Wokingham Today, May 25, 2023

COVERING

FINCHAMPSTEAD,

Greenredeem points to be voided as scheme ends

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

FOR more than a decade, it has helped Wokingham borough residents get to grips with their waste but next month the partnership comes to an end.

The Greenredeem scheme sees people rewarded for taking everyday eco-actions, aimed at reducing waste and increasing recycling.

Residents could save points for rewards or donate them to schools and charities.

There were also pointers and advice to help people live a more ethical lifestyle. There were also competitions, a carbon tracker and a zero waste map.

Funding for the Greenredeem scheme has been axed by Wokingham Borough Council, meaning residents will lose all points collected on July 1. The final date points will be issued for recycling will be June 23.

In a blog post on its website, Greenredeem wrote: “We’ve had over 10 years within the borough and it has been our privilege to bring so much joy into the community.”

Wokingham Borough Council says the axe is due to budgetary pressures caused by rising inflation and the lack of government funding.

They felt the priority needed to go elsewhere.

Cllr Ian Shenton, the executive member of environment, sport and leisure, said: “The council is in a really difficult position – we are the lowest funded unitary authority in the country, getting £30 million per year less than if we were funded at the average of unitary authorities.

“More than half our annual budget is set aside for adults and children’s services and our budgets are under more pressure than ever before.

“So, we are having to make savings where we can. Reducing waste and increasing recycling is a top priority for us as a council –it’s the right thing to do environmentally but it’s also the right thing to do financially as it costs less to dispose of recycling than it does general rubbish.

“We have had a long partnership with Greenredeem, but we need to make savings where we can.

n Continued on page 6

catastrophic’

Three collisions on roadbusy in the last two months

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

FINCHAMPSTEAD residents have voiced safety concerns about one of the village’s main roads following a series of accidents and near misses.

A number of collisions have been recorded on Reading Road in recent years, including three in the last two months, and residents have called for the 40mph speed limit to be brought down to 30mph.

Gareth Rees set up a website, Reading Road Finchampstead Matters, to documents incidents on the road.

He said: “The overriding feeling is one of frustration. We’ve been trying to highlight our concerns for many years.

“There was an incident where a car crashed into and destroyed a lamppost, which was only five yards from a bus stop where school children often wait.

“It could have been absolutely catastrophic had the timing been different.

n Continued on page 7

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Co-op store targeted by thieves armed with a drill

WWW ABWALKER CO UK

BARKER Robert George (Bob)

Passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 7th May 2023 aged 66 years

His family and friends are coming to terms with living in a world without Bob in it

The Funeral Service will take place in the South Chapel at Reading Crematorium,

WWW ABWALKER CO UK

JEWELL Betty Olive

A CO-OP store in Arborfield has been targeted by thieves armed with a drill and a sledgehammer.

They struck in the early hours of Thursday, May 18.

Thames Valley Police believes the raid was carried out by a gang of three men.

They smashed the doors of the Bramshill Close store using power tools, gaining access.

However, it is not known what was taken.

Now police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesperson said:

“Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a business burglary, which occurred in the early hours of this morning.

“A number of offenders, believed to be three males wearing balaclavas, have broken into the Co-operative Store in Bramhill Close, Arborfield, using a black vehicle, believed to be a Mitsubishi, with no registration plates.

“The offenders have attacked the doors using a

ANTINK Christian

Passed

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crowbar, sledgehammer and drill before entering the store.

“Nobody was injured in the incident and it is not currently known what was stolen.”

They added: “It is possible that the offenders spoke with Irish accents, but no other description is available.”

A spokesperson for Co-op, said: “There was an incident at our Arborfield store in the early hours of this morning (Thursday, May 18) when intruders broke in to the store.

“Nothing has been taken, and we would like to thank the Police – who are investigatingfor the speed of their response.

“We also appeal for anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward.

“The store remains closed temporarily and expects to reopen later today to serve the community.”

Anybody who witnessed the incident or who may have dash-cam, doorbell footage or CCTV images of the incident are urged to contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference 43230217011.

Man convicted after causing death by drug driving

By STAFF WRITER news@wokingham.today

A WOKINGHAM man has been convicted of drug driving but acquitted of causing death by dangerous driving at a hearing in Reading on Wednesday, May 17.

Joshua Julian, 29 and of Skinner Drive, was found guilty by majority jury verdict at Reading Crown Court of causing death by careless driving after a six-day trial.

He was acquitted of the original charge of causing death by dangerous driving, as the two charges have distinct implications.

It followed an incident which took place at the junction of Addington Road and Alexandra

Road in Reading at around 7.15pm on June 10, 2020.

The victim, 35-year-old Tomasz Krohne, was working for a food delivery company when he was cycling towards the Addington Road junction.

As Mr Krohne cycled across the junction, Julian’s vehicle collided with him, causing significant injuries.

Despite the efforts of members of the public and emergency services, Mr Krohne died at the scene.

Julian was driving home from a 12-hour shift, with CCTV footage showing that he was driving at 44mph in a 20mph zone– more than double the limit.

While Julian passed an alcohol breath test, he tested positive for

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cannabis and was subsequently arrested.

A blood sample was taken shortly after which showed a level of around 4.9ug/100ml (micrograms per 100ml) of cannabinoids in his blood, nearly two-and-a-half times the legal limit of 2ug/100ml.

Julian pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle while over the specified limit of drugs and was charged with causing the death of Mr Kohne by careless driving while over the specified limit of drugs on August 4 last year.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Joy Jarvis, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “It has been a long journey for all parties involved and we are satisfied that Joshua

Julian has been convicted of causing death by careless driving whilst over the specific limit of drugs

“We hope that this outcome sends a strong message to drivers. It is simply unacceptable to smoke cannabis and then get behind the wheel of a car.

“As has been demonstrated in this tragic case, taking drugs and driving can have devastating consequences.

“I hope that this conviction will bring some closure to Tomasz Krohne’s family and friends, and our thoughts remain with them.”

