conservatives had not allowed for any new money in the last few months of 2021. The first disaster was the bus service. Up to 18 routes involved costing a million pounds to be found. The Tories wanted to get rid of them due to the drop in numbers after the pandemic. Now with an increase in fuel it is even more essential to have a proper bus and rail service irrespective of its numbers. The biggest disaster from the previous departing Tory
administration is the loss of £47,188 on the fake ice rink in Cantley Park due to sheer incompetence to those involved. They declined to inform the residents otherwise they would have lost more seats. Ratepayers’ money – they just do not care. This is the type of person standing today as councillors. The biggest issue for the Liberal Democrats is keeping the house numbers down in Wokingham. Despite unanswered letters from Cllr Jones to Messrs Gove and Johnson, they just want to build a crazy number of houses irrespective of the circumstances and don’t care. One has just got to get them out. The Conservatives in opposition will do nothing – they will just say what can we do as they are funded by the developers and want their pound of flesh. You have only one chance to save any area from these planning applications without any new infrastructure being built, and that is to employ planning consultants and barristers to wipe the floor with these wealthy developers who will make their next million out of destroying your area, as the Tories batter the
working class.
you’re out of the summer heat. But it’s also about improving the quality of the air we breathe. Lines of stationary cars with engines running emit harmful fumes in our town and village centres, outside schools and in residential areas. Ultimately, we understood that we needed to have different measures to tackle different aspects of getting around. When we were in office, we put this principle into practice. We began to implement an Intelligent Traffic System, using data, smart sensors and new technologies to help traffic flow better around the Borough. By the time the new coalition administration took over, we had installed traffic signal optimisation at 77% of sites, communications network CCTV at 86% of sites, and were 85% complete on works to roll out a driver information strategy. Alongside this, we created a £124million programme to add 7.7 miles of new roads. This was designed to create more space and more routes for drivers to use, rather than funnelling everybody into the middle of towns and villages. At the same time, we were
delivering around 12.5 miles of cyclepaths and footpaths, with plans to add another 37 miles over the next 10 years. We were delivering three new park & ride sites, and provided funding during the pandemic to keep bus services going until passenger numbers could recover. We didn’t leave a funding gap for bus services – instead Reading Buses have come forward asking for more money since the coalition took control. We had a wide-ranging programme in place to ease traffic congestion, and we are calling on the new coalition administration to continue the work that we had underway. As an Opposition, we will look carefully at new proposals from the administration and we will support those that we think are right. Most importantly, the Conservative approach has been and will be built on a fundamental principle of choice – providing you with the options to travel in a different way if you can, rather than forcing you out of your car. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen is the leader of the opposition and Conservative member for Hillside
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen
Tackling congestion across Wokingham
W
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
Bin shake-up needs an answer
From the chamber
HEN we were in control of Wokingham Borough Council, the Conservatives made it a real priority to tackle traffic congestion. Over the years, including when I was in charge of Highways and Transport, I’ve had people arguing that we should focus entirely on walking, cycling and public transport and drive people out of cars by constraining road infrastructure. I would reply to these people firstly by pointing out that, as someone who loves to cycle, I know why alternative transport
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
is important, and that’s why we have invested in new footpaths and cyclepaths. There is also a more important point. Removing congestion from our roads is not just a matter of convenience, not everyone has a choice and in our busy lives people have to juggle travelling to work, getting young children to school and lots of other activities in what is a constrained time availability. It’s endlessly frustrating to be stuck in a traffic jam, knowing that you’re late to pick up your children from school, or you’re going to miss that appointment, or there’s a cool drink waiting for you at home once
Michael Lacey, via email
Cedric Lander, Woodley
Opposites attract Last week’s letters ‘Drop the nasty act’ and ‘Divide and rule’ would on the surface seem to be unrelated and perhaps even polar opposites. Yet if you read carefully they both contain the same message. A clear message to all Wokingham Councillors. That message being we need to put aside party politics and political point scoring games, it is time to work together. In recent weeks much is being made of the local plan and what has not been done in the past few weeks. Nothing however seems to be mentioned about the past few years. The pains resulting from the local over development of the Shinfield area, the (in my opinion) unfair 97% to 3% split of previous local plans or the breaking of the agreed local plan (Executive decision with no consultation) to bring forwards the significant development (South of Cutbush) well before the agreed planned date, have been and continue to be, by far the biggest cause of resident complaints to me as a
Shinfield councillor. Resident issues directly related to previous local plan developments. We are, however, where we are and no amount of complaining will bring back our green fields. Scattering blame but at the same time taking no responsibility, will not bring back those green fields. Perhaps, just perhaps, we might save some green fields going forwards, if we spent as much time and effort in working together as we do playing party politics.
Cllr Jim Frewin, Independent councillor for Shinfield South
Dig for victory I read, with interest, Michael Freeman’s letter ‘Compassionate capitalism’ (Wokingham Today, July 7). One of his points that struck me, was ‘Reading M&S Food Hall presents a staggering range of largesse. There, ‘scarcity of food’ is its unaffordability to those struggling to buy even the basic necessities.’ In the same edition, I also noted the point made by MP, Daisy Cooper, in the article – ‘Lib Dem Deputy Leader canvasses support.’ She said, “It is truly shocking that some people can’t afford to put food on their table.’’ One has, of course, great sympathy, for people who are struggling, but, ironically, it is a fact, that the cheapest, and thus, least processed, food, is also the healthiest. Fresh fruit and vegetables may have gone up in price, but they are still a whole lot cheaper than red meat. During the War, food was severely rationed, so people took to growing their own fruit and vegetables. This became known as ‘digging for victory’. As a result, we were proclaimed – ‘The healthiest nation’. I remember rationing, as a child, just after the War. Tea and sugar were still rationed. Modern health experts would have applauded – especially about the sugar. I had never tasted coffee – apart from a liquid essence - called ‘Camp’. Nescafe didn’t come in until later in the 1950s. I had never tasted butter; we had margarine. Modern health experts would have approved. They say that vegetable fat is healthier than animal
fat. I recall no shortage of bread and vegetables, but we got chicken only once a year – on Christmas Day. I also remember my mother coming back from shopping, and saying, ‘Crisps are back’. I didn’t know what crisps were, but I then discovered them – complete with a little blue pack of salt – that you shook over them. Modern health experts would shudder. But they would have approved of Wartime, Lord Woolton’s pie; it was composed of vegetables. In the current Cost of Living Crisis, I saw, interviewed on television, a mother with two teenage children. She said that she can now afford to buy only the basic necessities, and no longer buys biscuits and crisps. Modern health experts would applaud. They maintain that, the latter, processed foods, are precisely those that have led to the epidemic in child obesity – that, and lack of exercise. The current crisis is making Wartime practices, fashionable, once again. Just this week, one of our service users, brought us a large quantity of fruit, that he had grown in his allotment. Growing his own fruit and vegetables, is good for his physical health, and working out, in the fresh air, in his allotment, is super for his mental health. In any case, raw salad vegetables, are healthier than cooked ones, because raw food retains all its vitamins. Furthermore, in the crisis, you also save money on gas and electricity, if you opt for a diet composed of more, raw, fruit and vegetables.
Pam Jenkinson – The Wokingham Crisis House.
Leadership on buses I refer to Cllr Charles Margetts’ article in the June 30 issue of Wokingham.Today about the importance of bus services in our Borough. Local Liberal Democrats campaigned on this issue in opposition and highlighted the lack of support to bus services in the last Conservative budget, which is the budget that we are having to use this year. The consequences of this were
From the chamber
Cllr David Hare
What is adult social care and why do we need it?
A
DULT Social care covers work with a wide range of individuals.
It is intended to support and enable all users, be they older people, people with learning or physical disability as well as individuals with mental health problems, to live as independently and well as possible, given obvious financial constraints. That ranges from personal care, that is washing, dressing and feeding people as required, to support for individuals to access community
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Thursday, July 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
facilities, playing as active role in the community as they choose. Social care takes place in a wide variety of places, it often starts at home, with care support and the introduction of appliances, occurs in day centres where valuable, often community, activities are followed, and is also, obviously, in care or nursing homes. There is also reablement, often from hospital, where people are supported to get back on their feet after an operation or period of illness. In Wokingham there is also a respite
made clear to us when we took over the Council a few weeks ago in the form of 18 bus services that had no future funding. Buses provide a vital service for those unable to, or who do not wish to drive. They also play a vital role in helping us address road congestion, CO2 emissions and air pollution. Buses are safe to use, indeed I am a regular bus user myself. I can assure residents that we are looking at every available way to fund services, but unfortunately, using Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money, as suggested by Cllr Margetts, is not possible as CIL payments must be used for capital projects only, not to support on-going expenditure, as is required for bus subsidies. We also wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport on the issue of bus funding in our first week and are using local communications to remind residents of both the safety and benefits of using buses. We have inherited a number of issues from an administration which made no secret of the fact that they did not value buses but we are determined to address these. Cllr Margetts’ and the Conservatives’ constructive support in doing so will be very helpful.
Cllr Paul Fishwick, Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways
What’s in a name? “Moniker or Monikers’ now they are words I have not heard for years and perhaps knowing its meaning gives my age away. For those who have never heard them they are slang word/s used for someones nickname/s. Recently I have seen examples of it slipping into the Wokingham Borough Council’s vocabulary. It all started when I referred to Conservative Cllr Wayne Smith, then the Executive Member for the new housing numbers evolving plan and Councillor for Hurst as “NO HOUSES IN HURST” Cllr Smith. I was then referred to by the Lower Earley resident and Conservative Councillor for Shinfield Jackie Rance as “An armchair councillor rarely stepping outside his door to meet unit where people who generally live with their parents can stay for brief periods to give their parents some time out, perhaps even a holiday without the added pressure of their offspring. The intention with this unit is to develop ore independent training so that the transfer from living at home to by oneself is not so dramatic for customers or parents. Although advice and information is available to anyone most care services are only available to those with high care needs and low assets. People are often expected to pay for their care, contributing at least a part of the care cost depending on their assets. The adult care budget is about £49Million or 40% of the Councils budget and provided services for almost 1,900 people last year. In Wokingham there are there are about 110 care providers, 52 care homes and about 50 home care providers. The wealth of choice is partly because it is believed that each individual has a right to choose what is most appropriate to their need. The need for care is steadily increasing, both in numbers and in
residents”. Like no houses in Hurst Wayne Smith I am now the Armchair Councillor for Arborfield, a moniker I like. Thanks Jackie. What Cllr Rance’s remark failed to do was revive the ailing Conservative vote in Arborfield which was only 14% of the vote. Probably the lowest vote a Conservative has ever got so well done her. No apology from her either but apology is not a word in the Conservative vocabulary. Moving swiftly on we have “HE DOES KNOW HIS NORTH FROM HIS SOUTH” Councillor and ex-member of the old ruling Conservative Executive Charles Margetts spouting his bitterness. He suggests I apologise to No houses in Hurst Cllr Wayne Smith for calling him that but he forgets he is on record as opposing housing in Hurst. It’s also worth noting that in the past 10 years only 3% of new Houses have been in the North of the Borough and 97% have been in the South. Cllr Margetts represents Finchampstead a ward in the South of the Borough. Cllr Margetts refers to Hall Farm as near Shinfield (it’s in Arborfield) as a site for 2,500 houses when its actually in the Conservative promoted plan 4.500 houses spread over at least 30 years. River, Floodplain, big dam nearby and of Course Climate Change. What a great choice. I know the Conservatives vocabulary does not include the sorry word but I wonder where will all the traffic generated by 4,500 houses and other infrastructure if Hall Farm is developed over the next 30 years will go? You can be sure that massive amounts of it will descend on the roads of Finchampstead bringing much more noise, pollution and traffic chaos to an area already suffering badly as a direct result of the houses at Arborfield Garrison which is still ongoing. Will he say sorry to the residents of Finchampstead when this happens. Next May might be a good time for an answer to he does know his North from his South Cllr Charles Margetts.
From the leader
Cllr Clive Jones
Gove is out, the work to reduce housing numbers goes on
W
E continue to lobby for a reduction in the housing numbers imposed on Wokingham Borough by the government.
severity of disability. This means inventive, sometimes technological, developments of services provision is needed to be provided to meet the at least excellent level of care required without a corresponding increase in the budget. The WBC Hospital Discharge Team saw a 142% increase in people discharged from hospital over the last three years. Numbers doubled in 2020 alone due to the pandemic. Not all these need care, many do need some form of reablement to help them stand on their own feet (sometimes literally) again. The priorities are Wokingham adult Care are: Keeping people safe. Prevent, reduce and delay the need for formal care and support. Involve people in their care and support. Work in partnership and commission services that deliver quality and value for money. Some of these facts will change with the Adult Care Bill, but that is for another article
Some weeks ago, we wrote to Michael Gove MP, the secretary of state for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, to ask him to meet with the new administration at Wokingham Borough Council to enable us to put our case for a reduction. I met Mr Gove at the Local Government Association Conference in Harrogate recently, and was delighted that he agreed to visit us in Wokingham. In preparation for that visit, we prepared a detailed document that we were about to send him when the news broke that Mr Gove had been sacked by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. We have now directed the details of our case to Mr Gove’s successor, Greg Clarke MP. We have extended to him the same invitation that Mr Gove had accepted. Direct approaches to the secretary of state are just part of our strategy. We are also meeting the borough’s MPs to discuss with them ways in which they can help. We have already spoken with Conservative MP’s Sir John Redwood and James Sunderland. Both engaged with us constructively and we found much common ground on how to tackle the problem of excessive housing numbers. Last week, we continued to make good progress in our meeting with Theresa May MP. There was broad agreement between us on the arguments to use and she is happy to work collaboratively to achieve our common objective. We’ll shortly be meeting with Matt Rodda the Labour MP for Reading East to have similar discussions. The arguments, on which all agreed, were essentially as follows: If levelling up is more than just a slogan, it must mean directing more investment - including housing - to those areas of the north that have been left behind and are crying out for more investment and more housing Wokingham has built more than it was required to build over the past few years. That over-supply should be reflected in the target set by government for the new local plan period. Approximately 3,000 more dwellings have been provided under the existing local plan than that plan stipulated; that figure of 3,000 should therefore be deducted from the current allocation. More recognition needs to be given by government of the difficulty of providing new housing on the scale the government demands. Put simply, the borough will run out of land that can be developed very soon, and if the government does not respond appropriately, we will find our precious countryside has gone forever. To make this case, partnership - the defining theme of the new administration at Wokingham is vitally important. We are pursuing a partnership approach putting aside party political difference to work with MPs of other parties and to form a common front with councils (of all political persuasions) in a similar situation to ourselves. We can achieve more by working together than we can on our own.
Cllr David Hare is the executive member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Services
Cllr Clive Jones is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council and Liberal Democrat member for Hawkedon ward
Cllr Gary Cowan, Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council
32 | BUSINESS
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A business park that is changing
How Reading UK supported residents during lockdowns By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
Howdy partners A MAJOR accountancy firm has announced it is appointing nine new partners, and making 277 promotions across its South East operations. PwC said that as of this month, it also appointed 17 new director. The company now has 995 partners, three of the new intake are based outside of London. The partners include Fiona Hornsby in South East Audit, and Carrie Hale in Tax Deal. Both are based in Reading. Keith Harrington, PwC South East Regional Leader, said: “I’m really pleased to announce that this year we have nine partners, 17 directors and 260 associates to senior manager promotions across the South East practice. “These appointments reflect the significant investment and opportunity for growth in our region. “The promotions across all grades ensure we’re in the best position to tackle the challenges ahead. Our nine new partners are adding a huge amount to our large multidisciplinary team.”
A SCHEME set up to help people during the early stages of the covid pandemic has been hailed a success.
Over the past two years, Reading UK’s Employment and Skills Plan has worked with people who would otherwise been adversely affected by lockdowns. The findings were presented in a report to Reading Borough Council’s Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport Committee held on Thursday, July 7. The report looks forward and explains how, over the coming two years, these programmes will be developed to upskill local people for green jobs, create opportunities through the new film industry developments locally and make large-business procurement processes more accessible for SMEs. Reading UK says that while the area enjoys high employment levels and one of the highest levels of
HELP: The Rebel Business School - one of the initiatives supported by Reading UK productivity in the UK, it also has areas of deprivation and residents who struggle to break into the job market. The ESP programmes helps people find routes into employment by matching people to job and enterprise opportunities created by new commercial developments in the town. Reading Borough Council’s planning policy obliges developers to work with Reading UK to produce an ESP to support local employment.
