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THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Thursday, July 7, 2022
No. 371 90p
Residents confused by Lib Dem ‘newspaper’ CLASSIC CAR SHOW DRIVES IN P3
SCHOOL UNVEILS NEW MINIBUS P11 By DANIEL BLACKHAM news@wokingham.today A LIBERAL DEMOCRAT leaflet has caused confusion amongst residents in Wokingham.
The publication titled the “Wokingham Gazette”, has been criticised for not being easily identifiable as political literature. It is one of a number of similar missives published by political parties across the country, and is not unique to the party. A resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I was very confused when the ‘newspaper’ dropped through my door, I thought Wokingham had a new newspaper. “This type of canvassing shouldn’t be allowed as it can easily be misinterpreted as a factual and impartial newspaper. “If it was clearer that it is a political advert then that would be acceptable. “I can’t have been the only person duped by this leaflet. It has to stop.” The document purports to be a free newspaper, paid for and delivered by the Liberal Democrats, in Wokingham Town, Shinfield, Burghfield, Mortimer, Swallowfield, Winnersh, Barkham, Arborfield, Earley and Lower Earley. However, it is an information pamphlet sent out by the party seeking to win the Wokingham seat in a general election. n Continued on page 6
FLOWER POWER: Carnival returns to Crowthorne • p8
DOORSTEP BIN COLLECTION SHAKE-UP? Residents to have their say on whether blue bag system stays
EXCLUSIVE
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM borough’s waste collection regime could be in for a shake-up, but the new Lib Dem-run council said it was too early to say if it meant the end of the weekly general rubbish collections.
The previous Conservative-run administration held a consultation last year, as the current doorstep collection contract comes to an
end in 2026. The service needs to be tendered and with this in mind residents’ views were sought. The only thing that won’t change is the need to collect food waste on a weekly basis – this is a mandatory requirement under the 2021 Environment Act. The executive member for environment, sport, and leisure, Cllr Ian Shenton, said that collecting food waste was a win-win as it was good for the environment, and council finances. n Continued on page 5
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 7, 2022
Population rise in borough higher than national average WE COVER WOKINGHAM BOROUGH
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HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by email Email news@wokingham.today Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Daniel Blackham, Jake Clothier, Ji-Min Lee, Emma Merchant Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.
THE population of Wokingham has risen by almost two-and-a-half times the national average, writes Grant Williams, Local democracy reporter. Last week, The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released the results of the 2021 Census which provide estimates on the population of England and Wales, as well as age and sex profiles of local authorities. The Census shows the population of England and Wales has increased by more than 3.5 million, to 59,597,300, a rise of 6.3% in the 10 years leading up to the data capture. Over the same period, Wokingham’s population has risen by 23,120, from 154,380 in 2011 to 177,500 in 2021, an increase of 15%. This is more than Reading and Bracknell, where the population has increased by 11.9% and 10.1% respectively. The national trend of an ageing population is also reflected in Wokingham, with more people than ever before in the older age groups. The number of over 65s increased by 28% in the last 10 years, growing by 6,711 from 23,789 in 2011 to 30,500 in 2021, with the category accounting for 17% of the borough’s total population. CHANGE: Wokingham’s population has risen by more than two and a half times the national average Picture: LDRS
NHS reforms come into force By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today REFORMS to the NHS have come into force.
On Friday, the new NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) Integrated Care Board (ICB) was established, replacing the now dissolved NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). The creation of the ICB is part of plans to improve joint working across the NHS and local authorities to improve healthcare. Javed Khan, chair of BOB ICB, said: “Today is a milestone for the NHS. “We can now create a fully integrated care system across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West, so that people can get the care and support they need, joined up across local councils, the NHS, the voluntary sector and other partners.”
As one of 42 new ICBs in England, the BOB ICB will bring together GP teams, hospitals, local authorities, the voluntary sector and other partners to plan and deliver health and care services for more than 1.9 million people across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West. These changes are part of the 2022 Health and Care Act which aims to make it easier for NHS and social care organisations to work better together in Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). Dr James Kent, chief executive of BOB ICB, said: “The collaborative working between the NHS and local authorities has strengthened over recent years and as part of our collective pandemic response. “The creation of the integrated care system gives us a great opportunity to build on that collaborative working for the benefit of the population we serve.”
Cllr Clive Jones, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, believes the new structure “takes away the local feel”. He said: “There isn’t enough space in the management of the BOB for local councillors. “There’s too many people from the NHS and too many people from the local CCGs. “We have supported a call from the Labour leader in Reading, Cllr Jason Brock, to have quite a few more councillors involved in the governing body, and we will see what they come back with.” As per the Health and Care Bill, each ICB in England will be made up of four executives, three independent non-executives and three partner members and three partner members. The partner members will be formed by one from an NHS trust/ foundation in the BOB, one from general practice and one from a local authority.
Cllr Charles Margetts, Conservative councillor for Finchampstead North, is a former lead member for adult services and public health at the council. He has previously expressed concern at the reform with fears Wokingham will be forgotten about when decisions for West Berkshire are made. He said: “We have real concerns about the lack of representation for the local authority and local primary care with the ICB structures. “We note one chief executive from the five authorities will sit on the board, however we cannot understand how a councillor from another county can have any knowledge on Wokingham issues. “We fear this will lead to decisions being made with no accountability and minimal local voice which will lead to poor outcomes for our residents.”
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Pride gets ready to return By JAKE CLOTHIER Spider-man on an American cop car Ian Hall, Lyn Baily and Marie Oxbrough fundraising for the Lions.
REVTACULAR: Wokingham Lions Classic Car Show in Elms Field on Saturday. Among those taking part was Andy Cook with his Triumph GT6 Pictures: Steve Smyth
Wokingham Lions roll back the years with Classic Car Show on Elms Field MORE than 100 classic cars and motorcycles were on display in Wokingham last weekend, writes Daniel Blackham. The event was the first ever Wokingham Classic Car Show, organised by the Wokingham Lions Club, and took place at Elms Field on Saturday. It started with a procession of vehicles from Reddam House, Sindlesham to Wokingham Town centre where the event was officially opened by the town mayor, Cllr Maria Gee. Cllr Gee said: “It’s fantastic for Wokingham town centre and it’s making really good use of Elms Field. “There’s just such a variety with some cars almost 100 years
old, some newer and some that you wouldn’t think would be classics now. “So there’s an Avenger, for example, and some Rovers. They weren’t classics in their time, but you never know which one’s going to become a classic.” Cllr Gee also paid tribute to the Lions club. She added: “They are only 35 strong, but they do so much for the town and many charities in the Wokingham area. “They did the May Fayre, now they’ve done this event, they’re going to be doing the Wokingham Fireworks and then the Winter Carnival.” Although the event was free to attend, donations were being
accepted to support Leukaemia UK and the Men’s Shed in Wokingham. After expenses, the Lions are hoping to have raised around £3,000, this includes £1,000 from the Barkham and District Classic Car Club. Bob DuGard, co-organiser of the event, said: “We were delighted with the success of our first-ever show and are looking to see whether we can build on the success of this year’s event to stage more in the future. “I would like to thank all the Lions, their family members and friends who helped out. “The response from the public and the vehicle owners has been so positive.”
Vintage vehicles were welcomed
Hoods up to allow for inspection
Thrusday 21st of July at 7pm
‘Australasia Tour - Wine Dinner’
Choir concert to support mental health charity A LOCAL choir is presenting a summer evening of musical favourites. The concert, given by South Berkshire Singers, is called Thank You For The Music. It brings together songs from West End shows, folk songs and Bob Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass. Directed by Karen Phillips, the choir will perform at the Caudwell Hall Theatre, Holme Grange School, Wokingham. The event takes place on Saturday, July 9, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10, and are available from Wokingham Town Hall Information Centre or Wokingham Library, or by calling: 0118 989 2092. All proceeds will go to Sport in Mind, UK mental health charity. n For more information visit: www. southberkshiresingers.com
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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THE Pride celebration is setting up for its third annual event in Wokingham, and its first since the complete easing of lockdown measures.
It will also be only the second year that the event will take place in person, after its inaugural year was moved online. The pride celebrations on Saturday will begin with a group photo outside Wokingham Town Hall.Attendees are then invited to a picnic on Elms Field from noon, where they may bring their own food or visit the food vendors close-by. Libraries in Wokingham will be making LGBTQ+ resources such as books and information about local charities and support readily available. Local services and businesses are invited to join Wokingham Borough Council and the Town Council in showing solidarity by displaying pride flags. The Station Tap is also hosting an after party following the Pride event. Children and families are welcome until 8pm, after which partygoers over 18 will be treated to an evening of performances by SemiColon, Dulce Kraving, and Tania LeCoq. SemiColon is a genderless drag artist who brings a vibrancy and a body-positive message to their performances. They will be joined by drag sensation Dulce Kraving, from the House of Kraving, and FunnyBoyz’s very own Tania LeCoq. SemiColon will also be running a stall offering eco-friendly glitter at the picnic during the day. All events are free to enter. Wokingham Pride will take place from 11.30am on Saturday, July 9, with the after party events taking place after 8pm at the Station Tap.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 7, 2022
WHAT’S BREWING Tories accuse mayor of bias
DISRUPTIONGATE: Lib Dem leader calls on Tories to retract plans
IN FINCHAMPSTEAD?
H
ELLO Wokingham! Hopefully you’re all enjoying the sunshine of late. Don’t forget that if you fancy a cold beer in the sunshine then the Tap Yard is right round the corner, serving brewery fresh and award winning craft beer (and of course a selection of wine / spirits / soft drinks). We also have street food vendors joining us every Saturday, and plenty of seating both inside, outside in the sunshine or in the cool and shady Sipping Containers. However, if, like us, you like to get your summer planned well in advance, then we’d like to introduce our big summer Beer Festival, taking place on Saturday 30th July at the 3Sixty Event Space on the Reading University Campus - Time Hops. Time Hops, in the first instance, is a showcase of hops. We’re brewing four beers inspired by some of the beer that shaped the industry. The beers that made us all think more about hops, and the flavour profiles they bring to a brew. We’re celebrating this project with a huge beer festival, and you’re invited!
What can you expect from Time Hops? We’ve moved this party away from the brewery for good reason - to go bigger and better than we ever have before. We’ll have over 30 lines of beer pouring throughout the day, street food vendors and live music, with more activities planned for the day. So far we have a number of guest breweries lined up. The incredible Brew York and Fierce Beer, and local heroes Elusive Brewing, Double Barrelled, Phantom, Dolphin and Wild Weather. Food wise, we’ve reached out to the vendors that we’d go to eat from. Making their first appearance at a Siren event is the incredible Burger Bear. Burger Bear’s burgers are well known in the food scene as being the pinnacle of what’s possible. You haven’t had a properly good burger until you’ve tried their food. We’ve also got Fink Street Food, who not only make incredibly tasty food, but use their platform to help local mental health charities. And lastly, Clays Hyderabadi. The pride of the local food scene, garnering incredible reviews from the likes of Jay Rayne and Tom Parker-Bowles. Music wise, we have the amazing MELLOR playing live, with more to be announced, as well as Rum n Donuts DJs. However, if music’s not your thing, it’s a huge venue with plenty of space, including a huge outdoor space. All this is available for just £12 a ticket, which includes entrance, a glass, a festival brochure and £5 worth of drinks tokens. Head to the link listed below for a full breakdown, more announcements and tickets - or, scan the QR code!
SIREN CRAFT BREW 18 Marino Way, Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate, Finchampstead RG40 4RF 0118 973 0929
sirencraftbrew.com
during council meetings EXCLUSIVE By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
THE Wokingham Conservative Group has accused the mayor of bias.
The claims come after Wokingham.Today revealed a document unveiling a number of tactics on how their councillors should approach council meetings. Following our revelations in last week’s paper, council leader Clive Jones has written to his counterpart, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, calling on her to dissociate herself from the document. In it, Conservative councillors are called on to disrupt council meetings and “exploit complacency” in the Lib Dem-run minority administration. This included trying to challenge speakers in the council chamber and accusing the mayor of being biased against them. The dossier also called on Conservative councillors to take credit for times when they agree with Lib Dem policies, and also propose policies and then suggest that the adminstration won’t support them – this happened after last week’s Executive meeting, when Cllr Norman Jorgensen asked for a commitment to weekly waste collections. This cannot happen until a residents’ consultation process has taken place later this year. A spokesperson for the Wokingham Conservative Group said: “The mayor, Cllr Caroline Smith, has been a councillor for only a few years and is yet to demonstrate the ability to be non-partisan.” Cllr Smith was appointed as mayor earlier this year, replacing Conservative Cllr Keith Baker. The position runs for a municipal year – May to May – and sees the councillor act as the borough’s first citizen, as well as chairing meetings of all councillors. The mayor is a non-political position and the constitution states
CALL TO ORDER: Conservative councillors have been encouraged to challenge the mayor’s decisions that rulings made are final. However, the Conservative group feels she has shown bias on multiple occasions, despite only chairing three meetings to date. The spokesperson said: “Particular instances include voting with the administration on every vote, even where her mayor’s vote isn’t needed, such as at the council meeting where the administration ignored the consultation response on all-out elections. “This is something that the deputy mayor, Cllr Beth Rowland, also did. “This is despite a long history of mayors and deputy mayors abstaining unless they need to have a casting vote or there is a crossparty consensus – for example, on the vote in March on the war in Ukraine.” Other examples were: “Cllr Smith and Cllr Rowland applauding speeches made by councillors in the administration and expressing general agreement with comments from coalition councillors. “Telling Conservative councillors that their points of order won’t be included in the minutes because the standing order number was not
quoted, but not doing the same with points of order from the controlling group.” Despite the accusations from the Wokingham Conservative Group, the council has not received an official complaint. A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council said: “The mayor was elected in May by her fellow councillors. “The roles and functions of the mayor are set out in the council’s constitution, including presiding over meetings of the council and undertaking this role impartially to ensure the efficient running of meetings. “The council’s monitoring officer advises the mayor on the interpretation of the constitution where necessary. “The monitoring officer is also responsible for dealing with any complaints about the running of council meetings. However, no complaints have been received.” Cllr Clive Jones, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, has described the Tory comments as an “attack” on the mayor. He said: “This really is the nasty party at work isn’t it? Theresa May
was correct with her comments all those years ago. “This is another example of the Conservatives being childish, attacking the mayor for only doing her job.” Cllr Jones was also keen to highlight Cllr Smith’s experience. He said: “Although she has been an active councillor since 2019, she did serve as a councillor in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. “The Conservatives have chosen to forget her history and it is disingenuous of the Tories to attack the mayor in such a way.” And in his letter to Cllr Jorgensen, he wrote: “What is really concerning is the Conservative plan to undermine the authority of the mayor. “This is particularly worrying and strikes at the very way in which orderly debate is conducted in any council. “I am writing to ask that you disassociate yourself from these tactics and that your group will have nothing to do the document that someone in your group or associated with it has produced. n Executive reports page 34 n From the leader page 31
Toy firm donates time and a palette of goodies to charity A CHARITY that helps provide families with basic necessities, including pre-loved clothes, cots and school uniforms, recently received a real boost from a toy firm. Staff from Mattel visited Wokingham-based First Days Children’s Charity as part of its Play It Forward scheme. They spent the week helping sort donations in its warehouse – including a palette of brand-new toys made by the company. “For the last 10 years, the company has been giving brand new toys to us every year,” said Emma Cantrell, founder and CEO of First Days. “The team helped us in the warehouse, sorting out donations.
“They also brought with them a palette of brand new toys.” First Days will distribute the toys to children throughout the year. “They are given as birthday gifts to families that are struggling in the borough,” continued Emma. “It makes a huge difference to children to have a brand new gift on their birthday.” The children also receive a celebration treat, again thanks to volunteers. “We work with Free Cakes For Kids too,” Ms Cantrell said. “They make spectacular cakes.” n For more information, to get help, or to donate, visit: www.firstdays.net n For more about Free Cakes For Kids, visit: www.rva.org.uk/organisation/ free-cakes-for-kids-fcfk-reading
Some of the items donated by Mattel to First Days Children’s Charity
Thursday, July 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Council to consult on future of doorstep waste collections
n Continued from front page
“Disposing of general waste costs us more than three times as much as disposing of food waste – the difference is £80 per tonne,” Cllr Ian Shenton said. “We are currently working on a new waste collection strategy. (The council) began the process last October, when we asked residents what matters most when they think of our waste collection service. “More than 2,000 residents responded and told us that the most important thing about our waste collections is the environmental impact, followed by convenience and then cost.” The council is now preparing options for the new service, which will then be put to residents. “We expect to have the options ready this summer and will be asking residents what they think of them in early autumn,” he said. Mindful of concerns that this would bring the end of blue bags of the introduction of wheelie bins, he said: “I can’t make any promises about what the new waste collections strategy will look like, because we need to do this right. “We need to find out what residents think before we can make any decisions.
“What I can promise is that we’ll go through a fair and transparent process. “We will be sending a postcard to every household in the borough about the consultation and want as many residents to participate as possible.” At a meeting of the executive last week, Conservative councillor Norman Jorgsensen asked Cllr Shenton to commit to keeping weekly collections. If Wokingham did, it would be an outlier. Neighbouring Reading alternates weekly collections
between recycling and general waste, while Bracknell Forest collects general waste once every three weeks. Cllr Shenton said it would be wrong the pre-empt the outcome until the new consultation with the residents had taken place. Afterwards, Cllr Jorgensen said: “It’s clear (they) won’t guarantee to keep (a) weekly bin collection. “We will be absolutely clear with residents – if we were in charge, the Conservatives would
keep weekly bin collection.” Cllr Shenton said that councillors had taken time to read responses to the Conservative-led consultation. Some had been “verbatim duplicates”, others “highlights a significant level of confusion between two alternative systems”. It had been, he said, a qualitative consultation. “The administration should have initiated a survey with a demographically balanced sample of respondents within a statistically significant sample
Concert Band’s Platinum show TIME FOR CHANGE?: The future of the council’s waste collection service will be consulted on later this year Picture: Phil Creighton
size, but they chose not to do that. Instead, they choose to misrepresent the results,” he said. “The fact that the Conservatives are at this stage making an issue of maintaining a weekly collection may suggest to some that they are not participating in the cross-party waste strategy working group with an open mind,” he said. “I will do my utmost to ensure that residents’ views inform the outcome, which of course will also comply with the mandates of the Environment Act.”
A LOWER EARLEY-based band has not quite finished its Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Trinity Concert Band will join forces with vocal duet Indigo May to showcase a repertoire of music spanning the Queen’s 70-year reign at The Michael Malnick Centre, Leighton Park School. The jam-packed programme will feature Philip Sparke’s ‘Jubilee Overture’, a medley of Queen’s greatest hits and wellknown pieces from West End classics. There will also be music from the Queen’s coronation in 1953, such as Walton’s Crown Imperial, and Elgar’s Nimrod. The performance will conclude with a Last Night of the Proms-style Fantasia on British Sea Songs by Henry Wood. Trinity Concert Band is a community wind group who bring live music to the area, while raising money for charities. Singers Julie Kench and Meinir Ann Thomas make up Indigo May, interweaving classical, popular and traditional music. The concert takes place at 7pm on Saturday, July 16. Adult entry costs £14 (£12 when booked in advance); children get in free. n For more information, contact: 0118 449 2099 or email: boxoffice@trinityband.co.uk
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Police museum’s display on Great Train Robbery A CHANCE to learn more about the Great Train Robbery is on offer for visitors to the Thames Valley Police Museum. Based in Sulhamstead, in the police training centre, the venue is open on Wednesdays during the summer holidays between 10am and noon. During these times there is no need to make an appointment, or pay a visitors fee. There is also a display dedicated to Amelia Dyer, who murdered children over a 30-year period.
Concerns over leaflet that looks like a newspaper
SUN HAS GOT HIS HAT ON: Vanessa Escott with hats for sale at the Wade Summer Garden Summer Fair Pictures: Steve Smyth
Fun in the sun at Wade’s summer fair
Male voice concert for charity
ODD Fellows male voice choir presents an evening of musical entertainment. The choir will be joined by special guest, mezzo-soprano Kate Low, to sing a mix of classics, show tunes and popular songs. The concert is raising money for The Prostate Project, whose aim is to give men a better chance of beating prostate cancer. The event takes place at High Cross Church, Knoll Road, Camberley this Friday, July 8. It starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12.50. To purchase tickets visit: www.trybooking.co.uk/29544. or, if remaining, tickets may be purchased on the door.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 7, 2022
n Continued from front page
A spokesperson for the Wokingham Liberal Democrats said: “Our campaigning literature in Wokingham always makes clear it is paid for by the party and delivered by volunteers. “We are fortunate to have a strong local independent newspaper in Wokingham which plays a critical role in holding politicians to account, and we work closely with those journalists on all their queries.” Dave Edmonds, the chairman of Wokingham Conservative Association, has labelled the tactic “disappointing”. He said: “Wokingham Conservatives believe that all political parties should adopt the highest standards of transparency when campaigning and communicating with the public. “It is disappointing to see Clive Jones and the Liberal Democrats do not take the same approach.” This style of political canvassing is not exclusive to Wokingham, or the Lib Dems, and has been used across the country by multiple political parties.
In the lead up to the general election in 2019, the Conservatives produced a number of leaflets with different names in the style of tabloid newspapers. In 2017, a Labour leaflet titled “The Potter’s Wheel” provided residents a “nospin guide to Stoke-on-Trent Central byelection. Speaking to the BBC in 2019, Ian Murray, then executive director of industry group the Society of Editors, asked for the practice to be stopped. He said: “If a politician or their party can attempt to deliberately mislead you by cloaking their partisan messages in the disguise of an independent and trusted local newspaper, what else are they attempting to camouflage? “If there is no wish to deceive, then why give the publication a similar title to the existing independent newspaper in the area, as is often the case. “It is time the practice was brought to an end, for the sake of local newspapers but also, I would contend, for the sake of local politics.”
