COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY
UPDATED DAILY AT WWW.WOKINGHAM.TODAY
THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
WHAT NEXT FOR HUNG COUNCIL?
MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS P34-35
HUNDREDS TAKE PART IN WALK P3
n Tories lose seats ... and control n Lib Dems celebrate five gains n Labour pick up Woodley seat n Indie candidate wins again The results, and the best analysis inside
Thursday, May 12, 2022 No. 363 90p
WHY JO KAYAKED THE RIVER THAMES P29
TAI CHI ON A GLOBAL SCALE P11 ISSN 2634-8330 19
DELIGHT: Jubilant Liberal Democrats celebrate five gains in the Wokingham local elections Picture: Daniel Blackham
9 772634 833019
2
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
Fundraising year gets off to a perfect 10 ... WE COVER WOKINGHAM BOROUGH
In print
Order a copy from your newsagent every Thursday – some even deliver
Online
Our website is updated seven days a week – bookmark it in your browser: wokingham.today FACEBOOK & TWITTER: WOKINGHAM.TODAY
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by email Email news@wokingham.today Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Daniel Hinton, Jake Clothier, Ji-Min Lee, Emma Merchant Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.
A WOKINGHAM-based estate agent showcased his commitment to fundraising by taking part in a 10-hour fitness event … outside one of his branches. Ben Gee, who runs independent estate agency Hat and Home staged the run, walk and ride-athon on last month’s World Parkinson’s Day so he could raise funds for Parkinson’s UK. The estate agency based in Alexandra Court, Wokingham teamed up with Energie Fitness who supplied a treadmill and bike for the charity effort. The event ran from 7am to 5pm at Hat and Home’s offices in Alexandra Court, Wokingham. Staff, friends and family alternated in one-hour slots on the bike and treadmill. For those who came and support there was popcorn, balloons and sweets to take away, and more than £2,000 was amassed for the charity. Last year Hat and Home raised
£11,000 for Parkinson’s UK and this year the company, which also have a branch in Crowthorne, is aiming to collect £15,000 for the charity. Other events planned include a skydive, the London Marathon and a charity ball and auction. Hat and Home has a close affiliation with Parkinson’s as the company’s founder, Ben Gee, was diagnosed with the disease in 2020. “Parkinson’s UK is a fabulous charity who provide support, guidance and care for those living
ON THE RUN: Bee Gee runs as part of the 10-hour fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK with Parkinson’s. They also fund vital research to find a cure which is becoming more of a reality daily,” he said. Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological condition with no cause and no cure. Usually affecting people in later life, there are 145,000 people
Housebuilder gifts more than 40 hectares of forest By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A HOUSEBUILDER has given more than 40 hectares of Berkshire forest to The Land Trust.
Cala Homes has handed over a 42.5 hectare forest to The Land Trust, as part of a range of community benefits being delivered at the Buckler’s Park development in Crowthorne. Buckler’s Forest, designated as Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG), offers a network of trails and cycle routes. All the routes are accessible to the public, while the land serves to protect and enhance biodiversity and provide a new green space for the community to enjoy. John Richards, land and planning
director at Cala Homes (Thames), described Buckler’s Forest as a “special place” and believes handing it over to The Land Trust will add value for the community. He added: “It was great to work with the team at The Land Trust to handover Buckler’s Forest. “The Land Trust has an excellent reputation for custodianship of green spaces which ensures that spaces like Buckler’s Park are managed for the benefit of the public, while enhancing local biodiversity, for many generations to come. “We look forward to working with the organisation again in the future.” Cala’s Buckler’s Park site is being developed on the former Transport and Road Research Laboratory estate and is a brownfield
regeneration site. Features from the former research laboratory have been retained and incorporated into the land, including a banked curve, fire tower, signage and control boxes, resulting in a space of recreational, ecological, and historical quality. Buckler’s Forest will now be maintained and managed by The Land Trust, a charity which manages open spaces for public benefit, backed by funding from Cala. Euan Hall, chief executive at The Land Trust, said: “Buckler’s Forest is a wonderful woodland and open space on the doorstep of the new community created by Cala Homes. “Green spaces are what bring people together, but it’s vitally important they are well-managed and maintained so they can
living with Parkinson’s in the UK, but just 1,800 under the age of 50, like Ben. Mr Gee said the firm wanted to thank Energie Fitness, which is one of the firm’s neighbours, for its support. n For more on the appeal, log on to: www.hatandhome.co.uk
continue to thrive. “By actively encouraging people to enjoy the big outdoors at Buckler’s Forest, this will have the benefit of diverting attention away from local flora and fauna special protection areas.” The SANG is in Crowthorne, where Cala is delivering 2,000 new homes, as well as a community hub, neighbourhood centre, pub/ restaurant, community allotments and an orchard. SANGs are vital as a means of offering the public alternative outdoor space away from Special Protection Areas (land designated to protect rare, vulnerable, and migratory birds). The opening up of Buckler’s Forest seeks to attract visitors away from neighbouring heathland to reduce the impact on wildlife populations and plant numbers from recreational pressure. The delivery of high-quality greenspace is a priority for Cala Homes, motivated by its impact on the physical and mental health of local communities. By the end of 2022, their goal is to have formulated a strategy and action plan to enhance biodiversity across their sites. For more information on Cala Homes visit: cala.co.uk
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Family Notices Your wording
Classification (please tick) n Births n Birthdays n Engagements n Weddings n Anniversaries n Other n Death n In memory
YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Name Address
Advert sizes n 5cm by 1 column – 40 words £30 inc VAT n 3cm by 2 column – 50 words £36 inc VAT Postcode n 4cm by 2 column – 60 words £48 inc VAT n 5cm by 2 column – 80 words £60 inc VAT n 6cm by 2 column – 100 words £72 INC VAT Email n Photo – add £5 inc VAT (email only) DEADLINE IS TUESDAY AT 5PM FOR THAT WEEK’S PAPER
Phone number
Send your forms to: Family notices, Wokingham Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please enclose payment by cheque, made out to The Wokingham Paper Ltd. Payments may also be made by card over the phone.
NEWS | 3
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
A team from Wokingham’s fostering services The team from Soulscape
Families came together to take part in the 2022 Wokingham Walk Pictures: Phil Creighton Left: Friends enjoyed the sunshine Right: The Dingley’s Promise team
The walk was dog friendly
These boots were made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do ... By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today MORE THAN 300 people put on their boots and went for a walk ... and they were given a medal for doing so.
The spring version of Wokingham Walk took place on Sunday, setting off from Elms Field. There were four routes
available: five, 10 and 15 miles, and an accessible route of five miles, all starting and finishing in Elms Field. Organised by Wokingham Lions, the event is a major fundraiser for the club. Participants can also raise funds for their chosen charities, and a number of people taking part did just that. There were teams from
Dingley’s Promise, and Soulscape, among others. Youngsters were encouraged to fill in a nature trail as they went along one of three routes, Lion Andy Slay was one of the organisers and said it had been a “great day”. “We should have comfortably made in excess of £4,000 for local charities, so
it’s been a great day, I’m really pleased.” The Walk, now in its eighth year, is going from strength to strength he added. “When we started, we weren’t sure how it would catch on, in the first year I think we had 100 walkers, now we’re up to over 300, and people come back year after
year after year, they really enjoy it. “We are now doing an autumn walk,” he continued. “The date hasn’t been set yet, but November is the intention. “We did our first one last year at the end of October, and with hindsight it was a tad too early for the autumn colours on the trees. A couple of weeks
like and we’ll get those nice colours.” The entire event is volunteer driven. “A big thank you to Wokingham Lions and our friends for the help they’ve given us, and thanks to the Council for letting us use Elms Field again.”
n For more details, log on to www.wokinghamwalk.co.uk
THURSDAY 12TH MAY - 7pm
‘’Best of British’’ - Wine Dinner The Chalk Wine Club was created to celebrate community, to toast to our shared love for good food, good wine, and good company. These extraordinary, multiple-course meals or tastings are always themed around a wine, season or cultural experience.
Hattingley Valley is a family-owned business located in Hampshire, UK which specialises in making premium English sparkling wines.
Set up in 2008, by Simon Robinson and Head Winemaker Emma Rice, Hattingley Valley has now grown to a 500 tonne, eco-friendly, purpose-built winery. Using a traditional method for producing sparkling wine, their wine is set apart from the rest by the subtle use of oak barrels.
Join us for the evening of Hattingley Valley extraordinary portfolio of wines and our culinary expertise.
Glass of Sparkling Wine Five-Course Tasting Menu Accompanied Wine Flight Tea, Coffee and Petit Fours Guests Speaker All wines from the evening can be bought at a retail price. Priced at
£59.95 per person
0118 979 8805 or email enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com
To book please call us direct on us at
www.chalkrestaurants.com Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU
4 | NEWS
Five Guys go ahead AS WE REVEALED in November 2020, a new Five Guys restaurant will be built on land in the Showcase Cinema car park, writes Grant Williams, Local democracy reporter. Wokingham Borough Council approved the proposal, after a pre-application for the diner was given consent two years ago. The revised application will be set further back into the site following discussions between Highways England and Showcase Cinema. The application site comprises a triangular piece of land within the cinema area, currently used for advertising, car parking and landscaping. The new site will involve the erection of the restaurant building, with an outside seating area and allocated parking spaces. The construction will result in the redevelopment of an area of existing car parking and landscaping, with 56 parking spaces removed. There will still be 579 spaces. A Flood Risk Assessment in January concluded the land is suitable for development, as there will be no negative impact on the flood plain, flow paths or flood storage volumes. It stated that “we see no reason why the proposal should be refused on the grounds of flooding”. The Winnersh site has been prone to flooding – most notably in 2009 and 2014. The car park also flooded in 2020. The proposed location has a 0.1% to 1% chance of flooding, according to Lanmor Consulting, who carried out the Flood Risk Assessment. The new diner will employ 20 part-time and 20 full-time members of staff. The restaurant chain, first opened in the UK in July 2013 in Covent Garden and expanded to include 148 outlets operating in the UK – the nearest at The Oracle in Reading. It is not yet known when the restaurant will open.
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
Woodley pupils unite to hold collection to support two charities
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
STUDENTS at a primary school in Woodley have been collecting items for two charities close to their hearts.
Pupils at the Rivermead Primary School, on Loddon Bridge Road, will be donating a range of good quality clothing and toiletries to The Cowshed and First Days. Like many young people, the children had questions about the war in Ukraine and went to their teachers to ask about what they can do to help. After a number of pupil-led class council meetings, the children decided that supporting the Cowshed and First Days was the way to make a difference. Both charities are running special appeals to support Ukrainian families coming into the area. Isabelle, Elliott, Harsheel and Freya, students at Rivermead, are glad they can help to those in need. In a joint statement they said: “Everybody has the right to essential resources like nice clothes and toiletries. “We feel privileged to have had the opportunities to help these wonderful, local charities. “These charities are well known in
UNITED: Students of all ages come together to collect donations for two charities close to their hearts our community and they make a big difference to families and children and it’s good that we can contribute and help people in need.” The students have been supported in their efforts by some very proud teachers.
Spencers Wood Farmers Market returns on Sunday SPENCERS Wood Village Hall will play host to its monthly farmers market on Sunday, May 15. Visitors can enjoy 28 food and product stalls, with choices including award winning pies and micro-roasted coffee. Regional businesses and individuals will showcase their fresh produce for visitors to peruse and purchase. “We aim to promote local stalls as much as possible,” organiser Jim Choi said. “The exception being fish. “Given where we are, we source [our fish] from Devon, so Brixham
fish is the order of the day.” The farmers market takes place on the third Sunday of every month. Flavours of the world will be on show, with Serdio Ibericos’ tapas and Makan Malaysia impressing on debut in recent months. Visitors are recommended to travel by foot as parking is limited. The market will take place between 9am and noon on Sunday, May 15. The hall is on Basingstoke Road. For more information, search Spencers Wood Village Hall on Facebook.
CAR BOOT SALE GIANT CAR BOOT READING - PROSPECT PARK Liebenrood Road, Reading, RG30 2ND
Saturday 14th and 28th May Sellers set up from 6am - 7:30am
Buyers from 7:30am - 1pm
SALE BRACKNELL
EVERY SATURDAY, WEDNESDAY AND BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY SATURDAY Sellers set up from 6am - 7:30am
WEDNESDAY Sellers set up from 7am onwards
Buyers from 7:30am - 1pm
Buyers from 8am 12 noon
MOSS END, BRACKNELL, RG42 6EJ NEXT TO GARDENVILLAGE ON THE A3095
SATURDAY SELLERS MUST STAY UNTIL 12:30 PM DUE TO HEALTH & SAFETY Bunns Boot Sales
www.bunns-bootsales.co.uk
ENQUIRIES 0758 789 0068
Bunns Boot Sales
www.bunns-bootsales.co.uk
ENQUIRIES 0781 086 4303
Mrs Gemma Sloan, deputy headteacher, said: “The majority of children from across the school voted in favour of supporting this cause and I couldn’t feel prouder. “Our children and families are incredibly thoughtful, kind and caring
and when it comes to fundraising and helping others, their generosity seems to know no limit. “We feel incredibly grateful to our school community for supporting this cause and making so many wonderful donations.”
Appeal for witnesses to dangerous driving THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a dangerous driving incident in Three Mile Cross. The incident occurred at around 1.40am on Monday, May 2, at the junction of Basingstoke Road and Tabby Drive. There was a single vehicle collision involving a black Jaguar and the passenger of the vehicle sustained a broken vertebrae, two fractured ribs and a cracked knee. Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jessica Rodgerson, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing for anyone who may
have witnessed this incident or have information about it to please get in touch. “Also, if you were in the area around the time and have a dash-cam, I’d also ask that you check the recordings in case it has captured something that could assist our investigation. “You can make a report by calling 101 or via our website, quoting reference 43220187688. “Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
NEWS | 5
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Children’s charity to move into new town centre premises NEW HOME: First Days Children’s Charity will be moving into the Elevate Centre, in Wokingham Library Picture: Phil Creighton
By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today A CHILDREN’S charity finally holds the keys to the new home it has been dreaming of.
Tributes paid to much-loved priest THE funeral of a much loved and respected parish priest, Father Vincent Flanagan takes place in Twyford next week, writes Sue Corcoran. Father Flanagan, who died on April 13, aged 95, was priest at St Thomas More and Our Lady of Peace, Wargrave, for more than 20 years until 2015. He had previously served as parish priest at Christ the King, Reading, St Joseph’s, Maidenhead, and Our Lady of Peace, Earley. He was born in Ireland. After he was ordained in 1953 as a priest for the St Patrick’s Missionary Society, the Kiltegan Fathers, he served in
Nigeria. He returned to Ireland on health grounds in 1955 and, on his recovery, a year later went to the United States where he travelled widely, raising funds for the missionary work of his order. While in the US he also spent time in Brazil. Later he became an assistant priest at St Joseph’s, Maidenhead from 1966 to 1972. In 2013, he celebrated 60 years since his ordination with a special mass and a gathering at Loddon Hall, Twyford. Both were packed with people wishing him well. He retired from St Thomas More to live at
Kiln Green convent. He died at Bridge Court care home in Twyford. Parishioners have been recalling how he “really cared for his flock.” He worked hard to provide good parish meeting spaces for social and other events. He rebuilt the Twyford hall and built parish centres at Earley and at Christ the King. He also enlarged the presbytery at Maidenhead. The funeral takes place on Monday, May 16 at 10.30am, at St Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in London Road, Twyford.
Call to hold a bear’s picnic A CHARITY that helps children in Reading and Wokingham is asking people to go down to the woods and enjoy a big surprise. Well, kind of. Dingley’s Promise has declared May to be teddy bear’s picnic month. Those taking part hold their own outdoor meal, with their cuddly friends. Everyone signing up for a fundraising pack will receive a special Dingley Bear to be special guest at the picnic, along with ideas for their event. It hopes schools, workplaces and families will all take part. Its Wokingham team took part in the Wokingham Walk on Sunday,
walking five miles in the spring sunshine. And this weekend, the Reading team will take part in the Forbury Fiesta, where attractions include a raffle to win a champagne afternoon tea at Cliveden House. Tickets can be bought via its website. Dingley’s Promise supports under fives with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and donations from the picnic will allow it to further its work.
n You can find more information about hosting a picnic at www.dingley. org.uk/dingleybearpicnic
First Days rooms at the Elevate Centre, in Denmark Street, Wokingham, will soon become the community hub where all of its services can be accessed. It is planning a ‘one stop shop’ for school uniforms and equipment, a play space, room for people to cook and eat together, and somewhere to meet for friendship and support. The charity saus oy can hardly believe that its dreams for expansion have finally come true. But this is just the first step. The new property is perfect, but it’s also perfectly empty. First Days needs to transform the new space, and it can only do that with help from the community. It is calling out for an army of enthusiastic volunteers to get the project off the ground. These could be tradespeople looking to give back to the
community, or a DIY enthusiast. Tasks include mounting shelving, painting walls, and assembling flat-pack furniture. It is also looking to provide a new kitchen. It says there is an urgent need for plumbers, builders, carpenters and electricians. A commercial standard new kitchen is also on their list of miracles. Once the centre is ready, First Days will need day-today volunteers to help run its services; toy library volunteers, school uniform unpackers, and people to sort and display donations. For those who can help, charity has a timetable in mind.
Painting and decorating of the new space starts from Monday, May 16. Volunteers are asked to bring their own brushes and dust sheets if possible. Once the redecoration is completed, the stcok needs to be moved from First Days’ existing premises in Molly Millars’ Lane to the new building at the Elevate Centre on Thursday, May 26. The charity welcomes volunteers with a van with a tail-lift that the charity could use that day n For more details, or to offer help, email: volunteering@ firstdays.net or visit: www. firstdays.net
Giant Hungry Hippo game for Jubilee fun A human Hungry Hippo game with adults wheeled into an arena to scoop up their “food” (balls) is part of a family festival to celebrate the Queen’s jubilee, writes Sue Corcoran. The human-sized version of the children’s game is one of the many attractions revealed for the fun at Martineau Green, Hurst, on Saturday June 4. There will also be numerous bouncy castles, a gladiator duel and inflatable slides. Hurst Air Scouts are running the Hungry Hippo game. There will be a bar, a barbecue and cream teas. Paul Palmer of the jubilee committee said: “The concert on stage has some great musical acts, starting with the
children of St Nicholas Primary School at 3pm, followed by Glee UK (Twyford), singer Rick Sinfield, and local bands, Third Lung, Dandy Man, Forbury, and Bottle Kids to finish the night.” He added: “This is a free event organised by Hurst Parish Council and kindly sponsored by Stanlake Park Wine estate. Everyone is welcome, just bring your own gazebos and chairs.” Hurst’s jubilee celebrations start on Thursday, June 2, with events including the village beacon lighting. The next day there are sporting events. On Sunday, June 5, there is a special church service followed by a large, village street party.
6 | NEWS
Help with reading A CHARITY that helps children get to grips with reading has launched a project to help Ukrainian families coming to Berkshire. ABC to Read is planning to support new arrivals, starting with a scheme to help those arriving in Windsor. So far, 50 families are in the royal town, and that is expected to increase in coming weeks. Through its work, the charity will offer support with vocabulary and reading skills. Marcia Rowlinson, ABC to Read CEO, said: “This immediate and practical support will be a lifeline for families arriving in our area in coming weeks. “They will each have their own stories and their own set of circumstances but we are ready and willing to come alongside parents and their children to provide vital skills as they step into an unfamiliar and daunting new life.” ABC to Read is looking for new volunteers to take part in training, with the next session on Tuesday, June 7. n For more information, email: info@abctoread.org.uk n The charity is also asking bilingual books to support Ukrainian families. To help, visit: waterstones.com/ booklist/2084860/marciarowlinson-story-books-forukrainian-children
Family fun for free BARKHAM youngsters wanting their faces painted should head over to Barkham Village Hall on Saturday, June 4. A Family Fun Day with games and attractions will take place from 11am to 4pm at the Village Hall on Church Road. Families can enjoy children’s games, races, face painting and other attractions. Held by Barkham Parish Council and Barkham Village Residents Association, the event is free.
n For more information call: 0118 976 2089.
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
Special events help Bracknell ice rink mark its first anniversary
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today
AN ICE rink in Bracknell celebrated its first birthday last weekend.
Ozone Ice Rink marked the occasion with a packed weekend of events which saw hundreds of people take to the ice. On Saturday, May 7, the team welcomed families with a “Tots taster”, a parent and toddler session and an introduction to their learn to skate programme, There was also exhibitions from figure skaters Lucy Talbot and Lexi Keegan, as well as an under-10s drop-in ice hockey game. On Sunday, there was a number of public skate sessions, an adult ice hockey game and a synchronized ice skating demonstration. Following the weekend, a spokesperson for Ozone said: “A big thank you to everyone who visited this weekend for our one year anniversary, it was great to see so many new faces. “Without the continued support of our current and new customers, Ozone would not be where it is today, so again, thank you. “We look forward to seeing you again very soon.” The rink was founded by Danny Meyers, a former ice hockey player who represented a number of professional English clubs as well as Great Britain at multiple world championships. Initially set up to provide elite-level training to ice hockey players, the rink is now offering a range of activities for people of all ages and abilities. There is a number of learn to skate programmes and frequent public skates at the state of the art facility.
ON ICE: Ozone ice rink marked their first anniversary with a weekend of family fun
The centre has gadgets to help everyone enjoy time on the ice
Sweet treats provided by The Little Sweet Room
Ozone has also developed a SEND Above: The rink provision to ensure everyone is able to is now offering take part in their sessions. public skates n For more information on Ozone and the with restricted sessions available, visit: ozonerink.co.uk numbers
Freya’s Bakes had a stall with some tasty items
A young skater has his boots checked
More than half of those eligible for a spring booster have been jabbed THE SPRING booster covid jab campaign has been hailed a success as more than half of eligible people in the south east have had it. The NHS in the South East said that more than half a million (533,683) of the most vulnerable to covid came forward in just six weeks of the latest phase of the NHS Covid vaccination
programme. In total, around 974,185 people across the South East are eligible for this dose, in line with JCVI guidance. Now, they are appealing for others to come forward. Those eligible are over 75, or immunosupresent. Caroline Reid, covid vaccination programme lead for the NHS in the
South East of England, said: “It’s a testament to the hardworking NHS staff and volunteers across the region that in just over six weeks more than half of those entitled to a spring booster are now protected. “The NHS is continuing to invite thousands of people every single week and I’d encourage everyone
offered the dose to take it up – it has always been, and remains, our best defence against covid. “Please come forward as soon as you’re eligible to protect yourself.” Spring booster jab appointments can be booked on the NHS website or by calling 119.
Wokingham charity benefits as Community Chest spills its gold A DIGITAL activity table, designed for dementia sufferers, is on its way to the Wade Day Centre in Wokingham thanks to a donation of £2,000 from South East Water’s Community Chest. The Wade Day Centre helps the elderly every day by offering them a break from their own homes, a change of scenery and a cooked meal. Jessica Clucas, secretary at Wade Day Centre, said: “The digital table will be a valuable addition to the lounge helping users to improve their memory and cognitive skills particularly those who are partially sighted or suffering from dementia.” This is one of 10 causes in the south east chosen by the fresh water supplier’s volunteer
judging panel to share a portion of the £20,000 fund. Judge Patrick Mallon, financial reporting manager at South East Water, said: “This is a very worthy cause as it will improve the experiences and day-to-day life of users of the digital table.” Tanya Sephton, customer
services director at South East Water, added: “We are delighted our Community Chest fund will be financing something that will help many people at the day centre where life changing support is offered to members.”
n For more information on the fund visit: southeastwater.co.uk/ communitychest
7
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Compensation nearly doubles following housing complaints
CHILLY: One Wokingham resident was forced to go without hot water or heating for 21 days and given compensation by the council as a result Picture: Pixabay
By GRANT WILLIAMS Local democracy reporter
MORE than £3,000 in compensation has been paid out following a series of housing complaints made to Wokingham Borough Council, a freedom of information (FOI) request obtained by the BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service can reveal.
The council has paid £3,219 to complainants between April 2021 and April 2022, nearly twice the £1,711 paid out in the previous year. Nine of the 24 compensation amounts paid were for residents going multiple days without heating and hot water, totalling £525. The longest period a complainant went without heating and hot water was 21 days, for which they received £105. The data indicates £5 per day was issued to those who did not have use of these utilities. Local authorities have a “right to repair” scheme in place for tenants, however only qualifying repairs are covered by the measure. A loss of heating or hot water is covered by the scheme which, according to Citizens Advice, requires a response time of three days between May
1 and October 31 and one day between October 31 and May 1. The largest single compensation amount paid was £800 to a resident who complained about damage to their floor after a contractor visited. A further £400 was paid to compensate a different tenant to cover the cost of new carpets. Other reasons for the pay outs include: a contractor clearing out and boarding up the wrong garage (£100), delays to roofing repairs (£75), a tenant losing income following cancelled appointments
(£226) and a tenant who had to use a launderette due to a delay in repairing their washing machine (£59). For the previous year, the highest compensation payout was £370 for a faulty heating system which resulted in heating and hot water issues, as well as high energy bills. In total there were 19 compensation payments made after complaints during this time, eight of which were due to a resident not having any heating and hot water. The longest period a complainant went without
Inaugural Spencers Wood Repair Cafe
Royals ball person applications open
SPENCERS Wood Village Hall will play host to its inaugural repair cafe on Sunday, May 15. A team of volunteers, experienced in repairing household items, will attempt to fix broken items brought in by members of the public. Repair cafes encourage people to refrain from disposing of mendable items, reducing landfill usage and carbon footprint. The sustainable concept has proved popular across Berkshire, with sites now established in Reading, Thatcham and Spencers Wood. Repairs will be made free of charge, but there will be an opportunity to make a donation. All funds raised will go to the Village Hall. The repair cafe starts at 2pm.