Julian has been released on bail to return to Reading Crown Court for sentencing on June 30.

SMASH AND GRAB: The Co-op store in Arborfield was targeted by thieves in the early hours of Thursday, May 18 Picture: Phil Creighton

Youngsters enjoy a special literary day at Hurst school

Former postie swaps packages for pooches

FORMER postie Mick Gorman has swapped packages for pooches.

The 62-year-old was a well-known figure pounding the pavements of Sonning with his mail bag for 41 years.

But after retiring last September, he quickly became bored and decided to get back on the streets.

Now the former mail man has combined his love of dogs with a love of walking to set up a dog walking business.

Mick, who also offers a dog sitting service, says the venture has the full backing of his own labrador, 10-year-old Murphy.

“I loved being a postie and got to know so many people in Sonning as well as across Reading when I started out way back in 1981,” he explained.

“I’m used to being out early in all weathers and made friends with many dogs on my rounds. After retiring, I thought of starting my own business to get me out of the house, and what better than doing what I love, walking and walking dogs.”

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

PUPILS at a Hurst school enjoy their annual literary celebration on Saturday, as authors and illustrators shared some of their secrets.

The Dolphin School Book Fest is a celebration of all things reading.

The Waltham Road school was decorated with bunting, while the HomeMade Theatre Co. were at the gates with their bird puppets to welcome families with a memorable meet and greet.

A poetry corner saw pupils perform verse they had learnt earlier in the year for a Poetry-byHeart contest.

Writing and illustration workshops were set up with guests Katya Balen and Mini Grey.

To entice people to The Greatest Show on Earth, a handful of youngsters paraded the school ground wearing sandwich boards and shouting ‘Roll Up, Roll Up’ for the event covering Mini Grey’s journey through the evolution of our planet with cartoon-style characters setting the scene.

Paul Jackson, storyteller extraordinaire, set up Dolphin’s music room with an array of traditional rugs, cloths and rare and unusual musical instruments; his session was packed as the kora he was playing gently welcomed everyone in.

Dolphin School spokesperson said his storytelling was mesmerising and his clever use of traditional musical instruments, such as the West African ‘harp’ (or kora) gave it an almost mystical atmosphere.

Later in the day, a small group of Year Six and Seven pupils performed a dramatic reading of a piece from Katya Balen’s story, The Light in Everything, which has been short-listed for the Carnegie Award for 2023.

This was followed with an interview by the pupils who posed some interesting and insightful questions for Katya.

Katya’s earlier book, October, October, won the Carnegie in 2022, so she is no stranger to award winning.

A parent-run café, and a bookshop from Mostly Books of Abingdon, were bustling as children and parents came out of workshops with newly made paper bird puppets, drawings and story ideas.

“It was a very full programme, and everyone was in great spirits,” the spokesperson said. “All this with free entry for the Dolphin community and visitors from the local area – roll on Book Fest 2024.”

Mick is fully insured, DBS checked and even took a first aid course for dogs: “Animals can sometimes need emergency treatment covering things like a bee sting which can be just as dangerous for them as for people.

“I learnt how to give a dog the kiss of life, by closing their mouth and blowing through their nose. I really love dogs and have owned one for most of my life. My chocolate lab, Murphy, is a big lad but very friendly and he’s given me the OK to walk other dogs.

“As a postie, I was only bitten twice in 41 years and on both occasions it was by an Alsatian. The problem is not so much the dog but the owner. I always used to carry biscuits and they helped me make friends with so many wonderful dogs on my rounds.”

Mick’s new business will cover Sonning , Woodley and Charvil. As well as one-off walkies, he will also provide regular walks and offers an overnight stay if required.

n For more information, Mick can be contacted at: WalkieswithMick@outlook.com

Paul Jackson storytelling

A rapt audience enjoys one of the talks

Handmade Theatre entertain

William Lewis (9) with author, Mini Grey

Dolphin School in Hurst held a book festival on Saturday. The Musson family were among those browsing the

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man band?

chose

Charges for knife crime and sexual offences rise

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

THAMES Valley Police’s chief constable has said he is ‘proud’ of the force’s work over the past year, after figures revealed an increase in charges for knife crime and sexual offences.

Speaking to Wokingham

Today, Jason Hogg offered his thoughts on statistics released by the force on Friday, documenting its activity during the previous financial year, April 1, 2022, to March 23, 2023.

CC Hogg said: “I’m very proud of the job our officers, staff and volunteers do in keeping our communities in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire safe, not only by responding to emergencies but also disrupting and preventing crime across our area.

“The data we’ve published shows the complexity, depth and breadth of the work officers in Thames Valley have done in the last 12 months.

“We’ve had over a million contacts from members of the public in the last year, we’ve deployed to 170,000 incidents and arrested 31,000 people – a third of those were for domestic abuse.

“In addition, we’ve policed some very high profile events, the ones we do every year like Henley Regatta, Royal Ascot and Reading Festival, but also the funeral of the Queen, the coronation concert in

Windsor two weeks ago and even the visit of President Zelenskyy at Chequers.

“We’ve had a very, very busy year, but I think we’ve made some really important progress in some priority areas.”

Action on domestic abuse and violence against women and girls has been one such area for TVP, and data shows a 27% increase in formal action in these cases, rising from 3,138 to 3,987.

The force also saw a 52% rise in charges for sexual offences (not including rape) and a 35% rise in stalking and harassment charges.

There was a small drop in charges brought in rape cases, with the figure falling from 126 to 121.

CC Hogg believes this is because the numbers in question are relatively small, but assured the public the issue is being monitored and scrutinised closely.

“In the past, we have prioritised rape over other sexual offences,” he explained. “But this year, the change we have made by making violence against

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women and girls, as a whole, a priority, so we have had more officers investigating sexual offence crimes.

“We’ve recently put a dedicated rape team in place to oversee all rape investigations across the Thames Valley. That team is working hand in hand with dedicated specialists within the CPS.

