COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS
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THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Thursday, June 23, 2022
No. 369 90p
Vote held on future of council elections By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
FAKE IS THE FLAVOUR AT PUB FEST P2-3
WOKINGHAM Borough Council was last night expected to reject plans to revamp local elections.
The proposal for all-out elections to be held every four years was recommended for approval by council officers, but it was expected it would not get a two-thirds majority to see it passed by councillors. They were voting during a special council meeting held after we had gone to press. If approved, it would see annual elections, by thirds, replaced by all out elections every four years, starting in 2024. Cllr Clive Jones, leader of Wokingham Borough Council and Wokingham Liberal Democrats, said he would vote against the changes. He said: “We think the democratic process of elections every year is the right approach and councillors should be accountable on an annual basis. “By changing to every four years we are reducing opportunities for residents to give their views. “We believe they should have their voices heard.” At an executive meeting on Thursday, February 17, the council agreed to consult stakeholders on moving to a whole council electoral cycle. There were 3,067 responses to the consultation, with 54% voting in favour of the move and 46% in favour of retaining the current arrangement. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, leader of the opposition Wokingham Conservative Group, believes councillors should follow the consultation and vote in favour of the change. She said: “The Conservatives on Wokingham Borough Council believe in respecting what the public have to say, and we will vote for the option that they have chosen. “Clive Jones said back in April that he believes in listening to the electorate, the people that he’s there to serve. “I hope, therefore, that he will put aside his political interests, listen to residents and vote for all-out elections as the public have told him to.”
OPEN-AIR CONCERT FOR UKRAINE P5
KINDEST CUT: Twins give the greatest gift: their hair • p4
WOODLEY SENDS GIFTS TO UKRAINE
Vital medicines delivered as part of latest mercy dash to our neighbour
EXCLUSIVE
By DANIEL BLACKHAM news@wokingham.today WOODLEY has stepped up again to deliver crucial aid to Ukrainian refugees.
Last week, Woodley resident Ronnie Goodberry was joined by three others as they travelled to the Polish and Ukrainian border with two pallets of medical supplies, food and toiletries. Mr Goodberry described the journey as “physically and
emotionally draining”. He said: “On the day we arrived to deliver the aid, a young lady came to the hub with only a small bag and the clothes she was wearing. “She had been on the road for three weeks and her only possession was her little pet dog which she couldn’t leave behind to starve. “It’s not headline news anymore but people need to hear this stuff to understand it is still going on.” n Continued on page 4
FETE ATTRACTS THE CROWDS P8-9
CHEERS! WARGRAVE ENJOYS FESTIVAL P35 ISSN 2634-8330 25
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2 | NEWS
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FAMILY NOTICES
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 23, 2022
LOCATION: Lambs Farm Picture: LDRS
New commercial units in Spencers Wood to go ahead By GRANT WILLIAMS Local democracy reporter
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THE construction of new commercial units at a business park in Wokingham is set to go ahead despite a raft of objections.
The plan will see three singlestorey units built at Lambs Farm Business Park, in Spencers Wood, creating 340 sq m of extra employment space. The applicant, J P Winkworth Ltd, a family-run development company specialising in industrial, warehouse and office parks – established the business park more than 20 years ago. The site is located near junction 11 of the M4 motorway, and in the close vicinity of Lambs Lane Primary School. It is also situated nearly four kilometers away from Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Burghfield, a nuclear weapons factory, and therefore within the new Detailed Emergency Planning Zone. This means that Lambs Farm’s required response to an incident at AWE is to shelter within 25 minutes and remain indoors for 48 hours. The business park currently has 29 units which are at 100% occupancy. The new units will be situated in the south-eastern side of the existing confines of the business park with an eave height of five metres. The application received 17 objections, including from the Parish Council, residents and business owners who rent other units on the park.
Swallowfield Parish Council objected to the plans claiming the site is “congested” and already has “inadequate parking.” A spokesperson added: “Any additional units will increase the amount of traffic coming into the site with the challenges this presents to keeping children and their families safe at school.” The occupiers of The Garage, a residential property on Back Lane, also feel the development will result in an “unsustainable increase in traffic.” A planning officer from Wokingham Borough Council wrote on their behalf: “No assessment on the impact of environmental pollution, nor the increase in traffic on neighbouring residents has been adequately addressed by the proposal.” Other objections to the proposals were raised on grounds of damage to the environment, excessive noise levels and safety. Resident Steph Meakin said: “To date I have been in contact with Environmental Health over the light and noise level from being situated opposite this business park. “I find it hard to understand how he does not see our properties as being within the vicinity.” Another resident, Anthony Young, claimed the site “is not in keeping with the general countryside appearance of the area” and that further development will “damage the precious ecosystem.” David Spaneuro, tenant of Unit G at Lambs Farm, said the development will “impede our vehicle loading and access.” Despite the objections, development at the site can now start.
ON SONG: Tributes to The Who, The Beatles and Small Faces all performed at The
Faketacular fun EXCLUSIVE By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A WOKINGHAM pub has held its second garden festival of the year.
The White Horse on Easthampstead hosted FakeStock on Saturday. The event highlights local artists and enables them to perform to a live audience on the pub’s very own festival-style Vinyl Cabin stage. Clive McNelly, landlord at The
White Horse, said: “The afternoon started with a brilliant solo performance by Nicole Allen, playing popular cover songs by iconic artists and she certainly got the crowd on their feet. “This was then followed by the very talented tribute bands, R N B Beatles, Ready Steady Who and headlining, one of the UK’s leading tribute bands The Small Fakers.” Mr McNelly said the tribute bands are carefully picked to ensure “very high quality performances”.
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NEWS | 3
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NEW SPACE: Mulberry House Vets will be converting a dog kennel into a new care room and building a new single storey extension
Vet extension will create new care room PLANS for a new end-of-life care room at a Wokingham veterinary centre have been given the go ahead, writes Grant Williams, Local democracy reporter. Mulberry House Vets on London Road will see the conversion of an existing dog kennel into a care room, as well as the erection of a single storey extension to form a replacement kennel. The scheme, submitted by David Planning Ltd on behalf of the independently owned veterinary clinic, will provide a dedicated space to put an animal to sleep which the centre doesn’t currently have. The site is located on the northern side of London Road and comprises an existing veterinary surgery with a first floor residential flat above. A nearby neighbour, Kadie Stelling, objected to the plan based on increased noise levels but emphasised she has a “very friendly” relationship with the vets and wants it to continue “no matter what” the outcome. She added: “I can hear dogs barking already and feel that the move of the dog kennel room nearer to my property boundary will further impact this.” Cllr Rachel Burgess, leader of the Wokingham Labour Group, also commented against the application, highlighting concerns raised by neighbours of “flooding” and lack of a “suitably sustainable parking provision.”
Horse on Saturday Pictures: Graham Tabor
at pub’s festival
Thrusday 21st of July at 7pm
‘Australasia Tour - Wine Dinner’ 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 He added:”Not only did they all sound authentic but their visual presence made you feel you were part of the 1960’s era. “It was a fantastic event and our thanks go to Matt Bond and his team of musicians for entertaining a crowd of more than 200 happy customers, who also sang along and danced to all those famous 60’s hits.” The next music event at The White Horse will be the pub’s annual charity fundraiser on Saturday, July 9, with this year’s chosen charity being Cancer Research UK. Gates will open at 3pm and admission is £5.
n For more information contact The White Horse on 0118 979 7402.
Five-Course Tasting Menu Accompanied Wine Flight Tea, Coffee and Petit Fours Guests Speaker
£59.95 per person To book please call us direct on 0118 979 8805 or email us at enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com
www.chalkrestaurants.com
Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU
4 | LEISURE
Wokingham summer fair this weekend YOUNGSTERS can enjoy inflatables, hair braiding and face painting on Saturday. Other activities will include children’s performances, penalty shoot out, tombola and a raffle. Pre-loved school uniforms and books will also be on sale. A barbecue and pizza van, ice creams, cake stall and a bar will provide refreshments. The fair has been organised by the schools’ Parent Association and Joanna Campbell. It takes place at Wescott & Westende Infant and Junior Schools, Goodchild Road. Doors open from noon until 3pm on Saturday, June 25. Entry is £1, children under 12 enter free.
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Woodley steps up once again to deliver aid to Ukraine
HAPPY HAIR: The twins show off their new locks Picture: Phil Creighton
Superhairoes! Twins face the kindest cut as their locks are lopped
Walkers can step into history THERE’S an opportunity to learn more about Wokingham’s past. The Wokingham Society is offering a free guided tour of this historic market town. Peter Must from the group will lead a guided heritage walk around the town centre, sharing historical facts. The guided walk takes place on Thursday, July 21 from 10.30 until noon. Anyone wishing to join the walk should meet at Wokingham Library’s café area at 10.30am. n The society also holds family history drop-in sessions at Wokingham Library on the last Tuesday of every month except December. This month it is Tuesday, June 28 from 2pm to 4.30pm.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 23, 2022
GIFT: Two pallets of aid were delivered to a hub on the Ukrainian border Picture: Ronnie Goodberry n Continued from front page
At the hub, all arrivals are seen by a doctor and given a comprehensive welfare check. They are then offered food, clothing and taken to safe temporary accommodation. Mr Goodberry described the efforts from the volunteers and staff at the hub as “fantastic”. This was the fifth trip organised by Mr Goodberry with more than 50,000 items of aid delivered, totaling nearly 30 tonnes. Despite efforts from around the world, he insists the hubs
he has visited are still short of supplies and are being forced to reduce their opening times. “They are short of everything,” he said. “The hub we visited is seeing 6,000 people a day and is only open a couple of days a week. “They are running out of supplies and people are not getting the help they need.” Of the two pallets delivered by Mr Goodberry and his team, nearly all of it was distributed the same day with most of the medical supplies being sent to a hospital as soon as they arrived. “They were waiting for us to arrive so they could take the
medicine straight away,” Mr Goodberry said. “I can’t describe the desperation of the people waiting, It was gone within 20 minutes”. Although the trips have been organised by Mr Goodbverry he insists it is thanks to the generosity of Woodley residents. He said: “Residents of Woodley have done their bit and stepped up once again to deliver for the people of Ukraine. “Hand-on-heart, without them none of it would’ve been possible.”
ON SATURDAY, twin sisters saw their locks lopped, in their postlockdown haircut - and it was all for a good cause. Ruby and Emma, both seven, visited H20 salon on Old Row Court for the ultimate cut. The Year 2 pupils were all smiles following their cut, but admitted to being a little nervous before it started. Emma said: “I can’t remember when we last had our hair cut, but it was before lockdown.” Ten inches of hair was removed from both of them, and it will be donated to the Little Princess Trust to be turned into wigs for youngsters who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions. Now, the dynnamic duo have beautiful new hairstyles and they couldn’t be happier. Their Mum, Helen, said: “A friend at their school, Floreat Montague Park, sent their hair
to Little Princess Trust and Ruby wanted to do it too. “I’m very proud of them, and they love their new hairstyles. H20 did a really great job and really looked after the girls.” And it’s not just the hair that is being sent to the Princess Trust. The girls have also managed to raise £250 in donations. Wendy Tarplee-Morris, founder of The Little Princess Trust, said: “We are so grateful to the twins for their support of our charity. “Their hair and fundraising will be a huge help to us as we continue to provide wigs to children who have lost their own hair to cancer treatment and other conditions such as Alopecia. “We provided almost 2,000 wigs last year but can only do this thanks to superhairoes like Ruby and Emma.” n For more on the charity’s work, log on to: www.littleprincesses. org.uk
Stolen cables cause power outage in Emmbrook CABLES stolen from a generator have caused a power outage in Emmbrook. The cables were reportedly stolen overnight from a temporary generator, supplied by Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), in Potter Crescent. A resident reported the incident on social media tweeting: “So someone’s stolen the cables off the SSEN generator which we’ve had in our car park for a week powering our estate, you couldn’t actually make this up.” This is not the first time the estate has experienced issues with power in recent weeks. Cllr Imogen Shepherd-Dubey, Liberal Democrat councillor for Emmbrook, said: “I am aware there has been a number of power problems in that area for
a couple of weeks. “Now these cables are missing and there are more than 100 houses without power.” SSEN has acknowledged the issue. A spokesperson for the electricity company said: “We are currently awaiting the arrival of more leads for the generator and then going for the full repair to get the area back on permanent supply.”
Thursday, June 23, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
10k to return THE Sonning 10k is returning on Sunday, July 3. There are two routes – a 5km race, and a 10km one. Families can tackle the 2km fun run route. Organisers say the route has been designed for participants to take in the beautiful village of Sonning and the Thames Path with one small “hill” from the River Thames through Bluecoats School. The races start and finish at the Berkshire County Sports Club in Sonning Lane, from 8.30am, and the races are signposted with marshals on hand to help.
Peach Place to host fundraising concert for Ukraine this Saturday By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today VISITORS to Wokingham this Saturday, will be able to attend a fundraising day of music Ukraine.
n For more details, or to book a place, log on to www. barnesfitness.co.uk
Family fun day A NEW church is holding a family fun day in Grazeley next month. Bright Hope is organising the event on Sunday, July 3, from noon to 4pm. Activities will include a bouncy castle, face painting, glitter tattoos, crafts and games. There will be burgers and cakes available, and people are encouraged to bring their own picnic. The event is free, and refreshments will be provided. It takes place at the village hall in Church Lane. n For more details, log on to: www.brighthope.church
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GUESTS: Ukrainian musicians Dvi Doli are performing. Picture courtesy of Ian Biles, Beyond The Download.
A number of bands will perform in Peach Place to raise money for our European neighbours, following Russia’s invasion earlier this year. Shoppers will be able to drop in to the street concert, where 10 groups will perform from 2pm. Among the acts is a Ukrainian band. The festival has been curated by Ian Biles of Beyond The Download, and Generation Studio, Maidenhead. They have been supported by the Reading branch of The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, and funds will go to The Reading Mayor’s Appeal and for The Reading Branch of The Association. Ian Biles said: “It’s a great line-up. We’ll have a variety of solo singers and bands playing a mixture of music styles.” All the bands, bar one, are local, and many of them are well-known and popular in Wokingham. “There should be something for everyone, a real mix,” Mr Biles addd. “We’ve got a lineup of established bands such as In Albion, and Third Lung. “And there will be popular soloist singer songwriters too, and musicians, Dvi Doli.” The line-up even spans the generations: Savour The Flavour are actually the fathers of another band. But one of the groups is not originally from the area and will bring a flavour of
Eastern European music to the event. “Dvi Doli are two Ukrainian musicians, who have come to the UK as refugees,” Mr Biles said. Both women are from the Faculty of Music in Ukraine. “They’ll be playing on traditional instruments, similar to the balalaika,” explains Ian. This is similar to the guitar, but has a triangular shaped hollow body. It has only three strings with two tuned to the same note, and the third being tuned a perfect fourth higher. The street festival is an outdoor event, with groups performing on a covered stage, installed specially for the event in Peach Place. “If it rains a bit, the bands will still be able to play under cover of the stage. So unless there is some really serious weather, we’ll go ahead, rain or shine,” Mr Biles said. Peach Place will also be decorated with bunting and flags. “We’re confident that it’s going to be a great day, and we’re expecting around four to five hundred people to attend,” he added. The Festival For Ukraine takes place on Saturday, June 25, with bands playing 30-minute sets from 2pm to 10pm. There is no entry fee for the festival, but listeners will be invited to contribute to the fundraising. n Donations can be made now to the Reading Mayor’s Appeal online at: www.reading.gov.uk/ news/appeal-for-ukraine n Donations on Saturday can be made by visa card at the event or inside Beyond The Download’s store on Rose Street, Wokingham
PRESENTS
SUMMER MILE FAMILY RACEDAY Saturday 9th July 2022
Tickets from £27 Under 18s Go Free Fine Dining from £259+VAT
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 23, 2022
Green fingers will be happy on Saturday A COMMUNITY of plant growers is having a sale of vegetable and flowering plants. A market stall will be set up by Clare Sharp and Wokingham Community Garden Projects. The sale will take place in Wokingham Centre’s market place. Plants will be reasonably priced, with funds going to support community garden projects. The sale takes place on Saturday, June 25, between 9am and 3pm.
The fair is free A WOODLEY Primary School is holding a fair at the start of July. There will be fun, games and music. Entertainment includes a barbecue and an inflatable obstacle course. There will also be an ice cream van and sweet stalls. The PTA have arranged the event at Rivermead Primary School, on Loddon Bridge Road. The fair takes place on Saturday, July 2. Entry is free, and the event runs from 1pm to 4pm.
Dean Bond, owner of Bond Brews, welcomes visitors to his Tap Yard party
SHOWTIME: Selina & the Howling Dogs perform at the Bond Brews’ seventh anniversary party in its Heathlands Road tap yard on Saturday. Pictures: Steve Smyth
Music, beer and pies at Tap Yard GLASSES were raised last Saturday at the Bond Brews Tap Yard. A beer festival was held at the yard on Heathlands Road in Wokingham to celebrate seven years of brewing. Dean Bond, of Bond Brews Ltd, said: “The day was well attended despite the ongoing threat of rain. “Pies from Rural Pie
Co were washed down with copious amounts of Bond Brews beer. “And the 10 local live music acts, provided by Graham Steel Music Company, went down a storm too. “The event raised just over £300 for Prostrate Cancer UK. “All in all it was a great way to celebrate our seventh anniversary.”
Catering came from The Rural Pie Co.
Ten groups performed at the event The event was an opportunity for friends to come together and enjoy a fun afternoon out
7
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Thursday, June 23, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Microbrewery launches So Solid Brew
A new book club opens the pages
HAPPY DAYS: Lower Earley Baptist Church Fun Day on Saturday was part of a Hope Week. It was so much fun that even the church’s minsiter, the Revd Keith Wilson (right) joined in. Picture: Steve Smyth
Bags of fun, followed by a peaceful CHEERS: Chris Davies, Megaman, MC Harvey and Conor Davies celebrate the collaboration with a pint Picture: Disruption Is Brewing By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A MICROBREWERY has created a special craft lager to celebrate one of the UK’s biggest garage bands.
Disruption Is Brewing, based in Surrey, launched “So Solid Brew” in collaboration with So Solid Crew at an event in their taproom on Lawrence Way, Camberley, on Friday, June 10. The collaboration was created after Chris Davies, chief valuation creation officer at the microbrewery, met MC Harvey by chance in a pub. The pair bonded over a pint before deciding to create a celebratory beer to mark the 21st anniversary of So Solid Crew’s UK number one, 21 Seconds. MC Harvey, along with band
founder Megaman, brainstormed their ideal flavour profile, shared ideas for the can design and also helped out with the brewing and canning process. MC Harvey said: “Making this beer, I had to really be part of the process. Because I love my lager, I understand my lager, I know a good lager, but I never knew what it took to make a great lager.” A spokesperson for the microbrewery added: “So Solid Brew is a premium, session lager that is keenly priced and delivers on flavour, taste, and aroma. “The recipe is inspired by our best-selling, gold medal winning beer, The Devil Wears Lager.”
n For more information, visit disruptionisbrewing.co.uk
EARLEY Baptist Church held a Family Fun Day last Saturday. Youngsters could enjoy bouncing on a huge inflatable slide, while there were plenty of crafts, delicious food, stalls and even farm animals to see. The event was part of its Hope Week, which saw it open a space for prayer and reflection in an empty shop in the Maiden Lane shopping centre in Lower Earley. “Members of Lower Earley Baptist Church have converted an empty shop unit into a place for prayer and reflection”, said church minister, the Revd Keith Wilson. “We invited people of faith or no faith to join us in exploring prayer, and to discover the hope that God can give us.” “Our Hope Space was open to everyone and provided a quiet place to find hope.”
St Mary’s fete on Saturday
Reading Haydn Choir to perform
n For more, visit: www.loddonreach.org.uk
n For more details, or to book, log on to www. haydnchoir.org.uk
WOKINGHAM residents are set to be treated to a summer fete on Saturday, June 25. St Mary’s Church will take to School Green, Shinfield, for a fun-filled afternoon in the sun. Visitors can enjoy the array of food stalls and activities on show, all to the dulcet tones of the Tadley Brass band. Children from nearby schools will present a short performance at 1pm, followed by a dog show and children’s races. There will also be a £100 prize for the winner of the raffle. All are welcome to attend the fair, which marks the conclusion of the church’s June jubilee celebrations. The event takes place between noon and 4pm.
n For more information visit: www.womensequality.org.uk/ readingandwokingham
Beech Hill coffee socials for all
The church also welcomed a comedian for a special event on Saturday night.
n For more information visit www. lowerearleybaptistchuch. org.uk
RESIDENTS are invited to share a cuppa at Beech Hill Memorial Hall. The weekly coffee mornings provide an opportunity to catch up with family and friends, as well as meet new people. Tea, coffee and cake will be served by the Hall’s friendly team. Toys available for children. The socials take place between 10am-noon on Wednesdays. n For more information, search Beech Hill Memorial Hall on www.facebook.com
NEW
READING’S Haydn Choir will be performing a summer concert in Woodley next month. The group will return to Christ Church in Crockhamwell Road on Sunday, July 2. Entitled Favourites, the show features many well-known works including Haydn’s Te Deum, Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine, some opera choruses and choral arrangements of 20th century popular songs. The event starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £14, or £12 for concessions. Under 18 tickets are £5. The choir also welcomes new members from September, and information can be obtained on the night.
Repair cafe returns after successful inaugural session SPENCERS WOOD repair cafe returns for a second time on Sunday, June 26. Residents can bring broken household items to be fixed by the able team of volunteers at the Village Hall, Basingstoke Road. Visitors can watch and learn how their items are mended or, if they prefer, enjoy
A FEMINIST book club is starting in Wokingham, and everyone is invited. The Sedero Lounge in Central Walk will host the first meeting. Organised by the Women’s Equality Party, Reading and Wokingham, the club opens its first book on Tuesday, July 5. The group will read Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead, a novel shortlisted for the 2022 Women’s Prize and the 2021 Booker Prize. The event begins at 7.30pm. Anyone wishing to join the group is invited to sign up at www.bookclubs.com
refreshments next door in the Communi-Tea Room. “Our first session went really well with people bringing in computers, bikes, lawn mowers, lamps and clothes to adjust,” organiser Billie Bachra said. “We had so much positive feedback for this community and environmental initiative.”
The monthly initiative provides both economical and environmental solutions to product waste. A toy and book swap will run concurrently. The repair cafe takes place between 9.30am-12.30pm. n For more information, search Spencers Wood Village Hall on www.facebook.com
After school and Saturday morning swim lessons for age 4+ Register your interest at
www.sjcr.org.uk/swimschool
8 | NEWS
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 23, 2022
Bubbles, contests, circus By Emma Merchant news@wokingham.today IT WAS all tugs of war, wheelbarrow races, and bubbles at the Winnersh Fete last Saturday.
FILL-UP: The scheme sees businesses offer water bottle refills for free, and encourages the adoption of refillable containers and recyclable materials over singleuse plastics. Picture: Courtesy of Rachel Bishop-Firth
Town takes lead in fight against plastic pollution WOKINGHAM brought the fight to save the planet from plastic on Thursday, June 16, celebrating World Refill Day. After some downtime during the pandemic, the Wokingham Refill team has relaunched its efforts to cut down on the levels of plastic being used. World Refill Day is part of a global scheme which seeks to tackle single-use plastics and promote reusable products which can then be refilled. The team approached vendors and businesses during the day, encouraging them to join the scheme and help customers away from single-use plastics. During the day, the team encouraged the Sultan Cafe to sign up to the scheme, also paying visits to Maya’s Refillables zero-waste shop, and the now-closed Blue Orchid. Participating business offer free refills on water bottles, and reduce the use of plastic where possible.
