Wokingham Today, June 2, 2022

WOKINGHAM TODAY UPDATED DAILY AT WWW.WOKINGHAM.TODAY

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, June 2, 2022

No. 366 90p

Households to receive £400 energy bill discount HOOKERS CROWN THE JUBILEE P12

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today HOUSEHOLDS in Wokingham are set to receive support to tackle the cost of living crisis.

On Thursday, May 26, the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced a £15 billion package of support which he called a “significant set of interventions” to help offset rising energy bills and inflation.

The package will include a oneoff payment of £650 for families on means-tested benefits.

Under the new measures the government will scrap plans to give everyone £200 off bills which would be repaid over five years.

Instead, households in England, Scotland and Wales will receive £400 this October which will not need to be paid back.

The package will be partly funded by a windfall tax on energy companies which Mr Sunak called a “temporary, targeted energy profits levy”.

Mr Sunak told MPs: “The oil and gas sector is making extraordinary profits, not as the result of recent changes to risk-taking or innovation or efficiency, but as the result of surging global commodity prices driven in part by Russia’s war.

“The high inflation we are experiencing now is causing acute distress for the people of this country.

“We will send directly to around eight million of the lowest-income households a one-off cost of living payment of £650 to give vulnerable people certainty that we are standing by them at this challenging time.

“This government will never stop trying to help people.” n Continued on page 8

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Pupils at Rivermead Primary School create the Union Flag in their playing fields as part of their Platinum Jubilee celebrations

Final preparations being made for four days of celebration

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WOKINGHAM is ready to party like never before.

22

Over the next four days, we will celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Tonight, it’s beacon lighting, and then we party.

There are street parties, concerts, sports days, church services and much more, all to mark 70 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. n Full story on pages 10-11

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2 | NEWS

FAMILY NOTICES IRELAND, David David Ireland, long-standing former independent councillor supporting his local community and twice former Mayor of Wokingham, father to Sian and Ceinwen, grandfather to Lauren, Harry and James died in hospital on 21st May 2022.

David passed just ten short weeks after losing his beloved wife Janet in March.

Funeral at Alcester Baptist Church, Alcester, Warwickshire 2pm, Tuesday 14th June 2022.

Family flowers only please. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made via Hemming and Peace Funeral Directors (Alcester) in David’s name.

A truly good and compassionate man all his life.

Much loved and missed.

WE COVER WOKINGHAM BOROUGH In print

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MP and leader meet over housing

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

THE leader of Wokingham Borough Council has met with the MP for Wokingham to discuss housing numbers in the borough.

On Friday, Cllr Clive Jones joined Sir John Redwood after Cllr Jones sent a letter to Michael Gove, the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities.

In it, Cllr Jones called for a reduction in housing numbers imposed on the borough.

Sir John agrees that the demands on Wokingham should be reduced.

He said: “I explained why I would like the next local plan to confirm lower new housing numbers, given the past pressures on green spaces, local infrastructure and public services.

“The council needs to get on with a new local plan to

cover the period up to 2037.

The current plan is near its end and is too permissive.

“I suggested the council maximises identified land that should be kept free of development through the various designations of green space, SSSI, green belt, recreational space and good quality agricultural land.”

Sir John also said the council shouldn’t identify “unsuitable sites” as it might “make defending decisions later more difficult”.

Wokingham Borough Council is currently reviewing responses after it consulted residents on a revised growth strategy which asked for views on changes in the approach to development.

These will inform the next stages of the local plan.

It is expected that the local plan update will be completed and adopted by the end of next year.

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HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by email Email news@wokingham.today Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Deputy editor • Jess Warren Reporters • Charlotte King, Laura Scardarella Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk.

Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

Sir John also believes the council should create a proposal for changing the way housing need is calculated as it is central to calculating how much land needs to be identified.

He said: “The secretary of state is currently considering whether and how to change national planning law.

“I would be happy to put a good working proposal to the secretary of state.”

Cllr Jones said the meeting with Sir John was “positive” and he is hoping to engage with the borough’s other MPs. He said: “We hope for an equally positive meeting with James Sunderland, and hope that Matt Rodda and Theresa May will engage with us as well.”

The letter, sent by Cllr Jones to Michael Gove, was criticised by Wokingham Conservatives who say Cllr Jones is “out of ideas”.

Leader Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, said: “The first thing Clive Jones does on taking office is send off a letter to the government, with much fanfare, which is almost identical to one his predecessor sent.

“It sets out the same arguments, and in a number of places, uses the exact same words and phrases.

“When it comes to housing and development, this coalition has no plans, no new ideas, and has just copied what the Conservatives had already done whilst claiming it was a new approach.”

Cllr Jones denied the accusations.

He said: “We haven’t ripped off John Halsall’s letter. We tried to work with him some time ago, but it didn’t get very far.

“The letter was constructed with input from our councillor for the local plan, and with council officers. This is the correct way to address these matters.”

“We hope that Conservatives are prepared to work with us and not just criticise.”

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Police sign up to race action plan THAMES VALLEY POLICE says it welcomes a new race action plan aimed at boosting trust and confidence across the region’s diverse communities.

The brainchild of the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing, it aims to help fight racism and tackle low levels of trust and confidence among some Black people towards the police.

Key actions in the plan include training for every officer, trialing new methods of engagement with the black community, changes to the way tools such as stop and search are deployed, and aiming to improve support to officers from ethnic background.

Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray will spearhead Thames Valley Police’s work.

“The service we provide to our communities and the environment we create for our people must be actively anti-racist, antidiscriminatory and inclusive for all,” he said.

“We are fully committed to the national Race Action Plan.

“While it focuses on Black communities, we recognise our Thames Valley communities are diverse and they are also affected by some of the same issues.”

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Thursday, June 2, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Estate agency shortlisted for national award Students enjoyed playing bubble football

Traditional races formed part of the fun

Students at Chiltern Way Academy enjoy their own ‘street party’ as part of their jubilee celebrations Pictures: Phil Creighton

Academy pupils get the Platinum Jubilee party started THERE was plenty of fun in the sunshine as pupils at a Wokingham school celebrated the Platinum Jubilee.

Primary school aged children at Chiltern Way Academy held a street party in their gardens, enjoying a feast of traditional party food. They even raised their Union flag festooned cups to toast The Queen.

And secondary school aged children at the Gipsy Lane learning establishment were able to take part in an afternoon of games including bubble football, egg and spoon races, rounders and team building activities.

A special visit from ice cream maker extraordinaire, Sir Whippy, and a Union Flag cake was, well, the icing on the cake.

The school’s acting head, Charlene Martin, said the pupils had loved the day.

“This is such a great event for

us all, being able to come together as a community and celebrate a spectacular part of our history – our British history, as well as our history as Chiltern Way Academy,” she said.

“The pupils have had an amazing time. They’ve really been looking forward to it for the past couple of weeks.

“They really wanted to wear red, white and blue to represent the Union Flag, and compete in the Jubilee games event.”

Redwood’s concern over windfall tax

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

SIR John Redwood is not in favour of a windfall tax on energy companies, instead calling for tax cuts.

The Wokingham MP wrote on Twitter that he felt the move by the chancellor was “bad economics and worse politics”, adding that it had been right for MPs to vote it down.

“It will further our decline in the world tables of good places to invest,” he said.

Writing in his blog last week, he went further with his criticism of the policies announced by the chancellor that will see every home receive a £400 rebate in their energy bills ahead of the autumn increase in the price cap, which is expected to rise to £2,800.

“(The Chancellor’s) taxes make the cost of living crisis worse,” he wrote.

“Instead of taking down taxes on oil and gas heating and petrol which would have reduced inflation he went for the route of oneoff payments to people.

“Had he done more to cut inflation it would have cuts his costs more, many of which are boosted by higher inflation,” he added.

“He did not quantify the large amount of extra tax he must be collecting on energy profits and sales given the huge price rises.”

And Sir John was also critical of the chancellor’s decision to the “printing of another £150 billion of new money for a strong recovery year”.

“I asked him if he thought at the time that could be inflationary.

“He did not have an answer.

“I also pointed out he guaranteed the Bank against all losses on the bonds they bought, as his predecessors did.

“I asked him about the impact of the losses they must now be making.

“Again no answer.” n Sir John’s blog is at johnredwoodsdiary.com

It wouldn’t be a party without cake, and this Union Flag themed one is pefect for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations

MORE JUBILEE NEWS PAGES 10-11

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STAFF at a Wokingham-based estate agency are celebrating after being shortlisted for an award for its customer service.

Quarters, based in Market Place, is up for The ESTAS the biggest award scheme in the UK residential property industry – for the second year in row.

It honours the best, agents, conveyancers and mortgage advisors in the UK, with nominations coming from its online customer review platform.

Reviews can only be completed at the end of the property transaction and are verified to ensure they are genuine. More than 660,000 comments have been used for the shortlist.

The winners will be announced at the 19th annual ESTAS ceremony held in London on Friay, October 14, and the awards will be presented by TV host Phil Spencer.

“The ESTAS Awards provide genuine proof of the service levels that a firm is delivering to clients,” he said.

“Now more than ever high quality customer service is crucial if home movers are going to realise their dream of getting the property they set their hearts on.”

And the team at Quarters are thrilled to be shortlisted.

Co-founder Nick Harris said: “We take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice.

“Hopefully we can go one step further and bring an ESTAS Awards back to Wokingham for the second year in a row.”

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 2, 2022

Council a finalist in building awards

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM Borough Council has been recognised for its approach to building projects.

The council has been named as a finalist in the Client of the Year and the Modern Methods of Construction categories at the Constructing Excellence awards.

The awards celebrate the best companies and projects from London and the South East.

The nomination for Client of the Year was submitted by Reds10, which worked with the council on the expansion of Addington School in Woodley and the new Dinton Activity Centre.

The firm, which specialises in modular construction, described the council as “true pioneers” and commended its commitment to modern methods of construction.

Work on Addington School, which is for children and young people with special educational needs, was completed in 2020.

A single-storey block was added to increase capacity by about 50 students, taking the total to around 250 places.

The nomination for the Modern Methods of Construction category comes

after the Dinton Activity Centre opened at Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst last year.

It was submitted for consideration by project partner HLM Architects The stateof-the-art facility was Wokingham Borough’s first net zero building and it houses leisure and education facilities.

The £2.4 million activity centre has many ecofriendly materials and features, including solar panels and wind catchers on the roof for natural ventilation, low-energy LED lighting and air source heat pumps.

Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the council, said: “The council has received high praise by being named as a finalist in these awards and we hope to go all the way and win both categories.

“We take a sustainable and collaborative approach to all of our projects and we are particularly proud of what we have achieved by working with Reds10 and HLM Architects.

“We’re so pleased that Dinton Activity Centre has been

recognised in this way. To be the first building in Wokingham borough to achieve net zero carbon was a triumph and an important first step in a bigger journey.

“It is a sign of where we want to take things and shows that we are committed to playing as full a role as possible in reducing our carbon footprint to be net carbon zero by 2030.”

Dinton Activity Centre also has a Siberian larch exterior, which will weather over time to blend with the natural surroundings of the country park.

Carbon emissions were also reduced during the construction phase, with the majority of the build completed off-site by Reds10.

There are two other finalists in the Client of the Year category, while the work done on Dinton Activity Centre is one of six in the running for the Modern Methods of Construction award.

This year’s winners will be revealed at a ceremony in London on Thursday, June 30.

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GIFT: Sue Holderness (centre) receives cheques worth £8,000 from Berkshire Masons for the work of Thames Hospice Picture: Thames Hospice

Hospice receives £8,000 donation ONLY FOOLS and Horses star Sue Holderness visited Thames Hospice last week to accept a donation from Berkshire’s masons.

A trio from the organisation have £8,000 worth of gifts to the palliative care centre just outside Maidenhead.

Michael Saunders, the deputy provincial grand master and chair of the Berkshire Mark Benevolent Fund gave £5,000 in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh, while the remaining £3,000 was given by the Berkshire Mark Benevolent Association as a sign of its commitment to fundraise for the

hospice over the next three years.

Joining the presentation was Raymond Head, the vice chairman of the association, and treasurer Brian McCormack.

Mr Sanders said: “The work and support given by the staff of Thames Hospice is invaluable and the members of Berkshire Mark Masonry are delighted to be able to support a superb facility.”

And Lisa Church, director of clinical services at Thames Hospice, said: “I cannot thank the three Masonic Brethren enough for their generous donations and ongoing support.

“These donations will make

Doorstep rogues are not council workers

AN URGENT warning has gone out to Wokingham residents to be wary of rogue traders claiming to be agents of the council.

The Public Protection Partnership has said that it has received reports of a company calling borough residents, telling them they were carrying out free repairs of homes.

The PPP said that this is not the case, and Wokingham Borough Council is not working with this company.

It adds that residents should check with the council before letting into the house anyone claiming to be working on the council’s behalf, and the authenticity of the caller should be verified.

Beware of Ofgem scam emails A WARNING has been issued after hundreds of people reported fake emails claiming to be from Ofgem offering rebates over high energy bills.

Action Fraud said it received 752 reports in just four days, each offering cash back under a government scheme.

They invite the recipient to click through

It says that when checking out the ID of the cold caller, do not use any telephone numbers they provide. Instead look up the number independently to double check the information is correct.

A spokesperson added: “Please report the matter to Trading Standards.

“When doing so, and to assist us, it would be really helpful to gather as much information as possible, like vehicle details, descriptions of caller, any telephone numbers, addresses or leaflets.

“To report such incidents call: 01635 519930 or email: tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk” n For more, log on to: public protectionpartnership.org.uk

to genuine-looking website, but they have been set up to steal personal and financial information.

In their warning, Action Fraud said: “Remember, your bank, or any other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text.

“If you need to check that it’s a genuine message, contact the company using details from their official website or app.”

Suspicious emails can be reported by emailing: report@ phishing.gov.uk

a real difference to the care and support we provide to patients and their families.”

Ms Holderness, has been a supporter and ambassador of the Hospice for many years and was pleased to able to join the presentation.

“Brian and I are dear friends and I’m thrilled that he and his colleagues so generously support the work of Thames Hospice,” she said. “Their incredible donation will help many families in our community facing a terminal illness who urgently need the compassionate care and support of our local Hospice.”

Travelodge to launch CPR app A HOTEL chain is rolling out a new web-based app that teaches life-saving CPR in just 15 minutes.

Travelodge is rolling out RevivR, devised by the British Heart Foundation, across its group, including hotels in Reading, Winnersh and Binfield.

The British Heart Foundation BHF has been the company’s nominated charity since 2017, raising nearly £700,000.

Also taking part in the RevivR app training are are Royal Mail and Tesco.

It teaches users how to recognise a cardiac arrest, gives feedback when practising chest compressions and allows users to practice using a defibrillator.

Tom Edwards, Travelodge Chief Revenue Officer, said: “Our nationwide staff trials, which includes colleagues from our hotels in Berkshire as well as members of our Executive Operating Board, have been extremely successful.

“This summer, we will further support this great lifesaving initiative by raising awareness of the importance of CPR to over 10,000 colleagues and to our nationwide customer base, which includes millions of business and leisure travellers.”

Thursday, June 2, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

5

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Critical care professional ‘extremely honoured’

Tom Dyson has been awarded an MBE for his services to Paralympic rowing

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A CRITICAL care professional from Crowthorne says he feels “extremely honoured” after being awarded an MBE.

Suman Raj Shrestha, a professional lead at the Royal College of Nursing and nurse consultant in critical care at the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, received the award as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

He is being recognised for services to critical care nursing.

Mr Shrestha said: “It was a complete surprise. I was not aware that I was nominated for the award.

“I feel extremely honoured and privileged.”

Mr Shrestha came to England in the 1990s as a male nurse and has become a recognised role model, leading national practice developments in the UK and Nepal.

He then became the first regional advanced critical care practitioner in intensive care at the Frimley Park Hospital and developed the clinical nurse outreach teams.

As a consultant to the National Clinical Centre for Clinical Excellence he has used his expertise to develop national guidance on intravenous therapy and sepsis care, completing IV guidance for the Royal College of Nursing in 2016.

In 2020, he became highly influential in the development of critical care across Frimley Park, moving the hospital from special

GB Rowing coach named in Queen’s Jubilee honours

AWARDED: Suman Raj Shrestha has received an MBE in the Queen’s Jubilee honours list measures to being rated as outstanding by CQC. Mr Shrestha has also provided supervision, teaching and support to all grades of nursing staff, doctors and other health professionals and is a visiting lecturer at the University of Brighton on the intensive care course.

Although the MBE recognises his career as an individual he insists a large part of his success is thanks to his friends, family and colleagues.

He said: “I have been working in critical care within the NHS for 21 years and the last two years has been really challenging due to pandemic.

“It feels great to receive the recognition for all the work

Crossrail saving time for commuters

IT MIGHT not be the fastest route from Twyford to Paddington, but Crossrail is saving time in the capital.

Great Western Railway says it now takes 17 minutes to get from the London station to Canary Wharf, half the previous time.

The train firm’s managing director, Mark Hopwood, described the opening of the line as a game-changer, with 81% of passengers heading to another London destination on arrival at Paddington.

“The Elizabeth line will be completely transformational for Great Western Railway customers, improving connectivity and reducing overall journey times from Paddington into other key points in the city,” he explained.

“If you’re travelling from Reading, Paddington becomes a much more attractive option as you’re able to reach the heart of the city in half the time it would have taken previously.”

Other advantages include five minutes to get to Tottenham Court Road, compared to 14 minutes, and 11 minutes to Liverpool Street Station, down from 25 minutes.

Customers travelling from Reading and Twyford into London will initially need to change at Paddington for services into the central section of the route. This will change in the autumn.

and contributions that I have made within critical care.

“However, I must stress that I couldn’t have done this without the support of my family, friends and colleagues.”

Despite receiving the letter notifying him of the honour a few weeks ago, at the time of writing Mr Shrestha is yet to tell his family.

“The letter is sent in strict confidence so I have yet to inform them – I can’t wait to tell them,” he said.

He added: “I am sure they will be very happy for me.

“My Dad is a retired Gurkha officer and served in the British Army and as a head clerk for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gurkha Rifles (7GR).

“I am sure he will be happy for me.”

When asked how he plans to celebrate he said: “I am sure there will be lots of formal and informal celebrations.

“But I really want to dedicate the award to my family, friends and all my colleagues who have guided and supported me over the years to become who I am today.

“I have many more ambitions to progress my career focusing on improving healthcare for patients within the NHS, nationally and internationally.

“The honour is such a boost and encouragement which will no doubt help me to further my work and fulfil those ambitions.”

A ROWING coach from Wokingham is among those being honoured by the Queen as part of her birthday honours this year.

Tom Dyson, head of Olympic and Paralympic performance delivery at British Rowing, has been awarded an MBE. He is being recognised for his services to Paralympic rowing.

“I found out about a month ago when a letter arrived in the post from the cabinet office,” said Mr Dyson.

“I was shocked at first and then an overwhelming feeling of pride,” he added.

Mr Dyson is the lead coach for the Paralympic pathway at British Rowing, where he has played an instrumental role in the recent success of the GB Paralympic Rowing Team.

Under his tutelage, the GB Paralympic rowers have topped the rowing medal table at two consecutive Paralympic Games at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, winning five gold medals in the process.

Mr Dyson joined the GB rowing team in 2007 as a performance coach with the Paralympic rowing squad and he was appointed acting lead coach in September 2008.

He has been the GB Paralympic pathway coach since 2009 and during that time he has coached numerous world championship medallists.

This includes AS (Arms and Shoulders) single sculler Tom Aggar to three consecutive world titles, and

the LTA (Legs, Trunk and Arms) mixed coxed four to two titles.

In the 2015 World Rowing Championships in Aiguebelette he coached four Paralympic boats, all finishing in the top two positions in the competition. He lists this as his proudest achievement as GB Rowing Team coach.

Despite finding out about the honour a few weeks ago, Mr Dyson still hasn’t told any of his family at the time of writing.

He said: “I have kept it a bit of a secret from my family until now.

“My mum will be surprised and my dad won’t know what to say.

“I will tell them just before the embargo lifts on the list of honours being given out.”

Although the MBE recognises his individual success, Mr Dyson believes it is recognition of the athletes he has worked with throughout his time with GB rowing.

He said: “Since I started in 2007 I have been lucky enough to work with some fantastic athletes who have achieved great success.

“This honour is a reflection on them and their achievements over the past 15 years as well.”

When asked how he is going to mark the occasion he said: “I am going to celebrate with my family this weekend.

“The announcement is very near to my sister’s birthday so it will be nice to get everyone together.”

SUNDAY 5TH JUNE - 5pm

Taste of Summer - Wine Tasting The Chalk Wine Club was created to celebrate community, to toast to our shared love for good food, good wine, and good company. These extraordinary, multiple-course meals or tastings are always themed around a wine, season or cultural experience.

Summer is the time for garden parties, picnics and beach days. The last thing you want when the weather warms up is a rich hearty wine. But that doesn’t mean you want a drink that tastes of nothing. Whether it’s crisp whites for al fresco dining, lighter reds for barbecues or refreshing rosés for balmy evenings. We are delighted to bring to you a summer wine tasting.

During the evening we will taste a selection of delicious wines that lend themselves well to alfresco dining or to just kicking back with a good book in the garden.

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Pride prepares for action day

WOKINGHAM Pride is gearing up its celebrations with Pride Action Day. Now in its third year, the event is looking to June 11, when it will distribute rainbow pride flags to services and business to display ahead of the full event in July.

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth said: “Young people in Wokingham are discovering who they are, and we need to show them they have our support.

“The event gives families in similar situations an opportunity to meet one another, both children and parents with something in common, The pride celebrations will begin with a group photo outside Wokingham Town Hall in Market Place on Saturday, July 9.

Attendees are then invited to Elms Field for a picnic from noon, where they may bring their own food or visit the food vendors close-by.

It will also be only the second year that the event will take place in person, after its inaugural year was moved online.

“Parents of trans kids have a real gap in support, as a number of residents have mentioned, and they need to be able to find that help,” Cllr BishopFirth said.

“I’ve been bowled over by the love shown by places like the library, which has been spectacular, and a lot of churches have been huge support.”

Libraries in Wokingham will be making LGBTQ+ resources such as books and information about local charities and support readily available.

She explains that St Paul’s Parish has become part of the Inclusive Church initiative, which supports LGBTQ+ Christians, as well as others.

“It’s an opportunity for places like shops and schools to show their support.”

She notes also that the UK’s standing as a champion of equality and LGBTQ+ rights has dropped, citing the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s rainbow map.

“We’ve fallen internationally, dropping from third in the league tables to 14th.”

Pride Action Day takes plane on Saturday, June 11, when businesses and services will be offered pride flags to display.

Wokingham Pride is set to take place on Saturday, July 9. n For more information, search for Wokingham Pride on Facebook

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Bigfoot entertains as Children’s F

Archie Gogarty (3) enjoys a ride

James Gratham (14) of 1st Winnersh Scouts

1st Winnersh Scouts on duty on the barbecue.

Ava (3) & Sienna Hall (6)

The free fairground rides were a huge hit with all ages

Children enjoying the petting zoo

Cllr Sally Gurney, Cllr Nick Campbell-White, Cllr Tim Lloyd and Cllr Imogen Shepherd-Dubey making windmills for the children to take home

Picnic time

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Thursday, June 2, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

FUN IN THE SUN

Fun Day returns

Storm damage back in February at the Shinfield Players

125-year lease for theatre as reopening date edges closer

William (10) & Tobias Demery (6) make Oscar Geddes (4) has a go at stilt walking a smoothie over an obstacle course

Big Foot the Clown entertaining families at the Children’s fun day in Langborough Recreation Ground on Saturday Pictures: Steve Smyth

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today BIGFOOT was spotted in Wokingham on Saturday ... by loads of children.

No, the mysterious ape-like creature hadn’t made the journey from the Californian forests, but it was his namesake, Bigfoot the clown.

He was one of the entertainers taking part in the annual Children’s Fun Day organised by Wokingham Town Council.

Through clowning around, he made youngsters laugh and inspire them to have a go at their own circus skills.

The event, held on Saturday at Langborough Recreation Ground, included a petting zoo, the opportunity to have a face painting session, and some fairground rides.

The event was free for children to enjoy.

As ever, the Scouts provided a barbecue, while an ice cream van did a roaring trade in the spring sunshine.

Families were also invited to bring a picnic to enjoy, as the event ran from 10am to 4pm.

A number of Wokingham town councillors were on hand to ensure the event went without a hitch.

Cllr Sally Gurney, Chair of Arts and Culture committee on Wokingham Town Council, said: “It was lovely to see so many of our youngest

A SHINFIELD community group has consolidated its long-term future, after its building was damaged earlier this year.