“I’m very confident that those relationships we’ve built will lead to putting more cases to the CPS for early advice.”

CC Hogg cited the 42% decrease in the homicide cases as the figure he was most proud of. There were 13 murders and one manslaughter in 2022/23, compared to the 21 murders and three manslaughters in the previous year.

Knife crime makes up a large portion of TVP’s violence reduction unit’s work, and has been an important part of the drop in homicides.

During the 2022/23 cycle, 841 knife crime arrests were made.

“We’ve done a lot of work. We’ve done 10,000 patrols of the 67 hotspots which we’ve mapped, not just by using police data, but data we have from local authorities, third sector partners and hospital admissions as well.

“Part of that is being proactive and looking for those individuals who we do know carry knives, but also engaging often with young people when we’re out and

about in those locations.”

TVP has officers working in schools who explain the dangers of carrying knives and the police’s role and powers to keep people safe.

“Increased charges for knife crime and sexual offences show how our proactive work targeting these crime types is showing real progress,” CC Hogg said.

“But behind these numbers are the victims of crime, and a priority for us over the coming year is to place them at the centre of our service and work tirelessly to improve our service to all.

To 6 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 25, 2023

“I would like to see further improvements in relation to tackling violence against women and girls, it’s important that we have sustained improvement with this being a priority going forward.

“And then the second area is our levels of robbery, car crime and burglary are still lower than they were pre-Covid. Those areas are starting to rise slightly, particularly burglary. It’s something I’m really keen to keep an eye on to make sure that doesn’t increase further.”

TVP also covers 197 miles of motorway, more than any other police force in the UK, and it has done a significant amount of work to tackle its ‘fatal four’: drink driving, seatbelt wearing, use of mobile phones and speeding. This year, the force saw a 17% reduction in deaths on the roads.

Green Redeem to end

n From front page “We have a fortnightly rubbish and recycling newsletter that reaches more than 16,600 residents that is full of advice on reducing waste and increasing recycling. We also use our social media channels to provide useful information and tips to be more environmentally friendly.

“And we’ll be ramping up our communication with residents as we get closer to the changes we’ll be implementing to our waste collections next year.”

Cllr Rachel Burgess, the leader of Wokingham borough Labour group, felt the blame for the axing lies in Westminster: “It is yet another casualty of the totally inadequate level of government funding that Wokingham receives from the Conservative government,” she said.

Nigel Pearce AIPW

grey-matters-consultancy.com/wokingham

“It is some years since the council declared a climate emergency and yet, due to the lack of proper government funding for local authorities such as Wokingham, it cannot afford to support a service which encourages reusing, recycling and carbon footprint reduction among residents.

“As other authorities have found, the changes to waste collections

coming next year will result in an uptick in recycling rates that I hope will make up for the loss of the scheme.

“It is imperative that the communication and implementation plan for the upcoming changes to waste collection make it as easy as possible for residents to reuse and recycle.”

Cllr Norman Jorgensen, Shadow Executive Member for Finance and Waste Services, said: “It seems the Lib Dems want to cut ties with Greenredeem. Their excuse is that they haven’t got any money. They did find extra money to increase spending on back-office roles.

“Greenredeem was one way to encourage recycling. It is disappointing that the Lib Dems have decided to stop it.

“We want improvements made to the recycling system and to have these communicated effectively.

“Last Autumn when food recycling caddy liners were stopped, they promised that a ‘targeted communications campaign’ would lead to an increase in food recycling rates, saving the Council £350,000. As we predicted, food recycling has not increased, and they missed their savings target.”

Jason Hogg, the chief constable of Thames Valley Police

Fears over road safety Have you got brews for us ...

n From front page

“You hope something gets done before something terrible happens.”

A petition to reduce the speed limit was submitted to Wokingham Borough Council in March 2019, and was signed by 75 people.

The proposals also included moving speed limit signs, implementing speed indicator devices (SIDs), road markings and speed camera enforcement.

Conversations with the council have been ongoing, with progress being made on “the very little things”, according to Mr Rees.

“We’ve even discussed traffic calming, which the council has implemented all over the borough, but there just doesn’t seem to be any appetite to reduce the speed limit,” he said. “The pavement is narrow. You’ve got children and disabled people in wheelchairs using it. They’re encouraging people to cycle, but I wouldn’t be comfortable cycling on this road, when I’m not even happy walking.

“Many residents have given up hope.”

Two temporary speed indicator devices were installed in April, but Mr Rees believes that speed cameras would be more effective.

He also suggested that recorded crash reports could fail to tell the full story, with visible skid marks on the road and pavement implying sudden braking and near misses.

EXCLUSIVE

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

Wokingham Borough Council’s director of place and growth, Simon Dale, said: “Our residents’ safety is our number one priority and we work closely with our partners at Thames Valley Police.

“We understand the request to reduce the speed limit. Once a formal request has been received, the request will be assessed. We will request input from the police and will take their comments into consideration.

“Other considerations that also need to be taken into account are existing speeds, accident records and the characteristics of the road. We would like to reassure residents that we are committed to improving road safety.”

He added that the section of the road is part of the council’s temporary vehicle activated speed signs deployment, which are triggered by speeding vehicles, prompting the driver to check and correct their speed.

The council says it is also looking at installing a permanent feature in this location to remind drivers of their speed.

Requests to change speed limit within the borough and further information can be found on the council website.

Mr Dale added that enforcement of the speed limit is not within the council’s remit, ultimately lying with the police.

A FINCHAMPSTEAD brewery is giving amateur beer makers the chance to pour a prize winning pint.

The Elusive Brewing company’s annual competition could see one home brewer become the toast of drinkers across the country.

The winning beer will be sold in cask, kegs and cans with the creator also picking up a £500 cash prize.

Last year more than 150 amateur brewers from across the UK entered and this year the popular competition is expected to see that number increase.

Andy Parker from Elusive Brewing said: “If the standard is as high as in previous years entrants will need to be at the top of their game to take the win.