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GREAT LITTLE TRAINS of North Wales & Portmeirion
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Reader travel
Mayalsian ecommerce firm signs new deal in presence of royalty SIGNED: OMalaysia has teamed up with the Selangor Youth Community to help young Malaysian entrepreneurs break into the UK market Picture: OMalaysia
TORQUAY, SOUTH DEVON & Dartmoor National Park
Departing Mon 24 Oct ‘22
Your break includes
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Crawley 4 nights at the Risboro Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway, Great Orme Tramway & Ffestiniog Railway Free time in Llandudno Excursions to Caernarfon & Portmeirion
Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Tor Park Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park Cruise on the River Dart Excursions to Buckfast Abbey, Princetown, Tavistock, Dartmouth & Totnes
5 Days by Coach only £
324
Optional excursion to Brixham & Teignmouth (£12pp)
284
5 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £60
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This work has been delivered as part of the Powered by People Reading Economic Recovery Strategy, set up to respond to the economic impacts of covid to ensure every part of our community benefits from support and that our economy is capable of adapting to changing demands both during and beyond the pandemic. In the last two years, working with contractors and developers, the ESPs have delivered 35 work experience opportunities, 18 apprenticeships, 416 local job opportunities and 126 education projects. Dveloper financial contributions have funded employment events such as Reading Job Fest, Workplace Wellness events, Sustainable Business Model workshops, careers and life skills coaching, new employment opportunities promotion, start your own business training courses and the development of a networking community for SMEs.
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Sue Brackley, Economic Development Manager, Reading UK said: “While the pandemic has severely impacted what could be delivered in-person in the last two years, we are proud of the innovative way in which our many partners have found ways to support young people and adults towards the workplace despite the pandemic.” And Cllr Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “Reading’s economy has proved resilient, even in the face of the pandemic. “Whilele it boasts one of the most powerful economies in the South-East and the UK, there is little doubt that some people in Reading do not have access to the opportunities that others do. “It is hugely gratifying to note the early success of this joint initiative, as outlined in the report, which sits alongside this Council’s ethos of doing all it can to ensure that everybody can share in Reading’s success.”
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THE WOKINGHAM-based founder of a food import company is looking to the future thanks to its new partnership. OMalaysia has teamed up with the Selangor Youth Community to help young Malaysian entrepreneurs break into the UK market. The memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of the Crown Prince of Selangor. The company’s chief operating officer, Simon Suresh, along with director and general manager at Halal Street, the Malaysian sister company of OMalaysia, Hairul Hafizi Bin Abdul Hamid, attended the ceremony at the High Commission of Malaysia Office in London. Now, young entrepreneurs
can market their products in the UK via the Halal Street UK website, which has more than 900 vendors on board. “I am thrilled to announce that we have signed another MOU to bring more trade from Malaysia to the UK, while also supporting young Malaysian entrepreneurs and start-ups to grow their businesses,” said Simon. “As someone who has always had an entrepreneurial outlook, working my way from the ground-up, running businesses and creating innovative products and solutions, I want to offer my support to help steer these young people towards a successful business future. “Signing the MOU with the Selangor Youth Community (SAY) is yet another significant
step to ensuring that OMalaysia is an integral part of this movement and I’d like to thank them for working together.” Speaking after the event to the New Straits Times, Nurul Azwa Rodzi from SAY, said that Halal Street is the ‘best platform’ for their new entrepreneurs to sell their products on. “I am delighted that SAY have chosen Halal Street and acknowledge the work we have done to support and develop all vendors on our e-commerce site,” Mr Suresh added. “It was also an extreme honour to have the MOU witnessed by the Crown Prince of Selangor. “I look forward to continued connections to help grow the region and increase Malaysian trade in the UK.”
Thursday, July 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Fencer fined for rogue trading By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A FENCER who gave misleading quotes and demanded excessive deposits has been ordered to pay more than £4,000.
Haydn Brown, 29 and of Three Mile Cross, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Crown Court on Friday, July 1. They related to companies he had run between June 23, 2020 and May 29, 2021. From either Brown’s Fencing or Haydn’s Fencing, he advertised and quoted the installation of fencing, posts and gates to three consumers. The court found that the information he gave was misleading in that false and untruthful information was given to each consumer in relation to the main characteristics of the service, including the execution, method and date of provision of the fencing products and installation service. He admitted three offences that were contrary to Regulations 5 and 9 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 of engaging in a misleading commercial practice.
Three consumers reported Brown as having quoted for fencing work to be carried out, requested and received large deposits and then never did the work. Instead, he gave continuous excuses or did not respond to calls or messages. Brown explained he had developed a gambling addiction during this period. He had tried to pay everyone back but when the letter came through realised there were still three more people to pay. Magistrates took into account the Defendant’s guilty plea and mitigation. The Magistrates’ sentenced Brown to pay a fine of £300 (£100 per offence). He was also ordered to pay compensation in the sum of £2,740 and prosecution costs of £1,000 together with a victim surcharge of £34 – a total of £4,074. Anyone who lives in Bracknell, West Berkshire or Wokingham and has concerns about rogue traders can contact the trading standards service on 01635 519930 or e-mail tsadvice@ westberks.gov.uk. If a crime is in progress, residents are asked to call 999.
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After 40 years a King, leaders to move on TIME OF CHANGE: Christen, new leader of Kings Church with John and Karen Hicklin at their farewell church lunch. Picture: Emma Merchant
EXCLUSIVE By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM church came together last month to mark the end and a beginning. Members from Kings Church enjoyed a family picnic in the grounds of Just Around the Corner’s Rehoboth stables in Wokingham to say farewell to its leaders, John and Karen Hicklin. They have been involved in the church for 40 years, John joining the fellowship after he left university. The couple moved to Wokingham in 1985, but now they are retiring to Axminster in East Devon. “It’s a really big change for us,” said Mr Hicklin. “It has been a really interesting time,” he said of his ministry with the church. “There have been ups and downs along the way, but it's been a time to concentrate on what’s really important relationships. “Karen and I are moving away, yes, but we will still keep links with people in the church. “The relationships remain.” Karen retired from her role as a GP, and this has allowed
the couple to relocate to Devon. “The last few years have made us think, ‘Do it. Don’t leave it’,” Mr Hikclin said. “We’re doing something new, and we’re excited and energised,” John said And the church is looking to the future. Its new leader, Christen Forster, was at the picnic, and joined the church in wishing the Hicklins well. He comes from Maidenhead River Churches, which has a combined congregations of around 650 people. He has been a trustee of Kings Church for a while.
Now, as its new leader, he is keen to get to know his new church family. “My approach is not one of closed leadership, and I recognise that I’m the newcomer here,” he said. “My background is in developmental coaching, so I’d like to encourage and grow what is already happening here at Kings Church. “We’ve started to have hybrid in person/Zoom lunch meetings on Tuesdays. “It’s a time to share news, and to float ideas." Kings Church meets on Sundays at Kings Place,
Station Road. Coffee is served from 10am, with an in person/ online service at 10.30am. The church also meets fortnightly on Fridays for Kings FM (Family Matters), again at Kings Place. The service is described as church, but in a different way. Families of all shapes and sizes meet at 4.45pm to have a meal, and enjoy time together. There’s usually a story, some songs, and activities for everyone to engage with. n To find out more about Kings Church, visit their website: www.kingschurch.org.uk
34 | NEWS
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King on screen MEMBERS of Wokingham Film Society will enjoy Will Smith’s Oscar-winning performance as father of tennis stars Venus and Serena, as they watch King Richard tonight (Thursday). The girls are steered by their father around obstacles to achieve his lofty ambitions. Venus, Serena and their father were executive producers of this inspiring film. Tickets, available on the night, are £6.50. Doors open at 7pm with the film at 7.30pm. n For more information visit: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
Thieves eyeing up keyless cars THIEVES have been targeting high-value keyless cars in Bracknell and Wokingham, warn Thames Valley Police. Particular targets are Range Rovers and BMWs. To help keep vehicles safe, the police encourage owners to fit a steering wheel lock. Drivers should check their car has been locked before walking away. The key fob should be kept safe and away from windows and doors when at home. And with the holiday season in mind, police urge residents to keep an eye on neighbours homes if they are away. Anyone who sees anything suspicious should call 101, or 999 in an emergency, or log on to: www.thamesvalley.police.uk
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
School’s in for summer: Theatre presents hockey stick-filled play By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today
THERE’S a spiffing opportunity to witness some juvenile goings on this week and next.
Wokingham Theatre is currently presenting what it says is a rip-roaring comedy filled with gym slips, hockey sticks and a beastly frightful plot. Denise Deegan’s comedy, Daisy Pulls It Off, was written in the 1980s, and has been a firm favourite ever since. It ran at the Globe Theatre, London, enjoying a run of over 1,000 performances. A parody of wholesome 1920s school stories, it’s set in an English establishment for girls. Daisy, clever but poor, wins a scholarship to the exclusive Grangewood School for Young Ladies. But life in the dorms is never a piece of cake, and Daisy has her work cut out. To thrive, she must overcome snobbish prejudice, school pranks and false accusations. With best friend Trixie, she embarks on a mission to rescue not only her reputation, but the entire school. It’s a tremendously daft story. Like a dose of cod liver oil,
BULLY OFF: It’s all jolly hockey sticks as Wokingham Theatre presents its take on the comedy Daisy Pulls It Off. Picture: Simon Vail Photography or a brisk walk before brekkers, it promises to leave audiences feeling ‘top-hole’. There is something magical and ridiculous, even liberating, about seeing grown ups playing children on stage. There are 16 adults in this play and riotous laughter on stage in rehearsals. Directors Mel Hampshire and Sophie Vallely are pleased with
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the result, with the first night being last night. “It’s a brilliant big cast,” said Ms Hampshire. “We’ve had so much fun putting this show together. We’ve behaved like school girls, on and off stage – and that includes the guys.” Ms Vallely said: “There are only two chaps in the play, it’s very much a female dominated cast.
“But we’ve all just had a ball.” Ms Hampshire has previously form with the show – she directed the play 20years ago in Maidenhead. “I love it,” she said. “It’s a rip-roaring show full of camp comedy. “Think Mallory Towers, Enid Blyton, that sort of thing. “It’s packed with treasure hunts, midnight feasts, and hot
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n For more details, or to book, log on to: wokinghamtheatre.org. uk or call the box office on: 0118 978 5363.
Theatre needs Garden open day help with clear-up this weekend A COMMUNITY group is inviting volunteers to help clear up its facilities. Shinfield Players Theatre is set to host a help day after carrying out extensive repairs to its roof, which was damaged by Storm Eunice in February. The team has not been able to complete all summer jobs required to prepare the premises for the upcoming season. Tasks include sorting, gardening, cleaning, decorating and painting. Residents are asked to offer an hour or more of their time. The theatre’s junior and middle group’s Treasure Island show, scheduled for Saturday, July 16, is set to be the first show back at the venue. The help day takes place between 10am-4pm on Saturday, July 23, at Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. n For more information, send an email to: sam@shinfieldplayers.co.uk
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water bottle fights.” Daisy Pulls It Off can be seen at Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road until Saturday, July 23, with the exception of Sunday. Performances start at 7.45pm, and tickets cost £14.
THE public will be able to visit six acres of community garden in Bracknell. Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare is a multipurpose site, looked after by members of the public. It offers horticultural activities, and is a haven for wildlife. It also has a sensory garden, a vineyard, a 450 tree orchard, a wildlife pond and crop areas. Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare, is located between Bracknell and Maidenhead, RG42 6BQ. It will be open to visitors on Saturday, July 16 between 1pm and 4pm. Entry costs £4.50 for adults, and children enter free. Home-made teas will be available to purchase on the day. For information, and to check for times or cancellations, call: 07867695931 n To visit the garden’s website, log on to: www. jealottshilllandshare.org.uk
Over 70% of new homes sold A HOUSEBUILDER has announced that more than 70% of its new Shinfield homes for sale have already been reserved. Vistry Group is overseeing two developments at Shinfield Meadows, a total of 673 homes. This includes 563 properties for private sale and 110 affordable homes for local people through rent or shared ownership. To date, 413 private
homes have been sold. Alix Laflin, marketing manager for Vistry Thames Valley, said: “Construction work is progressing well at both of our developments in Shinfield, which are proving to be very popular as the sales figures demonstrate. Ms Laflin confirmed properties had proved particularly popular with families.
She said that the moves added to a growing “community spirit” at Shinfield Meadows. “The three and four-bedroom homes are very attractive to families wanting to live in a rural location surrounded by open countryside,” Ms Laflin said. Properties at the two sites are being sold under the Bovis Homes and Linden Homes brands.
Thursday, July 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Crowthorne Flower Festival raises thousands for a bloomin’ good cause
Ruth Page and Jill Roberts with the WWW Display
The display representing the work of the RNLI
EXCLUSIVE By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
Alison Vacher with her display at the Crowthorne Flower Festival Pictures: Steve Smyth
A FLOWER show celebrating the best of Britain has raised nearly £3,000 for charity.
The Crowthorne Flower Festival took place at St John’s Church from Saturday, July 9, to Monday July 11, with all proceeds going to Sebastian’s Action Trust. The charity offers a wide range of support to families of children with life-limiting or lifethreatening conditions. As well as the floral displays, there was a number of exhibitions from Crowthorne Crafts, North Downs Lacemakers and Wokingham Embroiderers’ Guild. Alison Vacher, of the Crowthorne Flower Festival Committee, said: “It was a very good weekend with lots of people attending and to raise around £3,000 for charity is great. “The schools put in a lot of work as do all the local groups that make it such a fantastic community event.” Although the festival is every two years, planning will start for the next one much sooner. “We will start thinking about it in March next year to ensure everything is planned,” said Ms Vacher. “We also need a good 18 months’ of fundraising to make sure the event’s costs are Karen Dilley with her display, with the help of the Sandhurst & Crowthorne Flower Club covered.”
Church collective appoints new leader LODDON Reach Benefice announced its newly-appointed team rector on Wednesday, July 6. The Revd Nigel Beer, vicar of Stanwix Parish in Carlisle, will take up the role in October. The Yorkshireman currently works in the parish’s two churches, serving a diverse and growing suburban community. “Our desire is for people
to come to know Jesus for themselves and that together our faith may be deepened so that, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we might demonstrate God’s love as we serve the communities in which we live,” Mr Beer said. “Our prayer is that as we share together the next stage of our Christian journeys, we discover life in all its fullness
that is promised by Jesus. “We are excited about our move to the benefice of Loddon Reach and look forward to getting to know you.” Mr Beer will be joined in Wokingham by his wife, Janet. Ms Beer is a semi-retired special needs teacher and licensed lay minister, meaning she can help lead services and preach in the churches that make up the benefice: Shinfield St Mary’s, St Mary’s Beech Hill, All Saints Swallowfield, and St Michael & All Angels, Spencers Wood.
Pauline Pither and Sandra Hall with the Crowthorne Crafts display
36 | SOCIETY
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News from your clubs & groups. Email news@wokingham.today
INTHECOMMUNITY
Ride to show cycling benefits
A
COMMUNITY initiative is helping children and adults get excited about cycling. Kidical Mass is set to host family bike rides, starting from various locations in Reading and Wokingham. The events are designed to increase families’ confidence in cycling together, whilst highlighting the need for improved infrastructure. “The whole thing is about giving the next generation a voice. There are so many good things about cycling, it’s fun and tackles issues like obesity,” organiser Kathleen Heath said. “We want our kids to be able to cycle to school or to the doctors by themselves.” The rides are free to attend
and open to riders of all ages and abilities. Kidical Mass hopes to raise awareness of healthy modes of transport and bike types. Ms Heath said that aspects of cycling infrastructure require significant alterations to promote safe travel.
“I cycle along Oxford Road every day and even as an adult it’s difficult, so imagine what it’s like with an eight-year-old. “It’s so dangerous to cycle, especially when you have a child in a trailer.” Ms Heath suggested segregated lanes and dropped curbs as solutions to issues
regularly faced by cyclists. The next Kidical mass takes place at 11.30am on Saturday, July 16 meeting at Green Park, Lime Square, RG2 6UG, and finishing at Water Meadows. Further rides are scheduled in August and September. n For more information, visit: www.kidicalmassreading.co.uk
Arts Society Wokingham asks: ‘To be, or not to be, that is the question’ THERE is no doubt in the minds of the members and guests who attended the The Arts Society Wokingham’s June lecture: Harry Venning is an amusing and entertaining speaker, as well as a famous cartoonist and comedy writer. In 2016, Harry was awarded the UK Strip Cartoonist of The Year for his Guardian cartoon, Clare In The Community, which he also adapted into a Radio 4 sitcom. This evening it was Hamlet the Pig who was the star. Interspersed throughout his talk Harry drew cartoons of Hamlet and asked his audience to guess the punch line. It soon became clear that the answer would be a pun on the famous Shakespearean line, ‘To be, or not to be, that is the question’. The enthusiastic audience joined in the fun and shouted out their guesses. As well as fun, there were facts. The audience learnt about the history of cartoons, their political and social influence, their lexicon and the work of various famous cartoonists.
