Wokingham Today, March 9, 2023

Free road closures for coronation street parties

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

RESIDENTS wanting to hold a right royal knees up to celebrate the King’s coronation are being asked to apply to the council for road closure permission for street parties.

As with previous royal occasions, Wokingham Borough Council is waiving road closure fees for people wanting to hold an event over the coronation bank holiday weekend of May 6, 7, and 8.

Normally, residents and community groups have to pay for the signs, diversion routes and admin needed, but to make the most of Charles III’s big moment, this fee is being dropped.

The nation hasn’t held a coronation celebration since 1953, when trestle tables festooned with jellies, sandwiches and cups of tea filled the streets. However, there have been parties for royal weddings and the late Queen’s numerous jubilees, including last year’s big celebration.

Now it’s time for a new chapter, and the council hopes neighbours will team up to hold a gathering during the threeday weekend.

Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for active travel, transport and highways, Cllr Paul Fishwick, said: “We know that many borough residents will be celebrating the coronation and we are pleased to confirm that we will be allowing people to apply for a free road closure.

“The coronation will be a memorable and historic occasion and we are encouraging as many residents and communities to get together to host street parties and events, put out some bunting and celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.”

Downing Street confirmed an extra Bank Holiday on Monday 8 May.

To apply for a road closure, residents need to apply using a form on the council’s website, www.wokingham. gov.uk.

The closing date is Sunday, April 16.

Councillors pledge to oppose proposed development

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

COUNCILLORS have vowed to fight a renewed bid to build hundreds of homes on land in Winnersh.

Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey has submitted an application to Wokingham Borough Council to create a new estate on Winnersh Farm, despite having had previous bids for homes rejected.

Documents submitted to

Wokingham Borough Council’s planning department state they wish to build 234 homes on the land off Watmore Road, with a pledge to make 35% of them affordable.

A map of the development shows clusters of housing, each with gardens and some with garages, backed on to a green space.

Two access roads in and out of the development would be created.

n Continued on page 5

A planning application to build 234 homes on Winnersh Farm has been submitted by Taylor Wimpey Picture: Steve Smyth

Coming together: New community

SCOTT Iain Michael

On 19th February 2023, suddenly, at his home in Bishops Tawton, Iain, aged 76 years, formerly of Wokingham

Beloved Husband of Sue, Dad to Caroline, Edd and James and soon to be Grandad

Funeral service at the North Devon Crematorium, Barnstaple on Thursday 16th March 2023 at 1 40pm

Family flowers only, but donations in lieu if desired for BASICS (British Association for Immediate Care), may be made at the service or sent to R Gist & Son, 18 Castle Street, Torrington, EX38 8EZ

Pie Week celebration

A CROWTHORNE cafe is celebrating British Pie Week.

Two Sisters Cafe, on the High Street, will host a pie night tonight.

The cafe has teamed up with Sandhurst-based The Pie Hole to provide a pastry-filled delight to attendees.

Tickets cost £20 and also include mash, peas and gravy with a drink of choice.

The event starts at 7pm and admission must be booked in advance.

For more information, visit: twosisters-cafe.com

Publisher • David Riley

General manager • Eddie Pearce

Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Jake Clothier, Ji-Min Lee, Emma Merchant, James Hastings

WORK IN PROGRESS: All Saints Church in Wokingham town centre is being transformed and the revamped building should reopen this spring

space is nearly finished

Charity’s £15,000 donation from housebuilder

A CROWTHORNE charity has welcomed a £15,000 cheque from a developer to support its services.

EXCLUSIVE

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

PEOPLE were keen to see the new developments inside a Wokingham church building at the weekend.

All Saints Church opened its doors to welcome visitors to the latest update of its Spaceforall project.

Dressed in hard hats and high visibility jackets, guests were taken on tours of the developing structure. Due to re-open later this spring, the main church building is being transformed into an open-plan daytime café that will serve the community, as well as becoming a substantial arts venue for the town.

Project manager Anne King said: “The open day went very well indeed.

“More than 80 people came, and the organisers are very inspired by the interest shown.

“Lots of people hadn’t seen the work yet, and were delighted by the new developments.”

Visitors included members of music groups who may wish to perform in the new space.

“People were impressed by the servery, the new toilet facilities, and the mezzanine floor,” says Ms King.

“Musicians were especially interested in this, because it will be used as a green room for performers.”

The Lady Chapel in the church is currently filled with units waiting to be installed in the new kitchen.

“They won’t be left there long,” explains Ms King. “They’ll soon be transferred into the new kitchen facilities.

“And although it doesn’t look much like it at the moment, the Lady Chapel will definitely continue to be a place that people can use for private prayer, even when the new Spaceforall opens.” n To find out more about All Saints Church and its Spaceforall building project, visit: www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk

Opportunities to volunteer to be set out at Lower Earley fair

PEOPLE wanting to support their community can speak to charity representatives at a volunteer fair next week.

The event is hosted by Wokingham Volunteer Centre in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council

Author’s free talk keeps the wheels of history turning

A WRITER is giving an illustrated talk about independent bus and coach operators.

Paul Lacey will speak about Early Independents of the Bracknell, Crowthorne & Wokingham Area, a book he wrote in 2019.

It covers the history of operators from the 1920s to the 1960s.

The event takes place at Wokingham Library on Friday 10 March, from 2pm to 3pm. This will be a fully illustrated talk, and the author’s book will be available to purchase on the day.

The event is free to attend, but places must be booked in advance via the library events website, www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries

community engagement team and library service.

Charities and organisations will be on hand to explain available volunteering roles, and how people can get involved.

A similar Wokingham event in January saw

hundreds of people attend to find out more about volunteering opportunities locally.

The fair takes place at Lower Earley library on Tuesday, March 14 from 10am to noon.

Entry is free and there is no need to book.

Sebastian’s Action Trust received the donation from David Wilson Homes so it can continue supporting families of seriously ill children from diagnosis throughout treatment and beyond.

Founded in 2004, the charity helps families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions by offering free emotional, social and practical support.

It also offers outreach and respite care from its centres in Berkshire and Hampshire.

The £15,000 donation will ensure the continued provision of these services, making sure they are always there for the families of seriously ill children.

Alison Evans, head of fundraising at Sebastian’s Action Trust, said: “This generous donation will be directed towards our family service team, which will allow us to sustain our ability to provide our beneficiaries with events and outreach services.

“These services enable our families to spend time making precious memories with loved ones,

also ensuring we can continue to walk alongside families from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

We are grateful for the continued support from David Wilson Southern Counties, which has allowed us to start 2023 with a financially secure plan of support.”

Sebastian’s Action Trust’s longstanding partnership with David Wilson Southern Counties saw the charity receive nearly £70,000 in 2021, when the housebuilder embarked on a year-long fundraising mission to support its services.

Julian Hodder, managing director for David Wilson Southern Counties, said: “We are pleased to have once again been able to support Sebastian’s Action Trust and provide a degree of stability amidst current economic challenges.

“I was able to meet some of the team at their outreach and respite centre in Berkshire to learn more about the charity’s plans for this year and where our donation will be distributed.

“We look forward to seeing the charity continue its hard work supporting families in the local community.”

DONATION: Staff at Sebastian’s Action Trust received a £15,000 gift from David Wilson Homes to help it support seriously ill children Picture: David Wilson Homes

COMING TOGETHER: All Saints Church won’t see wheelbarrows for too much longer. Pictures Steve Smyth

ON TOUR: The Revd Canon David Hodgson (centre) shows the progress of the Spaceforall project to visitors Jan and David Riley

Mark Harrison to play at music club

ACONCERT by Mark Harrison will be held in Emmbrook this weekend.

Wokingham Music Club is welcoming Mark and his band –Charles Benfield on double bass and vocals, and Ben Welburn on drums.

Mark was recently a guest on Cerys Matthew’s BBC Radio 2 show, and also on Pick Of The Week.

Music club organisers say his live shows are known for his unusual music and his wry introductions to songs.

Audiences can expect catchy tunes, engaging lyrics, and striking rhythms, with tracks that cover all manner of nonstandard subjects.

The event is at Emmbrook Sports and Social Club on Friday, March 10. Doors open at 7.15pm with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets cost £16.

n For information about Mark, visit: www. markharrisonrootsmusic.com

n For information and to purchase tickets, visit: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

A lunchtime treat for mothers

A CAFÉ in one of the borough’s beauty spots is taking bookings for Mother’s Day lunches.

Jackson’s Cafe at California Country Park in Finchampstead has tables available for families who want to take their mother, grandmother or carer out for a lunch.

Meal options include roast beef, lamb or pork with vegetables, as well as vegan dishes.

The family-run café says it specialises in fresh, locallysourced produce and changes its menus seasonally to ensure there is always something different to try.

The special menu is available Sunday, March 19, between noon and 4pm.

n For more details, call the cafe on: 0118 973 0776, or email: info@jacksonscalifornialake.com

Making a splash: interiors firm celebrates new showroom

A BESPOKE luxury kitchen and bathroom company in Wokingham’s town centre has completed its new showroom and welcomes customers to explore its range of fittings and services.

Last month, Designs For Living, in Denmark Street, held a grand opening for its revamped store, drawing interest from people throughout the day.

Drinks and nibbles were available for those that came inside to view the new range of kitchen and bathroom interiors now on display in the refitted showroom.

Owner Josh Chappel said: “It went really well, and lots of people came.

“We’ve had a re-brand, a new shop front, new awnings and a new website.

“We think people really noticed the changes and we’ve had good feedback.”

The company has refitted around 80% of the showroom interior.

“There are eight full-sized kitchens, and eight to 10 full bathroom displays,” said Mr Chappel.

“It’s quite spacious inside, and everyone is very surprised by how big the showroom is.

“You can’t really tell from the store front, but we’re a bit like the Tardis.

“If you can’t get to the shop, you can visit our website and take a 360º virtual tour of the showroom.”

Mr Chappel says that now is a good time of year to think about kitchen or bathroom refits.

“We call it the booking season,” he says.

“It starts around now, with most people coming in during early spring to get ideas and plan work for their home

improvements.

“Many of our customers come through personal recommendations.

“So for us, reputation is key.”

The family-run business has

been open since 1992, and offers bespoke kitchen and bathroom design, supply and installation service.

Mr Chappel also owns Bathroom Concepts in Molly

Millars Lane.

n For more information about Designs For Living, visit: www. designsforlivinginteriors.com or drop into the showroom, at 1-7 Denmark Street, Wokingham.

TV star presents awards to heroes

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

SOME of Woodley’s greatest citizens were given their just rewards last month, thanks to the town council’s annual awards night.

The Community Heroes –the new name for its citizens awards – were presented by journalist and broadcaster Matt Allwright, and were awards to people nominated by fellow residents.

Mr Allwright grew up in the town and shared some of his childhood anecdotes before introducing the winners.

Environmentalist of the Year was David Provins, who founded Friends of Woodford Park and was given the award for his work in tending to the gardens of the popular recreational park.

He was nominated by Morag Frost, who said he set “a wonderful example of leadership” and praised him for being enthusiastic, reliable and hard-working.”

David thanked the volunteers who help him and also made a plea for more volunteers to join the team.

Voluntary Group of the Year went to Woodley Volunteers, and the award was accepted by its chairman, Alistair Todd, and coordinator, Karen Todd.

Founded more than 40 years ago, the volunteers help to get Woodley residents to medical appointments, staying with them and taking them home.

Nominated by Pamela Webber for giving up their free time and using their own vehicles and providing such an essential service, she said: “The service is priceless and they all deserve a medal.”

Alistair said: “It’s an honour

to be recognised and awarded.”

There were two winners the Volunteer of the Year award.

Carolyn Wildman won for her work with Share Woodley, a free food-sharing project which began at the start of the Covid pandemic at Emmanuel Church, sharing surplus food from catering companies and supermarkets.

Juliet Sheratt nominated them, saying: “Carolyn has worked tirelessly to build links with local food outlets who can donate food and to build a strong team of volunteers.”

Carolyn said: “I’d like to say a

big thanks to my husband Pete – I couldn’t do it without him.”

She also thanked all of the volunteers and suppliers.

The other winner was Lynne Shipton from Chemogiftbags, a charity that supports those newly diagnosed with breast cancer, following her own diagnosis. They provide a bag filled with helpful items to help someone undergoing chemotherapy following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Tracy Linden, who nominated Lynne, said: “She has worked tirelessly since the charity Chemogiftbags was born in 2015.”

Lynne said: “It’s a team award. Not just about me.”

Fundraiser Dexter Rosier scooped the Young Person of the Year award and was nominated by his mum, Samantha.

During the first Covid lockdown, Dexter started running marathons to raise money for Royal Berkshire Hospital. He also camped out for a month to raise funds for Camp Mohawk.

Dexter also uses his own initiative to donate to local food banks inspired by Marcus Rashford and set up Dexter’s

library based out of Whitley CDA, to help as many children as possible to have access to books during the summer holidays.

“Dexter cares for everyone; indeed, he is a huge advocate of human rights for equality,” said Samantha.

The final award of the evening was the Mayor’s Outstanding Contribution Award. Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel gave the honour to Rosemary Edgington from Winnersh District Royal British Legion for her dedication, persistence and continuing support of the Poppy Appeal in Woodley.

Cllr Sartorel said Ms Edgington has been involved in the Poppy Appeal since 1978, and took over from her father as organiser for Woodley in 2017.

She also started working with Woodley Town Council and its Armistice Day event in 2021, following in the footsteps of her father.

“She is a valuable and vital member of the team who put the Armistice event together,” Cllr Sartorel said.

n To nominate for next year, visit www.woodley.gov.uk/civic/ community-heroes-awards

INSPIRATIONS: Josh & Lisle Chappell in the new-look Designs for Living store in Denmark Street

Picture: Steve Smyth

HONOURED: The winners of this year’s Woodley Community Heroes with host Matt Allwright (fourth from left) Picture: Woodley Town Council

Plans for 234 homes on Winnersh Farm submitted

n Continued from front page

It would include a mixture of homes designed to meet identified local needs, including first homes, shared ownership and affordable rented properties.

While there are concerns that the area is in the flood plain, Taylor Wimpey’s plans are in areas designated as having a low probability of flooding, and its flood risk assessment suggests the site could withstand a rare flooding event, even with an allowance for climate change.

The application is a reserved matters one, essentially asking for permission for the scheme to go ahead while coming back to the council with final plans when it is ready to do so.

The last application was made in the summer of 2021.

At the time, Cllr Paul Fishwick, chairman of Winnersh Parish Council, and Lib Dem councillor on the borough council, said it was sneaky of the borough council to submit the plans during the summer break. He also said he feared plans for 87 homes next to the SEND school that is being built on the site would lead to this new proposal.

The original scheme was withdrawn, mainly because access to the site, which would currently be via Maidensfield, a close in Winnersh.

Of this new plan, more than 100 comments have been submitted by members of the public, with many against.

Cllr Prue Bray, ward member for Winnersh on Wokingham Borough Council, said she and her Lib Dem colleagues would fight the proposal.

“Winnersh councillors have opposed Taylor Wimpey’s similar plans twice before and we oppose them now. Nothing has changed that would make the plans acceptable,” she said.

“We have put out leaflets to hundreds of residents in the area around the site, alerting them to the application, and

POTENTIAL

SITE: The area behind and around the Winnersh British Legion Picture: Steve Smyth

we secured additional time for residents to comment on it.”

Wokingham Conservatives did not comment on the application itself, but on the ward councillors.

Cllr Wayne Smith, shadow executive member for planning said, “We know that the Liberal Democrats have opposed this development in the past.

“Cllr Prue Bray, especially, has been vocal in her opposition to previous planning applications at Winnersh Farm.

“We look forward to the Liberal Democrat administration keeping their promises to the electorate.”

Taylor Wimpey said its plans would bring benefits to the community including employment opportunities and increased revenue for

the council. It was also communicating with the council over ensuring appropriate access could be created.

A spokesperson for the housebuilder said: “We submitted the planning application for the Winnersh Farms site to Wokingham Borough Council in January, and we are very grateful for all of the feedback received as part of our community engagement exercise, which included an in-person consultation event held in Winnersh.

“Our application includes a suite of detailed technical documents which demonstrate how we plan to deliver this site, including a Flood Risk Assessment, Surface Water Drainage Strategy and a Transport Assessment.

“We continue to proactively engage with Wokingham Borough Council and we believe that our proposals will deliver significant economic, environmental and community benefits, as well as much needed high-quality new homes in Winnersh.”

n The application is number 230208, and can be viewed at: planning.wokingham.gov.uk

Happy and Glorious: pupils’ musical showcase

WOKINGHAM primary schools’ biggest annual music event will bring together young people from 28 of the borough’s primary schools next week.

Their show, Happy and Glorious, is dedicated to the memory of the late Queen, and features songs from each decade of her life.

The cast of more than 750 has been rehearsing since the beginning of the year.

Over two performances, they will enjoy the experience of performing in a professional theatre; singing together in a large choir, and presenting drama, poetry, instrumental music and dance.

Wokingham Area Schools Music Association (WASMA) has been staging concerts since 1947.

Now in its 76th year, it has grown from a handful of schools in Wokingham town to an organisation providing opportunities for primary schools across the whole borough.

The children will perform two concerts:

Concert one includes pupils from 15 primary schools: Addington, Bearwood, Earley St Peter’s, Evendons, Farley Hill, Grazeley, Hawthorns, Highwood, Keep Hatch, Lambs Lane, Loddon, Nine Mile Ride, Oaklands, Radstock, and St Cecilia’s.

Concert two involves youngsters from 13 primary schools: Aldryngton, Colleton, Emmbrook, Finchampstead, Montague Park, Gorse Ride, Hawkedon, Polehampton, Robert Piggott, St Dominic Savio, St Nicholas, Wheatfield, and Willow Bank.

Both events take place in Reading’s Hexagon Theatre.

Concert One is on Sunday, March 12, with concert two on Sunday, March 19.

Doors open on both evenings at 7pm, with tickets available at £11.50. n For tickets and information, visit: whatsonreading.com

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ON STAGE: Children from a previous WASMA performance, at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre

Saint Sebastian Band celebrates a great start to the competition year

A WOKINGHAM band say they are delighted with the results of their first round of competitions this year.

Saint Sebastian’s Band Wokingham recently entered the Southern Counties Amateur Bands Association (SCABA) competition in Brighton.

The contest gathered bands from Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, London Boroughs, Middlesex, Surrey, Sussex and also the Channel Islands.

A prelude to the regional championships, this is an opportunity to perform test pieces for the judges.

And the borough’s representatives got off to a flying start, winning first place in the second section with their performance of Rodney Newton’s The Pilgrim’s Progress.

First horn player, and band member Amy Wells, says: “If you do well in

Uni chemist wins fellowship to help drugs stick in the wet

A UNIVERSITY of Reading professor has won a prestigious fellowship grant to support new drug development.

Prof Vitaliy Khutoryanskiy received a Royal Society Industry Fellowship in recognition for his work, which utilises adhesive substances in pharmaceutical preparations. The award is worth £180,000 and will support the university’s continued research to help support business and innovation.

Prof Khutoryanskiy, of Reading School of Pharmacy, said: “When we treat an area of the body such as the mouth, eye or bladder, with topical medicine, there is a tendency for the drug to be washed away by the wet environment.

“This Fellowship is a great opportunity to see if we can make these drugs a bit more efficient.

“For example, we are working on substances that adhere well to the surfaces on and around the eye, and therefore increase the effectiveness of drug delivery via eye drops.”

The Industry Fellowship supports academics to split their time between an academic institution and an industry partner.

Prof Khutoryanskiy will look to develop the collaboration between the university and MC2 Therapeutics, a Guildfordbased commercial stage pharmaceutical company, to apply knowledge about sticky substances to drug delivery.

The fellowship will run for four years and covers his salary, plus an allowance for research consumables.

these initial rounds, then you have a chance to compete further, eventually entering the National Finals.

“The band is very happy with this first result, and our musical director John Watts is pleased with how it went too.

“We are also delighted to have come overall third against all the other bands during this first round, which includes first section bands and championship bands.

“There are things we can improve, but it was a very good first result.

“Now everyone’s working hard, preparing for the next competition round on March 19, in Stevenage.”

The group rehearses on Mondays and Thursdays, between 8pm and 10pm, at St Sebastian’s Primary School, Wokingham.

n For information, visit: www. wokinghambrassband.org

Police share £100k fund with 39 community groups

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@wokingham.today

THAMES Valley Police has released the latest round of funding for organisations supporting police priorities.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, and the Chief Constable, John Campbell, have awarded more than £105,000 to groups around Berkshire.

The investment is the result of the Community Fund, which sees money raised through the sale of unreturnable stolen property and awarded to community organisations twice a year.

Funding is given to volunteer and community groups who support the objectives of the Police and

Criminal Justice plan put together by the PCC.

Funding was granted to 39 organisations after more than 190 applied.

Announcing the funding, Mr Barber said: “I’m delighted to award this funding to the community and voluntary organisations who are providing valuable services across the Thames Valley.

“Many of the communities benefitting from these funds will see improved CCTV, better provision for young people and support for groups making our streets safer after dark.

“A key element in my Police & Criminal Justice Plan is to enable organisations to collaborate and tackle local issues.

“These organisations are all working hard in support of my

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Police & Criminal Justice Plan priorities for the region.

“It’s great to be able to provide this funding through the Community Fund, which is money that has been recovered from criminals, to support a range of projects across the Thames Valley.

“I continue to visit a number of previously funded organisations, to find out how this funding has benefited them.

“This engagement work allows me to meet many organisations who are doing some fantastic work in reducing crime and supporting their local community.

“I look forward to meeting this round’s successful recipients at our presentation event.”

John Campbell, Chief

Constable for Thames Valley Police, said: “Both the Police and Crime Commissioner and I are pleased to award over £105,000 of funding to 39 voluntary and community groups in the first round of this year’s Community Fund.

“The Community Fund provides an important source of bi-annual funding to organisations which are supporting the PCC’s priorities to tackle crime and keep our communities safe.

“I look forward to meeting the successful applicants at the presentation event in Reading.”

Successful recipients have been invited to attend a presentation ceremony on the morning of Thursday, March 30, in Reading.

Football team raises funds for Turkey and Syria

A GRASSROOTS football team has come together to raise money for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Spencers Wood Warriors U14 players and their parents got creative, either baking or buying goodies for a cake sale on Saturday, February 25.

Judith Cowan organised the initiative and said: “It went really well, better than anticipated.

The team raised £520 on the afternoon, which has been matched by SHL, taking the total up to £1,040.”

She works for the science and technology company, which also gives employees hours to carry out volunteering projects as part of its social responsibility commitment.

Judith homeschools her son, and they spent Friday baking a variety of delicacies as part of his home economics class.

The team braved the cold, running the stall at Oakbank School

from 8.30am through to 12.30pm.

The Warriors say they harbour a close-knit environment, with many of the parents getting on board with the initiative immediately.

The team have been on camping excursions together.

“Whenever I do these things, I go full steam,” Judith explained. “It’s not just about the earthquake, if I can do something, I will.

“Around Christmas, we grab coats for WrapUp London, taking them to refugee centres.

“It’s something I want to instil in my children – they’ve been in the cold for three hours, but there are people out there who have lost all their things.”

ON SONG: Delighted with the results of the first round, and working hard for the next one: Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band. Picture: courtesy of the band

Traffic lights by school crossings will be a priority fix for council

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

NORREYS residents are thankful the council to say green for go on repairs to traffic lights outside a school.

The crossing on Ashridge Road had been out of action for several weeks – but it was finally brought back into use after Wokingham Today got involved.

It is a gateway to a playground, as well as leading to Keep Hatch Primary, Foundry College and a pre-school.

A worried resident contacted Wokingham Today to share their concerns, warning there could be an accident if they are not fixed soon.