Wokingham’s World Refill Day organiser, Rachel Bishop-Firth, said:”World Refill Day is part of a global campaign to prevent plastic pollution and help people live with less waste “It would be great to see more people bringing refillable water bottles into to town this summer, to help cut down on litter and pollution.” “We hope that businesses which take part also attract more customers, “Instead of buying a bottle of water, we hope that people will use their money to treat themselves to something else from the café, and bring their own reusable bag to carry it home.” With 300,000 participants across the world, the scheme has so far prevented more than 100 million pieces of plastic from polluting the environment.
Crowds attending the event at Bearwood Recreation Ground were able to enjoy great atmosphere, and the arena events, which included a dance performance. After plenty of competitive struggling with the tug of war, teams were able to recover with refreshements. And an orange monster appeared to be driving the Woodley and Earley Lions Club car. Organiser, Paul Fishwick was delighted with the way the event ran, and thanks all those who attended, participated in the arena events or provided stalls. He said: “Congratulations to Winnersh Rangers who won the adults Tug of War for the 3rd year running beating Bearwood School in the final. “Also, a thank you to all the school students that took part in the Winnersh Games, Bearwood School, Winnersh Primary, Winnersh Rangers FC and Devils.” A very happy time appears to have been had by all.
n To find out more about the World Refill Day scheme, visit: www.refill. org.uk
BUBBLE UP: Youngsters try and pop bubbles made by Circus Scene , just one of its many activities at the Winnersh Fete Pictures: Steve Smyth
Kaleidoscopic UK volunteers running a lucky dip.on their stall
The Woodley & Earley Lions Club remote control Tesla gate-crashed the wheelbarrow races.
Call for help for families WOKINGHAM Conservatives want to see all families receiving Universal Credit to be eligible for free school meals, and are calling on the council to make a case to the Government. The group says this will help with the cost of living crisis, and follows on from the support given during the covid lockdowns. Cllr Laura Blumenthal, Shadow Executive Member for Levelling Up and Social Housing, said: “There are many families on Universal Credit who don’t get free school meals and who are now finding it difficult to
make ends meet. “We are calling on Wokingham Borough Council’s administration to show that it will stand up for families and lobby the Government for a review of the eligibility criteria. “The previous Conservative administration worked hard to get support payments to individuals, families and businesses who were struggling. “It’s important that the Council sends the message to residents that no-one in our community gets left behind.”
New Cocktail Menu LIVE THIS JUNE 0118 989 1177 www.theredan.bar 24 Peach St, Wokingham RG40 1XG, UK
Circus Scene provided lots of fun for the young ones.
A battle of wits with the wheelbarrow race at the Winnersh Fete
Families enjoy watching one of the tug of war contests
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skills and plenty of fun at fete
Wokingham to mark Armed Forces Day ARMED FORCES DAY will be marked in Wokingham town centre on Saturday. Members of Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band will be in Peach Place between 11am and noon, where they will perform a programme of music from across the years. Although no rain is currently forecast, if that changes the band might not be able to play. Armed Forces Day celebrations will be taking place across the country to give everyone the opportunity to show their support and appreciation for our services personnel, past and present, including Reservists, veterans and cadets as well as their families.
School open day for new Year 3
HO: A heat in the Tug of War. HEAVE: Bearwood School Parents win their heat in the Tug of War.
A duel on the Gladiators end in a win
Youngsters chase the bubbles
A SHINFIELD primary school is set to hold a series of open days for a brand new class. Parents of children going into Year 3 in September 2023 are invited to book their place at Alder Grove’s first event in July. A second Year 3 class is set to be added to the current cohort. Alder Grove opened in 2020 to serve both pre-existing and new families in Shinfield. The Church of England school’s motto comes from Psalm 1:3, saying: “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.” The first open event takes place between 9.15am-10.15am on Friday, July 1, with further dates scheduled for November, December and January. Children join in a keepfit demonstration.
n For more information or to book a place, visit: www.aldergrove.wokingham.sch.uk
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Hospital thanks hidden heroes A CELEBRATION of Reading’s hidden heroes took place last week. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust marked Wednesday’s National Healthcare Estates & Facilities Day by highlighting the work that often goes unseen by visitors. The event aimed to recognise teams such as the portering, housekeeping, catering, security, reception and switchboard, sewing room staff, engineering, pest control, waste management, gas, electrical and water supplies teams and linen and laundry services. The Trust said that the team members manage 39 buildings with floor space similar to almost 20 football pitches. Over the year, they carry out around 40,000 different engineering maintenance tasks, 120,471 patient moves and deliver 720,000 meals. They also process 607,000 letters, remove nearly two tonnes of waste, and answer 13,260 helpdesk calls. Tracey Middleton, the Royal Berks director of estates and facilities, said: “The whole of our Estates and Facilities are always amazing and really are our hidden heroes. “I have lost count of the number of times they have pulled together, to re-arrange and cover each other, often at short notice because of absence or an unexpected situation has arisen.”
Two weeks of original artworks
AN art society celebrates its 65th Annual Summer Exhibition. Paintings, ceramics, jewellery and cards will all be available to see and to buy. Over 100 local artists have contributed to the Wokingham Art Society exhibition, 2022. Annet Pullen from the society, said: “We have coped well as an art society during the past two years. “We even managed to show online exhibitions in 2020 and 2021. “But it is good to be back with real art work on display at St Paul’s rooms once again. A young artist corner will also be available, where children can create their own art work. Admission is free and refreshments will be available. The Wokingham Art Society exhibition takes place at St. Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road, Wokingham. It runs from Saturday, July 23 to Saturday, August 6. Doors open daily from 10am to 5.30pm, with Friday night extensions to 8pm. n For more information follow wokingham Art Society on Facebook and Instagram.
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Foster carers recognised with awards night THE annual Fostering Awards Ceremony was held last month to recognise foster carers across Wokingham borough. The awards were held during Foster Care Fortnight, an annual campaign spearheaded by The Fostering Network to raise the profile of fostering and show how foster care transforms lives. The awards have been running since 2014, to recognise the hard work, dedication, and commitment to changing the lives of children and young people across the borough. The number of children needing foster homes has increased by a third over the past couple of years. A total of 16 awards were up for grabs, with nominations put forward by members of the children’s social care team and presented by Cllr Keith Baker, the 2021/22 mayor of Wokingham Borough Council. Colin Haines won two awards with the first being the Outstanding Contribution to Recruitment, which recognised his work with the family placement team to recruit new foster carers. Mr Haines also won the Ron Rowley Award for exceptional contribution to fostering, alongside his wife Jo. Jackie Ross, recruitment and marketing officer, said: “Colin is always enthusiastic, down-to-earth and reassuring when discussing his experiences at our online information events which undoubtedly helps persuade our would-be foster carers
HONOUR: The 2022 Annual Fostering Awards Ceremony Picture Wokingham Borough Council to take the next step and join our fostering family.” The Ron Rowley Award was created in honour of a much-valued foster carer, who passed away shortly after celebrating 20 years fostering with the council. The award was introduced by his wife Cathy, who is still part of the fostering family and won an award herself earlier in the afternoon. Adella Mutero, supervising social worker, said: “Colin and Jo were named exceptional foster carers due to their commitment and perseverance, alongside an enormous
capacity to love and care for our children. “They have been fostering for many years with the council and have a fantastic reputation within the local authority and with birth families of the children they have cared for.” Other awards on the day included families who cared for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, who were new to foster caring and who showed commitment to education, as well as long service awards ranging from five to 20 years. A group of siblings were awarded
the sons and daughters award, after spending time with the biological children from a prospective foster family to share their experiences, empowering the other children to feel comfortable and giving them a better understanding of what fostering is like from a child’s point of view. Cllr Prue Bray, executive member for children’s services, said: “Foster carers are remarkable in their care and passion for children and young people in their care and the fostering awards offer us a small chance to say a big thank you.”
School says goodbye to inspiring and long-serving teacher By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today STAFF and pupils at an Earley school will soon be thanking a muchloved member of staff for his longstanding service.
Mr Godfrey will be leaving at the end of this summer term after 48 years at Maiden Erlegh secondary school. “He is a much valued member of the community,” said headteacher Paul Gibson.
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“He’s been at the school almost since it opened, 60 years ago. “He’s had many roles – he’s been a PE teacher, head of PE, exams officer, and he led our Tyrabad outward bounds visits for pupils.” Tyrabad was an outside education centre in Wales. It was part-owned by Maiden Erlegh School, Emmbrook School in Wokingham, and Charters School in Ascot. Pupils from year seven were able to travel there to take part in various outdoor activities. “Mr Godfrey was a fervent supporter of Tyrabad,” said Mr Gibson.
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“He was the real driver of the project, and was always passionate about giving pupils a chance to do something they’d perhaps never done before.” The school is planning to give Mr Godfrey a keepsake to remember his time at Maiden Erlegh. “When he retires in July, there will be a Staff Oscars presentation,” continued Mr Gibson. “We would like to present him with a collection of special memories and photos. “If anyone has any past photos, memories, and words about him that they would be happy to share, please could
they send them to the school. “Mr Godfrey will be missed 100%, continued Mr Gibson. “He knows how the school works, and he does so much to support the running of it that isn’t seen. “He’s always been a real servant to the students and to the community as a whole. “He’s part of the furniture and he leaves a very big hole.” Anyone wishing to contribute their pictures, thoughts and stories for Mr Godfrey’s keepsake gift should email them to Mr Pringle at Maiden Erlegh School: d.pringle@ maidenerleghtrust.org
Badminton club welcomes new members
Celebration of Americana thanks to Thames Voyces
WOKINGHAM residents are invited to try their hand at a spot of casual badminton. The Spencers Wood Badminton Club offers a friendly and social environment for members to have fun whilst staying fit. Membership is open to players of all ages and abilities, with visitors able to just drop in for their first session. The club was established in the mid-1960s and has since enjoyed a long and illustrious history, meeting at the village hall. Sessions take place at 8pm-10pm on Thursdays at the Spencers Wood Village Hall. It costs £5 per session for visitors.
A CELEBRATION of Americana will come to Binfield next month, just in time for independence day. Thames Voyces summer concert is entitled America In Song and will include a Cole Porter medley and a Gershwin Portrait. The group will be conducted by Nick Austin and accompanied by Ben Giddens. The show takes place at St Mark’s Church in Popeswood Road, from 7.30pm on Saturday, July 2. Tickets cost £15, £13 for concessions, while under 16s get in free.
n For more information, contact: www. spencerswoodvillagehall.co.uk
n To book, or for more details, log on to www. thamesvoyces.org.uk
Thursday, June 23, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Next stage of greenways paths to be revealed
CELEBRATION SONG: Wokingham Choral Society, pictured here in 2019, is 70 this year Picture: Steve Smyth
Choir marks its 70th with celebration concert By EMMA MERCHANT news@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM Choral Society is this weekend presenting an evening of Baroque music as part of its anniversary season.
Bach’s Mass in B Minor will be played by a worldclass period instrument ensemble. Oxford based chamber orchestra, Instruments of Time and Truth, will accompany the choir. “It’s very exciting to be celebrating 70 years of singing in the same year the Queen reaches her Platinum Jubilee,” said Alison Sears, the choir’s chair. The mass will be conducted by James Morley Potter, with organist Benedict
Lewis-Smith. Soloists for the evening are: soprano, Helena Moore; mezzo soprano, Catherine Backhouse; tenor, Edward Woodhouse; and bass, Greg Skidmore. Before the programme there will be a free preconcert talk. This will be given by the conductor, who is also the choir’s musical director. “James will give some background to the piece, a better understanding of what the audience will be hearing. “His talks are interesting, entertaining, and often humorous,” added Ms Sears. The event will take place in The Great Hall at the University of Reading, London Road Campus.
“ The orchestra is fabulous,” continued Alison. “Quite a large number of instrumentalists will be playing, there are 22 international period musicians. “And there will be around 70 of our choir members singing.” “It’s going to be an incredible concert.” And the event has become something of a double celebration because one of the choir members is also marking a significant event. Fred Preston started singing with the choir in 1960 and celebrates his 90th birthday this month. Fred received a glass of bubbly from the choir’s bass rep, Dick Whittington.
The concert takes place this weekend, on Saturday. The venue is The University of Reading’s Great Hall. The programme begins at 7.30pm with the pre-concert talk starting at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £16, or £5 for students and under 18s. Tickets can be purchased in Wokingham from the Town Hall Information Centre, from Newbury Building Society and from Jay Design & Print. Alternatively, log on to: ticketsource.co.uk/ wokingham-choral-society For information and tickets email:tickets@wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk Tickets, if still available, can be purchased on the door via banker’s card.
WOKINGHAM Borough Council says that the next stage of its greenways project is underway. The network of mostly trafficfree routes links key destinations in the area, and aims to make active travel easier. Current work in Wokingham links Reading Road with Heron Road via Woosehill Meadows. It’s part of a wider route from Cantley Park to the north to Arborfield Cross in the west. The new path starts north of Woosehill Meadows, near the Reading Road underpass. It runs through the Meadows to the Kingfisher Bridge. The work should finish by early August. Autumn should see the installation of a new bridge over the Emm Brook at the north end of Woosehill Meadows. The route, when finished, will have a hard surface suitable for walkers, wheelchair users, cyclists, prams and buggies. It will be accessible for push scooters, skateboards and roller blades too. Later works will improve path surfaces at Coombes Lane and Coles Lane and replace the bridge at Coles Lane ford. And the final section of this greenway will connect Heron Road to Bearwood Road via Fox Hill. The route is one of eight greenways that the council is creating. The first, between Arborfield and
Finchampstead via California way, opened in 2020. Greenways are largely funded by the developers building homes on the council’s four major developments at Arborfield Garrison, Shinfield Parish and North and South Wokingham under its Local Plan. Cllr Ian Shenton, Wokinngham Borough Council’s new executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “Our greenways represent a smart, versatile investment in green infrastructure. “They will serve residents of all ages for generations to come. “We know there’s been some disruption while these works are carried out. “We’d like to thank everyone for bearing with us while we work to finish as quickly as possible.” Cllr Clive Jones, the council’s new leader, said: “Greenways improve vehicle-free access for travelling to work, leisure or social appointments. “This can help to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. “The greenways offer more chances to embrace an active lifestyle and enjoy the stressrelieving benefits of time spent in nature.” The council will announce further details about the next phases as soon as they are confirmed
12 | NEWS
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Pot painting at Hen
Honest motherhood Angela Garwood
By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today A SMALL local business is expanding into a new pottery painting shop.
In the heat of it
O
UR favourite season has come at last. The weather all Brits spend the year waiting for. Heat and sunshine, all at once. Two whole weeks of Summer.
I both love and loathe the sun in equal measure. When given the choice, I prefer to sit in the shade. Some heat is lovely but anything above 25ºC and I start to become irritable. And permanently thirsty. My “have you drunk enough water?” lecture to Maia intensifies and I spend all day every day offering Leo “another sip?”. This dehydration-anxiety annoys Maia so much that even a mere mention of her water consumption will prompt an immediate shut down: “Did you finish your water bottle?” “YES MUMMY.” “Do you need a bigger bottle? I could get you a two litre?” “NO I DO NOT NEED A BIGGER BOTTLE…We can refill them at school Mummy!!” I am reminded of the source of this anxiety when we go to visit my Mum and Dad: Maia’s Grandma: “Maia have you got water? Shall I get you some water? Drink your water darling.” Maia: “Grandma I am fine!” Today it is 29ºC and I am hiding indoors with a poorly Leo. He has overheated somewhat and developed a fever, a result we think of being exposed to the heat for a moment too long. (It seems he does not respond well to sudden rises in temperature.) Other than emitting more body heat than the rest of us combined (plus our central heating), his symptoms are mild. The poor boy is just incredibly hot and equally fussy. He will cling to me for vast periods of time in a position we have aptly named “the koala bear”. It is still possible to get things done around the house with the small wriggly furnace wrapped around me, only with the added exertion of strength training. Ice lollies and Peppa Pig have helped encourage him to sit on the sofa without me. The rest of the day has been weightlifting practice. Of course, it’s all well and good inside the house where we are relatively cool. Collecting Maia from school is another story. I feel awful plonking an already-hot little boy in the oven that is our scorching hot car with barelyfunctioning air conditioning. It takes so long for the hot air to turn cold (sometimes it doesn’t and I’m effectively sat with a fan heater on) that I usually give up and open the windows. “Do you actually feel any of the wind back there Maia?” I ask, my hair flailing over my eyes. “Oh yes!” She says trying to reassure me as she melts. We have black-out blinds on the back windows, the all-encompassing kind that are placed over half the door, so at least the children are in the dark and away from the sun. As a little treat (and because I was worried the supermarkets would run out), we stopped for more ice lollies on the way home. (Several boxes of ice lollies, a tub of ice cream and one big bag of ice to place on my lap in the car and serve as a cooling agent.) Leo can’t be trusted with an ice lolly in the car, so he enjoyed a nice cold juice box instead. We relax our “no juice or squash for the toddler” rule when he’s poorly. We relax our “limit his screen time!!” rule too. The Peppa Pig jingle has lodged itself so firmly into my mind that I’ll no doubt both go to sleep and wake up humming it. No change there really.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 23, 2022
CASTLE VIEW: Is that the Queen waving from the Windsor Castle tower? Maybe she did spot Hurst Morris People dancing on Eton Bridge over the Thames.
Catch these morris dancers across the summer HURST Morris People are poised for a tour of local pubs and other dance spots during the next four weeks, starting this Saturday at Hurst Show and Country Fayre. They’ll perform at 11.30am and 2pm at the show. Next Tuesday at 8pm they’ll be at The Castle Inn, Hurst with OBJ Morris of Wokingham and Bracknell. On Thursday, July 7 Hurst Morris (HuMP) are at the Elephant and Castle, Hurst; on July 14 at The Stag and Hounds, Binfield with the Customs and Exiles morris side and on July 21 at The Wheelwright’s Arms, Hurst with Kennet Morris. All the pub dances are at 8pm, apart from the Binfield one which is 7.30pm. HuMP were dancing almost by royal appointment at Datchet Day of Dance last Saturday. They danced at Datchet and then caught the train, with 50 other morris dancers to Windsor. There they danced in sight of the
castle, and possibly the Queen, for the rest of the day. Tourists from all over the world asked HuMP about their hobby and posed for photos with them. Anyone, men and women, can have a go at morris dancing or music at HuMP’s taster sessions on September 22 and 29 at 8pm at Hurst Village Hall, School Road, Hurst, RG10 0BP. The side promises lots of fun, lovely teachers and – and homemade cake. Musicians able to play fiddle, melodeon, concertina, accordion or recorder are welcome join the merry band for the taster sessions. Tunes are usually in the keys of G and D. The band aims to play from memory by the end of the practice season. To let the side know you’d like to go and for details: email contact@ hump.org.uk, call 0776 1222 390 and visit www.hump.org.uk and @ hurstmorris on Facebook.
Audition opportunity for medieval glory seekers A MUSICAL group is holding auditions for its next production. Reading Operatic Society performs modern West End and Broadway musicals, and operettas. It presents two shows each year, one at The Hexagon, and another at the Kenton Theatre, Henley-on Thames. Its forthcoming show is awardwinning musical, Pippin. A fantasy fairytale set in Medieval England,it follows the story of a young man, and heir to the Frankish throne. Fresh out of education, he seeks happiness and fulfilment. Wanting to be exceptional, he seeks glory on the battlefield, explores temptations, and tests the intoxication of political power. But his adventures ultimately teach him that true happiness lies, not in astonishing endeavours, but in the ordinary moments of every day. The musical score for this dark comedy is by Stephen Schwartz. “Schwartz also wrote Wicked and Godspell,” said Kim Hollamby, Reading Operatic Society’s chair. “His scores are full of hummable tunes, and Pippin will be no exception,”
Pippin, a show filled with medeival musical magic.Picture: Nadine Doerle Director Lloyd White added: “The show is full of fantastic music and dancing and the story is told with great humour and great characters. “There are parts for actors of all ages, including children, and all vocal ranges. “Although the show is not as generally well-known in the UK as it is in the US, it is fun, fast moving and exciting. It’s the sort of show that offers something different for cast and audiences alike.” Audition preview workshops will take place on Thursday, June 30, Monday, July 4, and Thursday, July 7 from 7.45pm to 10pm. Auditions will be on Sunday, July 10. The venue Earley St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road, Earley. n For more, log on to: www. readingops.co.uk
Run by entrepreneur Fiona Sharman, Mad Hatters Pottery Painting Cafe has just celebrated its official opening. The new shop, located in an Arborfield garden centre, opened last month. Mum of six, including twins, Fiona already has one successful pottery painting branch in Tilehurst. She launched her first shop 10 years ago when her twins were 17-monthsold. Despite the challenges of covid, the business is growing and she is able to expand. Fiona said: “It has been a tough few years, surviving covid as a small business. It was really hard at times. “We had to close completely for a while, but we adapted and listened to our customers. “We quickly created an online shop, a click and collect service, and our very popular take away boxes. “Since re-opening, though, business has boomed. “I decided that now was a great time to expand into the thriving hub at Henry Street.” Children can enjoy pottery painting there now simply as something fun to do on a rainy day, or as part of planned events such as birthday parties, clubs or brownies meetings. It is possible to turn up and paint, but Fiona advises ringing in advance. “It’s a bit like booking a restaurant,” she says. “We can seat 68 painters, but to be sure of getting a space it’s a really good idea to phone us first.” What sorts of things do children like painting? “Well, their mums and dads tend to steer the children towards cereal bowls, mugs, that sort of thing. “But of course, the kids know that what grandma actually wants is a multicoloured giraffe, or a very sparkly unicorn,” Fiona laughs. “At the moment narwhals are very
TOP OF THE POTS: Fiona Sharman outside he Fiona Sharman. popular (whales with unicorn horns). “And when Fortnite was more of a thing, our llamas flew off the shelves. “Fighter jets have been really big too.” And the adults? Can they paint too? “Oh yes! Pottery painting is definitely not just for children. “But be warned, it’s addictive,” she says. Adults enjoy painting all sorts of
Anchors aweigh! New cafe that welcomes cyclists opens by the River Thames IT’S anchors aweigh for a new café by the River Thames in Wargrave. The café at the Val Wyatt Marine boatyard has been taken over by Lee Goodwin. He opened the popular Velolife café at Warren Row, near Crazies Hill, about six years ago. The new café, due to officially open last week, had a quiet test opening earlier this month to ensure everything ran smoothly. Lee, 42, born in South Africa, has just passed the point when he’s lived in the UK longer than in South Africa. He’s been in hospitality most of his life. Popular Velolife at Warren Row includes a bicycle workshop and is continuing in business. Cyclists make up three quarters of its customers. Lee is aiming to attract cyclists to Velolife at the Marina as well. He is setting up extra racking for their
bikes. However he believes there’ll be a larger proportion of non-cyclists at the riverside cafe than at Warren Row. The new café with indoor seating is set by the river and has a large decking area with tables and chairs. There are great views over the river to the fields of cattle the other side. The marina activity adds extra interest. There will be extra parking space in the summer. The Cwtch café which was previously on the site closed some time ago. Velolife at the Marina will serve cakes and pastries made by Lee’s brother Tim Goodwin who owns The Street Bakeshop at Old Basing. Last year he was baker of the year in the Baking Industry Awards, a national competition. “Our pastries will have been baked that morning. If they’re not sold
Thursday, June 23, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
nry Street is mad!
er new pot painting shop. Picture: courtesy of
things: tea light holders, plant pots, fruit bowls, jugs…fighter jets. “At the moment we have a great selection of jubilee items to paint,” adds Fiona. “There are crowns, jubilee boxes, commemorative plaques, and lots of gold and silver paints to decorate them with.” Baby painting is another thing that parents are fond of, for example,
turning a plate into a keepsake. “A baby’s hand or foot can decorate a bowl, but anyone who has ever tried that will know how tricky this is! “We have some clever tricks to help with the element of surprise.” “And we have a ‘primp my pottery’ service, where our artist in residence can add simple illustrations to a child’s print to make it even more special and personal.” Bottom painting is popular too. “Just babies’ bottoms, of course,” laughs Fiona. “We had a lovely range of cheeky orange ‘bumkin’ prints last halloween which raised lots of smiles. Once decorated, all the items are put through one of the two kilns on the premises. “We ask people to leave their creations with us, and we aim to have them ready, on average, in about 7 days,” explains Fiona. Everything is dishwasher and microwave safe. “But I do say to people, if you love it, treat it like Wedgewood, and don’t put it in the dishwasher every five minutes or it will eventually chip, like anything,” she adds. The shop hosts regular adults only evenings, Friday with Friends, hen parties, club nights, and it’s available for private hire and team building events. “Anyone can paint pottery,” says Fiona. “We have ideas for grandchildren and grandparents to do together, ideas for fathers day, and we’re currently planning ways for school children to thank their teachers at the end of the year too.” But painting is entirely optional, because the Mad Hatters Pottery Painting shop is also an independent coffee shop. Open seven days a week, it serves coffee, specialty teas, hot chocolate and local cake. n To find out more about the Mad Hatters Pottery Painting Cafe, at Henry Street Garden Centre, Arborfield, search for Mad Hatters Pottery on Facebook or Instagram or visit: www. madhatterspottery.co.uk
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Getting on the water for charity
WPR_2022-06-20_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go
WorcesterObserver
Reader travel LLANDUDNO
& the Snowdon Mountain Railway Llandudno&theSnowdonMountainRailway_D.pdf
Departing Fri 26 Aug ‘22 Experience the rugged landscapes of North Wales on this brilliant three-day break where we enjoy a wonderful rack railway journey on the Snowdon Mountain Railway and time in the lovely seaside resort of Llandudno.