READING Football Club are holding trials for new ball persons ahead of the 2022-23 season. Prospective applicants will be put through their paces at the Reading FC Indoor Training Centre on Saturday, June 18. The opportunity is open to children aged between 12 and 18-years-old on Monday, August 1. Successful candidates will be required to work at all first team home matches held at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, as well as additional agegroup and women’s fixtures. Applications can be made via email or post, and must be received by Friday, May 27. Trials will take place on Saturday, June 18, between 9am and 11am.
n For more information, visit: www.repaircafe.org/ en/
the tenant will incur due to the problem. “One case involving a loss of hot water took 21 days to resolve. The delay was initially caused by a misdiagnosis at the first callout, which resulted in parts being ordered that were not necessary, and a revisit to diagnose again and repair the issue. “This falls far below the standards we set ourselves and we have learned from this mistake. We have put a process in place to ensure it doesn’t happen again and have apologised to the tenant.”
WOODLEY Town Council has announced its annual town meeting will take place on Thursday, May 26. This year it will focus on climate change in Woodley, examining how residents can contribute to tackling the climate crisis. The meeting will include an update from Cllr Gregor Murray, who will talk about Wokingham Borough Council’s work on climate emergency and the aim to be net zero by 2030. Kevin Murray will also speak about Woodley Town Council’s own update on its climate change work. Steve Cook will provide updates regarding the Woodley Allotments Bee Project. A question and answer session with the town council, open to Woodley residents, will also be held. Attendees will be given a free plantable wild seed card. The Woodley Annual Town Meeting will take place in the Oakwood Centre from 7-8pm on Thursday, May 26. n For more information, visit www.woodley.gov.uk
WE ARE
HIRING
n For more information or to apply, visit: www. readingfc.co.uk
Winners of Wokingham day centre’s monthly 150 Draw ON FRIDAY, May 6, WADE held its latest draw in its monthly 150 Club lottery, with the winners scooping cash prizes. The centre, on Reading Road, provides daycare facilities for the borough’s older residents, including hot lunches, entertainment and resources, and the fundraiser helps its activities. Held monthly, there are
these utilities in the financial year ending April 2021 was 28 days, for which the resident received a payout of £36. A council spokesperson said: “We prioritise repairs when tenants are without hot water or heat and aim to have it fixed within 24 hours. When this is not possible, we will do a temporary fix for heat by offering portable heaters and looking for alternatives for hot water. “When it takes longer to complete a repair, we may offer a goodwill payment in addition to covering any running costs
Town meeting sets focus on climate change
three prizes for the draw. The more people who join the 150 Club, the greater the prizes. First prize was £136, and went to member number 48. Second prize was £68 was given to member 3. And the third prize was £34 and awarded to 50. A spokesperson for WADE said: “Congratulations to our three May winners.
“Thank you once again to all our members for your continued support. “Please sign up and be in with a chance of winning a cash prize every month, while also supporting Wade.” For more details, call Jess on 0118 978 7025, email wade150club@ wadecentre.org.uk, or log on to the group’s website, wadecentre.org.uk
BAR AND WAITING STAFF POSITIONS Full time & part time hours
If interested please enquire within Call us on: 0 1 1 8 9 96 8 5 6 7 www.thequeensoak.com Email us at: brotherton@thequeensoak.com
Church Lane, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 4LS
8 | NEWS
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Lib Dem leader ‘absolutely delighted’ after party gains five new councillors THE leader of the Wokingham Liberal Democrats was “absolutely delighted” following his party’s performance at the local elections. Speaking after the count on Friday, May 6, Cllr Clive Jones said: “I am absolutely delighted, a really fantastic performance. “We are very pleased to get five gains this year, on top of the three last year and the eight the election before that. “It is really good news for residents of Wokingham Borough that the Conservatives are not in control of the council anymore.” For the first time in 20 years, the Conservatives no longer have a controlling majority of the council. Cllr Jones believes this is a reflection of residents’ attitudes towards the Conservatives on national and local issues. He explained: “The plans the Conservatives have for concreting over the whole borough is well…enough is enough. “We have all had enough of it, 40,000 houses in the last 40 years is just too many and to be proposing another 16,000 in the next 20 years is unacceptable.” Cllr Jones also said the cost-of-living crisis was a key issue for residents when meeting them throughout the campaign, as well as partygate. He said: “We live in affluent Wokingham but there are a lot of people really struggling to pay their gas, electric and food bills.” “Partygate was obviously
also a big issue for people when we spoke to them on the doorstep. “Wokingham is the home of Theresa May, former prime minister, and Sir John Redwood. Both of them must be wondering what’s going to happen to them at the next general election.” The election result has gained national attention with the leader of the Liberal Democrats now identifying Wokingham as one of the “blue wall seats” his party will target at the next general election. Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, Sir Ed Davey said: “Five gains this year, all victories against Conservatives, come on the back of gains in previous years. “This is steady progress that the Liberal Democrats are making in Wokingham. “It is one of the reasons why I think we could defeat Sir John Redwood at the next election and Wokingham could go Liberal Democrat.” Attention now turns to the council’s annual meeting on Thursday, May 19, where executive members and the council leader will be confirmed for the upcoming year. The Liberal Democrats could look to form a coalition with Labour and Independent councillors, but Cllr Jones says negotiations Cllr Jones said: “We have some conversations over the next couple of weeks and see what happens.”
Wokingham local elections as they happened By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM went to the polls last Thursday, May 5, to vote for who they wish to represent them on matters that impact them on a daily basis.
Heading into the election, the Conservatives had a 31 seat majority, with the Liberal Democrats holding 18 seats, three Independent councillors and two Labour representatives. The count for the 18 seats was held the next day at the Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley with verification taking place before the counts got underway. Arborfield was the first seat to be confirmed in less than two hours, with Independent representative, Cllr Gary Cowan being re-elected with nearly three quarters of the vote. Cllr Cowan said: “My thanks to Arborfield residents who re-elected me again this year. “I hope it shows I am doing the right things for Arborfield’s residents without being driven by party ideology. “My role is to represent Arborfield’s residents whoever they voted for and it should go without saying I will continue to do that.” The Conservatives were looking to maintain control of the council for another term and received a boost with six wards held. Conservative representatives for Loddon, Wokingham Without, Coronation, Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe, Swallowfield and Finchampstead North ensured the party would remain the largest in Wokingham. The Liberal Democrats were confident of a strong performance at this year’s elections with their leader Cllr Clive Jones, calling for “a change in attitude” at Wokingham Borough Council. The party’s first gain was awarded to Cllr David Cornish for Finchampstead South. Cllr Cornish said he is “excited” at the
GET TECH SAVVY WITH PRATTS PODS STARTING ON THE 5TH APRIL PROBLEMS WITH YOUR IPAD, PHONE OR LAPTOP? EMAILS NOT SENDING OR SENDING? OR SIMPLY NEED SOME TECH GUIDANCE? CLASSES 2PM EVERY TUESDAY AT WOKINGHAM LIBRARY
0118 304 7777
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
INFO@PRATTSPODS.CO.UK
GAINS: Wokingham’s Lib Dems won nine seats, five of them new to the party Picture: Daniel Blackham opportunity of representing residents on the issues that matter to them most. He added: “We have had a very successful campaign and my mission now is to stop any development at Rooks Nest.” The Liberal Democrats then made four more gains to significantly change the make-up of Wokingham Borough Council. As well as holds in Winnersh, Emmbrook, Evendons and Hawkedon, the party made gains in Maiden Erlegh, South Lake, Shinfield South, Hillside and the aforementioned Finchampstead South. The Labour party also made gains with Cllr Andy Croy taking the seat for Bulmershe and Whitegates. Cllr Croy said he was “exhausted” following the campaign but couldn’t wait to get started. The leader of the Wokingham Labour group, Cllr Rachel Burgess, also retained her Norreys seat with 1,884 votes - 53.5% of the turnout in the ward.
She said: “I am grateful to the residents who have supported me this year. “I will repay that trust by continuing to work as hard as I can on behalf of all of my residents, no matter who you voted for.” The results now put Wokingham Borough Council in a state of limbo with no overall control confirmed following 20 years of Conservative majority. The council’s annual council meeting will be held at 7pm on Thursday, May 19, where the council leader for the next 12 months will be confirmed, as will the executive members. The Conservatives may attempt to run the council as a minority. There is also the possibility of parties forming alliances to create an ad hoc governing coalition. It is too early to say if any alliances have been formed but all will become clear over the next two weeks.
Conservatives to continue serving DESPITE losing control of Wokingham Borough Council, the Conservatives are determined to continue serving the community. A spokesperson for the Wokingham party said: “Wokingham Borough Conservatives want to thank all those residents who continued to support us and put their trust in us. “We had an amazing team of candidates and volunteers who worked hard because they want to serve our residents and represent them. “We congratulate those elected and commiserate with those who were unsuccessful. “We are determined to continue serving our communities and ensuring the borough council offers
high quality services to every resident.” The Conservatives retained six seats across the borough in Wokingham Without, Swallowfield, Finchampstead North, Coronation, Loddon and Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe, but lost five seats to the Liberal Democrats. Cllr John Halsall, leader of the Wokingham Conservatives and current council leader, believes the result was a reflection of attitudes towards Whitehall politicians - not local councillors. Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, he said: “In terms of administration we are very good, however there are tides in the affairs of men and a gale force wind and we got caught in it, it’s very sad.
“There’s a war in Ukraine, problems with inflation and there’s problems with how people view politicians.” The party remain the largest in the borough with 26 seats, but for the first time in 20 years do not have enough for a majority. With the council now under no overall control, the Conservatives could try to run a minority administration. Alternatively they could seek to form a coalition with one of the two independent councillors. What next for the Conservative council leadership in Wokingham remains unclear, but it will be confirmed at the council’s annual meeting on Thursday, May 19.
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
NEWS | 9
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
No overall control: what happens next for Wokingham Borough Council? Analysis of the results after Lib Dems take five seats from Conservatives, by PHIL CREIGHTON WOKINGHAM’S electorate has spoken, and the council is no longer under a Conservative majority. The party now has 26 seats, one short of success. Over the past seven years, the situation has changed from a Blue Wall of near solid Conservative seats to one where the Lib Dems are now in touching distance of having full control. Elsewhere, Labour saw Andy Croy reinstated as councillor in Bulmershe and Whitegates. In its neighbouring ward of Loddon, they came very close of victor, Conservative Bill Soane, and Cllr Rachel Burgess, its group leader, retained her seat in Norreys. The only party not to make serious inroads is the Greens, and if they want to be a greater presence, mirroring their newly minted status as official
opposition in neighbouring Reading, then they collectively need to do more to make themselves known to the electorate. In every election Wokingham Today has covered, the party has been all but invisible and this needs to change if they want votes. Greens aside, Wokingham’s political map is being redrawn. What could be behind it? Before the election, BBC Radio 4’s PM programme came to Wokingham to try and find out. Host Evan Davis interviewed politicians from all sides of the political spectrum, as well as myself as the editor of Wokingham Today. I told him that essentially issues in Wokingham came down to peace, bread and land. Those of you who know their history, know that this is the slogan Lenin used to garner support in his Russian revolution: if the people have all three measures, they are content. But you can argue, Wokingham’s residents are revolting.
MP praises Andy Croy for his re-election
THE RE-ELECTION of Andy Croy to Bulmershe and Whitegates ward has been praised by MP Matt Rodda. He said that it was part of a “complete turnaround” for Labour across the country. “In Wokingham, the borough council has now moved to No Overall Control, which I think shows people’s feelings about the Conservative government, the need for change and for a Labour government to replace the current one,” said the Reading East MP. “I’m delighted Andy (pictured) has been reelected. “He is a superb councillor. He will work very, very hard for people in Bulmershe and Whitegates. “I also want to congratulate Rachel Burgess for her success in Norreys ward in Wokingham Town Centre, and for Majid Nagra, who did an excellent job of running the Conservatives incredibly close in Loddon.” He added: “I’m delighted and I think this whole set of results in the local elections across the country is a complete turnaround for Labour.
KINGMAKER?: Could independent councillor Gary Cowan be the one to give either the Conservatives or the Lib Dems conrtol of Wokingham Borough Council? Much has been made in the past few years of the sheer amount of housing being forced upon us. Every party leader says enough is enough, and every party leader has been trying to convince Westminster to do something about it. However, as I pointed out to Evan, Theresa May is one of Wokingham’s four MPs, and when she was prime minister, she could not do anything. The 2019 general election saw all national parties promise to build more homes across the country, and Wokingham’s share would have doubled to 1,600. A consultation of Wokingham residents saw a call for the numbers to be reduced.
Our 800 homes a year target is still too high, and the draft local plan currently being consulted on is trying to build homes on flood plain land in a bid to satisfy the whims of Whitehall. Land is clearly an issue, wherever you live in the borough. Aside from housing, Wokingham is, like much of the country, going through some turbulent times. After two years of covid, the costof-living crisis is here - the bread part of the equation. People are struggling with the rising cost of energy, central government tax increases, and council tax rises. While council tax is a stick that all parties use to beat the others with,
it should be noted that a large part of the annual near 5% increases in recent years is because central government has dropped its support grant it sends to councils - Wokingham being the lowest funded local authority in the country and forcing councils to find the money for running its social care services, demand for which is constantly increasing. And peace? Well, a little stretching the envelope – leaving aside the threat of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine –- the pandemic has seen us all face challenges. Covid is still with us, and there are global pressures too. Before the election, Cllr Halsall argued that with stormy waters ahead, it was
no time for the electorate to change captain. By electing five new Lib Dems, residents have said otherwise. But who will run the council going forward? That is an interesting question. The Conservatives can try and run a minority administration. With one short of a majority, they can gamble that at least one opposition councillor will miss votes at council meetings, so their business can be passed. They could seek to elect a mayor from the opposition benches, which would then give them a notional majority, although the mayor would have a casting vote. Another option is a confidence and supply coalition with the independents, where they choose to support or not each issue as they arise. Whether freshly re-elected former Conservative Gary Cowan, or Jim Frewin, who was elected over constant house building in Shinfield, will want to serve in this way remains to be seen.
But just one of them could be kingmaker. The Lib Dems, under leader - and parliamentary candidate for Wokingham - Cllr Clive Jones, could also seek to run a minority administration, asking Labour to lend support from its three councillors. The chamber would be tied under this scenario, but with the support of independents and if the mayor is from the Conservative benches and remains impartial, this could be the way forward. In the aftermath of the general election of 2010, Labour could have sought to govern with the help of other parties. But the Lib Dems instead talked to the Conservatives, giving them a majority. It was, at the time, a move that surprised many. Nick Clegg, the party’s then leader, was seen as a rising star, and went on to become deputy prime minister. What similar bold move will take place ahead of the annual council meeting on Thursday, May 19? The borough has spoken, now it awaits.
10
The make up of Wokingham Borough Council is now: Conservatives - 26 Liberal Democrats - 23 Labour - 3 Independent - 2
Arborfield n Gary Cowan, Independent, 506 - elected n Anthony Pollock, Conservative Party, 104 n Anna Smith, Labour Party, 65 4 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 33.15%.
Bulmershe and Whitegates n Andy Croy, Labour Party, 1531 - elected n Wazir Hussain, Conservative Party, 1062 n Sheila Jordan, Liberal Democrat, 237 n Samuel Langlois, Green Party, 165 15 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 42.85%.
Coronation
n Keith Baker, Conservative Party, 1078 - elected n Emma-Louis Hamilton, Green Party, 143 n Paddy Power, Liberal Democrat, 302 n Tony Skuse, Labour Party , 218 12 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 41.82%.
Emmbrook
n Mark Ashwell, Conservative Party, 926 n Eleanor Crabb, Labour Party, 189 n Lauren Seymour, Green Party, 133 n Imogen Shepherd-Dubey, Liberal Democrat, 1902 elected 11 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 42.56%.
Evendons
n Laurence Chacksfield, Conservative Party, 798 n Alex Freeney, Labour Party, 163 n Hayley Kearey, Green Party , 90 n Sarah Kerr, Liberal Democrat, 1900 - elected 8 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 42.1%.
Finchampstead North
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
n Joseph Boadu, Liberal Democrat, 592 n Martyn Foss, Green Party, 164 n Peter Harper, Conservative Party, 983 - elected n Annette Medhurst, Labour Party, 170 5 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 44.72%.
Finchampstead South Ward n David Cornish, Liberal Democrat, 1131 - elected n Bernadette Mitra, Conservative Party, 774 n Grace Tapping, Labour Party, 102 10 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 42.21%.
Hawkedon
n Mark Craske, Labour Party, 332 n David Hare, Liberal Democrat, 1476 - elected n Frank Smith, Conservative Party, 576 7 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 35.13%.
Hillside
n Caroline Hill, Labour Party, 282 n Alistair Neil, Liberal Democrat, 1591 - elected n Martyn Washbourne, Conservative Party, 1070 16 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 46.82%.
Loddon
n Carol Ann Jewell, Liberal Democrat, 691 n Majid Nagra, Labour Party, 845 n Bill Soane, Conservative Party, 969 - elected 20 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 33.24%.
Maiden Erlegh
n Andrew Bradley, Conservative Party, 914 n Andrew Gray, Labour Party, 532 n Mike Smith, Liberal Democrat, 1495 - elected 12 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 44.04%.
Norreys
n Jane Ainslie, Liberal Democrat, 312 n Rachel Burgess, Labour Party, 1884 - elected n David Chapman, Green Party, 112 n Daniel Hinton, Conservative Party, 1199 12 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 42.22%.
Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe n Martijn Andrea, Liberal Democrat, 450
n Merv Boniface, Green Party, 175 n Stuart Crainer, Labour Party, 237 n Graham Howe, Conservative Party, 872 - elected 6 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 40.88%.
Shinfield South
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
The contested wards – results by party colour
n Dave Edmonds, Conservative Party, 1197 n Chris Johnson, Liberal Democrat, 1328 - elected n Marie-Louise Weighill, Labour Party, 411 17 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 33.1%.
South Lake
n Danny Errawalla, Conservative Party, 807 n David Field, Labour Party, 217 n Beth Rowland, Liberal Democrat, 955 - elected 9 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 46.03%.
Swallowfield
n Tom Bromley, Green Party, 103 n Catherine Glover, Liberal Democrat, 287 n Paula Montie, Labour Party, 65 n Stuart Munro, Conservative Party, 478 - elected 4 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 36.49%.
Winnersh
n Prue Bray, Liberal Democrat, 1710 - elected n Steve Lloyd, Green Party, 112 n Llewelyn Reed-Jones, Labour Party, 190 n Kirsty Ross, Conservative Party, 668 15 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 34.35%.
Wokingham Without n David Davies, Conservative Party, 1200 - elected n Danielle Ebbage, Green Party, 120 n Marilyn Groves, Labour Party, 187 n Jordan Montgomery, Liberal Democrat, 1042 9 ballot papers were rejected. Total turn out of 40.44%.
Remenham Parish Council elections n Francis Cookson, 107 - elected n Peter Grace, 63 n John Halsall, 109 - elected n Polly Hogan, 103 - elected n John Merkel, 98 - elected n Natalie Mitchell, 45 n Darrel Poulos, 92 - elected n Bill Ronald, 119 - elected n Nigel Williams, 100 - elected 1 ballot paper was rejected. Total turn out of 43.67%.
NEW FACES: The five winning Lib Dem candidates outside Loddon Valley Leisure Centre Picture: Daniel Blackham
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
11
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Slow motion for world peace in Twyford By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today MEMBERS of a Twyford fitness group joined all around the planet just before the bank holiday to move in graceful unison together.
The venue for this global movement was the Scout Hall in Twyford, where those taking part were ready for global action ... a very deliberately slow action. Saturday, April 30, was World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, when all movement is unhurried. Described by the international organisation as a day for: “one world... one breath, a message of global peace,” it was also an opportunity to raise funds for a good cause. This year the Twyford group Tai Chi for Wellbeing chose to support The Thames Air Ambulance. Tricia Miller, who runs the group said: “It was a successful day. “Twenty people came and took part in an hour-and-a-half of Tai Chi exercises. “We raised £110 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance, so we were very pleased.
BIG FANS: A Tai Chi For Well Being class welcomed visitors to their session in Twyford on Saturday, April 30 to celebrate World Tai Chi Day. Pictures: Steve Smyth Members of the Twyford group range in age from 40 to the over 80s. Tricia explained: “Tai Chi can improve your health: it’s meditation for the mind; it can help with balance; it can ease stress; it’s good for the cardiovascular system; and it can help improve flexibility. “It’s even been calculated that an hour of Tai Chi can consume 280 calories.
Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art, practised for self-defence and for its health benefits. Its precise movements, when speeded up, can become powerful fighting techniques. Some routines use Chinese Broadswords, others use 8-Immortal Bang Sticks (short sticks which help to keep the arms in an aligned position) and Chinese fans. Tricia said: “I know from
personal experience that Tai Chi can keep you fit. “Children can learn it as soon as they can walk, and people can practise it well into their 90s. One of our ladies in her 80s still uses the Chinese broadsword. “Zumba is fun, but it can sometimes feel as though it is about trying to keep up with very fast dance moves.
“But Tai Chi is very controlled and slow, so it makes you think about all the muscles you are using and the circular movements are gentle on your joints. Tricia runs Tai Chi groups at the Twyford Scout hut on Mondays and Fridays from 10am to 11am. She also runs a Wednesday class on Zoom for those who feel more comfortable taking
part at home. Classes cost £5 each, on a come and go basis, with no need to pay termly or in advance.
n To find out more about Tai Chi for Wellbeing visit: www. taichi-for-well-being.vpweb.co.uk email: triciataichi@yahoo.com or call: 07870 912084 n For more about Thames Valley Air Ambulance visit: www. tvairambulance.org.uk
12 | NEWS
onest H Motherhood
Committed fun his best foo
Angela Garwood
By EMMA MARCHANT emerchant@rdg.today
Brunch, no small undertaking
W
E took the children to London at the weekend to meet my cousins for brunch.
(Brunch is not something we do regularly, it’s always fun but by its very nature involves missing a meal, and I tend to prefer having both breakfast and lunch as two separate meals. Needless to say we each had an early morning Greggs on the train there.) We walked around the streets of Bermondsey in the sunshine before realising we were over a mile away from the restaurant and Leo’s fervent desire to walk everywhere would mean brunch might be more like dinner. Ubers were ordered. Dining in public with a toddler is a challenge of epic proportions. It’s no small undertaking. The key is having something to occupy them in all the moments they’re not eating. They’re rarely interested in any of the distractions you’ve bought with you. Leo got bored of his book and ball in under three minutes. He much preferred sticking a very metal fork into the nearby electric socket then climbing down from his chair to squeeze behind another chair and getting pain-fully stuck with his face pressed up against the wicker. Every component of the fruit bowl we ordered him was thrown back at me. We were all grateful when, after offering him everything else on my plate, he finally helped himself to a giant chunk of halloumi. It took him about four minutes to chew through. Four glorious minutes where he didn’t attempt to leave the table. It’s often hard to relax into my meal with the toddler in tow so I tend to just wolf it down as quickly as possible so I can focus my attention on his every move. Mainly blocking his path to any readily available drinks to knock over. He was soon adamant it was time to leave so we each took it in turns to accompany him outside during the meal. After a delicious brunch we wandered through Borough market before each going our separate ways; Maia and I headed to Harrods. I remember being in awe of the place when I first visited as a child, so thought it would be fun to stop by. She loved it. All the ridiculous opulence. I made the mistake of taking her to the toy section (just for a peek) where after careful consideration she selected a toy phone she wanted. No harm in asking… I shook my head before even checking the price. £155. And you couldn’t actually contact anyone on it. “We’ll er, go to the gift shop, I’ll get you something in there.” I said, praying she’d fall for something, perhaps a keyring, within my price range. She did, and £12 later I felt very relieved. After getting our fill of all things unaffordable, we walked to the V&A, one of my favourite museums. “Do you want to go inside?” “Is there a shop?” she replied. (Oh dear, taking her to Harrods did not help my daughter’s already perpetual love of shopping.) We spent our entire visit to the V&A in their gift shop, which I was assured by the store assistant is actually quite common. “Some people just come here for the shop!” How odd, I thought. I left with a William Morris tea-towel and a V&A tote. Not everyone understood the role of the towel. “It’s a display towel Joel!!” I said that evening when he tried to use it. To end our day we met my cousins once again for a quick run around the Natural History Museum. No gift shops this time. A Saturday well spent.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
A WOKINGHAM man has persuaded three of his friends to join him on a series of epic challenges.
Fundraisers will be able to choose from any of three picturesque routes around the hospice, choosing either 2.5km, 4km, or 10km, or remotely. Picture: Courtesy of Thames Hospice
Walking on sunflowers
THAMES Hospice has announced the return of the Sunflower Walk, but with a jubilee theme. After receiving more than £7,000 from the Jubilee Arts Fund, the charity has organised a number of events throughout the summer. For its Sunflower Walk, it is encouraging supporters to walk in memory of loved ones they have lost to raise funds for the charity. As well as the three separate routes to walk, Thames Hospice is also hosting a jubilee-themed event. The event will also open up the hospice’s gardens to a dance performance, songs from the Tamesis Chamber Choir, magic, story-telling, and a performer on stilts. Fundraisers will be able to choose from any of three picturesque routes around the hospice, one 2.5km long, one 4km long, and one 10km long, or from a remote location of their choice. They will also be invited to leave a message for a loved one which will be displayed on a special memory tree in the hospice gardens. Alison Evans, head of events and community fundraising at Thames Hospice said: “We are so thrilled to be hosting our much-loved Sunflower Walk at the hospice this year.