On Friday, May 27, Shinfield Players Theatre (SPT) committee members signed a 125-year lease for the land it currently sits upon.

Chairman Gordon Bird and former chairman Graham Vockins put pen to paper, with the contract now with the theatre’s solicitors and landlord for final confirmation.

“This is a huge achievement and has been ongoing for over 20 years through much hard work and many setbacks,” SPT secretary Cate Naylor said.

“We are very excited for the future of our theatre.”

The announcement comes three months after SPT’s roof was damaged by Storm Eunice, causing significant leaking and internal damage.

The roof has since been mended and the building is fully watertight once again.

Contractors completed the major internal repairs last Friday – the same day the lease was signed.

These included fitting new walls and ceiling in the auditorium, as well as a new top layer for the stage.

The next phase of works will see electrical items reinstalled and the carpet replaced.

In the meantime, the theatre still requires cleaning ahead of its reopening and SPT is calling on members of the community to help out.

A dedicated clean-up weekend will take place on June 23 and 24; those able to assist are encouraged to reach out via SPT’s website.

The building is on Whitley Wood Road, at the former NAAFI of the Royal Air Force on Shinfield Park.

residents out and about having fun in the wonderful weather last weekend.

“We were glad to be able to hold it again for the first time since the pandemic, and the event was busier than ever showing just how much this event fulfils a real social need for our community.

“See you at the same time next year.”

Now, the town council is busy making the final preparations for Saturday’s Party in the Park to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

The event runs from 2.30pm through to 9pm, Junior Forte (7) enjoys being a tiger and is another free day out.

There will be music Helping the over-65s stay independent from every decade of the Queen’s reign, Do you wish to remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible and still from the 1950s to have a say in your well-being? Let me show you how you might be able to get regular the present day, and financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home and make your includes tribute acts to life easier.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 2, 2022

MP pleased with ‘some movement’ over cost-of-living crisis

Peter Gray with some of his latest crop

n From front page

There is also more targeted help being offered to pensioners and the disabled with one-off payments of £300 to pensioner households and £150 to individuals receiving disability benefits.

Matt Rodda, Labour MP for Reading East said he was “pleased that there’s been some movement – very belatedly though” in tackling the cost-ofliving crisis.

Reacting to the chancellor’s package of support, Sir John Redwood, Conservative MP for Wokingham, said: “The windfall tax idea is bad economics and worse politics.

“The government was right to ask us to vote it down before in the commons.

“It will further our decline in the world tables of good places to invest.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey tweeted: “Sunak’s like a thief who steals your car and then wants you to be grateful when he returns the steering wheel.

“The British people won’t fall for the Sunak scam. They need a tax cut now to put food on the table, heat their homes and fill up their cars.”

BACK AGAIN: Pick your own strawberries are available at Grays Farm Pictures: Daniel Blackham

Rhubarb is also available

Fresh strawberries

Pick your own season is underway A PICK-YOUR-OWN farm in Wokingham has restarted its popular strawberry picking activity, writes Daniel Blackham.

Grays Farm in Heathlands Road has been a staple in the borough for nearly 50 years and its 65 acres provide the perfect opportunity for a family activity.

Visitors can check in with the farm shop and collect baskets to pick a selection of crops including

strawberries, spinach, rhubarb and broad beans.

Owner Peter Gray said the growing season is where it should be this year, after weather last year delayed it by three weeks.

He said: “We are back to normal this year and in time for half-term with the strawberries.

“The weather has produced a good crop again this year.

“I always tell children when they come that the size of the strawberry doesn’t matter.

The big ones are juicier and the smaller ones are sweeter.”

The farm has planted 10 miles of strawberries and two miles of raspberries which will keep it going until at least 2025 with new crops still being planted.

It is open 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

A range of fresh produce is available in the farm shop

Spencers Wood’s jubilee trail

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today SPENCERS Wood has been transformed into a regal wonderland as jubilee fever hits the Royal County.

Residents’ artistic talents are being showcased this week in a scarecrow trail that features uncanny interpretations of jubilee-themed personalities.

Members of the royal family, beefeater guards and policemen are currently residing in front gardens across the village.

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One display sees the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh reunited in a vintage Land Rover adorned with Union flags.

Visitors are invited to collect maps and quiz questions from Budgens and Parkers, which can also be downloaded from the Spencers Wood Village Hall website.

“We loved the trail,” resident Emma Burton said.

“The children really enjoyed scooting around the village to find them all.”

The trail was organised by the village hall committee and has been on show since Saturday, May 28. It ends on Sunday, June 5.

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Thursday, June 2, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

From Ukraine with Love: Family WHAT’S BREWING grateful for British welcome IN FINCHAMPSTEAD? EXCLUSIVE

H

opefully, as you leaf through the paper, you’ve got your feet up enjoying the first day of this wonderful long Bank Holiday weekend. In case you were looking for a great, family-friendly, local event over the next few days then we wanted to let you know about what’s on at the Siren Tap Yard. We’ve also got an incredible Happy Hour offer on the webshop coming up tomorrow, read on!

Some of you may have come down to our last Bank Holiday event, but this time we’ve got even more going on!

Across Thursday, Friday and Saturday we’ll have a whole host of fun things for the whole family to enjoy. There’s a massive bouncy castle that can be enjoyed by both Kids & Adults, an inflatable football game, and FREE face painting for kids between 13:00 - 17:00 on Friday and Saturday.

By Ji-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today A UKRAINIAN family has thanked the community for welcoming them to the UK with open arms.

Denis and Alyona Sobolev, with their children, have spent the past two months in Spencers Wood, a far cry from their hometown of Kharkiv.

The city is located in the northeast of Ukraine and shares a border with Russia. The damage to its homes and infrastructure during the conflict has been extensive.

“From the very first day of the war, there were bombings, missiles and a lack of information,” Alyona said. “We were not even aware of what was going on in the streets.”

The family sought refuge in the basement of their apartment block for six days, before deciding to flee the country.

“We didn’t have a choice,” the mother of three explained. “We were just thinking about our kids.

If it weren’t for the kids, we would have stayed there.”

The next three days saw the family driving and waiting in lines at borders between cities. They woke up each morning without knowing where they would spend the night.

“It was mostly actions under adrenaline,” said Denis, who was only able to leave the country with his family by virtue of having three young children.

The Sobolevs eventually made it through the Romanian border and waited two weeks to receive their visas. They then made their way to the UK, where Alyona’s sister has lived for 18 years.

Despite the trying nature of their

WELCOMED: Alyona (left) and Denis (middle) Sobolev’s family have called Spencers Wood home for the past two months. Pictured here with compatriot Vika (right) at Shinfield Baptist Church Picture: Ji-Min Lee arrival, the pair were full of praise for the British people’s hospitality and goodwill.

“As Ukrainians, we are very thankful,” Alyona said. “We are very appreciative of this opportunity and we’re very thankful to all the families who have come forward and opened up their homes. That has really touched our hearts.”

“I think the British people are very brave to just share their houses with families from Ukraine,” Denis said.

“It’s a brave thing to do. The fact that you have unknown people coming to your house, but you’re ready to share. That’s so nice.”

The parents were particularly

grateful to the Spencers Wood and Shinfield communities, who helped enrol their children into school and nursery.

Regaining a routine has helped the children adjust to life in the UK. “The oldest one is 11. His English was good before we came because he had been studying it in Ukraine,” Alyona explained.

“Our middle one is eight, she’d only been studying English in Ukraine for a year and a half so it’s a little bit harder for her, but thankfully there is another Ukrainian girl in her class.”

“The teachers have been very helpful and the school environment is very friendly, so we’re really

Independent police review findings released by PCC THE findings of an independent review of the work to reduce reoffending across the Thames Valley have been released.

Matthew Barber, police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, commissioned the £50,000 review which took place over a number of months.

Mr Barber said: “In line with my Police and Criminal Justice Plan, I commissioned this vital review to further understand our criminal justice system locally.”

The review included workshops, interviews and shadowing of services from prison, probation and in the community across 30 different organisations.

Results from the independent review have now been adopted by the Thames Valley Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB) along with the

21 recommendations it made.

The report says there is “no clear overall ownership of the prison leavers’ system” and there is a lack of a defined overall shared purpose and shared focus on priorities”.

The report shows there is a “line of accountability” to the Reducing Reoffending Board and Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB), but it is not for the entire system.

Mr Barber says this is already being addressed with recommendations being implemented by the LCJB and a pilot scheme called “Restart Thames Valley”, which is set to launch in June.

He said: “Restart Thames Valley will be a year-long pilot, running from June this year, working with more than 350 offenders leaving both Bullingdon and Bronzefield prisons.”

“It will build on the

experience of those currently being released from prison, those who have successfully resettled and frontline staff working hard to help people maintain successful outcomes such as stable accommodation and support networks.

“The findings from my independently commissioned review will be given directly to decision makers across prison, probation and commissioned services so that they can act on and test improvements during the Restart Thames Valley pilot.

“I look forward to seeing the impact Restart Thames Valley will have to increase the chances for those leaving prison to lead a successful life with the right support.” n To view the report visit: matthewbarber.co.uk/news

happy about that.”

“For our little one, when we first came, they said they didn’t have any places but would do what they could. The next day, they called us and said they had found a place for her.”

“All of the kids are settled and I’m very happy about that.”

Alyona and Denis both credited their faith in helping them endure the trials of the past three months.

“We believe in God and if it weren’t for that emotional and spiritual support, it would be even harder,” Alyona said.

“We still connect with our church members and friends online to pray together and share news.”

A BBQ to toast the Queen Caribbean style A WOODLEY Green pub will be swaying to the sounds of Caribbean and British music.

To celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee, RG2 Radio station will be broadcasting live at the pub, playing a mixture of Windrush music, music requests from the public, and dance music.

RG2 Radio is a Reading based radio station, broadcasting music from Ska to Afrobeats.

Its community shows cover health and wellbeing, education and community events, and it broadcasts special programmes throughout the year to celebrate events such as Ethopian Christmas, Jamaican independence and Black History Month.

Food will be available to buy at the event, with Sharian’s Jamaican Cuisine mobile vendors serving Caribbean food, and British BBQ food available from the pub.

To add a Caribbean twist a Tiki Bar will be serving cocktails, with @GlitterArty on hand for visitors wanting face and body glitter.

The event takes place at The Bull and Chequers pub, Woodley Green on Sunday, June 5.

The celebrations run from noon to 8pm, with a toast to the Queen at 5pm.

The pub car park will not be available during the event, as the area will be used for children. n For information follow the Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green on Facebook or call: 0118 969 9756

To keep you all well fed, today we have Sultan Restaurant (Indian food) & Tacitos (Tacos) as well as Gorilla Bakes providing some sweet treats. Tomorrow (Friday) we’ll have Friends and Flavours (Burgers) and Demaine Artisan (Asian Fusion). On Saturday, Sultan Restaurant and Demaine Artisan are back. Across all three days, you’ll also be able to get freeze-dried sweets from Emily Eats.

But of course, we’re an award-winning craft brewery, so it’s all about the beer! We’ll have plenty of brewery fresh cold lagers, pale ales, IPAs, stouts and sours, as well as a great selection of wine, spirits and of course, plenty of soft drinks. Truly something for everyone!

If you’ve never been to us before, we’re easy to find, on the Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate in nearby Finchampstead.

Webshop Offer!

If you can’t make it down, then keep your eyes peeled on our Social Media on Friday afternoon for our very first temperature based HAPPY HOUR. At 3pm, whatever the temperature is in degrees celsius, that’ll be your discount across our entire webshop! I think we’ve all got our fingers crossed for a particularly warm day! www.sirencraftbrew.com Lastly, don’t forget to head down to our pub, The George & Dragon in Swallowfield, soon, aswe have a brand new menu available. The team have worked really hard on an incredible lineup of dishes, with plenty to cater for vegan, vegetarians and those with a gluten intolerance. As a bonus, bring this article along with you for 10% off your total bill until 30th June (Excluding Fathers day).

Hopefully, we see you down the Tap Yard soon, but whatever you’re doing this weekend have a great time and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Cheers & Beers, Siren.

SIREN CRAFT BREW 18 Marino Way, Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate, Finchampstead RG40 4RF 0118 973 0929

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10 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 2, 2022

Riseley Jubilee celebration VISITORS are invited to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at The Bull at Riseley.

The pub will mark the occasion by hosting a fun-filled day of live music, activities and hog roast. There will be a lucky dip contest, quiz and tug-of-war on the green. There will also be a fancy dress competition, with prizes available for adult and age group winners.

The event takes place from noon on Friday, June 3.

Rivermead Primary School came together on the school’s playing fields to mark the Platinum Jubilee

n For more, search The Bull at Riseley on: www.facebook.com

Congratulation cards for signing CONGRATULATION cards for the Queen have been made available to sign by Wokingham Borough Council.

These can be found at the Borough Council offices on Shute End, Wokingham, or at any of the borough libraries during normal opening hours.

In the council offices, the cards are located in the reception area, where they are available between 9am and 5pm on weekdays, although they are closed today and tomorrow as they are bank holidays.

Now taking registrations

n For library opening hours visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/ libraries

SMALL BEGINNINGS: Rivermead Primary School celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a number of events including planting trees Picture: Gemma Sloan

Rivermead plants for the future A PRIMARY school in Woodley has celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a number of events.

Pupils and staff at Rivermead Primary School, on Loddon Bridge Road, marked the occasion with a week of activities including art projects, lessons, assemblies, a jubilee lunch, a red white and blue day and their own garden party.

Each class has created a canvas with all pupils and staff members signing their names onto it to create a large artwork which will be displayed in the school’s library.

Year 6 students from the school’s eco team also planted

a Royal Oak tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project.

The project is a tree planting initiative which invites people across the UK to plant a tree for the jubilee. The aim is to create a legacy that will benefit future generations in honour of the Queen.

Gemma Sloan, deputy headteacher at the school, said: “This is an important moment in history and we hope that in years to come our children will talk with confidence and pride about the memories they made celebrating this event at Rivermead Primary School.”

OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM

By Phil Creighton news@rdg.today

AS THE nation prepares to party, advice is being given to enjoy the festivities safely.

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A portrait of the Queen created by pupils

The trees in the process of being planted

Pupils created decorations to brighten up the school ahead of their celebrations

Safety advice ahead of weekend’s parties

Fun is an essential ingredient at Oak Tree Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.

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The school’s parent teacher association has also organised its own scarecrow trail which is taking place until Friday, June 3.

Every student and staff member has used their fingerprint to create four unique murals which are on show as part of the route.

Maps for the trail can still be purchased online for £2 with all proceeds going to the school to enhance learning and experiences for the pupils. n For more information or to purchase a map visit: pta-events. co.uk

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued the guidance to cover all four days of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The first key message is to inform them if a jubilee beacon lighting ceremony is planned.

Calling the non-emergency fire control number of 0118 938 4900 will ensure it is recorded as a controlled burn, and avoid fire engines being sent out to a false alarm.

Beacons should be set up away from anything that could catch fire, taking into account wind direction. It should not be lit with accelerants. Water should be kept nearby, along with a first aid kit, including a burns pack.

It is illegal to leave a fire unattended or to have too few people to control it.

Those witnessing the beacon should be in a well-constructed cordon away from the fire, with highly visible marshals who have received some instruction to help control them.

Water should be used to put

the fire out, and it should be completely extinguished before leaving. It needs to be checked on Jubilee Friday to ensure it did not reignite.

When it comes to street parties, access is still needed for emergency vehicles such as fire engines and ambulances, who could need access at any time.

Emergency services should also be aware of any road closures, but permission should have been granted by the council, who consult with the emergency services as part of the process.

At gatherings where fireworks will be used, the fire and rescue service warns that anyone who has consumed alcohol should not be involved in the display, or take a turn at the barbecue.

People should also plan their journey home and not be tempted to drink and drive.

Only fireworks with a CE mark should be used and they should be kept in a closed box before use, never in a pocket, or thrown.

Under fives should not use sparklers, others need gloves.

As ever, the firework code applies – never return to a lit firework, as it could still explode.

The fire and rescue service do not recommend using flying lanterns due to the fire hazards and risks they pose to property, crops, animals and the environment.

Finally, the fire and rescue service have issued guidance on the use of barbecues.

They should be sited away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs, and on level ground.

If gas, the cylinders should stored outside, and lighter fluids should only be used on cold coals.

A bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose should be kept nearby for emergencies, while children should be kept well away. The barbecue should never be left unattended.

When cooking fatty foods, care should be taken as the dripping fat can cause the barbecue to flare up.

Barbecue should not be used indoors – even when the flames aren’t visible, it can still give off carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.

And those under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs are advised not to cook. n For more details and advice, log on to: www.rbfrs.co.u

Thursday, June 2, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Borough prepares for a right royal celebration for Queen’s Jubilee

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM is preparing for its biggest-ever celebration, as the borough marks the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s reign.

From today through to Sunday, hundreds of events will take place across every corner of the borough, and for every age.

Each of the days will feature something different.

Today will see beacons lit in towns and villages, as communities come together for an evening of song and ceremony. They include a lighting up in Sonning, in Hurst and in Woodford Park in Woodley.

Friday sees a special one-day festival take place in Twyford, while Hurst will hold a sports day.

There are two music festivals taking place on Saturday, in Hurst and in Wokingham town’s Elms Field.

The latter, organised by Wokingham Town Council, will feature bands playing music from every decade of the Queen’s reign.

On Sunday, there will be church services all paying tribute to the monarch’s 70 years of service, before street

Norreys residents to hold tea party ELIZABETH Park is having a jubilee tea party this weekend.

There will be a bouncy castle, along with activities, games and crafts.

Guests are asked to bring a picnic and picnic blankets or camping chairs.

Cakes, tea, coffee and squash will be served, and visitors can bring other refreshments.

The event is supported by Norreys Church and All Saints Church, and runs from 3pm to 5pm.It takes place on Sunday, June 5 at Elizabeth Park on Norreys Avenue in Wokingham.

For more information call Norreys Church: 0118 977 2457 or All Saints Church: 0118 979 2797.

Jubilee concert OPEN: In one of her first acts as borough mayor, Cllr Caroline Smith unveils a new Platinum Jubilee bench and walk in Dinton Pastures Pics: Stewart Turkington parties and festivities take place.

One of the first events took place yesterday in Dinton Pastures.

Wokingham Borough mayor Cllr Caroline Smith unveiled new signage around Black Swan Lake: the walk has been renamed Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Walk.

There is also a bench positioned by the lake, overlooking a bird feeding area.

The event tied in with the

Queen’s Jubilee green canopy project, a call for the nation to plant trees for future generations.

Wokingham Borough Council has planted nearly 20,000 trees over the past six months, and will plant more in the autumn.

One of the areas chosen will be dedicated as part of the canopy project.

Ahead of the weekend, Cllr Smith said: “This is an absolutely wonderful event and I am so honoured to be the

mayor of Wokingham during the Platinum Jubilee.

“After the last two years it is really exciting to celebrate something so magnificent.

Cllr Smith will be hosting her own party to mark the event.

She said: “I will be having a little informal party in my front garden on Sunday and there are more than 90 street parties planned across Wokingham Borough.

“It is lovely to see communities coming together.”

Cllr Smith added: “I would like to extend my congratulations and sincere gratitude to Her Majesty The Queen after an incredible 70 years of service.

“Also good wishes to all Wokingham Borough residents celebrating this marvellous weekend, this is a special occasion and I hope everyone enjoys it.” n Our team will be out and about across the wekeend. Don’t miss our brilliant Platinum Jubilee souvenir special next week.

WOKINGHAM Town Council is holding a party in Elms Field on Saturday, with music from every decade of the Queen’s reign.

First act, at 2.30pm, is Peggy Sue & The Jukebox Jives.

At 3.30pm, Midnight Soul Sisters perform 60s music.

From 4.30pm, a Bob Marley tribute, Trenchtown Experience, perform, followed by 5.45pm by Supersonic Queen. At 6.45pm, Spice! celebrates the Spice Girls, and the 21st century is represented

by Fully Funktional, performing from 8pm.

The event closes at 9pm.

For the best start in life

GIFT: Paul Palmer of Hurst jubilee committee with, from left, Jack, five, Clementine, eight, Lucy, five, William, nine, and Dhiyan, eight

School children given souvenir mugs PRIMARY school children have received jubilee mugs which will remind them of the fun they had at the Queen’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

Pupils at St Nicholas Primary in Hurst were presented with the mugs by Paul Palmer of Hurst Parish Council last Friday.

Paul, who still has his own Queen’s 25th jubilee mug, was a pupil at St Nicholas at the time of the silver anniversary.

The presentations were made at the school’s jubilee celebrations last Friday.

The children sang songs from the different decades of the Queen’s reign and remembered events during that time.

The whole school joined together for the official jubilee song, Rise Up and Serve.

The school’s charity is The Link Visiting Scheme, a charity dedicated to reducing loneliness in Wokingham borough. Among the audience last Friday were friends of the charity and also its volunteers. People who volunteer at the school and school governors also attended.

Acting headteacher Sarah Hilling told the guests: “Our children have worked so hard and had so much fun learning the songs, especially the jubilee song.”

The children later enjoyed a picnic with their parents on the school field. They also sang to their parents.

Hurst Parish Council, sponsored by Stanlake Park Wine Estate, is organising many jubilee events from today through to Sunday. n www.hurst-jubilee.co.uk

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12 | NEWS

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Richard walks the Pilgrims Way ... and its pubs WHEN Richard Gibbs decided to write his latest book, he went for a walk – a whole 120 miles, writes James Hastings.

The Wokingham-based author knew the best way to research the history of the ancient Pilgrim’s Way was to make the journey himself.

In fact, Richard, who has also written a history of Wokingham, made the journey twice walking in different directions.

“The Pilgrim’s Way covers some of England’s most beautiful countryside and there is a real sense of history,” he explains.

“The ancestry of the route goes back 4,000 years as it leads all the way to Stonehenge. Today, it is not a very busy path although I met several people along the way but it’s not crowded like some other pilgrim paths.”

The Pilgrim’s Way takes the modern-day walker from Winchester to the shrine of Thomas A’Becket in Canterbury Cathedral where he was murdered by four knights in 1170, who believed they were carrying out the orders of King Henry II. Richard’s book explores the life and death of Thomas, alongside the lives of two historical figures who are also linked with Winchester and Canterbury, Alfred the Great and Saint Augustine.

“While Thomas is venerated as a saint and martyr, he was also a real person,” said Richard. “He comes across as a proud man, even cocky who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. He was a fascinating character.”

Richard was also keen to describe the natural world from rivers and hills to flora and fauna that can be found along the track. He uncovers the history and geography of the Pilgrims’ Way as it makes its way through the countryside and villages of southern England.

“Some people complete the route in one go which usually takes around 12 days,”added Richard.

“It is possible to do it in stages over a longer period. There are plenty of accommodation options and some excellent pubs.”

“People have been going on pilgrimages for thousands of years and for different reasons.

“You don’t need to be religious with a capital R. Just completing a long route is an achievement in itself and, of course, is good for your health. I think pilgrimage, however, you do it, is just as important in the 21st century as it was 4,000 years ago.

Barkham Hook borough in red

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today CROCHETED post box toppers and bunting have been appearing across the borough in the lead up to the Platinum Jubilee this weekend.

They have been created by members of the Barkham Hookers.

Barkham Hookers’ founder Haynor White said: “We made over 100 kites, nearly 50 madala hoops, 60 lengths of bunting, 17 flowers, various other decorations and over 20 post box toppers.”

The post box toppers can be found around Wokingham town centre and also in Arborfield, Barkham, Finchampstead, Emmbrook, Lower Earley, Hurst and Spencers Wood.

They feature detailed patriotic designs and many feature crocheted interpretations of The Queen, the Queen’s Guard and also her corgis.

Crocheted bunting can be seen on the town hall and also adorning the walls of many nearby businesses and trees.

n For more information on Richard’s books, or to invite him to speak, go to: over-the-hill.co

CHARLIE

I DON'T GET THIS 'PLATINUM' EDITION, I'D RATHER HAVE THE ORANGE ONE

To pickle or not to pickle?

AN OXFORD scientist has revealed that pickles are proven to improve a burger in research inspired by the new film, The Bob’s Burgers Movie.

Professor Charles Spence, a food scientist from Oxford University has released a report detailing how gherkins are a vital ingredient in the perfect hamburger.

The report considered a number of factors which affect the enjoyment of a burger, including taste, texture, and visual appeal, and concluded that each was improved by the inclusion of pickles.

It also looked at how popular they were, reporting that 51% of people choose to remove pickles from their meals. Of those, however, more than one in ten removed them because they preferred them on their own.

Those aged 18-24 are least likely to enjoy pickles, while those aged 35-54 were most likely to include them.

In fact, 38% of 35-54s considered them a “classic burger topping.”