Helping the over-65s stay independent
A DAYCARE facility in Wokingham has hosted its annual summer fair. The Wade Day Centre, on Reading Road, welcomed visitors on Saturday, June 25, for an afternoon of fundraising in the sun. Attendees enjoyed live music from the Camberley U3A Ukulele Players, independent stalls offering a range of goods and a number of games and puzzles.
There were also multiple raffles, tombolas, refreshments and food from a barbecue. All proceeds from the day will go to the Wade charity to support the centre’s day-to-day running. The centre provides daycare facilities for the borough’s older residents, including hot lunches, entertainment and resources.
Camberley U3A Ukulele Players entertain.
Do you wish to remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible and still have a say in your well-being? Let me show you how you might be able to get regular financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home and make your life easier. Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for those in receipt of the State Pension who have health issues or needs that cause difficulties or challenges in your day-to-day living. It is a benefit for those who need help with personal care. There are two levels weekly rates of Attendance Allowance. A lower rate of £61.85 per week is paid if you need help during the day to maintain your independence. Should you have health issues that disturb your night, then the weekly benefit may increase to over £92.40 per week. The level you receive is determined by your circumstances. You can claim this benefit even if you haven’t paid National Insurance and it is not means-tested, it doesn’t matter where you live or if you have savings. Attendance allowance is tax-free. Are you or is someone you know eligible?
Jackie Nicholson had plenty of jigsaws on the stall she was on.
We offer an initial free 30-minute confidential consultation to allow us to assess whether we can help and for you to decide if you’d like help. If we both agree that claiming Attendance Allowance is right for you, then we will look after you every step of the way.
We complete all the necessary forms and explain the process of claiming in straightforward, plain English so that you understand everything and are in complete control. You may decide, after your initial consultation, that you’d like to continue as you are for now; that’s fine too. We’re only a phone call away if you change your mind, or would like to talk things through again.
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Nigel Pearce AIPW Grey Matters Consultancy Wokingahm
grey-matters-consultancy.com/wokingham
Friends of WADE enjoying the day
Hilary Cook and Candi Stockley
Thursday, July 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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8 | NEWS
Trio to bring some sunshine to Silchester
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 7, 2022
CROWTHORNE CARNIVAL
THE BELLE CANTO trio will be performing a summer celebration in Silchester this weekend. The music group say they will Bring You Sunshine, and Putting On The Ritz with their fun showtune selection. The concert takes place at St Mary The Virgin in Church Lane from 7.30pm on Sunday, July 9. There will be two halves with an interval where guests can enjoy a glass of wine or a soft drink. Tickets cost £10, and are available on the door, while school-age children get in free. Money raised will be shared between Farm Africa and the church’s funds.
n For more details, or to book, email: concerts@silchesterchurch. co.uk, or log on to: http://www. facebook.com/bellecantotrio
Car boot sale at Woodley school
Olivia Ilinca (6) with Gem Newman and Ella Montgomery
WILLOW BANK primary school is to hold a car boot sale on Sunday, July 17. The Duffield Road venue will welcome sellers from 10am, at a cost of £7 per vehicle. Buyers can attend from 11am, and pay 50p entry. Refreshments will be available, and funds will go to the Woodley school’s PTA.
Reading Scottish Pipe Band
Thousands enjoyed the Crowthorne Carnival on Saturday Pictures: Steve Smyth
The Fab Four entertain
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CROWTHORNE CARNIVAL
Back to Basics
You may have seen our most recent column ‘ultimate advice on installing Cavity wall’. Since then, we’ve been hearing a lot from local residents that wish to understand more on insulation itself. That is why, we will be taking you back to basics and gearing you up with all the insulation knowledge needed for the future! What is Home Insulation? If your home isn’t properly insulated, you can lose heat through the roof, the walls and even the floor. Insulation prevents heat from escaping and allows you to keep your home warm in winter, and cool in summer! Depending on the type of insulation you’re having done, the materials used can vary. What Insulation options do you have? InstaGroup offer services for Cavity Wall, Solid Wall (also known as External Wall) and Loft Insulation. Cavity Wall insulation fills the gap or cavity between the two layers of brick that make up the outside walls of a property. If you’re not sure whether your home has cavity walls, the age of the property is a big clue: if your home was built after 1920, it probably has cavity walls!
The Carnival King waves to the crowds
If your home shares an external wall with another property, do not worry! InstaGroup offer an all-round solution for installing Cavity Wall insulation. Our specialised Party Wall Cavity Insulation reduces any heat loss from shared or dividing walls between properties, making it ideal for semi-detached or linked buildings. Solid Wall insulation is a system of specially designed insulation panels that are attached to the outside walls with a rail framework and then weather-proofed with your choice of render colour and finish. The walls are insulated from outside temperatures, and the exterior of your home gets a facelift. Loft Insulation adds a thermal blanket to your loft or attic. We often find existing insulation is not deep enough to be fully effective. The required minimum depth is now 270mm, so if your loft or roof space was insulated before 2003 your home could probably benefit from a top up. What are the benefits of Insulation?
Alison Vacher with some of the beautiful flowers that can been seen at this weekend’s Flower Show at St John’s Church in Waterloo Road
Carnival delights thousands By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today
THOUSANDS of people filled the streets of Crowthorne last weekend to celebrate the return of its carnival.
Normally held every two years, covid meant it returned for the first time in four years and this year’s theme was to celebrate 70 years of the Queen’s reign. The carnival kicked off with a procession fromo Wellington College and spectators were
treated to a range of floats and street entertainers. The procession snaked its way through the village centre, heading to a fete at the Morgan Recreation Ground where attendees were entertained by a packed programme of performers. Among the line-up was the OBJ Morris Dancers, Abi and the Allstars Band, Sandhurst Community and Breakaway Brass Band and the headline BMX display by Mobile Bike Events.
There was also a mix of stalls and amusements from local societies, charities and traders. James Sunderland, Conservative MP for Bracknell, said: “The carnival was fantastic and superbly supported by so many people from Crowthorne and beyond. “The range of stalls for local businesses and range of events made this a very special event. “Thank you to all the organisers, participants, visitors and schools for making it happen.”
New Cocktail Menu
There are many benefits that come with insulating your home Reduced energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint and more obviously, a much warmer home. But what are the individual benefits depending on your chosen insulation? Loft You can lose up to 25% of heat through the roof of an uninsulated home. Insulating your loft is a great way to save energy. Installing Loft insulation could help save up to £580 a year on energy bills, depending on the size of the property¹ Cavity Wall Save up to 33% of your home’s heat with Cavity Wall insulation. Once installed it goes to work straight away – it effectively stops as much as a third of a home’s warmth from being lost through the walls². You’ll enjoy lower energy costs and cosier rooms, year after year. It is also a quick and easy insulation with minimum disruption! Solid Wall Solid Wall improves a property inside and out. Your home becomes warmer and more welcoming, with the added advantage of increased kerb appeal from a fresh and attractive makeover of the outside walls. You’ll find rooms are noticeably quieter too. As well as keeping in the warmth, InstaGroup’s highly effective system could cut home heating bills by as much as £650 every year³ depending on the size of your property. Some expert advice If you have had a loft insulation and you plan to use the loft or attic for storage you will need to lay loft boards over the joists after installation is complete. This ensures maximum longevity. There is generally no maintenance needed with insulation, however we do recommend undertaking normal home and building maintenance. Interested in a home energy survey? Call us on 0800 526 023 or email customerservice@instagroup.co.uk ¹Savings estimate for installing loft or roof insulation is based on insulating a detached gas-heated home. Fuel prices as of April 2022. See https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/ advice/roof-and-loft-insulation ²Heat loss estimates are from https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy- at-home/ reducing-home-heat-loss ³Savings estimate for installing solid wall insulation is based on insulating a detached gas-heated home. Fuel prices as of April 2022. See https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/ advice/solid-wall-insulation
info@instagroup.co.uk 0118 973 9560
0118 989 1177 www.theredan.bar 24 PeachSt, WokinghamRG40 1XG, UK
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Lib Dem deputy leader canvasses support EXCLUSIVE By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today THE deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats visited Wokingham last week.
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For the best start in life
On Thursday, MP Daisy Cooper met with councillors, campaigners and residents as the party looks to win further support in a “blue wall” seat. With a general election to take place by 2024, the Lib Dems have identified a number of Conservative strongholds which they believe the party could overturn. Ms Cooper says the party is “on the up”. She said: “Down in Devon, e’ve just won our third byelection achieving the biggest majority ever overturned in a by-election in British political history. “Of course, it was a 24,000 majority that we had to overturn whereas here in Wokingham, it’s just over 7,000 vote majority that we need to overturn here. “I know that Clive Jones and his team are working incredibly hard to enable the trust, the support and the votes of thousands of residents in Wokingham.” At the local elections earlier this year, the Lib Dems made five gains and, with support from the Wokingham Partnership, are now leading the administration. Ms Cooper believes this is the result of Lib Dems “doing what they do best”. She said: “They have been doing an absolutely amazing job and actually Wokingham Lib Dems have been doing what they do best, which is that we knock on doors, we talk to residents and we genuinely listen to their concerns, and then set out our plans.” In March Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Lib Dems, also visited the borough and more MPs are expected to Wokingham later this year
VISTOR: Daisy Cooper, Lib Dem deputy leader, with the party’s Wokingham candidate for the General Election, Cllr Clive Jones Picture: Daniel Blackham Cllr Clive Jones, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, says the support from the Westminster is “absolutely massive”. He added: “We are getting a lot of attention from the national party and that’s because we are doing well and doing the right things, “We’re winning seats locally and we’re representing people very well. “There is a big contrast between what we do as local councillors and what the Conservatives do because they’re lazy and they’re complacent and they sit on their hands.” Although the next general election is scheduled for 2024, some MPs are calling on Boris Johnson to call a snap election. Ms Cooper insists “whenever the next general election comes, the Lib Dems will be ready”. She is keen for politicians to focus on issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and rising inflation. She said: “It is really truly shocking that some people can’t afford to put food on their
table. They can’t afford to put fuel in their cars and we know that carers, for example, are taking fewer journeys to go and see loved ones because of the cost of petrol. “This is really not a sustainable situation and for all this time the government is sitting on their hands while people are really suffering.” Ms Cooper is calling for the government to introduce further measures to help residents of Wokingham and across the country. She said: “We are calling for an emergency VAT cut from 20% to 17.5% and there are two reasons for this. “The first is it will actually put about £600 back in people’s pockets on average and that would be an immediate return because, if you immediately slash VAT, people feel it when they go to pay for things at the checkout. “It would also help to tackle inflation and if we don’t tackle inflation, as the government is not doing, then prices will continue to rise.”
Funding call to eradicate malaria
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BRACKNELL’S MP has called on the government to commit to helping eradicate malaria. James Sunderland asked Dominic Raab, the deputy prime minister, for the government’s commitment to the Global Fund during prime minister’s questions last Wednesday, June 29. The question came after Mr Sunderland’s visit to the malaria summit in Kigali last month. Mr Sunderland said: “Even today, malaria remains the biggest single killer of mankind ever, and 1.7 billion people live every day under its shadow of misery. “But we are on the cusp
of something really special: recent advances, education and our world-leading British vaccines can now eradicate it forever. “Can my right honourable friend please confirm that the UK will fulfil its full commitment to the Global Fund?” The Global Fund provides 56% of all international financing for malaria programs and has invested more than £13 billion in malaria control programs as of April 2022. Mr Raab insists the UK will commit to further funding, but the exact details are yet to be confirmed. Mr Raab said: “I know
from working in the Foreign Office just how powerful the Global Fund is; it is a very high-performing international organisation. “My honourable friend will know that since 2002 we have been the third largest donor, so we have stepped up to the plate. “The UK has not yet determined our pledge for the seventh replenishment, but the Foreign Secretary will have heard loud and clear my honourable friend’s advocacy in that regard.” The UK’s most recent pledge was announced in 2019 and the three-year funding programme averaged at £467 million a year.
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School unveils new minibus at fete with an international twist
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
A WOKINGHAM primary school has a new minibus.
The transport was unveiled at St Teresa’s Catholic Academy’s Summer Fair on Saturday, July 2, by Wokingham Town mayor, Cllr Maria Gee. The bus has been funded by donations from pupils, parents and the school association. Matt Jennings, chair of St Teresa’s school, said: “I am immensely proud of all the parents in the school association, to think that we can raise enough money to buy a brand new minibus makes me super proud and happy. Mr Jennings estimates nearly £25,000 has been raised by the school’s community. He said: “This is a real team effort to make this happen. Absolutely. “The school association is just the enabler. “We put the events on, we put the effort in getting them done but we can’t do it without all of the other parents who are offering their time and help on stalls. Cllr Gee, who cut the ribbon to declare the bus ready for service, said: “I’m just amazed that the school association has done so much.
“It has provided lots of the play equipment, which is just unbelievable and now they’ve got a school bus, so they’ll be able to go out for events, and see wildlife and nature. Cllr Gee also sampled some of the delights on offer at the schools’ fete. She said: “The school is celebrating the diversity of the pupils they have. “In one room I visited they
Jobs fair to take place at Reading FC’s stadium DRIVE IN: Wokingham Town mayor Cllr Maria Gee cuts the ribbon to the new minibus for St Teresa’s School, watched by School Association’s Matt Jennings and headteacher Nikki Peters BELOW: The school’s international roots were celebrated with a feast Pictures: Phil Creighton
had French, Ugandan and Indian cuisine. And yes, I did test a bit of each one and it was just lovely.” As well as the international cuisine, attendees enjoyed a BBQ, Pimm’s and gin bar and a tuck shop. They were also entertained by Berkshire Birds of Prey, a slip ‘n’ slide, a fire engine, a police van and a range of stalls and games.
A JOBS fair will take place at the Select Car Leasing Stadium later this month. A range of companies looking for staff will be exhibiting at the event. It is free to attend for all job seekers, and will be a great opportunity to make quick introductions for potential employers. It runs from 10am to 1pm, on Wedesday, July 20. n For more details, log on to: thejobfairs.co.uk
Job interview help in Earley centre A TRAINING course will help people prepare for job interviews. The event takes place on Monday, July 11, at the Earley CResCent Resource Centre, between 9.30am and 12.30pm. The free session looks at how to use visual aids and electronic devices, how to engage with interviewers, how to sell personal strengths, and practise presentation skills. Places must be booked in advance, and the centre is on the 21 bus route from Reading. The stop is Beech Lane. n For more details, call the Warbler Drive centre on: 0118 921 0555, or email: earleycrescent@btconnect.com
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 7, 2022
Town centre ch help it serve w By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today
4 Steps to Managing Under Performance
A SHOAL of glittering metalic fish appears to swoop towards the cafe doors of Wokingham’s Bradbury Centre.
F
OR your business to operate like a well-oiled machine, you need everyone in your team to be consistently at their best. Even just one person performing below par can significantly impact an organisation’s efficiency and productivity.
UP FOR RENEWAL: The range of items repaired included garden appliances, electrical items, bikes and much more. Picture courtesy of Billie Bachra
Often, disagreement will come down to a mismatch in expectations. In my experience, following a simple, 4-step process will help business owners and team managers deal with a range of under performance issues and bring out the best in their colleagues: Step 1: Awareness Before an issue can be addressed, both parties have to be aware of it. To ensure both parties have the same level of awareness, a conversation has to occur. Step 2: Acceptance To change an individual's behaviour, acceptance of the situation and acceptance that there is a need for something to change – for good or bad – is key. Step 3: Action Having acknowledged that something needs to change, you need to decide how to make it happen. The action you choose to implement will be informed by the conversations you have with the individual concerned, the nature of the issue and how critical it is to your business. Step 4: Assessment Maintaining consistent performance is an ongoing process and assessing the effect of any action you take is essential. As with all the other steps in the process, this needs to be a collaboration between you and your employee or team member. At Organic P&O Solutions, we believe that optimising performance depends on a business and its employees working together cohesively. Instead of focusing on under performance in isolation, business owners and managers benefit best when thinking holistically and strategically about what they want from an individual in a specific role. Do You Need Help Managing Under performance? If you could use some help or advice about managing under performance, our experts are on hand to guide you through all aspects of the performance process, including how to define the issues and address the difficult conversation
you’ve been avoiding. We’ll ensure you know how to conduct an effective one-to-one discussion that puts you in prime position for a positive outcome for all parties. Call us today for an initial discussion and to find out more about how Organic P&O Solutions can help YOU to improve performance in your organisation.
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Cafe that offers a stitch-up (other repairs available) SPENCERS WOOD residents came together for a morning of DIY, writes Ji-Min Lee. The village hall hosted its second repair cafe where an able team of volunteers fixed broken bikes, computers, garden equipment and much more. The initiative was established by organiser Billie Bachra in May. Of the latest event, she said: “We had a really good repair cafe session. “There were about 40 visitors and 10 volunteers and a great sense of community.” Visitors watched on, cup of tea in hand, as their beloved items were given a second lease of life. The project gives attendees an opportunity to learn valuable skills to fix their possessions in the future.
The session boasted a sense of togetherness as residents caught up with familiar faces and new friends in equal measure. Repair cafes started in the Netherlands in 2009 and the concept has continued to grow ever since. There are now over 2,000 sites across the UK, including Reading, Thatcham and Spencers Wood. Through repair cafes, individuals refrain from product waste and landfill usage. They also provide an economical solution to the rising cost of living. The next repair cafe takes place between 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday, July 9 at the Spencers Wood village hall. n For more information, search: Spencers Wood Village Hall on www. facebook.com
How carrier bags are making gardens grow A CHARGE for plastic bags at a Wokingham-based garden centre has been given to a charity that helps children in hospices enjoy magical gardens. Squire’s, in Heathlands Road, presented a cheque for £3,700 to Greenfingers. Customers needing a carrier bag were charged 10p, as per government rules, and the donation was the total for the past 12 months. The donation continues a link set up with the charity for the past six years. Colin Squire, Chairman Emeritus, Squire’s Garden Centres, said: “We are delighted to once again be able to make this donation to Greenfingers, continuing our commitment to support the charity’s creation of inspiring gardens over the coming year, for hospice patients and their families to relax in and benefit from.” And Linda Petrons, director of fundraising and communications for Greenfingers said they were grateful for the continued support of Squires. “Such significant donations make an enormous difference to what
There are around 40 fish in all, fixed to the building. Each one is different. It’s a piece of artwork that was commissioned to celebrate 200 years of Methodism a couple of years ago, when Peach Place was redeveloped. “They represent all the people who come into our building,” says minister of Wokingham Methodist Church, Catherine Bowstead. “Everyone is welcome, no matter who they are.” Catherine and church and community outreach team leader, Claire Knight describe the many activities that take place in the centre. A quick look at the online diary reveals that many groups use the premises throughout the week. There are Brownies, church groups, health groups, support groups, interest groups and creative groups. It’s a hive of activity, with something, it seems, for everyone. “The rooms are lovely, with very good facilities, says Catherine. “They are available for businesses to hire, as well as charities.” The Cafe Mosaic is open to everyone for Fairtrade drinks and snacks between 10am and 12pm on Tuesdays through to Fridays. Lunch is served on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between noon and 2pm. “It’s a friendly place to meet,” says Claire. “Our Friendship Table is there to make sure that if people want it, there is always someone available to chat with them.” Numerous groups meet at the the centre throughout the week. “We’ve got services for people living with Alzheimers; support groups for carers, “ she adds. “And groups from CLASP (a self advocacy group for people with learning disabilities in the borough).
WELCOME SPACE: The cafe at Wokingham Method “Then we have a group for toddlers and their carers, and charity coffee mornings. “We’re starting to host support groups for Ukrainian refugees and their host families too. “It’s so nice to see people here again, now that we are able to meet up once more.” The Alzheimer’s Cafe is for people living with the condition, and their carers. It meets fortnightly during school terms on Wednesdays between 2pm and 3.30pm in the Cafe Mosaic. This month it meets on July 13, but not on July 27. Then after an August break, sessions will restart on September 7 and 21. “It’s relaxed and comfortable,” says Claire. “A place where dementia
POETRY CORNER This is your Life
GIFT: Colin Squire presenting the cheque to Linda Petrons of Greenfingers Charity we can do; enabling us to continue to create beautiful, well-designed outdoor spaces for children to enjoy with their families,” she said. “We are committed to creating specially designed, stimulating garden spaces that can bring many benefits to children with lifelimiting conditions.”
This is you in your bed. Losing the fight against the sunlight and reality. So you stagger out of bed. You head still swinging. Swinging to the rhythm of the night club you left too late. It feels too late to be waking up, but you have nothing to do today. So you think back to last night. Think back to what might have been. Which wasn’t that good anyway. You stagger down stairs. Not pretending the stagger is a dance. ...Unlike last night. When you believed the stagger was a dance. When you hoped the person you were staggering with could be the one.
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Now you wonder if you will ever one. In a club like that, where the nois of the drums throbbed like you’re he now. Not deafening, but always in the background.
