Wokingham Today, March 24, 2022

3

BRILLIANTLEISURETODAY PAPERS IN ONE TH Your guide to what’s on

PACKED WITH NEWS, WHAT’S ON AND SPORT

SPORT NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US TODAY

across Reading and Wok ingham

READING

23.03.22

23.03.22

ROCKETS NET PLAYOFF PLACE

SCRUM ON DOWN FOR FRIDAY FUN

SUMAS BEATEN ON THE ROAD

AT’S THREE PRECIOUS P O Adele in AprilINTS LAURENT HITS A STUNNER

RANGERS TO FACE SUMAS IN COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS TROPHY HUNT

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

UPDATED DAILY AT WWW.WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Sixth form expansion approved for Bohunt

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

JOSH LAURENT picked the perfect time to notch his goal of the season which helped Reading to earn three invaluabl e points on Saturday.

Up against promotion-pushing Blackburn Rovers, it was set to be another tricky test for the Royals

A

N EASTER parade of entertainment is promised by a Bracknellbased arts centre, thanks to a mixture of theatre , music, dance and more.

in the midst of a difficult run of fixtures.

But using their momentu m their midweek-draw against from secondplaced Bourmouth, the Royals put on a positive display.

The home side had the better the game and chances throughouof t the first-half.

Blackburn replied with an improved second-half, but the

Royals managed to shut them out to any game and may keep a rare clean sheet in goalkeeper the most importantjust prove to be Orjan Nyland’s home debut. goal of Reading’s campaign so far as it moved Laurent capped off the them five points clear of the relegation performance with a sublime zone. strike in the 78th minute that flew Paul Ince’s men face another above Rovers’ goalkeepe r Thomas huge test after the internatio Kaminski and dipped at nal the precise break when they face relegation moment to kiss the underside of the rivals Barnsley away from crossbar on its way in. home on Saturday, April 2.

It was a goal worthy of winning n Full report and pictures inside

Uke of Dork, who brings a recipe of April 11 through to Monday irreverent original songs, , April 18, a side of proves there’s more to the covers and just a dash of story than stupidity. meets the ears.

Bracknell Jazz brings Trish Clowes On Wednesday, April 20, – My Iris to South Hill Park the Cellar on Friday, Bar will be open for a Folk April 8.

Night with South Hill Park will be welcomi Antoine, Owena and Guests. ng My Iris is an imaginative audiences back in April with and thrilling a variety of band that Combining original material represents the front rank productions, promising there with of their own take on some tradition will never UK jazz bringing a unique be a dull moment. al platform for songs, this duo delivers an individual expression. eclectic mix The Wilde Sundays event on Sunday, of songs and tunes which enthuse Everyone’s favourite ogre April 3 sees award-winning and is back acoustic entertai n. this Easter in South Hill Park’s harmony duo Dragonfly hilarious Sky perform.

Katie Markham stage leads spectacl a superJoining them are Union Blue, e, based on the Oscaran talented six-piece band through winning smash hit film and acoustic duo playing a wide Broadway range of favourite Adele hits in the musical. music from Blues through Country to internationally acclaime Bringing all the beloved d show, light Rock. characters Someone Like You – The you know from the film to Adele Also on the bill is The Grand life on stage, Songbook, on Thursday, Old Shrek The Musical, running April 21. from Mon, 1, 2 Step Dance Academ y presents

their biennial showcase of dance, Celebrating 15 Years, over the weekend of April 23-24.

The show will explore a variety of dance styles with fabulous costumes and creative choreog raphy as they revisit their shows through the years.

The Studio Theatre Compan y are back with their next show Salomé running from Wednesday, April 27, through to Saturday, April 30. Set on the terrace of Herod’s palace in 30AD during one of the Tetrarch s illustrious banquets, Oscar Wilde’s extraordinary early work, tells the story of Salomé the beautiful and seductive stepdau ghter of Herod.

BRACKNELL RANGERS booked their place in the Bracknell & District League Sunday Senior Cup final with victory over William Twigg.

Rangers made a quick start to their semi-final contest against Twigg by opening the scoring four minutes into the match just when Nick William slotted in.

Bracknell used the momentu m from their fantastic start to double their lead in the 18th minute put themselves in a commandto position in the cup tie when ing William grabbed his brace by converting from close range.

Twigg weren’t able to reply in the second-half as Rangers managed to keep a clean sheet hold on to their 2-0 advantage and to progress to the final.

Bracknell’s win sets up a final date against Wokingha m & Emmbrook on Sunday, May 8 where the two sides will battle it out for the silverware.

The Sumas’ Sunday side are currently sixth in the Bracknell & District Sunday League Premier Division, while Bracknell Rangers are third in the same division.

Thirteen points currently separate the teams in the table as Bracknell have six wins from while the Sumas have won 10, two of their 11 league games.

When the sides last met in league in October, Bracknell the ran out as 3-1 winners.

Thursday, March 24, 2022

n Full football round-up and pictures on pages 20 & 21

Mary Rose on Thursday, April 28, will leave you spellbound by its mystical nature and moved by its deepest yearnings to be reunited with the we love, and offering a message ones of hope.

Following a sensational sell out run at Edinburgh Fringe, Back To Black: The Music of Amy Wineho use, takes you on a moving yet energisin g journey through the career of a modern legend on Saturday, April 30.

And across the month, there will be a range of screenings in its cinema, including family-friendly treats, and some of the latest releases . n For more information, log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

A SECONDARY school in Arborfield Green is set to add a sixth form next year, following a campaign by parents.

The Bohunt School in Arborfield had its expansion approved by Wokingham Borough Council at an executive meeting on Tuesday, March 22.

The expansion will create sixthform capacity in the rural south of Wokingham borough, which currently has two schools serving 11- to 16-yearolds. The other is Oakbank Secondary School at Ryeish Green in Shinfield.

At the moment, most students attending Bohunt and Oakbank continue their education at other schools and colleges outside the borough.

Cllr Graham Howe, executive member for children’s services, said: “Enriching lives and championing outstanding education are one of our key priorities and the creation of a sixth form at Bohunt School will allow more children and young people to enjoy these benefits close to where they live.

“We also know from consulting our residents that there is strong support for this idea so we will work closely with the trust to find a way to make it happen.”

The Bohunt Education Trust, which has run the school since it opened in 2016, will contribute at least £2 million towards the project and will work in partnership with the council to provide the expansion.

The sixth-form is likely to open in September 2023, and would offer academic subjects as A-levels as well as the vocational equivalents. n Continued on page 4

No. 356 90p

SPRING FORWARD Summer time starts this weekend

TAKING ROOT: Borough plants more trees • P36

Asian families targeted by gold thieves

Burglars raiding homes for precious jewellery

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today ASIAN families in Earley and Wokingham feel they are being targeted by thieves.

A number of burglaries have taken place across the borough in recent months with family jewellery specifically being stolen.

Incidents have been reported in Kenton Road, Sevenoaks Road,

Henley Wood Road, The Crescent, Sutcliffe Avenue and Finch Road.

Victims to these burglaries have all been of Asian descent, mostly Indian and Chinese.

Kajal Mathur’s home was targeted on Saturday, January 22, the day of her wedding anniversary.

She said: “When we were burgled there were four attacks on that day, two in Wokingham and two in Earley. n Continued on page 34

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FAMILY NOTICES IRELAND, Janet Wife of David Ireland former Mayor of Wokingham, and mother to Sian and Ceinwen, grandmother to Lauren, Harry and James died peacefully in hospital on 10th March 2022.

Funeral at Alcester Baptist Church, Alcester, Warwickshire 2pm, Tuesday 29th March 2022.

Family flowers only please.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made to the NSPCC via Hemming and Peace Funeral Directors (Alcester) in Janet’s name.

A life well lived and loved.

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Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Daniel Blackham, Natalie Burton, Jake Clothier 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.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 24, 2022

Get ready for PPPexit ... Council brings its ASB team in house

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

one-stop-shop to tackle all sorts of nuisance behaviours that negatively impact our residents’ lives.

NEXT week, Wokingham borough “The new service will be available leaves the Public Protection seven days a week, including Partnership (PPP) set up with other weekend nights and all-day Sunday, local councils, so it can go it alone. because we know that is when a lot PPPexit will bring, says council of nuisance behaviours happen. leader John Halsall, huge benefits to The team will also be proactive and the borough. go out patrolling known trouble hot “The whole point of bringing spots to stop problems before they the PPP back into the borough is to happen.” animal warden to handle stray dogs, get close to the people, and offer a And Cllr Halsall said: “These tackle animal neglect and promote seven-day-a-week, 365-day-a-year services really need to be local and responsible ownership. service. We don’t offer a 24-hourrespond to local requirements, they The team will also work closely a-day service yet, but if that was also need to be working during the with food safety officers who in necessary we would,” he explained. weekend. turn work with retailers, pubs and Under the changes, from Friday, “The system is designed to restaurants, and will have licensing April 1, residents having problems residents should be able to ring officers overseeing alcohol sales, with anti-social behaviour will be or contact Wokingham Borough betting shops, arcades and taxis as able to tap into the new in house Council, and officers should be able well as a housing team supervising team, which Cllr Halsall says will to respond to them.” landlords in the private rented work closely with the 17 towns and And referring to recent latesector. parishes in the borough. night anti-social behaviour in Cllr Bill Soane, executive It will work with Environmental Wokingham town centre, and member for neighbourhoods and Health, Private Housing, concerns that the new service communities, said: “We are pleased Environmental Protection and stops work while some late-night to launch this new service for our Licensing departments, and bring to venues are still open, he said: “Until residents, which brings together a an end the existing service run by we have the service in place, we will not be sure what demand we will be serving. It’s obviously not sensible to have officers paid anti-social hour 3URXGO\ VHUYLQJ WKH ORFDO FRPPXQLW\ premiums to sit and do nothing.

“But if there is a :H FUHDWH HYHU\ IXQHUDO LQGLYLGXDOO\ MXVW IRU \RX demand, we will adapt to that demand.

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Residents can email &DOO XV IRU LPPHGLDWH VXSSRUW DGYLFH RU WR DUUDQJH D KRPH YLVLW asb@wokingham.gov. uk, call 0118 974 6000 :H DUH KHUH WR KHOS KRXUV D GD\ between 9am and 5pm 3UHSDLG IXQHUDO SODQV DOVR DYDLODEOH on weekdays, and at all other times call 0800 212 111, asking for the PLOHVIXQHUDOV FRP anti-social team.

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West Berkshire Council.

The PPP will continue to provide Trading Standards and some other services that would benefit from a regional approach.

But Cllr Halsall felt that the PPPexit would allow council officers to work more closely with police, community safety team and the council’s housing anti-social behaviour officer, providing a coordinated response to issues that arise.

Issues they will tackle include domestic noise nuisance, unauthorised street trading or charity collections, flytipping, bonfires, abandoned vehicles, nuisance vehciels, fly posting , and disturbances.

At launch, there will be 10 team members, who will work from 8am to 6pm Monday to Thursdays, 8am to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 1pm to 9pm on Sundays.

This will be reviewed after an initial period to see what is required for the winter.

The new service includes an

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Across the generations, the ancient art of hedgelaying

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today THE youngest members of a country family are learning the traditional skills of hedgelaying, passed down by two generations.

The centuries-old skill ticks all the right boxes for the 21st century battle to improve biodiversity, encouraging our wildlife to thrive.

Laid hedges are specially cut to make them thicker and healthier, providing creatures better refuge from cold, wind and predators. They also provide more food, like berries and seeds.

The Girdler family of Hurst has a big project under way to lay hedges at Stanlake Park Wine Estate on the Twyford/Hurst boundary.

Their work has special meaning.

Richard Girdler, 67, was born on the estate where his father Percy was one of five gardeners. “It’s nice to be back here doing this work, it’s all come full circle,” he said.

The trunk of a 100-year-old vine, which Percy tended, is a feature of Stanlake’s shop and wine bar.

Workers at the estate used to call a walled area there ‘Percy’s Acre’.

Richard, taught by his dad, is now teaching his son James, 30, who went to St Nicholas Primary, Hurst and The Forest School, Winnersh, and James’s girlfriend, Amy Walduck who is based in Norfolk.

“We’re absorbing as much knowledge from Dad as we can, so we can take over the reins going forward. It’s passing the billhook [hedgelayers’ sharp cutting tool] to the next generation,” said James.

“About four years ago I saw Dad struggling with a heavy elm tree and mentioned it to Mum. She suggested I help him, so I did.” He found he loved the work.

James and Amy are also learning ancient folklore. “Dad checks that I’ve asked elder trees for permission to cut into them before I do it. And of course I do that,” said James.

Daniel Goss-Custard who owns Stanlake with his family aims to use sustainable and environmentally friendly traditional practices where possible on the estate.

Commissioning the Girdlers to do hundreds of metres of hedgelaying was part of that.

TEAM WORK: James Girdler and his father Richard with a hedge section they’ve laid in Waltham Road between Twyford and Hurst Pictures: Sue Corcoran

NATURE’S FINEST: James Girdler and his father Richard with a hedge section they’ve laid in Waltham Road between Twyford and Hurst Richard and James started the hedge along Waltham Road in January 2021. Amy came to help this February.

“We work from October when the hedges are more dormant, stopping around March for the nesting birds and when the buds are opening,” said James.

“We’re working at the worst time of the year, in cold and grim weather.

I come home with hands like teabags from the thorns and soaking wet.

It’s hard graft but at the same time rewarding and therapeutic.

“Hedgelaying, traditionally called pleaching or plashing, is getting better known. It just needs more people to learn it. It’s good for

STAKE OUT: Amy Walduck with James Girdler’s dog Shadow in Ruscombe Wood with stakes and stems ready for hedgelaying

couples to do together.”

The hedgelaying goes hand in glove with another traditional skill, coppicing at Ruscombe Wood, off Castle End Road. Locals call it the bluebell wood.

Richard is a member of the Friends of Ruscombe Wood who maintain the wood, promoting its wildlife. It’s the group’s 30th anniversary this year.

Coppicing involves cutting trees and shrubs to ground level, promoting strong and healthy regrowth for future use, said James.

The cut branches provide the hazel stakes and thinner binding stems for hedgelaying.

James said a neglected hedge

could become tall, overgrown and even collapse. Laying a hedge promotes new growth, a strong boundary and a legacy for the future.

“It’s creating something new, from something old, a rebirth to the hedge’s former glory.

“I see birds flocking to the laid sections which are full of wildlife.

It’s sustainable and cost effective,” he added.

The Girdlers use the Midlands hedgelaying style.

When he is not hedgelaying James runs his Old Things New business, making furniture and bespoke metal designs. n He and Richard can be contacted by emailing: james@oldthingsnew.co.uk

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Woman in 80s dies following collision A WOMAN in her 80s died followed a collision between a lorry and a car in Grazeley.

She was a passenger in a purple Citroen C4, and died while being take to hospital.

The other vehicle involved was a white Scania HGV. The drivers of the Citreon and HGV sustained minor injuries, and the family of the passenger are being supported by specially trained officers.

The incident took place on Fullers Lane in Grazeley at its junction Burnthouse Lane, around 12.20pm on Wednesday, March 16, and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Darren Brown of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “My thoughts remain with the woman’s family at this time.

“I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this collision or either vehicle prior to the incident to please get in touch.

“If you were in the area around the time and have dash-cam footage, I’d also ask that you check any recordings in case it has captured something that could assist our investigation.

“You can make a report by calling 101 or via our website, quoting reference 43220115235.”

Lateral flow test centre to close A WOKINGHAM town centre lateral flow test centre is to close.

The last day of the facility at Shute End is this Saturday, March 26.

It is closing following government decision they will no longer be providing free universal symptomatic and asymptomatic testing to the public in England from Friday, April 1.

Depending on available stock, a booth offering home testing kits may run outside Wokingham Borough Council’s offices from Monday, March 28, until Wednesday, March 30.

A number of mobile units will run early next week. Updates on locations will be posted on the borough council’s Covid-19 testing page.

PCR testing sites will be closing on Wednesday, March 30, including the drive through centre at in the Dinton Pastures Country Park overflow car park. Appointments must be booked advance at gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test The walk-in vaccination centre at Wokingham Library will remain open.

4 | NEWS

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Council announces plans to tackle late-night car meets in Wokingham WOKINGHAM Borough Council has unveiled plans for new powers to tackle car meets and drag racing in the town.

This move follows a number of car meets in the town centre which is having a negative impact on residents.

At the extraordinary executive on Tuesday, March 22, Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhood and communities, presented plans to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

The PSPO will give the council more power to respond to anti-social vehicle use in car parks, drag racing on roads and drifting around roundabouts.

The PSPO would make it an offence to take part in, organise, promote or attend these activities.

Failing to comply with the PSPO could lead to a conviction and a fine of up to £1,000, council officers and the police would also have the power to

issue on-the-spot fines of £100.

Cllr Soane said: “The PSPO is a powerful tool for the Council to stamp out the problem of car meets and dangerous driving in Wokingham borough.

“Councillors across the borough have raised concerns from local residents about this issue, and we’re acting to deal with it.”

Consultation on the plans will take place following the 2022 local elections on Thursday, May 5.

Bohunt gets green light for sixth form n Continued from front page

Its size would depend on several factors but the council expects to offer between 200 and 300 places.

The scheme will also require planning permission to expand the building from two storeys to three.

To ensure it served the community, admissions from outside the school could be limited to 15 students.

Neil Strowger, trust leader at Bohunt Education Trust said: “We are committed to ensuring students have every opportunity to succeed and, to this end, we are always looking at ways to develop our offer for students, our staff and our wider school community.

“We are thrilled to be on the

verge of being able to offer this new provision at Bohunt School, which is so well supported and needed by the Wokingham community.”

The expansion will also create more places for 11- to 16-year-olds and improve the school’s provision for children

with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).

An additional 30 places for year seven students could be available from September 2022.

The expansion will require approval from Nadhim Zahawi, the secretary of state for education.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 24, 2022

Call for domestic abuse partner to improve offering UPDATE: There have been concerns over the lack of a refugee for domestic abuse victims in Wokingham Picture: Ulrike Mai from Pixabay

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today WOKINGHAM Borough Council is calling on its domestic abuse partner to improve its performance.

Cranstoun took over the domestic abuse support service last year after it was awarded a £1.5million contract, a 55% increase in funding.

At an extraordinary executive meeting held on Tuesday, March 22, leader of the council, Cllr John Halsall said: “We have not yet seen the full benefits of that increased investment and so have intervened to improve the performance of our contractor Cranstoun.”

Cranstoun has been criticised for not opening a new refuge for victims fleeing domestic abuse.

Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, councils in England must assess the need for support in their area, including the demand for “safe“ accommodation.

They must also “commission support to victims of domestic abuse and their children” who are living in refuge centres.

In last week’s edition of Wokingham.Today, a spokesperson for Cranstoun said: “The refuge provision was withheld by the previous provider when the service went live in July 2021.

“The contract covers the support and management of refuge provision.”

Cllr John Halsall clarified the contract does state Cranstoun is required to open a new refuge in the borough.

He said: “To be clear, part of Cranstoun’s contract is to open a new refuge to increase capacity

in the borough and they have failed to do this to date, which has left the borough relying on the existing refuge only.

“We are requiring that Cranstoun either open a new refuge within the borough or surrender that part of the contract, and the funding accompanying it, so we can find a different provider who can open an additional refuge.”

In November, the council granted funding to Berkshire Women’s Aid to provide a refuge until March this year.

Cllr John Halsall also said the council requires Cranstoun to have a 24-hour staffed phone line which will be up and running within “a few weeks”.

Following the article on domestic abuse in last week’s Wokingham.Today, Cllr John Halsall said: “It is necessary to correct the misleading and potentially dangerous impression given by the front page article.

“Contrary to the headline, the current domestic abuse service is not ‘failing victims’ nor is there a ‘lack of refuge for those fleeing homes’ – in fact, this inaccurate claim is particularly worrying as it may deter victims from leaving abusive situations.

“Refuge is provided to any borough resident who is fleeing domestic abuse without exception.

“In addition, our domestic abuse service is meeting all its statutory requirements – this is not a failing service.

“It would be perfectly reasonable for your newspaper to highlight areas where improvement is needed – but that is very different from the irresponsible suggestion that domestic abuse victims are being failed.”

How to get help

In a non-emergency, victims of domestic abuse can: Call 101 or make a report on the Thames Valley Police website Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 Contact Women’s Aid via: www. womensaid.org.uk Call the Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010327 Call Mankind, a helpline for male victims: 01823 334244 Call Galop, for members of the LGBT+ community: 0800 999 5428 Contact Victims First via: www.victimsfirst.org.uk Call Flag DV for free legal advice for Domestic Abuse: 0800 731 0055 Call SAFE! For victims of crime aged 5 – 18: 0800 1337938

n Letters page 30

Council leader urges caution as covid rates rise THE leader of Wokingham Borough Council is urging residents to remain cautious as Covid-19 rates rise.

For the week ending Wednesday, March 16, the case rate in Wokingham borough was 831.9 per 100,000.

Cllr John Halsall, leader of the council, said: “These case numbers need to be interpreted with caution, as they are dependent on testing behaviour, the true case number and rate of covid is likely to be significantly higher.

“There is no doubt that there has been a sharp rise in cases.”

This trend is being seen across the region with neighbouring Reading and Bracknell Forest also seeing increases.

Experts believe this is due to a change in behaviour following the relaxing of covid guidelines as well as a new subvariant of Omicron, BA.2.

Cllr Halsall said: “As we move towards April there is likely to be less testing, less isolation, less mask wearing and consequently significantly more transmission.”

This week the NHS launched its spring booster campaign and eligible groups include residents of older adult care homes, people who are 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed aged 12 and over.

The council is also working to launch a five- to 11-yearold vaccination programme in the first week of April, also

accessible at the Wokingham Library clinic.

Residents who are eligible can attend the walk-in vaccination centre between 2pm and 7pm on Fridays and 11am to 4.45pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Cllr Halsall asked all residents to “work together” to minimise the transmission of covid.

He said: “We need to be understanding of those that live alongside us, and to take actions to minimise transmission and protect vulnerable residents, by staying at home if you are unwell, testing if you have symptoms, wearing masks in crowded spaces and ventilating indoor spaces.

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Thursday, March 24, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

All eyes Focused on Wokingham Festival

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today

IN FOCUS: The Dutch prog rock band will be headlining this year’s Wokingham Festival Picture: Rens Plaschek

ALL EYES will be on Wokingham Festival this August bank holiday weekend.

Organisers have announced that Dutch prog rock band Focus will headline the Cantley Park event on Monday, August 29.

Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, the band are calling in on the festival as part of their 50th anniversary tour.

They are best known for hits including Hocus Pocus, House of the King and Sylvia, and critically acclaimed albums Moving Waves, Focus 3 and Hamburger Concerto.

Speaking to Wokingham.

Today in January, the festival’s founder Stan Hetherington said that Focus is the “biggest band we’ve ever booked.”

The live music offering will continue to be the usual mixture of local, regional and national music artists.

Joining Focus on Monday’s main stage bill are The Room, Keplar Ten and The Honey Pot and local bands The Paradox Twin and Third Lung.

“It’s important for us to give local bands the

opportunity to perform on the same billing as some big names,” Mr Hetherington explained.

Headlining on the opening day of the festival, Saturday, August 27, is Pink Floyd tribute band Crazy Diamond.

Up-tempo dance, soul, funk and rock cover band Dance Cult 10 top the bill on Sunday, August 28.

Other main stage bands include Mr Grey’s Jailhouse Jukebox, Bottle Kids, Flutatious and Kindred Spirit.

Wokingham Music Club is back with a stage showcasing up-and-coming talent from across the UK. Singer-songwriter That Joe

Payne returns to the festival to headline, following his first appearance in 2019. Some of the other artists announced so far include B J Bevy, Deva St John, Aaron Cilia, Reliant, Split the Dealer, Leoni Jane Kennedy, Mike Wagner, Rye Wolf, In Albion, Nora Mac, and Rocket Kings.

Alongside the music on offer at the three-day festival, organisers have promised a variety of activities for children and families and a range of food and drinks stands.

Ian Wisdom and the Twyford Beer Festival team will once again be running the beer tent.

It will have a selection of more than 40 specialist craft beers, ciders and perries from local and national breweries on tap for thirsty punters to choose from and be raising money for male cancer charity, Orchid.

