Wokingham Today, May 19, 2022 by Wokingham.Today

Form Preparation Services Lasting Power of Attorney Will Writing & Probate Services Attendance Allowance Claims

Do you have responsibility for supporting older relatives and don’t know where to begin?

07740 246492

We can help

grey-matters-consultancy.com/wokingham

COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS

WOKINGHAM TODAY UPDATED DAILY AT WWW.WOKINGHAM.TODAY

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, May 19, 2022 No. 364 90p

GOLF .. BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT P3

ANGER OVER PHONE MAST PLANS P11

IN OFFICE: Town council appoints new mayor and deputy • p6

LIB DEMS TO RUN COUNCIL

n Labour and indies back partnership n Conservatives lose control for first time in 20 years

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today IT’S A FRESH start for Wokingham tonight as the Lib Dems are expected to take control of the borough council.

Following the local elections, where the Conservatives lost their majority and the Lib Dems won five seats, the council is under no overall control. But an agreement between the

Lib Dems, Labour and the two independents means that the Conservatives are set to lose the right to govern. A meeting this evening will confirm the plan, which is not a coalition. The Lib Dems will form a ruling executive, while the opposition parties will help run the committee system. In other news, the Conservatives have appointed a new leader after John Halsall stepped down. n Full story pages 4-5

MP’S PLEA TO SAVE HISTORIC SITE P7

NEW START FOR COLLEGE SITE P8 ISSN 2634-8330 20

9 772634 833019

2 | NEWS

WE COVER WOKINGHAM BOROUGH

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

Concentration camp survivor celebrates 100th birthday By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

BIRTHDAY: Stanley Booker, who was imprisoned in a concentration camp during the Second World War, is marking his centenary

A BERKSHIRE resident, who survived imprisonment at a concentration camp in the Second World War, has recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

In print

Order a copy from your newsagent every Thursday – some even deliver

Stanley Booker, born in Gillingham now living in Berkshire, marked the event with an array of activity. The celebrations took place over a number of days to allow family and friends to spend quality time with him on this special occasion. A veteran of bomber command and a former squadron leader, Mr Booker witnessed more in the first 25 years of his life than many do in a lifetime. He was just 22 when his Halifax heavy bomber was shot down over northern France in June 1944. He was imprisoned until May 1945 and later received an MBE for his post-war work with British intelligence. In December 2020, Mr Booker was awarded the Legion D’Honneur

FACEBOOK & TWITTER: WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Daniel Blackham, 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.

Sorry First Days

3URXGO\ VHUYLQJ WKH ORFDO FRPPXQLW\

:H FUHDWH HYHU\ IXQHUDO LQGLYLGXDOO\ MXVW IRU \RX KRXU VHUYLFH

:LQQHUVK

)ORUDO WULEXWHV

+RPH YLVLWV

3ULYDWH FKDSHOV RI UHVW

%HUHDYHPHQW DGYLFH

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

long life. “I have experienced the best and worst of mankind. The generosity of a loving wife and family, the comradeship of fellow airmen during combat and imprisonment and the small kindnesses given by fellow prisoners incarcerated with me in the notorious Buchenwald Concentration camp. “I have known fear, pain and

0LOHV 'DXJKWHUV )XQHUDO 'LUHFWRUV

Online

Our website is updated seven days a week – bookmark it in your browser: wokingham.today

– France’s highest military award – which recognises his military engagement and steadfast involvement in the liberation of France during the Second World War. Mr Booker said: “As I approach my 100th birthday, I pause and reflect on the events, experiences and the people who have influenced me during the years that span my

abandonment during Gestapo interrogations and solitary confinement in Fresnes Prison. “This contrasts with my positive experiences during the Berlin Airlift where the Allied Air Forces worked as a coordinated team to supply essential food and humanitarian aid to a starving German population. “My personal belief and actions have echoed the words on the KZ Buchenwald memorial. “‘It is the duty of the living, to honour the dead’.” SSAFA, the armed forces charity, sent Mr Booker a birthday card with a personalised message to thank him for his support over the years. He was also visited by Special Operations Executive historians as well as a group of officers from 10 Squadron RAF Brize Norton, who presented him with a signed framed photograph of the Voyager aircraft. On top of military celebrations, Mr Booker was sent a bottle of Highgrove champagne and a personal letter from Prince Charles.

,VDEHOOD +RXVH $ 5HDGLQJ 5RDG 5* (;

5HSDWULDWLRQ

&DOO XV IRU LPPHGLDWH VXSSRUW DGYLFH RU WR DUUDQJH D KRPH YLVLW :H DUH KHUH WR KHOS KRXUV D GD\ 3UHSDLG IXQHUDO SODQV DOVR DYDLODEOH

PLOHVIXQHUDOV FRP 2̇FHV DOVR LQ 5HDGLQJ :RNLQJKDP &URZWKRUQH %UDFNQHOO 7Z\IRUG DQG 0DLGHQKHDG

IN LAST WEEK’S Wokingham Today, we reported that First Days Children’s Charity would be opening a new dropin help centre in Wokingham Library. This is not the case. They will be basing their Elevate centre in the former police station situated in Denmark Street, and not in the Elevate learning centre in the library, which is due to move to the new Carnival Hub next month. We apologise to First Days and to you, the reader, for our mistake.

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.

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Tales of adventure ... and a chance of a hole-in-one

LAND OF ADVENTURE: The Desert Course at Golfplex in Binfield has a number of obstacles to challenge putting skills Picture: Golfplex By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A NEW adventure golf course has opened in Binfield.

The Desert Course at Golfplex, on Wood Lane, welcomed its first competitors on Thursday, May 12. The new course signifies the third and final theme to the site’s adventure golf offering. Neil Dainton, director at GolfPlex, said: “Since opening we’ve been thrilled with the number of people coming to use GolfPlex and the feedback they’ve given. “This third adventure golf course will only add to the enjoyment of visitors, both new and returning.” The venue, which opened in July last year, is described as a “unique concept” offering family entertainment with the Polar and Jungle courses, as well as the Toptracer range. The Desert Course will add a new dimension to the environmental-themed adventure golf. In addition to the pyramids, adventurers will navigate a sphinx, numerous camels, an obelisk and a mythological serpent, as they tackle the seven hole course. As an added twist, GolfPlex will be giving children the opportunity to design the eighth hole.

NEWS | 3

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

A hint to the pyramids is the focus for one hole

Snakes alive! A scary hole to tackle The chosen design will form the final hole of the Desert Course.

n Schools and families will be invited to submit their designs later this year, with registrations now open at golfplex.co.uk/designhole8

Set sail for a hole-in-one? The new adventure golf centre has its own sailing ship

‘Ello, ‘ello, ‘ello … Twyford’s police station could become a home THE address isn’t Letsby Avenue, but there’s a chance that people could be eating porridge in a former cop shop, writes Grant Williams, Local democracy reporter. A planning application has been made to convert Twyford’s police station into a one-bed flat with a single parking space. The applicant is the current owner of the police house, previously used as accommodation for the officers. Situated within the Station Road Conservation Area, the station has not been open to the public since 2016, when the front counter was closed. It shut completely in October 2019, as it was deemed to “not represent a cost-effective use of public money”. Proposed changes include replacing windows to be more in keeping with the character of the area, relocating the entrance – with a new front door fronting Brook Street. The existing entry being retained as a glazed door leading into the garden. Alterations to the 45 sq m interior will include providing a living, sleeping and cooking area. At the rear of the property, an external patio is proposed with one off-street parking space, as well as space for a bin and bike storage. The stone paving to the side of the building would be removed and replaced with a lawn, which would then be enclosed with a low brick wall and railings. A double garage and a steel storage shed currently situated on the site would be retained to be used as storage during construction, before being demolished when work has been completed. The former police house will be retained as a two-bedroom dwelling. The original detached dwelling Police house was built in 1901, commemorated by a stone plaque on the building which references the date. It was later extended at the corner of Station Road and Brook Street, with a single storey side extension which housed the self-contained police station – with a reception room, police office, toilet and kitchen facilities. A decision on the proposed development will be made by the council at a planning meeting expected to be held on Wednesday, June 7.

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

4 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Wokingham Lions plans a night of laughter with comedy club LAUGHTER is on the cards thanks to a Wokingham-based charity. The Lions are planning the return of its regular comedy night thanks to Wokingham Theatre. It takes place on Friday, May

27, and sees three comics entertaining audiences. Matt Bragg, James Ellis and Joe Sutherland will be introduced by compere, David Ward. Organiser John Cleary said:

“Our comedy night in March was a great success and raised over £3,000 for charity. “The feedback from the audience that night has confirmed our view that the appetite for comedy amongst the people of Wokingham is very much alive and kicking. “As a result, we’re planning two more shows this year and a further two in 2023. “Tickets are selling fast, but there are still some available. “We would like to thank the directors of the Wokingham Theatre for letting us use their amazing venue.” Future Friday evenings are October 7 and November 18 this year, and February 3, and May 19 next year. Doors open at 7.30pm, with comedy from 8.30pm. The nights are for over 18s only. Tickets cost £17, with proceeds going to local charities. There will be a bar, and parking is available At the May event, members of The Kimel Foundation will be selling raffle tickets for its work.

n For more details, or to book, log on https://uk.patronbase. com/_WokinghamTheatre/ QAS_Reading and Wokingham today_QASFest+Fitkin_130X160mm Productions/LI2/Performances

Join us for Arts Week at Queen Anne’s School

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

Lib Dems prepare to parties agree to new By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today FOR the first time in more than 20 years, Wokingham councillors are set to approve a Liberal Democrat-run administration, Wokingham Today can reveal.

Following the party’s success in the local elections earlier this month, it has agreed in principle a partnership agreement with Labour and the two independent councillors to give a working majority, which will be voted on at a council meeting to be held on Thursday, May 19. Liberal Democrat leader Clive Jones says that the groups had agreed to work together, but it will be a partnership and not a coalition. Under the agreement, the Lib Dems will form a ruling executive, but pledged that the council committees would be chaired by a mixture of groups to ensure equality.

How can the Lib Dems form an administration?

The Conservatives lost five seats on May 5, giving them 26 places on Wokingham Borough Council - one short of a majority. While there had been speculation that the party could continue to rule as a minority party, its leader John Halsall stepped down last week and will formally resign as leader on Thursday. A vote of no confidence will then be held, which the opposition parties are expected to win, and the Conservatives will no longer run the council.

This will mean the Lib Dems, with 23 councillors, can take control, as they will have the support of the other groups under their partnership agreement. However, the vote of no confidence might not be needed as, without support from other parties, the Conservatives are unable to command a majority in the council chamber. On Thursday evening, “we will do everything technically necessary” Cllr Jones says. “It is a process we have to go through”. As to whether the Conservatives would try to form an administration, he says: “They may well try, but all 28 of us (opposition councillors) have agreed to a partnership memorandum, so I don’t see it falling apart.”

It won’t be a coalition, or a pact … it’s a partnership

One thing that Cllr Jones is clear about is that this is not a formal coalition arrangement, so Labour and the independent councillors will not be on the

ALL CHANGE: Wokingham Borough Council’s new executive. However, by signing the memorandum, they have an agreement in place that they say will help form a strong administration for the benefit of residents. “It will be a Liberal Democratrun administration,” Cllr Jones says. “It is in no way a coalition. It’s a partnership agreement. “We will be talking with other councillors all the the time, trying to use the best talent for Wokingham Borough.”

New leader for Conservatives By Phil Creighton news@wokingham.today

Thursday 30 June | 3.30pm-6.30pm This is a free event with no booking required. Join us at Queen Anne’s School for a celebration of the Arts. Find out more at:

qas.org.uk/QASFEST2022 Fitkin 8 Hands Concert

Thursday 30 June 2022 | 7.00pm Adults £20 | Concessions £10 World class composer and pianist Graham Fitkin celebrates music built from minimal materials.

Book at:qas.org.uk/8handsconcert Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road, Caversham,Berkshire, RG4 6DX

WOKINGHAM Borough Council’s Conservative group has appointed its successor to John Halsall.

The party lost its majority during the recent local elections, and saw Cllr Halsall step down. The group has announced ahead of tomorrow’s annual council meeting that Cllr Pauline Jorgensen will take over. Although the Conservatives are one councillor short of a majority, it is expected that the Liberal Democrats will form the new ruling group after announcing a partnership agreement with Labour and the two independent councillors. Cllr Jorgensen said that if the Conservatives became the official opposition, it would “robustly challenge” the ruling group, and also seek to make the case to voters ahead of next year’s local elections. “I am honoured to have

been chosen by my fellow Conservative councillors to lead the Group,” the Hillside councillor said in a statement. “We will continue to work hard to help our residents. “Clearly, it’s disappointing that our lack of a majority on the Council means that we may not be able to continue running the authority in the coming year. “We want to protect the strong legacy that we have left for the new administration to pick up.” She continued: “The recent

local elections sent a clear message from residents: they want all parties to work together for the benefit of all the Borough. “The Liberal Democrats should remember that the voters didn’t give them a majority on the Council. “The Opposition made a lot of pledges during the election campaign, and we want to make sure that they’re delivering on what residents want.” Last week, Wokingham Borough Council’s chief executive Susan Parsonage paid tribute to Cllr Halsall, after his three year tenure as leader came to an end. “Cllr John Halsall has announced he will be resigning as leader of the council on Thursday May 19,” she said. “It is also expected that a new leader will be elected at the Annual Council meeting on the same evening. “John has been leader since May 2019 and will remain as councillor for Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe.”

NEWS | 5

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

take over council as ruling partnership

’s offices Picture: Phil Creighton

What it will mean

“All three groups have agreed to the principle of executive governance of Wokingham Borough Council,” explains Cllr Clive Jones. “We will be working together. It is a partnership that is based on fairness, trust and openness. “We commit to enable and support services to residents, communities and businesses in Wokingham borough.” Cllr Jones said that the Labour councillors and the independents would not sit on the ruling executive, but pledge to ensure the council is run with transparency in mind. “We will not hide anything from other groups,” he says. Much of the council’s business is conducted during the committee stage – overview

From

£895

and scrutiny groups. It is expected that the chairing will be shared among the parties.

Council finances An example of this new approach will be with the budget. The Lib Dems and the Conservatives have argued over the debt levels in recent years. If the Lib Dems take control on Thursday night, they will be able to explore the situation in a way they were unable to do so when they were in opposition. “We will get a true picture of the debt levels over the next few weeks so we can understand the financial situation the borough council is in. We are not expecting to see a fantastic set of books,” Cllr Jones says. “There are going to be many different issues coming up,

but we will run the council as carefully and efficiently as we can. “It’s what residents of Wokingham voted for overwhelmingly in the local elections.”

How did this partnership come together?

Cllr Jones said there were some ‘what if?’ conversations before the local elections, but serious conversations didn’t start until after the local election results had been declared. “I think we realised quite quickly that this was something we wanted to do,” he said. The groups felt they could quite comfortably work together in this way, as it kept their independence while also serving residents, and

bringing about the changes they feel the council chamber needs. “We really do need to start doing things differently,” Cllr Jones says. “The partnership is very exciting, for all of us,” he continues. “It’s very daunting and a huge challenge. There are some big issues to come up.” But, he adds, “we have been getting on so well, there is so much we’re going to be able to agree on. “It’s been really refreshing, we’ve been able to find a lot of common ground. “We really want to change the way the council is run, and change the culture.” What about those who think the Lib Dems will make a bad job of running the council? “I’m confident we won’t muck it up,” says Cllr Jones. “A lot of us (in the group) have business experience, I’m very confident we’ll do a good job. “We’ll be responsible.” An example, he says, will be running “proper consultations” rather than making posts on social media, or sending out letters to selected residents. “We also want to make our overview and scrutiny procedures work,” he says. “We also hope the Conservatives will be a responsible opposition, I’m sure most of the councillors will want to do that. “But I understand that after 20 years in control of the council, it will be difficult for some of them to adjust, especially if they expect to be continuing in power.”

Partnership is the ‘best way’ to move forward says Labour By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today THE leader of the Wokingham Labour group has assured residents they will continue putting them first.

Following the announcement of a partnership with the Liberal Democrats and Independent councillors to run Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Rachel Burgess believes the partnership is the “best way to ensure effective cross-party working” moving forward. She said: “The Labour Group will work with other parties in the interests of our residents. “I know from talking to so many residents on the doorstep that this is what people want to see in Wokingham borough.” For the first in more than 20 years, the Conservatives will not run the council after losing their majority at the local elections. Cllr Burgess says the partnership represents the opinions of residents after they went to the polls on Thursday, May 5. “After the recent elections, non-Conservative councillors have a majority on the council,” she said. “This partnership is democratically legitimate as it reflects the true make-up of

the council, and its councillors, elected by Wokingham’s voters. “I am pleased that the Liberal Democrats say they want a constructive relationship with other political parties. “Labour councillors will engage with Liberal Democrats in the same spirit.” Prior to the election, Cllr Burgess pledged Labour would be a strong opposition to the council on all matters and she says the partnership will not change their stance “Each councillor and group retains absolute independence of voting in Council, so the arrangement also allows for constructive scrutiny of the ruling Liberal Democrat group. “Effective opposition is vital for good local government and residents can be assured that Labour councillors will continue to provide effective and constructive opposition to the Liberal Democrats where this is needed.” Under the agreement, the Liberal Democrats will form a ruling executive, but pledged that the council committees would be chaired by a mixture of groups to ensure equality. The new leader of the council, along with the new executive members, will be confirmed at the council’s annual meeting tonight, Thursday, May 19.

FRIDAY 20TH MAY - 7pm

‘’Dram Lovers’’ - Whisky Club

A ‘club’ is just a name. We bring an open-minded, thirsty for knowledge and adventure-seeking Whisky lovers and guide them on their journey through our selection of interesting Whisky.

for a fully fitted electric garage door.

At Chalk Restaurant the idea is to learn and discover new whisky at each of our tastings. Each whisky has a story behind it, to the flavours and the distillery. All these stories add up to the finished product, the product you are about to taste at each of our events. So, whether you’re a whisky fanatic or just beginning your own whisky journey, join us at Chalk to socialise and learn.

Gotta get a Garolla.

Each tasting is hosted by our Whisky Ambassador, Andrea Dionori. Andrea’s extensive knowledge of some of the finest single malts, bourbons and blend whiskies available will make for an educational and fun tasting evening.

Whisky Selection - Speyside Glentauchers 2010 - 9 Years Old Auchroisk 2009 - 10 Years Old Benriach 2008 - 10 Years Old Glenallachie - 12 Years Old

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR: •EXPERT MEASURING & FITTING •2 REMOTE CONTROLS •ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION •FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR •AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely FREE of charge.

Welcome Cocktail Whisky Tasting

Finish off with a glencairn glass of your favourite dram

CALL US TODAY ON:

01252 216 382 MOBILE:

07537 149 128

£27.95 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

6 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

School uniform donations

MAYOR MAKING NEW MAYOR: The official portrait of Wokingham town council’s new mayor, Cllr Maria Gee Picture: Stewart Turkington/ www. stphotos.co.uk

FIRST Days Children’sCcharity is asking for donations of any unwanted or outgrown children’s school uniform. Items should be in good, clean condition and can be donated next week. Drop-off points are: n Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, First Days headquarters at the Business Centre, Molly Millar’s Lane, Wokingham. n Monday to Thursday 10am to 12pm, First Days new Elevate centre, Denmark Road, Wokingham. n Any time, Wokingham Library pink bin. n Shop opening hours, orange bins in local supermarkets; Wokingham Tesco; Woosehill Morrisons; Winnersh Sainsbury’s.

SIGNING IN: Cllr Gee attends to formalities as part of her inauguration on Sunday, watched by town clerk Jan Nowecki

n For information, visit: www. firstdays.net

Jubilee fun JUBILEE celebrations are set to arrive at Spencers Wood Recreation Ground. Supported by Shinfield Parish Council, the event will allow residents to enjoy organised activities, games, live music and much more. There will be an optional royal costume theme, handing visitors the perfect excuse to dress to impress. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lunch to share with family and friends. The event is held from 2pm-5pm on Friday, June 3.

Now taking registrations

n For more information, visit: www.shinfieldparish.gov.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

Maria takes up the chains of office EXCLUSIEV

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM Town has a new mayor. On Sunday, May 15, after two years wearing the ceremonial robes, Cllr Tony Lack passed the

chains of office on to fellow town councillor, Maria Gee. The moment took place in Wokingham town hall on Sunday, watched by councillors, staff, friends and family. Cllr Maria Gee was first elected as a Town Councillor in May 2019, representing the Emmbrook North ward. Since

Fun is an essential ingredient at Oak Tree Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them. FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS

OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM

starting at the Council, Maria has chaired the Finance & Personnel committee and elected Deputy Mayor in 2020-2022. She is also a borough councillor. Her consort will be her husband, Chris, and her chosen charity of the year will be Kaleidoscopic UK, which supports survivors of domestic abuse. Cllr Gee’s deputy will be Cllr Sally Gurney, who represents the Evendons East ward. Cllr Gee said: “I have lived in Wokingham for almost 40 years since I moved here to live with my husband Chris after University. My children were brought up here, so we have grown up with the town and through its many changes. “It is therefore with a feeling

HANDOVER: Outgoing mayor Cllr Tony Lack presented a cheque to Wokingham Scouts for £4,565.58 of great honour and excitement that I look forward to the coming year. Thank you to all councillors who elected me as Mayor and also to my family and friends for supporting me over the years.” Of her charity, she said: “Our town has many inspirational individuals and organisations of which Kaleidoscopic is one. We aim to be a truly welcoming, inclusive community.” And of her objectives for her mayoral year: “The Town Council serves its whole community and recognises that Wokingham

is distinct both in terms of its market status but also through its unique service delivery of Arts and Culture and its contribution to Civic life within the town. “We aim to achieve all that we do in a sustainable way. I am committed to these values and, as Mayor, I will do my best to help the Council to live its vision of enhancing Wokingham Town for its existing and future residents and businesses.” The Redlands String Quartet provided musical accompaniment to the proceedings.

Wokingham’s honorary constable steps down after 20 years

RATED OUTSTANDING IN THE PAST FOUR OFSTED INSPECTIONS

“Children are happy, settled and keen to acquire new knowledge and skills. They are exceptionally confident learners who play an active role in leading their own play and making decisions. Children of all ages explore their environment with confidence and ease, and show exceptionally high levels of self-assurance and emotional well-being.” Ofsted inspection 2020, www.ofsted.gov.uk

Please call 01189 733231 or email oaktree.nursery@childbase.com

Oak Tree Day Nursery and Preschool, 13 Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Wokingham, RG40 4QD

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU www.childbasepartnership.com

WOKINGHAM Town’s honorary constable stepped down at Sunday’s mayor making after 20 years of helping out during a host of civic events. Stan Harris first took on the role in 2002, helping escort the mace during Wokingham Town Council civic processions. The role is part of Wokingham’s rich heritage, and over the past two decades Mr Harris has helped in so many ways, including welcoming guests to the town hall, shared the history with visitors, and attended many receptions. As part of the mayor making ceremony, held in the town hall, outgoing mayor Cllr Tony Lack paid tribute to his colleague for his many years of service. “Stan is now retiring as Honorary Constable and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his service over the last 20 years,” he said. “Sadly, Stan has to come to the decision that his marching days are over. He will be missed but he has promised to keep in touch. “We certainly won’t be able to keep him away from the likes of Heritage Day or from a chat in the Market Place.” Cllr Lack added: “Not many people know this, but Stan has the 1943 Mayor, George Alfred Cheeseman, in his family tree. “Stan was a traffic warden in Reading until he retired in 1997, he has been a band member – a

Stan Harris, Wokingham’s retiring Honorary Constable Picture: Stewart Turkington drummer – for many years and along with his wife Liz is involved with the Salvation Army. “Stan. thanks for all you have done to uphold tradition in Wokingham.” And a spokesperson for Wokingham Town Council said: “Throughout his service, Stan has undertaken his role with pride and honour, and this has been very much appreciated by both Councillors and officers alike. “Thank you Stan.”