“The traffic is very fast and a danger also scary for children trying to cross the road,” they said. “The council has been notified on several occasions but the lights are still not working.”

This view was echoed by Cllr Rachel Burgess, Wokingham Borough Councillor for Norreys ward and leader of the Labour group.

She said the non-functioning lights had been raised with the council when it happened and

called for an urgent repair to be made.

“This was reported weeks ago and I have also separately escalated the issue with the Council,” Cllr Burgess said.

“It is a busy crossing point used by many young families while they are on the school run and it needs fixing fast.

“The Council is right to

Phil Cunnington said that while no residents had contacted him about the lights, he had asked council officers to keep him updated on progress, adding that the fault had been logged on Tuesday, February 21.

“Unfortunately the reporting system is now automated through a web form and we no longer receive feedback on progress of repairs as a matter of course,” he said.

“We have been asked not to

contact officers directly and to only use this route for reporting problems so we are a little stuck in this respect.

“The coalition are planning to underfund highways maintenance starting next year and I anticipate more examples of unhappy residents occurring as a result.”

Wokingham Borough Council said the lights had been fixed earlier this week, meaning parents can safely use the crossing once again.

Jewellery and clothes stolen

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after burglars targeted a Woodley home.

GREEN FOR GO: The Ashridge Road traffic lights were finally repaired on Tuesday.

Picture: Steve Smyth

Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: “Our contractors were out on Tuesday, and replaced the hardware in the traffic lights on Ashridge Road which was causing the fault.

“The lights are now being monitored remotely to ensure the repair remains successful, and we have arranged with our contractors that crossings outside schools are prioritised for a quicker turnaround.”

They forced open the ground floor window of a property on Duffield Road, and then conducted a search the police say was messy.

The offenders stole jewellery, clothing and other, unspecified, items.

The incident took place between 2.45pm and 11.40pm on Friday, February 24.

Police are appealing for dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage that could help their investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 43230086356.

Fire crews called to garage fire

A GARAGE fire in Woodley caused crews from two fire stations to be sent to the scene.

The incident took place at 5.58pm on Monday, February 27, at an address on Fosters Lane.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service sent teams from Caversham Road in Reading, and Wokingham Road in Earley, to tackle the blaze.

They used a hose reel to extinguish the flames, and were on the scene for around 37 minutes.

Free activities for eligible children during holidays

WITH the Easter holidays not far off, families may be planning how to entertain their children.

Wokingham Borough Council’s Holidays Activities and Food (HAF) programme offers free activities for pupils in receipt of free school meals. There are also tailored sessions for youngsters with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

Past activities have included: a bouncy castle, football, laser tag, scootering, archery, football, and dodgeball.

Children can also take part in bowling, paddle boarding, tennis, gaming vans, arts and drama, as well as enjoying a nutritious lunch.

Youngsters receiving free school meals are automatically eligible. And families can ask for a referral if they are living on a lower income, have a child with social, emotional, behaviour or SEND needs, or are caring for a looked after child.

People who wish to register their child or children for the HAF programme should visit the Guidelines and Registration page and complete all of the details on the application form.

A separate form is needed for each child.

The team will process applications and contact families by email to confirm their HAF code.

People who have already registered should not do so again, as the code remains with each child throughout the HAF programme, providing they are eligible for benefit-related school meals. n For a reminder of their code, families should contact the HAF team via email to: haf@wokingham. gov.uk.

n To find out more about holiday activities, and to register, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Hurst pub prepares to reopen after six-month refurbishment

EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

LOCALS are delighted that an ancient and much loved pub is to reopen after six months’ closure.

The Green Man in Hinton Road, Hurst, is being taken over by Wes and Victoria Tunstead.

They will run it along with their existing pub, The Dog and Duck at Emmbrook, Wokingham, and it will be managed by Emily Carney.

On Tuesday, busy in the Hurst pub, Victoria said: “We’re hoping to open by mid-March. At the moment we’re cleaning and preparing so people will be able to enjoy their beautiful pub again.”

She and Emily were adding a warm glow to part of the restaurant area, putting up strings of lights.

“We have appointed a head chef who is ready to start. At first we will be opening for drinks and then for food when some work on the kitchen is done,” added Victoria.

“It will be really good quality pub food with a bit of a twist. There’ll be all the pub favourites like fish and chips and bangers and mash.

“We will be employing a manager but Wes, Emily who is our general manager, or I will be here nearly all the time. We’ve had many messages from people pleased to see the pub reopening. One said: ‘We can’t wait’.”

The Green Man has a new Facebook page.

Its new A board sign, on the route of the recent Wokingham Half Marathon and bearing the reopening news, was seen by thousands of passing runners.

COMING SOON: The Green Man in Hurst is preparing to reopen. Pictured are Victoria Tunstead and Emily Carney Pictures Sue Corcoran

A happy Holi day: celebrations full of food, fun and plenty of colour

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

HINDUS across Berkshire are gearing up for one of their most important festivals of the year.

Communities will come together at events on Saturday, to celebrate Holi with traditional food, fun and, most importantly, colours.

The “festival of love”, which took place on Wednesday, March 8, is best known for the ritual of playing with coloured powder and marks the start of spring, with strong historical links with farming.

Reading Indian Community is holding its Holi Milan event, in association with Art Celebration, at Reading Cricket Club, Sonning Lane in Sonning.

Organiser Aradhana Singh said: “Holi is more than just a festival of colours, it’s a celebration of togetherness and unity.

“Through this event, we aim to bring the community together and foster a sense of inclusivity and harmony, and provide our next generation with opportunities to explore and experience our diverse cultures, fostering a sense of understanding and appreciation for the richness and beauty of our cultural heritage.”

Volunteer Sanjay Singh

added: “We are all very excited, we have our fingers crossed for the weather, of course, but people are excited.

“It’s the festival of colours so the main theme of the celebration is playing with dry, eco-friendly colours with each other.”

Open to all, visitors can immerse themselves in a range of traditional activities, such as live Bhangra dancing, Bollywood and Punjabi music, dhol drumming and colour play. There will be activities for all

the family, with children able to enjoy fun fair rides, magic and puppet shows and food stalls.

The mayors of Reading and Wokingham are expected to be in attendance.

Good overcoming evil sits at the heart of the Holi story, with the Hindu God Vishnu defeating the evil king, Hiranyakashipu, and sparing his son, Prahlad.

The event also serves an important role in keeping young Hindus in touch with their culture – Reading Indian Community also holds similar

School celebrates exam success Leisure centre plans open day

AN INDEPENDENT school based in Ascot is celebrating success of its year 11 students.

LVS Ascot, based on London Road in the village, says that nine in 10 of its 84 pupils sitting the IGCSE maths exam received a pass, with 10.5% of the cohort scoring grade 9, nearly half (47%) of the year group achieving grades 7-9.

And the school is delighted, as the teenagers sat the exams six months earlier than most.

Its head of maths, Gwyn Els, said: “The resilience of our students has shone through, I am so proud of the hard work and dedication from each and every one of them.”

And principal, Christine Cunniffe, said: “We are delighted with the Maths IGCSE results this year, it is a testament to the brilliant work of our staff and pupils at LVS Ascot.”

Burglars take tool in home raid

FESTIVAL OF

COLOURS:

Reading Indian Community will be putting on the event in association with Art Celebration.

Picture: Reading Indian Community

events for Diwali and Eid.

“Most of those who are involved in these events are first generation people, so the next generation hasn’t been to India for a while and only go back for holidays,” Sanjay explained.

“We do these events as a way to bring the culture and pass it on to the next generation and share it - there are a lot of people from other communities who come – it’s all about bringing people together.”

The event runs from noon-

5pm, with tickets costing £9.99 and £7 for under 10s. Bookings should be made through Aradhana Singh, who can be contacted via 07769 180390.

n Bellissima Bollywood Events will be throwing its own Holi party at The Hatch Gate Inn, Burghfield. Starting at 12.30pm on Saturday, it will feature an Indian buffet with both vegetarian and nonvegetarian options.

A DJ will be on hand to provide the backing track to what promises to be a fun-filled afternoon.

Tickets are £18 for adults, £10 for those aged five-10, and free for under fives. Family tickets are also available, and can be purchased by contacting bbebollywood@hotmail.com.

n A third event will take place at Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue. Holi Fest 2023 will take place from noon-5pm and will have both indoor and outdoor areas.

Visitors can dance the afternoon away thanks to a DJ, while taking part in the playing of colours.

Games, food stalls and rides will also be available to enjoy.

Tickets are £6 in advance and £8 on the door, with various concession prices available. They should be booked through Mohima on 07877 243109.

A GROUND floor window was the access point for thieves who broke into a Woodley home.

The incident happened between 5pm on Friday, February 24, and 6.45am on Saturday, February 25, at a home in Glendevon Road.

Once inside, the thieves stole an unspecified tool.

Police are appealing for dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage that could help their investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 43230086644.

Fire extinguished

FIRE CREWS were called to a fire in Winnersh on Sunday, March 5.

The incident happened at 2.23pm at a home in Chatsworth Avenue.

Crews from Wokingham Road, Wokingham and Whitley Wood stations were despatched to the scene.

They ensured the occupants and their pets were safe before putting the blaze out using a hose reel jet and carbon dioxide extinguishers.

They were on scene for around 50 minutes.

A WOKINGHAM leisure centre will open its doors for people to try new fitness activities.

People can sign up for small group gym training sessions, with opportunities to try out the equipment between 10am and 10.30am, and from 2pm to 2.30pm.

An active Play and Bounce session will take place from 1pm to 2pm.

Visitors to the facility can also experience free 30-minute personal trainer sessions, with various slots available throughout the day.

All other sessions will be charged.

The open day is at St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, on Saturday, March 11.

n For more information and to book a session, visit: www.placesleisure.org/centres/st-crispinsleisure-centre

Rotary club members organise collection for earthquake victims

A MARATHON charity collection helped raise £2,000 for people affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Ten members of Easthampstead Rotary Club, and two friends of the group, took it in turns to ask customers of the BP garage at Three Mile Cross to make a donation to the appeal.

Held on Tuesday, February 14, the team were on duty from 7.30am through to 8.30pm –13 hours’ worth of collections.

Derek Porter, a club member, said: “Customers of the service station and the adjoining Fraser’s store were extremely generous and gave willingly and our collection buckets raised a total of £1,660.

“This was subsequently

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increased to £2,000 by the generosity of the members who attended the Club’s meeting on Monday, February 20.”

Mr Porter said the donation would buy three shelter boxes. These provide shelter and basic necessities including tents, tarpaulins, tools, blankets, mosquito nets, cooking sets and water filters to those who lost their homes as a result of the earthquake.

GRANT: A wildlife pond was one of the projects South East Water gave funding towards last year Picture: Couleur from Pixabay

Applications open for water firm’s grants

A COMPANY that supplies freshwater to Wokingham borough homes is offering grants of up to £2,000.

South East Water is offering 10 grants across its network, which serves 2.3 million people across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire.

Last year, panel of five employees from all parts of the business selected projects including a rainwater harvesting system, repairs to a school’s wildlife pond, an environmental and recycling project, a foodbank and a children’s cricket club.

Now the search is on for this year’s grant recipients. Applications are open to group projects within the water company’s supply area that are water or environment related, or help the young, old or disadvantaged.

Tanya Sephton, customer services director at South East Water, said: “Our work to provide top quality drinking water to our customers in the

Inner Wheel marks 21 years of friendship and service

EXCLUSIVE

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

South East ensures we are part of the local community.

“Making sure we are doing the right thing for the environment and society is at the heart of our purpose at South East Water.

“We know this matters to our customers, communities and employees and we are delighted that our Community Chest Fund will help local good causes needing a financial boost.

“This is particularly important now as many are struggling to fundraise during the current cost of living crisis despite having seen an increase in the demand for their services.”

All requests for funding are to be submitted by midnight on Friday, March 31. Successful organisations will be informed from Monday, April 17, with the presentations taking place soon afterwards.

n For more details, log on to: www.southeastwater.co.uk/ communitychest

A GROUP of friends has marked more than two decades of friendship and service.

Members of Maiden Earley Inner Wheel celebrated the event at one of their monthly meetings.

The group enjoys spending time getting to know each other while helping those less fortunate than themselves.

As their name indicates, they have links with the Rotary Club, whose professional members also support charities and community organisations.

The 40 members of the Inner Wheel enjoy daytime social events including walks, visits to historic houses, trips to London and joint social functions in the evening and weekends Rotary Club members.

Recent gatherings have een them delivering Christmas sacks to Reading crisis charity The Cowshed, fundraising at Woodley Christmas Fair, serving afternoon tea at a

Charity Bridge Tea, selling cakes at the Rotary Art and Craft Fair, and litter picking in the borough.

They have also raised money for Reading Refugee Support Group, and Soulscape young people’s charity, as well as creating their own members’ recipe book.

Reading Maiden Erlegh Inner Wheel member Joan Busfield said of their anniversary gathering: “It was a lovely celebration.

“With our friends and partners from the Rotary Club, we enjoyed lunch together, followed by an interesting talk from Emeritus Professor Andy Kent, who told us about the early history of Greenham Common.”

The Inner Wheel is a local, national and international organisation, with clubs all around the world, and 11,000 members in Great Britain and Ireland.

Clubs aim to promote

friendship, personal service and international understanding.

“It’s all about friendship,” said Ms Busfield.

“It’s a great place for people who are new to the area.

“We’re a broad mix of people, with different interests and skills, but we have a lot of fun together, mucking in to raise money as best we can for our chosen charities each year.”

The group meets once a month for chats over a drink, followed by a two-course meal, which is often followed by a speaker.

“We’re always keen to welcome new members,” said Ms Busfield.

“We give them a buddy to help them feel comfortable on their first visit, and there are lots of opportunities to get to know people.

“You don’t have to have any link with the Rotary Club.

“There was a time when you needed to have a husband or partner in the group, but not any more – anyone can join.

“It’s about giving your time, not about your skills or abilities.

“If you’re new to the area, come and join us and make some new friends.”

The group meets at Sonning Golf Club on the third Thursday of every month.

n For information and to register interest, email: iwcrme@gmail.com.

n For the group’s website, visit: www.sites.google.com/site/ innerwheelrme

Divorce support

SEPARATION and divorce are often devastating and traumatic and the depth of emotional suffering not always understood.

That’s the view of the Berkshire branch of UK charity, Divorce Recovery Workshop (DRW) which is running a course in Reading on Saturdays March 18 and 25.

A spokesperson said DRW is for anyone of any background, at any stage of a separation or a divorce. It helps people come to terms with a relationship that is breaking or has broken down.

Participants give consistently positive feedback including: “This workshop has been enlightening and inspiring.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot in a comfortable environment. It helped me to realise that other people go through the same feelings and emotions.”

EASTER is a time for giving of the chocolate egg variety, and a Bracknell-based shopping centre is getting into the spirit of things with a special collection.

The Lexicon is working with Bracknell Foodbank in a bid to present Easter eggs to people who would otherwise go without.

The oval-shaped chocolate treats can be left in a special giving box set up in Princess Square. Easter bunnies can make deliveries between 10am and 4pm daily until Friday, March 31.

Rob Morris, general manager at The Lexicon, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Bracknell Foodbank once again to spread some community cheer during the Easter holidays.

“We had a tremendous response to our Christmas appeal and hope that the local community will support our Easter Egg campaign too.”

All donations will be distributed to local families by Bracknell Foodbank in time for Easter.

The course is run by the charity’s volunteers who have all experienced a significant relationship breakup and have been on a course themselves.

Course details: Saturday, March 18, 9.30am-4.30pm, sessions one-three. Saturday, March 25, 9.30-4.30pm sessions four-six. The £60 charge covers attendance, lunches and other refreshments.

n Contact Seamus for more details: reading@drw.org.uk or 07887 800521.

Easter bunnies wanted to help Bracknell Foodbank. Apply, with chocolate eggs, to The Lexicon

BUNNY’S HELPERS: The Lexicon is holding a collection for Bracknell Foodbank. From left: Rufai Hydara, The Lexicon, Security Manager; Cllr Ankur Shiv Bhandari, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest; Ollie Toms, Marks & Spencer, Team Manager; Rob Morris, The Lexicon, General Manager

ANNIVERSARY: Friends and members of Reading Maiden Erlegh Inner Wheel recently celebrated 21 years of fundraising and friendship Picture: courtesy of RMEIW

Young high fliers ready to perform

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

PERFORMERS will rise to great heights in a show given by students of a performing arts organisation.

Artemis College’s Greatest Showcase will take place this weekend, and feature senior students from its musical theatre, dance and college classes.

It includes items from Medusa Theatre Company, Artemis College, Senior Hip Hop, and Senior Cheer and Stunt groups.

Founder and CEO of Artemis College Nikki Robinson said the audience will see an array of talent on stage, including cheerleaders.

“People may think of pompoms, but UK cheerleading is on a different level,” she explained. “Our stunt teams are athletes, competing in an activity that has just been recognised as an Olympic sport.

“It’s a mixture of gymnastics and dance, where performers are supported above everyone’s heads, two or three tiers high.

“The flier, the highest athlete, gets thrown up 25 feet in the air, although that isn’t quite possible during this performance, as there isn’t enough headroom in the theatre.”

The college’s senior hip hop students will also perform, along

with members of Saturday group, Medusa, who will sing songs from the musical Wicked.

“Our hip hop students are like dancing machines, “ continues Ms Robinson. “They’re strong and powerful to watch.

“Our students train to be professional performers.

“Most have worked professionally by the time they leave us, and go on to careers as performers or choreographers.

“They are all very excited to be able to showcase their work.

“It’s a real community effort with everyone contributing.”

As well as showcasing the talents of the senior performers, the performance aims to raise funds for the ongoing work of Artemis.

Donations, grants and events enable the college to keep costs down for pupils as part of its mission to make performing arts training accessible to all.

To help with fundraising there will be pre-show activities, including games, snacks and drinks, and a raffle.

The event takes place at Holme Grange School theatre, Wokingham, on Saturday, March 11, at 3pm and 6pm.

n For details, log on to: www.artemis-studios.co.uk

GOOD DONATIONS: Shoppers at the Southern Co-op’s stores have helped raise £75,000 which has been shared with food banks, including Wokingham’s Picture: Southern Co-op

Cat burglar uses flap to gain entry

THIEVES reached through a cat flap to gain entry to a Woodley home.

They managed to access the key to the patio door lock and then used it to gain entry to the home in Rowan Drive.

Once inside, police said the burglars conducted a ‘messy’ search, and stole clothes, money, jewellery and other unspecified items.

The incident took place between 7.30pm and 8.45pm on Friday, February 24.

Police are appealing for dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage that could help their investigation.

Co-op members’ £75k for food banks

CO-OPERATIVE members have been thanked for their kindness and support after they raised thousands to help food banks across the region, writes Daniel Blackham.

The £75,000 donation will be shared between 75 food banks, including four in Berkshire.

More than £48,000 was raised by customers swiping their membership cards as Southern Co-op pledged to donate 2p to the pot per qualifying transaction.

Through the co-operative’s Share of the Profits scheme 2021/2022, a further £22,570 was donated by members.

Colleagues donated the remaining funds via a one-off support payment.

The food banks in Berkshire supported by the scheme are Newbury Soup Kitchen, Lamborn Food Junction, West Berks Foodbank, and Wokingham Food Bank.

Holly Bramble, Southern Co-op’s community lead, said: “It makes me incredibly proud when I see how much money and food our customers have enabled us to donate to food banks.

“We know times are tough and many food banks have seen donations drop whilst demand increases.

“We want to encourage our customers to keep swiping their membership cards but we’d also thank all of the people at these food banks who make the impossible possible. Thank you.”

This is not the first round of support provided by Southern Co-op.

Between February and December last year, 17,566kgs of goods were donated to food banks by customers and members.

In December, £40,000 worth of gift cards were also shared to food banks across the south to help families and individuals affected by the cost-of-living increases.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 43230086164.

A messy church service

A SONNING church will hold a messy church event.

Parents and primary schoolaged children are invited to join the event in The Ark at the church.

It includes craft, games, stories and prayers, as well as a shared meal

The event is at St Andrew’s in Church Lane, on Sunday, March 19.

It begins at 3pm.

n For more information, visit: www.sonningparish.org.uk

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

A solo adventure

WELL, I made it to Lisbon. Sunny, beautiful Lisbon. It was a delight.

A treat in every way.

I felt as though I’d stepped into another world entirely.

I emerged from the metro into the hustle and bustle of a mild Lisbon evening.

The colourful tiles and architecture, the trams, the general exciting newness and unfamiliarity of a foreign city.

I arrived at the hostel around 7pm. (A beautiful building that felt more like a hotel with its gorgeous interiors and tall ceilings.)

After settling into my room and making several excited videos of my room, I was hungry for dinner. Tired, I wasn’t up for roaming the streets to find food, so I opted for the hostel restaurant.

“Please wait to be seated,” the sign read. This place was nicer than I’d envisaged. I’d brought a book. I was more hungry than self-conscious about being alone at this point anyway.

A tall elegant woman with an expensive coat joined me in the line.

“She’s probably meeting someone,” I thought. We started chatting, discovering we were both solo-travellers. I quietly hoped she’d be up for eating together so we could continue our conversation.

“Table for two?” The waitress asked. We glanced at each other, trying to read the other one’s mind. I didn’t want to impose if she really did want to eat alone.

“Yes please,” we said simultaneously.

I was relieved to have a friend for dinner.

“How romantic,” she joked as we were shown to our table. The lighting was low but warm, lively music played and the leaves of a giant plant of some kind hung around her seat.

We clicked straight away. Talked about everything.

Travel, books, art, writing, families, friends, relationships, Damien Hirst.

I was fascinated by her job in the art world and she was intrigued about motherhood.

Two women, leading very different lives, yet with so many shared interests, and so much to talk and laugh about.

It was a sharing menu, so we ordered several plates of food I’d never ordinarily consume, like squid with green froth and raw prawns with fried chicken skin (tasted better than it sounds).

I remember thinking how funny it was to be deciding on what we should order to share, having only met minutes earlier.

As empowering as eating alone can be, I was thrilled to have such wonderful company that first evening. A perfect welcome to the city.

Stepping out of my hostel the following morning, I was met with the most glorious view; a perfect backdrop of Lisbon. Buildings in shades of white, yellow, pink and blue sprawled across a hilly landscape, I took a moment to absorb it all before snapping away.

This was a highly photogenic city and I think I photographed every second building that first day.

I took my time exploring the streets, soaking up the sun and the charming architecture, wondering how many tiles I could fit into my suitcase. Poring over postcards and tacky magnets made me feel like a true tourist.

Following several recommendations, on day two I took the train to Sintra, where I explored Pena Palace and the ruins of the Castelo dos Mouros. They did not disappoint.

By the end of my trip I’d walked over 17 miles, fuelled by seafood, ice cream and Pastéis de Natas. I flew home feeling light and happy and of course eager to book my next trip. Where to next?

Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind

Group’s February them create a

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

A GROUP of artists in the borough enjoyed a creative challenge last month.

Members of Wokingham Art Society were tasked with creating a drawing or picture for every day of the month.

Caroline Mizen came up with the idea of a Fotograph February challenge, saying it would be a good way to encourage members and nonmembers to sketch together, in any media, for 30 minutes or less.

The group provided a photo every day on their Facebook page as inspiration, but people also used their own if they wished.

STUDENTS at Leighton Park School in Shinfield were treated to a talk delivered by a guest speaker bearing one of the UK’s most recognisable names.

Duncan Cadbury, a former pupil at the school, spoke about Cadbury’s, business ethics and the importance of environmental, social and sustainability impact.

The theme of using profit wisely and giving back to society for longterm success was impressed upon the Sixth Form business students in attendance.

Teacher Sarah Owen said:

“We were incredibly privileged to learn more about George Cadbury and the foundation of Bournville from family member Duncan.