“It means everything to us to be amongst our supporters once again after the restrictions of our events over the past two years. “This year is special in so many ways and we want to make it the biggest and best sunflower walk ever. “I would like to encourage everyone to please sign up, spread the word and help raise vital funds so we can continue to give people dignity, compassion and the best possible hospice care and support now and always.” Thames Hospice has served east Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire for more than 30 years, providing inpatient and community palliative and end-oflife care services to people aged 16 and above. Those who take part in the walk are asked to raise a minimum of £70, and those who raise more than £250 will receive a free jubilee sunflower walk hoodie. Tickets are £20 per adult and £10 per child, which includes a sunflower walk t-shirt and medal. Family tickets for two adults and two children are £55. Tickets are not required for remote walkers. The event will take place at the Thames Hospice, Windsor Road, Maidenhead on Saturday, June 18, from 10am-4pm. n www.thameshospice.org.uk
Dinosaur talk at the University of Reading THE Cole Museum of Zoology will host an evening talk about dinosaurs that once called the United Kingdom their home. Dr Neil Gostling will discuss the vast array of dinosaurs that once roamed the Isle of Wight, as well as Wales’ extinct mammals. The University of Southampton lecturer led significant projects to analyse bones found on the Isle of Wight, which led to him naming three new dinosaur species. Dr Gostling’s current research investigates the origins of avian flight and the diversity of dinosaurs in the south of England. The talk sees Dr Gostling return to his old stomping ground after completing his undergraduate studies and PhD at the University of Reading. Bookings for the event must be made in advance as spaces are limited.
The talk takes place on Wednesday, May 18, at the university’s Health and Life Sciences Building. Doors will open at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. n For more information, email: colemuseumzoology@gmail.com
Mark Summers and his team began with the Wokingham Walk on Sunday May 8. They are keen to raise awareness of Berkshire MS Therapy Centre. Funds raised will help them reach their sponsorship target of £25,000. The charity is especially close to Mark’s heart, as his wife Jeannine was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1989. Over the last 18 years she has been able to use the Reading-based centre. “The Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre provides sufferers with support and treatment,” he says.. “It helps them to have some form of normal life, something most people can take for granted.” As well as giving Jeannine access to specialist therapies, the centre has enabled her to meet other people with MS. “The centre means a lot to me,” says Jeannine. “The support and treatment I receive there help me manage my MS, and I can talk to other sufferers.” There is another reason for Mark’s walking challenge. “In July, my older brother was rushed into hospital with serious breathing and heart problems,” explains Mark. “He was told to lose four stones in weight, so I decided to support him by losing weight as well. “Also, I was reading a book about turning my dreams into reality and I always wanted to do the Three Peaks.” Mark and his friends will end their challenge later in the autumn by climbing the Three Peaks over three days. The Berkshire MS Therapy Centre in Reading provides around 10,000 treatments every year, improving the
FIRST CHALLENGE: Mark Summers at the sta quality of life for its members. It needs to raise over £450,000 each year to run its services and receives no NHS financial support. During covid, the centre needed to close its doors, but developed remote support to keep its members as active as possible, in the best mental health, and to reduce loneliness. The centre’s fundraising manager, Samantha Harper, says: “We are really grateful and flattered that Mark has decided to support the centre with such challenging events. “Covid has impacted all of us but our members have really felt its impacts with many vital services disappearing overnight.
Fashion collaboration bags sustainability award A CLOTHING range created by the University of Reading has won a national prize for sustainable fashion. After appearing at London Fashion Week, outfits and accessories designed in collaboration with University of Reading and couturiers Tammam were awarded the Best Customer Engagement Campaign by fashion magazine Drapers. The range’s design features the warming stripes, a visual data set which charts the changing annual temperatures around the globe since 1850, created by the university’s professor Ed Hawkins. Since their creation in 2018, the stripes have become a symbol of the continuing climate crisis. The range was given the award for its campaign to bring the issue of the climate crisis to a range of audiences, which judges noted for its ambitious scope.
Professor Hawkins, professor of climate science at the University of Reading, said: “Bringing about vital climate action cannot be achieved unless we do things differently and this fashion partnership demonstrates a novel approach. “It’s brilliant to see the impact of the partnership and I hope it will help bring home the reality of climate change to more people, which will lead to more awareness and more action.” The award comes less than two weeks after the university led the Climate Ambassadors Scheme, which provides schools and colleges access to climate experts and resources. Lucy Tammam, the fashion designer behind the range of clothing, said: “We set out to make starting conversations about climate change stylish and
ndraiser puts ot forward
art of the Wokingham Walk on Sunday Picture: Phil Creighton “As we emerge from the pandemic, we are seeing increased demand from our members. “It is thanks to people like Mark that we are able to provide the support the local MS community needs.” The Berkshire MS Therapy Centre supports the health and wellbeing of local people living with Multiple Sclerosis across Berkshire and parts of Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Surrey and Buckinghamshire. It has a strong ethos of self-help, knowing that with the right support, people with MS can have a greater quality of life. MS is an unpredictable, neurological
condition without a cure. It is estimated there are 1,000 people with an MS diagnosis in the local area and over 100,000 across the UK. It is the most common cause of disability among young people in the UK. It is estimated that for every person diagnosed with MS another 25 people, usually family and friends, are affected.
n For more information about the centre call 0118 901 6000 or email: kim@bmstc. org n To find out more about Mark’s fundraising, and to support him, log on to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ marksummers-walkingtoraisefor
fashionable and we are so delighted to see the impact this is having. “Our sustainable scarves, showcased at London Fashion Week, have now been sent across the world and worn by some incredible people, including top scientists at COP26.” Silk scarves created by Tammam, also featuring the stripes, were worn by some of the attendees to the Glasgow COP26 climate conference in November 2021. The 2022 limited edition collection used fabrics such as hand-loomed organic cottons, peace silks and Tammam’s exclusive eco-tulle. The collection also features “reinvented” vintage suits, where luxury fabrics that no longer serve their original purpose are reused. Professor Hawkins’ climate stripes were described by Enter Shikari frontman Rou Reynolds as “one of the most defining, most crucial images of our time” when they were displayed during the band’s main stage set at Reading Festival in 2019.
NEWS | 29
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Gruelling challenge in memory of father raises A WOKINGHAM resident has completed a gruelling 127 mile challenge to raise money in memory of her father. Joanne Slevin kayaked the length of the River Thames to raise vital funds for Parkinson’s UK. The 44-year-old’s solo journey started near the source of the river in Lechlade-on-Thames and took her through seven counties, 46 locks and under 130 bridges to Teddington in just six days. All the hard work was worth it though as she has raised nearly £5,000 for the charity, more than triple her initial £1,500 target. Joanne’s father, Philipp Warner, lived with Parkinson’s for more than 20 years and the charity is very close to her heart. She said: “I wanted to give something back to a charity that greatly supported my parents through my dad’s difficult illness. “This felt like the most appropriate charity challenge for me to complete in his memory, as he was a competition dinghy sailor who loved nothing more than time on the water.” Joanne took to the water on her own with her husband assisting each day with set up and ensuring she stayed on route. After finishing her journey on Saturday, May 6, Joanne said: “The recovery following the challenge is fine but I can tell my lower back is not happy. “I don’t think I’ll be rushing to row the length of the Thames again, for now 127 miles is more than sufficient. “Although one positive thing is that I didn’t fall in the water once.” The funds raised will be used to support Parkinson’s UK to continue its research to find a cure and improve the lives of the 145,000 people who are affected by Parkinson’s, a degenerative neurological condition, for which there currently is no cure. Joanne said she was overwhelmed by the support she received and is grateful to all those
Reader travel Country Fair
YorkLeeds&HarrogateExplorer_D.pdf
Departing Sat 3 Sep ‘22 Join us as we head to the Chatsworth Country Fair, one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events, set against the backdrop of Chatsworth House. There are plenty of attractions and entertainment on offer making this a memorable day out for all the family!
Your break includes
who donated to the cause. She added: “I have received so much support from my friends, family and colleagues at work. “The donations are much higher than I could ever have imagined and it will make such a difference to the charity that helped my father.” Ann Rowe, head of regional fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said without people like Joanne, the charity wouldn’t be able to maintain its services. She said: “Our vital work supporting people with Parkinson’s and driving research to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the condition is completely dependent on donations. “Without our amazing fundraisers like Joanne, the work we do just wouldn’t be possible, and we’re very grateful for this support.” For more information on Joanne’s journey, including a daily diary, visit: justgiving.com/jo-slevin
Return coach travel from Wokingham, Reading, Crawley & Slough Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast Admission to Chatsworth Country Fair En-route visit to Buxton
2 Days by Coach
only £144
Single Supplement £35
LLANDUDNO AT LEISURE & Stunning Snowdonia
LlandudnoatLeisure&StunningSnowdonia_D.pdf
Departing Mon 5 Sep ‘22 On this relaxing break to the peaceful coast of North Wales we enjoy the genteel ambience of Llandudno, famed for its golden beach flanked by two headlands, Betws-y-Coed on the edge of Snowdonia National Park and the remarkable medieval town of Conwy.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Marine Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursion to Betws-y-Coed, Trefriw Woollen Mills & Conwy
“Why do you watch the great, grey sea ? And why do you turn your face from me ?”
“I lost my love On the morning tide... When I let her go My Silkie Bride.
WorcesterObserver
CHATSWORTH
POETRY CORNER The Silkie
“I found my love On the stony shore, Her hair was as soft As the silk she wore. Her eyes were as deep As the coral caves, Her song was as wild As the moonlit waves. Her hands were as cold As the swirling water And she gave me a single Silver daughter.”
WPR_2022-05-09_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go
Credit: shoot-lifestyle.co.uk
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Optional excursions to Llanberis & Caernarfon (£12pp) and Isle of Anglesey, Beaumaris & Bangor (£12pp)
Then I watched her take My child from me, And I saw them skim Untamed and free While I was left On the stony shore To hear them sing No more. No more.” “That’s why I watch the great, grey sea, And wait, In case they call to me.”
Clare Bevan
We love receiving your poetry, and print a selection each week. Send your verse to news@wokingham.today
5 Days by Coach
only £334
Single Supplement £100
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
30 | VIEWPOINTS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
A new chapter awaits, write well LAST WEEK’S election results mark a moment in our borough’s short history that will be remembered for years to come. For some, a moment of triumph, for others, one of sadness. But both winners are losers need to reflect, because the result is that the council is now no overall control. The council’s electoral system, where a third of councillors are elected every year, bar the fallow one, means the Liberal Democrats’ success at the ballot box has been a gradual creep over the past seven years. Now, we have situation where the smaller parties can be kingmakers, or the Conservatives can choose to try and go it alone, and lead an administration where it could lose every vote it puts forward. If the Lib Dems can convince the independents and Labour to lend them support, be a formal coaliation or on a vote-by-vote basis, then we may have a real changing of the guard. Or, a third way could be seeing the parties come together for the greater good of residents. The decision will need to be made next Thursday at the council meeting. It’s one that councillors need to make carefully. This is not about them – as John Halsall often says, the council is only there to serve its residents. The council meeting is a new chapter. All councillors, from all sides, must write it well, for all our sakes.
CHURCH NOTES
Lessons from my garden, part two
J
ESUS often used examples in nature to teach from.
One such occasion was the parable of the seeds, where seed had been sown on the ground, but weeds grew up and choked the plants. I could write my own parable, but mine would be the parable of the weeds, where the weeds masquerade as another plant. I notice this in my garden where so often the weed I want to get rid of is very similar in appearance to the plant it is growing next to. The weed, however, becomes invasive and does not result in the pretty flowers of the true plant. If established it is not easy to get rid of. I know which one is the weed, because I am familiar with the plant it masquerades as and I can see the difference early on. Just as with plants and weeds, if we are familiar with God’s word we will recognise truth. If we are not, then we can be deceived and drawn off course. Jesus warns us not to be deceived. Satan comes as a Wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing. He is subtle. His lies are usually dressed up in a little bit of truth. Let’s not allow ourselves to be deceived. Let’s learn to recognise the weeds from the plants. As the psalmist wrote in Ps 119, let’s hide God’s Word in our hearts so we recognise what is truth and what is not, developing a daily habit of reading the Bible for ourselves.
Caroline Dally from Kings Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today
Thank you Arborfield residents My thanks to Arborfield’s residents who re elected me with a very surprising 506 votes against my Conservative opponent who polled just 104 votes. I hope it shows I am doing the right things for Arborfield’s residents without being driven by party ideology and three line whips. My role is to represent Arborfield’s residents whoever they voted for and it should go without saying I will continue to do that. I found it odd that the Leader of the ruling Wokingham Conservatives Cllr John Halsall said that the Conservatives were a good administration but it was all down to a combination of a 43.7% turnout, National not Local Politics, the Ukraine war and peoples views of politics. A resident suggested on Facebook that he was deluded. Perhaps he misread peoples views on politics should have read peoples views on local politics. I could not get my head around why the Administration (Conservative Group/ Executive/ Councillor) promoted the Housing Local Plan Update (LPU) and suddenly Conservatives from Wokingham Without, Finchampstead, Hurst, Arborfield and Shinfield were producing leaflets and on the doorstep were opposing the same sites in their areas that are all in the Housing Local Plan. This is the same Council Leader who was against the loss of a blade of grass and would fight housing numbers even by streaking in Westminster to make his case. When Hall Farm was planned to take 4,500 houses (2,200 houses beyond the life of the plan) to which the architect of the plan, Cllr Wayne (no houses in Hurst) Smith, said in an
IT is difficult not to have some sympathy for the Finchampstead residents who are now protesting at the parish council’s plans to move the village’s iconic war memorial. I have always thought the present site to have been an inspired choice, the Cross of Remembrance looking out in hope for better days across the Blackwater Valley and beyond and presenting a dramatic silhouette against the sky from Jubilee Road. I too felt a pang of real dismay when I received the parish council’s consultation letter last year until I considered carefully the council’s arguments and visited both the present and proposed sites. As the council pointed out, times have changed since the memorial was dedicated two years after the first world war ended. Then the predominant heavy transport was still horse-drawn, motor lorries still the exception and motor cars still the preserve of the wealthy. And all so much slower and lighter than the cars, vans and lorries that pass through the junction today. It would take only one misjudgment by an HGV driver, one moment of confusion by a stranger unfamiliar with that counter-intuitive junction to send that monument splintering into village history for ever. Protecting that history and the passing drivers is the parish council’s main concern. But there are practical issues as well.
The annual Remembrance Service, of all things, cannot be held there any longer because the six road junctions approaching it cannot be closed. Nor can contractors be found to maintain the memorial and its surrounds because working there is just too dangerous. The junction cannot be made safer with the memorial where it is. The arguments for moving it, I concluded, were compelling while regretting the necessity; I doubt that a proposal to site it there would be entertained for a minute today. The new site may not be so dramatic but it is by the war memorial park created after the second catastrophe; it is literally in the heart of The Village; it is easily visible and accessible to the public lest we forget and it will be a safe place in which to remember the fallen. And that is where my sympathies for the protesters wains somewhat. Their public voting sheet simply
contradicts the council’s reasons without presenting any evidence to support their assertions. The 11% of residents who responded to the council’s consultation – which I am told is a good response – voted 87% to support the move. Presumably the 89% of residents who didn’t respond were not too concerned either way or possibly thought the council’s arguments were so strong as not to need further support. Of the two opposing letters I have seen in Wokingham Today, one correspondent seemed not to be aware of the consultation nor the arguments involved and the other was based on pure self-interest. We all might regret the passing of this village icon but if we value it and what it represents, we should protect it with not only our hearts, but with our heads as well.
Ray Little, Finchampstead
answer to my question on housing numbers it was in keeping with Government Strategy. The Conservatives wanted it both ways. They tell the residents they are against excessive housing but quietly
plan for thousands more than they need to build. This election I hope has thought them that whatever they might think Wokingham’s residents are not stupid. Will they learn that ideology should play second fiddle to residents
aims and ambitions? I doubt it.
to Wokingham Borough after a 12-month absence and Councillor Rachel Burgess on being re-elected in Norreys ward and Majid Nagra who came just 120 votes short in Loddon. Across the South of England, we now have Labour Councils in Southampton, Worthing and Crawley and made significant steps forward in terms of vote shares in key marginal constituencies. And in neighbouring Reading, the Labour Party was returned with an increased majority and the conservative group was reduced to
just six councillors. This set of elections marked a turning point for the Labour Party. We still have work to do but these results are step forward towards electing a Labour Government. I want to thank and pay tribute to all the candidates who put themselves forward at this election. The country, however, cannot wait another two years before that Government is elected. Over the course of this campaign, I knocked hundreds of doors and spoke to voters both at home in Reading and Woodley and in across the Berkshire. The message I heard on almost every door was clear – real help is needed now to deal with the spiralling cost of living which is causing real hardship on so many people. The cost of fuel for the family car; a fear of the increase in household energy bills happening both now and the increase likely at the end of the year and inflation driving up the price of food has put a squeeze on wages. For pensioners and those on Universal credit – the pinch is even
more acute as the Government scrapped the triple lock and removed the £20 uplift that really was the difference for some families between heating and eating. To add insult to injury, while we all feel the pinch, the oil and gas giants are reporting record profits totalling billions of pounds – and the Government is claiming record VAT receipts from our fuel bills and yet the help promised is too little, too late. A windfall tax; a cut in VAT and additional support to those most in need would drastically improve the finances of millions of families but the Government resists these measures for reasons unknown. However, while the Government drags its feet, I know that the thousands of Labour Councillors elected last week will be in their communities; assisting those in need and providing the help and support that is needed. Labour Councils and Labour Councillors make a difference. Now we must get to work. Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East
Matt Rodda
N
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
Should we move the war memorial?
Westminster diary
OW that the dust has settled, the full picture of last Thursday’s local elections has become clear. Across England, Wales and Scotland, the Labour Party won over 3,000 council seats, increasing our number of councillors by 108. By comparison, the Conservatives lost 487 seats – including five in Wokingham, which has denied them a majority on the Council. I want to congratulate Andy Croy on his result and his re-election
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
Cllr Gary Cowan, Borough Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council
Thank you Maiden Erlegh As the newly elected Liberal
Democrat Councillor for Maiden Erlegh, I would like to say a big thank you to all the residents who put their faith in me. As a new Councillor, I promise I will do my very best to represent all the residents in my Ward, especially in making sure we protect, develop and nurture our green spaces. I believe the Council should be both transparent and open in all their dealings and I will listen to our residents. My commiserations to the Conservative and Labour candidates who all worked hard and fought a fair fight.
Cllr Mike Smith, borough councillor for Maiden Erlegh at Wokingham Borough Council
Thank you Hawkedon I would like to thank all the voters of Hawkedon Ward for supporting me so well in the recent election. It is humbling to be returned again to serve the electorate of this ward, I want to work with and for you to make Earley and Wokingham a better place to live. Whatever your political persuasion as an elected member I am here to represent you, serve you and work for you. Thank you again for returning me as your Councillor.
Cllr David Hare, borough councillor for Hawkedon at Wokingham Borough Council
Thank you Evendons I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to the Evendons community. Thank you to everyone who came out and voted at the local elections and for the confidence many of you have placed in me. It has been such an honour to represent the community I love for the last few years, and I feel very privileged to be given the chance to continue doing so for another two years. Thank you to the other candidates, Laurence, Alex and Hayley for a good campaign and thank you to Louise Timlin from the Women’s Equality Party for not only standing aside in this election and endorsing me, but all the work we’ve done together and I’m sure will continue to do. To my community, I’m here for you and will always do my best to provide you with the support and assistance you need. Thank you.
Cllr Sarah Kerr, borough councillor for Evendons at Wokingham Borough Council
Thank you Norreys I was both honoured and delighted to be re-elected as a borough councillor for Norreys ward in last week’s local elections. Thank you to everyone who put their trust in me and lent me their vote. I will repay that trust by continuing to work as hard as I can on behalf of all of my residents. I remain thoroughly committed to my residents and I am thrilled to be given the chance to continue to work with them to make Norreys an even better place to live.
Cllr Rachel Burgess, borough councillor for Norreys at Wokingham Borough Council
Thank you Bulmershe and Whitegates
I would like to use your pages to express my thanks to all those who voted in the election of a councilor for Bulmershe and Whitegates ward
VIEWPOINTS | 31
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
and indeed in Wokingham Bororugh. Thank you. I will continue to work as hard as I can for the residents of this ward and of the Boorugh as a whole. Our vote and its power to chose our leaders is a precious, precious thing and should never be taken for granted. In Ukraine, right now, people are dying to maintain this right. We must never take the vote for granted and must always use it. It is clear Johnson’s local Conservatives were punished for the lying and law breaking activities of their leader. But they are also same party, with the same values. The people have spoken loudly and clearly. Let’s see if Johnson’s local Conservative MPs are listening.
Andy Croy, Councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates ward at Wokingham Borough Council
Thank you Hillside I would like to thank the residents of Hillside ward in Earley for electing me as borough councillor I look forward to championing the interests of Hillside and Earley through my term in office.
Alistair Neal, borough councillor for Hillside at Wokingham Borough Council
Thank you for voting for me I would like to thank all those who voted for me in Hawkedon ward.
Mark Craske, Labour candidate, borough Council elections 2022
And thank you too ... Many thanks to all those in Coronation ward who voted for me.
Tony Skuse, Labour candidate
Commited to White Ribbon accreditation
The Women’s Equality Party Reading and Wokingham (WE) was delighted to see that both the Liberal Democrats and Labour committed to seeking White Ribbon accreditation in their local election manifestos. White Ribbon UK is the leading charity engaging with men and boys to end violence against women. As previously communicated in this paper, the Women’s Equality Party has emailed all Wokingham Borough Councillors asking them to publicly take the White Ribbon Pledge to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. Prior to the local elections last week not a single Conservative Councillor had replied to our email. WE also saw in local social media, comments about some Councillors preferring to take this pledge privately. WE want to be clear. WE are asking Councillors to publicly take this pledge, and for Wokingham Borough Council to seek White Ribbon accreditation because enough is enough. Sexism and misogyny are rife in national and local politics. 56 MPs are currently facing allegations of sexual misconduct. That is 13% of male MPs. Pause and let that sink in for a moment. Neil Parish MP recently resigned after admitting watching porn in the House of Commons. The Mail on Sunday story about Angela Rayner highlighted the gendered abuse women in politics
ensure. It is no wonder then that only 34% of our MPs are women and following last week’s local elections, only a third of our elected Borough Councillors are women. The harassment and abuse of women in politics is driving women out and stopping others from coming forward. It is time for our Councillors to stand up and be counted on this issue. Sexism and misogyny in politics need to end, and our elected officials need to take the first step by publicly condeming male violence against women. Why this is a party political issue, or a controversial ask, is beyond us. With 26 Conservative Councillors, 23 Lib Dem and 3 Labour, this will be a critical time to see exactly how independent our 2 Independent Councillors are. Please sign our White Ribbon petition at https:// www.womensequality.org.uk/ readingandwokingham
Louise Timlin, branch Lead Reading and Wokingham Women’s Equality Party, and Wokingham Resident
Time to change the system I would like to thank the people of Norreys ward who voted for me and who put their trust in the Green Party which stands for environmental and social justice. I congratulate Rachel Burgess, an established, hard-working local councillor, on her re-election, and I thank all the people who went out to vote and in so doing reminded us of the centuries-old struggle for democratic representation of the people, by the people, for the people. Nevertheless, there is a long way to go before there is greater inclusive, representative, democracy. In the Norreys ward alone, while 1884 voted for the “winning” party candidate, 1623 people did not, and as a result their voice goes unheard. This situation will have been reproduced across the whole of England. Due to the First Past The Post system (FPTP) which the two main parties support, many people across the country would have been trying to work out who they most did NOT want to see elected in their ward. They would have voted, not according to their conscience, but for what they believed to be the least bad option, which, I accept, is just as likely to have included me! This is not democracy by any stretch of the imagination! And we wonder why people do not turn out to vote! Over 60% who could have, didn’t. They didn’t because in large part they rightly believed their vote “doesn’t matter”, that their voice is dismissed. I would suggest that the single most pressing political objective must be proportional representation (PR), a version of which would enable people to vote according to their beliefs and values, their conscience, because there would be a fair degree of certainty that they would have a voice in the discussions where decisions are made. The First Past The Post system is surely busted. I believe we have to learn to live in peace with each other, with our differences, and learn to compromise.
I fully accept that under PR there would be people elected with what I would consider as holding loathsome beliefs and values, but alternative voices would also be at the table attempting to reach a consensus. We must engage with each other. We put our fingers in our ears to what others are saying at our peril. Denying large numbers of people a voice leads to resentment and anger, which inevitably leads to the rotten, corrupt, bi-partisan political situation in which we now find ourselves. Surely this must change if we are to leave a better, happier world for the generations to come.
David Chapman, Wokingham
Thank you Emmbrook I wish to thank the residents of Emmbrook, where over 60% of those who voted, re-elected me to serve them for another four years. There will clearly be some differences at Wokingham Borough Council, this time around, but I will do my best to represent the needs of my residents, where I can. I expect to be fighting inappropriate planning applications, challenging the financial problems that are heading down the road towards us as well as doing what I can to make Wokingham a cleaner and greener place to live for everyone. I hope that all councillors of all parties can work together to achieve the best for our residents.
Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, borough councillor for Emmbrook at Wokingham Borough Council
Thank you Winnersh I would like to thank everyone in Winnersh who voted to re-elect me as a councillor on 5th May. Thank you for putting your trust in me once again and I will do my very best to continue to serve everyone in the ward, regardless of how you voted.