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS |

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Decision on historic building’s future deferred By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A DECISION to defer rebuilding a historic building in Woodley has been welcomed by Reading East MP Matt Rodda.

PLANS: An artist’s impression of the proposed Twyford scheme Picture: LDRS

Twyford housing development and care home plans on hold PLANS for a new housing development and dementia care home in Twyford have been postponed. The proposal for Twyford Road included 130 homes, of which 35% would be affordable housing, and a 70-bed care home designed for dementia patients. Following a council planning meeting on Wednesday, May 11, councillors opted for a site visit to determine the viability of the proposal after disagreements meant a decision could not be reached. Objections were raised regarding safe access, noise levels, transport links and the risk of flooding. The site is in a location reserved for employment and businesses, as outlined in the approved local plan. However, work is currently underway on an updated local plan and, since there hasn’t been any interest in using the land for commercial purposes, planning officers are supporting residential development. The proposal has received objections from both residents and councillors who feel that the site is not appropriate for either houses or a care home. Cllr Gary Cowen, Independent representative for Arborfield, said: “How can we move away from an approved local plan to an unapproved local plan and say the unapproved plan trumps the local plan, it doesn’t.” Noise assessments indicated it

would exceed recommended levels in some areas and many dwellings would require triple glazing windows, as well as keeping them shut, to not be impacted. The access point being situated at an area of reduced visibility on a fast road and a lack of nearby transport links were some of the other concerns raised by the committee. Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, Liberal Democrat for Emmbrook South, said: “We need more social housing and affordable homes in the borough, and I agree that we need more care home beds to meet the needs of our ageing population. “But these must be put in suitable locations and Toutley East is not. “This is a proposal to use a noisy piece of land, very close to the motorway and on an industrial depot to house those who have the least choice on where they live, those on lower incomes and those needing old age care.” The site is also bordered by the A329M to the north and a tributary of the Emm Brook to the south, which has raised concerns about possible flooding. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Conservative for Hillside, made the formal proposal to request a site visit in order to “have a really good look at the surroundings.” She added: “I’m concerned that the site is a bit isolated.” The plan will now be voted on after the visit has taken place.

Two charged over death of man near petrol station TWO men have been charged in connection with an investigation into the death of a man in Lower Earley last year. Sabeur Trabelsi, aged 43, of Kings Road, Reading, has been charged with one count each of manslaughter and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Elliott Cripps, aged 27, of Ashbourne Crescent, Taunton, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. It is in connection with an incident outside the BP petrol station in Chalfont Way on

Last Wednesday, a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee met to discuss plans to demolish the Miles building on Headley Road East. Under the proposal, five commercial buildings for light industrial work and storage, as well as offices, car parking and a new access road would be built. The art deco site is one of the last remaining buildings from Woodley’s airfield days and has many historic links. Mr Rodda said he is “pleased” the application has been deferred after he sent a letter to the chair of the planning committee prior to the meeting. In the letter he said: “This is an important issue and I and many constituents would like the historic art deco building to be preserved, many are also concerned about the risk of increased traffic, noise and air pollution. “It is important to protect our heritage and councils have an important role to play in this vital work.” Cllr Shirley Boyt has been actively campaigning for the building to be protected. She said that she was relieved to learn a decision has been deferred. “It’s going to be short-

CAMPAIGN: Reading East MP Matt Rodda backs calls to find an alternative solution to protect the AdWest building in Woodley lived relief because it will be up again at the planning committee pretty imminently,” she said. “One of the aspects for the deferral was looking at other ways that the building could be saved and utilised within the scheme that’s proposed. “The other reason it was deferred was because there was insufficient modelling done on the number of new HGVs that would be coming into the area.” She said the plans include 20 new HGV loading bays. “One would assume that the applicants are expecting quite a few, but they did no modelling on that, and we picked that up. “Luckily the planning committee also decided that

wasn’t good enough.” A petition to save the site from being demolished received more than 4,500 signatures with many residents calling for it to be repurposed to maintain its features. Cllr Boyt said: “The building could be upgraded internally to modern standards and used for any number of commercial purposes, and it is disappointing that the applicant lacks the imagination to do this and would rather replace it with a soulless, tin shed.” The officer report said there had been “extensive discussions regarding environmental health impacts but ultimately it is considered that, subject to

conditions, no detrimental impact would occur in terms of noise, air pollution or contamination”. Cllr Boyt was not convinced that “extensive” research had taken place. She said: “Were notes taken during these discussions? Is there an email trail? Did the recent Venta Acoustic and TRL particulate reports figure in these discussions? Where is the evidence which led to this conclusion?” Following the deferral, the issues raised by councillors and residents will be discussed. The findings will then be put forward at another planning meeting later this year.

n Matt Rodda’s letter can be seen at www.mattrodda.net

Helping the over-65s stay independent Do you wish to remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible and still have a say in your well-being? Let me show you how you might be able to get regular financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home and make your life easier. Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for those in receipt of the State Pension who have health issues or needs that cause difficulties or challenges in your day-today living. It is a benefit for those who need help with personal care. There are two levels weekly rates of Attendance Allowance. A lower rate of £61.85 per week is paid if you need help during the day to maintain your independence. Should you have health issues that disturb your night, then the weekly benefit may increase to over £92.40 per week. The level you receive is determined by your circumstances. You can claim this benefit even if you haven’t paid National Insurance and it is not means-tested, it doesn’t matter where you live or if you have savings. Attendance allowance is tax-free. Are you or is someone you know eligible? We offer an initial free 30-minute confidential consultation to allow us to assess whether we can help and for you to decide if you’d like help. If we both agree that claiming Attendance Allowance is right for you, then we will look after you every step of the way.

Wednesday, March 31, last year, in which 51-year-old Jason Page sadly died. Both men have been bailed to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 15.

We complete all the necessary forms and explain the process of claiming in straightforward, plain English so that you understand everything and are in complete control. You may decide, after your initial consultation, that you’d like to continue as you are for now; that’s fine too. We’re only a phone call away if you change your mind, or would like to talk things through again.

07869 694501

Nigel Pearce AIPW Grey Matters Consultancy Wokingham

grey-matters-consultancy.com/wokingham

8 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Bowling days at Three Mile Cross THREE Mile Cross Bowling Club are hosting two open days for prospective players. The taster sessions are free to attend and provide an opportunity to meet new people while trying a different sport. Visitors are asked to wear flat shoes or trainers, with bowls provided on the day if required. The open days take place between 2-5pm on Saturday, May 21, and between 10am-1pm on Sunday, May 29. Those travelling to the second session by car are advised that the Basingstoke Road end of Church Lane will be closed to traffic. n For more information, visit: www.threemilecrossbowlingclub. co.uk

Ensemble show THE WHITEKNIGHTS Ensemble will be performing a concert on Saturday, May 28, from 7.30pm, at Leighton Park School. The programme includes Mozart’s Adagio and Allegro in F Minor, Hallam’s Dance Suite, and KJ Ankarblom’s Swedish Medley. Tickets cost £10, or £5 for under 18s. Proceeds will go to ReadiFood, Reading’s food bank. n For more details, log on to: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ Whiteknights-Ensemble

Bracknell and Wokingham College opens state-of-the-art facilities Alison Webster, CEO of Berkshire LEP cuts the ribbon with Gary Headland, CEO of Activate Learning

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A NEW care skills training centre and pharma sciences laboratory has opened at Bracknell and Wokingham College.

The state-of-the-art improvements at the Activate Learning site, opened on Thursday, May 12, have been made possible by more than £1 million of funding from the Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The facilities, designed in partnership with Syngenta, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Health Education England and Skills for Care, will be used by students studying science and health and social care. Nursing professionals from Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust will also use the care skills centre as part of their training. The new facilities include a laboratory, featuring industrystandard equipment, an adjoining equipment room, a simulated hospital ward, an immersive environment and a flat. Gary Headland, chief executive officer at Activate

Learning, said: “We are delighted to be opening these state-of-the-art facilities that will be of huge benefit to our

WPR_2022-05-16_TheWokinghamPaper_16x4 (1)_Just Go

WorcesterObserver

Reader travel

LIVERPOOL

OXFORD

& the Lovely Lake District Liverpool&theLovelyLakeDistrict_F.pdf

& Cream of the Cotswolds Oxford&CreamoftheCotswolds_F.pdf

Departing Fri 19 Aug ‘22

Departing Fri 9 Sep ‘22

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 Crawley 3 nights at a selected hotel in the Coventry area with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursions to Oxford, Bourton-on-the-Water & Stow-on-the-Wold

4 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £45

164.99

144.99

4 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £45

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

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

justgoholidays.com/WPR

033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

justgohols JGTravelGroup

local community here in the Bracknell and Wokingham area. “Healthcare and the sciences are areas of strategic

importance to the LEP here and so to work collaboratively with them to provide a joinedup solution to this challenge is

Road closures planned

WORK to install a new drinking water pipe that’s nearly a kilometre long will start after the Jubilee weekend, with road closures expected until the new year. The 900m pipe will be placed into Warren House Road and Keephatch Road by South East Water, from Monday, June 6. The firm says it will ensure customers’ drinking water is not impacted as the local population grows. Work will begin along Warren House Road, 100 metres west of Ashridge Road. SE Water will then work east along Warren House Road and Keephatch Road, to its junction with Campion Way. Pipes will then be installed within Binfield Road and Bean Oak Road. The roads will be closed in sections, meaning the closure will move along with the construction works. Temporary traffic lights will also be used at the roundabouts of Warren House Road and Keephatch Road and Keephatch Road and Campion Way.

fantastic for us here at Activate Learning. “This whole project has been delivered in partnership with our local employer partners within the science and health sectors, so this is the culmination of a fantastic team effort that will benefit the local community for years to come.” Activate Learning was awarded around £500,000 by Berkshire LEP through the government’s Getting Building Fund for the care skills training centre and a further £600,000 for the pharma sciences lab. Alison Webster, chief executive of Berkshire LEP said, “The LEP’s 2022 Skills Report highlighted the need to promote sectors such as health and social care and life sciences that are experiencing severe labour shortages but also predicted to continue to grow. “We know how important it is to inspire our residents and young people to consider careers in health and social care and life sciences sectors and these facilities can transform the way students and professionals gain skills in these sectors.” For more information on the college’s science and health and care courses, visit: bracknell. activatelearning.ac.uk

Arc workshops on Saturday

TWO free creative workshops are set to take place in Wokingham this Saturday. The sessions will be hosted by Nicola Anthony, a sculptor, who was recently confirmed as the artist chosen to design the new public artwork by Arts4Wokingham. During these sessions, attendees will learn about pattern making and drawing, how to be more creative in day to day life, and meet the artist behind the upcoming sculpture. Ms Anthony is also inviting residents to share their stories, thoughts and memories as her sculpture will be inspired by the community. Anyone who wants their story told through the sculpture will be welcomed to share it during the session, or anonymously afterwards. This is part of an ongoing series of workshops with the first two taking place at 9.30am and 12.30pm on Saturday, May 21, at the Wokingham Library.

n For more information, visit: arts4wokingham.com/ community-consultations

Hunt for royals in Emmbrook A FUN themed ramble is being planned for Emmbrook this May half term holiday. As part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, 38 royal displays will be placed in local front gardens for ramblers to find. Families follow a special trail map to help them search for the displays, while enjoying a local walk. Proceeds from the map sales will go to Emmbrook Infant and Junior Schools PTAs.

“It’s going to be a really fun week,” says organiser Catherine Stott. “We held our first ramble last year, and the theme was bugs. This year, it’s anything royal.” All 38 displays are being made by local households, some of whose children attend the Emmbrook schools. Others are simply local people wanting to have fun and get involved. Catherine continues:

“It’s called a scarecrow trail, but the displays aren’t actually scarecrows. “They can be anything at all related to the word ‘royal’, and people will be quite inventive. “I think there may be a huge postage stamp going up somewhere.” The royal ramble runs from Sunday, May 29 to Monday, June 6. n For details, visit: www. eventbrite.co.uk and search for emmbrook trail royal ramble.

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Raiders’ 4x4 driven at high speed across cricket pitch during chase

By STAFF WRITER news@wokingham.today

INTRUDERS smashed down gates and a fence as they rampaged round a cricket pitch and the grounds of a mansion house before fleeing, witnesses told Wokingham Today.

A Hurst Neighbourhood Watch member said: “There was a chase. The intruders’ 4x4 vehicle was doing very high speeds round the cricket pitch, trying to find a way out. “There was shouting from the police for them to stop.” Richard Bassett who lives nearby said there was a lucky escape for the resident of a mobile home in the house grounds. “They broke into the home, luckily for [the resident] he wasn’t there,” he said. A police spokesperson said: “At around 1am on [May 9] Thames Valley Police received reports of a burglary in Broadcommon Road, Hurst. A variety of tools were stolen from the property. “Then, at 2am we received reports of a burglary in Hinton Road, Hurst. “Officers attended the scene, and were confronted by a silver Honda CRV without registration plates. The driver failed to stop,

DAMAGE: Thieves trying to escape from the police drove a 4x4 across the cricket pitch in Hurst, causing a headache for the groundskeeper

and drove through a wooden fence to get off the victim’s premises. Nothing was stolen at this property.” The cricket pitch lies between Broadcommon and Hinton Roads. Mr Bassett and his wife have praised the person who called the police to the chaos. That had been “the saving grace”. And they’re grateful to the police for arriving so quickly. Mr Bassett said: “The intruders managed to get through an internal metal gate. They proceeded to a barn where

there were tools and gardening equipment that they I guess packed into their truck. “It appears the truck they had couldn’t get under the arch to the main house. They went around and then across the lawn near to the house.” The intruders had fled out of the main entrance to his home. The couple had heard crashing when the vehicle hit a fence. Gates were also smashed through, said Mr Bassett. The couple’s large Maremmas Italian mountain dogs “were going crazy”, barking

at the tumult. The intruders “could probably tell they weren’t chihuahuas,” he added. “It happened so fast I didn’t really have time to think about it too much. We saw the police flash lights as they surveyed the scene. We were told two police cars were searching the area for the truck afterwards.” The Hurst Neighbourhood Watch member said: “People heard the noise of smashing and saw torches there. The police were around until nearly 4am, they were excellent.

Lockdown Loss: Wokingham Woman Loses 12 Stone Wokingham-based Ester Barbosa is celebrating a life-changing 12 stone weight loss during lockdown, thanks to The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan and the vital support of her local consultant, Sophie Ames. After suffering a sleep apnoea attack back in 2020 and reaching 25 stone 9lb, Ester was given the final push she needed to start on plan with The 1:1 Diet. Ester said: “I saw lockdown as my opportunity to make a huge lifestyle change. I needed to lose weight, I felt so awful in my own skin and had lost all my confidence. “As soon as I spoke to Sophie, I knew I’d made the right decision – her support was vital! We had weekly virtual catch ups, as we couldn’t meet in person due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Sophie was motivating, encouraging and always gave me the best advice to help me stay on track. I honestly couldn’t have achieved my goals without her.”

“They came with dog handlers to search the area.” The Thames Valley Police spokesperson added: “We are appealing to anyone who may have video doorbell footage or information that could assist with our investigation, to please get in touch. You can do so by calling 101 or report online via the website, quoting reference 43220199303.” Hurst parish councillor Paul Palmer has called for CCTV at strategic places in the village. No arrests have been made as we went to press.

You’ll never sing alone in Charvil A SINGING evening for female voices will take place in Charvil this Saturday. Suzanne Newman, who runs a number of choral groups for women, is organising the event which will feature songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. The programme includes pieces from The Sound of Music, Oklahoma and The King and I. The session runs from 7pm to 9pm on Saturday, May 21, at Charvil Village Hall. Places cost £10, and include a copy of the music. n For more details, call Ms Newman on: 0118 934 0589, or email: suzanneynewman@ btinternet.com

Glorious show A NEW exhibition to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee will be launched at the Berkshire Record Office. Happy and Glorious, the event looks at the monarch’s links to Berkshire. It uses the archives of the Coley Avenuebased venue for its inspiration. The exhibition launches on Thursday, May 26, and runs to August 26. It will be open when the offices are: Tuesdays to Thursdays from 9am to 5pm, and until 4.30pm on Fridays. Entry is free. n For details, log on to: www.berkshirerecordoffice.org. uk or call 0118 937 5132.

Then

After Ester lost her job for a now defunct well know high street brand during the pandemic and couldn’t afford to stay on plan, Sophie offered her the opportunity to join her team as a 1:1 Diet consultant. Ester is now building her own business, helping the people of Wokingham to secure their weight loss goals. Sophie said: “The pandemic caused a huge shift in my job role and switching to virtual consultations was definitely very new to me. However, the results speak for themselves! I’m so proud of myself and of Ester, not only for her incredible weight loss, but also for our dedication to continuing to help others in our role as 1:1 Diet consultants.”

Now

Ester is now exercising at the gym three times a week and weighs a healthy 13 stone and 8lb.

Ester Barbosa ester.one2onediet@gmail.com 07741 919924

Sophie Ames Sophie.one2onediet@gmail.com 07730 785715

Charity’s call for volunteers to help tackle loneliness A WOKINGHAM charity is calling on volunteers to reduce loneliness in the borough. The Link Visiting Scheme aims to help people make friends and feel connected. The charity is now looking for more friendship volunteers who can spare an hour or two each week to join the team. Volunteering with the charity offers the chance to make a real difference to the lives of isolated people in the community. It’s also a chance to make new friends and feel connected. The charity provides comprehensive training and ongoing support and will match people up based on availability, location and interests. It also recognises flexibility is important and that volunteering should fit around your schedule. One volunteer said: “I have had nothing but great experiences with The Link Visiting Scheme so far, from the communication and training to my pairing with Val as we get on great together and have lots to talk about. “It has been a really rewarding and enriching experience for me, I’m so glad I volunteered.” The charity has approximately 400 volunteers throughout the borough engaging with people and often taking them out to coffee shops or garden centres where possible. There is also a growing program of social activities aimed at encouraging older people to venture out and meet others in a safe, friendly environment. These include regular pub lunches, friendship groups, singing, yoga and bowling. n For more information, or to volunteer, visit: linkvisiting.org/volunteer

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

Five months of road closures planned in Three Mile Cross

SHUT: From Monday work starts on Church Lane at its junction with Basingstoke Road Picture: Google Maps

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

MOTORISTS driving through Three Mile Cross may be required to reroute their journeys with a road closure set to affect traffic at a key junction.

From Monday, May 23, the Basingstoke Road end of Church Lane will be closed to traffic and is not expected to reopen for five months. During this time, the section between the junction and entrance to Shinfield Allotments will only be accessible to those entering properties within that area. Temporary signals will be used to manage traffic flow while the works take place to manage traffic flow. The closure will allow for the replacement of the current mini-roundabout with a new traffic-signal-controlled junction, including filter lanes, dedicated pedestrian crossings and associated traffic calming measures. “The works will increase capacity through the junction and provide improvements on Basingstoke Road,” a Wokingham Borough Council spokesperson said.

“We’re currently in talks with the developers to ensure it starts as soon as possible.” Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd will be conducting the works under the supervision of the council, and it expects the project to be completed before the end of 2022. Work will start from the southern end of the junction, moving northwards until September, when the site is expected to be ready for surfacing and line marking, according to the development company. Church Lane will reopen after traffic lights have been installed and tested, with the instalment of traffic calming measures on the approach

roads marking the completion of the project. In a letter addressed to residents, Will Bros said it will “endeavour to keep inconvenience to neighbouring homes and businesses to an absolute minimum” and “maintain a good collaborative relationship that will see the improved junction completed as early as possible and with as little disruption as possible”. The improvements are part of a wider strategic development known as South of M4 SDL, which is set to bring over 3,000 market and affordable homes to Three Mile Cross, Shinfield and Spencers Wood. “The improvements are one of many mitigation schemes being

delivered across the borough required as part of our wider core strategy, alongside the delivery of new homes,” the Wokingham Borough Council spokesperson explained. “This ensures that residents and businesses are well served by improved infrastructure, including new walking and cycling routes and improvements to bus services.” The plan also involves the building of schools, community centre, public green spaces and sports facilities. The project is being conducted by the University of Reading, alongside partners Barratt David Wilson Homes and Taylor Wimpey.

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

admire Woodley residents protest against Residents meteor storm plans to build a 5G mast in park By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

CHILDREN, dog walkers, adults and councillors came together on Sunday to protest plans to build a 5G phone mast and base station in a Woodley park.

Last year, Wokingham Borough Council rejected plans to build the mast in Vauxhall Park, requested by EE and H3G – the company behind the Three network. The companies appealled to the Government’s planning inspectorate last month. While the closing date for residents’ comments was Thursday, May 12, campaigners are hoping their show of strength can help persuade the planning inspectorate that the site is unsuitable. They argue that it takes away green space from the well-used park, and there is space on a nearby industrial estate. Borough councillor Shirley Boyt is leading the campaign, and has organised a petition urging Wokingham Borough Council not to sell or lease land for 5G phone masts in any of its public parks. The rally was to show the strength of feeling among residents, and a sizable crowd turned out despite heavy rain, brandishing placards and

A BIG NO: Woodley residents come together in the pouring rain to protest against plans to build a 5G mast in Vauxhall Park Picture: Phil Creighton

using the social media tag #NoMastsInParks. “Talking from residents here, there’s a lot of passion for Vauxhall Park,” she explained. “There’s a lot of strong feeling against having a mast in the park when it could easily go on industrial land sited very nearby.” Although there is the likelihood that the leadership of Wokingham Borough Council will change this week, Cllr Boyt is not being complacent. “We need to find out who

MP’s push for pension credit

ONE OF the borough’s four MPs says she welcomes the Government’s campaign to encourage eligible pensioners to access the help they are entitled to through pension credit. Theresa May, whose Maidenhead constituency includes parts of Sonning, Twyford, Wargrave, and Charvil, said the scheme is also open to those who care for and support older people. “There are already 1,213 claimants of Pension Credit in the Maidenhead constituency, but we know around 25% of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so. “I urge anyone who wants to know if they could get the extra help to look at the Gov.UK website www.gov.uk/pension-creditor or call the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 991234.”

in the council has delegated powers to sell off land,” she explained. “Vauxhall Park is borough land, by definition that means it belongs to all of us. Hopefully if there is a change of administration it might be easier to find out. “We have the petition going at the same time, if we can get to 1,500 signatures we can force a dabte in the council, and then a resolution would be made telling the council not to sell or lease the land to telecoms operators.”