LONG TIME: Nick Judd will stay on the water from dawn till dusk. Picture: Emilia Morariu via Unsplash PADDLE boarder Nick Judd will set off on the river Thames from Abingdon. Leaving at dawn, he hopes to reach the Eyot Centre in Henley at dusk. A Wokingham resident, he’s also a paddle board instructor, and founder of Wargrave paddle board centre, Go With The Flo. The event is not a race, it’s more of an endurance test because the plan is to be on the water for 18.8 hours. “I’m doing this to raise money for Age UK Berkshire,” Mr Judd says. “It’s the equivalent of 1128 minutes, one for every person currently living with dementia in Wokingham.” Mr Judd’s father was diagnosed with dementia, and attends the charity’s dementia walks and cafés. “Age UK Berkshire has been a godsend for my family,” Mr Judd says. “Its services have been really good for my dad. “The singing café in particular has helped him a lot.” Mr Judd has already raised £1,500 for the charity with his
paddle board challenge, but hopes to reach £2,000. He has also been accepting extra fund raising challenges to perform on the day. Because of this he will be performing headstands on his board at every lock he encounters. But the real hurdles will be the weather and the length of time on the water. “Paddling in the rain and against the wind is hard going,” he says. “And this will be the longest time I have spent on the board.” The event takes place on Saturday, June 18. “I picked the longest Saturday in the year just because it gives me more daylight hours,” he adds. “But it is fitting that it’s Fathers’ Day too.” Due to his condition, Nick’s father will be unaware of the event. “If your dad is still around, make the most of him,” adds Mr Judd. Nick Judd’s giving page will be accepting donations for a month after the event.
n To find out more, or to sponsor him, visit his fundraising page via localgiving.org
POETRY CORNER The beach boys
Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading & Slough 2 nights at a selected hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Train journey on the Snowdon Mountain Railway Free time in Llandudno Excursion to Betws-y-Coed
3 Days by Coach
only £169
Single Supplement £30
NORFOLK’S TRAINS
& the Mississippi Paddle Steamer LittleTrainsofNorfolk&theMississippiPaddleSteamer_D.pdf
Departing Mon 19 Sep ‘22 The beautiful county of Norfolk is characterised by charming seaside towns, unspoilt coastline and unique scenery. On this relaxing break we experience the striking landscape of the Norfolk Broads by paddle steamer and enjoy journeys on heritage railways.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Crawley 4 nights at the Waverley hotel, Great Yarmouth with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage train journeys on the North Norfolk Railway & Bure Valley Railway Mississippi paddle steamer cruise on the Norfolk Broads Excursion to Cromer & Sheringham Optional excursion to Norwich (£12pp)
5 Days by Coach
TALES BY THE RIVERBANK: Pictured enjoying their coffee overlooking the river are Rebecca and Mike Chisholm of Wargrave with the café’s new owner Lee Goodwin that day they won’t be on sale again. We won’t though be doing a cooked breakfast,” said Lee from Ascot. “We’ll have sourdough toasted sandwiches, including ham, cheese and caramelised onions; slow roast pork; goat’s cheese and roast veg;
and one with a secret mix of three cheeses. “We would like to develop the mains as time goes on.” The café will be open Wednesday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm.
Other children on the sand, Take a bucket in each hand. Build a Castle - See it rise Underneath the seagull skies. Golden towers; Seaweed flowers; Salty moats for feather boats; Pebble walls, by waterfalls; Shells and stones And white, white bones....
Mark the windows, line the floors, Decorate the palace doors But... We just work like Seaside Moles... Digging lots of muddy HOLES !
Clare Bevan
We love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Send your verse to news@rdg.today
only £324
Single Supplement £60
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
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Your letters We must continue WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
to help Ukraine
TWO big stories about Ukraine dominate our pages this week. Once again, Woodley resident Ronnie Goodberry – who deserves a knighthood – has galvanised the community to not just collect aid, but to deliver it as well. Life-saving medicines and goods have been taken to the country which has been invaded by Putin. Ukraine needs our ongoing support. Putin is not giving up, with his troops digging in the Donbas region in a bid to gain an advantage. And because he is playing the long game, so must we. Saturday’s concert in Peach Place is an opportunity for us to celebrate some fantastic musicians, but it is also an opportunity for us to give generously to the ongoing appeals designed to help Ukrainians who have come to the Thames Valley, and also those who remain in our European neighbour. The need to help them will remain for months to come. When Ukraine needed a neighbour, we’ve been there. We must carry on helping them.
CHURCH NOTES
Appy Days
T
HERE’S an app for everything these days.
I can count steps, count beats with a metronome, find my way somewhere, watch a video, send an email and take a photo on one small device. The same device can even make phone calls and send text messages. You can even read the Bible, pray with an app and go to church online. Technology has given us ways to connect with each other over long distances without going anywhere, and precious opportunities to learn and understand each other. Covid-19 forced us all to do more on-line, and the churches found themselves living what they have long preached - that the church isn’t about buildings, but about people and community. If you looked for worship online during lockdown, you might have found Latin mass, happy-clappy praise, traditional hymns and prayers, sermons, spiritual reflections, Quaker meetings, choral evensongs, mosque, temple and synagogue services live-streamed or on Zoom. You might have found services with signing, BSL or Makaton included. There are still great opportunities to “attend” church with distant family and friends, or simply to drop in as observers, without commitment and perhaps even without anyone else knowing; getting out of bed and getting dressed strictly optional. I hope those online opportunities don’t disappear now that congregations are back in their buildings; church on a Sunday morning doesn’t work for everyone. At the same time, if you ever feel inclined to visit your local church in person, you will be very welcome (silent phones appreciated!).
Kim Tame, from Wokingham Methodist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today
Learning Disability Week and the importance of Adult Social Care
have just reached my 3 year anniversary working for CLASP (a self-advocacy charity for adults with learning disabilities). My life has completely changed for the better. So why am I writing this? Well, the industry is struggling to recruit, and whilst wages do not compete with the private sector (although we fight for change) it is an amazing, rewarding, satisfying place to work. I can only illustrate this with my own stories and experiences. When I used to earn good money I would stand in the queue for a lottery ticket each week thinking money would be my way out to a better way of life. Now I truly appreciate the value of a healthy, happy and rewarding career that does not need a lottery ticket win. I still use my commercial skills to get funding, extend our network of support; my strategic skills to ‘go to battle’ when required and plan for a sustainable future; and my customer service/empathetic voice to support, encourage, motivate our members. I get job satisfaction every day, and despite challenges, stresses and tight budgets, I know my team and I make a huge difference. We help people have their say, live independently, succeed where they may not have thought they could, and raise awareness of what it is like to live with a learning disability - we are a positive part of the Wokingham Borough, and everyday something happens that makes me
smile with pride. So when you see an advert to work in care, or the voluntary service, please take a second look – it could be life changing.
Debs Morrison, CLASP Chief Executive Officer and LDPB Manager
An open letter to Thames Valley Police on road safety
Further to the lack of police road traffic/speeding enforcement over recent years on the busy A4 at Hare Hatch and Kiln Green, you may want to listen to a resident, Ms Karen Robinson, telling BBC Radio Berkshire this week that she counts the number of times free-flowing vehicles trigger the speed warning sign outside her house. I hope you agree that when speeding infringements reach this magnitude (up to 70% of free-flowing vehicles on a road which carries over 23,000 vehicles a day) then something needs to be done urgently. On a related matter, your office responded on 1 September 2021 to the HMICFRS Roads Policing report as follows: Recommendation 10: The resources allocated to policing the strategic road network should be sufficient. The force should have effective partnership arrangements including appropriate intelligence sharing agreements with highways agencies. “Update: In terms of overall resources allocated to the SRN, the department (in common with other areas of policing) has seen significant reductions in resources in recent years. However, coverage of the SRN has been prioritised.” Could you please clarify in what respects your A4 road policing work
From the Chamber
Cllr Paul Fishwick Church Notes
What is active travel?
A
T the Annual Council meeting on 19th May I was delighted to be given the role of Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways.
With a professional background in local government working for 43 years in the Highways and Transport sector before my early retirement in 2018, I understand the challenges faced by officers in managing and improving our travel network, but also the great opportunities which we have if we design a network fit for the future. I was elected to Wokingham Borough Council in May 2019, representing the Winnersh ward and have held the Liberal Democrat
shadow brief for highways and transport since then. This role I know will be busy. Everyone has a view as everyone uses the highway, and there is an understandable demand to make things better. In announcing my appointment, council leader Clive Jones stressed the importance of active travel within my brief. In the past this was often a poor relation to the focus on traditional highways and motorised transport, and this has contributed to the issues we face with congestion, air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions. The Lib Dem manifesto promised a focus on improving conditions for walking and cycling and it is my job to deliver this, while keeping other aspects of our network safe and fit for purpose. So, what is Active Travel? The term covers any mode of travel that involves some level of activity. It
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 23, 2022
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokingham.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper has been prioritised in Hare Hatch and Kiln Green? And notwithstanding pandemic-related lockdowns, are you not ashamed that TVP’s fixed and mobile camera site at Sonning recorded zero offences throughout 2020 and 2021? Would you please also clarify your statement about resource reductions in light of the Government’s published data showing growth in officer numbers? And please would you confirm that your funding via the precept and other sources was not adversely impacted by the pandemic? Finally, how would you react to an opinion that the total lack of police road monitoring and enforcement on the A4 at Hare Hatch and Kiln Green could amount to criminal negligence? I will shortly be inviting TV cameras down to film the traffic on the A4 and I respectfully suggest that your force will need better answers to our speeding problem than it has provided thus far. Even a small percentage of offenders among 23,000 motorists driving through every day represents hundreds/thousands of speeding vehicles each day that local residents and their children have to try and dodge - without the help of speed cameras, police officers or pedestrian crossings.
Simon Chapman, Kiln Green
Johnson has been good Putin is a terrorist a genocide murderer that has commited war crimes now cholera in Mariupol is not enough for him to let his SS troops to murder the elderly and children, pregnant women also rape and pillage and steel grain. On top of it the world’s words never again that mean nothing any more because they turn their back on these murdered people and nag the includes walking, cycling, ‘wheeling’ in various forms and generally their e-equivalents, including most likely in future e-scooters. Despite the potential benefits of active travel, we currently make around 60% of journeys which are five miles or less by car. What has been built is a transport network where people simply don’t believe it is safe or convenient to do otherwise. This can’t be changed overnight, but with investment and other changes to improve safety, speed and convenience there is plenty of evidence that people will choose walking (up to 1km) and cycling (up to 5km) for these shorter journeys. This will free up the roads for deliveries and journeys which need to be made by car. For longer journeys, we can integrate Active Travel routes with bus and rail. Travel by bus and rail is a safe mode to use and increasingly has the benefits of free wi-fi and mobile charging facilities, so you can work whilst travelling. As outlined in the government’s transport decarbonisation plan, improved Active Travel routes will encourage more people to walk and cycle. Aside from any other benefits, the climate emergency demands that we make these changes. Active travelling reduces congestion and
government for pay rises such as the RMT and Ukrainian people are being murded and have nothing on British phone ins people are mean spirited and say it is not my business it is peoples business to help out. Nato is weak and the secretary general Stoltenberg should be sacked and thats why Russia gets away with this invading and next from so called Peter the great who he thinks he is will be the Baltic States. In my view Mr Johnson has been good. Ukraine has made a cake naming him.
Victor Rones, Human Justice & Rights
Prophetic witness A letter by MGGM (‘Religion and politics’, June 16) asks if clergy should avoid getting ‘involved in politics’. The Bible says Paul and a companion were given power to work miracles confirming their message about divine kindness was true. Many people come to faith when they see or experience the reality of divine love in a Church group. Political issues and related human needs must always be of interest to the Church. I was pleased to read the letter (June 9) from the Canon of All Saints in Wokingham calling for Boris Johnson to go. Keep up the prophetic witness, please!
J T Hardy by email
What would Jesus say? MGGM (Wokingham Today 16 June, “mixing religion and politics”) might like to remind themselves that the only people Jesus is recorded as ever having criticised during his lifetime were the religious and political authorities who did NOT is a cost-effective way of reducing transport air and noise pollution both of which deliver health and economic benefits. It’s thought that between 28,000 to 36,000 early deaths occur each year in the UK are attributable to air pollution. In areas where air quality breaches legal limits, 80% of roadside nitrogen dioxide is from road transport. The Department of Transport also calculate that physical inactivity costs the NHS up to £1bn a year with additional indirect costs of up to £8.2bn. The NHS prescribes exercise to protect against anxiety and depression, and for those who can there is no easier way to achieve this than to build it into your daily travel routine. There is rarely a ‘silver bullet’ to solve our problems, but more of us active travelling may be as close to one as we will find in the near future. It has the potential to help everyone – including those who need to drive and who waste time due to congestion. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with our local officers to deliver on this opportunity.
Councillor Paul Fishwick is the executive member for active travel, transport and highways, and Lib Dem ward member for Winnersh
seek environmental and social justice for all. Hence he was killed by the establishment who perceived him as a threat to the status quo.
David Chapman, Wokingham
Housing and prices Three very different articles on page 31 of last week’s Wokingham Today makes very interesting reading. From the Chamber the Leader of the Wokingham Labour Group, Cllr Rachel Burgess talks eloquently about affordable housing and the right to buy. Its well written and clearly highlights the problems of affordability of housing in Wokingham. Next From the Leader, Lib Dem Leader of the Council Cllr Clive Jones, after one month in charge talks in great detail of finding ways of keeping the buses running while recognising the need to reduce carbon emissions. Both well-written articles which show real care for just some of the pressing issues affecting Wokingham’s residents. The final article under the heading Tell the truth penned by Cllr Charles Margetts, an ex-Executive Member of the ousted Conservative Party tells a very different story. He whinges on about persuading the government to help with funding not forgetting the Government is his Conservative Government which all Conservative Councillors make contributions to as a right of membership. He challenges Cllr Jones of not understanding the subject but fails to mention the Conservatives have been
in charge of the Council for over 20 years and the Lib Dems under Clive Jones has only been there for one month. Conservative Cllr Clive Margetts finishes with “the Conservative group is happy to work with in an ‘inclusive and non tribal way on one condition - that he is honest and truthful about what has gone before”. One must wonder had the Conservatives taken Cllr Margetts own advice they probably would be still running the Council. Sadly remorse and non-tribal don’t fit the Conservative model . A bit like after 20 years of a tribal-run Conservative Council its ‘the pot calling the kettle black’. Let’s finish the job off properly next May.
O
Cllr Jim Frewin,Shinfield South
We are being failed
In response to Cllr Charles Margetts From The Chamber in last weeks paper. Yes I am happy to confirm that I am totally serious about a Team Wokingham council and yes I will continue to push all Cllrs from all parties to match actions against words. I hope all Cllrs will join me in this approach. I believe I have consistently recognised good work and challenged appropriately when needed, irrespective of what party or individuals were involved. As one team we could achieve so much if we build-on the good things that are there or in progress and work together to
WBC currently wins around 80% of planning appeals because it has a local plan and can show five-year housing supply. In comparable local authorities where they cannot prove five-year land supply and / or have no plan the success at appeal is as low as 40%. Earlier this year, WBC launched a public consultation on a list of sites for a new local plan. The draft plan (which would run up to 2038) proposed allocating most of the housing to meet the target at Hall Farm near Shinfield. Coalition candidates strongly opposed the inclusion of Hall Farm (2,500 houses), the land next to the southern distributor road (800 houses), Winnersh Farm (287 houses), Rooks Nest (240 houses) and Toutley Depot (120 houses). In total, Liberal Democrat councillors promised to take over 3,400 houses out of the local plan - however offered no suggestions where these houses should go. They gave local residents the impression you could say no to every local development scheme without explaining these houses have to be located somewhere else for Wokingham to have a local plan A major criticism from Liberal
councillors and Cllr Gary Cowan in the local elections was that the draft local plan had been prepared by Cllr Wayne Smith who is the Conservative member for Hurst. Cllr Cowan wrote frequently to Wokingham Today referring to Wayne Smith as ‘Wayne no houses in Hurst Smith’. The new councillor responsible for the local plan is Cllr Lindsay Ferris (Twyford). The local plan will be directed by a councillor from the north of the borough – Cllr Cowan should therefore refer to his coalition partner as ‘Lindsay no houses in Twyford Ferris’ if he is to be fair and consistent. To protect Wokingham Borough it is vital WBC produces a local plan. A failure to do this would lead the area open to development of unsustainable sites as it would be much more difficult for WBC to defend hostile applications at appeal. There is also a risk, as has happened with South Oxfordshire council, that the government will take away the council’s powers to determine planning applications if no plan is in place The Liberal-led coalition has already indicated it plans to complete the local plan which is welcome news. They have already stated that Hall Farm will come out the plan and Twyford will not be developed, despite being the most sustainable area for development in Wokingham borough. They have to then decide whether to fulfil their election promises and remove the long list of sites they opposed in the May 22 elections. If they do this they then have to find a new major development site in the south of the borough – the obvious candidates would
Cllr Gary Cowan, Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council.
One of the team
Cllr Charles Margetts
NE of the main issues which effected the whole borough in May’s local elections was development - the level of development is set by the Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) Local Plan. Central government gives Wokingham borough council an annual housing target to achieve. The housing target is 797 houses per annum – this is judged on a five year basis. The WBC local plan defines where development should take place. WBC gets applications for areas not allocated for development. Examples are the planning applications for housing at Sandmartins, Woodcray and 6 Johnson Drive. WBC refuses applications which do not comply with its plan. It is common for developers to appeal WBC refusals to the planning inspector in Bristol.
challenge where we need to improve. I repeat my offer to work with anyone who shares the same Team Wokingham aspirations irrespective of political allegiances.
Did you know that one in seven diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year die within two months after diagnosis? We are being failed. Enough is enough. On Tuesday 28 June I am marching to No 10 Downing Street, alongside Target Ovarian Cancer campaigners, to hand in our open letter signed by 20,000 people. Together, we’re demanding the government takes action on the awareness crisis in ovarian cancer. In 2019 I was working long hours in the City of London. With a daily commute, busy lifestyle and regularly visiting my sick mum, I was tired. But, like many women, I ignored this and continued on. Then one night, I felt a painful lump in my tummy. It was a tumour. I was later diagnosed with stage IIIa ovarian cancer. For me, ovarian cancer affected my whole body. My right leg bloated due to deep vein thrombosis and a clot on my lung was discovered. I had intense surgery to drain my kidneys and remove the tumour, as well as a total hysterectomy and many other procedures. I then underwent six rounds of chemotherapy. Ovarian cancer changed my life, and with no screening in place it is essential that we are all armed with
From the Chamber
Questions for the Wokingham coalition
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awareness of symptoms. This means the cancer can be found earlier, and outcomes are significantly improved. No one should die because of a late diagnosis. Four out of five women cannot name the key symptom of ovarian cancer, bloating. This needs to change. I’m writing to ask your readers to take just two minutes of their time to learn the symptoms and spread the word to their families and friends: persistent bloating, feeling full or having difficulty eating, tummy pain, and needing to wee more often or more urgently. Become part of this movement to make change happen in government today by campaigning to improve the lives of people affected by ovarian cancer.
Catherine Hunt, via email
Webinar on Lymphoma Lymphoma Action are hosting a webinar on Thursday 30 June from 12:30-1:30pm. Readers affected may be interested and can register to join this free event if they go to https:// lymphoma-action.org.uk/events/ sources-support-family-friends-andcarers. The webinar will highlight some of the dedicated organisations offering help to people supporting an individual with lymphoma. If readers would like to find out more or book a free space more information is available on the Lymphoma Action website https:// lymphoma-action.org.uk/events/ sources-support-family-friends-andcarers
Claire McInerney, via email be Ashridge Farm or Barkham Grange if they refuse to build in Twyford. Whatever is decided residents across the south of Wokingham - Wokingham Without, Finchampstead, Barkham, Aborfield and Shinfield - should be very fearful as it is clear the Liberal Democrat coalition intends to place a major amount of new housing in the south of the borough due to its decisions not to develop Twyford and to walk away from Hall Farm. The Lib Dem-led coalition are about to find out that leading the council involves tough decisions – they made a lot of commitments to remove many sites from the local plan in May. If they wish to keep these promises there will have to be a major housing development in the south of Wokingham for WBC to have a local plan which would then protect the remainder of the borough. Cllr Jones has been quick to talk about how he has written a letter to Michael Gove and met John Redwood. His predecessor, Cllr John Halsall, wrote to Michael Gove many times and had many meetings with John Redwood. Cllr Jones should be honest with the people of Wokingham over housing rather than this empty theatre. He and his party made many promises to the people of Wokingham on housing in May 22. He now has to decide where the housing he and his fellow councillors promised to take out of the local plan should be located – residents in the south of the borough should be very watchful. Cllr Charles Margetts is the Conservative ward member for Finchampstead North
From the leader
Cllr Clive Jones
Working to reduce Wokingham’s housing numbers
P
ARTNERSHIP is the key theme of the new administration at Wokingham Borough Council.