Tickets for the festival have already gone on sale.

Under 18s will require a ticket in order to help manage numbers.

Early bird tickets for Under 18s are free. Adult weekend passes are on offer at £25 for a limited time, which is a saving od £23 on daily gate prices.

TEAM EFFORT: The TT Runners

Trail running club raise £1,300 for Ukraine appeal A TRAIL running club based in Shinfield has raised more than £1,300 for the Ukraine emergency fund.

Members of the TT Runners took part in the event earlier this month, running through the Coombes in Arborfield.

They were joined by runners from other trail clubs for the route, which

saw them run six miles and walk for a further four.

Participants could make donations to the DEC humanitarian appeal for Ukrane via a JustGiving page, and £1,316 has been given. n To add to the appeal, log on to: https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/tom-silk3

n For more information, visit: wokinghamfestival.co.uk

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 24, 2022

Hatches battened down as council prepares for economic storm EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today THE HATCHES are being battened down as the council prepares for an economic downturn.

Council leader John Halsall warned that the financial picture for the immediate future was uncertain.

Last week, the Bank of England raised interest rates in a bid to stem rising inflation, which is expected to reach 10% later this year, the highest it has been since the 1980s.

Households are facing rising energy bills, the cost of fuel has soared, and everything from stamps to food costs are also increasing rapidly.

“There is no doubt about it – we’re going to go into some sort of recession,” Cllr Halsall said. “The borough council has no alternative but to look at all its discretionary spending to make sure we’re not doing something which we shouldn’t be, which uses a lot of money because we will need that money for other things.

“I can’t change the prevailing winds, and they are unpleasant. What I can do is navigate through them, which is what I’ve done successfully in the past.”

He said that while the council had worked on a number of discretionary spend items that were beneficial to residents, if there was a recession, then the council would need to look again at future projects.

“I don’t know what it means at the moment,” he said. “All I know if that we’ll have to get out pencils out and our budget out and have a real look at where the pressures are coming from.

“We are going to have to support more people than we would have had to before, we will have a greater pressure on the housing list, increases in demand on adult services, children’s services and schools.”

He warned: “It’s very uncertain times.”

As a result of the covid pandemic,

Councillors are looking at Wokingham’s finances in light of rising costs Wokingham Borough Council has brought together a number of voluntary sector groups through a community partnership based in Erftstadt Court.

“We have all the architecture in place to address all issues that come up,” Cllr Halsall said.

With one eye on May’s forthcoming elections, he said: “You really need to back the experienced team who has done this before, and demonstrated success. It is too risky to have an inexperienced team.”

Wokingham Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Clive Jones was also concerned about council’s finances.

“The next couple years is going to be very difficult for residents,” he said.

“The cost of living crisis is beginning to hit, it hasn’t hit everybody yet. But I’m sure that an awful lot of people are seeing that their food bills are rising, the cost of fuel is now going through the roof, energy bills, they’re all going to be going up over the next few months.

“Everything that the council is going to be trying to do over the next couple years, the costs are going to be going up and up and up.

“All of this was discussed when the budget came to Overview and Scrutiny committee at the back end of last year, and it was very clear that there were going to be some difficulties ahead/ “We just did not know what the increases in building costs and raw materials were going to be.

“And we also didn’t know what the

costs of general inflation was going to be.”

He warned that if the Liberal Democrats took control of the council in May, they would have to work with the budget that was agreed at last month’s council meeting.

“We will have to stay within the budget envelope that has already been agreed for the next financial year,” he said. “We won’t have any choice.

“We will make some different calls from the Conservatives, but I have every confidence we would run the council efficiently and effectively.”

Cllr Rachel Burgess, the leader of the Wokingham Labour group, said that the financial picture would add pressures to the council.

“The rising cost of living is already hitting people in Wokingham hard,” she said. “Instead of taking real action that would alleviate the crisis, the Conservative government have done the opposite, slashing Universal Credit by £1,000 a year, and introducing a rise in National Insurance tax at the worst possible time.

“When people are feeling the pinch, the Conservatives are asking people to pay more. This will undoubtedly have an effect on the demand for Council services and put more strain on the Council’s budget, a budget already hit hard by 12 years of continuing Conservative austerity.

“Meanwhile oil and gas companies are making obscene profits from the spike in energy prices. I back Labour’s plan for a one-off windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas profits which would see those most in need getting up to £600 off their energy bills. It’s time these companies were asked to contribute.

“By contrast, the Conservatives are forcing people to take out a £200 loan via their energy bills, only to have no choice but be forced to pay it back from 2023. This ‘buy now, pay later’ approach to the energy crisis is patently inadequate – and of little comfort to those in Wokingham most hard hit by the breathtaking rise in energy prices.”

Eclectic Games make moves on Town Hall

By Natalie Burton nburton@wokingham.today A TABLETOP board gaming event is returning to Wokingham next month.

Wokingham Town Council has teamed up with Eclectic Games of Reading for a town hall takeover on Saturday, April 9.

Board game fans — or those who are game-curious — will be welcomed by the shop’s team to try new game or meet new people on the day.

There will be a wide selection of easy to learn and re-playable modern games available to suit all ages.

Becky Ottery, owner of Eclectic, is looking forward to the store’s first post-covid event in Wokingham.

“We have lots of customers who come from Wokingham, so it will be great to be on their home turf,” she said.

“And we have thought carefully about which games to bring along that are easy to wipe down, so we can be covid-friendly.

“This means that the games the are pub and beer festival friendly too.”

Ms Ottery said that the games have also been chosen for being straightforward, rewarding, affordable and suitable for two to four players. Eclectic Games will bring stock of each game with them for those keen to take their own copies home.

Among the selection of games that Eclectic have chosen is colour matching game Qwirkle. Players can also chose to electrify 19th century France in Paris: La Cite De La Lumiere or create swarms of sea monsters with tile placement game Aqualin.

Visitors can try their hand at strategy games such as Abandon All Artichokes,

ALL-AGE FUN: A table-top games event will be held at Wokingham Town Hall next month. The previous one, pictured here, was held in 2020 Picture: Steve Smyth Living Forest and Ingenious, rob trains in Colt Express and build Egyptian pyramids in Imhotep. There is also an opportunity to fight mutant monsters, gigantic robots and aliens to be crowned King of Tokyo.

Cllr Sally Gurney, who represents Evendons East on the town council, said that she is delighted that the event is returning.

“We invite you to plant trees, rob trains, build pyramids, set giant monsters

loose, light up the city and much more,” she said.

“Whether you’re a seasoned player of games or just curious and looking for something new to challenge your friends and family, I look forward to sharing the magic with you, and hope you will be able to join us.”

There will be two sessions, 9.30am until 12.30pm and 2pm to 5pm. Tickets cost £4. n For more details or to book, visit: ticketsource.co.uk/ wokingham

Help youngsters cycle safely with My Journey Wokingham HELP is needed to teach youngsters across Wokingham borough how to be safe on their bikes.

My Journey Wokingham, which runs the Bikeability proficiency scheme in schools, is looking for instructors to join them.

The majority of courses are taught to Year Six — 10 to 11 years old — primary school children.

People with a love of cycling and regular road experience are asked to get in touch with the My Journey Wokingham team.

Successful applicants will receive training on how to teach the three Bikeability levels from Avanti Cycling.

Once they have passed the 1st 4 Sport level two course in instructing cycle training, they will be able to teach children and adults throughout the UK the skills they need to be confident on their bikes.

The course is over five days.

Modules include risk management and teaching skills, as well as learning about the three Bikeability levels. n For more information, visit: myjourneywokingham.com

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Earley church team to leave this summer

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@wokingham.today A HUSBAND and wife ministry team are preparing to move on from the parish they have served for seven years.

The Revds Dr Philip and Hannah Hobday are set to leave Earley St Peter’s this summer.

Earlier this month, the pair announced their forthcoming departure, and said they had been glad to share life with the church and the community.

Both vicars will be taking up new positions at other churches, with Dr Hobday becoming a residentiary canon at Wakefield Cathedral, and Mrs Hobday becoming a priest for three churches in Wakefield.

But they are intending to make the most of their final months with the parish.

“We’re not going just yet,” Dr Hobday said.

“We’ve got the jubilee and the church’s Easter celebrations still to come.”

Dr Hobday also said that they both had mixed feelings about moving on from the parish.

“We’ve been given opportunities that we’d love to take on, such as working in a cathedral.

“But its sad to have to leave

a community of caring, vibrant, and welcoming – and is still growing.”

Both expect to finish their work at the parish by the end of July, when they’ll begin the moving process.

Dr Hobday spoke of the many memories they’d made at the parish, and of the things they’d learned during their time at St Peter’s, including during the pandemic.

One of his stand-out memories was when more than 200 people from across the community contributed drawings of flowers to display on the church fence last Easter.

“We had children from Earley St Peter’s Primary School, people from other churches, people of different faiths and no faith all contributing.

“It felt like a moment of hope in a community that was going through some really troubled time.”

He also spoke of the parish’s visit from the previous bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, shortly before his retirement.

“We celebrated with him, since it was his last visit before he retired, and it was church at the very best it could be.”

“We’ll also remember the couples we married, those little encounters and connections.”

Mrs Hobday added: “We’ve been welcomed and accepted by the community, and that’s helped us to welcome and accept others into it too.”

The couple have served the parish together, and said that the joint leadership had been a gift to them both.

“We’ve learned from it – it reminds you about perspectives you might have overlooked.

“It also reminds you that leadership is not necessarily about having a strong leader, its more about the sharing and consideration of perspectives.”

The pair said that they would miss the parish, but that the lessons they learned would stay with them however the future looked.

They said: “We have, together, seen our church family grow during difficult times, and are grateful particularly to our ministry team, churchwardens, and parish staff who always go the extra mile to help.”

“We’re pleased to be able to celebrate the Jubilee and Easter with the parish before we go.”

HANDOVER: Wokingham Lib Dem councillors with their housing numbers petition at Parliament on Monday Picture: Adrian Betteridge

Housing numbers petition given to government A PETITION aimed at seeing action over Wokingham borough’s housing targets was delivered on Monday.

A group of Lib Dem councillors headed to Westminster to give the petition to Michael Gove, the minister for levelling up.

The party says that Wokingham is expected to build 16,000 new homes over the next 20 years, something that its group leader, Cllr Clive Jones, says is unfair.

When he launched the petition, he said: “Councils who have worked with developers to deliver high numbers of new homes in the last

15 years should not be expected to do the same again in the next 20 years.”

The party acknowledges that homes are needed, particularly affordable and one-, two-, and three-bed homes and bungalows.

The petition, which gathered several hundred signatures, asked the government to avoid turning Wokingham borough into an urban sprawl.

Cllr Jones said: “On Monday, a group of Lib Dem councillors went to London to deliver our petition to have the number of houses in Wokingham reduced.

“We had a pretty good response.”

Woman kissed in assault A MAN from Woodley has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on a woman.

Thames Valley Police said that it relates to an incident near to Bulmershe

Leisure Centre, off Woodlands Avenue in the town.

It took place around 9.20am on Friday, March 18.

Police said that a woman in her 30s was subjected to

inappropriate touching and was kissed by the offender.

Anybody who witnessed this incident can call 101, quoting reference 43220118271.

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Carnival Hub opening date will be nine weeks ahead of schedule

Call for crafters to join jubilee project CRAFTERS who live in Twyford have been inviting to join a project to decorate the village .

Valerie Thorn is coordinating a group to make red, white and blue bunting for the centre to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

She would like anyone who would like to help make the decorations, or who has fabric to donate, to get in touch.

The scheme has the support of Cllr Stephen Conway, who said hopes people support the initiative. “Bunting in the village will be a visible way to mark this great event,” he said.

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM Borough Council has announced the opening date for a new leisure centre.

Now taking registrations

The new Wokingham Leisure Centre at Carnival Hub is set to open its doors on Wednesday, June 29, nine weeks ahead of schedule. The new library space is expected to follow soon after.

Places Leisure will manage the multi-million pound sports and leisure facility Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said the centre will be one of the borough council’s flagship leisure facilities.

“It’s been exciting seeing the plans for the Hub come together over the years,” he said.

“Wokingham Leisure Centre at Carnival Hub will offer so much more than the old pool building ever could.”

Facilities include a six-lane swimming pool with viewing gallery, a teaching pool with a moveable depth floor to help accommodate a wide range of activities and sessions and a children’s splash pad with water jets and fountains.

“Residents will be able enjoy the facilities at the Hub over the summer holidays, especially children’s splash pad zone,” Cllr Batth added.

n For more information, email Ms Thorn: veridian9@gmail.com

Sing in to Spring

NEARLY THERE: Work on Carnival Hub is progressing at a pace Picture: Stewart Turkington There will be a health suite featuring an aromatic citrus steam room and detoxifying salt room, an 120 station fitness suite, an immersive group cycling studio, two further studios for classes, a fourcourt sports hall and a range of changing areas.

Also available will be a specialist gym for those with long term health conditions.

The library is set scheduled to open later in the summer, pending fit out and finalising arrangements for the transfer of books and equipment from the existing

Denmark Street building.

More than one kilometre of shelving needs to be installed, ready to hold over 55,000 library books and items.

Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhoods and communities, said that move is an opportunity for the borough council to expand the library service “We know residents love our libraries and we hope to tempt a new audience to come and find out what they have to offer whilst they are at the Hub,” he said.

Plans include offering computers and dedicated study areas, a children’s reading area, an exhibition area and improved meeting rooms.

The Hub will have a large café in the entrance area, and it is planned that spaces such as the sports hall and library meeting rooms can be put to cultural use.

“We wanted to make sure the Hub becomes a real community building, which is we’re also placing a focus on the cultural side of the space,” Cllr Soane explained.

“The regeneration was an

opportunity to talk to local groups about how they might use the Hub.” Professional theatre advisors worked with the borough council to enable the sports hall to be used as a performance area.

It has extending bleacher seating which can accommodate audiences of up to 400 people, along with a flexible modular stage and stage curtaining.

Membership and hire details for Wokingham Leisure Centre will be published

by Places Leisure later this year.

A WOKINGHAM choir is holding a fundraising Spring concert next month.

Sing Healthy Choirs Wokingham will raise money for The Link Visiting Scheme.

Members of the choir will be performing Fauré Requiem and a selection of seasonal music accompanied by an organ on Saturday, April 2.

The concert takes place at Wokingham Baptist Church on Milton Road, starting at 7:30pm.

Tickets cost £12 adults, £8 under 16 years. n For more information or to book tickets, visit: singhealthy. co.uk

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Easter trail plan FIRST Days, a Wokinghambased charity which works towards ending child poverty, is raising funds with Easter activities at Dinton Pastures.

The event includes a 2km trail, word puzzles, Easter eggs, and online competitions.

Families can take part in finding the giant egg, and guessing the number of chocolate eggs in the jar.

Winners can take home a craft gift bag as well as the chocolate eggs. Maps of the trail will be available to buy.

The Easter Hop takes place from Monday, April 4, to Friday, April 22.

Hospital fete date BERKSHIRE Hospitals Summer fete is back for another year, returning on Saturday, June 18.

The fete will be taking place Victoria recreational Ground in Reading.

The annual event is organised by the Friends of Berkshire Hospitals, previously the League of Friends of Royal Berkshire Hospital This year marks 65 years of the League of Friends supporting the hospital in Reading.

The ward’s first major project to support the hospital in 1967 raised £2,000 towards developing patient rooms for burns cases and overnight stays.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 24, 2022

Wokingham comes together to support Ukrainian refugees

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

“WE’RE READY to get on with it,” says council leader John Halsall over plans to welcome Ukrainian refugees to Wokingham.

The borough has been busy over the past few weeks preparing for an unknown number of people fleeing the European country, following Putin’s decision to declare war on his neighbouring country.

Details from the government are still being worked out, but the Cllr Halsall says that the council has deployed officers to the task in the same way that they supported vulnerable residents during the early stages of the covid pandemic.

As well as helping residents prepare their homes, under the government’s Homes For Ukraine scheme, the council team are looking at all aspects of life that Ukrainians settling in Wokingham will need help with, including education, childcare, employment, community support, and health needs.

“We’re mobilising all the officers to welcome the refugees and make sure they’re safe, secure and happy,” he said. “That’s not as easily said and done because Ukraine is getting destroyed.

“The Russian objective is to flatten Ukraine. There is nothing to go back to. We must plan that our refugees are going to be here indefinitely and possibly for ever.

HELP: Wokingham is preparing to welcome Ukrainain refugees Picture: Jasmine Yu on Unsplash “We must be welcoming and do the best that we can to ensure that all our residents are safe, secure, and happy.”

He continued: “I’m remarkably lucky, I’m sitting at the top, heading a really good council, with really good officers who are really responsible and capable of meeting the challenges, which are huge.

“We’ll meet them, because we have to.”

He warned: “There are huge, huge ramifications of this war, and it will stretch the council and officers to almost to a breaking point.

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“We won’t – we will rise to the challenge, and make it work.”

That includes drawing on the experience of officers to ensure that safeguarding measures are in place to help protect the vulnerable.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re doing everything we possible can to make the refugees we get feel welcome and secure.

“We’ve also got to look after existing residents who are expecting a continuation of services, and our existing substantial Ukrainian and Russian communities.

“We have a Ukrainian community, which we are reaching out to. We must ensure that we are doing all we can for them.

“We also have a Russian and a Belorussian community within the Borough, whoshould not be penalised for Vladimir Putin.

“We do not have an argument with the Russian people but with the Russian government, its dictator and his acolytes.

“We need to make this clear in anything we say and do.”

Unlike Reading Borough Council, Wokingham will not be organising an appeal to residents at this time, instead hoping to cover costs from council resources, grants and support from the government.

Cllr Halsall said that he also welcomed the support the council had received so far, from schools, doctors, teachers and the voluntary sector.

“All of whom have expressed the same welcome, and their will to participate in what we’re doing to the fullest extent, which is really encouraging. I’m really grateful.”

At the executive meeting on Tuesday night, Cllr Halsall also said he had written to the Prime Minister expressing his support for the plan to help Ukraine and its refugees. n Wokingham Borough Council has set up a special webpage for residents to track its support. It can be viewed at: www. wokingham.gov.uk/our-support-forukraine

Open air cinema returns to Dinton Pastures this summer OPEN air cinema events are coming back to a Wokingham borough country park this summer.

Dinton Pastures in Hurst will host five screenings between May and August.

The Gocinemas season begins with an event celebrating the music of indie band the Stone Roses on Saturday, May 21, between 6pm and 11pm.

It will start with a live DJ set from Darren Thomas which will be followed by

a showing of the critically acclaimed Stone Roses musical documentary Made of Stone.

There will also be a selection of street food available, including the specially designed Roses Bear Burger

from Sindlesham-based Bears Burgers & Chicken.

Drinks, including cocktails will be on offer from The Rollin’ Inn Mobile Bar. Limited tickets are available and cost £11.01 each, including booking fees.

The line up this year also includes The Greatest Showman, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and a double bill of Clueless and Legally Blonde.

n For more details, visit: gocinemas.co.uk/events

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Male Voice Choir sing up to help Red Cross’ efforts for Ukraine A CONCERT arranged in just two weeks has raised more than two grand for Ukraine.

Members of the Reading Male Voice Choir performed at Christ Church in Woodley on Saturday, March 12, in a bid to boost the coffers of the relief effort for refugees fleeing Putin’s invasion.

Joining the singers was Hannah Lebretch.

Everyone gave their time for free to maximise the amount raised for the Red Cross’ Ukraine appeal.

And the church was packed out: more than 100 people, including Wokingham Borough

mayor Cllr Keith Baker, attended.

In the event, the event raised £2,570.

Martin Butler, secretary of Reading Male Voice Choir, said:

Charities to get May Fayre boost

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today TWO Wokingham charities will receive a funding boost thanks to the annual May Fayre.

Wokingham Lions Club, which organises the annual event, has announced that The Link Visiting Scheme and JAC (Just Around the Corner) are its two chosen good causes.

The annual event sees

Wokingham town centre transformed into a wonderland for the day, with charity stalls, games to play, dance demonstrations, and more.

This year’s event takes place on May Day holiday Monday, May 2.

Andy Goffin, president of Wokingham Lions Club, said: “We are pleased to support these two worthy causes in our community.

“We are amazed, and give our thanks at the amount of support and funds raised from the community with this concert.”

The choir are back in action

again on Saturday, this time at St Edmund Campion Church in nearby Maidenhead. The music starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are free, with donations requested for the

Red Cross appeal. n For details, log on to rmvc.net, or search for Reading Male Voice Choir on TicketSource.

“The Link Visiting Scheme is a charity dedicated to reducing loneliness in the Wokingham Borough.

“JAC helps young people with special needs to find acceptance and employment.”

Volunteers in the Link Visiting Scheme help people who are isolated to feel connected and valued.

More than 400 volunteers help make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling with loneliness.

The charity is now located in Waterford House in Erfstadt Court, off Denmark Street.

JAC supports children with additional needs, autism spectrum conditions, and social and emotional needs.

It includes a charity shop, JAC in a Box, on Denmark Street, across from the library.

It is run by young people who are learning to deal with the public, and it may be a pipeline into future work for them.

Donations are needed, including household items and clothing in good condition.

The May Fayre is the Wokingham Lions Club’s biggest annual fundraising event, with all funds going to support local charities.

It also provides local organisations with an opportunity to raise additional funds and promote their activities.

Alan Rouse, May Fayre chairman, said: “The Wokingham May Fayre commenced in 1995, and is one of the largest street fairs in the south of England.

“After a two-year break, due to the covid pandemic, we are

delighted to organise the first major event on the refurbished Elms Field.”

The event will also take place on Denmark Street and Market Place.

“The main goal of the May Fayre is to provide a low-cost and fun family event, and enable local charities and other groups to raise money for their causes,” he continued.

“It’s a wonderful day out for families and people of all ages, where we celebrate the town’s culture on the stage, with many local groups performing.

“Our committee is working very hard to make it a success.”

Supporting over 8,000 families

n For more information, or to book a stall, email: mayfayre@ wokinghamlions.org.uk, call 0345 833 7384, or visit: www. wokinghamlions.org

Female singers wanted for choir A FEMALE choral group is seeking new voices for its upcoming projects.

The choir has an open night for potential new members to give the group a try on Monday, April 4, at Charvil Village Hall.

It starts at 8pm.

The Project Singers started in September last year, and features a youth choir section for girls aged 10 to 18 as well as a regular section.

For more information, contact Suzanne Newman on: 0118 934 0589 or email: suzanneynewman@btinternet. com

Tap room date A WOKINGHAM brewery reopens to the public next month.

Bond Brews is holding its first tap yard event of the year on Saturday, April 2, between noon and 6pm.

Cider, Prosecco and soft drinks will be available alongside their ales, which have been brewed on site.

Food will be provided

by Phoenix Wood Fired Pizza.

Families and groups of friends are welcome to attend and no booking is required.

Bond Brews is at Gardeners Green Farm on Heathlands Road.

We champion training and innovation to support our care home teams to deliver outstanding care. Residents’ quality of life is at the heart of everything we do, helping individuals to stay active and independent so they can live each day to the full.

If you’re considering permanent or respite care for yourself or a loved one, call 0330 127 7112 to arrange a tour or one-to one chat, or visit careuk.com/berkshire

Trusted to care.

Our care homes in Berkshire Bickerton House, Bracknell Parsons Grange, Shinfield

12 | NEWS

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Dobbies launch new plant pot recycling scheme H ERITAGE MATTERS

A RUNNER from Lower Earley has completed a marathon challenge to raise money for a Motor Neurone Disease charity.

T

By John Harrison

Nicki runs no marathons ... in

By Natalie Burton nburton@wokingham.today

The Wokingham curfew bell

HE custom of ringing a curfew bell when everyone should go to bed dates from Alfred the Great.

William, I made it a legal duty, aimed at the conquered English to prevent them from having rebellious night-time meetings.

The word curfew derives from the French couvre-feu meaning cover fire, and through the medieval period, the custom helped avoid house fires. Logs were removed and cold ashes spread over the hot embers, which could be revived in the morning. Wealthy people might use a metal cover called a ‘couvre-feu’.