Professor Spence said: “Pickles are undoubtedly one of the most

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 2, 2022

contentious additions to a burger, with the population seemingly split right down in the middle.

“There is no right or wrong way to eat a burger, however keeping pickles inside your burger is the best way to get the full potential out of every bite.”

The report detailed how the acidic taste of pickled gherkins can compliment the umami, or savoury, taste of burgers, creating a balance of flavours.

It also noted that the crunchiness compliments the softer textures in a burger, giving a more satisfying bite, and a more satisfying sound.

Professor Spence explained: “The evidence suggests that different sensory elements all play a different role for different consumers, but ultimately keeping pickles in your burger is the best way to optimise their taste.

“Their sensory properties compliment the other burger ingredients perfectly.”

The Bob’s Burgers Movie is now in cinemas.

BRIGHT: Barkham Hookers have been busy de

Personal best: Ex-footballer gets Shinfield up and running A FORMER Wokingham footballer has swapped matchdays for marathons in an effort to keep his community healthy, writes Ji-Min Lee. James Suarez is the proud founder of Shinfield Running Club (SRC), a free-to-join community of mixedability runners.

Mr Suarez enjoyed a successful career on Berkshire’s football circuit but struggled to maintain an active lifestyle after hanging up his boots in 2018.

“For me, the penny really dropped when I retired. I was just eating and eating and eating, and even put on 16 stone,” he explained.

“I was spiralling out of control, which had a negative impact on my mental health. I decided that something had to change.”

This was Mr Suarez’s cue to revisit long-distance running, a discipline he was introduced to as a child.

“I had always run as a kid, my dad was a runner himself,” he said.

“Running was perfect because you can just do it when you want or have time. It’s not like football when you have to organise training.”

Mr Suarez quickly caught the running bug, but in doing so, identified an opportunity to give back to the community.

The father of three set up SRC, citing two key motivations: “Firstly, I wanted to include a sort of team aspect, I guess that came from my football days. You’d have the Whatsapp notifications pinging every other minute with banter flying around.”

“Second, to get people from the community out running regardless of ability. For us, it was all about creating something accessible and free, that was the whole concept.”

SRC’s first session involved a 30-minute run between six people.

The club now boasts an active membership of over 300 runners.

Despite its rapid growth, SRC has remained free to join, largely thanks to the help of local sponsors.

“The club is supported by Shinfield Village Barbershop and Shinfield View Care Home,” Mr Suarez explained.

“The support means that we can stay free and operate safely, making sure that every run is insured.”

The open-to-all club has become a focal point for the community, offering both athletic and social opportunities.

“It’s had a massive impact on the community. It’s been fantastic to see so many people getting active,” Mr Suarez said.

NEWS | 29

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Thursday, June 2, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

kers cover the white and blue

That’s the best £2 Harry has ever spent ...

Life of Brian

Brian Hicks

Schlager music is developing

I

T was heartening to see the Ukraine win the Eurovision Song Contest and the UK entry come in second. The German song came in at 25th and last place.

WINNER: Harry Baker from Charvil has won a Porsche 911 and £20,000 in cash Picture: BOTB

ecorating Wokingham Picture: Gaynor White

ON THE RUN: James Suarez (middle) founded Shinfield Running Club after retiring from football in 2018 Picture: James Suarez

“Loads of friendships have been made, we’ve even had people getting married.”

“It was particularly important during the pandemic when people were in desperate need of something to keep them active.”

While in lockdown, Mr Suarez hosted a series of Instagram Live Q&As, featuring established personalities from British athletics.

“The Lives were a good way to keep people connected,” he explained.

“It was also a good opportunity for viewers, and myself, to gain knowledge, getting insight from all sorts of people to do with athletics, not just marathon runners. We had physios, ultra runners and field eventers.”

Mr Suarez now helps runners achieve their personal goals, coaching over 200 individuals through Suarez Running School.

“From couch to 5k to competitive

marathon runners, I organise specific training regimes that’s tailored to the individual and their goals,” he explained.

“99% of the time they achieve what it is that they set out to do.”

Establishing SRC and the running school has only fuelled Mr Suarez’s own training further, having shaved almost an hour and a half off his marathon time in six years.

“I started out doing a 4 hour 15 minute marathon at the London marathon in 2016,” he said. “I recently ran a 2 hour 58 minute marathon at the Boston UK Marathon, so it’s a huge chunk that I’ve taken off.”

Mr Suarez had a clear message to those who may be hesitant to try running.

“Just try it once,” he said. “It only takes one run to discover that you enjoy it and two weeks to make it a habit. It can change your life, running is the best natural medicine we have.”

NEVER mind the bride getting to the church on time, a groom-tobe definitely will be … unless he’s tempted to take his new wheels for a spin.

Harry Baker is the proud owner of a brand-new Porsche 911. And it was a bargain as it cost him just £2.

Not only did he scoop the flash set of wheels, but there was a cool £20,000 in the boot.

Last week, the 28-year-old from Charvil was surprised by BOTB presenter Christian Williams who popped round to give him the new motor.

He had entered the company’s Dream Car Competition, and hit the jackpot on just his second time of playing.

The moment was captured on video by the BOTB team, and Harry couldn’t believe his luck.

“No way,” he said, almost speechless. “Oh my days!”

Harry, who works as a quality control manager at GSK, said he’s a huge Porsche fan: “I’ve always been into Porsches, I get it from my Dad. “I’ve got a 2008 Porsche Cayman at the moment which I will probably give to my dad now.”

Holding back the tears he added: “This is unbelievable, I’m shaking.

And what perfect timing ready for the summer.”

But it wasn’t just the car that Harry won as he also scooped £20,000 cash as part of the prize.

“That will pay for the wedding,” he laughed, revealing he’s planning to wed his fiancee Catherine, 28, next year. “It will definitely go to the wedding and honeymoon fund - hopefully we can go somewhere a bit more luxurious now like the Maldives.”

BOTB’s Christian said: “Harry played for a fantastic prize and I’m so excited for him. A new Porsche, wedding and a honeymoon to the Maldives? He is certainly in for an exciting couple of years.

“Have the best time, Harry.”

BOTB awards two cars each week as well as a ‘lifestyle’ prize.

Recent winners have bagged a quad bike and a holiday to the Arctic.

Since being founded in 1999 by William Hindmarch, it has given away more than £47million worth of vehicles. n To see Harry’s shock reaction alongside a host of other lucky winners, head over to BOTB.com

POETRY CORNER Freedom Song (With love to our wonderful Queen, and warmest wishes on your Platinum Jubilee.)

I walked through a wood, one cold winter’s day, Where one shining leaf seemed certain to stay And along my own street, a cheerful friend smiled...

“I have freedom at last - I’ve just retired !”

“I can do what I want the whole day through I can paint. I can dance.

I can talk to you !”

I walked around Windsor one April day,

Where one busy woman seemed here to stay...

Although she was weary, she always tried To serve every moment - with patience and pride.

And there, like the leaf that gleamed from its tree Our Queen is a Hero, To stay - or break Free.

CLARE BEVAN

We love sharing your verse. Email news@wokingham. today and we’ll print a selection in this space

It is a pity that none of the big German names in Schlager music, such as Helene Fischer, Andrea Berg, Roland Kaiser or Howard Carpendale, have entered the contest. Presumably their managers have advised against it. It would have brought some extra razzamatazz to the event and no doubt a few more victories for Germans.

The UK has won five times and Germany twice.

A few of the lesser Schlager stars have appeared in Eurovision, including Nicole (winner in 1982), Nino de Angelo, Michelle, Mary Roos, Lena Valaitis and Guildo Horn.

Germany last won in 2010, and has had two top 10 finishers in the last 10 Eurovision song contests. The UK last won in 1997. It came close this year, had it not been for Ukraine’s winning entry.

It is good to see that a Schlager music scene is developing in the UK. A lively new album, Crash Course, from the Crash Helmuts, was released on May 13, the day before Eurovision. It is being distributed by leading UK Indie music company Wienerworld.

They contacted me as I am one of the few UK journalists to write about Schlager.

The Crash Helmuts comprise the brothers Norbert and Johann Helmut. With the lockdown restrictions of 2020/2021 well in place and, under pressure from family and friends, the Crash Helmuts, started penning their album of happy and up-tempo music to raise a smile.

When I first heard the album, I thought this band was doing well to sing Schlager songs in English so well, although a little German had slipped into one of the songs.

I searched the internet to find out more about them, but found nothing much. I emailed the PR man at Wienerworld for more information, including whether Norbert and Johann were Germans brought up in the UK or a German group wanting to get into the UK market.

I later managed to get hold of the managing director, Anthony Broza. He told me that Norbert and Johann were not their real names and that this album was a departure from their usual blues music. They do not want to confuse their existing fans by playing a different genre of music as they are a leading blues band.

Anthony offered to set up an interview with Norbert, or Norman as he called him, another alias.He told me the idea for getting into Schlager music had come from a friend of the band, Monika, whose father is called Helmut.

They were in Kelheim, near Regensburg, at the time.

Norman realised that he had unused songs from his past that could provide new material.

His band play about 60 gigs a year in Germany and the album is already selling there through the Saturn electrical stores. The other albums are going mainly to the US, the Benelux and the UK. I asked Norman/Norbert if he was prepared to reveal his and Johann’s real names, as I still had no idea who the band might be. There was some hesitation. He said everyone will find out eventually, but that I would be the first journalist to know: “I am Norman Beaker and Johann is John Price.”

Norman is a blues guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and band leader and has been active since the early 1970s.

His band usually has five performers, but has also recorded as a trio.

He was inducted into the American Heritage Society Blues Hall of Fame in San Diego five years ago. If his new catchy Schlager songs succeed, he could well become a Schlager star as well as a blues star in the autumn of his career. n Email: bhicks@wokingham.today

30 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

A happy and glorious moment A COMMENT on social media was from an Eeyore. Why, they asked, are we celebrating another jubilee – after all, we partied in 1977.

Since then, we’ve also partied for the golden jubilee in 2012, various royal weddings, and also some of the Queen’s big birthdays.

Each time, we have paused and taken stock of the Queen, what she has done for us as a nation and a Commonwealth, and given thanks for her lifetime of committed service.

Some of us have also had the privilege of meeting her, receiving Maundy money, handing over floral tributes on visits, or even sat next to her when she opened Reading station a few years ago.

No other monarch in British history has reigned over us for so long. And few have led so wisely either.

Elizabeth II has devoted herself to a lifetime of servanthood, and even now, as she celebrates her 96th year, she is still our Queen – no retirement for her.

This weekend sees Wokingham borough take part in all manner of amazing celebrations, from this evening’s beacon lighting ceremonies to the street parties on Sunday. Our team will be out and about preparing for next week’s special souvenir issue. Don’t miss it.

And church bells will be rung, favourite songs sung, cakes cut, national anthem sung, and communities will come together. Thank you, Ma’am.

CHURCH NOTES

Celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee

D

URING the Bank Holiday this weekend we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of our Queen.

I am sure that you will agree with me that it’s a remarkable 70 years of service that she has given to our country.

It’s been a time of great change and challenge for our nation and no doubt the Queen has found her role difficult at times, but throughout her long reign she has become known for her sense of duty and has been sustained and strengthened by her personal Christian faith.

In her first Christmas broadcast in 1952, she said: ‘Pray for me … that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.’

She continues to be a regular churchgoer and in her Christmas broadcast of 2002 explained how she relies on her faith to guide her through life.

“I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings and to put my trust in God.” So however you chose to celebrate the Jubilee this weekend, I hope that you might pause to give thanks for the Queen’s faith and example, and maybe try to emulate her sense of duty and service in your own life.

The Revd Catherine Bowstead is minister of Wokingham Methodist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

The 400 was a useful bus route I have just read that the Thames 400 bus is being scrapped because of poor usage, well, I used it to go into Reading, and the Winnersh one before. A useful bus, and cheaper than parking, I now will not go and park, hate big car parks.

I read that the Winnersh Triangle one won’t open to next year, well why not, it was supposed to open this summer, not good enough! I probably won’t take my A4 bus into Reading for Xmas shopping, and will buy stuff online! Also to get to RBH, it was useful, better times that the 3 bus.

Where will the new Park and Ride at Keephatch go, can’t that go to Reading? And when will that open?

Jane Bingham, via email

Coalition blues May I respond to both your Viewpoint and From The Leader (May 26), which both appear to be an unpaid contribution from Kaiser Jones.

In your viewpoint to repeat the LibDems mantra that “it is not a coalition” is totally incorrect and as a good journalist you should be a bit more probing.

So let me do that probing for you (and not get paid for it). A coalition is where different groups get together and FORMALLY become a single group.

That is exactly what has happened.

There are only two political groups in the council: 1) the Conservatives and 2) Wokingham partnership. As the coalition had the majority they controlled everything – the executive, all the committee positions and all the chair and vice chair of all committees.

There are no Labour, independent and Liberal Democrats groups at the council. I know Cllr Jones will continue to refer to these groups as if they still exist but they do not. The LibDems, as the biggest members of the coalition will control who is given what.

If a councillor who was elected as a Labour councillor wants something

then he will need an agreement of the Lib Dems to do so. Before, as they were a group in their own right, they had no such block.

Finally, let me comment on Cllr Jones statement about “we have agreed to the appointment of Conservative, Labour and independents …” The only Conservative appointments were those allocated as a right to a group who had 26 councillors, so Cllr Jones had no influence over them.

Furthermore, with every single appointment that was contested the Conservative nomination (who was actually local to the appointment) was voted down.

According to the evidence, Cllr Jones statement about agreeing to appointments is totally false and demonstrated an arrogance that I have not seen for a very long time.

Cllr Keith Baker, Conservative councillor for Coronation Ward, Wokingham Borough Council

A not-so clean sweep Enough has been said about the “New Partnership” and spirit of cooperation proffered by Mr. Jones, when within 15 minutes of becoming Council Leader, he refused a motion by Councillor Jorgensen promptly giving his ‘yellow brigade” membership to 30 Groups/Outside Bodies giving way not once. A clean sweep you could say.

What is not so clean is Mr. Jones’ bold announcement that he wrote to Michael Gove on May 26, but plagiarising the words of John Halsall, previous Conservative leader who beat Clive to it, writing to Gove on January 5.

I have read both letters.

Cllr Jones’ is shorter but he uses most of the salient points of John Halsall ie ‘National planning policy has lost … and ‘The government must step away from a mathematical…’ being just two to include in this letter.

I thought this ‘new dynamic Partnership’ of LDs, Labour and two Independents would pen their own ideas but no. What is more alarming

From the vicechancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort

A

S we celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, it is worth remembering there is another 96-year-old institution in Berkshire.

A full 35 days before the then Princess Elizabeth was born in 1926, England’s 10th university was created – the University of Reading.

Courtesy of a Royal Charter of Incorporation granted by the Queen’s grandfather – George V – the former University College Reading was given permission to confer its own degrees, meaning Reading now had equal status with its former parent

institution, a few miles upstream the river Thames.

We are proud of our many royal connections.

That Royal Charter stipulated that George V, and his heirs, would hold the status of Visitor of the University, and Queen Elizabeth II remains personally connected to the University of Reading to this day.

If you have been to our Whiteknights campus, you might know the name of the road leading from the main entrance on Shinfield Road is known as Queen’s Drive, in honour of our royal visitor.

Of course, we are based in

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 2, 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 and concerning is that Clive went on record straight after election day inviting people to donate to his cause of getting rid of John Redwood ‘once and for all’ and yet we read in the news release that he “wishes to create a united front with Sir John, Theresa May, Matt Rodda and James Sunderland, which would be a strong cross-party team”. Isn’t he lucky that Sir John is honourable enough to agree to meet with someone who denigrates him?

Not so lucky is the inclusion of the Independents, one of whom is an armchair councillor rarely stepping outside his door to meet residents.

He would rather use his time writing copious letters to the Wokingham Today, so be warned WT! Actually I sat in front of him at the Annual Meeting and had to ask someone “who is that?”

In my year as a Councillor I have never seen nor met him in the Chamber. Very strange.

Even stranger is Cllr Jones’ continued patronising manner in all that he writes . In his “Voting for Change” he pretends the LDs are willing to be more inclusive, yet swiftly denigrates the Conservatives ‘for sadly not understanding how Overview & Scrutiny works’. I was on this committee for a year and my colleagues and I totally understood.

CJ’s ‘new approach’ is to alarm the electorate by making aspersions that social reform costs ‘before long will be eye-wateringly enormously costly’ and ‘no plan was left to address the costs which would clearly bankrupt the council’ paving the way for his potential failure to be blamed on the Conservatives. Clive Jones calls for ‘time for grown up politics’ – can’t say his behaviour is very adult.

Cllr Jackie Rance, Conservative councillor for Shinfield South, Wokingham Borough Council

Don’t forget Ukraine Why is the world leaders turning its back on official genocide in Ukraine Never again after the Holocaust is just common words that mean nothing while Russia gets away with Berkshire, a county that plays not only host, but is also home to the Royal Family.

And the Queen has certainly visited us many times. Early in her reign in 1957, Her Majesty came to Reading to open one of the first purpose-built academic buildings on Whiteknights – the Faculty of Letters.

The building is still there and being used every day, although it is now named after another trailblazing female, England’s first female professor, Edith Morley.

Her Majesty returned in 1992 to open another building, the Department of Microbiology.

And a decade ago, in 2012, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Henley Business School’s Greenlands campus, alongside 4,000 guests, as part of the UK-wide Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

We have also been fortunate to be blessed with the Queen’s royal patronage for our leading role in British higher education, through the award of five Queen’s Anniversary

sheer terrorism, raping and murder of civillians and our Parliament do not say a word.

Victor Rones, Human Justice, Bracknell

Thank you, Ma’am As we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service, I would like to thank Her Royal Highness for her continuous support of the RAF Benevolent Fund, being the charity’s Patron since 1952.

One memorable event for the Fund was in June 2012, when Her Majesty attended the unveiling of the Fund’s Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, London, the ten year anniversary of which is on June 26.

The memorial pays tribute to the 55,573 airmen who lost their lives serving in Bomber Command during the Second World War and the unveiling was attended by thousands of veterans and relatives.

Her Majesty The Queen has always been a tireless supporter of the Fund’s work, providing welfare services for the whole RAF Family – from serving personnel and veterans to their partners and children. It is a privilege to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with cherished memories of Her Majesty’s commitment not only to the RAF but to all the Armed Forces.

Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Chief Executive, RAF Benevolent Fund

Walk for bowel cancer I wanted to make your readers aware that Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity, are calling on everyone to Walk Together this June.

Complete a five mile walk on Saturday 11 June, or another day in June that suits you, and ask friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you.

All you need to do is raise a minimum of £100, which will go towards their vital services and lifesaving research.

Walk Together is a great way to show your support for those undergoing treatment and also remember loved ones.

Prizes over the past 25 years – for our work studying Shakespeare, weather, archaeology, typography, and most recently, climate change.

It is strange to think of a person as ‘an institution’, but after 70 years on the throne that is what the Queen is.

The University is similarly an institution.

We are not a collection of science labs, lecture theatres and residential halls.

We are a group of people – many thousands of students, academics and other staff. We are also made up of our former students, and the members of the communities in which we are located.

As resident of Reading or Wokingham, you too are part of this institution.

Like any institution, together we are bigger than the sum of our parts, and together, we stand for something important.

Professor Robert Van de Noort is the vice-chancellor of the University of Reading

My mum sadly died of bowel cancer when she was only 54, which had a huge impact on my life. Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, but it shouldn’t be as it’s treatable and curable, especially when diagnosed early.

Bowel Cancer UK are entirely reliant on the generous support of people like you. Your fundraising will help them save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.

To find out more about Walk Together and sign up, visit Bowel Cancer UK’s website: www. bowelcanceruk.org.uk/walktogether

Sean Fletcher Bowel Cancer UK ambassador and TV presenter

From the chamber

Cllr Andy Croy

Woking together for the good of Wokingham’s residents

T

HE Borough’s expert on political deal making is Help save animals Conservative MP Theresa May, who famously used Across the world, working animals have a critical role helping people in £1.5bn of tax payers’ money to the poorest communities to earn a buy the vote of the extremist small income and, ultimately, survive.

Democratic Unionist Party Very few people are aware that MPs in the House of Commons working animals play a key role in the to prop up her own floundering provision of many products we enjoy government. every day, including tea, coffee, sugar With this standard of behaviour and chocolate, to name but a few. as their local political blueprint, Globally, an estimated 200 million it is no wonder that some of Boris horses, donkeys, camels, elephants and Johnson’s local Conservative other animals do the work of trucks, councillors have reacted so tractors and taxis in low-income suspiciously to the establishment countries. They support the livelihoods of the Wokingham Borough of families by carrying food, water, Partnership – alleging that firewood and goods, and make an councillors have in some way been immeasurable difference – including bought by the Lib Dems. enabling children to go to school and This might be the Johnsonian receive an education.

Conservative expectation Despite the invaluable contribution of how politics is done, but, as we these animals make all too often they have seen, most people in face appalling conditions and have no our community and our country access to veterinary treatment when have a very different moral they are sick or injured. gauge to Conservative councillors At the animal charity SPANA, we and MPs. believe that working animals around I was delighted that this the world should receive the respect, paper published the Partnership compassion and vital veterinary care memorandum in last week’s they desperately need. It’s essential edition. that their welfare is championed.

If I could make one request On International Working Animal of this paper it is that the Day (15 June), find out how you memorandum is published again, can show your support by visiting www. but in larger print and without the spana.org/workinganimals. greyed background – it was so hard Linda Edwards, Chief Executive, to read.

One consequence of the SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) Partnership agreement has

From the chamber Cllr Pauline Jorgensen

Our pledge to residents

E

ARLIER this month, I was honoured to be elected by Conservative colleagues to serve as their Leader on the Borough Council.

With a new Liberal Democrat-led coalition administration taking charge of the Council, I wanted to set out for you the points I made at the Annual Council meeting on how we intend to approach being in Opposition.

The Lib Dem/Labour coalition has inherited an enviable legacy from 20 years of Conservative administration.

Wokingham Borough is one of the best places in the UK and is the healthiest place to live. Sound financial management has meant that we have

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been able to maintain and increase services, put investment into new facilities across the Borough, and develop an income stream that is funding better outcomes for residents.

The Conservatives secured new schools and sixth forms and completed or began new leisure centres.

We delivered new social homes and set aside £57million for building and modernising affordable and social housing.

We delivered new greenways and cycleways, doubled spending on road maintenance, and are in the middle of a programme to reduce congestion.

We also provided unprecedented support to families and businesses during the pandemic and its aftermath, including millions of pounds in grants.

The administration must continue our policy of backing people in need

been the much greater ability of councillors from smaller parties to be able to contribute to our community through our work on various outside bodies on which the Borough places a representative.

In my previous five years as a councillor I had, for two of those years, been able to secure a solitary role on a Berkshire-wide body while consistently being denied a role in any body with any direct link to the community I represent.

The Conservatives ruthlessly used their control of Council to deny me all opportunities to provide extra service to my community.

This year, I am now able to contribute to the work of five outside bodies, mostly with strong links to my ward of Bulmershe and Whitegates or nearby areas.

The Conservatives are currently in the first two stages of grief – denial and anger – over their loss of control of the Council.

They need to reflect very carefully on just how bad the results were for them.

They got 37% of the votes cast – their joint worst-ever performance since 2019 when a combination of their handling of Brexit and the impending Euro elections also saw their vote evaporate.

Last year, their longer term decline was hidden by a vaccine during these difficult times.

I hope that the Lib-Lab coalition will continue and build on the legacy and priorities that we put in place.

The Conservative Group’s pledge to residents is that we intend to approach Opposition differently to the Liberal Democrats.

Given the voters have ensured that no party was elected with a majority on the Council, we fully support the need to work together to tackle the challenges ahead.

Where we believe the Liberal Democrat-led Group are doing things that are of benefit to Borough residents, we will support them, but we will also hold them to account when they fail.

I hope that the new coalition will look at ways to introduce more challenge to Council meetings – perhaps with dedicated questions to the Council Leader from the Opposition Leader, like at PMQs, or more space given to debates on motions.

We will provide challenge where it is needed, but will support where we share objectives.

In the past, we have worked together to press for pilot programmes on housing. The Local

bounce at the polls which saw them benefitting from an across the board uplift in their share of the vote.

Johnson’s local Conservatives have displayed a touching concern for residents who have voted Labour and now see Labour councillors working constructively with LibDem and independent councillors.

I am rather reminded of the scene in the Jungle Book where Kaa meets Mowgli but suffice to say the feedback I have received from people who voted for me and who voted for LibDem candidates has been uniformly positive.

I can’t help feeling that Conservative time would be better spent working out why so many of their voters deserted them.

While Conservatives may feel betrayed by people having the temerity to vote for other parties, most people feel rather liberated from what at times has seemed like a one-party local authority.