“The competition is a great opportunity for people to work with us to design and brew a collaborative beer which we’ll release via our usual channels.

“This doesn’t have to be the winning beer.

“Either the winner’s name or brewery logo will be incorporated into the branding of the collaboration beer. We’ll help arrange a launch event at a venue near you, so friends and family can come down and celebrate too.

“If the winner is looking to turn pro, we’ll be here to help support and guide them.”

Andy said the winning beer should be commercially viable.

The recipe should be submitted along

with the beer scaled to 20 litres at 75% efficiency.

He added: “We’ll use these when judging the final round to help us choose the winner. Choose and use your ingredients judiciously and get the most bang for your buck.

“Think like a pro. We want you to brew a beer that’s accessible and would sell well.

“Have a look at ours or your favourite brewery’s core line-up for inspiration. What do you think they sell the most of and why is that?

“You’ll probably be aiming for something 3.5-5.5% ABV

“Your entry will include 3kg of our house base malt, which is Simpson’s Low Colour Maris Otter, along with 100g of one of our favourite new hops Strata. “You don’t need to use these in your recipe, either the one you enter or the one we create together should you win.

“The beer must have been brewed fresh between your entry being secured and the delivery deadline.

“We’ve allowed three months for this. Aged beers will not be accepted.” n The closing date for entries is Thursday, August 31. Full details at: www.elusivebrewing.com

THE NEXT BIG THING: Elusive Brewing in Finchampstead is looking for home brewers to create a winning brew that could be sold by the company

I’ve Got You

Hypnotherapy: A Promising Solution to Alleviate Exam Stress in Children

As exam season rapidly approaches, the pressure on students is reaching an alltime high Recognising the detrimental effects of exam stress on a child's wellbeing and academic performance, child psychology experts are exploring the benefits of hypnotherapy as a powerful tool to help children cope with the overwhelming stress associated with exams

Hypnotherapy, a therapeutic technique that harnesses the power of suggestion and relaxation, is traditionally associated with aiding adults However, recent studies have highlighted its remarkable efficacy in helping children overcome anxiety and stress

Research has shown that exam stress can have a significant impact on a child's mental and emotional well-being, and future development It can lead to troubled sleep, loss of appetite, lack of concentration, and low self-esteem I’m confident we all know at least one child struggling in this way and wish we could do something to help

This is where hypnotherapy steps in, offering a safe and non-invasive alternative to alleviate exam-related stress

Hypnotherapy works by helping children enter a state of deep relaxation, where they can tap into their subconscious mind Through this process, we can reframe negative thought patterns, boost confidence, and instil a sense of calmness and focus By addressing the underlying stressors, children can approach exams with greater confidence, resilience, and mental clarity

Parents are embracing hypnotherapy as a holistic approach to support their children during exam periods Michelle C, a mother of two in Wokingham, says, "Seeing my children struggle with exam stress was heart-breaking We decided to try hypnotherapy as a last resort, and the results were astonishing The children gained a newfound confidence and approached exams with a sense of calmness I hadn't seen before "

While hypnotherapy can’t replace effective study habits, it acts as a complementary method to help children navigate the psychological challenges associated with exams By reducing stress levels, it enables children to perform at their best without emotionally beating themselves up or comparing themselves to their peers

By embracing the relaxation techniques and positive suggestions they learn in their hypnotherapy session, children develop valuable skills to manage stress and anxiety, ultimately building their self-belief and confidence

With increasing awareness of its benefits, hypnotherapy has emerged as a prominent tool in nurturing the next generation of confident young people

As an advanced practitioner in clinical hypnotherapy I have helped hundreds of men, women and children to slay their personal dragons and move past the limiting beliefs and habits that hold them back from success, happiness, and healthy relationships

Helping children to grow their confidence and self-esteem and let go of the stress and anxiety, that can in many cases become life limiting, is incredibly rewarding

If you know a child who is struggling with exam stress, know that there is help available

Parents can arrange a free discovery call with me to find out more here: www limitlesspotential co uk

*Scan QR code for video version and to arrange a call with me on 0782 804 2204

Visitors enjoyed sunshine at a Winnersh fayre

PEOPLE who came to support a Winnersh church fayre, were able to enjoy some Spring sunshine.

The St Mary The Virgin church event was held to raise funds for the parish, and featured stall holders, plant sales, books, cakes, tombola, a raffle, refreshments and a barbecue.

Church administrator, and one of the organisers, Samantha Robson-Hunt, said: “The day went really well.

“We raised more than £1,600, which beats last year. It’s an amazing amount, and a really important event for us.”

Volunteers, including members of Ms Robson-Hunt’s family, all pitched in to help run the event.

“I roped in my daughters to run a stall, and my husband manned the barbecue,” said Ms Robson-Hunt.

St Mary’s Church is currently without a vicar.

“We’re two years into vacancy (for a church leader) and we rely on all the volunteers to keep things going,” Ms Robson-Hunt continued. “So it’s great that this event will help to support the parish.”

“The weather held, and lots of people were outside sitting in the sunshine.

“It was buzzing with visitors, and there was a lovely atmosphere.

Stall holders sold a range of items, including sweets

“For me, it was wonderful seeing everyone’s hard work coming together.”

n For information about St Mary’s Church, Winnersh, visit: www. winnershparish.org

Free fun day for children this Saturday

YOUNGSTERS in the borough can enjoy a day of free entertainment on Saturday.

Sponsored and organised by Wokingham Town Council, a children’s fun day will be held

EASTBOURNE & the Bluebell Railway

in one of the town’s parks. The event is suitable for young people aged 10 or under,

EDINBURGH TATTOO & Loch Lomond

with families invited to come along for a few hours, or to bring a picnic and stay for the duration of the event.

Attractions will include fairground rides, farm animals, face painting, go kart rides, arts and crafts, birds of prey, and ferret racing.

First Days

Children’s Charity will be running soft play and the My Journey Wokingham team will bring their Smoothie bike.