Cllr Prue Bray, borough councillor for Winnersh at Wokingham Borough Council
A vote for change I am delighted that the Liberal Democrats gained five seats in last week’s local election. This is on top of the three gains we made in 2021 and eight in 2019. ALL these gains were from the Conservatives. In the Wokingham Parliamentary constituency the Lib Dems polled 15,370 votes to 12,779 for the Conservatives. This excellent result for the Lib Dems suggests that John Redwood’s days as the Wokingham MP could be numbered. The Conservatives have lost their majority on Wokingham Borough Council for the first time in 20 years. Over the coming days there will be discussions to see which party will be running the Council. This should become clear at the Annual Council meeting on Thursday 19th May. Clearly our residents have voted for change in Wokingham. They do not want the Conservatives anymore.
Cllr Clive Jones Leader of the Lib Dem group on Wokingham Borough Council & the Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for Wokingham
Volunteer Corner Helena Badger
A
T ABC to Read we believe life is better when everyone can read and express themselves confidently.
Our trained reading mentors provide children with the skills and confidence they need to do just that. A decline in the percentage of Berkshire children achieving the expected level for reading in the recently published Key Stage 2 SATs results, local charity ABC (Assisting Berkshire Children) to read is keen to do all it can to help schools and families in the borough to raise children’s achievement. With the pandemic over the past two years, we feel there is even more need for volunteers as some children may have fallen behind. Once volunteers are trained, they are then matched up with a local school. Commitment is ideally twice a week for oneand-a-half hours in the afternoons but once a week will be considered. The role is extremely rewarding, learning new skills and strengthens our community. Our next training course takes place (online) on June 7. Please contact us ASAP if you are interested! n Promise Inclusion (PINC) is a local charity supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism, their carers and families. We are looking for a volunteer to assist in the provision of a twice-monthly Karaoke activity club for adults aged 18+ with a range of learning difficulties, including those with profound and multiple learning difficulties, in a safe and stimulating environment. Average 1.5 - 2 hours weekly on a Wednesday evening (middle two Wednesdays of the month) in a hall in Wokingham Town Centre. We can offer you training and the chance to enhance your skills (see below) as well as the opportunity to get to know and support a local charity and its members. We are looking for a volunteer who is self-motivated, able to work on own initiative, a good communicator and a good listener. n Citizens Advice Wokingham offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information to anyone living or working in Wokingham borough. We are a local charity, based in Waterford House in central Wokingham. We are looking to recruit volunteers who will talk to clients over the phone, face to face or online to explore what problems they have come for help with and identify the right level of support for them. You will be required to write a summary and the actions that need to be taken. It is a chance to be a part of making a real difference to someone’s life by making sure the client’s receive the support they need. You will gain knowledge in areas such as benefits, housing, debt and employment through training and then the role itself. It is a chance to gain new skills and meet new people. You will need to be; friendly and approachable, non-judgmental, have good listening skills and excellent communication skills, good IT skills and be calm under pressure. We need a minimum of six months commitment, and we ask for a minimum of six hours per week, which can be over one day or spread over two. n These are just a few roles on our books. Please visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer. If you would like to get in touch with us, please call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@ wok-vol.org.uk.
32 | BUSINESS
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
Got a business story? Email news@wokingham.today
A business park that is changing
Blandy & Blandy advises M’s Building Supplies on sale A READING-based builders’ merchants utilised the help of a town centre-based law firm during its recent sale. Blandy & Blandy said that it helped shareholders of M’s Building Supplies during its transaction with Sydenhams Ltd. After running a two-stage competitive process Sydenhams was selected as the preferred party to take over the business, established in 2012, and with an annual turnover of £3million. The process consisted of 100% share sale of the business and a separate sale of the land and property. Sydenhams is an independent family-run company with a long tradition of supplying timber and building materials throughout central and southwest England. The sale of M’s provides Sydenhams the opportunity to develop and expand Blandy’s Corporate partner David Few, assisted by solicitor Emma Ford, advised on the transaction, alongside Commercial Property partner Katja Wigham. Rob Starr, corporate finance director at UHY, supported by Irfan Topia, corporate finance assistant manager, also advised on the deal.
n For further information or legal advice, please visit www.blandy.co.uk.
‘It’s the largest office leasing deal in the Thames Valley’ By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today IT’S DESCRIBED as one of the largest office leasing deals that the Thames Valley will see this year, as a a global company moves into Reading town centre. M&G Real Estate – part of M&G plc’s £71 billion private and alternative assets division – has signed a 10-year letting with cybersecurity company, Rapid7, to take 22,616 sq ft at 2 Forbury Place. The company is relocating from its current premises in Theale, and will see it occupy the first floor of the Grade A 192,000 sq ft building in the town’s central business district. The 14,116 sq ft premises expansion indicates the company’s focus on its workforce by selecting a workspace that benefits from excellent connectivity, exceptional infrastructure, and a vast array of amenities. Rapid 7 joins a high-quality line up of tenants across the portfolio
NEW HOME: Rapid7 is moving into 2 Forbury Place including KPMG, SSE, PWC and Osborne Clarke. Completed by M&G Real Estate alongside development partner Bell Hammer in 2017, 2 Forbury Place is one of Reading’s largest office developments. The company said that it had been built to the highest environmental specifications, and occupiers ahave extensive cycle
WPR_2022-05-09_TheWokinghamPaper_16x4 (1)_Just Go
WorcesterObserver
LIVERPOOL
& the Lovely Lake District Liverpool&theLovelyLakeDistrict_F.pdf
Reader travel
GREAT LITTLE TRAINS of North Wales & Portmeirion
GreatLittleTrainsofNorthWales&Portmeirion_F.pdf
Departing Fri 19 Aug ‘22
Departing Mon 5 Sep ‘22
Your break includes
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Crawley 3 nights at a selected hotel in Bolton with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursions to Liverpool, Bowness, Ambleside & Keswick
Return coach travel from Wokingham, Reading & Slough 4 nights at the Risboro Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway, Great Orme Tramway & Ffestiniog Railway Free time in Llandudno Excursions to Caernarfon & Portmeirion
4 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £45
164.99
334
5 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £60
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit us online at
justgoholidays.com/WPR
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
justgohols JGTravelGroup
storage, shower and changing rooms at their disposal, as well as a hotel-style reception and concierge service, a spacious light-filled atrium and communal workspace. Aaron Pope, director of Asset Management at M&G Real Estate, said: “This significant display of confidence in Forbury Place and the Reading town centre office
market more widely, highlights the continued demand for prime workspaces in the business districts of key urban centres. “2 Forbury Place is a prime example of why M&G Real Estate continues to develop, reposition and invest in high quality office assets across the UK and Europe’s major towns and cities, to command premium rents from UK and international occupiers which have sustainability and wellbeing at their core.” And Michael Keimig, senior real estate manager for Rapid7, added: “We are excited to be moving into our new offices at 2 Forbury Place later this year. “We selected the space because of its great location as well as the many amenities available to our employees, and we are confident Forbury Place will provide the next evolution in our workplace and a great home for our UK-based team.” Savills acted as advisor to Rapid 7 on this letting.
Shinfield Studios submits plans for temporary extension FILMING demands have prompted a proposal to build an extra film studio at the Thames Valley Science Park, dubbed “Cine Valley”, writes Grant Williams, Local Democracy Reporter. Shinfield Studios has submitted plans for a temporary building, named Workshop T1.2, for five years as the company requires additional workshop space. The plans to transform Thames Valley Science Park, which is owned by the University of Reading, into a ‘creative media hub’ for film and TV production were approved in October last year. While much of the park will be dedicated to scientific research, a substantial portion of it is being dedicated to cinematography at Shinfield Studios, which has been described as a ‘new powerhouse of British film, TV production and innovation’. If the extension is approved, the site will be up and running this summer after an urgent request for the space from the studio occupier to support its film production – ahead of other buildings. The proposed new 750 square-metre workshop would be located in the southern area
ACTION: Plans have been submitted for a five year temporary extension by Shinfield Studios Picture: LDRS of Shinfield Studios, which lies to the south of Cutbush Lane. Workshop T1.2 would be 30 metres by 25 metres, with a total height of 10.3 metres. The proposal also includes the provision of 15 car parking spaces on the agricultural field to the south of the site. Construction of the previously approved plans have already begun, which will eventually see the development of 18 sound stages and seven workshops for film and TV making, five offices to support filming activities, and a central hub. Four of the stages have now been built and it is hoped that the remaining 14 will be completed in 2024. Shinfield Studios joint managing director, Nick Smith, said: “We are now well on our
way to creating a world-leading media hub in the heart of Berkshire. “Alongside the four stages already constructed, we expect another two stages to open at the end of this year, seven in 2023 and the completion of the entire 18 stage facility in 2024.” Last December, it was confirmed that Disney will be the first clients to use Shinfield Studios once some of the stages are ready for use. When complete, the hub will have spaces for 1,375 cars, 154 electric vehicle charging points, 64 motorbike spaces and 160 cycle spaces. Shinfield Studios, part of Blackhall Global Partners, expects the hub to generate around £600m a year for the UK economy and estimates the project will bring more than 3,000 jobs to the area.
33
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
60 years on and still partying – Woodley Carnival will be back By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today
THOUSANDS of people are expected to enjoy a day of partying and fun in Woodley next month.
The annual Woodley Carnival is back in full show, with a 1960s theme as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. However, there will be some changes. There is no procession this year, something organisers say is due to operational and financial challenges after the enforced two-year break for covid. But the Memorial Ground next to the Oakwood Centre on Headley Road will be packed for a fun day out on Saturday, June 11. Families are expected to flock to the park to enjoy the day. There will be more than 100 stalls representing local groups and charities; a funfair; an arena supporting local performers; food outlets; a beer tent; and refreshments inside the Oakwood Centre. Attractions include a Spider Climb, which will operate free of charge thanks to the support of Trademark Windows. There will also be the popular Smiley land train, an
BACK: Classic cars will be on show, just one part of the annual fun at Woodley Carnival this June. However, the procession won’t return until next year Picture: Phil Creighton inflatable world and Hogg’s mobile petting zoo. Main events will include a classic car show, a dog show, a photographic show, and a flower show. There will be displays of model railways, traction engines, birds, among other activities. The main arena will host local groups performing dance, music and acrobatics displays.
For young visitors some events are free, including Inflatable World, and rides on the Smiley Train. The evening concert will start at 6pm, with the Carnival Pub remaining open all evening. Bands playing include Mike and the Rockbelly, Chestnuts, The Echo, and Vintage Sound Collective. The event closes with a firework finale, which has been
sponsored by Woodley Town Council. Woodley Carnival has a long history beginning in 1959 with the question: “How about a carnival day?” The first in 1960 successfully raised funds for the building of a youth club in Woodley. As it grew, with numerous organisations contributing over the years, the carnival raised thousands for good causes.
Reading School of Art Graduate Show returns
The Woodley Carnival Committee was formed in 1969 and continues to oversee the running of the event and distribution of the funds raised. Because of its ongoing success the event’s committee has been able to contribute to various local charities and concerns, including a donation in 2004 of £233,000 towards the building of Woodley’s Oakwood Centre. All tickets (entry wristbands) are purchased on the day at the gates. Afternoon-only tickets (noon to 5pm) cost £4 for adults/ seniors, £1 for children 16 and under. Under 12s get in free when accompanied by an adult. Last entry for the afternoon session is 4pm. Evening concert tickets are available to buy from noon. They include free afternoon entry and all-day come-and-go flexibility. They cost £10 for adults/ seniors, £5 for children 16 and under. Under 12’s free admission, when accompanied by an adult. n For more information about the Woodley Carnival, whether as visitor, contributor or volunteer visit: www.woodleycarnival.org. uk
THE READING School of Art’s Graduate Show returns this June - the first in-person exhibition since the pandemic, writes Ji-Min Lee. Over 50 final-year undergraduate and 11 postgraduate students will be showcasing their work in an exhibition entitled, The Common Room. The show marks the culmination of the artists’ time at the university, with some pieces representing the fruits of four year’s worth of endeavour. There will be a plethora of media on show, including painting, multimedia and ceramics. Diversity runs through the core of the exhibition, not only in the range of disciplines used, but also in the range of interests and concerns addressed. Prior to the open exhibition, an exclusive private view will take place, featuring a bar, charity stalls and live music. The private view will take place between 4pm and 8pm on Wednesday, June 1, with the open exhibition available to view between 11am and 5pm from Monday, June 6 to Friday, June 10. n For more information, visit: www.reading.ac.uk/fineart
Get quizzical ahead of the carnival WOODLEY Carnival will hold its annual Carnival Charity Quiz Night on Saturday, May 28. Quizzers and groups of friends armed with general knowledge can join the event at the Oakwood Centre, Woodley. Teams may have up to eight members.
A fish and chip supper will be available and a cash bar will serve wines, beers and soft drinks. No food or drink may be brought into the building. The quiz starts at 7pm, with doors opening at 6.45pm.
Tickets for the event cost £13, including the fish and chips supper. Quiz tickets without supper cost £6. Booking early is recommended. n To book and for more information visit: www. woodleycarnival.org.uk
Eco show home opens in Binfield NEW SHOW homes in Binfield have been opened for property hunters. Those looking for a new home now have the option of viewing properties in Tilehurst Green, near Binfield. Burrington Estates offers a range of two, three, and four-bedroom houses at the site. The homes are built with features to reduce carbon footprint, such as air source heat pumps which generate renewable heat. These work in tandem with the energy efficient under-floor heating. Driveways at the site will also be fitted with electric or hybrid vehicle charging points. The interiors were designed by Open Door Interiors.
Steph Clibbery, senior interior designer at Open Door Interiors, comments of the design: “For the design of the show home at Tilehurst Green, we looked at the location of the development, “We believe it will appeal greatly to professional parents and families looking for a rural location that is still commutable to London.” The show home, named The Russell, features the option to separate the kitchen and dining space from the lounge area, or to leave it open plan. It also features a master bedroom with en suite and fitted wardrobes, and two further bedrooms. “As we spend more time at home, it’s important to create a space that feels warm and welcoming.
“With this in mind, we have designed two home working areas in different rooms within the home – a bespoke desk and tv unit in the kitchen, with a second working space in the second bedroom, with the idea it can be used as a study.” John Scott, sales and marketing director at Burrington Estates, said: “The beautiful new show home at Tilehurst Green has been thoughtfully designed to match Burrington Estates’ meticulous attention to detail.” Prices for homes in Tilehurst Green start at £599,000 for three-bedroom properties. n For more information, visit www.burringtonestates.com
Give your kitchen the WOW factor with new worktops
We can replace your existing kitchen worktops with new quartz or corian, rejuvenating your kitchen and giving it a fresh new look.
0118 976 2826 www.roktops.co.uk sales@roktops.co.uk
located within the Wokingham Borough
34 | LEISURE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
ARE YOU LISTENING FESTIVAL 2022
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
PICTURES: DIJANA CAPAN & JAKE CLOTHIER
Usually flanked by his band, Buildings on Fire, Ryan O’Donohue performed a stripped-back set of original songs, with a few covers thrown in for good measure.
Bob Vylan behind the mic St Peter’s Dream at Purple Turtle
Were you listening?
A
RE YOU Listening? festival has wrapped for another year, in aid of Reading Mencap.
Matthew Greener combined double bass with a sonorous, soothing vocals for an unplugged, unassuming set which proved unmissable.
More than 50 acts performed across eight venues through out the day on Saturday, May 7. Local and international acts alike joined the line-up, with performances stretching into the early hours of the morning. Duo Matthew Greener kicked off proceedings with their acoustic set in Market Square, followed quickly by a solo set from Buildings on Fire’s Ryan O’Donoghue. Gag Salon, Horse Rock, and Readiophonics were among the acts hailing from Reading, each drawing loyal home crowds.
Lauran Hibberd stormed Sub89 with their off-the-rails, punk-with-a-heart performance. Alfie Templeman was hot on their heels, his sunny, danceable set bringing the festival to a head. His set included instant classics Happiness in Liquid Form and Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody, as well as three brand new tracks from his upcoming album, Mellow Moon, including the first ever performance of Cotton Candy. Indie pop powerhouses Peaness brought the event to dizzying heights at the Oakford Social Club, before Pip Blom closed the evening’s instrumental performances with riotous aplomb at St Lawrence’s church. The event raised funds for Reading Mencap.
Hardcore duo Bob Vylan played hardball at The Facebar.
Dakorra gave a heavenly performance in St Laurence’s Church, their first performance as the electro-rock outfit. Picture: Dijana Capan The Oakford Social Club was one of the venues
Reading’s own Ellis Ballard tugs on the heartstrings with an acoustic set in Market Square. Picture: Dijana Capan People flocked to venues to enjoy a day of music
Peaness
Lauren Hibberd performing
LEISURE | 35
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
ARE YOU LISTENING FESTIVAL 2022 As Loud as a Mouse at the Facebar
Almost half of Reading businesses have employees suffering from long Covid
A
recent survey has shown that 46% of businesses have employees who have suffered with symptoms of long Covid in the past 12 months. A quarter of these even list long Covid as a main cause of long-term sickness. However, it seems that around 20% of businesses are still unaware that their employees were experiencing ongoing symptoms.
Uncle Peanut performs at Milk
The day gave people the chance to discover bands
There were lots to choose from
The event raises funds for Reading Mencap
Uncle Peanut wows the crowds
As a local HR agency we urge business owners and managers to take a keen interest in the health and wellbeing of their people. Long Covid is an ongoing issue, and cases seem to be rising all the time and to deal with it, we believe it’s especially important that employers create a supportive and open working environment where employees feel able to highlight their health concerns. While many employers are doing as much as they can to help employees who are struggling, and while long Covid itself isn’t classed as a disability. In serious cases it may become something to consider due to the length of time it affects day to day life. So, it’s a good idea to suggest employees who are struggling get a proper diagnosis. Not only does this allow employers to make reasonable adjustments to roles like flexible working or adjusting hybrid working arrangements - it also gives employers increased loyalty and productivity in return from those workers in the long term. It can be a difficult situation to navigate, and communication is key. If you’re unsure about the best way to handle a case of long Covid, you can always seek professional HR advice to avoid making a costly decision. For a short time, we are offering local businesses a free HR Health Check and to answer any tricky HR questions business owners may have. Contact us today to find out how we might help you.
Organic P&O Solutions
T: +44 1344 441 043 The Oakford Social Club was praying at the alter of Parlour as they laid down their particular brand of soulful psychedelia. Picture: Jake Clothier
E: contactus@organicposolutions.co.uk Bands performed throughout the day
www.organicposolutions.co.uk
36 | NEWS
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
INTHECOMMUNITY
Share news from your groups, clubs and societies. Send reports to news@wokingham.today
Photography in the frame Wokingham PROBUS Club
PROBUS Chair, Val Briault, being shown cameras from Tony Earle’s collection.
AT our monthly meeting in May at Coppid Beech Hotel we were treated to the fascinating history of photography. This was the story of cameras and film from their primitive technical beginnings, evolving to mass produced universal consumer products.
Our speaker was Tony Earle who had spent 40 years of his working life working for Kodak at their factory in Harrow. He is indeed an expert on the technical and commercial sides of the business. Tony traced the early beginnings of various photo processes, through Calotypes, Daguerreotypes, wet plates and dry plates eventually producing cellulose film for virtually universal use by the non-professional public. George Eastman, who had been making photographic dry plates since 1880, founded Kodak in Rochester, New York state in 1889, and quickly followed this by establishing a presence in the UK at Harrow in 1891. The Kodak Box Brownie of the 1900 created a new mass market for photography and Eastman was a consummate advertising man, coining the phrase “you press the button, we do the rest” Tony recounted the progress of the Kodak in the UK through the 20th century taking in colour pictures and instant cameras until the factory’s closure in 2016, when digital cameras had long replaced film in the mass market. Tony’s talk was spiced by amusing anecdotes and well illustrated by numerous slides. He also brought along his own collection of cameras of bygone years which sparked a little nostalgia as well as technical interest. All in all an entertaining presentation about a former household name whose products now concentrate on business equipment.
Wise Over-50s forum THE WISE Over-50s Forum meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of each month between 2pm and 4pm in the Coronation Hall Headley Road Woodley RG5 4JB. We are a friendly group, of mostly retired folk, who enjoy learning from the subject matter within each talk concerning local issues, which subsequently generate plenty of conversations. The meeting fee is £3 and raffle tickets can be purchased for 50p per ticket. The next 3 meetings which are in our schedule are: On Tuesday 10th May we will welcome Simon Bartlam who is the Wokingham Borough Council’s Countryside Officer - Operations
- to talk about the Dinton Pastures Country Park, and the newly built centre within it. in Hurst. Simon will also talk about Highwood in South Lake Woodley. On Tuesday 14th June we will hold a short AGM followed by a talk by Peter Wilford about the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Peter will bring some souvenirs for sale and a car reader will be available to make payments easier. On Tuesday 12th July Neil Hutton from ‘Brightcall’ will be talking about ‘Computers and Technology’ - a subject which should be of interest in varying degrees to a lot of elderly folk these days.
BOUNCE: Sienna Suarez (5) enjoys a ride at the May fayre, held on School Green in Shinfield on the bank holiday Monday Pictures: Steve Smyth Our picture shows PROBUS Chair, Val Briault, being shown cameras from Tony Earle’s collection. PROBUS is a meeting place for retired or semi-retired professional and business people of either sex who assemble monthly in an informal and friendly atmosphere for social chat, a lunch and a talk on a general interest topic. At Wokingham PROBUS new members will find a warm welcome. Fees are modest, lunches good value and the company friendly with a wide range of experiences and interests from their varied working lives. Meetings are on the first Wednesday
of the month at 12.30pm for 1pm lunch, with a talk usually following. The meeting place is Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way, Bracknell, RG12 8TF. Presentations coming up include a history of electronic espionage in WW2 on 1st June, the reminiscences of a retired police inspector on 6th July and the story of the QE2 liner on 3rd August. Prospective members will be most welcome to come and meet us, by prior arrangement please, and try us out without obligation. The contact for further details is Rosie Smith recs94@ yahoo.com or via our website https:// wokinghamprobus.org.uk DAVID HUNTER
Enjoy The Walnuts With Bells On A church is hosting a concert titled The Walnuts with Bells on - with an unusual mix of instruments. Playing on June 18 at St Nicholas Church, Hurst will be the church tower bells there, many dating back to the 1600s. Meanwhile the audience will be able to meet The Walnuts, a Twyford-based Celtic, folk and Americana band, across the road at the Castle Inn. Once the bells finish Scottish piper Fergus Muirhead, a member of The Walnuts, will lead everyone into the church for the second half of the concert, by The Walnuts, at around 7.30pm. Sue Payne, from the church said: “It’s the first time we have had a band performing in church. It’s an exciting way for people to visit the church and we’re supporting three very good causes. “They’re a fabulous band. It’s good to do something a bit different.” The church will be serving wine in the church for those wanting to go straight there. The concert is raising funds for the DEC Ukraine appeal; Launchpad, Reading’s homeless support charity and St Nicholas Church.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
SOUND ON: The Walnuts in rehearsal
All the fun of the May Fayre SCHOOL Green played host to the Shinfield May Fayre on Monday, May 2, as residents welcomed in the final month of spring. The early May bank holiday served as the perfect excuse for residents, young and old, to embrace the carnival atmosphere.
The Walnuts have toured in Scotland and mainland Europe. They raise money for charities by playing concerts in people’s front rooms, back gardens, kitchens, village halls, churches, islands, boats, shop fronts, service stations, lighthouses and vineyards. Most of the band are based around Wokingham borough. Fergus, of Glasgow, said: “Churches have very wonderful acoustics for
bagpipes – and other instruments.” The band goes back to 2014. Davie McGirr recalls that on their Norway tour they were shut down by the Oslo police “for being too noisy”. The church is confident the sound will be perfect at St Nicholas. Tickets from £5 for a child to £30 for two adults and two children aged 12 and under are available on the Eventbrite website.
The day kicked off with the Shinfield 10K and junior races, before attention turned to the frivolities on the green. A delectable selection of treats proved popular while the novel zip wire experience captured the children’s imagination.
A lovely collection of cakes were available on the Shinfield Infant & Junior Schools PTA stall.
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
37
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wokingham school seeks planning permission for new security By GRANT WILLIAMS Local democracy reporter
‘MAJOR CONCERNS’ have prompted a Wokingham school to seek approval to erect new gates and fences, as the current ones do not comply with government safety guidance.
Wescott Infant School on Westcott Lane has requested planning permission from Wokingham Borough Council to install the new safety measures in order to better protect its pupils. The reports says the current height, condition, and open nature of the existing fencing and gates to the boundaries do not secure the site or safeguard the children. A submission, made by the school governors, states that the current installation “allows for anyone located on the pavement to interact with children in the playground” and the low fencing “presents a major concern” due to the lack of protection afforded to the children. The school governors noted in the application that they are “unable to adequately secure the car park and access routes to the school”, which they say creates a security risk for staff. The report states Thames Valley Police officer Daniel Colyer also expressed concerns
PLAN: Wescott Infants School is seeking permission to install new security fencing Picture: Local Democracy Reporting Service relating to security during visits to the site and advised on reports received from the school in relation to safeguarding measures. Secured by Design (SBD), the official police security initiative, states in the report: “The boundary is the first line of defence and should be protected with a secure fence or railings such as weld-mesh fencing or railings over two metre high.”