While they are doing this, I and the other members of the Labour group will be doing what we always do: spending our time out in our communities, be it on our Communty Cleanups with residents, in our Community Speedwatch Groups with other volunteers, in the outside bodies to which we have been elected, or simply knocking on doors to listen to what residents have to say.

On the topic of service it would be remiss of me not to finish by celebrating the extraordinary service of Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her 70th years of service.

By its very nature, service as a hereditary monarch is service not many of us will be called to give but we have been extraordinarily fortunate that someone with such a traditional sense of public duty has been our monarch.

Cllr Andy Croy is the deputy leader of Wokingham Labour, and ward councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates Plan needs to be addressed with urgency – failing to get on means that we are at the mercy of developers.

Various coalition councillors promised on their election literature that they would protect their areas from development. As we all know, the best protection from development is a Local Plan.

We look forward to conversations about how to progress the Plan, and we would be willing to help the LibLab coalition continue the successful conversations that we had been having with Government to reduce housing numbers.

The message from residents is clear: we must put aside our differences more for the benefit of the Borough.

I have a fantastic team around me who I’m looking forward to working with over the coming year.

We will provide scrutiny, we will provide challenge to the coalition, and we will make the case to the residents of this great Borough on why they should return a Conservative administration at the next election.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen is the leader of Wokingham Conservatives, and member for Hillside

From the leader

Cllr Clive Jones

The importance of partnership

A

N overarching theme that connects many of the things that the new administration at Wokingham Borough Council is pursuing can be summed up in one word - partnership.

Faced with so many challenges, partnership is more necessary than ever.

We need to build up a good working relationship between councillors and council officers, based on mutual respect and understanding of their respective roles as elected representatives and professionals with a long-term perspective.

A sense of partnership is vital to making this relationship fruitful for you, the people whom the council is here to serve.

Partnership also characterises the way we want to approach the political management of the council.

As I have said before, no one party has a monopoly on good ideas; we want to call on the talents, experience and knowledge of all councillors who are willing to work collaboratively on matters on which the political parties are in broad agreement. There are many more such matters of broad agreement than party political point-scoring might suggest.

Partnership is still more important in the way the council leadership works with those outside the offices and council chamber at Shute End. We need to enlist the support of other councils facing similar challenges to our own; the more voices pressing central government to change tack on matters such as the unfair and excessive housing allocation and the potentially astronomical costs of social care, the more likely the message is to get through. We are also reaching out to the borough’s four MPs, to secure their support in our lobbying of government.

We need to engage in a spirit of partnership with the borough’s town and parish councils. We often have common objectives, yet our relationship has not always been as productive as it should have been. We would like to change that.

Town and parish councils are full of people with a great stock of knowledge and a real passion for the local community. We must call much more effectively than we have done on the grassroots expertise and enthusiasm of our town and parish councils to help us make the borough a better place to live, work and do business in.

That leads me to some other vital partnerships.

The borough council is already engaging with the voluntary sector; the work with bodies such as Citizens Advice Wokingham is vital to helping many people in difficulties. We want to build on the good start made and deepen the borough council’s relationship with the voluntary sector. Again, there is so much knowledge, experience, and good will that we want to harness to make things better.

Partnership with local businesses is crucial to local prosperity. The council needs to engage more with our businesses, especially the small and mediumsized businesses that are the life blood of many of our communities.

We need to listen to what businesses need and do all we can to help them to prosper and offer secure and high-quality employment opportunities for our residents.

All these different kinds of partnership can help us to make things better for you, the people of the borough. But we want you not just to benefit from partnership working but also to be part of the partnership.

We welcome your ideas on how the council might better serve the community. We may not always be able to pursue those ideas - financial or legal restraints may make it not possible to put some good ideas into practice - but we want you to be involved in the conversation about how we build a better borough.

It’s you, as I’ve said before, we are here to serve.

Cllr Clive Jones is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council

32 | BUSINESS

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BUSINESSTODAY business park that is changing Summer AFun at Winnersh Triangle

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 2, 2022

Got a business story?

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A business park that is changing

Waylands Volvo secures hat-trick of awards EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

With temperatures set to be hotter than Turkey this summer, you don’t need to go abroad to enjoy the sun. But going to work when the sun is shining can be hard work, unless you work at Winnersh Triangle. With award-winning landscaping for all to enjoy, direct access to Dinton Pastures and the fabulous events taking place for our occupiers throughout the summer, you don’t need to go far to get some fresh air and have some fun.

Fabulous food The Exchange co-working space and Gather & Gather cafés across the park are the perfect place to grab a tasty breakfast, salad, sandwich, hot lunch, or snack. We are delighted that we have a new talented head chef on site. Lee Mildenhall developed his skills at Tom Kerridge‘s The Hand and Flowers and worked at the Vodafone HQ. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knows exactly what hungry occupiers want to eat! Don’t forget to check out Gather & Gather’s hydration station, to make sure you keep focussed and refreshed. We also have free fruit baskets in multi-let receptions across the park; occupiers can just help themselves to a piece of fruit as they pass to promote wellness and be one of their five a day.

Fitness for all We have invested heavily in creating a welcoming and healthy space for our occupiers this summer. As well as Move HQ, the state-of-the-art gym we have onsite, we have free weekly bootcamps which are proving very popular and the perfect way to burn some energy off during your lunchbreak. The newly built The Cabin, is a multi-purpose sports studio which hosts classes including yoga, Zumba, circuits, and boxercise all just for £5 a session. At that price, you can’t afford to miss them. Our astro-turf pitch is available for occupiers to either hire or join in the football league or netball matches that Move HQ organise.

If occupiers prefer to take it easy, but still enjoy some fresh air, then they can hop on one of the Ryde bikes, which are free to borrow for up to 72 hours. You can even take them home and enjoy a bike ride over the weekend. With fitness and fun being at the heart of Winnersh Triangle to promote a healthy working environment, each company was recently gifted a free boule set, so that everyone can enjoy our boules court. It’s the ideal way to take some time away from screens or catch up with colleagues after work. We really do have something for everyone when it comes to fitness at the park.

Entertaining events At Winnersh Triangle we love putting on fantastic events and initiatives for our occupiers and the local community. Recently our occupiers took part in a bee keeping session. A fantastic opportunity working with our landscaping team to check in on our beehives. They also enjoyed biodiversity walks around the park, spotting bat boxes, hedgehog houses and bug offices! Food trucks visit regularly, and we have a host of pop-up shops in the diary, including the very popular Benefit Cosmetics. The highlight of our summer programme is the summer party which will be held at the heart of Winnersh Triangle. This free event is open to all occupiers and involves fabulous music, food, drink, and sunshine on our Green. People can laze on our deckchairs and enjoy all that we have to offer.

What are you waiting for, don’t you think it’s time you moved to Winnersh Triangle?

A CAR dealer in Reading is celebrating after being recognised at a national award ceremony

Waylands Automotive, which operates Waylands Volvo Reading, on Imperial Way, was crowned Dealer Group of the Year for the third year running in the Automotive Management (AM) awards on Thursday, May 12.

The awards bring together the UK’s best car dealers and repairers to celebrate business successes and excellence within the automotive retail industry.

The award recognised Waylands’ focus and achievements on digital sales, acknowledging the group’s continued investment in digital capabilities to complement its showrooms and carpurchasing experience.

In 2021, this saw the group increasing its digital sales teams to allow customers to seek support and advice online, outside of the showroom’s hours.

The award also recognises the improvements Waylands Volvo Reading has made to its website and virtual sales appointment process, which now offers an easier-to-navigate online experience, improving customer satisfaction and the sales of vehicles.

John O’Hanlon, CEO at Waylands Volvo, said: “We are delighted to have been named Dealer Group of the Year for the third year in a row – a truly fantastic achievement for our teams.

WINNER: Waylands Volvo Reading Picture: Volvo “This award demonstrates our commitment to our digital capabilities and achievements so far, recognising our strong sales performances online, which do not compromise on our primary goal of customer satisfaction.

“Against a backdrop of ongoing pandemic restrictions and obstacles in supply chain logistics, 2021 remained a challenging year for business, yet despite this, we have continued to provide a premium and tailored service for our customers, both virtually and in person.

“A huge congratulations to the hard work and dedication of everyone who makes up the Waylands team.”

Volvo Cars UK is also one of the industry leaders in sustainability as it was the first manufacturer to offer a plug-in hybrid version of every car it sells.

By 2025 the manufacturer aims for 50% of its global sales to consist of fully electric cars, with the rest hybrids.

By 2030, Volvo plans for every car it sells to be fully electric.

Winnersh Triangle community team helps give hospice a makeover STAFF from a facilities management team put their skills into use last month by helping clean up a hospice.

The team from MAPP, who work for Frasers Property, the owners of Winnersh Triangle business park, organised a Community Action Day to help people at the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice at Farnham. This helps people living with cancer and other terminal illnesses to receive palliative care.

The work included painting sheds, upcycling benches, helping with garden maintenance and cleaning vans.

Mapp work with the charity CMPP to organise Community Actions Days as part of their social value strategy and to give back to the local community.

CMPP helps companies in the Thames Valley to get active in their communities, by providing a fully-managed diverse range of corporate

HELPERS: The MAPP team from Winnersh Triangle

volunteering and community fundraising events. Katy Mailey, parks occupier engagement manager at MAPP, said: “It was fantastic to see the team support a local charity and be able to give back during the community action day.

“Community is at the heart of Winnersh Triangle and the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice is such an amazing charity.

“It was brilliant to be able to get involved and see everyone get stuck in.”

Rachel Austen, corporate

volunteer manager for CMPP said: “The team worked so hard, and we know that community action days make a real difference to local charities. It was great to see everyone work together and we appreciate all their hard work.”

Thursday, June 2, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Mayor thanks volunteers for the difference they make to borough

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

REPRESENTATIVES from more than 35 voluntary groups, as well as some of the borough’s covid heroes came together this month.

They were gathered for a special reception hosted by the outgoing borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker.

It was an event to thank all of those who volunteered during the pandemic.

The mayor’s reception, held at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley, was an opportunity for representatives from the voluntary, community and faith sector to connect and socialise.

Cllr Baker said: “I was delighted to thank those in the voluntary, community and faith sector who work tirelessly to help and support so many in our community.

“They do fantastic work and make significant contributions to the lives of many and without their dedication Wokingham

Summer Fete on School Green ST MARY’S Summer Fete is set to take over School Green, Shinfield.

The fun-filled afternoon in June offers visitors an ideal opportunity to enjoy food stalls and activities, all to the dulcet tones of a live brass band.

All are welcome to attend the annual fete, which marks the end of the church’s Jubilee June celebrations.

With plenty of entertainment suitable for all ages, there will certainly be something for the whole family.

The event takes place between noon and 4pm on Saturday, June 25. n For more information, visit: www.loddonreach.org.uk

New mayors ALL TOGETHER: Outgoing borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker, held a reception to thank voluntary sector people for their work in Wokingham Borough would not be the great place it is.

“During the pandemic, there was a real sense of community spirit in our borough.

“Our Covid-19 heroes really made a difference.

“I want to thank them for their selfless work as they went above and beyond to help others during one of the most difficult periods in our history.”

Some of the mayor’s guests received a Covid-19 Roll of

Honour award, and included children and young people.

All had made important contributions to the borough’s community.

Many had volunteered for a charity, some for the first time,

while others had helped a friend or neighbour or were a positive force in the community.

Around 140 people attended the reception, and were nominated by the borough’s residents.

WOODLEY Town Council has appointed Cllr Janet Sartorel as its mayor for the municipal year, with Cllr Kay Guilder.

Cllr Sartorel’s chosen charity is Keep Mobile.

And in Earley Town Council, Cllr Tahir Maher was elected to be its mayor.

Cllr Caroline Smith will be his deputy. His charity will be Arthritis Matters.

34 | NEWS

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News from your clubs, groups and societies.

Email your news to: news@wokingham.today

West Forest Townswomens’s Guild WEST Forest Townswomens Guild has almost put the lockdowns and the pandemic behind and has returned to normal with monthly meetings, speakers and a host of small group activities and outings including visits to the local theatre.

At the AGM in March a full committee was established to organise the meetings throughout the coming year.

Our speaker, Annette Medhurst, gave an in-depth account of the Food Bank and it’s achievements in benefiting a growing number of families.

Members brought a large array of provisions and toiletries to the meeting and these were delivered to a representative of the organisation.

Our April speaker, Mel Rees amused us with his entertaining and light hearted talk on My Family and other Meercats. His lighthearted delivery was very much appreciated and enjoyed.

In May, we were enthralled by a presentation on the Brilliant Birds of Berkshire given by Alisa Claybourne who has a vast knowledge of the bird community.

Not only were we given a visual shot of the birds but also heard the song of each and learned about their different habitats.

We are now looking forward to a Jubilee Tea Party at the beginning of June and a visit to Loseley Park for a guided tour of the house and refreshments later in June.

We meet in Emmbrook Village Hall on the third Thursday of each month except August.

New members are welcome.

Liz Shilham, chairman

of North Wales & Portmeirion

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Wargrave Local History Society A HISTORY of Wargrave Fire Station was the topic of Rodney Annetts’ presentation to Wargrave Local History Society’s May meeting.

Rodney, and several members of his family, had been firemen based there, so the audience had a personal insight as well as an historical account of our local station.

The fire service in Wargrave began in 1905 when Lance Hannen provided a hand operated fire pump to the village, operated by volunteers from the village. The appliance was replaced by a horse drawn one, which needed four men on each side to work the pump, with others filling it with water, and attended the Wargrave church fire in 1914.

Wargrave’s first motorised fire engine arrived in 1931, a house-to-house collection raising £430 to buy the Dennis. The Parish Council provided land for a fire station, which was built by the volunteer fire crew and Easterlings, the local village builders.

Easterlings’ workforce were the backbone of the village brigade for several decades, most having served an apprenticeship with the firm.

In 1941, the National Fire Service was formed, when many local brigades were taken over, and this continued until 1948, when county fire services were established, Wargrave becoming part of the Berkshire and Reading Fire Brigade at that time, known as ‘Station 9’.

Rodney outlined the changes that came with local government reorganisation, through to the closure of the Wargrave fire station in 2020, as well as various incidents they attended – notably the Windsor Castle fire in 1992, when the small size of the Wargrave fire engine meant it could access areas the standard machines couldn’t.

The village brigade had always been a big part of the community, holding open days in aid of the Benevolent Fund, providing demonstrations for local schools, and so on.

There was clearly a great camaraderie among those who served at Wargrave – and pride in what they had done.

Details of the Society’s programme is at www.wargravehistory.org.uk - or email info@ wargravehistory.org.uk to confirm meeting details.The next event is an Historic Wargrave Exhibition in the Woodclyffe Hall on Saturday, June 11.

PETER DELANEY

GIFT: Sebastian’s Action Trust celebrates receiving a £67,000 donation from Barratt Homes. Staff from the housebuilder raised £52,000, which was topped up by a £15,000 donation to make it £67,000

Housebuilder raises £67k for Sebastian

A

CROWTHORNEBASED charity that helps children with life-limiting illnesses has received a funding boost thanks to a housebuilder.

Barratt homes presented Sebastian’s Action Trust with £67,621, as a result of its fundraising work last year The money was raised by Barratt staff from sponsored swims, walks, runs, a charity golf day and standalone donations, totaling £52,621. The housebuilder made an additional donation of £15,000.

The money will help the charity support families from their child’s diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

And the housebuilder also donated furniture from its show

home at its Kilners Grange development to help furnish the respite lodges at the charity’s The Woodlands centre.

Simon Lillywhite, fundraising and communications manager at Sebastian’s Action Trust, comments: “Our charity responds to the unmet needs of our beneficiaries. We are in constant need of support and are beyond grateful for this extraordinary amount of money. Barratt Southern Counties’ support over the years has enabled us to continue providing care to families and children with serious illnesses locally and beyond.”

Kimberley Benson, sales and marketing director for Barratt Southern Counties, adds: “We are proud to have raised such a significant amount that will go

towards helping families affected by life-limiting, or life-threatening illness.

“We would like to thank our colleagues and sub-contractors for the incredible work they have put into this fundraising.

“We look forward to seeing Sebastian’s Action Trust to continue its work, and we hope that our partnership with them will continue in the years ahead.”

Barratt Southern Counties has named its new charity of the year, Halow Project, which is located nearby to the housebuilder’s headquarters in Guildford.It supports young people aged 16 plus with learning disabilities on their journey into and through adult life through social activities, work experience and communitybased life skills training.

Wokingham Horticultural Association WOKINGHAM Horticultural Association held its third mini show of the year in its Trading Store at the Ormonde Road allotments site on Saturday, May 21.

The perfume of early sweet peas and roses filled the store.

The hard work of local amateur growers was rewarded with Kevin Beautement winning the most points in the Flower Section.

His exhibits included flowering cacti and a rare Dendrobium Thysiflorum orchid.

In the Flower Arranging Section, where all components may be purchased, Phyl Crump took first place with her beautiful exhibit, For the Love of Iris.

Phyl said she had never entered a competition before and was delighted with her win, especially as all the flowers and foliage she used had been home or allotment grown.

The Heelas Cup for most points in the Flower Arrangement Section was won by Doreen Hogston whose arrangement

For the Love of Iris by Phyl Crump to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee took first place and also caught the eye of the visitors who voted it their favourite exhibit.

WHA is now looking forward to the Summer Show on Saturday, June 18. It will be held at the Ormonde Road Trading Store, and is open to all exhibitors.

Summer favourites of sweet peas, roses and fuchsias will be among the exhibits along

with some fabulous flower arrangements.

On Saturday, June 11, you can find the WHA in the Market Place selling small pots of herbs and other plants along with a selection of gorgeous hand-made craft items.

For more information and photos from the shows, visit: www.w-h-a.org.uk

PAULINE MACBRAYNE

NEWS | 35

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Blandy gives backing to bridge lighting plan

Rail firm seeks projects to support

A BRIDGE that links Wokingham borough with neighbouring Henley is ready to shine, thanks to a donation from a law firm with links to the town.

It is the first river crossing over the Thames outside of London, and will now set to be lit up thanks to the Make Henley Shine project.

Supporters include the Leander Club, Phyllis Court Club and Blandy & Blandy Solicitors, which has branches in Henley and Reading, have all made substantial donations.

Henley Town Council will also donate once planning permission has been granted by South Oxfordshire District Council and Wokingham Borough Council.

The sponsors will have their names and logos on the plaques which will be installed on either side of the bridge, subject to planning permission.

Members and guests of Leander and Phyllis Court Clubs will be able to enjoy the bridge lights at their riverside locations, whilst Blandy & Blandy’s offices at 24 Thameside also overlook the site.

General manager at Leander Club, Alastair Heathcote said: “Henley’s riverside is a jewel in our town and has so much potential to enrich the lives of our community as well as visitors.

“Make Henley Shine is a visionary project to do exactly that – and create a wonderful experience for people living in Henley and visitors to enjoy.”

Blandy & Blandy has offered its legal services to set up the project as a charity as well as pledging a donation towards the project.

The charity will work with a range of stakeholders, residents, schools, communities and special interest groups to develop a broad programme of public events and activities for people of all ages around the river.

Nick Burrows, Partner and Chairman of Blandy & Blandy, said: “We are

BACKING: Samaritans has benefited from GWR funding previously Picture: Chris ODonovan, courtesy of Samaritans

LET THERE BE LIGHT: A project to light up Henley Bridge has been launched delighted to be working with the Make Henley Shine team and to be supporting this landmark project, including advising on the formation of the charity.

“Henley Bridge dates back to the late 18th Century and nearly as far as our own history in the town.

“We look forward to seeing residents and visitors hopefully enjoying the illuminations in the years to come.”

And Chris Hogan, CEO, Phyllis Court Club, said: “Enjoying the view of Henley Bridge from Phyllis Court is fundamental to the life and fabric of the Club.

“This initiative to focus the viewer on such an iconic part of Henley town can only be applauded and will enhance hugely the reputation, image and ambiance of Henley to residents and visitors alike.

“I have no doubt all 3,500 members of Phyllis Court and their guests will be thrilled at the prospect of this great visual enhancement.”

The Make Henley Shine project will be a low energy sustainable lighting system made up of 460 LED light nodes that follow the line of each arch and balustrade. The design will highlight the architectural detail of the Grade I-listed bridge that greets visitors to the town.

The planning applications are due to be submitted in the summer.

Daniel Bausor, chairman of Make Henley Shine, said: “We are honoured to receive the sponsorship and financial support from Leander, Phyllis Court and Blandy & Blandy who share our vision on this exciting community arts project to illuminate Henley Bridge sustainably.

“We are looking for further donations to make this wonderful light installation a reality and welcome other public, private organisations and individuals to get be part of it.” n For enquiries regarding media and donations, email: hello@makehenleyshine. co.uk

Morris dancing showcase

A NEW community fund launched by GWR is now inviting applications that will support local communities and address areas of social need.

Bids and ideas of all shapes and sizes are invited by the end of June 2022.

Groups must show a link to the railway, and their idea must seek to provide a community benefit or make a difference at a local level.

GWR Business Development Director Tom Pierpoint said: “The Community Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in our communities, and in projects that really make a difference at a local level.

“We have had a really broad variety of bids that have been successful in the past.

“They range from small infrastructure projects at stations or close to the railway, to outreach programmes, to projects focusing on inclusion and diversity, to feasibility and research studies.

“They might be about promoting rail travel, supporting economic

and environmental goals or making the railway more accessible and integrated with active travel.

“We are committed to improving the journeys of our passengers, as well as the economic prosperity and social footprint of the regions and communities we serve.

“We want to see new ideas and as many bids as we can get.”

All funding applications will be treated on their own merits and on the benefit they would bring to the community.

Recently successful projects have included: £16,000 to transform a run-down goods shed into a community hub; £25,000 to train barbers as mental health advocates; £15,000 to provide creative rural workshops for youngsters; £64,000 to support Samaritan’s life saving work; and £45,000 to provide work experience for 50 young people.

GWR wants to hear from communities keen to improve their local area.

All proposals must be submitted

by Monday, June 27. n For further information and to submit an application visit: www. gwr.com

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Hurst Morris People (HuMP) were in fine form for their first dance of the season at The Jolly Farmer Picture: Sue Corcoran HURST Morris People (HuMP) danced at The Jolly Farmer in Davis Street for one of their first performances of the summer.

Their guests last week were Theale Tattoo, a new step clog team of dancers.

HuMP will be performing at the Fox and Hounds at Sheffield Bottom, Theale on Thursday, June 9, at 8pm

with Old Speckled Hen dancers.

The Hurst team are offering the chance for musicians and dancers to have a go at morris at Hurst Village Hall, Hurst on September 22 and 29 at 8pm.

Let them know if you would like to go.

For more details at www.hump.org. uk and on Facebook @hurstmorris

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36

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 2, 2022

Thursday, June 2, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

37

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Carnival Hub nearing completion

Arson described as ‘mindless’

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

THE burning of the pavillion in Arborfield Park has been described as “mindless” by a councillor.

It was burned down on Saturday, May 21, and Thames Valley Police is treating the incident as arson.

Cllr Gary Cowan, independent councillor for Arborfield, said: “I am appalled by the mindless vandalism from these arsonists.

“The parish council works really hard to put facilities for all to use and enjoy and for people to torch it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever as they are just destroying something that they themselves could use.

“Criminal damage is becoming an epidemic and my big worry it will lead to more serious incidents. The police have a big role to play in stopping this mindless vandalism and arson before someone is seriously hurt.”

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to extinguish the blaze on Swallowfield Road. The fire charred the stand, seating area and covered the floor with ash making it unusable.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We are treating the incident as arson and are carrying out a number of enquiries, including taking statements from a number of witnesses.”

A NEW Wokingham leisure centre is nearing completion.

The Wokingham Leisure Centre at Carnival Hub is expected to open in mid-July.

It will feature swimming pools, children’s splash pad, a health suite, fitness studios, a café, a dual-purpose hall for sports and 400 seat cultural performances.

During the last few weeks the main pool has been filled, while the studios on the first floor are now complete and ready for the fitness equipment to arrive in early June. The main gym area is also nearing completion.

Due to a slight delay in construction, as a result of national issues with labour and materials, the leisure centre is now expected to open later than expected but still ahead of schedule.

There was also a delay in connecting the electricity supply so more time is needed to test equipment.

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We’re really excited about the Carnival Hub opening its doors this summer.

“To progress the construction of such a large building during the pandemic is no mean feat and although we are facing a

COMING TOGETHER: Carnival Hub main entrance and promenade (above) along wit hits pool and indoor courts Picture: Stewart Turkington short delay in completion, we are still way ahead of schedule of opening this incredible sport and leisure facility.