The first mention of ringing the curfew in Wokingham is in Richard Palmer’s charity of 1664. He gave lands to the charity from which the profits were to be paid: ‘to the Sexton of the Parish Church of Wokingham, or to such other persons as the Trustees think meet, to ring the greatest bell belonging to the said Parish Church that shall be fit to be rung, half an hour every evening at eight o’clock and every morning at 4 o’clock, or as near those hours as may be, from the 10th of September to the 11th of March in each year for ever’.

We can judge how the curfew was viewed at the time because Palmer stated his motivation at length. His object was to promote: ‘a timely going to rest in the evening, and early risings (things ordinarily attended and rewarded with thrift and proficiency), and that strangers who should happen to lose their way in winter might be informed of the time of night, and receive some guidance; and also that all those whose care of being mindful of their latter end should incline them thereunto, might at the ringing of the evening bell think of their own passing and day of death, and at the ringing of the said morning bell might think of the resurrection and call to their last judgement’.

Palmer’s view of bells as alarm clocks, navigation beacons, and religious observance has modern echoes. Anyone who has ever used an Ordnance Survey map knows that church towers are supremely useful landmarks.

Maybe Palmer was initiating the custom, but it seems more likely he wanted to ensure that it continued. ‘For ever’ is a long time, and by 1897 with only £2 a year income the trustees were turning a blind eye to the curfew not always being rung since ‘the population round the Church has greatly increased, customs have changed and men’s nerves have grown more sensitive’. Things came to a head just before the war in 1914 when the owners of the land ‘declined to make any payment’ of a charge that appears to have been lost by sloppy conveyancing. The trustees admitted they didn’t know how often the curfew had been rung and they discontinued the sexton’s payment.

The Rector and Churchwardens thought it would be a pity to drop the custom and decided to take responsibility for it but the story leaked out and the national press vilified Wokingham for ‘being unmindful of the value of maintaining ancient customs’.

Several people offered to pay for a couple of years and then an anonymous donor agreed to re-endow the Charity in perpetuity.

In the 1970s ringing the curfew lapsed due to ‘domestic pressures’ (of the then verger) but was restored in 1978 by David Dewar, a recently trained ringer who lived opposite the church. He rang the curfew during its final years, the last time being just after 8pm on 24th November 1982, bringing a centuries-old tradition to a close.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 24, 2022

A GARDEN centre chain has launched a new recycling scheme to help gardeners be even more environmentally friendly.

Dobbies has partnered with sustainable gardening plastics brand elho to provide recycling bins at all of its stores, including Hare Hatch and Shinfield.

Neither Wokingham or Reading borough councils’ kerbside schemes currently recycle plant pots or trays.

Chris Buck, northern account manager for ehlo, said that the scheme will make it easier to avoid sending discarded containers to landfill.

“The scheme will give plastic a second lease of life.

“It is simple and convenient — when visiting the garden centre, return your old pots.” elho’s sustainability efforts include its windpowered factory in the Netherlands which last year turned more than 13 million kilograms of recycled plastic into pots and other garden sundries.

And research carried out for Dobbies earlier this month shows that 36% of gardeners in the South East want to recycle more of their garden waste products this Spring.

The survey was based on responses from 2003 UK adults including 307 from the South East.

Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies Garden Centres said that whilst pot-recycling has been encouraged in stores for a number of years, the new bins send a clear message.

“We are always looking for ways to embed sustainability into our operations, and this is a positive step forward in our #SustainableDobbies journey,” he added. n For more information, visit: dobbies.com

Last week, Nicki Farrell née Aitken joined a virtual team of six runners to run five marathons in five days (5in5) for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The foundation was set up by Scotland Rugby Union international player Doddie Weir OBE in November 2017, after he revealed that he is suffering from the disease.

The number five in the charity’s name refers to his jersey number.

Nicki chose to take on the challenge because of the link My Name’5 Doddie has with memories of her father, who died 15 years ago.

“Both of my parents are Scottish and we were a rugby family,” she explains.

“I was born in Malawi and when we returned to the UK, my Dad and I used to travel up to Murrayfield during the time Doddie was a player to watch international matches.

“The connection with those memories is very special, I know that Dad will look down and be proud of me.”

She was approached to take on the challenge at the beginning of February

by Stuart Thom, ambassador for the foundation and chief executive of the Royal Belfast Golf Club.

He has raised more than £180,000 in four years through various events, with 5in5 currently on course to raise £30,000.

Nicki has always been sporty.

She competed on the track at English Schools level and got into triathlon while studying sports science at Loughborough University.

She made the switch to road running after graduating as it was easier to fit in around work.

WE’VE DONE IT: Celebrating running five mar Budge Poutney, Rob Sanderson, Liz O’Connor P Her first marathon was in New York in 2001 and in 2003, she won the mass London Marathon race for her age group.

“My parents were so supportive and Dad made sure my results were included in Scottish Athletics ranking tables,” she says.

“I got in to ultra marathons during covid lockdowns through completing virtual challenges like Lands End to John O’Groats.

“And I had already entered the London to Brighton 100km (62 miles) ultra event in May, so when I took on this challenge I only had to adapt my training slightly.”

Regatta Line to Late retirement for Earley bloom this spring man, David – 90 – hangs up his baton

TRAIN stations on the Regatta Line will be in bloom this spring.

Planters have been installed at all four stops along the route from Twyford to Henley-onThames which are now being filled with flowers for travellers to enjoy.

Each container is painted in GWR livery and bears the name of the station it is located at.

They are the result of a grant from train operator Great Western Railway.

Henley Town Council has worked with Twyford Together and the Wargrave and Shiplake passenger groups on the bid for funds.

Paul Cassidy, Twyford Together’s environmental officer, said that the community project had potential.

“It’s about time that we made a bit of a fuss of the heritage line,” Mr Cassidy said.

“It’s a lovely project and we would like to cheer up the whole of the station eventually.”

The planters at all four stations will be planted by Henley Town Council and then maintained by the community.

n Anyone interested in looking after the containers at Twyford station should email: hello@twyfordtogether.org

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today AN EARLEY man has retired after 66 years conducting the Slough Philharmonic Orchestra.

David Wilson led the musicians for his final time with the orchestra on Saturday, March 5 – just two weeks before his 90th birthday.

His daughter, Sally, said that conducting could be the secret to his longevity.

“It has kept him fit,” She said, “and he’s very sprightly indeed, and he wanted to go out on a high.”

The final concert of his tenure was attended by Sally, and his partner Jan, who has missed only two of his concerts in 66 years.

Mr Wilson was educated in Maidstone, where he played piano with the school orchestra.

He later went on to study at the Royal College of Music, before completing national service in the RAF Central Band.

After National Service he went into teaching at Ranelagh School in Bracknell, where he taught for 38 years.

As well as conductor, he has served as the director of music for the orchestra.

The concert earlier this month began with a rendition of the

ot one but five n just five days

rathons in five days are, from left, Stuart Thom, Tony Quin, former Scotland rugby captain Picture: Courtesy of Nicki Farrell In order to mentally and physically prepare, Nicki built up to running between 70 and 80 miles per week over four consecutive days.

She completed the challenge by running 26.2 miles around Lower Earley and surrounding areas every day from Saturday, March 12, to Wednesday, March 16.

Finishing at Dinton Pastures meant that her husband Gary and many of her club mates from Thames Valley Triathletes and Bracknell Road Runners could run with her.

She adds: “They have been great, many of them ran with me out on the roads and some

came out to ring cow bells.

“We had lots of cake afterwards.”

The 5in5 team of six runners were thanked at a celebration meal held on St Patrick’s Day at the Royal Belfast Golf Club. It was hosted by sports presenter and Henley resident Chris Hollins, and attended by several ex-international rugby players.

“The meal really was really special, all of these famous people were paying tribute to us,” Nicky says.

“And Doddie joined by video link which was a really emotional moment.”

n For more information, visit: justgiving. com/fundraising/Nicki5in5

FINAL CONCERT: David Wilson has retired from conducting Slough Philharmonic ... at the young age of 90. He will still help the orchestra out Pictures: Emma Ramskill Ukrainian national anthem in a show of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Ms Wilson said that this was an emotional start to an already emotional evening.

“When dad heard the air raid sirens in Kyiv on the news, it really reawoke memories that he’d parked almost a lifetime ago.”

But the evening was also a happy occasion, and he celebrated afterwards in the pub with friends and family until late.

Ms Wilson said that he still helps teach GCSE and A-level students, and

NEWS | 29

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Thursday, March 24, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

will continue to offer to help out with the philharmonic.

Though he has retired, Ms Wilson said that he had a lot of interests, including painting and travelling.

“He’ll be busy still, for sure.”

He was also awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours List in 2018 for his service to music and to young people.

Mr Wilson was given an award

by Slough Borough Council for his individual contribution to the arts.

The Slough Philharmonic Society was founded in 1941 by SEGRO, which continues to support the group.

Seeing differently SHOWCASE: A special event at St Nicolas Church launched new books by Emma Major featuring her poetry and artwork.

Emma (centre) is with the Revd April Beckerleg (left) and her dad, Bill Wyley, and husband, Mike Major.

Picture: Steve Smyth A CHANCE To see the world in a different way has been made by an Earley church, thanks to its secondever art exhibition.

The showcase features 50 paintings created by the Revd Emma Major, who has branched out into the world of art and poerty in recent years.

There are landscapes and architectural views in Reading, a rendition of the venue, St Nicolas Earley, and paintings from Emma’s published works, Dormiveglia and Lights Stuck On Red. Emma creates her art digitally before it is printed, a process she started using in 2021, while recovering from Covid-19.

She said: “Lights Stuck on Red represents my journey through the pandemic and speaks about the mental health challenges I survived.

“The architectural paintings are a celebration of places we might have taken for granted before the pandemic and will hopefully appreciate more going forward.”

She had tried a number of techniques to continue producing art after losing her sight.

Emma said: “Over the seven years since losing my sight I’ve challenged myself to try many different types of art from sketching to abstract paintings, creating mosaics to needlefelting, rock painting to resin pouring.”

Emma released two collections of poetry and art, with each focusing on different effects of covid.

Lights Stuck on Red is a collection of work from lockdown experiences between January 2020 and June 2021, and Dormiveglia focuses on the effects of long covid, as well as ME, Fibromyalgia, and other illnesses.

“My love of God, and his love of me, inspire and encourage my creativity.” She said.

“I pray and paint every morning, allowing my prayers for the world to inspire my creativity.”

Emma’s first exhibition focused on the COP26 climate conference, and was the first to be displayed at the church’s gallery space.

“To me, each painting is a hundred (or thousand) smaller paintings which together form the one picture you see,” she said.

“I never see the whole as you do, but then perhaps none of us see any painting exactly the same way.”

Emma’s books, Dormiveglia, and Lights Stuck On Red: Inner Travels in Lockdown, were launched at the exhibition

n The gallery at St Nicolas Church, on Sutcliffe Avenue, is open 9am until 5pm daily, with card prints, mini prints, and copies of Emma’s books available to buy.

POETRY CORNER The Giggles Our Teacher grumbles, starts to glare, I try to concentrate, but there A Spider swings above her hair, AND I gulp. I gasp. My body wriggles, I itch, I twitch...I’ve got the GIGGLES. Our Teacher groans, she gazes round, But no one else has made a sound...

I try to stare at feet. And ground, YET My mind explodes in noisy squiggles, I sweat. I snort. I’ve got the GIGGLES. Our Teacher growls with rage and pain “WHO has let us down AGAIN !”

I try to show I’m not to blame, BUT

My eyes drip tears, my whole face wiggles, I shake, I quake, I’ve got the GIGGLES. It’s like a spell, it’s like a curse, This grim disease is growing worse.

I squeak, I shriek, I need a nurse...

THEN Our Teacher hoots with joyful jiggles.

She howls, she yowls SHE’S GOT THE GIGGLES.

CLARE BEVAN

We love receiving your poetry. We print a selection every week – email yours to: news@wokingham.today

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

Running tickety-boo

I

’M proud to say that we have developed something of a family evening routine.

(In this house, the word “routine” has a looseness to it, we follow a sequence of actions, though we are flexible about certain details and there is no rigidity on timings.)

We all have dinner together (which often means four slightly different meals given our three different vegan/vegetarian/meat-eater diets, plus one straight up fussy eater), then the children have a few minutes of playtime before bath and bed.

Joel bathes Leo while I put Maia to bed, which might be 10 minutes or half an hour depending on what time we had dinner. And how tired and grumpy we all are.

Sometimes I’ll read her a story or vice versa.

Sometimes we’ll just lie together and talk. This is one of my favourite times of the day.

At some point her little brother will burst in, exclaim “NIGHT NIGHT”, then toddle over and kiss his big sister good night, turn off her bedside lamp, and promptly leave the room.

After reading Dear Zoo 17 times and jumping on the bed (Leo, not me) it’s his turn to go to sleep.

Joel will clear away the kitchen. Often we will reconvene later for TV and junk food.

This is all well and good when we are both home. We get one-to-one time with each child, and I can spend a few special uninterrupted minutes with Maia. It all runs tickety-boo. (Mostly.)

Then there are the nights when Joel is working late or has an evening thing, a work event or a band rehearsal. It is on these nights I feel like we are missing a team member and suddenly I am sailing the ship all on my own and, while I can manage perfectly well on my own, it is much nicer knowing I have my co-pilot there with me for back-up.

Dinner is fine, bath-time is easy as I just plonk them in together, but bed-time is something else.

It can quickly become chaotic as I attempt to put Maia to bed while Leo makes every effort to prevent this from happening smoothly. She rarely gets a story, and if we talk about her day it’s while watching Leo mess up her bedroom.

“Mummy get him out of here,” she is exasperated.

“Okay night, night I love you, bye.” I rush out the door, guilty and frazzled.

I have come to dislike doing bedtime this way so much, that I’ve begun quizzing Joel on the necessity of his extra-curricular activities.

“Will you be late?” I ask.

“Probably...” He does not like where this is going.

“Is that an optional late or an absolutelynecessary late?” I’m being tricky.

“Oh it’s necessary...”

“But is it actually or do you just want to stay out late?”

“It’s for work.”

I am not convinced.

Joel also occasionally has band rehearsals, he plays the drums in his band The FiLF. Every parent needs a creative outlet. Or just an outlet.

I go to acting classes every Saturday, write blog posts and practice monologues while hanging laundry. Joel likes to spontaneously (and of course highly enthusiastically) blast out elaborate verses from hip-hop tracks I have never heard of.

Sometimes these are lyrics he has written himself. I can rarely tell the difference.

“Mummy what is he doing?” Maia asks, as bewildered as I am.

“Just… let it happen...” I respond. “He’s ... expressing himself...” Often he will attempt to break down the lyrics and explain the context and background, but the history of hip-hop music is a complex web of stories and, by 7pm, I just don’t have it in me to feign genuine interest.

Plus, it is bath time.

Angela blogs at colourfulkind.com

30 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Time to make our streets safe

IT FEELS as if crime is creeping up again.

This week’s front page story is about the theft of Asian gold – worth a lot to thieves who think nothing of breaking in to a home, ransacking it and then moving on.

Anyone who has been a victim of burglary will know that it’s more than just the loss of valuables and sentimental items.

It is a violation of our sanctuaries.

It leaves a lasting effect on us, creating fear and distrust.

The thefts, carried out by organised gangs who know what they’re looking for, are just a number of concerns residents are raising right now.

Pets have allegedly been taken.

Cars have had their keyless entry systems fiddled with to allow thieves to take them from driveways.

There’s even footage of someone attempting to take milk from a doorstep, but leaving empty handed, doing the rounds.

We’re not sure why the activity appears to be on the rise. It could be getting back to normal levels after the covid lockdowns meant we all spent more time at home.

But we do know that more action is needed to clamp down.

The old slogan tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime still rings true.

CHURCH NOTES

Recognising the value of young people in society

I

RECENTLY reflected on how young people are treated in society.

Their views and ideas are often overlooked by adults, who do not recognise their value.

As a young person, in my final year of A-levels, I regularly feel patronised by those senior to me, who believe their age and experience allows them to disregard my ideas.

To achieve positive change in our society, we need to encourage young people to bring forward their ideas and be actively involved.

Jesus teaches us that only through finding the child within ourselves may we reach God and the kingdom of heaven.

I had the privilege of volunteering in a local care home to talk with elderly residents.

This showed me the importance of crossgenerational friendships and the potential impact of adults recognising the value that young people could add to society. It could also provide new ways to help with young people’s development.

My prayer is that children and young people recognise their value in society and act as positive ambassadors for change, guided by our loving Father.

1 Timothy 4:12: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Elizabeth Freeney is a member of Wokingham Baptist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

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

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

Perhaps I should stop sending Christmas cards?

As if things are not already bad enough for households, the price of postage stamps is set to rise again, by 10p for First Class.

Worse still, from January next year, older first and second class stamps will be invalid, and will need to be replaced by ones with a QR code.

We have more than 300 older stamps, about five years’ worth. Exchange by post is too risky unless we use special delivery, both ways, which will wipe out much of the savings made.

The temptation for Royal Mail to stall, and to say they have ‘gone missing’ is obvious.

I believe this is a convenient wheeze to apply a retrospective price rise to fleece those of us who stocked up when prices were lower.

We should be able to exchange stamps at a post office, but will we get the same number of stamps in return?

Perhaps I should stop sending Christmas cards?

Most of us are not interested in gimmicks that send video greetings.

We just want a delivery service at reasonable prices.

Royal Mail must not be allowed to get away with this.

The national press may have lost interest in this scandal, but the public won’t forget.

Don’t even get me started on the scandal of BT and landlines.

Name and address supplied.

Rose Buddies has been a lifeline

IT is with great sadness that I hear we are losing Rose Buddies (in its current form.)

Rose Buddies is an amazing organisation that has supported numerous adults with Learning Disabilities who are on the fringe of Social Services help.

For my family it has been a lifeline.

Rose Buddies has been run by our lovely Petra Eckert, a Mother Hen to all her very mixed group.

Domestic abuse service is not failing victims Given the seriousness of the subject matter (domestic abuse) it is necessary to correct the misleading and potentially dangerous impression given by the front page article of last week’s Wokingham Today.

Contrary to the headline, the current domestic abuse service is not ‘failing victims’ nor is there is there a ‘lack of refuge for those fleeing homes’ – in fact, this inaccurate claim is particularly worrying as it may deter victims from leaving abusive situations.

We must be completely clear: Refuge is provided to any borough resident who is fleeing domestic abuse – without exception.

In addition, our domestic abuse service is meeting all its statutory requirements – this is not a failing service.

However, that does not mean we are satisfied with the current level of service: our aim is to go well-beyond just meeting our legal requirements, which is why we increased the funding for this service by 55%.

We have not yet seen the full benefits of that increased investment and so have intervened to improve the performance of our contractor Cranstoun.

We acknowledge that this has been necessary and it would be perfectly reasonable for your newspaper to highlight

She has supported all her clients running drop ins, craft mornings, days trips, parties, allotments, walks and talks, exercise, cinema trips, and cycling to mention just a few. Her support and encouragement has been superb.

During Covid times she worked way beyond anyone I know. She made sure all of them and their families were safe mentally and physically, providing food, support and a shoulder to lean on. Even Christmas Day was spent not in the warmth of her own home, but checking on all her client family well into the afternoon.

Over and above this she helped us cope with family bereavement. She even stepped in when my son lost his job 48 hrs before I was due to fly to Australia to visit my other son’s family.

She insisted I did not cancel as she knew how much I needed to see them.

We are totally indebted to Rose Buddies, Petra and the volunteers who have helped.

We know our vulnerable adults will continue to be helped through CLASP, but nothing can replace the incredible

Westminster Diary Sir John Redwood

W

HEN I go shopping I do not rejoice if I end up spending £75 instead of £60.

I concentrate on what I need and aim to buy it at the best prices.

If I tell friends and family about what I have bought, I do not tell them how much I spent but talk about the great things I purchased and how they can make life better.

The only time I might mention cost is where I thought I had found a bargain.

The government does not talk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 24, 2022

like this.

In all the announcements they make about their shopping habits they tell us how much they spent or plan to spend.

The opposition always demands they spend more and regularly condemns them for “Tory meanness” as if it was Ministers’ own money and on the assumption that more is always better.

No Minister ever comes to tell us they got a good deal on price or have taken advantage of special offers.

areas where improvement is needed – but that is very different from the irresponsible suggestion that domestic abuse victims are being failed.

To be clear, part of Cranstoun’s contract is to open a new refuge to increase capacity in the borough and they have failed to do this to date, which has left the borough relying on the existing refuge only.

We are requiring that Cranstoun either open a new refuge within the borough or surrender that part of the contract (and the funding accompanying it) so we can find a different provider who can open an additional refuge.

The new refuge will

personal touch of this wonderful young lady.

provide self-contained accommodation rather than shared facilities and so will be usable by a wider range of victims.

We are also requiring Cranstoun to have a 24hour staffed phone line rather than the current phone line that has only a voice mail out of hours.

This will be up and running within a few weeks.

Beyond that we are closely monitoring Cranstoun’s performance as well as helping them improve so that we can get what we want – a first class domestic abuse service for all those who need it.

Cllr John Halsall Leader, Wokingham Borough Council

I read the report – ‘Domestic Abuse Service ‘Failing’ Victims’ – Wokingham Today – 17th March – with complete bewilderment.

All that money – and still no refuges!

Whatever is the money being spent on?

Then there is that, truly extraordinary, statement from Cranstoun – ‘They are not responsible for providing a refuge provision.’

This would be like a school saying that it is not responsible for providing education, or for a pharmacy saying that it doesn’t stock medication.

However, in my experience, resistance to providing practical facilities for disadvantaged people, in Wokingham, is not new.

More than 30 years ago, when we first took over Station House – having, previously, only a hired hall for a

day, drop-in service, we, of course, immediately set up mental health beds here.

We were then told that the house had been intended as our charity’s administration centre, and not to provide, ‘what the mentally ill actually need’, [my words], mental health crisis beds. But I have nothing to administrate, and, if I had, I wouldn’t need a house, nor even a hired hall.

An office would suffice.

The mentally ill don’t need administration; they need practical facilities – as do the victims of domestic abuse.

Furthermore, although the victims of domestic abuse, and their children, may not actually be, mentally ill, they are emotionally damaged, due to the abuse, and so are equally vulnerable.

This brings me to Andrea West’s question – with regard to the extra money being provided by the Government, for which the Council is encouraging further applications.

She asks, ‘Why is this funding being

Public procurement systems often conspire to ensure over specification.

Over caution in purchasing can lead to too few bidders or to expensive contracts.

The contracts themselves often leave plenty of scope for the suppliers to revisit the price, facilitated by government changing its mind mid contract over what it wants.

It would help control spending and improve value and quality if Ministers insisted on talking about needs and about how you best buy the things the state requires.

Bragging about large sums of money invites the Opposition to outbid with imaginary money.

Instead of proper consideration of what to buy and how much to pay the debate usually bandies figures across the Despatch Box

with an Opposition who still think there is a magic money tree or think a small number of very rich people who already pay a lot of tax will stay if we make them pay even more.

There are plenty of Conservative MPs who think we need to spend more on Defence.

They may well be right. Before that is agreed we need to complete two exercises.

The first is to decide what additional defence capabilities we need.

The second is to root out some waste and bad spending habits with the current budget.

Then we can see what top up is needed.

We will not be better defended by spending £10bn more. We will be if we concentrate on what we need and acquiring by shopping well.

Sir John Redwood is the MP for Wokingham

Glynis Ormsby, Wokingham

All that money, and still no refuge

offered on an annual basis, and only as interim funding?’ She goes on to say, ‘Cranstoun should be providing this service - as it was within the contract.’ Precisely!

Above all else, vulnerable people need security, stability, and predictability – something that is always there – as our charity has been, in Wokingham, for the past 35 years.

Andrea West is very generous, so committed is she to helping abuse victims, in offering to continue her service, beyond March, without proper funding. Is this practicable?

We had to close our mental health beds, once their funding was axed, and, now being self-funding, are limited, once again, to providing only, day facilities.

Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House

An avoidable payment I am appalled to see that Wokingham Borough Council has been forced to pay £235,000 to a previous employee as a result of losing a tribunal for unfair dismissal.

This was so avoidable.

The HR department who got this so wrong should be accountable for such a huge loss.

This is the equivalent of almost 100 homes on Council Tax band D for a whole year, just spent, written off, because HR at WBC got it wrong.