The current 1.2 metre high metal picket fencing, to the southern boundary along Goodchild Road, would subsequently be replaced by the recommended two metre high welded-mesh fencing. To the eastern boundary, along School Road, a new 2m high combi welded-mesh panel fence would replace the existing low level black powder coated metal picket fencing and continue part way along the
Hundreds of SEND pupils go to schools outside of the borough AN INVESTIGATION has revealed that hundreds of SEND (special educational needs and disability) students in the borough are being sent many miles away to receive an education, writes Grant Williams, Local democracy reporter. The data – from the by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ) – revealed that, in total, 507 Wokingham students have been sent to schools or other education settings outside of their home local authority – including one student sent 200 miles away to Bolton. The investigation also found more than 150 SEND students from other local authorities have been sent to Wokingham for their education. In 2020/21, Wokingham Council’s Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), which includes funding for Education Health and Care (EHC) plans, showed a deficit of £6.535m, according to its monthly budget performance documents. The BIJ investigation forecasts that this deficit will increase by a further £3.1m by the end of 2021/22 to £9.642m – an increase of 47.5% on the previous year. A Wokingham Borough
Council spokesperson said: “We can’t comment on individual cases but there are two main reasons why children with high special education needs might be placed outside their home borough. “They may be in care and placed with foster parents or in a specialist care home in another borough, and the school is close to their residential placement. This could include Wokingham children placed in other boroughs and vice versa, so this is normal practice and by no means unique to our borough. “Alternatively, they may have needs that can only be met by a specialist institution
some distance from their home. “We would always seek to place children close to home, but some forms of highly specialised support aren’t available in schools or care settings locally.” They added: “Special schools generally focus on particular needs, so while there may not be a suitable place locally for a Wokingham child, a child from another borough could be placed at a Wokingham school if there is a good mutual fit. “We’re doing everything we can to increase the number of specialist places locally – for example, we’re working with Reading Borough Council, the Department for Education and the Maiden Erlegh Trust to open the new Oak Tree Special School in Winnersh. “Our last High Needs Block deficit forecast, reported at our Schools Forum in March, was an in-year deficit of £4.1m for the 2021/22 financial year and a cumulative deficit of £10.6m. “While we’re working to reduce this, by law it can’t affect the services that children receive. Their needs are established in a document called an Education Health and Care Plan and this must be delivered in full, regardless of finances.”
south-western boundary. This is designed to prevent climbing attempts by trespassers. The fence would incorporate security-controlled vehicle access gates, having both security control technology and mechanical opening devices. The plan also proposes a single self-closing pedestrian gate fitted with security control technology. The school says it has
carefully chosen the type of fencing to reflect the historic buildings contained within, and that safety of its children is a priority. Stephanie Holding, Headteacher said: “We are delighted to have been recipients of funds by the trust we belong, The Circle Trust, to improve the security and enhance the school site. “I am very proud of the beauty and historical significance of our school and so we have been in exacting in choosing a fence which is fitting and right for our location.” Wescott Infant School caters for children from ages four to seven and has approximately 150 children on roll each year, with a private day nursery located within the area of the playground. The school is required to seek planning permission for the proposed changes as it was designated as a Grade II listed building by English Heritage in 1998. The adjacent school annexe, which houses the nursery, is also appointed as a Grade II listed building. The proposal, submitted by the chief financial officer at The Circle Trust, Deborah Briault, will go before the planning committee on Wednesday, June 7.
Police burglary awareness event THAMES Valley Police are holding a burglary awareness event at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley. The session will inform guests about what the offence entails, Thames Valley Police’s anti-burglary strategy and how they can best protect themselves from such offences. Neighbourhood officers and detectives from the Priority Crime Team’s Burglary division will be on hand to provide crime prevention advice. The event takes place on Tuesday, May 24 between 7pm and 9pm. n For more details, visit: www. thamesvalley.police.uk
Jubilee concert THE BELLE Canto Trio are set to showcase their talents in a dazzling Jubilee weekend recital. The three-part singing group will be bringing a setlist aptly entitled Celebrate to St Mary’s Church. The performance is part of the church’s Music at St Mary’s series of lunchtime concerts featuring local musicians. Entry is free, although there will be a retiring collection. The concert starts at noon on Saturday, June 4 at St Mary’s Church, Shinfield, RG2 9BY. n For details, call 0118 988 5923 or visit: www.loddonreach.org.uk
WPR_2022-05-09_ReadingToday_16x4 (1)_Just Go
GREAT LITTLE TRAINS of North Wales & Portmeirion
GreatLittleTrainsofNorthWales&Portmeirion_F.pdf
Reader travel
LLANDUDNO AT LEISURE & Stunning Snowdonia
LlandudnoatLeisure&StunningSnowdonia_F.pdf
Departing Mon 5 Sep ‘22
Departing Mon 5 Sep ‘22
Your break includes
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Risboro Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway, GreatOrmeTramway&FfestiniogRailway Free time in Llandudno Excursions to Caernarfon & Portmeirion
Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Marine Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursion to Betws-y-Coed, Trefriw Woollen Mills & Conwy
5 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £60
334
Optional excursions to Llanberis & Caernarfon (£12pp) and Isle of Anglesey, Beaumaris & Bangor (£12pp)
334
5 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £100
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit us online at
justgoholidays.com/WPR
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
justgohols JGTravelGroup
38
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (BEARWOOD ROAD AND B3349 BARKHAM ROAD, BARKHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Bearwood Road, Barkham between its junctions with Coombes Lane and Hermes Close. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 King Street Lane, B3030 Mole Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road, Eversley Road, Langley Common Road and B3349 Barkham Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 4th June and 5th June 2022. 2. B3349 Barkham Road, Barkham between its junctions with B3349 School Road and Barkham Street. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bearwood Road, B3030 King Street Lane, B3030 Mole Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road, Eversley Road and Langley Common Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 11th June and 12th June 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake carriageway trial hole excavation for water main location in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 4th June 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 5th May 2022 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: B3350 Wilderness Road, Earley between its junctions with A329 Wokingham Road and Whiteknights Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3350 Elm Road, A327 Shinfield Road, B3270 Lower Earley Way West, B3270 Lower Earley Way, B3270 Lower Earley Way North and A329 Wokingham Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 18th May and 19th May 2022 between 21:00 and 06:00. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake access to the underground network to clear blockages and other associated work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.
Dated: 12th May 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below:
221079
221270
Address Hogwood Farm, Sheerlands Road, Arborfield
Wescott Infant School, Wescott Road, Wokingham
Reasons for Advert
Description
Temporary emergency access required to service Hogwood Farm phases P14/15 (outline planning permission 181194 is EIA development).
Full application for the proposed temporary emergency access from the Nine Mile Ride Extension (NMRE) for a period of 5 years to provide access to Parcels 14 and 15 at Hogwood Farm (in accordance with the hybrid application ref: O/2014/2179 and 140674 as varied by the minor material amendment application ref: 181194).
Affects setting of listed building
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed erection of fencing and gates to replace existing boundary treatments on the southern-eastern, northeastern and part of the south-western boundaries.
The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. Comments on the application can be made online from this web page. Any comments must arrive on or before the 2nd June 2022. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses. Date: 12th May 2022
Please recycle me !
It’s good news for everyone
Email: advertising@wokingham.today
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3350 WILDERNESS ROAD, EARLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION
Application
Get your business seen!
The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 18th May 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
Dated: 12th May 2022
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE Snap-on UK Holdings Limited of 23 Telford Way, Telford Way Industrial Estate, Kettering, NN16 8SN is applying for a licence to use Ready Steady Store, Wokingham, Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham , RG41 2PT as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicles and trailers 0 . Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representers must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.
A d ve r ti s e r e g u l ar l y A n d s ave ££££s S p eci a l Ra t e s f or 4, 12,26 a nd 5 2 weeks
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (KIRTONS FARM ROAD, PINGEWOOD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Kirtons Farm Road, Pingewood for its entirety between its junctions with West Berkshire Borough Boundary and Reading Borough Boundary. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Berrys Lane, Burghfield Road, Reading Road, Victoria Road, The Street, Cross Lane, Bloomfieldhatch Lane, Lambwood Hill, Bloomfieldhatch Lane Mereoak Lane, Great Lea, Hartley Court Road and Kybes Lane or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 5th June and 17th June 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Matrix Group contractors to undertake installation of high voltage ducts and cable in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 5th June 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 12th May 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (DUKES WOOD, CROWTHORNE) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Dukes Wood, Crowthorne between its junctions with Wiltshire Avenue and Wokingham Borough Boundary. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Wiltshire Avenue or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 30th May and 5th June 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake microasphalt resurfacing work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 30th May 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 12th May 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
For the latest news visit
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
ACCOUNTANCY
39
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
PHOTOGRAPHER
HEALTH, FITNESS AND WELLBEING
BUSINESS DIRECTORY For the latest news visit
RECYCLING TV AERIAL & SATELLITE
TREE SURGEONS
REMOVALS
PAINTING & DECORATING KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION
GOODS WANTED
Spring
INSPIRATIONS Exclusive showroom appointments available BOOK NOW GET AN EXTRA
10% OFF
CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES
EXTENSIONS & SOLID ROOFS
FRONT DOORS
WINDOW & DOORS
TradeMark have been proudly providing local homeowners with quality home improvements for over 25 years SHOWROOM OPEN FOR APPOINTMENTS ALLOWING YOU TO ‘TALK TO AN EXPERT’
t: 0800 30 50 30 trademarkwindows.co.uk
Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2022
LEISURETODAY
12.05.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
‘Reading, born and bred’
The Amazon’s Matt Thomson on albums, alcohol, and authenticity
T
HE AMAZONS have just finished supporting Royal Blood on their three-week UK tour, culminating in what lead vocalist Matt Thomson describes as a “gloves off” show.
It is as a result of this show that he confesses he is a little hungover. “There’s nothing like an arena tour to get you back into what has been a big part of our lives for a couple of years now.” With their support spot for Royal Blood wrapped, the band is looking down the barrel of a busy festival season, as well it’s own headline tour later in 2022. Matt explains that the band had taken a step back after their sophomore album, Future Dust, released in March 2019, followed by the two-year hiatus that everybody was put on. “We were back in the lion’s den, re-igniting old friendships and excited to get back out, and I don’t think we could’ve done it with a better band. “We feel really, super lucky, this tour has felt like a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Despite the hangover, Matt notes that it’s not all late-nights and partying on the circuit. Speaking about the pressure on bands to be “rock ‘n’ roll”, he says: “In the past, I would have said that we felt that pressure, but now, not at all. “For me the priority is keeping my voice well and healthy, and that means sleep, good diet, and not drinking too much.” In fact, he says, touring can cause a lot of strain. “It’s actually really anxiety-ridden experience, it’s really full on. “You don’t sleep on the tour bus, not really, so you’re sleep deprived, “But also you just don’t need to go crazy every night.” That said, he also admits that it’s not entirely sensible either. “I think Ben, their drummer, did appreciate having someone to share his tequila with.” The Amazon’s first album, self-titled, hit number eight in the British album charts in 2017, and their second hit number nine. Now in the process of finalising their third album, due for release in
September, Matt says that the band doesn’t really take the charts into consideration. “We don’t check them, really, and its just not a big part of it. “Although it probably will be in September,” he jokes. He also says the medium of music consumption has created a shift in a band’s outlook as well as the consumer’s. “It globalises your outlook a bit more,” he said. “The charts just don’t tell the story of your music in the way that they perhaps used to. “It’s incredibly important in terms of opportunities for your music to be heard more, which is ultimately what we want to do. “But I don’t feel that pressure.” In fact, he feels that putting that kind of consideration out of your mind is easy. “It’s easy to not think about it when you’re in the flow of writing, where your end goal is getting a great bassline, and perfecting a snare sound. “That’s how you know you’re onto something good.
“Then after you’ve put it all together, we can play that game, getting the music out, that’s fine.” With their third album now largely finished, Matt says that his songwriting has continued to develop throughout his work. “Every album has been different, we’re not really a band that has found a formula, “This album specifically was about nailing the songs before we arranged them, “That means the melody, the lyrics, the title, and it needs to move us or excite us when it’s just a voice and piano. “If you can’t connect to a song on a really fundamental level, there really isn’t much for us to move on with.” However, he says the band’s productivity has increased very sharply. “We used to write twelve songs, because that’s what we needed and had time for. “For this one, we wrote 35, and we whittled them down to the ones that spoke to us the most, “The ones which told the themes of the album, sonically.”
Matt, along with Chris Alderton, Elliot Briggs, and Joe Emmett, hails from Reading. “We’re all four of us Reading, born and bred, and proud of it. “We’d love to play the Rising Sun Arts centre is where we got our first break, and we’d love to play there again. “Oakford was our local, too, where we’d just hang out, often with Sundara Karma or Palm Honey. “And you just can’t beat the Purple Turtle.” And his advice for those looking to leave the sleepy suburbs to become rock ‘n’ roll legends? “Self promotion and using social apps, Instagram, Tiktok, they are very important. “But they are trumped absolutely by songwriting, which shoukld be your number one priority. “Everything else will come, and that’s what’ll make it last.” The Amazons’ third album, How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me, is due for release on Friday, September 2, and they kick off their headline tour in October.
JAKE CLOTHIER
14 | LEISURE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Brewery organises a music night in a bar
FORMER BBC New Generation Artists are now performing as the Galliard Ensemble and they are coming to The Concert Hall on Tuesday, May 17 for an evening of music. The chamber group’s repertoire ranging from Mozart and Beethoven to Berio and Birtwistle, and they comprise Kathryn Thomas, Owen Dennis, Katherine Spencer, Richard Bayliss, and Helen Storey. Their programme includes McDowall’s Subject to the Weather, Berio’s Opus Number Zoo, Grainger’s Walking Tune, and Patterson’s Westerley Winds. The concert is preceded by a free talk in the Town hall at 6.30pm. Tickets cost from £13.50, through to £21.50, under 18s can enjoy the show for £6, and there are discounts for groups. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to www. whatsonreading.com
THE LODDON Brewery is taking over The Purple Turtle on Friday for an evening of music with Third Lung. The event features three bands, The Wave Machine, Bex Ruth and Liam Barnes, all of whom will be on the bill of Loddfest, taking place in September. This event is a warm-up so people know what to expect. Liam Barnes performs country Americana, Bex Ruth promises luscious reverb-laden vocals and sonic landscapes, while Brighton-based Wave Machine promises sing-a-long chill classics. The show is part of Jamma’s monthly residence at the Turtle, and doors open at 7pm. Tickets cost £10 on the door, or £8 in advance. n For more details, log on to: www.purpleturtlebar.com
Summer sounds in the grounds
WITH THE warmer weather here, thoughts are turning to al fresco experiences, and to help South Hill Park has a new regular event launching. Live Music on the Terrace does exactly what it says on the tin. Every Saturday between 3pm and 5pm, there will be some live music on the Terrace of the Bracknell-based arts centre. Entry is free, and South Hill Park hopes you will buy some food and drink from the Atrium Bar and Restaurant. Launching the series is Helen The Vintage Singer, perofrming 1940s swing and jive, and some 1950s rock n roll. On Saturday, May 21, Mike Tuffery will appear, and Abi Powell will be on Saturday, May 28. The series takes a break for the Jubilee before returning in June. n For more details, call 01344 484123 or log on to www.southhillpark.org.uk
See it for real
CLASSIC John Carpenter film They Live is coming to Reading’s Biscuit Factory next week as part of its Keep It Cult season. The 15-rated movie tells the story of Nada, a down-on-his-luck construction worker who comes across a pair of special sunglasses that allow him to see the world as it really is. And while some of the messages he
discovers are signs such as Submit To Authority, it’s some of the people that he meets that is really eye-opening: they’re actually aliens in charge of a secret campaign to subdue humanity. The film came out in 1988, and stars Roddy Piper and Meg Foster. It is shown at the Broad St Mall-based venue on Monday and Friday, May 20. Tickets cost £7.50, or £6 for under 25s and over 65s. n For more details, log on to: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Edinburgh nights
A SNEAK PEEK at comedians’ planned Edinburgh shows is coming to Norden Farm next week in a double bill of laughter Glenn Moore, who has appeared on Mock The Week, The Stand Up Sketch Show and Rob Delaney’s Stand Up Central, is first up. Then there’s a set from Jarlath Regan, who is host of the podcast An Irishman Abroad. He’s also appeared on Tonight at the Palladium, Russell Howard’s Good News, and Last Comic Standing. Tickets cost £12, for the show which takes place on Wednesday, May 18. n For more details, call the box office on
AT THE THEATRE
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Cult Figure: Kenneth Williams. Thurs. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Wonderland. Sat-Sun. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat. Feeling The Beat. Sat. Into Dance. Tues. Chris Batchelor’s Zoetic. Fri 20. Bugsy Malone. Fri 20-Sat 21. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 20. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat 21. Bracknell Together Walk. Sun 22. Wilde Sundays. Sun 22.
Camberley – Theatre
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Sun Records. Thurs 12. Youth Wind Orchestra. Fri-Sat. Mark Thomas. Fri 20. Dame Dolly Does Goldilocks. Sat 21. Upstage Arts. Sat 21-Sun 22.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
01483 440000 Marvels of Mystery. Thurs. Patricia Gets Ready (For a Date With The Man That Used to Hit Her). Thurs. Stewart Lee: Snowflake/ Tornado. Fri-Sat. Riot Act. Fri-Sat. The Mountaintop. Tues-Sat 21.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Be Bop A Lula. Thurs. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs. An Audience with Anton Du Beke. Fri. Mania: the ABBA tribute. Sat. Some Guys Have All The Luck. Sun. The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time. Tues-Sat 21. Tony Adams. Wed 18. Murder At Goodbottom Manor. Sat 21. Movie Mayhem and Showtime at the Musicals Dinner Dance. Sat 21.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Great Expectations. Fri. The Music
01628 788997, or log on to Norden.farm
Stand-up with Tarot
AN EVENING of stand-up sketch comedies is coming to South Street next week, thanks to the fifth-best reviewed show of Edinburgh Festival 2019. Tarot was also the number one show on Chortle in the same year. The show focuses on Tarot, the lovechild of Goose and Gein’s Family Giftshop. By which we mean it’s a drain on our bank accounts and we don’t talk to our parents about it. The Guardian says the show is ‘bark out loud funny’, which sounds good enough to us. The show is on Friday, May 20, and tickets cost £16. It is suitable for ages 16 upwards. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to www.whatsonreading.com
Splurge time
GET ready to splurge… Bugsy Malone is coming back. Pupils from Eagle House School have been hard at work rehearsing for this new production of the classic musical.
of George Harrison. Sat. Dance. Sun. Off The Kerb: Laura Lexx, Marcus Brigstocke. Thurs 19. Tony Christie: Avenues and Alleyways. Fri 20. The Songs of Leonard Cohen. Sat 21. Best of British TV Comedy. Sun 22.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Outfit (15). Thurs. Northern Ballet’s Merlin. Thurs. Tongues on Fire presents Gandhi and Co (tbc). Fri. Tongues of Fire: Lines (tbc). Fri. Tongues on Fire: The Brittle Thread (tbc). Fri. Tongues on Fire presents: Bring on the Bollywood (tbc). Fri. The Grahams. Fri. Benedetta (18). Sat. Oysland. Sat. Little Mix Live. Sat. Compartment No 6 (15). Tues-Wed. Avalon Edinburgh preview: Glenn Moore and Jarlath Regan. Wed. Maidenhead Drama Festival. Thurs 19-Sat 21. Alex Garnett and Friends: Gerry Mulligan and the Cool Era. Fri 20. Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted. (PG). Sat 21.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Rant. Thurs. Young Frankenstein. Thurs. Jeremy Summerly: The English Hymnal. Thurs. Words Spoken and Sung. Fri. Duo. Fri. The Sheepdrove Recital. Fri. Young Artists Recital 3: Trio Doyenne. Fri. Masterclass with Tasmin Little. Sat. BBC Symphony Orchestra. Sat. Thus Much I know To Be True. Fri-Sat. Yolanda Brown. Sat. Yolanda’s Band Jam. Sat. Tredegar Town Band. Sun. Cabaret at Combe. Sun. A Taste of England. Mon. Young Artists Recital 4: Piano Competition WInner. Mon. The Kakatasti Master Drummers. Tues. Northern Chords. Tues. My Fair Lady. Wed. Voces8 - SOLD OUT. Wed. Young Artists Recital: Deschanel Gordon. Wed. Oculi Ensemble. Thurs 19. Ballet Central. Thurs 19. Dame Jane Glover: The Genius of Mozart. Thurs 19. Young Artists Recital: Echea Quartet. Fri 20. The Sixteen
It tells the story of two gangs, in a city populated only by children, who are locked in a Capone-ian rivalry. Dandy Dan has the upper hand since obtaining the infamous ‘splurge’ gun. Bugsy Malone becomes the last chance Fat Sam’s hapless gang has of surviving. All Bugsy really wants to do is spend time with his new love Blousey – but that just isn’t going to happen The musical comedy is performed on Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21, at South Hill Park. Tickets cost £17, or £15 for members. n For more details, call 01344 484123 or log on to www.southhillpark.org.uk
He knows the way to go
TONY CHRISTIE will know the way to Henley once he’s performed a gig at the Kenton Theatre. He is coming to the town centre venue on Friday, May 20. The legendary singer needs little introduction: he has recorded albums that have sold in their millions, performed all over the world, and appeared at Glastonbury. at Douai Abbey. Fri 20. Julian Joseph Trio. Fri 20. Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. Sat 21. Julian Jospeh Jazz Academy. Sat 21. Roll Over Beethoven. Sat 21. Swan Lake. Sun 22.
Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Our Man In Havana. Until Sat 21. Wonky. Sat.
Reading – South St
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Daoiri Farrell. Thurs 12. An Evening With Kristin Hersh. Fri 13. Poets’ Cafe. Fri 13. Sam Sweeney Band. Sat. Tarot: Cautionary Tales. Fri 20. Heavy Pop presents FEET. Sat 21.
Reading – Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Giovanni Pernice. Thurs. Sainsbury Singers presents Chess. WedSat 21.
Reading – Concert Hall
Such is his pulling power that he’s been performing for five decades, and this show features a range of hits including I Did What I Did For Maria, Walk Like A Panther, Las Vegas, Avenues & Alleyways, and the Number 1 single (Is This The Way To) Amarillo. n Tickets cost £25, and can be ordered by calling the box office between 11am and 3pm Mondays to Saturdays on 01491 525050, or logging on to kentontheatre. co.uk
Nostalgia and laughs
THE FIRST rule of comedy is to listen to Spike from Hi-de-Hi. Well, his alter ego, Jeffrey Holland. The sitcom legend is teaming up with ‘Allo ‘Allo star Sue Hodge, April Walker from The Two Ronnies and The Navy Lark, Rising Damp’s Judy Buxton, and comedy star Debbie Hudd, to look back at some of the best of British TV Comedy. The show features Keith ‘Paddington’ Richards on the piano, and the screening of some rare TV Comedy moments. Add in a question and answer session and you’ve got a hilarious afternoon out. It takes place at The Kenton Theatre in Henley from 2.30pm on Sunday, May 22. Tickets cost £22. n They can be ordered by calling the box office between 11am and 3pm Mondays to Saturdays on 01491 525050, or logging on to kentontheatre.co.uk
Get back to the Mill for Beatles night
A MAGICAL MYSTERY ride is promised by The Mill at Sonning, thanks to a Beatles night. The greatest band to come out of Merseyside will be paid tribute to in this new show from The Magic of the Beatles. The bandmates look and sound like John, Paul, George and Ringo, and aim to replicate their cheeky humour too. The evening will feature a two-course meal before getting down to the serious business of recreating Beatlemania. Songs performed will include She Loves You, A Hard Day’s Night, Help, I Feel Fine, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Hey Jude, Here Comes The Sun, and Get Back. It takes place on Sunday, May 22, with the bar opening at 6pm and dinner from 6.15pm, with the show at 8.15pm. Tickets include the meal and cost £61. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 969 8000, or log on to: millatsonning.com
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Galliard Ensemble. Tues. NEXT SHOW: Dylan Moran: We Got This. Jun 5.
Reading – Progress
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 The Alex Hitchock Quartet. Fri. NEXT SHOW: Angels In America Parts 1 and 2. June 20-July 2.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre
www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Until Jun 5.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: The Beauty Queen of Leenane. June 15-18.
Sonning – The Mill
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Busman’s Honeymoon. Until
June 25. The Bourne Again Shadows. Sun. Magic of The Beatles. Sun 22.
Windsor – Theatre Royal
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 NEXT SHOW: The Best of Queen. Wed, Jun 8.
Wokingham – Theatre
www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Comedy Night. Fri, May 27. NEXT SHOW: Stones In His Pockets. June 8-18.
Wokingham – Whitty
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society: Ali and Ava (15). Thur. Alice In Wonderland. Sun. Wokingham Music Club: Patti Boulaye Aretha and Me. Fri 20.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 The Things We Do For Love. Thurs 17-Sat 21.
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LEISURE | 15
Amateur dramatics ... A tense moment from rehearsals of Chess, the new production from Sainbsury Singers. The group will be performing at The Hexagon next week from Wednesday, May 11 through to Saturday, May 21. Set during the Cold War, the musical uses Chess as a metaphor. Tickets cost £20, £17 for concessions and there are discounts for groups. For more details, log on to www.whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.
Progress Theatre’s Catch 22 is a paradoxical delight PROGRESS Theatre continues its slate of 2022 shows, this time with Joseph Heller’s Catch 22, directed by Guy Nicholls. The play follows the fortunes of John Yossarian, a fighter pilot at an outpost of the US Army, as he navigates the maze of misdirections and mistruths created by his superiors, his doctors, and his fellow soldiers. As his friends and colleagues die around him, he quickly loses sense of something he doesn’t understand to begin with. Firstly, the cast works hard to spin the plates of the play’s characters, with nearly 40 of them played by the production’s nine actors. The principal cast switches between the characters with dizzying speed and ease during the first half of the play. During the second half, however, the characters start to merge, deliberately mirroring the constantly building confusion the play invokes as well as Yossarian’s own reaction to the events. Incidentally, Adrian Tang’s portrayal of Yossarian holds the production together, as his embodiment of one of the few seemingly sane characters is believable. His directorial experience shows too, as he acts with a considered technicality. Paul Haigh’s portrayal as the chaplain is similarly commendable in its pathos, especially as it is his theatre debut.