She added that she hoped the council’s grounds for objection would be enough for the planner inspectorate, but there was a wider issue. “If the mast is allowed here, then no park in the borough would be safe,” she said. “Once you’ve got one, what’s to stop another operator coming along and putting in another one? Before you know it, our beautiful parks are ruined with this infrastructure.” Among the protesters was Woodley town council Loddon

South ward councillor Cllr Majid Nagra, who called for the application process to be made more transparent. “The telecoms companies should be listening to residents,” he added. “This is a green space. (A mast) will not only affect current generations, but future ones as well.” And Cllr Nada Al-sanjari, who sits on Bulmershe ward for Woodley town council, said: “We are really impressed with the turnout. It really shows the mood of the people and how much they’re committed to this cause. “We keep talking about encouraging children to play outside and how important it is for their mental health. We should be preserving our parks and natural spaces for everyone to use. “If it goes ahead, it will be fair game for other parks.” She added: “We’re not opposed to technology, but it has to be sensitive and has to meet the needs of local residents. “To have it in the middle of a well-used park, in green spaces? It’s just not viable and shows a lack of consideration for the local community.” n The petition can be signed at woodleylabour.org.uk/ protectourparks

Fun and games planned by church

AN AFTERNOON of fun and games is being planned next month, and teams are wanted. Kerith Church in Bracknell is organising It’s A Knockout, an afternoon of silliness involving inflatable obstacles, costumes, water and bubbles. Teams of up to 10 members can take part, wearing fancy dress as they do so. The theme is royalty, with prizes for the winning and best-dressed teams, and best dressed individual. There will be food, drinks, ice cream and other stalls, and activities for younger people. The event runs on Sunday, June 26, from 2pm to 5pm, and takes place at Great Hollands Recreation Ground, off South Road in Bracknell.

The Abbey’s Human Intelligence initiative

n For more details, log on to: www.kerith.church/ knockout

Nominations open for awards NOMINATIONS are being sought for a new award aimed at recognising the achievements of charities, groups or individuals working within the criminal justice field. The 2022 Thames Valley Criminal Justice Charity Awards aims to celebrate the good things that have come out of the covid pandemic: the heroes of our communities who have made such a huge impact in the lives of others. Organised by the Thames Valley Partnership, a charity that offers a range of frontline services to support victims of

THEY kept their eyes on the sky: Wokingham residents were treated to an unexpected meteor shower on Monday night. The UK Meteor Network said it received 94 reports of sightings across the south of England at around 9.45pm on May 16. Shinfield resident Laura Hulland heard a commotion outside her house. She checked footage from her doorbell camera and was stunned to see a fireball shooting across the night sky. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the flashing light and almost dismissed it,” she explained. “The next day, I saw that there had been a meteor close by and immediately checked the footage again. I knew then it was a meteor and that the film was very unique.” The spectacular nature of the meteor was not lost on Prof Mathew Owens, University of Reading Department of Meteorology. “It seems to have been a particularly bright and impressive bolide meteor. This is the second this week,” he explained. “From the timing and locations, they can estimate an approximate trajectory of the meteor. Its likely origin is the asteroid belt, out just beyond Mars’ orbit.”

crime, and those impacted by it. Its CEO, Nikki Ross, said: “In difficult times it is all too easy to forget that there are great things going on around us in the community; in the charity and criminal justice sector it’s really important to shine a light on these. “Perhaps you know someone who has overcome their own personal experiences and used this to support others, or has helped to bring their community together and make it a safer place. “We really need your nominations to help us identify

those individuals, groups or charities doing amazing things in the field of criminal justice or who support those who are impacted by crime in some way, so they can get the recognition they rightly deserve.” Nominations close on Monday, July 4, with the winners announced at an awards ceremony in October. They will be presented by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber.

n For more details, log on to: www.thamesvalleypartnership. org.uk

Simply put: it’s the most exciting, innovative and rigorous curriculum available anywhere in the country

Visit www.theabbey.co.uk to learn more Junior School-Human Intelligence-160w 130h.indd 1

12/05/2022 15:08

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

The nation celeb Thursday, June 2 11am Trooping the Colour Buckingham Palace, London More than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will come together in the traditional Parade to mark The Queen’s official birthday, usually held on the second Saturday in June. The colour will be trooped by the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards, and more than 1200 officers and soldiers from the Household Division will put on a display of military pageantry on Horse Guards Parade, together with hundreds of Army musicians and around 240 horses. This annual event has now marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years. During the Queen’s birthday parade A Royal Gun Salute will be fired. During the ceremony, there will be an opportunity to watch the event via large screens, set up in St James’ Park and many more members of the public will be able to watch the spectacle live on BBC and Sky television, not just in the UK but overseas too. Once the parade has ended and the Royal Procession has returned to Buckingham Palace, the Royal Family’s balcony appearance will happen as in previous years. There will be an impressive Flypast to coincide with the Royal Family’s balcony appearance.

9pm Beacon lighting The United Kingdom’s long tradition of celebrating Royal Jubilees, Weddings and Coronations with the lighting of beacons will continue for the Platinum Jubilee. A beacon chain, once used as a tool for communication, has now become a symbol of unity across towns, borders, countries and continents and is often the central point of focus for any outdoor gathering or celebration. In 1897, beacons were lit to celebrate Queen

Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. In 1977, 2002 and 2012, beacons commemorated the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees of The Queen, and in 2016 Her Majesty’s 90th birthday. Over 1,500 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.

Friday, June 3 Service of Thanksgiving A Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen’s reign will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral. Great Paul, the largest church bell in the country, will be rung for the Service. It was made in 1882, but fell silent in the 1970s due to a broken mechanism. It was restored in 2021 and has been rung on eight occasions since, but this is the 1st royal occasion it will be rung.

Saturday, June 4

Sunday, June 5 The Big Jubilee Lunch: Over 60,000 people have registered to host Big Jubilee Lunches on the Platinum celebration weekend, with events ranging from world record attempts for the longest street party to back garden barbecues and everything in between. Over 01 million people across the UK are expected to be joining the celebrations to share friendship, food and fun at Big Jubilee Lunches as part of this nationwide act of community friendship. People across the world are also joining in with more than 600 international Big Jubilee Lunches being planned throughout the Commonwealth and beyond - from Canada to Brazil, New Zealand to Japan and South Africa to Switzerland. thebigjubileelunch.com is still accepting orders for free packs to get street parties started or for people to find out where a public event in their area may be taking place.

The Platinum Jubilee Pageant

The Derby at Epsom Downs

Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs.

Platinum Party at the Palace Hosts Kirsty Young and Roman Kemp will lead live coverage of the Platinum Party at the Palace and air live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and across the BBC network. The celebration will see famous faces from the world of entertainment brought together to perform for a night of musical tributes to celebrate the Jubilee. 22,000 people will attend the event including 10,000 allocated in a public ballot and 5,000 tickets for key workers.

The Gold State Carriage, led by The Sovereign’s Escort, will lead the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, embracing the latest in digital technology to evoke the excitement and majesty of her journey to be crowned 70 years ago. While The Queen won’t personally travel in the regal Gold State Carriage, there will be a fabulous surprise. The Pageant will serve as an opportunity to gather and pay tribute to Her Majesty. It will culminate with the singing of the National Anthem, ‘God Save the Queen’ and a gospel choir to the sounds of the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. The Pageant will bring to life iconic moments from The Queen’s reign as well as showcasing our changing society over the past 70 years.

NEXT WEEK: A round-up of all the events taking place in our region Co

vid

Wokingham's Vinyl Record Shop

Manufacturers of fine silver 9/18ct gold, palladium and platinum, diamond and gem set jewellery.

A journey of musical discovery, much more than just a record shop!

Matching engagement and wedding rings, gifts for brides, grooms, bridesmaids and best man.

Watch brands include:

0118 996 2965

01189448844

55CrockhamwellRoad,WoodleyPrecinct,RG53JP

Email:enquiries@woodleygoldsmiths.co.uk

www.woodleygoldsmiths.co.uk

5 Rose Street, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1XS

www.beyondthedownload.uk

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

brates the Queen O

ENGLISH WINE SINCE 1979

Wine Bar & Garden Coffees & Cakes Tours & Tastings Gift Shop Online Store Weddings & Events Accommodation Waltham Rd, Twyford Berkshire · RG10 0BN www.stanlakepark.com

May Half Term Holiday Camps! Join us for a royal mix of exciting sports and Jubilee themed fun!

@stanlakepark

The Community Navigation Scheme Ever wondered where to find help, information or support? Are you interested in getting more involved in your local community? Community navigators can help you to gain access to local groups, activities and services that match your needs. By calling involve’s main number Monday to Friday 9.30 am-4 pm

Independent ladies fashion and accessories boutique with a passion for personal service and styling. www.fionaparry.com fifiparry@gmail.com Unit 7C, Elms Walk, Wokingham, RG40 2FE

Ages 4-15 (from 3 at selected locations) Ofsted registered Locations across Berkshire

funtastickids.co.uk

Open at a primary school near you every holiday! HAF places available during Summer 2022

Community Navigation can help you to find ways to get connected with others, and access help that may be needed. Go to www.involve.community/communitynavigation or call 01344 304404

30 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Politics for grown-ups

THIS evening, Wokingham Borough Council will be under new management. It seems hard to believe, but Wokingham will be run by the Liberal Democrats. The recent local elections saw the party win the majority of votes, and take five seats from the Conservatives. To take control of the council, the Lib Dems are relying on the votes of Labour and the two independents. It’s not a coalition, but a partnership between them, and the promise is for grown-up politics. If they can stick to this, and put aside some of the pathetic point scoring we’ve seen in the chamber – including one budget where a pound of tripe was literally presented to the Conservatives – then we could be in for an interesting year. But the Conservatives are just one seat away from control. And with a stormy year ahead, thanks to the cost of living crisis, and the commitments the outgoing Conservative group have made, this could be a short-lived partnership. One thing we can all agree on is that Wokingham borough is a great place to live. We are looking forward to seeing how this new administration can make things even better. We will always be the voice of the borough, and we will hold the administration to account.

CHURCH NOTES

We all have done things we should not have done

HEN we encounter someone who professes a religious faith, but acts very differently to what we expect, we can easily dismiss their religion as rubbish.

Indeed, many will have been surprised to have learnt that the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, who is regarded by the West as a war criminal, is a devout Orthodox Christian believer who regularly confesses and takes communion. He believes he is fulfilling God’s purposes for Russia by invading Ukraine. The invasion itself had the backing of the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church. Over the centuries, religion has been used to inspire and justify both good and evil actions. At the other end of the scale all of us, religious or not, have done things we shouldn’t have. Unfortunately, after being let down by a religious person some people don’t want to have anything to do with Christianity, which is understandable. However wicked actions by people who claim to be Christian but misuse the teachings of Jesus does not mean that the religion itself is evil. If you are seeking a spiritual dimension to your life, don’t look at other people. Just ask God to reveal Himself to you and He will. Jesus said ‘Whoever seeks me will find me’.

Roger Howard is a member of Kings Church Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

Keep those trees alive It has been very encouraging to see the numbers of new young trees planted recently across Wokingham Borough. Many have been planted by developers and contractors and others, like the new orchards in Winnersh Meadows and Wokingham’s Riverside Walk, by the Borough Council and community volunteers. It has also been good to see replacements in some places for trees planted several years ago which had died for want of care. All these efforts, however, are totally wasted if the young trees do not survive because they have not been watered, and even better weeded, in their first three years at least. Dry spells like the one we have experienced recently are likely to increase in future as a result of climate change and we must urgently adapt our tree care practices to take account of this. If you are concerned about the well-being of new trees in any particular part of the Borough, it would be very helpful if you would draw the attention of those responsible for their planting to the need for watering and other care. Your local councillors may well be able to advise you who to contact. It would be even better if you could help water any young trees near you in dry periods as there can be pressure on the work force at these times of the year. Planting trees can make a wonderful contribution to tackling climate change in the future, but only if these precious young plants are allowed to survive. We, in Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association, would be very interested to hear of examples where young trees have been well taken care of and also informed about cases where they have not.

As I approach the end of my Mayoral year I wanted to send a sincere thank you to all the organisations who have invited me to their amazing events and to the fantastic people I have personally met on my journey. From the public unveiling of the magnificent horse sculptures in the Arborfield Garrison (my very first event), through to attending the Ukrainian vigil in Reading Town Centre and simply visiting a stall outside a house where a young girl was selling cakes she had made to raise money for Ukraine. We even managed to have a virtual schools carol concert due to Covid restrictions. During the year I have attended nearly 100 face to face events and listened to some amazing choirs, watched some great talent at a secondary school, attended several formal civic functions such as the swearing in of the new High Sherriff or the opening of the Judicial Year and many more. The year culminated in a volunteers Thank You event which was specifically dedicated to those who have gone that “extra mile” in helping neighbours and the wider community with well over 100 attendees for tea and cakes. My chosen charity “Chance to Dance”, dedicated to providing opportunity for disabled children to sing and dance, have been brilliant. A small charity, they have risen to the challenge of being in the “spotlight” with some fantastic events. The Mayors Charity Ball, the first for several years, had 200 guests enjoying a great meal and some fantastic entertainment. We raised £7,000 for them and I would like to thank all the companies and individuals who donated Please contact us at www.wdvta. org.uk

Barbara Stagles WDVTA Jubilee Trees

Sir John Redwood

Home ownership and house prices

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

Thank you Wokingham

Westminster diary

OUSE prices have risen a lot in recent years for a variety of reasons. Demand has been strong, with the country needing to provide for around 300,000 extra people every year thanks to the past free movement of the EU and UK immigration policy. Supply has been limited by a

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

lack of capacity among the major housebuilders, a shortage of skilled trades and a country which has lost too much production capacity for building materials. The money policy going for ultra low official rates of interest and relatively low rates for mortgages has enabled a substantial number of people to

prizes and the guests who gave so generously through the auctions etc. Finally, can I say a really great big thank you to the residents of the Borough. You make this Borough what it is and I have been extremely privileged to serve you as your “first citizen” throughout this last year. In my long political career this last year has,

Coordinator

How frequent a flood? Page 4 of Wokingham.Today dated

afford and pay ever higher prices for property. The multiple of incomes of the typical mortgage for a first-time buyer has soared, but mortgage interest payments in relation to income have not changed much as the lower rates have so far offset much of the house price increase. Some say a shortage of planning permissions has kept building land in short supply, yet many Councils report large numbers of unbuilt out plots and leading housebuilders pride themselves in holding substantial land banks. It is of course true that having a restrictive set of laws over how someone can use the land they own will over time mean higher plot prices for building, but there is no appetite to go over to a system where anyone with land can build what they like. Their decisions do have

without doubt, been my most memorable one and I will always look back on it with fond memories. Thank you.

Cllr Keith Baker MBE Coronation Ward, Woodley Leader Woodley Town Council Mayor Wokingham Borough Council 2021/22 May 12th had an interesting article concerning a planning application. Paragraph 9 of the article stated that the area for which planning

substantial implications for the need for free infrastructure like roads, schools and surgeries where the public sector has to provide and offer some guidance on plans. It would be a good idea to use the new controls over migration to limit numbers of economic migrants more. We do need to review the provision of building capacity, making it more attractive to people to undertake relevant training. While the provision of cement and bricks, tiles and roof trusses is a matter for the private sector, the government could do more on its energy, mining, quarrying and forestry policies to assist in providing more domestic capacity for the main supplies needed for building. Sir John Redwood is the MP for Wokingham

permission was granted has flooded 3 times in the last 13 years ( in 2009, 2014 and 2020). The same paragraph continues that the proposed location “has a 0.1% to 1% chance of flooding”. It would be interesting to know ( I hope that those who granted permission know ) – what this range of “0.1% to 1%” refers to. Is it a) the probability of flooding on the day the planning application was made; b) the probability of flooding in the next 13 years; or c) a completely random number, picked out of the blue in order to encourage the granting of planning permission

of our “ageing population” and “everrising demand” for healthcare - which “problems” privatisation will not magically make disappear. However, waiting lists will be kept down by millions of this country’s poorer citizens (and their children) being priced out of any access to healthcare whatsoever as ability to pay rather than clinical need becomes the primary criterion for accessing the time and skills of the doctors and nurses previously on the public payroll.

Roger Chalke, Wokingham resident and reluctant Council Tax payer

I’d just like to place a message of thanks to everyone who voted in the elections for the Borough Council last week. Obviously, I’m especially thankful to those who voted for me, and I’m delighted to have won in Finchampstead South. But, even if you voted for someone else, it’s a vital thing for our community that you took the trouble to do so. It’s very easy to be cynical about politics but I have the utmost respect for the hard work and dedication put in by all of the candidates, no matter which party they represented. I offer my sincere commiserations to all those who didn’t win this time – I know how it feels. Watching the votes being counted was a truly humbling experience, seeing how so many people have put their faith and trust in the democratic process and in myself as a candidate. We all know that political promises are sometimes made too easily, but I can say that I will as hard I can on behalf of everyone in Finchampstead.

Sav e the NHS The National Health Service (NHS) is the victim of a malicious and systematic ongoing wrecking operation formulated decades ago in the “free market” think tanks like the Institute of Economic Affairs and Centre for Policy Studies, with the intended goal of a fully privatised healthcare system along the American model. Part of this “master plan” was to encourage the building of private hospitals, hundreds of which now dot this country and whose staffing requirements have poached tens of thousands of doctors and nurses from (what used to be) the NHS, leading to a corresponding staff reduction and increased waiting times in the latter. Private healthcare, far from being the much-vaunted “solution” to waiting times in the NHS, is thus their major cause. Unfortunately, the BBC and other media outlets seem highly averse to exploring this matter when discussing the problems of the NHS. Indeed they come across as being most eager for their audiences to draw the conclusion that the to problems caused by the pursuit of privatisation is yet more privatisation. Once the UK healthcare system has been fully privatised there will of course no longer be any advantage to “going private”. There will still be only so many doctors and nurses and so much hospital capacity in the country to deal with the supposed “problems”

Robert Griffiths, Earley

Thank you for your vote

David Cornish (Liberal Democrat) Borough Councillor, Finchampstead South

It is an honur Dear Swallowfield , Riseley , Farley Hill and all Swallowfield ward residents. I would like to thank you for giving me the honour to continue my service to our residents. Thank you,

Stuart Munro, Member for Swallowfield, Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Volunteering Helena Badger

www.volunteer wokinghamborough.org.uk

HE Wokingham Transport scheme is a scheme is run from the Wokingham Volunteer Centre and provides transport mainly for the to hospital, the doctors, dentist and physiotherapy appointments.

It also provides transport for social trips such as shopping, lunch clubs and other social activities. Drivers will be called on an ad hoc basis and they then help the clients get to and from their desired destination and in most cases, help them to attend their appointment. We are looking for a volunteer on Wednesday mornings to take telephone requests from clients for transport to essential medical appointments, shopping and social

VIEWPOINTS | 31

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

trips and to enter all the booking into the CATTS booking system, to liaise with volunteer drivers to allocate the drives effectively and to update the system whenever necessary regarding any changes to client/drivers situations. Training will be provided on the CATTS system. Time Commitment is 9.30am– 1pm on Wednesdays, plus possible other adhoc cover for holidays and sickness if possible. Essential skills; Good IT skills, excellent communication and an empathy for elderly or other clients with health problems. Volunteer travel and parking expenses can be claimed. Based Wokingham Town Centre.

Help Diabetes UK We are inviting people from across the South East to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK this summer and support our push to help as many people as possible know their risk of type 2 diabetes. The One Million Step Challenge runs from 1 July to 30 September and is ideal for anyone looking for a way to get more active. You take one million steps over the course of three months – around 10,000 steps per day – and get sponsored for every stride. There’s also the half a million-step challenge, ideal for anyone who may find taking 10,000 steps a day difficult, or the longer 1.7 million-step version for those who really want a challenge. We’re making this call to kick off Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week (23-29 May), an NHS England initiative supported by Diabetes UK. Type 2 diabetes is serious and there are almost 2.4 million people in England at a high risk of developing the condition. However, research has consistently shown that for some people, combined lifestyle interventions – including diet, physical activity, and sustained weight loss – can be effective in reducing their risk by about 50%. That’s why we’re encouraging people to understand their risk by completing our free Know Your Risk tool. It only takes a few minutes, and anyone at moderate or high risk can directly sign up to their local Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. You can find the Know Your Risk tool, and information about the One Million Step Challenge, at the Diabetes UK website (diabetes.org. uk). Thank you,

Jill Steaton, Head of South East Coast and London at Diabetes UK

Supporting children’s mental health

Children have had much to deal with throughout the pandemic and that’s been reflected in the increasing number of children showing signs of anxiety and other mental health issues. Recent images of the war in

n Building for the Future is a Wokingham-based, parent-led charity providing activities, support and therapy for children with disabilities and/or extra needs and their families. We are looking for volunteers to help at various groups we run from Our House in Wokingham. Ladybirds (0- 5yrs) Friday 9.3011.30am approx 2 per month, Youth club Friday 7-9pm approx 2 per month, Saturday club 11-1pm (quiet session) 3-5pm (active session) approx 2 per month. We also run Holiday clubs. Our House is a unique and accessible play centre for children with any disability. These are not respite sessions as parents are always in the building, but a willingness to play and ensure the children have the most fun they can have is vital. Please contact us even if you can only commit to one session a month. n Thrive uses gardening to bring about positive changes to the lives of people living with disabilities or ill-health, or isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. We’re looking for client

Ukraine have added to many young people’s concerns and some schools are preparing to welcome Ukrainian refugees into their classrooms, children who will bring with them considerable trauma after being forced to flee their homeland. Barnardo’s, the UK’s largest children’s charity, has created a website where teachers can get advice on supporting children and young people through trauma, grief, loss and bereavement. Although the Barnardo’s Education Community is aimed at teaching professionals from early years to university, many of the resources are also available to parents who want to know how to help their own children through difficult times. That might be the separation or divorce of parents, exam stress, staying safe online or making memories to remember a family member who has died. There are general tips on talking about war and conflict, or fears exacerbated by the pandemic, such as family poverty. Effective ways of tackling difficult subjects with children with autism or other additional needs are also to be found on the website. The Barnardo’s Education Community recognises that teaching professionals are facing significant challenges themselves, so the website also includes resources to promote staff wellbeing. Educators can network to share ideas and there are podcasts and monthly training sessions on subjects such as the effect of trauma on health and the approach to death and mourning in different cultures. The Barnardo’s Education Community is a completely free resource and can be found at https:// www.educators-barnardos.org. uk/. Whether you are a teaching professional or a parent we hope you will find it a source of advice and support during these difficult times.

Samara Barnes National Programme Manager Barnardo’s Education Community

support volunteers to assist the client gardeners and horticultural therapists at our garden in Beech Hill, near Reading. Working directly with our clients, volunteers support our horticultural therapists in delivering a high level of service to client gardeners with a disability or ill-health. Our client gardeners come to our gardening programmes with a range of disabilities and health conditions and the programmes they follow vary from general gardening to working towards horticultural qualifications. We are looking for people with: patience and understanding with a commitment to being supportive and companionable, flexibility, reliability and some understanding of basic gardening skills. 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.