It pervades our approach to all that we do, but this week I want to highlight its importance to reducing the housing numbers that the Conservative government has imposed on the borough. Everyone recognises that some new housing is required. The local demand is mainly for affordable and social housing and we must do all we can to increase the quantity available for those who are priced out of the market. Such housing is desperately needed as more and more people are being made homeless and waiting lists for council accommodation get longer. But if we want to increase the proportion of affordable and social homes in our housing mix, we strongly believe that the total number of new homes the government expect the council to approve over the next local plan period is far too high. We will work in partnership with anyone who will help us make the case to central government for a reduction in the quantity of new housing that government has decided we should take. We will make common cause with councils facing the same situation as we are in – regardless of those council’s politics. The same is true of MPs. We will work with parliamentarians of any party who are willing to help us. Productive meetings have already taken place with two of the borough’s four MPs – Sir John Redwood and James Sunderland. Meetings have been arranged with the others – Theresa May and Matt Rodda. The MPs that we have met so far have been very open to working together. We may differ on many things, but we share a desire to persuade the government to reduce the housing allocation for Wokingham Borough. I am hopeful that Theresa May and Matt Rodda will be equally amenable to working together on a subject on which we are all agreed. Similar efforts, some will say, have been made before, but to no avail. But there are new circumstances that give grounds for optimism. The government is about to review its planning policies that determine where housing is allocated. We see this is an opportunity to demonstrate that the method used to calculate how many new homes should be allocated to Wokingham Borough is seriously flawed and needs to be changed. Wokingham is in effect being punished for taking more than it was asked to provide in the past; that over-provision has now led the government to assume that we can take the same amount – and more – in the future. We also see the government’s levelling-up agenda as an opportunity. If it means anything, it must surely mean investment in areas of the north left out in the past. There are large parts of the old industrial heartlands of the north that are crying out for redevelopment, including new housing. It must make more sense to encourage new housing to go where it is needed rather than cram more and more into the already overcrowded and congested south east.
Cllr Clive Jones is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council and Lib Dem member for Hawkedon Ward
32 | BUSINESS
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association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 23, 2022
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A business park that is changing
Bright future for Grazeleybased solar farm creation firm Law firm’s summer party A READING-based law firm was able to welcome guests for a garden party earlier this month, its first for three years. Blandy & Blandy welcomed 200 people to its Blagrave Street offices for an evening of food and drink. The guest list included clients and professional contacts, as well as the businesses former chairs, Richard Griffiths and Brenda Long also visiting. The firm’s current chairman, Nick Burrows, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome so many clients and friends of the firm to our first garden party since 2019. “Given the difficulties of the last couple of years, it was great to be able to chat to people in person, to catch up with our clients and professional contacts and certainly we were pleased that all those attendin g seemed to enjoy the opportunity to get together. “Thank you to everyone for their continued support for our firm.”
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM-based firm is looking to a bright future after securing permission to build a new solar farm.
Enviromena says the 90-acre site, in Bridgwater, Somerset, will produce enough power for 9,750 average-sized homes per year, and offset around 6,500 tonnes of carbon emissions. The site, at Horsey Levels, uses 45,198 monocrystalline bifacial solar modules with a capacity of 24.18MWp and will generate 28,286MWhs of energy per annum. This is the company’s second UK development to achieve planning permission in the past year, and is one of several solar PV developments sold to Blackfinch Energy, part of Blackfinch Group. Environmena is based in Grazeley, and the firm’s chief executive, Cabell Fisher, said: “(Permission) follows in the wake of several other successful solar
GREEN FOR GO: Permission to build a solar farm in Somerset has been granted to a Grazeley-based company Picture: Sebastian Ganso from Pixabay projects the Enviromena team has delivered in Europe in the last 12 months. “Projects like this will be critical to support the UK Government’s recent initiatives to implement more renewable solutions on the
national grid and to bring down the cost of energy for industry and consumers alike. “We now look forward to harnessing this momentum and hope more of our PV projects will come through the planning system
so we can continue to support the UK’s commitment to hit its renewable energy targets and to further Enviromena’s mission to help facilitate the transition to a world powered by clean energy by providing safe, affordable, and reliable clean energy solutions to its customers.” This planning permission comes at a time when UK consumers’ energy prices have risen by 54% this year, and these prices should continue to rise for the foreseeable future due to the global unpredictability of supply now caused by the war in Ukraine. It will also reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels which can have a higher carbon footprint than renewables and are susceptible to supply shocks and price volatility. Enviromena says it is one of the UK’s largest clean energy solutions companies and has more than 1GW of active solar farms and battery energy storage systems in development and operation throughout Europe. Mirthy is an online platform that aims to help people come together
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Promedica24 and Mirthy bring the elderly community together online A NEW partnership has been launched to help people enjoy an active social life from the comfort of their own home. Twyford-based live-in care specialist Promedica24 has teamed up with online event community Mirthy. It offers people the chance to share, learn, and connect through activities designed to be fun and encourage activities. It hosts more than 120 different events, include dance, yoga, arts and history, each month from more than 100 hosts, who have all been vetted. . Mirthy says its platform has been created to help those struggling with social isolation and its negative consequences. All current and new clients
supported by Promedica24 will be gifted a free Premium Account worth £60 a year. Users will be able to easily log-in, register, and attend events that are of interest to them. Once registered, events will automatically appear on their personalised dashboard. And there is a seven-day replay service for those who miss the live session. Promedica24 says its livein carers will be able to help manage the technology for those for whom it is a struggle. Grzegorz Wrzosek, country manager of Promedica24, said the firm was delighted to be the first home-care provided to team up with Mirthy. : “We pride ourselves on delivering meaningful support
to our clients and improving their wellbeing,” he said. “Social isolation can be a real problem for our community, however, through the power of technology and the incredible service provided by Mirthy, the people in our care will be able to meet like-minded individuals in the comfort of their own home.” And the feeling was mutual. Alex Ramamurthy, CEO of Mirthy, said: “More than 40,000 members have joined Mirthy since launching in June 2021, many of whom are housebound. “Promedica24 have spearheaded the opportunity within the home care and live in care market, and we look forward to developing this partnership further.”
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Duo battle two metre flames to save historic Hurst pub
Fete to be held in Arborfield WOKINGHAM residents are set to enjoy a fun-filled summer fair. The Arborfield Community Centre will play host to an enthralling afternoon of seasonal festivity. Visitors can enjoy the vast array of food and entertainment stalls with family and friends, as well as meet new faces from the area. Food trucks, crafts, beat the goalie, ice cream, candy floss and face painting will mean there’s something for everyone. Prospective stall holders are asked to contact the committee to register their interest. The event takes place between 11am-3pm on Saturday, July 16.
By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today
A PUB landlord and supervisor battled two metre long flames bursting from a burning tumble dryer to save a Grade II listed pub.
Woken by the fire alarm, Cameron Hope, supervisor at The Castle Inn, Hurst, and his partner who live at the pub, escaped from their flat in the early hours of Sunday, June 19. The couple believe their cat may have sensed the coming fire as, before the alarm went off, she had been rubbing herself up to Mr Hope’s partner in an “unusually persistent” way. “We just got her off the bed. Animals have a good sense of smell. Maybe she could smell the smoke,” said Mr Hope. “After the alarm went off I checked round the pub. In the snug bar I saw smoke coming from under the door to the laundry room. “Like I was taught when I was young, I felt the door to make sure it wasn’t hot. I went in and the tumble dryer was smoking a lot. It was turned off. “I was taking the tea towels out when it ignited. It started off as a very small flame, within half a second it burst into flames.
Artist up for award
n For more information or to book a stall, contact: arborfieldevents@gmail.com
Garage sale in aid of Ukraine
NOW SAFE: Cameron Hope looking at the damage caused by the fire Picture: Sue Corcoran “It was terrifying.” Mr Hope escaped from the laundry room via its exterior fire door into the car park. “I tried to use a fire extinguisher but by this time the flames were coming out two metres long. I couldn’t get close to it. I was worried the whole place would go up in flames, it’s an old building,” he added. Mr Hope phoned landlord
Matt Brown who used two more fire extinguishers on the flames. Mr Hope’s partner had called the fire brigade. “They came within 10 minutes and got the fire out quickly,” he said. His partner held tight to the couple’s cat in the car park after Mr Hope went back inside to rescue it from their flat. Sue Payne, trustee of Church House Charity which owns the
pub, said: “Cameron and Matt have been heroes. “We’re grateful there were no injuries. We do thank them and the fire service for all they did. They saved the pub.” The pub was closed on Sunday with up to 80 people due to have meals there on Father’s Day. Mr Hope said: “I called everyone, they all understood. They were just worried in case
anyone had been hurt and asked if the pub was OK.” The fire damaged the laundry room and its ceiling and on Tuesday, June 21, the snug bar was out of use due to water damage. The pub, which goes back 500 years, had a major refurbishment last year costing many £10,000s. The cost of the damage is yet to be assessed.
A GARAGE sale will be held to raise funds for Ukraine. All items will be available on a ‘name your price’ basis, with the hope that visitors will be generous for the charity fund. It takes place on Saturday, June 25, in Bodmin Road, Woodley, between 10am and 1pm.
n For more details, call: 0118 926 7724.
Crowthorne Carnival gets underway next weekend
A READING Artist has been longlisted for an international illustration award. Sally Castle’s The Happy Prince has been nominated for the World Illustration Prize, which sees artists from all over the world recognised across ten categories. There are 500 artists currently in the running, from 5,000 entries. The shortlist, narrowed down to 200, is due to be announced later in the year. Those on the shortlist, will be featured in the awards catalogues, which is distributed to commissioners around the world. They will also be invited to the awards ceremony in November. Ms Castle said: “I am very excited about this and would like to thank everyone for their help in making this happen.”
AFTER a gap of four years, the Crowthorne Carnival is set to return next weekend. From Saturday, July 2, to Sunday, July 10, a number of events will take place to entertain attendees. On Saturday, the carnival procession will leave Wellington College at noon, process along Dukes Ride and then the High Street before finishing at Morgan Recreation Ground, It will feature a number of colourful floats created by residents, schools and organisations who have been asked to give their slant on the carnival theme of The Platinum Years. After the parade, a fete will be opened by the mayor for an afternoon of entertainment featuring OBJ Morris Dancers, Whittles Fairground and a BMX team performing stunts. The winners from the front garden and scarecrow competition, which has been taking place since Saturday, June 18, will also be announced, along with the winners of the shop window competition. On Thursday, July 7, a special afternoon
OBJ Morris will be performing at Crowthorne Carnival
cream tea is taking place at Crowthorne Baptist Church from 3pm to 4.30pm. Entry is £2.50 and places can be reserved by emailing bookings. crowthornebaptist@gmail.com. On Friday, July 8, a carnival quiz night will be held at the Morgan Centre with tickets costing £12. From 10am on Saturday, July 9, the Crowthorne Methodist Church will host a flower and vegetable competition with prizes being
awarded for the best on show. A treasure hunt will take place at the Morgan Recreation Ground from 2pm on Sunday, July 10, with tickets costing £3 per adult and £1 for children. The traditional end-of-carnival church service will be held later the same evening at St John’s Parish Church. n For more information, visit crowthornecarnival. org
Update bus pass details CONCESSIONARY bus pass holders are being urged to provide up-to-date details to the council to avoid disruption to their use of the service. From Tuesday, August 9, Wokingham Borough Council will renew all 24,000 passes which it has issued to eligible residents over the last five years. Exisiting passes will expire on Friday, September 30. Concessionary passes are
available to residents who have reached the state pension age or who have certain conditions affecting their mobility for 12 months or more. Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: “Many concessionary bus pass holders will have moved home without letting us know. “If we don’t have your current address on file, there’s a chance that you might not
get a new pass before your old one runs out. “This will ensure you continue to enjoy the benefits of travelling by bus free of charge, including a significantly reduced impact on our environment compared with travelling by car.” Pass holders who have moved home in the past five years should email concessionarytravel@ wokingham.gov.uk.
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Yeldall to hold open day
HERITAGE MATTERS The last of the Wokingham Heelases Local people will know about the Heelases who owned department stores in Wokingham and Reading. Perhaps less well known is Frank Charles Heelas, fourth son of Tyndale Heelas, the manager of the Wokingham branch. Frank was born in 1874 and did not enter the family business. His earliest known employment was as a farm bailiff and for a while he lived and worked at the Manor House in Isley Walton, Leicestershire. In 1904, after his return, he bought for £2,350 the flour mill in Reading Road, near what is now the Woosehill Roundabout. The mill had been in the hands of the Wescott family and had replaced an earlier paper mill that burned down in 1884.Thomas Manley Wescott had been the first Mayor of Wokingham and Frank married his niece Charlotte in 1916. To make the mill more efficient Frank altered the course of the Emm Brook and provided a deeper mill run to increase the efficiency of the mill wheel that powered the machinery In 1921 Frank sold the mill to C B Middleton & Co. which turned it into a knitting factory, the machines and a large winder being operated by water turbine.
Y
ELDALL Manor, the place where men with drug and/or alcohol addictions can turn round their lives, is holding an open day. Chris Wood, of the manor’s admissions team, said: “The open day on Saturday, July 2 is a celebration of recovery from addiction. There will be lots of former and current residents there. “People will give their testimonies, the stories behind how they ended up at Yeldall. Then they’ll say what Yeldall has done for them,” said Chris. “This is a disease that can be beaten ... We aim to encourage others stuck in the nightmare of addiction to know you can beat it and that there is an amazing life when you get into recovery.” He spoke of the joy of recovery, saying
Singers celebrate 60th anniversary with a joyful celebration
that Yeldall’s success rate where a man remained clean [of drugs] and sober for a year after he finished the programmes was 65-85%, he said. It fluctuated. He expected several hundred people, including families and friends of current and former residents, would be at the open day. And he added: “If you have a family member in addiction please come and talk
to us at the admissions tent. It’s a way of having that conversation ‘under the radar’.” Sixty to 80 men a year attend Yeldall’s rehabilitation programmes, which are residential. Also on offer at the event are a hog roast at £5 and strawberries and cream teas for a donation. There will be stalls, village fete games and cakes for sale. The manor is run by Christians and part of the afternoon is worship music provided by a band. The event runs from 12.30pm5.15pm at the manor in Hare Hatch, near Wargrave. Parking is available on site. n Anyone interested in Yeldall Manor’s work is welcome to attend the open day. For more details, log on to: www.yeldall.org.uk
Still time to join Hurst Show’s recording breaking attempt
After the sale Fank and Charlotte, who had no children, continued to live in the adjacent Mill House, which, during their time there, was well-known for the quality of its gardens. By the Second World War part of the mill itself was taken over by Metalair, manufacturers of aircraft components who later diversified into making electric clocks, children’s tricycles and even a rotary mower called Ladybird. The other part was occupied by a garage. Later the building was occupied by Clifford Dairies but the whole site was demolished in the 1970s to make way for the Woosehill Roundabout, with car show rooms built where the mill once was. It is still possible to see evidence of the old mill on the Woosehill side of the roundabout. Frank and Charlotte were very generous with their time and money, distributing gifts in support of people and enterprises in and around Emmbrook, and in particular giving funds to Emmbrook Mission Room and to St Pauls Church. Charlotte died in February 1961 and Frank moved soon afterwards to Fernleigh on the Terrace in Wokingham, previously the home of William ‘Billie’ Martin, former Mayor who had generously made the pool he had built nearby available to the public. Frank died in September 1964, aged 92, the last member of the Heelases to live in Wokingham, thus bringing to an end a family association with the town that began in 1796 when his great-grandfather William opened a draper’s ship in the Market Place. By Peter Must
This picture of the Mill House garden was sketched by Arthur Frederics, born Arthur Hipp, brother of Amelia Hipp, the wife of Tyndale Heelas, Frank Heelas’s father, He was the first illustrator of Jerome K Jerome’s ‘Three Men in a Boat’.
TWYFORD Singers, started 60 years ago, are celebrating their anniversary with a concert titled Hope! Joy and Celebration! this Saturday at 3pm. Tickets, which include homemade cake and tea or coffee, are still available for the afternoon at Loddon Hall, Twyford. The singers will perform three songs shortlisted for the choir’s anniversary composition competition. A distinguished panel of judges will decide the winner. The audience can also vote for the song they like the best. The concert will include some of the choir’s favourite music, sacred, secular, operatic, musical and folk. Last Friday the choir held a celebration dinner at Sonning Golf Club. Members and guests enjoyed browsing through a display of past concert programmes and other memorabilia. Chair Ann Pearce reminded everyone that the choir had started in Ann’s Pantry [a café] in Twyford. Ann’s husband Ray Jones was the first musical director. She added: “Our current musical director, Helen Styles, has served us for a wonderful 11 years. She is just the 12th person doing that job. Our longest serving MD, for 17 years, was Chris Brown. “The first concert, in 1963, was Handel’s Messiah. Last autumn we escaped lockdown to sing the Messiah together as a choir at last and with a full orchestra, organised by Helen. It was absolutely wonderful. “Twyford Singers isn’t only about singing, it’s about friendships which our members make.” She thanked Margaret Jackson, Gillian Matthews and many others for organising the dinner. Naomi Bassett arranged the table flowers, Margaret and Pat Walsh created the display, Danny Walsh had collated material over ten years and Fiona Rollason ran a royalty quiz. n Concert tickets are available by phoning 07762 738384 or visiting www. ticketsource.co.uk/twyford-singers
Children with hobby horses sent from Lancashire for the Guinness World Record attempt at Hurst Show & Country Fayre on Sunday (26th): William Randles, Jayden Lilford, Sean Lilford, Charlotte Branson, Sophie Randles, with Lucas Jaworski in front. MORE riders are still welcome to join in the bid to create the world’s largest parade of hobby horses and their riders. A well-wisher has sent a big parcel to boost the record attempt at Hurst Show and Country Fayre. The parcel contained 13 beautiful hobby horses made by hobby horse fan David Ryan, 86, for a jubilee display in Lancashire. His daughter Elizabeth Howard and her husband Philip live in Wokingham. The Guinness World Record attempt is on Hurst Show’s second day, Sunday June 26. Vikki Randles of the show said: “The current record stands at 250 people so we’re calling on all adults, children, friends, family and ‘neigh’-bours to take part and exceed that. “We can lend riders a limited number of horses on a first come first served basis. Otherwise we’re encouraging people to make their own or source second hand. “Adults and children are welcome to take part. Children need to be able to walk and hold their hobby horses independently. We’re encouraging pre-booking online. Riders should go to Martineau Green off School Road at 1.15pm for the parade at 2pm. “We’re grateful to David for lending us his beautiful hobby horses.” Reading Scottish Pipe Band’s youth section will lead the parade.
n Details of the record attempt, along with a pre-booking form, are at https://www. hurstshow.uk/hobbyhorse
Save money and book online HURST Show and Country Fayre are encouraging show-goers to get ahead by buying tickets for the event on Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26, online. Vikki Randles of the show comments: “New for this year, visitors can buy tickets to the Show online in advance. “These tickets are priced cheaper than those bought on the day at the gate. “We have also introduced a Weekend Flexi ticket. This allows people to come and go over the whole weekend and is just £7.50 for adults when bought online. “Visitors with online tickets will also be able to skip any queues at the entrance.” Always a fun family day out, all the Show’s favourite attractions return for 2022: arena events including birds of prey and search and rescue dog displays, a fun dog show, children’s activities and bouncy castle, craft stalls, a classic vehicle and bicycle show, bar and a barbecue. The popular country show has been running for over 40 years. It attracts visitors from a wide radius and raises tens of thousands of pounds for local good causes including Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice. n To buy online tickets: hurstshow.uk
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WARGRAVE FESTIVAL
VISIOTOR: Thersa May MP at the Historic Wargrave exhibition
History Society holds exhibition
Hot wheels LAST Saturday, crowds of cyclists gathered at Mill Green in Wargrave, all eager to get on their bikes.
There were a variety of cycle related activities, and three routes for riders to choose from. With different levels of difficulty, 20km, 50km or 75km rides, there was something for everyone. Above all, cyclists were able to enjoy being out and about in the beautiful Chiltern countryside. A good mix of families and
individual riders took part and there were certificates for children to celebrate their achievement. The most experienced riders will have enjoyed a challenge with the longer ride, while families had cycling time to be outside together. After all that exercise there was a BBQ and refreshments to enjoy, and a chance to compare stories of people’s rides. For non-riders there were mini Olympic challenges, a craft zone, climbing wall and circus skills.
ON YOUR BIKE: The Wargrave bike day was part of the annual festival across the village Pictures: Steve Smyth
A weekend of festival fun is still to come By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today WARGRAVE Village Festival 2022 is drawing to a spectacular close this weekend. A bi-annual celebration of all things Wargrave, the festival was the brainchild of the late Revd John Ratings, vicar of St Mary’s Church, Wargrave. The summer of 1975 saw Wargrave’s first festival, and the event has been a major feature of village life ever since. Over 35 events are held over three weeks in June. Most are centred on Mill Green, Station Road, but others are held in locations across the village. This week has already seen a Wargrave In Style event, a teddy bear’s picnic, and a comedy club. Organiser, Ally Holloway, said: “It’s been a phenomenal festival. “We’ve been so lucky with the weather. “And people just have a taste for being out and about, for socialising with friends again.” “We’re running on adrenaline now, and looking forward to the events this weekend.” Tonight sees a bingo night at the marquee on Mill Green at 7pm. Tickets for this are still available.
On Friday, the Marquee will be filled with party goers at the sold out Bohemian Ball. Saturday is a very big day for the festival – it includes the Parade that leads the crowds to Wargrave’s fete. Its title this year is Summer of Love. Many in the parade will have dressed up, enjoying this fun chance for free expression as they lead the crowds to the fete. “The streets of Wargrave will be closed off, and hundreds of people will process to the fete,” said Ally. “Theresa May will open the fete, and she’ll also be giving out the prizes for costume winners. “There will be awards for Best Team Design, and Best Individual Costume, along with runners up.” The Parade starts at the top of Victoria Road. Walkers in all their creative finery will begin the route at 12.30pm, arriving at the fete at 2pm. The organisers said: “Summer of Love is in celebration and recognition of the love, kindness and warmth we have shown each other throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. At 7pm on Saturday, the Wargrave Variety show begins. This event is free.
Many local acts, both young and old, experienced or performing for the first time, will take to the stage. “The evening ends with sensational local band, Within The Blood,” adds Ally. “And we’ll also be treated to a local dad DJ’s alter-ego performance, as Randy Del Toro.” It promises to be an event filled with dancing, singing, laughs, a bit of danger, and magic. “All of Saturday’s events are free,” explained Ally. “They are open to everyone to come and enjoy.” On Sunday, there will be a thanksgiving service at St Mary’s Church, Wargrave. This takes place from 10.30am to 11.30am. It is followed by a family and friends barbecue on Mill Green at noon. Tickets for this are still available: adults £5, children £2. Once the burgers have been finished, people can head down to the Lawn of Wargrave Hall, on the High Street in Wargrave to enjoy Morris and African dancing will take place there between 3pm and 5pm. Tickets cost £5. People are invited, not only to dance, but to bring a picnic. Finally, the last event of the festival will be the BBO Big
Band Show. It will feature music of big bands such as Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and their contemporaries. This event takes place in the marquee on Mill Green, Station Road.