Departing Mon 7 Aug ‘23

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 4 nights at the Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast

 Entertainment some evenings

 Heritage train journey on the Bluebell Railway

 Excursions to Lewes & Alfriston (via Beachy Head)

Optional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£13pp)

5 Days by Coach only

369

Departing Wed 9 Aug ‘23

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 3 nights at the 3-star Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport hotel with dinner* & breakfast

 Admission to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

 Excursion to Loch Lomond (Luss & Balloch)

 En-route visit to Gretna Green

*Lunch will replace dinner on the day of the Tattoo.

4 Days by Coach only

349

A barbecue with meat and vegetarian options will be run by the 1st Winnersh Scouts, and Sir Whippy will be serving ice creams.

Toilets, first aid and information will be available, but there is no on site parking.

Families are asked to walk or cycle where possible to the fun day, or to drive to nearby town centre car parks on Cockpit Path or Denmark Street, both of which are a couple of minutes walk from the event.

The event will take place at Langborough Recreation Ground, on Saturday, May 27.

Gates are open from 10am until 4pm, and all the attractions are free.

Visitors to a Winnersh fayre were able to enjoy a barbecue in the sunshine. Pictures: Steve Smyth

Government awards council £600k for new active travel link

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A NEW shared use path for cyclists, pedestrians and other forms of sustainable transport that would link the edge of Winnersh with Wokingham town centre’s Broad Street could become a reality thanks to a £600,000 government grant.

Last week, the Department of Transport announced a new £200 million fund aimed at easing congestion across the country.

Transport secretary Mark Harper said that active travel is estimated to bring a £36.5 billion boost to the UK economy in a year through increased high street spending and better access to jobs, delivering on our priority to grow the economy.

“We want to make sure everyone across the country can choose cheaper, greener and healthier travel while we continue to support our local businesses and grow the economy,” he said.

“This £200 million investment will improve road safety, ease congestion and ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of the millions of people choosing active travel.”

Wokingham Borough Council has been awarded £606,215, which will be used to pay for initial design work on the 1.6 mile scheme, which would run from Sadler’s Lane

at Winnersh to the western end of Broad Street, essentially continuing the existing route on the A329 Reading Road from the Showcase roundabout.

Although there is a cycle lane already on the road, Wokingham Borough Council says its new active, sustainable travel link would be a segregated oneway cycle lane with shared use paths and other improvements on each side of the road.

The council’s transport consultation WSP aims to draft a design by the end of the year, with the work running in four phases.

The first will run from Sadler’s Lane to Emmbrook Road, the second would see improvements to Woosehill roundabout including a

toucan crossing on Woosehill Spine Road. The third phase would stop just before Station Approach and the fourth would end at Broad Street via Shute End.

Wokingham Borough Council said the proposal is likely to include junction improvements, new road crossings, a speed limit reduction from 40mph to 30mph and “island” bus stops separated from cycle traffic with mini zebra crossings to keep bus users safe.

Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “While this proposal is still at an early stage, this is a promising step and we can’t wait to hear people’s views once

Fire equipment off to Ukraine

FIRE services in Berkshire have made donations of vital equipment to Ukraine.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services have given a number of breathing apparatus sets to their counter parts in Ukraine as the country continues to respond to war with Russia.

RBFRS has donated 89 sets of breathing apparatus, complete with 304 air cylinders, which were sent by convoy to Ukraine as part of a national effort organised by FIRE AID UK and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

Tens of thousands of pieces of life-saving equipment and 69 fire appliances, which can include ladders, pumps, and platforms, have already been sent over in four separate convoys since March this year.

RBFRS’s donations were added to a further 86 fire engines and more than 100,000 other pieces of kit donated from 17 fire teams around England and Wales.

Donations were prepared for transport and use by members of the Fleet and Equipment team before they were sent to Poland on Wednesday, May 3.

Girls victims of sexual assault

FUTURE

PROOF: An active travel route is being considered on the A329 Reading Road between Winnersh and Wokingham town centre following a government grant Picture: Phil Creighton

“Given the pressures on our own finances and the need to protect key services, this scheme is heavily dependent on external funding but we’ll do all we can to secure it.”

The council has set up a group, featuring Wokingham Town Council and Winnersh Parish Council representatives, to discuss the initial vision before residents are invited to help finalise it.

The need for the scheme was identified through the council’s borough-wide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, a high-level strategy document published earlier this year.

TWO teenagers were victims of a sexual assault in an Earley park earlier this month and police are appealing for witnesses.

The incident happened around 3pm on Friday, May 12, in Laurel Park, off Marefield.

The girls were approached by a man thought to be Arabic and between the ages of 20 and 30. He tried to talk to them, and then grabbed one of the girls and started to touch her over her clothing.

After she shouted at him, both girls managed to escape.

Thames Valley Police said the offender is around 5ft 5ins tall, with short black hair and a long black beard, and spoke in broken English.

it’s been developed further. “We’re serious about fighting the climate emergency and improving air quality – and doing all we can to reduce car journeys in favour of healthier, more affordable and less polluting alternatives plays a major part in that.

“Although we’re encouraging people to change their behaviour through incentives and education, provided by our My Journey Wokingham team, we’re also working to secure the infrastructure that will make that more appealing.

The council is still working to progress another proposal, also to come from the Active Travel Fund, for a cycleway and footway between Woodley town centre and Palmer Park off Wokingham Road, near Reading Borough.

It has consulted residents twice on this but needs more funding before it can move forward, so is now in discussions with Active Travel England.

Work on the Winnersh to Broad Street scheme could start next year but this would depend on the consultation results and whether enough funding can be found.

PC Danielle Scott, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and we are also asking anyone who lives in Lakeside and the surrounding roads who has a CCTV camera to please check their footage and get in touch if it shows anything that may be of use for our investigation.

“Anyone with information or footage can report through our online pages or call 101, quoting reference 43230207760.