Elsewhere in the cast, Jose Tornadijo’s portrayal as both the psychiatrist and Wintergreen give the roles a fresh, confident humour which shines through. Katie Moreton and Emilia Sammons also bring a comical vibrance to their roles which jumps from the stage, especially when the two finally share a protracted scene together towards the close of the play. This is particularly true of the Texan, played by Moreton, and Captain Black, played by Sammons, who steal the show in many of their scenes. The production’s set design does a good job of evoking the mid-1940s aesthetic without being over-dressed or getting in the way. It also hits the practical beats that the play needs, including the all-important window for Major Major. Overall, this production encapsulates the pure paradoxes at the heart of the source material. In fact, it embraces them and knowingly pits them against one another to create a cacophony of contradictions. Catch 22 ran at Progress Theatre, The Mount, from Tuesday to Saturday, May 2 to May 7.
JAKE CLOTHIER
16 | LEISURE
Victorian songs for charity A FREE concert will help Ukrainian refugees later this month. The programme features music from the Victorian era, including works by Gilbert and Sullivan, church music, parlour pieces, and tunes from the music hall. It will be given by Readingbased Gratis Choir at St. Mary the Virgin church, Winnersh. The event takes place on Saturday, 28 May at 7:30pm. Entry is free, with a retiring collection for Ukrainian refugees. n For information, visit: gratischoir.org.uk
It’s tea and cake with royal memories AS QUEEN Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee approaches there’s a chance for residents to share memories. Chat about special times and celebrations over tea, coffee and cake. Dates include: Monday May 16, 10.30 to noon, Woodley library Monday May 23, 10.30 to noon, Lower Earley library Monday May 30, 2pm to 3.30pm, Wokingham library The events are free. n To find out more, visit: www. wokingham.gov.uk
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
Drag returns with an all-out talent
B
AR77 will once again be hosting Reading’s Got Drag on Saturday, May 21.
The event showcases the diverse drag acts, and this time it’s an all-out talent contest. Ten performers will demonstrate their fiercest talents, with the top two lipsyncing for the crown. The winner will take home a cash price, and be given a one-off drag night of their very own at Bar 77. The evening will be hosted by Big Jay, who says that they prefer to allow performers to choose their own performances. “I wanted the category to be completely open, setting it as a talent show gives drag performers of all levels the freedom to enjoy their time on stage and show us what they got, “Some drag artists use their drag to showcase other talents, whether that be singing, dancing, comedy, creative arts, “For me, I loved acting when I was a child, and I am rediscovering this through drag.” Competitors include Mx Mel Anin, Powdered Sugar, and Niph. Meatgirl will also be performing, combining her classic, vintage aesthetic with uncanny, unhinged humour. Big Jay said: “The drag competitions I’m aware of are
The multi-BAFTA award winning presenters will be bringing their live show to the Hexagon on September 24. Picture: Steve Ullathorne JOIN IN: Host Big Jay also holds a free drag night at Bar 77 on the second Thursday of the month. Picture: Viola Tucks
quite judgemental and impose their views of drag on the competitors which can limit diversity and original ideas, “I hope my competition is a space for people to be themselves and feel supported– we’re also offering small travel bursaries raised from ticket sales and cash tips, to make it more accessible for competitors from out of town.” The competition will be judged by Sera Tonin, Xena Morph, and Ridi Clueless. There will be performances from guest judges as well as the competitors, and places are still open for participants. Big Jay said that she hoped shows like this one and her free drag nights every second Thursday would help others to perform.
“There is so much diverse drag talent in Reading that is kind of underground, as there aren’t really spaces for the whole queer community, “Hopefully the shows run by people like myself help to encourage new talent to the surface and highlight that Reading does indeed got drag– young, fresh, funny, original, creative, artistic, weird and wonderful drag.” If you would like to participate as a performer, contact @ iotaevents on Instagram. Reading’s Got Drag takes place at Bar 77, downstairs in the Outlook, King’s Road, from 7.30pm on Saturday, May 21. n Tickets are £7, available from www.outsavvy.com.
JAKE CLOTHIER
Back in Da Bungalow CELEBRATING 20 years since their hit show, Dick and Dom are bringing “Da Bungalow” to the stage. With a new live show, the boys behind Bogies have adapted their 2002 cult TV show into a live performance. Staples such as two-word tango, musical splatues, pants dance, and bogies have been worked into the interactive experience, which is touring the UK in September. It will also feature plenty of fairly hairy fizzogs and the now infamous creamy muck muck game. Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow began on August 31st, 2002, airing on CBBC. The pair have performed together for 25 years, beginning
as links presenters on CBBC in 1996. Since, they’ve completed a sell-out season at Edinburgh Fringe festival in 2018, just a year after a nation-wide theatre tour. Dick and Dom said: “20 years since those lift doors slid open and we welcomed you to Da Bungalow. It’s going to blow your mind as we take you on a nostalgia fuelled trip to relive the best show ever to be on your telly. “The most asked question we get is when are you going to bring Da Bungalow back– well, it’s back.” The presenters have also appeared in Horrid Henry: The Movie, as well as Monty Python’s West End revival of Spamalot. n It will be showing at the Hexagon on Saturday, September 24. www.whatsonreading.com
Reading Rep’s anniversary
READING Repertory Theatre has laid out its plans to celebrate a decade of theatre, including new works and pricing changes. In October, it will mark its tenth anniversary with a season of new shows, called Reading Rep: 10. As well as its new shows, the theatre has announced an overhaul of ticket prices in the approaching season. It pledges that all tickets will be under £20, with a number of £5 tickets for under 30s for each show. Paul Stacey, artistic director of Reading Repertory Theatre said of the season: “It has been an extraordinary 10 years of making theatre in Reading, and this upcoming season celebrates every artist, audience and team member who got us to this point. The theatre has championed accessibility through programs such as ENGAGE, which provides hundreds of hours of free workshops to disadvantaged or underserved communities. “Accessibility and connection is at the heart of Reading Rep– we refuse to let the price point of our tickets be a barrier for our audiences, especially when the cost of living across the UK is so excruciatingly high. “Ten percent of all our tickets remain free for those underserved in the arts, and there will be 210 £5 tickets per show
for Under 30s. “This season promises to radically engage with our future, whilst memorialising our decade long past” The ENGAGE project will be form part of each production in the theatre’s Reading Rep: 10 season, with companion productions and workshops. The season will begin with Gary McNair’s stage adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Jekyll & Hyde. It will run alongside ENGAGE’s Stranger Than Fiction, which will explore the real-life inspiration behind the story. The theatre is also bringing back its sell-out production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, set in Reading, and written by Beth Flintoff. The season will continue into 2023 with a queer adaptation of Frank Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. It is producing the show association with A Girl Called Stephen, a Reading-based theatre company which promotes work by and for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Hear Our Voice, a workshop which looks at the need for queer spaces in Reading will run alongside it, working with members of the community to create empowering autobiographical pieces. It will be followed by a musical adaptation of Peter Pan, the first musical production in the
theatre’s new venue. It will close the season with Helen Eastman’s The Rumble Under the Rug, an interactive workshop which will go on to tour schools and libraries around Reading. Reading Rep: 10 will also see the theatre present its first full-scale digital project, Reborn in Film, which celebrates the new venue’s first series of productions. As well as the film, it is also set to host the ENGAGE festival in July 2023, where performances, exhibitions, and workshops will explore the outreach and community work the theatre has done in its first ten years. n Jekyll & Hyde and Stranger Than Fiction will run from, October 10, to October 29 n A Christmas Carol and ENGAGE’s Dear Mr Scrooge will run from November 30, to December 31. n Hedda Gabler and Hear Our Voice will run from February 22, to March 11, 2023. n Peter Pan and Discovering Neverland will run from *April 6, to April 29, 2023. n The Rumble Under the Rug will run from May 31, to June 3, 2023. n Tickets are now on sale for all of the shows in the Reading Rep: 10 season, available at: www. readingrep.com
JAKE CLOTHIER
LEISURE | 25
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LIVEMUSIC
To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662
RaW Sounds Today
VOLUNME UP: Spriggan Mist by Andrew Merritt
Chris Hillman
bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday
Rocket Kings – Rendezvous This ukulele pop band are at Wokingham Festival in August and here’s a song with a very sing-along hook from their Everyday Adventure’ album. Check out the video on You Tube - https://www.facebook. com/rocketkings/
W
E LOVE Spriggan Mist, a talented band that holds special events such as its Enchanted Market, as well as performing extensively.
The band has been hard at work on its latest album, and it’s to them that we are putting top of this week’s hit parade. Remember The Day is certainly one to remember - tune in to our free Spotify playlist and find out why. All songs in the RaW Sounds Today have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name). To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstodayand keep dancing. There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
Spriggan Mist – Remember the Day They have just released their album, Isambard the Mechanical Dragon, and it’s their best yet. The addition to the Spriggan Mist lineup of singer Fay Brotherhood with her dramatic stage presence and powerful vocals has certainly enhanced the band. The band always go down a storm live as shown at their album launch in Reading and a successful appearance at HRH Prog Festival. They will be at Wokingham Festival in August. Remember that day, it will be a good one - https:// www.sprigganmist.com/
In Albion – Burning the Candle at Both Ends
An exciting up-and-coming theatrical prog band who will also be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August. Have a listen to this and their previous single, Earth - https://allmylinks.com/inalbionband
Phantom Booth – The World Outside My Door
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Americana Night with Jack Cade Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango Presents Amapiano. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Bobby V: The RnB Addictaion Tour. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING - South Street. Daoiri Farrell. Details: 0118 960 6060. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Friday, May 13
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. OASISesque. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Whitney Houston tribute. Details: 01344 303333. GORING - Goring Community Centre, The Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB. Fleur Stevenson, Stuart Henderson, Nick Hill, Howard King, Mike Goff. Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ goring-community-jazz-club READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Metal Fridays: Gotlocker, Sore Teeth, Goad, Bring The Onslaught. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Third Lung and Loddfest, powered by Jamma. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents The Alex Hitchcock Sextet. Details: www.jazzinreading.com
Here’s a wonderful single from a new band based in Reading and London who were on the lineup at the recent Reading Rising event at The Facebar - https:// linktr.ee/phantombooth
Bex Ruth – Scratching my Head
OSP – When?
Bex is a singer-songwriter from London who creates electronic soundscapes overlayed with wonderful soulful vocals. This song is taken from her Serenity album and she will be visiting Reading this Friday to perform at the Third Lung and Loddon Brewery, Loddfest Takeover Show at The Purple Turtle. The night is being promoted by Jamma and is to showcase three artists appearing at Loddfest in September. As well as Bex, there will be appearances by Liam Barnes and The Wave Machine - https://linktr.ee/ bexruth
OSP stands for ‘Only Speak Positive’ and they are a four-piece from Reading looking to deliver a powerful message of tolerance and respect. They will be at Readipop on Sunday, July 10 - https://www. facebook.com/ospmusicuk
Split the Dealer – Dreamstate Split the Dealer is a fave at RaW Sounds.Today and we are looking forward to his headlining show at Reading’s Sub 89 on Friday. To get in the mood for that, here’s a Split the Dealer single from last year - https://linktr.ee/splitthedealer
The Mezz – Yesterday You Said Tomorrow
GIG GUIDE Thursday, May 12
The Mezz is a new indie four-piece band and this single is well worth a listen. They support Split the Dealer at his Sub 89 Reading show mentioned above. Watch out for another new single very soon too https://www.themezz.uk/
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Split the Dealer. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING - South Street. An Evening with Kristin Hersh. Details: 0118 960 6060.
Saturday, May 14
BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. The Silver Searchers.. Details: 01344 420690. BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Rock Night with Weird Boyfriend and Redhead. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL - The Bridge, Wokingham Road RG42 1PP. Utter Madness Duo. Details: 01344 862912. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Pink Fish.. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Asylum Affair. Details: 01344 422622. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace. 3pm. Details: 01344 484123. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Sing-a-long-a Nick in aid of DEC Ukraine appeal. Ticket only. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Reading Fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees: The Highwasters, The Deckchairs, The Echo, The Skavengers, The Skangsters. From 6pm. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Marisa And The Moths, and Metamorphosis. Two Weeks In Nashville. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dean Friedman in concert. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Lord John
Band. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING - South Street. Sam Sweeney Band. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Turn. Details: 0118 957 6930. THEALE – The Fox and Hounds, Station Road RG7 4BE. Abi Powell. Details: 0118 930 2295. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Horizon. Details: 0118 942 9606. WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Soultime. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Tequila Chase. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, May 15
EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Sunday Funday Karaoke from 2pm. Details: 0118 966 7153. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers Night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Bourne Again Shadows. Details: 0118 969 8000.
Monday, May 16
READING - Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street. Personal Trainer.
Tuesday, May 17
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce
Abana. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Thursday, May 19
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Pippa and the Players. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango Presents Amapiano. Details: 0118 959 7196. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Friday, May 20
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Sleep Room with George Alfie Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Sugar and Sax, plus I Got Soul: Mix A Lot.. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Chris Batchelor’s Zoetic. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street.Tim Kay Band. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. HeavyPop presents Red Snapper with Cities In Dust and The Push DJ. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. London Calling and The Ramonas. Details: 0118 959 5395. WHISTLEY GREEN - The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Abi Powell. Details: 0118 934 0886. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Patti Boulaye’s Aretha and Me. 7.30pm. £20. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Selina and the Howlin Dogs – Slow Train Blues
Here’s a song from this band’s debut album, Blues Revisited. Following the launch of the album they have been added to the bill at Wokingham Festival https://www.selinaandthehowlindogs.com/
Modesty Blue – Sea of Emotion From the sound of the blues we go to the sound of the 80s with the new single from Modesty Blue. It’s their second single and is another catchy summer feel pop song - https://www.facebook.com/ modestybluemusic
Saturday, May 21
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Solcura, Fuzz Pills, Static Fires. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. These Certain People. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01344 422622. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace. 3pm. Details: 01344 484123. CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco. CAVERSHAM PARK – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Milestone Centre, Northbrook Road. The Skavengers. Details: www.cpva.org.uk CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Never Was. Details: 01344 772161. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Bare Jams. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING - Cafe Iguana, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2LN. 2 Step Jam part 2. Details: 07748 257310. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Bob Marley Tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800 READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Church of Madness v DJs Cinderlox and Omega. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Foresters Arms, Brunswick Street RG1 6NY. Soul Brothers. Details: 0118 304 3648. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Madison Heights soul and motown band. Details: 0118 968 1442.
READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents Damien A Passmore/ Tom Webber/ Uncle Peanut. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Jason Stretch. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop presents FEET. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Blue Hayz. Details: 0118 957 6930. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Full Flavour. Details: 0118 977 0918. WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Memories of Wokingham featuring Jamie Trick, Nicole Allan and Dezzie. Starts at 2pm Tickets £5. Details: 0118 979 7402. YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. JJ & The Dukes. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, May 22
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: Tamsin Quin, Phil Cooper, Jamie R Hawkins. Details: 01344 484123. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Dave Ellis and Boo Howard. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Magic of the Beatles. Details: 0118 969 8000.
26 | LEISURE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WHAT’SON
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokingham.today
Exhibitions
READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Community Voices A series of displays showcasing responses to The MERL’s collections. Open daily except Monday. Details: 0118 378 8660. READING – Edith Morley building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 6AA. The Ure Museum presents: Discover the beauty of Etruscan pottery. Tuesdays to Thursdays. 9am-4.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 378 6990. READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside. A Walk Along The Kennet: Newtown artists showcase the area. Until Monday, May 16. RREADING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Reading Museum presents Collected: 150 Years of Reading FC. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm (Sat 5pm). Free, suggested donation of £5. Details: 0118 937 3400. READING – 571 Oxford Road Gallery RG30 1EG. Artists For Ukraine Exhibition. Until June 30. 11am5pm, Tues-Sun. Details: artistsforukraine.org
Films at Reading Biscuit Factory
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Operation Mincemeat (12a). Thurs. Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG). Thurs. Casablanca Beats (12a). Thurs. The Northman (15). Thurs. Keep It Cult: Thelma and Louise (15). Fri. Keep It Cult II: They Live (15). Mon. Royal Ballet Season: Swan Lake. Thurs. Everything Everywhere All At Once. Fri 20-Sun 22. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Friday, May 13
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe. 8pm. Details: 0118 960 6060. TWYFORD - Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10. Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group presents Ladies Day. £10 and £12. 8pm. Details: twyrusdrama. org.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.
Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, May 14
ACROSS CAVERSHAM and EMMER GREEN. Caversham Arts Trail: 14 venues, 40 artists.Venues open 11am-5pm. Details: https://cavershamartstrail. co.uk/ ARBORFIELD – St Eligius Church, Tope Road. Free Dr Bike Surergy. 12.30pm2.30pm. CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. 10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928. CHARVIL - Village Hall. Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh presents a brunch in aid of the Karun School in India. 10.15am. £15. Details: 0118 934 2883, or email: iwcrme@ gmail.com FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, marino Way. Brewery tour. 1pm2.30pm. Booking essential. GORING - Thule Grange RG8 9QH. Open Garden for National Garden Scheme. Recently developed one acre garden set around country house (not open). Centred upon a splendid catalpa tree with a rosefilled parterre, wildflower area, yew avenue and richly planted herbaceous borders. 10am-4pm. Combined admission with Wynders £6, children free. Cream teas available. GORING - Wynders RG8 9QA. Open Garden for National Garden Scheme. Grass borders, formal garden, orchard, wildflower meadow, roses, shrub borders, ferns and vegetable plots. Classic cars on display. 10am-4pm. Combined admission with Thurle Grange £6, children free. Cream teas available. Details: 07920 712571. PANGBOURNE - Outside Garlands Organic Shop, Reading Road RG8 7LY. Pangbourne Allotment plant sale. 10am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 984 5898. READING - Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Reading Civic Society presents The Rise and Fall of Biscuit Town: Developing and Redeveloping Huntley & Palmers Biscuit Factory 1800-2000, a talk by Joe Doak. 1.30pm. £3. Details: readingcivicsociety.org.uk READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE.
Platinum Jubilee Bunting creation. 12.45pm-4.45pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. 50th anniversary celebrations for Broad St Mall: face painting, balloon modelling, Topsy the mascot, Jelly activity, visit from Sue Ryder and more. 11am2pm. Details: www. broadstreetmall.com READING - Forbury Gardens, The Forbury RG1 3BB. Reading Children’s Festival from 11am-4pm. Events across the day, including a Mad Hatters Tea Party, theatre workshops and Dr Bike checks. Free. Details: whatsonreading.com READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair TWYFORD - Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10. Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group presents Ladies Day. £10 and £12. 8pm. Details: twyrusdrama. org.uk WOKINGHAM - Bond Brews, South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road. Bon Brew Tap Yard party. Noon-6pm. Details: bondbrews.co.uk WOKINGHAM - St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Reading Phoenix Choir concert for Ukraine. 7.30pm. £15, under 16s £5. Details: www.rpchoir.com/ukraine WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Horticultural Association Trading Store, Ormonde Road, RG41 2RB. Annual Bring and Buy Plant Sale 10.30-12.30. Details www.w-h-a.org.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Sunday, May 15
ACROSS CAVERSHAM and EMMER GREEN. Caversham Arts Trail: 14 venues, 40 artists.Venues open 11am-5pm. Details: https://cavershamartstrail. co.uk/ EYE AND DUNSDEN - Village Hall, Dundsen Way. Mack Strrig Quartet present Mack Movements. 4pm. GORING - Thule Grange RG8 9QH. Open Garden for National Garden Scheme. Recently developed one acre garden set around country house (not open). Centred upon a splendid catalpa tree with a rosefilled parterre, wildflower area, yew avenue and richly planted herbaceous borders. 10am-4pm. Combined admission with Wynders £6, children free. Cream teas available. GORING - Wynders RG8 9QA. Open Garden
for National Garden Scheme. Grass borders, formal garden, orchard, wildflower meadow, roses, shrub borders, ferns and vegetable plots. Classic cars on display. 10am-4pm. Combined admission with Thurle Grange £6, children free. Cream teas available. Details: 07920 712571. READING – From Palmer Park. Kidical Mass family bike ride. Meet by Tutu’s, enjoy short, slow ride to Forbury Gardens, with other families, followed by a picnic. 11.30am. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Reading Hackspace rLab, Unit C1, Weldale Street RG1 7BX. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your best course of action might be”. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome. SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Spencers Wood Farmers & Community market. 9am-noon. Details: www.spencerswoodhall. co.uk STREATLEY - St Mary’s Church, Church Lane RG8 9HU. Piano recital by Ikuko Inoguchi: Jean Philip Rameau, Franz Schubert, M. Glinka/M. Balakirev, Noriko Koide and Ludwig van Beethoven. 4pm. £10, £9 concessions. Cash only. Details: StMarysConcerts@ hotmail.co.uk WOKINGHAM - Wokingham Bowls Club, Reading Road. Open day. Wear flat shoes and have a go. 10am-2pm. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Minature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature Railway running. £1.50 per ride, four rides £5. 1.30pm-4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Monday May 16
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org BINFIELD - Newbold College Church, Popeswood Road, RG42 4AN. The Arts Society Wokingham’s monthly lecture ‘The Life and Works of James McNeill Whistler’ by John Iddon at 7.45pm. Also live streamed via YouTube. Details www.TheArtsSociey Wokingham.org.uk SOUTHCOTE – Children’s Centre, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Messy Play session for ages 2-5. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 937 2535. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.
10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Tea and chat: Jubilee memories. Free. 10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 969 0304.
Tuesday, May 17
EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org. FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Milk Bar, Merchants Place. Comedy night. 7pm. READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Platinum Jubilee Bunting creation. 12.45pm-4.45pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Ranikhet Children’s Centre, Spey Road RG30 4ED. DiddiDance session for ages 2-5, part of Reading Children’s Festival. 10am. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5221. TILEHURST – Library, School Lane RG31 5AS. Make a Finger bug. Drop-in craft session. Free entry. 10am-11am. Details: 0118 937 5114. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Wednesday, May 18 EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square RG1 3BE. History of Reading Society presents The Black Arts in Reading: The story of our local printing industry. 7.30pm. £2 visitors, members free. Details: historyofreadingsociety@ yahoo.com READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. Bumps and Babes for expectant parents and those with babies under 12 months. 1pm-2.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 931 2111. WHITLEY – Children’s Centre, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Under 1s messy play. Free. Details: 0118 937 3894.
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Coronation Catwalk: a costume presentation with Meridith Towne. Booking essential. 2pm3.30pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Thursday, May 19
ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Libraries present Women In Art: new Kids of the Block, a talk by Chris Holley. Free. 2pm-3pm. To book a place, email libraries@wokingham. gov.uk EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Platinum Jubilee Bunting creation. 12.45pm-4.45pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair TILEHURST - Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players present A Prescription for Murder. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www. triangleplayers.co.uk WHITLEY – Children’s Centre, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Rhyme and Song for under fives. Free. Details: 0118 937 3894. SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Treasure Hunt Judging. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.
Friday, May 20
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Storytime for up to 4 years. Free, booking essential. 10.30am-11am. Details: 0118 908 8176. READING – Battle Library,
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022 Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Platinum Jubilee Bunting creation. 12.45pm-4.45pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. DiddiDance session for ages 2-5, part of Reading Children’s Festival. 10am. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 931 2111. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Comedy Night: Mike Simmons, Jos Railf, Calum Ross and Carl Richards. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Brewdog Reading, Castle Street RG1 7SB. Mad Monkey Improv comedy. £5 in advance. TILEHURST - Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players present A Prescription for Murder. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www. triangleplayers.co.uk WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Patti Boulaye’s Aretha and Me. 7.30pm. £20. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, May 21
ACROSS CAVERSHAM and EMMER GREEN. Caversham Arts Trail: 14 venues, 40 artists.Venues open 11am-5pm. Details: https://cavershamartstrail. co.uk/ EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church, Church Road RG6 1EY. Erleigh Cantors concert: Sacred Music Through the Cenuries. 7pm. £10, £8 students, under 18s free. Details: maggie.nunn@btinternet. com FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, marino Way. Brewery tour. 1pm2.30pm. Booking essential. HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Outdoor cinema and indie party, street food, bar and DJ. £10. Screening of Made of Stone. Details: Gocinemas.co.uk/events READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-
noon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Create a Platinum Jubilee Stamp. Free entry, drop-in when library is open. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Bar 77 (The Outlook), Kings Road RG1 3BJ. Reading’s Got Drag talent show. 8pm. £7 in advance, £10 on door. Details: eventsiota@gmail. com READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Reading Minster, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2XH. Reading Symphony Orchestra Children’s Concert. 3pm. £7.50, under 18s free. Details: www.rso. org.uk TILEHURST - Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players present A Prescription for Murder. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www. triangleplayers.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Towards The Arc, a creative workshop by sculptor Nicola Anthony. 9.30am-11.30am, or 12.30pm-2.30pm. Booking essential. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Horticultural Association Trading Store, Ormonde Road, RG41 2RB. Spring Flower Show 1.45-3.30pm. Details www.w-h-a.org.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, May 22 ACROSS CAVERSHAM and EMMER GREEN. Caversham Arts Trail: 14 venues, 40 artists.Venues open 11am-5pm. Details: https://cavershamartstrail. co.uk/ READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Sunday Alternative: helping. Guest speaker Keegan Neave. 10.30am. Details: 0118 986 6788. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
No. 5413
Your weekly puzzle challenge
27
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662
Quiz Challenge
25
25 6
22
7
15
10
9
22
6
12
25
3
3
23
25
9
16 25
5
11
7
25
11
9
4
23
16
22
7
22
16
8
22
10
11
15
9
25
3
11
4
7
7
15
11
3
25
26
16
3 23
25
22 15
3 3
7
15
3
11
3
23 5
18
20
7
6
25
25
5
1. Where would you typically find woofers and tweeters?
7
2. What name is shared by a Suffolk river and a political novelist and essayist?
2 24
25
3. Singer Natalie Imbruglia won the 2022 series of which reality TV show?
4 15
7
14
16 15
15
11
9 25
9 4
25
25
NONAGRAM
4 7
F
16
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
2
3
4
5
6
14
15
16
17
18
19
T
U
7
S
20
8
9
10
11
12
13
21
22
23
24
25
26
Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
CREATE EMPIRE MAPS
I
7
7. What type of creature is an albacore?
9
N
O R R G E E
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines: 28 Good; 33 Very Good; 39 Excellent.