The music starts at 7pm. Tickets for the concert are still available and cost £15. n To find out more about all the Wargrave Festival events, and to purchase tickets, log on to: www. wargravefestival.org.uk
AS part of the Wargrave Village Festival, the Wargrave Local History Society arranged an Historic Wargrave Exhibition, in the Woodclyffe Hall. On display were documents from 1635 to recent times, photographs from the 1870s to 2022, and a variety of objects relating to Wargrave’s past, including timber and bell-metal medallions from the 1914 church fire, part of the B17 Flying Fortress that crashed over Wargrave in 1943, and items relating to local businesses, amongst many others. The topics covered ranged from the growth of the village, a history of the church, the village schools, wartime effects on Wargrave, to particular areas, such as the river, Victoria Road or the High Street, and a variety of activities including a wide range of sports, the history of the Wargrave Village Festival itself, and village public houses. Visitors ranged from ‘under five’ to ‘over 90’, and included the Maidenhead MP Theresa May, who studied many of the items with interest. The following day, the society also conducted the ever-popular Historic Village Walk, taking in the Mill Green, church and High Street areas. Participants – some long-time village residents, and others more recently arrived, including a family from Ukraine - heard about people and events from Wargrave’s past, and the places associated with them, as they had a gentle stroll. The Society will be present at the Wargrave Village Festival Fete, on Saturday, June 25 on Mill Green, where they will be able to buy books about Wargrave’s history at special Village Festival bargain prices! More details of the Society can be found at www.wargravehistory.org.uk - or email info@ wargravehistory.org.uk to confirm meeting details.
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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022
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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (FOSTERS LANE, WOODLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 16th June 2022 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
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. B3349 School Road, Arborfield between its junctions with Eversley Road and Langley Common Road.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Wingate Road and Duncan Road or by this route in reverse.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Eversley Road and Langley Common Road or by this route in reverse.
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 11th July and 13th July 2022.
2. B3030 Sindlesham Road, Arborfield between its junctions with B3030 Mole Road and Swallowfield Road Roundabout. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Eversley Road, Langley Common Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Bearwood Road, B3030 King Street Lane and B3030 Mole Road or by this route in reverse. 3. A327 Reading Road, Arborfield between its junctions with A327 Observer Way and Eversley Road.
Fosters Lane, Woodley between its junctions with Chard Close and Malvern Close.
The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake permanent reinstatement and associated work in safety.
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 11th July 2022 and shal l continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
4. B3030 Mole Road, Arborfield between its junctions with B3030 Sindlesham Road and Copse Barnhill Lane.
Dated: 23rd June 2022
5. Church Lane, Arborfield between its junctions with B3030 Sindlesham Road and A327 Reading Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 Sindlesham Road and A327 Reading Road or by this route in reverse. 6. Swallowfield Road, Arborfield between its junctions with A327 Observer Way and Eversley Road The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Observer Way, A327 Reading Road and Eversley Road or by this route in reverse 7. Eversley Road, Arborfield between its junctions with Langley Common Road Roundabout and Swallowfield Road Roundabout. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Observer Way, A327 Reading Road and Eversley Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 27th June and 30th August 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake Arborfield Village Improvements including signage, priority buildouts, landscaping, roundabout narrowing, speed reductions and other associated 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 27th June 2022 and shal l continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 23rd June 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
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Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Observer Way, A327 Reading Road and Eversley Road or by this route in reverse.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 Sindlesham Road, Eversley Road, Langley Common Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Bearwood Road and B3030 King Street Lane or by this route in reverse.
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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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WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 23, 2022
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The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 UK publishers invest
The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address
Reasons for Advert Description
221690
41 London Road, Twyford
Conservation area
Full application for the proposed change of use involving the conversion of 2 no. flats in use as Houses in Multiple Occupation (Use Class C4: 4 beds / 5 occupants at 41a London Road and 5 beds / 5 occupants at 41b London Road) into a single large House in Multiple Occupation (Use Class Sui Generis: 9 beds / 10 occupants).
221725
Old School Hall, High Street, Twyford
Works to a listed building
Application to vary conditions 4 – 8, 14 and 19 – 21 of planning consent 201022 for the proposed restoration and conversion of existing building into a library, erection of a single storey lobby/link area and a two storey extension to provide multi-purpose community facilities including a café, plus associated landscaping and demolition of existing public toilets. Condition 4 refers to a landscape strategy (phase 1); 5 to hard and soft landscaping; 6 to tree protection (phase 1); 7 to landscape management; 8 to boundary treatment; 14 to drainage (phase 1); 19 to remediation; 20 to sustainability (phase 1) and 21 to bin storage (phase 1). The variation is to amend the pre-commencement requirement to be prior to phase 2 on conditions 4 and 7; to enable condition 19 to apply to phase 2 only; to submit information required by conditions 5, 6, 8, 14, 20 and 21, and to allow amendments to insulation, rooflights, low carbon measures and a sprinkler system.
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 14th July 2022. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses. Date: 23th June 2022
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LEISURETODAY
23.06.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
‘The UK is an oasis for musicians’
Musician John O’Brien talks to JAKE CLOTHIER about touring, Tokyo, and tastes in the UK
J
OHN O’BRIEN has written, produced, and toured music professionally for more than forty years.
He has performed around the world, including in Sydney, Madrid, and Tokyo, with seven studio albums to date. “I was all prepared to do this tour going to the UK in May 2020, but you know what happened. “We postponed four times, and in that time we were stuck in our home studios.” Originally from the US, John combines hard rock, pop, dancehall, and even ballads in his approach to his music. Now, he is touring the UK, with dates in London, Leeds, Oxford, among others, and Reading, where he will play Sub89 on Thursday, July 28. “My pleasure comes from writing music and producing it, it’s what I love doing, and I was really able to do a lot of that, “My space is not the kind of the kind of studio you’d walk into and
see a computer, a few screens, a microphone– I put things together where I know they’re going to work or not work.” John says that there are advantages to a modern setup, however. “It sort of deepens what you can do, I hear some of the stuff that’s out there and it’s clear that somebody sat down at a keyboard with a bunch of patches and put together something that sounds like a band, “But it’s a synthetic version of it.” He says also that there is a knack to working on music, especially when working with other musicians. “Part of being a musician is being willing to give up your piece of it, you need to care about the finished product more than your own ego.” This is true of playing live, too, he explains. “I started in cover bands, playing stuff people wanna hear, because you can’t just go out into a bar when people are drinking, having fun and talking and play original songs,
“Actually, there’s more of a taste in the UK for that than in the US, definitely.” In fact, John says that the UK is particularly accommodating when it comes to live performance. “In my mind, the UK is an oasis for musicians, because people actually want to hear you.” As a US musician, he enjoys travelling and performing in Europe, and particularly Asia. “I performed in Madrid, which is a really cool place, and Tokyo, where everyone is very polite, “I was in Jamaica on vacation, and I heard some guitar playing at the back of this fruit market, so I go and see what it is, in this deserted area, which is not smart. “And there were these three Rasta guys with bottles of rum and a guitar, and they handed it to me. “But they were saying how the tourists were never happy with what they had– nice houses, and driving nice cars, but still not happy.” This encounter would go on to inspire Not Enough, which would be released as a single in 2018. “So I wrote about that, how for some people it’s just not enough, and I put it out.
“Then all of a sudden ASCAP sends me a cheque for a large amount of money, and I was like what is this for?” “And it turns out it had been on Sirius XM on regular rotation for months.” He says that there has to be something in the work which comes from your self. “That’s how you write a song, it has to be something which is just dying to get out of you.” With his tour approaching, John says also that he’s looking forward to spending some time in the UK, something which can be difficult to do properly when performing a more conventional tour. “The keyboard player and I have been playing since the 1960s, he’s coming over and we’ve decided the two of us, instead of travelling from London to the gig we’re gonna stay over in each city. “We’re going to Oxford, and I’m dying to see the Oxford University, then up to Leeds, down to London, then Birmingham, then Reading. “When I usually tour, I play a different city every night, and that means I don’t see any of them, because they need that momentum.” This way, however, he says that
they’ll have two days in each place. “It’s a trade-off– it’s tough, and there’s money involved too, you’ve got to look at that.” When asked whether there’s anything about performing he wishes he could take home, he said: “There’s a lack of curiosity about live original music at home and it can be a bit problematic. “But we decided to put on a show here, and there’s a lot to it– we have a lot of movement, some beautiful video elements, costume changes, and a number of things that we’re doing. “Once that’s on videotape, we can bring that back to the states and say hey we don’t just stand there and play, we’re theatrical.” He says that he wouldn’t mind a Rolling Stones-esque Steel Wheels kind of tour, too. “But it’s not that– we’ll interact with the audience, and we have a lot of those moments in the songs which we try to capture. “And we really try to push those out onto the audience, too, because that’s what makes a really good show.” n The John O’Brien Experience will be playing Sub89 on Thursday, July 28. For tickets, visit: premier.ticketek.co.uk
14 | LEISURE
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 23, 2022
Trivia and chat with a touch of Meatloaf
eerie tales, penned by H P Lovecraft.. The first, Pickman’s Model, tells of a genius painter shunned by the art world because his canvases are sickeningly real. The second, The Music of Eric Zann, is a tense tale of possession. Robert Lloyd Parry will be telling tales at the Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading. The event takes place on Sunday, June 26 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10, and concessions are £7. Tickets on the door, if available, will cost £12, and £8 concessions. n For tickets or for more information, log on to: www.risingsunartscentre.org or call the box office on: 0118 986 6788
THERE will be an evening of music, trivia and chat, for fans of the American rock singer, Meatloaf. Host Jeff Lloyd will play the whole of Meatloaf’s classic LP, Bat Out Of Hell. He will take his audience through the music, sharing stories and videos to accompany the sounds. Bat Out of Hell, with all songs by Jim Steinman, was first released in 1977. The event takes place at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead on Friday, June 24. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £10. n For tickets and information visit: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977.
A mixture of ballet styles on show
This can be it: This can’t be it MARK Watson’s show, This Can’t Be It, sees him ponder the fragility of life. Described as a skinny national treasure, Watson aims to sort it all out. At the age of 41, and after ‘years of pathological over thinking’, Watson packs his attempt to solve a huge problem into a night of stand up comedy where ‘spiritual enquiry meets high-octane observational comedy.’ Watson appears at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Bracknell on Sunday, June 26. The event starts at 8pm, and tickets cost £22. n For tickets and information visit: www. southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office: 0134 448 4123
Carrots in Mr McGregor’s garden TALES of Peter Rabbit is an afternoon show. As every fan of the bunny knows, Peter and naughty Benjamin are forbidden from entering Mr McGregor’s garden. Of course he cannot resist the temptation, however, and the pair find themselves face-to-face with a very angry gardener. In this adaptation of the enchanting children’s story, families can expect a magical afternoon of fun for all the family. The event takes place in the Quantum Theatre, outside, at Bracknell’s South Hill Park. The performance is weather
AN AMERICAN singer-songwriter with a music career spanning almost 40 years, comes to Reading’s Hexagon Theatre. Vega’s songs have tended to focus on city life, ordinary people and realworld subjects. Her folk-inspired melodies were successful from the late 1980s, when she performed and wrote hits such as
Tom’s Diner and Luka. Here she plays songs from her new album An Evening of New York Songs and Stories, which was recorded in a small New York café in 2019. The audience can expect to hear a mixture of songs, including some classic Vega hits. The event takes place in The
dependant, and therefore subject to relocation or rescheduling if necessary. Tales of Peter Rabbit takes place on Sunday, June 26, at 4.30pm. Tickets cost £15 for adults, £10 for children, and £45 for a family of four. n For tickets and information visit: www. southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office: 0134 448 4123
diagnosis of AIDS. The other couple, no longer happy together, hide their pain with late night walks and valium. Part I: Millennium Approaches, and Part II: Perestroika, are available to see between Monday, June 20 and Saturday, July 2. Both plays contain adult themes and nudity and are rated 15+. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm performance. Tickets cost £12, or £10 for concessions. n For tickets and information visit: www.progresstheatre.co.uk or email: boxoffice@progresstheatre.co.uk
Act one, act two .. over two weeks TWO PLAYS, both set in New York at the end of the 20th Century, call for a double trip to the theatre. Angels In America, Parts I and II, explores issues of sexuality, race, religion and politics at the end of the 20th Century. The plays follow the stories of two New York couples, at a time when AIDS was spreading unabated and Reagan’s America was failing to help. . One couple’s lives are devastated by a
Flying in to Guildford JET PROPELLED farce, Boeing, Boeing comes to Guildford. Architect, Bernard, has a very complicated life. Trying to manage three fianceés at once is tricky, especially when they all
Hexagon Theatre, Reading on Friday, June 24. Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets cost £34.50 and £39.50 depending on seat location. n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 work for three different airlines, with different schedules to negotiate. He copes fairly well until an old friend turns up. Then chaos prevails. This award-winning comedy has delighted audiences for over 50 years. Boeing Boeing performs at The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre from Tuesday, June 28, with a run that ends on Saturday, July 2. Performances start at 7.30pm. Matinée performances on Thursdays and Saturdays start at 2.30pm. Tickets cost from £20.50. Concessions cost £12. n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office: 0148 344 0000
Don’t have nightmares H P LOVECRAFT: Gallery of Screams, presents two haunting stories. American story teller, Robert Lloyd Parry, travels from the States to tell two
AT THE THEATRE Every week, we bring you a roundup of all shows taking place in the region’s theatres. It covers this weekend and next, so you can plan ahead and book tickets to the shows that you want to go and see. As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 One Night In Dublin. Thurs. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat. The Rat Pack in Vegas. Sat. Wilde Sundays: Naked WIthout It, Stem, Searching For Autumn. Sun. Tales of Peter Rabbit.
Sun. Mark Watson: This Can’t Be It. Sun. The Simon and Garfunkel Story. Tues. Absolute Reggae. Thurs 30. Edinburgh Previews. Fri 1. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat 2. Berkshire Theatre Company presents The Wedding Singer. Sat 2-Sun 3. West Forest Sinfonia. Sun 3.
Camberley – Theatre
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 The Magic of Motown. Thurs. The Bob Dylan Story. Fri. Comedy Club. Fri. Purple Zeppelin. Sat. Step Back In Time. Sun. Women In Rock. Thurs 30. Shape of You. Fri 1.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Pasadena Roof Orchestra.
Thurs. Ballet Central. Fri. Snatched. Fri. Climate ACTion. Sat. One Summer’s Evening in aid of Samartians. Sat. Boeing Boeing, a new translation. Tues-Sat 2. The Big Top. Wed. In PurSUEt. Fri 1-Sat 2.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs. Jackie Palmer Stage School: Verve. Fri-Sat. Luther. Sun. Les Musicals. Tues. What’s Love Got to Do With It? Thurs 30. The Ultimate 80s Party Night. Sat 2. Rhodes Academy of Dance. Sun 3.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Off the Kerb: Angelos Epithemiou
and Zoe Lyons. Thurs. Ghost Lights 2: Tiger Mendoza, Octavia Freud, Elucidate. Fri. The Duran Duran Experience. Sat. Henley Children’s Theatre: Bunfight at the OK Corral. Sun. The Scummy Mummies Show. Thurs 30-Fri 1.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Vinyl Frontier: Bat Out of Hell. Fri. Sam Kelly’s Station House. Thurs 30.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 The Simon and Garfunkel Story. Fri. Dominoes. Sat. One Night in Dublin. Thurs 30. The Comedy Network. Fri 1. Horrible
Histories: The Terrible Tudors. Sat 2-Sun 3.
Newbury – The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Bleak Expectations. Until Jul 2.
Reading – South Street
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Heavy Pop presents The Utopia Strong. Wed. The Grumpy Goat presents Craft Theory 2022. Fri 1-Sat 2.
Reading – The Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 An Evening With Suzanne Vega. Fri. Strictly Presents: Keep Dancing. Sat.
BALLET Central presents a programme of dances by internationally respected choreographers. A mixture of classical ballet and contemporary dance, the performance shows off the skills, artistry and versatility of the company. These are all young dancers, on the cusp of their professional careers. Powerful music accompanies the programme which includes pieces by choreographers Mikaela Polly, Ashley Page, Mthuthuzeli November and Cathy Marston. Ballet Central performs at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, on Friday, June 24. The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £23, concessions £12. n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office: 0148 344 0000
Homeward Bound celebrates duo THE Simon & Garfunkel Story: 50th Anniversary Tour, is back. With photos and original film footage, this show features a full live band performance of all the duo’s biggest hits. Fans will be able to hear Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound, and many more. The event takes place at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Bracknell on Tuesday, June 28. It starts at 7.45 and tickets cost £24 adults, or £22.50 for members. n For tickets and information visit: www. southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office: 0134 448 4123.
Reading – Concert Hall
Sonning – The Mill
Reading – Progress Theatre
Wokingham – Theatre
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Sixteen and Harry Christophers. Wed.
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Angels In America Parts 1 and 2. Until Sat 2.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Busman’s Honeymoon. Until Sat. Barefoot in the Park. Thurs 30.
www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: Daisy Pulls It Off. July 13-23.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: Jekyll and Hyde. Oct 10-29.
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society: Flee (15) followed by Q&A. Thurs. Treasure Island. Wed-Thurs 23.
Shinfield – Players
Woodley – Theatre
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Junior and Middle Youth Group show. Jul 2-3.
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1.
Thursday, June 23, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LEISURE | 15
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Check-Mates: Games club looks to connect community A WOKINGHAM resident has launched a new board games group, bringing together fellow enthusiasts. Jacob Woodfield established the club, which meets at Spencers Wood Village Hall between 7pm-10pm on Tuesday evenings. The inaugural session took place on Tuesday, June 7. Mr Woodfield’s passion for games and a desire to meet the community he had moved into for work, encouraged him to put feelers out on Facebook. “The village hall has kind of been this untouched gem in Spencers Wood, so I thought about just renting out a room and meeting new people,” he said. “My wife started doing Needles & Natter, and so I thought a board game club might work. It was in my head for about six, seven months.” “The problem is, it’s really hard to meet people as an adult. I moved down to the area for work, which a lot of people here have done.” “I don’t really know anyone down here, so I thought ‘let’s just make friends whilst playing games. Everything’s really grim in the news, so it’s nice to just disappear from it for a few hours a week.” As a board game enthusiast, Mr Woodfield is part of the Kickstarter community, a company that allows individuals to fund fledgling creative projects, in this case, board games. Investors watch as games develop from ideas into reality, and are able to purchase them before they are available on retail at prices cheaper than the RRP.
Mr Woodfield has backed 21 games, with each set to be available to try at the club. The second session took place on Tuesday, June 14, and kicked off with a fiercely contested playing of Catan, a game based on trading, building and settling. A second group immersed themselves in games of Monopoly Deal and Snap-It. The evening was somewhat fittingly rounded off with a round of Pandemic. Attendees had the opportunity to get to know one another in a warm and friendly environment, leaving with a buzz of excitement for the next meeting. The three-hour session costs £3 to attend, with various refreshment deals keeping costs to a minimum. Funds raised go towards the village hall, which serves the Spencers Wood community through its catalogue of weekly activities. While also being a video game aficionado, Mr Woodfield believes that board games offer something unique. “Playing online, you have to plan when you’re going to play with other people,” he explained. “If you want to have a group of friends go online, it’s actually kind of hectic. “A lot of my friends have kids, so they come on every single night and you kind of get that FOMO when you’re not playing. “When I play board games here, I get the chance to be away from the house for a bit. I work from home and I don’t really go to parties.
“That’s actually something that a lot of people who come here say, especially when they’re not really drinkers. “So in one sense, the group is for kind of nerdy people who are typically more socially awkward.” The meet-ups’ tranquil nature allows members to have fun in their own way, amongst like-minded people. “Board games are just a nice, slow activity which don’t even require you to socialise,” Mr Woodfield said. “If you want to come along to play some games, you can be social, but in an antisocial way. So it’s kind of like the best of both worlds. You can open up as much or as little as you want.” Moving forward, Mr Woodfield hopes to see the group achieve
weekly attendances of 15-20 people, with 10 visitors required to cover the room hire costs. Attendees would ideally split into sub-groups, with multiple games running concurrently. “A lot of the games out there are for four players,” Mr Woodfield explained. “It’s rare to find games which are for more than four people, and when you do, you’ve got to teach people how to play.” “When more people come, the more games we’ll play, we’ll start to repeat games and the more we’ll get used to them.” n For more information about the club, search: Spencers Wood Village Hall Board Games on www.facebook. com
Award winning care quality
Ghostly stories at The Rising Sun BE VERY scared. H P Lovecraft: Gallery of Screams, is coming to Reading. A programme of two haunting short stories by American master of weird tales, H P Lovecraft, should keep audiences on the edge of their seats. They are: Pickman’s Model, and The Music of Eric Zann. Both tales are adapted and performed by R M Lloyd Parry, and tell the stories of an art critic, and a philosopher, pushed almost to insanity by the images and sounds that confront them. In Pickman’s Model an artist is shunned by the establishment because of the sickening realism of his canvases. While the Music of Eric Zann is an eerie tale of inspiration and possession that Lovecraft himself counted as a personal favourite. Robert Lloyd Parry has spent the last 15 years enacting The M R James Project, a series of one-man shows based on classic English ghost stories. He travels here from the U.S.A, where the Washington Post has described his work as ‘utterly mesmerizing.’ H P Lovecraft: Gallery of Screams is performed at the Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading. The event takes place on Sunday, June 26. Doors open at 7.30pm, with the event starting at 7pm. Suitable for all ages, tickets cost: £10, and £7 for concessions. Or on the door, if available, cost: £12, £8 for concessions. n For more information, and for tickets, log on to: www.wegottickets.com, or visit: www. risingsunartscentre.org
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Strictly celebration at The Hexagon
A
ON SHOW: Strictly’s Keeep Dancing features Cameron Lombard, Jowita Pryzstal, Max George, Maise Smith, Rhys Stephenson, Nancy Xu and Neil Jones Picture: Trevor Leighton
ND now for something completely different.
In 2008, the first Strictly Live tour took place featuring professionals from the TV show and their celebrity partners. Two years later, the pro dancers also started touring the UK. Both tours have been taking place ever since – Covid excepted – filling arenas and theatres respectively. This year, Strictly Presents: Keeeep Dancing adds another arm to the body of the phenomenon that is Strictly. This new 35-date tour will contain not only unseen routines but a surprising succession of revelations from the professional and celebrity dancers taking part. Says pro-dancer Neil Jones: “From the first phone call offering them a regular berth on the show, you’re taken through what it’s like for a professional dancer or a celebrity learning a new dance routine, perfecting it all week, performing it on a Saturday and so on.” How was it for Neil? “For two years, I’d been working away from the cameras helping to choreograph various aspects of the show and then, in 2016, came the most nerve-wracking phone call of my life. “I was thrown into a world of photo shoots and group numbers
– I didn’t have a celeb partner in the early days – then came the launch show. I’ll never forget it. Any low points? “In 2019, I tore a muscle in my leg during Hallowe’en week. Because I exercise such a lot and like to think I’m really fit, it healed in about half the time predicted but it’s every dancer’s nightmare.” Neil is 40, the veteran among the professionals now that Anton Du Beke has become a full-time judge. “I still feel in really good shape,” he says. “The younger dancers struggle to keep up with me.” Although young South African Cameron Lombard didn’t join Strictly until last year, he’s already now done the Live Tour. “It was
incredible. We were performing every afternoon and evening in front of about 10,000 people. Daunting and thrilling at the same time.” This latest tour is something unusual. “I’d describe it as a boutique experience – in other words, much more intimate. That suits the insight it gives into the Strictly bubble. It also means we can talk to the show’s fans more directly both through our dancing and our personal stories.” n Strictly Presents: Keeeep Dancing is at The Hexagon in Reading on Saturday, June 25. Tickets cost from £31.50. For more details, or to book, log on to whatsonreading.com
RICHARD BARBER
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 23, 2022
RABBLE given a stable new home... RABBLE Theatre has been given a new home in Caversham. The theatre group have been awarded a ten year lease of the Caversham Stables, giving it a new home in Reading. It comes after Reading Borough Council considered bids from a number of other groups, but decided that RABBLE would bring “cultural Value.” Cllr Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council: “We can regard RABBLE as a firm and established part of the cultural landscape”. His sentiments were echoed by Karen Rowland, lead councillor for culture, who said that “RABBLE works in wonderful symbiosis with the council’s cultural aims”. The new space, between Caversham Court Gardens and the River Thames, will not be used as a theatre. Not only is the site a Grade II listed building, but RABBLE also intends to continue to stage its performances in other public spaces. Instead the company has laid out a few key ways that it intends to make use of its new home. It is currently looking to invest in the building’s environmental sustainability, while its core team uses parts of the building as office space. It is further looking to open up the space to production rehearsals and development, hosting its workshops and educational programmes, as well as hired space for performance
TOGETHER: Members of the RABBLE team will be using part of the site as office space, as well as places for community projects and rehearsals. Picture: Courtesy of Rabble and cultural groups. Dani Davies, co-artistic director of RABBLE, said: “We are extremely grateful to the council for their decision, which wholeheartedly supports the cultural development of this part of England. “We have the opportunity to unleash something special here.” As a result of the company’s successful bid, it has taken the decision to pause its productions until 2023. Despite this, it will continue to run its weekly acting classes,
LAMDA sessions, Saturday Young Company, and its after school clubs. It will also go ahead with its summer schools, currently set for August. RABBLE has been working with the community for ten years, producing theatre while working with local people and stories to celebrate diversity and identity. It has also worked to make theatre more accessible through its access funds and pricing schemes.