“If you do not wish to speak to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Wayne Bowcock, chief fire officer at RBFRS, said: “We have recently replaced our BA sets and rather than disposing of the old kits, there is no better use for them than donating them to Ukrainian firefighters.

“[They] clearly have great need for them and we will continue to show our full support at every opportunity.

“This vital equipment will go out as part of the next convoy and I’m sure will be in use very soon after arriving in Ukraine.”

He explained: “Alongside the donations from fire and rescue services across the UK, we hope that this equipment will assist in the immense relief effort that is

needed in Ukraine.”

NFCC chair Mark Hardingham said: ““I am incredibly proud to see how fire and rescue services have once again not only donated essential kit to Ukraine but have worked tirelessly to pull it together so quickly.

“We have also seen an incredible number of staff volunteer to drive the convoy across Europe.

“The determination and pride is testament to how committed everyone is to help our colleagues in Ukraine who continue to see war devastate their country, while putting their own lives on the line with often limited resources.”

Garden rock festival at White Horse

THE White Horse in Wokingham will host the first in a series of Summer Garden Rock Festivals on Saturday, from 5.30pm.

Headlining will be Parallel Blondes, who will perform a range of hits from Blondie. Also on the line-up are Makeshifts, who previously rocked The White Horse on New Year’s Eve 2022 with their iconic hits from the

past up until today, and Nicole Allen, who is back by popular demand after her successful performance last year.

Tickets for the festival cost £11. Guests can expect to be treated to a fantastic evening of live music in a garden setting.

n For more information and ticket details, call The White Horse on: 0118 979 7402.

Crowthorne pub closes for refurbishment works

A CROWTHORNE pub has closed – but it’s not time, gentlemen please, as it will reopen next month following a six-figure refurbishment.

Ahead of the temporary closure, The Prince, in the village’s High Street, held a shutdown party complete with silent disco.

It sold off old glassware in return for a donation to Macmillan Cancer Care.

The pub has also sent away its old furniture, and created the beginnings of a new beer garden by seeing some of the trees removed.

Now it is closed to allow the works to take place.

Owners Greene King are keeping tight-lipped about what customers can expect when it reopens.

“The Prince pub on High St, Crowthorne has temporarily closed its doors to undertake a six-figure investment,” a spokesperson said.

“The pub will reopen its doors in late June, following some major renovations to the pub both internally and externally.”

A post on its social media pages says it will have a grand reopening on Friday, June 23, with live entertainment all weekend.

It is also hiring new team members.

A number of roles are available, including front of house bar staff, team leaders and supervisors, floor servers, and part-time chefs.

More details are available on its Facebook page.

90th birthday celebration boosts air ambulance funds

EXCLUSIVE

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

WHEN she reached her 90th birthday, one Wokingham resident decided that her special milestone should be more than just a celebration of years.

The lady, who wanted to remain anonymous, took it as an opportunity to raise money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

She held a celebratory concert at Wokingham Methodist Church.

The event featured music from the Arborfield Military Wives Choir, and raised over £900 for her chosen charity.

More than 120 people came, many of them members of the church, and their guests.

“It went very well, better even than I could have hoped,” the host said.

“I am the first in my family to have reached 90, and I thought it would be nice to share it with others.

“I heard the Arborfield Miliary Wives Choir singing at a Christmas

event at Henry Street Garden Centre.

“And on the spur of the moment I decided that I would like to ask them to provide the entertainment at my buffet party.”

A hymn began and ended the concert, with the rest of the material being songs from the shows.

“I lost my husband at the start of the pandemic,” she added.

“We used to love the musicals, so I really enjoyed the music.”

Asked whether she wanted presents, she said ‘no’, and asked

people instead to make small donations to Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

The day after the event, she counted the collection.

“I was amazed to see £880 in the pot,” she said.

“And after a couple of further donations it amounted to £930.

“I never thought I would raise that much.”

“Many of those who came were in their 80s, and they all dug deep.

“I felt it was really heart warming how open-handed those in our

BIRTHDAY SONG: The Arborfield Military Wives Choir sang for a 90th birthday party at Wokingham Methodist Church.

Dave Goddard

church are, and how willing to support a good cause.”

The community-minded host thanks all those who came to support or volunteer at her event.

“Despite the very difficult four years we have all had, it is great to see what can be done, with just a small group of people,” she said.

n For information about the church, visit: www.wokinghammethodist. org.uk

n To find out about the performers at the event, visit Arborfield Military Wives Choir’s Facebook Page.

Picture:

Wine Tasting - Sunday 25th June from 6pm

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

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

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

Welcome Cocktail

Nine Wines

Guest Speaker

Seafood and Barbeque Snacks

Eton Mess Cup

All wines from the evening can be bought at a retail price.

£34.95 per person

12 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 25, 2023

Teenage actor scholarship to Wellington

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IF YOU go down to the woods today…..you’re probably having a picnic in Woodley.

And if you pack sandwiches, a packet of cards and wait until 4pm on Thursday, June 1, you’ll have the best day ever.

A TEENAGE actor has won a scholarship to a Crowthorne school, to help her develop her career while also studying.

Charlotte Gairdner-Mihell, who has been a pupil at LVS Ascot school since she was four, has already had a lead role in the Sky Atlantic/ HBO television series, The Third Day, starring alongside A-list actors Jude Law, Naomie Harris, Katherine Waterston and Nico Parker – her onscreen sister.

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Research by The Cocktail Co, listed Woodley as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a picnic.

The town made it into the top ten thanks to local beauty spots such as Woodford Park, Dinton Pastures Country Park and Aldermoors Nature Reserve.

The data also showed that 4pm is the most popular time for a picnic while June 1 is the best day as it falls within the UK’s halfterm holiday with an average UK temperature of 20°C.

As for what food to take for teddy bears or humans, sandwiches, wraps and cake, followed by fruit, chocolate and biscuits were top choices. Least popular are pasta, sausages and olives.

Brits prefer to play card games while sitting on their picnic rugs, with frisbees and bats and balls following closely behind. The egg and spoon race as well as the three legged race score lowest in popularity.