And you wondered if you had tak a wrong turn into the club, Just following a route you know t
Until the beat which felt so sweet took command of your fe And in the trace of a dance took you by chance to me Loneliness was gone,
hurch’s open doors whole community
dist Church is open for business. Picture: Emma Merchant
ers and their families can for a cup of tea, and a chat. here are gentle activities like ng, music, stories, and table s. s about removing the stigma, ng people to live well, and ssing what they can do, rather what they can’t.” ople are referred to the centre Wokingham Borough Council, hey can just turn up too. e Alzheimer’s Carers Group s on the second Tuesday of onth from 12 to 1.30pm. rers meet for lunch and ssion. But it’s primarily a place are life and to find support. eather Dyson from ngham Library regularly s information and resources, Claire. nd Michelle Gilmert, local ntial Care Advisor is available
to help answer questions.” The group is also supported by Tu Vida, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of carers and those they look after. Little Fishes Play Cafe meets on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to noon. “It’s free, with plenty of toys for young children to play with,” Claire continues. “And we serve tea and coffee to the mums, dads and carers.” The play sessions have been particularly important to youngsters this year: “A lot of the children in the group are lockdown babies. They were all very overwhelmed when they first started coming. “But the parents have found it so worthwhile that they are planning to run sessions themselves through the summer.
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For you had found someone. Though not for long. You never made a start, before you drifted apart time to depart, with nothing in your heart. Back in now you stagger into you own kitchen.
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“We normally take a break in August,” she explains. Refugee support: There are plans for activities to support Ukrainian families living in Wokingham. “We’re working with The Revd Becky Medlicott, of All Saints Church, and with Churches Together Wokingham,” explains Catherine. “Becky has been hosting support groups for Ukrainian refugees and their host families. “These meet mostly during the week. “But now the families are finding work, and the children are beginning to find places in school. “So we are hoping we can help to host weekend drop-ins here. “And there is talk of a concert in October.” Church services: “On Sundays we hold a traditional service at 10.30am in the church,” Catherine says. “But we also have breakfast church, called Fresh Start! on the second Saturday of each month. “It’s a kind of messy church. “It meets in the cafe from 9am to 10.30am. Breakfast always includes Muffin Of The Month.” Fresh Start! is a place to explore faith no matter where people are on their journey, with opportunities to write, enjoy crafts, and spend time with others. “People can ask questions without fear of embarrassment or judgement, explains Catherine. “It’s for all ages together, so families are welcome, as are individuals.” Another service, Creative Spirit, meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 9.30am to noon. “We have coffee and a short talk or meditation, then activities such as writing, textiles, clay or collage.. “We have some talented artists in the church,” she smiles, indicating the art dotted around the centre. “We hope that many more people will come in and enjoy our building. “We are open, with a warm welcome for anyone who comes through our doors.” n To find out more about the Bradbury Centre, and groups to join, visit: www.wokinghammethodist. org.uk
Too late for breakfast. So you stare into the fridge for inspiration. While the food lies silent, maybe hoping you won’t see it. This is your life and this is the road it is going down. Maybe tomorrow the morning will greet you, the sun will shine, and joy will own your heart. But as you look down the rest of today your road looks empty and your destination unseen beyond the hazy horizon.
The Legend that is Richard Stephenson
We love receiving your verse and print a selection every week. Email your poems to news@rdg.today
Tesco’s blue token scheme helps three Wokingham-based charities
A TRIO of top community charities has been given a share of £2,500 to help the people across Wokingham borough. The Cowshed, Wokingham and District Association for the Elderly (Wade) and Building for the Future were each given money from Tesco’s Community Grants scheme. They were nominated by shoppers at the Finchampstead Road store, who voted using blue tokens they received at the checkouts. Building for the Future provides activities, support and therapy for children with disabilities and/or additional needs, as well as their families. The organisation received a £1,000 grant from Louise Jedras, Community Champion at the store, with the funds going to the charity’s Ladybirds group, which offers a range of structured and free play activities and experiences for children under five. Nimi Shephard-Patel, fundraising manager at Building for the Future, said: “We’re very grateful to Tesco for this funding. “The Community Grants money is a lovely injection of cash on top of all the other amazing collaborative work that Tesco is involved with.
“Louise has been fantastic at giving us all sorts of invaluable support, including providing snacks for some of our special events.” Wokingham and District Association for the Elderly (Wade) also received £1,000. The charity supports residents aged 60-plus in the Wokingham borough and surrounding areas, by providing a safe environment to socialise and take a break from their own homes. Debra Pahalka, WADE’s centre manager, said: “This funding came at the perfect time and we’ve spent it on the purchase of a new large freestanding deep fat fryer for our kitchen. “We’re very grateful to Tesco Wokingham and all of its customers for choosing to support us. Our members are already receiving the benefits from the new kitchen equipment, and the charity would like to thank all involved very much. “The Tesco Community Grants scheme is wonderful because it supports local organisations and charities that greatly need help, and it gives the public the opportunity to select a project they feel would greatly benefit from a financial boost.” The Cowshed provides clothing, bedding, toiletries and other essentials to individuals
and families in crisis. It has spent its £500 Community Grants funding on toiletry packs for the people it supports. Rebecca Mole, the charity’s fundraising manager, said: “It’s great that Tesco Wokingham is supporting local charities. “We are receiving everincreasing referrals for support and, with the cost-of-living crisis, more families are being pushed into poverty. We are grateful for all community donations, without which we could not continue to help everyone that is sent to us for support.” In recent years the Tesco Community Grants scheme has handed out tens of thousands of pounds to Wokingham charitable groups and schools. Louise Jedras said: “These three incredible charities are doing some fantastic work in and around Wokingham. We’re delighted to be able to help them. “I’d urge local people to use their blue token to vote when they shop. Funding for a wide range of charities will ensure that they can continue helping our community in such important ways.” n For further information about the Tesco Community Grants scheme, visit https:// tescocommunitygrants.org.uk/
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Accept no imitations AS WE have seen from events in Westminster, when trust in politics is eroded by bad behaviour, it can be corrosive. Last week, we featured the Conservatives secret plan to disrupt council meetings in order not to serve residents better, but to make themselves feel good. This week, we feature a fake newspaper being distributed by the Liberal Democrats, keen to make good the advantage caused by Boris Johnson’s constant state of turmoil. If the parties really do care about the residents they serve, they will be always trying to act in their best interests. The fake newspaper confuses, and gives a flawed impression. At a time when our democracy needs to figure out a stable future for the provision of local news, this tactic is disappointing. Readers can rest assured that Wokingham Today is politically neutral, and our news can be trusted to be fair and balanced. Accept no imitations.
CHURCH NOTES
Lessons from Sherwood
I
’VE been watching the BBC series Sherwood.
It’s a suspenseful drama. It explores facing the truth in life even when painful. I noticed an illuminated cross in the background of the police incident room set up in a local church hall. Telling the truth and being sincere matter, especially in our leaders. Recently this paper published a letter from me calling on MPs to sack Boris Johnson because he broke his own lockdown laws, which looks like disrespect for people who faced painful sacrifices to keep those laws. It sparked a debate in the letters page about whether pastors like me should “get involved” in politics. My point was about morality not party politics. All of us thankfully, including pastors, have the freedom in our democracy to challenge our leaders when they seem to set themselves above what is true and right. When we read the Bible, we see Jesus called out the leaders of his day because they did not care about what was true and right for their people. They only said and did things which kept themselves in power. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a key figure in removing the racist apartheid system in South Africa once said when people told him pastors should not interfere in political matters, “I don’t know which Bible they are reading!” Tutu also spoke up for the truths contained in the Bible when he said “We are each made for goodness, love, and compassion. Our lives are transformed as much as the world is when we live with these truths”. Jesus said that the truth sets us free. It is when we face what is true in our lives even if painful then we can own it and move on into new life.
The Revd Canon David Hodgson is the Rector of Wokingham, at All Saints CofE Parish, writing on behalf of Churches Together In Wokingham
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Dynamics of democracy Democracy, by definition, is dynamic. The democratic process recognises that what the residents (voters) want will change as circumstances change; for example, recognising a change in circumstances in Wokingham, there has recently been a change of administration running the council. We offered a vision to the local community of what we would do for them. Principles underpinning our policies were: transparency, honesty, fairness and listening to others. This continues to check our actions and the integrity of our message, which keeps us focused on delivering. That is why I was so disappointed to read your article, “Wokingham Conservatives’ secret plans to disrupt and exploit council meetings,” dated June 30. But, of course, such careless disruption will not deflect the new administration from working in ways they believe are in the best interests of the residents of Wokingham. Unfortunately, the Tories missed an opportunity to prepare a document for the residents of Wokingham that offered principled and genuine policy alternatives. I was also particularly disappointed to read how the Tories proposed to disrupt the duties of the Mayor. In the end, this document shows the difference between the Partnership working hard for all Wokingham residents and a party somewhat lost, with little to offer, i.e. the Conservatives.
Councillor Tahir Maher
Drop the nasty act 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’
A
looking factionalism any more. Constructive cooperation is what I was expecting after the election, and is still what I want to see. And frankly I don’t care whether it is called a coalition, a partnership, or association of parties. What matters is that the important job of providing services to a growing population is achieved and scarce monies are invested well. So before you send another email or FB post defending your positions, terminology, choice of language or anything else, please think of us, the voters and test each decision based on community contribution, not on past personal battles.
I have lived in this town for over 25 years during which time the Conservatives have pretty much owned the District / Borough Council. I have also observed that the the ‘tone’ of the local politics has often been quite bitter and confrontational, rarely cooperative, consultative and cross-party. But things have recently changed here as in other parts of the country so that the colour of the leadership is no longer blue. And I see this as an opportunity to change the ‘tone’ for something better. So when I see ‘Disruption and Getting Our Own Way’ is the title of the Conservative’s current strategy having lost the leadership,
as publicised in Wokingham Today on June 30, I think it is time to say something. Wokingham is the 40th largest of 56 (or the 16th smallest) unitary councils in the UK serving 171,000 people (Source: Wikipedia). It has often occurred to me that the Council is almost too small, operating below scale. In this situation, I believe we need a team of people that pulls together across the political divide rather than spending time bickering over old scores, and focusing on noncooperation, disruption and ‘getting ones own way’. I don’t think the town has the resources to waste on this inward-
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 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 Jorgenson’s attack on 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 on the 19 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.
in which the Government puts local choice and local councillors in a straitjacket. The National Planning Policy Framework was meant to provide the basis for reasonable growth in housing to meet the needs of local families. It was supposed to help guide development in communities in a way which was sympathetic to the existing area and allow communities to shape their own future. Instead, it has become a go-to charter for eager developers to show-horn in over-sized housing
developments despite reasonable objections from local people. It has skewed the system in favour of those who want to build and make a profit over those who want to enjoy our countryside and protect their neighbourhoods. We do need to build more homes, to help younger people can get a foot on the housing ladder and make sure that our children and grandchildren are able to buy homes in the places they grew up. However, the Government is failing to manage this in a way that protects our green spaces. For example, it is failing to do enough to make sure brownfield land is used for development rather than countryside. The current planning system also allows major developers to claim that demand isn’t being met or that the lack of available alternative land requires permission to be granted – regardless of local opinion.
Councillors then face the impossible choice of granting permission, knowing that the development is not suited to their local area, or refusing planning permission, safe in the knowledge that developers will appeal, costing the council tens of thousands of pounds only for permission to be granted by the Government. It is lose-lose for councils who try and stand up for local people when the developers have the government in their corner, writing rules purely designed to enable builders to build despite objections. As demand for housing continues to grow and more and more people choose to leave big cities, it is even more important that local communities like Woodley and Earley and towns and villages across Berkshire have the right to shape their own futures. Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East
Matt Rodda
S local residents know only too well, our planning system is broken. To make matters worse, the Government is failing to step in and help local communities. On the face of it, the Government talks about ‘localism’ and ‘local plans’ but the reality is a system
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
Changing the tone of Wokingham politics
Westminster diary
Time to fix the planning system
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 7, 2022
Robin Scurlock, Wokingham
Cedric Lander, Woodley
Words of truth I read, with interest, Louise Timlin’s article – ‘Tackling the rising cost of living’ – Wokingham Today – Thursday 30th June. Do her words just not prove what I am always saying – that you have to have been in the disadvantaged situation, in order to know what the experience is like, and what help is needed. We have never allowed anyone to be involved in the Wokingham and West Berkshire Mental Health Association, unless they have – either suffered mental ill health – or – have been the informal carer of a sufferer from mental ill health. Who knows what it is like to be submerged in the depths of depression? Answer – the one who is suffering it! Who knows the strain of looking after a mentally person around the clock, and without support? Answer – the one who is doing it!
All our charity trustees fall into either one, or the other, category. In the same edition of Wokingham Today, I also read ‘Church Notes Capitalism V Compassion’. Most telling of John Boylan’s points is this – ‘Let us be clear, being a Christian does not mean that we will not, [or should not], acquire possessions, wealth, food, clothing, and other necessities.’ Relief of poverty may be straightforward, if people are co-operating with you, and I am constantly getting people, benefits, in order to achieve that relief, when they are willing to accept help. But what do you do if the person is a, mentally ill, religious fanatic? ‘If you continue to live, on the streets, and out of bins, you will become ill’, I said to him. ‘Do not store up, for yourself, treasure upon earth – where the moth doth corrupt’, he replied. I think it best, to reason with the person, on their own terms. ‘Do not store up for yourself treasure upon earth where the moth doth corrupt and thieves break through, and steal, but store up for yourself treasure in heaven where the moth doth not corrupt, and thieves do not break through, and steal, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be, also’, I quoted, from the Bible. But then, I continued, ‘At the Last Supper, Jesus Christ took bread, broke it, gave it to His Disciples, and said. ‘Eat ye all of this.’ God wants us to eat, Then He took the cup [of wine], and said, ‘Drink ye all of this.’ So God wants us to drink! Furthermore, when old, and frail, Saint Paul, one of the greatest Christian Saints, whose church is just up the road from the crisis house, wrote to Timothy, asking if he could get him another cloak – to stave off the Winter cold. So God wants us to look after ourselves, and such is not storing up treasure upon earth. In some instances, poverty is learned! I advised this man to avail himself of the Salvation Army’s services, and you won’t find an organisation, firstly, more Christian, and, secondly, more dedicated to providing practical help for basic needs, than they are.
Pam Jenkinson – The
Wokingham Crisis House
You continue to publish letters and latterly articles from that ex Planning Executive Conservative councillor on Wokingham Borough Council, Gary Cowan - now an Independent Councillor for Arborfield. It was he who put in place the current Local
Plan in 2010 which agreed over 13 thousand homes to be built in the borough to 2026. Many but by no means all have now been built mainly around Wokingham, on Arborfield Garrison and adjoining farmland and in Shinfield, Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross. Note all are in the south of borough for the very good reason that little land further north was not either already built on, was flood plain or most importantly was in the Metropolitan Greenbelt. These facts still apply despite many ‘why not in the north’ interjections from Gary! Then and since, successive governments and councils have held firm not to develop on this Greenbelt, which comprises all the north and north east of the borough. The 2010 Local Plan is now out of date and Government regularly warns that this old plan cannot provide the defence against incremental unwanted additional development. There is a serious risk that sites will be picked off by developers in additional places to those which were in the recent draft Local Plan. However, it seems the new coalition at Wokingham Borough Council, including Cllr Cowan and the new Leader Cllr Clive Jones, want to start again without having yet identified alternate sites to those picked and consulted on by the Conservative administration over the last two years. Of course, few residents want more development close to them, but equally few maybe realise the risk of not having that new Local Plan put into place as soon as procedurally possible. Cllr Cowan also does not say that the previous Conservative administration made, and in opposition continue to make strong representation to the Secretary of State, Michael Gove to reduce the housing allocation that this new Local Plan is trying to meet. I applaud all who are trying to influence Michael Gove, but let’s not make it a local party political bunfight and ‘one upmanship’, but have all parties and councillors to work together directly with Government, including with the help of our four MPs.
And nobody was expecting them. It is hard for parents to understand why they cannot get a place for their child at their nearest school. It is just as hard for people hosting Ukrainian refugees to understand why a Ukrainian child living in the same house cannot go to the same school as their own children. But unfortunately our schools are almost completely full, with no spaces at all in some year groups in the entire borough. And the law does not allow us to give Ukrainian children places ahead of everyone else. The council has an obligation to make sure all the of the school age in the borough get an education. It is doing its best to find the money to build classrooms and other facilities to make sure there are enough school
places, even if they are not always where parents and carers would ideally wish them to be. The council is finding the money for the extra buildings largely by shifting current budgets around. There is no spare money to spend on existing school buildings. The financial pressure on schools is just as great. The majority of their money comes from the government and is paid per child in the school. But the calculation for the number of children in the school is only done once a year. So that means that our schools are educating hundreds of additional students this year without having seen any extra income. The government has promised there will be money for the Ukrainian children’s education, but no-one has yet received any and we don’t know how or when it will be paid. That paints a very gloomy picture. But it is not all doom and gloom. We are very fortunate that schools are largely working with the council to seek to provide the extra places that are needed. The council cannot force schools
Compassionate capitalism In ‘Capitalism v Compassion’ (Church Notes 30/6/2022) John Boylan gives us a mighty challenge. (12) Surely, key to Christian readers is Luke 10:27 where a lawyer correctly answers Jesus, how he should rightly live according to the Law: ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.’ (53) This contains all we need ‘to take an honest look at what we are ... to rethink our values and priorities.’ (20) Humanity created Capitalism: commerce and trade constitute the bedrock of our civilisations. It can be used for good. From Carnegie to Gates, philanthropists donate unimaginable wealth for humanity’s benefit. Yet, others crave more. (33) No sooner is the ‘Pandammit’ deemed over, than the government calls for ‘growth’. Of what kind? It cannot continue forever. One planet of finite resources. One world divided by selfishness, greed, wars to gain power. The compassionate struggle to maintain a balance. (43) The war in Ukraine, perpetuated by the delusional Putin, is causing global problems in shortages of wheat and aiding the dizzying increase in energy costs. (25) Reading’s M&S Food Hall presents a staggering range of largesse. There, ‘scarcity of food’, is its unaffordability to those struggling to buy even basic necessities. (26) We can change. We are very clever. Think Higgs-Boson: the Hadron Collider! (12) John’s challenge is for all people, of faith or none. We all share this world. We are all neighbours now.
Michael Freeman, via email.
Divide and rule
From the chamber
Cllr Prue Bray
Demand on school places
W
OKINGHAM’S schools are experiencing huge demand for school places at the moment.
We have welcomed nearly 500 children from Hong Kong into our schools locally in the past year, along with approximately 100 Ukrainian children, and refugees from elsewhere. That is an enormous number of children to add into the system, with almost certainly many more to come.
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So, Gary, please stop trying to divide and rule, remember your deep involvement in and responsibility for the housing now being built and protect the Greenbelt. Also please realise the success of sites like Hatch Farm in Winnersh where development there has removed the flood risk which had existed on that site, done by careful land management. Can you not accept a similar operation could successfully provide minimal flood risk at Hall Farm in Arborfield? Some housing must be agreed for the period to the late 30s, hopefully a reduced number, but the sites must be agreed and put into a Local Plan as soon as possible to avoid developments being agreed on further sites, with reduced infrastructure contributions. This is ‘Planning by Appeal’ by those remote planning inspectors who rarely can resist approving such sites and thus the council loses control of where development occurs. It has happened in the borough before and will happen again unless the council moves fast and together.
Angus Ross (ex Cllr)
Supporting Ukraine The west must go in to Odessa port to save the grain for the worlds poor & trade of steel that is being made, also for humanitarian grounds it is the only way. The Russians are not just killing civilians they are stealing grain. Have some guts UK/US and the rest of the west. Save people from starvation and genocide. No won with a heart or a soul or feeling for love of human life of adults and children or conscience would leave these people to perish and turn their back as they did with the six million Jews in Nazi camps in 1938 /1945. who were annihilated. We know the wrest is weak if they do not take action and go in they will never be forgiven,the world will be ashamed and appalled. Never again is only words and means nothing prove it is wrong. If you decline US/UKand the west are afraid of a tin pot terrorist bully Putin.
Victor Rones, Bracknell to do this. Many of the schools in our borough are academies, and completely separate from the council. We are very grateful to them for cooperating with us in the interests of our children. It is that spirit of co-operation that gives us the way forward. The council has to work with our schools, who also have to work in partnership with each other. Sometimes those partnerships are formal, in that quite a few of our schools have combined together into various multi-academy trusts. Sometimes they arise simply from a willingness to cooperate to do our best for all the children in the Borough. Schools and the council need to work together. In the past the council has not always managed to achieve a good working relationship with all our schools. As the new lead councillor for Children’s Services I will be doing whatever I can to foster a true partnership between the council and schools, for the benefit of all our children.
Cllr Prue Bray is the executive member for children’s services on Wokingham Borough Council
From the leader
Cllr Clive Jones
A partnership of trust
F
OLLOWING the local elections in May, 23 Liberal Democrat councillors along with three Labour and two Independent councillors agreed to create the Wokingham Borough Partnership, with an administration being run by the Liberal Democrats. Our partnership is based on trust and a willingness to work together in the interests of Wokingham residents. There is a willingness from myself and my colleagues to consult with others and to call on the skills and experience of councillors of all parties to help tackle the considerable challenges that the borough faces. As I have said before, no party has a monopoly of good ideas. I recently met with the Conservative cabinet minister Michael Gove, and received confirmation that he will meet with the new Council Leadership and senior officers to see how we can reduce housing numbers in Wokingham. We are ready to engage with our four local MPs who currently come from the Conservative and Labour parties to work on reducing housing numbers and engaging with the government to address other issues such as Adult social care bills that could easily bankrupt the Council in the next few years. This week, I also met with the Conservative police and crime commissioner. We had a good meeting and I sure we’ll work well together in the coming months. The Conservative councillor group were offered the Vice chair of the powerful overview and scrutiny committee and the chair of the Health overview and scrutiny committee, Sadly they declined these offers, taking a different attitude to Conservative MPs and their police and crime commissioner. I am therefore particularly disappointed to read in last week’s Wokingham Today about Conservative plans to disrupt council meetings and get their own way. The document produced by the Wokingham Conservative group talks about disrupting council meetings by raising points of order and personal explanation. We saw these tactics employed at the council meeting on Thursday, June 23, by the new Conservative leader and a very senior long-serving councillor, both of whom should have known better. The document also talks about the Conservatives planning to claim credit for Lib Dem polices which they think will be popular. What is really concerning is the Conservative plan to undermine the authority of the mayor. This is particularly worrying and strikes at the very way in which orderly debate is conducted in any council. In the last week, many residents have expressed their disappointment that the Conservatives are openly planning disruption of council meetings. I have written to the Conservative Leader asking her if she will distance herself from this document produced for the Conservative group making it very clear she will have nothing to do with these shabby tactics. In doing so I hope she will commit herself to leading a responsible opposition. Cllr Clive Jones is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council and Lib Dem ward member for Hawkedon
32 | BUSINESS
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A business park that is changing
association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle
Silver recognition for Zzoomm for employing military personnel By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A FULL-FIBRE internet to the home company has been recognised for its stance on employing military personnel.