JAKE CLOTHIER
Scarlet Vixens hit Purple Turtle A PERFORMANCE troupe is set to perform at the Purple Turtle, celebrating Pride Month. The Scarlet Vixens, a burlesque, cabaret, circus, and variety group from Reading, will be returning to the bar for their monthly show on Saturday, June 25. The show is a collision of two of June’s biggest celebrations: Pride month and Zoo and Aquarium Month. The troupe have performed there regularly since 2014.
Loretta Lebonke will be your host for A Pride of Filthy Animals, introducing performances from Mariposa Bop, Layla Cherry, Demonica Latex, Tootsie Rocques, and Mojo Jones. Performer Tootsie Rocques said: “We’ve been there for about seven or eight years now, with monthly performances, and precovid we were performing across the country. “But the gig at the Purple Turtle is our flagship show, and it’s just amazing to be back.
“We change the line-up each time, it really injects variety into the show, and gives people a different experience every time– this month, we’re leading with the burlesque.” The show will take place from 7pm on Saturday, June 25, at the Purple Turtle, Gun Street. The Scarlet Vixens will be returning to the cellar bar on the last Saturday of the month. n Tickets start from £8, available from: www.thescarletvixens.com
Brass band gets key to the door with gala concert in Reading on Saturday A BRASS band is preparing to mark its 21st anniversary, with a special concert in Reading on Saturday. The group, Ascot Brass, will be teaming up with Tamesis Chamber Choir for the evening of music. It will feature some of the best brass band music from stage and screen, some solo numbers from band members, and much-loved classic and popular music from Tamesis. The band’s musical director, David Rudd, said: “Ascot Brass is proud to have reached the ripe old age of 21, and we’ll be delighted to see old friends and new at our 21st birthday celebration.
“The band has been preparing for - and looking forward to - this event for a long time, and we hope you enjoy a programme in which we aim to present a crosssection of music for which the band has become known. “We hope there’s something enjoyable and entertaining for everyone; great marches, beautiful tunes, exciting solos played by talented soloists,
easy listening, and even a brass band epic. So, sit back and enjoy, and don’t forget to check out the dates of future Ascot Brass concerts.” The show takes place from 6.30pm at Reading Minster Church in the town centre. Tickets cost £12.50, with under 16s getting in free. n For more details, log on to ascotbrass.org.uk
LIVEMUSIC
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The Paradox Twin – Prism Descent
The Room – It’s Not My Home
They topped our Best of 2021 list and with an appearance coming up on Friday, July 1, at the impressive Prog For Peart Charity event it’s worth a reminder of The Paradox Twin’s excellent Silence from Signals album on our White Star Records label, with this song from it. The two-day event is not too far away at The Northcourt in Abingdon so why not pop along if you can. The band will also be appearing at Wokingham Festival on Bank Holiday Monday in August - https:// www.theparadoxtwin.com/
Mordecai Smyth – In Your Dark Place
The Lovely Eggs - You Can Go Now
Third Lung – Ghosts
Yaoki at Sub 89 in May Picture: Andrew Merritt
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/
Yaoki – Brand New Life
Hoopy Frood – Atoms & Molecules
It’s another quality single from Third Lung, who will be at Readipop in July, Wokingham Festival in August and their own Loddfest in September. Also don’t forget the Festival for Ukraine in Peach Place this Saturday, where they bring the show to a close http://thirdlungband.com/
RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday
W
E’RE all about championing music at the RaW Sounds Today playlist.
Band new and established, on our patch or just visiting - we love it all. And this week we’ve got that in spades. Of our two new entries, one is from an exciting new band releasing their debut single, the second are old friends of the playlist and we know you’ll love their latest release. Don’t forget, 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). Here’s two great bands that prove just how brilliant our music scene is. 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.
LEISURE | 25
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Thursday, June 23, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
They played their debut gig, opening the night, at Split The Dealer’s amazing Sub89 show recently. What a debut it was. They were so good that it could one day become one of those ‘I was there’ moments. I was therefore keen to hear this debut single and am pleased to say that it’s great. It’s melodic and, powerful and, like the meaning behind their name, Yaoki, which comes from a traditional Japanese proverb meaning ‘fall seven times and stand up eight’, it’s inspirational - https:// www.facebook.com/YaokiBand
It’s not long until Readipop (July 8-10) 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
Here’s a powerful epic from The Room’s Caught by the Machine album. They will be at Alfold Rock and Blues Festival on Sunday, July 3, and Wokingham Festival on Monday, August 29 - https://theroom.band/ Here’s the opener from Things Are Getting Stranger On The Shore by Mordecai Smyth. A great album of psych moods and melody on Wokingham’s Mega Dodo Records - https://www.facebook.com/ stickytapeandrust
Katie Ellwood – Hourglass Katie, from Wokingham with a piece from her genre-defying debut album, Interference. She will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August - https:// www.katieellwood.com/
Deva St.John – DIE!
Leoni Jane Kennedy – Life Like This
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/
Leoni is a Blackpool-born, Guildford-based singersongwriter with a rock sound with progressive leanings and soulful vocals which she will be showcasing with her band at Wokingham Festival https://www.leonijanekennedy.com/
GIG GUIDE Thursday, June 23
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. One Night in DUblin. Details: 01344 484123. EARLEY – Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 8HN. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 334 4300. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango presents: Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING - Wild Lime, Friar Street. RSVP: open mic poetry, music and more.
Friday, June 24
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ibiza Fitness and Club Night Fundraiser. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul present B Funkt. Details: 01344 303333. CHARVIL – The Heron On The Ford, Lands End Lane, RG10 0UE. Piston Broke. Details: 0118 934 0700. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING - The Hexagon, Queens Walk. An Evening With Suzanne Vega. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Final Clause of Tacitus. Housebase. Radio Wigam’s First live event. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The
Big Untidy presents Grant Sharkey. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Kali Reading. Details: 0118 959 5395.
Saturday, June 25
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Chippie and Guests. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 3pm. The Rat Pack In Vegas. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The New Ambassadors. Details: 01344 303333. CAVERSHAM PARK – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Milestone Centre, Northbrook Road. Ashley Stone. Booking essential. £2 non-members. Details: www.cpva.org.uk CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Beer garden gig. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – The Blagrave, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Club FOD LGBT+ night. Details: 0118 958 6775. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Adele bottomless brunch. 3pm5.30pm. Saturday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Scarlet Vixens: A Pride of Filthy Animals. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Howling at the Moon. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. WATT4. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Rise of the Machines and No Good Sons. Details: 0118 957 6930. WOKINGHAM - The Lord Raglan, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. One Last Day acoustic set. Details: 0118 978 3282. WOKINGHAM - Peach Place. Festival for Ukraine. From 2pm. The Mustard Band, One Last Day, Savour The Flavour, Michael Burns Peake, Small Town Heroes, Reliant, Mike Wagner, Oil City Kings, In Albion, Third Lung. Hosted by Beyond The Download and Generation Studio. WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Lack of Faith. Details: 0118 969 9756. YATELEY - Yateley Green, off Firgrove Road. Yateley Gig on the Green 2022. Just Anne Marie, Kaiser Thiefs, Tina Turner, The ELO Encounter, Chic to Chic, Sour Kix, Tequila Chase, Extreme Ways. From noon. Details: www. gigonthegreenyateley. co.uk
Sunday, June 26
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: Naked Without It, Stem, Searching for Autumn. Details: 01344 484123. BURGHFIELD - Little Manor, Church Lane RG30 3TG.
Clive Fortune big band. From noon. Details: 07971 241222. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING - Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. East Reading Festival. Noon6pm. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196. YATELEY - Yateley Green, off Firgrove Road. Yateley Gig on the Green 2022. From noon. Nat Augustin as George Benson, Do It Like Dua, Billy Joel, True Gold, Vannesa Webb and Andy Mathewson, UpToNoGood. Details: www. gigonthegreenyateley. co.uk
Monday, June 27
READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Variety open mic night. Details: 0118 958 0473. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Budapest Cafe Orchestra. Details: 01491 681048.
Tuesday, June 28
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Simon and Garfunkel Story. 3pm. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity presents The Primatives. Details: 0118 956 8188.
Wednesday, June 29
READING - The Pitcher and
Piano, Friar Street. The Call of the Wild.
Thursday, June 30
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Tabula Rasa and DJ Creamy. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Absolute Reggae. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango presents: Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING - The Roseate, The Forbury RG1 3EJ. Heavy Pop presents The Roseate Sessions: Colours and Fires, Ellis Ballard. Details: 0118 952 7770. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Anything Goes open mic night Details: 0118 958 6048.
Friday, July 1
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. CLOSED for private party. Details: 01344 303333. CAVERSHAM - Fox and House, Gosbrook Road. Reggae Vinyl from 7pm. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. The Mike Ross band. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Shane Owens. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING - South Street Arts Centre. Craft Theory 2022: DJs, beers and street food.
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
11am-4pm, 6pm-11pm. Details: whatsonreading. com READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Motley Cruide and Poizon. Details: 0118 959 5395. YATTENDON - West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions: The Station. Details: 01635 767090.
Saturday, July 2
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. First Rule: Alt Rock Covers Band. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Bon Giovi: Bon Jovi tribute. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 3pm. Details: 01344 484123. CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jasonfest: Country Moans, 45RPM, New Puritans. From 6pm. In aid of Cancer Resarch UK. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. Oana Radu. READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. American Dream Independence Day bottomless brunch. 3pm-5.30pm. Saturday night live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. SoundJam. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Bohman Brothers. Details:
0118 986 6788. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Jazz night: Peter Bingham Quartet. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Skavengers. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING - South Street Arts Centre. Craft Theory 2022: DJs, beers and street food. 11am-4pm, 6pm-11pm. Details: whatsonreading. com READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Junction. Details: 0118 957 6930. WOKINGHAM - Mulberry Business Centre, Fishponds Lane RG41 2GY. Live Lounge with Michael Cassidy. 7pm. Details: Search Eventbirte for Michael Cassidy Live Lounge.
Sunday, July 3
EVERSLEY - The Golden Pot, Reading Road RG27 0NB. Paul Tino. 3pm. Details: 0118 973 2104. PANGBOURNE - WMC Rosewood Hall, Whitchurch Road RG8 7BS. Pangbourne Jazz Club John Thirkell Trumpet with Terry Hutchins Quartet. £10. Details: https://briangreene.co.uk/ pangbournejazzclub READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Theme night - Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Sunday Session. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.
MARMALADE Live Music Saturday 23rd July 4pm - late Tickets £15 wegottickets.com THE WHITE HORSE Easthampstead Road Wokingham, RG40 3AF
0118 979 7402
26 | LEISURE
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WHAT’SON Films at Reading Biscuit Factory
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Lightyear (PG). Thurs. Jurassic World: Dominion (12a). Thurs. Top Gun: Maverick (12a). Thurs. Hostile (12a) and panel discussion. Thurs. Elvis (12a). Fri-Thurs 30. Minions: The Rise of Gru (U). Fri 1-Sun 3. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Thursday, June 23
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 – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Sheer Art Attack: quick fire sketches, word associations, still life. 7pm, just turn up. Details: 0118 958 6048. SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Friday, June 24
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING - Reading Minster, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Reading Mencap Double Diamond Event: Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Celebration, includes songs from the Reading Mencap choir, drama from Performing Arts Club and presentations and readings. From 6.30pm. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk. WARGRAVE - Mill Green, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: Ball. SOLD OUT. 7.30pm.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.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
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokingham.today
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, June 25
BRADFIELD - Social Club, Union Road RG7 6AE. Jim Humphreys Darts Memorial tournament. £5. In aid of the British Heart Foundation. Blind pairs contest, raffle and more. From 8pm. Details: 0118 974 4760. CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham: Chamber Music for piano, viola and clarinet, from The Caversham Ensemble. 7.30pm. Tickets £20, over 60s £18, and £15 for 16-25s. Under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk CAVERSHAM PARK – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Milestone Centre, Northbrook Road. Ashley Stone. Booking essential. £2 non-members. Details: www.cpva.org.uk CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Quiz Night. 7pm. £2 per person, non-members welcome. Details: 01344 772161. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Oakwood Forest Church meeting: Summer solstice. 4pm. Details: oakwoodforestchurch. wordpress.com HURST - Showground, School Road RG10 0DR. Hurst Show and Country Fayre. 10am-5pm. Advance tickets £5, £7.50 weekend. Under 16s free. Free parking. Details: https:// hurstshow.uk/ READING - Broad Street. Armed Forces Day celebration. READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. Wokingham Choral Society 70th anniversary concert: Bach Mass in B Minor. Pre-concert talk 6.30pm, concert 7.30pm. Conductor: James Morley Potter, organist Benedict Lewis-Smith, chamber orchestra: Instruments of Time and Truth. £16, £5 students and under 18s. Details: wokinghamchoral-society.org.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 – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12,
concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk. READING - St Luke’s Parish Hall, Erleigh Road RG1 5LH. Milonga Mariposita. 7.30pm. £10. Details: www.readingtango.com/ milongas READING - The Wren School, Bath Road RG30 3BB. Reading Festival Chorus presents: Most Heavenly Music: An evening of Shakespeare set to music. 7pm. Picnic from 5pm, bring your own food. £15, under 18s free. Details: readingfestivalchorus. org.uk SHINFIELD – St Marys Church. Summer Fete, Shinfield green. Noon-4pm STOKE ROW - Stoke Row primary school, Main Street. Summer fair: entertainment, toy stall, refreshments, barbecue, games, market stalls, teachers in the stocks. Noon-3pm. Free entry. TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford Singers 60th anniversary concert. 3pm. £15, under 12s £5. Details: http://twyford-singers. org.uk/ WARGRAVE - From Victoria Road, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: Festival Parade and Fete. 12.30pm.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WOKINGHAM - St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Reading Symphony Orchestra Summer Concert: Shostakovich: Festive Overture, Elgar: Cello Concerto, Schumann: Symphony No. 3, 7.30pm. £15, under 18s and students £5. Details: www. rso.org.uk/next-concert WOKINGHAM - WADE, Reading Road RG41 1EH. WADE Summer Garden Fair. Raffles, tombolas, stalls, plants, refreshments, barbecue, live musical entertainment. 11am-2pm. £1, children free. Free parking at Masonic Centre. WOKINGHAM - Wescott and Westende Primary School, Goodchild Road. Summer fair: live music, inflatables, food, bar, face painting, games, raffle, tombola, crafts and more. Noon-3pm. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY - Bodmin Road RG5 3RZ. Garage Sale in Support of Ukraine 10am1pm - name your price, all proceeds to Ukraine charities. Details: 0118 926 7724.
Sunday, June 26
BUGHFIELD - Little Manor, Church Lane RG30 3TG. Save the Children Kennet Branch’s Midsummer Music with the Clive Fortune Big Band. Bar, real ale, hog roast, raffles, children’s entertainment. £15, under 16s free. Details: 0118 983 2569 or text 07971 241222. EMMER GREEN - Emmer
Green Primary School, Grove Road RG4 8LN. EG10k. From 9.30am. Details: www. emmergreen10k.org.uk HURST - Showground, School Road RG10 0DR. Hurst Show and Country Fayre. 10am-4pm. Advance tickets £5, £7.50 weekend. Under 16s free. Free parking. Details: https:// hurstshow.uk/ READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. West Forest Sinfoia: Orchestral Concert. Janáek’s Cunning Little Vixen Suite, Brahms’ Double Concerto Dvorák and Dvorák’s Symphony No.8. 4.30pm. £15, £5 students and under 18s. Details: westforestsinfonia. org READING - Reading Buses, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HH. Open Day in aid of New Beginnings. Behind the scenes tours, rides through the bus wash, food and drink, games, memorabilia stalls and the fantastic bus rainbow. Details: www.readingbuses.co.uk READING - Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. East Reading Festival: stalls, music, poetry, funfair, food from aroundthe world, charities and more. Noon-6pm. Details: www. eastreadingfestival.co.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. H P Lovecraft: Gallery of Screams, two weird tales adapted and performed by R M Lloyd Parry. £10, £7 concessions. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Bottle Club from 12.30pm. Details: 0118 958 6048. 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. WARGRAVE - St Mary’s Church, Station Road, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: End of Festival Service. 10.30am.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WARGRAVE - Mill Green, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: Family and friends barbecue. Noon. BBO Big Band Show. 7pm.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WOKINGHAM - From Cantley Park, Twyford Road. Wokingham Bikeathon. 15, 25, and 35mile routes, food, drink, cycle obstacle course and more. From 8.15am2pm. Details: www. wokinghambikeathon. co.uk WOKINGHAM - Highclose School, Wiltshire Road RG40 1TT. Dr B’s Custom and Classic Bike Show. 10am-4pm, judging 1pm. £3 per bike. Details: 07968 335796. 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 YATTENDEON - Across village RG18 0UR. Classic vehicle day: free to enter. Categories for Classic cars, vintage motorcycles, military vehicles and other mechanical delights. Vintage stalls, drink and food. Register entries in advance: yattendonclassicvehicle@ outlook.com. Show open 11am-4pm. Details: www. yattendonclassicvehicle couk.com
Monday, June 27
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org CAVERSHAM – Caversham Park Bridge Club, Milestone Centre, RG4 6PF. Face to face duplicate bridge, computer dealing & scoring. 7.30pm. £3. Details www.bridgewebs/ cavershampark READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Variety open mic night. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Tuesday, June 28
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 – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Wednesday, June
29
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Thursday, June 30
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 – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk. SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Double Barrelled Brewery takeover: Craft Theory Fringe with Track Brewing. Details: doublebarrelled. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Friday, July 1
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 23, 2022 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 2
BINFIELD - St Mark’s Church, Popeswood Road RG41 4AH. Thames Voyces in concert: America In Song. 7.30pm. £15, £13 concessions, under 16s free. Details: www. thamesvoyces.org.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD - FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North. Wokingham Baby and Children’s Market: new and nearly new clothes, toys, car seats, pushchairs and more. £1.50, free parking. 2pm-3.30pm. HARE HATCH - Yeldall Manor, Blakes Lane RG10 9TA. Yeldall Manor open day. Stalls, games, celebration and more. Hog roast, £5, from 12.30pm, bring a picnic. Celebration service 3pm. Strawberry tea afterwards. Details: www. yeldall.org.uk 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 – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk. SINDLESHAM - Reddam House, Bearwood Road RG41 5BG. Reddam House summer fair. Classic cars 8am-10am. Fair 10.30am4pm. Free entry. UPPER WOOLHAMPTON - Douai Abbey RG7 5TQ. Newbury Choral Society summer concert: Vive la Renaissance! A selection of sacred music from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, featuring music by Palestrina, Victoria, Tallis, Byrd, and others. 7.30pm. £15, under 16s £5, plus booking fee. Details: www.newburychoral. org.uk WOKINGHAM - Elms Field. Wokingham Lions Club presents classic car show. From 10am. WOKINGHAM - The Duke’s Head, Denmark Street RG40 2BQ. Evening of Clairvoyance with Jenny Docherty. £8. Booking essential. 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 - Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Reading Haydn Choir summer concert: Favourites. 7.30pm. £14, £12 concessions, under 18s £5. Programme includes Haydn’s Te Deum, Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine and 20th century popular songs. Details: www. haydnchoir.org.uk WOODLEY - Rivermead Primary School, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4BS. Summer fair: barbecue, games, music, ice cream van, sweet stalls. Live music and more. 1pm-4pm. Free entry. WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, July 3
GRAZELEY - Village Hall, Church Lane. Bright Hope Church presents a family fun day with ouncy castle, face painting, glitter tattoos, crafts, garden games, planting with Freely Fruity. Noon-4pm. Free. Details: brighthope.church READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Berkshire Motor Show 2022 in aid of Flint House Police Rehab Centre: Classic cars, bikes steam, trade stalls, children’s attractions and more. Car park £2 donation. 10.15am5pm. Details: www. berkshiremotorshow.co.uk READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org 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. SONNING - Berkshire County Sports Club, Sonning lane. Sonning 10k races: 5km, 10km routes plus a 2km route for children. From 8.30am. Details: www. barnesfitness.co.uk SWALLOWFIELD - Across village. Open gardens for NGS: at least 10 to explore by foot, bike and car. 2pm5.30pm. £8, children free. Home made teas available at The Brambles. Details: ngs.org.uk TILEHURST - Berkshire Maestros, Cockney Hill. Dog show: 12 classes to enter, plus stalls, sideshows, refreshments and a barbecue. £2 per dog, per class. 11am-3pm. Details: 0118 901 2370. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
No. 5419
Your weekly puzzle challenge
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Thursday, June 23, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Quiz Challenge
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1. Which flightless bird was hunted to extinction on the island of Mauritius in the 17th century? 2. Euchre is what type of leisure activity? 3. From 1991 to 2001, business magnate Alan Sugar was chairman and part-owner of which football club? 4. Which river enters the South Atlantic at Montevideo? 5. What A is the term for a classical two-handled storage jar?
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NONAGRAM
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
SHEEPISH AIRSTRIP
I G
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: 24 Good; 29 Very Good; 34 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.
6. The 2019 Ed Sheeran song Take Me Back to London featured which British rapper? 7. The sci-fi films Minority Report, Blade Runner and Total Recall were based on the stories of which writer? 8. From 2009 to 2017, who served as US vice president under Barack Obama? 9. Which world-famous sporting venue unveiled a retractable roof in May 2009? 10. What is the longest bone in the human body?
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 W through openings in the walls. The I first letter may appear in any chamber. D N
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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd. To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
DOWN 2. They are gamely associated with a number of snakes (7) 3. Make an appeal that paled out of recognition (5) 4. Rugby player or fisherman? (6) 5. Went on and on about cakes? (7) 6. Girl from the manor (5) 7. What the tourist will do to look with the spectacles (3,3,6) 8. I shot biplane in order to be unfriendly (12) 14. Bouncy band (7) 16. Violet’s in uncomfortably poor condition (7) 17. Made fun of about ten in the drink (4,2) 19. Said to exclude a Scottish island (5) 21. Fast vessel with a cargo of drugs? (1-4)
QUICK CROSSWORD
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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WORD PYRAMID: Gone with the wind. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; multiply; add; divide. Total: 6.