Abby Matthews, director of The Cocktail Co, said: “Picnics are an absolutely iconic British summer activity, and so many of us have such fond memories of picnics we’ve enjoyed over the years.

“There’s so many elements to a picnic, which is exactly what makes them so great; the spot you choose, the games you play and of course, the food and drink that you bring – which is why we wanted to work out exactly what Brits need to have the ultimate picnic with their family and friends this summer.

“At The Cocktail Co, we pride ourselves on making bar-quality cocktails that are ready-to-drink, so they can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere – making them a mustpack item for any picnic basket.

Wheelies Fest to return to Hurst pub this weekend

From September, she will be attending Wellington College, which has received an Artsmark Platinum Award for its industrystandard facilities and teaching.

Her father is thrilled.

“Charlotte has been really lucky as LVS Ascot has been such a great and supportive school,” said Nigel Mihell.

“The school’s principal, Christine Cunniffe, has been amazing throughout the whole process, really encouraging Charlotte to seize this opportunity.

“Wellington College is such a phenomenal place and the fact that both schools have had a respectful relationship with each other through the process has been wonderful.”

And the teenager says that while leaving LVS Ascot this summer will be emotional, as she says goodbye to friends and teachers, she is looking forward to starting Year 9 in a new location.

“I’ll really miss my friends and it will take some getting used to, as I’ve only ever known being at LVS Ascot, but I’m very excited about starting at Wellington College, especially as I will get to perform in its GWA Performing Arts Centre,” she added.

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A POPULAR pub event, Wheelies Fest, returns this weekend and will be celebrating its fifth birthday.

The music festival is at The Wheelwright’s Arms, Davis Way, Hurst on May 27 and 28.

Landlord Daryl Cooper, who runs the pub with his wife Katie, said: “We’re celebrating this special anniversary by holding the fest over two days for the first time.

“Nicole Allan from Reading is running the event’s music. She’s well known for the open mic night

at The Butler pub in Reading, and has just released her song Should’ve Known Better.

“We have lots of bands of different genres coming. It’ll be a great weekend.”

There’ll be a barbecue from noon to 8pm on both days. On May 27 the music will be 5pm-11 pm and on May 28 it’s 2pm-11pm.

Festival goers will need to book their free tickets in advance by emailing wheelwrightsarms@ wadworth.co.uk or ringing 0118 934 4100.

Straight

to the horse’s mouth ... how picking up a book at Tesco can help

AN OPPORTUNITY to get to grips with a real page turner is on offer to customers of Wokingham supermarket.

The Tesco store in Finchampstead Road has created a new charity bookshelf, aimed at helping a charity that rehabilitates abandoned horses.

Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines (SAFE) began in 2014 when 38 horses and ponies were left abandoned in a Binfield field.

Since then, it has helped hundreds of animals that have been abandoned or neglected.

In May and June, donations received for items on the community bookshelf will go to SAFE’s work.

Louise Jedras, Community Champion at the Tesco Superstore, said: “SAFE really are an amazing charity. Without their dedication and hard work, many horses and ponies would not go on to have the wonderful lives they do.

“Our fundraising bookshelf has many benefits – it prevents unwanted books going into landfill, benefits a local charity, and keeps adults and children reading for whatever amount of money they wish to donate.

“My colleagues and I keep the bookshelf looking neat and tidy throughout the week, and I keep it topped up with some of the bigger donations of books I have received. The goblet of donations is emptied regularly so we can keep an eye on how much is being raised.”

She encouraged customers to have browse or make donations of books for others to enjoy.

“The bookshelf is located near the foodbank drop-off point by the checkouts. For larger donations of books, please take those to the customer service desk,” she said. The horses that come into the care of SAFE have a range of health issues. They are also often frightened and timid, having had little or no human

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Woodley is in the best place for a picnic – official

Charlotte wins Wellington School

With her new role, the talented actor will receive tuition from LAMDA teachers (the awarding body for speech and drama), a number of whom specialise in TV and film acting and can support her with all the future auditions for television dramas and more.

In addition to having a leading role as Jude Law and Naomie Harris’ daughter Tallulah in The Third Day, Charlotte has since auditioned for famous American film directors, including Steven Soderbergh, who is best known for being the director of Sex, Lies and Videotape, Supported by her agent, The BWH Agency, she remains fully focused on her ambitions to have a successful career as an actor.

“I’m really looking forward to my next part and my move to Wellington College, and I couldn’t be more grateful to LVS Ascot, which has been so supportive over the years, allowing me time off for The Third Day and other filming, as well as to take part in auditions,” she said.

“Acting has always been my dream, since first seeing child actors on TV, and I’ve been lucky to get signed to the amazing BWH agency and for being involved in something as big and successful as The Third Day.”

LVS Ascot principal, Christine Cunniffe, said: “Charlotte is a popular pupil and will be sadly missed by her teachers and friends, but we couldn’t be more pleased to see her achieve Wellington College’s Sir Anthony Seldon Award.

“Charlotte has proven herself to have terrific talent and we couldn’t be more proud. We wish her every success for the future.”

Art group reveals its winners

AN ART group’s winning paintings gained the approval of the public at its recent Spring exhibition.

Prizes at the Woodley And Earley Arts Group exhibition were awarded to two artists.

The exhibition was open to the public, with visitors invited to nominate their favourite picture for the Favourite Painting prize. Winning most votes for this award, was Majestic, created by Ian Bond.

Featuring the head of a lion, it caught the attention of viewers, gaining their approval and winning the artist a voucher to spend on art materials.

It was produced in soft coloured pencil.

“Ian often works in this medium,” said the group’s treasurer and exhibition organiser, Pat Birt.

“Last year he produced a picture depicting cats’ eyes, which was very striking.

This piece, Majestic, was also very popular, and sold very quickly.”

The other winning painting, which also gained its artist vouchers to buy arts materials, was called Welsh Barn.