“Students were in awe at the extent of George Cadbury’s good works, and ongoing legacy.

“The talk really helped students to reflect deeply on the impact of the Quaker approach to business, which emphasises the importance of using profit for the benefit of others.

“This linked in with our classroom discussions about the trade off between profit and ethics,

A WOKINGHAM church opens its doors on Thursdays for people who enjoy playing games.

The Salvation Army’s group, A Place To Meet, also offers crafts.

“It’s somewhere to come and socialise, with tea, coffee and snacks throughout the morning,” says community centre manager Marina Brain.

“It’s a happy place and people seem to love coming. They really engage with it.”

One of the group’s attendees adds: “I come here to play games.

“Others play Scrabble and ludo, but I like draughts. And I’ve started to learn how to crochet.

“At the moment it’s me and another gentleman, with lots of women.

“We’re determined to get good at crochet and overtake the ladies’ knitting ... If you can’t beat them, join them.”

They added: “The food’s lovely here, and it’s about getting out of the house.

and whether most businesses have the right balance today; sadly, most students felt they didn’t.”

Duncan left Leighton Park in 1966 and was excited to take a look around his old stomping ground.

Not only was he left impressed by the students he met, but also by the facilities available to them.

After school, he worked at Cadbury’s for a few years but eventually trained as a social worker, specialising in services for people with learning disabilities and their families.

He held responsibility for performance review across all aspects of social services in Birmingham and for inspection and standards in Solihull.

Before retiring, Duncan became national head of training for the Leonard Cheshire Disability Charity.

Duncan was a trustee of The Bournville Village Trust for 35 years and became chairman in 2013.

He is currently an ambassador for the Trust, giving talks and lectures on George Cadbury and the foundation of Bournville.

Sweet talk: Cadbury’s relative visits former school Game on with Sally Army

Photos covered a range of subjects, and encouraged artists to move outside their comfort zones to paint or draw something different.

Group member and artist Kusum Shabong says: “Many of the photos were of landscapes, but others were related to food or general objects.

“For artists used to focusing on natural subjects like birds, animals or vegetation, these other objects are a bit more challenging.

“It’s really good to get us doing something different, and with the challenge being only 30 minutes long, people don’t feel pressured to produce a piece of perfect art.”

The idea was to produce something daily, and to benefit from the regular activity.

“It’s about having the freedom to express yourself, and to work in a different medium,” says Kusum.

“Members have been enjoying the challenge, and we’re all very inspired by each others’ work.”

Wokingham Art Society currently numbers around 150 people , and the group is always keen to attract new joiners.

Members can attend monthly demonstrations at the Bradbury Centre, Wokingham.

And there are also weekly drawing and painting together sessions at The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, along with occasional weekend workshops.

For 65 years, the group has held an annual exhibition of works, which is currently held at St Paul’s Church, Wokingham for two weeks at the end of July and the start of August.

n For more information about the society and to join them visit:www. wokinghamartsociety.org.uk

n To see the Fotograph February challenge visit the group’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ wokinghamartsociety

METAL detectorists and archaeology enthusiasts can join a class of adult learners in Wokingham to learn more about their finds.

The Wokingham and District branch of the Workers Educational Association (WEA) offers courses in a number of different subjects.

The organisation will be holding an archaeological day in April.

people to correctly recognise minerals and rock formations.

During the hands-on learning experience, participants were able to carry out various tests to identify the large selection of rocks brought in by tutor, Jill Eyers.

“You can only watch so much of Good Morning Britain.

A Place To Meet takes place at Wokingham’s Salvation Army every Thursday, from 10am to noon.

A lunch club follows at 12.30pm, with a two-course meal available for £3.50. Lunches need to be booked at least 24 hours before.

n For more information, call: 07786 957195, or visit: www.salvationarmy. org.uk/wokingham

Valerie Bradley the group’s secretary says: “Classes are open to anyone aged 19 or over, and no prior knowledge of subjects is necessary.

“People can come along to enjoy a learning day, knowing that they will be welcomed.

“There’s no obligation to become a member of WEA, but those that do get access to online lectures every Thursday evening.”

In February the group hosted a Rocks and Minerals study day at the Cornerstone building.

The session was designed to enable

“It was really interesting,” says Valerie. “We did scratch tests, used copper coins, and even applied acid that fizzed on contact with certain rocks. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.”

The group’s next learning day in April will offer a similar practical experience.

Understanding Ancient Artefacts, will be led by archaeology tutor Mike Pengelly.

Students will learn to identify flints, pottery, and other artefacts that they may discover while gardening, field walking, or detectoring.

“Mike is a detectorist himself, and he brings interesting items with him to talk about,” says Valerie.

COCOA TALES: Duncan Cadbury shared some of his experiences working at The Bournville Village Trust. Picture: Leighton Park School

ART SHOWCASE: Some of the pieces created

FUN TIMES: Games, crochet and fun at A Place To Be. Picture: Skitterphoto / Pixabay

February

challenge sees a picture a day

by members of Wokingham Art Society during their February daily challenge ON

“He always has lots of stories to share about things he has found.”

The Wokingham and District WEA branch offers opportunities to learn about a wide range of subjects, including art appreciation, history, philosophy and music.

The national charity aims to bring high-quality, professional education into the heart of communities.

“Classes are lots of fun, and very friendly,” says Valerie.

“They keep your mind active, and they’re a great place to come if people are feeling lonely, or have been bereaved and want some social

Growing militaria fair moves to Sindlesham Court

SALE: Visitors to the fair will find a wide array of items

HOLY ISLAND, DURHAM & Alnwick Castle

A FAIR selling military memorabilia is on the move.

Later this month, the Royal Berkshire Militaria Fair will hold its first event at its new venue, Sindlesham Court.

Originally launched in St Sebastian’s Memorial Hall, the fair has grown, and needs to relocate to a bigger space.

Organiser Eugene Zaph, says: “It’s been going really well.

“Lots of locals have been coming along, and we are expanding.”

People who visit the military fair are able to buy a wide range of historic items including medals, badges, swords, daggers, bayonets, helmets, and field equipment.

Also available are award documents, uniforms, antique firearms and armour, and legally deactivated weapons.

“When countries are liberated, people tend to grab any souvenir they can find,” says Eugene.

“Folk may have interesting items tucked away, that came from the battlefield.

“After the Second World War, British soldiers weren’t allowed to take keepsakes, but the Americans weren’t restricted.

“They took lots of things, so there are some amazing militaria fairs in the US, with unusual items like wartime toilet seats .”

The Royal Berkshire Militaria

Fair saw an interesting find of its own recently.

“A gentleman brought in an old German field sterilisation kit, used by medics on the field,” says Eugene.

“Goodness knows how he came by it, but he was very pleased when a collector decided it was just what they were looking for, and bought it from him.

“And there is plenty to entertain kids – we recently bought some cammo netting for our children to make a camp.”

The fair will be held every two months.

In March it falls on Mothering Sunday.

“There may be one or two angry mums that day,” Eugene jokes.

“But a number of women enthusiasts do enjoy coming along.

“And it’s a social event – a good place for retired people, and exservice men and women to meet up.

“I’m a collector myself, and I’m loving watching it grow.”

The next event is at Sindlesham Court, on Sunday, March 19, from 9am through to 1pm.

Refreshments are available, with a hot food outlet onsite.

Early bird tickets, for entry between 9am and 10am, cost £6. After 10am, entry costs £4.

n For more information, visit: www.rb-militariafair.co.uk

Departing Thu 18 May ‘23

Northumberland is home to rugged scenery, iconic landmarks and unspoilt seascapes. From our base in Newcastle, we explore Alnwick Castle, one of Britain’s most impressive castles, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and visit the famous Angel of the North.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Wokingham & Bracknell

 2 nights at the Leonardo Hotel, Newcastle Gateshead Quays with dinner & breakfast

 Excursions to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne & Alnwick Castle

 En-route visits to the Angel of the North & Durham

3 Days by Coach

ly £219

BOURNEMOUTH & Isle of Wight by Hovercraft

Departing Mon 29 May ‘23

The bustling resort of Bournemouth is home to seven miles of golden sands and a historic pier, offering a traditional seaside ambience. We also journey to the Isle of Wight by hovercraft to discover picturesque Ryde to complete a lovely few days away.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Crawley

 4 nights at the Heathlands Hotel, Bournemouth with dinner & breakfast

 Return hovercraft journey to Ryde, Isle of Wight

 Excursions to Dorchester Market, Weymouth & the Isle of Wight

Optional excursion to Salisbury (£13pp)

interaction.

“Learning is my hobby. I don’t want to do exams any more, but I do love the process of learning, and mixing with people.

“And it’s great for people’s mental well-being too.”

The Understanding Ancient Artefacts learning day will take place at Wokingham’s Cornerstone Building on Saturday, April 15. The one-day course starts at 10am, and costs £38.

n For more information, email: Valerie. Bradley@wea.ac.uk, or call: 0118 467 1099

n For information about courses, visit: www.enrolonline.wea.org.uk

Snow falls, world is white. Children play enjoy the site. Gone by tomorrow night.

5 Days by Coach

flowers grow. Natures colours out on show

HolyIslandAlnwickCastleDurham&AngeloftheNorth_D.pdf Single Supplement £40 Single Supplement £60 WPR_2023-03-06_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 03332 342 527 Quote WPR To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 Thursday, March 9, 2023 WOKINGHAM.TODAY 29

Sunshine,

Picture: RB Militaria Fair

THE

NEWS | Haikus of the

season

Your letters

Raise your glasses to your local

HURST residents can look forward to The Green Man reopening later this month.

It’s one of several fantastic pubs in the village and surrounding area, and we cannot wait to see what it looks like following its makeover.

Over the past 20 years or so, pubs have undergone many changes, as the smoking ban has shaken up the industry.

There have been closures, name changes, takeovers and plenty of new menus in that time.

The industry, like many others, faces difficult times not least as the cost of living crisis sees them grapple soaring energy bills, increased costs and rising inflation.

If customers opt for supermarket prices and stay and home, these pubs could struggle to see through the year.

We need to show our support for our pubs. They are, after all, at the heart of our communities.

Going to our local is an opportunity to catch up with friends, make new ones, have celebrations, and make lasting memories.

Let’s treasure our locals – we’ll drink to that.

CHURCH NOTES God sees you

DO you ever feel insignificant? Like no one really knows or cares who you are? Like important things happen to other people, not you?

There’s a great story from the life of Jesus, where he went into a city and there was this little guy called Zacchaeus, or Zak.

He was not a popular man, kept at arm’s length by his neighbours because of things he had done.

But when Jesus came to town, Zak desperately wanted to see him, to get close to him. I guess in Jesus he saw someone who might be able to help him in his life; with the darker things inside him that he secretly wanted to change but didn’t know how.

And being a little guy, Zak knew he would just get lost in the crowd around Jesus. So as Jesus approached, he climbed a tree to get a better view. Amazingly, the account describes how as he came near, Jesus spotted Zak up the tree and chose to call out to him.

And the second amazing thing is he knew Zak’s name: ‘Zacchaeus, I’m going to your house today!’

He saw Zak. He knew his name.

The crowd were gobsmacked. Why would Jesus pick out Zak to visit, of all people? But he did. And Zak’s life was changed from that moment. You can read how in Luke chapter 19 in the Bible if you want.

Perhaps at times you feel, like Zak, that you’re a little person lost in the crowd, insignificant to anyone that matters.

You’re not. God sees you. He knows your name. You matter to Him. And that changes everything.

If this speaks to you, do find out more about Jesus yourself. Google ‘Alpha Course’, or visit a local church. www.wokinghambaptist.org.uk or www.wokinghamchurches.org.uk

We know you matter too, and we’d love to meet you.

Nick Hudson, Minister (Team Leader), Wokingham Baptist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

A week late but I am responding to your front page heading “Wheelie Bins are Coming” It epitomises all that’s wrong with the borough.

Fortunately Charles Margetts addresses the problem in the same edition and hopefully residents will take note and vote Conservative in May.

Councillors need to stand up to Libdems and council officers to retain all that is special about Wokingham.

As for Climate emergency as outlined by another Libdem, what world are you living in? Climate change has always been with us since the planet was formed as any historian will tell you.

Dr Richard Lindzen, probably the most famous climate scientist in the world reassures us that there are no trends in extreme weathers and haven’t been for many centuries.

There is just so much rubbish put out by extremists. I am so pleased that Lord Lawson set up the Global Warming Policy Forum which contains so many distinguished climate experts. You can subscribe to this at ‘thegwpf. org’ for free and you will experience a very wide flow of information and opinions worldwide which will help to balance extreme views.

Philip Houldsworth, Wokingham

Wheelie bins are all that’s right with the borough

I bet you get letters from people complaining that the blue bags are going.

If it means the end of foxes, cats and birds ripping them to shred,

Westminster diary

Matt Rodda

Windsor Framework is long overdue

IN 2019 the then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and the Conservatives, offered the country an “oven ready” Brexit deal which he lauded as being the best possible deal with the EU to maintain trade, ensure stability and – with the inclusion of the Northern Ireland protocol that the Prime Minister himself negotiated – prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland and safeguard the Good Friday agreement.

He promised no checks in the Irish Sea. Sunak, like all the Tories, backed the deal.

Fast forward to February 2022 and the picture painted by Boris Johnson was very different to the reality on the ground.

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

UK could do well out of climate change

Wokingham Today of 23rd February and again on 2nd March reported that the SOLVE Hall Farm petition to stop significant housing development on land around Hall Farm, signed by over 1,800 people, had been denied a debate in council by WBC.

Apparently, a debate on a matter relating to ‘live planning issues’ would be against the Council’s constitution.

We are glad that the Council’s behaviour towards us in refusing to debate our petition is receiving publicity, but there is concern over the coverage of the story your report offered.

Unfortunately, neither your reporter nor the WBC spokesperson appeared to have consulted the Council’s constitution.

increased recycling rates and reduces single use plastic from all those blue bags, well bring it on.

We need wheelie bins. Name and address supplied MP should not stand again

As we approach the voting period” of this year, I have considered the country I live in and where I believe we should be going.

Apart from local politics, which do not have enough Independent applicants for Councillor Role, Membership of Parliament is so vital and voting just on Party, has been a disaster on so many occasions in recent years.

My personal feelings in the National best interest, is that no MP should have any financial interests outside Parliament. Just consider how

The relevant clause (3.5.1.2) doesn’t say we aren’t entitled to ‘have a debate’ on our petition. It says that a petition is not acceptable if it is on a ‘matter relating to a planning decision’. If that’s the case, our petition shouldn’t have been accepted at all. But in fact WBC has accepted petitions ‘relating to a planning decision’, in 2018 (South of Cutbush Lane, Shinfield), and again in 2022 (Rook’s Nest, Finchampstead).

The Council’s 2021 Local Plan Update consultation document refers to two further petitions accepted by the Council that related to a planning decision. It seems in this respect that WBC’s constitution is “more honoured in the breach than the observance”.

What’s more, neither the Council

decisions are frequently influenced by how beneficial a decision in the House is to an MP, and as we have seen their Company or a friend’s Company.

Primally, an MP has a duty to the population – not his Party members.

A tall order and a more social attitude this country needs. If you are wealthy or own a company that is structured such as John Lewis and Waitrose, you are providing a social service. I have been of the opinion that employees being shareholders, is a remarkable way to success in businesses.

Good management includes interest in employees, and resists the evil of Unions who are not happy unless they control employees.

One might say that Doctors, Nurses, Emergency Personnel, etc. as an example, would not be considering

And the Conservatives were busy telling anyone who listened that the very protocol they negotiated was terrible and needed to be ripped up.

Today, the Assembly is still not functioning and, in the May 2022 Assembly elections, the DUP were replaced as the largest party by Sinn Fein, who advocate a united Ireland.

spokesperson nor your reporter seemed aware that in January 2019 a debate was held in council by WBC on ‘a petition relating to a planning decision’ (South of Cutbush Lane). In other words, the very thing took place that we were told was against the rules! So the Council has treated us inconsistently with its actual practice. We have protested about this unfairness to the Council Leader, but have yet to receive a proper explanation.

In rejecting the SOLVE Hall Farm petition debate, Wokingham Borough Council has got itself into something of a mess. It looks as if it has not only broken one of its own rules, it has imposed on us a rule that’s not stated in its constitution. Someone needs to sort this out.

Pat Phillipps, via email

withdrawing their services, because their NHS is their “business”.

Sadly, the highly desirable changes that need making to the NHS, will never come to anything whilst it is run by the government.

I have a fairly considerable knowledge of the NHS, which may be of interest to someone.

To summarise these notes, I suggest Sir John Redwood does not stand as an MP again, based very much on his other very profitable interests.

Reg Clifton, Wokingham

In dreamworld

I see from his letter “Let independents have their say” Wokingham.Today 02 March 2023, that Cllr Gary Cowan, Independent Wokingham Borough Councillor for

been clear for months.

We’re glad the PM has finally shown he is willing to confront those in his own party who were holding a deal hostage.

Trade across the Irish Sea faced new barriers. Businesses were reporting huge new burdens and checks had brought the roads in Kent to a complete stand still.

The EU and the UK were facing a legal stand-off with the UK threatening to unilaterally tear up legally binding international treaty. Trust and goodwill with the EU had been squandered.

But it was in Northern Ireland where the hubris of Boris Johnson and the Conservatives’ deal was having the biggest impact.

Unable to import chilled meats, plants, or seed potatoes and concerned about a customs border in the Irish Sea, the DUP – Northern Ireland’s largest Unionist Party and, at the time, the party who held the role of First Minister – walked away from the power-sharing Northern Ireland Executive and collapsed the Northern Ireland assembly.

Everyone in Westminster agreed that the status quo could not continue.

The Labour Party urged the Government to work collegiately with all parties in Northern Ireland and in Westminster to find a lasting solution that protected peace and reduced trade friction.

And we urged the EU to be more flexible.

We desperately wanted to see the Northern Ireland assembly up and running and for the people of Northern Ireland to have access to the essentials they need.

We welcome this new agree-ment on the Protocol dubbed the ‘Windsor Framework’, which is long overdue and fixes some of the trade problems in their original deal. The government has let this drag on for two years causing yet more uncertainty for business. We have repeatedly urged them to reach a negotiated settlement. The outline of a deal had

When it comes to the House of Commons for decision, I will be voting for it along with my fellow Labour MPs because, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, stability in Northern Ireland is key.

If the PM needs our support in getting this over the line he will have it.

Ten years after David Cameron announced we would be having a referendum on our membership of the EU, we need to start looking forward to our new place in the world.

A new era of relations with Europe without the rancour caused by successive Conservative Prime Ministers can only be a good thing for our country and our economy.

The challenge now is for those Conservative MPs who want to continue the Brexit debate to ask themselves whose interests they are trying to serve.

By attempting to sink ‘The Windsor Framework’ we can be sure it is neither Northern Ireland’s or the United Kingdom’s.

Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East

Wheelie bins are all that’s wrong with the borough

Arborfield, has been dreaming.

Not so long ago, Cllr Cowan was waxing lyrical about how he was now listened to by his Liberal Democrat chums led by wannabe MP and Council Leader Cllr Clive Jones.

How lovey-dovey it all was. I thought, pass me the sick bag.

It would appear that political divorce is now on the cards as there seems to have been a falling-out with Cllr Cowan’s Lib-Dem mates. He now wants to show them that “they are not the only game in town”.

Allow me enlighten you Cllr Cowan. You sold your soul for a place in the Ad-Hoc Coalition WBC. You seem to have gone along with all the nonsense regarding the sham “survey”. The one about weekly waste collections where the option of the status quo was deliberately not included so that the results were deliberately skewed. How very Undemocratic European Eurocrat Elite.

Increased car parking charges have been voted through. Cllr Cowan must have been up to his neck in that one too. How else could that vote have been won?

In May 2022 Cllr Cowan promised that things would be better in Wokingham Borough if only people voted for change.

Well Cllr Cowan, you got the change you wanted and still you moan.

Those Non-Liberal Non-Democrats really do seem to have got Cllr Cowan dancing to their tune. Elections must be coming up though as from his letter Cllr Cowan seems to be trying to make out that he really is “independent”.

What I believe is that Cllr Cowan is just of one life’s beings who is never happy, unless they themselves are unhappy.

year are being followed up - at least in this case.

The planning committee placed its faith in agreement being reached between Network Rail and the council - in lieu of any realistic alternative.

We will be ‘WATCHing’ this closely, for Network Rail to live up to their corporate claims to ‘deliver positive change for what matters to communities’ and for the council to find the means to realise this once in a generation opportunity to open up a significant new walking and cycling route for all.

Douglas M, WATCH

Heathrow’s third runway

Following a difficult year of mounting debts, recovery from the impact of the pandemic and rows over high airport passenger charges, even Heathrow Airport now view the third Runway as just a “probable outcome”.

The admission was buried in Appendix 2 of the company’s strategic plans for the coming year, released alongside its annual accounts for 2022.

The company’s accounts show that they are heavily indebted, with £12bn due to be repaid by 2030 alone. To improve its ability to finance at third runway, the airport wants to secure higher passenger charges to appease its body of shareholders, which include Ferrovial, Qatar Holdings, the Government of Singapore and the UK’s Universities Superannuation Scheme.

We at Stop Heathrow Expansion believe that rather than trying to appease its shareholders by clinging on to its long-held hope of expansion, Heathrow should focus instead in being a better, not bigger airport.

They should announce this year that the third runway project will be scrapped so those living in nearby communities can get on with their lives without the threat of expansion continually hanging over them.

Justine Bayley, Chair, Stop Heathrow Expansion In the gutter

This country’s people are laying in the gutter and are homeless and dictated by energy companies.

Now I read in your paper that people can not afford to buy beds for their children.

Also the government are running down this country for no reason. The rich get out of paying taxes and this country has the money – though the two parties that can have power do not care for the poor.

Despite this, the government are giving millions away for a war that we have no part.

We must build up our country and put our people first.

Victor Rones, Bracknell What matters to mums

With Mother’s Day around the corner, I’ve been thinking about the moments that really matter to me, as a mum of three kids.

healthy and well-educated.

This month, Mary’s Meals is offering a range of Mother’s Day cards that will feed a hungry child for a whole school year – for just £19.15.

To treat the wonderful women in your life and help a hungry child this Mother’s Day, please visit marysmeals. org.uk/shop

Izzy Judd, Celebrity mum and Mary’s Meals supporter Chemotherapy webinar

Lymphoma Action is hosting a webinar about chemotherapy on Tuesday, March 28, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Readers affected by lymphoma may be interested and can register to join this free event if they go to www.lymphoma-action.org.uk/ ChemoWebinar1.

The panel will include two healthcare professionals and a Lymphoma Action chair. This webinar will focus on the technical details of chemotherapy, and will be followed by a webinar on experiences of chemotherapy in April.

Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment for many people with lymphoma. For some, this treatment might start within a short time of diagnosis, and it can feel like a ‘whirlwind’ from diagnosis to treatment, without time to process. For others, who may be on a period of active monitoring before treatment, chemotherapy can feel like something ominous in their future, causing worry and anxiety.

We can achieve more together

PARTNERSHIP is the hallmark of the new administration at Wokingham Borough Council.

We are ourselves a partnership administration, as the council is in no overall control, and we have forged a new administration by working with other parties on agreed objectives.

Many residents find this grown-up version of politics, which puts the community first, a refreshing departure from the one-party dominance of our predecessors.

We are also a partnership in the sense that officers and councillors are working together, for the benefit of the residents and businesses that we serve.

Both officers and elected councillors want to build strong and effective partnerships outside the council, too.

This week, my deputy leader, Stephen Conway, introduced an event for town and parish councils, intended as part of a process that will lead to more effective working between the borough council and towns and parishes.

Judging by the feedback that I’ve heard, the event seems to have been a great success.