Zzoomm, which is installing the fibre-to-the-home service in parts of Henley, was given the Silver ERS (Employment Recognition Scheme), which acknowledges that the firm is a forces-friendly employer and supports Serving personnel and their families, Service Leavers, Veterans and Cadet Forces. It comes just eight months after the business achieved the Bronze version. Richard Sinclair MBE, who is also an army veteran, and is now Zzoomm’s chief operations officer, said: “I am delighted that our focus on the military community has been recognised. “We are working very closely with the armed forces to support servicemen and women transferring into the civilian workplace as well as those who are reservists. “Currently, we have 47 veterans, reservists and/or family members of the armed forces working at Zzoomm – some 10% of the total workforce. “As we are actively recruiting from this valued pool of talent, I expect this number to continue to increase.” He continued: “Two examples of ex-military Zzoommer are Allan Fairhurst and Joanne Hitchmough. “Allan is now one of our Lead Build Assurance Engineers, having served for several years in the
Above: Allan Fairhurst, Lead Build Assurance Engineer for Zzoomm Left: Joanne Hitchmough, a leader recruiter for the internet firm
Royal Logistics Corp including in Afghanistan. He is also a reservist. “Joanne is a Lead Recruiter for Civils across all Zzoomm towns. She joined Zzoomm directly having served 30 years in the Army latterly as an Army Recruiter.” Ms Hitchmough said that her manager understood it would take time to settle in to the new way of working. “From day one it has felt like
I was part of a team – it seemed like I had been posted into a new unit.” And the company’s chief executive said he was proud the firm had achieved this recognition. “We will continue to welcome and support Zzoommers from a military background and those who want to continue in the reservists,” said Matthew Hare. “They are all a key part of the rapidly expanding Zzoommer community.”
555 new homes built in a year ONE of the region’s housebuilders said that last year it built 555 homes, and contributed nearly £100 million to the UK’s economic output. The results from David Wilson Homes Southern were highlighted in a new report looking at its financial year from June 30, 2020 through to June 30, 2021 – this is despite the covid pandemic, which saw the industry in lockdown for many weeks. The developments were in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, and employed 1,474 people, through contractors and suppliers. It also worked with 228 subcontractor companies and 315 supplier companies. Financially, it contributed £13 million for its Community Infrastructure Levy and Section 106 funds, which help pay for schools,
Campbell Gregg, managing director of David Wilson Homes Southern infrastructure and parks It also spent £33.8 million on physical works benefiting local communities including highway and environmental improvements and community facilities. This included creating
6.2 hectares of green space in the area for residents and the public to use. Campbell Gregg, managing director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “As a leading housebuilder, we are
very aware of the pivotal role we play in helping to boost the local economy. “We are committed to a strategy that includes leaving a positive and lasting legacy in the communities in which we build homes, be that through job creation, bolstering surrounding businesses or enhancing and protecting the local environment. “We are proud to be a major force in the growth and prosperity of our region, and look forward to continuing our work in 2022.” The report on David Wilson Homes’ Socio-Economic Footprint in 2021 was carried out by Lichfields planning and development consultancy. n For more information on David Wilson Homes and the properties it has available, call 033 3355 8487. Alternatively, visit www.dwh.co.uk.
Thursday, July 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Relief for Hurst residents as plans to build 200 homes turned down SAVED: A field in Hurst will stay green after plans to build 200 homes on it were rejected
By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today
HUNDREDS of residents are relieved that plans for about 200 homes on a green field have been turned down.
A total of 402 people objected to the homes. Just 42 were in favour. Wokingham Borough Council refused to give planning permission for the new estate between and Tape Lane and Lodge Road, the B3030 Winnersh to Twyford road. Hurst Parish Council chairman Wayne Smith said: “We’re very relieved but we’re not complacent. We understand it will probably go to appeal. At this stage, the village will be very happy about the decision made by WBC.” Councillor Smith brought together village groups which had earlier disagreed about how to fight the plan. As a result the Say NO! to 200 houses in Hurst campaign was launched. Protect Hurst Action Group, said they were pleased about “the robust refusal by WBC for this totally inappropriate
planning application.” John Osborne of Hurst Village Society said: “HVS welcomes the decision … to refuse planning permission … while it is not certain but it is considered highly likely that the applicants will submit an appeal to the planning inspectorate. “Therefore it is important to fully understand and reflect in detail on the reasons given by the council for refusing …
permission and as to the likely ability of the developers to persuade a planning inspector at any potential public inquiry that those reasons [for] refusal are inappropriate or can be overcome.” One villager, who did not want to be named, said the refusal included serious concerns about highways, ecology, landscape and trees and that the historic green
gap should remain between the settlements of Hurst and Whistley Green. The council officer’s report about the refusal said the proposals would create: “a new unplanned large housing estate on a greenfield site in the countryside outside of settlement limits. It would be significantly out of scale with [the] neighbouring small village of Hurst.”
Best farming land would be lost, added the report. There was limited public transport. There were concerns about greater crested newts, skylarks and bats. The applicant had failed to show road safety would be protected. The estate would need at least two access roads: only one was proposed. The applicant had used figures from Wales and Greater London to work out numbers of vehicle trips from the homes. This was “not an acceptable comparison as they are not representative of this site in relation to size, population and car ownership levels,” said the report. The scheme did not “make adequate provision for affordable housing” because there was no completed legal agreement. The report said the plan did not secure chances for training and apprenticeships because there was no completed legal agreement. The applicants, Mactaggart & Mickel, said they had no comment to make on the refusal.
Specific witness appeal launched THAMES Valley Police is appealing for a witness to come forward following a road traffic collision in Wokingham. At around 6.07pm on Saturday, April 30, a woman, in her forties, was walking at or close to the pedestrian crossing on Wellington Road, Wokingham near to the Aldi. Police say she walked into the carriageway and was involved in a collision with a silver Ford Fiesta. The victim was taken to hospital where scans revealed she had broken bones. Investigating officer PC Martin Danks, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit based at Three Mile Cross, said: “We are continuing to investigate this collision, and enquiries we have conducted suggest that a woman may have witnessed this collision and called out to the pedestrian as she entered the road. “Unfortunately, we do not have a description of the female witness, but if you are the witness or know who she is, we are asking this potential witness to please come forward and contact us.” The witness can call 101, or quoting: 43220185977.
34 | NEWS
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Call for clarity over Hall Farm A CALL for clarity of the status of Hall Farm in the new local plan for Wokingham borough’s housing numbers has been sought by a member of the public. Jan Heard wanted to know if the new Lib Dem-run executive would remove the site, and its proposed 2,500 homes, from the proposals. She requested: “(They) ensure that relevant policies and voices are given full weight in planning matters”, including the Arborfield and Barkham Neighbourhood Plan, and advice from Wokingham Borough Council’s landscape officer. Responding, Cllr Lindsay Ferris, the new executive member for planning and the local plan, said the previous, Conservativeled administration had driven the previous consultation. “I can assure you we will carefully review what has been said in response to the consultation before deciding how to move forward,” he said. On the consultation he said: “Comments were received towards all of the proposed allocations, and on other matters, such as infrastructure provision, the need for new homes, the need for new jobs and the need as far as possible to protect our environment in Greenbelt. “This includes specific issues of landscape heritage.” He continued: “Experience within the borough and elsewhere across the country show that we must have a new local plan, not having an effective plan would mean loss of control or less control over where development happens.” Ms Heard said she was pleased that Mr Gove had pledged to come to Wokingham. She added that she was concerned “the University of Reading is now promoting the garden village on its online website. “I’m rather concerned about the northern wards dominating the planning section of the council, again.” This was a reference to Cllr Ferris being a ward member for Twyford, while the previous council leader represents Wargrave, Remenham and Ruscombe, and the executive member for the local plan represents Hurst. On Hall Farm, she said: “I’d like to make the point that residents expect results.” Cllr Ferris said his position was “totally irrelevant” and “I will be doing this role strictly in line with planning roles”. The proposed meeting with Michael Gove was so the council could “have a good case to be able to present to him to see whether we can get a new calculation done (on housing numbers). “One area in particular that we feel needs to be taken into account is the fact that this council has over-provided on the number of houses for at least six or seven years. And we estimate that that is at least 3,000 above what we would have been needed (to provide),” Cllr Ferris said. He also confirmed that Hall Farm was among the top areas for residents’ objections in the recent consultation.
PHIL CREIGHTON reports on the executive meeting held on Thursday, June 30
EXECUTIVENEWS
Plans progress for new £20m solar farm in Barkham
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today POLITICAL parties in Wokingham united to approve the next step in creating a solar farm in Barkham, estimated to cost £20 million.
Proposed by the previous Conservative-led administration, the then opposition parties abstained on a vote to progress the plans over a lack of a prepared business case. But at a special council executive meeting, held on Thursday, June 30, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats agreed to progress the case. In the executive meeting moments before, the executive member for the climate emergency, Cllr Sarah Kerr, explained that they were in favour of generating renewable energy, and it was essential given the energy crisis. “The frustration that we had last year was when that proposal came to full council, there was a distinct lack of information and costs were omitted,” she said. “There’s no business case in there. There’s no decommissioning costs. “We are now starting to get a better picture of this project, but we still have a number of questions that need to be fully answered. “In the interest of transparency, I’ve put in a request that the updated
business case, with full cash flow, goes to scrutiny (committee). I think we need to ensure that we’re being fiscally responsible as a local authority, and have that cross party scrutiny in a public meeting is going to be essential.” The scrutiny process would run parallel to the procurement phase to avoid any further delays. She also thanked her predecessor, Cllr Gregor Murray, for his work in getting the proposals to this stage. Cllr Imogen Shepherd-Dubey, the executive member for finance, said “We’ve got increasing energy prices that are affecting everybody, including the council. I would like to see this move forward … the business case isn’t there yet, but it looks good from an investment point of view.” Council leader Cllr Clive Jones said: “I still have some difficulties with the figures. “When the proposals were talked about, there were supposed to be four solar farms for £20 million. “Now we’ve got one, with costs rising.” He wanted to know if there had been a good explanation for this change in costs. “I can’t explain what happened in the previous administration, that’s not for me to answer,” Cllr Kerr said. “This is why I’ve asked for an updated business case … I’m feeling more confident, but there are still questions.
“I’ve reached out to Cllr Murray, and offered him a briefing with officers and myself… I’m happy we’re going down the right route.” Cllr Prue Bray said that the council had arranged for more of the information on the proposals to be released in the public part of the meeting, but some details had to be kept confidential at this time. She explained: “We don’t want to tell people who are about to tender for projects how much we expect them to cost … it’s a complicated thing, there are some things we must keep confidential, but we will try and be as transparent as we can.” Cllr Kerr said she had requested best and worst case scenarios as part of this. Other items for consideration included what happened to the energy generated, whether it would be used by the council for its needs, or sold to energy suppliers. The executive approved the plan unanimously, and there was then a short adjournment for the special council meeting, which was chaired by the borough mayor, Cllr Caroline Smith. No councillor wished to speak against the report, however
Conservative Cllr Charles Margetts tried to ask a question about the financing of the proposal. Opposition leader, Cllr Jorgensen, also tried to ask a question. As the council’s constitution only allows for people to speak against a motion, this was denied. Cllr Jorgensen pointed back to last week’s extraordinary council meeting where proposals to move local elections to once every four years were rejected by the Liberal Democrats. “Clive’s tactic from full council was speak against it, but in favour,” she said. Cllr Jones asked if she wanted to speak against the solar farm motion. Responding, Cllr Jorgensen said: “Well, you did that for council. You said you wanted to speak in favour and then continued to speak against.” Cllr Jones pointed out that he was proposing the motion, and it was a slightly different situation to the one in hand. Cllr Jorgensen then agreed to email her question, and the mayor held the vote which was passed unanimously.
Longer leases for parish councils and community groups TOWN and parish councils and community groups will be able to enjoy longer leases for community assets under new plans approved by Wokingham Borough Council’s new Liberal Democrat-run executive. Cllr Clive Jones, the leader of the council, said: “This is an
extension of the terms of the community asset transfer leases … a longer lease term will enable greater investment as part of their management. I can see no reason why we shouldn’t be going ahead with this.” Cllr Lindsay Ferris asked if the proposal included discussions
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with Wokingham Without Parish Council over the future of the Pinewood Centre. This had been named in the local plan update prepared by the previous administration. At the time, previous council leader Cllr John Halsall said that no houses had been formally planned
for the land. Cllr Jones said it didn’t, and he wasn’t involved in any discussions. “We would certainly be open to talking to them so they can benefit from this increase from 30 to 60 years.” The executive approved the plans.
Council staff to receive 1.75% pay increase WOKINGHAM council staff will receive a 1.75% pay increase to help with the cost of living. The rise is backdated to April 1, 2021, and was approved by the previous Conservative-run administration in February. At a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s new executive, the rise was approved as part of a financial report. The total cost to the council is just over £1 million, an increase from the £960,000 estimated in February. Introducing the financial reports, Cllr Imogen ShepherdDubey, the executive member for finance, said they mostly referred to the previous financial year. “We do need to take note of items that are carried forward from the previous administration,
and we cannot change the past on some of the stuff.” Council leader Cllr Clive Jones wanted confirmation that the general fund balances would be £9million rather than the expected £10 million, which Cllr Shepherd-Dubey said they did. And Cllr Shepherd-Dubey said that there were some “carry forwards” in the financial reports as the projects are in progress. “We would lose the benefits of that work if we were to cancel,” she explained, adding there would be a reduction in the council’s capital programme budget. Obviously it’s some money that’s coming, that’s not being spent.” The council would use contributions from developers to fund disabled accommodation projects in this financial year.
Cllr Prue Bray then warned that the borough was running out of secondary school places. “We need to move money to create the places in our schools,” she said. She said there were some errors in the report’s use of policy numbers. As the report was not the final version, it can be fixed. “I don’t anticipate any major problems,” she said, “I just think we need to be confident that we’ve understood what’s going on.” Summing up, Cllr ShepherdDubey said: “What we have here are the things we felt that needed to go ahead, such as building a SEND school, learning disability accommodation, and things that we have to do as a council and can’t stop.”
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Fun-filled affair in Shinfield SHINFIELD residents were treated to a spectacular community event on Saturday, June 25, writes Ji-Min Lee. St Mary’s Church was able to host its annual summer fete on School Green for the first time since the pandemic. The event saw family members, young and old, enjoy the activities, performances and food stalls on offer. “Everyone had a very enjoyable afternoon and were all so pleased that we were once again able to put on the event after the pandemic,” St Mary’s secretary Ann Young said. “It got off to a rousing start with music from Tadley Band who played on and off all afternoon.” Children from Alder Grove, Shinfield Infants and Shinfield St Mary’s schools sang in wholesome group performances. The dog show proved particularly popular, with a healthy number of entrants participating in the various competitions. Categories included cutest face, waggiest tail, best-behaved and most well-groomed, with rosettes awarded to the winners. All dogs went home with a tasty dog treat. “One gorgeous puppy owned by a young lady called Emma had to have a rosette for being so sweet,” explained Ms Young. Children were also delighted by the many craft stalls and games, especially the pirate stall. Visitors were treated to a selection of sandwiches and hotdogs at the tea tent, as well as the colourful plant and cake stalls. The cake raffle saw resident Dawn Carson’s Jubilee-themed creation taken home after raising almost £100.
The dog show proved to be a highlight, with rosettes awarded to the winners of the various categories
Left: Children were kept entertained by the captivating pirate stall Right: St Mary’s summer fete offered Shinfield residents, young and old, the opportunity to enjoy the activities on offer Bottom right: The cake raffle raised almost £100, with Dawn Carson’s Jubileethemed creation won by Jan Dodsworth Pictures: Dijana Capan/ DVision Images
Theologian on sacred nature to give talk A RESPECTED theologian will be visiting Reading this Saturday to take part in a question and answer session about her book. Karen Armstrong will be speaking at Reading Minster in Chain Street about Sacred Nature, which explores the climate emergency. She argues that if the global population wants to avert environmental catastrophe, we need to learn to think and feel differently about the natural world, as well as taking action. This will, she adds, rekindle a spiritual bond with nature. She says the book is for anyone interested in humanity’s relationship with nature, worried about the destruction of our environment, and searching for new ways of thinking to shape the action needed to save our planet. The event includes a presentation by Ms Armstrong, an interview and a chance to buy signed copies. It is sponsored by Reading Minster with the support of Reading’s Café Theologique and the World Congress of Faiths, and takes place from 6pm to 7.30pm, on Saturday, July 8. n For more details, or to register to attend, email: events@readingminster. org.uk
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David Burnell with the Barbara Olive Smith trophy from the Thames Valley Writers Circle
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THE Thames Valley Writers’ Circle has emerged from its Zoom-only meetings to have the presentation of the Barbara Olive Smith Trophy, for its major annual competition, at an open meeting. The competition was judged by national short story writer and judge, Iain Pattison, who awarded first place to David Burnell for his up-to-date story about the war in Ukraine, The Flight from Maripole. A Russian war correspondent realises the truth of the war and is determined to get back to Moscow to convince her brother, a Russian Air force pilot to help her spread the word. Instead, they planned to kill Premier Putin during the Victory Parade when he was to be a pilot in the fly past. The highest praise I can give this, said the judge, is to say, “I wish I had written it”. As runner-up, Iain Pattison chose The Last Crossing by one of the Circle’s newest members, Jim Gault. This was another tale of a journey from a war zone but which he said had taken him completely by surprise, as its destination was Heven or Hell. In third spot he placed One Way Ticket by Neil Somerville, in which a terrorist attempt to blow up a London tube train in a suicide attack goes wrong. “Plenty of tension to keep the reader gripped and written with cinematic quality,” he noted. Ian Pattison also felt that Frank and Franz, by Helen Collett, was worthy of a Highly commended. A much gentler tale of a shy German living in Ireland whose life is improved by a stray dog. n Full details of the Circle can be found on its website, thamesvalleywriterscircle.org
DICK SAWDON-SMITH
AT THE BOOK LAUNCH AT HURST CRICKET CLUB WERE: John Osborne, Ivor Fiennes, John Penney, David Lochman, John Vimpany, David Boyd, Mark Blois-Brooke, Jane Fiennes and Ken Fostekew Picture: Sue Corcoran
RAF’s unsung heroes brought to book EXCLUSIVE By SUE CORCORAN news@rdg.today NEW book about unsung heroes of the Royal Air Force took to the skies in fine form when it was launched by its two authors.
A
A crowd of more than 50 people were at Hurst Cricket Club last week for the launch of To Force the Enemy off the Sea – the Story of the RAF’s North Coates Strike Wing. Among the crowd was Ken Fostekew of the Museum of Berkshire Aviation in Woodley. The museum is selling copies of the book written by John Vimpany and David Boyd who both live in Hurst. John’s father Dick was a navigator in a Beaufighter plane which sank and damaged enemy ships in the North Sea during the Second World War. He flew from RAF North Coates near Grimsby. He later worked in civil aviation at Woodley Aerodrome, living at Wargrave Road, Twyford. After the launch Mr Fostekew welcomed the book, saying: “It’s good to have this history collated.” He was interested in finding out more about Dick Vimpany’s role at Woodley.
Why are there diggers inside All Saints church? THIS picture is so surreal, I was thinking we should have a caption competition. “Dave, when you said we could take a shortcut through the church yard, I didn’t think we’d cause this much mess.” It is very strange seeing all the rubble. It really does look like a building site now. We even discovered a vault under the floor last week. However, it wasn’t the grave of Henry VIII. We’re not sure what it was, to be honest. So why are we doing all this? Well, in case you didn’t know, we’ve closed the main church building until November because we’re creating a major new community space for everyone in the town. Our project is called ‘spaceforall’. We want to modernise our building and, at the same time, make it into a major new space for the town that could be used for a whole range of activities.
We’ve got a few ideas, but we would love to hear from you and get your views. We’re thinking of a café, somewhere to chat, book clubs, spaces for local charities, open mic nights, acoustic gigs, exhibitions, debates, drop-in advice or simply a quiet place to pray. I’m sure you could come up with more ideas. Simply email us at parishoffice@ allsaintswokingham.org.uk and mark it ‘spaceforall.’
We need to find £100,000 by November for the last phase. We’re just under a quarter of the way there at the moment, so we’d value your support. To donate, go to: spaceforall. org.uk/supporting-the-project Thanks for anything you can give. Remember: this is YOUR space, not ours. It’s for the benefit of the Wokingham community. Spaceforall. The clue is in the title.