During the 19th century satirical cartoons were growing in popularity and influence. James Gillray drew a series of political cartoons including ‘The Plumb-Pudding in Danger’ which depicted Pitt and Napoleon carving up the world between them. Napoleon was depicted as a short domineering ‘‘little corporal’. In fact, he was probably of average height and he was reputed to have said that Gillray “did more than all the armies of Europe to bring me down”. John Leech established the place of cartoons in British magazines and newspapers. He was the cartoonist for Punch magazine from its inception in 1841 until his death in 1864. Charles Schultz, creator of ’Peanuts’ did the same in the American press, making the characters of Charlie Brown and Snoopy well-known throughout the world. On a more technical level, Harry introduced the audience to the terminology invented by Mort Walker to describe the symbols used by comic cartoonists.
The audience were fascinated as Harry illustrated the meaning of terms such as plewds which illustrate beads of sweat, grawlixes representing rude words and a waftarom which shows that a pie smells good. Mort Walker’s The Lexicon of Comicana is essential reading for a budding cartoonist. After, one audience member said: “Very enthusiastic, entertaining, unusual. We all love cartoons and the lecture helped us understand why” Another excellent speaker, Rosalind Whyte, will be explaining why Antony Gormley’s sculptures are so appealing and meaningful at the Arts Society Wokingham’s free annual lecture. Guests are most welcome at Newbold Church at 7.45pm on Monday, July 18. The talk will also be broadcast as a live stream. Email memsectheartssocietywham@ gmail.com to register your interest. Details of next season’s talks are available on the Society’s website www. TheArtsSocietyWokingham.org.uk
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Sovereigns Community Development Officer speaking to Berkshire Youth at the Waterside Centre
Housing Association’s donation will help youngsters enjoy watersports this summer SOVEREIGN Housing Association has given £5,600 to help fund free places at Berkshire Youth’s Waterside Summer Activity Programme. Those taking part can enjoy paddlesport, climbing, zorbing, cooking, sports and crafts. Rachel Peters, community development officer for Sovereign, said: “This is the second year we’ve offered additional funding for summer holiday programme places. “With the cost of living continuing to rise, we wanted children in our communities to access fantastic
activities without adding further financial pressure to their families. All of the programmes come with lunch provided.” A spokesperson for Berkshire Youth was thrilled by the donation. “We’re delighted to be supported by Sovereign this summer,” they said. “The additional support means we can expand the work for families in need in the area.” n For more information on the programme, email waterside@ berkshireyouth.co.uk or call 01635 018500.
Organ donors honoured for saving lives THIRTEEN people from across the county have been honoured posthumously for saving the lives of others through organ donations. Each of them was remembered during a special ceremony, where they were given the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant. They were presented to the families and loved ones on their behalf at a private ceremony was held at Pembroke College in Oxford in June. Mick Messinger, Chancellor of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with NHS Blood and Transplant to run the Order of St John Awards for Organ Donation again (after a break for covid). “It is so important to recognise all organ donors and it is an inspiration to meet the families attending the ceremonies. Organ donation saves lives, and it is a genuine privilege to be able to say thank you to these families, whose loved ones have had such an impact on others.” The Order of St John Award for Organ Donation features the organ donation heart logo backed by the Maltese Cross - which is used by the Order of St John - above the words ‘add life, give hope’. The award can be received at a regional ceremony or sent to the family privately. They are open to people of all faiths or of no faith. Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The pride families
feel at these moving ceremonies truly is inspirational. Transplant patients tell us that organ donors and their families are heroes and the Order of St John award is a chance for us all to recognise them and their amazing contribution to society. “We hope these awards will inspire other people in Berkshire to tell their families they want to save lives. Being clear with your family about what you want makes things easier at a difficult time, leave them certain about your organ donation decision. Families say donation is a source of pride that helps them in their grief and we want to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to donate and save lives” n For more information about organ donation, or to register, visit: www. organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23. NHS app users can also use the service to record, check or update their organ donation decision.
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Eid Mubarak: Muslims gather for Eid-ul-Adha celebration
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Eid-ul-Adha is one of two major Islamic festivals celebrated annually
Departing Fri 21 Oct ‘22 We venture across the Channel to the pretty French seaside town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, with its domed cathedral and attractive medieval quarter and visit beautiful Canterbury, one of the most important cathedral cities in England for a lovely weekend break.
EXCLUSIVE By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today THOUSANDS of Muslims took to Palmer Park for a celebration of Eid-ul-Adha.
Visitors observed prayers before a lively funfair on Saturday, July 9, in an event hosted by Cumberland Road Masjid. Eid-ul-Adha is one of two Islamic festivals celebrated worldwide every year. Organiser Shazad Asghar was full of praise for the event, saying: “It’s gone really well, it’s really nice to see so many Muslims and families, old and young. “We’ve got a lot of people coming from surrounding areas, so this is a festival for everyone to get together and meet people. “Some of the families have got nowhere to go in Reading, some don’t have family. “So this is what it’s all about, to get everyone together and to enjoy ourselves. It was great to see everyone’s smiles as they arrived.” The festival honours Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah’s command. Allah provided Ibrahim with a lamb to sacrifice in his son’s place. The occasion encourages Muslims give back to those in need. Mr Asghar explained: “This festival comes after Hajj, which is our holy pilgrimage to Mecca. “This means a lot to us because it’s a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his only child, Ismail, so it’s all about giving. “Today, many will go to the halal meat butchers, place orders, and distribute that meat across families, shelter homes and so on.” Preparations for the event began at 5.30am, with prayers starting at 9am. Guest speaker Sheikh Abu
Your break includes
TOGETHER: Thousands of Reading Muslims observed prayers for Eid-ul-Adha at Palmer Park on Saturday morning Pictures: Ji-Min Lee The event allowed families and friends to celebrate the festival together
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The ice cream van proved popular as visitors were treated to British summer The event was organised by a team of volunteers from the Cumberland Road Masjid
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Departing Thu 27 Oct ‘22 Taymiyyah delivered the Khutbah speech, highlighting the celebration as an opportunity to consolidate visitors’ faith. Families could enjoy entertainment including fairground rides, an ice cream van and egg and spoon races. Start-up business Dalia showcased elegant traditional dresses and jewellery, while Mr M’s Hut provided refreshments. Of the celebration, visitor Syed Ahmed, said: “It’s a community gathering we have twice a year, just like Christians get together for Christmas and Easter.
Concert band to celebrate Queen’s Platinum Jubilee THERE will be an evening of music to span the 70 years of her reign. Trinity Concert Band’s Platinum Jubilee Concert perform this week. Flautist, Joanne Neale said: “We’re also celebrating 21 years of our group. We’re a very close-knit community. “Most of us have been playing since the band’s formation, so it’s really special. “It’s not just a musical group,
Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Reading 3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Excursion to Boulogne-sur-Mer & Canterbury
there’s a strong social element to meetings too.” There is a wide variety of music in the programme. It ranges from Philip Sparke’s ‘Jubilee Overture’, and Queen’s greatest hits, to well-known pieces from West End musicals. There will also be music that was played at the Queen’s coronation, including Walton’s Crown Imperial, Jupiter from
“People think that Islam relates to a specific country or culture, but you can see people from all walks of life, all cultures, all countries. “In the same row that you’re praying on, you could be standing next to someone who’s English, born and brought up here, or someone from Africa, someone from Asia, someone from Japan or from China, so there’s no discrimination. “It’s a big Islamic gathering and it shows the spirit of the community, the spirit of Muslims and the spirit of the British Muslims. They are not inside the walls of their
culture or their country, they are a global community.” The festivities saw thousands enjoy each other’s company, something people have been more hesitant to do in recent times due to the pandemic, according to Mr Asghar. The organiser hopes the event can showcase the rich values of Islam to the wider community. “It shows passer-bys that Islam is a religion of peace,” he explained. “We are all here together and everyone’s got smiles on their faces and it’s bringing unity, it’s bringing the community together.”
Holst’s The Planets and Elgar’s Nimrod. The evening will close to a close with Henry Wood’s famous Fantasia on British Sea-Songs. “We’re encouraging people to bring flags to wave. “We’d love them to treat it as a Reading version of Last Night Of The Proms,” said Joanne. Trinity Concert Band will be joined by vocal duet Indigo May, for a night of music. “We love playing with Indigo May,” she continued. “They really are fantastic. Last time we were in concert with them,
it was a very popular night. “And we’re so pleased to be back, all of us together, making music.” The event takes place at Michael Malnick Centre, Leighton Park School, Reading on Saturday, July 16. Doors open at 6.30pm, and the concert starts at 7pm. Advance tickets cost £12, with full price tickets cost £14, students cost £7, under 16s and newcomers are free.
n For tickets and information log on to: www.trinityband.co.uk, call: 0118 449 2099 or email: boxoffice@ trinityband.co.uk.
Sussex boasts one of Britain’s finest unspoilt coastlines, dotted with classic seaside resorts that offer a hint of nostalgia with their traditional attractions. We explore more of this picturesque coastline from our base in Eastbourne, including Beachy Head.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the East Beach Hotel, Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursions to Bexhill-on-Sea, Great Dixter, Beachy Head & Alfriston Optional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£12pp)
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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3016 JUBILEE ROAD, FINCHAMPSTEAD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A321 FINCHAMPSTEAD ROAD, FINCHAMPSTEAD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 7th July 2022 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
B3016 Jubilee Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with Church Lane and Wick Hill Lane.
A321 Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with A321 Sandhurst Road and Russley Green.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3348 The Village, B3348 Fleet Hill, A327 Reading Road, Langley Common Road, Biggs Lane, Park Lane, Nine Mile Ride and B3016 Finchampstead Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 2nd August 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake overhead network/boxes access and cabling work for new customer connection 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 2nd August 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
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The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Molly Millars Lane, B3349 Barkham Road, Langley Common Road, A327 Reading Road, B3348 Fleet Hill, B3348 The Village, B3016 Jubilee Road and B3016 Finchampstead Road or by this route in reverse.
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Works requiring this restriction will take place between 19th July and 20th July 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow South East Water contractors to rectify a reinstatement in the carriageway 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 19th July 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: 14th July 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
Dated: 14th July 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY
14.07.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
‘It’s hard to focus when you’ve got a granny riding on a trolley behind you’ Before she performed her set at Henley Festival last week, comedian Maisie Adam talked to JAKE CLOTHIER
M
AISIE Adam is a deceptively recent addition to the British comedy scene, having only begun performing in late 2016.
On stage, she exudes a confidence and comfort usually hard-won through decades of experience. She says, however, that performing at festivals can be tricky. “Festivals are always mad– I’ve not done Henley before, but I’ve done more music festivals,” she says. “I remember I was on the Wednesday night at Download, and it was all of the things that you don’t want in a gig, like 10 people in a room that accommodates 500.” “They’re really not here for me, they’re all death metal fans and I’m stood there saying how isn’t weird when we all played the recorder in Year 5.” Maisie says, however, that she enjoyed playing at Latitude, “so maybe Henley will be the decider.” “It’s very hard to focus when you’ve got a granny riding on a motor trolley behind you.” She’s referring to three men dressed as elderly women riding on segways made to look like shopping trolleys. They’re also blasting dubstep through bluetooth speakers and waving white-gloved hands as they weave through the crowds. “I didn’t think that was Henley’s vibe, that, but I’m a big fan of it,” she says. Maisie hails from Yorkshire, which means that while Leeds is close by, she hasn’t been able to make it to Reading Festival just yet. “With Reading and Leeds, I always grew up going to Leeds Fest, I literally lived 10 minutes around the corner, but it’s always in the last weekend of August, so it can be tricky.” This means that it clashes with a number of events during the summer, not least the Edinburgh Festival, one of the most celebrated for live comedy around the world. Presently, Maisie is gearing up for her latest
UK tour, Buzzed. “There’s a lot of changes since I last did a show, for me and for everybody, but it’s not about Covid,” she explains. “I feel like we’ve spoken about nothing else for the last two years, and there’s things to be buzzed for in the future, so that’s the reason it’s called Buzzed.” She’s joined at the festival by fellow comedians Andy Parsons, Jo Brand, Geoff Norcot, Glen Moore, and Ahir Shah. Henley Festival’s comedy tent features a faux brick wall which those performing sign when they attend. Andy Parsons has signed his name above a post script which reads “On the day that Theresa May came to celebrate Johnson leaving.” She says that there are exciting things coming up for her in her own life, some of which make it into her set at the festival later that evening. During her set, she speaks about how her partner proposed to her while they were on holiday, leading to a hilarious exchange with some of the audience about a dubious-sounding stag party of theirs in Prague. Maisie says: “I’m getting married next year – it’s really exciting to talk about, and it’s nice to share the smaller aspects of our lives. “Recently we’ve been talking about stuff that’s so massive, and that nobody has any ideas how to navigate. “We’re all just sort of holding hands as much as we can, so it’s nice to talk about the more minute details of life, and that’s where we find our common ground.” Ahead of her tour, she’ll be performing at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. “When they come to my shows, people can expect a good time. “It’s nice and relaxed, and there’ll be lots of laughter, I hope, “And if you don’t get any of that, you’ll at least get a very very impressive clip of me playing football.” n Maisie Adam goes on tour with her new show, Buzzed, from Thursday, September 15, including Guildford’s G Live on September 30. For tickets, visit: www.maisieadam.com
14 | LEISURE
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HENLEY FESTIVAL
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
The Script on the floating stage. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Ryan & Liam SimpsonTrotman from Orwells in this years Garden Restaurant. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision
Henley Festival 2022; 40th Anniversary; Wednesday 6th July; Liz Mitchell Boney M in Pure Heaven
Celebrating the big 4-0 EXCLUSIVE By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@wokingham.today HENLEY FESTIVAL has returned and this time it’s celebrating a huge 40-year anniversary. This year saw some of the biggest acts to have taken to the floating stage, including Tom Jones, Craig David, The Script, Pete Tong, and Katherine Jenkins. The festival began with its usual offering of a number of diverse exhibition spaces, featuring striking modern pieces, bold sculpture work, and more traditional artworks. With the Kevin Davy Quartet and Adam Isaac, the crowds were suitably warmed up for The Script, who
performed a stellar set. They were followed by a spectacular fireworks display, complete with a moving drone display to honour the event’s fortieth anniversary. As well as music, the evening offered comedy performances from Ahir Shah, standing in for Ivo Graham, and Glen Moore. Both showed prowess and pin-sharp comedy chops with the political satire that they’re each known and celebrated for. The evening was brought to a rapturous end with a spellbinding performance by industry giants Boney M, who made a rare appearance with original lead singer Liz Mitchell. While the entirety of the set was a highlight, classic hits Daddy Cool and Ra-Ra Rasputin were met with unmatched
cheering and applause. Among the culinary offerings was a dedicated space where Orwell’s served up their signature style of fine dining. Speaking at the event, Liam Simpson-Trotman said that the team at Orwell’s had been looking forward to the event. “The family day on Sunday, especially, its really cool, there’s all the arty stuff, and we love to get involved– they always come to us for our Mr Softie ice creams,” he said. “We’ve invested in a really fantastic team this year, one of whom will be dressed as an ice cream cone since it’s great to get the kids involved, too. “It’s a challenge, stepping up to more than 400 orders in a few hours, but our team is young, dynamic, and raring to go.”