SOLUTIONS
E
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.
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ACROSS 1. Restrain ambition to go for a flight (4,3,5) 9. Naturally lost consciousness (6,3) 10. Regret the strong-smelling plant (3) 11. Time for the bowler – and not before time (7) 12. He’s left a misleading lead (5) 13. Fishy sign (6) 15. Takes over post arrangements after notice (6) 18. A bit I make out of bone (5) 20. Soon before being protracted (7) 22. Not a hindrance for drinkers! (3) 23. One with designs to put on another (9) 24. Being set free to rewrite caption, I mean (12)
EQUALISER 15 2 9 7 3 3 2 10 2 1 2 2
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FIVE ALIVE
SUDOKU Easy
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WORD PYRAMID
C R Y
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
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PZ1P5419
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CROSS CODE
5419
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ACROSS 1. Scream (6) 4. Outmoded (3-3) 8. Bird of prey (6) 10. Acrid (6) 11. Gold coin (5) 12. Travelling entertainment (6) 14. Peruse again (6) 16. Examine (4) 17. Health food, roughage (4) 19. Consumer (4) 22. Region (4) 26. Assert (6)
27. African language (6) 28. Competitor (5) 29. Seabird (6) 30. Term of office (6) 31. Pressure (6) 32. Young swan (6) DOWN 1. Coniferous tree (6) 2. Account (6) 3. Mass flight (6) 5. Linger (6) 6. Hired killers (inf.) (6)
7. Violent outburst (6) 9. Corrode (4) 10. Wounding remark (4) 13. Discontinue (5) 15. Fees (5) 18. Panted (6) 19. Irish province (6) 20. Departure (6) 21. Actual (4) 22. Assist (4) 23. Refine (6) 24. Hair colour (6) 25. Harass (6)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Shriek; 4 Old-hat; 8 Raptor; 10 Bitter; 11 Ducat; 12 Circus; 14 Reread; 16 Test; 17 Bran; 19 User; 22 Area; 26 Allege; 27 Basuto; 28 Racer; 29 Petrel; 30 Tenure; 31 Duress; 32 Cygnet. Down – 1 Spruce; 2 Report; 3 Exodus; 5 Loiter; 6 Hitmen; 7 Tirade; 9 Rust; 10 Barb; 13 Cease; 15 Rates; 18 Gasped; 19 Ulster; 20 Egress; 21 Real; 22 Abet; 23 Rarefy; 24 Auburn; 25 Molest.
FIVE ALIVE: QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The dodo; 2 Card game; 3 Tottenham Hotspur; 4 The River Plate; 5 Amphora ; 6 Stormzy; 7 Philip K. Dick; 8 Joe Biden; 9 Wimbledon Centre Court ; 10 Femur. (1) Across – Front; Fatal; Yards. Down – Fifty; Outer; Tales. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Clip the wings; 9 Nodded off; 10 Rue; 11 Overdue; 12 (2) Across – Nerve; Inset; Essay. O V J F T X H W Z L U M C Leash; 13 Pisces; 15 Adopts; 18 Tibia; 20 Erelong; 22 Bar; 23 Down – Naive; Risks; Entry. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Tattooist; 24 Emancipation. I Q P R S Y D A G E B N K Down – 2 Ladders; 3 Plead; 4 Hooker; 5 Waffled; 6 Norma; 7 See NONAGRAM: chit; city; COPYRIGHT; crypt; girt; the sights; 8 Inhospitable; 14 Elastic; 16 Proviso; 17 Sent up; 19 girth; goth; gothic; griot; grit; grot; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU ship; hare; iris; pest. Barra; 21 E-boat. itch; itchy; optic; otic; phot; photic; picot; pitch; pitchy; pith; pithy; pity; port; rhotic; right; righto; riot; roti; ryot; thorp; thrip; tich; topi; topic; torc; torch; toric; trig; trio; trip; trog; trophic; trophy; tropic; troy; typo; tyro.
28 | LIFE
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WATCH Wokingham Adrian Betteridge
E-scooters: menace, opportunity or symptom?
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T was terrible to hear last week of the death of Linda (Lou) Davis from Rainworth in Nottinghamshire after she was hit on the pavement by an e-scooter rider.
The tragedy serves to remind us of the risks of different modes of travel sharing the same space. Recorded harm from collisions involving e-scooters is rising rapidly, alongside their wider use In Great Britain in 2021, collisions involving an e-scooter led to nine fatalities and 390 recorded serious injuries. Of course this is within a wider context of our transport network which routinely tolerates death and serious injury, with 27,300 cases in total last year. Looking further into the 2021 e-scooter data, we find that last year all of the fatalities were scooter riders along with 78% of the serious injuries. There were 63 serious injuries to pedestrians, 19 to cyclists and three to motorcyclists, with none to vehicle occupants (though some slight injuries were reported). It seems that, just as with other modes of travel, vulnerable road users are disproportionately harmed per mile travelled.
Jeremy Clarkson liked to say in relation to cars that “it isn’t speed that kills, it is stopping abruptly”. Active travellers more commonly face the opposite risk of being abruptly accelerated by a faster moving vehicle (car, cyclist or e-scooterist) or being squashed by a moving car or lorry. We need to travel more sustainably, and the 2-5 mile trips which are ideal for a bike or e-scooter are the best opportunity to do so. E-scooters are not inherently unsafe and seem uniquely popular with some, but the debate around their safety seems to be a symptom of the issues already known to those who walk or cycle, with the same solutions. E-scooter regulation is coming, but it will be by creating a safe environment for their use that we truly resolve the risks. If we are serious about sustainable travel we need to make space for those who wish to walk and for those who wish to propel themselves more quickly, and stop building routes which expect them to mix with each other or with faster moving vehicles.
Nine ways to save money on your food
W
ITH the cost of living soaring to the point that it’s regularly making the headlines, many of us are feeling the pinch. The food shop is one part of our day-to-day life where there are plenty of opportunities for making savings here and there – and there’s an added bonus of shopping smarter: less food waste. Here are nine ways to help lighten the load on your wallet when you get to the checkout.
1. Make a list, and check it twice
With apologies for the out-ofseason reference, shopping lists are the first weapon in your arsenal when it comes to fighting both food waste and extra spending. Write your shopping list in conjunction with your meal plan and you won’t just be less likely to forget anything, you’ll also find that you’re less likely to go off-piste with impulse buys. Read our guide about how your shopping list could save the planet.
2. Find a food shopping routine We know life gets hectic, and we’ve all been there with the last-minute dash to the shops for something for dinner after a long day. Where you can, try to get into a regular routine with your food shop – this will help limit the need for lots of extra shopping trips (and the potential that brings for extra spending). Whether that’s having a think about meals and your food shopping list on the same day each week, keeping a list handy on your phone for when things spring to mind, or booking in a regular online delivery or click and collect slot – find a rhythm that works for you.
3. Shop own-brand Sure, the packaging may not be as nice, but own brand products are just as good as their swankier branded cousins, while being a fraction of the price. Don’t forget to compare the unit price or the cost by weight to make sure you’re definitely getting the best deal.
4. Beware the deals There seems to be a deal to be had around every corner of every shop these days: Buy One Get One Free, Three for Two, Two for One… We’re all guilty of falling for them, and who can blame us? Because we can never resist what seems to be a bargain, we often end up buying things we just don’t need, or buying too much. It’s not a bargain if it ends up in the bin.
5. Steer clear of pre-prepared fruit and veg
It’s undoubtedly more convenient to buy pre-prepared fruit and veg – especially cubes of that most hardto-chop of vegetables, the butternut squash – but you’ll pay a premium for it. Similarly, mashing your own spuds might take a bit longer, but you’ll almost certainly save a little by buying these instead of a readymade version! If you do need some pre-prepared foods, try the freezer aisle for longer shelf lives and, usually, cheaper prices, too.
6. Look at the labels Best Before and Use By dates can be complicated, and there’s not room to talk much about them here. Take a look here to learn more about food date labels, but if you’re in the business of saving money on your
supermarket shop they’re worth thinking about. Keep an eye on the Use By date in particular to make sure you’re giving yourself enough time to use it.
7. Shop at the end of the day While we’re on the subject of date labels, if you’re shopping for this evening’s dinner, you might find that there are some yellow-stickered clearance bargains to be had because fresh food is approaching the date on the label, but is still perfectly edible. Even if you can’t use it straight away, it’s still great for freezing, and you can freeze right up to the Use by date too. The yellow stickers tend to go on towards the end of the day, so time your shop right and you might just be able to snag a great price. If you don’t have a supermarket close by but have a local greengrocer or market, not only can you buy fresh fruit and veg loose, buying just the amount that you need, but often towards closing time there are some great deals to be had.
8. Take advantage of coupons and loyalty card schemes
Loyalty card schemes and coupons are another way to help you save, whether on individual purchases or by accumulating points that give you money off future shops.
Just be careful not to fall into the trap of buying something you don’t need just because you’ve got a moneyoff voucher. We’ve all been there.
9. Buy one or two products that help you use leftovers Make your food go further by investing in one or two inexpensive items to help you make the most of your leftovers – conjuring up extra meals will mean you have less to buy overall, saving money as well as food. For example, tasty stock cubes, pots or pastes can turn leftover veg into a lovely soup, and a bag of rice or baking potatoes will help you make a meal out of leftover chilli or curry. While you’re at it, have a rummage in your kitchen for reusable airtight containers that will give you an easy way to freeze leftovers and put them in an easy to access cupboard or drawer. (Top tip: keep hold of those plastic containers from any takeaways, they’re great to reuse for this. Having portions of leftover meals to hand in the freezer will save money on future shops by turning excess food into homemade ‘ready meals’.
n For more information and ideas, log on to: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 23, 2022
Volunteer corner Helena Badger
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HE Wokingham Volunteer Centre is currently supporting the vaccination clinic at Wokingham library on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. We are looking for more volunteers to help. The role is extremely flexible as you simply book in for a shift when you can help and do not have to commit to a regular slot or a regular day, you just help when it suits you. The role of Covid vaccination clinic marshal is to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience onsite of those coming for vaccination. Volunteers must be a minimum age of 18. Cianna’s Smile offers support and education to families affected by Sickle Cell Anaemia in the UK. Our goals are to decrease isolation for those living with Sickle Cell, support families, and raise awareness of Sickle Cell in the UK. They have just opened new offices in Wokingham Town Centre. This move and expansion means they are looking to take on more volunteers. These include a Social Media Coordinator, a Fundraiser, a Treasurer, an Administrator and a Volunteer Coordinator. They are also looking for adhoc volunteers who are happy to drop into their offices. This is great opportunity to dive into a variety of tasks and to help a great cause without having to commit to a regular day and time each week. You can just pop in on the days you have a spare couple of hours to help out. If any of these roles appeal to you, please get in touch. ASD Family Help offer support, advice & activities for autistic individuals or those with other learning disabilities; their parents, carers or professionals within Wokingham Borough. We run a variety of activities within the Wokingham Borough as listed below: Monday afternoons: Coffee support session for parents/carers alongside a small children’s activity. x8 per year (Venue can change but usually Wokingham) Monday evenings: Martial Arts for children/young people with additional needs (Finchampstead) Wednesday evenings: Youth Club for young people with additional needs (Wokingham x1 per month & Online x1 per month. Friday evenings: Martial Arts for children/young people with additional needs (Swallowfield) We are looking for more volunteers to help with any of these sessions. n These are just a few roles on our books. Please visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer. If you would like to get in touch with us, please call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk.
SPORT TODAY
WOKINGHAM
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
23.06.22
FOOTBALL IN BERKSHIRE AWARDS
FINCH HIT FIELDERS FOR 4
OAKS TAKE THE POINTS IN DRAW
THE FIRST INTERVIEW
ALL THE LATEST ROYALS NEWS
BLAKE’S HEAVEN
JORDAN TAKES CHARGE AT WOODLEY EXCLUSIVE By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today NEW Woodley United FC first-team manager Jordan Blake is keen to make a positive impression across the whole club.
Blake will be taking up his first managerial role as a number one with the Kestrels who play in the
Combined Counties Division One. “I’m delighted to get it all done and dusted and I can’t wait to get started, I’m really looking forward to it,” said Blake. “It’s my first management job as a number one. I’ve been with Mark Bartley at Marlow for the last four years so it will be my first introduction into first-team management. “I’ve worked with some great
players at Marlow and have been working on all aspects of the game including coaching from day-to-day and the recruitment side. “There has been a change in culture at Marlow and that was a really big thing for me that I wanted to help with when I joined Mark to help drive the club forward and that’s certainly what I’ll look to do at Woodley.”
n Continued on page 18
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INCE BOLSTERS ROYALS COACHING STAFF READING FC has added two new members to join the first-team coaching staff alongside Paul Ince and Alex Rae.
Tony Warner joins as first-team goalkeeping coach, while James Oliver-Pearce has been added to the coaching staff for this season. Warner started out at Liverpool and had spells with Swindon Town, Celtic, Aberdeen, Millwall and several other clubs in his playing days. He started out his coaching career with Bolton Wanderers before heading to the Indian Super League. Warner returned to England to coach at Accrington Stanley before joining Bristol Rovers in 2021 and now joins Ince’s coaching staff at the Royals. Oliver-Pearce joins Ince’s coaching staff after departing AFC Wimbledon. The 31-year-old joined Wimbledon in 2012 as an academy coach and was appointed as head coach of their under 18’s team in 2021. Oliver-Pearce then stepped up to become a first-team coach at Wimbledon after impressing manager Mark Robinson.
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Woodley United manager Jordan Blake (pictured middle) after being unveiled as the new boss Pictures: Peter Toft
WOODLEY UNITED BOSS BLAKE TO BRING FRESH IDEAS TO PUSH KESTRELS FORWARD INTERVIEW
n Continued from front page
“I was at the John Madejski Academy under Michael Butcher and was there for three years and did my coaching badges there. I did coaching at Reading Football Club at the Elite Development Centre and got into the coaching world that way. “After a few years there I left that but kept on coaching at non-league football with Reading Town, I was a player/ coach there and then for a season I was at Henley Reserves and after that I joined Marlow.” Drawing on his vast experience in the coaching industry, Blake is determined
to create a positive working environment at Woodley to take the club forward. He continued: “For me coaching is really important in terms of understanding people’s backgrounds from different walks of life. “It’s not just about the day to day but about trying to help people on journeys in their life and in different situations. “It’s about understanding what motivates them and why they come to football, whether that’s because their mates play or whether they want to push on. “It’s about helping these young men make good decisions and be the best they can be.
“I’m big on culture and trying to create the right environment and that’s what I’ll be looking to do at Woodley. “I’m keen to continue the work Woodley has gone over the last few years bridging under 18’s into the firstteam and giving people the opportunity to play men’s football.” Woodley finished in 16th in the Combined Counties Division One last season and Blake is keen for players seeking a new challenge to join the club this summer. “Woodley is a fantastic club and has always had a really good infrastructure,” Blake continued.
“Mark (Rozzier) the chairman has done a fantastic job of building across all age groups with the youth teams and Woodley is a club that is stable, has a really good presence in Berkshire and it seems the perfect time for me to come here and bring some fresh ideas. “The plan is to start preseason on Tuesday, June 28, at Woodley Goals on the grass from 7pm-9pm. “I’m in the process of sorting out pre-season fixtures which will be announced soon. “It’s important for me to get in there and see the current state and the current culture.
“Some of the key things for me that my team will be based on is commitment, hard work, passion and those are things that I want to instil in my players. “It’s important that we integrate the rest of the football club so the young players can see a path to the first-team one day. “I want the players in the first-team to become role models and get out there in the local community, that’s really important for me. “That breeds continuity across the football club, these young ladies and young men need to have a picture of the football club so we need to
create the right pathway and the right culture at Woodley. “It will be about trying to find consistency week in, week out. That will be an important part of my role to try and find that as soon as possible, I’m hoping we can hit the ground running from day one. “My message for players looking for a new challenge will be to come and take it on. “I’m an open book, I’m an honest individual, I’m always open for a conversation. I’m here to create the right environment to be successful and if you want to be a part of that journey then please come down because we’ve got some great coaches.”
SPORT | 19
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LOCAL FOOTBALL CELEBRATED AT FIB AWARDS NIGHT
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Alicia Povey with Tom White
Andrew Batt awarded for outstanding contribution Pictures: Neil Graham
Ann-Louise Doe was awarded as the Volunteer of the Season
Richard Milam won best individual photo
Binfield FC Soccer School won best community campaign
HUNDREDS of people gathered at Double Barrelled Brewery in Reading on Wednesday night to celebrate this year’s Football in Berkshire 2022 awards evening.
In a tremendous celebratory night, the awards were presented to the winners by Sky Sports presenter Tom White. Local photographer Andrew Batt, who has covered hundreds of games from a vast range of teams and leagues throughout the season, was recognised for his constituent hard work with the Outstanding Contribution to local football award. Award recipients included Eversley & California’s Richard Milam who won best individual photo or media. Wokingham & Emmbrook’s Anne-Louise Doe was awarded as the Volunteer of the Season. Anne-Louise said: “The most important thing is to get as many children in our community playing football. I’m very touched to get the award, it’s a whole community effort.” Caversham United were recognised for their superb social media output as they won the Best content creator award, while Binfield FC’s soccer school was awarded
as the Best Community Campaign. Alicia Povey from Reading Royals Futsal Club was chosen as the Female Player of the Season. She said: “To have futsal represented is amazing. Women’s football is on the up, and in Berkshire it is incredible and is only going to get better.” The final award of the night, the Darrell Freeland award for service to the local game was given to former Binfield FC chairman Bob Bacon.
List of winners
Best ground: Ascot United Supporter of the season: Ian Dawson, Windsor FC Volunteer of the season: Anne-Louise Doe, Wokingham & Emmbrook FC Best individual photo: Richard Milam, Eversley & California FC Best content creator: Caversham United FC Best community camapaign: Binfield FC Soccer School Outstanding contriubtion to local football: Andrew Batt Referee of the season: Matthew Barrett Male young player of the season: Alfonso Teconi, Slough Town Female young player of the season: Gemma Harvey, Maidenhead United Male player of the season: Seb Bowerman, Bracknell Town Female player of the season: Alicia Povey, Reading Royals Futsal Darrell Freeland Award for service to the local game: Bob Bacon
RUGBY UNION
RAMS HOST NEWLY PROMOTED ESHER IN SEASON OPENER By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today RAMS will kick off their third National One campaign with a home fixture against newly-promoted Esher when the 2022/23 season gets underway on Saturday, September 3.
The National Two South champions return to the third tier at Old Bath Road, before Rams travel to Chinnor for the first derby of the season the week after. The other newly-promoted side, National Two North winners Hull, visit OBR on September 17, before a trip to Bishop’s Stortford and home game against Darlington Mowden Park round out the first tranche of fixtures. With the league reduced to 14 teams, there is a rest week on October 8, which is then followed by two games against top-four sides from the season just gone – Cambridge at home and Rosslyn Park away.
October 29 sees Birmingham Moseley in town, before the first long trip of the campaign, to Leeds Tykes. Rams host Plymouth Albion on November 12 and then after a second rest week, head to Taunton Titans. Last year’s runners-up – Sale – are the visitors at the start of December, before a tough trip to Cinderford and the home derby with Chinnor, which may be another Friday Night lights game to kick off the Christmas period. The league resumes on January 7 with a trip up north to Hull before games against Bishop’s Stortford at home and DMP and Cambridge away. There are two blank weeks on February 4 and 11 to enable any postponed games to be played before Rosslyn Park head to OBR. Rams then go to Moseley, host Leeds and visit Plymouth before a rest weekend on March 18.
Rams touch down to score a try Taunton are in town the following week before the trip to Sale, and after the final break on April 8, Rams complete their campaign at home to Cinderford and on the road at Esher.
Full Fixtures List: September 3: Esher (h) September 10 : Chinnor (a) September 17: Hull (h) September 24: Bishop’s Stortford (a)
Rams away at Blackheath Pictures: Tim Pitfield October 1: Darlington Mowden Park (h) October 15: Cambridge (h) October 22: Rosslyn Park (a) October 29: Birmingham Moseley (h) November 5: Leeds Tykes (a) November 12: Plymouth Albion (h) November 26: Taunton Titans (a) December 3: Sale (h) December 10: Cinderford (a) December 17: Chinnor (h)
January 7: Hull (a) January 14: Bishop’s Stortford (h) January 21: Darlington Mowden Park (a) January 28 : Cambridge (a) February 18: Rosslyn Park (h) February 25: Birmingham Moseley (a) March 4: Leeds Tykes (h) March 11: Plymouth Albion (a) March 25: Taunton Titans (h) April 1: Sale (a) April 15: Cinderford (h) April 22: Esher (a)
20 | SPORT
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EVERSLEY MOVE ON UP DESPITE TA THAMES VALLEY CRICKET
Benjamin Salter bowling for Eversley v Henley 2s Pictures: Steve Smyth By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Thames Valley Division 1
EVERSLEY moved up a place into sixth despite being beaten by second placed Henley 2s. Kyle Bienefeld scored 46 as Eversley scored 168 before they were bowled all out. Sachin Sivanandan (4-31) bowled brilliantly but Henley were able to take the match with three wickets to spare, but Eversley took 10 points in defeat to move up the table.
Thames Valley Division 2B WOKINGHAM 2s are the new division leaders after their success against READING 2s. Turner totalled 53 for the Oaks, while Beaven (4-17) and Srinvasan (3-23) bowled strongly for Reading. Reading were all out for 134 after a flawless bowling display from Jarrett Bobb (7-48), with the result meaning that Reading fell down to third while Wokingham went top.
Benjamin Salter in his bowling spell for Eversley
FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s climbed up to second with a 65-run victory over Cove. Thilo scored highest with 87 to help Finch to 215, while an astonishing bowling spell from Laithwaite (7-40) skittled Cove all out on 150.
Thames Valley Division 3A THEALE & TILEHURST lost to Windsor by 43 runs which saw them drop down to seventh. WHITE WALTHAM stay in ninth after they drew with
bottom of the table Aldershot.
Thames Valley Division 4A WOKINGHAM 3s lost their space at top spot after they were defeated by Thatcham Town 2s. Edward Fox-Smith scored 40 to see the Oaks to 162 and despite three wickets from Christopher Ruane, Thatcham won with five wickets left. FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s dropped down to sixth with a four wicket loss to Cove 2s. Shamoon batted impressively
to score 87, but Cove surpassed the 264 total after 48.2 overs with four wickets left.
Thames Valley Division 5A WARGRAVE 3s are up to third in the table with a seven wicket win against Taplow 2s. A remarkable batting performance from Richards (120) saw Wargrave get over the line comfortably with seven wickets to spare, while Newton contributed with 84 in a fine batting display from the hosts.