Why churches in Wokingham are supporting Christian Aid Week (May 1521)

ACH year for one week during May people from churches across Wokingham collect donations for an international development agency called Christian Aid. Christian Aid works with partners across the globe to support some of the poorest people on the planet. They’ve been around for a while – in fact, last year was their 75th birthday. (In case you’re wondering, Christian Aid works with anyone in need – whatever they believe.) Their work ranges from responding to natural disasters through to helping people buy livestock to generate income (so their kids can go to school). Sometimes it’s as simple as building a well so women (it’s usually women) don’t have to walk for six hours each day just to collect water. Like many other charities, they’ve been supporting people fleeing Ukraine, as well as refugees from other parts of the world. They help people get access to health services and education. A lot of work involves providing skills to local communities so they can become independent and manage their lives without help from others. Their longer-term goals are to get people out of extreme poverty and help them make the most of opportunities, such as being able to sell their produce for a fair price. This year ,Christian Aid Week is looking at countries where, due to climate change and the war in Ukraine, millions of people are struggling to get enough food and water. We’d love it if you could support them. Anything you give will (literally) save lives and change them for the better. For more details go to: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/wokinghamchristianaid. Thank you. Peter Barrett

32 | BUSINESS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

Got a business story? Email news@wokingham.today

A business park that is changing

Newbury Building Society scoops national award

Country hotel up for sale ANYONE looking to own the 19th hole now has the chance as a popular country hotel and golf club is on the market. Set within 250 acres, the Donnington Grove Hotel & Golf Club, boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, a driving range and landscaped grounds. The main manor house comprises 52,000 sq ft of space, has 40 en-suite guest bedrooms, restaurant and bar facilities and four meeting rooms. There is a lapsed planning consent for an additional 26 bedrooms. The home dates back to 1763, and has links to Winston Churchill. It also has a nod to previous Japanese investors, in the form of a Japanese temple and gardens. Aside from the beautiful setting, the hotel provides access to several attractions such as Donnington Castle and the home of Downton Abbey - Highclere Castle, as well as Newbury Racecourse. Max Davies, Donnington Grove’s chairman, said: “Since we acquired the hotel and golf course in 2005, we have substantially invested and improved the asset for the members and its customers. “After 17 years of ownership, iit is

The Newbury Building Society team celebrate their award

By Phil Creighton news@wokingham.today now the right time for a new owner to come in and realise the fantastic potential which lies within this property and take it to the next level. “We look forward to seeing how the next chapter evolves on this fantastic asset.” The property is being marketed for offers in excess of £10 million by Knight Frank, which has offices in Reading. The Henry Jackson, the firm’s head of hotel agency, said: “Donnington Grove provides a blank canvas for an incoming purchaser to develop a prime country house hotel. “With its attractive approach, mature grounds and lakes it has considerable potential to develop further. “Opportunities such as these so close to London with such a substantial acreage are rare and we look forward to bringing the hotel to the market.

A THAMES VALLEY-based building society is celebrating after winning an award for its mortgage services for the third year in a row. Newbury Building Society, which has a branch on Broad Street in Wokingham, scooped the title of Best Specialist Mortgage Provider at the 2022 British Bank Awards in central London earlier this month. The Society was also shortlisted for Best Building Society, which they won in 2021, and Best Savings Provider. Now in their eighth year, the British Bank Awards are run by independent financial sector review platform, Smart Money People. The purpose of the awards is to find the best products, most exciting innovations, and crown the most trusted financial brands. All the awards are voted for by customers and this year more than 81,000 financial services customers took part in the voting. Phillippa Cardno, Newbury’s Chief Executive, said the company was

thrilled to win again “It is testament to the incredible service our teams provide day in, day out, and our tailored approach to mortgage underwriting, where we treat every customer and every application individually,” he said. “We would like to thank our members for demonstrating their support of the Society in this way.” Jacqueline Dewey, CEO of Smart Money People, said: “With the awards 100% voted for by consumers and no

judging panel, the British Bank Awards truly reflect the best of the UK banking industry, and the commitment and engagement these organisations have from their customers. “This year our winners range from the newest firms in the market to well-established household names, illustrating the breadth and depth of the UK’s financial services market across many sectors. Both the finalists and the winners of the awards this year should be proud of their achievements.”

WPR_2022-05-16_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

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, Great Orme Tramway & Ffestiniog Railway 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

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

MEETING: Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob with Wokingham businessman Simon Suresh

OMalaysia founder attends Eid celebration Malay prime minister A WOKINGHAM-based businessman received one of the highest accolades possible - a meeting with his home country’s prime minister. Simon Suresh, who runs Malaysian food company OMalaysia, along with a second online company, Halal Street, last week attended a special reception for 200 Malaysians living in the UK. Held in Londo, he met YAB Dato Sri Ismail Sabri Bin Yaakob Malaysian Prime Minister.

The Hari Raya Celebration Ceremony was held at the Dorchester Hotel, London, and at it, Mr Suresh was able to share the work that OMalaysia was doing to promote Malaysian products over here. “Building the Malaysia brand in the UK has been a long-time vision for me and I am delighted that OMalaysia is able to bring more of Malaysia to the UK,” Mr Suresh said. The evening was attended

by members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of British Malaysian Associations, who were joined by government departments and agencies, local businesses, schools and universities. Malaysia’s unique culinary heritage was also celebrated by the event with an authentic menu including satay, rendang and sirap bandung. The evening was rounded off with Malaysian Teh tarik, a hot milk tea.

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 33

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

JUBILEE COUNTDOWN

Bagpipes, bells and children’s choir for beacon event By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today A BAGPIPE player who was part of the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony is joining in a worldwide tribute to the Queen.

IN PLACE: Paul Palmer, of the Hurst jubilee committee and John Jones, of Haines Hill Estate, who made the beacon

Colleen Scott, 56, who lives in Reading, spotted news of Hurst village’s jubilee beacon lighting on Thursday, June 2 – and offered to play at the ceremony. Her offer was gladly accepted. A Reading Scottish Pipe Band member, she said: “A tune, Diu Regnare [Latin for Long to Reign], was specially composed for the Queen’s jubilee by Stuart Liddell. “It has been sent to pipers across all the Commonwealth countries to be played at 9.35pm on June 2. I’m looking forward to playing it at Hurst. “It’s a 6/8 march, that’s waltz time. It’s a really pretty tune. I lived in Hurst for 14 years on and off as a long term house sitter for some friends. “When people were coming to their doorsteps there to clap for the NHS workers I joined them, playing the bagpipes.” Colleen, a self employed IT contractor, is moving to Woodley in June. The events at Hurst on June 2 start with hot drinks and children’s crafts at St Nicholas Church from 6.30pm to 8pm. People will gather at the community orchard over the road from 8pm. At the orchard there will be a rock choir of 80 singers performing, St Nicholas church bells, handbell

Borough libraries to hold celebration events LIBRARIES across Wokingham are set to host a number of events to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. There are a number of activities for residents to take part in leading up to the jubilee including online blogs and library displays of royal related library material. There is also the Big Jubilee Read which celebrates authors from the Commonwealth, arts and craft days, coffee mornings and reminiscence events. Cllr Keith Baker MBE, Wokingham borough mayor, said: “I am delighted to share the various fun activities and events taking place at our libraries across the borough to mark this incredible achievement. “Here at the council, we strive to engage and involve our residents and communities through arts and culture to create a sense

of identity which people can feel part of. “We have jubilee events and activities suitable for all ages, so if you live nearby one of our libraries, pop in, pick up a bunting template or join our royal themed events and reminiscence sessions whilst meeting other residents living in the borough.” At Woodley Library, young residents are invited to take part in a ‘write a letter to The Queen’ activity where you can write a message or colour in a picture. All contributions will create a wall display in the library. Residents are also encouraged to visit any library in the borough to pick up a bunting template. Once decorated, cut out and returned, the bunting will be displayed in the library.

n For a full list of events visit: news. wokingham.gov.uk

ringing of the national anthem, Colleen’s bagpipe playing, and St Nicholas Singers performing the jubilee song A Life Filled with Grace. The beacon will be lit by Lucy Zeal, Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire at 9.45pm. The beacon is being given to the village by Haines Hill Estate. An outside bar and food will be available. People are encouraged to arrive early and walk if possible as parking will be limited. n Details are at https//www.hurstjubilee.co.uk

Celebrate events online

WOKINGHAM Borough Council is inviting residents to take part in Platinum Jubilee celebrations online. The council’s Engage Wokingham website hosts a section dedicated to the jubilee where residents can sign a digital congratulations card to The Queen, share their events and contribute to the council’s reminiscence project. There will also be a section displaying the road closures in place over four days from Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, June 5. Cllr Keith Baker MBE, Wokingham borough mayor, said: “Let’s celebrate The Queen’s incredible, once-in-a-lifetime achievement by taking part in our library events across the borough, contributing to the reminiscence project, signing a congratulations card for The Queen and sharing your Jubilee celebrations. “Whether you are holding a tea and cake event in the garden or a good old fashioned street party, The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is the perfect chance to come together and celebrate.” Wokingham residents are invited to send their good wishes to The Queen by signing a digital congratulations card. Residents can upload an image to accompany their message, for example a photo of themselves with The Queen or an image of their jubilee celebrations. After the jubilee weekend, the digital card will be printed, and sent to Buckingham Palace, with an additional copy sent to the Berkshire Record Office. For those planning a street party, afternoon tea or a public event, let others know by sharing your jubilee celebrations. The website features an interactive map available for residents to add their event to and view events nearby. The council welcomes contributions from all residents including town councils and parishes, businesses, voluntary community sector groups, organisations, multi-faith and local groups. Wokingham Borough Council is also encouraging people to take a trip down memory lane and contribute to the reminiscence project that takes place in-person and virtually online. The virtual reminiscence project allows residents to upload photos, stories, memories and other reminiscence items to the interactive project board. For more information on the online celebrations, visit: engage.wokingham.gov.uk

0LOHV 'DXJKWHUV )XQHUDO 'LUHFWRUV 3URXGO\ VHUYLQJ WKH ORFDO FRPPXQLW\

:H FUHDWH HYHU\ IXQHUDO LQGLYLGXDOO\ MXVW IRU \RX KRXU VHUYLFH

:LQQHUVK

)ORUDO WULEXWHV

+RPH YLVLWV

3ULYDWH FKDSHOV RI UHVW

%HUHDYHPHQW DGYLFH

,VDEHOOD +RXVH $ 5HDGLQJ 5RDG 5* (;

5HSDWULDWLRQ

&DOO XV IRU LPPHGLDWH VXSSRUW DGYLFH RU WR DUUDQJH D KRPH YLVLW :H DUH KHUH WR KHOS KRXUV D GD\ 3UHSDLG IXQHUDO SODQV DOVR DYDLODEOH

PLOHVIXQHUDOV FRP 2̇FHV DOVR LQ 5HDGLQJ :RNLQJKDP &URZWKRUQH %UDFNQHOO 7Z\IRUG DQG 0DLGHQKHDG

34 | NEWS

Burglar aware course planned A BURGLARY awareness session will be held at The Oakwood Centre in Woodley. The event is organised by Thames Valley Police and aims to explore how households can protect themselves from thieves. There will be an opportunity to meet Woodley’s neighbourhood officers and detectives, and receive crime prevention advice. The event is open to coordinators and deputies of Neighbourhood Watch Teams. It runs from 7pm to 9pm on Tuesday, May 24. n To book a place, email: bracknellandwokingham.nhw@ gmail.com

Cafe now open GATEWAY Café is open for residents of Shinfield to enjoy on weekday mornings. Based at St Mary’s Church, members of the public are invited to drop in for a hot drink, some homemade cake or even a chat. A selection of teas are available, whilst coffees are freshly made using bean-to-cup machines, all served by a team of helpers from Loddon Reach Benefice. The café will be open from 10am to noon on weekdays. n For more information, visit: www.loddonreach.org.uk

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

Foundation helps Wellington College award £13,000 in grants By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

BERKSHIRE Community Foundation has awarded a total of £13,000 to three charity and community organisations on behalf of local independent school, Wellington College.

n The three grants awarded by BCF from the Wellington College Community Fund are: £5,000 awarded to Resource Productions, a Community Interest Company that nurtures young talent towards achieving paid work in the creative industries. The grant will be used to stage creative workshops, as well as strengthen support for vulnerable beneficiaries. n £5,000 awarded to No. 5 Young People, a charity that provides free counselling and emotional support for children and young people. The grant will fund outreach to young people and develop resources that raise awareness of mental health and available support. n £3,000 awarded to Wargrave Pre-School, a charityrun pre-school for children aged 2 to 4 in Wargrave village. The grant will support its Helping Hands project, allowing 11 disadvantaged children to benefit from a crucial early

HELP: Young people will benefit from the grants. Picture: Gerd Altmann via Pixabay. years’ education. This is the first set of awards to be made from the Wellington College Community Fund. The fund is expected to distribute at least £40,000 per year through the BCF, using earnings from the Wellington International family of schools. Kerry Symeonidis, Head of Social Impact at Wellington College, said: “Working with Berkshire Community Foundation has shone a light for us on the range of excellent organisations in Berkshire that share our

ambition to help young people engage with school, try new things and explore what’s possible for their future.” She continued: “Our College aims to ensure that all school pupils, regardless of sector, have the opportunity to discover, develop and pursue their passions for the future. “We see our partnership with BCF as a key aspect of achieving this.” Jon Yates, CEO of Berkshire Community Foundation, said: “Wellington College’s reputation as a centre of

educational excellence precedes it. We are delighted that they have chosen to work with us as their social impact partner. These three funded projects, hopefully just the first of many, will provide immense value to children and young people with diverse backgrounds and needs, helping them achieve brighter futures through education and opportunities to shine.” Based in Crowthorne, Berkshire, Wellington College is one of the world’s top co-

educational day and boarding schools. In partnering with Berkshire Community Foundation it aims to advance education for all by supporting local organisations that help pupils to better attend and engage with their schooling, or which offer disadvantaged children the chance to participate in extracurricular activities outside of their school. Wellington’s commitment to advancing education in Berkshire includes the partnership with BCF; an additional grants scheme providing funds directly to schools; and a mature and comprehensive programme of no-cost events to provide young people and teachers with knowledge, networks and skills. Berkshire Community Foundation works across Berkshire to raise, then distribute, funds to charities and community groups in the County. In its Spring 2022 round of funding, Berkshire Community Foundation awarded more than £300,000 in grants to 50 charities and groups, each tackling vital needs and causes in local communities. n For information about Wellington College visit: www. wellingtoncollege.org.uk

VICTORIOUS: The winning team for Forest School hold aloft their trophy

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

Forest footballers win national cup A WINNERSH secondary school football team secured national honours earlier this month as they won the ESFA Elite Cup Final. The Forest School under 16 team were crowned champions on Monday, May 9, at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium after a 2-1 victory over Cardinal Heenan from Liverpool. More than half of the school made the journey to Stoke to support their team as they secured their first title since 2006, adding to runners up medals in 2007 and 2009. After overcoming the disappointment of losing semi finals in 2011 and 2019, the team’s run to the final saw them win tough away matches in the

last 32, 16 and quarter-final before victory at Reading FC’s Bearwood Park in the semi final. From the first whistle, Forest were on the attack and were rewarded with an early penalty which the Cardinal Heenan goalkeeper saved. Although Forest had more possession, a counter-attack from Cardinal Heenan saw them take the lead in the 21st minute. A reaction from Forest was needed, and it came just under ten minutes after the break. A cross from Joe Barough was sent into the back of the net by Reading FC academy player. Prince Ehibhatiomhan. In the 64th minute The Forest fans were off their seats again

when another of Barough’s many crosses was tapped into the back of the net by Jaden PorterAtkinson. The Forest defence remained resolute and their performance was typified by Reading FC Academy player of the year Abraham Kanu who received man of the match on the day. On the final whistle the travelling supporters of students, teachers, parents and governors were rewarded for their 80 minutes of steadfast support as their players rushed to celebrate their victory. The fans welcomed their team with songs and celebrations, all draped in commemorative scarves.

NEWS | 35

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

INTHECOMMUNITY

News from your clubs, groups and societies. Email your news to: news@wokingham.today

Prizes at Bracknell Walk this Sunday

Joseph Morris, the architect who extended the Royal Berkshire Hospital in 1883

RBH looks back to look ahead

AS THE future of the Royal Berkshire Hospital is discussed, an online meeting last week gave people to look back at its past, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter. The hospital was opened in 1879, and its main building was designed in Greek Classical style, was modelled after the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. It is now a Grade II listed building. It was designed by Henry Briant, who was later responsible for designing homes in Eldon Square and went on to become a vicar. Work continued under architect Joseph Morris, who built his home opposite the hospital in Craven Road. Under his eye, there were extensions to the site in 1883, comprising a chapel, a library and additional wards. Details of the original building’s history were given in a presentation Richard Havelock, from the Royal Berkshire Medical Museum. Mr Havelock said: “I’m delighted that the hospital hierarchy share my and our museum’s concerns with preserving the old buildings as far as can be done and putting them to use which is most appropriate.” During the session, Ed McGeehin, a member of the Trust, said that the main building cannot be used for modern healthcare in the future. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is currently engaging in Building Berkshire Together, to help devise the long-term future. This could include a full or partial redevelopment on its current site, or relocation to, for example, South Reading or into Wokingham borough’s Thames Valley Science Park. n For more, log on to: buildingberkshiretogether. co.uk

Choral concert to help Ukraine THE ERLEIGH Cantors present an evening of Sacred Music through the Centuries. Proceeds from the concert will go to Ukraine Aid and Earley St Peter’s Church, Earley. Ian Westley directs, with organ accompaniment, and solos by Paul Manley and Moly Skeil. The programme includes Parry’s I Was Glad, Handel’s Coronation Anthem, The King Shall Rejoice and music from Parsons, Philips, Buckner, Soler, Tavener and Stanford. The Cantors celebrated their 30th anniversary last year. To mark the event, composer and organist, Andrew Millington, was commissioned to write a piece, My Spirit Longeth For Thee, and this is also included in the programme. Maggie Nunn, singer with the choir, which has around 25 members, said: “There will be some wellknown coronation music. “Parry’s coronation music, for example, which also offers some jolly exciting organ music accompaniment. “It’s always sacred music that we sing. We usually visit cathedrals to perform twice a year, along with some charity concerts too. “Prior to covid, our events were making around £800 for charity. Hopefully, attendance will be good this year too.” The concert takes place on Saturday, at 7pm. Tickets cost a suggested donation £10, students £8, under 18’s free. n For details, or to book, call Ms Nunn on: 07946 620560 or email: maggie.nunn@btinternet.com

WPR_2022-05-16_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go

WorcesterObserver

Reader travel GREAT LITTLE TRAINS

of North Wales & Portmeirion GreatLittleTrainsofNorthWales&Portmeirion_D.pdf

CALL has been made to join this year’s Bracknell Together Walk, which takes place on Sunday from South Hill Park - and there are £1,000 worth of prizes to won.

Organised by members of the Rotary Club of Easthampstead, there are two routes. The first is a three-mile stroll around South Hill Park along well-signed and marshalled wheelchairfriendly paths or a five-mile alternative which dips into Swinley Forest. Participants receive a goody bag at the start, and a certificate at the finish. And they can have their face painted for free. This charity walk is supported by Duncan Yeardley Estate Agents, Grundon Waste Management, Peas and Carrots Caterers at South Hill Park, the Village Hotel Bracknell and Cala Homes. Thanks to them, more proceeds can go to the local charities you support. Walkers are families, voluntary groups and clubs who have fun, and fundraise for their chosen charity. The Bracknell Together Walk is suitable for all ages, and dogs are welcome too. Raise money for your favourite charity - every penny you raise goes to the charity of your choice and you can boost your charity fundraising with the cash prizes. And any profits will go to our Rotary charities. Recently, it has focused on supporting our foodbanks and The Cowshed, who all provide help to local families facing hardship. You can start any time between 9am and noon. The Welcome Pack and Finishing Certificate await every walker, and hot and cold food and drinks are available all day. So banish those Covid blues, have some fun and raise much-needed funds for your favourite charity or good cause in the Bracknell Together Walk. Entry is free for all accompanied children under 14. Save time on the day, register today via our event

Sing Healthy Choirs plan Jubilee concert OUR Bracknell Choir and our friends at Ascot Brass are delighted to be performing again this summer. Together we will be putting on a special Jubilee concert of

Departing Mon 5 Sep ‘22

The Bracknell Together Walk takes place from South Hill Park on Sunday website: www.bracknelltogetherwalk.org And if you’re feeling more energetic, then why not join us on our Three Counties Cycle Ride on Sunday, June 12. Starting and finishing at Garth Hill College, there are three well-signed and marshalled routes, 15, 33 or 54 miles through the Berkshire countryside, dipping into Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire on the longer routes. Log on to: https://3ccr.org/ for maps, photos and to reserve your start time. All for local charities. Internationally, Rotarians have been at the forefront in the vaccination of children against the crippling disease Polio. That infrastructure is now being used in the global fight against the Coronavirus. The registration fee is £5 per adult or £20 for a team of five or more adult, with no limit on the size of the group. New members to the Rotary Club are always welcome. n For more information, call Brian on 07720 321 526, or log on to: www.easthampsteadrotary.org

contemporary music selected from the past 70 years as a joyful celebration of the Queen’s reign. The concert will be held at the Wokingham Baptist Church on Milton Road on Saturday, July 9, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at our online box office website, www. singhealthy.co.uk/tickets. All profits will go to COATS and

his excitement about the contribution, saying: “The £500 that Vistry Thames Valley has kindly donated will give us a massive boost towards the final total that we will hand over to Herbie Hedgehog Rescue at the end of the year.” The club is open to casual and serious runners alike and currently boasts a 500-strong membership of male and female athletes aged from 18 to 90. The Roadrunners’ extensive provision within the community played a key role in Vistry Thames Valley’s decision to offer its support. “When Reading Roadrunners approached us for a donation, we were more than happy to support them,” marketing manager Alix Laflin said. “The club is a longestablished organisation which

Your break includes 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

5 Days by Coach

only £334

Single Supplement £60

HOLY ISLAND, DURHAM & Alnwick Castle

HolyIslandAlnwickCastleDurham&AngeloftheNorth_D.pdf

PETER VON BERGEN Thames Hospice. Do come and join us. We will also be supporting CLASP at the Jubilee Party at the Acorn Centre in Woosehill, on Friday, June 17. The festivities run from 2pm to 5pm, so do come along and join the fun.

Mike Hardman, Sing Healthy Choirs

Housebuilder’s running club donation A RESIDENTIAL construction company has donated £500 to Reading Roadrunners, building on the club’s annual fundraising efforts. Vistry Thames Valley made the contribution to the running club following the Shinfield 10K on Monday, May 2. The race is one of the Roadrunners’ regular fundraising events, with the club committed to supporting regional initiatives. Each year, the club selects a different charity to support for the following 12 months and in 2022, Herbie Hedgehog Rescue was selected. The charity takes in injured and sick hedgehogs, providing care until they are healthy enough to return to the wild. Colin Cottell, the Shinfield 10K race director, expressed

We explore the spectacular scenery and historic railways of North Wales on this fantastic five-day break. Combined with North Wales’ rugged coastline, magnificent castles and the endless panoramas, this memorable break makes for a charming few days away.

provides a place where hundreds of people of all ages and abilities can go to exercise and meet friends.” Ms Laflin was also full of praise for the club’s nominated charity, explaining: “We are particularly pleased that our donation will help to support the club’s chosen charity Herbie Hedgehog Rescue and the valuable work they do in helping to protect and care for these beloved and vulnerable animals.” Vistry Thames Valley is a Reading-based housebuilder, which makes up part of Vistry Group alongside Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Vistry Partnerships. The company is currently building across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Surrey.

Departing Thu 8 Sep ‘22 Northumberland is home to rugged scenery, iconic landmarks and unspoilt seascapes. From our base in Newcastle, we explore Alnwick Castle, one of Britain’s most impressive castles, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and visit the famous Angel of the North.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Crawley 2 nights at the Jurys Inn, Newcastle Gateshead Quays with dinner & breakfast Excursion to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne & Alnwick Castle En-route visits to the Angel of the North & Durham

3 Days by Coach

only £184

Single Supplement £70

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.

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

Watermark

Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1QU

LA NE UN W CH CR IN OS G SR 24 A th IL M AY

MOVE FOR FREE - SAVE OVER £15,000!

1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments available at Watermark, Maidenhead. All homes include: - A private balcony or terrace - Underfloor heating throughout - Private residents podium gardens & newly launched Library Square - Amtico flooring as standard - 18 minutes to London Paddington by train - 3 months FREE Hyperoptic broadband

SAT NAV SL6 1QU

Price from £285,000

SHOW HOME & MARKETING SUITE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

For an appointment to view please contact Romans on

01344 753 110

*Incentives and Help to Buy available on selected homes and subject to developers terms and conditions.

romans.co.uk

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES

Get your business seen!