Peter Barrett, All Saints church, Wokingham
John Vimpany said: “We had over 50 at the launch, it was a really good evening. David and I talked about the story in the book and showed some slides. “We sold copies of the book. It’s the story of how three squadrons of Beaufighter aircraft succeeded in clearing the North Sea of German convoys that were attempting to supply iron ore from Sweden to the armament factories of the Ruhr in Germany. “This was between 1943 and 1945.” The authors are taking the book ‘home’ to promote it at North Coates Airfield, now a flying club. They will be at the airfield’s air day event which is from July 15-17. On the evening of Friday, July 15 they will talk about the book at the Royal Air Force Association club at Cleethorpes where there is a memorial to North Coates Strike Wing. n The book costing £19.95 Including UK delivery is also available from Helion Books by visiting www. helion.co.uk n The Museum of Berkshire Aviation is at the historic site of Woodley Airfield, once the centre of a thriving aircraft industry. Its summer opening times are Wednesdays and weekends, 10.30am-5pm. Visit its website at museumofberkshireaviation.co.uk
Reading Nagar celebrates International Day of Yoga ON Tuesday, June 21, Reading shaka hosted two yoga sessions for the samaj to mark the International Day of Yoga. The morning session started at 4.30am and included meditation, warm-ups, 108 Surya namaskars, pranayams and gayatri mantra chanting. The evening session at 6pm included gentle asanas, shavasana, pranayams as well as laughter yoga. Supported by United Nations, every year, the International Day of Yoga is commemorated all over the world. The date ties in with the summer solstice and also considered to be auspicious in many cultures. This year the theme is “Yoga for wellness” with focus on practising yoga for physical and mental well-being which is relevant to current times as the society is recovering from the pandemic and lockdowns which has had a profound effect on people’s mental health. The UN website states that yoga can promote both physical and mental health. https://www. un.org/en/observances/yoga-day People around the world are embracing it to stay healthy, overcome depression, alleviate anxiety, and it plays a vital role in rehabilitation.
Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Build ings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address
Reasons for Advert
Description
221104
Sarum Cottage, Pearson Road, Sonning
Conservation Area
Householder application for the proposed erection of a single storey rear extension and associated fenestration.
221250
Land at Highfield Mobile Home Park, Eversley Road, Arborfield Cross
Major Application
Full application for 17no. gypsy/traveller pitches following re- arrangement of existing 6no. residential mobile home pitches and associated hard and soft landscaping.
221457
The Red House, Thames Street, Sonning
Works to a listed building
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed replacement of the main roof with associated insulation and repair works, plus repairs to lower conservatory roof.
Ducks Nest Farm, Eversley Road, Arborfield
Major Application
Application to remove condition 3 of planning consent F/ 2005/5215 (052308) for the proposed erection of a replacement building for use as a warehouse (B8). Demolition of existing agricultural buildings. Condition 3 refers to the use only being carried out by the named company and the removal of this condition is in order to lift this requirement.
221700
221713
Uppfield, Charvil Lane, Sonning
Conservation Area
Householder application for the proposed erection of a single storey extension to an existing detached outbuilding, plus changes to fenestration.
221815
Wargrave Court, Station Road, Wargrave
Conservation Area
Householder application for the proposed works to the existing timber boathouse structure at Wargrave Court consisting of removal of damaged structural posts and replacement with new marine grade hardwood posts, plus raising of the roof level by 500mm with retention of existing roof structure and roof tiles.
221816
221844
Wargrave Court, Station Road, Wargrave
Hogwood Farm, Sheerlands Road, Arborfield
Affects setting of listed building
Major Application
221865
The Garth, Wargrave Hill, Wargrave
Conservation Area
221904
Major Land At Stanbury Application House, Basingstoke Road, Spencers Wood
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed works to the existing timber boathouse structure at Wargrave Court consisting of removal of damaged structural posts and replacement with new marine grade hardwood posts, plus raising of the roof level by 500mm with retention of existing roof structure and roof tiles. Application for approval of Reserved Matters pursuant to Outline Planning Consent O/2014/2179 (as varied by 181194, dated 14/11/2018). The Reserved Matters comprise details of 60. no dwellings, associated internal access roads, parking and landscaping. Details of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale to be considered. Full application for the proposed erection of 1 no. five bedroom detached dwelling, following demolition of the existing dwelling. Application to vary condition 1 of planning consent 212914 for the approval of reserved matters pursuant to outline planning consent O/2014/2101 (143279) determined by appeal reference APP/X0360/W/15/3097721 for the erection of up to 57 new dwellings, to include new access from Basingstoke Road and provision of suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). (Appearance, Landscaping, Layout and Scale to be considered). Condition 1 refers to the approved details and the variation is for minor material amendments to layout, appearance and landscaping.
The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. Comments on the application can be made online from this web page. Any comments must arrive on or before the 28th July 2022. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by any one as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses. Date: 7th July 2022
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Email: advertising@wokingham.today ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (WARREN HOUSE ROAD, KEEPHATCH ROAD, GREEN CROFT, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (EASTHAMPSTEAD ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (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 prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
1. Warren House Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Ashridge Road and Keephatch Road.
Easthampstead Road, Wokingham and for a distance of 20m on either side of the level crossing.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Warren House Road, B3034 Forest Road, A321 Twyford Road and Bell Foundry Lane or by this route in reverse.
The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Old Wokingham Road, Peacock Lane, Vigar Way, Jennetts Park Roundabout, Berkshire Way, A329 London Road, A329 Peach Street and Easthampstead Road.
2. Keephatch Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Warren House Road and Hughes Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Keephatch Road, Binfield Road, Diamond Jubilee Way and Warren House Road or by this route in reverse. 3. Green Croft from its junction with Keephatch Road. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 25th July and 23rd December 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow South East Water contractors to undertake mains replacement and associate works 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 25th 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: 7th July 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
Please recycle me !
The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Easthampstead Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 London Road, Berkshire Way, Jennetts Park Roundabout, Vigar Way, Peacock Lane and Old Wokingham Road. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 30th July and 1st August 2022 between 01:00 and 04:00 and 3rd August and 4th August 2022 between 00:01 and 05:00. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake excavation, duct installation, level crossing barrier maintenance and other associated work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 30th 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: 7th July 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (WOODWARD CLOSE, WINNERSH) (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 prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Woodward Close, Winnersh from its junction with A329 Reading Road.
It’s good news for everyone
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 25th July and 31st July 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake shut down, connection to new site main and associated work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.
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The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 25th 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.
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Dated: 7th July 2022
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Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
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LEISURETODAY
07.07.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
Henley Literary Festival to welcome the stars Books for all ages will be opened, explored, recounted and read when Henley Literary Festival returns this October. The programme is packed with a galaxy of famous faces – here’s what audiences can expect
H
ENLEY Literary Festival is set to return for its 16th year in October, this time with a stellar programme of writers, comedians, TV stars, musicians, and even astronauts. The festival celebrates literature, and has grown to be one of the UK’s biggest since it launched in 2007. This year will see more than 120
events come to venues in Henley-onThames and online over nine days. Irvine Welsh, Robert Harris, Nina Stibbe, and Jeffrey Archer will all be attending to speak about their written works, joined by debut novelists such as Jessie Cave, Salma El-Wardany, and Bonnie Garmus. Comedians Lenny Henry, Julian Clary, and Ruth Jones are also speaking
about their latest books. Tim Peake, one of only seven Britons to go into space, will return this year to discuss his new non-fiction children’s book, The Cosmic Diary of Our Incredible Universe, after a popular talk at last year’s festival. Gavin & Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones, wildlife expert Ray Mears, leading lexicographer Susie Dent, and baking doyenne Mary Berry are also among those holding talks during the festival. A number of events for families and children are on the timetable, including talks by children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell will hold a talk, a draw-along event with Rob Biddulph, and talks
hosted by award winning authors Manjeet Mann and Katherine Rundell. Festival director Harriet Reed-Ryan said: “After an above-expectations return to in-person last year we are so excited to welcome audiences old and new, in Henley and online wherever they are to our most accessible and varied Festival yet.” As well as acts from the worlds of literature and TV, a number of musicians will be making contributions to the festivals, such as ACDC frontman Brian Johnson, Melanie Chism, PP Arnold, and Duncan Ross, speaking about their memoirs. Events will take place across three venues in Henley-on-Thames; The
Kenton Theatre, Henley Town Hall, and the Baillie Gifford Marquee. Investment partnership Baillie Gifford returns as the festival’s headline sponsor for a second year, having supported the festival for over a decade. Almost all events will be available to stream online. n Tickets will be available to friends of the festival go on general sale from Monday, July 18. Tickets will be available via: www. henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk or by calling 01491 575 948.
JAKE CLOTHIER
Picture of Ruth Jones: Tom Jackson Photography
14 | LEISURE
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Jazz, bang up to date
The audience can expect to hear traditional music from South Africa, USA and Guyana, and pieces by Arvo Pärt, Florence Price and Undine Smith Moore. The event takes place in the Recital Room at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell. Glass Ensemble perform on Sunday, July 10 at 4.30pm. Tickets cost £15. n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 0134 448 4123
LONDON-BASED musicians are to perform new works inspired by Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Lennie Tristano. Alban Claret and Evan Clegg: The Collection, is a quintet of guitar, trumpet, tenor sax, double bass and drums. The group promises to bring the jazz and bebop tradition ‘bang up to date’. Their music is described as ‘compelling yet accessible’. The event takes place at The Progress Theatre, Reading. Doors open at 7.30pm on Friday, July 8. Tickets cost £16 for adults, £14 for students and over 60s, and £8 for under 16s. n For tickets and information log on to: www.progresstheatre.co.uk or email: boxoffice@progresstheatre.co.uk
All stars from Ronnie Scott in Bracknell
DIRECT from London’s world-famous jazz club, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars are coming to Bracknell. The group celebrates the famous venue by performing music from the greats who have starred there during its 60 year history. Expect a night of world class live jazz, narration, rare archive photos and video footage, along with tales of old Soho, miscreant musicians and police raids. The Ronnie Scott’s Story plays at The Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell. The event takes place on Thursday, July 7, at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £22, or £20 for members. n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 0134 448 4123
Stories of Love to delight audiences
NEXT Wednesday Steve Nieve and Kessada will play in Maidenhead. Their show, Stories of Love, is a collection of songs by Tom Waits, Neil Young, Elvis Costello mixed with some of their own works. Keyboard player Steve Nieve has performed with Elvis Costello for more than thirty years. In this performance he teams up with vocalist and drummer Kessada to bring songs and anecdotes of Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, and others. Stories of Love plays in The Studio at Norden Park Farm, Maidenhead. The event takes place on Wednesday,
Pieces of eight
WITH a mystery guest star at every performance, this comedy show is loving celebration of the much loved TV duo, Morecambe and Wise. Thom has written a play, an epic set in the French Revolution called A Tight Squeeze for the Scarlet Pimple. Dennis, on the other hand, wants to continue with their double act. He believes that if they perform a tribute to Morecambe and Wise, Thom’s confidence will be restored and July 13 at 8pm, and tickets cost £16. n For details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977 n For information about the music, visit Steve Nieve’s website: www.stevenieve. com
Love and lentil stew, all the way from 1996 IT’S NEWBURY, and the year is 1996. Nine miles of ancient woodland are under threat because of the proposed route for a new bypass. When university student Cassie meets protester Dylan, she is drawn into a world of rickety treehouses, lentil stew, druidic rituals and stoic resistance. But her family is wary, and she must pay the price for her activism in this new play with music. Camp Albion explores the heroism, humour and heated debate when Newbury’s environmental campaign captured the attention of the nation. The play runs at The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor throughout this week
the double act will go on. But first Dennis needs to persuade a guest star to appear in the play what Thom wrote... Previous mystery guest stars have included Ralph Fiennes, Ewan McGregor, Joanna Lumley, Daniel Radcliffe, Kylie Minogue, Nigel Havers, Tom Hiddleston, Sue Holderness, Charles Dance, Dawn French and Sting. Which mystery guest star will the audience see tonight? until Wednesday, July 16. Performances are every evening at 7.30pm except for Sunday. Matinées take place on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £25, £20 or £10 depending on seating. Concessions are available for groups, over 65s, students and schools. For patrons wishing to eat at the theatre, a two course menu is available for £20.50 n For tickets and information visit: www. watermill.org.uk or call the box office on: 01635 46044
There’s no such thing as The Gruffalo
The Play What I Wrote is performed at The Yvonne Arnaud theatre, Guildford. There are performances this week until Saturday, July 9. Evening performances start at 7.30pm. Matinées on Thursday and Saturday start at 2.30pm. Tickets cost from £29.50 n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office: 0148 344 0000. The event takes place in The Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell. It can be seen on Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14. On Wednesday there are two performances, at 1pm and 4.30pm. A single performance on Thursday is at 10.30am. Tickets cost £15.50 for adults, £13.50 for under 16s, £54 for a family of four, and £9.50 for schools. n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 0134 448 4123
A capella protest
YOUNG children will love a production based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Gruffalo, it follows Mouse on his daring adventure through the woods. A magical and musical show it brings the picture book to life and is suitable for everyone three years old or over.
BERKSHIRE-BASED choir, Glass Ensemble presents a collection of protest songs. The 20-strong group will perform an a capella program of music. Songs of Dissent is the choir’s sung history of music that shook the world. It recalls songs that have been linked to change, whether during adverse political times or in moments of celebration.
TREASURE Island comes to Newbury, thanks to theatre company Le Navet Bete. Swashbuckling comedy, dastardly pirates, tropical islands and a mermaid you’ll never forget are all part of this show. Audiences will set sail on the Jolly Todger with Jim Lad, Long John Silver and a whole host of other characters for a hilarious voyage across the seas. Will they get there in one piece? Is everyone who they say they are? And does ‘X’ really mark the spot? The physical comedy company ensure that this is Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary tale as never seen before. The event takes place at the Corn Exchange, Newbury on From Thursday, July 7 through to Saturday, July 9. Performances start at 7pm. Tickets cost £19 for adults, £17 for concessions, and £15 for under 18s. n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 521 8218.
Hurdy gurdy and more for folk music night
THERE will be a night of folk music next week. Damian Clarke’s solo folk concert features the hammer dulcimer and a hurdy gurdy. It contains traditional and self-penned songs from all over Europe. Clarke’s latest album Covered4Cancer is raising money for Cancer Research UK and The Stroke Association. It features 10 well-known songs that the audience can be sing along with. The tracks have been re-arranged for the magical hammer dulcimer with its bright, bouncy sound. The event takes place at the Corn Exchange, Newbury, on Wednesday, July 13. The concert starts at 8pm and tickets cost £12, or £10 for members. n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 521 8218.
AT THE THEATRE
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars present: The Ronnie Scott’s Story. Thurs 7. Karen Street’s L’Espirit Du Jazz. Fri 8. Edinburgh Previews. Fri 8. Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow summer show: Wishes. Sat 9-Sun 10. Live Music on the Terrace. Sun 10. Songs of Dissent. Sun 10. The Grufalo. Wed 13-Thurs 14. Folk Night: Damian Clarke and Support. Wed 13. Edinburgh Previews. Fri 15. Ruby. Sat 16-Sun 17. Live Music on the Terrace. Sun 17. FILMS: Father Stu. Fri 8-Sat 9. The Northman. Fri 8-Sun 10. Carmen Jones. Mon 11. Luzzu. Mon 11-Tues 12. Swan Song. Wed 13-Thurs 14. The Quiet Girl. Fri 15-Sun 17. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of
Madness. Fri 15-Sun 17.
Camberley – Theatre
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Camberley Comedy Festival. Sat 9. Be Bop A Lula. Thurs 14. Richard Jones. Fri 15. Circus Skills With Patches. Sat 16. WNBF UK Event: First Timers/ Novice. Sun 17.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Play Wot I Wrote. Until Sat.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Walk Right Back. Thurs 7. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 7. Pat Steel & Bucks School of Dance. Sat 9-Sun 10. Youth Theatre End of Year
Sharing. Mon 11. Zog and the Flying Doctors. Fri 15-Sun 17.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Legally Blonde: The Musical. Thurs 14-Sun 17.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG). Fri 8. Chance To Dance Stars CIC Annual Showcase 2022. Sat 9. Jurassic World: Dominion (12a). Sat 9, Wed 13. All My Friends Hate Me (15). Thurs 7, Sat 9. Youth Theatre Presents Peter Pan. Wed 13. Steve Nieve and Kessada - Stories of Love. Wed 13. 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.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Treasure Island. Thurs 7-Sat 9. Bowie Experience. Fri 15. Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour. Sat 16.
Newbury – The Watermill
Shaparak Khorsandi: It was the 90s. Fri 8. Poets Cafe 2022. Fri 8. South Street Youth Theatre presents Biscuit Town. Mon 11. Alice In Boogieland. Thurs 14, Fri 15. The Monochrome Set and support. Sat 16..
Reading – The Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Sarah Millican: Bobby Dazzler. Thurs7-Sat 9. The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Sat 16-Sun 17.
Reading – Concert Hall
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 NEXT SHOW: Whistle Down The Wind. Jul 22-Sep 10.
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Brindley Sherratt. Sep 10.
Reading – South Street
Reading – Progress Theatre
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195
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 At the Alan Cornish theatre in Woodley: Senior Youth Group show Saturday Night Fever. Fri 8-Sun 10.
Sonning – The Mill
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Barefoot in the Park. Until Aug 20. The Definitive Rat Pack. Sun 10. Buddy Holly and the Cricketers. Sun 17.
Windsor – Theatre Royal
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 A Touch of Danger: Windsor on Air. Tues 12-Sat 16. Private Lives: Windsor on Air. Tues 19-Sat 23.
Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Daisy Pulls It Off. July 13-23.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film theatre: King Richard (12a). Thurs 14.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1.
Thursday, July 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 7, 2022
New York romance is a fun night out, thanks to The Mill Barefoot in the Park The Mill at Sonning until August 20 0118 969 8000 millatsonning.com
B
AREFOOT in the park opened last week at the Mill at Sonning.
It’s a feel-good romantic farce, delivered with warmth and humour. The story unfolds in the top floor apartment of a Manhattan condominium in the mid sixties. it’s February and newly weds Corrie and Paul are setting up home together. The space is not ideal - there’s no bathtub and the closet is leaky. But there is the expectation of a ‘wonderful new life’ ahead of them. Corrie is young and lovely, the sort of girl to ‘jump straight in’ to whatever life offers her. Paul is an aspiring lawyer who ‘looks first’ before he jumps, and irons his ties. Corrie adores the apartment. Paul does not. They are gloriously in love, but clearly expect different things from life and from marriage. Will they find common ground and flourish together? When Corrie’s mildly depressed mother unexpectedly drops in, tensions begin to rise. And the couple meet their new
and eccentric neighbour, Victor Velasco. Then Corrie sets up her mother on a date with this enthusiastically impractical man, and a wild night out follows. All the ingredients of a farce now in place, emotions fly, heated accusations are thrown and a suitable amount of doorslamming follows. Neil Simon’s comic play first appeared on Broadway in 1963. It was his longest running show and has been warmly received since then. It was filmed in 1967, and starred Robert Redford and Jane Fonda as Paul and Corrie. Robin Herford directs this production with affection and humour. The cast is strong throughout and the actors keep a tight ship. Their physical comedy is slick, the humour is well delivered, and the audience is warmly invited into the story from the outset. Hannah Pauley is delightfully warm and appealing as Corrie. Jonny Labey is suitably devoted, yet uptight as Paul. Rachel Fielding is charmingly manipulative as pink pill popping mother, Mrs Banks. James Simmons is irresponsible and flamboyant as the down at heel neighour, Velasco.
TOUCHDOWN: Major Tim Peake brings his brand new live show to The Hexagon, in which he speaks about his experiences as an astronaut in the European Space Agency. Picture: NASA via Wikimedia Commons NEWLYWEDS: Jonny Labey as Paul Bratter, Hannah Pauley as Corrie Bratter. Picture: Andreas Lambis And Oliver Stanley, as the phone technician, manages to remain cheerfully awkward in the thick of it. Stylistically, the production nods appropriately to the 1960s but deftly avoids creating a museum piece. Because of this the play feels fresh, and its modern audience can engage readily with the story. And the production is sprinkled with the warm sounds of Simon and Garfunkel, which complement the themes perfectly. Michael Holt’s set is beguilingly simple and elegant. Uncluttered, but with touches of bold colour, it neatly conveys
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both inside and outside the apartment. Finally, the stairs probably should get a mention. Almost another character, they are never actually seen, yet provide great opportunities for laughs. The Mill at Sonning regulars love their theatre and this show should give its audiences a warm glow during its run. On the opening night one audience member described it as ‘a lovely night out.’ And they weren’t wrong. All tickets include a twocourse meal in the theatre’s impressive waterside restaurant.
EMMA MERCHANT
From the ISS to the IDR: Tim Peake’s UK tour comes to The Hexagon BRITISH astronaut Tim Peake is setting out on a new live show, coming to The Hexagon next year, and tickets have just gone on sale. As part of his work with the European Space Agency, Major Peake became the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station to conduct a space walk while orbiting the Earth. In his new live show, he will give audiences a guide to life in space, including previouslyunseen footage and photographs. The show will follow his experiences with training,
launching, space-walking, and re-entry, and his time running a marathon in space. As well as his time at the ESA, Major Peake spent 17 years in military service, which included serving as platoon Commander in the Royal Green Jackets, and as a flying instructor and test pilot. Tim Peake: My Journey to Space is showing at The Hexagon on Thursday, March 9, at 7.30pm. Tickets start from £27, available via: www. whatsonreading.com.