The firework display celebrated 40 years of the Henley Festival. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision
Waves aplenty at the Floating Stage. Picture: Dijana Capan/
River-faring attendees were delighted with perfect boating weather
The Luminosi Trees were part of the numerous art exhibits on display around the festival. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Sideshows and attractions such as a skiffle band and a number of wandering performers. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision
Coffee on the go, from a Hackney Carriage. Picture: Dijana Capan/ Crowds gathered for the Script, with Moet flowing.
| LEISURE
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Thursday, July 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
HENLEY FESTIVAL
Flo Blue performs at The Bedouin Craig David on the Floating Stage
PERFOMER: Craig David on the Floating Stage. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
Craig David gets them clapping EXCLUSIVE By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@wokingham.today HENLEY Festival returned this year to mark its 40th anniversary, and began the five-day celebrations on Wednesday, July 6. By its second day, Thursday, July 7, it had well and truly settled in. The day began with Flo Blue, who brought a breezy, lounge jazz to the Bedouin tent, complimenting its summery aesthetic. Breathy, soaring saxophone riffs were paired with Flo’s bright, confident vocals, and layered over shimmering accompaniment on guitar and keys. The band’s cover of Blue World by Mac Miller was a particular highlight, followed by the title track of their original EP, Just Listen, which cemented the trio as one of the must-see acts of the festival. Craig David was the headline act of the festival’s Floating Stage, with over an hour of consummate R&B. As the sun began to set, crowds were visibly excited from the off, coming to a head with a cover of Justin Bieber’s Love Yourself. Theresa May was also spotted
dancing and clapping along. This was followed with a brand new track from his new album, 22, due to release later this year. He closed the set with many still waiting for some of his most loved songs, 7 Days and ReRewind. They weren’t waiting long however, as he was called back on for an encore, when the crowd burst into shouting and singing. Andy Parsons performed to a well-packed comedy tent in the afternoon, with an immediate easy charm that pulls you into the world of his set. The set jumped between the difficulties of over-eating and selfindulgence, political commentary on Boris Johnson’s resignation, and issues of free-speech and cancel culture. Andy Parsons has been performing comedy for 30 years, which a masterful, thoughtful set evidenced clearly. The evening closed with a latenight stand-up set from Maisie Adam, ahead of her UK tour later this year, Buzzed. Her endearing, optimistic style shone through immediately, with upbeat, disarmingly daring, and playful set. She spoke about her recent engagement, with charming material based around her partner’s attempts at a romantic proposal, leading to a hilarious
exchange with audience members about a stag party in Prague. The set was the perfect close to the night, showing that standup is as much of a strength to the festival as its musical offerings. As well as its performances, the festival is home to a number of exhibition spaces, displaying a wide array of art pieces. Jack Milroy’s intricate designs, made from carefully cut-out printed media arranged in long, 3D strips was among some of the most vivid at the festival. His exhibits included an arresting combination of classic comic books, cartoon characters, and pin-ups in a bright, eyecatching, and textured visual experience. Among the other pieces on display were some of the work of Australian artist Ester Erlich, whose striking portraiture work stood out. Her piece Scarlet made for an imposing artwork in the space which felt like it was viewing you as much as you were viewing it. Babak Ganjei’s stark written pieces became prophetic almost overnight, as a piece about the Prime Minister’s resignation was imbued with instant topicality. The Henley festival continued through until Sunday, with acts including Tom Jones.
Henley Festival also features an on-site jazz club Comedian Andy Parsons.
Rosie Frator Taylor performing at the Jazz Club
The festival gave some a real chance to spread their wings
Some feathers were ruffled during the day’s activities Looking sharp
Gareth Jones compered on Wednesday and Thursday
16 | LEISURE
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
Jolly hockey sticks and school day fun
Power of the law and burden of morals
SCHOOL girl farce comes to Wokingham. Daisy gains a place at the hallowed halls of Grangewood School for Young Ladies. A couple of snobby girls try to get her expelled, but Daisy’s pluck and enthusiasm saves the day. In Daisy Pulls It Off, all the pupils are played by adults. Audiences should expect an evening sprinkled with hockey sticks, cod liver oil, hymns a__nd school bullies. The play runs at Wokingham Theatre from Wednesday, July 13 to Saturday, July 23, with the exception of Sunday. Performances start at 7.45pm and the event costs £14. n For tickets and information visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on: 0118 978 5363.
THERE will be a live screening of Prima Facie. Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) makes her West End debut in the UK premiere of Suzie Miller’s award-winning play. Tessa is a young, brilliant barrister at the top of her game. An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the power of the law, burden of proof and morals diverge. The solo tour de force is captured live from the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End. The event takes place in the Courtyard Theatre, Norden Park Farm, Maidenhead. It can be seen next Thursday, July 21at 7pm. Tickets cost £16. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977
It’s Terry! Even the shoes tell the story
COMEDIAN Terry Alderton has been described as one of the most exciting comedians around. His show, It’s Terry! sees him find a narrative for countless situations, where sometimes even his shoes tell the story. Alderton’s TV stand up credits include BBC’s Live At The Apollo, Comedy Road Show, and The Stand Up Show. Audiences may recognise him as Terry Spraggan in BBC EastEnders and Charlie Mead in London’s Burning. It’s Terry! plays in the Courtyard Theatre at Norden Farm, Newbury. The event takes place on Friday, July 15 at 8pm. Tickets cost £17. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977
Victor Meldrew meets Tom Lehrer, sort of THE TIGER Who Came To Tea is well known to youngsters and their families. This David Wood adaptation of the Judith Kerr story is full of magic and fun. A live show with songs, it tells the The music starts at 8pm on Thursday, July 14. Tickets cost £16 n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977 n For information about the music, visit Don Vappie’s website: www.donvappie. com
New Orleans jazz with a Caribbean twist David Bowie CREOLE banjoist and vocalist from from A to Ziggy New Orleans, Don Vappie comes to Maidenhead. Vappie is arguably one of the best banjo players in the history of New Orleans jazz, and is dedicated to preserving Creole culture and music. His show Don Vappie and Jazz Creole, features banjo, clarinet, guitar and bass. The music has been described as ‘Jazz virtuosity with a splash of Caribbean rhythms’. The event takes place in the Courtyard Theatre, Norden Park Farm, Maidenhead.
IT’S A night for fans to put on their red shoes and dance. The Bowie Experience is a concert celebrating the sound and vision of the UK pop superstar. Bowie fans will not want to miss this event, which features all the hits from A to Ziggy. The show pays attention to detail, bringing the best of David Bowie to its audience. It takes place at the Corn Exchange, Newbury on Friday, July 15.
story of the big stripy orange visitor who brings havoc and delight to the breakfast table. Performances take place at The Hexagon Theatre, Reading on Saturday, July 16 and Friday, July 17. The event begins at 7.45pm and tickets cost £26. n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 521 8218.
It starts at 8pm and tickets cost £26. n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 521 8218.
Omid Djalili brings The Good Times
Puns, puns and more puns
COMEDIAN Omid DJalili is on tour. After experimenting with a Zoom gig where he got muted by 639 people, the award-winning comedian and actor is now ‘where he belongs, on a stage and bringing back the good times’. Described as ‘intelligent, provocative and entertaining’, Omid’s stand-up performances are a ‘captivating comedy masterclass’. His credits range from Hollywood films to television and the West End stage. His show, Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour visits Newbury. The event takes place at the Corn Exchange on Saturday, July 16.
GARY in Punderland sees comedian Gary Delany slide into a land of puns. The star of Live at the Apollo, Gary returns with a new show, described as a ‘cavalcade of brilliantly inventive puns’. Long-standing Mock the Week special guest, he has been ‘through the laughing glass and is ready with hit after hit of the kind of one liners only a master could craft’. The comedy night takes place at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Saturday, July 16. The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £23. n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office: 0148 344 0000
AT THE THEATRE
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Grufalo. Thurs 14. Edinburgh Previews. Fri 15. Ruby. Sat 16-Sun 17. Live Music on the Terrace. Sun 17. Edinburgh Previews. Fri 22. Wilde Sundays: Tomorrow Bird, Meddling Fox, Manna Ash. Sun 24. Live Music on the Terrace. Sun 24.
Camberley – Theatre
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Be Bop A Lula. Thurs 14. Richard Jones. Fri 15. Circus Skills With Patches. Sat 16. WNBF UK Event: First Timers/Novice. Sun 17. Bring Your Own Baby Comedy. Tues 19. Hairspray. Thurs 21-Sat 23. Mama G’s
Storytime Roadshow. Sat 23.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Gruffalo. Fri-15, Sat 16. Gary Delaney: Gary In Punderland. Sat 16. Jazz on a Summer’s Evening: Imogen Ryall and Julian Nicholas. Sat 23.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Zog and the Flying Doctors. Fri 15-Sun 17. Strictly presents: Keeeep Dancing. Wed 20.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Legally Blonde: The Musical. Thurs
Shows start on Saturday at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.And on Sunday at 11am and 2pm. Tickets cost £14, or £9 for groups. n For more visit: whatsonreading.com or call: 0118 960 6060
14-Sun 17. Kenton Summer Roadshow: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sat 23.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Between Two Worlds (12a). Thurs 14. Don Vappie and Jazz Creole. Thurs 14. Everything Went Fine (15). Fri 15. Terry Alderton: It’s Terry. Fri 15. Tony Kofi Quartet: A Portrait of Cannonball. Fri 15. Good Luck to You Leo Grande (15). Sat 16, Tues 19. Il Buco (U). Tues 19. The Shock Of The Old by Terence Blacker. Wed 20. National Theatre Live: Prima Facie. Thurs 21, Sat 23. The Shackleton Trio. Thurs 21. Elvis (12a). Fri 22, Tues 26. The Sound of Springsteen. Fri 22. The Greatest Magician. Sat 23.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Bowie Experience. Fri 15. Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour. Sat 16. The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Thurs 21. The Bon Jovi Experience. Fri 22. NT Encore: Prima Facie (15). Sun 24.
Newbury – The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Whistle Down The Wind. Fri 22-Sep 10
Reading – South Street
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Alice In Boogieland. Thurs 14, Fri
15. The Monochrome Set and support. Sat 16. Rich Meehan Trio. Thurs 21. Mark Thomas Black and White (preview). Fri 22.
Reading – The Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Sat 16-Sun 17. NT Live: Prima Facie. Thurs 21.
Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Brindley Sherratt. Sep 10.
Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195
THE SHOCK of the old by Terence Blacker is a bitter-sweet comic observation of growing old. You see your father in the mirror and realise that it’s you. You start listening to old Mungo Jerry albums. You contact school friends you haven’t seen for years, even the ones you never liked. You join the National Trust. Is this it? The start of a slow slide into comfy slippers, fussing over breakfast cereal, talking at the TV, with the occasional Saga cruise thrown in as a treat? Terence faces up to the joys and pains of the passing years with songs, quotes, and anecdotes. It’s as if Victor Meldrew met )Tom Lehrer for a none-too-serious debate. A life-affirming show, full of humour and songs, it gives two fingers up to old age. The event takes place at the Studio, Norden Farm, Maidenhead on Wednesday, July 20. It starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £15. For audiences wishing to eat at the theatre, a two course meal can be purchased for £16. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977
Great Expectations: Open air in Abbey Ruins. Wed 20-Sat 30.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre
www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: Jekyll and Hyde. Oct 10-29.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Our House. Fri Sept 30-Sat Oct 1, Thurs Oct 6-Sat Oct 8.
Sonning – The Mill
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Barefoot in the Park. Until Aug 20. Buddy Holly and the Cricketers. Sun 17.
Windsor – Royal
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 A Touch of Danger: Windsor on Air. Until Sat 16. Private Lives: Windsor on Air. Tues 19-Sat 23. Three Steps To Heaven. Sun 24-Tues 26.
Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Daisy Pulls It Off. Until Sat 23.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1.
LEISURE | 25
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LIVEMUSIC
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RaW Sounds Today
one from last year which has a very cool pop R&B vibe. She will be at Wokingham Festival for the first time this year and, when you see her there, check out the guitarist that is playing with her – it will be Dean Nelson, from Generation Studio. He gets everywhere. Check out the drummer too - Robin Johnson from Kyros will be playing. Wow. - https://noramacmusic. com/
Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday
A
before.
BAND that is a firm Wokingham Festival favourite is heading up our playlist this week, with a track that’s so good you may have heard it
Kindred Spirit Band will be returning this August, and to whet your appetite we are bringing you a chance to hear again the wonder that is their track Kindred Spirit. The RaW Sounds Today playlist is on a mission to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name). We’ve got 10 fantastic tracks for you to enjoy as part of this, an eclectic mix of stuff that will help you discover something new. And best of all, there’s no charge to listen. To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music. There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
Lonely Robot – Recalibrating
Kindred Spirit Band with Elaine Samuels Picture: Kindred Spirit
Kindred Spirit Band – Kindred Spirit
We go back in time with this song from Kindred Spirit’s 2015 album, Phoenix Rising, as they will be visiting us at Wokingham Festival in August.! It will be a welcome return for the band that last played the festival in 2016. Lead by singer/songwriter Elaine Samuels, they have already played at a number of festivals this year with their combination of flute, electric guitar and vocals weaving together to produce a unique prog folk sound that has entranced audiences - https:// www.facebook.com/KindredSpiritBand
Nora Mac – Dropping Out of Love Nora Mac is a talented singer-songwriter from Marlow who has been building a reputation with her live performances and single releases such as this
Reading-based producer, musician, vocalist and songwriter John Mitchell releases A Model Life, his fifth album under the Lonely Robot name, on August 26 and Recalibratin’ is the excellent first single from it - https://johnmitchellhq.com
Third Lung – Lo-Hi
Here’s a single from this Reading band’s forthcoming debut album, Gameplay. They have an album launch show at Sub 89 on November 10, and will be at Wokingham Festival in August and at Loddfest in September - http://www. thirdlungband.com
Phantom Booth – Blind Emotion
This Reading band describe their second single as ‘a cheerful bittersweet bop’ and it certainly is. Wonderful melodic indie.! They are live in Reading in September 29, at Heavy Pop’s Roseate Sessions - https://linktr.ee/ phantombooth
Char – Control
Char’s pop/R&B style has already got her noticed by Kiss FM and the BBC so we’ll look forward to seeing her at Wokingham Festival on Saturday, August 27. This song is from the Simpler Times EP that Char released last year - https://linktr.ee/CHARmusic
Yaoki – Brand New Life
They played their first-ever gig, opening the night, at Split the Dealer’s amazing Sub89 show recently and what a great gig it was.! Here’s their first-ever single which combines melody and power - https://www.facebook.com/ YaokiBand
The Paradox Twin – Prism Descent
They topped our Best of 2021 list and, following an appearance on July 1 at the impressive Prog For Peart Charity event in Abingdon, we are looking forward to their return to Wokingham Festival https://www.theparadoxtwin.com/
The Lovely Eggs - You Can Go Now
Recently The Lovely Eggs, a duo from Lancaster, visited to play at Reading’s Facebar and showed what an exciting and energetic act they are.! Here’s something from their latest album, I Am Moron - https://www.thelovelyeggs.co.uk/
Hoopy Frood – Atoms & Molecules
Following an appearance at Readipop, Hoopy Frood, an excellent band from Wokingham will be at Wokingham Festival, opening the main stage on Sunday, August 28 - https://linktr.ee/ Hoopyfroodmusic
GIG GUIDE Thursday, July 14
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Flying Visit. BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Lou Kyme Band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.
Friday, July 15
BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS. Reading Rock n Roll presents The Dscoveries. Details: rock3rs.co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Country Moans. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Failed Authors. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside RG1. The Rocket Kings and The Unaccompanied Live. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Summer Love party. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Trevor Nelson Soul Nation Reading. Details: 0118 959 5395. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Tequila Chase.
Details: 0118 977 3706. YATTENDON – West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions. Details: 01635 767090.
Saturday, July 16
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. George Michael Solo Tribute. Details: 01344 303333. CHARVIL – The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Flint Moore. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Club Velocity presents: An evening all things Joe Meek – hosted by Alan Wilson. Exclusive talk and special film screening. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. Dub in the Pub 3. READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 935 1009. READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Boy Bands Bottomless Brunch. 3pm. Saturday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – Pyramid Studios, Nelson Road. Sweet Johnny. 2pm. Details: www. sweeetjonny.co.uk READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Rob Sowden. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – South Street
Arts Centre. Heavy Pop presents The Monochrome Set and Peerless Pirates. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Andrew Bird. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Blue Hayz. Details: 0118 957 6930. WOKINGHAM – Unit 3 & 4 South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road RG40 3AS. Bond Brews Tap Yard event. Noon-6pm. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Plato and the Bees. Details: 0118 977 0918. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Sound Intentions. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, July 17
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123. EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. After karaoke. Details: 0118 966 7153. READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street. Sunday Karaoke. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers Night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Mercury’s Well album launch. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR.
Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Buddy Holly and the Cricketers. Details: 0118 969 8000.
Tuesday, July 19
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
Wednesday, July 20
READING – The Pitcher and Piano, Friar Street. On The Beach.
Thursday, July 21
READING – The Hub, Cholmeley Road RG1 3NQ. The Blagabond. 5pm. READING – Milk, Merchants Place. Fusion 6: No Room For Squares. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street Arts Centre. The Rich Meehan Trio. Details: 0118 960 6060.