“We continue to invest significantly in our sport and leisure facilities.

“The Hub will be a real focal point for the community and will have state of the art facilities to help residents to improve their health and wellbeing.”

The Hub will also include a large café in the entrance area, changing places, toilet facility and a brand-new home for Wokingham Library.

The library is set to open on schedule later in the summer after its fit-out is completed and dates agreed to transfer books and equipment from the existing site.

To get the new library ready, more than 1km of shelving

Volunteercorner with Helena Badger

T

HIS week is National Volunteers’ week.

It is a chance to say thanks to the millions of people across the UK who contribute so much by volunteering.

It is also a chance to promote volunteering and support our local charities to find more volunteers.

Here is a selection of 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. n Earleybus is a small charity that provides a 14-seat minibus for groups in the local area wanting to go out for lunch or afternoon tea, visit a garden centre, or a National Trust property or other areas of interest.

These trips are usually midweek and not weekends.

We are looking for volunteers who can occasionally drive the minibus.

You will not be required to drive on a regular basis on certain days, just help out as and when you can.

A D1 driving licence is required and full training would be given.

n Cranstoun has been making life better for those affected by alcohol and drugs since 1969.

Our skilled and compassionate people work closely with service users and their families to change and save lives.

We combine proven expertise in treatment and recovery with innovative approaches and actively involve those wwe help in improving the design of the services we provide.

Our Wokingham service supports adults and young people who are affected by substance use. A key part of our young persons service is having excellent relationships with young people which enable them to trust us to help and support them.

We are looking for a volunteer to help us engage with young people in informal settings such as sports clubs, youth venues, and other community events.

There will be an element of participation in sports involved in this role so if you are passionate about sport and activity this opportunity may be for you.

The role will involve building effective professional relationships with young people and providing information and advice around drug and alcohol use in informal settings.

Experience of working with young people in a sports or youth work setting is preferred.

n Citizens Advice Wokingham offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information to anyone living or working in Wokingham borough.

We are a local charity, based in Waterford House in central Wokingham.

We are looking to recruit volunteers who will talk to clients over the phone, face to face or online to explore what problems they have come for help with and identify the right level of support for them.

You will be required to write a summary and the actions that need to be taken.

It is a chance to be a part of making a real difference to someone’s life by making sure the client’s receive the support they need.

You will gain knowledge in areas such as benefits, housing, debt and employment through training and then the role itself. It is a chance to gain new skills and meet new people.

You will need to be; friendly and approachable, non-judgmental, have good listening skills and excellent communication skills, good IT skills and be calm under pressure. We need a minimum of 6 months commitment, and we ask for 6 hours per week, which can be over one day or spread over two.

needs to be installed, ready to hold over 55,000 library books and items.

The Carnival Hub site is part of Wokingham Borough Council’s plans to invest more than £50 million to improve leisure facilities for residents.

Other projects which have seen investment include Bulmershe Leisure Centre in Woodley as well as centres at Ryeish Green and Arborfield,

improvements at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, the new BXGFit gym, Cantley Park enhancements, and 3G pitches in Arborfield and Emmbrook.

The new leisure centre will be offering a range of memberships and the ability to book activities in advance. n Details on how to sign up for membership of Wokingham Leisure Centre at Carnival Hub are available on placesleisure.org

38

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Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (PARK LANE AND WHISTLEY MILL LANE, HURST) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (WARREN HOUSE ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 26th May 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 on the 26th May 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:

1. Park Lane, Hurst between its junctions with Landsend Lane and Whistley Mill Lane.

Warren House Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Benning Way and Ashridge Road.

2. Whistley Mill Lane, Hurst between its junctions with Park Lane and Copperbridge Brook.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bell Foundry Lane, A321 Twyford Road and B3034 Forest Road or by this route in reverse.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by these restrictions shall be via Park Lane, A3032 Old Bath Road, Church Street, A321 Waltham Road, A321 Hurst Road, Broadwater Lane, B3030 Lodge Road and Whistley Mill Lane or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring these restrictions will take place between 6th June and 8th June 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to locate and rectify blockages, install ducting and complete cabling work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 6th June 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 2nd June 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

LICENSING ACT 2003

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that I/We Joannle Grace Peak applied on 25/05/2022 to Reading Borough Council in respect of the premises known as Christmas Market Bar, Outside Marks and Spencers, Broadstreet RG1 2BH. For the grant of a Premises Licence certification for the following: List of licensable activities

Days

1.

Consumption of Alcohol

7 days a week 10:00am - 22:00pm

2.

Provision of Live Music

7 days a week 10:00am - 21:00pm

3.

Provision of Recorded Music

7 days a week 10:00am - 22:00pm

Get your business seen!

Email: advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE) (ENGLAND) ORDER 2015 AND/OR PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) REGULATIONS 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application

Address

Reasons for Advert

Description

220175

Hogwood Farm, Sheerlands Road, Arborfield

Major Application

Application for approval of Reserved Matters pursuant to Outline Planning Consent O/2014/2179 (as varied by 181194, dated 14/11/2018). [Reconsultation on revised plans received for development parcels P14 & P15 to reduce the total number of dwellings from 161 down to 158, re-configuration of site and road layout, amendments to house types, dwelling mix, hard & soft landscaping, sports hub layout and surface water drainage (SUDS) scheme].

221209

15 Market Place, Wokingham

Conservation area

Full application for the proposed installation of 2 no. pole-mounted satellite dishes at first floor level and 3 no. air condenser units at ground floor level to the rear of the building, following removal of the existing 2 no. condenser units.

221210

15 Market Place, Wokingham

Works to a listed building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed installation of 2 no. polemounted satellite dishes at first floor level and 3 no. air condenser units at ground floor level to the rear of the building, following removal of the existing 2 no. condenser units, plus internal alterations.

221326

Reading Rugby Footlball Club, Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning

Conservation area

Full application for the proposed new extension to form changing block and internal alterations.

221346

Paddock House, Part Lane, Swallowfield

Conservation area

Householder application for the proposed erection of an electric wooden gate, following removal of the existing gate.

221439

Land West of Hollow Lane, South of Church Lane, Hyde End Road, Shinfield

Major Application

Application for the approval of Reserved matters application pursuant to VAR/2014/0624 for the formation of sports pitches and associated landscaping.

Appearance, Landscaping, Layout and Scale to be considered.

221462

Old Crown Cottage, Dunt Lane, Hurst

Works to a listed building

Application for Listed Building consent for proposed internal works consisting of the construction of new timber studwork wall on the first floor landing to create a new room, with timber post and beam structure to match existing fenestration.

221486

8 Peach Street, Wokingham

Conservation area

Full application for the proposed replacement of front double doors with single windowpane.

221537

Nutbeam Farm, Nutbeam Lane, Swallowfield

Major Application

Application to vary condition 1 of planning consent 211975 for the proposed change of use of land from agricultural to equestrian plus erection of 2 no. stable buildings with associated hardstanding, the creation of a manège and extended vehicular access (part retrospective). Condition 1 refers to the approved details and the variation is to allow an increase the pitch of the roof of the approved stable buildings from 16 degrees to 30 degrees to allow for a clay tiled roof to match nearby buildings.

221549

37 Rose Street, Wokingham

Affects setting of listed building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed erection of an outbuilding to form a detached garage / home office, following demolition of the existing garage.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th June and 24th July 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow South East Water contractors to undertake new development connections and associated work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 6th June 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 2nd June 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

For up to date news in the borough follow us on

Hours

Under the provisions of Licensing Act 2003 (Premises Licences Certificates) Regulations 2005 the above named person has applied for the GRANT of the premises licence or club premises certificate.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 2, 2022

@wokingham.today

Any person wishing to view this application may do so at Reading Borough Council by prior arrangement between the hours of 9am to 5pm please ring 0118 937 3762 to make an appointment or via email to licensing@reading.gov.uk.

Any person wishing to make representation to this application must do so in writing within 28 days of the application, as detailed above to: Reading Borough Council, Licensing Section, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU.

@WokinghamToday

No written representations will have personal details removed unless the licensing authority deems it appropriate to do so. Any request for personal details to be removed should be notified to the Licensing Authority at the time of making the representation.

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.

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with anapplication, the maximum fine for doing so upon summary conviction is unlimited.

@wokingham.today

Any comments must arrive on or before the 23rd June 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: 2nd June 2022

Thursday, June 2, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

39

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ACCOUNTANCY

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SHOWROOM OPEN FOR PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS – ALLOWING YOU TO ‘TALK TO AN EXPERT’.

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WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2022

LEISURETODAY

02.06.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Sugar Hill Gang to headline Readipop R

EADIPOP, the three-day charity festival, is now just six weeks away.

With this year marking its fifth anniversary, the event is set to take over Christchurch Meadows once again with a diverse mix of musicians and performers.

Pete Wheeler, festival programmer, said: “This year’s line-up is very special for us as it’s for the fifth birthday of Readipop Festival, which we can finally celebrate after two years off.

“Our headliners have been getting bigger over the last few years as more people have supported the festival, come along for all three days to see smaller acts as well as the bigger internationally known artists.”

Among those taking to the festival stage is hip-hop headliners The Sugar Hill Gang.

Hailing from New Jersey, the duo produced the first rap single to make it into the top 40 in the Billboard Hot 100 charts with Rapper’s Delight in 1979.

Mr Wheeler said:”We can’t wait for the headliners we have coming to Christchurch Meadows but, as with every year, we’re exceeding proud of the quality and diversity of acts across the whole line-up from Friday to Sunday.”

They will be joined by Badly Drawn Boy who has made a huge impact on the indie music scene since his first EP in 1997. In 2000, he won the Mercury Music Prize for his album The Hour

of Bewilderbeast, with his single You Were Right hitting number 9 on the UK singles chart in late 2002.

Mr Wheeler said: “Badly Drawn Boy is the one act we are most excited for as he gave us a taster of his set when he took part in our Virtual Readipop Festival in 2020.

“He’s got great in-between song chat as well as a treasure trove filled with excellent songs.”

His latest studio album, Banana Skin Shoes, released in 2020, was his first in a decade Mr Wheeler also explains how local artists’ performances are also worth catching this year.

“Local talent is particularly strong across the genres this year. Reading

hip hop collective OSP have built into a phenomenal live act that blew everyone away at our launch party in March.

“We also have a four-hour showcase of local artists on Saturday, July 9, featuring performances from Readipop’s AAA project, which supports young people in Reading to develop their musical skills with help from professional musicians and technicians.”

As well as performers, there will also be breweries keen to show off their talents.

“Local beer will also feature highly this year with Purple Turtle selling craft beer and real ale from Double Barrelled, Siren, Phantom and Loddon

Breweries.”

Mr Wheeler explained that it was clear the popularity of the festival is growing.

“We’re delighted with the response from everyone so far with ticket sales in excess of any previous year’s Readipop Festival already.

“If you’re still to get yours, we strongly recommend doing so soon, especially while tickets are still available from just £19 per day and £52 for the full weekend.” n For more information on the full line-up and list of venues, visit: www. readipop.co.uk n To book tickets, visit: www. eventbrite.co.uk

JAKE CLOTHIER

14 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 2, 2022

Diva forever SOME of the UK’s favourite female pop stars will feature together on the same stage, as tribute performers bring them to the stage.

In a night of tributes to numerous favourite female pop stars, Pop Divas Live promises to bring the ‘stars’ together on the same stage for the first time ever.

It claims that the best acts from the social media generation will perform live and on stage, the way it should be.

A tribute to Little Mix starts the show, alongside Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, JoJo Siwa and many more.

The audience should expect two hours of non stop hits that should please mums and dads who listen on the radio or little divas who watch on a tablets.

There’s even a chance to join the stars live on stage.

Pop Divas Live! performs at the Courtyard Theatre, Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead, on Thursday, June 2.

Tickets cost £14, £12 for under 16s, family and friends tickets cost £48. n For tickets and information visit: www. norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997

Gardeners’ question time for tots

GUILDFORD will be visited by Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends.

If you haven’t heard of these, you probably don’t have very young children.

But for some tinies this could be a most exciting afternoon.

In The Night Garden comes to Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud theatre.

Favourite characters will be brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and music.

The show lasts just under an hour and little ones will have a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk.

Families can head over to the theatre on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4.

Performances on Friday are at 1pm and 4pm, and on Saturday at 10am, 1pm and 4pm.

Tickets from £15.50. n For tickets and information visit: www. tickets.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 44 00 00

60 not out for Hollies

ONE of the most iconic British pop bands of the 60s and 70s, The Hollies are celebrating their 60th anniversary.

Their 60th anniversary tour will see The Hollies perform best known hits such

ACT TWO. Joined by dance partners and a world class singer, they will perform a range of dances including the waltz, the foxtrot, the rhumba, and the Argentine tango routine.

The Ballroom Boys perform at the Hexagon, Reading on Wednesday, June 8.

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost from £32.

VIP tickets with pre-show meet and greet cost £62. n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060

Colourful music

10 minutes staring at a banana A BAFTA and Perrier award winning comedian is coming to Reading.

We Got This, is Dylan Moran’s brand new show.

It promises to be a ‘joyously furious romp through the frustration and folly of modern day life’. as: He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, The Air That I Breathe, Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress), Bus Stop, Carrie-Anne and Sorry Suzanne.

Drummer Bobby Elliott, and singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist Tony Hicks play.

Both original members of the band, they are joined by lead singer Peter Howarth, as well as bass player Ray Stiles, Keyboardist Ian Parker, and Steve Lauri on Rhythm Guitar.

The band say of their tour: “This is something no other band gets to do, celebrate six decades together, 60 years of these songs that mean so much to us and so many others.”

One of the most influential bands from the 1960s, alongside the likes of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the Hollies have had over 20 world-wide hits, including number one singles in both the US and UK. They have performed continuously since forming in 1962.

Moran’s tour looks at life as it is and asks questions such as: “How can it be you have spent a whole 10 minutes staring at a banana? Why do you always do stuff like that?”

He’s described as: punch-drunk and sick of it all, but determined to wring black humour out of the proceedings.

Join this ‘Irish master of grumpiness’ for an evening that explores ‘how to See them at the Hexagon on Sunday, June 5.

The event starts at 7pm, and tickets cost from £33. n For tickets and information, visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060

Straight from the heart

FANS of 70s and 80s TV shows Dallas and Happy Days will be excited.

Dallas actor Patrick Duffy and Happy Days actress Linda Purl come to Windsor.

Following their previous show, Catch Me If You Can, they are back with A.R Gurney’s Love Letters.

Debuted in 1988, the play was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

It tells how Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, played by Duffy, accepts an invitation to Melissa Gardner’s birthday party.

Melissa, played by Purl, writes a thank you note and a romantic friendship and

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Festival of Food and Music: Jubilee event. Fri-Sun. A Room of One’s Own. Wed. Marc Woosnam Album Launch.

Wed. California Dreamers. Fri 10. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 10.

Supreme Queen. Sat 11.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Bring The Laughter. Fri. Marty Wilde. Sat. Housewives on Holiday. Thurs 9. Strong Enough: Cher. Fri 10. The Roy Orbinson Story. Sat 11.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

01483 440000 In The Night Garden Live. ThursFri. Dead Lies. Tues-Sat 11.

Offside. Thurs 9-Fri 10.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Private Peaceful. Until Sat. The Carpenters Story. Wed . The Ronnie Scott’s Story. Thurs 9.

Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 9.

Oti Mahuse: I Am Here. Fri 10.

Oye Santana. Sat 11. Russell Kane Live: The Essex Variant.

Sat 11. Morgan and West.

Sun 12.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Mark Steel: Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright. Thurs. Made In Tennessee. Fri. The Navy Lark. Sat. Howerd’s End. Thurs

9. Mark Watson: This Can’t Be It. Fri 10. Woodley Light Operatic Society presents Sister Act. Wed-Sat 18.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Northman (15). Thurs. Old McDonald and The Three Pigs plus. Fri. Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG). Fri-Sat. Hundred Watt Club: A Right Royal Evening of Burlesque. Fri. Norden Farm Market. Sat4.

Lovely Jub(i)le: Come Together.

Sat 4. Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts (tbc). Sat. Flo & Joan: Sweet Release. Fri 9-Sat 10. In The Weeds. Sat 10. Everything Everywhere All at Once (tbc).

Sun 11. Dean Owens with Jim Maving. Sun 11.

Newbury –

The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Pop Princesses. Sat. Fascinating Aida. Wed-Thurs 9. An Evening of Burlesque. Fri 10. The Rocket Man: A Tribute to Sir Elton John. Sat 11.

Newbury – The Watermill

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Bleak Expectations. Until Jul 2.

Reading – South Street

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Swings and Roundabouts. Thurs.

Catch That Beast! Fri. The Council of the Birds by Bee in my Beanie. Sat. SITELINES present The Final Whistle.

Tues-Sat 11.

make breakfast not even knowing you are out of bed, reasoning with mice and boiling yoghurt blindfolded’.

Dylan Moran performs at Reading’s Concert Hall, Blagrave Street, on Sunday, June 5.

The show begins at 8pm and tickets cost £27. n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call Reading Arts box office: 0118 960 6060. correspondence destined to last for almost half a century is born.

Love Letters plays at Windsor Theatre Royal on Monday, June 6 and Tuesday, June 7.

Performances are at 7.30pm on Monday, and 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday. Tickets cost from £24. n For tickets , visit: theatreroyalwindsor. co.uk or call: 01753 853 888

Variety is the dance of life

AN EVENING that promises old-fashioned variety, with dance, comedy and song is coming to Reading.

The audience can expect ‘beautiful costumes, gorgeous lighting and world class routines’.

Strictly Come Dancing stars, The Ballroom Boys, are back in town.

Double act Ian Waite and Vincent Simone return with their brand new show, Ian Waite and Vincent Simone...

Reading – The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Hollies. Sun. Ian Waite and Vincent Simone Act Two. Wed. Whitney Queen of the Night.

Thurs 9. Henning Wehn: It’ll All Come Out in the Wash. Sat 11.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Dylan Moran: We Got This. Sun.

Reading – Progress Theatre

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Angels In America Parts 1 and 2. June 20-July 2.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com

MAIDENHEAD Music welcomes Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective.

The group will perform a celebratory concert to conclude Maidenhead Music’s 75th season.

Tom Poster on piano and his fellow musicians aim ‘to inspire and educate audiences of all generations in the joys of chamber music, and bring a bit of happiness and unity to our currently fractured-seeming world’.

The programme includes: Edward MacDowell’s,To a Wild Rose, for piano; Edward Elgar’s, Soliloquy, for oboe and piano; Frank Bridge’s Phantasie, for piano trio; Benjamin Britten’s Phantasy Quartet, for oboe and strings; and Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet.

Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective perform at the Courtyard Theatre, Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead, on Wednesday, June 8.

Tickets cost: £20, under 18s £5, or free with an adult. n For tickets and information visit: www. maidenheadmusicsociety.org n For information about the collective visit: www.kaleidoscopecc.com or call the Norden Farm box office on: 01628 788997

Home from home

BRIAN Blessed directs a play by Dorothy L. Sayers, crime novelist.

Busman’s Holiday is filled with thrills and humour.

It concerns Lord Peter Wimsey, uppercrust sleuth, who has married his fiance Harriet Vane.

The honeymoon bliss is shattered when the dead body of the house’s previous owner turns up in the cellar.

The play is on throughout June at the Mill at Sonning. Tickets cost £67.50 each and include a two-course meal. n For tickets and information visit: millatsonning.savoysystems.co.uk or contact the box office on: 0118 969 8000

0118 370 2620 A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Until Sat.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Theatre closed due to Storm Eunice damage – NEXT SHOW: The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

June 15-18.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Busman’s Honeymoon. Until June 25. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sun 12.

Windsor – Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 The Best of Queen. Wed. Swing ‘N’ Sinatra. Thurs 9. Dreams of

Fleetwood Mac. Thurs 9. Abba Forever. Fri 10. Pop Princesses.

Sat 11. Beyond the Barricade.

Sat 11. A Beautiful Noise: A tribute to Neil Diamond featuring Fisher Stevens.

Sun 12.

Wokingham – Theatre

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Stones In His Pockets. Wed-Sat 18.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Music Club: John Coghlan’s Quo: The Final Tour.

Fri 10.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1.

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, June 2, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LEISURE | 15

New-look Bull on Bell Street aims to be the top spot for alfresco dining in Henley The Bull on Bell Street Bell Street Henley RG9 2BA www.bullonbell.co.uk 01491 576554

A

HENLEY town centre pub is set to become the top spot in town for alfresco dining and drinking in its newlook courtyard area this summer.

That’s the aim at The Bull on Bell Street, which has re-opened after a major refurbishment.

The Bull, dating back to the 15th century, is one of Brakspear’s 10 managed pubs.

It’s next to the company’s head office and just yards from the original Brakspear brewery building. Marston’s now contract brew Brakspear ales now at its Witney brewery.

The pub’s courtyard can seat 100 diners – double what it could before. It has a huge, new, retractable roof which can be moved in four separate sections, to give protection from glaring sunshine – or rain.

The area has lots of greenery, a water feature, an outdoor fireplace, as well as comfy settees and armchairs among the tables.

For those who despaired of grey-themed interiors seemingly everywhere, the pub’s interior is a colourful joy of coral, pretty greens and other shades. There are bold and beautiful floral wallpapers and furnishings set against plain colours. Botanical and bird prints hang on the walls and real plants and flowers are in profusion.

It’s all change for The Bull on Bell Street in Henley, after a makeover Picture: Nick Osborne A rowing boat and paddles nod to Henley’s rowing heritage. Bee and honeycomb designs are from the Brakspear company logo – and Honeycomb Houses, the group name for the managed pubs.

The first English pope, Nicholas Breakspear, was a distant relative of the Brakspear family.

Pope Nicholas’s papal seal (logo) was a bee.

The makeover by Brakspear’s in-house design team works well.

The pub is offering a brunch menu. And main courses include steaks, burgers,

sourdough pizzas, vegetarian dishes, salads, filled ciabattas and sharing boards. There is a specials board and also Sunday roasts.

Drinks range from Brakspear cask ales to wines, many gins and also cocktails including one called the Bees Knees.

I enjoyed fresh English asparagus, homemade tomato, pepper and garlic Romesco sauce and a poached egg (£7.50). The filleted Cornish plaice, pea velouté, sugar snap peas and semi-dried tomatoes with gnocci (£20) was fresh and

summery.

The Eton mess (£7.50), without piles of whipped cream, but with cheesecake, meringue and fruit was delicious.

My husband enjoyed his lightly battered squid with garlic aioli (£9.50), followed by a British wagyu burger (this kind of burger deservedly being all the rage for taste), with its light and fresh bun and skin on fries (£18).

His apple crumble with Bailey’s custard was topped with honey comb (£8).

SUE CORCORAN

Head back to the summer of love ... no, not Woodstock 1969, but Newbury 1996 thanks to The Watermill

T

HE CAST has been announced for a new open-air theatre show about to head to The Watermill in Newbury.

Camp Albion will be performed at The Watermill from July 6 PIcture: The Watermill

Camp Albion is to tour villages in Berkshire and beyond from June 15, before coming to the Newbury stage for a summer season.

The play is set in Newbury, back in 1996.

With nine miles of ancient woodland under threat, and a local community bitterly divided over the proposed route of the new bypass, the backdrop is a poignant one.

When Cassie returns home for the university holidays, she meets Dylan, a beguiling road protester who draws her into a world of rickety treehouses, lentil stew, druidic rituals and stoic resistance. But her mother has other ideas, and as battle lines are drawn, Cassie must face the personal cost of activism.

In a time before smartphones, Twitter, Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion, the ‘Third Battle of Newbury’ was one of the definitive environmental campaigns of the 1990s.

A new play with music, Camp Albion explores the heroism, humour and heated debate of this extraordinary moment in the town’s history.

Hannah Brown (The Magician’s Elephant – RSC, Preludes – Southwark Playhouse) will play ‘Cassie’, Kate Russell-Smith (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child - The Palace Theatre, A Curmudgeon’s Guide To Round Robin Christmas Letters - The Hope Theatre - Offie nominated for Best Actress) will play ‘Foxglove Sue / Viv’ and Joe Swift (Pool (No Water) - The Royal Court, The Greatest Hits Of Lily And John - The Other Palace) will play ‘Dylan’.

The play’s author, Danielle Pearson, said: “Camp Albion is a story I’ve been itching to tell for years.

“It’s a love letter to my hometown, a coming-ofage tale, and an exploration of the personal cost of activism.

“It’s a true honour to be bringing it to life with this fantastic cast and creative team, and I can’t wait to share this piece as part of the Watermill’s 2022 rural tour.”

Camp Albion will run from Wednesday, July 6, until Saturday, July 16.

A Camp Albion Festival will run alongside the production, with interactive workshops for all the family to explore the themes of the play.