JAKE CLOTHIER
Seventy harmonious years
A
FTER more than two years of Covid disruption Wokingham Choral Society has taken a big stride back to normality with an accomplished performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor. The concert was held in The Great Hall of Reading University on Saturday, June 25. Bach’s masterpiece was chosen as a fitting celebration of seventy years since the Society’s foundation and was marked by Prosecco offered to the audience in the interval.
The Society has long been led by a brilliant line of young musical directors, including Graeme Jenkins, Paul Daniel, Edward Gardner and Stephen Layton. The latest in the line, James Morley Potter, in his pre-concert talk demonstrated why Bach’s genius in Baroque composition, emotional range and intellectual vigour made the work so apt a choice for the celebratory concert. In performance, the choir captured the challenging demands of the choruses with expressive feeling.
The soloists, Helena Moon (soprano), Catherine Backhouse (mezzo-soprano), Edward Woodhouse (tenor), and Greg Skidmore (bass) responded with moving empathy to the exquisite playing of Time and Truth on period instruments. This was the last occasion, however, when Benedict Lewis-Smith (continuo) was to accompany the choir, a role in which he will be greatly missed. The autumn concert will be held again in the Great Hall on Saturday, November 19.
R.J.E.
The Mission at Sub 89 I REMEMBER seeing The Mission at a packed London Show in the 80’s when they unveiled their new name after briefly being known as The Sisterhood. It was a brilliant night and was the start of a period of international success for the band as one of the best goth rock bands in the world. When I saw that they were touring this year with a night at Sub89 I had to take the opportunity to see them again and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. It was a packed, hot and sweaty sold-out Sub89 and following a great set from
local psychobilly rockers, Go-Go Cult, The Mission took the stage. Performing songs from throughout their career, they showed that they still have the power and the energy they always had and the atmosphere was incredible with crowd singalongs to their classics such as Wasteland, Deliverance and the song that closed their second encore, Tower of Strength. A band still sounding as exciting today as they did in the 80’s.
CHRIS HILLMAN Picture: Andrew Merritt
LEISURE | 25
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Thursday, July 7, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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LIVEMUSIC RaW Sounds Today
debut album, Gameplay, which will be released later in the year. They have just announced a special album launch show at Sub89 on November 10, so make sure you grab your tickets for that one and see them at Wokingham Festival in August and their own Loddfest in September - http://www.thirdlungband. com
Chris Hillman bit.ly/RAW Soundstoday
Phantom Booth – Blind Emotion
L
ONELY ROBOT makes a welcome return to our playlist this week, with a sneak peek at his latest album.
It’s not released until the tail end of summer, but you can tune in to the first track from it Recalibrating is heading up this week’s RaW Sounds Today playlist: our mission is 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 Producer, musician, vocalist and songwriter John Mitchell releases A Model Life, his fifth album
Lonely Robot, aka John Mitchell under the Lonely Robot name, on August 26, and Recalibrating is the first single from it. Lonely Robot is a solo project in all but name and this album is certainly John’s most personal yet. On this single he reflects on the aftermath of a broken relationship. Musically the album again showcases John’s incredible talents and includes some of his brilliant guitar playing, as on this single - https:// johnmitchellhq.com
Third Lung – Lo-hi This band have just come out of the playlist. How can they be here again so soon? Well, they’ve just released another excellent single so they deserve to be. Lo-hi is the second single from their forthcoming
This Reading band describe their second single as ‘a cheerful bittersweet bop’ and it certainly is. Wonderful melodic indie. They are live in Reading on 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 & 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 last week at the impressive Prog For Peart Charity event in Abingdon we are looking forward to their return to Wokingham Festival -https://www.facebook.com/YaokiBand
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 It’s not long until this weekend’s Readipop and one of the local artists playing there is Hoopy Frood. The band will also be at Wokingham Festival, opening the main stage on Sunday, August 28 https://linktr.ee/Hoopyfroodmusic
Deva St.John – DIE! Another artist playing at both Readipop and Wokingham Festival and here’s her latest single. With a positive message and with her melodic indie rock sound, Deva St. John has created another good one - https://www.devastjohn.com/
The Room – It’s Not My Home Here’s a powerful epic from The Room’s Caught by the Machine album. Following great performances at Cambridge Rock Festival and Alfold Rock & Blues Festival, they will be at Wokingham Festival on August 29 - https:// theroom.band/
GIG GUIDE Thursday, July 7 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Bracknell Blues Club: Steve Summers Band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars present: The Ronnie Scott’s Story. Details: 01344 484123. READING - Mojito Beach Bar, The Oracle RG1 2AG. Solo acoustic gig. 6pm. Details: www.theoracle.com READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.
Friday, July 8 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Soul Reggae, UKG, Bashment, Funky House. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Karen Street’s L’Espirit Du Jazz. Details: 01344 484123. CAVERSHAM - Christchurch Meadows RG4 8BY. Readipop Festival: Morcheeba, Jesus Jones Sunscreem, King Kuda, Amya-Ray, The Skandal, Air Circus, Forje, Lilac, Mike Wagner, Skills C. 6pm-11pm. Details: www.readipop.co.uk/ readipopfestival READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Wicked Jackals. Details: 0118 956 8188. 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 with Marky Dawson. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Alban Claet and Evan Clegg: The Collection. Details: www. jazzinreading.com WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Neon Daze. Details: 0118 977 3706. YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvisl. Details: 01252 872105. YATTENDON - West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions. Details: 01635 767090.
Saturday, July 9 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Strats. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. The Lord John Band. Details: 01344 422622. BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Frankie The Fish. Details: 0118 983 2220. CAVERSHAM - Christchurch Meadows RG4 8BY. Readipop Festival: Sugarhill Gang + Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio (Furious 5), Stealing Sheep, Romeo & Michele Stodart (The Magic Numbers), DJ Format, In Conversation: Stephen Morris (New Order/Joy Division) & Richard Jobson (The Skids), The Drop, Hatty Taylor, Readipop AAA Takeover w/ K.Kayne & more, Alive By Night, Deva St John,
Imogen Halsey, Jess Tuthill, Shard Project. 1pm-11pm. Details: www.readipop. co.uk/readipopfestival READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Real Magic, a tribute to Queen. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Don’t Compromise The Vibe with Mr Marvellous, Eagle Bliss. READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Summer of Love Garage Brunch. 3pm. Saturday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. SOS Out of this World drag night. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Relics. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Glenn Wool. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Big Black Boots. Details: 0118 957 6930. WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Charity Festival- featuring DriveIN-Saturday, Old Park Road, Hancocks Half Hour, Nicole Allen and Dezzie. £5 per adult. From 3pm. Details: 0118 979 7402. WOKINGHAM - The Lord Raglan, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Wily Bo Walker. Details: 0118 978 3282. YATTENDON - Village Hall RG18 0UR. Brewhouse Music presents The Daisy Chains and Liza Marshall. £16. Details: 01635 201236.
Sunday, July 10 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 2pm. Songs of Dissent. Details: 01344 484123. CAVERSHAM - Christchurch Meadows RG4 8BY. Readipop Festival: Badly Drawn Boy, Transglobal Underground, Nigel Clark (Dodgy), Brother Zulu, OSP, Jnr Watson + Reading Reggae Collective, 4Fingaz, Beatroots, Corvid, Darcey Hope, Danny Lampo, doops, Du’val, Elucidate, Hoopy Frood, No Feathers, Split The Dealer, Surya, Tea & Jam, Third Lung, Wynona. Details: www.readipop.co.uk/ readipopfestival READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Elizabeth and Jameson. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Stefan J Doyle. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196. THEALE – The Fox and Hounds, Station Road RG7 4BE. Acoustic music. Details: 0118 960 2295. READING - Wild Lime, Friar Street. CRIOLA Reading Kizomba classes and party with DJ Visser. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Rat Pack. Details: 0118 969 8000.
Tuesday, July 12 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music
Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
Wednesday, July 13 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open mic night. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Folk Night with Damian Clarke and Support. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session. Details: 0118 958 0473.
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 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.
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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. 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 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.
ROCKAID CHARITY EVENT FOR CANCER RESEARCH £5 DONATIONS ENTRY High Quality Live acts Saturday 9th July 3pm - 10.30pm THE WHITE HORSE Easthampstead Road Wokingham, RG40 3AF
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WHAT’SON Films at Reading Biscuit Factory
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Thor: Love and Thunder (12a). From Thurs 7. Keep It Cult: Jumanji (PG). Fri 8. Top Gun: Maverick (12a). Thurs. Minions: The Rise of Gru (U). Thurs. Elvis (12a). Thurs. The Black Phone (15). Thurs. Explorer (PG). Thurs 14. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Thursday, July 7
CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Line dancing. £5, non-members £6. 6.30pm-8.30pm. Details: 01344 772161. EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org 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 Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: SJ Perelman. 7.30pm. £2 non-members. Details: wokinghamliterarysociety. org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street. Comedy on Tap. 7pm. £17. Details: 0118 978 0389.
Friday, July 8
CAMBERLEY – High Cross Church, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. Rushmoor ‘Odd Fellows’ Male Voice Choir Summer Concert. 7.30pm. £12.50. Details: rushmoormvc.com CAVERSHAM – Christchurch Meadows RG4 8BY. Readipop Festival: Morcheeba, Jesus Jones, Sunscreem, King Kuda, Amya-Ray, The Skandal, Air Circus, Forje, Lilac, Mike Wagner, Skills C. 6pm-11pm. Details: www.readipop.co.uk/ readipopfestival EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with
Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe: Mary Ford Neal, host AF Harrold. 8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060. WOKINGHAM – Cricket Club, Sadlers End RG41 5AW. Bear in the Air Productions presents Much Ado About Nothing. 6pm. Outdoor show, bring picnic blanket or chairs.. Tickets from £8.68. Details: www. bearintheairproductions. com WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, July 9
BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane. Crafty Church. 10.30amnoon. Teddy Bears picnic, from noon. Includes games and activities. CAVERSHAM – Christchurch Meadows RG4 8BY. Readipop Festival: Sugarhill Gang + Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio (Furious 5), Stealing Sheep, Romeo & Michele Stodart (The Magic Numbers), DJ Format, In Conversation: Stephen Morris (New Order/Joy Division) & Richard Jobson (The Skids), The Drop, Hatty Taylor, Readipop AAA Takeover w/ K.Kayne & more, Alive By Night, Deva St John, Imogen Halsey, Jess Tuthill, Shard Project. 1pm-11pm. Details: www.readipop. co.uk/readipopfestival CAVERSHAM – Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road RG4 6DX. South Chiltern Choral Society presents Cinema Classics including The Wizard of Oz, Rodgers & Hammerstein on Broadway, The Best of Bond and Mamma Mia!. 7.30pm, grounds open 5.30pm for picnic. £15 includes refreshments, Under 16s £7.50. Details: http://www. southchilternchoralsociety. org.uk/ CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Flower Festival: The Platinum Years 1952-2022: Monarchy, Music and Mayhem. In aid of Sebastian’s Action Trust. 10am-6pm. Details: facebook.com/ crowthorneflowerfestival
READING – Forbury Gardens RG1 3BB. Bastille Day 2022: A celebration of everything French, including singers, food and activities. 11am5pm. Details: http:// bastilledayreading.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 – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Sacred Nature: How we can recover our bond with the natural world, by Karen Armstrong. 6pm-7.30pm. Refreshments and book signing after Q&A. Details and to register: Events@ readingminster.org.uk READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. SOS Out of the This World Drag ight. 7pm. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org SILCHESTER – St Mary The Virgin, Church Lane RG7 2HH. Belle Canto Trio in concert: Celebrate. 7.30pm. £10, includes interval refreshments. In aid of church funds and Farm Africa. Tickets available on door. Details: concerts@ silchesterchurch.co.uk TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church, Station Road RG10 9NT. THRU Meets BBQ It with live music. 6.30pm. £6, £3 children, £15 family. Details: http:// thru-christ.org.uk/ WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Sing Healthy Choirs in concert with Ascot Brass, in aid of COATS Crowthrone. 7.30pm. Details: singhealthy.co.uk/tickets WOKINGHAM – Caudwell Hall Theatre, Holme Grange School, RG40 3AL. South Berkshire Singers summer concert: Thank You For The Music. 7.30pm. £10. In aid of Sport In Mind. Details: 0118 989 2092. WOKINGHAM – Evendons Primary School, Finchampstead Road. Evendons Summer garden party. 1pm-3p. £5 for unlimited inflatable use for children aged 4-11. Tombola, bar, cakes. WOKINGHAM – Town Hall and Elms Field. Wokingham Pride 2022: meet for photos by town hall at 11.30am, then parade to Elms Field for picnic at noon. Bring flags and friends. Afterparty at The Station Tap. 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 – ONLINE. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society talk: The Burials of the 25th Dynasty and Napatan Kings, by Dr Peter Lacovara. Takes place on Zoom. 4pm. Details and
booking: http://www.tvaes. org.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org YATELEY – Fyson Blum Hall, Yateley Manor School, Reading Road GU46 7UQ. Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado, performed by Yateley Choral Society. £15, students £5, under 16s free. Details: www. yateley-choral.org.uk
Sunday, July 10
CAVERSHAM – Christchurch Meadows RG4 8BY. Readipop Festival: Badly Drawn Boy, Transglobal Underground, Nigel Clark (Dodgy), Brother Zulu, OSP, Jnr Watson + Reading Reggae Collective, 4Fingaz, Beatroots, Corvid, Darcey Hope, Danny Lampo, doops, Du’val, Elucidate, Hoopy Frood, No Feathers, Split The Dealer, Surya, Tea & Jam, Third Lung, Wynona. Details: www.readipop.co.uk/ readipopfestival CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. 10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928. CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Flower Festival: The Platinum Years 1952-2022: Monarchy, Music and Mayhem. In aid of Sebastian’s Action Trust. Noon-5.30pm. Songs of Praise 6pm. Details: facebook.com/ crowthorneflowerfestival, PADWORTH – Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Padworth & Aldermaston Wharf Craft & Produce Show: dog show, craft stalls, refreshments and a main arena with Falconry display, Arborfield Military Wives Choir. Noon5pm. Details: https:// padworthshow.simdif.com/ READING – Forbury Gardens RG1 3BB. Bastille Day 2022: A celebration of everything French, including singers, food and activities. 11am5pm. Details: http:// bastilledayreading.co.uk/ READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Laugh or Lemon open mic comedy event – five minutes on a lemon clock. 5pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 6048. TIDMARSH – Village Hall RG8 8ES. Art exhibition and sale in aid of Duchess of Kent Hospice. Free entry, refreshments available. 10.30am-4.30pm. Free parking, wheelchair accessible. WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Wokingham vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: www.sparkleveganevents. com 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 – Waingles College, Waingels Road RG5 4RF. Waingels College 50th anniversary celebrations. 2pm-8pm. Bar, barbecue, band, plaque unveiling, guided tours, games, stalls, photos, and more. Details: 50thanniversary@ waingels.wokingham. sch.uk
Monday, July 11
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Flower Festival: The Platinum Years 1952-2022: Monarchy, Music and Mayhem. In aid of Sebastian’s Action Trust. 10am-4pm. Details: facebook.com/ crowthorneflowerfestival EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Interview presentation skills course. 9.30am-12.30pm. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 921 0555. 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, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Tuesday, July 12
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 – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.30-11am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5103. 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 WOODLEY – Coronation Hall, Headley Road RG5 4JB. WISE over 50s forum. Neil Hutton from Brightcall talks about computers and technology. £3. 2pm-4pm. Raffle tickets 50p. Details: Woodleywise@gmail.com or 0118 969 6206.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 7, 2022 wokinghamfilmsociety.com
Friday, July 15
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – The Queen’s Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Just Stop Oil presents: Our Responsibilities At This Time, a talk and discussion. 7.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 931 0232. 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
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun St RG1 2JR. Comedy night with Bobby Mair. Details: 0118 959 7196. 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, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Thursday, July 14
Saturday, July 16
Wednesday, July 13
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 Mosiac 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:
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 for Family Cycling Reading 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 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: 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 Minature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature 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.
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1. Where in the human body is the epiglottis? 2. Which desert region, running through Chile and Peru, has one of the lowest rainfalls in the world? 3. What name is given to the bright ring around the sun which is visible during a total eclipse? 4. A rorqual is a type of which marine mammal? 5. Comedian Sara Pascoe replaced Joe Lycett as the 2022 host of which TV show?
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
ASKED SKILLED SILK
I G O
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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: 23 Good; 27 Very Good; 32 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 U through openings in the walls. The E first letter may appear in any chamber. E N
EU
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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
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DOWN 1. Discordant blare from agricultural machine (5) 2. International peacekeepers ruined what was natural (8) 3. Doctor East in the vehicle finds arch in the road (6) 4. Deposited article in cap (4) 5. French friend capable of being pleasant (7) 6. Animal goes round pine maze after church (10) 9. Relatively large pawnbroker? (5-5) 12. Girl goes round America in a drunken feast (8) 14. Effeminate in a young way? (7) 16. Child brings three cardinals to Devon town (6) 19. Praise guide leader’s parrot (5) 20. Still no shirt on the shelf (4)
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To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
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© Sirius Media Services Ltd
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WORD PYRAMID: The Queen of Sheba. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; multiply; subtract; divide. Total: 12.
SOLUTIONS
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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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QUICK CROSSWORD
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.
4 3 2
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ACROSS 1. Coloured part of garment of a manual worker (4-6) 7. Lieutenant has gone round but stops (5) 8. Posting to a large number who are sick (7) 10. There’s a greater amount in surplus also (8) 11. Graduate returns to be a priest (4) 13. One goal that has been converted in Africa (6) 15. Copyright is obvious (6) 17. There was nothing in the freezer once (4) 18. Sledge to go bang in explosion (8) 21. Reprint of one I noted in tatters (7) 22. Rings back for a tape holder (5) 23. Young actor finds this very easy (6,4)
EQUALISER 10 6 2 2 3 14 3 15 1 3 2 6
Hard
7 1
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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
6 4 2 9 1 8 3 4 8 9 5 1 3 2 7 4 1 8 2 7 6 9 6
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SUDOKU Easy
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FIVE ALIVE QP
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V E T
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6. Which fashion designer was shot dead outside his Miami Beach mansion in 1997? 7. What B was a German art school that strove to combine aesthetics with everyday function? 8. Who did Ronnie O’Sullivan beat in the final of the 2022 World Snooker Championship? 9. Which American Revolutionary naval captain led raids on the English coast? 10. Which colour of the rainbow is also the title of a Joni Mitchell album?
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1
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
PZ1P5421
CROSS CODE
5421
ACROSS 1. Accepts (8) 6. Intend (4) 8. Toilet (inf.) (3) 9. Musical composition (8) 10. Wise man (4) 12. Warhorse (5) 14. Keyboard instrument (5) 17. Pontiff (4) 18. American politician (8) 20. Concealed (8) 24. Ballot (4)
33
25. Seraglio (5) 26. Mature (5) 29. Chief (4) 30. Sailing vessel (8) 31. Donkey (3) 32. Front of vessel (4) 33. Otic medicine (8) DOWN 2. Greek deity (4) 3. Arouse (6) 4. Diversified (6) 5. Unhurried (4) 6. Tessellated design (6) 7. Heart condition (6)
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 19. 21. 22. 23. 24. 27. 28.
Era (5) Animal track (5) Discourage (5) Burst (3) Inert gas (5) River mammal (5) Precious stone (3) Toil (6) Playground item (6) Prevaricate (6) Louvre (anag.) (6) Existence (4) Seaweed (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Receives; 6 Mean; 8 Loo; 9 Concerto; 10 Sage; 12 Steed; 14 Piano; 17 Pope; 18 Democrat; 20 Closeted; 24 Vote; 25 Harem; 26 Ripen; 29 Boss; 30 Schooner; 31 Ass; 32 Prow; 33 Eardrops. Down – 2 Eros; 3 Excite; 4 Varied; 5 Slow; 6 Mosaic; 7 Angina; 11 Epoch; 12 Spoor; 13 Deter; 14 Pop; 15 Argon; 16 Otter; 19 Gem; 21 Labour; 22 Seesaw; 23 Dither; 24 Velour; 27 Esse; 28 Kelp.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Throat; 2 The Atacama Desert; 3 Corona; 4 Whale; 5 The Great British Sewing Bee; 6 Gianni Versace; 7 Bauhaus; 8 FIVE ALIVE: Judd Trump; 9 John Paul Jones; 10 Blue. (1) Across – Quoit; Incur; Screw. Down – Quids; Occur; Throw. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Blue-collar; 7 Halts; 8 Mailing; 10 Moreover; 11 Abbé; (2) Across – Peach; Scoot; Ditch. S G X K A Y W E P B V H T 13 Angola; 15 Patent; 17 Zero; 18 Toboggan; 21 Edition; 22 Down – Posed; Abort; Hatch. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Spool; 23 Child’s play. F J L Z I C Q O N U M D R Down – 1 Baler; 2 Unspoilt; 3 Camber; 4 Laid; 5 Amiable; 6 NONAGRAM: eying; gelt; gent; gently; gilet; gilt; gite; Chimpanzee; 9 Great-uncle; 12 Carousal; 14 Girlish; 16 Totnes; give; given; glen; glint; glove; gone; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU skid; kale; ills; desk. 19 Glory; 20 Sill. gyve; ingle; ingot; legion; legit; lentigo; levying; ling; lingo; loge; login; logy; long; longe; LONGEVITY; loving; lying; ogive; ogle; tigon; ting; tinge; tingle; tingly; toeing; tong; toying; tying; vetoing; voting; vying; yogi.