Friday, July 22
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Sugar and Sax. Details: 01344 303333. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Logicaltramp. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Pitcher and Piano, Friar Street. Stars
in their Minds Karaoke and disco. READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Brazilian Gypsy Fusion with Theo Mizú & Banda. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Guns II Roses. Details: 0118 959 5395. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Kossoff… The Band Plays On. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk YATTENDON – West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions. Details: 01635 767090.
Saturday, July 23
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Hubba Bubba. Details: 01344 303333. EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 935 4103. HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Marvellous 2022: The Chicago Blus Brothers, Phil Collins No Jacket Required, One and Only Adele, UK Foo Fighters, The Rat Pack, Re-Take That and Robbie, Wild Boys. Details: www. marvelousfestivals.com PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Totally Tina. Details: 0118 969 98978.
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Mythicals. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Totally Tina. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – Milk, Merchants Place. Lights Out with Keyboard Warrior DJs. READING – Mojito Beach Bar, The Oracle RG1 2AG. Los Dos Gringos. Details: www. theoracle.com READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Britney Spears tribute act Bottomless Brunch. 3pm. Saturday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Summer Love Festiva: Aswad, The Dualers, Tyler and Pete, General Levy, Kiko Bun, Reggae Roast. Details: summerlovereading.com READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Solace. Details: 0118 926 5804. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Full Flavour Band. Details: 0118 942 9606. WHITCHURCH – The Greyhound, High Street RG8 7EL. The Never Nevers. Details: 0118 984 1485. WOKINGHAM – The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Marmalade Live. From 3pm. Details: 0118 979 7402.
WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Anna Nightingale. Details: 0118 969 9756.
Sunday, July 24
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 2pm. Wilde Sundays: Tomorrow Bird, Meddling Fox and Manna Ash. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123. EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. After karaoke. Details: 0118 966 7153. HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Marvellous 2022: How Sweet It Is, Flash, Platinum Abba, Definitely Mightbe, Oye Santana, Katy Perry, The Jam’d. Details: www. marvelousfestivals.com READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street. Miss Tina Bortion. READING – Community
Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Terry Hiscock with Roger Trevitt. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Raver Tots family-friendly outdoor festival 2022: advance booking essential, no tickets on the gate. Includes garage, drum and bass, DJs including Brandon Block, Dope Ammo, Millz and Woody Cook, plus Paw Patrol meet and greet, fun fair, dance space, food and drink, face painting, glitter and licenced bar. Details: www. ravertots.co.uk
MARMALADE Live Music Saturday 23rd July 4pm - late Tickets £15 wegottickets.com THE WHITE HORSE Easthampstead Road Wokingham, RG40 3AF
0118 979 7402
26 | LEISURE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WHAT’SON Films at Reading Biscuit Factory this week
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Thor: Love and Thunder (12a). From Thurs 14. Minions: The Rise of Gru (U). Thurs 14. Everything Everywhere All At Once. Thurs 14. Top Gun Maverick (15). Thurs 14. Explorer (PG) with Q&A. Thurs 14. Elvis (12a). Thurs 14. Telstar: The Joe Meek Story (15). Sat 16. NT Live: Proma Facie. Thurs 21. Where The Crawdads Sing (15). From Fri 22. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Thursday, July 14
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Sixth birthday celebrations: DJ, facepainter, balloon modellers and party crafts. 6pm-8pm. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am, or 11.15am-11.45am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5103. SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org SOUTHCOTE – Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Rhymetime for under fives. 9.45am10.15am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109. TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives. 2.15pm-2.45pm. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: King Richard (12a). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
Friday, July 15
BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Common Recreation Ground, Recreation Road RG7 3EN. The Bulging Sack In The Park: enjoy a drink with family and friends, and raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Food and drink available. 5pm-9pm. Details: burghfieldsantas.org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org
READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road. Rhymetime for under fives. 10am10.30am, or 11.15am11.45am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5103. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Comedy night with Bobby Mair. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe. 8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060. WINKFIELD ROW – Lambrook School RG42 6LU. Bracknell Choral society presents Songs For A Summer Evening. 7.30pm. £18, under 18s £5. Details: www. bracknellchoral.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges 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, July 16
BRACKNELL – Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare RG42 6BQ. Jealotts Hill Community Landshare open garden for NGS. 1pm4pm. £4.50, children free. 1pm-4pm. Details: https:// ngs.org.uk CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. A night of music and laughter by Simeon Wood. 7pm. Details: www. crowthornebaptistchurch. org.uk EARLEY – Aisha Masjid & Islamic Centre, London Road RG6 1BW. Eid Family Fun Day: barbecue, Gladiators inflatable, perfurme stalls, candy floss, sweet treats, clothes, henna, live music, food court, bouncy castle, face painting, and more. Free entry. 2pm-8pm. READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Green Park, South Oak Way. Kidical Mass bike ride from Green Park to Waterloo Meadows for picnic, play and cake. Details: Search Facebook
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk for Family Cycling Reading. READING – Jelly, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Artist Shop: meet artists and designers, and buy their works. 10am-4pm. Details: www.jelly.org.uk READING – The Pavilion, Oxford Road. Pavilion Cinema Club presents The Bad Guys. 1pm. Free, under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. Places available on first come, first served basis. Details: www. thepavilion.org.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Splash: interactive art event – create a communal work of art through body painting. 1pm-4pm. £2 entry fee. Details: 0118 986 6788. SHINFIELD – The Michael Malnick Centre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Trinity Concert Band’s Platinum Jubilee Concert, with Indigo May. Includes music from across the Queen’s reign. £12 advance, £14 on door, students £7, under 16s and newcomers free. www.trinityband.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Bond Brews, South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road. Bond Brew Tap Yard party. Noon-6pm. Details: bondbrews.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. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents International Dance Festival. 1pm-3pm. Details: www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, July 17
CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. SISATA presents an open air adaptation of Wuthering Heights. £15 plus booking fee. 5.45pm. Details: whatsonreading.com GALLOWSTREE COMMON – Kidmore End Cricket Club, The Hamlet RG4 9BU. Bear In The Air productions presents Much Ado About Nothing. 1pm and 5pm. Open-air show. Bar and barbecue available. Tickets from £8.68. Search Eventbrite. co.uk for Much Ado About Nothing. READING – Reading Hackspace rLab, Unit C1, Weldale Street RG1 7BX. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your
best course of action might be”. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome. SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Spencers Wood Village Hall Community Farmers Market. 10am. Details: www. spencerswoodhall.co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road, RG41 1EH. A Festival For Peace. Bring your own outdoor picnic 4.15pm. Festival Choral Evensong, including prayers for peace. 6.15pm. Come and Sing rehearsal 2.30pm-4.15pm. Details: 0118 979 2122. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Miniature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Miniature Railway running. £1.50 per ride, four rides £5. 1.30pm-4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Willow Bank junior School, Duffield Road RG5 4RL. Car boot sale. Sellers 10am, £7. Buyers 11am, 50p. Refreshments available.
Monday, July 18
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org BINFIELD – Newbold College Church, Popeswood Road, RG42 4AN. The Arts Society: Free illustrated talk on Antony Gormley’s life and work by Rosalind Whyte at 7.45pm. Also live streamed via YouTube. Details: www. TheArtsSocieyWokingham .org.uk READING – Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Jelly’s The Creative book club meeting. Fourth birthday special. 7pm-8.30pm. £2. Places limited, pre-booking essential. Details: jelly. org.uk READING – St John & St Stephen’s Church, Orts Road RG1 3JN. Reading Speakers Club: find out more about what being a toastmaster is about. 7.30pm. Details: Search Facebook for Reading Speakers Club TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives. 9.45am-10.15am, 10.45am-11.15am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges 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, July 19
CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. Mikron Theatre presents Raising Agents: 100 years of the Women’s Institute. Pay what you feel collection after the show. 7pm. Details: https://mikron.org. uk/shows CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am, or 11.15am-11.45am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5103. 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 READING – Jelly, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Stitch Up lunchtime sewing session. 11am-1pm. Stitch and chat, sew together. Free. Details: www.jelly. org.uk READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.30-11am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5103. READING – The Oddfellows, Oxford Road RG1 7NQ. Singing Together: a relaxed singing session. All welcome, no experience necessary. 10am-11.30am. Refreshments first, singing from 10.30am. £3, £2 members. 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
Wednesday, July 20
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com READING – Select Car Leasing Stadium, Shooters Way. Reading Jobs Fari. 10am1pm. Details: thejobfairs. 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. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOLHAMPTON – The Rowbarge, Station Road RG7 5SH. Mikron Theatre presents Raising Agents: 100 years of the Women’s Institute. Pay what you feel collection after the show. 7pm. Details: https://mikron.org. uk/shows
Thursday, July 21
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Street RG10 0TR. Hurst Morris People dancing with Kennet Morris Men. 8pm-10pm. READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am, or 11.15am-11.45am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5103. SOUTHCOTE – Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Rhymetime for under fives. 9.45am10.15am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109. SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives. 2.15pm-2.45pm. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Free Guided heritage walk. Meet at Wokingham Library cafe, RG40 2BB. Walk starts at 2pm and ends around 4.30pm.
Friday, July 22
BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Common Recreation Ground, Recreation Road RG7 3EN. The Bulging Sack In The Park: enjoy a drink with family and friends, and raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Food and drink available. 5pm-9pm. Details: burghfieldsantas.org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6
7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges 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, July 23
HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Marvellous 2022: The Chicago Blues Brothers, Phil Collins No Jacket Required, One and Only Adele, UK Foo Fighters, The Rat Pack, Re-Take That and Robbie, Wild Boys. Details: www. marvelousfestivals.com PADWORTH – Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall. READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square. Charity coffee morning and bring and buy in aid of Cancer Research. 10.30am-1145am.. Free entry, donations welcome. Details: 0118 958 4131. READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com RISELEY – Wellington Country Park. Spectacular sports weekend with Reading FC, Riseley Tennis Club, Tic Tac Skate School and bouncy castles. 10am4pm. Some events weather dependent. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65t summer exhibition. 10am-5.30pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Free parking, wheelchair accessible, refreshments available. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.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 market. 9am-3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, July 24
HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Marvellous 2022: How Sweet It Is, Flash, Platinum Abba, Definitely Mightbe, Oye Santana, Katy Perry, The Jam’d. Details: www. marvelousfestivals.com MORTIMER – West End Village Hall, Church Road RG7 2HZ. Family Treasure Trail and Woodland Walk. Set off from 11am-1pm. £5 per team. Barbecue afterwards. Dogs on leads. Wear suitable footwear. Details: www.facebook. com/mwevillagehall READING – Phantom Brewery, The Haunt, Units 2-3, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Vintage Bazaar at the Brewery. 1pm-6pm. Free entry. Cash stalls, card bar. Details: www. phantombrew.com READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Raver Tots family-friendly outdoor festival 2022: advance booking essential, no tickets on the gate. Includes garage, drum and bass, DJs including Brandon Block, Dope Ammo, Millz and Woody Cook, plus Paw Patrol meet and greet, fun fair, dance space, food and drink, face painting, glitter and licenced bar. Details: www. ravertots.co.uk RISELEY – Wellington Country Park. Spectacular sports weekend with Reading FC, Riseley Tennis Club, Tic Tac Skate School and bouncy castles. 10am4pm. Some events weather dependent. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65t summer exhibition. 10am-5.30pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Free parking, wheelchair accessible, refreshments available. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Car boot sale and Macmillan coffee morning. 10am. Details: 0118 969 9756.
No. 5422
Your weekly puzzle challenge
27
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Thursday, July 14, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Quiz Challenge
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1. Which famous theoretical physicist made a guest appearance on the TV series The Simpsons? 2. In Chancery is the title of the second novel in which popular series? 3. Which is the largest of the woodwind instruments? 4. Which Norwegian artist painted the picture entitled The Scream in 1893? 5. Definitely Maybe was the debut studio album for which English rock band?
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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
HELP CHOIR ON PIECE
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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: 20 Good; 24 Very Good; 28 Excellent.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
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 N through openings in the walls. The D first letter may appear in any chamber. S C
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DOWN 1. Thus the boy, about to get up, was affected by exposure to sunlight (9) 2. Volunteer army accepting a member in Florida (5) 3. Politician held by two single warriors (4)
11. One seeking to maintain his title on the football field? (8) 13. Do most ovens have one included? (5)
4. One turn then another stopping short of the truth (6) 5. Grandiose arrangement was well-prepared (9)
14. Employing us in gardening initially (5)
6 & 17. Remove this restaurant! (4,4) 16. He helps with the milk when 10. At no time in the future is it Mary and I come round (8) always less? (9) 18. Fruity appointment (4) 12. One is sorry to feel this (9) 21. Censorious Roman 15. Mother and I circumvent turncoat (4) rule in Africa (6) 22. Worker to beat the 19. One in the majority (5) restraint (8) 23. It is harmful to damage land 20. Lied about being termite (11) unemployed (4)
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Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
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To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
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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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ACROSS 1. Chairman may get support in the house here? (7,4)
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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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WORD PYRAMID: Crown and sceptre. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – divide; add; subtract; multiply. Total: 10.
SOLUTIONS
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Easy
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6. Spanish footballer David de Gea plays in which position for Manchester United? 7. Hobart is the capital city of which Australian state? 8. The 2022 Best Picture Oscar went to which film centred around a hearing girl growing up in a deaf family? 9. Ents are a species of beings who resemble trees in which fantasy books and films? 10. Which former British international athlete founded the Great North Run?
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
PZ1P5422-
CROSS CODE
5422
ACROSS 1. Many-legged creature (9) 9. African nation (6) 10. Citrus fruit (4) 11. Travel by ship (4) 12. Reaping hook (6) 13. On the way (2,5) 16. Lifeless (4) 17. Dull pain (4) 18. Fuss (3) 20. Knock (3) 21. Persian monarch (4)
23. Ceremony (4) 25. Lockjaw (7) 26. Evaluation (6) 29. Bird of peace (4) 30. Mountain goat (4) 31. Flower part (6) 32. Advocate (9) DOWN 2. Locomotive (6) 3. Camera support (6) 4. Former Spanish currency (6) 5. Podium (4) 6. Invigorate (7)
7. Ridicule (4) 8. Essentials (4,5) 13. Newspaper column (9) 14. Coarse file (4) 15. Brilliant display (5) 18. Similar (4) 19. Apart (7) 22. Till this time (6) 23. Radioactive element (6) 24. Serving dish (6) 27. Carry (4) 28. Clotted blood (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Centipede; 9 Angola; 10 Ugli; 11 Sail; 12 Sickle; 13 En route; 16 Dead; 17 Ache; 18 Ado; 20 Tap; 21 Shah; 23 Rite; 25 Tetanus; 26 Rating; 29 Dove; 30 Ibex; 31 Anther; 32 Recommend. Down – 2 Engine; 3 Tripod; 4 Peseta; 5 Dais; 6 Enliven; 7 Mock; 8 Bare bones; 13 Editorial; 14 Rasp; 15 Eclat; 18 Akin; 19 Asunder; 22 Hereto; 23 Radium; 24 Tureen; 27 Tote; 28 Gore.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Stephen Hawking; 2 The Forsyte Saga; 3 Contrabassoon; 4 Edvard Munch; 5 Oasis; 6 Goalkeeper; 7 Tasmania; 8 FIVE ALIVE: CODA; 9 The Lord of the Rings; 10 Brendan Foster. (1) Across – Going; Betel; Epoch. Down – Gable; Intro; Gulch. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Sitting room; 7 Lamppost; 8 Goat; 9 Roan; 11 (2) Across – Papal; Islam; Tutor. D S M V L Y I U H Z C X F Defender; 13 Stove; 14 Using; 16 Dairyman; 18 Date; 21 Cato; 22 Down – Print; Pilot; Lemur. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Handcuff; 23 Detrimental. A P T Q R J G W K B E O N Down – 1 Solarised; 2 Tampa; 3 Impi; 4 Gospel; 5 Organised; 6 & NONAGRAM: aeon; agio; agonise; apogee; eosin; 17 Take away; 10 Nevermore; 12 Regretful; 15 Malawi; 19 Adult; epigone; ESPIONAGE; genoa; gone; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU 20 Idle. echo; clip; hire; naos; ngaio; noise; nope; nose; ogee; open. open; opine; paeon; peon; peonage; peso; piano; pigeon; pingo; pion; poise; pone; pong; pongee; pons; pose; posing; sago; snog; soap; soaping; soigné; sone; song; sponge.
28 | LIFE
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Time to enjoy some simplicity Healthy Heart Tip
D
Be Present
W
HAT could a little
simplicity bring to your life?