For more details, call the box office on: 01635 46044, or log on to: WWW.WATERMILL.ORG.UK

16 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Film screening to explore issues related to refugees TWO groups are teaming up to present a true story for its next screening.

Members of Wokingham Film Society will look back with central character Amin on his journey of escape, as they watch Flee on Thursday, June 16.

Amin is on the verge of marriage but must first come to terms with his past.

Jonas Poher Rsmussen’s film is animated to protect the identity of the real Amin in this story of belonging and the search for identity.

The film is shown in association with Refugee Support Group during Refugee Week.

After the screen has taken place, a panel will take part in a discussion about issues coming from the film.

There will also be a chance to find out more about the group, which has recently rebranded from Reading Refugee Support Group.

Tickets are available on the night for £6.50, or £4 for members.

It will be screened at The Whitty Theatre in Wokingham, with doors opening at 7pm with the film starting at 7.30pm. n For more information visit: www.wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Rave on! Some of the biggest DJ to play family-friendly gig THROW shapes and not toys is the motto for a music festival aimed at families with young children.

Raver Tots is returning and promising to be bigger and better than ever, with a line-up including Judge Jules, Brandon Block and the Artful Dodger.

The events include free fun fair rides, soft play, crazy golf, circus schools and huge stage shows with dancers as well as street food market with a licenced bar.

And music is always kept at safe noise levels for children, with every event is fully risk assessed by a qualified Health and Safety planning professional.

The team will be visiting Reading’s Prospect Park on Sunday, July 24.

Saoirse Holland for Raver Tots, said: “Over 40,000 people attended Raver Tots events last year and it felt more magical than ever after such a long wait.

“As ever, we are planning to expand our events and add even more fun and memorable entertainment for families.

“We were especially proud to have raised over £55,000 for charitable causes last year which was only made possible thanks to all the lovely families who attended.

Apply soon to be part of South Hill Park’s musical theatre gala. Picture courtesy of South Hill Park.

Get ready to Lift Off

Raver Tots will be throwing shapes when they come to Prospect Park this July “We are really excited to do it all again this year even bigger and better.”

And Brandon Block, Raver Tots resident and Ibiza legend, said: “Raver Tots is definitely the most fun festival I have played at in a long time, and I’ve played at some incredible events. You have to get yourself down there, you will love it.”

This view was echoed by MC Alastair of Artful Dodger added “Raver Tots is the most innovative festival out there. It teaches kids about the importance of dance music and brings families

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together. Us being fathers of young kids, we love playing there and taking them along with us.”

The setlist includes Wideboys, Heartless Crew, DJ Phantasy, Nicky Blackmarket, Woody Cook, Charlotte Devaney and the Guinness World Record holder, DJ Archie, the world’s youngest club DJ, having picked up the prestigious title at a Raver Tots festival two years ago. n Tickets cost £20, and are now on sale. For more information, log on to: www.ravertots.co.uk/ events

INDIVIDUALS and groups that love to perform are invited to apply to be part of a musical theatre gala this autumn.

Community groups, youth groups, current or retired professionals, people who sing in the shower and those who long for a chance to perform on stage.

All are welcomed by South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, to apply for their annual Lift Off Festival.

The festival has been running for over 20 years, mainly concentrating on dance.

This year it launches a new performance branch for musical theatre.

Festival producer, Lena Dee says: “We hope to bring many new faces to South Hill Park.

“Our musical theatre gala will be an opportunity not just for people already in local performance groups, but for

those inspired by TV talent shows or who have enjoyed watching live theatre and just want to have a go.

“This is such a rare opportunity to be part of something so unique and to perform in our professional theatre.

“I can’t wait to see what talent is out there.”

Applications are open to all ages. Performances can be anything from solos and duets through to large ensemble pieces.

Applicants will need to submit a rehearsal video of a theatre piece, which can include dance or just voice if preferred.

Successful performers will be able to take part in the festival, in South Hill Park’s Wilde Theatre.

Applications close on Friday, June 10. n For more information, email: liftoffdance@gmail.com

Beanstalk seeks young climbers

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PANTOMIME preparations are already under way at South Hill Park.

The Bracknell-based arts centre is looking for young people between the ages of eight and 18 years to audition for junior cast roles in Jack and The Beanstalk at South Hill Park later this year.

Auditionees will be taught part of a song and a dance routine at the audition, but will also need to prepare in advance a 30-second monologue of their choice and three jokes.

All applicants must bring a passport-style head shot photograph on the day, water to drink, casual clothes and shoes they can dance in.

Auditions will take place on Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12, between 9am and 4.30pm.

Applications cost £6.50, and auditions must be prebooked.

The pantomime production will follow country boy Jack on his fun-filled adventure as he

sells the family cow for a handful of magic beans and climbs the towering beanstalk.

The show promises to be filled with laughter, silly songs, colourful characters, slapstick comedy, and enchanted harps and hens.

Jack and The Beanstalk will run at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park from Friday, November 25 through to Saturday, December 31, 2022. n To apply to audition, visit: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Perform a show in a week YOUNG people can enjoy a fun filled week of theatremaking at the start of August.

Professionals will work with them to create a show that they will perform at the end of the week.

It is run by Reading-based Rabble Theatre and there are three productions this time round.

The courses are suitable for young people interested in a wide variety of theatre roles, including acting, directing, lighting, dance and movement and stage management.

Our Wonderful World is for ages eight to 13, and is a new piece of theatre created by the young people of Reading. It is based on the issues surrounding sustainability and the global

climate crisis.

Tash Marks directs, with movement direction from Nyroy Dixon.

Henry I is for ages 14 upwards and is a condensed version of Rabble Theatre’s recent version.

Students who love acting, history and Game of Thrones will enjoy this course.

Rabble Theatre’s professional team will direct.

Matilda The Musical is for ages six to 16.

Participants will work with a professional team to produce this musical in a week.

Emily Evan directs, with musical direction from Chris Mitchel and choreography from Nyroy Dixon.

Each five-day course costs £150. Additional siblings receive

a 10% discount, and cost £135 each.

An optional additional £12.50 per child will cover lunches for the five days: two packed lunches, two hot lunches and one barbecue.

The courses run from Monday, August 1 to Friday, August 5, between 10am and 4pm at The Abbey School, Kendrick Road, Reading.

All three groups will then perform at the Minghella Theatre, in the University of Reading on Friday afternoon/evening.

Matilda will be from 3.30pm to 4.30pm; Our Wonderful World 5.30pm to 6.30pm; and Henry I 7.30pm to 8.30pm. n For more information and to book a place on a course, visit: www.rabbletheatre.com

LEISURE | 25

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, June 2, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LIVEMUSIC

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

RaW Sounds Today

quality of the band if songs like this are considered a B side so we’ll certainly look forward to their new A sides when released.

The band will be at Readipop in July, Wokingham Festival in August and their own Loddfest in September so don’t miss them if you are going along to those - http://thirdlungband.com/

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

Katie Ellwood – Hour Glass

T

HIS week, we welcome back Mordecai Smyth and Third Lung to the playlist, for both have some new music we want to plonk into your aural cavities.

In Your Dark Place comes from Mordecai’s new album with some awesome sounds well worth listening out for.

And Ghosts won’t leave you afraid of the dark, but it’s certainly better than the B-side status Third Lung tell us it has.

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’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into.

You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Mordecai Smyth

Katie, from Wokingham who is studying at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, with a piece from her genre-defying debut album, Interference. She will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August - https:// www.katieellwood.com/

Mordecai Smyth – In Your Dark Place

Leoni Jane Kennedy – Life Like This

Here’s the opening track from Things Are Getting Stranger On The Shore, the excellent new album from local musician Mordecai Smyth.

He’s created another album of psych moods and melody on Wokingham-based Mega Dodo Records and it’s well worth a listen. Check out the sax, synth and guitar sounds on this piece.

It’s a great opener and as well as the skills of Mordecai, the album also features guest performances from artists such as Deborah Pike and The Honey Pot’s Icarus Peel and Crystal Jacqueline https://www.facebook.com/stickytapeandrust

Leoni is a Blackpool-born, Guildford-based singer-songwriter 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/

Reliant – Heaven or Hell

Third Lung – Ghosts

Adomania – Heavy Rain

Playlist faves Third Lung have released a new single that they describe as a B side. It shows the

Here’s a debut single from a new young Wokingham band. It has a vibrant enthusiastic

Reading Road RG41 4LR. Full Flavour Band. Details: 0118 978 4529.

WOKINGHAM – The Lord Raglan, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Live music.

Details: 0118 978 3282.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Karaoke night with DJ Waynie and Decking Street Party. From 9pm. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Acoustic Garden – featuring Vicagra & Kayleigh, Peter Penfold and Nicole Allen Starts. 3pm.

Details: 0118 979 7402.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Anna Nightingale from 2pm.

Details: 01252 870648.

Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Gary Roman as Elvis. 1pm-4pm. Details: 0118 942 9606.

Here’s the new single from local favourite, Reliant, and it’s an exciting piece of powerful indie rock recorded at Generation Studio. Another band that will be at Wokingham Festival - https://www. facebook.com/WeAreReliant

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, June 2

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Pink Fish. Details: 01344 420690.

CHARVIL – The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Michael Jackson tribute.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Wheelies Fest from 3pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Rd RG4 9RB. Ray Gelato and the Giants.

Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. University of Reading Rock Society in aid of Launchpad.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. Jubilee weekend of DJs. DJ Parker: Drum & base and house.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun St RG1 2JR. Mr Sango presents: Found Native.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

STANFORD DINGLEY – The Bull RG7 6LS. Self Preservation Society.

Details: 0118 074 4582.

WHISTLEY GREEN – The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Pixi Devalle. Details: 0118 934 0886.

WOKINGHAM – The Lord Raglan, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Family games, arts and games. Noon-3pm.

Live music from 8pm.

Details: 0118 978 3282.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Best of British biggest hits with DJ Dave. Details: 0118 977 4548.

Friday, June 3

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Family fun day in aid of Poppy Appeal. Arborfield Military Wives Choir, MisterSister, Audiotonic,

Basil and crew mobile farm, Cookie the Clown, Bluebell Box, Crepeaway, Howe’s fish and chips, Rachel’s fudge, Bouncy Castle, Face painter and more. £20 family, adults £6, child £4. Live music from 6pm. Details: Search Eventbrite for Arborfield RBL Family Fun Day. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Adele tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 457318.

BURGHFIELD – The Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Abi Powell.

Details: 0118 959 8067.

LOWER SHIPLAKE – The Baskerville, Station Road RG9 3NY. Leech. Details: 0118 940 3332.

READING – Abbey Ruins, The Forbury. The Jubilee Tribute Concert: Queen, The Beatles, George Michael, Ed Sheeran, DJs and more.

Details: whatsonreading.com READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Botanist, King Road. Live music.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity: New MindWonk Unit, Launch Control, As Loud As… Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. DJ Parker: reggae and bashment.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Doors Alive.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

SWALLOWFIELD – The Crown, The Street. Jubilee Party with Within The Blood.

WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE – The Bell Inn, The Street.

Majestix. From 6pm.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant,

Saturday, June 4

BRACKNELL – Blues Smokehouse, High Street RG12 1DS. Mudslide Morris and the Revelators. Details: 01344 867575.

BRACKNELL – Bracknell Rugby Football Club. Bracknell Real Ale Festival. Live music including The Shelf Side.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate Party Band.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Bad Penny. Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace. 3pm.

Self Preservation Society.

Details: 01344 484123.

HURST – The Green, Martinea Lake. Hurst Jubilee Concert from 3pm. Glee Club, Forbury, Bottle Kids, Dandy Man, Rick Sinfield,Third Lung. Free entry. Details: hurst-jubilee.co.uk PLAYHATCH – The Flowing

Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Botanist, King Road. Live music.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Soundjam. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. P’Jam jazz night.

Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Mystery Machine. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Turks, London Rd RG1 5BJ. The Highwasters and The Jammed. Details: 0118 957 6930.

THEALE – The Bull, High Street RG7 5AH. Mythicals.

Details: 0118 930 3478.

THEALE – The Fox and Hounds, Station Road RG7 4BE. Hippyhaze. Details: 0118 930 2295.

WOKINGHAM – Elms Field.

Platinum Jubilee Party In The Park: Music from across the decades. Free.

2pm-9.30pm.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Red Hoax Chilli Peppers. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Jubilee Dance Hits with DJ Dave. Details: 0118 977 4548.

Sunday, June 5

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Stonesthrow. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk. The Hollies.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR.

Tuesday, June 7

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: theacousticcouch.co.uk PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Quirky Corner open mic. Details: 0118 969 8978.

SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON – The Four Horseshoes.

Equinox jazz night with Sarah Jane Eveleigh. Details: 01256 882296

Wednesday, June 8

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open mic night. Details: theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Marc Woosnam album launch.

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session.

Details: 0118 958 0473.

Thursday, June 9

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Linda Moylan and Paul Alexander Low. Details: theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity: Millie Manders and The Shutup.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango presents: Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

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

READING – The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk. Whitney: Queen of the Night. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Friday, June 10

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Heathrow Jets. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. California Dreamers. 3pm.

Details: 01344 484123.

GRAZELEY – Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Green Road RG7 1LG. Reading Motorcycle Action Group presents the 2022 Lion Rally: bands, bikes and more. Details: www. lionrally.com READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. These Hills Are Ours. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Transmission: The Sound of Joy Division.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

TWYFORD – Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road RG10 0AB. Twyford Beer Festival.

Ticket only. £15 per person.

Noon-11pm. Details: www. twyfordbeerfest.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Majestix. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Rider. 7.30pm. £27.50. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk WOKINGHAM – The Gig House, Erftstadt Court.

Love Fridays presents Koho Funds live.

feel with great melodies. The band are supporting Cascade at Reading Facebar on Wednesday, June 8 https://www.facebook.com/AdomaniaBand

Spriggan Mist – Remember the Day They just released their album, ‘Isambard the Mechanical Dragon’ and it’s their best yet. Following a successful appearance at HRH Prog, Spriggan Mist are back at Wokingham Festival in August. - https:// www.sprigganmist.com/

Bex Ruth – Scratching my Head Bex is a singe- songwriter from London who creates electronic soundscapes overlayed with soulful vocals. She visited Reading to perform at the Loddfest Takeover Show. See her at Loddfest in September - https://linktr.ee/bexruth

OSP – When?

OSP stands for ‘Only Speak Positive’ and they are a four piece from Reading looking to deliver a powerful message of tolerance and respect. They will be at Readipop on Sunday, July 10 - https://www. facebook.com/ospmusicuk

Split the Dealer – Dreamstate Split the Dealer is a fave at RaW Sounds.Today and he performed at an incredible headlining show at Reading’s Sub 89.

Here’s one of his excellent single releases.

He’ll be at Wokingham Festival in August - https:// linktr.ee/splitthedealer

Saturday, June 11

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Punk Night: Who Killed Nancy Johnson, Punk Dylan Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Soultones. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Ear Candy. Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Supreme Queen. Details: 01344 484123.

GRAZELEY – Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Green Road RG7 1LG. Reading Motorcycle Action Group presents the 2022 Lion Rally: bands, bikes and more. Details: www. lionrally.com PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. The Hawkmen. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler,

Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Plato and the Bees. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Dirtbag Live. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Flashback Band. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TWYFORD – Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road RG10 0AB. Twyford Beer Festival.

Ticket only. £15 per person, accompanied under 18s free. Noon-10pm. Details: www.twyfordbeerfest.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Peach Place.

The Skangsters and Guests live in Peach Place. From 6pm.

WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. The Junction. Details: 0118 969 3325.

CELEBRATING THE QUEENS PLATINUM JUBILEE Live music in the festival garden various popular local solo artists

Friday 3rd June 3pm - late THE WHITE HORSE Easthampstead Road Wokingham, RG40 3AF

0118 979 7402

26 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WHAT’SON Films at Reading Biscuit Factory this week

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include The Bad Guys (U). Thurs. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (12a). Thurs.

Top Gun: Maverock (12a). Thurs. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (PG). Thurs.

Encanto (U). Thurs.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (15). Thurs.

Keep It Cult II: Pulp Fiction (18). Fri. Reading Film Theatre Presents La Mif (15). Wed. Jurassic World: Dominion (12a).

Fri 10-Thurs 16. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Jubilee Thursday, June 2

ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display.

Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham.

In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. HURST - Community Orchard, Church Hill RG10 0SL. Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon Lighting. From 8pm.

READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Salvation Army. 11am12.30pm. Free. Details: www.broadstreetmall.com READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair TWYFORD - Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road RG10 0AB. Fearlessly ODD Festival: performances, workshops, food and activities for all ages.

From 12.30pm. £7, under 6 free. Details: https:// www.ticketsource.co.uk/ Fof2022 WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Shakespeare in Ancient rome: Does Shakespeare celebrate monarchy. A talk

by Martin Hughes. 7.30pm. £2 non-members. Details: wokinghamliterarysociety. org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street. Comedy on Tap. 7pm. £17. Details: 0118 978 0389.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT Pinewood Cafe and Bar, Unit 8, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road. Platinum Jubilee Street Party: face painting, balloon modelling, entertainment and more.

Party box for children, cream tea and Pimm’s for adults. Ticket only. 1pm4pm. £5. Details: 01344 778543.

WOODLEY - Woodford Park, Headley Road. Woodley Town Council beacon lighting by town mayor Cllr Janet Sartorel. 9.45pm, arrive by 9.30pm.

Jubilee Friday, June 3

ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display.

Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham.

In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. ARBORFIELD - Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Family fun day in aid of Poppy Appeal.

Arborfield Military Wives Choir, MisterSister, Audiotonic, Basil and crew mobile farm, Cookie the Clown, Bluebell Box, Crepeaway, Howe’s fish and chips, Rachel’s fudge, Bouncy Castle, Face painter and more. £20 family, adults £6, child £4. Live music from 6pm.

Details: Search Eventbrite for Arborfield RBL Family Fun Day. BRACKNELL - South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Food and Music festival. Noon8pm. Free entry. Details: 01344 484123.

HURST - Diane Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre, Nelsons Lane RG10 0RR. Big Jubilee Schnauzer Tea Party. 11am-4pm. £2.50 per entry.

READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Reading Male Vocie Choir.

Noon-2pm. Free. Details: www.broadstreetmall.com READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue RG1 8EQ. Reading Vinyl Record Collectors Fair. 9am-3pm. £4.

SPENCERS WOOD Recreation Ground, Clares Green Road. Platinum Jubilee bring your own picnic: live music, children’s entertainment, games, face painting and more.

From 2pm.

WINNERSH - The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Queen’s jubilee celebration: barbecue, Full Flavour Band and more. From noon. Booking essential.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents classic car show.

9.30am-3.30pm. www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Jubilee Saturday, June 4

ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display.

Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham.

In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. BARKHAM - Village Hall, Church Lane RG40 4PL. Jubilee celebration and family fun day, organised

by Barkham Parish Council and Barkham Village Residents Association.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 2, 2022

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk 11am-4pm. Details: barkham-parishcouncil. org.uk BRACKNELL - South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Food and Music festival. Noon8pm. Free entry. Details: 01344 484123.

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Make a fairy place or a castle of doom. Free dropin craft session for ages 4-10. 11am-2pm. Details: 0118 937 5103.

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. A Date With Nature Monthly Saturday morning walk. £2 donation to RSPB. Meet ing main car park.

9am, event to take around three-and-a-half hours.

Details: ww2.rspb.org.uk HURST - Martineau Lane RG10 0SF. Jubilee concert on the green, including performances from St Nicholas Primary School, Glee UK, Noa Ransby Craigs, Rick Sinfield, Third Lung, Dandy Man, Forbury, and Bottle Kids. From 3pm.

Details: www.hurst-jubilee. co.uk/jubilee-concert LOWER EARLEY – Events field, Kilnsea Drive. Lower Earley Baptist Church Queens Jubilee afternoon Tea. 2-4pm.

PANGBOURNE - Pangbourne College. Pangbourne Classic Car Show. 9am5pm.

READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

RASPO Steel Band. 11amnoon. Free. Details: www. broadstreetmall.com READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING - Across The Forbury. Waterfest 2022.

11am-5pm.

READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road.

Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society lecture: Paolo Scremin, Bringing the Past to Life: Photographing the Tombs of Ancient Egypt, Oakwood Centre, Woodley In-Person only, £4 visitors. Details: www. tvaes.org.uk

Jubilee Sunday, June 5

ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display.

Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham.

In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. ARBORFIELD - Recreation Ground, Swallofield Road.

Jubilee picnic in the park.

Noon-5pm. Fancy dress, live music and more. Bring your own picnic.

BEECH HILL - Memorial Hall, Basingstoke Road.

Jubilee celebration. 11am church sevrice, 12.30pm a toast to the Queen, 1pm buffet lunch. Pudding competition, cash bar.

Booking essential. Detais: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ beech-hill-memorial-hall/tlyqlvn BRACKNELL - South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Food and Music festival. Noon6pm. Free entry. Details: 01344 484123.

READING - Broad Street Mall, Broad Street. Jubilee: The Silver Tones Choir. 1pm.

READING – Forbury Gardens.

Jubilee children’s concert with Trinity Concert band.

3pm-4.30pm.

READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING - Prospect Park, Bath Road. The Reading Society of Model Engineers Public running day. Tickets 60p per ride, £5 for 10.

Noon-3.45pm. Details: http://www.rsme.org/ READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam.

7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org THEALE - Recreation Ground.

Theale Parish Council presents Jubilee fete: morris dancing, produce, baking, art, fancy dress, funfair, games and stalls.

From noon.

TWYFORD - Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road RG10 0AB. Twyford Together presents a Platinum Jubilee outdoor service. 10am.

TWYFORD - King George V Playing Fields. Twyford Donkey Derby and Jubilee fair. From 12.30pm5pm. Free entry. Scouts barbecue, Maidenhead Concert Band, travelling fair, stalls and more.

WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Jubilee Party in the Paddock.

11am-3pm. Barbecue or bring your own picnic, games to play and more.

Details: 0118 977 6715.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Platinum Jubilee Family Day, Bring y our own chair, tables and picnics. www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY - Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green. Jubilee Celebration in conjunction with RG2 Radio: Windrush radio, dance music and more. A toast to the queen at 5pm.

Monday, June 6

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details:

linkvisiting.org 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 7

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 - From Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Crime and Punishment in Reading - Guided Walk with Terry Dixon. 10am-noon.

Advance booking essential, places limited. £5, £4 Bekrshire Family History Society members. Details: https://berksfhs.org/ WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table.

10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, June 8 BARKHAM – Village Hall, Church Road RG40 4PL. Berkshire Bonsai Society meeting. 7.30pm. Details: www.berkshirebonsai. co.uk EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org 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 WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Stones in His Pockets. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, June 9

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. Stand and Deliver comedy club. £10.

7.30pm. Details: www. standanddelivercomedy. com READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Queen Victoria’s Daughters, a talk by Colin Parrish. Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm-3.30pm. £5, £4 members. Details: 0118 950 9553.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Summer social.

7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Stones in His Pockets. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363

Friday, June 10

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org GRAZELEY - Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Green Road RG7 1LG. Reading Motorcycle Action Group presents the 2022 Lion Rally: bands, bikes and more. Details: www. lionrally.com KIDMORE END - Kidmore House, Garden and Vineyward RG4 9AR. 14 acre open garden for National Garden Society.

1pm-4pm. £6, children free. 1pm-4pm. Details: https://ngs.org.uk READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe.

8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

TWYFORD - Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road RG10 0AB. Twyford Beer Festival. Ticket only. £15 per person, accompanied under 18s free. Noon11pm. Details: www. twyfordbeerfest.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Stones in His Pockets. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham

Music Club presents Andy Fairweather Low and The Low Riders. £27.50. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, June 11

ACROSS WHITEKNIGHTS AREA. Whiteknights Studio Trail 2022. 11am6pm. Details: studiotrail. co.uk CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair.

10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.

GRAZELEY - Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Green Road RG7 1LG. Reading Motorcycle Action Group presents the 2022 Lion Rally: bands, bikes and more. Details: www. lionrally.com READING - 7 The Knapp RG6 7DD. Open garden for NGS: mature suburban garden, surrounded by trees and divided into rooms with lawns, island beds, mixed borders, gravel area, pond and an area with natural planting and beehives. 10.30am3.30pm. £4, children free.

Pre-booking essential.

Refreshments available.

Details: https://ngs.org.uk READING - Reading Deaf Club, Cardiff Road.

Reading Deaf Club celebrates 20 years of the club, and the Platinum Jubilee. Afternoon tea, games, raffle, Deaf Funny Way performance group. £7, £5 members, £3.50 under 16s.

READING – Tutu’s Ethopian Table, Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Poetry in the Park. 11am.