Email: advertising@wokingham.today

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (SEAFORD ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (WARREN HOUSE ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 12th May 2022 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that 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:

Seaford Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Wescott Road and Goodchild Road.

Warren House Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Benning Way and Ashridge Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Goodchild Road, School Road and Wescott Road or by this route in reverse.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bell Foundry Lane, A321 Twyford Road and B3034 Forest Road or by this route in reverse.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Park Lane, Nine Mile Ride, B3016 Finchampstead Road, B3016 Jubilee Road, B3348 The Village, B3448 Fleet Hill, A327 Reading Road and Langley Common Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th June and 24th July 2022.

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 23rd May and 27th May 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow South East Water contractors to undertake new water service installation 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 23rd 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.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow South East Water contractors to undertake new development connections and associated work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 6th June 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 19th 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 (PARK LANE, CHARVIL AND WHISTLEY MILL LANE, HURST) (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:

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (LANGBOROUGH ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (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. Pennfields, Ruscombe, between its junctions with Longfield Road and A3032 London Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A3032 London Road, A321 Wargrave Road and Longfield Road or by this route in reverse. 2. Biggs Lane, Arborfield between its junctions with Langley Common Road and Park Lane

3. Bearwood Road, Barkham between its junctions with B3349 Barkham Road and Sadlers End.

4. Reading Road, Woodley between its junctions with Headley Road and Western Avenue The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Western Avenue, Butts Hill Road and Headley Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place from 14th June 2022. Further communications will be sent when these locations have been planned. The reason for this prohibition is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake Structural Maintenance including Plane Inlay Resurfacing, Microasphalt Resurfacing, Surface Dressing and Rejuvenator work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of this restriction will be maintained at all times, however access may be restricted at 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 14th 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: 19th 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 (WARREN ROAD, WOODLEY) (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: Warren Road, Woodley between its junctions with A4 Bath Road and Old Bath Road.

1. Park Lane, Charvil between its junctions with Landsend Lane and Whistley Mill Lane.

The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 Bath Road, around the Pound Lane Roundabout and return, A4 London Road, Reading Road and Western Avenue.

2. Whistley Mill Lane, Hurst between its junctions with Park Lane and Copperbridge Brook.

The alternative route for all westbound and southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 London Road, Reading Road and Western Avenue.

The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Murdoch Road, Easthampstead Road, A329 Peach Street, A321 Market Place and A321 Denmark Street.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by these restrictions shall be via Park Lane, A3032 Old Bath Road, Church Street, A321 Waltham Road, A321 Hurst Road, Broadwater Lane, B3030 Lodge Road and Whistley Mill Lane or by this route in reverse.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Western Avenue, Reading Road, A4 London Road, A4 Shepherds Hill and A4 Bath Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 13th June and 15th June 2022.

Works requiring these restrictions will take place between 6th June and 8th June 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake rectification of a dangerous reinstatement defect in safety.

The reason for this prohibition is to allow South East Water contractors to undertake carriageway frame and cover replacement work in safety.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to locate and rectify blockages, install ducting and complete cabling work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 13th 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.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 6th June 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 19th May 2022

Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A321 Denmark Street, A321 Wellington Road, A321 Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, Easthampstead Road and Murdoch Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 13th June and 15th June 2022.

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 13th 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: 19th 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

Advert ise re gula rly And save ££££s Specia l Ra t es for 4, 12, 26 a nd 52 weeks Rea c h Loc a l People We c ove r t he whole of t he Wokingham B or oug h

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE) (ENGLAND) ORDER 2015 AND/OR PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) REGULATIONS 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application

221015

221032

221081

Address

Reasons for Advert

Description

18 Station Road, Twyford

Conservation Area

Full application for the proposed change of use from former Police Station to 1no. one bed flat, including changes to fenestration.

Woodclyffe Lodge, Wargrave Road, Wargrave

2 Upper Terrace, Bearwood Road

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed Single storey front and single storey rear extensions. Loft conversion with rear balcony to create habitable accommodation & renovation of outbuilding following demolition of the existing Garage and conservatory. Householder application for the proposed single storey rear extension with pitched roof and installation of 4no. rooflights, following demolition of existing conservatory and link feature.

221207

Village Farmhouse, The Street, Swallowfield

Works to a listed building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed installation of replacement fenestration to the rear and side, with associated pointing repairs.

221279

30 Wensley Close, Twyford

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed two storey side extension.

221321

Holme Park, Sonning Lane

Conservation Area

Full application for the proposed erection of 3x15m floodlight columns with associated 7x lights.

221409

Nigra House, Mulberry Business Park, Fishponds Road

Major Application

Full planning application for the proposed demolition of Nigra House and the erection of 12 no. employment units (Use Classes E (g) (ii) and (iii) and B8) with new vehicular access and associated works including car parking, servicing, and landscaping.

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 9th 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: 19th May 2022

Please recycle me ! It’s good news for everyone

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (WOKINGHAM WITHOUT BYWAY NO.29) (OAKLANDS LANE, CROWTHORNE) (EXPERIMENTAL ORDER NO. 6) 2022 NOTICE OF PROPOSAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make the above Experimental Traffic Order under Sections 1(1), 2(1) and 2(2) and Part 3 of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) and all other enabling powers.

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (SCHOOL ROAD, ARBORFIELD) (PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 NOTICE OF PROPOSAL

If the Order comes into force it will introduce the following change: To restrict the passage of any motor vehicle in excess of 5 feet (1.5 metres) wide from proceeding along Oaklands Lane, Crowthorne in either direction, between a point 220m north-east of its junction with New Wokingham Road and a point 105m south-west of its junction with Hinton Drive. Copies of the draft Experimental Order, explanatory statement and location plan may be inspected during the hours of 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Mondays to Fridays, at the offices of Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham for a period of up to 18 months from 24th May 2022. These documents are also available online at www.wokingham.gov.uk/tro during that period. Any objections to the proposals, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing quoting ref: 2022/E05/003 to the Traffic Management Section, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or by email to tm.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk, by no later than 23.59hrs on the 22nd November 2022. Dated 19th May 2022 Andy Glencross, Assistant Director, Highways & Transport, Place & Growth Wokingham Borough Council, PO Box 150, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1WH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (PARK LANE, FINCHAMPSTEAD) (PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 NOTICE OF PROPOSAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make the above Order under Sections 1(1), 2(1) and 2(2) and Part 3 of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) and all other enabling powers.

If the Order comes into force it will introduce the following change: To prohibit any motor vehicle from proceeding along School Road, Arborfield in either direction, past a point 25 metres northwest of its junction with Wood Lane, Arborfield. Copies of the draft Order, explanatory statement and location plan may be inspected during the hours of 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Mondays to Fridays, at the offices of Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham for a period of six weeks from 24th May 2022. These documents are also available online at www.wokingham.gov.uk/tro during that period. Any objections to the proposals, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing quoting ref: 2022/P05/001 to the Traffic Management Section, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or by email to tm.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk, by no later than 23.59hrs on the 14th June 2022. Dated 19th May 2022 Andy Glencross, Assistant Director, Highways & Transport, Place & Growth Wokingham Borough Council, PO Box 150, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1WH

For up to date news in the borough follow us on

If the Order comes into force it will introduce the following change:-To prohibit any motor vehicle from proceeding along Park Lane, Finchampstead in either direction, between its junction with Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead and a point 65 metres northwest of that junction. Copies of the draft Order, explanatory statement and location plan may be inspected during the hours of 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Mondays to Fridays, at the offices of Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham for a period of six weeks from 24th May 2022. These documents are also available online at www.wokingham.gov.uk/tro during that period.

@wokingham.today

Any objections to the proposals, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing quoting ref: 2022/P05/002 to the Traffic Management Section, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or by email to tm.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk, by no later than 23.59hrs on the 14th June 2022. Dated 19th May 2022 Andy Glencross, Assistant Director, Highways & Transport, Place & Growth Wokingham Borough Council, PO Box 150, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1WH

A d ve r ti s e r egularly A n d s ave ££££s S p e ci a l Ra tes fo r 4 , 2 , 2 6 a nd 52 weeks

For the latest news visit

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make the above Order under Sections 1(1), 2(1) and 2(2) and Part 3 of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) and all other enabling powers.

Re ac h Lo c al People We cover t h e wh o le of t he Wokin g h am B or oug h

@WokinghamToday

@wokingham.today

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

PHOTOGRAPHER

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

HEALTH, FITNESS AND WELLBEING

ACCOUNTANCY

BUSINESS DIRECTORY For the latest news visit

RECYCLING TV AERIAL & SATELLITE

TREE SURGEONS

REMOVALS

PAINTING & DECORATING KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION

GOODS WANTED

Summer

‘TALK TO AN EXPERT’

SALE CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES

SHOWROOM OPEN FOR PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS

plus...£1,000

RECEIVE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS YOUR NEW LIVING SPACE OR £500 FOR WINDOWS & DOORS

EXTENSIONS & SOLID ROOFS

WINDOWS & DOORS

TradeMark have been proudly providing local homeowners with quality home improvements for over 25 years. SHOWROOM OPEN FOR PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS – ALLOWING YOU TO ‘TALK TO AN EXPERT’.

TEL: 0800 30 50 30

WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2022

LEISURE | 15

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Tarot has sketches on the cards as they prepare to visit South St Surreal, different and funny – that’s Tarot, and they’re coming to Reading this weekend. JAKE CLOTHIER found out more

HEAD of their show at South Street Arts Centre on Friday part of a UK-wide tour, we speak to Tarot, a comedy sketch group.

Consisting of performers Kath Hughes, Ed Easton and Adam Drake, along with writers Ben Rowse and Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Tarot brings an ethereal, surreal angle to sketch comedy. Despite the eccentric nature of the group’s work, Ben Rowse says that its beginnings were “nauseatingly” mundane. “Adam and I were at University of Cambridge, where I definitely wasn’t in the footlights.” The pair formed a comedy duo called Goose. “Adam did some shows with them, so we were sort of there, or thereabouts, and then we met Gein’s Family Gift Shop after our first Edinburgh show, back in 2014.” Tarot’s lineup is the combination of two previous sketch ensembles: Goose and Gein’s Family Gift Shop, which features Kath, Ed, and Kiri. “We chatted at SketchFest that year, but the elephant the room here is that Gein’s won the award, “Then we grubbily emailed them afterwards and said can we cling on to your coat tails for 10 years?” Ben jokes Adam says, however, that the group is united in its sense of humour. “I think we love we really love writing as a five, and it feels that there’s no power imbalance really in the room, “We get a real buzz off of writing and the admin of who’s going to say

WHATEVER MAKES YOU LAUGH: Tarot bring their unique humour to Reading this weekend Picture: Drew Forsyth what, what way they’re going to face and what voice they’re going to do– the mundanities of the process.” Both Ben and Adam agree that the collaborative approach, compared to a more competitive environment, is what has worked for them. “We were all friends first, it was never really going to be anything other than us all sitting around on a beanbag and saying stuff we find funny. Ben says that they share a sense of humour, but: “more importantly we all think the same things are crap. “We’ve got five different sets of eyes on it, making sure it makes sense. “But once you’ve found the people who do what you do– for us I think that’s The Pin, or maybe Lazy Susan– there’s a really nice feeling of collaboration and checking in on each other.” They note that this is also one of the things that makes the Edinburgh Festival great. “I think people that do comedy,” says Ben, “dream of being in a position in where

Summer screens returns to Abbey Ruins BLOCKBUSTERS and historic features at Abbey Ruins’ open air cinema Open-air film screenings are returning to Reading this summer, as Summer Screens bringing its pop-up cinema to the Abbey ruins The feature adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic Dune will show on Wednesday, May 25. On Thursday, May 26, it will screen Good Will Hunting, celebrating the film’s 25th anniversary. Stephen Spielberg’s West Side Story will be screening on Friday, May 27, followed by Encanto on Saturday, May 28. Later in the year, Summer Screens will continue its offerings of classic features and the latest blockbusters. Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond, No Time To Die, will screen on Wednesday, August 17. Jim Henson’s 1986 classic Labyrinth, starring David Bowie among a colourful cast of puppets, is screening on Thursday, August 18.

Spiderman: No Way Home will be shown on Friday, August 19. Summer Screens will close its season with a special event screening of F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu. Minima Music will provide a live musical score, playing alongisde the digital remaster of the film to celebrate its 100th anniversary. All events will feature a full bar with snacks available. Deck chairs and beanbags are available to hire as part of the ticket options, which also comes with a complimentary drink and snacks. Screenings in May begin at 7:30pm, and screenings in August begin at 7pm. Summer Screens also offers an open air cinema at Caversham Court through June and July, and again in September. n For more information or to book tickets, visit: www.summerscreens. seetickets.com

their whole day can be about this this job they love. “Edinburgh is the only month of the year where we get to centre comedy in our lives. “You can wake up, go and see some incredible shows, and then do yours and work on it every day.” It is, however, becoming harder and harder for new acts to push through into that space. “I mean, it’s insanely financially prohibitive– this year more than ever, “Whether it’s the cost of living postcovid kind of whatever.” Adam jumps in, saying “Plus there’s a mad accommodation squeeze at the moment.” Ben agrees: “Yeah, the room I usually stay in is about £800, but this year was, like, £1,400.” “So we know we’re insanely privileged and lucky, and it’s easy to say how fun it is.” It is also a challenge to the process of a comedian, they say, often with disjointed

or prohibitively small rooms. “Theatre normally suffers from being in worse rooms, right? “With comedy, we’re like cockroaches we can kind of survive wherever.” It’s a dark metaphor, but it fits with the dark, uncanny tone that the group is sometimes described as fostering. Ben says that this isn’t necessarily the most applicable to their style of writing. “There is a feeling like maybe there is a bit of a darkness to it, “But when you’re in the writers’ room, it is just genuinely about what makes us laugh and there’s definitely some of the silliest PG-rated jokes.” Adam says that this year’s touring show, Cautionary Tales, is “just daft.” “Looking at stuff through a comedic lens, I’ve found, been was a huge motivation to get into comedy for me. “It takes the pressure out of bad situations, and gives you some relief from the darker stuff.” In fact, Ben suggests that it is perhaps

necessary for good comedy. “Comedy 101 says you’ve got to have some stakes for something to be tense, and therefore funny. “Someone who’s having an incredibly bad time could lead to something funnier than someone who’s having a bit of an off day. “But when we’re writing it’s just not about what’s the sickest or saddest thing.” Instead, there’s a more direct route to find the humour, he says. “We’ve never sort of pursued the darkness is where I think we’re very as performers– We’re very willing to debase ourselves. “We will do anything if it’s funny.” This attitude can sometimes lead to difficulty in describing Tarot’s genre of comedy. When asked about what their show is like, Adam says: “Certainly Gein’s Family Gift Shop got compared to the League of Gentlemen. “That’s an easy reference, but it’s really hard to know.” But possibly a misleading one, Ben notes: “Despite how odd the front of shop is, we love performing on stage, “It’s a given that we want the audience to enjoy it, but it’s the first thing in my head is thinking about whether it’s fun for them.” Tarot is touring the show, beginning in Edinburgh on Tuesday, May 17, which runs through until November, including a performance at South Street. “We’d love to just keep adding dates, too,” Ben jokes. “We want to keep adding props and keep the show on the road.” Especially since the show evolves as it goes. “We love playing with the audience, making it live, “We want the audience to feel like they’re having a one-off experience, despite the knowledge that we’re playing every week.” Tarot’s performance of Cautionary Tales takes place at South Street Arts Centre on Friday, May 20. It is also playing at the Edinburgh Fringe in August, followed by a short residency at London’s Soho Theatre in November. n To book tickets, visit: www. whatsonreading.com

Jubilee or not Jubilee: Reading Rep’s Midsummer Night’s Dream brings the party

EADING Repertory Theatre has begun its last production before it breaks for the summer, finishing the season with a fitting Shakespearean adaptation.

Its production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is now on, but Charlotte Warner, who plays Hermia, says this show has a particular prescience. “It was originally written for the Queen to prepare for a celebration, with a troupe of actors in the play also preparing a show for a special day, “So we’re leaning into the Queen’s jubilee, which becomes a part of the play.” Adapted by Paul Stacey, who also codirects with Chris Cuming, it promises to be a fresh, vibrant production which brings something new to the play. “It’s a surprising take on a story which is well-known and well-loved, and both directors have struck a great balance between the new and the old,” says Ms Warner. “So much of it is still relevant, such as its

takes on gender stereotypes and marriage, and we still deal with this things in the modern day,” The play follows a group of actors who arrive in Reading, preparing to perform for a Platinum Jubilee celebration. Things don’t necessarily go to plan when complications arise from potions, sorcery, and the rough-run course of love. “Shakespeare is challenging in that it pushed boundaries, “Hermia has to deal with a forced relationship, and responds as a strong and feisty woman– at the time women like that were considered crazy, “But to us it seems like a more modern sensibility.” Despite its timeless relevance, she says the production will look to make the play more accessible to a modern audience. “It’s Shakespeare, but there’ll be dance music, Beyoncé and twerking, “Well I say twerking, but mine is more of an awkward wiggle,” she jokes. “Expectations are always high in British theatre, and as an audience we want to be surprised,

“But theatre has the scope to go anywhere, so we’ve made it approachable for theatre-lovers and newbies alike.” The cast features Dave Fishley as Oberon and Bottom, Amy Ambrose as Titania, Jonty Peach as Demetrius, Mark Desebrock as Lysander, and Beth Eyre as Helena. “One of the reasons Shakespeare’s work is still studied and enjoyed is that what he’s created is realistic in that you just don’t know what’s coming day to day. “People have had a rough few years, so I think everyone will be up for it, “It feels like a summer party, and you’ll never have seen it like this.” A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs at Reading Repertory Theatre from Wednesday, May 11, to Sunday, June 5. Tickets are £23, though 10% of tickets are offered at a reduced rate of £14 as part of the theatre’s community mission. n Tickets are available from: www. readingrep.com

16 | LEISURE

Garden centres plan a royal treat THEY’RE promising it’s fit for the Queen … and it could be yours when you pop out for some compost. Dobbies garden centres in Hare Hatch and Shinfield are launching a very special afternoon tea in its cafes, and it will only be served during the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend. It comprises freshly made sandwiches, savoury treats and a traditional cream scone, served with tea or coffee. A vegan option will be available. Children have their own afternoon tea, with sandwiches, healthy snacks and tasty treats, plus a fruit juice. They can also decorate their own crown. And the meal can be upgraded, swapping the hot drink for a mini bottle of Prosecco. And all who attend can enter a draw to win a £100 Dobbies’ giftcard. Dobbies’ partnership and events manager, Sarah Murray, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this fantastic afternoon tea experience at Dobbies to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. “It’s the perfect spread to enjoy with friends and family, and a great event to add into the bank holiday weekend.” The tea is served from Friday, June 3, through Sunday, June 5, and costs from £13.50. The junior version is £7.50. n For details, log on to: dobbies.com/events

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

Mark promises to look on the bright side

OMEDIAN Mark Steel is inviting audiences to look on the brighter side of life in a new show coming to Henley next month.

He says not long ago, it seemed highly unlikely the UK would vote to leave the EU. We had a reasonable opposition to the Tory Government, Donald Trump was a buffoon who surely wasn’t going to beat Hilary Clinton, and Mark was living the married suburban ideal. But, he adds, since then, things have gone a little askew. Well, that’s not exactly what he said, but this is a family newspaper after all. Now, he’s on a mission to reassure, in the evening of comedy called: Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright. It follows on from his previous sell-out show Who Do I Think I Am revealed that his natural father was a world backgammon champion. Now the star of Radio 4’s Mark Steel’s in Town, and newspaper columnist of the year, is back on the road with a new show that is guaranteed to make the world seem even more mental than it really is. The show looks at his own adoption. He says that growing up in humdrum Swanley in Kent with

Mark Steel is coming to Henley loving parents, he had never been bothered about being an adopted child. But in later life, established as a successful comedian and writer, he decided to search for his biological parents. What he uncovered was a story so strange, a cast of characters so eccentric and far-fetched that he was transported to social and cultural divides that spanned half the world. His mother had at first refused to have Mark adopted,

while his father later went on to become a key player in Mayfair’s Clermont gambling club and reached the pinnacle of high society. He says that what happened when he finally contacted both his parents is as moving as it was entirely unexpected. As well as his own story, told in his uniquely endearing and hilarious voice, Mark delves into the more serious aspects of adoption, single motherhood and the brutality of the social attitudes of the time. He surveys the testimony of mothers and those adopted, and tries to find reasons for his own mother’s crucial and agonising decision. Who Do I Think I Am? is one of the funniest, most heartbreaking stories you’ll ever encounter. Mark has written and presented many series of Mark Steel’s In Town on BBC Radio 4 and toured it live around the UK. He has presented the BAFTAnominated Mark Steel Lectures for BBC2, and is a regular on BBC One’s Have I Got News For You and Radio 4’s The News Quiz. He will be at the Kenton Theatre in Henley on Thursday, June 2. Tickets cost £16. n For more details, or to book, log on to kentontheatre.co.uk or call the box office on: 01491 525050.

ON SONG: The Bartered Bride will be sung in English at South Hill Park

Experience Czech culture in English

AN EVENING of colourful national costumes, soloists, chorus, dancers and orchestra, is promised with an English adaptation of the Czech opera The Bartered Bride. It is set in May Day in a little Czech village preparing to celebrate the holiday with feasting, dancing and a travelling circus. Spirited Marenka is determined to marry her lover Jenik, but her father is in debt to Micha, and has promised she will marry Micha’s son, the immature and foolish Vasek. Fortunately, Jenik has a secret of his own, but can he outwit the boastful and ridiculous marriage broker Kecal, and ensure that true love wins in the end? The opera’s score is full of

infectious tunes, from vibrant overture to heart-stopping love duets, rousing drinking songs and the spectacular circus scene, the famous Dance of the Comedians. The opera is a joyous celebration of Czech culture, told with typical Czech humour, but also sympathy, compassion and joie-de-vivre. It will be performed at Brakcnell’s South Hill Park from Wednesday, May 25, through to Saturday, May 28. Tickets cost £18 to £24, with a £1 discount for members, and under 18s enjoying the show for half price. n For more details, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk/ events/the-bartered-bride/

Audiences will beat it to The Hexagon this September A CELEBRATION of the king of pop will come to The Hexagon this autumn. Ben Bowman will pay tribute to the life and music of Michael Jackson. He looks and sounds like the much-loved singer, and has honed his routine so that audiences can imagine they are watching the real thing. The Magic of Michael Jackson will include a live band, dazzling costumes and many of the performer’s iconic dance routines.

The Hexagon is to welcome Ben Bowman’s tribute to Michael Jackson this September

It also showcases the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and also of The Jackson 5 including Beat It, Billie Jean, Thriller and Man in the Mirror. The show takes place from

7.30pm on Thursday, September 22. n Tickets cost £29.50, and can be reserved by calling the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or logging on to www.readingarts.com

ABBA tribute arriving in the autumn READING’S Hexagon will celebrate 50 years of ABBA with the return of a tribute stage show. ARRIVAL: The Hits of ABBA is back after sell-out shows in more than 30 countries. ARRIVAL is an awardwinning tribute act which has been performing since 1995. Now it is touring the country to mark half a century since the Scandinavian pop group formed in Stockholm. The show features hits such as Dancing Queen,

Super Trouper, Voulez Vous, Mamma Mia, and Waterloo. It will also include songs from the groups latest album, Voyage, their first album of new material for four decades. ARRIVAL: The Hits of ABBA takes place at the Hexagon on Thursday, September 8, at 7.30pm. Tickets start at £24.50, with £5 off if purchased before Sunday, August 10. n Tickets are available at: www.whatsonreading.com

LEISURETODAY

19.05.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Patti’s music for the soul

International star Patti Boulaye will be in Wokingham this Friday with a show dedicated not to her hits, but those of Aretha Franklin. EMMA MERCHANT finds out more

N AWARD-WINNING singer and musical theatre star is bringing her show to Wokingham.