Paul Clarke,

Wokingham Cross party harmony

It was encouraging to see crossparty harmony at the recent council planning meeting, with councillors of all persuasions supporting the council to work with Network Rail to build an accessible bridge over the railways at the Tan House crossing.

The good intentions around walking and cycling which appeared in every party’s campaign leaflets last

From the stump

Young need to be a priority

YOUNG people need to be a priority for local decision making in Wokingham.

Children are our future and we need to make sure Wokingham is an area where young people can thrive and have a bright future ahead of them.

As a teacher in a local secondary school, I am passionate about the importance of young voices being heard, whether it is at a school level, across the borough or in national politics.

The news comes just weeks after Heathrow’s CEO, John Holland Kaye, announced his resignation. That he is going now suggests either he no long believes a third runway is possible, or that he has been pushed as his employers believe someone else might be more successful.

Heathrow expansion is both out of money – as we have seen from the airport’s enormous and mounting debts – and based on extremely out of date policy that no longer reflects the current situation.

The government’s policy enabling Heathrow expansion – the Airports National Policy Statement – is n ow five years old, with the evidence base for the document up to a decade old.

Of course, it’s lovely to receive a box of chocolates or a big bouquet from your family. But the most special gift I ever received was simply being able to celebrate my first ever Mother’s Day with my firstborn, Lola and my own mum. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

I now have Kit and Lockie, as well as Lola, and their happiness and healthiness is what matters to me. I believe that, all around the world, all mothers are the same.

That’s why I’m delighted to be supporting Mary’s Meals this Mother’s Day.

This incredible charity serves life-changing school meals to children living in the world’s poorest countries, so that they can grow up happy,

campaigned for a Citizens’ assembly on the climate emergency.

This webinar will look at what chemotherapy is, what it does, and how it works. It will also cover why it is used for lymphoma treatment, how it is given, and why is it given in regimens. We will also cover some of the issues around late effects, and balance risks and benefits for individuals. This webinar might also be helpful for family, friends and carers to understand more about lymphoma treatment.

If readers would like to find out more or book a free space on the webinar more information is available on the Lymphoma Action website https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/ ChemoWebinar1

Amanda Harris, Lymphoma Action

One parish councillor present said that he could see that the new administration wanted to do things differently, which he welcomed. Another said that she came to the meeting sceptical, but now felt very positive.

Historically, I think it’s fair to say, the relationship between the borough and town and parish councils has not been as good as it should have been. We want to change that – we recognise that the towns and parishes know their areas well and must be treated as equal partners if we are to achieve the objective that we all share of making the borough a better place to live and work.

To achieve our ambitions, the borough council needs to respond more speedily to the concerns raised by towns and parishes. It needs to communicate more clearly and understand the role and importance of town and parish councils much better.

The issues important to young people need to be taken seriously by councils and government to ensure the future is more prosperous for generations to come.

A recent youth politics event hosted by Wokingham Youth council members saw a range of issues highlighted including; the ongoing climate emergency, mental health, lowering the voting age and the cost of living crisis.

The Conservatives have failed on all of these issues in government over the last 13 years and have neglected these areas locally in their time in control of the council.

The Labour party are the only party which can fix these issues in our society. Labour councillors have long

This would give residents from all walks of life the opportunity to make informed choices on climate emergency policy in the borough. Councillors in Wokingham are not representative enough of residents in the borough; a Citizens’ assembly would ensure voices from younger generations were fully heard. We need to open the debate to more young people.

If we are to take engagement of the younger generation seriously, we need to put more trust in them. The Labour party has always believed that young people deserve a say; Labour members can vote for local candidates at 14 and take active roles in policy making in meetings.

I also support the party’s policy to lower the national voting age to 16, a move that will force politicians to take young people’s priorities seriously.

Young people know too well the mental health crisis affecting their generation which has been exacerbated by the rise in technologies and pressures of 21st

century life that are alien to older generations. The Conservative government have been sleepwalking into this crisis and been totally ineffective at solving it. Waiting lists to see mental health specialists are growing and only the most severe cases get immediate action, leaving so many children left behind.

All of these problems have got worse under the Conservatives and will never be solved under more Conservative leadership.

To improve the generational representation in council, we not only need to listen to the young people through initiatives like local youth councils, but we need to encourage people of all ages to put themselves forward for local elections.

I am standing as a Labour candidate in Shinfield North this year because I want to make a real difference to my local area, but also because the borough deserves fresher voices on council who have a breadth of knowledge and experience, so we can represent the needs of absolutely everyone in the borough.

Andrew Gray is a member of Wokingham Labour

To bring about these changes, will require a culture change within the borough council. Busy officers have often, understandably, wanted to focus on their core activities rather than spend time engaging with town and parish councils. But the senior officer leadership and the political leadership of the borough council are committed to changing its approach to towns and parishes, as we believe that the benefits for residents and businesses will be considerable.

We hope that this will lead to greater appreciation of the way in which town and parish councils act as the eyes and ears of communities and can therefore help the borough council to establish its priorities and deliver services more effectively.

We have already changed the format of the borough/parish liaison forum, to make it more about the concerns of the town and parish councils and less about the borough council using it as an opportunity to trumpet its achievements.

And my deputy leader and senior officers have offered to visit every town and parish council to hear more about their particular concerns and see how we might address them.

These are just first steps. We hope not just to repair a relationship that has been damaged in recent years, but to build a strong foundation for much deeper and more effective collaboration in the future.

As I’ve said many times before, we can achieve more together than we can on our own.

Cllr Clive Jones is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, and ward member for Hawkedon

From the leader Cllr Clive Jones

Andrew Gray

M O T H E R ' S D A Y L U N C H

Mothers Day

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The Lord Raglan offers everything there is to love about modern British pubs

By CLAIRE WORSFOLD advertising@wokingham.today

WE ARE privileged in Wokingham to have restaurants offering exotic dishes from around the world on our doorstep, but there is still a charm to the Great British pub menu.

The Lord Raglan offers everything there is to love about modern, British pubs - freshly prepared food, a huge range of beer sourced from independent breweries, wine and spirits, comfortable surroundings.

It’s perfect for a Sunday Lunch.

We were seated in the bright and airy conservatory with overhead heaters to keep us warm, and given a preview of its Mothering Sunday menu.

We have eaten in The Lord Raglan many times, but never on a Sunday.

Although the full menu will be on offer, there will also be a

selection of roasts. Everything is prepared on site using fresh and ethically sourced ingredients.

The menu offers gluten free, Vegan and vegetarian options.

My teenage son chose the Roast Sirloin of Beef (£18.95).

He was impressed with the large and plentiful portion of beef, which was juicy and flavoursome.

Accompanying it were roast potatoes, which were crispy and flavoured with Rosemary for added flavour.

The maple roasted root veg were again perfectly cooked and the Yorkshire pudding was enormous.

Seasonal greens included savoy cabbage and green beans cooked al dente, just the way we like them. The cauliflower cheese was rich and luxurious.

In my opinion you can ‘make or break’ a roast with the gravy, and it certainly didn’t disappoint, named as ‘proper gravy’ it certainly lived up to its name with a perfect consistency and flavour.

My husband opted for the Half

T

Chicken Roast for £17.95, with the same accompaniments as the beef roast.

The chicken was moist, but with a lovely crispy skin.

As committed meat eater, I wanted to try the Vegan Wellington roast dinner (£15.95), to see if I would enjoy a meat-free option as much.

The Wellington is made with mushrooms and cashew nuts, encased in a lattice pastry was absolutely delicious. The puff pastry was perfectly baked, the filling was moist, the texture was smooth, the dish was very flavoursome.

Served with roast potatoes, root veg, seasonal greens, braised red cabbage and a vegan gravy. I would most definitely have this again.

My daughter had the a Cheeseburger and Fries for £6.95 from the children’s menu. This was a homemade beef patty topped with American cheese and was met with great approval.

Although the restaurant was

very busy, the food was served in a timely manner, piping hot and perfectly presented. Moving on to desserts, our server highly recommended the

E L O R D R A G L A N

Sharing Baked Cookie Dough

Skillet (£9.95). It came with two large scoops of vanilla ice cream on top.

This is large enough for three,

especially after a roast meal. It definitely satisfied our sweet palates.

My son decided on the Vegan Cheesecake With Blueberry Compote for £5.95. Made with cashew milk, the texture was creamy, but not too sweet. The sharpness of the blueberry compote was the perfect accompaniment.

With regards to drinks, The Lord Raglan loves beer and sources it from all around the world, including their very own Big Smoke Brew Company. Keg and cask, there is a large selection.

It’s the same for red wines, rose, white, Champagne and sparkling wines, and gins too. On Mothering Sunday, all mothers will be treated to a special gift on arrival.

The staff at the Lord Raglan are friendly and welcoming and the service was excellent. n For more information, visit: www.thelordraglan.co.uk, or call: 0118 978 3282.

‘The Sultan is one of the best curry houses I’ve been to’

By CLAIRE WORSFOLD advertising@wokingham.today

IT MIGHT be Wokingham town’s oldest curry house, but it’s looking to the future.

The Sultan in Market Place has launched a new menu, bringing Indian fine cuisine to the borough. It’s been devised by owner Raja Majid and his chef, Kuldeep, who has worked in some of London’s finest restaurants and won the prestigious London Evening Standard Indian Restaurant of the year award.

“Chef Kuldeep has created an exciting, innovative menu and I believe you won’t taste anything like it anywhere else in Wokingham - it really makes us stand out. We’re not a regular curry house,” Raja said.

“The menu is bursting with authentic dishes that many people may not have heard of,

and you certainly won’t be able to get anywhere else locally. It’s proper Indian food with a modern presentation.”

The ingredients used in Sultan’s ‘exquisite dishes’ are sourced from local suppliers.

These include feature ingredients such as duck, mussels, and rabbit, and Venison, together with a range of plant-based creations which vegans will love.

The interior decor of the restaurant reflects the age of building with oak beams throughout. Table are adorned with crisp white table cloths, and the waiters are immaculately dressed. This is an experience.

We began with a selection of starters including Patiala Lamb Chops (£6). Chargrilled best-ends of lamb with beetroot and ginger marinade with coriander chutney. The presentation was exquisite, the lamb was perfectly tender and flavoursome.

The Spinach and Feta Cheese Samosa Chaat (£6.45) was my personal favourite.

This is a samosa topped with coriander and dates, tamarind chutney and chickpeas vermicelli. It is amazing, so tasty with an array of flavours.

The Venison Seekh Kebab (£9.95) is a dish that I’ve never seen on an Indian restaurant menu, so I was intrigued to sample it.

It is minced venison with peppers and onion served with coriander chutney and smoked paprika raita. The venison had a delicate flavour, was cooked to perfection, the chutney and raita made the perfect accompaniment.

Moving on to the Main courses. Our teenage son chose the Prawn Biryani (£18.95).

This is not just any Biryani. Dum Pukht is a traditional way of slow cooking in a sealed pot, this

Whochampions localbusinesses?

WEDO, WOKINGHAM

means none of the flavours can escape. The pot is topped with a thick chapati keeping all the warmth contained. Our son was impressed with the amount of prawns and the presentation.

For my main, I plumped for Dhaba Methi Murgh (£12.95), an Indian roadside shakc-style chicken curry, rustic and bustling

with flavours tempered with fresh fenugreek.

The presentation was a delight, the aromatic flavours were invigorating to my nose and taste buds. I was very impressed with the amount of chicken in this dish, the portion size was very generous.

My husband chose the Guinea Fowl Banjara (£16.95),

a dish from the nomadic tribes of Ladakh: grilled guinea fowl breast in dry mango and peanut marinade, filled with spinach and mushroom, and with a half egg masala.

He described the meat as extra tasty, and he enjoyed the dish immensely.

We shared some side dishes which included Bainghan Mirch Ka Salan (£6.95) – baby aubergines and chillies in a tangy tamarind and jaggery sauce. Aloo Anardana (£5.95) is slow cooked potatoes with tangy pomegranate and mango powder, pomegranate seeds and garlic.

Naan bread is (£3.95).

The Service at the Sultan was second-to-none.The ambience was perfect. The waiters were absolutely fantastic throughout our visit; topping up our water glasses as soon as they reached empty, regularly coming over to check if we needed anything and best of all professionally and passionately explaining the dishes one by one, some of which sounded obscure to us.

The Sultan, hands down has to be one of the best curry houses I have ever been to – it excels on every front.

n To see the menu or to book, log on to: sultanindian.co.uk, or call: 0118 977 4397.

Telecommunications firm BT Group’s £3bn boost to South East economy

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

ONE of the country’s biggest telecommunications firms says it has provided a £3bn boost the South East economy.

And it says around £1.9bn of that was spent with suppliers from across the region.

Consultancy firm Hatch was commissioned to look at the spend of employees and suppliers of The BT Group, which includes EE, BT, Plusnet and Openreach – and the estimated knock-on impact that has on economies across the country.

It directly employs 6,500 people across the South East, who made a direct contribution to the region’s economy estimated at £1 billion in the last financial year (2021/22).

And through the company’s employees and its supply chain, and their subsequent spending, Hatch estimates the resulting boost to the region’s economy came to a total of £3.2 billion.

According to the study, BT Group’s combined activities supported a knock-on total of 34,400 jobs across the region.

The report highlights BT Group’s presence across the South East and its current major investment in the rollout of full-fibre broadband and 5G across the country.

It also profiles the range of activities by BT Group colleagues across the UK, from the volunteers helping care home residents avoid isolation and loneliness, to the teams protecting customers and the UK from cyber threats.

BT Group says it is transforming its offices and contact centres across the UK and has already opened two brand new regional hubs in Birmingham and Bristol.

New hubs are set to open in Manchester and Cardiff this year, and offices in Belfast and Glasgow have undergone

major refurbishments.

It is part of the company’s Better Workplace Programme, one of the largest workplace improvement schemes of its type ever undertaken in the UK. The five-year programme will see the company shift from having around 300 locations in the UK to around 30, with a focus on creating new, modern workspaces.

Philip Jansen, Chief Executive of BT Group, said: “BT Group plays a vital role at the heart of the UK economy. We’re one of only a handful of companies that serves customers in every corner of the country.

“We’ve continued our major investment in building next

generation full fibre and mobile connectivity rapidly across the UK. We’ve already reached 9.6 million premises with full fibre, and our 5G mobile network now reaches 60% of the UK population.

“The benefits to families and businesses are huge: new jobs, economic growth and innovation, across every nation and region.

“We’re also transforming BT Group so that we’re fit to power the UK economy of the future. Our new state-of-theart offices, spread across the UK, are a central part of that, bringing colleagues together in brilliant spaces that will enable collaboration and help us to better serve our customers.”

SUNDAY SUCCESS: Sarah Jones, owner of My Anxious Dog, with Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis

Den star Theo shines a light on Binfield-based business

Dragon’s

A SMALL business owner who helps people who have anxious pets has been given a boost thanks to a dragon.

Every weekend, Theo Paphitis picks six businesses to give a boost on social media as part of his Small Business Sunday initiative.

Last month, he picked Binfield-based My Anxious Dog. The etailer offers a range of yellow space awareness products so people can see at a glance they should give a much-loved pet distance.

Mr Paphitis, who used to be a panel member on Dragon’s Den, shared a post from the firm on Twitter and, as a

result,www.myanxiousdog.

co.uk attracted more followers and extra orders for the products, which are all designed by its owner Sarah Jones.

As a winner, the business is also profiled on the #SBS website that is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners.

“Running your own business is incredibly rewarding but when you are working on your own it can be hard work,” said Ms Jones.

“It is great to have support from Theo to help raise the brand profile for our #dogsinyellow. Theo has

recognised my hard work and helped spread the word about our campaign.”

And Mr Paphitis is pleased to play a small part in help entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through the scheme.

“We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK,” he said.

“My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS retweet from me become part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings.”

Crispin now showing at Showcase

AN INDUSTRY titan is preparing for a new adventure with the big screen in a blockbuster move.

Showcase Cinemas UK, which includes a branch in Winnersh, has appointed Crispin Lilly as its new managing director.

The box office draw will join the firm at the end of next month, and says he will build on the company’s in-cinema experience and the company’s strategy to drive admissions in the post-lockdown phase of the covid pandemic.

And he knows all about the popcorn as well as the silver screen: he started his film career as a cashier at his local cinema in Southampton.

He worked his way up the

top ranks, including stints at Cineworld, Everyman and, more recently working on a consultancy basis with The Really Local Group, bringing accessible cinema to smaller catchment areas, alongside his charitable work as trustee of MediCinema.

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Showcase team and helping them

continue to deliver amazing cinema experiences across the country,” Mr Lilly said.

“Cinema remains a powerful and affordable moment of escape and excitement that is more important than ever for our guests.

“I look forward to helping us bring the Showcase experience to an even larger audience.” Duncan Short, senior vice president USA and international operations, said: “We are extremely pleased to have appointed Crispin to head up our UK business.

“He will lead a dynamic and passionate team that delivers an unrivalled experience for guests across the country, and his experience and leadership will only further enhance this.”

ON CALL: The BT Group says it contributes more than £3bn to the South East economy Picture: Erich Westendarp from Pixabay

Whitegates

Long

C A L L 0 1 3 4 4 7 5 3 1 1 0 N O W T A K E A L O O K A R O U N D T H E B E A U T I F U L N E W V I E W H O M E S e t w i t h i n a p e a c e f u l a n d l e a f y e n c l a v e b o a r d e d b y m a t u r e t r e e s , W h i t e g a t e s i s a s m a l l a n d e x c l u s i v e c o l l e c t i o n o f j u s t 1 3 d e t a c h e d h o m e s i n A s c o t F e e l w e l l c o n n e c t e d w i t h B r a c k n e l l , W a r f i e l d a n d A s c o t a l l e a s i l y a c c e s s i b l e h o s t i n g a v a r i e t y o f r e t a i l , d i n i n g a n d l e i s u r e o p t i o n s E a c h w e l l d e s i g n e d h o m e a t W h i t e g a t e s c o m p l i m e n t s m o d e r n f a m i l y l i f e w i t h a d a p t a b l e l i v i n g s p a c e s t o s u i t y o u r f a m i l i e s n e e d s E v e r y d e t a c h e d h o m e c o m e s w e l l e q u i p p e d w i t h i n t e g r a t e d k i t c h e n a p p l i a n c e s , b a t h r o o m s w i t h E u r o p e a n s a n i t a r y w a r e a n d s p a c i o u s b e d r o o m s T h e s e t t i n g f o r t h e s e h o m e s a r e s o m e t h i n g s p e c i a l w i t h a n e n h a n c e d s e n s e o f t r a n q u i l i t y f e l t t h r o u g h o u t t h e d e v e l o p m e n t

I m a g e s a r e C G I a n d f o r i n d i c a t i v e p u r p o s e s o n l y

Classifieds

PUBLICNOTICES

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984

WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (VARIOUSROADS,WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe2ndMarch2023 WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthoritymade anOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTraffic RegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibit anyvehiclefromproceedingalong:

1.RoseStreet,Wokinghambetweenitsjunctions withA329BroadStreetandA329WiltshireRoad. Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaA329WiltshireRoad,A329 PeachStreet,A329MarketPlaceandA329Broad Street.

2.CrossStreet,Wokinghambetweenitsjunctions withA329PeachStreetandRoseStreet. Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaRoseStreet,A329WiltshireRoad andA329PeachStreet.

3.WellingtonRoad,Wokinghambetweenits junctionswithA321FinchampsteadRoadandB3349 BarkhamRoad

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaA321StationApproach,A329 ReadingRoad,A329ShuteEnd,A329RectoryRoad, A329WiltshireRoad,A329PeachStreet,A321Market PlaceandA321DenmarkStreet

4.WaingelsRoad,Woodley/Charvilbetweenits junctionswithParkLaneandDenmarkAvenue

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaParkLane,A3032OldBathRoad, A3032HighStreet,ChurchStreet,A321Waltham Road,A321HurstRoad,BroadwaterLane,B3030 LodgeRoad,B3030DavisStreet,B3030RobinHood Lane,A329ReadingRoad,A329LoddonBridgeandThe BaderWayInterchange,TheBaderWay,MilesWay, SpitfireWay,HeadleyRoadEast,TippingsLaneand DenmarkAvenueorbythisrouteinreverse.

5.SheerlandsRoad,Arborfieldbetweenitsjunctions withNineMileRideExtensionandA327ReadingRoad. Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaA327ReadingRoadandNine MileRideExtensionorbythisrouteinreverse. Worksrequiringtheserestrictionswilltakeplacefrom 15thMarch2023.Furthercommunicationswillbesent whenindividuallocationshavebeenplanned. Thereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallow WokinghamBoroughCouncilcontractorstoundertake

StructuralMaintenanceincludingCarriageway Patching,PlaneInlayResurfacing,MicroAsphalt Resurfacing,SurfaceDressing,Rejuvenatorworkandall ancillaryandconstructionworkstofacilitate carriagewayresurfacinginsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe15thMarch2023andshallcontinuein forceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:9thMarch2023

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices

ShuteEnd Wokingham

BerkshireRG401WL

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (FINCHAMPSTEADROADANDB3349 BARKHAMROAD,WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe2ndMarch2023

WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthoritymade anOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTraffic RegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibit anyvehiclefromproceedingalong:

1.A321FinchampsteadRoad,Wokinghambetween itsjunctionswithMollyMillarsLaneandOakleyDrive. Thealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA321Wellington Road,StationApproach,A329ReadingRoad,A321 StationRoad,B3349BarkhamRoadand MollyMillarsLane.

Thealternativerouteforallnorthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbe viaMollyMillarsLane,B3349BarkhamRoad,Station Approach,A329ReadingRoad,A321StationRoad andA321WellingtonRoad. Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplace between13thMarchand24thMarch2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowNetwork Railcontractorstoundertakede-veg,brickworkrepairs andotherassociatedworkinsafety.

2.B3349BarkhamRoad,Wokinghambetweenits junctionswithOxfordRoadandA321WellingtonRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallcarsandlightvehicles (Northbound)affectedbythisrestrictionshallbe viaB3349BarkhamRoad, MollyMillarsLane,A321FinchampsteadRoad andA321WellingtonRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallcarsandlightvehicles (Southbound)affectedbythisrestrictionshallbevia StationApproach,A329ReadingRoad,A321Station Road,A321WellingtonRoad,A321Finchampstead Road,MollyMillarsLaneandB3349BarkhamRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallHGV’s(Northbound) affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3349Barkham Road,BearwoodRoad,B3030KingStreet Lane,A329ReadingRoadandA321StationRoad.

ThealternativerouteforallHGV’s(Southbound) affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaStation Approach,A329ReadingRoad,B3030KingStreet Lane,BearwoodRoadandB3349BarkhamRoad. Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplace between2ndApriland3rdApril2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowNetwork Railcontractorstoundertakerailinspectionand associatedmaintenanceworkinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedat alltimes.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe13thMarch2023andshallcontinue inforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntil theworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveristhe earlier.

Dated:9thMarch2023

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (BEECHLANE,EARLEY) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe2ndMarch2023 WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthoritymade anOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTraffic RegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibit anyvehiclefromproceedingalong: BeechLane,EarleybetweenitsjunctionswithRedhatch DriveandDeneClose.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaB3350WildernessRoad,B3350 ElmRoad,ElmLane,ChalfontWayandRusheyWayor bythisrouteinreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplaceon16th March2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowThames Watercontractorstoundertakesewercleaningworkin safety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe16thMarch2023andshallcontinuein forceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:9thMarch2023

ChrisEaston AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (LODDONBRIDGEROAD,WOODLEY) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatWokinghamBorough CouncilasTrafficAuthorityproposestomakeanOrder underSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTrafficRegulation Act1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehicle fromproceedingalong: LoddonBridgeRoad,Woodleybetweenitsjunctions withCrockhamwellRoadandColemansMoorLane. Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaCrockhamwellRoad,Woodlands Avenue,LythamRoad,BeechwoodAvenueandHeadley Roadorbythisrouteinreverse. Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 27thMarchand30thMarch2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowThames Watercontractorstoundertakenewconnection, serviceandassociatedworkinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedat alltimes.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe27thMarch2023andshallcontinuein forceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:9thMarch2023 ChrisEaston

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (MOLLYMILLARSLANE,WOKINGHAM

ANDWINCHCOMBEROAD,TWYFORD) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatWokinghamBorough CouncilasTrafficAuthorityproposestomakeanOrder underSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTrafficRegulation Act1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehicle fromproceedingalong:

1.MollyMillarsLane,Wokinghambetweenits junctionswithB3349BarkhamRoadandA321 FinchampsteadRoad.

Thealternativerouteforallsouthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaB3349Barkham Road,A321StationApproach,A329ReadingRoad, A329ShuteEnd,A329RectoryRoad,A329Wiltshire Road,A329PeachStreet,EasthampsteadRoad, HeathlandsRoad,B3430NineMileRide,A321 SandhurstRoadandA321FinchampsteadRoad. Thealternativerouteforallnorthboundvehicles affectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaA321 FinchampsteadRoad,A321SandhurstRoad,B3430 NineMileRide,HeathlandsRoad,EasthampsteadRoad, A329PeachStreet,A329BroadStreet,A329Shute End,A321StationRoadandB3349BarkhamRoad. ThereasonforthisprohibitionistoallowWokingham BoroughCouncilcontractorstoundertakeall carriagewayworksrequiredtofacilitatesignal refurbishmentscheme-includingexcavation,signal works,resurfacing,relining,andallotherancillaryworks requiredtocompletetheschemeinsafety.

2.WinchcombeRoad,Twyfordbetweenitsjunctions withA321HurstRoadandB3018WalthamRoad. Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaA321HurstRoadandB3018 WalthamRoadorbythisrouteinreverse.

ThereasonforthisprohibitionistoallowWokingham BoroughCouncilcontractorstoundertakeallStructural Maintenance2023-24InlayResurfacingworks includingbothcarriagewaysandfootways,whichareto beresurfaced.Resurfacing,relining,ironworks adjustments,kerbworks,andallotherrequiredancillary works.

Worksrequiringtheserestrictionswilltakeplacefrom 27thMarch2023.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe27thMarch2023andshallcontinuein forceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:9thMarch2023

ChrisEaston AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL Advertise

WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION

TheTownandCountryPlanning(DevelopmentManagementProcedure)(England)Order2015 AND/OR Planning(ListedBuildingsandConservationAreas)Regulations1990

Thefollowingapplication(s)havebeensubmittedandareadvertisedforthereasonsbelow:

223125 HogwoodFarm, Sheerlands Road,Arborfield

Major Application

223712 OldCrown Cottage,Dunt Lane,Hurst

230477 OldRectory Cottage, FleetHill, Finchampstead

230520 AshridgeHouse, OaklandsPark, Wokingham

Affects settingof listed building

Workstoa listed building

Major Application

ApplicationforapprovalofReservedMatterspursuanttoOutline PlanningPermissionO/2014/2179asvariedby181194(dated 14/11/2018)inrespecttothe"Employment"landparcelasdefined bytheapprovedLandUseParameterPlan.TheReservedMatters comprisedetailsofbuildingsforGeneralIndustrialuse(ClassB2), togetherwithassociatedparking,landscapingandsustainableurban drainagesystems.AccessviatheNineMileRideExtension.Detailsof appearance,landscaping,layoutandscaletobeconsidered.

Fullapplicationforthechangeofusefromameadowtopartsmall scalesolararrayof24panelsandoneGRPCabinet.Rackingsystem tobeusedandfittedtoconcretehardstandingforpersonal generationofelectricity.

ApplicationforListedBuildingConsentfortheproposed replacementfrontdoor,repairofwindowframes,repairofbeams andbrickwork,repairandreplacementofverticalstructuralposts andrepairandreplacementofbrickpanels.

Outlineapplicationfortheproposedconversionoftheexisting buildingofAshridgeHousetoformaresidentialdevelopmentfor19 apartmentswithanadditionalstoreyerectedontheexistingbuilding (BuildingA)andtheconstructionofanadditionaltwo-storeybuilding intheexistingcarparkfor10newapartments(BuildingB)(29 dwellingstotal)andassociatedinfrastructureandlandscaping. Access,Landscaping,Layoutandscaletobeconsidered(with Appearancetobereserved).

NOTICE OF PROPOSAL ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (OLD FOREST ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (REVOCATION AND 30MPH SPEED LIMIT) ORDER 2023

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Wokingham Borough Council (“the Council”), in order to improve road safety and facilitate the passage of traffic, proposes to make the above Order under Sections 1, 84 and Part III of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Act 1984 as amended and Regulation 7 of the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/2489) and all other enabling powers, the effect of which will be to revoke paragraph 3 and Schedule 2 of the Royal County of Berkshire (Restricted Roads and 40mph speed limit) (Winnersh and Wokingham) (No 9) Order 1979 and to introduce a 30mph speed limit along Old Forest Road, Wokingham from its junction with A329 Reading Road to a point 100 metres northeast if it’s junction with Ashton Road, a distance of approximately 842 metres

The Order shall come into operation on the date that the Council publishes a notice stating that the Order has been made

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (COMMONFIELDLANE,BARKHAM) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatWokinghamBorough CouncilasTrafficAuthorityproposestomakeanOrder underSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTrafficRegulation Act1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehicle fromproceedingalong:

CommonfieldLane,Barkhambetweenitsjunctionswith BiggsLaneandBarkhamStreet.

Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaBiggsLane,LangleyCommon Road,B3349BarkhamRoadandBarkhamStreetorby thisrouteinreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 29thMarchand31stMarch2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowBT contractorstoundertakeexcavationandinstallationof newjointboxesinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

230539 54RoseStreet, Wokingham Workstoa listed building

ApplicationforListedBuildingconsentfortheproposedremovalof existingrender(partretrospective),masonryrepairs,andrerenderingandre-plasteringofexternalwalls.

Theapplicationisavailabletoview onlineatwokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Searchplanningapplicationsand typingintheapplicationnumberabove. Commentsontheapplicationcanbemade onlinefromthiswebpage. Anycommentsmustarriveonorbeforethe30thofMarch2023. Anycommentsmadearenotconfidentialandcanbe seenbyanyoneastheyformpartofthepublicrecord.Thecomments,unlessoffensive,discriminatoryand/orracist,will appearontheCouncil’swebsitewithin24hoursand includethesubmittednameandaddress. Duetothehighvolume ofcommentsreceivedwedonotprovideindividualresponses.

Date:9thMarch2023

A copy of the proposed Order, plan showing the parts of the highway and areas affected by the Order and a statement of the Council's reasons for proposing to make the Order may be inspected during office hours Monday to Friday at the Wokingham Borough Council Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1WN from 9th March 2023 for a period of 21 days from the date of this Notice Alternatively, they can be viewed on the Council’s website at www wokingham gov uk/roadworks-and-outdoormaintenance/traffic-management-road-signs-andmarkings/traffic-regulation-order-consultations

Any representations or objections to the proposals with the grounds on which they are made must be made in writing to Traffic Management, Parking and Road Safety, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1WN, quoting ref Old Forest Road TRO Objections and representations can also be submitted by email to TM consultations@wokingham gov uk The deadline for the receipt of objections is 23 59 pm on 30th March 2023

Dated: 9th March 2023

Chris Easton Assistant Director, Highways and Transport Wokingham Borough Council Council Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1WN 0118 9974 6000 www wokingham gov uk

FORSALE

VARIOUSNAMED CHINA. VintageItems, Jugs,Vases,Small Ornaments,Dishes.All perfectcondition.

LargerItems:£15or lesseach.

SmallItems:£12or lesseach.Details:J. Johnson,0118941 0941.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe29thMarch2023andshallcontinuein forceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:9thMarch2023

ChrisEaston AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil

CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984

WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (HIGHFIELDROAD,WARGRAVE) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe2ndMarch2023 WokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthoritymade anOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTraffic RegulationAct1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibit anyvehiclefromproceedingalong:

HighfieldRoad,WargravefromitsjunctionwithCrazies Hill.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween 13thMarchand15thMarch2023.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowVirgin Mediacontractorstolayducting,carryoutroad crossingandotherassociatedworkinsafety. Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe13thMarch2023andshallcontinuein forceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:9thMarch2023

ChrisEaston AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices

ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

A day out by special train to Plymouth

The South Devon Explorer

Saturday 27th May 2023

From Reading. Join our special train at Reading for a day out to remember. We will be met by an historic steam locomotive at Bristol to steam along the Kennet and Avon Canal, through Somerset countryside and the Culm Valley to Exeter. A run along the famous Dawlish sea wall, one of Britain’s most scenic stretches of railway, will be a highlight of the journey. A break at maritime Plymouth provides chance to explore the Hoe and the old Barbican area with the Mayflower Steps or the city’s shops On the return our vintage train will leave our steam loco behind at Taunton to complete our journey diesel hauled.

• Premier Dining £295 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £195 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £130 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHP

Steam to seaside Minehead

West Somerset Steam Express

Saturday 22nd July, 12th Aug, 16th Sept 2023

From Slough and Reading. Enjoy a day out departing from Slough or Reading to the Bristol Channel coast by train featuring two historic steam locomotives. This seaside special will be hauled by a magnificent steam loco along the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal and through the pretty Vale of Pewsey. Our train will join the West Somerset Railway and a WSR steam loco will take over for the stretch past Dunster Castle and into the resort of Minehead, where you can enjoy the sea and sand before we steam for home.

• Premier Dining £285 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £185 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £115 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHQ

A day out to Cornwall The Royal Duchy

Sunday 30th July 2023

From Slough and Reading. Step on board our special train at Slough or Reading to enjoy a day out to Cornwall. We shall be joined by a magnificent steam locomotive at Bristol ready for an exhilarating run beside the Exe Estuary and along the famous Dawlish sea wall. The Royal Duchy will stop at Plymouth, where you can explore the Hoe, ancient Barbican, seafront or National Marine Aquarium. Alternatively, stay on board for Cornwall to Par, where we shall have coaches ready to take you to the pretty seaside village of Fowey or Charlestown, home to the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre and location for the BBC’s Poldark.

• Premier Dining £309 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £209 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £134 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHR

Bob Green

Bob Green

Bob Green

LEISURETODAY

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Walk on the wildside

Gordon Buchanan to visit The Hexagon

WILDLIFE filmmaker Gordon Buchanan is heading to Reading this month to share insights into his life and career.

Having produced some of the most popular wildlife programmes on the BBC, he shares hidden animal worlds to an audience.

In the show, at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre on Monday, March 20, Gordon unpacks 30 years of being behind and in front of the camera.

He grew up on the Isle of Mull, and he feels this was the inspiration for his career.

“It is a very wild part of Scotland, and I think that drove my passion for being outside, and close to nature,” he says.

“School didn’t do it for me: academically I wasn’t really present - all I wanted was to be outside, and the classroom was torture. I was a daydreamer, and I always knew I was never going to work in an office. I’d see the scallop divers, and I’d think: that’s a

really good way to spend your working life.”

Growing up in the 70s and 80s, he was watching some of David Attenborough’s landmark natural history documentaries, saying he devoured them.

“Attenborough is tremendous: his career has lasted so long, he’s such an important voice, and he has so much respect, right across the globe.

“I thought my admiration for him could go no higher - but then I met him, and it soared even more,” he said.

But that’s not how his career started. It’s all down to a weekend job in a restaurant.

“The husband of the owner was a cameraman,” he recalls. “He was going to Sierra Leone for 18 months to make a film about the animals in the Gola rainforest, and he asked me if I wanted to come along as his assistant.

“I knew nothing about what it involved, and I had no idea really what I was getting into - but I knew it was

the sort of life I wanted, and I never wavered from that belief.

“So having never been abroadnever even been on a plane - there I was a month after leaving school, setting off for a year and a half on the other side of the world.”

Gordon says it was the best break he ever had, even though those 18 months were tough going for a lad who had never been away for so long before.

“I knew it was the way forward, I knew it was an incredible opportunity - and I knew I’d be able to build on it and move into the life I’d love,” he said. Fast forward, and Gordon has been filming jaguars in Brazil, something that he has loved.

“Big cats are the pinnacle for me - watching them hunt is utterly fascinating,” he says.

“The technology has changed hugely over the three decades since I started out - it’s always been about showing viewers the parts of nature we’ve never been able to see before,

and technology allows us to do that more and more.

“But the other huge change across the years has been the increased realisation about how vulnerable and fragile these areas of the world where I’m filming actually are.

“Thirty years ago we didn’t knowthe world was a lot bigger then, and we simply didn’t realise the impact human beings were having on wildlife.

“Now we understand that so much better, and I’m acutely aware of it in every way, from my own carbon footprint to questions around changes that need to be made by governments across the globe, if we’re going to stop the damage.

“Right now we’re losing animals before we even knew their species existed - that’s a tragedy.”

Wildlife filming involves being in remote locations, where anything could happen. How does that feel?

“Sometimes it’s me completely on my own - and when you’re trying to

witness something that requires great sensitivity, that’s the best way to do it,” Gordon says.

“But usually I’m working in a team of four - the camera operator, sound operator and director. We tend to be a pretty tight bunch, because you’re relying heavily on one another, especially when you’re in a dangerous situation.”

That includes some hair-raising moments that would scare off even the strongest of explorers.

“I’ve been chased by bears, tigers and elephants - but not all at the same time. And let me tell you: that’s when you discover how fast you really can run.”

Thankfully, audiences at The Hexagon will be more sedate.

Tickets cost £27, or £24.50. NHS staff pay a special rate of £12.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

PHIL CREIGHTON

Clueless about what’s going on

I HAVEN’T A Clue, BBC Radio’s multi award-winning antidote to panel games, returns to the Hexagon in 2023 with its touring show.

Jack Dee, Rory Bremner, Pippa Evans, Milton Jones and Marcus Brigstock will entertain with an evening of inspired nonsense.

With musical accompaniment from Colin Sell.

The event takes place at The Hexagon Theatre on Saturday, March 18.

The evening show is sold out, but an afternoon performance has been added.

Shows are at 3pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £29.50, with a maximum of six sold per customer.

Only available through the Reading Arts box office or online, they must not be resold.

Tickets purchased through other channels will not be valid for entry.

Returns may be available.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

A concert to celebrate the best of the 80s

CALLING Planet Earth is a live band show, with symphonic arrangements of songs from a remarkable decade of British popular music.

The New Romantic Symphony band takes its audience on a journey through the electrifying 80’s.

The performance features songs from artists such as: Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, The Human League, Ultravox, Tears For Fears, Depeche Mode, OMD, Japan, ABC, Soft Cell and more.

The event is at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre, on Friday, March 17.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets costing £27.50.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or visit: whatsonreading.com

Scary days, not on the door, but as a dad

EMMANUEL SONUBI’S Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show looks at his life, including being the only boy and the youngest of six children.

The show also covers his time as a

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell –South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk

01344 484123

A Century of Swing. Thurs 9.

Conservatoire: Imogen Royce and Imma Setiadi. Fri 10. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 10. Youth and Community Galas.

Sat 11-Sun 12. Heartfakers:

The Music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Wed 15. Chris McCausland. Thurs

16. Conservatoire: Students from the Purcell School. Fri 17. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 17.

Raymond Burley: Music From Spain and Beyond. Sat 18. And

Finally… Phil Collins. Sat 18. Romeo & Juliet. Sun 19.

FILMS: Mary Cassatt: Painting The Modern Woman. Sun

12. Till (12a). Fri 10-Sun 12.

The Sound of Music. Mon 13.

Bracknell Film Society: Tori and Lolkita (15). Mon 13-Tues

14. Anything Goes. Wed 15, Sun 19. Moonage Daydream (15). Thurs 16. Tar (15). Fri 17-Thurs 23.

Known for its bold and progressive fusion of sounds, the work will be performed with a full live band.

Described as a journey through classical, jazz, folk, progressive rock and electronic music, the album was conceived by the English

doorman in some of the scariest clubs in London, his career in musical theatre and life as a parent to two young children.

Through his storytelling, he takes a deeper look at the experiences that shaped his personality and opinions today.

Emmanuel made his TV debut on Comedy Central UK, and has since appeared on ITV1 and ITV2, as well as BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show.

His show, Emancipated, is at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead on Tuesday, April 11.

Doors open at 8pm, with tickets available at £16.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01628 788977, or log on to: norden.farm

Meng Yang Pan’s big piano performance

NEXT MONTH, the pianists at Norden Farm series presents an evening of music with Meng Yang Pan.

She has made several concerto

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz

01276 707600

The Savoy Singers presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Grand Duke. Until Sat 11. Baby Ballet. Sat 12.

Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

01483 440000

A Room of One’s Own. Fri 10-Sat 11. Mrs Warren’s Profession. Tues 14-Sat 18. Luke Wright: The Remains of Logan Dankworth. Thurs 16. Nothing On Earth. Sat 18.

High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk

01494 512000

Total 90s. Thurs 9. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 9. Kate

Mosse: Warrior Queens and Quiet Revolutionaires. Fri 10.

Fanny’s Bingo Brunch. Sat 11. Mamma

musician, composer and songwriter when he was 17.

It was released two years later, in 1973, Olfield having played and recorded nearly all the instruments himself.

The work gained acclaim when the opening theme was used for the soundtrack of the horror film, The Exorcist.

appearances with St John’s Chamber Orchestra, and returns with a solo recital.

Her virtuoso programme includes: Wagner’s Liszt Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde; Schubert’s Liszt Erlkönig; and Schumann’s Carnaval.

Rachmaninov’s Prelude in B flat Major, and Vocalise remembers the 150th anniversary year of his birth.

Audiences will also hear Glinka’s Balakirev The Lark; Gershwin’s Wild Etude No 7, Fascinating Rhythm, and his Rhapsody in Blue.

The event takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre, on Thursday, April 17. Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £18.

Under 18s enter free of charge.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01628 788977, or log on to: norden.farm

What’s it all about Eshaan? No idea

ESHAAN’S show, The Pretender,

The event takes place at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre, on Wednesday, March 15.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £22, £30, £37, £47, and £57, depending on seat location.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

laughs at the fact that no-one really has a clue.

Whether it’s us, the person we go on a date with, our boss, or the TV opinion-makers, Eshaan says we’re all pretending, and invites us all to see the funny side.

He has appeared on BBC1’s Mock The Week and QI, and podcasts Have A Word, Ninetwentynine and Spitting Image, as well as LBC, Times Radio and BBC Radio 4.

The event is at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead, on Thursday, April 13.

Doors open at 8pm, with tickets available for £18.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01628 788977, or log on to: norden.farm

There’s something in the air for Phil’s show

FOR OVER 40 years, Phil Collins has written a diverse range of songs that have defined generations.

Tribute band, And Finally… Phil Collins, brings to the stage the charisma and characteristics of the man who fronted Genesis.

Singer Chris O’Connell’s high-energy show performs Phil’s solo hits, including In the Air Tonight, Another Day in Paradise, and Sussudio, along with a selection of Genesis tracks.

The event is at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Saturday, March 18.

Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets available for £23.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Wherefore art thou Romeo?

BALLET Theatre UK performs a passionate portrayal of one of the world’s greatest love stories.

The theatrical production tells the star-crossed lovers’ fateful romance with grace and intimacy.

Its costumes and stage sets promise to transport audiences to Renaissance Verona where the tragic tale of the Capulet and Montague families unfolds.

The event is at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell on Sunday, March 19.

Doors open at 3pm, with tickets on sale at £22.50, concessions for £21.50, and £13.50 for under 16s.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

All the world’s a stage for pupil showcase

CORAM Shakespeare Schools Foundation presents the world’s largest youth drama festival.

The event promises to provide an exhilarating evening of live theatre.

It features a series of unique abridged Shakespeare productions, brought to life by local schools.

Philip Pullman, author and the group’s patron, says that every child ought to experience this magical process.

The Shakespeare Schools Festival is at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, on Monday and Tuesday, March 13 and 14.

Doors open at 7pm on both evenings, with tickets available for £11.95, with all concessions costing £10.50.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Dance. Sat 11. Sensational 60s Experience. Sat 11. Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells. Sun

12. Keith James: The Songs of Leonard Cohen. Thurs 16. Babatunde Aleshe: Babahood. Fri 17. Pull Uppp Presents Baby D and Sweet Female Attitude.

Sat 18. Fanny’s Mother’s Day

Buns and Bubbles. Sun 19

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk

01491 525050

Blackadder: The Whole Damn Dynasty – Almost. Until Sat 11. Henley Youth Festival. Thurs 9-Sat 11. Sold!. Sun 12. The Parent Trap. Fri 17-Sat 18.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

Maidenhead Music Society: Chamber Philharmonic Europe.

Thurs 9. The Vinyl Frontier: Another Evening with Martyn Ware. Fri 10. Martin Turner ex-Wishbone Ash. Fri 10. Hulla

Balloony Moon Time. Sat 11. Blue Jean (15). Fri 10, Sat 11. Robin Morgan: Snip, Snap Bitch. Sat 11. Anything Goes - The Musical. Wed 15-Thurs 16. Songs From Ireland. Fri 17. SOLD. Fri 17. Broker (12a). Sat 18. Michelle de Swarte: Moved. Sat 18.

Newbury –The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com

0845 5218 218

Rosie Holt: The Woman’s Hour.

Thurs 9. Vincent Simone: Tango Passions. Fri 10. Come

What May: A Tribute to Moulin Rouge. Sat 11. Mad March Hares. Sun 12. Talk: The Wildlife of West Berkshire. Thurs 16. Around The World in 80 Days. Thurs 16-18.

Newbury –The Watermill

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

Notes From A Small Island. Until Sat 18.

Reading –South Street

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Poets Cafe. Fri 10. Sophie Duker: Hag. Fri 10. John Kearns: The Varnishing Days. Sat 11. Poets Cafe Online. Fri 17. Rhys James: Spilt Milk. Sat 18.

Reading –The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Tim Peake: My Journey to Space. Thurs 9. 90s Live. Sat 11.

WASMA: Happy and Glorious.

Sun 12. Children Helping Children. Tues 14. Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells. Wed 15. Russell Howard. Thurs 16. Calling Planet Earth. Fri 17. I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue official stage tour. Sat 18.

Reading – Concert Hall

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Tine Thing Helseth: Open

rehearsal and Q&A. Thurs 9.

Tine Thing Helseth Trumpet.

Thurs 9. Art of Believing: Flamenco. Fri 10.

Reading – Progress

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195

The Lonesome West. Until Sat 11.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620

Hedda Gabler. Until Sat.

NEXT SHOW: Peter Pan. Apr 6-29.

Shinfield – Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk

0118 975 8880

NEXT SHOW: Ravenscroft.

Wed Apr 26-Fri Apr 29.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com

0118 969 8000

We’ll Always Have Paris. Until Sat 11. Noel Coward’s Hay Fever. Thurs 16-May 13.

Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888

The Grass Is Greener. Until Sat 18.

Wokingham –Wokingham Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk

0118 978 5363

Things I Know To be True. Thurs 16-Sat 25.

Wokingham –The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org

0118 974 3247

Wokingham In Need talent show spectacular.

MIKE Oldfield’s musical masterpiece, Tubular Bells, is 50 years old.

Ibsen’s work is more engaging than ever

READING Repertory Theatre has brought a new adaptation of Hedda Gabler to the stage for its latest production, coproduced with A Girl Called Stephen.

The adaptation by Harriet Madeley sets the titular character on the same journey as the Henrik Ibsen classic, but with new twists on the characters themselves rather than the story.