Simplicity means something a little different for each person and finding the right balance for your life will always be the best path forward. Tuesday, July 12 was National Simplicity Day, an event inspired by the life and work of American philosopher Henry David Thoreau. Here, we explore a few ways to bring more simplicity to your everyday life.
Acknowledge Positive Emotions Keep in mind that joy can be found in the little things. This could be a scent that reminds you of home, your favourite song on the radio, your morning coffee, or a telephone call with a friend. In these moments, aim to be fully present and be aware of any emotions you feel.
Enjoy Regular Movement
We know that physical activity makes you feel good. So, to feel better, think about
O you have an interest in local health and social care issues, and want to drive change across Wokingham Borough for all residents?
heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips. n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes
from our website: https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2/ n Or have a look through our Healthy
Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook.
Berkshire Vision hosts exhibition of art BERKSHIRE sight loss charity displayed a series of artworks created by artists with visual impairments. Berkshire Vision, which supports people with full or partial sight loss in Reading, held an exhibition event at Reading School for Boys last week, showcasing the pieces. The event was the culmination of a series of workshops held by Earleybased artist Emma Major, whose work was also featured. A wide array of mediums and styles were shown, with many of the artists present to speak about their work, their process, and the contribution to their lives that art has had as people with sight loss. Ms Major said at the event: “I feel like I’m really lucky that I got to run these workshops, meeting incredible people who said they couldn’t paint. “I say you can, and we’re going to.” She said also that she enjoyed being able to bring something which helps her to others, too. “It’s not just valuable, it’s essential– I can’t imagine life without it.” Among those displaying their artwork has 10-year-old Zannah. She presented artwork focused on the climate crisis, with a piece focusing on the levels of pollution. It featured an inflatable globe with assorted polluting attached, such as cotton buds, bottle lids, and ring pulls, as well as important messages about recycling, complete with braille. She also provided a short written description of the piece, which read: “It’s the Earth, as I see it– Our Earth is broken due to global warming and pollution, and we need to save the it or we won’t have an earth to live on.” Speaking at the event, Clare Matthews, marketing officer at Berkshire Vision, said: “It has all really come together– it looks wonderful, and everyone’s enjoying it.
SHOWCASE: Emma Major, with Berkshire Vision marketing officer Clare Matthews and CEO Laura Mitchell Picture: Jake Clothier
“It’s a fantastic exhibition, and it goes to show that anything’s possible, anyone can be an artist, and anything is possible.” Ms Matthews spoke about how artists of more traditional mediums can use technology to adapt their creative processes when accommodating sight loss. “We’re showing some work by Elena, some of their digital art– she used to be a canvas and oil artist, but
Volunteer Corner Helena Badger
what type of exercise you like to do, stick to it, and make it part of your routine. Even a simple walk can boost your mood. It can be easy for our minds to focus on the future, especially when doing tasks we may not particularly enjoy. Yet we know that being present can benefit our minds, increase happiness and reduce feelings of overwhelm. So next time you are doing your daily chores, aim to direct your mind towards the task at hand and be aware of any changes in how you feel as a result. There are also many more ways you can simplify your living, hopefully this has given you food for thought. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
GLOBAL OUTLOOK: 10-year-old Zannah with her artwork looking at global warming and pollution
lost her sight couldn’t do it anymore. “Emma showed her how to do digital art, which springboarded her. “We’re showing only a limited section of what she’s created even in just the last month or so.” Deputy mayor of Reading, Cllr Debs Edwards, said the exhibition was “Absolutely wonderful. “The culture behind Berkshire Vision covers so much, not only with the art, the well being of the artists,
“And,” she said, “what you can do with IT.” “But not only that it’s helping their health and well-being, it’s also helping people to have a bit of a laugh, and it’s joining people together. “It’s something I haven’t seen before, and I was absolutely wowed.” Emma Major gave an address to attendees, thanking them for their kind engagement with the project. She said “We’re very visual as a species, and I think that’s got more so as we become more quote unquote civilised, “When you can’t see, you start relying on your other senses, so when I’m painting, I am hearing those things, I feel the sensation of smell. “And I want everyone else to feel that joy because when you’re having a bad day or it’s really rough, you can just lose yourself and a piece of art. “I mean, why would you not?”
Healthwatch has a legal power to view health and social care services owned or controlled by local health and social care providers. We are looking for Enter and View Representatives to join our team. As part of a small group of trained volunteers, you will observe the service being provided, talk with service staff, service users and their families or carers. You will contribute to a group report about findings and recommendations. This report will become a public document and you may also need to follow up on suggested recommendations. We are also looking for Community Engagement Volunteers. You will play a vital role in ensuring that people across Wokingham Borough are engaged, listened to, and provided with an avenue to share their views and experiences of local services. The role will involve reaching out to different communities across the borough, planning engagement activities with other volunteers and Healthwatch staff, holding engagement and information stands at community events and areas, such as GP surgeries, libraries, and hospitals and talking to and gather the views of local people reporting back to Healthwatch staff. We ask for a minimum commitment of two hours per week/eight hours per month – days/ times can be flexible and vary from week-to-week. n The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is a charity that works with and places volunteers in a wide range of community, voluntary and charitable groups across the borough. We work with, and support, groups and organisations that require volunteers (including providing training). We promote the benefits of volunteering to the local community and run a number of schemes including the Wokingham Transport Scheme and the Green ‘n’ Tidy community gardening service. The Trustees of Wokingham Volunteer Centre need a volunteer to take minutes at their monthly meetings.These take place once a month on Monday mornings, last no longer than two hours and are held at our offices in the Community and Charity Hub in Wokingham town centre. After the meetings, the role includes writing up the minutes and circulating to the board. Key skills for this invaluable role are attention to detail, an interest in the work of the Volunteer Centre and an appreciation of the need for confidentiality.
n Cranstoun Drug and Alcohol Service provides advice, information support to all Wokingham residents around drug and alcohol use. Our aim is to empower people to make healthy decisions which minimise harm to themselves and those around them. We are looking for someone with good attention to detail to help us enter details from client assessment paperwork into our database. You will need to be IT literate but full training on the systems will be provided. You will be dealing with sensitive, sometimes challenging information and full support will be available in the form of regular meetings with managers to discuss anything you have found difficult. This is not a client-facing role so there will no direct contact with service users. n These are just a few roles on our books. Visit www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more about volunteering and have a look at all the roles we have to offer. If you would like to get in touch with us, please call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk.
SPORT TODAY
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US ROYALS SUCCUMB TO EUROPEAN NEW GIANTS FUTSAL CRICKET TEAMS BATTLE READING FC 0
WOKINGHAM
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14.07.22
TEAM-UP
ROUND-UP
IN FRIENDLIES
‘ THERE’S WORK TO BE DONE’ NEW SEASON COUNTDOWN
NEW FIRST TEAM COACH LOOKS FORWARD
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today NEW Reading FC first-team coach James Oliver-Pearce is keen for the club to look forward with a fresh approach.
He joined Paul Ince’s coaching staff in what has been a summer full of changes on and off the pitch for the Royals. “It’s been a big change after being at Wimbledon for 10 years,” said Oliver-Pearce. “Coming into a new environment with the resources and facilities we’ve got here is a nice change. “The grass is lovely everyday. The players have been brilliant, the staff have been brilliant so I’m finding my feet gradually and now looking forward to the start of the season. “I worked with Mark (Bowen) and Eddie (Niedzwiecki) when they came into Wimbledon last season. “While there I tried to give them the support that they needed, like you would with any manager. Whether that was through training
sessions or giving opinions. “Mark came here and said the club were interested in me coming along which was an opportunity I could not turn down.” The new Royals coach will be returning to Wimbldeon shortly when Reading face the League Two side in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, July 19. He continued: “Wimbledon have a real family feel so you build strong relationships with people in an industry that often loses its human touch. “Being there for that length of time I knew at some point I needed a fresh challenge. “It will be interesting to go down there, I’ve still got a lot of friends down there and know the fans well. “The relationship with the fans was always close. It’ll be strange to be in a different kit.” Despite being under a transfer embargo, the coaching staff are keen to recruit new players this summer while giving an opportunity for younger players to develop.
“There is work to be done with bringing in players, that’s clear for everyone to see,” Oliver-Pearce continued. “All we can do is do the best with what we have got at the moment with the senior players and the young players stepping up. Their attitude has been excellent. “Paul (Ince) has his standards and expectations and we’re all falling into that to support him as best as we can. “I don’t know a lot about what’s gone before but whatever has happened, has happened and we’ve got an opportunity to build something now with a fresh set of staff and largely a different group of players. We have to look forward as a club.” Oliver-Pearce described his best assets in coaching as the tactical side of the game. He continued: “I have a bit of new school and old school mixed in. You have to get to know players as people, they have families and children and have lived in different
countries so that’s an important part. “I’ve always considered myself as a tactical coach, I really enjoy that side and I think that’s where my biggest strengths are. “My previous experience of having less resources has led to me being more creative and having to think outside the box to find different ways of getting success. “Ultimately we want to give the players the best platform to get a result on matchday. “There have been plenty of ups and downs, plenty of learning experiences which I’m grateful for because that moulded me into the coach I am now. “Once I got the feel for coaching and the buzz for trying to help players get better and watching the kids develop, it’s brilliant.” “I’ve still got lots to learn and improve upon but I’d like to think what I’ve gained from having less of a playing career and having more years in coaching has been a real positive.”
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BENFICA 2
TWO goals in seven second-half minutes saw Reading FC lose to a Benfica in their second pre-season friendly,writes Daniel Blackham. The match rounded off a weeklong training camp at England’s St Georges Park for the Royals as they prepare for the 2022/23 Championship season. The starting XI for Paul Ince’s side featured Lucas Joao, Ovie Ejaria, Andy Yiadom and new goalkeeper Joe Lumley. Also lining up for the Royals was former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Sam Hutchinson and centre-back Julian Jeanvier, both currently on trial at the club. The game started with a fast pace on a hot day in Burton-uponTrent and the Lisbon outfit could have taken the lead in the opening five minutes, but Lumley saved well from Joao Mario’s curling effort. The Royals created a chance of their own after 17 minutes when Femi Azeez’s shot was well saved. Moments later Ejaria turned well on the edge of the box but his leftfoot effort curled narrowly wide of the post Just before half-time Lumley produced another strong save to keep it goalless. Wholesale changes were made after the break with a new Royals XI taking to the field. The side featured new signings Dean Bouzanis and Tyrese Fornah as well as academy graduates Dejan Tetek and Kelvin Abrefa. There were also a further five trialists with Conor Wickham, Jodi Jones, Grant Ward, Jacob Davenport and Josh Murphy lining up. The breakthrough for the twotime European champions came after 65 minutes. Benfica worked the ball well with a one-two on the right side before breaking into the box. A low cross was only half cleared before Alexander Bah poked a looping effort over Bouzanis. The Portuguese side doubled their lead seven minutes later after another cross from the right was tucked away on the half-volley by Gil Dias. The Royals had a rare sight of goal late in the second half but Davenport’s curling effort was wide of the post. n Reading’s pre-season preparations continue on Saturday, July 16, as Premier League side West Ham United visit the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
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18 | SPORT
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 14, 2022
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WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk Sumas played a friendly against Thatcham Town on a 3G pitch, and lost 2-0. Pictures: Andrew Batt
Woodley United v Ascot United Pictures: Andrew Batt
FOOTBALL
FOOTBALL
SUMAS DRAW IN THEIR FIRST FRIENDLY OF THE PRE-SEASON
By ANDREW BATT sport@rdg.today
EVERSLEY & California, Binfield FC, Woodley United and Ascot United stepped up their preparations ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. The Boars hosted the Moles on Tuesday evening as they both gave their squads valuable minutes on the pitch to shape up for the new league season. Eversley enjoyed an excellent season in the 2021/22 campaign under Matty Angell which saw them finish sixth in Combined Counties Division One and therefore qualify for the playoffs, where they were defeated in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Binfield had a superb debut season in the Isthmian South Central under Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers, finishing in eighth. The Moles put on an impressive display in their first match of pre-season which saw them run out as 7-0 victors. Woodley United, who are under new management after Jordan Blake joined as manager earlier in the summer, faced a tough test against Ascot United. The Kestrels are looking to improve on a 16th placed finish in Combined Counties Division One last season/ Woodley manager Blake said: “Important minutes against Ascot United tonight (Tuesday). Extremeley tough test but we tried until the end. Important few days ahead as I look to slim my squad down as we head into a critical time in pre-season to ensure we are ready when the business really starts.
WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook began their preparations for the 2022-23 season last Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Knaphill on the 3G surface at Emmbrook School.
Training sessions also took place last week, and boss Eliot Whitehouse has confirmed the majority of last season’s squad has put pen to paper for the new campaign. Two players who will not be returning to Lowther Road are Mark O’Connell and Dan Carter. O’Connell is set to move to Geneva, Switzerland, for work while Carter has indicated he wants to spend more time with his family, although he has agreed to sign and will be available if needed. A few of the younger squad members have also indicated they plan to leave for university during the season. Whitehouse is keen to see the side build on the momentum that saw just one defeat in the final five games of last season, and just one defeat in the final seven home games. Saturday’s opener saw just one new face – Mason Yorke who has moved to the area having previously played for AFC Hayes. Whitehouse is also hoping to announce several signings in the next few weeks. He said: “Obviously, our target is to win every game. “We need to assess the competition and see where we are but hopefully, we can finish midtable or higher.”
BOARS, MOLES AND KESTRELS CONTINUE PREPARATIONS FOR NEW SEASON
Training is set to start this week, with Thatcham Town the visitors to Emmbrook School for another friendly on Saturday 2 pm). Whitehouse added: “We’ve got a pool or about 25 players and I’m quite content and know what I’ve got. “Now it’s about not overdoing it physically so that by the end of August players are tired.”
NEWS | 19
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READING FC
NEW KEEPER JOE: ‘ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE THIS SEASON’
By Daniel Blackham dblackham@rdg.today
NEW Reading FC goalkeeper Joe Lumley says “anything is possible” for the Royals ahead of the new season.
The 27-year-old joined earlier this month on a season-long loan from Championship rivals, Middlesbrough. After making 39 appearances for Boro last year, keeping 14 clean sheets, Lumley was made surplus to requirements but jumped at the opportunity to head to Berkshire. He said: “I went on holiday straight away after Boro didn’t get into the playoffs and then a few days later I found out Reading was on the cards and was delighted about it. “I snapped at the chance to come here. To be wanted is a big thing in football. “The manager and Tony Warner have been brilliant. “They work you hard, praise you when you need to be praised and give you a dig when you need to have a dig, and that’s exactly how I think it should be. “It’s only been a few days but you can tell straight away that they are getting the lads working as hard as they can and you can’t really ask for anything more.” Lumley also said he has been
Joe Lumley Picture: Wikimedia Commons impressed with Luke Southwood and Jökull Andrésson in the first few days of pre-season training. “I didn’t know about Jokull before
arriving but he is a very good goalie. He’s big, he’s young and you can tell he is going to do well in the game, he makes some big saves.
“Lukey I played against him twice last year and obviously in training you see things you don’t see in the game. “I always thought he was great but now I think he is a top goalie and he is only young.” The former QPR academy graduate believes anything is possible this season if the club can get a few more players through the door. “Anything is possible this season. “The lads are great, they are fit so why not aim for promotion, I think every team in the Championship is doing that. “We still haven’t got a massive squad and we are bringing in players but lads will fit in straight away, as I have here, and that’s a big thing. “We will do our absolute best every single game.” Fans from last year may remember Lumley almost scoring a last minute header for Boro when they visited the Select Car Leasing stadium. He joked: “I wasn’t gonna mention it but I should’ve scored in the away game. “I’m glad I didn’t now otherwise people would’ve been onto me.” So if the Royals are short on strikers throughout the season, they can call on him. Lumley added: “I’ll go up top, I’ll play anywhere.”
READING FC
ROYALS BOLSTER MIDFIELD OPTIONS
READING FC have confirmed the signing of Tyrese Fornah on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest.
The 22-year-old central midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan in League One at Shrewsbury Town, making 19 appearances for Steve Cotterill’s side. Fornah was part of the Royals academy setup in his younger years before heading to the south coast with Brighton & Hove Albion. He then joining Forest’s youth ranks in the summer of 2018. He made his senior debut in the FA Cup against Chelsea, coming off the bench to replace former Royals loanee Alfa Semedo at Stamford Bridge. A loan spell in Portugal with Casa Pia, cut short by the pandemic, was followed by a full season with Plymouth Argyle in 2020/21 where he went on to make 43 appearances for the
Select Car Leasing Stadium newly-promoted League One side. Fornah featured in the first team under Chris Hughton at the start of Forest’s promotion-winning campaign last year before arriving at New Meadow in January. He made his Shrews debut as a substitute in a draw at Gillingham, before holding down a regular spot on the teamsheet to make a total of 17 starts for the Shropshire side.