And lovers of Aretha Franklin’s music are in for a treat because it features many of the queen of soul’s best-known songs. Patti Boulaye is full of enthusiasm as she describes her one-woman show, Aretha and Me. “Singing is such a blessing,” she says. “It’s a common language that everyone understands. “It speaks to people’s hearts.” Like many, Boulaye was forced to stop touring when covid struck. Now she’s back, with her night of soul music at the Whitty Theatre on Friday, May 20. A celebration of Aretha Franklin’s life and songs, it’s an event that should appeal to both young and old. Weaving songs and stories into a musical narrative, Patti compares and contrasts her own life with that of the 1950’s soul music star. Both women’s lives led them to show-business stardom and success.

Patti understands Aretha’s rise to fame better than most, perhaps. “I know what show-business can be like. There’s a lot of jealousy, but you can’t let it get to you,” she laughs. While both singers found fame, other areas of their lives differ. Patti’s childhood was particularly challenging. She’s recently written about it in her autobiography, The Faith of a Child. The book follows her journey through wealth, poverty and near death in the Biafran civil war to the success she now enjoys in both Britain and Nigeria. It will be released this August by Kaleidoscope Publishing. “Most people will never have experienced things that I have,” Patti explains. “I lived through genocide when I was young. “I didn’t talk about it for a long time, until I wrote my book. But I chose to write it, because my children need to know who I am.” Patti’s show, like her book, reflects the ups and the downs of her life, but she doesn’t dwell on the difficult times. Indeed she has been described as ‘a

bundle of fizz’, and her audiences have been known to dance in the aisles. Songs to move to will include Aretha Franklin gems: Respect, Say A Little Prayer, Natural Woman, and Chain of Fools. And there will also be a selection of Patti’s own favourite songs. Each one tells a story. “There are funny stories, sad stories, poignant stories and lots of laughing in the show,” she says. Patti first found fame as a singer in the late 70s when she won the British ITV talent show New Faces, receiving the maximum 120 points. Since then she has enjoyed success on stage, TV, and in musicals. Performances include her West End debut in Hair, Yum Yum in The Mikado, and more recently her TV appearance in the BBC’s The Real Marigold Hotel. And there are the one-woman shows. Her previous sell-out tour, Billie and Me, was a similar celebration of the life and music of jazz singer Billie Holiday. Music has always been important to Patti since her earliest years. “Never mind a Desert Island Disc,” she jokes. “I would need a whole carload of discs. “I remember songs my mother sang when I was little, and my heart wells up. There were nine children to look after, and we lived through difficult times. “My mother’s favourite song was

Louis Armstrong’s, Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen. She would hum or sing that, and I would sit and listen. “She was a great mother, she taught me how to do life.” Doing life well is something that Patti is passionate about. She is a Visiting teaching fellow at Middlesex University, where she works with young people. “I try to help them prepare for life,” she explains. “I encourage students not to take things personally and not to give others permission to hurt them. “I tell them, don’t judge others, be kind and remember that you’re not perfect either. Really it comes down to making good life choices.” Asked which song she would pass on to the next generation, Patti replies: “That would be, How Great Thou Art. Young people today face so much pressure. They need all the help they can get, but they just don’t know where to go.” Boulaye believes in offering young people positive examples of individuals overcoming difficulty, showing them how others successfully face life’s challenges. To this end she has launched her own internet streaming TV chat show, Life with Patti Boulaye. It can be found, along with her vlogs and music, on her YouTube vlogging channel, The Vlogging Grandmother.

Here, she invites celebrities and successful people from all walks of life to share their stories and life tips. Patti also finds time and energy for charity work in the UK and Africa, for which she has been awarded an OBE. Her charity has built five healthcare centres and helped to finance a school in Lesotho. Ask Patti where she finds the strength to do all these things and she’ll tell you: “I just have a very strong faith. With that, you can get through anything,” she explains. “Many people are afraid to talk about faith, but I’m not one to stick to the rules. My God, my faith has brought me through everything in life. “Aretha Franklin was also a Christian,” she adds. “She had her struggles too. Different ones. “She chose the wrong man again and again, and she battled with alcohol. “Unlike me, she lost her mother when she was only 10 years old. She didn’t have someone to help her do life well, but she did have faith. “I believe that was why she survived the music industry, and lived to her 70s in good health.” n Aretha and Me, at the Whitty Theatre on Friday, May 20 starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £20. To book, and for information visit: www. luckleyhouseschool.org/the-whittytheatre For Patti Boulaye’s website visit: www.pattiboulaye.com

14 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

Wiltshire sounds

greatest songs of all time … now there’s a chance to find out once and for all. Norden Farm is bringing together 15 previous winners of its Vinyl Frontier campaign for a champion of champions showcase. Audiences will be asked, with the help of host Jeff Lloyd, to debate and discuss which of the discs should be consider the best of the best. The event takes place at the Maidenhead-based arts centre on Friday, May 27. n Tickets cost £10, and can be reserved by calling the box office on: 01628 788997 or log on to norden.farm

A WILTSHIRE takeover is promised for visitors to South Hill Park on Sunday. Its monthly Wilde Sundays event returns, bringing an afternoon of music from three artists. The three acts on the bill for May all hail from our neighbouring county, and are Tamsin Quin, Phil Cooper and Jamie R Hawkins, who collectively perform as The Lost Trades. All three were established solo artists before they formed the band, prelockdown, and this performance will see them all perform solo again. But, being a trio, they might collaborate on the day. The music starts at 2pm, and tickets cost £8.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Jazz night with the greats SOME OF the biggest names in jazz will be celebrated with an evening of music later this month. The Mill at Sonning is welcoming the Stars of British Jazz to its theatre on Sunday, May 29. A six-piece band, comprising musicians who have performed with some of the greats such as Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball, Chris Barber and Pete Allen, is coming together for the evening which celebrates the best in British jazz. Tickets include a two-course meal in the Mill’s restaurant before the show, and cost £46. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 969 8000, or log on to millatsonning.com

Celebrate Leonard Cohen’s music AN EVENING celebrating the music of Leonard Cohen is to take place in Henley this weekend. Keith James will be at the Kenton performing some of the musician’s greatest hits. They include Famous Blue Raincoat, Sisters of Mercy, Suzanne and Hallelujah alongside his rarer and profound writing such as Who by Fire, Joan of Arc and Secret Life. Also included are songs

Back to his roots

THE PROMISE of theatre in unusual places is coming to Reading next week, as Sitelines returns. The Land’s Heart Is Greater Than Its Map is a special guided tour, not to the Ding, but to the only city that exists twice – once on earth, and once in heaven. Organisers say that this is a far away city that cannot be named, its people are silenced and the landscape is disappearing. from his posthumous album Thanks for the Dance and Keith’s dramatic performances based on the work of Federico Garcia Lorca – Cohen’s greatest influence. The aim is to give audiences a concert featuring some great songs in their original form, one that Keith says is perfect. The show takes place in Henley on Saturday, and tickets costs £23. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01491 525050, or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk

A night with Blowers

HE IS one of the most loved voices of summer: Henry Blofeld is as much part of the test match experience as the whack of leather on willow itself. The commentator extraordinaire will be at South Hill Park on Sunday, May 29, to look back on his life.

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Chris Batchelor’s Zoetic. Fri. Bugsy Malone. Fri-Sat. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat. Bracknell Together Walk. Sun. Wilde Sundays. Sun. The Bartered Bride. Wed-Sat 27. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 27. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat 28. My Dear Old Things: An Evening With Henry Blofeld. Sun 29.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Mark Thomas - Hit Refresh. Fri. Dame Dolly Does Goldilocks. Sat. Upstage Arts. Sat-Sun. Bring Your Own Baby Comedy. Tues. Both Sides of Phil Collins. Thurs 26. Bumper Blyton. Fri 27. Comedy Club. Fri 27. Circus Skills with Patches. Sat 28. Rapnuzel. Sun 29.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Mountaintop. Until Sat. Private Peaceful. Tues-Sat 28. Adventures of an Ugly Duckling. Wed. Henry Normal: The Escape Plan. Fri 27. A Diva and a Piano: Lesley Garrett. Sun 29.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time. Until Sat. Murder At Goodbottom Manor. Sat. Movie Mayhem and Showtime at the Musicals Dinner Dance. Sat. Adult Masterclass: Musical Theatre. Mon. Giovanni Pernice. Wed. Housewives on Holiday. Thurs 26. BNU Dance. Fri 27. Stewart Lee. Fri 27. Fanny’s Bingo Brunch. Sat 28. Al Murray: Gig For Victory. Sun 29.

You can see the sea, but cannot touch it. Being honest is illegal. And so on. But to ensure the story is told, a resident writes them down. The result is walking tour through the streets of Reading, compiled by Palestinian filmmaker, writer and actor Ramzi Maqdisi, and director and writer Olivia Furber. Participants wear headphones to go on a pre-planned route through It includes his days as a youth England hopeful, how an Eton bus knocked him off his stride, and how he switched from a job in the City to cricket journalism, before heading to the commentary box of Test Match Special. The evening includes film and personal pictures, and will be a treat for all cricket fans. We’ll have an exclusive interview with Blowers in next week’s Leisure Today. Tickets cost £24.50, and the event runs from 4pm to 6pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Who’s at fault?

COMEDIAN Geoff Norcott is coming back to Norden Farm with his latest show, I Blame The Parents. It explores personal responsibility, parenting and who should take the blame

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Off The Kerb: Laura Lexx, Marcus Brigstocke. Thurs. Tony Christie: Avenues and Alleyways. Fri. The Songs of Leonard Cohen. Sat. Best of British TV Comedy. Sun. Johnny Cash Roadshow. Fri 27. Josh Berry and Rafe Hubris. Sat 28. Tales From Star City and The Letter of Last Resort. Sun 29.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Maidenhead Drama Festival. Thurs-Sat. Alex Garnett and Friends: Gerry Mulligan and the Cool Era. Fri. Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted with Q&A (PG). Sat. True Things (15). Tues. Royal Opera House live: Swan Lake. Wed, Fri 27. Operation Mincemeat (12a). Wed-Thurs

26. National Theatre Live: Straight Line Crazy. Thurs 26. Alice Armstrong and Matt Long. Thurs 26. Geoff Norcott: I Blame the Parents. Fri 27. The Vinyl Frontier: Champion of Champions. Fri 27. Patrick Monahan: Started from the Bottom, Now I’m Here. Sat 28. The Northman (15). Sat 28.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Oculi Ensemble. Thurs. Ballet Central. Thurs. Dame Jane Glover: The Genius of Mozart. Thurs. Young Artists Recital: Echea Quartet. Fri. The Sixteen at Douai Abbey. Fri. Julian Joseph Trio. Fri. Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. Sat. Julian Jospeh Jazz Academy. Sat. Roll Over Beethoven. Sat. Swan Lake. Sat. Giovanni Pernice: The Is Me. Tues. An Evening with Brian Blessed. Wed. NT Live: Straight Crazy Line (15). Thurs 26. 80s

Reading, starting from South Street arts centre. It lasts around 70 minutes and is for ages 12 upwards. It runs from 6pm on Wednesday, May 25 through to Friday, May 27, and at noon and 3pm on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. Tickets cost £15, or £13 for members. n For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to: whatsonreading.com when things go wrong. And Geoff has realised he’s also a bag of contradictions. Raised on a south London council estate by two maverick parents, there’s plenty he has to sift through. His Dad was a trade union man who obsessed over stocks and shares. His mum was a closet chauvinist and far too frank on the subject of sex. With a child of his own, Geoff spies a one-off chance for his family to finally get it right and produce a balanced human being, but can he filter out his own bollocks before it gets to his son? Tickets cost £16, and the show takes place at the Maidenhead-based arts centre on Friday, May 27. n For more details, call the box office on: 01628 788997 or log on to: norden.farm

The greatest album

AUDIOPHILES will often argue over the

Live. Fri 27. Exhibition on Screen: Pissarro, father of Impressionism. Sun 29.

Newbury – Watermill

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Our Man In Havana. Until Sat. Bleak Expectations. Fri 27-Jul 2.

Reading – South St

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Tarot: Cautionary Tales. Fri. Heavy Pop presents FEET. Sat. SITELINES presents The Land’s Heart is Greater Than Its Map. Wed-Sun 29. The Artist: Filskit Theatre. Sat 28.

Reading – Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Sainsbury Singers: Chess. Until Sat. Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast (12a). Tues. NT Live presents: Straight Line Crazy. Thurs 26. West Side Story (12a). Fri 27. Sandi Toksvig Live. Sun 29.

COMIC Patrick Monahan will be exploring his roots in a new show coming to Norden Farm on Saturday, May 28. Started From The Bottom, Now I’m Here is a show that looks at his life now – middle-class with skiing holidays and other perks – compared to how he started: as a poor immigrant, living in a caravan. This show premiered at Edinburgh Festival last year and is now coming to Maidenhead. n Tickets cost £15, and can be reserved by calling the box office on: 01628 788997 or log on to norden.farm

Double bill of comedy

A LOCAL comic will be cracking jokes in Henley as part of a double bill. Josh Berry, a stand-up, producer, writer and satirist, says his show will mock people who went to slightly more prestigious private schools than him and whinge about his career for the best part of 40 minutes. And joining him for the show will be Rafe Hubris, who describes himself as the ‘most promising 25 year old special advisor (SPAD) to the Conservative party and definitely the most classic’. The show will be divided between Rafe’s ‘absolutely classic’ anecdotes about his time in government and his answers to questions submitted by the audience. The show takes place at the Kenton Theatre on Saturday, May 28, and tickets cost £19, or £17 for concessions. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01491 525050, or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Dylan Moran: We Got This. Jun 5.

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Busman’s Honeymoon. Until June 25. Magic of The Beatles. Sun. Stars of British Jazz. Sun 29.

Reading – Progress

Wokingham – Theatre

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Angels In America Parts 1 and 2. June 20-July 2.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Until Jun 5.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Theatre closed due to Storm Eunice damage. NEXT SHOW: The Beauty Queen of Leenane. June 15-18.

Sonning – The Mill

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Comedy Night. Fri, May 27. NEXT SHOW: Stones In His Pockets. June 8-18.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Music Club: Patti Boulaye - Aretha and Me. Fri. Wokingham Film Society: Nightmare Alley (15). Thurs 26. High School Musical Jr. Sat 28-Sun 29.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 The Things We Do For Love. Until Sat.

26 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WHAT’SON Exhibitions

READING - Berkshire Record Office, Coley Avenue RG1 6AF. Happy and Glorious, An Exhibition to Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. From Thurs, May 26 to August 26. Tues-Tues 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm. Details: 0118 937 5132. READING – Edith Morley building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 6AA. The Ure Museum presents: Discover Etruscan pottery. Tuesdays to Thursdays. 9am-4.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 378 6990. READING – 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 The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (15). Thurs. Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG). Thurs. The Northman (15). Thurs. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness (12a). Thurs. Firestarter (15). Thurs. Royal Ballet 2021/22: Swan Lake. Thurs. Everything Everywhere All At Once. Fri-Thurs. Keep It Cult: They Live (15). Fri. Keep It Cult: Do The Right Thing (15). Mon, Fri 27. RFT Presents: Here Before (15). Wed. Top Gun: Maverick (12a). Fri 27-Sun 29. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.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

CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. Plants, jams, chutneys, books, tools and more. 9am-5pm. Details: gardenbringnbuy@gmail. com 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, 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: cavershamartstrail.co.uk/ CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. Plants, jams, chutneys, books, tools and more. 9am-5pm. Details: gardenbringnbuy@gmail. com EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church, Church Road RG6 1EY. Erleigh Cantors concert: Sacred Music Through the Centuries. 7pm. £10, £8 students, under 18s free. In aid of DEC Ukranian emergency appeal. 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. 8.15amnoon. 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 READING - Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, Sidmouth Street RG1 4QZ. Open doors coffee and tea for Ukrainians newly arrived in the UK and their sponsors. 3pm-5pm. Details: https://www. rucc.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: cavershamartstrail.co.uk/ CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. 9am-5pm. Details: gardenbringnbuy@gmail. com 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

Monday, May 23

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. . Details: gardenbringnbuy@ gmail.com WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, May 24

CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. Plants, jams, chutneys, books, tools and more.

9am-5pm. Details: gardenbringnbuy@gmail. com 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 – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Create a Platinum Jubilee Stamp. Free entry, drop-in when library is open. Make a Unicorn craft session. 10am-11am. Free entry. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Berkshire Record Office. Online talk: The Queen and Berkshire. 11am-noon. Booking essential. Details: 0118 978 1368 or email: libraries@wokingham. gov.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, May 25 CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. Plants, jams, chutneys, books, tools and more. 9am-5pm. Details: gardenbringnbuy@gmail. com EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING - Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, Sidmouth Street RG1 4QZ. Open doors coffee and tea for Ukrainians newly arrived in the UK and their sponsors. 11am-2pm. Details: www.rucc.uk 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 WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, May 26

ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society presents More than Beer, Biscuits & Bulbs, Reading’s Other Industries, an online talk by Jo Alexander-Jones. 2pm. £5, £4 members. Booking essential. Details: berksfhs.org CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. 9am-5pm. Details: gardenbringnbuy@gmail. com EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org 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 – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Ranikhet Children’s Centre, Spey Road RG30 4ED. Farmyard Fun: groom donkeys, feed chickens, join in a story. For ages 18month to five years.. 10am-noon. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5221. READING – Thirsty Bear, Kings Road Rg1 3BY. Slice of Science presents: Climate CHange and Sustainability: what do we know and what can we do, with Giorgio Graffino and Carol Cafaro. 7.30pm. Free, donations welcome. Organised by Minerva - Associazione di Divulgazione Scientifica. Details: Search Facebook for Minerva SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org SOUTHCOTE – Children’s Centre, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Mini Soft Play Session: for under 4s. Free, booking essential. 1.30pm-2.30pm. Details: 0118 937 2535. TILEHURST - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, The Meadway RG30 4PE. Berkshire Family History Society presents annual branch meeting followed by history of Reading’s hospitals from 1837. £3 non-members. 7.45pm. Details: berksfhs.org/ WHITLEY – Children’s Centre, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Rhyme and Song for under fives. Free. Details: 0118 937 3894. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. AGM and awards. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk WOKINGHAM - The Rose Inn, Market Place. First Days quiz night. Six players per team. 8pm. £10 per person. Details: www.firstdays.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022 netWOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society: Nightmare Alley (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, May 27

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org 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 – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair 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. WOKINGHAM - WADE Day Centre, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Quiz night. Teams of 4-6, £10, includes light refreshments. Bring your own drinks. Booking essential. Details: www. wadecentre.org.uk or 0118 978 7025. 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:. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122. WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, May 28

ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. EARLEY – Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club, Beech Lane, RG6 7PT. Open day. 11am to 4pm. Details www. maidenerleghbc.co.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, marino Way. Brewery tour. 1pm2.30pm. Booking essential. PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. READING – Biscuit Factory, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Family life drawing session. For ages 6-12. £10 per adult and child. 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – Palmer Park,

Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Paint your own biscuits with Dr Ella Hawkins. 1pm or 2.30pm. £5, suitable for ages eight upwards, and adults. Booking essential. Bertie’s Brilliant Biscuit Design: create a new biscuit for display. £1. Details: 0118 937 3400. READING - Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, Sidmouth Street RG1 4QZ. Open doors coffee and tea for Ukrainians newly arrived in the UK and their sponsors. 3pm-5pm. Details: www.rucc.uk SHINFIELD - Leighton Park School RG2 7DE. Whiteknights Ensemble in concert: Mozart, Arrieu, Hallam, Poulenc, and Ankarblom. £10, under 18s £5. In aid of ReadiFood foodbank. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/ Whiteknights-Ensemble TWYFORD - URC Hall, Station Road. Quiz night. Teams of up to six. Bring drinks and snacks to share. Entry by donation. 7.30pm. Details: http://thru-christ.org.uk WINNERSH - St Mary The Virgin, Church Close RG41 5NA. Gratis choir: Victoriana. Includes a medley of Gilbert & Sullivan. Free entry, retiring collection. 7.30pm. Details: www.gratischoir.org.uk WOKINGHAM - Langborough Recreation Ground, Fairview Road. Children’s Fun Day. 10am-4pm. Free. WOKINGHAM - Baptist Church, Milton Road. St Sebastian Wokingham Band presents Jubilee Brass. 7.30pm. £10, £5 children. In aid of SHARE Wokingham. Details: 07724 073307. WOKINGHAM - Theatre, Twyford Road. Wokingham Lions Club comedy night: Matt Bragg, James Ellis & Joe Sutherland, David Ward. Over 18s only. £17 plus booking fee, in aid of Kimel Foundation. 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 WOODLEY - Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG6 4JZ. Jazz at the Oakwood: Karen Sharp and the Martin Hart Trio. Details: www.woodleytheatre.org

No. 5414

Your weekly puzzle challenge

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

6 16

4 8

26 19

13 16

16 13

14 10

1. An auk is a type of what?

2. What is the mathematical term for an equal half of a globe?

3. Actor Ryan Reynolds played the title role in which 2016 superhero ﬁlm and its 2018 sequel?

1 19

4. What is the opening phrase of the 23rd Psalm?

5. The muscle called the gluteus maximus is where in the human body?

5 14

5 5

1 6

16 13

1 18

12 21

1 5

19 18

NONAGRAM

4 20

P H D

R A M

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

G E

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

OVERDONE MEANDERS

A G I

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: 23 Good; 28 Very Good; 32 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

7. Which future prime minister fought against the Dervishes at Omdurman in 1898?

8. What is the meaning of the musical notation ‘ﬀ’?

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

6 8 2 9 5 6 1 2 8 3 4 2 3 6

3 4 1 6 4 9 7 1 5 1 5 8 6 7 4 1 2

5 3 9 1 4 6

5 3

8 4

1 6 1

R R

N O

A V

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.

13 15 15

10 10

14 17

15 18

16 19

This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

5 8

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.

To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

DOWN 1. Not in favour of the caper being curtailed (4) 2. The French, between two ducks, find a fatty substance (4) 3. Strikes the fishing vessels (6) 4. Queue, say, and be patient in the country (6) 5. Who cares, for example, about such a question? (10) 6. Burden placed on Frenchman in one place (10) 10. Cute fringe rearranged by rotating machine (10) 11. Road sign one might expect Conservatives to obey (2,4,4) 15. In the cab I remembered the old vessel (6) 16. To tear round or spin (6) 18. Charged particles one’s holding on (4) 19. Between black and white it is unidentifiable (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

26 28

30 9 3 7 8 6 5 2 1 4

8 2 4 1 5 9 7 6 3

5 7 6 4 3 8 1 9 2

3 9 1 6 7 2 4 5 8

7 1 2 9 8 3 5 4 6

6 5 3 7 1 4 8 2 9

4 8 9 5 2 6 3 7 1

WORD PYRAMID: Love and marriage. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – divide; multiply; subtract; add. Total: 9.