Anna Popplewell’s Hedda is still recently wed to husband George, portrayed by Mark Desebrock, who bores her with his hum-drum domestic ideals and historical fascination.

The lack of inspiration from the couple’s life is readily present, with George’s overly chipper outlook dropping in and out in place of a deeper anger and a lack of suitability, well-performed by Desebrock.

The smaller implications of his darker aspects may be subtle but are there to be seen in the intricacies of the performance.

Anna Popplewell’s portrayal of Hedda is to be commended for the instant relatability and misanthropy grounding the play and providing the all-important audience surrogate during the opening scenes.

Her dissatisfaction is clear from the outset, writ large in the first scene where she is forced to interact with an aunt of George’s, with a consummate portrayal of a modern, independent woman at the behest of circumstances.

The scene is an instant introduction to the relentless monotony of George’s partnership and the sense of loathing which is barely concealed, which both Desebrock and Popplewell played with engagement and energy.

George’s publisher, Brack, is portrayed by Ryan Gerald with an energy and alacrity which doesn’t always belie the deeper, more manipulative aspects to the character.

The introduction of Thea brings a welcome distraction to the pair’s plight, especially with her accomplished portrayal by Natalie Perera.

She walks a fine balance of showing that the character can be irritating to other characters without making the character themselves difficult to watch, especially as some of her ditzier aspects fall away as the play develops.

When Thea arrives seeking Isla, a rival of George’s and ex-lover of Hedda’s the couple is thrown into a series of events which sees them completely rethink their relationships with the rest of the characters.

Rounding out the cast is Jessica Temple, whose portrayal of Isla glows with intensity almost immediately.

The character’s introduction feels like a firework has gone off in the room, and every minute of her time on stage is exciting and engaging, deftly combining a burning lust for life and the constant wrestling with self-destruction.

Overall, the diversification of the characters from Ibsen’s original work lends an extra dimension to the production, bringing new depth to the relationship between Isla and Hedda especially. It lends itself also to the feeling of

complicated entanglement and unspoken feelings between the play’s principal cast, which reflects the queer experience beautifully.

Brack’s lasciviousness is also complemented by his care-free attitude to gender, again reinforcing the character’s seeming fondness for chaos and unpredictability.

The set design is effective in engendering a sense of transience to the circumstances of the play.

Not only does it practically portray the process of having recently moved in but the dust sheets and cardboard boxes also give the feeling of a life of domestic detachment.

Lighting and sound are used in choice ways which add to the production’s more dynamic and thrilling sections without distracting, and always complement the tone of events in a stylised and captivating way.

Overall, Harriet Madeley’s adaptation, along with Annie Kershaw’s selective directorship, has brought fresh life into a play which already bubbles with modernity.

The production has smoothed over some of the sharper, less desirable features of Ibsen’s original work while holding on to the aspects which make it more relevant than ever.

It has also transposed the play’s themes on the freedom– or lack thereof – women have when part of a patriarchal society to include the struggles with acceptance for queer people, and to wonderful effect.

n Hedda Gabler is showing at Reading Repertory Theatre, Kings Road, until Saturday, March 11. As part of Reading Rep’s tenth anniversary season, 10% of all tickets to Hedda Gabler will be free for those who can’t afford them. All general tickets are priced under £20 and thirty tickets for each performance during the show’s first week are priced at £5 for under 30s. For more information or to book tickets, visit: readingrep.com JAKE CLOTHIER

A charming farce, The Grass Is Greener is sure to please

The Grass is Greener

Theatre Royal Windsor

Until March 18 01753 853 888

theatreroyalwindsor.

co.uk

FROM the drama of Westerberg High School and Heathers last month, the Theatre Royal Windsor now plays host to a more genteel setting for Hugh and Margaret Williams’

The Grass is Greener.

The curtain lifts on what appears to be the interior of a National Trust property with ornate fireplace, antique furniture and portraits on the walls.

The cast of just five, led by Tom Conti, still acting in his 80s, and Janie Dee tell a story of love, loyalty and temptation.

Forced to open their stately home to the paying public, happily married couple Victor (Conti, who also directs) and

Who needs the Oscars when Kate Winslet’s mum makes pickled onions?

THE showbiz world may be glued to the Oscars ceremony this Sunday at Hollywood’s famous Dolby Theatre, but in Reading all eyes will be on the town’s equally renowned pub, The Retreat in St John’s Street.

That’s where the annual Pickled Onion Contest takes place, with the winner walking away with a prize arguably more coveted than a certain gold statue.

Fans of swollen edible vegetable bulbs fondly remember when Reading’s own Kate Winslet won the Oscar for Best Actress in the 2009 film, The Reader.

As the delighted thespian clutched her Oscar, she informed the world’s media that her mum, Sally, had just won The Retreat’s pickled onion competition.

Since that auspicious day, the pub has held the event at the same time as the Oscars ceremony as a tribute to one of Reading’s most famous daughters – and the mother of all tunicated vegetable champions.

“Kate’s younger sister, Beth, came third that same year so obviously the talent for making great onions runs in the family.”

This year’s entries have been flooding in although there is still time for onion lovers to show what they have to offer.

The rules are simple – competitors must make their own pickled onions from raw onions or shallots and add their own ingredients.

The judges will base their decision on three criteria, colour, crunch and taste.

The competition is free to enter and all onions should be brought to the pub by 3pm in a sealed container with no name on it.

Spectators are advised to come early for the best seats from where they can watch the winner raise the famed Pickled Onion trophy and make their acceptance speech.

The Grass is Greener is currently being performed at the Theatre Royal Windsor Picture: Simon Vail

Hilary (Dee) have little control over who they will encounter.

When confident, charming American millionaire Charles (Tristan Gemmill) intrudes into their private rooms there unfolds a tale of betrayal, dilemma and a small element of farce.

As the cuckoo starts his call outside their window at the start of the second act, Victor suspects his wife may not be as faithful as he had hoped.

Although not a straightup comedy, frequent ripples of laughter made their way through the packed house as the audience appreciated some of the witty remarks and the increasing absurdity of the situation.

Butler Sellers (Malcolm James) was given some amusing lines but the role of insolent butler was kept very much in check, instead more

that of a confidante. The final cast member is Victor’s one-time flame Hattie (Elizabeth Payne) who visits the family and takes on the role of Victor’s conscience as he decides whether to fight for his wife or let her go.

So for a charming, genteel evening of gentle amusement, The Grass is Greener is sure to please.

JUDITH CREIGHTON

Manager of The Retreat, Di Whitaker, said: “Sally has actually won the competition several times so you could say she really knows her onions.

After the judges have deliberated over their difficult task, there will be plenty of opportunity for the audience to sample all the entries while the runners dream that next year will be the year when their allium cepa lifts the coveted prize.

JAMES HASTINGS

Queen of Glory screening at Reading Biscuit Factory

ON SUNDAY, a Reading town centre arts venue will mark International Women’s Day with an event aimed at connecting the creative community.

Through A Different Lens says it is on a mission to highlight the work of underrepresented stories and connect filmmakers and creatives.

It is to screen Queen of Glory at the Reading Biscuit Factory in Broad St Mall, followed by a panel discussion featuring photographer Berni Palumbo and make up artist Joyce Connor sharing their experiences, creative know-how and skills.

The panel will be led by Jocelyn Chandler-Hawkins, who is the founder, producer and curator of the event.

She wants to use film to connect the experiences of local creatives

to inspire and share, as well as celebrating female-led stories from diverse women and creative business leaders.

“I’m thrilled to have developed these events to highlight the creative community in Reading,” Ms ChandlerHawkins said.

“With so many projects happening along with a wealth of talent in the area, it feels like a really positive step to bring people together, screen great independent film and to learn from local creatives who have used their unique talents to create their own businesses and projects.”

The event is aimed at people aged 16 upwards, and starts at 2pm. Tickets cost £6.50.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com

NEW LOOK: Scenes between Hedda and Isla burn with intense, engaging passion thanks to assured performances from Popplewell and Temple. Picture: Harry Elletson

The Retreat is hosting the annual pickled onions contest Picture: Steve Smyth

Trio of tunes for choral concert

THREE classic pieces will be performed by the Wokingham Choral Society at its spring concert.

The first is Beatus Vir by Monteverdi, the second is Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, and the third is Vivaldi’s Gloria.

It takes place on Saturday, March 18, from 7.30pm at the Great Hall in the University of Reading’s London Road campus.

Tickets cost £17.50, or £5 for under 18s and students. They can be bought in advance from Wokingham Town Hall, the Broad Street branch of Newbury Building Society, and Jay Design and Print in Denmark Street, as well as via the group’s website. n For more, log on to: www. wokingham-choral-society.org.uk

Creation team-up

HADYN’S The Creation will be performed by Bracknell Choral Society and Reading Festival Chorus at their joint spring concert.

The groups will be performing in the Great Hall at the University of Reading’s London Road campus on Saturday, March 25 from 7.30pm.

Joining the choirs will be three soloists: soprano Emily Vine, tenor Graham Neal, and bass Frederick Long.

Tickets cost £20, with under 18s able to enjoy the programme for free.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.bracknellchoral. org.uk

Orchestra to spring into the new season

AN ORCHESTRA will perform two pieces to mark the end of Winter.

Reading Youth Orchestra’s annual Spring Concert will include Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and Bob Good’s Sinfonietta, Silver, which the group premiered in October.

The programme will also include a movement from a Nonet by Farrenc, performed by guest players from the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra.

The group’s music director Mel Le Breuilly says: “Bob Good’s sinfonietta, or little symphony, was written especially for families to enjoy. It’s very pleasant to listen to and everyone will find something to like.

“It starts very serenely, with a tuneful melody. Then it becomes lively, rhythmic and upbeat, and the musical story gets bounced around all the instruments, before it finally ends peacefully.”

The group’s other item on the programme is a full symphony.

“It’s three years since we’ve played one, following the cancellation of our last symphony performance due to Covid,” says Mel. “Beethoven’s Fifth is probably one of the most famous of all orchestral symphonies.

“With a number of our senior members going to university in the autumn, we wanted to give

them the opportunity to play it as part of a special goodbye.

“Most people will have heard the opening notes of the symphony: ba-ba-ba-baaaam.

“It’s such a powerful, exciting, dramatic and ominous piece of music.

“Rumour has it that Beethoven wrote it about Fate knocking on the door, which you can hear in those first four notes.

“It starts darkly, but ends in a triumphant major key.

“Beethoven carried the theme all the way through the symphony – he was one of the first composers to do so.

“He was a bit of a trailblazer.”

Reading Youth Orchestra is a sone of the oldest youth

Turning Japanese

orchestras in the UK, and has a long history of providing local students with a place to play music in a supportive environment.

“We’re always keen to take new musicians, and would love to hear from any budding players who want to come and join us,” says Mel.

Most young players are of secondary school or college age, and the equivalent of Grade 5 or above.

The orchestra’s Spring Concert takes place at St Joseph’s College, Reading, on Sunday, March 12. Doors open at 6pm, and tickets cost £10, £5 for children, or £20 for a family ticket. n readingyouthorchestra.co.uk

READING is turning Japanese next month when a musical act from the 80s prepares to return.

Shonen Knife will be performing at Sub89 as part of their 40th UK tour.

Hailing from Japan, they started out in 1981.

Heavily influenced by 1960s girl bands, The Beach Boys, and early punk bands, such as the Ramones, the trio crafts strippeddown songs with simple yet unconventional lyrics sung both in Japanese and English, going on to release 22 albums.

and came to the attention of Kurt Cobian and the rest of Nirvana in the late 80s.

Kurt said they were his favourite band: “When I finally got to see them live, I was transformed into a hysterical

nine-year-old girl at a Beatles concert.”

Other bands that count among their fans include Sonic Youth, Fugazi, Red Kross and the Beastie Boys.

The trio maintains a distinctly garage rock sound rooted in DIY aesthetics, and they have been credited with making “the international pop underground more international” by “opening it up to bands from Japan”.

The event is organised by Club Velocity, who say Shonen Knife are a must-see band.

Support for the event, on Thursday, April 13, comes from Reading Billy Punk legends The Go Go Cult.

n Tickets are on sale via wegottickets.comor sub89.com

Let’s hear it from the children

PUPILS from across the Reading area will be celebrating their musical talents at a special concert taking place next week.

The Hexagon is the venue for the Children Helping Children concert, taking place on Tuesday, March 14.

Starting at 7pm, the event aims to celebrate children’s performing skills in dance, song, and drama.

The event has a heart, raising funds for Daisy’s Dream, a

charity which supports children and their families affected by life-threatening illness or bereavement of someone close to them.

It will also raise funds for Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K), a support programme that uses therapeutic techniques to support children who have been affected by or witnessed domestic abuse.

The programme works with

Smiles with Gyles

HE’S GIVEN an after-dinner speech that lasted for 12-and-a-half hours, but his show at The Hexagon this autumn won’t go on quite as long. Raconteur, jumper-lover and former Conservative MP Gyles Brandreth is coming to Reading to share stories from his long career.

He’s been in Countdown’s dictionary corner, popped up on Pointless, sat on the This Morning sofa, shared his immense knowledge on QI, told some porkies on Would I Lie To You?, and been a regular on The One Show.

He’s also a regular on BBC Radio 4 quiz Just A Minute - his gift for talking makes him the ideal panellist.

But the man who is rarely lost for words is on a mission to find out why he can’t keep his mouth shut, even in his sleep.

The show, on Sunday, October 1, starts at the respectable time of 3pm, and will see Gyles talk about his life and career in a rollercoaster of revelations.

And to add some spontaneity to the proceedings, an audience member will get a chance to spin a wheel to decide what he will talk about next.

And in case you think he’s just a blowhard who can spout

children and their parents or carers to heal from trauma through a series of therapeutic support sessions.

This event includes a British Sign Language interpreter. Tickets for the show cost £13, or £9.50 for concessions, or £14.50 on the door. n For more information, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to www. whatsonreading.com

nonsense, Gyles won the audience award for most popular show on the Edinburgh Fringe, as well as receiving multiple five-star reviews and selling out every time he’s been the Scottish festival.

n Tickets for the show cost £27, and are available by calling the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or logging on to: whatsonreading. com

TUNE UP: The orchestra performing a previous concert in St Joseph’s School. Picture courtesy of RYO

SHONEN SHOWCASE: Shonen Knife are coming to Reading’s Sub89 in April, thanks to Club Velocity

call

RaW Sounds

Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

WEDNESDAY was International Women’s Day, and it is a day of celebration.

One of the ways it was marked this year was the release of a new single from one of our favourite bands, Selina and the Howlin Dogs.

It’s top of our playlist this week, while two other favourites, A Better Life and Third Lung, are our other new entries.

It’s a great listen - tune in for free on Spotify. It’s a mixture that will help you discover something new.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Selina and the Howlin Dogs – Woman

This new single was released this week to coincide with International Women’s Day.

The band describe the song as ‘a tribute to all women, keeping it real and full of passion as you’d expect from the blues’.

That’s what we’ve come to expect from this band as it’s a very good single and shows their quality continuing following their appearance in our Top three of 2022.

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, March 9

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. A Century of Swing with Down For The Count All-Stars. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hugh Turner Funk Quartet.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street. Tine Thing Helseth, Trumpet. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Levellers. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Heavy Pop presents The Go! Team.

Details: 0118 959 5395

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace RG1 1DG. RSVP: Open Mic, A night of Poetry, Music and Vibes. Details: 0118 953 0000.

Friday, March 10

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. No Good Sons album launch party with Dead Jackals. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Solid Groove Foundation: Soul, Motown and RnB. Details: 01344 303333.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Mark Harrison. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

GORING – Community Jazz Club. Debby Bracknell. Details: https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/goring-communityjazz-club

LITTLEWICK GREEN – The Cricketers, Coronation Road SL6 3RA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01628 822888.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Blue Collar’s first birthday with The Showhawk Duo. Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

They will be live at Ram Jam Records Club in Kingston Upon Thames this Saturday, March 11 –https://www.selinaandthehowlindogs.com/

A Better Life (ft. Pete Rawcliffe)

I’m on Fire – Whenever A Better Life release something new you know it’s going to be well worth a listen. This new single is no exception.

It’s a unique, atmospheric and beautiful interpretation of a Bruce Springsteen classic with a wonderfully chilled instrumental backing to an incredible vocal performance by regular A Better Life collaborator, Pete Rawcliffe. – https:// abetterlifemusic.com/

Third Lung – Dance Me Lover

Third Lung were at the summit of our Top 20 of 2022 due to their brilliant singles and stunning debut album,Gameplay.

READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street.

Art of Believing: Flamenco. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. InAir, All Ears Avow, Bitter

Kisses. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Waiola.

READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP.

Live request supper club. Details: 0118 212 0720.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street.

Live music with Amanda’s Music Events.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. BAT. Details: 07889 226309.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. The Bullfrogs Sunday Session.

Details: 07889 226309. Karaoke with Waynie. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Off the Record. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Saturday, March 11

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Leech. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. NBS.

Details: 01344 303333.

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Northbrook Road, Caversham Park Village RG4 6PF. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 334 1040.

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

CROWTHORNE – Crowthorne Sports & Social Club, Wellington Road RG45 7LD. Utter Madness. Details: 01344 773389.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Coles Family and Black Market. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. 90s Live. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car

leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. The SoulTones. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Lost Saturdays.

READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Live request supper club. Details: 0118 212 0720.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Pauly’s Disco. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 957 6930

READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street. Live music with Amanda’s Music Events.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Evolution party band. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – The Gig House, The Plaza, Denmark Street. Rila’s Edge.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Tim Shez Band. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. DJ Bounce. Details: 0118 977 4548.

Sunday, March 12

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Launchpad fundraiser with Third Lung and special guests.

Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Bass and Taylor. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Monday, March 13

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test.. Details: 0118 959 7196.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic Cafe. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, March 14

READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. Live jazz, blues and

NEW RELEASE: Selina from Selina and the Howlin’ Dogs performing at Wokingham Festival Picture: Andrew Merritt

This song is one of our faves from the album and as the band has just released it as the fourth single from the album, we had to include it here this week. Dance around to this one as it’s a song that you can’t help move to or sing-along to with its driving rhythm and ear worm melody – http://www. thirdlungband.com/

OSP – Tun Up

One of our faves from Wokingham Festival last year have just released this new single for 2023. It’s another good one with a brilliantly uplifting energetic track featuring excellent vocal performances – https://www.facebook.com/ ospmusicuk

Chumbawamba – Tubthumping

This Saturday, Club Velocity and New Mind Promotions have a Q&A with Dunstan Bruce of Chumbawamba at Reading’s Biscuit Factory, as

more. Free entry, donations welcome. Details: 07866 251216.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Open mic night with Kristian Wilkins and Friends. Details: 0118 958 8964.

Wednesday, March 15

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Heartfakers: The Music of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Thursday, March 16

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Clem Johnson.

Details: 0118 983 2059.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity/New Mind presents Funke And The Two Tone Baby. Details: 0118 959 5500.

Friday, March 17

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Atom Heart Floyd. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. These Certain People. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Calling Planet Earth. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Marky Dawson. Details: 0118 212 0720.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Propa Ammo, DJ Rap, Dope Ammo, Sublow HZ, Scopes, Magnum, Chris Turner and more.. Details: 0118 959 7196.

well as a showing of I Get Knocked Down, a film about the band – https://www.facebook.com/ thatwasthenandthisisnow/

Daviid B – Midnight Wine

If you enjoy jazzy/bluesy originals with guitar sax and flute, here’s a single which features a wonderful sax intro into a song which has a very cool blues club feel. Watch out for live shows from Daviid B & Dinos – https://www.instagram.com/daviidbmusic

BDD – Dream for the Future

This is from, Songs for an Angel Vol 1 – Music for Eric Bouillette, a tribute album to the late guitarist. BDD is the alter ego of The Room bassist Andy Rowe – https://www.ftf-music.com/de/ tributetoericbouillette/tributetoericbouillette.htm

Mark Harrison – Tribulation Time

Mark is a unique singer-songwriter, an excellent guitarist and a wonderful storyteller, and he will be bringing his distinctive style to Wokingham Music Club this Friday, March 10 – https://www. markharrisonrootsmusic.com/

Small Town Heroes – Only 18

Here’s a new single from this young Berkshire based band and it’s a very good piece of melodic uplifting indie pop, recorded at Dean Nelson’s Generation Studio – https://bio.site/ smalltownheroes

Dakorra – All Eyes to the Floor

Based in the Reading area, Dakorra (aka Kate Herridge), has established herself as a talented dynamic artist – https://www.facebook.com/ dakorraband

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Zoe Gilby Quartet. Details: www. jazzinreading.com

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana. Details: 0118 959 5395

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. St Patrick’s Night. Details: 01491 681048.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Full Flavour.

Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Karaoke with Waynie. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Two Poplars, Finchampstead Road RG41 2NU. Beatles and Buddy Holly tribute.

Details: 0118 978 0590.

YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Soultrax with Anna Nightingale. Details: 01252 872105.

Saturday, March 18

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Skaema, Sebastian and Me. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Boy George Experience. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Raymond Burley: Music from Spain and Beyond. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. And Finally … Phil Collins.

Details: 01344 484123.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Freddy B.

Details: 01344 772161.

EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis.

Details: 0118 935 4103.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hard Times. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Panic Button, Hoof, Personal Issue, Eric Tildiss Function Band, and Non Drama. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Church of Madness v Karkasaurus. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. This Is Queen tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Oakford Centre, Blagrave Street. Burning House, K*ll Comittee, Television Gods.

READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Live request supper club. Details: 0118 212 0720.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Tribute night: Beyonce and Destiny’s Child. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Stoney Lane. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Resist: Underground House and Tech House. Details: 0118 959 5395

SHINFIELD – The Sportsman, Shinfield Road RG2 7DS. Beatles and Buddy Holly tribute. Details: 0118 975 2089.

WINNERSH – Royal British Legion RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents The AC/DC Experience. 8pm. £19.

Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Groove X. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. DJ Bounce.

Details: 0118 977 4548.

WINKFIELD ROW – Carnation Hall. The Supertonics big band with Sarah Jane Eveleigh. £12. Details: thesupertonics.co.uk

Sunday, March 19

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night Law and Order. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER

Quiz Challenge

1. The Sheffield Shield is the premier national cricket trophy in which country?

2. The civil rights leader Martin Luther King was assassinated in which US city?

3. Which bird makes the nests used in the Chinese dish bird’s nest soup?

4. The action of ultraviolet radiation on oxygen produces which gas?

5. Which classic sitcom character said: ‘This time next year we’ll be millionaires.’?

FIVE ALIVE EQUALISER

CROSS CODE

6. In which city did J.K. Rowling begin writing her Harry Potter books in cafes in order to stay out of her cold bedsit?

7. Who won Celebrity MasterChef 2022?

8. What C is the title of a 2022 UK top 10 song by Ed Sheeran and an astronomical term?

9. A capybara is a type of large what?

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICK CROSSWORD

10. Which royal dynasty ruled England from 1154 to 1485? ACROSS

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

1. Twist most of the crustacean backwards (4)

4. Endlessly tired as a result of duty (7)

8. It’s always a laugh when someone removes the seat (8,4)

9. He may get sea tonic upset on the river (8)

10. Exchange was arranged quietly (4)

12. Invisible passage not previously prepared (6)

14. Burn that is treated in Asia (6)

16. Not cross for a short time (4)

17. Report that one has been shot? (8)

20. One who studies earthshaking events (12)

21. Denied the existence of entrance Ned circled (7)

22. Always the night before Richard the First (4)

the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

addition and subtraction.