But the people / person who made such decisions at WBC will never be named, they are protected, and hide behind the fact that it is public money - a bottomless pit. In a private company you would have been called to account and sacked.

Thanks for wasting my Council Tax - which has just been increased yet again.

Never mind, if you keep being

useless at your job, making bad decisions you can just increase it again next year.

You will probably get a bonus this year - it’s called “reward for failure”.

Vic Sarin, Wokingham

Tiger, tiger, busing bright Your lead letter (March 17) by Richard Hoyle is so spot on and his assumption that the 7 bus service scheduling is not fit for the purpose.

I live in Finchampstead and have had to put up with the many foibles of our 3 bus service starting slightly before Reading Buses took over from Thames Travel.

I suspected from the outset that Reading Buses did not want this dogleg service and a secondary route to Wokingham (they already had a full service running Reading/Wokingham with the 4 bus). Their main concentration seemed to be to/from Arborfield and schedules prove it.

When the 3 bus was instigated it was a surprise to locals that they now lived in Wick Hill – probably nominated by someone in an office in Reading that only had an OS map as a reference, Stops were listed on route maps in the wrong order, there is still one today that lists a location 2 miles away that is not even on the route!

There are other issues with scheduling, confusing information, the old 3B service, location of stops etc but this is not the place to air them.

I see that WBC are to introduce a public transport user group and passenger charter. I only hope that this will involve locals that actually take the bus on a regular basis and not just the Council endorsing the status quo as they have seemed to have done in Mr Hoyle’s case.

David Arnold, Finchampstead

From the chamber Louise Timlin Cllr Sarah Kerr

Domestic abuse – you are not alone

F

OLLOWING on from the shocking story in last week’s Wokingham Today about the failures of the council’s contracted domestic abuse service provider, we wanted to assure victimsurvivors of domestic abuse that you are not alone – support is out there for you.

At no point do we want you to feel that due to the failures of the Council’s contracted service provider that you can’t get the support you need, because you can.

The council is now nine months into its contract with Cranstoun, the organisation that won the tender to provide domestic abuse support and refuge in Wokingham.

Sadly, the concerns many of us raised when the contract was first awarded have played out.

The reality is that victim-survivors are not getting the support from Cranstoun that they are contracted to provide.

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Other organisations such as Berkshire Women’s Aid (BWA) and Kaleidoscopic have been stepping in to fill the void.

Cranstoun is obliged to provide a 24/7 helpline which must be manned during office hours with an out-ofhours emergency facility.

The answer phone message that says that they will try and get back within 24 hours unless it’s a weekend or bank holiday is unacceptable.

It has taken Cranstoun nine months to host the first support group session with others coming online in May, almost a year after the contract started.

Cranstoun is also supposed to provide IDVA (independent domestic violence advisor) support, yet we know of survivors who have been let down by this aspect of the service.

One we know of is in the process of submitting a formal complaint.

She has resorted to getting IDVA support from elsewhere.

Last week’s article in Wokingham

Abandoned volunteers As volunteers we have worked throughout the pandemic supporting our NHS. In order to do so, we have been directed to lateral flow test twice a week. It would appear that as volunteers we have now been abandoned as access to test kits appears to have been removed.

We have been trying for the past 10 days to get test kits with the same result.

Without volunteers our NHS would have struggled even more than it did.

Have we been abandoned?

Name and address supplied

NATO and Ukraine NATO is weak and not up to fighting Putin’s attack on Ukraine is crimes against humanity now – babies, children, pregnant mothers, and the elderly blasted to death.

All countries clap in their parliament and congress then turn their back on death of the people and youngsters We must close the skies and let Poland give Ukraine planes.

It would be Ukraine shooting down Russians not Nato.

There is no other way.

Victor Rones, Bracknell

Helping Ukraine I’ve been in Poland since the start of March with the international disaster relief charity ShelterBox, working closely with other organisations to help people affected by the deteriorating crisis in Ukraine.

The number of people who’ve had to leave their homes is close to 10 million – that’s almost a quarter of Ukraine’s entire population Today highlighted the failure to provide refuge spaces in the Borough.

The statement that Cranstoun made in the article that “they are not responsible for providing a refuge provision” is factually incorrect.

The service provider is obliged to provide a minimum of three rooms of refuge provision within Wokingham Borough.

Cranstoun’s comments in the Wokingham Today article also state that “the refuge provision was withheld by the previous provider when the service went live in July 2021,” which again is misleading.

No assets were to be transferred as part of the contract, and Cranstoun submitted their bid knowing this.

Berkshire Women’s Aid have, throughout this period, provided the refuge provision, but it wasn’t until November 2021 that they finally started receiving funding from WBC for this, and even then, they had to apply for an emergency grant.

It is unacceptable that a core service like this is being paid for through grant funding and not properly contracted.

It also raises the question of whether WBC are paying twice for a service that they are receiving only once? So far, no one has been able to answer this question.

WBC have acknowledged the many issues around this, and work is underway to rectify it, including some very careful contract monitoring.

Cranstoun should never have been awarded the contract in the first place though.

uprooted. At ShelterBox, we specialise in emergency shelter, and we’ll be supporting people who have stayed in Ukraine, or been displaced internally, as well as those who’ve fled the country.

The situation is complex and constantly changing so to be effective, aid delivery must be well co-ordinated.

We also have a team in Moldova as we take the necessary time to understand where and how we can support people as well as working with others as part of the wider humanitarian response.

We are drawing on our significant experience of working in conflict areas around the world, including crossborder working with partners in Syria over the last 10 years. The people with the fewest resources or options to leave are often those who stay behind, living or sheltering in buildings that have been damaged. We are preparing to provide shelter kits with tools, rope, solar lights, hygiene kits, and water carriers to help people survive.

As the conflict continues, we expect the needs of people reaching the borders to increase. We’ll be supporting people who have become refugees in neighbouring countries with items they can carry with them, like toothpaste, soap and warm winter coats.

We already have thousands of mattresses arriving in collective centres like schools, churches and sports centres in Lviv to help people keep warm at night.

It’s been possible thanks to supporters of our Ukraine Appeal, and close working with local agencies, the UN, other international aid organisations and Rotary.

Martin Strutton, ShelterBox A competitive tender for a specialist service has resulted in the organisation with the best bid writer being awarded, rather than the organisation best placed to deliver.

An organisation that has never directly provided victim-survivor support before won and as such we are urging the council to reassess how it commissions specialist services like this.

Lessons need to be learnt.

There is a fantastic network of support in Wokingham borough, and we are grateful that organisations like BWA and Kaleidoscopic have been there and do the work that they do.

Should anyone need any support, below are a list of agencies and charities that you can reach out to.

Please know that you are not alone.

Louise Timlin – Branch Lead of Wokingham and Reading Women’s Equality Party Sarah Kerr – Liberal Democrat Councillor for Evendons Ward

How to get help: n In an emergency - 999 n Thames Valley Police nonemergency - 101 n Wokingham Domestic Abuse service – 0118 402 1921 n Berkshire Women’s Aid – 0808 801 0882 n National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 n Kaleidoscopic UK – kaleidoscopicuk@gmail.com n Wokingham Borough Council https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/ community-and-safety/domesticabuse/

WPR_2022-03-21_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go

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Your break includes Return coach travel from Slough 4 nights at the Marine Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursion to Betws-y-Coed, Trefriw Woollen Mills & Conwy Optional excursions to Llanberis & Caernarfon (£12pp) and Isle of Anglesey, Beaumaris & Bangor (£12pp)

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Your break includes Return coach travel from Slough 2 nights at the Bosworth Hall Hotel, near Market Bosworth with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Rutland Water cruise aboard the Rutland Belle Excursion to Barnsdale Gardens En-route visit to Market Bosworth

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Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

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32 | BUSINESS

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A business park that is changing

Reading is one of best places in country for business growth PLACE FOR GROWTH: A view from The Blade building in Reading, Berkshire Photo by Dijana Capan; DVision Images

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today READING is one of the best places in the country for business growth according to a new survey.

Reading-based law firm proud to be ‘bucking trend’ when it comes to equality

A READING-based law firm says it is proud that the majority of its partners are women, following on from International Women’s Day earlier this month.

The 2022 report for the Solicitors Regulation Authority looking at diversity found that, on average, only 35% of partners in all law firms in England and Wales are women.

However, it’s a different story at Blagrave Street-based Blandy & Blandy.

Its chairman, Nick Burrows, said: “We are very proud of the fact that nine (55%) of our 16 partners are women and to buck what remains a disappointing trend in 2022.

“This balance has not come through design but instead reflects Blandy & Blandy’s longstanding support for women in business, with many of our female partners having progressed into partnership over time, reflecting their significant contributions to the sustained success of our firm.

“Two thirds of our current senior associates and associates are women, as are over 60% of our management team.”

And Mr Burrows was appointed in 2016, succeeding Blandy & Blandy’s first female chair.

n For more details, log on to: www.blandy.co.uk

The Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index places the town in fourth place, when assessing public priorities for growth.

The rankings of the 50 largest cities in the UK assesses 12 key economic wellbeing factors, including jobs, health, income and skills, as well as work-life balance, house affordability, travel-towork times, income equality, environment and business startups.

Two new indicators – safety and high street and shops – have been added to the index. The separate GVA analysis included in the report takes into account a city’s sectoral make-up, the impact of the use of the furlough scheme to protect jobs, and rates of Universal Credit claims, Covid infection rates and mobility data to estimate GVA growth for 2021 and 2022.

Oxford is first, with Bournemouth and Swindon in second and third places.

The report shows provincial cities are expected to show stronger economic growth than those that are larger and more metropolitan and there is an increased focus from the public on wellbeing, the environment and income distribution.

Cities in the South East are expected to show an average GVA growth rate of 7.9% for 2021 – above the 7.3% UK average.

Keith Harrington, South East Regional Market Leader at PwC said: “As we look forward it’s

encouraging to see so many of our cities performing well in the Index, particularly in terms of their expected economic growth as we move beyond the pandemic.

“It’s clear that inequalities still remain within regions and we need to address this.

“The progress we’re seeing in these areas, along with the changing priorities among the public, have presented a window of opportunity that won’t be open forever. It is important that we address the areas in which our region falls down, such as in house price to earnings and income distribution.”

He continued: “This report sets out a series of recommendations for policymakers and businesses which includes developing skills and investments to deliver green growth in a sustainable and fair way.

“It’s more important than ever for local governments, businesses and communities to work together to address some of these key issues. At PwC, we recognise the huge opportunities that the region brings, and all of us within the region have a role to play in contributing to the future success and growth in the South East.”

Of the 12 variables included in this year’s index, the biggest driver for improvement for cities over the last three years has been better work-life balance.

Broad improvements in the skills of older workers, as well as income distribution and life expectancy, have also helped the gap narrow slightly between the highest and lowest ranked cities.

Justin Martin, devolved and local government lead for PwC, said: “We’re emerging from the pandemic with a new set of priorities, largely focused around fairness, the environment and work-life balance.

It’s likely that the way we have lived over the past two years has led to people reflecting on what they value the most.

“This appears to be having a significant impact on the fortunes of different places, with the cities that perform well not only having strong local authorities but also being characterised by strong environmental and safety credentials.

“While the vision set out in the Levelling Up White Paper centred primarily around geographic inequality, it did recognise that there are multiple societal disparities which affect people

and could hinder the economic recovery.”

He continued: “We know from our research that women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are the most likely to have been negatively impacted as a result of the pandemic.

“Central government, local government and businesses all have a role to play in developing localised plans to address not only the regional inequalities but the societal gaps that also exist within their cities, towns and communities.”

Nigel Horton-Baker, executive director of Reading UK, said: “Reading has bounced back quickly from the impacts of the pandemic and is showing strong signs of growth just months after the most recent and hopefully final upsurge in covid numbers.

“It is heartening to see the rising number of employment opportunities which underlines the confidence and quick recovery of Reading businesses.

“The fact that Reading has an amazing array of high-growth businesses stands us in good stead and, as the report highlights, changing working practices in search of a better work-life balance may mean fewer commuter trips to London for Reading residents.

“This trend will provide benefit to the Reading economy.

“With Reading Borough Council and our industry, education and training partners, we will be planning how we can help people in Reading access jobs locally and gain more time for enjoying Reading and spending in their local economy.”

A taste of Malaysia as Wokingham businessman opens new warehouse A WOKINGHAM-based businessman is celebrating after opening a new warehouse aimed at bringing Malaysia that bit closer to home.

Simon Suresh has taken over the 10,000sq ft space in Leicester. The site includes refrigeration facilities so he can now offer a wider range of authentic and traditional Malaysian food products.

They include nasi lemak, kerepek basah, ketupat, lemang and pineapple tarts.

Items can be ordered for home delivery, and is perfect for the 75,000 Malaysians living throughout the UK, and those looking to broaden the international outlook.

His firm, OMalaysia has created four jobs in the process,

and it is hoped that by having the UK-based warehouse, they will reduce shipping costs and speed up delivery.

And Mr Suresh said that the warehouse, which opens in time for Ramadan on Saturday, April 2, will strengthen trade and business connections between between Malaysia and the UK. He said: “Building the Malaysia brand in the UK has been a long-time vision for me and I am delighted that OMalaysia is able to bring more of Malaysia to the UK. “Working with the Malaysian International Trade Departments, we want to continue to grow Malaysia in the UK and share its products, culture

and all the delights it has to offer.”

As part of this, Mr Suresh attended a recent lunch at the Oriental Club in London with the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, HE Charles Hay, and the visiting delegate team from Invest Selangor.

He said that he was enthused that there are more opportunities for Malaysian businesswomen and businessmen in the UK. Away from the business, Mr Suresh has regularly organises Meredeka Day celebrations for his neighbours to enjoy. Taking place around August 31, it is the day that Malaysia celebrates its independence.

n For more details, log on to: www.omalaysia.com

OPEN: Simon Suresh with staff at the opening of the new OMayalsia warehouse in Leicester

Berkshire Youth confirm new chair of trustees A CHARITY has announced a new chair of its board of trustees.

Berkshire Youth has confirmed Greg Wilkinson will replace outgoing chair Jim Leftwich later this year.

Mr Wilkinson has had a career in policing, including 11 years as chief officer with West Yorkshire Police, and has also worked with the Reading Abbey Rotary Club.

Following the announcement, he said: “I relish the opportunity to work with Berkshire Youth and hope to support the excellent work that the team undertake and to follow in Jim’s significant footsteps.

“I hope that my experience and local connections will provide some added value to the great work that Berkshire Youth undertakes.”

Mr Leftwich has held the position since 1987 and has overseen a number of changes to youth work in his tenure, including name changes and incorporating girls.

With the charity’s Waterside Centre in Newbury reopened and thriving, Mr Leftwich has decided now is the right time to fully retire and focus on his community in Buckinghamshire, where has lived for 35 years.

David Seward, Berkshire Youth CEO, said: “I would like to add my heartfelt thanks to Jim for all he has done for our charity.

“He has worked tirelessly with me to be the best we can be for local young people.”

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Berkshire Youth concerned by government’s levelling up plans SUPPORT: Berkshire Youth feels that young people are being let down by the government’s levelling up plans Picture: Posed by models, zzkonst from Pixabay

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A BERKSHIRE charity is concerned following the government’s levelling up plans.

Berkshire Youth aims to deliver for young people in Berkshire by furthering their development and education through leisure activities.

The government has committed £560 million to its National Youth Guarantee in a bid to “level up” the effectiveness of youth facilities Phase one of the Youth Investment Fund (YIF) had a limited budget of £10 million and applications were closed early due to significant demand.

David Seward, chief executive officer of Berkshire Youth, is concerned young people in Berkshire could be excluded from the plans.

He said: “While we welcome any funding for youth services, a sector which has been decimated by funding cuts over many years, “I wonder why the vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in our county have been overlooked

in the government’s levelling up plans.”

A list of eligible areas has been confirmed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) with projects in Slough and the wards of Church, Norcot, Southcote and Whitley in Reading eligible to apply.

Mr Seward said: “There are pockets of deprivation across Berkshire, not in just certain parts of Reading and Slough.”

The DCMS used a number of metrics and an underlying methodology to select the shortlist of geographical areas.

Firstly upper tier local authority areas that can demonstrate high levels of need and gaps in provision across a whole borough.

Secondly the government is keen for YIF funding to reach more isolated pockets of need at ward level, rather than county.

The government believes smaller areas of need are often overlooked because they are masked at local government level by other, relatively less deprived, areas.

Mr Seward is not convinced this strategy will help areas in need of funding.

He said: “We have seen a sharp increase in demand for our support, especially since the pandemic hit, yet we are unable to apply for funding which is being focused by geography rather than need.

“Our current generation of young people is being let down by a lack of provision at a time when we know young people need us more than at any point in our charity’s 80+ years history.”

Following the announcement Michael Gove, secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, said: “Every young person should have access to the kinds of life-changing activities which expand your horizons and arm you with vital life skills.”

Mr Seward agrees with the comment but is questioning its accuracy given the eligibility criteria.

He said: “Why doesn’t that apply to those in Berkshire as it does in Birmingham or Bolton?

“We want these opportunities to be available to our local young people too, no matter where they live or what their background; why do our local young people have to miss out?”

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Families anger over jewellery burglaries n Continued from front page

“They broke the glass on the back door while we were out for a family dinner and ransacked the house for jewellery and cash.”

The family have lived in Earley for 10 years but are now “living in fear” following the “horrific trauma” with her daughter unable to sleep following the incident.

Ms Mathur has launched a petition called ‘We need an action from UK Police to prevent burglaries in Asian Houses’ which has gained 788 signatures so far.

Families believe jewellery is being targeted as it is difficult to track and is often melted down quickly by thieves and sold on before police can track it.

A man from Earley, who has asked to remain anonymous, had his house burgled in February whilst he was on holiday in Spain.

He said: “I was casually checking our camera footage to ensure the house was secure as Storm Eunice had just happened.

“When I saw the house had been burgled I was shocked and couldn’t believe my eyes, it took a few moments to sink in.”

On his return to the UK he found his house had been “turned upside down” with jewellery

stolen while expensive technology was left untouched.

“We are hearing about more and more of these burglaries and there is a seemingly obvious trend,” he said.

Thames Valley Police has recognised the rise in the number of family gold thefts in the last few months.

Detective Sergeant Marc Boyd, of the Bracknell and Wokingham Priority Crime Team, said: “We have increased patrols in the area using marked and unmarked police cars and are working tirelessly to catch the perpetrators.

“We are holding a public conference in the coming weeks to speak with the communities affected by these burglaries and more information will be shared on social media in due course.

“If members of the public see any vehicles or people who you believe to be acting suspicious in the area please report this online or by calling 101.

“In order to prevent your home from being burgled do not keep high value jewellery at home, invest in internal or external CCTV, join your local neighbourhood watch and ensure that side gates, windows and doors are closed and double locked if you are leaving your property and at night.”

Maria Gee is the new Wokingham town mayor elect

SILLY, BUT FUN: Grazeley Primary School pupils took part in a Red Nose Day sports day Picture: Grazeley Primary School

Sports day? That’s a funny one..

FAMILIES in Grazeley enjoyed a sports day with a difference last week.

Grazeley Primary School hosted a Red Nose Day extravaganza to raise money for the charity on Friday, March 18.

Pupils competed in fun events such as synchronised swimming, dog agility, sheep herding, power lifting and dressage, with children using hockey sticks for horses.

It was all aimed at raising

smiles - and cash for good causes.

Within three days of tickets for the event going on sale, £1,000 had been raised. The total was £1,350 by the end of the day.

Packages on offer to members of the school community included limited reserved VIP spaces and Royal Box tickets, which came with a gazebo and hot drinks provided throughout the event.

As a surprise for the parents and some of the children, teachers and support staff took part in an obstacle course. The staff Hunger Games race had the added difficulty of a Year Six splat team throwing custard pies at competitors as they attempted the course.

A spokesperson said that it was a fantastic afternoon and how nice it was to be back together in person for a school event.

WOKINGHAM Town’s new mayor elect is looking forward to serving residents.

Cllr Maria Gee was confirmed at a recent meeting of its mayoral selection committee. Cllr Sally Gurney has been named as her deputy.

The appointments will be formally ratified at the council’s annual meeting, which will take place on Sunday, May 15.

Cllr Gee has been a town councillor since 2019, representing Emmbrook North.

She has chaired the finance and personnel committee, and has served as Cllr Tony Lack’s deputy since 2021.

She said: “​I am enormously pleased and proud that the Town Council has shown confidence in me to serve them for the forthcoming year as mayor and chair.

“My consort, my husband Chris, and I will look forward to helping the Council live its vision of enhancing the town for its existing and future residents and business over the next year.”

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35

Call for safe crossing for new Wokingham estate

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today ROAD SAFETY concerns have been raised by residents of a new housing estate in Wokingham.

CHECKING IN: Celebrating the new mobile website from PFC are, from left, rector the Revd Dr Leonard Onugha, the Revd Julian McAllen, the Revd Tonia Elliott, and trainee vicar Beth Quainton

Parish’s new website is mobile friendly and fit for the 21st century A PARISH has revamped its website as it seeks to better connect with the communities it serves.

And it also has a new name.

The Parish of Finchampstead and California is now PFC Church, reflecting the recent expansion of the patch to include St Eligius, the former garrison church in Arborfield.

The revamped website is designed to be mobile friendly, making it easy to read on smartphones and tablets, reflecting recent trends that show more than half of all website traffic is now on these devices.

And it also has a new web address, pfc-church.uk.

The site went live on Friday, March 18, and took seven months to design, and the team creating it used open source tools such as Wordpress. They had a mantra that if it didn’t work on a mobile device, it wouldn’t be included.

On Sunday, the churches of St Eligius in Arborfield Green, St Mary and St John’s in California/Gorse Ride and St James in Finchampstead gave out special pin badges with the new logo on, encouraging people to take a photo of themselves with the badge in creative situations.

One aspect of the new site is enabling people to find out more about the activities of each of the churches. These include traditional and cafe-style services, special interest groups, toddler meetings and gardening.

Welcoming the revamp, the rector of Finchampstead and California, the Revd Dr Leonard Onugha said: “Jesus didn’t have a mobile but I bet he would if he was around now.

“Christianity is all about connecting with people wherever they are physically, mentally and spiritually.

If they are using a mobile phone, we need to be there.

“I love people, I love our community and want people to be able to find us if they need help or want to talk about faith.”

A team of volunteers from the church masterminded the revamp, and were pleased that it was cost effective.

Duncan Wood, the web developer, said: “Getting a mobile friendly website up-and-running doesn’t have to cost the earth, in fact we didn’t have to pay for anything more than our normal website hosting and domain costs which costs PFC about £100 per year.

“We use a free design tool called WordPress and use lots of free WordPress add-ons to make the website, it’s all click and drag so I haven’t had to write any code.

“So, your web design team don’t have to be very technical.

“Any small business or charity can use tools like these to get a modern website up and running quickly and cheaply. It’s so important these days to have a clean, simple, mobile friendly design so people can find the information they want, fast.”

And Dr Onugha is hoping that the parish’s new website will make it more visible within the community.

“PFC is a friendly, welcoming and inclusive church, so if you see me in the street or find me on your mobile phone then please do get in touch,” he said. “We are here to help.”

Rave off: Police stop illegal gathering AN ILLEGAL rave was broken up by police, with a number of arrests made.

The incident took place on the Devil’s Highway in Crowthorne on Sunday, March 20.

Thames Valley Police said that they attended the site of the rave, which was attended by 100 people, and shut it down.

In the process, they arrested four people for a range of offences.

Officers said that they included organising a rave, possession of

drugs and obstructing police.

A number of vehicles and equipment at the scene were seized.

In a statement, the force said: “We would like to thank members of the public for reporting the illegal rave, which was attended by about 100 people.

“The force had to close the A3095, Foresters Way during this operation to keep the public and police officers safe, but the road has now been reopened.”

People who live on Mulberry View have set up a petition calling on Wokingham Borough Council to install pedestrian crossings for the neighbourhood.

They argue that developers Crest Nicholson failed to provide any safe places to cross to link the estate, off Warren House Road, with the rest of Norreys ward.

Louise Matthews, one of campaigners, said: “The crossing point we have got near Ashridge Road has poor visibility for both pedestrians and motorists.”

“There is a high volume of traffic and speeding vehicles, and families need to use this crossing on the school run.