SHINFIELD - St Mary’s Church, Church Lane. Blue Sky Big Band presents a Summer Evening of Jazz and Swing. 7.30pm. Details: Search eventbrite.co.uk for Blue Sky Big Band TWYFORD - Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road RG10 0AB. Twyford Beer Festival. Ticket only. £15 per person, accompanied under 18s free. Noon10pm. Details: www. twyfordbeerfest.co.uk UPPER WOOLHAMPTON

- Douai Abbey RG7 5TQ. Reading Bach Choir presents: What Lies Beyond Sense and Knowledge: music by William Byrd and Ralph vaughan Williams.

7.30pm. £15, under 18s £5. Details: http://www. readingbachchoir.org.uk WHITCHURCH HILL - Off Hill Bottom. Stoke Row RG8 7PU. Steam Rally: steam engines, tractors, cars, trucks, military, motorcycles, plant machinery, food and bars, fair rides, craft tent, and more. Live music in evening. Camping available. £10, concessions £8, children free. Details: stokerowsteamrally.com WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Stones in His Pockets. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY - Woodford Park.

Woodley Carnival. No procession. Showground open noon-5pm: games, stalls, dog show, beer tent, displays, fairground and more. Party in the Park from 6pm: Vintage Sound Collective supported by Chestnuts, The Echo and Mike and the Rockbelly.

Evening £10, £5 under 16s. Afternoon £4 adults, £1 under 16s. Details: woodleycarnival.org.uk

Sunday, June 12

ACROSS WHITEKNIGHTS AREA. Whiteknights Studio Trail 2022. 11am6pm. Details: studiotrail. co.uk GRAZELEY - Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Green Road RG7 1LG. Reading Motorcycle Action Group presents the 2022 Lion Rally: bands, bikes and more. Details: www. lionrally.com SONNING COMMON – Village Hall, Wood Lane RG4 9SL. Craft fair. 10am-4pm. Details: mumadoracrafts.co.uk TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading’s Indie Market. From noon-5pm.

Crafts, food, and more.

Oh, and beer. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk WHITCHURCH HILL - Off Hill Bottom. Stoke Row RG8 7PU. Steam Rally: steam engines, tractors, cars, trucks, military, motorcycles, plant machinery, food and bars, fair rides, craft tent, and more. Live music in evening. Camping available. £10, concessions £8, children free. Details: stokerowsteamrally.com WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Wokingham vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: sparkleveganevents.com WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

No. 5416

Your weekly puzzle challenge TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

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To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, June 2, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

5416

Quiz Challenge

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1. What is the collective noun for a group of partridges or quail?

2. What J is the title of a Peter Benchley novel and the name of a James Bond villain?

3. In November 2021, Steven Gerrard became manager of which Premier League football club?

4. Which New Zealand scientist was the first person to split the atom in 1919?

5. The root vegetable Pastinaca sativa is better known as what?

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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

DIRE LEISURE RIDES

R C N 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: 21 Good; 25 Very Good; 29 Excellent.

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

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

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed P through openings in the walls. The L first letter may appear in any chamber.

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

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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

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ACROSS 1. Thinly scattered boxes by the point (6) 4. One’s inseparable companion, a dark figure (6) 9. One taking stock of others (7) 10. Bore right into the plant (5) 11. Tails Queen’s old financial backer! (9) 12. Zambian leader loves a menagerie (3) 13. Having a good understanding, not being drunk? (5-6) 18. Lout does not start to embrace (3) 19. Mean to pay a visit but have a narrow escape (5,4) 21. Left one article that’s supple (5) 22. Cut a tea break to get going (7) 23. Attempting to be testing another’s patience (6) 24. Pressing to get run out (6)

24

DOWN 1. Scott’s started to plagiarise English writer (6) 2. As mentioned, almost very musical (5) 3. Aunt Sal devouring a dried grape (7) 5. Water monster from Hardy novel (5) 6. Fine weather? No, fine spots of weather (7) 7. Shall give a shout of pain in the tree (6) 8. The foreign lady takes in lieutenant’s film (11) 14. Fairly gracefully (7) 15. One who assists in wrongdoing, a gambler, say (7) 16. Talk about the French villa (6) 17. Alarm involving British watch (6) 19. Uncle Andrew in part is a companion to jerk (5) 20. A network of hedges will astonish (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

8

6

7

10

10

11

11

12

14 16

5

9

9 13

13

15

17

18 19

21

19 23

20 22

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25

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30 4 3 5 2 6 7 8 9 1

1 2 7 9 5 8 3 4 6

3 7 2 5 1 9 6 8 4

5 4 8 6 7 2 9 1 3

9 6 1 4 8 3 7 5 2

WORD PYRAMID: Playing the field.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; multiply; add; divide. Total 4.

SOLUTIONS

14

17

E

To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

2

13

18

This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

7

12

16

E

RY

9 4 5

12

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

2 5

7

13

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.

8 9 6 3 4 1 5 2 7

9 4 5 3

7

6 1 4 8 3 5 2 7 9

1

11

EQUALISER 10 1 8 6 2 2 3 9 3 1 2 1

Hard

7 5 9 1 2 6 4 3 8

Easy

6

11

23

D

AS

YT

5

10 10

L

TE

ET

4

21

UR

SL

4

21

DG

AN

3

9

FIVE ALIVE DT

2

8

WORD PYRAMID

C U B

17

1

6. Which is the largest town in the Channel Islands?

7. Toni Collette, who stars in the 2022 Netflix drama Pieces of Her, was born in which country?

8. The Cullinan I diamond, also known as the Star of Africa, decorates which object in the Queen’s regalia?

9. What is the main ingredient of the Chinese dish chow mein?

10. In the 2022 film The Batman, which actor plays the caped crusader?

2 8 3 7 9 4 1 6 5

26

4

24

8 6 4 3 7 2 5 1 9

19

12

2 1 9 5 8 4 3 7 6

8

24

5 3 7 1 6 9 2 8 4

8

19

4 2 8 9 1 6 7 3 5

24

11

9 5 6 2 3 7 1 4 8

23

22

15

3 7 1 4 5 8 9 6 2

3

6 4 2 7 9 1 8 5 3

5

1 8 3 6 2 5 4 9 7

6

7 9 5 8 4 3 6 2 1

23

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5416

CROSS CODE

26 28

24

24 25 29

31

23. Manner of ACROSS walking (4) 1. Navel (9) 27. Express an 6. Bread roll (3) opinion (5) 8. Anxious (7) 28. Worker in brass (7) 9. Fellows (5) 30. First woman (3) 10. Golf stroke (4) 11. Type of lettuce (3) 31. Savage (9) DOWN 13. Wise men (4) 1. Large vase (3) 14. Fundamental (5) 2. Explode (5) 16. Harvested (6) 3. Weaving frame (4) 18. Continent (6) 4. Universe (6) 19. Dig into (5) 5. Large bag (4) 21. Roasting skewer (4) 6. Show of boldness (7) 22. Bind (3)

7. Pernicious (9) 10. Optical instrument (9) 11. Military trainee (5) 12. Sift (5) 14. Item of furniture (3) 15. Prompt (3) 17. Foolish (7) 20. Supple (6) 24. Legal defence (5) 25. Aromatic plant (4) 26. Heroic tale (4) 29. Move quickly (3)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Umbilicus; 6 Bap; 8 Nervous; 9 Chaps; 10 Putt; 11 Cos; 13 Magi; 14 Basic; 16 Reaped; 18 Europe; 19 Delve; 21 Spit; 22 Tie; 23 Gait; 27 Opine; 28 Brazier; 30 Eve; 31 Barbarian.

Down – 1 Urn; 2 Burst; 3 Loom; 4 Cosmos; 5 Sack; 6 Bravado; 7 Pestilent; 10 Periscope; 11 Cadet; 12 Sieve; 14 Bed; 15 Cue; 17 Asinine; 20 Limber; 24 Alibi; 25 Herb; 26 Saga; 29 Run.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 A covey; 2 Jaws; 3 Aston Villa; 4 Ernest Rutherford; 5 Parsnip; 6 St Helier; 7 Australia; 8 The gold sceptre; 9 Fried FIVE ALIVE: noodles; 10 Robert Pattinson.

(1) Across – Doing; Valet; Natty.

Down – Divan; Inlet; Gutsy.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Sparse; 4 Shadow; 9 Rustler; 10 Drill; 11 Britannia; 12 (2) Across – Tuned; Issue; Fryer.

Z J E N F I H R M X O S P Zoo; 13 Clear-headed; 18 Hug; 19 Close call; 21 Lithe; 22 Down – Thief; Nasty; Drear.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Actuate; 23 Trying; 24 Urgent.

W B Q D K A Y V U L T C G Down – 1 Scribe; 2 Assai; 3 Sultana; 5 Hydra; 6 Drizzle; 7 Willow; NONAGRAM: accrue; acer; acerb; acne; acre; bane; 8 Frenchwoman; 14 Lightly; 15 Abetter; 16 Chalet; 17 Albert; 19 bare; bean; bear; beau; been; beer; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU iris; rude; idle; seer. Clean; 20 Amaze. brace; brae; brane; BUCCANEER; bunce; caber; cancer; cane; caner; care; careen; cere; crane; creance; cube; cure; earn; ecru; enure; erne; nacre; near; race; ranee; rebec; recce; rune; urbane; urea.

28 | LIFE

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Understanding dietary fats Healthy Heart Tip

‘bad’ cholesterol in your body, increasing your risk of heart disease.

Look after your heart by switching to unsaturated fats, such as oily fish such (e.g. salmon, mackerel and sardines), rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, unsalted nuts, seeds and choose products that are avocados. lower in fat.

Find healthier For example, you cooking methods could switch from If you fry your food, cheddar cheese (34g why not try baking, fat per 100g) to low-fat grilling, boiling or cheese spread (11g fat steaming instead? per 100g) or cottage Rather than roasting cheese (5g per 100g). potatoes in fat, switch Switch from to boiled new potatoes saturated and trans fats or a baked potato. to unsaturated fat Cut away visible fat Foods high in from fatty meats, such saturated fat include as bacon and lamb. fatty meats, hard Use a small amount cheeses, coconut oil, of unsaturated oil palm oil, butter, ghee, for cooking, such as lard and cream. Trans rapeseed oil, rather than fat is present in hard butter, ghee, lard or margarine, fried food, goose fat. biscuits, cakes and By cutting down on pastries. the amount of fat in Saturated and trans your diet and switching fats can increase the from saturated or trans

Heart Research UK

A

SMALL quantity of fat is an important part of a healthy diet, but not all fats are the same.

Saturated and trans fats can raise ‘bad’ cholesterol in your blood, increasing your risk of heart disease.

Here are some tips to help you manage the amount and type of fat in your diet.

Choose products with a lower total fat content All fats are high in energy and too much can lead to weight gain. By reading the fat content on food labels you can

fats to unsaturated fats, you will take an important step towards reducing your risk of heart disease. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.

heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips. n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2/

n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-cookbook/

In the garden June

Go green in the garden

B

EING in the garden is great at this time of year – the days are longer and warmer and you can really enjoy your outside living space as somewhere to relax and unwind.

As part of that enjoyment sit back and have a think about how you can do your bit for the environment by employing some basic organic gardening principles to make your gardening experience even greener.

Organic gardening is all about gardening in a natural holistic way - growing plants without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.

By working with nature your garden can protect itself and plants will thrive with minimal intervention.

Here are some simple tips that can help you garden in a more environmentally-friendly way...

Get into compost Feeding the soil is the key to success and homemade compost is free.

Fill compost bins with a mix of green and brown material – garden waste and shredded paper or cardboard – and turn it regularly.

You can use it as mulch after about a year.

Keep on top of weeds The trick is not to let weeds grow too big as they can quickly take over a garden. If you regularly hoe or pick them out at the seedling stage it’s an easy task, but if you let them get

established – with large tap roots such as dandelions – then weeding becomes a major chore.

Grow in raised beds Try using raised beds instead of planting direct into the soil. They are easier to manage and keep weed-free.

Also, the soil in raised beds warms up sooner than the ground at the start of the growing season, so you can sow seeds earlier in the year.

Grow companion plants The theory behind companion planting, or planting combinations of specific plants for their mutual benefit, is that certain plants may help each other take up nutrients, improve pest resistance or attract pollinators.

So by planting onions with carrots you can ward off carrot root fly;

cabbages and lettuces planted among beans will benefit from the nitrogen fixed in the soil by the beans’ roots; and planting garlic with roses can help to repel rose pests.

Watch out for slugs and snails You may struggle to grow seedlings without using some form of slug and snail control.

Traditional slug pellets can be extremely harmful to hedgehogs, birds and other wildlife, but organic pellets - made using iron phosphate - are a suitable wildlife-friendly alternative.

You can also use copper tape around pots to deter them.

If you are growing your own veg then now is a good time to plant out your pumpkins.

All the cucurbit family (pumpkins, squash, cucumbers) need heat to

survive and thrive.

Now that the nights are warming up overnight temperatures aren’t that low so it’s a good growing environment for them.

All pumpkins and squashes need lots of water, lots of nutrients and lots of sun. For a bumper harvest use a fertile soil enriched with well-rotted manure or compost when planting out.

If you are limited for space, try training your plant into a circle.

As it starts to trail, gently pin down the stem with pegs and grow it into a spiral – making sure you mark the middle of the plant with a stick so you know where to water.

There is a huge variety to choose from but some of the most popular are Baby Bear - a compact pumpkin, perfect for smaller gardens; Crown Prince - one of the best squashes for storing with a blue-grey skin and bright orange flesh; and Marketmore - a reliable and prolific cucumber, mildew-resistant with straight fruit.

Summer has definitely arrived, and so have the weeds. As the RHS says … June 21 is the longest day of the year, and the extra light and warmth encourages the garden to put on an exuberant burst of growth.

But this extra light and warmth also means weeds will sprout up from seemingly nowhere.

Keep on top of them by hoeing regularly in dry conditions.

Top three jobs this month – put summer hanging baskets and containers outside, be water-wise especially in drought affected areas, and pinch out sideshoots on tomato plants.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 2, 2022

It was ‘the most brutal experience’ of my life

A

FATHER-OF-TWO who struggled with the “most brutal experience” of his life wants others to get the life changing help he had.

Police officer Pete O’Brien, of Woodley, was struggling to cope with the breakdown of his 14-year-old marriage when he discovered charity Divorce Recovery Workshop.

Their workshop course provided the support he so badly needed.

Pete, 46, is now helping spread the word about the DRW course starting on June 10 at Brookside Hall, Earley.

It’s for people whose relationship has broken down, whether they’re divorced or separated, and whenever the breakdown was.

And it’s run by volunteers who have been on a DRW course.

Pete said: “My marriage breakdown came as a shock, I was quite hopeless. Searching on the internet I found DRW – the timing was spot on.

“I was looking for a coping strategy. I felt a failure and needed some hope. At DRW I found people who had been through something like I had – and come out the other side.

“I got so much out of the workshop, it was very positive. It was reassuring to discover it wasn’t just me going through this. It really struck me when I discovered that people’s partners were probably struggling as well.

That gave me understanding and perspective.

Afterwards I felt I had hope that I’d get through this.”

The new course is on Friday evenings June 10 and 17 and during the day on June 11 and 18.

Seamus of Reading, helping lead the course, said: “You will be warmly greeted with a cup of tea or coffee before every session. A light lunch is also provided. Please contact me on 07887 800521 with any queries.”

A modest charge covers costs.

Topics covered include: Is this really happening to me?

Coping with your ex-partner.

Assuming new responsibilities.

Letting go and forgiveness.

Family matters.

Thinking about new relationships. n For details: call Seamus on 07887 800521, email reading@drw.org.uk or go to Twitter @ ReadingDRW, or Facebook: facebook.com/ readingdrw. DRW’s website is at: www.drw.org.uk

SPORT TODAY

WOKINGHAM

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

02.06.22

BEST FOR CRICKET

FINCH HIT FIELDERS FOR 4

RANGERS MISS OUT ON TREBLE

BATTING MASTERCLASS HELPS BEARS

SWIFT SNUBS ROYALS TO SIGN FOR WEST BROM READING FC midfielder John Swift has left the club to sign for West Bromwich Albion

GLORIOUS GOODWIN

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s climbed up to second in the table after they collected a home victory over Hurley 2s thanks to an exceptional batting display from Jamie Goodwin.

The Bears have made a positive start to their campaign in Chilterns Division Two with three wins from their opening four matches.

Goodwin (2-35) and Daniel Mead (2-31) collected two wickets each for Emmbrook in the first innings but the visitors were able to set a challenging target of

267 to take the game.

Goodwin followed up from his two wickets by producing a batting masterclass in the second innings.

Having opened the batting for the Bears, Goddwin smashed 15 fours and three sixes in an astonishing performance that saw him hit 135 runs not out.

Emmbrook dropped just four wickets on their way to surapssing the total to secure a comforetable victory to put 35 points on the board.

They now only trail top of the table Fulmer in the division after the leaders made it four wins from four n Reports & pictures on pages 22 & 23

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In a statement released by Reading last week that listed the players being released by the club at the end of their contracts, they stated that Swift was one of five first-team players to be offered new deals by the club.

However, the midfielder has opted not to extend his stay with the club and has joined West Brom.

Swift made an excellent start to the campaign last season and finished with 11 goals and 13 assists from 38 games.

The 26-year-old has made 187 league appearances during his time in Berkshire across six seasons, scoring 31 times.

West Brom endured a disappointing season as they failed to win back instant promotion to the Premier League.

They eventually finished in 10th position under Steve Bruce after the former Newcastle manager took over from Valerian Ismael who was sacked as Albion boss when the club were fifth in the Championship.

Swift said: “There were ups and downs, there was injuries a nd a hat-trick along the way, but my time has made me the player I am today and I can’t thank the fans enough for supporting through all.

“Thank you for everything Reading FC, hopefully see you all soon and best of luck for the future.”

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Rangers and Fleet battle for the ball

FC Fleet v Bracknell Rangers Pictures: Andrew Batt

Bracknell Rangers have won two trophies this season

FOOTBALL

BRACKNELL RANGERS MISS OUT ON TREBLE IN CUP FINAL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Aldershot Invitational Senior Cup final

BRACKNELL RANGERS missed out on the chance to complete a treble after they were beaten by FC Fleet.

Having already won the Bracknell & District Sunday Premier Division and the Sunday League Senior Cup, Rangers were looking to add a third trophy to their cabinet.

But in a well contested final, it was Fleet who took the trophy home with a 4-2 success.

FC Fleet v Bracknell Rangers

However, it has been a season to remember for Bracknell Rangers who stormed to the league title.

Rangers won 10 of their 15 league matches which saw them collect 33 points.

Despite finishing level on points with Crowthorne Inn, Rangers took the title with a much better goal difference (+25) compared to Crowthorne’s (+14).

They followed up their league success by adding the Senior Cup to their ranks with a penalty shootout victory over Wokingham & Emmbrook TMW in the final.

Pre-season

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA and BINFIELD FC will face each other in July for a preseason friendly fixture.

The Boars, who enjoyed a superb season in the Combined Counties Division One where they reached the play-off semi-finals, will be looking to build ahead of the new campaign.

They host the Moles on Tuesday, July 5 as Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers’ team are looking to progress having impressed on their debut season at step four in the Isthmian South Central.

Eversley will also face an away trip to READING CITY at the Rivermoor on Saturday, July 9.

Matty Angell’s team will also play North Greenford United, Hythe & Disdain, Burnham, Hartley Whitney and Guildford City in their preparations for the new season.

After their trip to face Eversley, Binfield will play Maidenhead United, Wallingford Town, Flackwell Heath, Thame United, Ascot United, Slough Town, Metropolitan Police FC and Hamworthy United in a packed pre-season calendar.

FC Fleet v Bracknell Rangers

Wokingham & Emmbrook celebrate after scoring against Wembley

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC

MULLAN SCOOPS DOUBLE AWARD FOR SUMAS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC handed out their end of season awards in a presentation night on Friday evening.

First-team Nathan Mindomba capped off his debut season at the Sumas by being awarded the Manager’s Player of the Season for the first-team.

Meanwhile, Jack Mullan was given both the Supporter’s Player of the Season and the Player’s Player of the Season awards.

Allied Counties team Among the award winners for the Allied team were Matt Kirk who won the Manager’s Player of the Season, meanwhile Jack Webb won the Player’s Player of the Season in an excellent campaign that saw him win the Allied Counties League golden boot with 33 goals.

Reserves

Wokingham & Emmbrook Reserves captain Max Treacher was awarded as the Manager’s Player of the Season, while Sam Martin was given the Player’s Player of the Season award.

Jack Mullan (right) with club president Mark Ashwell Picture: Andrew Batt

SPORT | 19

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SUMAS SECURE SECOND IN POKEMON FUTSAL

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today Burnham Junior Pokémon’s Futsal Tournament

Wokingham & Emmbrook Pokémon’s Futsal Tournament

Blewbury Amazon Girls Pokémon’s Futsal Tournament

Holmer Green Minors U14’s Pokemon Futsal

Blewbury Amazon Girls U12’s Pokémon’s Futsal Tournament

BERKS & Bucks teams Wokingham & Emmbrook U12 Boys and Holmer Green Minors U14 boys both finished runners up in their respective competitions in the Pokemon Futsal Youth Cup.

This tournament is a showcase of the fantastic club futsal talent in the UK and the partnership between Pokémon and England Football.

The Pokémon Futsal Youth Cup regional rounds are currently taking place, with the final round this Sunday.

This set of games will decide the final teams that will participate in the finals tournament on June 18 and 19.

Futsal is an fast-paced form of the game that originates in South America; several world stars have roots in the game.

Played on hard pitches with small-sided teams, futsal places emphasis on technical skill in restricted spaces and creates an environment that allows young people to simulate and develop many skills and proficiencies that are transferrable to the 11-a-side game.

Pokémon is the title partner of the FA’s Youth Futsal Programme which aims to work with boys and girls aged eight–16.

Round three of the regional stage of the competition took place on the Saturday, May 21 and Sunday May 22, 2022 at Medway Sports Centre, with teams from Berks & Bucks, Hampshire, Surrey, Essex, Middlesex and Sussex taking part.

Berks & Bucks teams Wokingham & Emmbrook U12 Boys and Holmer Green Minors U14 boys both finished runners up in their respective competitions.

The winning teams from the regional finals now face the winners of the other regional rounds in the grand final on June 18 and 19 at The University of Wolverhampton.

The regional rounds saw a brilliant display from all teams involved with tightly fought contests throughout.

Helen Weber, Coach for the Holmer Green Minors U14 Boys, said: “A great tournament that was well organised.

“Met new players, and even Pikachu, and extended our Futsal skills even further.

“The games were competitive but good fun, against friendly teams, in a nice sports centre.”

FUTSAL

READING ROYALS CONTINUE TO FLOURISH ON NATIONAL STAGE

By Scott Hargreaves sport@wokingham.today READING is a town proud of its historic football club, which has just finished celebrating its 150th anniversary season in the past weeks however, sport in Reading is beginning to diversify with the growth of futsal, both nationally and locally.

Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced five-a-side game likened to football, that is played indoors for halves of 20 minutes of stop-clock action.

The balls in futsal do differ from a regular football, a futsal ball is three times heavier to promote close control on the court floor and possession inside the court.

The benefits of futsal are heavily transferable outside of the sport itself and onto the football pitch, with players most notably improving ball control and becoming more comfortable in possession.

Reading as a town provides multiple avenues to get involved in futsal with two futsal clubs to choose from; Reading Royals and Dynamo Tekkers.

Both teams have youth setups starting as early under-7s, with clear progression pathways through the age groups and into the adult teams.

Household names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have credited their world-class dribbling skills to early development from futsal, even Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Max Kilman has a futsal background earning 25 caps for the English national futsal team.

Reading Royals has two men’s teams and a women’s team that plays in the NFS Series Two, LNFS West Division and NFS Tier Two respectively.

Reading’s women’s team saw an incredible turn in results in the second half of their season to finish second in

FA National Futsal Series - Women’s Tier Two South Picture: Sheena Booker their first season together.

Along with the men’s NFS Series Two team, coached by New Zealand international Brayden Lissington, finishing third and narrowly missing out on playoffs.

While Dynamo Tekkers have a singular men’s team that competes alongside Reading Royals in the LNFS West Division creating an enthralling

local derby on a matchday.

Both clubs have seen this season as a great success as they head into LNFS Finals this weekend at Wycombe Leisure Centre.

The LNFS Plate competition will conclude on Saturday, June 4 as Dynamo Tekkers take on Rushmoor Futsal Club in the semifinals for a place in the final later that day.