2. Football club on the house in Birmingham (5)

3. Considered small lake with unusual reed (8)

4. Weak copy (6)

5. Move first to an African country (4)

6. Splendid victory on the sands (7)

7. Having been given it, one is not liable (9)

9. Our stance troubled the mistress (9)

11. Go up possibly with new role in the introduction (8)

13. Dismissing the material (7)

15. Had influence before Edward removed the feathers perhaps (6)

18. Have the sense to try something (5)

19. To come up round the motorway? Leave it out (4)

NONAGRAM

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 12 T 345 A 678910111213 1415161718 L 1920212223242526

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.

SUDOKU

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

2. Letter holder (7)

7. Ring of light (4)

8. Vegetable (4)

9. African language (7)

10. Smoothing tool (4)

12. Male voice (4)

15. Exists (5)

17. French brandy (6)

18. Steering mechanism (6)

19. Go without food (6)

21. Short sleep (6)

22. Thespian (5)

23. Afresh (4)

26. Join metal (4)

28. Blood deficiency (7)

29. Rip (4) 30. Immense (4)

31. Oppression (7)

SOLUTIONS

1. Indian garment (4)

2. Stance (4)

3. Inactive (6)

4. Water heater (6)

5. Slick (4)

6. Belonging to a woman (4)

10. Shrub with droopy flowers (7)

11. Baggage (7)

13. Moderately slow (mus.) (7)

14. Spirted (anag.) (7)

15. Immature creature (5)

16. Natural sweetener (5)

20. Cream cake (6)

21. Swindler (3,3)

24. Require (4)

25. Skin blemish (4) 26. Undulating (4) 27. Lean (4)

anti; atilt; instal; instant; INSTANTLY; ital; laity; last; lint; linty; list; litany; litas; nastily; nasty; nattily; natty; nitty; nystatin; saint; saintly; salt; salty; sanity; sati; satin; satiny; silt; silty; slant; slat; slaty; slit; snit; stain; stat; statin; stay; stilt; stint; tail; taint; tansy; tastily; tasty; tian; tilt; tinny; tint; tiny; titan.

EQUALISER:

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.

26 Good; 31 Very Good; 36 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Down – 1 Sari; 2 Pose; 3 Static;

65 19 42 95 8 8954 26 7 8 6 238 9 32 3 4 8 7 7 2 35 7 4

Catnap; 22 Actor; 23 Anew; 26 Weld; 28 Anaemia; 29 Tear; 30

Vast; 31 Tyranny.

Bass; 15 Lives; 17 Cognac; 18 Rudder; 19 Starve; 21

Across – 2 Postbag; 7 Halo; 8 Leek; 9 Swahili; 10 File; 12

QUICK CROSSWORD:

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD:

Fools and Horses; 6 Edinburgh; 7 Lisa Snowdon; 8 Celestial; 9 Rodent; 10 The Plantagenets.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Australia; 2 Memphis, Tennessee; 3 Swiftlet; 4 Ozone; 5 Del Boy, in Only

ACROSS DOWN

Be kind and involve others

Time for kindness

Sarah Browning

ONE way to be kind is to include other people and involve them in the things that you are doing.

With loneliness and division often getting a mention when we turn on our TV or radio, it seems to me that involving others is a great way for us all to do our bit for a kind world.

There are already lots of examples of inclusion in action, such as:

n Many Ukrainian families have been welcomed as visitors to our borough, with their host families helping them to settle in and

become part of the community.

n I was at the Woodley Business Club networking meeting recently, a group that is all about making connections.

With new members joining us for the first time, we made sure to move around the space and talk to new people as well as the ones we already knew.

n If you visit a local play park, you will often see children who didn’t already know each other joining in to play a game together. This is particularly true for younger children.

Small but powerful

As with all acts of kindness, including someone in your activities doesn’t have to be the big deal we sometimes make it seem in our own heads. Small actions and words are just as powerful in showing another human being that we are connected.

Here are some ideas for including people:

n Smile and catch the eye of a newcomer when they walk through the door.

n Ask someone for their opinion on a matter and really listen to what they say. Thank them for sharing their views.

n Share a few kind words with someone if you see them looking nervous or scared – you will show them that you recognise what they are feeling and that they are not alone.

Where to start?

One of my favourite

Plasticfreehome

David Lamont

stories from my Time for Kindness website was about a shop assistant who helped two young children buy a Mothering Sunday present for their mum.

As she was a single mum it was difficult for the kids to buy anything as a surprise for her.

By helping them choose a gift while she looked away, the assistant made sure that this family could truly be involved in Mothering Sunday, on an equal basis.

If we want to show kindness by including

people like the shop assistant did, where is a good place to start? I’d recommend being really deliberate with your thinking.

Regularly ask yourself who is involved and who might be left out. Consider what a situation might be like from someone else’s perspective, rather than your own.

Choose to welcome them in a way that makes their experience more positive for them.

There are many benefits to involving a

wider range of people in an activity, including people who are different to you.

You bring in new perspectives and previous experiences.

You learn something new. You make new friends and connections.

Together we can create a more positive, kinder experience for everyone.

Sarah Browning is a Kindness Cheerleader,

Communicator

Strategist.

Avoiding hidden sugars

and

For more, timeforkindness. co.uk

What happened when we tried to charge our electric car at public charging points

SOME of you may have read the earlier piece about how we bit the bullet at the end of last year and ordered our first electric vehicle (EV).

Three months on, I thought I’d give you a quick update on how life with an EV is going.

In short, extremely well.

It’s a remarkably refined driving experience and you can’t help having a smile on your face when you pass other cars churning out visible exhaust fumes on a cold morning.

To date, we’ve done 1,500 miles in the new car in three months.

Around 95% of that distance has been powered by home charging.

We opted for the Ohme Pro Smart Home Charger, fitted by our energy supplier, Octopus Energy, and it’s been easy to use and reliable so far.

The EV is also leased through their sister company, Octopus Electric Vehicles, with servicing and maintenance, breakdown, tax (where applicable) and the first 5,000 miles of home charging (this offer has changed slightly since) included.

We signed up to the Intelligent Octopus tariff, which mean the car can be set to charge when grid demand, and therefore unit prices, are at their lowest. During the hours of 11.30pm and 5.30am, we can charge our EV for just 10p kw/h.

Some quick maths last week showed that those 1,500 miles have cost us 55% less in electricity than fuel would have cost to travel

the same distance.

And, in terms of the journeys alone, nearly half a metric tonne of carbon dioxide was saved.

Yes, manufacturing a new EV produces a decent footprint but when we compared our car’s anticipated footprint over its lifetime versus its petrol equivalent, it was between 10% and 50% better off, depending on how it is charged and driven.

Progress, not perfection.

So, on to our first ever public charging experience. Drum roll … it was easy.

We had driven around 150 miles to our destination in the Midlands, where we were staying for a couple of nights. We arrived with around half the battery’s life still intact. The car

advised us that a charge was needed to ensure we had sufficient range to get home.

Expected.

On our last evening, we went for dinner at a well-known chain restaurant that sells pizza and doesn’t end with ‘Hut’. It was located at the heart of a busy retail park, which offered not one but three shiny electric charge points. All available and working, something we were able to check in advance and en route using the free Zap-Map app.

The car charged while we were having dinner and we were good to go. It was a slower charger, costing 35p kw/h. Fine, as we had time on our hands that evening.

On our way home the next day,

we pulled into a services on the M40 for lunch. I instantly spotted several available ‘Gridserve’ fast-chargers, and having done the deed the night before, I was on a roll and couldn’t resist another go.

Of course, I didn’t need much of a boost by this point but, again, it was simple and straightforward. It cost 65p kw/h this time however, due to location and convenience of fast charging.

I may have been lulled into a false sense of security – I fully expect it to be a little harder going in some parts of the UK that we normally visit during the course of a year.

But the point with an EV is how often do you drive more than 150-200 miles in one go? Not often, in most cases.

According to Government data, the average car journey in this country is… 8.4 miles. Job done.

REDUCING our intake of sugar can have a beneficial impact on our heart health and reduce our risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Consuming some sugar in our diet is perfectly fine, and many healthy foods such as fruit contain naturally occurring sugars. However, it is the added sugar we need to be cautious of as this is usually what pushes our intake above healthy levels.

We all understand that table sugar, soft drinks, sweets, and cakes contain high levels of added sugar and we can choose to eat these in moderation. Many foods that we may not be aware of can contain high levels of sugar.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a great source of calcium and protein, but it can also be full of hidden sugars.

Opt for natural, unsweetened yogurt and avoid flavoured varieties, you can add fruit if you want to add some natural sweetness.

It’s also a good idea to choose a live yoghurt, meaning it contains beneficial bacteria that our guts love, look for the word live on the packet.

Condiments and sauces

Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments worldwide. Most of us probably know it’s high in sugar, containing on average one teaspoon of sugar per one tablespoon of sauce.

Many other shop-bought condiments and sauces we don’t think of as sweet can contain high levels of added sugar. Always check the label when shopping and consider swapping your shop-bought sauces for homemade, added sugar free versions like this veggiepacked tomato sauce.

Fruit juice

Although 100% pressed juice does contain vitamins and minerals, it’s devoid of fibre and very high in sugar.

Swap your fruit juices for eating the whole fruit which contains lots of fibre which also protects the heart.

Save the fruit juice for special occasions, as you would other soft drinks, and only drink it alongside a balanced meal.

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch. org.uk/healthy-tips

PLUGGED IN: Electric charging points are becoming more common and, as David Lamont found out, are easy to use Picture: Pixabay

ROYALS BOOST SURVIVAL HOPES

ROWE HAMMERS HOME WINNER

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN increased their chances of remaining in the Women’s Super League after they defeated West Ham United on Sunday.

Needing their first league win of

DERBY DELIGHT FOR ABBEY WOMEN

By ANNETTE TOMAS sport@wokingham.today

IT WAS a derby day encounter that met every expectation of the Friday night crowd, with Henley Hawks Women pushing Abbey Women all the way.

The defence of the home fortress held firm and Abbey avenged their heavy defeat from earlier in the season.

A try in each half from Jess Williams and Maggie Simpson sealed the 12-7 win for the home side. Eventually, the deadlock was broken with Henley’s second-row Sam Page crashing over from short range.

The home side were not fazed and responded well. Eventually, after another strong attacking scrummaging platform, Ellie Denton-Rice winged the ball to Bevan, releasing Jess Williams, who stormed 50 metres to score underneath the posts. Alice Denton-Rice converted and the scores were level.

The match was turning into everything a derby day encounter should be; end to end action, huge tackles and breathtaking runs.

After a quiet first half, Abbey’s dynamic fullback Kelsea Montgomery enjoyed threatening the Henley half but it was in-form flanker Simpson who grabbed Abbey’s second after strong carries to the line from her back-row partners Tori Kiff and Fern Edgar.

the calendar year to take them further clear of the relegation zone, Charlie Wellings put them ahead before Viviane Asseyi levelled up less than 10 minutes later for the Irons.

But Rachel Rowe came to the Royals’ rescue again as hit what is becoming a trademark strike in her

catalogue with a venomous effort that flew into the roof of Mackenzie Arnold’s net to restore Reading’s lead in the 84th minute.

After a few late scares, Kelly Chambers’ team managed to hold on to claim their third league win of the campaign and move four points ahead of bottom

placed Leicester City.

Reading will need to maintain their improved form to stay clear of the relegation fight up against Leicester, Brighton and Spurs who all remain in danger of the drop.

n Next up for the Royals is an away visit to Arsenal on Sunday (6.45pm kick-off).

For the first time all match, Abbey were five points in front and felt like they had the upper hand in what had been a tense and exciting encounter.

In the final 15 minutes, Henley were not about to accept defeat readily. Eventually, referee Meg Mason’s whistle blew.

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READING 26-55 WITNEY

RAMS

52-24 LEEDS

ROSSITER RACKS UP HAT-TRICK AS RAMS EXTEND WINNING STREAK READING TAKE BONUS POINT DESPITE DEFEAT

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

RAMS Director of Rugby Seb

Reynolds hailed his side’s evolution after they scored another eight tries in a 52-24 victory against a dynamic Leeds Tykes side.

Six five-pointers came from the outside backs as the returning Jak Rossiter grabbed a hat-trick, fellow wing Zach Clow a double and centre Connor Hayhow his seventh of the season.

Captain Robbie Stapley had earlier carved his way over to level matters following Kieran Davies’ opening score, the skipper touching down for his 96th Rams try on his 200th appearance.

Rams other try came from Stapley’s fellow back row, James McRae, the Eton College geography teacher

claiming a stunner as he raced in from some 50 metres midway through the second half.

The hosts have been playing free-flowing rugby all season – picking up 20 try bonus-points in their 21 games – but Reynolds admitted the quality shown from his backs has been a work in progress.

He said: “It’s something we’ve had to work on over the years, it maybe hasn’t come too naturally for us – historically we built our game on the foundations of the defence and the set-piece.

“But it does make things a lot easier when you’ve got the likes of Zach, Jak, Birdy and the others getting the ball in the outside channels.

“And you could see Jak had the bit between his teeth and he looked fresh – it was

great to have him back.”

Things had begun badly for Rams as Leeds full-back Davies ran in a secondminute try, and they looked threatening throughout as Tom Williams, John Okafor and Tighe Maxwell-Whiteley also crossed the whitewash as the visitors belied their position second-bottom in the league.

Reynolds said: “I thought it was a very skilful game and both sides played some good stuff. Credit to Leeds, they really are a good side and a threat from anywhere.

“Kieran Davies is a superb player and he cut us open early on to put them in the lead, so we had to try and establish ourselves in the game.

“We did that by putting on our own attacking brand of rugby and high-tempo game,

and we looked very good at times.

“It’s not cliché, it’s just fact when we say there are no poor sides in National One. Every team can win on any given day.”

Plenty of Rams players caught the eye, with Vince Everitt again providing an all-action display, captain Stapley imperious as he reached his double ton, Niall Kidd back on song and Rowan Grundy pulling the strings at stand-off. Reynolds said: “Rowan added his game to the way we play. We’ve got guys who do different things at fly-half and he has to be himself, and I saw that in what was potentially a man-of-thematch performance.

“It was fantastic to see Niall back and doing the 80 minutes in a great performance.”

By PETER CHDIGEY sport@wokingham.today

READING went down to their fourth defeat in a row as Witney ran in nine tries – six of them in the second half, three of which in the last 10 minutes.

Reading number 10, Matt Smart, had been red carded for a high tackle, with the team’s only consolation was a bonus point for scoring four tries themselves.

Despite issues with their line out, Reading looked the more likely winners in the first half. They took the lead from a Harry Wilson try after a good run by Proctor-Searle which Smart converted.

A typically forceful run from Smith was moved on to Gomez who showed the defence a clean pair of heels to score under the posts.

Smart’s conversion gave Reading a 14-12 lead.

Worse was to follow as Witney worked the ball into the Reading 22 and a misunderstanding in the Reading line out allowed Witney to score an easy try.

Then Smart who had been directing matters from outside half was red carded for a high tackle. Witney immediately took advantage of the extra man to work an overlap and score again near the posts to give themselves a 21-45 lead.

Witney ran in two more tries in the final minutes taking advantage of the now disorganised Reading defence to make the final score 26-55.

Reading play Salisbury at home next Saturday in hope of ending their poor run of results.

Ollie Monye attacks for Rams Pictures: Paul Clark

Reading were soundly beaten by Witney Pictures: John Newport

Reading’s Matt Smart was dismissed in the second-half

Connor Hayhow got on the scoresheet for Rams

Captain Robbie Stapley scored Rams’ first try

Rams captain Robbie Stapley made his 200th appearance for his side

Zach Clow scored two tries for Rams

FOOTBALL

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FOOTBALL

CITYZENS WIN TO KEEP TITLE FIGHT ON TRACK

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Combined Counties Premier North

READING CITY kept their title bid on track with a hard fought home win over Spelthorne Sports.

Spelthorne went in front just before half-time, but the Cityzens found a response right after the break when Eddie Lee hit the leveller.

The goals kept coming as City went ahead when Lee found his second of the game, but Spelthorne found a quick equaliser just three minutes after.

The Cityzens struck the winner with 10 minutes to go when Tyler D’Cruz finished from a Michael Butcher set-piece.

The win keeps Reading in third with games in hand on both teams above them in the standings.

ASCOT UNITED continued their reign at the top of the table with a spirited win over Edgware & Kingsbury.

The Yellas went behind a minute into the game, but turned the game on its head with a quickfire double from Brendan Matthew in the 33rd and then the 36th minute.

Edgware levelled the match just

SUMAS TAKE STEP TOWARDS SAFETY WITH WEMBLEY WIN

Combined Counties

Premier North

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK took a step towards safety with a vital win over Wembley at Lowther Road.

Sam Mead got the hosts off to a flying start when he converted from close range to give Wokingham a breakthrough in the fourth minute.

Wembley hit back and levelled the game in the 26th minute, but the Sumas replied again less than 10 minutes later when Joao Jardim restored their lead.

The Sumas held on to take three points in their fifth league win of the campaign.

The result puts them four points clear of bottom side

Oxhey Jets having played three more matches and moves them within a point of 18th placed Windsor.

Combined Counties Division 1

BERKS COUNTY stormed to a massive win over CB Hounslow United by hitting eight without reply.

The Swords displayed attacking excellence as an astounding five goal display from Luke Hayden helped them earn an 8-0 victory.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA added three points to their total with a comfortable away win at Spartans Youth.

The Boars raced into the lead after five minutes through Ben Anderson and doubled their advantage through Jamie Griggs.

Eversley scored a third to seal the game when Ash Howes netted.

WOODLEY UNITED picked up a point on their travels to Bedfont.

Bedfont scored the first goal of the game in the 49th minute, but the Kestrels ensured they would return with a point when Sig G netted from the penalty spot with 10 minutes to go.

Thames Valley Premier League WARGRAVE got the better of Westwood Wanderers in a seven goal battle to collect three points.

A frantic first-half saw the teams go into the break level at 3-3 before Wargrave netted the decisive goal with 10 minutes to play.

The win puts them up to eighth in the table on 16 points from 14 matches.

READING YMCA scored six times as they saw off Wraysbury Village.

Archie Denton hit a second-half hat-trick, while a brace from Pele

Hagger and a goal from Sam Tucker ensured a 6-3 success for YMCA which puts them up to fourth in the standings.

BURGHFIELD are in third place after they defeated READING CITY U23s.

Daniel Langford scored a hat-trick for the Fielders and Thomas McClellan was also on the scoresheet to help them to a 4-2 away win.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

MORTIMER moved up to second

seven minutes after the restart, but Ascot ensured they collected maximum points when Usman Lalustani lobbed the keeper to score the winner.

Ascot have an eight point lead over second placed Egham and third placed Reading City.

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division

ASCOT UNITED are on course to finish as runners-up after they scored five past Winchester City Flyers away from home.

A stunning performance from Nicole Brown saw her find the net four times, while Isabel Woods also scored to help the Yellas to a 5-2 triumph.

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

Champions WOODLEY UNITED concluded their season in style with a convincing win away to Kidlington Youth.

Mollie Steadman and Lucy Routledge both scored braces and May Hamblin also netted to see the Kestrels race to a 5-0 success. Woodley end the season at the top of the table after winning 12 of their 14 matches to end on 37 points.

after they earned a narrow win over Slough Town.

Ayala Truelove found the only goal of the game to see Mortimer take three points to move up the table on 28 points from 12 games.

WARGRAVE picked up a point in their contest with ASCOT UNITED RESERVES

Keira Lourdes and Saffron Rafter scored for the Yellas in the 2-2 draw.

TILEHURST PANTHERS added a point to their total in a goalless draw with league leaders New Bradwell.

Joao Jardim scored the winner for the Sumas

City goalkeeper Charlie York rushes out to try and make a save

Sumas celebrate Sam Mead’s opener Pictures: Andrew Batt

Victory keeps City on the toes of leaders Ascot

The Cityzens find the net

Eddie Lee scored twice for the Cityzens

Reading City enjoyed a good win over Spelthorne Sports Pictures: Steve Smyth

ROWE’S ROCKET SEES ROYALS GRAB VITAL WIN TO BOOST SURVIVAL HOPES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN earned their first win of 2023 to take three crucial points in their fight for Women’s Super League survival.

Rachel Rowe’s thunderous strike six minutes from time gave the Royals just their third league win of the season.

Charlie Wellings put Reading ahead in the 66th minute, before Viviane Asseyi levelled 10 minutes later for the Hammers.

But Rowe found the decisive goal to ensure the Royals climb up two places into ninth and four points above the drop zone.

Searching for their first win of the calendar year, Reading were looking to push on in the WSL having knocked Spurs out of the FA Women’s Cup last weekend.

The Royals knew any kind of positive result would take them further away from the danger zone after relegation rivals Leicester City were defeated 5-1 at league leaders Manchester United earlier in the day.

It was a shaky start from Reading which saw goalkeeper Grace Moloney called into action twice in the matter of moments.

The first she did well to save from Honoka Hyassi who arrowed a low shot at goal

before she got down to the corner to tip away a header from Amalie Thestrup who connected with Lucy Parker’s cross.

Kelly Chambers’ team looked to create some chances of their own and almost forged an opening from a corner, but Justine Vanhaevermaet couldn’t quite latch onto a flick on in the area.

Moloney was kept busy again and made her best save of the half to keep out a close range header from Thestrup..

The clearest chance of the half came Reading’s way in stoppage time when a dinked cross from Amalie Eikeland found Charlie Wellings free and just five yards out from goal,

but she volleyed over the bar with the goal at her mercy.

Reading came out after the break and started positively as skipper Emma Mukandi burst down the left and showed neat footwork before picking out Wellings, but she miscued her shot.

The hosts kept pushing to find a breakthrough and came close when Mukandi hit a stinging effort that was tipped over by the fingertips of Mackenzie Arnold.

Having set the tone throughout the second-half, the home team found their reward with 66 minutes on the clock as Wellings made amends for the chance she missed in the first-half.

Rachel Rowe put the ball into the path of Wellings on the left hand side of the box and she smacked a fierce effort that flew past Arnold to find the corner and put her team in front.

With 20 minutes to go, Chambers made her first substitution as Sanne Troelsgaard replaced Emma Harries.

The Irons replied to put the game back on level terms when Asseyi was picked out at the back post and poked the ball past Moloney.

With just six minutes of the 90 left to contest, Rowe unleashed a piledriver into the roof of the net to score a vitally important goal to try and

maintain Reading’s top flight status.

West Ham came agonsingly close to snatching a point when they hit the crossbar with 90 minutes played, but Reading held on to claim three points.

n Reading are away against Arsenal next Sunday in the WSL (6.45pm kick-off).

READING: Moloney, Mukandi (c), Mayi Kith, Evans, Bryson, Moore, Vanhaevermaet, Eikeland, Rowe, Harries, Wellings

Subs: Burns, Hendrix, Caldwell, Troelsgaard, Meadows-Tuson, Wade WEST HAM: Arnold, Shimzu, Cissoko, Fisk, Smith, Snerle, Parker, Longjurst, Asseyi, Hayashi, Thestrup

Goals: Wellings 66’, Asseyi 76’, Rowe 84’ Player of the match: Easther Mayi Kith

READING 2-1 WEST HAM

Rachel Rowe’s stunning winner saw Reading ease their relegation fears Pictures: Steve Smyth

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CHAMBERS: ‘WE ABSOLUTELY DESERVED THE THREE POINTS’

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN’s manager Kelly Chambers admitted that her team produced a ‘massive’ result with their victory over West Ham.

The Royals picked up their third Women’s Super League win of the campaign with goals from Charlie Wellings and Rachel Rowe.

The victory puts them lifts them up to 10th in the table and four points clear of the relegation zone.

“That performance, and the result was absolutely massive for us,” said Chambers.

“I thought the girls were outstanding in the execution of what we had done in training.

“We were excellent and absolutely deserve the three points.

“We felt that in the first half, we were getting into really good areas in and around the goal, but just weren’t pulling the trigger, we kept trying to play the extra pass or dribble a little longer than we should have.