“We need greater measures in place to safeguard pedestrians who want to access local services, before a serious accident occurs.”

The campaign has the support of Cllr Rachel Burgess, the Labour Party borough council representative for Norreys ward. She said that she has seen the dangers of the road while running Community Speedwatch sessions at the site.

Cllr Rachel Burgess (left) with Louise Matthews. They are calling for a safe crossing “There are frequent speeding cars on Warren House Road,” she said.

“And there is no proper infrastructure to help the many young families and children cross this busy stretch of road.

“Developers have simply left a hole in the hedge.

“Drivers coming round the bend cannot see pedestrians, and pedestrians trying to cross cannot see drivers.”

Cllr Burgess said that the borough council is right to encourage people to walk and cycle more, but that it must provide the infrastructure

to allow people to do so safely.

“This is just one of a number of crossing points across Wokingham, including Wiltshire Road, Rectory Road and Milton Road, where residents know the infrastructure is inadequate.

“They have all petitioned the borough council or a proper, safe crossing as a result.”

The petition will be presented at the Full Council meeting this evening (Thursday, march 24).

n For more information, visit: wokinghamlabourparty.org/

REVIEW

Musical riches as Wokingham Choral Society return to St Paul’s WOKINGHAM Choral Society returned to St Paul’s Church, Wokingham for its latest concert on Saturday, March, 19.

Its charismatic conductor, James Morley-Potter, directed an unusual combination of musical resources: the choir – in customary fine voice – Benedict Lewis-Smith (organ virtuoso accompanist), Cecily Beer (harp), Lucy McKay (violin), Chris Terepin (cello), Alice Halberd (soprano) and Michael Hickman (baritone).

The programme comprised three works, opening with Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, a quirky and lyrical setting of Hebrew Psalms, including the Lord is my shepherd, probably unfamiliar to many in the audience.

This was followed by Vaughan William’s Five Mystical Songs, a composition firmly rooted in the English choral tradition and an apt choice 150 years from his birth.

The second half of the concert

was devoted to Fauré’s greatly loved Requiem, given striking freshness by an arrangement using all the musical resources present.

The enjoyment of the audience was palpable in the reception given at the end of the evening.

The next concert by the Society, celebrating its seventieth anniversary, will be Bach’s Mass in B Minor in the Great Hall of Reading University, on Saturday, June 25.

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36 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 24, 2022

Freely Fruity and friends branch out

By Natalie Burton nburton@wokingham.today A CHARITY which grows organic fruit and vegetables for food banks in Wokingham borough has been branching out.

Sindlesham-based Freely Fruity is working with Wokingham Borough Council to plant community orchards in locations across the area.

Last week co-founders James Whittington, Matt Knight and Ryan Simpson, along with Heston the dog and a team of volunteers, helped three projects take root.

Freely Fruity is supporting the borough council’s 250,000 trees project, which began last October.

Green infrastructure manager for the borough council Laura Buck and borough mayor Cllr Keith Baker MBE attended one of the plantings which took place last Friday.

“By the end of March, more than 15,000 trees will have been planted by schools and community projects,” Ms Buck said. “Lots of people expressed an interest in the garden forest scheme, they will be contacted soon.

“We’ve also received £300,000 from the Woodland Trust to launch greening the borough together, for larger planting on private land.”

A member of Dinton Pasture staff demonstrates how to prepare the ground for tree planting Picture: Mohanji.org

Year Five pupils from Windmill Primary School planting a tree Picture: Natalie Burton Cllr Baker is a keen gardener with an interest in acers and agapanthus.

He is also a supporter of Freely Fruity’s community orchard mission.

“I think the concept is great, it’s a complete cycle,” he said.

“The children planting the trees today will watch these trees grow over the next few years and soon be picking fruit from them.”

School orchard

Freely Fruity’s busy week began at Nine Mile Ride Primary School in Finchampstead on Friday, March 11.

It was the last part of a project which began in 2020 to redevelop an area of the grounds which had become overgrown.

The Friends of Nine Mile Ride were helped by Kyle Smith and his digger to

clear invasive bamboo. Now, the area boasts five picnic benches handmade by Ray Butler, a woodland area with a bug hotel, and planting to encourage bees and butterflies.

The orchard is the finishing touch, and forms part of the school’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Gemma Lee, vice chair of FNMR, thanked Freely Fruity for donating the trees and said that: “It was a great event, and pupils can now take over nurturing and caring for the area.”

Headteacher Ali Brown can see the educational possibilities beyond science.

“An orchard can stimulate creative writing and art, and fruit can be used for cooking,” she explained.

“Growing their own fruit is also a way to help our pupils understand the range of issues around food production.”

Spiritual orchard On Saturday, March 12, spiritual leader Mohanji and members of his UK charity joined forces with Freely Fruity to plant fruit trees at Dinton Pastures.

It was the third community planting in the borough this year by Mohanji ACT Foundation volunteers.

They have already worked with Wokingham Borough Council’s countryside team to plant hedgerow at Keephatch Meadows in Wokingham and Highwood nature reserve in Woodley.

Mohanji visited Dinton as part of his seven-day trip to the UK, which made the session all the more significant for his foundation’s volunteers.

It was also attended by Cllrs Keith Baker and Laura Blumenthal.

Mohanji thanked James, Matt and Ryan of Freely Fruity for providing the trees.

“It was a coming together of similar hearts,” a Mohanji ACT

Mr Willatts, site controller of Nine Mile Ride Primary School, plants a tree Picture: Friends of Nine Mile Ride

Pupils from Nine Mile Ride Primary School planted trees for their new community orchard Picture: Friends of Nine Mile Ride

Mohanji stands between Cllrs Laura Blumenthal and Keith Baker MBE Picure: Mohanji.org Foundation spokesperson said.

“And Cllr Baker recognised that our foundation cares for all beings — humans, birds, animals and insects — as part of our global fruit tree plantation drive, which really interested him.

“All of us who there have a common interest in doing something for the world while we are alive, and we all agreed to work closely together to do even more.”

Soggy orchard The last of the Freely Fruity team’s week of planting days was held in Woosehill on Friday, March 18.

Years Five and Six pupils from Windmill Primary School planted 80 trees on a patch of land next to the Emm Brook.

Due to soft and muddy ground conditions, all of the trees and equipment had to be carried more than 100 metres to the site by James, Matt and Ryan, plus regular volunteer Carolyn Davies.

Year Five teacher Edward Barron said that he had surprised his class with the news they would be taking part that morning.

“The were really excited,” Mr Barron said.

“And the activity fits in with our science week theme, which is growth.

“We also learned about life cycles of living things before half term.”

The children were helped by councillors Gregor Murray and Keith Baker, green infrastructure manager Laura Buck and Friends of the Emm Brook.

Freely Fruity co-founder Ryan Simpson said that: “The kids were great, they all worked hard and planted so many trees.”

The trees will be watered until established by borough council contractors. n For more information, search for greening the borough together on engage.wokingham. gov.uk

Thursday, March 24, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

37

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Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application

Address

Reasons for Advert

Description

220376

32 Broad Street, Wokingham

Works to a listed building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed erection of a single storey rear extension with 2 no. rooflights to link the existing detached outbuilding to the main dwelling and facilitate conversion of the outbuilding to habitable accommodation, plus changes to fenestration, associated internal works, repainting of front elevation and raising of boundary wall to rear.

The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.

Any comments must arrive on or before the 14th April 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: 24th March 2022

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (JOULDINGS LANE, FARLEY HILL) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (GIPSY LANE, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 17th March 2022 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

Jouldings Lane, Farley Hill from its junction with Church Road.

Gipsy Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with Murdoch Road and Southlands Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 28th March and 30th March 2022.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Southlands Road, Easthampstead Road and Murdoch Road or by this route in reverse.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to excavate, locate and rectify multiple blockages 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 28th March 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: 24th March 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 11th April and 14th April 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake new gully installation and connection to surface water drain 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 11th April 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: 24th March 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

PHOTOGRAPHER

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 24, 2022

JOB VACANCY ARE LOOKING FOR A COMMUNITY REPORTER FOR SOUTH READING/SHINFIELD NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY

Do you care about what goes on around you, wish your community had a louder voice, and want to make a difference?

Have you ever wanted to become a journalist?

Thanks to funding from Meta, we are looking to recruit an apprentice or trainee reporter for the community news project, to join the team at our offices in Reading.

The Community News Project is a partnership between the NCTJ, Meta (formerly Facebook) and local news publishers, the project is creating 100 community reporter roles in newsrooms covering underserved communities in England, Scotland and Wales.

WHAT WILL THE COMMUNITY REPORTER FOR SOUTH READING/SHINFIELD DO? As a community reporter, your main role will be to engage with people in the communities of South Reading and Shinfield, to curate, collate and create content relevant to them.

You will build and act as the point of contact for online communities by engaging with and seeking out content either written by you or from members of those communities.

You will also receive industry-leading digital journalism training for you to then share into the newsroom, as well as the gold-standard NCTJ journalism training to become a fully-trained journalist.

This is a fixed-term contract for two years.

TWO ROUTES OF ENTRY

For applicants with no previous journalism experience or education, we are offering a journalism apprenticeship, which combines training with on-the-job experience.

For applicants with previous journalism experience or education, there is a trainee role where support will be provided to obtain the necessary NCTJ qualifications to become a senior reporter.

We are particularly keen to increase diversity in our newsroom and offer opportunities to those who may not have felt able to break into the media industry.

We are open-minded about whether we take on an apprentice or trainee; what is more important to us is finding somebody who recognises how local news can help inform and improve lives and who wants to get involved and support the communities we serve.

WHAT TRAINING WILL I UNDERTAKE? All reporters will work towards an NCTJ qualification either as a standalone qualification or as part of an apprenticeship. Recruits will either study towards the Diploma in Journalism, or the National Qualification in Journalism for those who already have the diploma.

East-West Bridge Centre Ltd of Tricorne House, 15 Sandy Lane, Wokingham, RG41 4DD is applying for a license to use Tricorne house, 15 Sandy Lane, Wokingham, RG41 4DD as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle and 1 trailer.

Reporters will also attend digital skills training from Meta and receive regular, additional training support from the NCTJ.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representers must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.

A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

To apply, email David Riley at driley@wokingham.today by Friday, April 1. Include a CV and a brief outline of why you would like the role and why we should choose you for it.

HOW TO APPLY

The Wokingham Paper Ltd Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS | 0118 327 2662 www.wokingham.today | www.rdg.today

Thursday, March 24, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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LEISURETODAY

24.03.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Adele in April A

N EASTER parade of entertainment is promised by a Bracknellbased arts centre, thanks to a mixture of theatre, music, dance and more.

South Hill Park will be welcoming audiences back in April with a variety of productions, promising there will never be a dull moment.

The Wilde Sundays event on Sunday, April 3 sees award-winning acoustic harmony duo Dragonfly Sky perform.

Joining them are Union Blue, an acoustic duo playing a wide range of music from Blues through Country to light Rock.

Also on the bill is The Grand Old

Uke of Dork, who brings a recipe of irreverent original songs, a side of covers and just a dash of stupidity.

Bracknell Jazz brings Trish Clowes – My Iris to South Hill Park on Friday, April 8.

My Iris is an imaginative and thrilling band that represents the front rank of UK jazz bringing a unique platform for individual expression.

Everyone’s favourite ogre is back this Easter in South Hill Park’s hilarious stage spectacle, based on the Oscarwinning smash hit film and Broadway musical.

Bringing all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage, Shrek The Musical, running from Mon,

April 11 through to Monday, April 18, proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.

On Wednesday, April 20, the Cellar Bar will be open for a Folk Night with Antoine, Owena and Guests.

Combining original material with their own take on some traditional songs, this duo delivers an eclectic mix of songs and tunes which enthuse and entertain.

Katie Markham leads a supertalented six-piece band through favourite Adele hits in the internationally acclaimed show, Someone Like You – The Adele Songbook, on Thursday, April 21.

1, 2 Step Dance Academy presents

their biennial showcase of dance, Celebrating 15 Years, over the weekend of April 23-24.

The show will explore a variety of dance styles with fabulous costumes and creative choreography as they revisit their shows through the years.

The Studio Theatre Company are back with their next show Salomé running from Wednesday, April 27, through to Saturday, April 30. Set on the terrace of Herod’s palace in 30AD during one of the Tetrarchs illustrious banquets, Oscar Wilde’s extraordinary early work, tells the story of Salomé the beautiful and seductive stepdaughter of Herod.

Mary Rose on Thursday, April 28, will leave you spellbound by its mystical nature and moved by its deepest yearnings to be reunited with the ones we love, and offering a message of hope.

Following a sensational sell out run at Edinburgh Fringe, Back To Black: The Music of Amy Winehouse, takes you on a moving yet energising journey through the career of a modern legend on Saturday, April 30.

And across the month, there will be a range of screenings in its cinema, including family-friendly treats, and some of the latest releases. n For more information, log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

14 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 24, 2022

Piano recital from talented youngster

brilliant vocals and superb musicianship.

Now in its 35th year, the feel good show takes to the stage at 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 29.

Tickets are priced from £25. n For more details or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

A TALENTED young pianist will play in Bracknell this Friday evening.

South Hill Park’s conservatoire international concert series presents Antoine Préat in the Recital Room from 7.30pm.

Antoine has performed in prestigious venues across the UK, Europe and the US, including the Wigmore Hall, Salle Gaveau, Salle Cortot, Paris Beaux Arts Museum and Frederyk Chopin Institute.

His programme of music from the 18th to 20th centuries will include pieces

by Bach, Schubert, Debussy, Liszt and Albeniz.

Adult tickets priced from £14.50, under 18s £5.50. n For more details or to book, log on to: southhillpark.org.uk or call: 01344 484123.

Broadcasters spill the beans TWO VETERAN broadcasters spill the beans on their careers at the Wycombe Swan on Sunday.

Bob Harris and Danny Baker have experience of witnessing the great names of modern music up close.

They have been backstage, front stage, at home and on the road with virtually every legend in the business.

Fortunately they both have great memories, in both senses of the phrase, and will share stories from the golden age of rock and soul music.

Tickets for Harris and Baker’s Backstage Pass are priced from £36.50.

The show begins at 7.30pm. n For more details or to book call the box office on: 0343 3100060 or visit: wycombeswan.co.uk

Will clowns around

MUSICIAN Will Young makes his debut on stage at Windsor’s Theatre Royal from Tuesday, March 29.

He is starring in an adaptation of Herb Gardner’s comedy-drama A Thousand Clowns until Saturday, April 2.

It is part of the Windsor on Air season, which sees a number of plays presented in the style of a vintage radio production.

Don’t miss the train now arriving...

He’s taking it personally...

THE LAST tickets remain to see comedian Nish Kumar in Reading next month.

The Your Power, Your Control tour reaches the Hexagon on Wednesday, April 6.

Set in 1962, Uncle Murray Burns is endeavouring to rear his precocious nephew in New York City.

When social services arrive on the scene to ensure that the nephew is receiving a proper upbringing, he finds himself solving their problems and mayhem ensues.

Evening performances are at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2.30pm.

Tickets from £24.

For more details or to book, call the box office on 01753 853888 or log on to: theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

UK Cinemas in support of Ukraine NORDEN Farm in Maidenhead is taking part in UK Cinemas in Support of Ukraine

It’s been a period of upheaval and uncertainty with covid and the political situation.

Yet Nish has an amazing capacity to somehow take all these things personally.

Nish Kumar is the host of The Mash Report on Dave and was named as one of The Guardian’s top 50 comedians of the 21st century. on Tuesday, March 29.

Olga tells the story of a talented 15 year old Ukrainian gymnast exiled in Switzerland, who dreams of Olympic gold. As she prepares for the European Championship, the Ukrainian people stage a revolution.

Olga is left a powerless, distant bystander as her mother, an investigative journalist, faces danger as she challenges the brutal regime.

Can she reconcile her personal goals with the history unfolding in her homeland?

Elie Grappe’s multi-award winning drama is a subtle, tensely handled tale of exile reflecting the pressure on young athletes, the clash between the personal and the political and a young woman’s search for who she is and what she’s prepared to sacrifice.

AT THE THEATRE

As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Buddy Holly and the Cricketers.

Thurs. Conservatoire International Concert Series: Antoine Preat. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Youth and Community Dance Galas.

Sat-Sun. An Evening With Pam Ayres. Fri 1. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 1. Wilde Sundays: Dragonfly Sky, Union Blue, Grand Old Uke of Dork.

Sun 3.

FILMS: The Souvenir Part II. Thurs.

Save The Cinema. Fri-Sun. Flee.

Mon-Tues. Ali & Ava. WedThurs 31. Death One The Nile.

Fri 1-Sun 3. Coppelia. Sat 2.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Ed Byrne. Thurs. The Real Magic Show. Sat. Baby Ballet. Sun. Herman’s Hermits. Thurs 31.

Terri Jayne Theatre Arts. Fri 1-Sun 3.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Private Lives. Until Sat. An Evening With Carol Klein. Sun

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Blood Brothers. Until Sat. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs. Harris and Baker’s Backstage Pass.

Sun. The Drifters. Thurs 31.

Lost In Music. Fri 1. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sat 2. That’ll be The Day. Sun 3.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 The Three Degrees. Thurs. The Bob Dylan Story. Fri. Ben Hart: Wonder. Sat. The Art Themen Trio: Thane and the Villeiins.

Sun. Concert for Ukraine with Nick Heyward, Carol Decker, Jesse Smith, Jazz Morley, james Carrington, Purdy and special guests. Thurs 31. The Comedy Network. Fri 1. The Searcher and Hollies Experience. Sat 2.

Scenes From Famous Ballet, Musicals and More. Sun 3.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Taming The Garden (15). Thurs.

The Beatles: get Back The Rooftop Concert. Fri. Dire Streets. Fri. A Night at the Movies. Sat. Junior Youth

Theatre Sharing: Alice in Wonderland. Wed. Senior Youth Theatre: Showcase of a Modern teen. Wed. Lou Sanders One Word - Wow. Wed. Disraeli: Queen Victoria’s Favourite Prime Minister.

Thurs 31.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Iain Stirling: Failing Upwards.

Thurs. Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through Menopause. Sat. Oh … And Another Thing … An Evening with Su Pollard. Thurs 31.

Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of The Dubliners. Sat 2.

Newbury – The Watermill

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 The Wicker Husband. Until Sat. The Girl of Ink and Stars. Thurs 31-Sat 2.

He has also been on the BBC’s Live at the Apollo and Channel 4’s Taskmaster.

The gig starts at 7.30pm and tickets are priced at £22.

Suitable for an audience aged 18 years and up. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com Certificate 15. Tickets cost £10.50, £9.50 concessions. n For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997. n The film is also being screened at the Reading Biscuit Factory on Thursday, March 24, at 9pm. For details, log on to: / readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

It’ll be next Tuesday

A MUSIC tribute show rocks up at The Hexagon next week.

That’ll Be the Day is an unashamedly nostalgic rollercoaster ride through four decades of musical genres.

Starting with the beginnings of rock and roll in the 1950s, through the fab 1960s, glam 1970s and pop of the 1980s, the cast promise to entertain with their

Reading – South Street

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Peter Knight and John Spiers.

Thurs. Heidi Talbot. Thurs 31. Heavy Pop presents Melt-Banana. Fri 1. Chris McCausland. Sat 2.

Reading – The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. Thurs.. The Bootleg Beatles in Concert. Fri. That’ll Be The Day. Tues. Eric and Ern. Fri 1. Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour. Sat 2.

Reading – Concert Hall

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 South Chiltern Choral Society and the Reading Symphony Orchestra. Sat 2.

THE PLAY which inspired the classic film Brief Encounter is returning for another run in Sonning.

Still Life, by Noel Coward, tells the tale of the forbidden love between Laura Jesson and Dr Alec Harvey.

Their meeting at Milford Junction railway station in 1936 will be recreated in the Waterwheel Bar of The Mill theatre from Wednesday, March 30, until Friday, April 8.

Audience members will join the couple for an immersive theatrical experience, complete with live music and steam train effects.

Tickets are very limited and cost £25.

Refreshments will be available.

There are no performances between Saturday, April 2, and Monday, April 4.

For more details or to book, call: 0118 969 8000 or visit: millatsonning.com

Mums night out

FANS of the best selling Why Mummy… series of books can enjoy an evening with the author at the beginning of next month.

Gill Sims is on stage with her show Tits, Gits and Little Sh*ts for two nights at Norden Farm, Maidenhead.

She will read extracts from her books and be interviewed by Jo Middleton, author of Playgroups and Prosecco and creator of Facebook page Slummy Single Mummy.

Together they will take what they promise to be a hilarious look at the changing face of motherhood as children grow from toddlers to teenagers, including relationships and the highs and lows of the school gate.

Shows are on Tuesday, April 5, and Wednesday, April 6, at 8pm.

Tickets cost £22.50. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788997 or visit: norden.farm

Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Yous Two. Tues-Sat 2.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: National Theatre Connections. Mar 16-18.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Our House. Apr 29-30, May 5-7

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 The House on Cold Hill.

Until Sat. Still Life.

From Wed-April 8.

Windsor – Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Windsor on Air: The Unexpected Guest. Until Sat. Windsor on Air: A Thousand Clowns.

Tues-Sat 2.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Hobson’s Choice. Until Sat.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society: A Promising Young Woman (15). Thurs. ISA Drama Competition. Tues-Wed.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Jazz concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Sat May 28.

LEISURE | 15

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Thursday, March 24, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

With a bit of help from our That’s a Purdy good line-up for Ukraine friends: society’s big bash The South Chiltern Choral Society is marking its 70th anniversary this season, and it starts next month with a speical concert.

PHIL CREIGHTON finds out more

E

ARLY next month, Reading’s Concert Hall will be filled once again with the sound of music.

It is something that has been rarely heard over the past couple of years, as covid precautions meant choirs fell silent.

The South Chiltern Choral Society is teaming up with Parenthesis and the Reading Symphony Orchestra for their first public performance since the pandemic.

With nearly 100 voices in the society, it will certainly be a sound to enjoy.

The programme includes Faure’s Requiem, Debussy’s La Mer and Neilsen’s Helios Overture, each designed to showcase the strengths of the groups, and make the most of the sound that the concert hall provides.

The concert provides the society the chance to reflect and move forward.

The group’s chair, Richard Larkin, says: “Until last September, we were rehearsing using Zoom. It was amazing how keen people were to sing, even in that rather constrained environment.”

A visit to Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire last September provided them the chance to sing for the first time in 18 months.

“That was a brilliant thing to do, everyone enjoyed that immensely,” Richard says.

“It was just nice to sing again.”

That was the starting point for resuming in person

South Chiltern Choral Society presents ~

70th Anniversary Spring Concert

Fauré ~ Requiem Debussy ~ La Mer Nielsen ~ Helios Overture South Chiltern Choral Society Parenthesis Reading Symphony Orchestra Conductor ~ Stefan Hofkes

Saturday 2nd April 2022 at 7.30 pm Concert Hall, Blagrave St, Reading RG1 1QH Tickets £23.50 £20.50 £15.50 Students under 25 £10 whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Registered Charity no. 297583

www.southchilternchoralsociety.org.uk

South Chiltern Choral Society will be back in action rehearsals at Chiltern Edge School, something they do on Mondays and they welcome new members. But covid rules meant they were socially distanced. Well anti-socially for a choir, as Richard explains: “The school assembly hall had poor acoustics, it was very flat. It’s so much better to be a closer together, you can hear the parts so much better, whereas you are in a bit of a vacuum (spaced apart).”

The group have been rehearsing together since January, but it won’t be until this week that they get together with Parenthesis and the Symphony Orchestra, and Richard can’t wait to be in the Concert Hall, in Reading’s town centre.

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“It’s a great place to sing.

It’s a splendid outlook from the bench seats where we sit, looking into the auditorium,” he explains.

The Father Willis Organ, the centrepiece of the hall, is a bit redundant this time, as they are bringing in a separate organ that has all the right stops and the sound they need.

The programme has been chosen by the society’s conductor, Paul Berg – “he has wonderful experience in choosing music”.

Richard said they had considered Beethoven’s Ninth, but Richard’s research found that another choir was planning to perform it.

“We put our hats on again, and we thought about what we

have enjoyed singing together in the past. Fauré is absolutely top of the list. It’s such a beautiful, evocative piece, and it’s gorgeous to sing.