EL
OY
RN
EO
OA
PM
FW
LG
NT
IA
NI
SUDOKU Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
8 2 9 5 9 3
1 6 6
2 7 9 5 4
8 4 2 7
6 6 8
6 4 1 5 9 4 2 8 5
9
E I
S D
P
E N
A
3
Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
YD
18
15
14
15
18
16
19
20
20 21
23
1
2
DOWN 1. Slander when I appear in person (9) 2. Unusually agile behind the vehicle with tissue (9) 3. Dare to change in bed for this fairground lady (7) 4. Run back before noon in a Belgian town (5) 5. Lakeland town doesn’t involve team in walk (5) 6. Companies merge over a drink (5) 10. Joined together but failed to make a connection (5) 11. Tell Simon about a heavy burden (9) 12. Sustained Oscar in run-up I discarded (9) 15. Persecute reporters after work (7) 18. He takes policeman back in time (5) 19. Settle down to defend and start eating (3,2) 20. Leonard is pursuing the Spanish woman (5)
3
4
5
5
6
7
8 9
10 10
11
12
13 15
17
19 22
24
14
16
18
20
21
23
25
26
27
28
This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
1
To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
7
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
29
30 31
32 4 6 3 5 8 2 1 9 7
1 4 7 8 2 6 5 3 9
5 8 9 4 3 1 6 7 2
3 2 6 7 5 9 8 1 4
WORD PYRAMID: Cheese and pickle. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; add; divide; multiply. Total: 12.
SOLUTIONS
14
12
QUICK CROSSWORD
Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
6
17
13
ACROSS 3. Steps taken on the granary floor perhaps (4,5) 7 & 8. Return to acting? (5,1,8) 9. Apple coming from a tree (5) 10. Does it cost him nothing when in town? (7) 13. Eccentric loves to explain the mystery (5) 14. Sidney returns with company from the party (5) 16. Directly opposed to river god (5) 17. Wanted to include beginner who was provoked (7) 21. Just claims audibly they are ceremonial acts (5) 22. Clot requires a new catalogue (9) 23. Perceive the meaning (5) 24. Remarkably she pins on unreality (9)
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.
8
7 5 1 6 9 4 2 8 3
3
7 9 5 4 2
3
8 9 2 1 7 3 4 6 5
7 1 7 5 9 4 8
9 5 7 1
7
2 7 4 9 1 8 3 5 6
1
9
E
EQUALISER 6 10 10 4 6 2 14 4 6 2 3 2
Hard
6 1 5 3 4 7 9 2 8
Easy
6
24
H
HU
MN
5
11
21
C
OS
UR
4
24
RI
AI
3
22
DP
PE
3
13
FIVE ALIVE GK
2
10
10. Who played The Joker in the 1989 film Batman?
Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed C through openings in the walls. The K first letter may appear in any chamber. E L
2
8
WORD PYRAMID
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
6. What S are the parallel lines on sheet music and the side planks of a barrel?
9. A person with cynophobia has an overwhelming fear of what?
5. The Nepalese philosopher Prince Gautama Siddhartha was better known to the world by what name?
8
1
8. Rafael Nadal’s win at the 2022 Australian Open sealed how many grand slam titles for him?
4. What would you do with a rambutan?
25
11
5
17
25 15
13
4
7 6
21
3 6
25
9 3 8 2 6 5 7 4 1
1
25
18
3 4 5 9 1 2 8 6 7
18
15
6 8 9 7 4 3 5 1 2
3
23
1 7 2 6 5 8 3 4 9
15
4
5 2 8 3 6 4 9 7 1
13
15
7 1 6 8 9 5 4 2 3
3
6
19
9 3 4 2 7 1 6 8 5
15
4 9 1 5 2 6 7 3 8
5
2 5 3 4 8 7 1 9 6
8
8 6 7 1 3 9 2 5 4
16
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
PZ1P5413
CROSS CODE
5413
ACROSS 1. Laughable (7) 5. Throttle (5) 8. Pitch (3) 9. Marsh plant (7) 10. Beneath (5) 11. Entrances (5) 13. Shift (7) 15. Otherwise (4) 17. Death (6) 19. Reddish-brown (6) 22. Sharpen (4) 24. Porch (7)
33
26. Tines (anag.) (5) 29. Ankle bone (5) 30. Stringed instruments (7) 31. --- chi, oriental exercise (3) 32. Tricky (5) 33. Define clearly (7) DOWN 1. Fanatical (5) 2. Fusillade (5) 3. Contusions (7) 4. Moral values (6) 5. Coarse (5)
6. 7. 12. 14. 16. 17. 18. 20. 21. 23. 25. 27. 28.
Decrees (7) Serious (7) Singleton (3) In this place (4) Lascivious (4) Dedicated (7) Patterned with veins (7) Employ (7) Female sheep (3) Scottish dish (6) Offensive (5) Hindu idol (5) Appetising (5)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Risible; 5 Choke; 8 Tar; 9 Bulrush; 10 Under; 11 Doors; 13 Chemise; 15 Else; 17 Demise; 19 Russet; 22 Whet; 24 Veranda; 26 Inset; 29 Talus; 30 Guitars; 31 Tai; 32 Dodgy; 33 Specify. Down – 1 Rabid; 2 Salvo; 3 Bruises; 4 Ethics; 5 Crude; 6 Ordains; 7 Earnest; 12 One; 14 Here; 16 Lewd; 17 Devoted; 18 Marbled; 20 Utilise; 21 Ewe; 23 Haggis; 25 Nasty; 27 Swami; 28 Tasty.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 In a hi-fi system (they are speakers); 2 Orwell; 3 The Masked Singer; 4 Eat it - it’s a fruit; 5 Buddha; 6 Staves; 7 A fish FIVE ALIVE: of the tuna family; 8 21; 9 Dogs; 10 Jack Nicholson. (1) Across – Gloop; Amigo; Timid. Down – Graft; Opium; Proud. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 3 Barn dance; 7 & 8 Stage a comeback; 9 Eater; 10 (2) Across – Keyed; Opals; Nanny. Y P A N R U S H D W L Z B Freeman; 13 Solve; 14 Disco; 16 Polar; 17 Needled; 21 Rites; 22 Down – Known; Yearn; Dishy. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Coagulate; 23 Sense; 24 Phoniness. X I T K C V F Q O G M E J Down – 1 Aspersion; 2 Cartilage; 3 Bearded; 4 Namur; 5 Amble; NONAGRAM: ergo; erigeron; erne; erring; fern; 6 Cocoa; 10 Fused; 11 Millstone; 12 Nourished; 15 Oppress; 18 finer; finger; fire; firer; fore; foreign; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Epoch; 19 Dig in; 20 Ellen. cram; ripe; apse; FOREIGNER; forge; forger; free; meet. freeing; freer; fringe; froe; frog; genre; girn; giro; goer; gofer; goner; gore; gorier; green; grief; grin; groin; ignore; ignorer; infer; inro; iron; ironer; noir; nori; ogre; orfe; reef; reefing; refer; refine; refiner; region; reign; rein; rife; rigor; ring; ringer; roger.
28 | LIFE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Walking Healthy Heart Tip
Heart Research UK
M
AY is National Walking Month, which encourages us to leave the car at home and find ways to incorporate more walking into our days.
Walking a little each day can offer a great benefit to our overall health and wellbeing, including our heart. It is a low-impact form of exercise so most people can give it a go. Right now is also the perfect time of year to get outside as the evenings lighten and temperatures start to warm up.
Here are some ideas to help you clock up more steps this May and beyond.
Set a Goal This can really help you make walking a daily habit. A good example would be aiming to walk for 20 minutes a day, five days a week. Plan your week every Sunday evening and schedule in you walking times to make sure they happen. You could even ask a friend to commit to walking with you to help you stay motivated.
Blooming good ideas to save water
Set up Walking Meetings For those of us working from offices, swap your usual desk-based meetings for walking ones. This can be done in person with colleagues, or on the telephone, using headphones.
G
Make it Fun Get the kids involved by going on a scavenger hunt or wildlife spotting walk. You could simply head out with the family and look out for certain colour cars, anything to add an element of fun! n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips. n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from: heartresearch.org. uk/heart-research-ukrecipes-2/
10 tips to help during hay fever season ... and beyond
S
PRING is well underway, as the country enjoys some warmer temperatures and brighter, longer days.
But the incoming summer season also brings with it itchy eyes, sneezing and discomfort, all in the form of hay fever. According to Met Office data, hay fever negatively affects the lives of roughly 10 million people. Last month, Google searches for ‘hay fever symptoms’ spiked 306%. But hay fever season isn’t the only trigger for allergies. Common dust mites, dead skin and even animal fur often result in hay fever-like symptoms. Ivan Ivanov, spokesperson for cleaning company End of Tenancy London, https://www. end-of-tenancy-london.co.uk/, wanted to help eliminate home allergies by offering 10 fantastic and simple cleaning tips to keep your house dust-free. “We’re now at the beginning of hay fever season, and quite rightly people are getting prepared for their allergies to hit,” he said. “Although antihistamines and other over-the-counter pharmaceuticals can help alleviate allergy symptoms, the best course of action is to remove any triggers. “This means tackling dust within your own home first and foremost, and it doesn’t have to be an arduous task. With these tips, it should make your life a lot easier, and help make your spring and summer as allergyfree as possible.”
Get those bed sheets washed Let’s start with the basics. Clean your bed sheets. Microscopic dust mites love to nestle into the fibres
cleaning the floor is warm water with a couple splashes of vinegar, to ease some of the dirt off of the ground. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have a clean shiny floor with no dust on.
to charity instead of throwing it out. If you simply can’t live without it, put the items in the attic or the garage.
Air Purifiers are a great investment
If you have light fixtures or blinds that are made of a delicate material, put down the damp cloth or vacuum and instead invest in lint rollers. Designed primarily for clothing, lint rollers have a sticky outside that lends itself beautifully to removing dust. Just be cautious not to apply too much pressure to what you’re cleaning or else you run the risk of breaking it.
If you’re someone that prefers tech over toil, a great addition to the home is an air purifier. Using extremely fine filters, they suck in air and cleanse it to remove any allergen particles. Whilst they aren’t infallible, they are extremely effective at removing dust. An air purifier is definitely something to consider.
WATCH OUT: Hay fever season is here of the sheets, causing unwanted irritation on the skin. Plus, with the close proximity of the duvet sheet to your mouth, you run the risk of breathing in the dust mites, which is unhygienic and a potential trigger point for allergies. Wash your sheets and dry them away from the floor.
DIY can help U Dust can build up inside cracks, such as in the walls or in the ceiling. To stop the tide of dust building up and causing irritation, be sure to try and cover up all the cracks inside. Plus, eliminating cracks that lead to the outside also have a positive effect on your energy bills.
Time to re-learn how to dust
Speaking of, time to up that vacuuming regime. Dust falls perfectly into carpet crevices, meaning the only way to avoid dust build-up is to vacuum frequently, with special attention being paid to thick carpets. Also consider transitioning to hardwood flooring, as it makes spotting dust a whole lot easier.
The most important facet of dusting is having a damp cloth over a dry one. A dry one just disperses dust particles into the air, which unfortunately makes allergies a whole lot worse. A damp cloth collects all the dust with ease. Don’t bother getting on all fours to reach tight corners and skirting boards, instead use the vacuum’s long attachment, it’ll save you hassle.
Become a Mopping Pro
Let’s get organised
If you do have a hard floor already, then mopping is a super speedy and effective way of lowering the amount of allergy triggers in the home. A simple and cost-effective way of
Be wary of clutter. Dust LOVES to settle into cracks and crevices, and can build up surprisingly quickly. Declutter your spaces, as a clean home is a clean mind. Consider donating your clutter
Hate vacuuming? Suck it up
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
Don’t be blind to the dust
Dust can hide in surprising places
Have you ever noticed how your computer keyboard attracts dust? Typing removes microscopic amounts of dead skin, and eventually that forms into dust. When typing, all that settled dust comes up again into the air, becoming a potential irritant. To stop this happening, take a cotton bud and run it along the rows and columns of keys carefully, collecting all the buildup.
Make cleaning enjoyable Have fun with it. Cleaning can be a monotonous task, and therefore it can be easy to fall into the trap of doing the minimum work needed. Instead, put music on in the background. Work to a beat to maintain a rhythm. Or, let your mind wander as you listen to a podcast. It can make even the most menial cleaning task a whole lot more enjoyable. “Combining all these tips should result in a dust-less and healthy home, free from allergy irritants and just in time for the start of the warmer months,” Mr Ivanov said.
ARDENERS are being asked to take action now to adopt money and water saving habits while protecting the environment as they take advantage of the warmer weather in what is traditionally one of the busiest times in the garden. South East Water, which provides drinking water to 2.2 million customers including Wokingham borough, has some top tips that can easily be applied to keep flowers blooming throughout the summer. These include installing a water butt as just one can collect 24,000 litres of water from a roof every year – enough to make 160,000 cups of tea or coffee. Roy Chandler, who owns Gardeners Paradise, in Canterbury, says using coconut coir as a mulch saves money and water because it retains moisture easily and naturally. “Coir mulch is a natural by-product from the inside of a coconut which in the garden both holds water and drains well keeping plants hydrated,” he explained. “In addition, it slowly breaks down, adding nutrients back into the soil as compost. Coir also helps control weeds and lasts up to three years.” Lee Dance, Head of Water Resources at South East Water, said: “National Gardening Week, held earlier this month, highlighted the difference gardens and gardening can make in our daily lives while inspiring the next generation of gardeners to experience the joy of growing and creating green spaces. “But with the squeeze on household budgets this year there are a number of ways that gardeners can get into the habit of saving water in the garden. “Saving rainwater is the best way to minimise water use in the garden and to do this water butts can be fixed to every downpipe on the home, shed, greenhouse or garage.” He added: “Water-retaining crystals can be used to retain water in containers so they do not need watering so often and mulch can be used around plants to prevent evaporation of water. “Finally, water less frequently as this encourages plants to develop deep root systems. A good soak once every 10 days or so is sufficient for most shrubs.”
n Water saving gadgets along with more tips and hints can be found at southeastwater.co.uk/ watersavingtips
Other tips include: n Install a water butt to collect free rainwater n Lay a holed hose beneath the surface of a
flower bed to drip feed saved water to plant roots n Cut the bottoms off plastic bottles, upend them next to plants and allow gravity to drip feed water into the soil n Mulch flower beds to preserve moisture n Leave grass cuttings on the lawn to conserve moisture n Water early in the morning and late at night to prevent excess evaporation n Plant drought tolerant species of plants n Don’t worry if the lawn goes brown. It will turn green again in the autumn n Use bath water and washing up water in the garden
SPORT TODAY
WOKINGHAM
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
12.05.22
FINAL JOY
BRACKNELL TAKE THE TROPHY
CITY PILE ON THE MISERY
BOWEN BOUNCES BACK
ROYALS RETURN? By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
FORMER READING FC manager Mark Bowen looks to be set for a shock return to the club in an executive role.
According to reports, Bowen is set to leave his managerial role at AFC Wimbledon and return to the Royals, where has previously been manager
and sporting director. A statement released by AFC Wimbledon said: “Mark will be taking a role at a club much higher up the pyramid which will be formally announced next week.” The Welshman initially joined the Royals in March 2019 as a technical consultant. Bowen was tasked in drawing up a list of potential successors to Jose
Gomes after he was dismissed as manager in October. However, Reading’s owner Mr Dai Yongge asked Bowen to take the post as manager, which he did so. He helped to guide Reading away from the relegation zone in the 2019/20 season, rising up nine places in the table where they eventually finished in 14th. He signed a contract extension
until the end of the 2020/21, however the Reading hierarchy opted for a change just two weeks prior to the new season. Veljko Paunovic was appointed as the new manager in August 2020, with the club asking Bowen to take up his previous role as sporting director. However, Bowen rejected the offer and departed the club.
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
EYES ON THE PRIZE
FINCH LOOK TO COMPLETE LEAGUE AND CUP DOUBLE
FINCHAMPSTEAD FC will be hoping to complete a league and cup double when they take on Richings Park this Friday.
Finch face their fellow Thames Valley Premier League side in the final of the BTC Senior Cup. Finch wrapped up the league title at the weekend to make it back-to-back title successes. They claimed 20 wins, two draws and four defeats from their 26 league matches to finish on 64 points as they held off a valiant challenge from Burghfield. Meanwhile, Richings Park finished in fifth position on 39 points with 11 wins, six draws and nine defeats to their name. Finch’s last meeting with Richings cme in February which saw the league champions come out on top with a 4-0 victory with a double from Alex Woodhead and goals from Aqeel Butt and Nick Payne. However, in their first meeting of the league campaign, it was Richings who emerged as victors with a 2-0 win in October 2021. The match will take place at the home of Reading FC at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Kick off is at 7pm, entry for adults is £5, concessions £1 and under fives free.
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
18
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
Finchampstead retained their TVPL title with victory at Wraysbury Village Pictures: Andrew Batt
FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
FINCHAMPSTEAD SEAL TVPL TITLE, TILEHURST PANTHERS SUFFER PENALTY HEARTACHE By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Thames Valley Premier League
FINCHAMPSTEAD were crowned TVPL champions for a second consecutive season. Finch ensured they ended their season with a win after they defeated Wraysbury away from home. Joel Day netted a first-half brace to help his team to a 2-0 victory. The champions end the season on top with 64 points after 20 wins from 26 matches in what has been an enthralling title battle with Burghfield. BURGHFIELD finished just
four points behind the leaders after they won on the final day against Richings Park. The Fielders went two in front thanks to Teoman Atik before goals from James McClellan and Josh Cook sealed a 4-1 win. READING YMCA ended their campaign with an emphatic win over Maidenhead Town. Goals from Mark Lemm, Joel Burton, Craig Fitzpatrick and Jamie Froud wrapped up a 4-1 success. Reading YMCA are in ninth on 31 points but may drop down the table if the teams below them win their game in hand. READING CITY were edged out in a seven-goal contest at
home to Marlow United. The Cityzens lost out 4-3 which means they finish in 12th on 24 points.
Thames Valley Women’s League Cup final TILEHURST PANTHERS suffered penalty shootout heartbreak in the final against Badshot Lea. Lydia Vettese scored to put Panthers ahead in the tie, but Badshot replied to take the game to extra-time. The teams couldn’t be separated throughout 120 minutes which took the game to penalties, with Badshot taking the trophy with a 4-2 shootout success.
Bracknell & District Sunday League Division Two SANDHURST suffered a home defeat at the hands of BRACKNELL ATHLETIC. Sandhurst finish at the foot of the table on 12 points, while Bracknell Athletic finished in fourth on 29 points.
Bracknell & District Sunday Junior Cup Final BRACKNELL SPARTANS ensured they took silverware in an entertaining cup final against WOKINGHAM WANDERERS. Wokingham found
themselves 3-1 in front after an excellent start which included a stunning free-kick from Ryan Keeley. In the aftermath of a superb penalty save, Wanderers were reduced to 10 players when a defender handled the ball on the line and was sent off. That inspired an impressive comeback from the division two side who managed to overcome the team two divisions below them in a clinical display that saw them as 6-3 victors.
Supplementary Cup
3M overcame BRACKNELL BISONS in the Supplementary Cup with a 3-1 victory.
WILLIAM TWIGG FC RESERVES progressed over BRACKNELL ATHLETIC RESERVES in a 10-goal game. Twigg made it through with a 6-4 win.
Reading & District Sunday League Senior Division
FC BAPCO completed a remarkable unbeaten campaign on their way to clinching the title. They defeated second placed FC SPORTY 2-1 to conclude their season with 58 points, dropping just two points across the whole season. MORTIMER finished with a 3-2 away win over BURGHFIELD.
SPORT | 19
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
YOUTH FOOTBALL
FC BRACKNELL ENJOY FOOTBALL FUN AT BINFIELD FC
By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today
FC BRACKNELL U06’s and U07’s celebrated a weekend of success at Binfield FC’s youth football tournament.
FC Bracknell display their medals and trophies
Binfield FC FC Bracknell at Binfield FC’s tournament
FC Bracknell with their medals
The Blues U7’s won the tournament and went on to collect the winning trophy and medals after an outstanding performance. Player of the tournament went to Oscar Hewett who helped contribute to a fantastic team display. FC Bracknell U12’s also competed at the tournament and did themselves proud with their performances. Coaches, parents and players of the FC Bracknell U7 blues were all super proud of their team’s achievement having scooped the trophy for best in group for their top performance at the Binfield FC tournament. FC Bracknell’s U7’s coach said: “With some superb defending and attacking alike, along with several clean sheets, the team played their hearts out from start to finish with nothing but passion for the sport. “We would like to thank Binfield FC for the warm welcome and fantastically organised morning.”
CRICKET
GREAT START FOR TITLE HOLDERS EVERSLEY AS CRICKET RETURNS Thames Valley Division 1
C
URRENT title holders EVERSLEY kicked off their season with an assertive performance against Falkland. They totalled a huge 326 runs after 78 from Oli Parsons to set a challenging target. Kyle Bienefeld (3-36) and Kam Khanna (3-14) helped them to a convincing victory.
Thames Valley Division 2B
BINFIELD got the better of READING in the opening match of the season. Reading scored 233 with a century from Luke Beaven, while Theo Penn bowled
Eversley CC v Hurst CC (batting) exceptionally for Binfield to take 6-41. 64 from Dan Humphrey and 54 from Tom Andrews saw them take a three-wicket win. FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s got off to winning ways up against Slough 2s. WOKINGHAM 2s made a winning start by thrashing Royal Ascot. Jayden Barson hit a huge century, while Mac
Tom Howorth batting Archive pictures: Steve Smyth Dsouza was 76 not out. Billy Rogers (3-26) and Jarrett Bobb (3-62) bowled strongly to see the Oaks to victory.
Thames Valley Division 3A
WHITE WALTHAM started their season with a win after they beat Thatcham Town by six wickets.
WARGRAVE 2s edged out Bagshot with a one-wicket win. S French scored 75 not out for Wargrave, while J Clark (4-15) and M Meader (3-40) bowled well.
Thames Valley Division 4A
FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s began their
campaign with victory over Taplow. Wes Roberts hit 107 runs not out, while Gary Loveday added 77 to help Finch to 311. Jamie Brown then took 4-74 as they won by 46 runs. WOKINGHAM 3s started the season with a seven-wicket loss to Cove 2s.
20 | SPORT
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
FINAL DAY DEFEAT AS CITY WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
How they rated
READING 0 MAN CITY 4 GRACE MOLONEY
Pulled off some decent stops. Will be disappointed to have been beaten on near post for first goal, but couldn’t have done much with the others.
FAYE BRYSON
Had a difficult afternoon due to City’s potent threat. Caught out very early on which could have led to a goal for Hemp.
DEANNA COOPER
Kept Reading organised for the opening half-hour alongside her centre-back partner, but wasn’t able to stop City from scoring four.
GEMMA EVANS
Found it hard to cope with Shaw at times as she caused the defence problems all game.
LILY WOODHAM
Tried to help out getting forward in the first-half but was pushed back as City threatened and went on to win the game comfortably.
TASH HARDING
Her final ever appearance for the Royals. Battled hard and tracked back effectively on a few occasions as City threatened constantly
JUSTINE VANHAEVERMAET Struggled in the middle as City had the ball for long spells as she tried to provide protection for her defence.
RACHEL ROWE
Played some nice passes in behind. Bright in the first half and found Rose with an excellent through ball that led to a big chance.
AMALIE EIKELAND
Worked hard as usual and was required to do plenty of defending with the lethal attacking threat of City.
NATASHA DOWIE
Didn’t have too many opportunities in front of goal. Almost got on the end of a couple of crosses from Rose.
DEANNE ROSE
A bright spark throughout the game. Expressed her pace and creativity on numerous occasions to pose a threat to City’s defence.
6 4 5 5 5 5 4 7 5 5 8
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC Women’s winless streak continued as their Women’s Super League campaign finished with a loss to Manchester City.
The Royals ended the season in disappointing style that has seen them not pick up a league win since February. Kelly Chambers’ team finish the season in eighth in the WSL on 25 points. Chambers made one change from their goalless draw at Leicester City as club captain Natasha Harding came into the side to make her final appearance for the club. City started strongly and got down the left after Alex Greenwood found Lauren Hemp in acres of space down the left before her ball across the face of goal was cut out by Deanna Cooper. The first shot on target from the visitors came in the ninth minute when Grace Moloneygot down low to push away Georgia Stanway’s strike. Gareth Taylor’s side worked the ball around neatly in the opening stages but Reading’s organised shape managed to keep them at bay. The Royals attempted to hurt City on the counter attack and almost did so when Deanne Rose accelerated down the line and tried to find her strike partner Natasha Dow in the middle, but the defence managed to clear. Reading were beginning to get more joy going forward as the pace of Rose continued to pose problems for the visitors. The Canadian international had a big chance when she got through on goal after a superb pass from Rachel Rowe, but she smacked her shot into
Brooke Chaplen is presented with a shirt by manager Kelly Chambers Rachel Rowe commands the midfield for Reading
Amalie Eikeland is fouled
Match stats Chaplen receives a guard of honour
Reading: Moloney, Bryson, Cooper, Evans, Woodham, Harding, Rowe, Vanhaevermaet, Eikeland, Rose, Dowie Subs: Stewart, Peplow, Roberts, Primmer, Poulter, Troelsgaard Man City: Roebuck, Bronze, Kennedy, Greenwood, Blakstad, Walsh, Stanway, Weir, Kelly, Shaw, Hemp Subs: Coombs, Mace, Keating, Raso, Losada, Angeldahl, Benameur
White,
Goals: Hemp 33’, Shaw 40’, White 85, Greenwood 90+1’ (pen)
the side netting. Just moments after that chance for Reading, they were punished by City who opened the scoring with 33 minutes on the clock. A ball dinked into the box was met by Hemp who brought it under control and slammed the ball past Moloney. Caroline Weir went close with a low driving effort that whistled past the post. Weir’s excellent work down the left paid off as she managed to keep the ball in play and find Khadija Shaw in the middle who applied the
Reading are beaten on the final d finishing touch to double the lead. Reading’s bright spark throughout the half, Rose, almost grabbed a goal at the end of the half when she showed brilliant trickery to breeze past Alex Greenwood but she couldn’t keep her shot on target. Rose continued to shine in the second-half when she got down the left and lifted a cross in the direction of Dowie who tried to connect with a diving header but couldn’t quite reach it. Kelly came agonisingly close to claiming a third for City when Moloney rescued her side by pushing away the looping effort.