28 | LIFE
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Keep an eye on your waistline Healthy Heart tip Heart Research UK
Y
OUR waist circumference is an indicator of your risk of developing heart disease. If you carry too much fat around your middle, your risk of developing heart disease is higher, however this risk can be reduced by losing weight. We explain how to measure your waistline and tips for maintaining a healthy waistline.
What is a healthy waistline? A healthy waistline for men is anything below 94cm (37 inches)
and anything below 80cm (31.5 inches) for women. You are at a high risk if your waist circumference is 102cm (40 inches) or over for men or 88cm (34.6 inches) or over for women. If you are a man from African Caribbean, South Asian, Chinese or Japanese origin, a healthy waist circumference is anything below 90cm (35.4 inches).
How to measure your waistline Checking your waist circumference will help you to identify whether you are carrying too
If your waist circumference is within the healthy range, this is great news. You should keep an eye on your waist circumference by measuring it from time to time. If your waist
Go Woke for health
I
S it my imagination or on a weekly basis does yet another phony culture war break out?
circumference is above the healthy range, you should try to lose weight through healthy eating and exercise. You can find lots of ideas for healthy eating and physical activity from the healthy tips and recipe pages on our website. n Sign up for our weekly
healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips. n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes: 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/. n Why not find out if you’re at risk by measuring your waistline today. There are many steps you can take towards a healthier heart.
Inthegarden
Taking it easy in the garden
J
ULY is the month for you to get out and enjoy your garden whether it’s an open area in the country or a more compact urban space. The lazy, hazy days of summer are best spent enjoying the plants that you have lovingly nurtured and cared for over the past months that are now in full flower. You can also relax a little … the grass may grow slightly too long, plants may not be regularly deadheaded and the odd weed may show its head – but you will still love being outside in the garden and so will the wildlife. If you keep it simple and make your garden low maintenance but still looking beautiful you can spend longer relaxing in it. Key to a low-maintenance garden is good plant planning. Use shrubs to add texture and create focal points. They offer all year round structure and require minimal care. You can also cover the ground with plants. Ensure that bare areas in your borders are filled with easy perennials so you don’t have to spend hours weeding. Also, plant some bulbs. They extend the garden’s season of interest with hardly any attention needed, coming up year after year. And, of course, plant the right plant in the right place. Always ensure that you choose plants that are suited to your garden’s soil type, location and size. If you have a lawn then hang on to it – for wildlife benefits, the fun of a
Consider not mowing your lawn, or changing your routine, during July picnic and simply the feel of it, but you could consider reducing the overall size of it by keeping a small area of short grass in the most formal area of the garden but letting other areas grow long. You can also experiment with different frequencies of cut, maybe just once a fortnight, while some ‘wilder’ areas could be left un-mown between March and September. You can even add interest with wildflower plug plants. If you are growing your own veg then plant out runner beans that you sowed in pots or trays last month. Runner beans are one of the easiest crops to grow, bearing masses of long, sweet-tasting beans all summer long.
Another view Neil Coupe
much fat around your middle. To measure your waist, you first need to find the bone at the top of your hip and your bottom rib. You need to wrap a tape measure around your middle at the centre of these two points. Relax and breathe out when the measurement is taken. Ensure the tape measure is touching your skin, but not pulled too tightly. You can repeat the measure two more times and take the average.
Maintaining a healthy waistline
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 7, 2022
Push strong tall supports – bamboo canes or hazel – into the ground sloping inwards so they can be tied at the top. Plant one plant per cane about 15cm apart and tie each one loosely to the support. Water well and pinch out the tops once they outgrow the canes. ‘Scarlet Emperor’ has bright red flowers and a heavy crop and is a favourite heritage variety that has been grown in Britain for centuries; ‘White Lady’ has pure white flowers and is a reliable heavy cropper with stringless, tender pods with white seeds; and ‘Painted Lady’ is a Victorian variety that is grown for its pretty bicoloured red and white flowers and its large
crop of tender, flavoursome beans. Summer is progressing and as the RHS says … this is often one of the hottest months of the year and a great time to sit out and enjoy your garden. Keep plants looking good by regularly dead-heading, and you’ll enjoy a longer display of blooms. Make sure you keep new plants well-watered, using grey water where possible, and hoe off weeds, which thrive in the sunshine. Top three jobs this month – dead head bedding plants and repeat flowering perennials to ensure continuous flowering; care for houseplants whilst on holiday; and water tubs and new plants if dry but be water wise.
Radio and TV stations have been set up to stir this very pot. And what a waste of energy this whole thing seems to be. Two particular items have caught my eye. One concerns name badges and the other is to do with a sneering article about construction workers. Apparently, employees of the Halifax will have name badges with a pronoun (He/him or She/ her) added. This is not an issue on which I have a particularly strong opinion on this, but it is a reminder of a simpler time when name badges used to have clues about people’s gender through the use of titles such as Mr, Mrs, or Miss. As far as I remember, not too many people were offended by this. Having a preferred pronoun is on obviously important for some people. What is interesting is the over-reaction of people supposedly closing their Halifax accounts in droves because of this, proudly citing the expression ‘Go Woke Go Broke’. Why are certain people so easily aroused into a fury because a minor change which has zero effect on their day-to-day life? It is a very odd thing to become so exercised by, like objecting to someone’s choice of sauce on their bacon sandwich and launching a campaign against people choosing brown sauce instead of ketchup. Oh, and good luck to the people supposedly leaving in droves as they attempt to gather the deluge of documentation to open an account somewhere else. Wait until they find out the processes the other banks have to make sure that their angry new customers are not in fact money launderers. The other much more disturbing attempt at stoking division was an article sneering about the outcome of a survey into construction workers’ mental health. Construction workers are 3.4 times more likely than other occupations to take their own life. According to a recent survey, apparently 75% of them actually talk about their feelings and participate on self-care by meditating, reading etc. This was of course dismissed as ‘Builders going woke’ and as something unusual or weird. The undercurrent of course being that big tough working-class men do not worry about mental health issues. Back in the real world, I work in the construction industry and a few years ago attended a Mental Health First Aid course. This was set up to help to safeguard people’s mental health, where working hours can be long, the tasks physically demanding, and if not done properly can be dangerous. It is nobody’s interests for individuals to be driving enormous cranes, working at the top of tall buildings, or using drills or other dangerous equipment if they are struggling mentally. In our company the name of the Mental Health First Aider is as prominent as that of the conventional First Aiders and it is no surprise that the Mental Health First Aider has been the busier, very possibly leading indirectly to a lower workload for the physical first aiders, and of course hopefully assisting the employees to be able to deal with the challenges of the day more easily than they would have done without the conversation. Accidents in the construction industry can be far more serious than simple paper cuts. Mental health is of critical importance in the workplace, especially when the tasks undertaken are so unrelentingly demanding. Sneering at people safeguarding themselves and their colleagues is yet another salvo in the increasingly desperate and pathetic culture war.
SPORT TODAY
WOKINGHAM
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
07.07.22
SUMAS START PRE-SEASON CAMPAIGN
RECORD THROW FOR CHARLOTTE
CROWS SECURE TOP SPOT
WOKINGHAM FIGHT AT THE TOP
NEW SEASON COUNTDOWN
LONG LINKS INTENSIFY AFTER FORMER ROYAL RELEASED
TRANSFER speculation regarding Shane Long has intensified after Southampton confirmed that he has been officially released.
OAKS CLOSE IN By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM CRICKET CLUB’s first-team are close behind league leaders Datchet in the Home Counties Premier Division 1 after they defeated Slough.
The Oaks put Slough into bat first and made a flying start by taking two early wickets. The first of which saw Rahim Akhtar caught out by Sukhmeet Kang, bowled Callum Crieghton and Josh Lincoln quickly followed when he was out LBW, bowled Shaan Khan.
Iain Muirden and Max Uttley were both in excellent form as they collected four wickets each to remove Slough for 158. The Oaks set about their task of chasing down 159 to take the match and had five wickets in reserve at the end of their innings.
Billy Rogers top scored with 44, while captain Danny Housego hit 37 which saw the Oaks clinch victory after 49.3 overs. Wokingham have won five of their nine matches which puts them in second on 150 points. n Full cricket report on pages 18 & 19
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Long, who is now a free agent after his eight year spell on the South Coast, has been linked with a spectacular return to Reading FC. Speaking yesterday about the links to Long, Reading’s head of football operations Mark Bowen said: “I worked with him (Long) at Southampton and I’ve worked with Andre Gray as well. “They are players we have looked at and continue to look at. “It’s in that complicated process. Are they suitable for us as players first and foremost, are they suitable financially and it might come down to one or two players, but they are players we are looking at.” Long became a fans favourite during his first spell in Berkshire after he joined as a relatively unknown prospect from Cork City in 2005. Long became a reliable Premier League striker and spent eight seasons with the Saints and netted 37 goals in all competitions where he made almost 250 appearances for the South Coast club.
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18
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CROWS 2S SEC
CRICKET
Wokingham earned a home victory over Slough to put them in second Pictures: Steve Smyth
Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (batting) v Farley Hill 2s: Mike Brundish narrowly avoids Gurung to stump him out. Pictures: Steve Smyth By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
BCM Championship
CRICKET ROUND-
OAKS SINK SLOUGH TO MOVE UP
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
all round display and victory for the hosts.
WOKINGHAM are in second place after they got the better of Slough at home. Four wickets each from Iain Muirden and Max Uttley helped to decimate Slough’s innings as the visitors finished on 158 from 55.4 overs. With 159 to catch to win the game, the Oaks batted consistently with 44 from Billy Rogers and 37 from captain Danny Housego to see them to victory after 49.3 overs with five wickets spare. FINCHAMPSTEAD are in eighth position after they were defeated away at Banbury. Despite a strong score of 43 from Gregory Smith, Finch only managed to put 102 on the board which was surpassed by the hosts with eight wickets left after 23.4 overs.
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD are in fourth after they won by five wickets at Knotty Green. Andy Robertson and David Healey took three wickets each for the Bears to end Knotty’s innings on 149. A top score of 64 from Matt Loxton not out helped Emmbrook to clinch victory after 34 overs.
Home Counties Division 2
Home Counties Women’s Division 1
WARGRAVE boosted themselves up to second by recording a home success over Cumnor. Euan Woods collected a five-wicket haul as Wargrave bowled Cumnor all out for 204. Half centuries from Jack Winterbottom and Sraven Konidena helped Wargrave on their way, while 92 not out from Woods sealed an excellent
BINFIELD confirmed their status as league leaders after they continued their perfect start to the campaign. Binfield were put into the field by Stony Stratford and the hosts got off to a strong start by taking two early wickets. Amelia Ridgway was run out by Zoe Dochery, before Poppy Tulloch bowled out Rosie Burton-Pye to put Stratford on 14-2.
Home Counties Premier Division 1 CMB Premiership
Chilterns Division 2 EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s are in second after they got past Little Marlow 2s. Alec McNab and Tommy Alborough both had three wickets to their name before 66 not out from Ravi Balakrishnan saw Emmbrook seal the win after 27.4 overs with three wickets to spare.
Stratford recovered well to make it to 48 before the next wicket came the way of Binfield. But Binfield managed to keep the score down as Nellie Baumgart and Docherty both finished with two wickets each to their name which saw Stratford’s innings ended after 34 overs with 106 on the board. Binfield set about their task of chasing down 107 to win the match with a strong platform as opening batters Isobel Carson ad Tulloch provided an excellent start. The first wicket came with Carson out for 23 with 72-1 on the board with Binfield close to the chase. Tulloch survived the entire innings and amassed 66 runs, while Humphrey joined her at the crease (8*) to see Binfield over the line after a commanding batting display to clinch victory after 17.2 overs with eight wickets in reserve. The win puts them top of the table with three wins from three matches. FINCHAMPSTEAD were dealt their first defeat of the season which leaves them in sixth position. Frankie Nicklin was in exceptional form with the ball for Finch which saw her take six wickets. Nicklin added to her stunning bowling display by totalling 60 runs without losing her wicket, but Finch fell just 21 runs shy of taking the win as they were all out on 132.
CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD earned an away win by five wickets at Ballinger Waggoners. Peter Emes took three wickets in the first innings, while a half century from Anthony Cluett helped Crows over the line after 31.5 overs with five wickets left WEST READING’S match at Great Kingshill was abandoned in the second innings. Kingshill hit 233 and with West Reading on 92-3, the match was stopped for rain.
BCL Premier Division SHINFIELD are in second after they got the better of WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE. A huge 114 not out from Chris Sharpe for Waltham in the first innings saw them put 235 on the scoreboard. But 98 not out from Arijit Ghosh helped Shinfield to take the points with six wickets to spare. FARLEY HILL took eight points in their home defeat to Mortimer West End. Michael Sheridan top scored with 71, but Mortimer chased down the target of 150 to take the game.
BCL Division 1A READING UNITED remain as league leaders after they beat Checkendon by six wickets. Three wickets each from Haroon Naseer, SriHarsha Cherukuri and Kiran Alluri saw Checkendon all out on 170.
68 not out from Naseer saw United get over the line with six wickets left. EARLEY lost out away at PEPPARD STOKE ROW 2S. Earley fell just five runs short of reaching the revised target as 83 not out from Vish Shende wasn’t quite enough for them to seal the game. WEST READING were skittled all out for 201 as Silchester succeeded by 201 runs.
BCL Division 1B CROWTHORNE AND CROWN WOOD 2s keep their status at the top after they tied with FARLEY HILL 2s. Half centuries from Dan Finucane and Mike Brundish (64) saw Crows put 208 on the scoreboard. The game went right down to the wire as four wickets from Crows bowler Andrew Baines eventually saw the match tied when Farley’s innings was ended also on 208. Crows collected 23 points, while Farley took 20. RANGERS remain in second after they amassed 35 points in their away win at TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE. Farooq Hussain smashed a century for Rangers, while Twyford fell agonisingly short of taking the win after they finished just five runs off the chase. WOODLEY lost out at home to Warfield by 23 runs. Sudhir Kashetty hit 83 for Woodley but they ended 23 runs shy of the target. READING UNITED 2s added 37 points to their tally with a five
19
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C URE TOP SPOT AFTER TIE Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (batting) v Farley Hill 2s: David Shaw batting
Babu Mani bowling for Farley Hill 2s.
being out as Farley Hill wicketkeeper, Sanjay wicket win over SHINFIELD 3s. Sushant Agarwal knocked a century for Shinfield, but United took victory after 37.4 overs. EARLEY 2s lost out at home to Stallions by seven wickets.
West Reading 2s pose for the cameras
Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (batting) v Farley Hill 2s
Wicketkeeper, Haris Lone catches Harpreet Singh out.
THAMES VALLEY CRICKET
FORD AND PARSONS BATTING MASTERCLASS SEES EVERSLEY RISE TO SIXTH By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Thames Valley Division 1
EVERSLEY rose up to sixth with a stunning 244-run victory over Beaconsfield. Eversley built up a huge first innings total as Oli Parsons (156) and Jack Ford (118) were in superb form with the bat tot total 349. Kyle Bienefeld collected four wickets as Beaconsfield were skittled all out for 105 to confirm a comprehensive win for Eversley.
BOWLING
Frankie Nicklin - Finchampstead v Charlbury - 6-24 James Coker - Theale & Tilehurst 3s v Cookham Dean 4s - 5-52 Frankie Nicklin - Wokingham 4s v Yateley - 5-63 Euan Woods - Wargrave v Cumnor - 5-66 David Bishop - Wokingham 3s v Finchampstead 3s - 5-65 Thiru - Bracknell 2s v Reading 3s - 4-21 Kyle Bienefeld - Eversley v Beaconsfield - 4-33 Andrew Baines - Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Farley Hill 2s - 4-34 Ajay Singh - Woodley v Warfield - 4-34 Max Uttley - Wokingham v Slough - 4-38 Jack Surral - Eversley 3s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s - 4-40 Matthew McDonald - Wokingham 2s v Cove - 4-45 Sateesh Polepaka - Twyford and Ruscombe v Rangers - 4-55 Iain Muirden - Wokingham v Slough - 4-56 James Eaglesham - Finchampstead 3s v Wokingham 3s - 4-58 Dan Anderson - Sonning 2s v Royal Ascot 2s - 4-63 Edward Campion - Eversley v Beaconsfield - 3-5 Tommy Alborough - Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Little Marlow 2s - 3-14 W Lamprecht - Binfield v Slough 2s - 3-21 SriHarsha Cherukuri - Reading United v Checkendon - 3-22 David Healey - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green 3-23 Hussain - Reading 3s v Bracknell 2s - 3-28 Ranganath Deshpande - Rangers v Twyford and Ruscombe 3-29 E Folwell - Binfield 4s v Finchampstead 5s - 3-30 Bryn - Reading 3s v Bracknell 2s - 3-31 Andy Robertson - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green - 3-31 Preyum Nahata - Theale & Tilehurst 3s v Cookham Dean 4s - 3-32 A Sharma - Sonning 4s v Wokingham Oaks & Acorns - 3-33
BATTING
BCL Division 3 SANDHURST 2s made progress in the table after they defeated EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 3s. Sandhurst totalled 159 from 40 overs as Dan Chesterman top scored with 39. Dylan Waters was top scorer for Emmbrook with 21, but they removed all out for just 63 after three wickets from Ejaz Rafique. CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 3s got the better of TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE 2s by seven wickets. Three wickets each from Dave McQuitty and Prakash Singh helped to remove Twyford for 142. Crows surpassed the target in comfortable style after 34.1 overs with seven wickets left.
Honours board
Thames Valley Division 2B
WOKINGHAM 2s are still in top spot despite being beaten by second placed Cove. Matthew McDonald had four wickets to his name but Cove managed to total 226 from 52 overs. The Oaks were removed for 127 as they fell 99 runs short of the target. FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s dropped down to third after they could only manage a draw with Royal Ascot. Loveday struck 83 runs for Finch as they finished on 262,
while Ascot hit 248 from 48 overs which saw the match drawn. READING remain in fourth after losing at home to HURST. BINFIELD moved closer to Reading by beating Slough 2s by 21 runs.
up 30 runs short. WARGRAVE 2s moved up the table despite losing out by five wickets to Windsor. O Newton collected a century, but Windsor surpassed the target after 41.3 overs.
SONNING are still top of the table after they got the better of THEALE & TILEHURST. M Rawat totalled 83 not out which helped his side to a big total of 278 and a second innings total of 248 meant Tilehurst
WOKINGHAM 3s took a draw against FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s which keeps them as table toppers. M Jones top scored with 87 for Finch, while D Bishop took five wickets for the Oaks.
Thames Valley Division 3A
Thames Valley Division 4A
Oli Parsons - Eversley v Beaconsfield - 156 Jack Ford - Eversley v Beaconsfield - 118 N Tahir - Sonning 3s v Binfield 3s - 117* Chris Sharpe - Waltham St Lawrence v Shinfield 2s - 114 Arnav Kulkarni - Wokingham 4s v Yateley - 112 Oliver Newton - Wargrave 2s v Windsor - 111 Sohail Arshad - Theale & Tilehurst 3s v Cookham Dean 4s 104* Farooq Hussain - Rangers v Twyford and Ruscombe - 102 Sushant Agarwal - Shinfield 3s v Reading United 2s - 101 Raoul Harding - Sonning 2s v Royal Ascot 2s - 99* Adil Pervaiz - White Waltham 2s v Slough 5s - 98 Arijit Ghosh - Shinfield 2s v Waltham St Lawrence - 98 Euan Woods - Wargrave v Cumnor - 92* James White - Theale & Tilehurst 2s v Eversley 3s - 92 Calum Thompson - White Waltham v Harpsden - 87 Mike Jones - Finchampstead 3s v Wokingham 3s - 87 Sabya Sen - Wokingham 5s v Falkland 3s - 87 Nicky Dhillon - Eversley 4s v Wokingham 6s - 85* Daniel Orford - Binfield 4s v Finchampstead 5s - 85 M Rawat - Sonning v Theale & Tilehurst - 83* Matt Loxton - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green - 83* Vish Shende - Earley v Peppard Stoke Row - 83 Sudhir Kashetty - Woodley v Warfield - 83 Gary Loveday - Finchampstead 2s v Royal Ascot - 83 Savir Sharma - Sandhurst v West Reading 2s - 82 L Dean - Sonning v Theale & Tilehurst - 78 Jason Stotesbury - Wokingham Oaks & Acorns v Sonning 4s - 74 M Khan - West Reading 2s v Sandhurst - 73* Michael Sheridan - Farley Hill v Mortimer West End - 71 Tom Andrews - Binfield v Slough 2s - 71 Haroon Naseer - Reading United v Checkendon - 68 James Heywood - Eversley 3s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s - 67* Karan Bisht - Reading United 2s v Shinfield 3s - 67 Poppy Tulloch - Binfield v Stony Stratford - 66* Maneesh Mali - Eversley 3s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s - 66* Ravi Balakrishnan - Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Little Marlow - 66 Ashif Jaufer - Berkshire Royals v Stallions - 66 Matt Loxton - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green - 64 Mike Brundish - Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Farley Hill 2s - 64 Mark Higgins - Twyford and Ruscombe v Rangers - 62 Adam Birch - Sandhurst v West Reading 2s - 61 Gopi Kolluru - Reading United 2s v Shinfield 3s - 61 Frankie Nicklin - Finchampstead v Charlbury - 60 Saksham Tyagi - Shinfield 2s v Waltham St Lawrence - 56 Ankush Gandhi - Waltham St Lawrence v Shinfield 2s - 55 Andrew Miller - Twyford and Ruscombe v Rangers - 55 Sraven Konidena - Wargrave v Cumnor - 54* Ranvir Rana - Earley v Peppard Stoke Row - 54 Ranganath Deshpande - Rangers v Twyford and Ruscombe - 52 Dan Finucane - Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Farley Hill 2s - 51 Matt Eldridge - Finchampstead 2s v Royal Ascot - 51
20 | SPORT
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SONNING 10K
RUNNERS OUT IN FORCE FOR SONNING EVENT
Three different courses were available to runners, 5/10k and the Kids Fun Run Pictures: Jen Poulton and Fletcher Goodwin By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today MORE than 300 local runners took to the course at Sonning once again for the fourth consecutive year on Sunday.