“I think the audience also enjoy it, it creates this beautiful image of peace and tranquillity which is very special. I like French music very much, it fits my personal taste as well.

“La Mar was chosen by the orchestra, and it fits again with the French connection.”

This concert is also part of a celebration: one that was delayed by the virus.

“We meant to have our 70th anniversary last year, but it just wasn’t feasible due to covid,” Richard says.

Sadly, it will be without a mainstay of the society: Gwyn Arch, a former musical director, died last year. He had been awarded the OBE for services to music in Berkshire back in 2006.

“He was our musical director until 2014,” Richard says.

“He was the South Chiltern’s persona for 49 years, so it’s with a touch of sadness that we come this anniversary.”

One senses that he would have approved of the society’s continuing mission to present high standards of music wherever they perform and, all being well, that includes tours to France and Belgium in the next two years.

“I’m currently trying to see if we can sing in the Sunday Mass at Bruges Cathedral,” he says.

For now though, it’s not so much about crossing the sea, but ensuring smooth sailing over La Mer. The concert takes place on Saturday, April 2, at Reading’s Concert Hall in Blagrave Street from 7.30pm. The conductor will be Stefan Hofkes, and Ian Westley will be the organist.

Tickets cost from £15.50, with student seats £10. n For more details, or to book, log on to whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

Purdy has organised a concert for Ukraine at the Kenton Theatre on Sunday, March 30

M

USIC legends Chris Difford, Nick Heyward and Carol Decker are among a glittering array of artists who will be raising the roof while raising funds for Ukrainian refugees at a special evening of music.

The Concert for Ukraine will take place on Sunday, March 31, at the Kenton Theatre in Henley-on-Thames, and has been organised by singer Purdy.

She said: “To see people suffering through no fault of their own is heartbreaking. If it was happening to my loved ones and countrymen, I would hope that the rest of the world would reach out to us too.

“We live in an affluent country which offers us safety and security so I think we have a duty to help where we can. The best way I know how is through music.”

Purdy, whose high-flying career has seen her perform on hit Netflix series The Crown and at the Royal Albert Hall, pounded her book of contacts to see who she could get on the bill at short notice.

Eighties popstars Heyward and Decker, and legendary Squeeze cofounder Difford jumped at the chance to help out.

Nick said watching the bombardment of the Ukraine was “heart-breaking”, and added: “At least we can do our bit to sing and raise money to help in some small way.

“So, please come to the Kenton and help with us.”

Rock god Jesse Smith, who hails from Reading, is also on the bill, fresh from touring with the Classic Rock Show and ahead of some exciting shows with the Led Zeppelin Symphonic.

He said: “I’m absolutely honoured to be part of this fundraiser for Ukraine.

“I spent a week in Kyiv in 2017 and the artists I worked with were some of the most talented and beautiful people I’ve ever worked with.

“It breaks my heart to see what’s happening in Ukraine.”

The line-up so far, with more artists to be confirmed, is: Nick Heyward, Chris Difford, Carol Decker, Jesse Smith, Jazz Morley, James Carrington, and Purdy.

All the proceeds raised from the £30-a-ticket concert will go to the Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal, led by the Disasters Emergency Committee. n Visit: https://www.purdymusic. co.uk/purdys-popup/ukraine for more information and tickets

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16 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Craig David to play Newbury Racecourse

C

RAIG David will headline the Newbury Racecourse Party in the Paddock event this summer.

The musical star has sold more than 15 million albums, and a host of top 10 hits.

Now, he’s preparing for his Berkshire date, four years after he last performed there.

The date is Saturday, July 16.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing you all in July and having a great night like last time… great vibe, great night, time to party.”

The event is one of a number of live music and racing days planned by the racecourse, and it is exciting its staff.

Harriet Collins, the racecourse’s marketing director, said: “Craig David is no stranger to the Party in the Paddock stage at Newbury, having first played here in 2018 to an almost sell-out crowd of over 20,000.

“He put on such a memorable and upbeat performance and we are absolutely delighted that he has agreed to come back again this year on Super Sprint Day and perform live after racing.

“As Spring starts to make an appearance and the days are getting longer, we are already looking forward to a fun summer filled with brilliant racing action and live music.”

Craig David will be at Newbury Racecourse this summer Craig recently enjoyed a daytime residence at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel, and teamed up with Big Narstie to record the single When The Bassline Drops.

He also released two albums: Following My Intuition, and his latest, The Time Is Now. Tickets will be on sale to the

general public from 9am on Monday, March 21.

There will be an early bird presale offer available from Friday, March 18. Tickets will be priced from £33.75. n For more details, visit newburyracecourse.co.uk or call 01635 40015

RABBLE prepares to bring four new plays (prepped in a day) to The Blade ON FRIDAY, theatregoers will feel like they are on top of the world, thanks to a special performance.

RABBLE is switching its production venue from auditoriums such as Reading Minster church, the Gaol and Reading Abbey.

Instead, they will be on top of The Blade, offering stunning views as the sun sets … all from the Thirteenth Floor.

The show will help mark the group’s 10th anniversary, and is called Off The Block. All four plays being performed have been written this week.

And early on Friday, 16 actors, four directors, four composers, two technicians, four work experience people, and the RABBLE team arrive.

Scripts are released at 7.30am and the first show goes up at 7.30pm.

During the day, lines will be learnt, the soundtrack prepared, and the show complete. It will be alright on the night…

Due to its special nature, details are being kept secret other than being a celebration of new writing talent.

However, once stepping out of the great glass elevator, attendees to the exclusive, onenight only event will be welcomed by a complimentary glass of Organic Fizz, donated by Vintage Roots Organic Wine suppliers, and some gorgeous canapes, before taking

A CHORAL society is preparing to perform its spring concert.

Haydn’s Nelson Mass is the title for the evening of music from Yateley Choral Society.

The music is one of 14 masses from the composer, and was written towards the end of the 18th century, as Nelson won an historic victory over Napoleon, during the Battle of the Nile.

music by Jeanine tesori

originally produced on Broadway by dreamWorks theatricals and neal street productions

Brad Clapson as Shrek

poppy ridell as Donkey

ashleigh Wells as Lord Farquaad

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe www.mtishows.co.uk

Mon 11 – Mon 18 april 2022 Wilde theatre, South hill park, Bracknell rg12 7pa box office 01344 484123 · Southhillpark.org.uk @southhillpark

/southhillparkartscentre

southhillpark

their seats for the show.

Toby Davies, co- artistic director and founder of RABBLE, says: “Theatre isn’t a building.

Theatre is story-telling and the joy of living through a shared experience and if that experience happens to be on top of a skyscraper, then we think that’s pretty exciting” And Nick Turner, from supporters Northwood Investors, says: “We’re delighted to be

working with RABBLE, who have done so much to bring cultural identity to Reading.

“Their work in the Abbey and efforts to save the gaol haven’t gone unnoticed by us and we’re excited to welcome them into our space. It should be a fun night.”

The event takes place from 7.30pm on Friday, March 25, and tickets cost £40. n For more details, log on to: rabbletheatre.com

The programme includes Handel’s Zadok the Priest, and Nisi Dominus, Boyce’s The King Shall Rejoice, and Mozart’s Laudate Dominum.

Directed by Quintin Beer, the singers will be teaming up with the West Forest Sinfonia.

Also joining in the evening are soprano Tamsin Raitt, mezzosoprano Sarah Champion, tenor Jonathan Hanley, tenor; and bass Charles Cunliffe.

The event takes place from 7.45pm at St Swithun’s Church in Yateley, on Saturday, April 2.

Tickets cost £15, £5 for students and free for accomanpied under 16s.

They can be bought on the door, or in advance from St Swithun’s parish office, Yateley Town Council offices, or from Discoveries. n For more details, log on to: www.yateley-choral.org.uk

A final taste of Belshazzar’s Feast

Based on the dreamWorks animation motion picture and the Book By William steig

georgie Banks as Princess Fiona

The Blade is the venue for RABBLE’S Off The Block night

Nelson’s Mass will be performed

a South hill park production

Book and lyrics by david lindsay-abaire

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 24, 2022

Registered charity 265656 Please support the future of the Arts

AFTER almost 30 years making music and performing together, this year will see the last Belshazzar’s Feast tour around the UK, and it’s coming to South Street.

“You’ve already had too much of a good thing,” the duo say. “We’ve long outstayed our welcome in the travelodges, service stations and garden centres of the world, so it’s high time we headed for new pastures/were put out to grass.

“Catch us while you can.”

The tour is based on their final album, released just before Christmas. It is called, appropriately, That’s All Folkies!, features new music plus fresh arrangements and recordings of the duo’s favourites from their previous nine albums.

Audiences can look forward to an inspired mix of songs

and tunes, both modern and traditional), which combine to create a heart-warming, beautiful and frequently hilarious evening of music and entertainment.

Acclaimed musicians Paul Sartin (oboe, violin, swanee whistle and vocals) and Paul Hutchinson (accordion) have entertained audiences across the UK, Australia and beyond with their eclectic and eccentric mix of tunes, songs and humour that

aims to send audiences home with a smile.

As Belshazzar’s Feast, they have previously released nine critically acclaimed albums across their twenty five-year career.

Their first winter-themed album, Frost Bites, earned them a nomination for Best Duo at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Their previous album, The Whiting’s On The Wall is “one of the most intimate and entertaining live albums I’ve heard” according to the Songlines reviewer. n Tickets cost £18.50, and the gig takes place on Thursday, May 5.

For more details, or to book log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/ venues/south-street/whats-on/ belshazzars-feast or call the box office on 0118 960 6060. n For more on the group, log on to: www.belshazzarsfeast.com

LIVEMUSIC

Focus at Wokingham Music Club Picture: Andrew Merritt

RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman

Focus – Sylvia

bit.ly/ RawSoundsToday

W

to enjoy.

E’RE really excited about the line-up for this year’s Wokingham Festival, there really is something for everyone

And one band we’re thrilled to be welcoming is Focus.

Our focus is this week on one of their most popular songs - we’re sure you’ll love it too.

It’s just one of 10 tracks in our RaW Sounds playlist, a terrific way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing – make sure you bookmark the Spotify page.

To hear this week’s set, simply head to https://bit. ly/rawsoundstoday and pump up the volume.

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.

LEISURE | 25

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, March 24, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Exciting news that legendary rock band, Focus, will be headlining Wokingham Festival this year.

The band, who recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, played a brilliant set at Wokingham Music Club in 2018 to a sell-out crowd, so we can’t wait until their return to the area for day three of this year’s festival on August Bank Holiday Monday, August 29.

This song is taken from their Focus 3 album and, when released as a single, it reached No.4 in the UK singles chart – https://focustheband.co.uk/

The Go Go Cult – Town Called Sorrow Club Velocity is celebrating an impressive 19 years of putting on events with a Birthday Party Gig at the Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading on Friday, March 25. The gig features Abrasive Trees, This, and headliners The Go Go Cult.

Check out this great song from those headlining psychobilly punks which is taken from their latest EP, Tarantula, and pop along to the show.

We hear that there will be cake too. Three bands

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

and cake. What more could you want? – http:// www.thegogocult.com/

with Brother Zulu and Hatty Taylor – https://www. facebook.com/ospmusicuk

Wishbone Ash – Sometime World

My Darling Clementine – I Lost You

It’s from the band’s classic album, Argus, and Martin Turner Ex-Wishbone Ash are returning to Wokingham Music Club on Friday, April 1, to perform the album in full, as well as their Wishbone Four album – https://www.martinturnermusic.com/

This duo have become part of the country and Americana landscape with their wonderful songs and live shows and they visited the area to play at Wokingham Music Club on March 18 – https:// mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk/

Rachel Redman – You Set Me Free

Grandad – About Him

Rachel is a singer-songwriter from the local area and she’s recently released this wonderful new single. It’s another well crafted song with Rachel’s distinctive country pop feel – https://www. facebook.com/rachelredmanmusic/

Here’s a new band from Bracknell with a single taken from their debut EP. The alt rock four-piece have a grungy shoegaze style overlaid with melodies – https://www.facebook.com/wearegrandad

Third Lung – Laura This is the band’s first release of 2022 and they are certainly showing that they can maintain the quality of their previous excellent single releases. It’s from their forthcoming album, Gameplay. We’ll look forward to that. – http://thirdlungband.com/

OSP – Breathe Here’s the debut single from Reading based rap collective OSP. They were live at Readipop Festival’s Launch Party at Purple Turtle on March 19, along

Reliant – Pain of It All They made our Top 10 of our best of 2020 list and now they are back with a new single. It’s another uplifting powerful indie rock anthem – https://www. facebook.com/WeAreReliant

Steve Anderson – Coda Steve, from The Room, has just released his solo album, Journeyman’s Progress – Part One which is a wonderful album of instrumentals showcasing Steve’s skills as a guitarist and musician – https:// journeymansprogress.co.uk/

GIG GUIDE Thursday, March 24 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Rag and Moan Men. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Buddy Holly and the Crickters.. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Tailgunner and special guests. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Amapiano Afrohouse Afrobeat. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – South Street arts centre. Peter Knight and John Spiers. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Altered Images. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, March 25

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ditch The Demon and Solcura. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: B Funkt. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Newtown Pippin, Ralphs Ride RG12 9LR. DisCover. Details: 03144 426298.

CHARVIL – The Heron On The Ford, Lands End Lane, RG10 0UE. Monkey Shock.

Details: 0118 934 0700.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon. The Bootleg Beatles in Concert.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Housebase. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity 19th Birthday Party: The Go Go Cult, Abrasive Trees, This. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Stoney Lane. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Evil Scarecrow. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street RG1 2LR. Stephen Roper. Details: 0118 959 7959.

RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. Tequila Chase.

Details: 0118 343 0565.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Women In Rock. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Neon Daze Live.

Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, March 26

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. The Shelf Side. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Kintek Takoever Drum and Base Extravaganza. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Solid Groove Foundation.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. White Light. Details: 01344 422622

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Little Eden. Details: 01344 457318 CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music. Details: 01344 530615.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Swallow. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Nasty Fishmonger. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Bottomless Magical Brunch. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. 4Ever80s.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING - The Spread Eagle, Norfolk Road, RG30 2EG. The Midnight Rebel Band.

Details: 0118 957 4507.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Sidemen. Details: 0118 376 9159.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. The Junction. Details: 0118 941 5064.

WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, Northumberland Avenue RH2 7QA. Plato and the Bees. Details: 0118 374 0052.

WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. The Beatle and Buddy Show.

Details: 0118 969 3325.

WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Paddington.

Details: 0118 969 9756.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Neil Samuels.

Details: 01252 870648.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers Night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Sunday, March 27

Thurdsay, March 31

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon Karaoke. 2pm..

Details: 0118 966 7153.

Monday, March 28 NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Feast of Fiddles. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

Tuesday, March 29

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesdays. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Feast of Fiddles. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. That’ll Be The Day. Details: 0118 960 6060.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Moscow Drug Club. Details: 01491 681048.

Wednesday, March 30

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Enola Gay. Details: 0118 956 8188.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Funky Natures and

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Hurley Burley. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk CAMBERLEY – Theatre, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. Herman’s Hermits. Details: 01276 707600.

READING - Bar 77, Kings Road RG1 3BJ. Singer Soup Kitchen: Music mixed to perfection.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Therapy?

So Much For The 32-Year Plan. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Heidi Talbot.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, April 1

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Daybreakers and Dr Satso.. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. 21st Century Abba. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Lewis and the Sound of the Suburbs. Details: 01344 457318 EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Martin Turner, ex-Wishbone Ash Vintage Albums: Back To Back Tour. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Bass Kingz: Back With A Bang. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Motley

Cruide and Poizon. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Heavy Pop presents Melt-Banana.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

Saturday, April 2

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Scarlet Vixens. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Vintage Sound Collective.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Ear Candy. Details: 01344 422622 CAVERSHAM – The Travellers’ Rest, Henley Road RG4 5DL. Groovin’ with DJ Jim The Syrip Day, Everything Soulful and Ray Goodridge. Details: 0118 947 9441.

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Karaoke and disco.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. The Cherries. Details: 01344 530615.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS.

Hard Times. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Noasis. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Jewels and the Jacuzzis.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Jazz at the Queen’s Head: Claire Jones Quintet.

Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Arachana. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Bootlegs Band. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – Up The Junction, London Road RG1 3NY. Bounce and Step. Details: 0118 926 0544.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Glenn Miller Orchestra. Details: 0118 969 8000.

THEALE – Social Club RG7 5AS. Audiotonic. Details: audiotonic.co.uk TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB.

The Salty Dogs. Details: 0118 942 9606.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. David Julien.

Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, April 3

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: Dragonfly Sky, Union Blue, Grand Old Uke of Dork..

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Theme Night: But Is It Folk?. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Smon and Garfunkel.

Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan. Details: 0118 969 2047.

THE CHRISTIANS

By Arrangement with Selective Agency and Club Velocity presents

Friday April 15th 2022 - Doors 7:00pm Advance tickets £25.00

www.wegottickets.com / www.seetickets.com / www.eventbrite.com

Sub89 110-117 Friar Street Reading RG1 1EP 0118 959 5395

26 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WHAT’SON Exhibitions

READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Community Voices A series of displays showcasing responses to The MERL’s collections. Open daily except Monday. Details: 0118 378 8660.

READING – Edith Morley building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 6AA. The Ure Musuem presents: iscover the beauty of Etruscan pottery. Tuesdays to Thursdays. 9am-4.30pm.

Free. Details: 0118 378 6990.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. People of Oxford Road, an exhibition by Caroline Streatfield. Until March 31. Free entry. Mon 10am-5pm, Tues 10am7pm, Wed Closed, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm. Details: 0118 937 5950 READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Stret RG1 1QH. Reading Musuem presents Collected: 150 Years of Reading FC. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm (Sat 5pm). Free, suggested donation of £5.

Details: 0118 937 3400.

Films at Reading Biscuit Factory this week

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Ukraine Fundraiser Screening: Olga (12a). Thurs. The Phantom of the Open (12a). Thurs.

The Batman (15). Thurs.

The Duke (12a). Thurs.

Ali & Ava (15). Thurs. Red Rocket (18). Thurs. Keep It Cult:Clerks (15). Fri. Keep It Cult: Fight Club (18).

Mon, Fri April 1. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Thursday, March 24 READING – 571 Oxford Road Gallery, 571 Oxford Road, RG30 1EG.Artists for Ukraine Emergency Art Sale: special preview and emergency art sale includes work from over 50 international artists including work by Lesia Khomenko, Oleksiy Sai, Nikita Kadan, Pavlo Makov. 6.30pm. Details: artistsforukraine.org READING – Reading Central

Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Berkshire Family History Society presents: 150 years of Reading Football Club, an online talk by David Downs. 2pm.

Booking essential. £5, £4 BFHS members. Details: berksfhs.org

Friday, March 25

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org SILCHESTER – Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Silchester Players present: Aladdin A Panto.

7.30pm. Tickets: £7, £8, £9. silchesterplayers.org WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Hobson’s Choice. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP scam awareness training: how to avoid being scammed.

10am. Booking essential.

Details: 07780 749453 or wokinghamclasp.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat. 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, March 26 READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square.

The Friends of Reading Abbey spring lecture: The Reading Abbey Formulary,

by Dr Frederica Teale.

2pm. Free. Details: www. readingabbey.org.uk READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Club FOD’s

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 24, 2022

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk TV Characters, an LGBT+ night. 8pm.

READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Abbey Quarter tours: explore the heart of medieval Reading led by trained volunteer guides.

Ninety-minute tour from 11am. £10. Booking essential. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk READING - St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road RG1 5JT. Reading Haydn Choir spring concert: Mozart’s Requiem and short works by Bach and Bruckner. 7.30pm. £14, £12 concessions, £1 discount for advance bookings. Under 19s £5, under 19s free. Details: www.haydnchoir.org.uk SILCHESTER – Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Silchester Players present: Aladdin A Panto.

2.30pm, 7.30pm. Tickets: £7, £8, £9. Details: silchesterplayers.org TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Brewery Tours and Tasting. Over 18s only. Booking essential.

1pm. £13.50. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road.

Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association spring show. 2pm. Raffle and awards, 3.30pm. £1.

Details: trhamembership@ gmail.com WINNERSH – St Mary’s Church Hall RG41 5NA. FROM 10AM -2.PM. A Grand Sale , raising funds for 2 orphanages in S India Charity SalGoAssist supporting the rural poor in Bapatla WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Hobson’s Choice. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell

Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, March 27

BRACKNELL – The Lexicon.

Bracknell Vegan Market.

11am-4pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Sunday Alternative: a secular community of words and music. Listening To The Young. 10.45am1pm. Details: www. sundayalternative.org.uk TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Mates Rates Comedy presents Comedy at the Taproom: Steve Hughes, Sarah Callaghan, Tadiwa Mahlunge and Carl Richards. Doors open 4pm, show. 6.30pm-8.30pm.

Details: doublebarrelled. co.uk WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road, RG5 3LA. Games afternoon.

2pm. Cafe praise. 6.30pm.

Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday, March 28

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org CAVERSHAM – Caversham Park Bridge Club, Milestone Centre, RG4 6PF. Face to face duplicate bridge, computer dealing & scoring. 7.30pm. £3.

Details www.bridgewebs/ cavershampark EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Group interview skills course.

9.30am-12.30pm. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 921 0555.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Yous Two. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road

RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons Art and Crafts.

Try something new, relax, enjoy tea and biscuits. £3 per craft, materials supplied. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: 0118 969 9956.

Tuesday, March 29

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Yous Two. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Beer, Bubbles, Banter. 6.30pm.

Details: 0118 979 7402.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, March 30

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe. 2pm-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. MS weekly drop-in. 10.30am1.30pm Details: 0118 921 0555.

EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB.

Is volunteering for you?

9.30am-12.30pm. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 921 0555.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Yous Two. 7.45pm. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Coffee morning. 10am-noon.

Details: 0118 969 9956.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road, RG5 3LA. Wesley Guild: History of Woodley. 2pm. Details: www.christ-churchwoodley.org.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, March 31

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Stand and Deliver comedy club. Over 18s only. £8. 7pm Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Yous Two. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Berkshire Family History Society presents: one-to-one family history advice session on Merchant Navy. 1pm-3pm.

Online, booking essential.

Details: berksfhs.org READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Berkshire Family History Society Reading branch presents:Trade

What’s What’s on on event event submission submission form form Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups,

Name Name

charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

Address

Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:

Address

Postcode Email Postcode

Time of event: Contact number for readers:

Send Emailyour forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

and occupation sources: where and how to find them. 7.45pm-9pm. Online, booking essential. Details: berksfhs.org SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Friday, April 1

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10a Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Yous Two. 7.45pm. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

TILEHURST – British Legion, Downing Road Rg31 5BB. Reading Lions presents a quiz night for Ukraine, includings fish n chip supper. £15. 7pm. Details: www.readinglions.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, April 2

CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist parish church, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Thames Voyces in concert: Dixit Dominus.

7.30pm. Details: www. thamesvoyces.org.uk.

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING – From Palmer Park. Kidical Mass family bike ride. Meet by Tutu’s, enjoy short, slow ride to Forbury Gardens, with other families, followed by a picnic. 11.30am.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Yous Two. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Abbey Quarter

tours: explore the heart of medieval Reading led by trained volunteer guides.

Ninety-minute tour from 11am. £10. Booking essential. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk READING - St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road RG1 5JT. Reading Youth Orchestra spring concert with Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra.

6pm. Details: www. readingyouthorchestra. co.uk/future-concerts READING – The Warehouse, Cumberland Road. Charity art and pre-loved sale in aid of Ukraine. 10am-2pm.

SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church. Lunchtime concert with Belle Canto. Free entry, followed by light lunch. Retiring collection in aid of church funds.

Details: www.loddonreach. org.uk SHINFIELD – The Michael Malnick Centre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Trinity Concert Band spring concert: Song and Dance.

7pm. £14, students £7, under 16s free. Details: 0118 449 2099.

TILEHURST – Birch Copse School, Wittenham Avenue RG31 5LN. Baby and children’s pre-loved sale and craft market.