SOLUTIONS

ACROSS 5. Sort of weather produced when the sun-god goes in? (4) 7. No talking before the operation? (3,2,5) 8. Catch sight of agent on the end of the line (4) 9. Destructive person I study is a commander at the end (10) 12. Views fishes (6) 13. Drop it badly when sluggish (6) 14. Quietly judge takes sailor to the sectional building (6) 16. About 100 on a greasy substance spring back in horror (6) 17. Breathtaking attack (10) 20. In France you repeatedly have a ballet skirt (4) 21. It is sent to satisfy one’s creditors (10) 22. Churchman, one in study (4)

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.

7 8 3 4 6 8 9 5 4 7 2 6

EQUALISER 15 7 12 4 3 3 2 8 3 2 4 5

Hard

1 6 8 2 4 7 9 3 5

4 7 2 6

FIVE ALIVE OA

WORD PYRAMID

10. Who sang the theme song for the 2021 James Bond ﬁlm No Time to Die?

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 I through openings in the walls. The A first letter may appear in any chamber. E G

9. Which stretch of water separates Cumbria from Dumfries and Galloway?

SUDOKU Easy

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1

6. What is the nickname, taken from the colour of their shirts, of Coventry City FC?

2 4 5 3 9 1 6 8 7

2 7 3 6 1 9 5 4 8

1 6 4 3 8 5 2 7 9

9 5 8 2 7 4 3 6 1

8 9 2 7 5 6 1 3 4

6 4 5 1 2 3 9 8 7

3 1 7 4 9 8 6 5 2

5 3 9 8 4 1 7 2 6

7 8 6 9 3 2 4 1 5

4 2 1 5 6 7 8 9 3

PZ1P5414

CROSS CODE 7

5414

21. Lift with effort (5) ACROSS 1. Manner of 23. Length of time (6) speaking (8) 24. Maxim (5) 5. Jest (4) 28. Accumulate (5) 9. Tropical plant (7) 29. Cupidity (7) 10. Rental 30. Tangy (4) agreement (5) 31. Pennant (8) 11. Rolling hills (5) DOWN 13. Affectedly superior 1. Plunge (4) (inf.) (2-2-2) 2. Very slow 15. Relating to bees (5) (mus.) (5) 17. Fasten securely (4) 3. Austrian capital (6) 19. Stray (3) 4. Wander (4) 20. Revert to original (4) 6. Speech (7)

7. 8. 12. 13. 14. 16. 18. 21. 22. 25. 26. 27.

Lift (8) Uninfected (5) Rate (5) Immature creature (5) Large animal (8) --- Gershwin, lyricist (3) Pirate (7) Racing animal (5) Breathe out (6) Narcotic (5) Compass point (4) Dread (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Delivery; 5 Joke; 9 Verbena; 10 Lease; 11 Downs; 13 La-di-da; 15 Apian; 17 Lock; 19 Err; 20 Undo; 21 Heave; 23 Period; 24 Axiom; 28 Amass; 29 Avarice; 30 Tart; 31 Streamer. Down – 1 Dive; 2 Largo; 3 Vienna; 4 Roam; 6 Oration; 7 Elevator; 8 Clean; 12 Speed; 13 Larva; 14 Elephant; 16 Ira; 18 Corsair; 21 Horse; 22 Exhale; 25 Opium; 26 East; 27 Fear.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Bird; 2 Hemisphere; 3 Deadpool and Deadpool 2; 4 The Lord is my shepherd; 5 The buttocks; 6 The Sky Blues; 7 FIVE ALIVE: Winston Churchill; 8 Fortissimo (very loud); 9 The Solway Firth; 10 Billie Eilish. (1) Across – Carry; Osier; Punks. Down – Chomp; Reign; Yarns. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 5 Rain; 7 Nil by mouth; 8 Espy; 9 Iconoclast; 12 Angles; (2) Across – Joked; Nooks; Asked. R W F U A L Q B N D H P T 13 Torpid; 14 Prefab; 16 Recoil; 17 Throttling; 20 Tutu; 21 Down – Junta; Knock; Dosed. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Remittance; 22 Dean. C K S Z G E I O V X M Y J Down – 1 Anti; 2 Oleo; 3 Smacks; 4 Kuwait; 5 Rhetorical; 6 NONAGRAM: aargh; agamid; agar; agma; amah; Imposition; 10 Centrifuge; 11 No left turn; 15 Bireme; 16 Rotate; amid; amir; aphid; aria; arid; damar; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU 18 Ions; 19 Grey. more; oven; read; damp; dargah; dharma; diagram; ends. DIAPHRAGM; digraph; diram; dirham; drag; dram; drama; gamp; grad; gram; gramp; graph; haar; hair; haram; hard; harm; harp; maar; maid; paid; pair; para; paradigm; pard; pariah; pram; raga; raid; ramp; rapid.

28 | LIFE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 2022

Mental Health and our Hearts Healthy heart tip

E know that each year in England, one in four people will experience some sort of mental health problem.

Create Balance Aim to balance your day-to-day demands with regular exercise, me-time and a good sleep routine to increase your resilience levels.

trends in our behaviour and the way we feel can help us to know when we may need to seek help or put something in place to support our mental health. Apps such as Formscore, Thought Diary or Daylio offer an easy way to track our wellbeing over time.

Ask for Help If we feel any of the signs and symptoms of a mental health problem, it is important to ask for help. You can speak with your GP or use a mental health charity support line such as Samaritans. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips. n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website:

How a plantbased diet can help you save money, improve your health and save the Nearly 27,000 in the South East sign up for planet UK’s biggest ever plastics investigation Long-term mental health problems can increase our risk of developing heart disease, which is one of the reasons why it is important that we look after our mental health by combating stress, maximising our ability to cope, and seeking support. Here are some tips to keep our mental health in check.

Use your Support Network

Having someone you can talk to about your mental health can help you to better deal with any problems you are experiencing. This could be a friend, family member, or mental health professional.

Check-In

Checking in with ourselves and noticing

https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2/. n Or have a look

through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and

food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook/

CALL has been made for people to count their plastic waste in a bid to help the environment.

An estimated 27,000 people in the south east are taking part in The Big Plastic Count, and that total includes schools, MPs, community groups, businesses, families and individuals. Organised by Everyday Plastic and Greenpeace UK, the project was launched in the wake of learning that the UK produces more plastic waste per person than any other country in the world apart from the United States. The Big Plastic Count will reveal how much plastic packaging waste is leaving UK homes and what happens to it after we throw it away. This will provide a national snapshot of our plastic waste problem, filling a crucial evidence gap and showing the government and supermarkets that they must act to tackle the problem. Among the backers are Chris Packham, Joanna Lumley and Bonnie Wright. Mr Packham, a committed environmentalist, said: “The Big Plastic Count is such an exciting project. It will, for the first time, tell ordinary people what happens to their plastic waste after we throw it away, and we hope it will force the government to take action and address the plastic waste crisis.” Every participant will record the different types of plastic packaging waste they throw away, and submit their results. This will generate a national picture of our plastic waste, demonstrating the scale of the problem and putting even more pressure on the government to act. Chris Thorne, plastics campaigner

at Greenpeace UK, said: “We’re delighted that so many people across the South East signed up, making clear once again that the public is concerned about their plastic waste, and want to see genuine action from the government to turn the tide on our plastics crisis. “That means an immediate end to us dumping our waste on other countries like Turkey, and legally binding targets that actually tackle the plastic problem at source.”

And Mr Webb, from Everyday Plastic, said he counted all plastic waste he collected in 2017, which shocked him into creating The Big Plastic Count. “This really is a crucial moment in the struggle against the plastic problem. “We hope the results of The Big Plastic Count will persuade the government, supermarkets and big brands to take bold steps to tackle the plastic crisis once and for all, which

is extremely exciting, perhaps even revolutionary.” Greenpeace UK and Everyday Plastic will release the results of the survey as soon as they have been processed. Campaigners hope these results will push the UK government to reduce single-use plastic by 50% by 2025, ban all plastic waste exports and implement a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for recycling and reuse. n For more details, log on to: thebigplasticcount.com

HIS is National Vegetarian Week, aiming to increase the number of people who eschew chewing the fat, gristle and prime cuts of meat. It is thought that almost one in seven of us are veggie, vegan or pescetarianism, while 7% has tried a vegetarian diet in the past year. It’s thought that this number could rise to 23% of the population by 2023. With the rising popularity of plantbased diets, most restaurants offer multiple vegetarian options to appeal to this target audience. In light of this, TV home shopping retailer Thane UK says it is keen to encourage Brits to try a vegetarian diet. “There are lots of reasons why people are turning vegetarian, and it is much more complex than just saving animals or eating healthier, more nutritious meals,” says Lindsay-Jane Vines, President of Thane UK and North America. “There are big benefits for your health - reducing cholesterol, losing weight and increasing energy levels. And it’s better for the environment too.” It’s thought that turning vegetarian can also help with the rising cost of living, and, according to Thane, with cooking oils in short supply right now, it’s possible to cook oil-free too and save on energy bills. “If you are thinking of going vegetarian, even for just a single day each week, one thing we’d recommend investing in is a FlavorStone Diamond pan,” Lindsay-Jane says. “With its super non-stick surface, you can cook delicious vegetarian meals with no oil or fat. “The FlavorStone Diamond is squareshaped, which means you get roughly 25% more cooking area inside the pan. “I’s great for batch cooking, helping you to cook more food in less time – saving up to 30% in energy costs and keeping more money in your pocket” she adds. n For more details, log on to: www.thanedirect. co.uk

LEISURE | 25

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, May 19, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LIVEMUSIC

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662 Reliant performing in Peach Place last summer Picture: Andrew Merritt

RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman

bitly/ rawsoundstoday

Split the Dealer – Dreamstate Split the Dealer is a fave at RaW Sounds.Today and he recently performed a headlining show at Reading’s Sub89. Here’s one of his excellent single releases. He’ll be at Wokingham Festival in August – https://linktr.ee/ splitthedealer

The Mezz – Yesterday You Said Tomorrow

The Mezz is a new indie four-piece band and this single is well worth a listen. They supported Split the Dealer at his Sub89 Reading show mentioned above – https://www. themezz.uk/

NE of our missions is to champion new music as well as local music and our two new entries this week showcase just that.

Reliant are regular entries in our playlist and they’re back with a new song ahead of their Wokingham Festival appearance this August. And Adomania are a new group that we reckon will go places. Listen to their debut single on our Spotify list and you’ll understand 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/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music. There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Reliant – Heaven or Hell Here’s the new single from local favourite, Reliant, and it’s an exciting piece of powerful indie rock. Recorded at Generation Studio, it shows that the band are making a good progression and developing

Spriggan Mist – Remember the Day

Rocket Kings – Rendezvous

They just released their album, Isambard the Mechanical Dragon, and it’s their best yet. Following a successful appearance at HRH Prog, Spriggan Mist are back at Wokingham Festival in August – https:// www.sprigganmist.com/

This ukulele pop band are at Wokingham Festival in August and here’s a song with a very sing-along hook from their Everyday Adventures album. Check out the video on YouTube – https://www.facebook. com/rocketkings/

Adomania – Heavy Rain

Bex Ruth – Scratching my Head

It’s wonderful when you hear a debut single from a new young band and it grabs you straight away but, you aren’t quite sure why, so you have to listen to it over and over. That’s what happened when Ian from Beyond the Download suggested we give this a listen. It has a vibrant enthusiastic feel with great melodies. Well done Madeleine, Louie and Jacob – a good debut from a new Wokingham band. There’s potential here and we look forward to seeing that potential develop – https://www. facebook.com/AdomaniaBand

Bex is a singer-songwriter from London who creates electronic soundscapes overlayed with soulful vocals. She visited Reading to perform at the Loddfest Takeover Show at the Purple Turtle last weekend. See her at Loddfest in September – https:// linktr.ee/bexruth

In Albion – Burning the Candle at Both Ends

well following their previous releases and their live shows in the local area and beyond. They will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August on the Wokingham Music Club stage, so will that be heaven or hell? Definitely the former, that’s for sure – https://www.facebook.com/WeAreReliant

OSP – When? OSP stands for Only Speak Positive, and they are a four0piece 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

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

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

GIG GUIDE

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 - The Spread Eagle, Norfolk Road, RG30 2EG. Jukebox Junction. Details: 0118 957 4507. 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 YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Je’Zell. Details: 01252 872105.

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 - South Street. Heavy Pop presents FEET. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop presents FEET. church of Madness vs DJS Cinderlox and Omega. 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. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. The Wind Down acoustic showcase: Lee Switzer-Woolf, Graeth James, Nicole Allen. Details: 0118 958 6048. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Magic of the Beatles. Details: 0118 969 8000.

Monday, May 23

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Art Themen’s Blue Notes. Details: 01491 681048.

Tuesday, May 24

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesdays. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING - Mojos, Reading University Students Union, Whiteknights Campus. BBC Introducing live. Free entry. Details: Search Eventbrite for BBC Introducing Live tickets READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Everything Everything. Details: 0118 959 5395. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Thursday, May 26

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Filthy Llamas. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk EARLEY – Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 8HN. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 334 4300. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop: Coach Party, Sister Lucy, Elucidate. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango Presents Amapiano. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Open mic night. Details: 0118 958 6048. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, May 27

BEENHAM - The Six Bells, The Green RG7 5NX. Mash, Nash and the Band. Details: 0118 971 3368. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Originals. Details: 01344 303333. CHARVIL – The Heron On The Ford, Lands End Lane, RG10 0UE. Piston Broke. Details: 0118 934 0700. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hard Times. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. AJ’s Calypso Tent: Remembering Dave Batson: G-String, Ms Desire, De Admiral, Brown Sugar, Rev B, Dame Polly, Music Man, DeeBine, King Clivas, Super Trini Vives, AJ’s All-Stars, The Kaiso Gems and more. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Housebase. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Revolución de Cuba,

Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Jason Stretch. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Band Substance. Details: 0118 957 6930. RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. The TR5s. Details: 0118 343 0565. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. 4G Band. Details: 0118 977 3706. YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01252 872105. YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road GU46 7UG. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01252 872459.

Saturday, May 28

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Recycler Rock n Roll Band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL - The Running Horse, London Road RG12 2UJ. Full Flavour Band. Details: 01344 425215. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. From The Ashes. Details: 01344 422622. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Broken Bones. Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace. 3pm. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultra 90s. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Utter Madness Duo. Details: 01344 530615.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Daughter of the Water. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Delights. The Scarlet Vixens present Summerween. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.Details: 01344 303333. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Brick Top. Details: 0118 926 5804. WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Festival Garden live music: The Rollin Stoned. 5.30pm onwards. £11. Details: 0118 979 7402. WOODLEY - Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG6 4JZ. Jazz at the Oakwood: Karen Sharp and the Martin Hart Trio. Details: www.woodleytheatre.org YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. DJ Night. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, May 29

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Theme night: Body Count. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. The Anniversary and Birthday of Rex. 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. Stars of British Jazz. Details: 0118 969 8000.

SPORT TODAY

WOKINGHAM

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

19.05.22

ENJOYABLE END OF SEASON TRIP

SWORDS REACH THE FINAL

OAKS TOPPLE

FINCHES

EXTRA TIME WINNER!

HERE TO STAY

FINCH DO THE DOUBLE By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

FINCHAMPSTEAD FC made it a season to remember by completing a league and cup double.

Having secured the Thames Valley Premier League title the previous weekend, to make it backto-back title wins, Finch went in

search of completing the double. On Friday evening in front of a crowd at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Finch got the better of Richings Park to win the BTC Senior Cup Final. In a tightly contested final, the teams couldn’t be separated after 90 minutes after a goal apiece. But in extra-time, it was

Finch who showed patience and persistence to eventually get their hands on the trophy when Callum Vallance netted the winning goal just five minutes from time. Finchampstead player Nick Payne said: “What a night. Big thank

you to the TVPL for putting on a great show, Richings Park fair play to you boys, nothing in that game just one said taking their chance. Both sides played their part in a great final and couldn’t give anymore.”

n Full picture spread and report on pages 20 & 21

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

WINDOWS

DOORS

CONSERVATORIES

Ince made Royals boss on permanent basis READING FC has confirmed that Paul Ince has been appointed as manager on a permanent basis.

Ince joined the Royals in February on an interim basis until the end of the season in which he helped the club avoid Championship relegation. The Royals won four of his 14 matches in charge, including a memorable away victory at Sheffield United followed by an incredible comeback from 4-1 down to take a point at home to Swansea City with vital stoppage time goals. Reading finished the 2021/22 campaign in 21st place, four points above the drop zone. Chief Executive Dayong Pang said, “Paul and Alex were brought into Bearwood to instil confidence, structure, spirit and determination into a first team squad which in difficult circumstances had lost its way early in the year. And ultimately, he had to produce almost immediate results.”

WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

18 | SPORT

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 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

Matt Gilkes bowled out for Finch

Crows’ midweek side Archie Carter (Wokingham wicket keeper) appeals (turned down) as batsman, Ben Moffat looks on Pictures: Steve Smyth

CRICKET ROUND-UP

CRICKET

Zac Leonard batting for Finchampstead

WOKINGHAM TAKE BRAGGING RIGHTS WITH WIN OVER FINCH By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Home Counties Cricket League

WOKINGHAM got the better of FINCHAMPSTEAD in a local clash with a 20-run win. The Oaks batted first and started off superbly as Billy Rogers went on to smash 130 runs, while Danny Housego hit 61 to help their team onto a big total. Lewis Sharp, Liam Bulteel and Guy Ashby took two wickets each as Wokingham finished with a total of 294. Finch opener Gregory Smith hit 42, while Michael O’Donahue boosted the score in the middle of the order with 78. But Finch fell 20 runs short as they ended their 50 overs on 274.

BCM Championship

Ben Moffat at the crease for Finch

WEST READING soared to the top of the table after they defeated Penn & Tylers Green away from home. Opening batsman Adam Davidson survived the entire innings as he totted up 89 runs, with West Reading finishing on 224 from 45 overs. Usamah Mahmood and Hafeez Ul-Wahab collected three wickets each as Penn were bowled all out on 177 from 32.1 overs. SHINFIELD suffered defeat at home at the hands of Ley Hill. Muhammad Hafeez took three wickets for Shinfield, but they fell 39 runs short. CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD lost out away to Braywood in a 239-run loss.

against Denham. Denham finished their innings on 203 after Andy Robertson took three wickets for Emmbrook. 64 runs from Ollie Williams helped the Bears on their way as they wrapped up the win after 44 overs.

CMB Premiership

BCL Premier Division

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD earned 35 points on their travels with victory

FARLEY HILL sit at the top of the table after they beat WEST READING 2s.

Chilterns Division Two EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s climbed up to third with a six-wicket triumph over Knotty Green 3s. Ravi Balakrishnan took five wickets for the Bears to bowl Knotty all out for just 63. Emmbrook sealed the points after 10.3 overs, dropping four wickets.

Prakash Krishnamurthy picked up four wickets for Farley, while Reading set a total of 142. Farley surpassed the chase after 30.1 overs after Michael Sheridan hit 49 runs. SHINFIELD 2s took 12 points despite losing at Welford Park, while WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE put seven points on the board after defeat to Mortimer.

BCL Division 1A BERKSHIRE ROYALS took 10 points after they lost by three wickets to Peppard Stoke Row 2s. READING LIONS lost out to Stallions but picked up 12 points in the process, while WEST READING 3s were beaten by Checkendon. EARLEY lost out at home by six wickets to Silchester.

Wokingham’s appeals for a wicket are turned down

CROWS COYOTES ENJOY FUN IN THE SUN IN MALAGA TRIP By LOU ROBERTS sport@wokingham.today CROWTHORNE & Crownwood were delighted to welcome 12 new young and aspiring Dynamos cricket players to the club.

There was a positively energetic vibe amongst the new joiners, many for whom it was their first time playing cricket. The Coyotes Women’s team had a stonker of a week both at home and away on their travels to Malaga Six players (known as the Malaga six) embarked on their first ever tour and had two days in the glorious sunshine. The team qualified into the championships on day two where they played their socks off. They didn’t come home as winners, however the Tour

Company have awarded the players with the ‘Cricket Spirit Fair Play Award’ Meanwhile, back at Crows HQ, the Coyotes took part in the Serious Cricket Home Counties Super 8’s Competition against Steventon. The team’s dynamics with their bowling, batting and bowling secured a victory in both matches, impressively taking eight wickets in their first match and 10 wickets in their second. The Midweek XI got their league campaign off to a flying start with a one wicket win over Bracknell CC. Bowling first with the new T20 kit on display the bowling attack did not disappoint, restricting the visitors to 121 after 20 overs. Using all the deliveries, the side knocked off the runs finishing it on the last ball of the game.

Crows Coyotes Super 8’s with coach Matt Jones

SPORT | 19

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, May 19, 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 Eversley celebrate tacking a wicket Picture: Steve Smyth

THAMES VALLEY CRICKET

EVERSLEY EDGED OUT IN HOME DEFEAT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Division 1

EVERSLEY suffered their first blow of the season after losing to Stoke Green. Eversley batted brilliantly as Oli Parsons (108) and Sam Kennet (111) helped to set a high target of 299. James Magowan bowled well with 4-50, while Stoke Green held their nerve to win with four wickets to spare.

Ben Salter bowling for Eversley

Thames Valley Division 2B

BINFIELD lead the way after they won away at Sulhamstead & Ufton. Binfield defended a first innings total of 195 to take the points as R Pidgen (5-23) helped to remove Sulhamstead for 134. WOKINGHAM 2s made it back-toback wins with a thumping victory over FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s. The Oaks set a massive total of 354 after 85 from Javani Carty. Finch fell 229 runs short as Hunter Greyling took three wickets for Wokingham.

Eversley appeal for a wicket that is turned

Thames Valley Division 3A

Stoke Green batting against Eversley

An Eversley fielder goes down with cramp

SONNING are in second after they earned a convincing win over WARGRAVE 2s. Peter Dean batted an impressive innings by collecting 154 runs not out.

Wargrave were 153 runs short after being bowled all out. WHITE WALTHAM lost out by 43 runs to Windsor.

Thames Valley Division 4A

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s made it two wins from two with a triumph over Henley 3s. G Loveday was one away from a century, while M Jones hit 82 as Finch ended on 331. WOKINGHAM 3s earned their first win of the season against Purley-on-Thames. The Oaks won by 29 runs after D Carpenter (4-18) and Jamie Cable (331) contributed to bowl out Purley on 130.

Thames Valley Division 5A

WARGRAVE 3s are one point off the top after they got the better of Burnham 3s. P Toffolo totalled 88 runs as Wargrave beat the chase after 31.1 overs.

Thames Valley Division 5B

EVERSLEY 2s lead the way after they won by 81 runs at BRACKNELL. BINFIELD 2s made it two wins from two by beating Bagshot 2s by three wickets after Steve Jeffrey collated 86 runs. READING 2s lost by seven wickets at home to Purley-onThames 2s.

RUGBY

BRACKNELL U13 GIRLS ENJOY END OF SEASON TRIP BRACKNELL Rugby Club’s U13 Girls team finished their season on a high with an end of season trip to Bristol.