“So we gave them a bit of urgency to shoot when they could, and Charlie (Wellings) did that too, two great goals, and it’s ended up being a massive three points.

“It could have been quite easy for the girls to drop their heads after conceding and for a few moments

PREVIEW

after their goal we were asked to be brave and resilient.

“Then to grow back into the game and score the goal we did, and what an unbelievable goal it was.”

As well as managing to score twice, Chambers was praising of her team’s defensive display.

She continued: “As well as our attacking display, you of course have to look at us defensively.

“I thought she (Grace Moloney) was exceptional again. I’m blessed with two fantastic goalkeepers.

“I decided to stick with Grace for her performance last week and she was outstanding from start to finish.

“I said this week this game begins a huge window of opportunity for us to lay down a marker and pick up points and

Reading FC boss Kelly Chambers enjoyed seeing her side win against West Ham Picture: Steve Smyth

REACTION

INCE AGGRIEVED BY ‘POOR’ REFEREEING AT BORO

West Ham was all about picking up points.

“Obviously the three points now takes a little bit of pressure off now going into Arsenal, we know it’s going to be a tough game, but the way the girls are performing right now, what they’re delivering, we just need to go out there to keep on performing to these levels and who knows what we can achieve.”

ROYALS FIND CONFIDENCE AHEAD OF GUNNERS GAME

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN are searching for their first away win of the Women’s Super League season in a tough away trip to Arsenal.

The Royals go into Sunday’s contest on the back of two consecutive wins after returning from the international break.

Kelly Chambers’ team followed up their FA Cup shootout success at Tottenham Hotspur by defeating West Ham United in the WSL last Sunday.

The win lifts the Royals up to 10th in the table and four points above bottom placed Leicester City, having played one more match than the Foxes.

Arsenal will go into the match in high spirits having captured the Conti Cup last weekend against Chelsea.

The Gunners ended their four year trophy drought with an impressive comeback to beat the current WSL champions.

The Blues burst into life when

Sam Kerr put them in front after just two minutes, but Jonas Edievall’s side reposed valiantly and struck three times before the break with goals from Stina Blackstenius, Kim Little and Rafaelle Souza.

A goalless second-half ensured that Arsenal clinched the cup to win the first trophy up for grabs this campaign.

The north London side will be

title rivals Manchester City which leaves them off the pace.

They sit five points behind Chelsea on the same games and six points behind second placed Man City and trial leaders Manchester United by nine points, both of whom have played two more matches.

After being unfortunate to lose two of their essential players to ACL injuries, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, Arsenal have struggled to find a killer edge to get them across the line in recent WSL matches.

The previous meeting between the team’s this season was a close affair at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

desperate for three points in the league to keep their title challenge alive.

Arsenal go into the game in fourth position on 26 points from 12 matches and have picked up just two points from their last three league games.

The Gunners were left frustrated in away goalless draw at West Ham before they lost out 2-1 to fellow

Reading put up a resolute fight and made Arsenal work to get all three points as Blackstenuis scored the only goal of the game in which goalkeeper Jackie Burns stopped a penalty from Little on her league debut.

On their last visit to Arsenal, Reading lost 4-0, conceding goals to Miedema, Blackstenius, Katie McCabe and Leah Williamson.

READING FC manager Paul Ince felt ‘aggrieved’ by refereeing decisions in the Royals’ defeat thumping defeat at Middlesbrough.

Ince’s side shipped five goals on the road as their away troubles continued, however the Royals boss believes that they were harshly done by.

“No, it wasn’t tortuous. It was poor refereeing,” said Ince after Saturday’s fixture.

“The decision on Shane Long changed the concept of the game.

“First-half they started quickly and we started to find our feet and quiet the crowd down.

“The penalty on Yids (Andy Yiadom) is ridiculous; he’s got his arm down by his side two yards away.

“It changes the whole concept of the game. I am aggrieved.

“I feel the referee made two diabolical decisions and that cost us a chance of winning this game.

“I said to them if we can get the next goal then we’re in the game.

“We didn’t and conceded two in three minutes and capitulated.

“It all stems from that moment on Shane (Long) and that was a defining moment.”

But he was deteremined the side should bounce back on the pitch, even if there were problems off it.

Ince continued: “We can’t let it damage our confidence.

“It could be coming this week (the points deduction).

“We’re not sure if it will be but we have to deal with it.”

Reading manager Paul Ince Picture: Luke Adams

Amalie Eikeland on the run for Reading Picture: Steve Smyth

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How they rated

Joe Lumley

Made a couple of smart saves to deny Bogle and Sharp. Came off his line quickly when required.

Andy Yiadom

Improved as the game went on and could have even got on the scoresheet. Ultimately gave the ball away too many times.

Tom Holmes

A quiet night for the vice-captain, who perhaps could have done better to stop Ndiaye bundling home from close range.

Scott Dann

One of his stronger performances since returning from injury. Used his experience to negotiate his duels with Ndiaye and McBurnie.

Naby Sarr

Handled the various threats offered by United’s front line on the whole. Positioned himself well to avoid engaging in footraces.

Nesta Guinness-Walker

Got caught out on a number of occasions early on, but grew into the game, putting in some quality deliveries.

Tom McIntyre

Did his best to pick up the Blades’ forwards who popped up between the lines, but wasn’t able to advance the ball up the pitch.

Jeff Hendrick

Worked hard and put himself about, but struggled to make an imprint on the game.

Tom Ince

Had a few sighters at goal. Looked to make runs in behind, particularly in the first half. Seemed to tire as the game entered the latter stages.

Andy Carroll

Imposed himself on the aerial duels, also playing some neat balls around the corner for either Long or Ince to run onto.

Shane Long

Worked hard out of possession and was a nuisance to the visitors’ back line. Could not really have done more with the service he was given.

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5 6 6

5 5 6

5 5

ROYALS BLUNTED AS BLADES

READING 0

SHEFF UTD 1

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC were unable to preserve their formidable home record as Sheffield United continued their push for a Premier League return.

Needing a swift response after their hammering at Middlesbrough, the Royals more than held their own throughout a goalless first-half.

But it was the Blades who drew first blood when Illiman Ndiaye met Oli McBurnie’s cut back to put them ahead after an hour.

Despite coming close, Reading were unable to provide a response and were dealt just their fourth home defeat of the campaign.

The defeat leaves Reading in 15th on 44 points from 35 games with a six-point deduction set to be announced in the coming days.

Paul Ince made four changes from the 5-0 thrashing at Middlesbrough.

He reverted to a five at the back formation as Joe Lumley returned in goal, while Nesta GuinnessWalker was selected to start at left wing-back.

There was also a place in the squad for former captain Liam Moore for the first time this season.

The Blades lined up with plenty of quality throughout their squad which saw former Royals Oliver Norwood and Jayden Bogle start, while prolific Championship scorer Billy Sharp was on the bench.

Tom Ince had the first effort of the game as he was given room by the Blades defence to drift into the box, but he scuffed his shot

Match stats

Reading: Lumley, Holmes, Sarr, Dann, Yiadom (c), McIntyre, GuinnessWalker, Hendrick, Ince, Carroll, Long

Subs: Bouzanis, Joao, Azeez, Fornah, Casadei, Moore, Mbengue

Sheffield United: Foderingham, Basham, Robinson, Egan (c), Lowe, Norwood, Bogle, Berge, McAtee, Ndiaye, McBurnie

Subs: Davies, Baldock, Fleck, Sharp, Doyle, Clark, Jebbison

Goals: Ndiaye 60’

MIDDLESBROUGH 5-0 READING

READING FC were on the end of another heavy defeat on the road as Middlesbrough smacked five past the Royals without reply.

In what has been a troubling week for the Royals, the team’s troubles on the road showed again.

Championship top scorer Chuba Akpom pounced twice and Aaron Ramsey added two, before Marcus Forss netted a penalty to see Boro thrash the Royals.

The defeat leaves Reading in 15th position, but they are likely to drop further down the table with an imminent deduction.

The hosts started the game with plenty of possession, but were unable to forge too many chances to threaten the Royals defence in the opening 20 minutes.

When Aaron Ramsey chipped the ball into the box, Boro were awarded a spot kick as the ball struck Yiadom, whose arm was deemed to be in an unnatural position.

Championship top scorer Akpom dispatched the penalty past Bouzanis to claim his 20th goal of the campaign.

The Royals looked to reply and were left dumbfounded as to how they weren’t given a penalty of their own when Shane Long appeared to be grappled to the ground in the box.

Boro quickly went on the counter and nearly doubled their lead but were thwarted by an important block from Amadou Mbengue on Cameron Archer.

just wide of the far post.

United’s first shot came from Oli McBurnie who fought in the air to get on the end of Chris Basham’s cross, but he could only manage a tame header that was comfortably collected by Lumley.

Reading grew into the game and troubled the visitors on a few occasions with some neatly worked counter attacks.

United showed they still posed a threat when Sander Berge took aim from 20 yards with a curling

CHAMPIONSHIP DAMAGING WEEK ENDS WITH BATTERING AT BORO

With the match on the brink of half-time, Reading shot themselves in the foot and went in two goals down at the break.

After a disappointing free-kick delivery from Ince, Mbengue was caught on the ball and left Aaron Ramsey a clear run at goal and he took the invitation and converted past Bouzanis.

Reading got off to the worst start possible after the restart as Boro added a third goal to kill off the game.

shot that was parried behind by Lumley.

A swift counter from the Royals was led by Ince and Shane Long before Nesta Guinness-Walker swung in a cross towards Andy Yiadom that went well wide of the target.

Yiadom and Ince were both booked towards the end of the half.

The Royals showed more promise in the final five minutes of the half and almost had a great opening with Long free at the back

A low cross into the box from Ryan Giles was tucked in by Akpom who claimed his second of the match.

It didn’t take long for Boro to add a fourth goal as Reading’s away troubles reared their head again as Ramsey netted his second of the game.

The disaster continued when Boro were awarded a second penalty of the game after Marcus Forss was tripped by Tom McIntyre.

Forss took the penalty and squeezed the ball past Bouzanis to put more gloss on the scoreline.

Hendrick battles with Berge

Yiadom’s shot goes close

Ince expresses his annoyance at getting booked

Andy Carroll appeals for a free-kick

The Royals lost out for just the

Lucas Joao 5, Femi Azeez 5, Cesare Casadei n/a, Liam Moore n/a

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

CONTINUE PROMOTION PUSH

From the middle Silent weekend for youth football

TWO weekends ago saw what in youth football, is called a Silent Weekend. In other words, parents who are watching youth matches must remain silent, apart from clapping.

This was the second weekend of an experiment by the FA but there was a slight change from the first weekend, in that coaches were allowed to coach.

The idea is to allow the youngsters to enjoy their games without any pressure.

It is hoped the coaches would keep their comments to a minimum as they can be part of the problem.

As I said, this has been a trial for couple of weekends, but this idea was started many years ago in the US and the Netherlands.

I wonder how much the FA has been in touch with footballing authorities in these countries, to learn from their experiences. What worked well and what didn’t.

Lao Tu, the Chinese philosopher, said that a fool learns from his own mistakes, a wise man learns from the mistakes of others.

post, but Ince couldn’t keep his cross away from goalkeeper Wes Foderginham who intercepted.

Ince attempted a wonderstrike from more than 25 yards out that flew just past the top left hand corner as the teams went into the break goalless.

The Royals looked to keep their threat on the counter and almost pounced when Ince burst down the left and tried to pick out an unmarked Andy Carroll only to have his path blocked by John Egan.

With half-an-hour left on the clock, the Blades broke the deadlock when Illiman Ndiaye squeezed the ball in from close range after

latching onto McBurnie’s cut back.

The goal ignited the Blades into life and they almost grabbed a second with McBurnie lurking at the back post, but Lumley was brave to beat him to the ball and put it behind for a corner.

The Blades kept applying the pressure and forced Naby Sarr to be alert to prevent the ball finding McBurnie alone in the box.

Reading pushed for a response when the ball fell for Yiadom to strike and he hit a fierce effort that flew just past the top corner. Still needing a goal to get level, Ince made his first change as Lucas Joao replaced Long up top.

The Royals continued to fight when Guinness-Walker whipped in a pinpoint cross for Carroll to send a bullet header towards goal, but Foderingham was equal to it to keep it out.

Another change saw Femi Azeez take the place of Guinness-Walker for the final 10 minutes of the contest.

Lumley kept Reading in the game when he denied Sharp from doubling the visitors’ advantage in the 83rd minute.

A late double change came as Moore and Cesare Casadei came on for Hendrick and Holmes, but United held on to take the points.

‘It’s about being positive because the performance warrants that’

READING FC manager Paul Ince believes that his team deserved a result after their narrow defeat to Sheffield United.

The Royals lost out by a solitary goal which came from Illiman Ndiaye’s 60th minute winner which leaves them in 15th before the points deduction.

“We played well today, really well,” said Ince after the match on Tuesday night.

“It’s disappointing we didn’t get anything from the game.

“It was a great response after the poor second half against Boro

last weekend.

“We’re playing a team that could go up automatically and we competed with them.

“We played well today and deserved something from the game.”

Having had a strong home record all campaign, the Royals lost out at the Select Car Leasing Stadium for just the fourth time this season.

Ince continued: “Some things just wouldn’t fall for us in the box.

“It’s about being positive because the performance warrants that. It was one minor detail that cost us the game.

“They’re disappointed in there, but I said to them that you’ve got 11 games.

“Not just at home, we should be able to perform like this away – there’s no reason why you can’t.

“ That’s the level that you have to perform at, on a consistent basis.

“We saw Naby Sarr, outstanding today, we need that consistency from our players. Tom McIntyre was very, very good, Shane Long looked like he was 18 again.

“That performance shouldn’t be because Sheffield United have come to town, it should be

for whoever comes to town and whoever we play away.

“That’s on them now. They’ve taken responsibility to say we can perform like that, now you have to do it for 11 games.”

Tthere was some bad news for Reading on the injury front as Ince confirmed that forward Yakou Meite, who missed out on the matchday squad, will be out for three to four weeks.

Ince said: “Yakou is injured, not sure if it is going to be three or four weeks. That’s another blow to us, because he was just finding his feet and playing well.”

Why not also learn from the successes of others?

Another trial being conducted this season in a certain number of youth competitions, is the banning of deliberately heading the ball.

This is for under 12s and below, because their brains are not yet fully formed, and therefore more likely to be damaged.

Deliberate heading is seen as a player moving their head towards the ball or into the path of the ball.

Heading is already banned in over 50s walking football, where a deliberate heading results in an indirect free kick.

Personally, I doubt whether it will be much of a problem in youth football as it is not often you see 12-year-old or under heading the ball.

However, I wonder if the FA’s research has extended to America where they have banned heading for under elevens for some years.

One other experiment this year is the use of body cameras for referees.

The FA claim they are the first national association to take this step, although young referees in particular have campaigned some years for this, even going on strike because their use was not allowed.

It was originally to be trialled next season and I said at the time, why wait?

Now 100 referees in grass roots adult football are being equipped with body cams.

The hope is that this will reduce the abuse, both physical and verbal, suffered by referees, or at least provide reliable evidence.

fourth time at home this season Pictures: Steve Smyth and Luke Adams

Royals keeper Joe Lumley

Tom Holmes Nesta Guinness-Walker on the ball

Ince is cautioned

Ince goes past McBurnie

McIntyre picks a pass

Naby Sarr enjoyed a solid game at the back

Dick Sawdon-Smith

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

HOCKEY

SONNING KNOCKED OFF TOP SPOT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Men’s North Division 1

SONNING were knocked off top spot after they suffered a home defeat to Marlow 2s.

The 3-0 loss means that the team’s title hopes took a severe blow as they were overtaken by Oxford Hawks 3s.

Sonning still remain in contention for the title and are on 36 points from 18 games having lost just two matches all season.

They are now one point behind league leaders Oxford and three ahead of third placed Marlow.

READING 3s lost out as Oxford Hawks 3s stormed to the top of the table.

Reading are in fourth place on 29 points from 17 matches.

South Central Women’s Premier 1

SONNING sit in 10th position after they were beaten for the 11th time this season.

Sonning shipped four goals without reply to Southampton.

South Central Men’s Premier 2

SOUTH BERKSHIRE added to their winning streak by picking up

three points at home to Wycombe.

The 3-1 victory means South Berks are in third place after 17 matches on 34 points.

That puts them level with second placed Haslemere, but 13 points behind runaway leaders Oxford Hawks 2s.

South Central Women’s North Division 1

READING 3s extended their lead at the summit by taking their 15th

win of the campaign.

A 2-1 away success at Wallingford ensured they stay seven points ahead at the top having picked up 46 points from 19 matches.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE kept the pressure up on league leaders Reading after their away success at Staines.

Goals from Alessia Osborne, Sarah Kelly, Kelly Hancock and Chloe Willougby saw them run out as 4-1 victors.

Sonning attempt to claw back possession Pictures: Steve Smyth

RESULTS

Saturday, March 4

FOOTBALL Championship

Middlesbrough 5-0 Reading

Southern League Premier South

North Leigh 0-5 Bracknell Town

Isthmian South Central Sutton Rovers 0-3 Binfield

Combined Counties Premier North

Ascot United 3-2 Edgware & Kingsbury

Reading City 3-2 Spelthorne Sports Sumas 2-1 Wembley

Combined Counties Division One

Berks County 8-0 CB

Hounslow United

Bedfont 1-1 Woodley United

Spartans Youth 0-3 Eversley & California

Thames Valley Premier League

Reading City U23s 2-4

Burghfield

South Berks are in second position, six points above third placed Leighton Buzzard.

South Central Men’s North Division 2

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s missed out on the chance to climb the table after they lost at home to Bicester. Having missed out 4-2, South Berks are in 10th position and just one point ahead of Reading 4s who have a game in hand to play.

BASKETBALL: ROCKETS 80-86 RIDERS TABLE TENNIS

TOP FOUR HOPES TAKE A HIT AS ROCKETS BEATEN BY RIDERS KINGFISHER A WIN TITLE

By STAFF WRITER

sport@wokingham.today

IN a back and forth game throughout, the Rockets’ push for fourth place took a hit as they fell 86-80 to the Loughborough Riders.

The Rockets would go ice cold late in the fourth quarter to allow the Riders to claim, what could be, a key victory in the standings.

Jeremiah Jenkins led the Rockets in scoring with 22 points on eight-for-14 shooting.

Troy Cracknell had 14 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists.

Lewis Champion also had 14 points, adding seven assists.

Jenkins got into the game early, scoring the Rockets opening eight points but it was slow going for the rest of the players.

With three minutes left in the first quarter, the game was tied at 10 which Jenkins broke with a nice mid-range effort.

The Rockets managed to bring their lead to five with less than a minute to go but the Riders ended the quarter the strongest, cutting it back to a one point game.

After three Cracknell free throws to retake the lead, the Rockets would keep Loughborough at arms length throughout the quarter, the lead reaching as high as nine.

Four straight points by the Riders at the end of the quarter brought the half to a close with the Rockets up five.

In the opening four-anda-half minutes, a Joe Bielak three would be their only points in this span.

This was taken advantage of by the Rockets, with Jenkins hitting a three to bring the Reading lead to eight.

However, it was now the Rockets turn to go cold with the Riders turning the eight point deficit to a one-point lead in just two minutes.

The two teams would trade

buckets back and forth in crazy fashion, getting the crowd going, especially when, late in the fourth, the two teams would combine for 10 points in less than a minute.

Going into the final quarter up three, the Rockets continued their scoring, this time Zack Powell and Ben DIxon getting involved in the scoring.

The two teams would continue the war of attrition throughout most of the fourth, trading buckets back and forth until there was just three minutes left.

A Fin Porter dunk would get Loddon Valley rocking and bring the Rockets within two. However, the well would completely run dry for the Rockets, allowing Loughborough to pull a gap and win an incredible game 86-80.

The Rockets continue their March homestand on Sunday as they look to bounce back against the Westminster Warriors.

THE core Kingfisher A quartet of Martin Adams, Ross Saxby, Darren Jones and Hari, Gehlot, who remains undefeated, have retained their title with little difficulty over the season.

Their lead became unassailable this week as they breezed past SONNING COMMON AND PEPPARD B 10-0. Elsewhere second place OUR LADY OF PEACE A defeated struggling KINGFISHER C 7-3 despite an excellent triple from young Prayrit Ahluwalia.

The points were shared as SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A hosted KINGFISHER D in a rearranged fixture. Kingfisher’s Graham Mendick remained unbeaten although a crunch match with Gary Morgan could not be completed after Gary suffered an injury.

The team doubled up this week to defeat bottom club READING FC 7-3, all three defeats originating from the bat of Michael Childs.

Notably, Sonning reserve Malcolm Gregory contributed a useful double including a tight victory over Tony Alleyne 11-8 11-9 9-11 4-11 11-9.

TIDMARSH A narrowly defeated Tilehurst RBL A 6-4. Lee Calcutt, Simon Barter and Antony Baker all scored excellent wins over Marc Brent who was outscored by double victories by Jon Willis and reserve, Kate Maksimenko.

SONNING SPORTS A continued their good form with a 7-3 home victory to a two-player KINGFISHER B.

Dave Croucher was the only undefeated player but opponents Alan Cummings and reserve Luca Bianchi both contributed useful consolation points, Luca pushing aside Division one regular Nick Sears 11-5 11-7 11-6.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

Burghfield 4-0 Hillingdon Abbots

Caversham AFC 2-3 Thatcham & Newbury Shinfield Rangers 3-1 Hawley Wargrave 0-2 Eversley & California Reserves

Tuesday, March 7

FOOTBALL Championship

Reading 0-1 Sheffield United

FIXTURES

Saturday, March 11

FOOTBALL Championship Reading v Millwall

Southern League Premier South Bracknell Town v Dorchester Town

Isthmian South Central Binfield v South Park

Combined Counties Premier North

Flackwell Heath v Sumas

Reading YMCA 6-3 Wraysbury Village

Westwood Wanderers 3-4 Wargrave

RUGBY UNION National League One

Rams 52-24 Leeds Tykes

South West Regional 2 Reading 26-55 Witney

HOCKEY

South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire 3-1 Wycombe

South Central Women’s North Division 2 Staines 1-4 South Berkshire

Sunday, March 5

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading 2-1 West Ham

HOCKEY

Men’s National Premier League

Reading v Surbiton

Women’s National Premier League UOB v Reading

Southern Region Women’s Premier

Winchester City Flyers 2-5 Ascot United

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

Kidlington Youth 0-5 Woodley United

Milton United 6-1 Eversley & California

Thames Valley Women’s Division One New Bradwell 0-0 Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave 2-2 Ascot United Reserves

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two S4K Berks County 1-2 Goring United

Chalfont St Peter v Reading City

FA Vase sixth round

West Didsbury & Chorlton v Ascot United

Combined Counties Division One London Samurai Rovers v Sandhurst Town

Penn & Tylers Green v Eversley & California

Woodley United v Molesey

Thames Valley Premier League

Reading YMCA v Slough

Heating Laurencians Cup

Finchampstead v Westwood Wanderers

Yateley United v Burghfield

RUGBY UNION

National Division One

Plymouth Albion v Rams

South Central Regional 2 Reading v Salisbury

South Central Men’s Premier 2

Staines 2s v South Berkshire

South Central Women’s North Division 1

South Berkshire v Amersham & Chalfont

Sunday, March 12

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Arsenal v Reading

Cup

Ascot United v Wycombe Wanderers

Chichester City v Woodley United

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Ascot United Reserves v New Bradwell

Banbury United v Mortimer

Procision Oxford v Tilehurst Panthers

Wargrave v Oxford Athletic

Sonning on the attack Sonning Men’s 1s v Marlow Men’s 2s Sonning Mens 1s v Marlow Mens 2s