1pm-4pm. £2 Details: bcptafundraising@gmail. com WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org YATELEY – St Swithun’s Church, Firgrove Road GU46 6NH. Yateley Choral Society present’s Haydn’s Nelson Mass. 7.45pm. £15, students £5, under 16s free. Details: www.yateleychoral.org.uk

Sunday, April 3

ACROSS READING – Reading Half Marathon. Road closures will be in place.

BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church.Crafty church Easter fun. 10.30am-noon.

Free. craftyeasterfun. eventbrite.co.uk READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam.

7.30pm. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org 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 WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. South Berkshire Singers. Free.

7pm. Details: 01344

No. 5406

Your weekly puzzle challenge

27

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, March 24, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

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10

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9

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5. Which spice comes from the skin inside the shell of the nutmeg?

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4. ‘Right’, ‘blue’ and ‘fin’ can all go before which word?

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NONAGRAM

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P A R

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E C U

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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R E T

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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

DELTA JET AIRLINER

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 R through openings in the walls. The E first letter may appear in any chamber.

S S

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: 31 Good; 37 Very Good; 43 Excellent.

DB

ON

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.

RI

IE

IT

DI

EO

AG

NS

AU

BE

SUDOKU Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

6 4 7 8 7 8 2 4 3 5 2 1 6 6 5 8 5 1 7 3 1 9 7

2

2 8 7 6

8 3

3 5 7 7

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D

Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

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9

DOWN 1. Discuss what to do if you have an aching tooth (4,2,3) 2. Only confused over name for synthetic material (5) 3. Man currently going round? (4) 4. Frenchman to speak, but indistinctly (6) 5. Hollow warning by revolutionary leader with common sense (9) 6. A plot of land, one that’s about right (4) 10. One with designs on buildings from the Arctic (9) 12. Will met Ed possibly – that was opportune (4-5) 15. Channel taking middle course (6) 17. It’s a practical joke to place a tool under the house (4) 19. Sign of butter (5) 20. Head Office accepts a learner in the circle (4)

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

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To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

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HARD SUDOKU

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3 5 2 7 4 9 1 6 8

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WORD PYRAMID: Mustard and cress.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; divide; add; multiply.

Total: 4.

MAGIC SQUARE: jilt; idea; leer; tarn.

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SOLUTIONS

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© Sirius Media Services Ltd

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QUICK CROSSWORD 1

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

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2 7 3 6 1 4 5 8 9

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1 6

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ACROSS 1. Fast walk by demonstrators (6,5) 7. State another detail and confirm (8) 8. Number two’s sin? (4) 9. Island in fashionable setting (4) 11. Not many with a high temperature first used this medicinal plant (8) 13. Lightweight cat? (5) 14. Type of support found in a fable (5) 16. Cultivator takes a short time to produce a sensational story (8) 18. Sat around with 50 in the cellar (4) 21. Peel fruit, say (4) 22. Giant takes one uncertain metallic element (8) 23. Elementally disturbed in the main? (5-6)

R A

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20

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

4

8 4 8 2 7 6 3 5

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EQUALISER 6 9 11 3 2 2 3 2 1 2 1 1

Hard

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9 4

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5 9 4 2 8 3 6 1 7

Easy

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FIVE ALIVE VO

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3. In the TV sitcom Mrs Brown’s Boys, how many sons does Mrs Brown have?

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2. Professional tennis player Nick Kyrgios comes from which country?

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1

6. If you visited Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Cathedral, what city would you be in?

7. In literary terms, if women come from Venus, where do men come from?

8. In the nautical world, for what achievement is the Blue Riband awarded?

9. Lord George Bentinck was a noted innovator in which sport?

10. Ferengi, Vulcans and Romulans are alien species in which sci-fi film franchise?

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1. What is measured on the GayLussac scale?

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EASY SUDOKU

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PZ1P5406

CROSS CODE 7

5406

ACROSS 1. Remorseless (8) 8. Admission token (6) 9. Outdoor function (4) 10. Beverage (3) 11. Sufferer (6) 12. Witty retort (8) 15. In a single direction (3-3) 16. Jewish greeting (6) 20. Misprints (6)

31

32

24. Prizes (6) 27. Ball game (8) 28. Senseless (6) 29. Flightless bird (3) 30. Jealousy (4) 31. Holy Land (6) 32. Gently (8) DOWN 2. Inconsistent (6) 3. Donkey’s bray (3-3) 4. Existence (6) 5. Musical lines (6) 6. Shrub (6)

7.

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21.

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26.

Breed of sheep (6) Stray (4) Fruit (4) Rave (4) Cut down (4) Entice (4) Muddle (4) Ceremonial (6) Entreaty (6) Fervent (6) Season (6) Stick (6) Slaver (6)

Storm-tossed.

NONAGRAM: Down – 1 Have it out; 2 Nylon; 3 Eddy; 4 Mutter; 5 Cavernous; 6 acer; acre; acute; aperçu; cape; caper; Acre; 10 Architect; 12 Well-timed; 15 Medium; 17 Hoax; 19 Aries; caperer; capture; capturer; care; career; 20 Halo. carer; caret; carp; carper; carpet; carr; cart; carte; carter; cater; caterer; cere; cert; crape; crate; crater; create; creature; creep; crêpe; crept; cruet; curare; curate; cure; curer; curt; cute; cuter; écarté; ecru; epact; erect; pace; pacer; pact; peace; puce; race; racer; react; recap; RECAPTURE; recur; retrace; teacup; terce; terrace; trace; tracer; truce.

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Ruthless; 8 Ticket; 9 Fete; 10 Tea; 11 Victim; 12 Repartee; 15 One-way; 16 Shalom; 20 Errata; 24 Awards; 27 Rounders; 28 Stupid; 29 Emu; 30 Envy; 31 Canaan; 32 Tenderly.

Down – 2 Uneven; 3 Hee-haw; 4 Entity; 5 Staves; 6 Acacia; 7 Merino; 12 Rove; 13 Pear; 14 Rant; 17 Hewn; 18 Lure; 19 Mess; 21 Ritual; 22 Appeal; 23 Ardent; 24 Autumn; 25 Adhere; 26 Drivel.

M 13 Ounce; 14 Moral; 16 Thriller; 18 Salt; 21 Pare; 22 Titanium; 23

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Alcoholic content of liquids; 2 Australia; 3 Six; 4 Whale; 5 Mace; 6 Barcelona; 7 Mars; 8 Fastest Atlantic crossing by a FIVE ALIVE: passenger ship; 9 Horse racing; 10 Star Trek.

(1) Across – Video; Tinge; Samba.

Down – Votes; Denim; Omega.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE Across – 1 Hunger march; 7 Validate; 8 Vice; 9 Iona; 11 Feverfew; (2) Across – Orbit; Ideal; Nudes.

Down – Onion; Bread; Talks.

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28 | LIFE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 24, 2022

Dippy Eggs with Bacon Wrapped Soldiers In the kitchen

n 1 slice wholemeal bread (50g) n 1 tbsp Rubies in the Rubble Pear & Fig Relish (25g) n 4 slices streaky bacon (80g) n 2 medium eggs

Milk and More

T

HIS week is national Breakfast Week, aimed at making the first meal of the day a bit more exciting.

Online doorstep delivery service Milk & More has created a range of delicious recipes, to help you create brilliant breakfasts featuring best of British produce, all delivered to your door by 7am.

Milk & More offers a range of milks and juices delivered in one-pint zero waste packaging glass bottles (reused on average 25 times), yoghurt, fruit, eggs, bread and more with no pointless plastic…

In fact, 97% of all of its product packaging fits into the circular economy, meaning its fully

reusable, recyclable or compostable.

The aim of the week is to rethink breakfast and start your day the right way!

Whether you want to reinvigorate your porridge, upgrade your morning eggs or simply try something new, get ready to mix up your morning routine with one of these new recipes.

To get involved in this year’s Breakfast Week and find out more, visit https:// breakfastweek.co.uk/ or follow @milkandmore on Facebook and @ freshmilkandmore on Instagram.

DIPPY EGGS WITH BACON WRAPPED SOLDIERS Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 15-20 minutes Serves 1

Preheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6.

Spread the bread with the relish and cut into 4 long strips.

Stretch the bacon with the back of a knife and wrap around the bread strips, place on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until turning crispy.

Meanwhile, place the eggs in a small saucepan of cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for 4 minutes.

Serve the dippy eggs with the bacon wrapped soldiers.

Cook’s tip Try pan frying the bacon instead of baking.

Great served with scrambled eggs too.

LAYERED FRUIT, YOGHURT & MUESLI POTS Prep: 10 minutes Serves 2 n 200g natural yoghurt n 2 tbsp marmalade

Keep Mum’s heart healthy this Mother’s Day

T (60g) n 2 oranges, segmented n 100g muesli 1 kiwi, peeled and diced Mix the yoghurt and marmalade together in

a bowl.

Add the juice from the segmented oranges.

Spoon half the yoghurt into the base of 2 small jars or glasses, top with half the muesli

and then half the fruit, repeat the layers to finish with fruit. Chill until required.

Cook’s tip Great for on-the-go breakfasts.

HealthwatchWokingham Joanna Dixon

Your care, your way

M

well as in Braille, said: “Trying to get information about my own healthcare, in a format I can understand, has often been difficult.

“I can’t read letters that come through the post, or prescription medications. I feel forgotten, ignored, and not taken seriously.

“All I’m asking for is consistency, training on accessible information for staff - a few minor changes would make the world of difference to people like myself.”

What rights do you have?

n Dental practices not getting hearing induction loops installed n GPs refusing people access to a sign language interpreter n Low staff awareness, with D/ deaf people reporting that staff communicated by shouting.

During the pandemic, the lack of accessible information prevented people from understanding national COVID-19 guidance.

Physical barriers, such as the introduction of masks, made it harder for people to understand healthcare staff.

Things need to change. Everyone should be told about healthcare in the

Breakfast in Bed Your mum will love being served breakfast, so pop by the shops early or make arrangements the day before.

Why not serve up a tray of muesli with juicy berries, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on wholemeal toast and freshly squeezed fruit juice.

Dish up yoghurt with a medley of exotic fruits such as mango, kiwi, lychees and star fruit to make the tray more colourful.

Activities Galore

EDICAL and healthcare information can be complex.

But, if you’re disabled or have a sensory loss, you have a legal right to health and social care information in a way you understand, and communications support if you need it.

So, for example, if you’re D/deaf, you should be able to use a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter at an appointment.

Even though the Accessible Information Standard has been a legal requirement since 2016, many NHS Trusts are not supporting equal access to care for deaf and blind patients.

That’s why we’ve launched a new campaign, Your care, your way, to ensure services are taking their duty seriously to provide information in a way that people understand.

The obstacles people face trying to access information they understand The lack of support from services has a detrimental impact on people who need it most. The views of 6,200 people shared with Healthwatch show the incredible difficulties and obstacles people face trying to access the care they vitally need – leaving them frustrated, concerned about their health, and reliant on others.

Just a handful of examples people shared include:

HIS Sunday, 27th of March, treat your mum to a luxurious, heart healthy day.

It’s important for all mums to remember to take care of their own health and wellbeing, as well as that of their families.

Here’s a few ways to make the day healthy and special:

way they need it.

Your care, your way aims to: n Find out how well health and care services deliver the accessible information standard n You know your rights, if the standard covers you n Find out who else has problems understanding information about their healthcare and needs to be covered by the standard.

‘I feel forgotten, ignored and not taken seriously’

Student, Connor Scott-Gardner, who is blind and requires healthcare information in an electronic format as

If you have a disability, impairment or sensory loss, or are a parent or carer of someone who does, you should expect: n To contact and be contacted by services in ways you find accessible n Services to give information and correspondence in formats you can read and understand n To be supported at appointments if needed n Health and care services to support you to communicate. n Contact us on: 0118 418 1418 between the hours of 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday n Alternatively, email: enquiries@ healthwatchwokingham.co.uk, or visit our website: https://www. healthwatchwokingham.co.uk/ contact-us

An active day out is a great way to spend Mother’s Day. This could be anything from a few rounds of tennis/badminton, a walk in the countryside or a cycle in the park.

Spending time together as a family is always a treat.

Take a healthy picnic and make sure you do the washing up when you get home.

Stress-free Day Why not pamper her with a home spa?

Light a fragranced candle and treat her to a manicure, pedicure, a relaxing facial or a back/ neck massage.

Running errands, doing the cooking and the washing up is a good way for mum to have a well-earned and stress free day.

Reverse the roles this Mother’s Day by looking after your mum and treating her to a luscious, heart healthy day. 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/heartresearch-uk-recipes-2/ n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-ukcookbook/

SPORT TODAY

WOKINGHAM

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

24.03.22

ROCKETS NET PLAYOFF PLACE

SCRUM ON DOWN FOR FRIDAY FUN

SUMAS BEATEN

ON THE ROAD

THAT’S THREE PRECIOUS POINTS LAURENT HITS A STUNNER

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

JOSH LAURENT picked the perfect time to notch his goal of the season which helped Reading to earn three invaluable points on Saturday.

Up against promotion-pushing Blackburn Rovers, it was set to be another tricky test for the Royals

in the midst of a difficult run of fixtures.

But using their momentum from their midweek-draw against secondplaced Bourmouth, the Royals put on a positive display.

The home side had the better of the game and chances throughout the first-half.

Blackburn replied with an improved second-half, but the

Royals managed to shut them out to keep a rare clean sheet in goalkeeper Orjan Nyland’s home debut.

Laurent capped off the performance with a sublime strike in the 78th minute that flew above Rovers’ goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski and dipped at the precise moment to kiss the underside of the crossbar on its way in.

It was a goal worthy of winning

any game and may just prove to be the most important goal of Reading’s campaign so far as it moved them five points clear of the relegation zone.

Paul Ince’s men face another huge test after the international break when they face relegation rivals Barnsley away from home on Saturday, April 2.

n Full report and pictures inside

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RANGERS TO FACE SUMAS IN TROPHY HUNT BRACKNELL RANGERS booked their place in the Bracknell & District League Sunday Senior Cup final with victory over William Twigg.

Rangers made a quick start to their semi-final contest against Twigg by opening the scoring just four minutes into the match when Nick William slotted in.

Bracknell used the momentum from their fantastic start to double their lead in the 18th minute to put themselves in a commanding position in the cup tie when William grabbed his brace by converting from close range.

Twigg weren’t able to reply in the second-half as Rangers managed to keep a clean sheet and hold on to their 2-0 advantage to progress to the final.

Bracknell’s win sets up a final date against Wokingham & Emmbrook on Sunday, May 8 where the two sides will battle it out for the silverware.

The Sumas’ Sunday side are currently sixth in the Bracknell & District Sunday League Premier Division, while Bracknell Rangers are third in the same division.

Thirteen points currently separate the teams in the table as Bracknell have six wins from 10, while the Sumas have won two of their 11 league games.

When the sides last met in the league in October, Bracknell ran out as 3-1 winners. n Full football round-up and pictures on pages 20 & 21

18 | SPORT

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Stevie Bryant is held up over the line

Robbie Stapley is tackled Drew Humberstone with ball in hand

Ollie Cole marshalls his troops

RUGBY UNION

FRIDAY NIGHT DELIGHT: CAPTAIN STAPLEY SCORES SUPERB TREBLE

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Rams 38 Chinnor 22

CAPTAIN Robbie Stapley celebrated the birth of his second child in the morning by scoring a stunning hattrick as Rams won a brilliant derby 38-22 at home to Chinnor.

Under the Friday Night Lights, the two old rivals produced yet another classic to add to their storied history, sharing nine tries in an entertaining contest at Old Bath Road.

It was the home side who made the initial breakthrough, hooker Ben Henderson throwing a dummy and showing a

Ben Henderson on the charge

change of pace any fly-half would have been proud of to race over from the edge of the Chinnor 22.

Drew Humberstone landed a regulation conversion, and after James Bourton missed a chance to reduce the deficit by pulling a penalty wide, Rams moved further ahead when Stapley opened his account by touching down at the back of a rolling maul.

Chinnor got themselves on the board quickly, however, a string of strong pick-andgoes eventually led the ball to be spread wide for Kieran Goss to touchdown on the right.

Hosts’ centre Stevie Bryant was then held up over the line, but after Ben Glynn was yellow carded for the away side as they illegally

stopped a series of mauls, Stapley grabbed his second in carbon-copy fashion to his first.

A Bourton penalty proved the last action of the opening period, but Rams wrapped up the bonus-point when a minibreak from Michael Dykes led to Jak Rossiter touching down on the left in the 50th minute.

A wonderful touchline conversion from Humberstone made it 24-8, but Chinnor turned the game on its head with two quickfire seven-pointers.

Firstly, replacement Keston Lines burrowed over from close range within a minute of coming on, and then Bourton also added the extras to a score from himself which came at the

end of a lightning counterattack.

Yet Rams knuckled down, and with their scrum in the ascendancy and James Baker in destructive form, settled the ship and moved further in front with a crucial fifth try when Stapley completed his hat-trick from close range.

And while Chinnor battled to the end, Rams finished with a flourish as another slick backs move ended with Henry Bird touching down in front of clubhouse corner for his 10th try of the campaign.

The final word went to debutant Sam Nicholls, who came on against his boyhood club at fly-half to land the conversion and send the majority of the 1,000-plus strong crowd home happy.

The hooker touches down

REACTION

REYNOLDS HAILS SUPPORT IN ENTERTAINING DERBY CLASH

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today DIRECTOR of Rugby Seb Reynolds hailed a wonderful game of rugby after the hosts picked up a marvellous 38-22 derby day victory against Chinnor in the first National One Friday Night Lights game at Old Bath Road.

“We gave the fantastic support an entertaining game of rugby,” said Reynolds.

“Chinnor came back really well in the second half and they’re a quality side, they’ve got great players, made excellent line breaks passing back to the inside and they’re also very good when they get into the 22.

“Their pick-and-go game is very powerful and they’re hard to stop, but I was really pleased with the

Seb Reynolds Pictures: Paul Clark

way we wrestled back control and played some strong rugby – we started the game well and finished very strongly.

“Credit to them the way they came back hard and played so well, but our guys I just don’t think were going to be denied – they really deserved it.”

“They’ve grafted all year and earned their spots – there was a really nice balance there with Vinny at the breakdown superb, he got some really good turnovers and also held his width in attack as well.

“James is ever-present in attack and defence, he’s full of energy, vocal and had a good impact on the game.”

“I think James is one of the best tight-heads in the country in terms of scrummaging – I’ve not seen better.”

SPORT | 19

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0800 30 50 30 BERKSHIRE U20’S 41-19 SURREY

BERKSHIRE U20’s BOOK SEMIFINAL SPOT WITH SURREY WIN BERKSHIRE Under 20s marched into the semi-finals of Division Two of the Jason Leonard County Championship with a comprehensive victory against Surrey.

Yet things did not start well for the home side, a beautiful tippass from Surrey full-back Ben Mackenzie freeing the speedy Corum Nott to race away and score.

A try combined two Rams on the pitch – full-back Charlie Robson produced a terrific off-load for Adam Porter to cross on an angled run from right to left.

A lovely inside ball from another Ram, Henry Lenthall, set-up Bracknell No. 8 Josh Riles to cross.

Prop Harry Etwell, touched down before Andrews slotted the conversion and kicked a penalty to send the hosts into the interval with a 22-7 advantage.

Captain Spencer Hayhow collected a pass on the left wing before the hooker sprinted in from some 50 metres out.

Robson brilliantly picked up a pass around his ankles before darting over in the left-hand corner.

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BASKETBALL

ROCKETS QUALIFY FOR PLAY-OFFS

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today READING ROCKETS eased through to the playoff quarter finals in a triumphant double header weekend.

Spencer Hayhow touches down for Berkshire U20’s Picture: Tim Pitfield While the conversion drifted wide, Berkshire again had a 20-point lead, and they added a sixth try late on when replacement George Makepeace-Cubitt grabbed a brilliant try with a searing break.

Berkshire’s reward for their victory is an Easter Sunday trip to Durham in the semi-final, while in the other tie, Essex clash with Northumberland.

They exploded from the tip with a 13-3 run causing an early time out by the visitors.

A Danny Carter assist to Sam Toluwase gave the forward a slam as Rockets moved to a 21-3 before a brace of trebles gave the Lions some heart though they finished the opening exchanges 23-10 adrift.

Then Lions took the second quarter 24-23 with Elijah Maynard hitting 19 of their 24 points as he lit up the response even though a Jaz Bains treble was quickly followed by a Bains assist to Reis Pinnock to also score a treble and see Rockets 29-11 ahead.

Some great team work saw Carter send an assist to Tyler Cartaino score and convert the extra free throw before he helped Meshack

Reading Rockets have made the quarter finals Lufile to an inside score seeing Rockets 34-14 ahead causing yet another Lions time-out just three minutes into the period.

Pinnock and Bains stroked trebles leaving the home team with a reduced advantage of 46-34 at the interval.

Cartaino hit 10 personal points as he drove determinedly on four occasions drawing fouls

twice and finishing on another occasion and hitting a pair of free throws on the fourth.

Toluwase was enjoying himself with yet another slam dunk and Carter completed Rockets scoring with an inside move, score and extra point from the penalty stripe leaving Rockets comfortably ahead 73- 51.

Jaz Bains hit three trebles

in the last quarter to become the games second top scorer with 20 points, thanks mainly to an assist from Carter and a pair of assists from Cartaino though Bains returned the favour for Cartaino to drain a treble.

Cartaino continued his display with awesome assist and steals as he gave Rockets big man Lufile a slam dunk.

The 30-point lead was the trigger for Head Coach Dan Pearson to release three of his academy boys onto court and how well they responded to the opportunity.

Isaac Round stroked a treble which Ashely Kitchen matched moments later before Round finished Rockets scoring with a floater. It eased Rockets into the play-offs in a season plagued by serious and long injuries to the team.

Depending on the result of Rockets appeal, victory could give Rockets seventh place in the league and a likely away tie against Thames Valley Cavaliers in April.

National League One Rugby returns to Old Bath Road on Saturday 2nd April 2022 K.O. 3.00pm BARS OPEN from 12.30pm 1st XV v Birmingham Moseley RFC A Pie ‘n Pint or a pre-booked sit down meal in the clubhouse? The choice is yours! Contact steven@RAMSRUGBY.com to book a pre-match two-course meal and experience game hospitality with us!

E tickets can be pre-purchased via our Ticket Office at: Entry is £15 for over 18s for non-season ticket holders, FREE for under 18s.

FREE Park and Ride available for this fixture.

Rams Rugby, Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ © RAMSRUGBY 2022

160mmx8 columns (265mm) Bham Moseley Home -02nd April - Wokingham and Reading Paper 23-24.03.22.indd 1

21/03/2022 12:49:14

20 | SPORT

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BRACKNELL RANGERS SET UP SENIOR SUNDA FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

Tadley Calleva v Wokingham & Emmbrook Pictures: Andrew Batt

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Bracknell & District Senior Sunday Cup BRACKNELL RANGERS booked their place in the final after they saw off WILLIAM TWIGG in the semi-finals.

Rangers went ahead with four minutes on the clock when Nick William slotted in.

Bracknell added to their quick start by doubling their lead in the 18th minute as

William Twigg v Bracknell Rangers Pictures: Andrew Batt

William grabbed his brace by converting from close range.

Bracknell limited Twigg’s chances and progressed by keeping a clean sheet.

Bracknell will face Wokingham & Emmbrook in the final on Sunday, May 8.

Combined Counties Premier North READING CITY climbed up to eighth after they completed a magnificent comeback to beat Edgware Town.

The visitors went in front from the penalty spot just four minutes into the game and doubled their lead in the 22nd minute.

The Cityzens got back into the game to inspire a comeback when Josh Baines smashed a shot into the top corner in the 34th minute.

With just over half an hour to go, Tyler D’Cruz put Reading level and City then grabbed a winner with 10 minutes left when Dan Davies converted from a corner to complete the

turnaround.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK went down to a third successive defeat to Tadley Calleva.

The Sumas conceded two first-half goals which condemned them to a 2-0 loss and leaves them 16th in the table after 29 games.

Combined Counties Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA maintained their push for the

play-offs courtesy of a hat-trick from Jamie Griggs.

The Boars got off to a quick start when Griggs headed in from Connor Allston’s throw in with six minutes gone.

Shortly after the restart, Griggs had his second when Brad Brown set up Griggs who showed ocomposure to strike the ball into the bottom corner.