Manager Paul Ince said: “Tyrese will add power, presence, vision and energy to our midfield and this is a loan move which I believe will benefit both him in developing his game at Championship level and the club with the ability he can bring to the squad. “I am looking forward to working with him out on the training pitch.” Fornah said conversations with Ince and head of football operations Mark Bowen helped influence his decision to join. He said: “I spoke to Mark and the gaffer; they were really good with me, making me feel loved and like I’m going to be a part of it. “That’s the main thing for a loan player. “I want to come here and do well – but I want to feel loved. For me to do well, you need a bit of that. Having spent time in Berkshire in the early stages of his career, Fornah is already familiar with
some of his new teammates. He said: “I was here in the Academy when I was 13 and some of the boys that were here then are still here now, like Tom Holmes who is a good friend of mine. “I stayed in touch with him over the years, so it’s good to be back with him and it’s good to be here with the boys and the gaffer as well.” After making his first appearance in Saturday’s friendly against Benfica, Fornah is looking to cement his place in the side for the new season. He said: “The main thing for me is to come and play games. “It’s no good sitting around at a club that’s doing well; you need games to progress. “I’ll take it game by game, training session by training session and hope that that’s enough and that I do well. “I just want to do well for the fans and for the club.”
READING FC
HOILETT SIGNS NEW ONE-YEAR CONTRACT
Junior Hoilett is staying with the Royals READING FC has confirmed that Junior Hoilett has signed up to a new one-year contract. The Canadian international, who joined on a free transfer from Cardiff City last summer, was out of contract but has now extended his stay with the Royals. Hoilett has joined up with the squad for a week of pre-season training at St George’s Park. Head of football operations Mark Bowen said: “This is a big season for Junior, not only in the challenge he has committed to at Reading but internationally where he will be hoping to play a big part in Canada’s World Cup campaign in Qatar. “An intelligent, creative, experienced winger, Junior will be a real asset to our first team squad next season and I’m delighted he has chosen to return as a Royal for 2022-23.” The winger made 27 appearances for the Royals last season, scoring three times. Hoilett made 81 league appearances for Blackburn Rovers from 2007-2012 and scored 12 goals. He then moved to Queens Park Rangers in 2012, where he spent four years at the club, and scored 12 times in 112 league appearances. Hoilett then made 173 league appearances for Cardiff City, with 23 goals to his name. He also has a wealth of experience at international level having made 47 caps for Canada, with 14 goals. Royals manager Paul Ince said: “Junior was such an important player for this club last season, a calming influence in the dressing room and the spark we often needed to create opportunities in front of goal. I am really pleased to have him on board for 2022-23. “Junior is a perfect professional, and very much respected not only by me as a manager, but more importantly from his teammates.”
20 | SPORT
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OAKS DEFEATED BY TABLE-TOPPI
CRICKET
Wargrave cc (batting) v Chesham cc By ANDREW BATT sport@wokingham.today IN the Home Counties Premier Cricket League Division One, Wokingham suffered a 116-run defeat at home to table-topping Datchet.
The visitors won the toss and batted first, hitting 290-9 declared in 63 overs. In reply, Wokingham were all out for 174 in 51.5 overs. Leading the way for Wokingham’s attack was Andy Rishton who took three wickets for 100 runs.
Berkshire Royals CC v Earley CC
Elsewhere, Slough inflicted a three-wicket defeat on FINCHAMPSTEAD. Winning the toss and electing to field, Slough made 245-7 in 48.4 overs. Finchampstead were 244 all out in 62.4 overs. Ben Moffat hit an impressive 108 for Finchampstead, In Division Two, WARGRAVE collected eight points with a home draw against Chesham. Fielding first, Wargrave hit 120-9 in 59 overs. Opener Jack Winterbottom top-scored with 25 runs. Replying, Chesham
scored 233-9 in 58 overs. Euan Woods, Rhodri Lewis and Rhys Lewis each claimed three wickets for Wargrave. In the BCM Championship, WEST READING secured a 115-run win over Ballinger Waggoners. Batting first, West Reading hit 264=9 in 45 overs, with Adam Davidson top-scoring with 94. Their opponents were skittled out for 149 in 33.4 overs. Leading the way with the ball for West Reading was Najam Raja with 4-46.
CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD were also victorious, winning by four wickets in their match against Pen & Tylers Green. After hitting 188 in 40.1 overs, Crowthorne & Crown Wood replied with 189-6 in 41.3 overs. Christopher Emes top-scored for Crowthorne & Crown Wood with 51 runs. SHINFIELD went down by four wickets in their match at home to Holmer Green. Winning the toss and battling first, Shinfield hit 197 all out in 41.3 overs. In reply, Holmer
Green scored 201 for the loss of six wickets in 40.5 overs. Anuraag Shukla hit 72 not out for Shinfield. In the CMB Premiership, EMMBROOK & BEARWOOD won by two wickets at Cadmore End. Batting first, the home side recorded 189 all-out in 40 overs, with Andy Lazenbury taking an impressive six wickets for 43 runs. In reply Emmbrook & Bearwood hit 190-8 in 45 overs, with Andy Robertson topscoring with 39 runs.
In the BCL Premier Division, SHINFIELD 2S suffered a narrow 8-run defeat at Goring on Thames. Batting first, Goring scored 189-8 in 40 overs with Om Solanki taking four wickets for 28 runs. Replying, Shinfield hit 181 all-out with Hemant Mathur leading the way with 51 runs. WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE suffered a 87-run defeat at home to Sandhurst. Batting first, Sandhurst hit 294 for the loss of four wickets, with Adam Birch scoring 142 runs.
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ING DATCHET
Honours board
Bowling Replying, Waltham St Lawrence made 207 all-out in 33.3 overs. Savir Shama took 47-4 for Sandhurst. WEST READING 2S suffered an eight wicket defeat in their match against Mortimer West End. West Reading, batting first, recorded 117 all-out in 25.3 overs and, in reply, Mortimer West End hit 118-2 in23.1 overs. Josh Beale hit an unbeaten 53 for Mortimer West End. FARLEY HILL also saw defeat – by 24 runs at Woodcote. The hosts opened and made 203-8 in 40 overs, and in reply Farley Hill hit 179-9 in 40 overs. In Division 1A, BERKSHIRE ROYALS emerged victorious with a three-wicket win over EARLEY. Batting first, Earley made 181 all-out in 39.3 overs. Replying, Berkshire Royals hit 183-7 in 36.4 overs. Action in Division 1B saw CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD
2S emerge victorious by 172 runs against Earley 2s. Batting first, Crowthorne & Crown Wood hit 2698 in 40 overs, Replying, Earley were all out for 97 runs in 29.1 overs. Andrew Baines took six wickets for just 13 runs in seven overs. FARLEY HILL 2S gained 35 points with a 125-run victory over SHINFIELD 3S. Batting first, Farley Hill struck 312 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 40 overs. Shinfield 3s, in reply, could only manage 1899 in 40 overs. READING UTD 2S won by eight wickets over Rangers, who batted first and were all-out for 191 in 39.2 overs. Replying, Reading United made 193 for the loss of two wickets in 26.4 overs. Woodley won by five wickets against Stallions, who made 199-8 in 40 overs. Woodley replied with 201-5 in 34.5 overs,
In Division One of the Thames Valley Cricket League, EVERSLEY were beaten by 112 runs at home to Falkland. Falkland made 328 all-out in 51.4 overs and, replying, Eversley were all out for 216 in 47.2 overs. Division 2B saw an emphatic 10-wicket victory for WOKINGHAM 2S over Royal Ascot. Winning the toss and batting, Royal Ascot were all out for 109 in 37.3 overs. Wokingham 2s reached 113 with the loss of no wickets in just 15.5 overs, with Anthony Clapham hitting an unbeaten 65. READING beat BINFIELD by 160 runs. Batting first after winning the toss, Reading hit 242-8 declared in 49 overs. Binfield were all out for 82 in reply. Slough 2s were winners against FINCHAMPSTEAD 2S by six wickets. Put into bat, Finchampstead 2s made 223-6 off 52 overs. Slough 2s responded with 227-4 in 37.3 overs. In Division 3A, SONNING were beaten by five wickets at Aldershot. Batting first, Sonning hit 256-7 from 52 overs. Aldershot, replying, hit 257-5 from 47.3 overs. WARGRAVE 2S won by 54 runs at Bagshot after making 250 all-out. Bagshot were bowled out for 196 in 38.4 overs in reply, WHITE WALTHAM were on the wrong end of a six-wicket defeat at Thatcham Town. Batting first, White Waltham hit 200-9 in 52 overs, while Thatcham Town replied with 201 for the loss of four
wickets in 44.4 overs. In Division 4A, WOKINGHAM 3S beat Cove by eight wickets. Cove won the toss, batted and made 153 all-out in 33.5 overs. Wokingham 3s cruised to the win with 154-2 in 26.5 overs. FINCHAMPSTEAD 3S lost by two wickets at Taplow. Batting first, Finchampstead hit 278 all-out in 50 overs. Taplow replied with 279-8 from their 50 overs. In Division 5B, EVERSLEY 2S beat Purley 2s by eight wickets. Batting first, Eversley hit 118-2 from 19.1 overs and, in reply, Purley 2s were all-out for 114 in 28 overs. READING 2S won by 64 runs against BINFIELD 2S. After batting first and scoring 257-9 from 52 overs, Reading bowled their opponents out for 193 from 39.1 overs. Ian Rose hit 110 as FINCHAMPSTEAD 4S beat Bagshot 2s by 42 runs. Batting first, Finchampstead 4s hit 253-4 from their 50 overs, while Bagshot were bowled for 211 in 45.4 overs. BRACKNELL beat Royal Ascot 2s by seven wickets. Hitting 62-3, Bracknell dismissed their opponents for 61 in 25 overs. In Division One of the Home Counties Women’s Cricket League, FINCHAMPSTEAD suffered a fourwicket defeat at Oxford. Batting first, Finchampstead were all out for 105 in 23.1 overs. Oxford replied with 106-5 in 26.3 overs.
Andrew Baines – Earley – 6-13 Andy Lazenbury – Emmbrook & Bearwood – 6-43 Ashish Patidar – Reading Utd 2s – 5-40 Benjamin Salter – Eversley – 5-61 Khrishna Thivagaralan – Reading Utd 2s – 4-26 Om Solanki – Shinfield 2s – 4-28 Najam Raja – West Reading – 4-46 Savir Shama – Sandhurst – 4-47 Matthew Arnold – Finchampstead 3s – 4-69 Venu Gudimetla – Berkshire Royals – 3-23 Steve Mapes – Berkshire Royals – 3-24 Rhys Lewis – Wargrave – 3-28 Euan Woods – Wargrave – 3-42 Prakash Krishnamurthy – Farley Hill – 3-66 Guy Ashby – Finchampstead – 3-82 Rhodri Lewis – Wargrave – 3-71 Andy Rishton – Wokingham – 3-100
Batting
Adam Birch – Sandhurst - 142 Ian Rose – Finchampstead 4s - 110 Ben Moffat – Finchampstead – 108 Stuart Parsons – Finchampstead 2s - 102 G Ganagabalan – Reading - 100 Adam Davidson – West Reading – 94 Arshad Kaffar – Berkshire Royals - 88 Paolo Toffolo – Farley Hill – 82 not out Madav Srivastan – Finchampstead 4s - 80 Anuraag Shukla – Shinfield – 72 not out Peter Dean – Sonning - 70 Rhajiv Dhallam – Rangers - 67 Oliver Taylor – Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s – 66 not out Hector Williams – Binfield 2s - 66 Anthony Clapham – Wokingham 2s – 65 not out Hassam Raja – West Reading – 63 Shivam Khare – Shinfield 3s - 62 Kyle Bienefeld – Eversley - 60 L Beavan – Reading – 59 Gary Loveday – Finchampstead 2s - 58 Sam Jenkins – Finchampstead 3s - 57 Tom Phizakerley – Reading 2s - 56 Muhammad Aziz – Farley Hill - 53 Ben Simmons – Finchampstead 3s - 52 Christopher Emes – Crowthorne & Crown Wood – 51 Hemant Mathur – Shinfield 2s – 51 Robert Casey – Earley – 50
22
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WOMEN’S EUROS
HARRY BACKS 12th WOMAN EUROS CAMPAIGN By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today
AS THE Lionesses take charge in this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro tournament, Harry Redknapp, AJ Odudu, Karen Carney, Ellie Taylor and Jermaine Jenas have come together to show support for the ‘12th Woman’ campaign.
The campaign by brewer Heieneken is trying to tackle and challenge the stereotypes in football culture. Stephanie Dexter of Heineken said: “For so long football culture and fandom has been influenced by the men’s game. “So, while the women’s game has grown massively, a legacy of terms such as ‘man on’ and the ‘the 12th man’ continue to dominate. “Meanwhile the ‘12th woman’ is relatively unheard of. We want this campaign to help close the gender phrase gap in football language, but also invite a conversation about the entrenched bias and inequality that persists across football culture.” ‘I Am the 12th Woman’ tees are available for public sale on Amazon for a price of £12 here with all profits donated to the NFP Women in Football.
I Am the 12th woman campaign Throughout the tournament supporters are encouraged to wear them in a show of allegiance, wherever they may be watching the action. Karen Carney, who played 144 times for England said: “There are 11 women on the pitch who are giving everything to win for their country. “Knowing that fans are cheering them on in the stands,
FOOTBALL
NEW CONSTITUTION FOR SUNDAY
at homes and in pubs across the country makes a difference and that’s why being a 12th Woman and saying it aloud really matters. “Football fans’ approach to this tournament could be a major stepping-stone to real change in terms of how we all talk about football.” Harry Redknapp said: “When I was playing professionally it really was a man’s game –
women were banned from playing football in 1921 and the Women’s Football Association wasn’t even established until 1969. “Thankfully times have changed, and in a big way, and I’m really proud to be a 12th woman and to wear the T-shirt for all to see. “Some people could be confused by the term the ‘12th Woman’, they might have
to stop and think. But that’s the whole point, that’s what Heineken is trying to do with this campaign.” Yvonne Harrison, CEO at Women in Football said: “We’ve been really impressed by Heineken’s commitment to addressing gender inequality in football. “That’s what Women in Football is all about too, so it’s fantastic to team up with them
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Women taste success in summer tournament
The constitution for the 2022/23 season of the Bracknell and District Sunday Football League has been revealed. A total of 51 teams in five divisions have been confirmed as follows: Premier Division: Bracknell Rangers, Crowthorne Inn, Raglan, William Twigg, Wokingham & Emmbrook TMW, Finchampstead Athletic, Bigshot, AFC Dukes, Freeman Royals, FC Showcase. Division One: Panthers, Woodley Utd, Winnersh Rangers, Ashridge Park Royals, Bracknell Spartans Vets, FC Harmanswater, Bracknell Athletic, Bracknell Royals, SF7, Braybrooke Athletic. Division Two: Bracknell Cavaliers, Harts of Bracknell, Woodley Saints Tigers, Silver Birch, Crowthorne A, Bracknell Bisons, 3M, BAS, Ashridge Park, William Twigg Reserves. Division Three: Silver Birch Reserves, Newbold, Finchampstead Athletic Reserves, Bracknell St Germain, Hope & Anchor, Wokingham Wanderers, AFC Dukes Reserves, Harts of Bracknell Reserves, Bracknell Cavaliers Reserves, Berkshire United, FC Bracknell Royals. Division Four: Finchampstead Athletic A, Bracknell Spartans, Bracknell athletic Reserves, Bracknell Elite, FC Bracknell, Bracknell Bisons Reserves, BH Dons, AB United, Nameless FC.
The season is expected to start in mid-September.
WOODLEY’S women were in action at the weekend, tasting success in the Barton Rovers tournament. Held in Tilehurst, it was part of the Thames Valley Festival of Football.
Run across two days, there were contests for under 6s to u15s, with team sizes ranging form seven to nine. And on Sunday afternoon, there was a
contest for female teams, which was hotly contested. This year was the 40th anniversary of the club, so the contest was extra special.
Woodley Yellows lost their final 1-0 to the Turtle Head side, while Woodley Blues drew their match against Ruislip, before going on to win 3-2 on penalties.
on the 12th Woman campaign. “Every action that supports our work and amplifies our message helps to level the playing field and make football a fairer and better place.” There are three Reading FC Women players representing their counties in this year’s tournament: Amalie Eikeland of Norway, Sanne Troeslgaard of Denmark and Justine Vanheavermaet of Belgium.