Thames Valley Division 5B READING 2s earned their fifth win of the campaign which saw them move up to second. Singh was just one run shy of scoring a century and he backed that up with three wickets in the second innings, while Wood decimated Royal Ascot’s chances with five wickets to wrap up a comfortable 181-run win for Reading. BRACKNELL are up into third after they took a five-wicket
SPORT | 21
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ASTING DEFEAT TO HENLEY
Honours board Batting
Harris - Hurst 2s v White Waltham 2s - 136* M Richards - Wargrave 3s v Taplow 2s - 120 A Urath - Eversley 3s v Yateley - 120 Alex Cobb - Emmbrook and Bearwood v The Lee - 118 H Singh - Reading 2s v Royal Ascot 2s - 99 Amelia Humphrey - Binfield v St Albans - 98* Adam Birch - Sandhurst v Mortimer West End - 94 Thilo - Finchampstead 2s v Cove - 87 M Shamoon - Finchampstead 3s v Cove 2s - 87 Farooq Hussain - Rangers v Earley - 86 J Newton - Wargrave 3s v Taplow 2s - 84 Greg Davis - Emmbrook and Bearwood v The Lee - 81 Hibbs - Hurst 2s v White Waltham 2s - 80* Vijay Nawale - Eversley 4s v Sulhamstead & Ufton 3s - 77 Herridge - White Waltham 2s v Hurst 2s - 72* Aalok Sonwala - Shinfield 3s v Woodley - 72 Syed Nagi - Sonning 4s v Fleet 3s - 71 Molloy - White Waltham v Aldershot - 67 Milind Pathak - Shinfield 3s v Woodley - 66 Reham Siddiqui - Waltham St Lawrence v Welford Park - 64 Arter - Finchampstead 4s v Purley on Thames 2s - 62 Andy Malliff - Waltham St Lawrence v Welford Park - 59 S Narayana - Binfield 3s v Thatcham Town 3s - 59 Imran Zaman - West Reading 3s v Earley - 58 R Wright - Finchampstead 5s v Maidenhead & Bray 4s - 57 Atiq Javed - Farley Hill 2s v Twyofrd and Ruscombe - 55 K Anup - Eversley 3s v Yateley - 55 J Turner - Wokingham 2s v Reading - 53 K Gupta - Binfield 3s v Thatcham Town 3s - 52* Mahad Ahmad - West Reading v Stratfield Turgis - 51 Sarang Ravindra - Reading 3s v Bradfield 2s - 51*
Bowling
success over BINFIELD. Bracknell chased down the first innings total of 205 in 42 overs with five wickets to spare to collect 26 points, while Binfield put 12 points on the board. EVERSLEY 2s dropped down into fourth as they lost out by 19 runs to top of the table Newbury. Pervez had four wickets to his name at the end of the first innings, but Eversley were all out on 170,, just 19 runs short of taking a result. SONNING 2s lost out by five wickets to Bagshot 2s, while FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s were beaten by three wickets against Purley on Thames 2s.
Thames Valley Division 6B
EVERSLEY 3s were beaten by seven wickets away at Yateley, while WOKINGHAM 4s are bottom of the table after they took a draw against Chalfont St Peter.
Thames Valley Division 7A WHITE WALTHAM lost their place at top spot after they were defeated by HURST 2s by an astonishing 139 runs. A 10-wicket defeat saw WOKINGHAM 5s drop down to sixth against Slough 5s.
Thames Valley Division 8A Binfield 3s (235-5) beat Thatcham
Town 3s (159-9) Sonning 3s (202-7) beat Bracknell 2s (139-9) Reading 3s beat Bradfield 2s by three wickets (ARR)
Thames Valley Division 9A Eversley (180-9) beat Sulhamstead & Ufton 3s (170 all out) Wokingham 6s (182-4) beat Royal Ascot (177-8) Maidenhead & Bray 4s (224-8)
beat Finchampstead 5s (159 all out)
Thames Valley Division 10A Fleet 3s (218-8) lost to Sonning (222-9)
Thames Valley Division 10C Reading 4s beat Stoke Green 4s by five wickets (ARR) Wargrave 4s (238-4) beat Chesham 4s (186-9)
THAMES VALLEY CRICKET
BINFIELD AND HURST SHARE DRAW AFTER MATCH ABANDONED By Arthur Strand sport@wokingham.today BINFIELD took 12 points, while Hurst were awarded nine points after their encounter ended in a draw after being abandoned.
The first nine overs were very frugal for the two opening Binfield batters, Wynand Lamprecht and Dan Humphrey. In the 10th over Dan Humphrey was trapped LBW by Nick Reynolds for 16 including three boundaries on 28-1. Isaac Humphrey came into bat
and Binfield scored few runs up until over 16 with just three fours. Over 22 saw two more fours scored from Ruddock. At the halfway point, 94-1, Lewis Smith came on to bowl but it was Ruddock at the other end, who, on ball two of over 28, when James Watt caught Isaac Humphrey for 26. Over 46 and Joe Warren ran two then hit a six, which brought up 200, followed by a single from a no-ball. Over 48 Williams was caught Smith bowled Joe Warrenon on 213-
6 after a huge six from Williams. Miller hit a huge six and Jackson hit a four after a single, while the last over gave Binfield a chance to enhance the total which was by 11 runs from Joe Warren to put them on 258-6. Hurst’s reply started with James Watt being caught by Tom Andrews, bowled Jackson for zero on 6-1. Lewis Smith sent the ball to the boundary to complete the 10th over. Four per over except one over then Jack Collett came on for over 16 but no more boundaries except for over 19.
Collett bowled over 26 giving eignt to Hurst and Lamprecht bowled over 27 but over 28 Collett saw Skipper Smith leave when caught by Miller for 67 on 150-2. However the next over by Lamprecht Sam Warren was stumped by Miller for 105 on 205-3. Max Carroll hit Jackson for a six in the 38th over and The 39th over saw Cupido and Carroll running for each ball of the over at 221-3. Cupido scored a four before play was stopped and the match was abandoned as a draw with Hurst on 233-3.
M Laithwaite - Finchampstead 2s v Cove - 7-40 Jarrett Bobb - Wokingham 2s v Reading - 7-48 Felix Margel - Eversley 4s v Sulhamstead & Ufton 3s - 6-26 Sushant Agarwal - Shinfield 3s v Woodley - 6-49 Max Uttley - Wokingham v Banbury - 6-52 Hasan Safdar - Reading United v Silchester - 5-24 Euan Woods - Wargrave v Tring Park - 5-43 D Wood - Reading 2s v Royal Ascot 2s - 5-27 Ikra Farooq - Finchampstead v Henley - 4-12 Suneet Basra - Rangers v Earley 2s - 4-15 Zoe Docherty - Binfield v St Albans - 4-18 James Woodford - Finchampstead v Oxford - 4-18 Khanti - Finchampstead 5s v Maidenhead & Bray 4s - 4-24 Guy Ashby - Finchampstead v Oxford - 4-31 Sachin Sivanandan - Eversley v Henley 2s - 4-31 Naveed Raja - Woodley v Shinfield 3s - 4-33 Hashim Lone - Earley v West Reading 3s - 4-40 Odey - Hurst 2s v White Waltham 2s - 4-42 Umari Pervaiz - Eversley 2s v Newbury - 4-45 Rhodri Lewis - Wargrave v Banbury - 4-51 Ollie Williams - Emmbrook and Bearwood v The Lee - 3-9 Nisarg Patel - Shinfield 2s v Farley Hill - 3-15 Richard Cole - Emmbrook and Bearwood v The Lee - 3-27 Prashant Gandhi - Shinfield v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 3-28 Anthony Cluett - Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Shinfield - 3-30 Thomas Hale - Farley Hill 2s v Twyford and Ruscombe - 3-31 Andrew Baines - Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Reading United 2s - 3-31 Errol Masters - Farley Hill v Shinfield 2s - 3-34
22
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Andy Rishton bowling for Wokingham against Banbury Pictures: Steve Smyth
UTTLEY TAKES SIX WICKETS AS OAKS CLIMB UP TO THIRD CRICKET
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Home Counties Premier Division 1 FINCHAMPSTEAD dropped down to fourth in the table after they were held to a draw by Oxford. Guy Ashby (4-31) and James Woodford (4-18) were both in scintillating form with the ball for Finch as they contributed to bowl Oxford all out on 145. Matt Giles top scored for Finch with 39 and after 37.4 overs the match was drawn with Finch having three wickets remaining on 124 runs. WOKINGHAM climbed up into third after they took a
draw at home to Banbury. Max Uttley enjoyed a superb afternoon with the ball as he tore through Banbury’s batting order to take an astonishing six wickets. With 234 to catch to win the match, the game was drawn after the Oaks finished 45 overs on 166-7, with Shaan Khan top scoring with 47.
Home Counties Division 2
WARGRAVE are second in the standings after they took a six wicket victory over Tring Park. Euan Woods (5-43) and Rhodri Lewis (4-51) were in prolific bowling form which helped to have Tring all out on 177.
It took Wargrave 36.5 overs to surpass the total which saw Lewis add to his fine bowling performance by hitting a half century.
Two solid innings from Abhishek Chatterjee (35) and Fakhir Ali (39) helped Shinfield get over the line with three wickets to spare.
WEST READING lost out away at Ley Hill in a six wicket defeat. A top score of 47 from Arsalan Ahmed helped West Reading hit 207, but the hosts managed to take the points after 30.4 overs. SHINFIELD amassed 38 points with a three-wicket success over CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD. Crows totalled 154 as three wickets from Prashant Gandhi had them all out.
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD continued their impressive form with a convincing win over The Lee. A spectacular knock from Alex Cobb (118) and a strong total from Greg Davis (81*) saw the Bears declare having only lost two wickets with 292 runs on the board. Richard Cole and Ollie Williams both collected three wickets each which saw Emmbrook take the points with The Lee 113 runs short of the
BCM Championship
CMB Premiership
target after 41.5 overs.
BCL Premier Division
FARLEY HILL remain as league leaders despite being beaten by SHINFIELD 2s. Michael Sherdian scored highest for Farley with 41 runs, while Nisarg Patel took three wickets for Shinfield. Shinfield surpassed the chase with three wickets to spare after 30.3 overs to take them up to third in the table. WEST READING 2s moved up to fifth after a successful afternoon against Stratfield Turgis. It took 36 overs for West Reading to chase down 208 to take the match which saw opening batsman Mahad
Ahmad hit a half century. SANDHURST were defeated away at Mortimer West End by 51 runs. Despite a stunning innings of 94 from Sandhurst opener Adam Birch, they were all out after 35 overs. WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE are bottom of the pile after they lost out by five wickets to Welford Park. Andy Malliff and Raham Siddiqui both smacked half centuries, but Welford scored 289 to take the points.
BCL Division 1A
A six wicket win over Silchester keeps READING UNITED at the top after a five wicket haul from Hasan Safdar.
SPORT | 23
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READING FC
ROYALS PLAYER OF THE SEASON COMMITS FUTURE WITH NEW LONG TERM DEAL By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham. today
READING FC defender Andy Yiadom has signed a new three year deal at the club.
Yiadom joins Tom Holmes in extending his stay with the Royals. There are still several first-team players set to be out of contract at the end of the month as Paul Ince and his recruitment staff search for solutions while being under a transfer embargo. Yiadom played an
integral part in helping keep the Royals safe from relegation last season and was awarded as the Player of the Season. The Ghanian full-back joined Reading in 2018 after signing on a free transfer from Barnsley and has made 128 league appearances in Berkshire. He played 37 games last season and scored once which came in a 3-2 home defeat against Coventry City. After signing his new deal, Yiadom said:
“The journey continues, delighted to have a signed long term with Reading FC. “With the fans contribution and the teams determination, lets get together to take the club where it should be.” Paul Ince said: “Andy epitomised everything we were hoping to see when Alex and I arrived at the club last season – desire, commitment, fight, determination, leadership and a real hunger to win. “Defensively and offensively, he has been a
fantastic player during the four years he has spent at the club to date and I am delighted he has agreed to be part of what we are trying to build here at Reading.” Mark Bowen added: “In Andy we have a player who makes a positive impact on every game in which he plays for this club. “He has a wise head on
experienced shoulders and he is a real leader, both on and off the pitch. “By putting pen to paper on this long-term deal, I’m very pleased he has committed his future to the club and I am certain he will play an important part in what we hope to achieve next season and beyond.”
READING FC
LAURENT DEPARTS ROYALS AND JOINS POTTERS
READING FC
HOLMES PUTS PEN TO PAPER ON NEW ROYALS CONTRACT READING FC defender Tom Holmes has put pen to paper on a new deal with the club.
Holmes, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the month, has extended his stay with the Royals amid interest from other clubs. Holmes is just one of several first-team players whose contracts are up for renewal this summer with the squad set for an overhaul despite the club being under a transfer embargo. The 22-year-old joined Reading’s academy in 2008 and made his debut for the first-team in March 2018 in a 1-1 draw against Bolton Wanderers. He became a firstteam regular under Veljko Paunovic in the 2020/21 season where he was deployed in his natural position at centre-back and also as a full-back.
Tom Holmes after scoring against Hull Picture: Steve Smyth
Holmes made 39 appearances in 2020/21 and played 32 Championship games last season as the Royals narrowly avoided relegation. The academy graduate netted his first goal for the club in December 2021 against Hull City with a stunning bicycle kick. Newly promoted Nottingham Forest had reportedly been interested in signing Holmes last season but Reading remained reluctant to sell him despite their financial situation. But the Royals have now fended off interest from other clubs to tie Holmes down to a new contract. Holmes said: “I’m delighted to get it done. It’s taken a while but I’m happy to finally get it signed and I can’t wait to get going. “The club has got a lot to offer, it’s done a lot for
me growing up and over the next few years we can really push on and achieve something special. “I know it’s been quite hard over the last year or so, but I think after having conversations with the gaffer (Paul Ince), Mark Bowen and with Brian (Carey), I think there’s a real scope here for us to push on. “It’s going to be hard this coming season but we’re all willing to put the work in and hopefully we can get the right players in and a few of the other lads put pen to paper like myself and get things going. “I’m raring to come back now. It means a lot to me, it means a lot to the people around me, it means a lot to my family, my friends are delighted and I’m happy to still be here wearing the blue and white.”
READING FC
Josh Laurent in action Picture: Steve Smyth JOSH Laurent has left Reading to sign for Stoke City on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old, who joined the Royals in 2020 on a free transfer from Shrewsbury, has signed for Stoke after the expiry of his Royals contract. Laurent is just one of several senior players out of contract at Reading this month with the current squad set for an overhaul. Laurent signed for Reading under Mark Bowen, who was manager at the time and is now back at the Royals as Head of Football Operations. Laurent quickly became an integral part of the team as Veljko Paunovic’s team made a strong push for the top six in his first campaign with the club. They eventually missed out on the play-offs, but Laurent enjoyed an exceptional season which saw him play 45 out of the 46 league games in that season, with three goals to his name. Laurent’s efforts in his debut season didn’t go unnoticed as he was awarded as Reading’s Player of the Season. Laurent played 27 Championship games last season as the Royals narrowly survived relegation under Ince where he scored a vital winner against Blackburn. The midfielder was offered a new deal at Reading, however opted to join fellow Championship side Stoke City after a two-year stint in Berkshire.
ROYALS COMPLETE FIRST SUMMER SIGNING AS LUMLEY JOINS ON LOAN FROM BORO READING FC have completed their first signing of the summer as Joe Lumley joins on loan from Middlesbrough.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper who has made 34 league appearances for Boro will represent the Royals next season. Paul Ince and his new recruitment team are set for a busy summer window with several senior players contracts set to
expire at the end of the month. However, they are facing the extra challenge of being under a transfer embargo for the second consecutive season which will limit them to signing free agents and loan players. With the expiration of Orjan Nyland’s contract, who spent the latter end of the 2021/22 with Reading, and Luke Southwood reportedly being told he can depart, the Royals are
in the market to sign a new goalkeeper. Lumley started his senior career at Queens Park Rangers and made 77 league appearances for the club after making his first-team debut in 2015. After loan spells with Bishop’s Stortford, Accrignton Stanley, Stevenage, Bristol Rovers, Blackpool, Gillingham and Doncaster Rovers during his time at QPR, Lumley eventually made
a permanent switch to Middlesbrough in 2021. In his first season with Boro, Lumley played 34 times and finished the season with 34 goals conceded and 13 clean sheets in the league. Across all competitions, Lumley played 39 times, conceded 42 goals and kept 14 clean sheets but is set to be loaned out by Chris Wilder’s team for the upcoming campaign. Mark Bowen said: “Joe
is a goalkeeper of proven pedigree who, despite being relatively young for a keeper, has more than 150 first-team appaerances on his CV already. “After an extensive search and much consideration around the goalkeeping options available to us, we firmly believe Joe will provide vital competition for the number one shirt next eason and prove an excellent addition to our first-team squad.”
Laurent in Reading’s away trip to Barnsley
24 | SPORT
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Saturday, June 18 CRICKET Home Counties Division One Oxford (145 all out) drew Finchampstead (124-7) Wokingham (166-7) drew Banbury (233 all out) Home Counties Division Two Wargrave (178-4) beat Tring Park (177 all out) BCM Championship Ley Hill (206-4) beat West Reading (207 all out) Shinfield (156-7) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (154 all out) CMB Premiership The Lee (179-9) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (292-2) BCL Premier Division Farley Hill (132 all out) lost to Shinfield 2s (134-7) Waltham St Lawrence (287-9) lost to Welford Park (289-5) West Reading 2s (212-6) beat Stratfield Turgis (208-9)
Rams RFC coaches will be sharing their skills and knowledge at a coaching conference Pictures: Rams
RUGBY UNION
RAMS TO HOST COACHING CONFERENCE By Richard Ashton sport@wokingham.today A LIMITED number of tickets remain available for the third Berkshire RFU Coaching Conference to be held at Rams next month.
The event, which will take place on Sunday, July 3, features a superb selection of guest speakers including the National One club’s own Director of Rugby, Seb Reynolds. Also on hand will be Bedford Blues’ attack coach Jake Sharp, who
also works on skills and transition for Northampton Saints, as well as Major Gemma Stonebridge-Smith, the head coach of British Army Women. The trio will run practical sessions in which they coach through games and specific skill activities. They will illustrate how to work with players of differing abilities, skill sets, coordination levels and physiques. The theme for these sessions will be attacking play, continuity and ball retention. Other members of the panel
are Lynne Cantwell, Head of Elite Women’s Rugby Development for the South African RFU and Ireland’s most capped female player, and Premiership referee, Ian Tempest. He will explore the relationship between referee and coach and also look at situations where the referee has to make difficult decisions. Rams are sponsoring the event and representatives from Berkshire Clubs and Schools, as well as Army coaches, are entitled to a delegate rate of £40. For non-Berkshire affiliated clubs/schools the rate is £50.
CRICKET
WOODS CHOPS DOWN BEDFORDSHIRE TO SEE BERKSHIRE TO 144-RUN VICTORY By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today IT WAS home sweet home for Euan Woods when Berkshire blasted their way to a 144-run win over Bedfordshire in the NCCA Trophy at Wargrave on Sunday.
Not only does he play for the club but his family live at the ground where Martin is the head groundsman. The Trophy holders made 229 all out in 48.5 overs before dismissing their visitors for just 85 in under 25 overs. Euan hammered 81 off 112 balls and it was his secondwicket stand of 163 in 30 overs with
Wokingham’s Archie Carter (74) that laid the foundation for the county’s success. Apart from the two leading scorers, only Jafer Chohan, with 22 not out, and Wargrave’s Rhodri Lewis (20) managed to reach double figures as Berks lost their last nine wickets for 60 runs with slow left-armer Archie Houghton taking 5-32. In reply, Bedfordshire’s innings never got off the ground with three of their top four batsmen all dismissed for ducks, the trio lasting a total of 11 balls. Half the side were back in the pavilion with only 39 runs on the board.
Houghton briefly held up Berkshire’s victory charge by scoring 32 and he was the last man out – caught by Woods off Luke Beaven - when the 10th wicket went down in the 25th over. Beaven finished with 4-20, Chohan 2-11, Andy Rishton 2-16 and To Nugent 2-23. Berkshire’s second win virtually assures them of finishing in the top two of their group, so qualifying for the knock-out stages. They replace Beds at the head of the table with one match remaining – against bottom-of-the-table Hertfordshire at North Mymms this Sunday.
The Ticket price includes refreshments throughout the day, including lunch and a 2021 Conference Polo Shirt. A summary of the speakers’ notes will also be sent out following the event. The course is designed for coaches at all levels of the game from Minis to Seniors and is geared to improve people’s understanding of the sport and coaching ability. n For more information and to book your place, contact Berkshire Training Chair, Cath Reynolds at cath@ ramsrugby.com
BOWLS
WOKINGHAM LADIES DEFEAT BURGHFIELD WOKINGHAM Bowling Club and Prospect Park Bowling Club were both in league and friendly action throughout the week.
Wokingham Bowls Club Wokingham Ladies were successful in a friendly encounter against Burghfield. After a very tight match, Wokingham came out top winning by 12 shots overall. Wokingham men’s KLV team played Desborough D team and won by eight points to two. In a close encounter, Wokingham came out on top and gained 52 shots to Desborough 49.
Prospect Park Bowls Club Prospect Park Won at Didcot B in the KL and in the KLV, the A team won at Caversham B Meanwhile, Prospect’s B were defeated by Tilehurst C in a closely fought match.
BCL Division 1A Reading United (120-4) beat Silchester (118 all out) West Reading 3s (212-8) lost to Earley (215-8) BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (206-5) beat Reading United 2s (194-8) Earley 2s (144 all out) lost to Rangers (145-5) Woodley (212-9) beat Shinfield 3s (211-9) BCL Division 2 Knowl Hill (262-4) beat West Reading 4s (171 all out) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (168 all out) lost to Henley 2s (169-7) Thames Valley Division 2B Reading (134 all out) lost to Wokingham 2s (149 all out) Finchampstead 2s (215-8) beat Cove (150 all out) Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham (186-9) drew Aldershot (221 all out) Harpsden (340-7 dec) drew Wargrave 2s (124-5) Thames Valley Division 4A Cove 2s (265-6) beat Finchampstead 3s (264-8 dec) Wokingham 3s (162 all out) lost to Thatcham Town 2s (163-5) Thames Valley Division 5A Wargrave 3s (254-3) beat Taplow 3s (244-6)
Sunday, June 19
CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Division 1 Binfield (282-3) beat St Albans (125 all out) Henley (81 all out) lost to Finchampstead (82-3) Berkshire Women’s Softball Binfield (86-4) lost to Crowthorne & Crown Wood (88-2)
FIXTURES
Saturday, June 25 CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Finchampstead v High Wycombe Henley v Wokingham Home Counties Division 2 Amersham v Wargrave BCM Championship Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Great Kingshill West Reading v Shinfield CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood v Littlewick Green Chilterns Division Two Holyport v Emmbrook and Bearwood BCL Premier Division Sandhurst v Farley Hill Shinfield 2s v West Reading 2s Stratfield Turgis v Waltham St Lawrence BCL Division 1A Earley v Stallions Reading Lions v Reading United Silchester v Berkshire Royals BCL Division 1B Farley Hill 2s v Reading United 2s Rangers v Woodley Shinfield 3s v Twtyford and Ruscombe Warfield v Earley 2s Stallions v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s Thames Valley Division 1 Boyne Hill v Eversley Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield v Finchampstead 2s Hurst v Slough 2s Fleet v Reading Wokingham 2s v Sulhamstead & Ufton Thames Valley Division 3A Wargrave 2s v White Waltham Kidmore End v Sonning Thames Valley Division 4A Finchampstead 3s v Purley on Thames Maidenhead & Bray 2s v Wokingham 3s Thames Valley Division 5B Sonninng 2s v Bracknell Reading 2s v Newbury Eversley 2s v Finchampstead 4s Purley on Thames 2s v Binfield 2s
Sunday, June 26 CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Division 1 Berkhamsted v Binfield Knebworth Park v Finchampstead
Home Counties Berkshire Women’s Softball Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Binfield