Griggs sealed his treble and three precious points for Eversley when he found the net with a bullet header.

Eversley are in fourth on 60 points with just eight league games left to play.

WOODLEY UNITED got back on track with a home win over British Airways.

The Kestrels trailed by a goal at the break but came roaring back to take the points in a 3-2 win with goals from Monay Mills-Chandlerand Rafael Brandao.

The win puts Woodley up to 17th as they moved further clear of the relegation zone.

SPORT | 21

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AY CUP FINAL DATE WITH SUMAS

From the middle

Dick Sawdon-Smith

Pulling opponents’ shirts is no child’s play

O

Division One Challenge Cup

BERKS COUNTY progressed in style by hitting seven past Rayners Lane.

The Swords sailed through thanks to hat-tricks from both Harvey Griffiths and Luke Hayden, as well as a goal from Hobbs.

Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD missed out on the chance to close the gap on league leaders BURGHFIELD after they drew to Windlesham & Chobham.

Ryan Finch and Dylan Chaffin netted for Finch to help them earn a point in a 2-2 stalemate.

Finch are five points adrift of Burghfield, but still have three games in hand in what is set to be a tense title battle.

BURGHFIELD weren’t able to extend their lead at the top after they were held to a 3-3 draw by WARGRAVE. Tom Adams, Teoman Atik and James McClellan were on the scoresheet for the Fielders.

READING YMCA moved up to ninth with victory over Wraysbury.

James Boazarth opened the scoring and a brace from Pele Hagger helped YMCA add three points with a 3-1 triumph.

READING CITY U23’s fell to

a 2-1 defeat away at Westwood Wanderers, while WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS lost 2-0 at home to Marlow United.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One TILEHURST PANTHERS produced a five-star display to beat Carterton First.

The 5-0 win means that Tilehurst closed the gap on fourth placed Carterton to just one point.

CAVERSHAM UNITED picked up a point on the road against Mortimer.

Goals from Freya Jenkins and Caitlin Levy but Mortimer hit back late on to share the points.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S CAVERSHAM AFC took maximum points in a ninegoal game against WARGRAVE DEVELOPMENT. Eva Fa Matos scored twice and Tina Leahy scored for Wargrave but they lost out 6-3.

Wargrave are one place off the bottom, while Caversham are sixth, S4K BERKS COUNTY capped off their title winning campaign in style with an away win.

A brace from Megan Cox and goals from Claudia Mulvey and Kiah Owen ensured a 4-1 success in their final league game over Thatcham & Newbury Town.

FOOTBALL

KESTRELS STAGE COMEBACK TO FLY PAST BRITISH AIRWAYS Woodley United 3 British Airways 2

WOODLEY United recorded their second double of the season in a match where all the goals were scored from set pieces ato extend their unbeaten run at The Rivermoor Stadium to four matches.

The opening 10 minutes saw United start spritely, enjoying good possession in the visitors’ half of the pitch.

But it was British Airways who created the first clear cut chance

in the 12th minute that needed a fine block by home keeper Andrew Walker. This chance inspired Airways who enjoyed the next 10 minutes of play.

Hayles forced Walker to concede another corner in the 34th minute from which Kieran O’Donoghue’s kick was headed into the home net

by Charlie Rose to open the scoring.

Within seven minutes of the restart, Woodley were level.

Clargo tipped Tahir Carmichael’s cross over the cross bar and from Rafa Brandao’s corner kick O’Donoghue headed the ball into his

own net.

Buoyed by the goal, United raised their tempo and were rewarded with the lead in the 59th minute when Monay Mills-Chandler scored his first goal for the club, direct from a free kick into Clargo’s top left hand corner.

The momentum remained with the home team and when StubbsAlleyne was brought down in the penalty area following a run from the half way line, Brandao converted the penalty kick to extend the lead 64th minute.

Woodley’s momentum stalled,

struggling to retain possession and inviting British Airways back into the game which they took 12 minutes of normal time remaining when Rose scored his second header, this time from a free kick.

The introduction of Lamar Besidonne provided fresh legs and the player found himself in a race for the ball with Clargo which the keeper won by clearing the ball outside his penalty area for a throw in.

United remained resolute and saw the game to full time for a much needed win.

NE of the most annoying and childish fouls I think. is pulling an opponents’ shirt to stop him getting away with the ball.

One thing I should point out is that pulling opponent’s shirts, does not appear anywhere in the Laws of the Game.

It does however fall under the heading of holding an opponent, which has a number of punishments. some of which can have a huge effect on a game.

It is a direct free kick offence, which means that it would be a penalty if committed inside the home penalty area.

If it broke up a promising attack it would warrant a yellow card and if it denied a goal scoring opportunity the player would be sent off.

There is one other punishment I would like to see added. This is where the back of the shirt collar is pilled, rather than the back or front of the shirt itself.

We saw this in the Euro 2020 when the shirt was grabbed at the back of the neck and the player running forward could have been strangled, a yellow card was shown, probably for unsporting behaviour or dangerous play, but it certainly didn’t seem severe enough.

The question may be asked, why isn’t shirt pulling always penalised?

There are a couple of reasons at least for this, one is a note that appeared a couple of seasons ago in the Laws of the Game book.

It wasn’t in the Laws but in one of a number of sections in the back of the book.

It’s called the Glossary of Football Terms and says, ‘A holding offence only occurs when a player’s contact with an opponent’s body or equipment impedes the opponent’s movement’.

For pulling shirts, this means if the opponent is still able to run on unencumbered or can carry out doing what he intended to do.

This slight relaxing of the Law did well in the Euros 20/20. Don’t stop for every little infringement.

The other reason it goes unpunished is that the referee may be unsighted.

We can take the example of Newcastle’s match against Chelsea.

Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah clearly pulled the front of Jacob Murphy’s shirt in the penalty area, but both players had their backs to the referee.

A penalty could have given them a point, so no doubt Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe, was thinking, where is the VAR when you need him?

22 | SPORT

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LAURENT’S SCORCHER K SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

How they rated

READING 1 BLACKBURN 0

ORJAN NYLAND

Made two excellent saves to keep a well deserved clean sheet on his Royals home debut. A safe pair of hands in his opening two games.

ANDY YIADOM

Defended strongly down the right hand side to limit Blackburn’s hopes and stayed disciplined after picking up an early yellow.

MICHAEL MORRISON

Never comfortable with the ball as he looked to go long on a few occasions, but did what he’s good at and put in plenty of blocks.

TOM HOLMES

An improved display that saw him make some good tackles and win plenty in the air.

TOM MCINTYRE

Came close to scoring when he hit a low drive into the corner but the keeper came up with an important save.

DANNY DRINKWATER

Misplaced a few simple passes, one of which could have played Swift through for a big chance.

ANDY RINOMHOTA

Forced off after 30 minutes with injury and was replaced by John Swift.

JOSH LAURENT

An outstanding display topped off with a magnificent strike to win the game as he curled the ball into the top right hand corner.

TOM INCE

Put in a big shift on the right.

Almost opened the scoring when he brought down the ball brilliantly from McIntyre’s cross.

OVIE EJARIA

A positive first-half performance, showed some flashes of attacking impetus and linked well with others in attack.

LUCAS JOAO

Had one big chance in the firsthalf that he should have put away but headed straight at the keeper.

SUBS John Swift 7, Junior Hoilett, Yakou Meite

8 7 7 7 7 6 5 8.5 6 6 6

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today READING took a step towards Championship safety after Josh Laurent’s wonder strike gave them three points against promotion battling Blackburn Rovers.

With 78 minutes on the clock, the Royals midfielder curled a beautiful effort beyond the reach of Thomas Kaminksi to hit the winning goal.

The Royals had several chances throughout the first-half but couldn’t break the resilience of Rovers’ keeper.

The second-half told a different story as Reading had plenty of defending to do and had to thank goalkeeper Orjan Nyland who came up with two excellent saves to keep a clean sheet on his home debut, before Laurent’s goal gave them all three points.

Blackburn had the better of the ball in the early proceedings without creating much in the way of chances.

They often looked to play fast and direct into the box to find the aerial threat of Sam Gallagher in the box.

The first good chance came for Rovers after 13 minutes when Ryan Giles got into the box on the left hand side and fired a cross-shot that drifted wide of Nyland’s far post.

The Royals responded instantly with an even clearer opening.

After some nice link up down the left from Ovie Ejaria and Tom McIntyre, the Reading defender clipped a ball into the box that was excellently taken down by Tom

Michael Morrison smacks the ball clear

Laurent looks to push his opponent off the ball

Laurent slides in with a tackle

Match stats Reading: Nyland, Yiadom, Morrison (c), Holmes, McIntyre, Laurent, Drinkwater, Rinomhota, Ejaria, Ince, Joao Subs: Southwood, Dann, Dele-Bashiru, Swift, Barker, Hoilett, Meite

Blackburn: Kaminski, Lenihan (c), Van Hecke, Wharton, Giles, Travis, Rothwell, Buckley, Khadra, Dolan, Gallagher, Subs: Pears, Brown, Pickering, Johnson, RankinCostello, Dack, Hedges

Goals: Laurent 78’

Orjan Nyland makes a crucial save Ince who tried to then knock the ball past the keeper, but Thomas Kaminski made a smart save.

Reading grew into the half and had by far the better chances to break the deadlock.

After a long ball found Ovie Ejaria, he cut it back for Joao who shifted it onto Andy Yiadom who forced another important stop at the near post from Kaminski with a powerful hit, Swift’s influence on the game made an immediate impact to

The Royals celebrate Josh Lauren quicken the pace of Reading’s attack and a big chance fell the way of Joao he headed down an inswinging cross, but couldn’t direct it either side of the keeper who parried it out.

Ejaria closed down a short back pass and tried to knock the ball past Kaminski, but the Rovers keeper made a vitally timed tackle and did well not to give away a penalty after being put in jeopardy by his defence.

Kaminski was called into

REACTION

INCE ‘PROUD’ OF PERFORMANCE AS ROYALS GO FIVE CLEAR READING FC manager Paul Ince said he was ‘proud’ of his team after they earned three points against promotion battling Blackburn Rovers.

The Royals continued the momentum from their draw at Bournemouth by beating Blackburn thanks to Josh Laurent’s superb strike.

“It was an amazing goal, a wonder strike from Josh (Laurent),” said Ince.

“Defensively we were outstanding, the keeper made some great saves and we had to defend, because at times it was nervy.

“Apart from the chances we missed in the first half, it was the perfect performance but we

have to be more ruthless.

“We kept a clean sheet which is very important.

“It was so important to get something with the Derby and Barnsley results.

“It’s been a great week but Thomas (Ince) is a bit gutted because everyone was talking about his Bournemouth goal, but that from Josh has surpassed it.”

Ince’s men now head into the international break five points clear of the Championship relegation zone prior to a monumental match away at Barnsley in a six-pointer.

Ince continued: “We’ve got a long way to go and a massive game in a couple of weeks at Barnsley.

“We’ve got a five point gap but there is still a long way to go.

“We saw a different side today where we had to dig in, put our bodies on the line and fight.

“There is a sense of fight, togetherness and spirit.

“We’ve got something going and have momentum.

“The draw at Bournemouth gave us a lot of confidence then we backed it up.

“We want to keep playing, but the lads are on the floor after such a hard week with three games in a week.

“I was thinking after the goal, there’s another 10 minutes to go so it was a case of focusing, concentrating and getting over the line.

“But we’ve got nothing to celebrate at the moment, I’ll celebrate when we stay up.

“We’ll enjoy this moment and then concentrate on Barnsley.”

SPORT | 23

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KEEPS THE DREAM ALIVE

Ovie Ejaria goes down in hope of winning a penalty

Tom McIntyre rises Ejaria

Lucas Joao goes close John Swift bursts forward with Ince in support

nt’s winner to give them a precious win Pictures: Steve Smyth

Tom Ince battles down the wing

action once again to make a super stop after Swift flicked the ball in the path of Josh Laurent who blasted an effort at goal only to be thwarted.

The final chance of the half came for Joao who opened up on his right foot and tried to bend the ball inside the far post but missed the target by a few inches.

Rovers created a chance within 30 seconds of the restart when Tyrhys Dolan was released on the right, but he spurned the opportunity to test Nyland with a wayward hit.

The hosts continued to be frustrated by Kaminski who pulled off another excellent stop by Tom Holmes heads clear

getting down low to his left to get a glove to Tom McIntyre’s low drive that looked destined for the bottom corner.

Nyland then had to be alert at the other end when he flew to his left to reach John Buckley’s strike to tip it over his crossbar to prevent Rovers going in front.

Blackburn dominated proceedings for much of the second-half in hope of finding a goal to strengthen their promotion push.

They came close when Bradley Dack broke through one-on-one, but Nyland got in the way to make his second pivotal save of the game

before Morrison hacked clear any danger of Blackburn latching onto the rebound.

Ince’s second change of the match saw Junior Hoilett replace Ejaria for the final 15 minutes.

With just over 10 minutes to go, Reading broke the deadlock when Laurent hit a wonderful strike to beat Kaminski.

The midfielder picked up the ball from range and hit a beauty that curled into the top corner.

Reading face a huge relegation six pointer after the international break away at Barnsley on Saturday, April 2.

READING FC WOMEN PREVIEW

ROYALS HOPE TO BREAK POOR FORM WITH TRIP TO VILLA READING FC WOMEN are aiming to get back to winning ways in the Women’s Super league against Aston Villa.

The Royals have endured a tough run of fixtures, including games against Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City in which they lost all three matches.

Kelly Chambers’ team are seventh in the WSL after City opened up the gap between the teams with their 2-0 victory over the Royals Reading’s form has waived in

recent weeks with just one league win from their last six matches seeing them slide down a couple of places in the WSL table.

Sunday’s opponents, Aston Villa, have managed to claw themselves out of a potential relegation scrap by picking up points to create a gap between them, Leicester City and their city rivals Birmingham City.

Villa are currently in 10th on 16 points, four above Leicester and they now have a sizeable lead of 12 points on bottom placed Birmingham who

looked destined for life in the Championship next season.

When the teams met in October, the Royals headed into the match in dreadful form that has seen them lose their opening four games of the season without scoring a goal.

However, the Villa match proved to be a turning point in the season as Chambers’ team got their campaign up and running and allowed them to build an impressive unbeaten run.

Reading flew out of the traps and were 2-0 in front after 19 minutes with goals from Amalie Eikeland and Rachel Rowe.

Natasha Dowie got on the scoresheet on the brink of half-time to consolidate a magnificent 45 minutes at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Reading shut Villa out in the second-half, not allowing their opponents a single attempt at goal which gave them a much needed win to kickstart their season.

From The Tilehurst End Olly Allen

Renewed hope after positive week

T

HE saying goes that a week is a long time in football and if ever evidence was needed of that, then you need look no further than Reading’s final seven days before the international break.

Following a 4-0 away defeat at Nottingham Forest – in which the team showed all the traits of a side bereft of confidence by conceding after just 17 seconds and then capitulating in the second half – the club seemed to be staring down the barrel of relegation.

Yet here we are now, enjoying the luxury of the international break and feeling much more optimistic about the chances of survival after drawing away at Bournemouth and winning at home to Blackburn.

Reading’s five-point gap to the bottom three is in fact only one point greater than it was after the defeat to Forest, but taking points off two top six sides in the space of four days can do a lot for morale.

Both results – 1-1 against Bournemouth and 1-0 against Blackburn – were exactly the sort you need in a relegation battle and exactly the sort Reading have not had enough of this season.

It was only the third time this season that Reading have conceded first away from home and taken something from the game. Picking up solitary points in matches can often be the basis of a strong survival bid.

To say that Reading have taken four points away from home against the Championship’s top two this season but only one point away at the bottom two proves just how Jekyll and Hyde this side are.

When they fancy it, they can compete with anyone and their quality shines through. When they don’t, they are one of the worst teams in the division.

Fortunately, that quality came to the fore again against Blackburn, specifically Josh Laurent’s sensational looping strike to win the game.

It was Reading’s first clean sheet under Ince and their first 1-0 victory since the middle of October. Limiting Rovers to just one shot after going in front in the 78th minute was the sort of game management we’ve rarely seen this season.

It would be naïve to say that Reading are a side transformed because it is impossible to know what sort of performance they will put in every game. But we know they have it in them to get over the line.

Reading v Blackburn Rovers

24 | SPORT

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HOCKEY

RESULTS

SONNING 2S STAY IN TITLE HUNT

Friday, March 18 National League One Rams 38-22 Chinnor

South Berks get forward

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Men’s Division 2

Combined Counties Division One AFC Hayes 0-3 Eversley & California Berks County 1-3 Sandhurst Town Hilltop 3-0 Woodley United

Men’s National Division 1 South

Women’s National Division 1 South READING remain as league leaders after they picked up an away point at Slough.

The goalless draw leaves Reading

SONNING earned an emphatic away victory at Milton Keynes 2s.

They smacked seven past their

South Central Men’s

TWO MAN KINGFISHER A TAKE VICTORY TWO man KINGFISHER A still managed a 7-3 win over Kingfisher B with trebles from Hari Gehlot and Darren Jones.

Darren held off Alan Cummings to win 10-12 11-4 9-11 11-9 11-7.

KINGFISHER D moved back up to third place after cruising to a 10-0 win at Tilehurst RBL A, Julian Telford, Graham Mendick and Yugo Yick all getting 3-straight maximums.

SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A managed a 7-3 win over two man Tidmarsh A thanks mainly to a Gary Morgan treble while SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B beat SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD C 6-4.

Simon Berry and Brian Meheux both won twice for the B team, while Tim Raby had an excellent night for the C team earning an 11-5 15-13 11-6 win over Simon Berry and beating Nigel Maltby 11-9 11-5

10-12 11-9 in the final set of the night.

In Division 2, KINGFISHER F lost 3-7 to Tilehurst Methodists A, Theo Kniep playing up from Division 3 recording two wins after losing his opening set to Eric Van Looy 11-5 7-11 1-9 7-11 9-11.

Ajai Kamath defeated Masoud Ghabachi for his win, while Eapen John had no joy, despite all of his sets going to five games, none closer than his loss to Eric 6-11 5-11 13-11 14-12 9-11, after his fight back from 0-2 down.

For the Methodists, Eric was undefeated on the night with all four of his sets requiring five games to decide the winner, his doubles partner Bill also winning two singles, while Masoud defeated Eapen 6-11 11-8 11-9 8-11 11-8 for his one win.

Relegation seems likely for TIDMARSH C, following their 4-6 defeat

by Kingfisher G, for whom Neil Dellar and Satej Jaywant both scored maximums, their teammate Hamid Mohseni

losing to all three Tidmarsh players, Ian Wu, Simon Craig and David Sheppard, although his loss to Simon was by the narrowest of margins, 11-9 12-10 5-11 7-11 10-12.

Despite fielding just two players, SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD D won 6-4 away to KINGFISHER E, thanks to a doubles win, a treble from Danny Dockree and a double from Jon Abbott, who defeated Andrew Adair and Luca Bianchi but missed out on a treble when he lost to Stephen Leggett.

OUR LADY OF PEACE C won 7-3 against Tidmarsh B, Pradeep Desh recording a treble, Binit Bhaskar a double and Arun Rajagopal a single, Tidmarsh’s points earned by a double from Barry Carter and a single from Mike Aistrop, with Chris Webb still looking for his first win, although he was again close to a win in his final set, eventually losing to Binit 4-11 11-7 11-8 5-11 8-11.

Isthmian South Central Tooting & Mitcham United v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Sumas v Reading City Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Cove Eversley & California v Hillingdon Borough Woodley United v Enfield Borough Thames Valley Premier League Reading City U23’s v Woodley United Royals

South Central Women’s Division 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE added a point to their tally away at Maidenhead 2s.

Women’s National Division 1 South Slough 0-0 Reading

RUGBY UNION National League One Cinderford v Rams

South Central Men’s Premier 2 Marlow 5-1 South Berkshire

South West 1 East Bracknell v Marlborough

South Central Women’s Division 1 Maidenhead 2s 1-1 South Berkshire

HOCKEY Women’s National Division 1 South Surbiton 2s v Reading

South Central Men’s Division 1 Milton Keynes 2s 0-7 Sonning

South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning v Reading 3s

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Fareham 2-0 Sonning

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning v Marlow

Sunday, March 20

South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire v Havant 2s

South Central Men’s Division 1

SONNING stay one place off the bottom of the table after they lost 2-0 to Fareham.

FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Aston Villa v Reading

HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Reading 0-1 Southgate

SOUTH BERKSHIRE lost on the road in a heavy defeat at Marlow.

The league leaders hit five past South Berks which leaves them in seventh position on 26 points from 19 games.

Premier 1

Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead 2-2 Windlesham & Chobham Reading YMCA 3-1 Wraysbury Wargrave 3-3 Burghfield Westwood Wanderers 2-1 Reading City U23’s Woodley United Royals 0-2 Marlow United

Saturday, March 26

Cup FC Imaan Lions v Finchampstead Windlesham & Chobham v Wargrave Yateley United v Hurst Burghfield Reserves v Windlesham & Chobham Development Hurst Reserves v Taplow United Reserves Robertswood v Reading YMCA Rapids Berks County Rovers v Henley Town Development Harchester Hawks v Farnham Royal Mavericks

Sonning 2s got the better of South Berks 2s South Berks go close Pictures: Steve Smyth with a six-point lead over second opponents without reply to seal a placed Sevenoaks with just two convincing win. matches remaining in the league The victory leaves them in season. sixth position after 18 games on 33 A draw in their next fixture points. would secure their status as league champions.

South Central Women’s

TABLE TENNIS

By Nigel Maltby sport@wokingham.today

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 1-0 Blackburn Rovers Combined Counties Premier North Reading City 3-2 Edgware Town Tadley Calleva 2-0 Sumas

SONNING 2s took the bragging rights and points in a local clash against SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s.

The 3-0 triumph for Sonning outs them in second, level on points with leaders Yateley on 39 points with three league games left to contest.

South Berks are in seventh on 23 points.

READING’s lead at the top was cut after they were defeated by Southgate.

They lost 1-0 at home in their fifth defeat of the season.

That means that they are now level on points with Canterbury on 33 from 16 matches.

Reading host Canterbury next Sunday in a game that is likely to prove pivotal in deciding who wins the title.

Saturday, March 19

FIXTURES

Sonning (blue) try to steal the ball from South Berks (white)

Premier 2

DARTS

READ HITS THE BULLSEYE TO WIN TOURNAMENT UPCOMING darts star Dan Read added silverware to his name after he was crowned as the World Online Darts League week one champion.

Read, who has honed his craft as one of the leading players for Berkshire County Darts, competed in the competition that was broadcast for TV viewers on Sky TV channel 437, Sporty Stuff TV. In the final of the competition, Read got the better of his opponent James Richardson with a 4-1 success.

Read performed well to score an average of 95.03, getting four of his 11 checkouts with his highest checkout being 170.

Read recently competed in the 2021 Cazoo UK Open, which was held at Butlin’s Minehead Resort from Friday, March 4- Sunday,March 6 The competition is widely known as the ‘FA Cup of Darts’ because of its drawing system which features amaetur players among the 159 player tournament.

In the first-round of the multiboard event, Dan defeated his opponent Diogo Portela 6-3.

Read exited the competition at the second round after he lost out to Ross Montgomery 6-2.

He also competed in the PDC Challenge Tour 2022 at Milton Keynes.

In his first match, he got the better of Carl Beattie in a 5-2 triumph.

He defeated Alex Long 5-2 before his journey ended with a 5-2 loss against Scott Marsh.

Cup Twyford & Ruscombe 2-1 AFC Winkfield Windlesham & Chobham A 1-0 Finchampstead United

FOOTBALL Thames Valley Women’s Division One Mortimer 2-2 Caversham United Tilehurst Panthers 5-0 Carterton

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC 6-3 Wargrave Development Thatcham & Newbury Town 1-4 S4K Berks County

Tuesday, March 22

FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Woodley United 3-2 British Airways Division One Challenge Cup Rayners Lane 3-7 Berks County

South Central Women’s Division 3 South Berkshire v Wallingford

Sunday, March 27

FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Oxford City v Woodley United Southern Region Women’s Division 1 South Bournemouth Sports v Eversley & California Thames Valley Women’s Division One Caversham United v Stonesfield Strikers Wargrave v Tilehurst Panthers HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Reading v Canterbury