FOOTBALL
AWAY TRIPS FOR SUMAS & CITY IN FA CUP PRELIMS BOTH Wokingham & Emmbrook and Reading City have been handed away trips in the Extra Preliminary Round of this season’s Emirates FA Cup. Wokingham & Emmbrook will journey to Oxfordshire to face Ardley United on Saturday, August 6. The reward for the winners will be an away tie at either Ashton & Backwell United or Aylesbury United. Reading City face a trip to Highworth Town, with a visit to Royal Wootton Basset Town or Windsor awaiting the winners on August 20. In the first qualifying round of the isuzu FA Vase, Wokingham & Emmbrook will travel to South Gloucestershire to play Western League side Bitton, while AFC Aldermaston have also been drawn away – to Brinscombe & Thrupp. Reading City will face Gloucester-based Longlevens away from home while Woodley United are at home to Cadbury Heath. Ties are scheduled to take place on August 27. A win for Wokingham & Emmbrook could set up a mouthwatering derby against Eversley & California in the second qualifying round on September 24. The draw for early rounds of the FA Youth Cup has also been made. In the Preliminary Round, Aldermaston will host Wokingham & Emmbrook, Reading City will host Cove or Banbury United, and Binfield will play Basingstoke Town. Ties are expected to take place week commencing August 15.
SPORT | 23
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RAMS TO SEE THE LIGHTS AGAIN WITH EVENING KICK-OFF
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
RAMS RFC have confirmed the return of Friday Night Lights for the two National One derby fixtures against nearest rivals Chinnor next season.
The home game has switched from Saturday, December 17 to the day before, kicking off the festive period with what promises to be another barn-storming clash. Last season’s pre-Christmas clash was unfortunately postponed due to a covid outbreak in the visitors’ camp, but Rams took the spoils in the re-arranged fixture in March which was also the first game to be livestreamed through the National League Rugby website. On that occasion it was skipper Robbie Stapley who proved to be the headline attraction, scoring a hattrick to inspire his side to victory on the same day his partner Emily had given birth to their second child, Arlo. Rams were 38-22 victors as Ben Henderson’s stunning try opened proceedings, with Jak Rossiter and Henry Bird also crossing the whitewash at Old Bath Road. Chinnor gained their revenge in a basketball-esque 43-40 triumph
Robbie Stapley scores Rams’ opening try Picture: Tim Pitfield
at Kingsey Road in the penultimate round of fixtures, and they will now welcome Rams for the away fixture in Week Two on Friday, September 9. The two sides have clashed 18 times in league competition over the years – more than any other side Rams have played – with Chinnor currently leading the head-to-head with 10 wins against seven, with one draw. Meanwhile, the new league structure has been published by the RFU, with Rams Centaurs (3rd XV) set to play in the newly-formed Counties Two Tribute Berks, Bucks & Oxon South Division. The other 10 teams in the league are Henley 3rds, Maidenhead 3rds, Reading 2nds, Slough, Newbury 2nds, Hungerford, Abingdon, Aldermaston, Beaconsfield 2nds and Tadley. In Counties Three Tribute Berks, Bucks & Oxon South, the Dragon’s Teeth (4ths) will clash with Reading Abbey 2nds, Reading 3rds, Phoenix, Bracknell 3rds, Marlow 2nds, High Wycombe 2nds, Crowthorne, Tadley 2nds and Windsor 2nds. When the league season ends in early March, both sides may compete in the respective tiers of new cup competitions introduced by the sport’s governing body.
FUTSAL
READING TO BENEFIT FROM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP
READING Royals Futsal Club have announced a new partnership with Four Zero Futsal, an international Futsal service provider from New Zealand.
The partnership comes with a range of benefits for the Royals, including access to new talent ahead of the 2022-23 FA National Futsal Series. Richard Oxley, Royals Secretary and Men’s Team Manager, said: “The immediate benefit of this partnership is a massive injection of international futsal experience into our Men’s squad. “We are really excited to welcome Jordi Ditfort, Logan Wisnewski and Kyle Wisnewski to the club, all current members of the New Zealand Men’s Futsal squad.” Ditfort and the Wisnewski brothers join the Royals from New Zealand club-side, the Waikato Rapids. Collectively the trio bring 195 club appearances and 95 goals between them. The young trio also bring the experience of 19 international
appearances and six international goals. Oxley continued: “We are also excited to welcome Sam Masterson to the club as our new Men’s Head Coach. Sam is a specialist futsal coach from New Zealand and will allow Brayden [Royals player-coach since 2020] to focus on playing.” Masterson also joins the Royals from the Waikato Rapids. Under his watch, the Rapids finished first and second in the New Zealand Men’s Futsal Superleague. Following this success, Masterson was named 2020 New Zealand Futsal Coach of the Year. As well as access to international futsal talent, the partnership with Four Zero Futsal will also bring a specialist futsal service provider to Berkshire. New Royals signing, Kyle Wisnewski, founded Four Zero Futsal to support the development of futsal. The ethos of Four Zero Futsal is to work with schools and clubs to deliver
Reading Royals Futsal Club’s Kyle Wisnewski quality futsal programmes and create futsal pathways. Fellow Royal and New Zealand international, Brayden Lissington, has joined Wisnewski as a director of Four Zero UK. Their ambition is to apply the same ethos to futsal in the United Kingdom to accelerate the growth of the sport. Oxley continued: “We are also excited to welcome Sam Masterson to the club as our new Men’s Head Coach. Sam is a specialist futsal coach from New Zealand and will allow Brayden
Reading Royals Futsal Club’s Jordi Ditfort (Royals player-coach since 2020) to focus on playing.” Masterson also joins the Royals from the Waikato Rapids. Under his watch, the Rapids finished first and second in the New Zealand Men’s Futsal Superleague. Following this success, Masterson was named 2020 New Zealand Futsal Coach of the Year. As well as access to international futsal talent, the partnership with Four Zero Futsal will also bring a specialist futsal service provider to Berkshire.
New Royals signing, Kyle Wisnewski, founded Four Zero Futsal to support the development of futsal. The ethos of Four Zero Futsal is to work with schools and clubs to deliver quality futsal programmes and create futsal pathways. Fellow Royal and New Zealand international, Brayden Lissington, has joined Wisnewski as a director of Four Zero UK. Their ambition is to apply the same ethos to futsal in the United Kingdom to accelerate the growth of the sport.
24
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TENNIS
NEW CLUBHOUSE OPEN FOR BUSINESS Richard McCully, Denise Walker, Caroline Smith & Alison Nicholson
By ALI NICHOLSON sport@wokingham.today CROWTHORNE Tennis Club celebrated the opening ceremony of its new clubhouse building with the finals day for its members.
Mr Richard McCully, former Chairman of CTC and leader of the group who oversaw the construction of the building, and welcomed the Mayor of Wokingham Borough Cllr Caroline Smith. As well as the Mayor and her consort, Mr Mike Smith, Crowthorne Tennis club were also joined by Ms Denise Walker, Secretary of Berkshire County Tennis. After the speeches, CTC’s own Mike Smith, Secretary of the Club, presented an award to Richard McCully for Services to the Club for all his work on the construction of the new clubhouse. The sun shone brightly for much of the day, and around 50 members enjoyed a lunch supplied by the club, while watching some excellent tennis. The first match was the final of a Handicap Doubles competition, where Mark Lardner and David Stone were victorious over Lorraine Fowler and Steve Stow by five sets to two, in a best of nine tie-break sets. All sets were closely contested, and the match was enjoyed by spectators. After lunch,15-yearold Jake Griffiths became the
Jake Griffiths - Mens Singles third teenager in a row to win the Men’s Singles tournament with a hard-fought win over Guy SmithBingham on Sunday. It was an entertaining contest with fine hitting from both players, with a sharp contrast in styles adding to the intrigue. The first set went with serve to 3-2 but then Guy took control and got the first of two consecutive breaks to win the first set 6-2. However, Jake got straight back into the match breaking Guy in the first game of the second set and using his remarkable consistency and some excellent passing shots stretched his lead to 4-0 before Guy found some form again but Jake held on for a 6-2 win. The third set repeated the
David Stone & Mark Lardner Handicap Doubles
Matt Paxton & Tina Stern - Mixed Doubles
second with Jake taking a 4-0 lead before Guy increased the aggression and with some powerful hitting and smart use of serve and volley climbed back to 4-5, leaving Jake to serve for the title. Jake fought fire with fire and stepped up the hitting, allied to some excellent serving and took the match 6-4. Finally, the Mixed Doubles final was held between Matt Paxton and Tina Stern vs James Thackray and Maggie Ingham.
After James and Maggie won a close first set by four games to six, Matt and Tina levelled the match by taking the second 6-2, it was neck and neck to 3-3 in the third. The seventh game went to Matt and Tina after seven deuces after which Tina held serve and James was broken to make it game, set and match by 6-3 in the final set to Matt and Tina.
BOWLS
OAKS ENJOY SUCCESS AGAINST SUTTONS, BUT DEFEAT IN TWO WOOD COUNTY
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
TVLL saw Wokingham playing Suttons at home and coming away with a solid win 8-2.
Two Wokingham ladies J Deeves and M Argent went through to the last 16 of the Two Wood County comp. It was held on Sunday, July 10 at The Island. Joy came up against Morgan Merryweather, she held her own but Morgan was just too strong on the day and progressed to the quarter final. Margaret beat off two strong players to reach the semi-final where she met Jane Murphy, but the heat of the day started to show and she lost the game. Both ladies fought well.
Maiden Erlegh July 5
KL, MEBC v Three Mile Cross A great win over Three Mile Cross, taking all the points, despite having to make 8 changes from the previous week’s team. Scores: 92-47 shots and 14-0 points, Rinks 23-10, 25-4,18-17, 26-16. Skips Mark Hiley, Mike Fraser, Mike Lewis and Keith Hawkins
July 6 OTL - MEBC travelled to away to Burghfield. With wins on only two of the five rinks, MEBC picked up only 4 points. Final score: 4 - 10 points 75 - 89 shots. Individual rinks 5-28, 23-13, 10-19, 25-12, 13-17. Skips were Ken Cheshire, Frank Parkinson, Chris Fellows, Mike Fraser and Janet Silvester.
July 7 KLV-B, MEBC travelled away to play Bracknell “B”.
A disappointing game saw MEBC lose on all three rinks. Final score: 0 - 10 points, 26 - 79 shots. Rinks 13-16, 4-25, 9-38, skips Peter Heyes, Robert Spencer, Keith Boulter.
July 8 KLV-A MEBC’s team suffered a setback going down 8-2 to Bracknell on points, 44 – 61 shots. Scores: 11-28, 15-22 and 18-11 for the respective skips Mike Lewis, Mike Fraser and Keith Hawkins.
July 9 OTL - MEBC travelled to Pangbourne. Unfortunately, MEBC were short of players so defaulted on one rink. However they won on two of the other three rinks to win overall. Scores: 9 - 5 points and 36-28 shots. Individual rinks 15-5, 5-15, 16-8, Skips Chris O’Toole, Chris Fellows, Mike Fraser.
n For more information, go to www.crowthornetennisclub.co.uk
READING WOMEN FC
NEW CONTRACTS FOR THREE ROYALS CONTRACT extensions have been given to three Royals Women. Defenders Deanna Cooper and Lily Woodham have both signed new two-year deals, and Tia Primmer has signed her first professional contract. Ms Primmer worked her way up through the academy, before scoring winning goals against Brighton in the Women’s FA Cup and Everton in the Barclays Women’s Super League. She told Reading FC’s website that she had loved every single moment so far, and knew of the challenges ahead. “Now it’s time to work even harder to cement my place in this team, improve on my numbers, and help the team push on,” she said. The side’s manager, Kelly Chamber, said of Cooper: “Playing in the position she [Deanna] does, you need to be a leader, and having played at Chelsea it will help other members of the team raise their level of performance.” Next season, all being well, Woodham will reach a milestone of wearing the hoops for the 50th time. “I have loved being here, being involved in every game I have, and learning from some of the best in the game the likes of Fara Williams, Brooke Chaplen,” she said. “Looking ahead to the next 50, it’s all about continuing to improve, repaying the faith Kelly and all the coaches put in me, and hopefully getting my first goal.”
RESULTS
Saturday, July 9
FOOTBALL Pre-season friendly Reading 0-2 Benfica Sumas 0-2 Thatcham Town Binfield 1-4 Maidenhead United Reading City 4-3 Banstead Athletic CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Slough (245-7) beat Finchampstead (244 all-out) Wokingham (174 all-out) lost to Datchet (290-9 dec) Home Counties Division 2 Wargrave (120-9) lost to Chesham (233-9) BCM Championship Ballinger Waggoners (149 allout) lost to West Reading (264-9) Penn & Tylers (188 all-out) lost to Crowthorne & Crown Wood (189-6) Shinfield (197 all-out) lost to Holmer Green (201-6) CMB Premiership Cadmore End (189 all-out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (190-8) Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (173 all-out) lost to Fulmer (174-7) BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames (189-8) beat Shinfield 2s (181 all-out) Waltham St Lawrence (207 all-out) lost to Sandhurst (294-4) West Reading 2s (117 all-out) lost to Mortimer West End (118-2) Woodcote (203-8) beat Farley Hill (179-9) BCL Division 1A Earley (181) lost to Berkshire Royals (183-7) West Reading 3s conceded to Reading Lions BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (269-8) beat Earley 2s (97 all-out) Farley Hill 2s (312-8) beat Shinfield 3s (187-9) Reading United 2s (193-2) beat Rangers (191 all-out) Twyford and Ruscombe L-L Warfield Woodley (201-5) beat Stallions 2s (199-8) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (216 all-out) lost to Falkland (328 all-out) Thames Valley Division 2B Royal Ascot (109 all-out) lost to Wokingham 2s (113 all-out) Sulhamstead & Ufton (145 allout) lost to Hurst (146-1) Reading (242-8) beat Binfield (82 all-out) Finchampstead 2s (223-6) lost to Slough 2s (227-4) Thames Valley Division 3A Sonning (256-7) lost to Aldershot (257-5) Kidmore End (148-5) beat Theale & Tilehurst (144 all-out) Bagshot (196 all-out) lost to Wargrave 2s (250 all-out) Thatcham Town (201-4) beat White Waltham (200-9) Thames Valley Division 4A Taplow (279-8) beat Finchampstead 3s (278 all-out) Wokingham 3s (154-2) beat
Cove 2s (153 all-out) Thames Valley Division 5A Kew 2s (228-4) beat Wargrave 3s (227 all-out) Thames Valley Division 5B Eversley 2s (118-2) beat Purley-on-Thames (114 all-out) Binfield 2s (193 all-out) lost to Reading 2s (257-9) Finchampstead 4s (253-4) beat Bagshot 2s (211 all-out) Newbury (283-5) beat Sonning 2s (133 all-out)
Sunday, July 10 Home Counties Women’s League Oxford (106 all-out) beat Finchampstead (105 all-out)
FIXTURES
Saturday, July 16
FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Reading v West Ham United Flackwell Heath v Binfield Reading City v Thatcham town Sumas v Marlow CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Finchampstead v Wokingham Home Counties Division 2 Horspath v Wargrave BCM Championship Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Braywood Ley Hill v Shinfield West Reading v Penn & Tylers Green CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood v Denham Chilterns Division Two Knotty Green v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s BCL Premier Division Farley Hill v West Reading 2s Mortimer West End v Waltham St Lawrence Sandhurst v Goring on Thames Shinfield 2s v Welford Park BCL Division 1A Checkendon v West Reading 3s Reading Lions v Stallions Reading United v Berkshire Royals Silchester v Earley Thames Valley Division 1 Stoke Green v Eversley Thames Valley Division 2B Slough 2s v Reading Binfield v Sulhamstead & Ufton Hurst v Cove Wokingham 2s v Finchampstead 2s Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham v Windsor Wargrave 2s v Sonning Theale & Tilehurst v Thatcham Town Thames Valley Division 4A Purley on Thames v Wokingham 3s Finchampstead 3s v Henley 3s Thames Valley Division 5B Sonning 2s v Finchampstead 4s Bagshot 2s v Binfield 2s Reading 2s v Purley 2s Eversley 2s v Bracknell
Sunday, July 17
CRICKET HC Women’s Division 1 Chesham v Binfield Finchampstead v St Albans
Tuesday, July 19 FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Sheerwater v Sumas Thame United v Binfield