Sunday, June 5 is the big day as the LNFS Championship competition will find its winner, Reading Royals face Brunel or Braintree as they fight for a place in the grand final that afternoon where the winner will be crowned national champion. n If you’re interested in trying out futsal locally, please visit royalsfutsal.co.uk or tekkersfootball.co.uk

20

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Reading 2’s (batting) v Bracknell Pictures: Steve Smyth

FLAWLESS BATTING PERFORMANCE SEES READING ENJOY VICTORY OVER BRACKNELL THAMES VALLEY CRICKET

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokoingham. today

Thames Valley Division 1 EVERSLEY are in seventh after they lost out to Cookham Dean.

Kyle Bienefeld and Oli Parsons both took three wickets as Cookham finished with 244.

Eversley were all out on 199 after their 50 allotted overs.

Thames Valley Division 2B

READING stay in second after they got the better of Sulhamstead & Ufton by 60 runs.

Arram smashed 114 runs for

Reading, while Beavan took four wickets in the second innings to see them to victory.

BINFIELD lost by five wickets against Royal Ascot.

Strong batting displays from Miller (72) and Jackson (58) saw Binfield record 214, but Ascot took the game after 46.2 overs.

WOKINGHAM 2s are in fourth after they won on their trip to HURST. James Watt’s brilliant innings saw him score 107 for Hurst, while Salman Kahlid collected 3-30 for the Oaks.

Imran Malik (75) and Jacob Clark (57) guided Wokingham to victory, despite 4-60 from Abhir Joshi.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s rode to a comfortable 160-run win

over Fleet.

Several strong totals including 71 each from J Simmons and B Simmons, as well as 96 from Carstens saw Finch record a huge total of 326.

Kite (5-38) and Ahmed (4-38) helped to skittle Fleet all out on 166.

Thames Valley Division 3A SONNING moved up to third after they thrashed WHITE WALTHAM by 172 runs.

Connor Wardlaw top scored for Sonning with 76 before they skittled Waltham all out on 123 to take a comfortable victory.

THEALE & TILEHURST got past WARGRAVE 2s by 50 runs.

Davidson-Soler top scored

with 56, while 4-44 from Jefferey saw Wargrave all out on 166.

total of 225 to take the win after 44 overs with four wickets left.

WOKINGHAM 3s are up to second after they earned a nail biting win at Taplow.

The Oaks sealed the win by just two runs after Taplow finished just short of the first innings target.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s dropped down to third after they lost out by 15 runs to Thatcham Town 2s.

READING 2s stormed to victory over BRACKNELL. After bowling Bracknell all out on 141, Reading batted flawlessly and didn’t drop a wicket as Ahmed (56*) and Singh (70R*) saw them to victory.

EVERSLEY 3s are up to third after they earned success over Bagshot 2s.

Harry Maxfield smashed a century for Eversley and finished with 125 as Eversley amassed 306.

Bagshot fell 78 runs short of victory as Eversley

Thames Valley Division 4A Thames Valley Division 5B

Thames Valley Division 5A

WARGRAVE 3s are just two points off the top after they beat Hayes 2s.

They chased down Hayes’

took 23 points.

BINFIELD 2s suffered their first defeat of the campaign against Royal Ascot 2s.

They lost out by just one wicket in a tense affair.

SONNING 2s suffered a 45run loss at Purley-on-Thames, while FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s lost out by 149 runs to Newbury.

Thames Valley Division 6B

THEALE & TILEHURST continued their 100% win record by beating WOKINGHAM 4s.

Toby Barker (3-31) helped to see them to victory with a sixwicket win.

EVERSLEY 3s were dealt defeat at Chalfont St Peter by 140 runs.

SPORT | 21

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TEAMS BATTLE IT OUT IN RANGERS

By ANKUSH KAPOOR sport@wokingham.today

SIXTEEN teams battled it out in the Rangers six-a-side cricket tournament in a quest to be crowned champions.

In this year’s edition of the soft ball tournament, teams had two separate cups to play for – Champions Cup and Rangers Cup. Teams were divided in groups of four teams each and played three group games before top 12 teams were promoted to the qualifiers and semi-final stages.

The tournament attracted local communities’ attention and about 150+ people turned up and enjoyed a beautiful sunny day of Cricket.

The food stall run by the Rangers Ladies group did an excellent job by keeping the hunger in check for the cricketers and visitors with some really delicious breakfast and lunch menu items on display.

After a series of group and terminator games, the four finalists for the two cups were: Champions Cup: Lower Earley Eagles (LEE) and Toli

Rangers Sports

Rangers Cup: Reading Knights and Reading Lions The two Finals were played in great spirits with the sun still shining and bright light enabling perfect cricketing conditions until late in the evening.

Champions Cup

Reading Lions - Rangers Cup Winners

Lower Earley Eagles - Champions Cup Winners

Toli won the toss and invited LEE

Harvana Lions - Spirit of Cricket to bat first. Just like the group and knock out games, LEE got off to a great start posting a total of 80+ runs for Toli to chase.

Toli looked comfortable to chase down the target until the penultimate over where they lost crucial wickets and could not really recover from that.

The final over from Rahul needed Toli to score more than 20 runs and with few dot balls the win was all but secured for LEE.

Rangers Cup

This was a nail-biting thriller with all three results being possible until the very last ball. Reading Knights looked on course to win but the final over from Reading Lion’s Keerthi ensured Lions victory.

At the presentation ceremony there were more winners with Haryana Lions getting the Spirit of Cricket Award.

THAMES VALLEY CRICKET

WOKINGHAM 2S MOVE UP WITH FOUR-WICKET WIN OVER HURST WOKINGHAM 2s collected 23 points after they earned a four-wicket win over Hurst in Thames Valley Division 2b.

Hurst won the toss and Lewis Smith decided to bat first and James Watt faced Iain Muirden but a leg bye put Sam Warren on strike.

Watt faced McDonald for three fours in over 10 then Clark replaced Muirden as Watt scored six runs from Clark’s first over and the 50 showing the total with a two after a four on the last ball of the 11th over.

McDonald bowled a maiden over then Watt reached the boundary for four in over 13. McDonald bowled another maiden over to Watt who sent Clark for a four in an over that produced eight runs.

Jack Fisher’s first spell produced 12 runs and Watt gained two boundaries. Clark and Fisher bowled more sparingly and a total of 80 was reached by Watt and Warren by the

end of over 18.

In the 20th over, Fisher took the wicket of Sam Warren when Ben Myles caught Warren to make it 82-1.

Skipper, Lewis Smith, joined Watt and score rate dropped until the last ball of over 22 when Watt sent the ball to the boundary off Fisher’s last ball of the over.

Both bats ran a three off Clark in over 25 and the 100 was posted on the board.

Skipper, Jarrett Bobb, came on to bowl instead of Clark bowling sparingly along with Fisher until over 31 when Bobb conceded ninr runs including a four to Smith.

There was a similar sparingly bowled spell until over 35 when Bobb had a four dispatched by Smith to the boundary and singles made another nine runs to Hurst.

Over 39 was a heavier time for Bobb who had 11 runs taken from him.

Max Carroll entered the arena but

Craig Rintoul (batting) watches Shaun Miller make a leap he was dismissed for three in over 44 bowled Khalid.

The 200 arrived with a single and Khalid’s next over saw Lovegrove leave the field caught Fisher for three, with the score 208-6.

Kayser was then left with Joshi to bat out the next two overs but Joe Warren was run out by Bobb, with 50 overs completed for 217-7.

Wokingham replied with Turner facing first ball but two wide balls in succession were followed up by runs, nine off the first over.

Over three saw the early

Wokingham 2s in action Pictures: Steve Smyth

breakthrough that Hurst required.

Salman Khalid was LBW bowled Joshi for four. 12-1.

Turner was caught Hibbs, bowled Nick Reynolds, for 21, bringing Ben Myles to the crease. By over 15 , Malik had increased the low run rate by scoring a boundary and the seven runs added in that over made it 85-2.

By the end of the 16th over the total on the board was 91-2, Myles hitting four.

18 overs in to the innings, 100 was posted when Malik ran two and almost halfway to the target. Ben

Myles was bowled by Reynolds in the 20th over for 16. 1 Abhir Joshi came on to bowl instead of Smith and Clark hit two fours with one to Malik in over 35.

Jayden Barson started with a boundary off Kayser’s bowling but first ball of the next over, Clark was bowled by Joshi for 57.The last ball of over 39, Barson was out LBW bowled Joshi, for four. 197-6. Mac Dasouza added to the total as did Jack Fisher who hit three fours in the last overs including the winning runs.

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FINCHES CLIMB UP THE TABLE WHILE OAKS CRICKET

Finchhampstead (batting) v Buckingham Pictures: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Home Counties Division 1

FINCHAMPSTEAD climbed up to fifth by inflicting defeat on Buckingham Town.

Having elected to bat first, Finch got off to a strong start with the opening pair of Ben Moffar and Gregory Smith.

Their strong platform with 53 from Moffat and 82 from Smith saw them finish on 264 from 50 overs.

James Woodford collected

Wargrave (batting) v Oxford Downs

three wickets for Finch as they had Buckingham all out on 210 to wrap up a 54-run win.

WOKINGHAM dropped down to seventh after they lost on the road at Aston Rowant.

The Oaks posted a first innings score of 209 with a top score of 68 from Shaan Khan.

Andy Rishton and Shaan Khan took two wickets each but the hosts got over the line with four wickets to spare.

Home Counties Division 2

WARGRAVE sit at the top of

the table with four wins from four after they beat Oxford Downs.

Rhys Lewis ended with the highest total for Wargrave on 43 as the hosts totalled 191.

John Child helped to decimate Aston’s innings by taking four wickets, while Rhodri Lewis took three as Wargrave bowled them all out on 128.

Championship

WEST READING have a healthy lead in first position after they beat Braywood.

Usman Tariq and Saqib Gulfraz both finished one run short of completing a half century for Reading as they ended on 228.

They secured victory when four wickets from Hafeez Ul-Wahab and three from Muhammad Zameer had Braywood all out for 203.

SHINFIELD won on their travels with an 80-run triumph over Great Kingshill.

71 from Abhishek Chatterjee and a huge total of 109 from 63 balls from Muhammad Hafeez

saw Shinfield finish with 323.

Shinfield secured the win after 44.5 overs.

CMB Premiership EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD took 35 points on the road at Braywood 2s.

There were several solid innings from Emmbrook as they dropped just three wickets on their way to hitting 248, which included 67 not out from Andy Lazenbury and a half century not out from Jack Narraway.

Andy Robertson bowled fantastically to take four wickets to secure a comfortable 143-run win for Emmbrook.

Chilterns Division Two EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s are in second after they got the better of Hurley 2s.

With a target of 267 to catch, the Bears won the match after 41 overs which saw an exceptional innings from Jamie Goodwin (135 not out).

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DEFEAT SEES THEM SLIP DOWN Crows Coyotes make strong start to Berkshire softball title defence CROWS Coyotes made a great start towards their defence of the ‘Berkshire Women’s Softball League’ title.

BCL Premier Division

FARLEY HILL are still in second despite losing out to Goring on Thames.

They fell just short of reaching the target set by Goring as they were all out just six runs shy of winning the match.

SHINFIELD 2s dropped down to sixth after they lost at home to Woodcote.

WEST READING 2s moved to seventh after they dealt defeat to bottom of the table WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE. A half century from Mehdi Harees helped West Reading score 290.

Opening batsman Ankush Gandhi totalled 66 for Waltham and Ravi Sainani was 61 not out, but Reading

took the match with four wickets from Jawad Ahmad.

BCL Division 1A READING UNITED lead the way after they were victorious away at Stallions.

Reading finished on 280 after an astonishing innings of 114 from 52 balls from Daud Sardar.

Stallions were all out on 217 after three wickets from SriHarsha Cherukuri.

EARLEY put 35 points on the board with an eight wicket win over Checkendon.

Kiran Susarla had four wickets to his name for Earley and 93 not out from Araving Gururajan

helped them to win after 28.4 overs.

BERKSHIRE ROYALS earned a convincing 233-run success over WEST READING 3s.

Arshad Kaffar hit 87 for Berkshire, while West Reading were skittled out for 84.

BCL Division 1B CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 2s lost out to top of the table Rangers.

Dan finucane scored 72 for Crows which helped them to 218 from 40 overs.

But Rangers took the win with four wickets to spare.

WOODLEY are up to third after

they got past TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE. In a tight contest, Woodley got over the line with one wicket to spare after 74 runs from Pradeep Kadloor.

READING UNITED 2s won by one wicket against EARLEY 2s.

Jegannathan Srinivasen collected for wickets for United, while Hlf century from Sushant Jain helped them to take the match.

FARLEY HILL 2s won by 11 runs against Stallions.

Jos Clarke was in scintillating form with 168 runs from 105 balls to help Farley to total 308.

SHINFIELD 3s took 35 points after they beat Warfield by 50 runs.

RUGBY UNION

BERKSHIRE TEAMS ON THE BRINK OF HISTORY IN RESPECTIVE FINALS

By WAYNE FONCETTE sport@wokingham.today BOTH Berkshire RFU Women and Men’s will prepare to play under the bright lights at Twickenham after qualifying for their respective finals.

Berkshire Women made history in their first division 1 (Gill Burns) County Championship by making it through to the finals for the first ever time.

Having had the heartache of losing out in the semi-finals on three separate occasions in the

past, Berkshire got over that hurdle this year and will now compete at the home of English rugby with a trophy on the line.

The Berkshire side is filled with talent including players from both Reading and Reading Abbey and will now prepare to take on Leicestershire RFU Women in the final of the competition.

Berkshire RFU captain Annette Bevan said: “We’re excited, but we know we have work to do to tighten up our play in the last two training sessions. Playing at Twickenham with the best facilities in England

will be very special. We believe we can win, and we will do our very best to achieve that.”

Berkshire RFU Men’s also achieved the feat of making it to a County Championship final for the first time in 20 years.

Berkshire will face Oxfordshire County in the Bill Beaumont Men’s County Championship division three final.

Captain of the team and young Rams RFC player Max Hayman said: “After what has been a ling season but getting to the final is a great way to see the season out and

hopefully we can end it with a big performance and a win. I will just be telling the boys to enjoy it. Last game of the season, the first final in 20 years that will set the tone for the next 20, whatever the result at the end of the 80 minutes, just enjoy it.” n Berkshire Men’s team will play Oxforshire at Richmond RFC on Saturday, June 4 (12.15pm kickoff), while Berkshire Women face Leicestershire at Twickenham on the same day (1pm kick-off) with both finals offering free entry to spectators.

The first of the four-way West Berks tournaments took place under a hot sun and in an idyllic setting. The Coyotes put on an excellent team performance to beat Binfield, Warfield, and the hosts West Ilsley.

In the Binfield match there was particularly sharp batting by Gabi Jones (scoring 20) and Gillian Finucane (13).

Best bowling stats went to Helena Jones (2-4) and Gill O’Loughlin (2-7).

In the Warfield match the dynamic opening pair of Gabi Jones and Lou Roberts scored an impressive 38 runs off their 18 balls.

Then the fielding innings ended with three powerful wickets off the last three balls from Gillian Finucane (bowled, run-out, caught).

In the final game, against West Ilsley, top batting stats belonged to Gill O’Loughlin (18), Lily Mansfield (18) and Gabi Jones (17); and in the field Lily Mansfield bowled 2-9 and Lou Roberts 1-6.

All 10 squad members were pivotal to the success of the day, with positive attitudes and boundless energy throughout.

The Coyotes played in their Super 8’s third double header hosted by Binfield CC on Sunday.

With everything to play for, having won two and lost two, they were fully charged to face their hosts Binfield CC and East & West Hendred.

Binfield (293-3) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (226-7)

The Crows lost the toss and were sent in to bat against sharp bowling that the hosts were confident would keep the run rate down.

Attacking fielding left Crowthorne with little wriggle room and, although Jones, with the highest runs, gave the Coyotes hope it was not enough to present a challenge. Restricted to 226-7 in the innings, unfortunately the valiant attempts from skipper Finucane with a wicket and maiden over and two further wickets from Roberts the Crows’ women’s push for survival was a stretch too far.

East & West Hendred (278-1) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (269-6)

Winning the toss, a revived Crows team batted first and started positively with H. Jones and G. O’Loughlin pairing up to run 11 off 16 balls.

The Crows women then defended until Pobjoy and Blake stepped up to give the team a much needed boost.

O’Loughlin and Finucane walked up for the last four overs; a partnership that secured a further 27 runs for the team to finish on a respectable 269-6.

The fielding innings saw the Coyotes push hard to keep the run rate down.

Maiden overs from Nair, Jones and Finucane and a first league wicket from Pobjoy took the Coyotes on a winning trajectory, only to be sent off course by the final batting pair, one of whom tidied up with 30 runs for the narrow win.

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TENNIS

RESULTS

BRACKNELL TENNIS HELPS CHARITY

Saturday, May 28 Bracknell Lawn Tennis Club’s charity day raised £1000 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation

CRICKET Home Counties Premier League Aston Rowant (213-6) beat Wokingham (209-9) Finchampstead 264-9) beat Buckingham Town (210-8)

Sunday, May 29

BCM Championship Great Kingshill (243 all out) lost to Shinfield (323-9) West Reading (228-7) beat Braywood (203 all out)

Saturday, June 4

CMB Premiership Braywood (105 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (248-3) Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (267-4) beat Hurley 2s (266-6)

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today BRACKNELL Lawn Tennis Club hosted its first ever charity day and raised £1,000 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) a charity close to the heart of one of its members.

“CLDF have provided our family with information and support ever since my daughter, Isabella who is now 15, was diagnosed with the rare liver disease, biliary atresia,” said club member, John Pascoe.

“Her first year was very difficult, particularly when she had to undergo a liver transplant, but the charity was there when we needed them and continue to support Isabella through her teenage years.

“We wanted to give something back and to know that all families in our situation would still receive this kind of help, so I suggested the idea of a charity day to the tennis club and was delighted to receive such a positive response.”

The day took the form of a

morning session for families and an afternoon tournament for adults, culminating in a final with medals and a trophy for the winners. Funds were raised from an entry fee, buffet and a raffle and the day was such a success, it is now to be an annual event with a different charity to be nominated each year.

Katherine Myles, Interim Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood

FOOTBALL

Former Bracknell Town manager leaves role at Palace

By Staff Writer sport@wokingham.today FORMER Bracknell Town manager and Wokingham Town player Phil Alexander has left his role as Crystal Palace chief executive after 26 years at the Club.

Phil had a career in both professional football and American football.

Having been born in Slough, Alexander came through the youth ranks at Reading FC. He then joined Wokingham Town in 1980, before playing for Norwich City and Miramar Rangers. He also made five appearances for England U19’s.

Alexander returned to Wokingham Town for four more years in 1986 and then joined Bracknell Town in 1992 as a player.

He went on to manage Bracknell Town for two years from 1992-1994 After leaving Bracknell, Alexander joined Crystal Palace in 1996.

He led the Club through two periods of administrations

in 1999 and 2010, as well as experiencing relegation twice and promotion to the top-flight three times.

He became the longestserving Premier League CEO and was a member of the FA Council, representing the Premier League, and sat on the FA’s Professional Game Board.

Phil was presented with a gold watch by chairman Steve Parish on Selhurst Park pitch last Sunday after the Club’s final match of the season against Manchester United, in which Patrick Vieira’s side came out with a 1-0 victory.

After a short break, Phil will be engaged by the Club from April 1t as a special projects consultant.

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Phil for his outstanding contribution to the Club for well over two decades,” said Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish.

“He has been a fixture at Selhurst Park for as long as any of us can remember and has always put the Club’s interests first.

“We owe him a debt of

gratitude for his loyalty to the Club, even at the most challenging periods in its history, and we have benefited greatly from his experience.

“I am delighted that we will be able to work with Phil in his forthcoming consultancy role as we embark on several significant projects that will shape the Club’s future.”

Phil Alexander said: “It has been an immense privilege to serve as Chief Executive of Crystal Palace for 26 years.

“I am proud of all the Club has achieved during my time at Selhurst Park, from the tumultuous early days, when our survival was under threat, to our status today as a respected, long-established Premier League club, known for its community ethos.

“I want to thank all my colleagues who have helped me over the years and the supporters, who make Crystal Palace a unique Club. I look forward to continuing my association with the Club in a new capacity.”

liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this however, we rely on voluntary donations.

“We are delighted that Bracknell Lawn Tennis Club decided to support us in this way.

“The funds raised will enable us to continue to make a difference to families affected by childhood liver disease throughout the UK.”

n For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.

BOWLS

WOKINGHAM ENJOY SUCCESSFUL WEEK IT was another successful week for Wokingham Bowling Club which saw wins for Wokingham Oak Apples and an away victory at Three Mile Cross.

Despite having to substitute two ladies at the last minute due to illness, Wokingham Oak Apples managed to win with six points to Oak Apples and four points to Three Mile Cross giving 56 to Wokingham and 46 to TMX. Wokingham also visited Three Mile Cross for a men’s friendly match on Saturday, May 28 and came out on top, winning all four rinks ending up with a score of 113 to Wokingham and 62 to Three Mile Cross.

The Winning rink was skipped by Len Cooke with Chris Barnes and Ron Swan.

Wokingham’s Kennet League A team played its third match of the 2022 season away to Royal Household on Tuesday, May 24.

Wokingham bowled well, winning on three rinks and losing by just one shot on what was effectively a last end shoot-out on the other. The aggregate score was 84-40.

Wokingham secured a win against Suttons C team in the KLV Division 3 Central East with 60 shots to Wokingham C and 49 shots to Suttons C on May 20.

This was followed by a win against Maiden Erlegh C team with Wokingham taking 53 shots to Maiden Erlegh 48 shots, played on Friday. May 27.

Royal Ascot 2s (155-9) Finchampstead 4s (100 all out) lost to Newbury (249-9)

BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames (208-5) beat Farley Hill (202 all out) Shinfield 2s (240-7) lost to Woodcote (265-3) Waltham St Lawrence (258-7) lost to West Reading 2s (290-8) BCL Division 1A Earley (179-2) beat Checkendon (178-8) Stallions (217 all out) lost to Reading United (280-9) West Reading 3s (84 all out) lost to Berkshire Royals (317-5) BCL Division 1B Farley Hill 2s (308-4) beat Stallions (297-4) Rangers (222-6) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (218-6) Reading United 2s (168-9) beat Earley 2s (167 all out) Shinfield 3s (240-7) beat Warfield (180 all out) Twyford and Ruscombe (2064) lost to Woodley (209-9) Thames Valley Division 1 Cookham Dean (244 all out) beat Eversley (199-8) Thames Valley Division 2B Finchampstead 2s (326-7) beat Fleet (166 all out) Wokingham 2s (220-6) beat Hurst (217-7) Royal Ascot (216-5) beat Binfield (214 all out) Sulhamstead & Ufton (239 all out) lost to Reading (299-6) Thames Valley Division 3A Theale & Tilehurst (216-9) beat Wargrave 2s (166 all out) Sonning (295-8) beat White Waltham (123 all out) Thames Valley Division 4A Thatcham town 2s (218-5) beat Finchampstead 3s (203 all out) Wokingham 3s (206-8) beat Taplow (204-7) Thames Valley Division 5B Reading 2s (142-0) beat Bracknell (141 all out) Eversley 2s (306-7) beat Bagshot 2s (228-7) Purley-on-Thames 2s (200-9) beat Sonning 2s (155 all out) Binfield 2s (154 all out) lost to

FOOTBALL Aldershot Invitational Cup Final Bracknell Rangers 2-4 FC Fleet

FIXTURES

CRICKET Home Counties Division 1 Henley v Finchampstead Wokingham v high Wycombe Home Counties Division 2 Harefield v Wargrave BCM Championship Holmer Green v Crowthorne & Crown Wood Shinfield v Ballinger Waggoners CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood v Hurley BCL Premier Division Farley Hill v Welford Park Sandhurst v Shinfield West Reading 2s v Goring on Thames Woodcote v Waltham St Lawrence BCL Division 1A Checkendon v Berkshire Royals Peppard Stoke Row 2s v West Reading 3s Reading Lions v Silchester BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Twyofrd and Ruscombe Earley 2s v Farley Hill 2s Stallions 2s v Shinfield 3s Woodley v Reading United 2s Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley v Gerrards Cross Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield v Wokingham 2s Hurst v Fleet Reading v Cove Finchampstead 2s v Sulhamstead & Ufton Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham v Kidmore End Harpsden v Theale & Tilehurst Wargrave 2s v Aldershot Windsor v Sonning Thames Valley Division 4A Finchampstead 3s v Maidenhead & Bray 2s Wokingham 3s v Henley 3s Thames Valley Division 5B Sonning 2s v Eversley 2s Bagshot 2s v Reading 2s Newbury v Binfield 2s Bracknell v Finchampstead 4s

Sunday, June 5

CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Super 8s Wargrave v Crowthorne & Crown Wood Sonning v Binfield