Hosted at Berkshire County Sports Club in Sonning and starting from 8.30am, participants in the race got to take in the picturesque village of sonning and the Thames Path with one small hill from the River Thames through Bluecoats School.
Runners had the choice to take part in the 5k or 10k course, while there was also a 2k Kids Fun Run. Race competitors included local running clubs such as Bracknell Forest Runners, Reading Athletics Club, Reading Road Runners, Shinfield Running Club Reading Joggers, Bracknell Athletics Club, Finch Coasters, Maidenhead Athletics Club, Wargrave Runners and more. In the 5k race, Simon Bennison from Bracknell Forest
Participants enjoy the 2km Kids Fun Run
Runners took pole position with a time of 18 minutes, 35 seconds. Joshua Mckenzie from Reading Athletics Club finished just behind in second place with a time of 20 minutes, 15 seconds while third place went to Alex Stewart with 21 minutes, 35 seconds. The highest female finisher, Grace Haldane from Reading AC finished with a time of 22 minute, 47 seconds which placed her in fourth in the overall standings.
In the 10k event, Neil Kevern from Bracknell Athletics Club claimed top spot with a time of 33 minutes, 44 seconds. Andrew Stay from Finch Coasters clinched second position with a time of 37 minutes, 41 seconds. Third spot also went to Finch Coasters as Enda Ward posted a time of 37 minutes, 55 seconds to complete the top three. The strongest female finisher in the 10k was Vicki Taylor from Finch Coasters who
recorded a time of 40 minutes, seven seconds. Thom Sharp finished first in the Kids Fun Run, while Matilda Brewer-Curran and Alice Haldane from Reading Athletics Club both made the top six. Race organiser Ellie Barnes said: “Now in its fourth year, Sonning 5km, 10km and the Kids Fun Run was a great success with more than 300 local Reading runners attending the event along with those from further afield. “With three distances
to choose from, there was something for everyone. “Berkshire County Sports Club laid on free bacon rolls for every finisher which was most welcomed by all especially after running up the small hill from Thames Footpath to Bluecoats School. “We’re very grateful to all the event sponsors for getting behind and supporting the event with 100% energy.”
n For full race results, visit: results.eventchiptiming.com/ results
NEWS | 21
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INTERVIEW
‘We’re not allowed to pay transfer fees’: Bowen gives update on embargo By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today READING FC head of football operations Mark Bowen have an update given the situation regarding the Royals’ transfer embargo.
For the second consecutive season, the Royals are under a transfer embargo which will limit them to only signing loans and free agents after they breached profit and sustainability rules. “It’s not a secret in terms of the embargo and the different situations,” said Bowen. “We’re not allowed to pay transfer fees, there’s no point in me trying to hide that. “We can’t pay transfer fees, loan fees or compensation fees for young players. “It narrows down our market of where we can entice players from.” Despite the restrictions placed on the club, Bowen is confident that his staff can build a competitive squad ahead of the new Championship season. He continued: “I genuinely think there is enough quality if you do your homework and have the right contacts, which I feel myself and the staff have now. “It’s a long protracted situation.
Reading FC head of football operations Mark Bowen Picture: Steve Smyth “You speak to agents and players back and forth, and when it eventually comes to it when you have an agreement, it has to go off
to the Football League and they will tell us whether they are happy with that. “So it’s back and forth because
we have to check with the EFL. “They want to see that we are governing ourselves from a financial point of view with care. “We’re limited in terms of what we can offer with wages and the structure. “That’s why its not as simple as drafting a contract because there are different areas that our secretary has to be in contact with the league to follow those lines. “There’s no definite plan for when we get certain players in. If a player we like and we think we can take us forward, sometimes you have to do it there and then. “In terms of numbers we know we have to address that and we are in the process of doing that. “Paul (Ince) has made his feelings known of who he would like and we act on that.” Bowen also reiterated that he expects that the club will not receive a further points deduction this season. He said: “I’m confident because we have to play within the rules because we can’t do anything until it’s run by the Football League anyway so yes of course. “We know where we are with having to clear things with them so I’m confident we can take those restrictions on board and go forward as a club.”
RALLY DRIVING
RACING STAR BOBBY SCOOPS AWARD
WOKINGHAM racing driver Bobby Trundley has been recognised at a major national awards ceremony.
22-year-old Bobby is a driver for Team BRIT and was named Young Person of the Year at the Anna Kennedy Charity’s Autism Heroes Awards. He went on to become a fivetime karting champion before joining all-disabled Team BRIT in 2019. Team BRIT aims to be the first ever all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24-hour and supports people with physical and psychological challenges in accessing motorsport. In his first year of driving with the team, he won four out of his five races. Three years on, he is driving a brand new McLaren 570S GT4 in the British GT Championship – one of the most hotly contested GT championships in Europe. Bobby said: “It’s a huge honour to have won the Autism Hero Award for Young Person of the Year.
Bobby Trundley at the Autism Heroes Awards “Everyone nominated deserved to win and after my Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award
in 2016 I never dreamt I could win again. To spend an evening with inspirational people who
understand, work and live with autism was empowering and made for a brilliant evening. “Anna Kennedy OBE and her devoted staff set up the charity Anna Kennedy Online to help society and raise autism awareness, acceptance and understanding and are recognised globally for their tireless and ground-breaking work. “They are a small charity with the biggest heart and I will always be indebted to them for the advice and support they give to all who need their help.” Team BRIT Founder Dave Player said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Bobby has received this recognition, which is incredibly deserved. “When we first met Bobby back in 2019, he was shy and did not believe in himself or his abilities. “He has thrived as part of our team and has worked so hard on building on his self-confidence, his presentation skills, his fitness and his racing ability. “I’m immensely proud of the young man he has become, he is a fantastic ambassador for our team.”
READING FC
Meite on target as trialists feature in pre-season win
Yakou Meite played in the pre-season friendly READING FC made a winning start to pre-season in a behind closed doors friendly at Bearwood Park against Colchester United.
Paul Ince’s team, which included new loan signing Joe Lumley in goal, Tom Holmes, Yakou Meite and Lucas Joao, as well as several trialists, went ahead early on courtesy of an own goal. The Royals doubled their lead when Joao was knocked over inside the box just as he was about to shoot. Meite stepped up to take responsibility from the spot and drilled the ball low into the corner to extend Reading’s advantage. Luke Southwood came on towards the end of the first-half, while Tom McIntyre, Ovie Ejaria, Dejan Tetek, Louie Holzman, Kian Leavy and Jeriel Dorsett all entered the contest in the second-half. Believed to be among the trailists in the Reading team included Connor Wickham and Massimo Luongo. 29-year-old striker Wickham has had an injury hit career after making a promising start to his career. He spent four years in the Reading academy from 2002-2006 before joining Ipswich Town, where he made his breakthrough. After leaving Ipswich, he has had spells with Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds united, Crystal Palace, Preston North end and most recently Milton Keynes Dons. He played 13 league games and scored once for League One side MK Dons in the 2021/22 season. Meanwhile, 29-year-old midfielder Luongo is a free agent after being released by Sheffield Wednesday. After a youth career with Tottenham, Luongo has played for Ipswich, Swindon Town, Queens Park Rangers and then spent three years with Wednesday. He has vast experience at Championship level having turned out 142 times for QPR, scoring 10 goals, while he made 64 league appearances for Wednesday. The Australian international, who has played 43 times for his country, made 25 appearances for Wednesday in League One last campaign.
22 | SPORT
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Tom Ince has signed a permanent contract with the club
Femi Azeez in action against West Ham last season Reading forwards Lucas Joao and Yakou Meite during the previous season
READING FC
Dejan Tetek takes a shot during one of last term’s big games
ROYALS STEP UP PRE-SEASON PREPARATIONS AT ST GEORGE’S By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today READING FC are at England’s training base, St George’s Park, as they step up their pre-season preparations.
After taking to the pitch for the first time this preseason in a 2-0 win over Colchester United, Paul Ince’s squad are now taking part in a one week training camp. Reading’s next friendly match will also take part at St George’s Park which is against Portuguese side Benfica. Benfica are under new management after they appointed German boss Roger Schmidt in May. They ended the 2021/22 season in third place under caretaker manager Nelson Verissimo after previous manager Jorge Jesus left by
mutual consent in December 2021. They finished a disappointing 17 points behind champions Porto in what was the club’s third consecutive season without silverware. Among Benfica’s ranks are three former Premier League players. Nicolas Otamendi who played for Manchester City for five seasons, Jan Vertonghtne who spent eight seasons at Tottenham Hotspur and Adel Taarabt who starred for Queens Park Rangers. Benfica enjoyed a good run in last season’s Champions League which saw them progress through the group stages after finishing as runners-up behind Bayern Munich. They fought off competition from Barcelona
and Dynamo Kiev as Benfica thumped Barca 3-0 at home and earned a goalless draw at the Camp Nou to finish in second on eight points, one above the Spanish giants. Benfica made it past Dutch champions Ajax in the round of 16 after they snatched a 1-0 away win at the Johan Cruyff Arena courtesy of Nunez’ second-half strike to complete a 3-2 aggregate win. They were eliminated in the quarter finals despite putting up a stern test against Liverpool where they eventually lost 6-4 on aggregate after another impressive showing from young forward Nunez who netted in both matches. Ince still has plenty of work to do to get his squad
READING FC
ROYALS SECURE SERVICES OF YOUNG STAR AZEEZ By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
ready ahead of the 2022/23 Championship season but work has begun with the additions of Joe Lumley, Dean Bouzanis and Tom Ince, while Tom Holmes, Andy Yiadom and Femi Azeez have signed up to new deals. After facing Benfica, Reading host two Premier League sides at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion. In between the Brighton meeting, the Royals travel away to Mark Bowen’s former side AFC Wimbledon. Reading FC training squad: Kelvin Abrefa, Jokull Andresson, Femi Azeez, Dean Bouzanis, Scott Dann, Ovie Ejaria, Tom Holmes, Louie Holzman, Tom Ince, Lucas Joao, Kian Leavy, Joe Lumley, Tom McIntyre, Yakou Meite, Rashawn Scott, Luke Southwood, Dejan Tetek, Andy Yiadom
READING FC has secured the future of young prospect Femi Azeez by signing him to a new contract.
The 21-year-old forward was reportedly a target for several clubs around Europe, but Reading has managed to keep hold of him for two more years. Azeez’ contract was due to expire this summer but he ahas now extended his stay in Berkshire. The forward, who is the older brother of promising Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez, signed for the Royals in 2019 He had a breakthrough campaign in the 2021/22 season having made his debut for the first-team the previous season.
However, his promising start was disrupted by injury which saw him miss a large period of the season. Azees scored his first goal for the club in Reading’s 2-1 Championship win over Preston North End in August 2021 He followed that up with another home goal when he netted against Bristol City as Reading lost out 3-2 in an entertaining contest to Bristol City. Head of football operations, Mark Bowen said: “Femi is a young, hungry, talented player with the right attitude and an obvious desire to develop and earn regular first team football this season. “He is exactly the type of player we want at this club and I’m delighted he has committed the next two years of his career to this club.”
Reading defender Andy Yiadom
Reading manager Paul Ince Pictures: Steve Smyth
Azeez nets his first Championship goal against Preston Pictures: Steve Smyth
SPORT | 23
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Enow Ojong netted for the Sumas in a draw against Knaphill Pictures: Andrew Batt
Michael Morrison has left the Royals
READING FC
MORRISON CHECKS OUT WITH FAREWELL MESSAGE
FORMER club captain Michael Morrison has confirmed that he has left Reading FC after the expiration of his contract.
Morrison was one of several first-team players whose contracts were up for renewal this summer which has seen John Swift, Andy Rinomhota and Josh Laurent all leave the club on free transfers. Morrison said: “My time at Reading FC has now come to an end. I look back on my time with immense pride having played over 100 games and having the honour to captain the club. “I’ve been lucky to meet some great people and play with some special talent over the last three years. “Enjoying a promotion push that ultimately fell short and experienced one of the best away days at Sheffield United. Not forgetting my goal at Bristol. “Thank you for all the support over these last few years, which no doubt have been made harder
The Sumas in action against Knaphill at Emmbrook School
FOOTBALL
SUMAS SHAKE OFF COBWEBS IN PRESEASON FRIENDLY
By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today
In action against Blackburn Rovers with covid restrictions and points deductions. Good luck to everyone involved at Reading FC in the future.” Morrison joined the Royals on a free transfer from Birmingham City in 2019. The 34-year-old central defender played 108 Championship games for Reading and scored eight times. He was made club captain after Liam Moore was stripped of captaincy in January.
A Knaphill player strides through midfield
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC first-team returned to the pitch this weekend for their first run out of pre-season.
Taking on Knaphill FC, the Sumas earned a 1-1 draw with a goal from Enow Ojong as the team earned valuable minutes in the tank ahead of a new league campaign. Among the Sumas’ coaching staff, Eliot Whitehouse has added a new face to his backroom team as Chris Sweetman, who is an A licensed coach who works at Reading FC academy, has joined. Jamie Shepherd, Sam Wilson and Ben Winship will continue to work in the coaching set-up, while Finlay Ward and Erin Macdonald are also
to continue as club physios. Speaking after the Sumas’ first pre-season outing, Whitehouse said: “I’m absolutely delighted on the first day of pre-season with the first opportunity to get the boys back together. “To throw them into a game straight away is a different approach to whatI’ve been used to as a player and what I’ve seen as a coach and manager, but for us today it worked really well. “We got 22 players through some minutes and it looks like we’ve got a good opportunity now to progress our pre-season.” The next test for Wokingham comes this weekend when they host Thatcham Town at Emmbrook School (2pm kick-off).
Sumas rise to win a header
24 | SPORT
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ATHLETICS
CHARLOTTE HAMMERS STADIUM RECORD Charlotte Payne
RESULTS
Saturday, July 2 FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Reading 2-0 Colchester Sumas 1-1 Knaphill
CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Banbury (108-2) beat Finchampstead (102-9) Wokingham (159-5) beat Slough (158 all out) Home Counties Division 2 Wargrave (205-2) beat Cumnor (204 all out) BCM Championship Ballinger Waggoners (164 all out) lost to Crowthorne & Crown Wood (165-5) Great Kingshill (233-6) abandoned West Reading (92-3) CBM Premiership Knotty Green (149 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (150-5) Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (119-7) beat Little Marlow 2s (117 all out)
By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today READING Athletics Club’s Charlotte Payne became the UK hammer throw champion after competing at the UK Athletics Championships.
Competing in the Championships in Manchester on Saturday, June 26, Charlotte managed a huge 70.59m throw as she smashed the stadium record and became the youngest
ever woman to break the 70m barrier and only the third female athlete to surpass that distance. The outstanding throw ensured that Charlotte won the competition as she threw four metres further than the next best. She also set a new personal best, beating 69.58m at the Berkshire County Championships in May. The 20-year-old is also hoping that her throw has set a new Deaf
BOWLS
WOKINGHAM OAKAPPLES ENJOY WIN AT WOODLEY Wokingham Bowls Club
Wokingham Ladies Oakapples played against Woodley and came away successful with a win of 58 to Oakapples and 45 to Woodley. winning on two out of three rinks plus four points for the highest overall score. Following the disappointment of losing 2-12 to Bracknell in the Kennet League on Tuesday, June 14, Wokingham A have won their last 2 games beating Caversham A 14-0 on Tuesday, June 21 and beating Suttons A 12-2 on Tuesday, June 280. After the first eight games of the 14-game season, Wokingham A sit third in Division 1 East.
Maiden Erlegh Bowls Club In the OTL, MEBC hosted Shiplake. A strong showing by the visitors saw MEBC lose on three rinks. However, MEBC were able to win the overall match on shots. Final scores 8-6 points, 94-85
shots. Individual rink scores 16-19, 11-22, 22-10, 37-9, 8-25. Skips Frank Parkinson, Mary Parkinson, Chris Fellows, Mike Fraser, Ken Cheshire. In the KLV-C, MEBC hosted Sutton C. A strong performance from the visitors saw MEBC lose on two rinks, claiming only 2 points. Final scores 2-8 points, 46-49 shots. Skips were Ray Pontet, Roy Clarke, and Paul Dieppe. In KLV-A, MEBC travelled away to Palmer Park. Despite wins on two rink a heavy defeat on the third rink meant MEBC only came away with four points. The final score 53-58 shots, 4-6 points. Rinks 21-11, 18-14, 14-33. Skips Mike Fraser, Mike Lewis and Keith Hawkins. In the KL, MEBC were at home to Great Hollands. They earned a strong win, powering through after a slow start. Final score 87-58 shots and 12-2 on points. Rink scores:, 22-15, 30-5,
World Record while her entry has been submitted to the ICSD for recognition. “It’s the best feeling ever,” said Payne. “I came in today (Saturday) in the best shape possible, but the fact that I managed to pull out 70m with conditions like that is an amazing feeling. “The standard of women’s hammer throwing in the UK this
year has been crazy.” Charlotte was also in action at the weekend where she set a new league record in the National Athletics League Premiership in Bournemouth. Just a week after her incredible throw in Manchester, she was just seven centimetres shy of matching that when she helped Reading AC enjoy an excellent weekend on the coast.
READING FC WOMEN
‘I LOVE THIS CLUB’ BROOKE CHAPLEN RETURNS AS GENERAL MANAGER BROOKE Chaplen has returned to Reading FC Women as the club’s new general manager. Having been forced into retirement at the end of last season, Chaplen will now return as an important member of Kelly Chambers’ backroom staff ahead of the new Women’s Super League campaign. Chaplen, who played for the Royals for five seasons had to end her playing career after advice from healthcare professional as she received treatment for a bone tumour. Chaplen was signed by the Royals in 2017 from Sunderland, and became the club’s top scorer in her debut season. She has played a vital part in Reading’s forward line over the
past few seasons and scored 16 goals in 37 league appearances for the club. After successful recovery and rehabilitation, Chaplen is now ready for a new challenge in Berkshire. Chaplin said: “I’m really looking forward to this new chapter. “It’s been a great couple of months, spending time with my family, focusing on my recovery but now it’s time for something new. “When Kelly approached me with this opportunity, there was no doubt in my mind about it. “I love this club, so having this chance to continuing being here, I had to take it. “It will certainly take some getting used to, but I’m raring to go and excited to get started.”
BCL Premier Division Farley Hill (150-9) lost to Mortimer West End (153-3) Waltham St Lawrence (235-3) lost to Shinfield 2s (239-4) West Reading 2s (213-7) lost to Sandhurst (277-6) BCL Division 1A Peppard Stoke Row 2s (253-3) beat Earley (206-4) Reading United (171-4) beat Checkendon (170 all out) West Reading 3s (78 all out) lost to Silchester (279-6) BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (208-7) tied Farley Hill 2s (208 all out) Earley 2s (134 all out) lost to Stallions 2s (136-3) Reading United 2s (276-5) beat Shinfield 3s (275-9) Twyford and Ruscombe (2397) lost to Rangers (250-9) Woodley (203-8) lost to Warfield (226 all out) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (349-4) beat Beaconsfield (105 all out) Thames Valley Division 2B Slough 2s (177 all out) lost to Binfield (198 all out) Cove (226-9) beat Wokingham 2s (127 all out) Reading (110 all out) lost to Hurst (147-9) Finchampstead 2s (262-6) drew Royal Ascot (248-5) Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham (244-7) drew Harpsden (241-9) Sonning (278-5) beat Theale & Tilehurst (248 all out) Windsor (206-5) beat Wargrave 2s (203-9) Thames Valley Division 4A Wokingham 3s (243-7) drew Finchampstead 3s (244 all out)
Thames Valley Division 5B Royal Ascot 2s (231-8) beat Sonning 2s (227-9) Binfield 2s (233 all out) lost to Eversley 2s (237-5) Finchampstead 4s (146 all out) lost to Reading 2s (147-9) Bracknell (263-9) beat Purley on Thames 2s (197 all out)
Sunday, July 3
CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Division 1 Finchampstead (132 all out) lost to Charlbury (153 all out) Binfield (107-2) beat Stony Stratford (106-9)
FIXTURES
Saturday, July 9
FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Reading v Benfica Sumas v Thatcham Town Binfield v Maidenhead United CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Slough v Finchampstead Wokingham v Datchet Home Counties Division 2 Wargrave v Chesham BCM Championship Ballinger Waggoners v West Reading Penn & Tylers v Crowthorne & Crown Wood Shinfield v Holmer Green CMB Premiership Cadmore End v Emmbrook and Bearwood Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Fulmer BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames v Shinfield 2s Waltham St Lawrence v Sandhurst West Reading 2s v Mortimer West End Woodcote v Farley Hill BCL Division 1A Earley v Berkshire Royals West Reading 3s v Reading Lions Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley v Falkland Thames Valley Division 2B Royal Ascot v Wokingham 2s Sulhamstead & Ufton v Hurst Reading v Binfield Finchampstead 2s v Slough 2s Thames Valley Division 3A Sonning v Aldershot Kidmore End v Theale & Tilehurst Bagshot v Wargrave 2s Thatcham Town v White Waltham Thames Valley Division 4A Taplow v Finchampstead 3s Wokingham 3s v Cove 2s
Sunday, July 10 Home Counties Women’s League Oxford v Finchampstead