The team has been building up playing numbers over the season which started in September. The girls and parents wanted to finish the great season off with a rugby tour if possible, so set about finding a location and team to play and managed to pull a plan together for 10 girls and families to go to Bristol. On Saturday, May 7, the team set off for Bristol where the girls collected their tour goodie bag. Once they had arrived, they set off to watch Bristol ladies v Quins ladies which kicked off at 2:30 pm and the girls and parents enjoyed a high scoring game which saw Harlequins defeating Bristol Bears 43-26 at a sunny Ashton Gate to secure all five points and head back to South West London with smiles on their faces. Sunday started off with a great

breakfast to fuel up for the day’s activities and this was followed by some crazy golf at an indoor centre in the heart of Bristol. This was as competitive as ever with a large amount of fun. The team took the short journey to North Bristol rugby club where they were met by their U13s. They had kindly arranged for their club to be open as the season had just finished the week before. The parents enjoyed the cub house hospitality and the coaches prepared the girls for the match which was due to kick off at 1:30 pm. The match was played with adapted out of season RFU rules and these were explained to both sets of girls. The match kicked off and it was a fast-paced game with both teams trying to understand each other’s game plan. North Bristol were applying more

The Bracknell team on their trip to Bristol and more pressure and they converted the pressure into the first try of the game. The Bracknell side needed to bounce straight back so they kicked the ball to North Bristol and managed to pin them in their own half and the pressure created and turn over and the Bracknell girls crossed the white line for their first try. The first-half was a real arm wrestle with both teams working really hard in defence and the attack was struggling to make many easy

Bracknell RFC U13’s playing squad yards. Bracknell’s pressure started to pay off and at halftime, the score was 4-2 to Bracknell. The second half started with Bracknell scoring very quickly off some strong direct running and then moving the ball quickly to the wing and this allowed our wingers the space to attack and run in untouched. The girls realised the quicker they played, the more space we had to attack and had scored four quick tries. The game became very tight with

no one scoring for several minutes whilst the team tried to work out how to unlock the stalemate. Bracknell attacked the space behind the North Bristol line and this forced them to defend deeper and managed to exploit some holes in their defence to score a few more times. The game finished 10-3 in Bracknell’s favour. n For more details about joining Bracknell Rugby Club, visit: https://www. bracknellrugbyclub.com/

20 | SPORT

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 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

FINCH COMPLETE LEAGUE AND CUP DOUB BTC SENIOR CUP FINAL

Callum Vallance celebrates his extra-time winner Pictures: Andrew Batt By James Payne sport@wokingham.today

Finchampstead 2 Richings Park 1 FINCHAMPSTEAD FC got their hands on more silverware as they completed a league and cup double.

Having secured the Thames Valley Premier League title for the second consecutive season last weekend after holding off a title challenge from Burghfield.

Finch are presented with the trophy

Finch were crowned league champions with 20 wins, two draws and four losses from 25 games as they finished four points above Burghfield and then set their sights on winning the BTC Senior Cup. It was a frantic start to the game as both teams took a while to settle and deal with the occasion in front of the crowd at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Richings Park created a few decent chances, the most notable, a counter attack from

a Finch corner which led to the striker’s header rebounding off the post and out of play. Finch started to settle down and play their football and saw immediate success as they took the lead on 17 minutes when Alex Woodhead smashed the ball home at the second time of asking following some brilliant build up play with Joel Day delivering into the box. Finch started to keep the ball for large parts but Richings were always threatening, especially on the counter

attack, both teams continued to create chances but a fantastic pass cutting through the Finch defence and a wonderful finish helped Richings level the cup final in the 32nd minute. Shortly after the equaliser, Richings had to play the remainder of the half with 10 men following a sin bin. This allowed Finch to push forward and try to regain the initiative, but after some gritty defending followed by a fair bit of time wasting, Richings were able to comfortably go into

half-time level. The second half started much the same, with Finch continuing to play the football from out the defence but struggled to find options on the final third to break their opponents down. Richings started to threaten more as the half went on and

around the 70th minute mark they had a few free kicks in dangerous areas and looked the more likely to score. Ethan Simons was introduced for Nathan Collins, and the whole dynamics of the game changed as Ethan was put at striker which allowed Aqeel to drop back into central

SPORT | 21

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, May 19, 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

BLE WITH EXTRA-TIME WINNER

From the Tilehurst End Olly Allen

Royals restructure begins with double appointment

midfield. Ethan asked plenty of questions of the Richings defence as he began to stretch the play, the tide started to turn and Finch went on to have a very good end of the second half. With plenty of chances to win it in the final 15 minutes, including a stunning 90th minute save to deny Woodhead from eight yards out, Finch went into extra time with confidence. The first half of extra time fell

flat, neither side created many chances and fatigue started to take its toll on both sides. With 15 minutes left the atmosphere was incredibly tense as the thought of penalties started to get into the mindset of both players and supporters. The game started to stretch out with plenty of space to be found for both sides. Richings thought they had won the game in the 113 minute as the

number 9 was again put through but struck the side netting. The double blow was then dealt as on 115 minutes Woodhead picked out a delightful ball slowly entering the box from right to left to find an unmarked on running Callum Vallance who slotted it into the bottom right hand corner to give Finch the lead. The noise was electric with cheers from the Finch fans, and encouragement to go again for Richings Park.

The game played out with a few long balls into the Finch box but all were dealt with, and the champions held on to their lead in true champions style. FINCHAMPSTEAD: Jones, Pawson, Finch, J Payne, Francis, Collins, N Payne (c), Day, Woodhead, Vallance, Butt SUBS: Simons, Parmer, Chaffin, Bulteel, Sawyer GOALS: Woodhead 17’ Vallance 115’

READING FC

FORMER BOSS BOWEN MAKES ROYALS RETURN AS HEAD OF FOOTBALL By ANDY PRESTON aprestom@wokingham.today FORMER Reading FC boss Mark Bowen has returned to the club as Head of Football Operations.

Bowen left his managerial role at AFC Wimbledon and returned to the Royals, where has previously been manager and sporting director. The Welshman initially joined the Royals in March 2019 as a technical consultant. This role was then changed to sporting director in August 2019. 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 to take up his previous role and departed the club. Chief Executive Dayong Pang said, “We have a very important summer in front of us as we look to plan and prepare for another challenge in the Championship in 2022-23 - so I am delighted that Mark has agreed to join us to help spearhead those preparations as

Head of Football Operations. “Owner Mr Dai and I recognise the considerable impact an appointment of this nature can make within the structure of the club and, as well as boasting a huge level of experience in football at the highest level, in Mark we have appointed an individual who possesses a very clear, strong understanding of Reading Football Club and the specific challenges we face. “He will provide valuable guidance, a football-driven focus and consistency.”

EMARKABLY, Reading have ended up giving a firefighting managerial job to a man who didn’t want to be a firefighting manager and the head of football operations role to a man who didn’t want to be a head of football operations. For the avoidance of doubt, that’s Paul Ince in the former role and Mark Bowen in the latter. Both men’s positions were confirmed within five minutes of each other on Monday evening as the club finally got their act together in the communications department. Let’s take them one by one. Starting with Ince, who said last year he wanted to manage a club where there was a long-term project. He didn’t want to take a short-term role with no cash to spend. But that’s exactly what he did when he replaced Veljko Paunovic at the helm in February and it’s not too far off from the situation he finds himself in now his interim position has been made permanent. While there’s no longer the short-term goal of surviving relegation in 11 weeks, that will undoubtedly be the goal across the whole of next season. Reading have had no semblance of a plan that a manager can embody for some time now and we are still not allowed to spend money in the transfer market. That’s not a project, that’s a rescue mission. Then there’s Bowen who turned down a head of football operations role at Reading less than two years ago – or sporting director as it was called back (they’ve rebadged it, you fool!). The Welshman later admitted he felt he wouldn’t have enjoyed doing the job and wanted to be a manager instead. So what’s different now? For both men, they have probably reassessed their own ambitions and credentials. Ince – who had not managed in over eight years before February – has probably realised he is unlikely to get a role at this level of the pyramid anywhere else. Meanwhile, Bowen spent 19 months out of work after leaving Reading before joining Wimbledon in March – who he promptly suffered relegation to League Two with. He was hardly going to be flooded with phone calls from owners either. More optimistically, perhaps they both believe that things are changing at Reading. Ince has previously said he would only stay at the club if he and the owner agreed on the structure and culture that should be in place – and by agree I mean that Dai Yongge is prepared to take guidance from Ince, who despite his faults at least knows what a competent structure should look like. The arrival of Bowen behind the scenes is certainly a sign that some kind of framework is being put in place. Ince and Bowen aren’t exactly the dream team, but neither of them are going into the new season blind. They should both be well aware of the problems and challenges that exist at the football club. I just hope that they have the solutions.

22 | SPORT

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 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

FC BAPCO SMASH SIX TO TAKE SILVERWARE, FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

Berks County progressed to the cup final on penalties Pictures: Andrew Batt By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

win.

Tilehurst Charity Cup Final

FC BAPCO: Eaton, Parkes, Francis, Chowdhary, Davies, downes, Bell, Edwards, Parker, Palmer, Buckett Subs: Edwards, Palmer, le Paih, Watkiss, Downes

FC BAPCO got their hands on the trophy after they hit six past FC SPORTY. Bapco displayed clinical finishing in their final which was played at the Select Car Leasing Stadium with two goals from Buckett and strikes from Bell, Palmer, Edwards and Parker to help them to a 6-2

Bracknell Spartan Vets v Panthers Pictures: Andrew Batt

Combined Counties League Cup Final BERKS COUNTY FC booked their place in the cup final after they defeated British Airways. The Swords went in front through Griffiths only to be

pegged back by British Airways. Berks restored their lead when Hobbs put them 2-1 ahead, but Airways ensured that the cup tie wasn’t sealed when they found another equaliser to take the game to a penalty shootout. The Swords were flawless from the spot as they held their nerve to score all five of their spot-kicks, while Airways’ second taker missed which meant Berks won 5-4 to progress. The final will take place

at Stag Meadow, Windsor on Saturday, May 21. Berks County: Harris, Griffiths, Edwards, Lee, Akem-Che, Money, Laverty, Brighton, Hayden, Allen, Sackey Subs: Epoku-Ware, Craske, Eatwell, Miller, Hobbs

Bracknell & District Sunday League Cup BRACKNELL SPARTAN VETS ensured they made it through to the Supplementary Cup final. Bracknell booked their place

in the final as they progressed with a 4-1 victory. 3M stormed through to the final with a convincing triumph over HOPE & ANCHOR. In a 10-goal contest, 3M took the match 7-3 in the high scoring cup tie. They will face 3M in the final which will take place on Sunday, May 22 at the SB Group Stadium, Sandhurst.

Mick White Subsidiary Cup

BRACKNELL CAVALIERS made it to the final of the competition after a successful shootout against WILLIAM TWIGG RESERVES. The teams were locked level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, which meant the game was decided from the penalty spot. Cavaliers held their nerve to get through with a 4-3 shootout success. They will battle it out for silverware against BRACKNELL ATHLETIC on Sunday (3pm kick-off) which will also be

SPORT | 23

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, May 19, 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

SWORDS BOOK PLACE IN FINAL

From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

Changes at the PGMO

played at the SB Group Stadium, Sandhurst.

BTC Junior Cup Final FR MAVERICKS will face MAIDENHEAD TOWN A in the final of the competition as they fight to take the trophy. The match will take place at the Rivermoor Stadium, Scours Lane on Friday, May 20 (7.30pm kick-off),

Youth football The past week has been one of success for WOODLEY UNITED FC which started on Saturday, May 7 with the u9 Hurricanes, u9

Cyclones and u11 Spitfires enjoying success at the Sandhurst Town Boys and Girls tournament. The weekend of May, 14 and 15 was Berkshire Youth Development League’s cup finals weekend at Reading FC’s Rivermoor Stadium. On Saturday Woodley United u10 Kestrels won the challenge cup, a cup they won the year before in the u9 age group. Sunday morning saw the u13 Spitfires come from a goal behind against Purley Jubilee Lions, in the Plate final, at half time to equalise in the second half through Danny Brown. With the score one all at full time the match went to penalties with Lions taking the opening kick.

The first six kicks were successfully scored before Ollie Player saved Purley’s fourth kick. Both teams converted the next kicks leaving Ed Hewitt to score Woodley’s fifth and final kick to give United the win and 5-4 on spot kicks. Woodley’s other penalty scorers were Lucas Allen, Adam Stevens, Felix Sanderson and Brown. A wet afternoon saw Woodley United’s u8 Mohawks emerge victorious in an all Woodley United Plate Final against the u8 Hurricanes. Hurricanes Alfred Mansaray was awarded the Player of the Match trophy. To complete the week the u17 Mohawks were declared winners of

Division Four of East Berks Football Alliance.

Vets football WOODLEY UNITED FC’S VETS team retained the Hellenic League Challenge cup they won in 2019. The Vets met Chinnor Vets at Milton United FC’s ground and went into half time leading 1-0 through a Loic Stodawa penalty late in the first half. Chinnor enjoyed the better of the opening period of the second half and equalised. However, United sealed the win with substitute Stuart Birkett scoring the winner when one on one with the Chinnor keeper, two minutes from full time.

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

KINGS COMPETE IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL FINALS By Staff Writer sport@wokingham.today THAMES Valley Kings wheelchair basketball club had two teams on display this weekend at the British Wheelchair Basketball National Championship finals.

Kings Juniors had qualified after two huge wins at the Elite 8s finals competition in April and were set to face Wakefield Whirlwinds in the Junior League Final - a game shown on BBC Sport via IPlayer. The game unfortunately did not go their way as they struggled to

settle into the game. Whirlwinds picked up the win 27-61. Kings coaching staff were ultimately pleased with the overall performance of the team throughout the season and finishing second in the country is a great achievement for this young team. In National League Division Three Finals, Kings III qualified as the best divisional runner-up. The Semi-final was a tough affair against Division Three North Winners, Tee Valley Mohawks III. Mohawks applied pressure

throughout the game to Kings who struggled to break down the quick offensive players at times. Mohawks took the big win 28-51 and would go on to become Division Three National champions after beating Sheffield Steelers III who

beat Brixton Ballers in the other Semi-final. Ballers and Kings III won a game apiece in the regular season. Both teams won their home gamea by seven points - with a points difference of zero - the third/ fourth playoff would be a hotly contested match. Kings III managed to apply defensive pressure in the second half to edge ahead and build a lead to pick up the 51-39 win. With that win, Kings III picked up the Bronze medal by finishing third Nationally in Division Three.

HANGES are planned at the PGMO, which is responsible for referees in the Premier League, at the end of this season. First of all, three of its long serving referees are retiring. Martin Atkinson, who became the number one referee in the country after Howard Webb went to America to set up the trial of VAR at the MLS. Jonathan Moss is also retiring from refereeing on the PGMO. His refereeing has not always gone smoothly. There was the unprecedented public correcting of one of his decisions, by Mike Riley, head of the PGMO and Arsenal supporters got up a petition to stop him refereeing any more of their games. Mike Dean, the longest ever serving Premier League referee, with over 550 games to his credit and having issued the highest number of red cards has also retired. He is just as well known for his somewhat theatrical gestures. I have only met him once and was surprised how quietly he spoke in view of his flamboyant nature on the football field. But that’s not all the changes. Both Atkinson and Moss have been given new jobs in a revised set up. The PGMO costs about £23m a year which is met by the FA, the Football League, and the Premier League. We are told the reorganisation, which has come about after criticism that the standard of referees reaching the top level has been falling, will cost another £500,000 a year. What I find slightly odd is that Mike Riley is also ‘introducing’ a sport scientist to the group. Back in Keith Hackett’s time as head of the PGMO there were two sport scientists. Mathew Weston and Simon Breivik, who I remember listening to and hastily scribbling his comments on making referees fitter in my note book. There was also a sprint coach as, of course, the game has got much quicker and referees need to be able to keep up with it, to make the best decisions. A vision scientist and a sport psychologist were also used. Keith Hackett commissioned Professor Don McClaren to produce nutritional advice for referees and I would be happy to email a copy of his booklet to any referee who would like one. I don’t know how much of this has been scrapped like the Prozone which I have written about before, but it now seems that Mike Riley is having to revive at least some of it, whilst changing its management.

24 | SPORT

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 19, 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

BULMERSHE GYMNASTICS CLUB

BULMERSHE COACH BOWS OUT ON A HIGH Mat Budsworth with the younger boys

By Staff Writer sport@wokingham.today MAT Budsworth bows out on a high AFTER a decade of successful coaching at Bulmershe Gymnastics Club, Mat Budsworth has decided to step back and return to his native north.

As Head of Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, he transformed the performance of the squad, and created winners at both national and regional levels. This weekend was Mat’s last competition, and the boys took the final opportunity to do him proud with two of them excelling across the apparatus to become All Around Regional Champions – Max Kendall in the U18 age group and Oliver Hanson in the U8. While Max and Oliver won the all around competition, and each secured five of the six individual apparatus competitions, numerous squad members won gold across pieces, including Josh Baldwin (U18) floor, and Benjamin Neville (U16) on rings. Rio Chandiram (U14) narrowly missed out on the individual golds, but secured bronze in the all around competition. In the younger development age groups, the U9 boys performed strongly with golds for Eli Congram on rings, Oliver Salter on floor, and Louis Ajala on vault and high bar. Theodore Branker won the U8 vault competition.

Paying tribute to the club’s two most successful teams in their history, Steve Coppell’s immortal ‘106’ team who won promotion to the top flight for the first time in Reading’s history will face Brian McDermott’s 2011/12 Championship winning team. Both legendary managers will be in the Royals dugout for one last time, while captains Graeme Murty and Jobi Mcanuff will do battle on the pitch at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Both managers etched themselves into Reading FC history with respective promotion winning teams

BTC Senior Cup final Finchampstead 2-1 Richings Park

Saturday, May 14 CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Wokingham (294-7) beat Finchampstead (274-9)

CMB Premiership Denham (203-8) lost to Emmbrook & Bearwood (204-7) Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (68-4) beat Knotty Green 3s (65 all out)

Mat Kendall and Josh Baldwin on the podium together Mat said: “This has been an awesome send off at the South Regional Championships. I’ve had the privilege of working with some excellent young gentlemen in my time at the club, and had the honour of watching them grow up into fine young adults. “The boys made me proud today

Mat Budsworth with the older boys

by smashing it at the Regional Champs, bringing home plenty of silverware.” Gymnasts Josh Baldwin, Max Kendall and Benjamin Neville had all grown up with Mat over the last 10 years, and were saddened at the departure. Melissa Baldwin, Josh’s mum was

ROYALS LEGENDS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD IN UNIQUE ANNIVERSARY MATCH A plethora of club legends from Reading FC will be putting on the blue and white hoops this weekend to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary this weekend.

Friday, May 13

BCM Championship Braywood (322-8) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (83 all out) Penn & Tylers Green (177 all out) lost to West Reading (224-9) Shinfield (226 all out) lost to Ley Hill (265-6)

READING FC

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today

RESULTS

to the top flight of English football. Coppell became the first Royals boss in history to lead his team to the top division when his team took the Championship by storm in the 2005/06, finishing with a remarkable 106 points, a record that still stands today, to win a place in the Premier League. The Royals made a seamless transition to life in the Premier League in their debut season in the 2006/07 campaign and achieved an astonishing eighth placed finish. The second season proved a lot more tricky as Coppell’s side were relegated back to the Championship on the final day of the 2007/08 season. Meanwhile, McDermott led the Royals back to the Premier League for their second stint in the top flight. Having narrowly missed out on promotion, losing the play-off final to another former

Royals manager, Brendan Rodgers, and his Swansea City side in an enthralling 4-2 battle at Wembley, McDermott’s men dusted themselves off and came back stronger the next season. His team finished with 89 points on the way to the Championship title as they soared past West Ham United and Southampton in the final months of the season with two particularly memorable victories away against both of those clubs. Reading survived just one season back in the Premier League and were relegated having finished in 19th position, finishing the season with Nigel Adkins in charge after McDermott was dismissed in March 2013. n For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: https:// ticketing.readingfc.co.uk/en-GB/ categories/home

heartbroken, said: “I am so proud of everything Josh has achieved at Bulmershe. It was amazing to see the boys all having a great time and supporting each other. “They have been such a close group of lads with an extremely tight friendship one which I hope they never lose.”

ROWING

PUPIL GETS CALL UP FOR GB ROWING SQUAD

LOCAL schoolboy Zak Jenkins has been selected for the GB Junior Rowing Squad. Zak, a former pupil of Waverley Prep School in Wokingham, who is now in Year 10 at Leighton Park School in Reading, was thrilled to receive the news. Zak was recently invited to the squad’s first training camp over the Easter holidays at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham. Zak’s gold medal at the recent Henley winter regatta, his indoor rowing machine times and past racing history all contributed to his selection. At 15 years and two months old, he now becomes the youngest member of the GB Junior rowing squad. Zak, who now rows for Henley Rowing Club, is very excited to be starting on this journey that could hopefully lead to international representation.

BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames (230-9) lost to Sandhurst (231-5) Waltham St Lawrence (210-8) lost to Mortimer West End (212-2) Welford Park (165 all out) beat Shinfield (150 all out) West Reading 2s (142 all out) lost to Farley Hill (144-2) BCL Division 1A Earley (265-8) lost to Silchester (266-4) Berkshire Royals (161 all out) lost to Peppard Stoke Row (162-7) West Reading 3s (148 all out) lost to Checkendon (287-2) BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (189-5) beat Shinfield 3s (188 all out) Farley Hill 2s (221-9) lost to Rangers (222-3) Reading United 2s (168 all out) lost to Warfield (172-5) Twyford & Ruscombe (204-9) beat Stallions 2s (202-7) Woodley (150-8) beat Earley 2s (149 all out) BCL Division 2 Mortimer West End 2s (195-8) lost to West Reading 4s (196-5) Reading United 3s (240-7) beat Welford Park 2s (158-8) BCL Division 3 Checkendon 2s (204-9) beat Twyford & Ruscombe 2s (145 all out) Crowthorne & Crown Wood 3s (108 all out) Shinfield 4s (170-9) Sandhurst 2s (36-0) beat Earley 3s (35 all out) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (299-8) lost to Stoke Green (303-6) Thames Valley Division 2B Cove (303-7) beat Hurst (149 all out) Sulhamstead & Ufton (134 all out) lost to Binfield (195 all out) Reading (208-8) beat Slough

2s (207-8) Finchampstead 2s (125 all out) lost to Wokingham 2s (354-8) Thames Valley Division 3A Sonning (277-4) beat Wargrave 2s (124 all out) Windsor (191-7) lost to White Waltham (148 all out) Thatcham Town (183 all out) beat Theale & Tilehurst (125 all out) Thames Valley Division 4A Henley 3s (299-9) lost to Finchampstead 3s (331-7) Wokingham 3s (159 all out) beat Purley on Thames (130 all out) Thames Valley Division 5B Purley on Thames 2s (165 all out) lost to Reading 2s (168-3) Binfield 2s (228-7) beat Bagshot 2s (227-5) Finchampstead 4s (123 all out) lost to Sonning 2s (124-8) Bracknell (178 all out) lost to Eversley 2s (259-9)

FIXTURES

Saturday, May 21 CRICKET Home Counties Premier 1 Aston Rowant v Finchampstead Wokingham v Oxford

Home Counties Division 2 Great Brickhill v Wargrave Berkshire Cricket League Championship Braywood v Shinfield West Reading v Crowthorne & Crown Wood CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood v Monks Risborough Chilterns Division Two Penn & Tylers Green 2s v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s BCL Premier Division Farley Hill v Waltham St Lawrence Shinfield 2s v Stratfield Turgis Woodcote v West Reading BCL Division 1A Reading Lions v Earley Reading United v Peppard Stoke Row Silchester v Berkshire Royals Home Counties Women’s Softball Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Binfield Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley v Ickenham Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield v Cove Hurst v Royal Ascot Fleet v Wokingham 2s Finchampstead 2s v Reading Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham v Bagshot Harpsden v Sonning Wargrave 2s v Kidmore End Thames Valley Division 4A Finchampstead 3s v Falkland 2s Taplow v Wokingham 3s

Wokingham Today, May 19, 2022

Articles inside

NEW START FOR COLLEGE SITE

MP’S PLEA TO SAVE HISTORIC SITE