REACTION
CHAMBERS PLEASED WITH ‘PERFORMANCE TO BE PROUD OF’ THE Royals concluded their Women’s Super League campaign on Sunday as they finished in eighth position. Manager Kelly Chambers said was pleased with her team’s performance against City despite the 4-0 loss. “Performance was excellent. I don’t think it was a 4-0 game, I think if I look back at every single goal there were costly individual errors,” said Chambers. “I said to the girls at the end, we put in a performance we can be proud of, but when you make those errors against top sides like this they will get punished.
“There were two spells of five minutes where we let our standards drop, and when you switch off slightly when you’re up against the likes of Hemp, Kelly, White, they have that killer instinct to wrap up the game. “We had two golden opportunities in the first half, and then again in the second half, we had some crosses into the box that we just didn’t get on the end of. “We showed glimpses, glimpses of in terms of being able to score against sides like this and when you work that hard, we got to be able to capitalise, we’ve got to be ruthless.”
Chambers reflected on what has been a turbulent season for the Royals, with some excellent form followed by a disappointing end to the campaign. She continued: “For me it’s been a season of two halves. Starting with a squad that had eight to 10 changes in one transfer window. “So, what I’m excited about next season is there’s a big
foundation of this squad that stay for next season. And we’ve laid that foundation now and it’s for us, it’s kind of what’s next. “We need to look towards next season and go right, this is us, how do we progress moving forward? “That’s what excites me. “We haven’t got big turnovers and we’ve got a solid squad already, and if we can add a few to that we could be a little bit stronger.”
SPORT | 21
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
PROVE TO BE TOO STRONG Reading fans in attendance
CHAPLEN MAKES EMOTIONAL FAREWELL BROOKE Chaplen shared an emotional farewell at the Select Car Leasing Stadium after she was forced into retirement.
Rose holds off Greenwood Woodham stands over a free-kick Rowe looks to find a teammate
day by Manchester City Pictures: Neil Graham
Gemma Evans picks a pass
Sanne Troeslgaard came on to replace Justine Vanhaevermaet for the final 15 minutes of the contest. A double switch came with less than 10 minutes to go as Chloe Peplow and Tia Primmer took the place of Amalie Eikeland and Rowe. City controlled proceedings throughout the second-half and added a third goal in the 85th minute when Ellen White was left unmarked in the middle from a corner and she nodded the ball into the bottom corner as the away team confirmed their Champions League qualification with a third placed finish. Greenwood added more gloss to the scoreline when she netted in the 90th minute from the penalty spot. Reading finish the season in eighth position after a miserable second-half to their league campaign. Harding on her final appearance
The Royals 2021/22 squad
YOUTH FOOTBALL
Chaplen was given a guard of honour by both sets of players prior to Reading’s final Women’s Super League game of the season against Manchester City. The Royals midfielder announced in April that she would be calling time on her career after being advised by healthcare professionals to stop playing football after she received treatment for a bone tumour. Chaplen, who spent five seasons with Reading, was presented with a commemorative shirt prior to kick-off and given a send-off by her teammates, staff and fans. “It’s overwhelming,” said Chaplen. “Obviously it’s a very emotional time and I was desperately trying not to cry as I walked in between everyone, but the support that I’ve had from everyone has been incredible. “It’s been a really tough six months, just to share that moment with my family, friends, and even some players from City. “It was a lovely way to say goodbye. “Obviously it’s not an ideal situation. With my age, I’ve done other things outside of football which I think makes that transition a lot easier. “I’m very grateful the tumour was found and I was able to get treatment, sometimes you just look for the positives in these really difficult situations. “And as sad as it is, there’s other things in life that are really important to me, and I’m lucky to have those as well. “I’ve recovered well from the surgery so it’s a case of focusing on the original injury before Christmas which is still causing me some problems. “It’s not great, but I’m healthy and able to do most things and now is the time to focus on getting strong again, doing my rehab and seeing a few surgeons to see what the best thing for me is going forward. “What happens next? I’m not sure. But in the immediate future I’m going to take some time this summer to see my family, now I don’t have football on the weekends. “So we can go out, go on holiday, just spend more time with the people closest to me. “Then hopefully one day you’ll see me around women’s football in the future.”
YOUNG ROYALS ARE BERKS & BUCKS SENIOR CUP CHAMPIONS READING U23 4 ASCOT UNITED 0
READING FC UNDER 23’s were crowned as Berks & Bucks Senior Cup champions with victory over Ascot United. The young Royals side took the lead in the 15th minute when
Ajani Giscombe found the net from outside the box. They doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark when a well-worked move was finished off by Nahum Melvin-Lambert who nodded home from 10 yards out. Reading established a three-goal lead before the break when Imari
Samuels put Noel Hunt’s team in control of the contest with an excellent finish that smacked the post before finding the back of the net. The Royals added a fourth of the afternoon at Arbor Park deep into stoppage time when Lambert found is second of the game
READING: Andresson, Sackey, Samuels, Craig, Holzman, Ashcroft, Giscombe, Leavy (c), Camara, Bristow, Melvin-Lambert Subs: Norcroft, Abbey, Scott, Okine-Peters, Ehibhatiomhan ASCOT UNITED: Gray, Lock, Masters, Merrick, Bouwers (c), Bailey, McCormack, Scott, Morgan, Surpanu, Ellis Goals: Giscombe 15’, Melvin-Lambert 29’, 90+4’, Samuels 38’
Brooke Chaplen had a guard of honour for her last appearance at the SSL Stadium
22 | SPORT
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
How they rated
KEEPER HOWLER COSTS ROYALS LUTON TOWN 1 READING 0
ORJAN NYLAND
Complete lack of awareness for the bizarre goal as he rolled ball out and was robbed by Cornick. Made a tremendous save in second-half.
TERELL THOMAS
Just his second appearance for the club. Solid enough performance without being anything too special.
TOM HOLMES
Almost caught out in the opening 30 seconds when Cameron Jerome broke free. Struggled up against the striker for much of the game.
MICHAEL MORRISON
Had two half-chances fall for him in the box in the second-half, the second of which was brilliantly blocked by Bradley.
BABA RAHMAN
Wayward with his crosses when he did have a chance to get forward.
TOM MCINTYRE
Pushed into midfield in absence of Danny Drinkwater. A relatively quiet game given his recent scoring exploits. Better in the second half.
JOSH LAURENT
Robbed of possession just 30 seconds in, that should have led to a Luton goal. Better in the second half, created a few decent chances.
OVIE EJAIRA
Deployed in the middle and looked much more comfortable than on the wing. Allowed him to get on the ball and create which he did.
JUNIOR HOILETT
Threw in some crosses but to no prevail before he was subbed off in the second-half.
YAKOU MEITE
A rare start for the Ivorian but he failed to make much of an impact and was subbed off for Rashawn Scott to make his debut in the second-half.
LUCAS JOAO
One of those games for him where he had absolutely no service but didn’t do enough to create anything for himself.
SUBS Rashawn Scott, Tom Dele-Bashiru
4 5 4 5 4 5 5 7 5 5 4
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC’s championship campaign concluded with defeat as Luton Town confirmed their place in the play-offs.
The only goal of the game, in first-half stoppage time, came in strange circumstances when goalkeeper Orjan Nyland rolled the ball out only to have the ball stolen by Harry Cornick who tapped it into the empty net with the keeper unaware of his presence. The Royals finish the season in 21st in what could be interim manager Paul Ince’s final game in charge, as he is set to decide his future at the club. Tom Holmes returned to the Reading line-up, while Danny Drinkwater dropped out with injury which saw Tom McIntyre pushed into midfield. There was a start for Yakou Meite as Tom Ince and top scorer John Swift missed out with injuries. With the hosts pushing to confirm their place in the play-offs, they came out of the traps in search of an early goal. Defensive issues have plagued the Royals all season and should have been behind inside 30 seconds when Josh Laurent had his pocket picked in the middle. That led to Cameron Jerome being played in on goal on the left, but Royals keeper Orjan Nyland got down low to make a vital save as the forward tried to place the ball in the bottom corner. It was all Luton in the opening 15 minutes which kept Nyland busy in between the sticks. Jerome nodded the ball down for
Baba Rahman hooks the ball away
Rahman shields the ball
Players applaud the sold out away crowd
Match stats Luton Town: Ingram, Burke, Bradley, Naismith, Bree, Lansbury, Campbell, Bell, Clark, Cornick, Jerome Subs: Lockyer, Snodgrass, Hylton, Muskwe, Isted, Potts, Mendes-Gomes Reading: Nyland, Thomas, Morrison (c), Holmes, Rahman, McIntyre, Laurent, Ejaria, Hoilett, Meite, Joao Subs: Southwood, Abrefa, Abbey, Tetek, DeleBashiru, Scott, Ehibhationham Goals: Cornick 45+1’
Thomas and Joao compete for the ball Allan Campbell who took a swipe on the half volley just outside the box but blazed his effort high over the target. The early chances kept coming for the Hatters when Campbell drifted away from Tom Holmes at the back post only to have his header comfortably caught by Nyland. A dangerous free-kick from Luton saw Sonny Bradley find space at the back post as Nyland was called into action once again to stop
The Royals’ season ended in a his goalbound header. Reading’s first promising venture forward saw Ovie Ejaria work his way into the box and he blasted a shot towards goal on his left foot that was parried out by Matt Ingram. Luton had a golden chance to test Nyland when they were awarded a free-kick from 20 yards, but James Bree hit a harmless attempt wide of the post. Baba Rahman was the first player to go into the referee’s
REACTION
PAUL INCE: ‘IT’S A MASSIVE JOB’ SAYS BOSS ON HIS FUTURE READING FC interim manager Paul Ince has admitted that taking on the Royals role full-time would be a ‘massive job’.
Having suffered three consecutive defeats to end the championship season, Ince is set to decide his future at the club in the coming days. “It’s a massive job. It’s a good job because it’s a challenge.” said Ince. “I always like a challenge. The structure needs to change and that’s something we’re looking to change in some departments. “There is a long way to go. Whoever is in charge, the aim next season is to stay in this league and then start building. “We’ve got an owner who wants to be successful.
“He’s someone who is ambitious and wants to take this club forward.” The Royals boss reflected on his time at the club and reiterated his delight to keep the team in the Championship. He continued: “I still wanted to win today so that disappoints me. “The relationship I’ve had with the fans, the players, it’s been great. “Not just me but Alex Rae has been unbelievable with the help of Gilksey (Michael Gilkes) and Ledge (Mikele Liegertwood) to have a turnaround in a short space of time. “The lads have given me everything. “My focus has been on the game today but I will sit down tonight, put my feet up and have a breather
for a day and reassess it and then go from there. “Our fans sold out today and they were magnificent so we wanted to get some points on the board for them. “In the secondhalf we had a right go and hopefully they can see the signs of what we are trying to do. “That’s all the fans want them to do is put in a shift and work hard. “That’s what Luton have here. That’s how they’ve done so well
and credit to them. “Credit to Luton and Nathan Jones , no-one would have envisaged what he’s done with the team he’s got. But from my point of view, I thought in the second half we were immense. “Ovie Ejaria was unbelievable, unreal - we just missed chances. I’m glad the fans came to see it, they gave us applause after the game which means so much to me and the players and hopefully we come back in a positive mood next season.”
SPORT | 23
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 12, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
From the middle
AS SEASON ENDS IN MISERY
Dick Sawdon-Smith Orjan Nyland clutches the ball
A unique occasion
R Michael Morrison wins a duel Tom McIntyre
Ovie Ejaria tricks his marker Morrison holds off Cameron Jerome
defeat at Kenilworth Road against Luton Town Pictures: Steve Smyth
Lucas Joao is held back
notebook after he tripped Campbell’s attempt at starting an attack on the halfway line. It looked as if Reading would get into half-time unscaved, but Luton opened the scoring in stoppage time with the most bizarre of goals. Nyland rolled the ball out in front of him, not knowing that Luton’s Harry Cornick was lurking behind him and he snatched the ball and tapped it into the empty net to put his team in front going into the break. Reading’s Championship survival saw them set a new record as the team with the lowest ever points total to avoid relegation after Cornick takes advantage to score
finishing in 21st with 41 points. Luton came out all guns blazing in search of doubling their advantage and came a fraction away from doing so when Jerome cut inside in the box, unleashed a fierce effort on goal that was magnificently tipped onto the crossbar by Nyland. The Royals created their first chance of the half in the 62nd minute when Josh Laurent’s floated cross was met by Michael Morrison who tried to squeeze it in at the far post but was denied by Ingram. Another chance dropped for Morrison following a corner but Brafdley got his body in the way to block his powerful strike.
Paul Ince’s first change came in the 74th minute as Meite was replaced by 18-year-old winger Rashawn Scott for his first-team debut. With little over 10 minutes to play, Tom Dele-Bashiru took the place of Junior Hoilett. Lucas Joao should have made more of a chance in the 87th minute when Laurent drove into the box and cut the ball back for the forward, but he lost control after trying to spin away from his marker. But the visitors were unable to grab a leveller as their season ended with three consecutive defeats.
CRICKET
WOKINGHAM AND WEST READING PICK UP OPENING WINS Home Counties Premier 1
WOKINGHAM fell to defeat in their league season opener against Datchet. The hosts batted excellently to tot up 322 runs from 50 overs, dropping just four wickets. The Oaks put up a valiant fight, including 79 from batting opener Michael Cowdell but they were eventually all out on 297. Wokingham picked up seven points despite the loss. FINCHAMPSTEAD opened their league season with a one wicket win over Slough. Ollie Thilo collected three
wickets as Slough finished on 185. A top score of 45 from Zac Leonard helped Finch on their way to victory as they surpassed the target set with just one ball and one wicket to spare.
BCM Championship
WEST READING claimed a 38-run victory at home to Ballinger Waggoners. Hafeez Ul-Wahab hit 35 from 34 to help West Reading collect 181 runs before they were all out. But they consolidated a comfortable win after Inshaf Akram picked up three wickets to bowl
their opponents out on 143. SHINFIELD lost out in away defeat to Holmer Green. Three wickets each from Anuraag Shukla and Muhammed Hafeez couldn’t prevent a two wicket loss for Shinfield. CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD fell to a 68-run loss to Penn & Tylers Green. Sinith Chandran got three wickets, while Daniel Cartledge scored 38 for the Crows, but they lost out.
CMB Premiership
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD
picked up eight points despite losing to Cadmore End. An incredible innings of 183 from Cadmore’s Adnan Ahmed saw them to 280 runs. The Bears had some decent scores of their own as Andy Lazenbury scored 38, but they fell 70 runs short.
Chilterns Division 2
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s were defeated on their travels to Fulmer. Simon Humphrey scored 52 with the bat for the Bears but they lost by 139 runs.
EADING FC Women took part in what was a unique occasion in English professional football. In Reading’s Women’s Super League match against Chelsea, the referee, Emily Heaslip, was wearing a microphone. Now I’m sure you will say that referees in top football competitions are always mic’d up these days, but of course the referees comments can only be heard by the assistant referees, the fourth official and the VAR where these are installed. The difference on this occasion is that thanks to Sky Sports, anyone could tune in and listen to what the referee was saying and the replies of her assistants. As a referee I find many of Emily’s comments interesting. If we start when she gave a penalty, no histrionics she just pointed at the spot and then when one player was aligning the ball, she asked ‘You taking it?’ Why is that important? The Law says that the kicker must be clearly identified. This is to prevent another player sneaking in and taking the kick before the goalkeeper is ready. Emily then told the kicker, ‘wait for my whistle please’. Two points here. The law says the kick must be taken after the referee has given a signal, the whistle being the obvious choice. This gives the referee time to make sure everybody is in the right place for the kick. The other word I liked was ‘please’. and when the players reacted to her request ‘feet out’ (of the penalty area) she said ‘thank you’. I’ve always believed that referees should be polite. Emily spoke to the goalkeeper, reminding her how she should stand and pointing out that her assistant would be watching her, which is the assistant referee’s job at penalty kicks. I was particularly intrigued by the way Emily and her team used their intercom for offside. Offside is difficult because the decision has to be made the moment the ball is kicked, so Emily would shout ‘now’ when the pass was made and her assistants replied with ‘onside’ or ‘waiting-flagging’. Rugby followers will tell us that their game introduced this many years ago, spectators could listen in for an extra fee. Why has it not been introduced into football’s Premier League? The story is that because the players could also be heard when speaking to the referee, their language was considered too expletive for spectators. Emily and her team suffered no such problem.
24 | SPORT
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 12, 2022
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
RUGBY
BERKSHIRE SET UP EPIC VICTORY By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
It was one of the home club’s own players, wing Alex Manhardt, who opened the scoring, but the Londoners hit back strongly and took a commanding 21-5 lead into the interval thanks to converted tries from James Smith, Iwan Humphrey and Angus Brown, Joe Carolan on target with the boot. Yet Berkshire got back into the game with two more Rams stars doing the damage, fly-half Steffan James firstly adding the extras to his own score, before No. 8 Ross Crame went over in Clubhouse Corner following good work from the forwards. The home side hit the front as replacement Tom Williams and Newbury centre Dan Thorne crossed the whitewash. Leading 27-21 with the clock running down, Berkshire sealed the deal as firstly Jordan Souter touched down before Will Janes became the fourth Rams man to score on their home ground. Berkshire next travel to Sussex on Saturday, May 21.
Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield 4-1 Richings Park Reading City U23’s 3-4 Marlow United Reading YMCA 4-1 Maidenhead Town Wraysbury 0-2 Finchampstead
Berkshire touch down for a try
CRICKET Home Counties Premier 1 Datchet (322-4) beat Wokingham (297 all out) BCM Championship Crowthorne & Crown Wood (143 all out) lost to Penn & Tylers Green (211 all out) Holmer Green (193-8) beat Shinfield (192 all out) West Reading (181 all out) beat Ballinger Waggoners (143 all out)
Berkshire v Middlesex Pictures: Paul Clark In the Gill Burns Women’s County Championship, Charlotte Faux and Annabel Hawkins were among the Berkshire try-scorers as they hung on to beat Kent 22-15 at Reading on Sunday. The home side marched into a 17-0 half-time lead, but despite moving further ahead early in the second period, they were forced to hold on as their visitors rallied as the game went on. Berkshire welcome Sussex to Maidenhead next Sunday.
CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood (210 all out) lost to Cadmore End (280-5) Chilterns Division 2 Fulmer (326-9) beat Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (187 all out)
Berkshire carry the ball forward in attack
Berkshire win the ball from a lineout
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
WOKINGHAM 2S MAKE FORMIDABLE THAMES VALLEY KINGS PREPARE FOR FINAL START TO NEW CAMPAIGN
Myles Trainor opened the bowling for Ascot but it was number two bowler, Nick Wiggett who trapped Anthony Clapham LBW for four. Opening batsman, George Horsley then hit a six on the last ball of over four. Billy Rogers hit a few boundaries but in over seven before he was caught behind by Breet, for 23 bowled Trainor. In the 10th over, Watson came on to bowl, replacing Wiggett. Next over, Horsley was out, caught Murray bowled Trainor for 26. Watson bowled three wides in over 16 and was replaced at
FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One play-offs Hilltop 5-1 Eversley & California FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Luton Town 1-0 Reading
CRICKET
WOKINGHAM 2s earned a huge win on the opening day of the season against newly promoted Royal Ascot. BOTH teams had new players and had not played each other for a couple of seasons.
Wednesday, May 4
Saturday, May 7
A BREATH-TAKING second-half show from Berkshire helped them overturn a 16-point deficit in overcoming visitors Middlesex 37-21 in their opening Bill Beaumont County Championship Division Three game at Rams’ Old Bath Road ground.
By ARTHUR STRAND sport@wokingham.today
RESULTS
that end by Christo Karemake. The 100 had arrived in over 17 with a wide. Barson and Myles shared the strike almost evenly and a nice round figure 150/3 off over 24. Skipper, Mike Brown bowled over 25, conceding runs off each ball. Barson & Myles appearing to be on a long partnership were separated when Wiggett caught Myles bowled Williams for 49. Brown took on Barson and Desouza who soon settled in but conceded three boundaries in over 29. Jack Fisher joined De Souza as 300 came up off Wensley on his second spell. Murray conceded 15 runs in over 45 and Watsongave away 12 in the 46th over. A huge six from Bobb added to the total as 350-6 showed on the scoreboard. Bobb’s innings ended on 45 as Brown bowled him as the innings concluded on 386-7.
Opening bowler, Iain Muirden, bowled Michael Breet for a Golden duck, after the firstball of the game was a leg bye. Number three bat was James Wensley who stayed the entire over facing Matt McDonald hitting a four and then a maiden over for Muirden followed. Ascot 10th over put them on 32-1. Occasional boundaries came from Watson and Wensley until the end of over 15 when Fisher bowled Wensley for 37. Andy Murray was caught Muirden bowled Carter for 9. 85/4. 100 came up in over 22 with a four by Smith. Jerrett Bobb came on to bowl the 24th over and continued after the break. Smith and Karemake batted until Adam Smith was LBW to Bobb in over 28 for 25. Mike Brown was out bowled Rogers for 24 as the innings concluded 230 All Out.
THAMES Valley Kings Juniors are gearing up to preapre for a monumental clash against Wakefield Whirlwinds in the British Wheelchair Basketball Junior league final.
The game will be shown on BBC Sport via BBC iPlayer, with tip-off scheduled for 5pm on Saturday. Kings’ third team picked up a huge win in Southampton against local rivals Hampshire Harriers on Sunday, with Peter Rapley with 16 points, Chris Nash with 14 points and Joe Humphreys with 10 points led the scoring as Kings III picked up the win, 55-27. The win was enough to take them second in Division Three South and it is believed to be enough from Kings calculations to take them to playoffs as the best runner-ups from the three Division Three Leagues (North, Central and South). They appear to lead the tie-breaking criteria - thanks in part to their mid-season win against Division 3 South winners, the Brixton Ballers at home back in December. Confirmation should come within the next couple of days. If Kings 3rds do make the playoffs finals, they will play a semi final at 11am on Saturday before either the 3/4th place playoff at 3pm or the Final (should they make it) at 9am on Sunday.
BCL Premier Division Farley Hill (154-8) beat Woodcote (132 all out) Mortimer West End (257-6) lost to West Reading 2s (258-6) Sandhurst (131-2) beat Waltham St Lawrence (127 all out) Shinfield 2s (74-3) beat Goring on Thames (71 all out) BCL Division 1A Checkendon (241-8) beat Berkshire Royals (161 all out) Peppard Stoke Row (164 all out) lost to Reading United (170-8) Reading Lions (97-1) beat West Reading 3s (96 all out) BCL Division 2 Knowl Hill (131-3) beat Reading United 3s (130 all out) Thames Valley Division 1 Falkland (88 all out) lost to Eversley (326-9) Thames Valley Division 2B Slough 2s (209 all out) lost to Finchampstead 2s (211-7) Binfield (236-7) beat Reading (233 all out) Hurst (205-2) beat Sulhamstead & Ufton (204 all out) Wokingham 2s (386-7) beat Royal Ascot (230 all out)
Sunday, May 8
FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Reading 0-4 Manchester City
Thames Valley Women’s Cup Tilehurst Panthers 1-1 Badshot Lea (2-4 pens) CRICKET ECB Women’s T20 Cup Stony Stratford (189-1) beat Wargrave (133-6) Home Counties Women’s Super 8 Crowthorne & Crown Wood Steventon
FIXTURES
Friday, May 13
BTC Senior Cup final Finchampstead v Richings Park
Saturday, May 14
CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Wokingham v Finchampstead BCM Championship Braywood v Crowthorne & Crown Wood Penn & Tylers Green v West Reading Shinfield v Ley Hill CMB Premiership Denham v Emmbrook & Bearwood Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Knotty Green 3s BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames v Sandhurst Waltham St Lawrence v Mortimer West End Welford Park v Shinfield West Reading 2s v Farley Hill BCL Division 1A Earley v Silchester Peppard Stoke Row 2s v Berkshire Royals Stallions v Reading Lions West Reading 3s v Checkendon BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Shinfield 3s Farley Hill 2s v Rangers Reading United 2s v Warfield Twyford & Ruscombe v Stallions 2s Woodley v Earley 2s Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley v Stoke Green Thames Valley Division 2B Cove v Hurst Sulhamstead & Ufton v Binfield Reading v Slough 2s Finchampstead 2s v Wokingham 2s
Sunday, May 15
FOOTBALL Bracknell & District Premier Division Finchampstead Athletic v William Twigg CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Super 8 Wargrave v Crowthorne & Crown Wood East & West Hendred v Sonning Binfield v Moreton