It was painted by Joanne Weller.

“Joanne is new to the society, but she has evidently had quite a lot of experience,” said Ms Birt.

“Her watercolour was chosen by the society chair Martin Rolfe, to receive The Bryan King Award for best picture by a first time exhibitor.”

Around 500 people visited the gallery.

Ms Birt said: “We were delighted with the public’s response.

“We only exhibited over two days, and the weather wasn’t wonderful on the Friday, but it didn’t stop people coming.

“Footfall was even better on the Saturday.

“The artists were very pleased, especially as 17 of the pieces were sold.”

POETRY CORNER

Ascot United

We are the team from Ascot

United we all are

The Final’s here so give a cheer

From here and afar

We are the team from Ascot

From this crop we are the cream

Honest mothehood Angela Garwood

A new page, a new decade

IT’S my birthday next week. By the time this column comes out, I will have turned 30.

I’ve not decided how I feel about this yet. There are some mixed emotions.

Around 40 artists in the group, some of whom are semi-professional, meet on the last Thursday of the month, at the Oakwood Centre, Woodley.

“Around eight times per year, visiting artists share their work and techniques with us,” explained Ms Birt.

“Our next visitor will be Sue Gillmore Powell, who will be demonstrating how to create a forest scene in pastels at our May meeting.”

During the winter months, between September and April, the group also holds Winter workshops at Pearson Hall, Woodley.

“These take place on Saturdays, usually from 10am through to 4pm.

“We’re a small independent group with around 50 members on our books,” said Ms Birt.

“We always welcome new people to join us, members and non members, at our workshops and meetings.”

The group’s next meeting takes place at the Oakwood Centre, tonight (Thursday) from 7pm.

Entry is £6 for visitors, and free for subscription members. n For more information about the group, visit: www.weag.art

I’m excited for the next chapter, but a little sad to be leaving my twenties behind. Who doesn’t want to be 25 again? (Me, actually, 25 was tricky.) While I’m quietly grieving my youth, I’m also rather elated about being in my thirties. It feels good to finally turn the page rather than clinging desperately onto my twenties.

“You’ll be on page three,” my mum said, acutely unaware her metaphor had other connotations.

“I’m sorry?”

“Your twenties are page two, and now you’ll be on page three.”

I mean I hope not.

Thankfully, I’m not going through it alone. Friends are also turning 30 (or did so decades ago), so I’m in good company. Several are even joining me in the trenches of motherhood this year, which is especially exciting.

One of my best friends, who I’ve known since nursery, welcomed her baby girl last week. Another close primary school friend gave birth to twins in January.

“We’re such grown ups,” she said, rocking her son to sleep. It does not feel like long ago we were making up raps in the school playground. (Our musical duo was called “Mad and Madder”, we were a one-hit wonder.)

There’ll be another new arrival at the end of July, by which point we’ll somehow have six children between us all.

“Turn 30: have a baby” seemed to be the mantra in our group. I did not get the memo. (A good thing, two is plenty for now).

Another thing I did not get the memo on, was skincare. Skincare in your thirties. Apparently it’s different to your twenties. This has come up at several of the 30ths I’ve been to recently.

Young women are saying things like this to each other:

“How much do you pay for your collagen supplements?”

“What’s your routine?”

“Who did you say got botox?”

Collagen supplements? Botox? Are we 30 or 60? What happened to the old “cleanse, tone and moisturise”? I’m behind to say the least.

I’ve no desire to become a woman obsessed with trying to halt the ageing process; fighting with nature seems a losing battle, not to mention a costly one. But then I’ve already begun analysing laughter lines I discover in photos and wondering how I can make them go away, which isn’t a great start.

contact. The volunteers look after them, gain their trust over time and, with the help of vets and farriers, nurse them back to health.

Kate Jeater, volunteer at SAFE, said: “The money raised from the Tesco book sales will be crucial in helping us pay for our ongoing medical bills for horses still recovering from neglect.

“It will also go towards some lovely new fly-masks, which protect the horses from summer flies around their face, in particular their eyes, and will allow us to be able to support horses needing rehabilitation, as well as transport costs.

“With any horse care there are

ongoing bills such as feed, hay, bedding, wormers, farriers and a visit from the horse dentist. As we are a charity funded solely by donations and run by volunteers, any additional fundraising activities such as the Tesco book stall helps us enormously.”

Every two months, funds raised by the Finchampstead Road Superstore’s bookshelf are donated to a local good cause. The inaugural nominated charity was Kaleidoscopic, which received £262 towards buying information books for children and adults who are surviving domestic violence.

n Further information about SAFE is available at: www.safe-horses.co.uk

We will go on to lift the cup

Our fans will live the dream

The Yellas are on their way to Wembley

An honour to grace the famous grass

We’ll lift the FA vase as superstars

The Win is now within our grasp

Jamie Tompkins’ team united

Went on to lift the cup

So raise your glass to McCormack’s pass

Walters gave it the heads up

MICKEY BROWN

We love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Email yours to poems@wokingham.today

There is attempting to reverse the visible signs of ageing and then there is basic skincare. At this stage, I’m choosing to focus on the latter. (Ask me again at 40 when I’m writing a column on the joys of botox.)

Trying to set an example for an impressionable nine-year-old, I want to embrace wrinkles and white hairs as signs of a life well-lived. (And my resistance to hair-dye.)

I intend to march boldly into my thirties, rather than cowering away in a corner muttering “age is just a number” repeatedly under my breath. I’ve always loved celebrating birthdays, both mine and other people’s and don’t wish to begrudge it just because this time it’s a big one. (I’m setting a precedent for all big birthdays to come; no moaning.)

Besides, from what I’ve heard, there’s a whole load more good stuff on the other side of 30.

Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind

A detail from Majestic by Ian Bond. picture courtesy of WAEAG

Young actor Charlotte GairdnerMihell (left) has won a scholarship to Wellington College

Kate Jeater, a volunteer at SAFE, with the fundraising bookshelf in Wokingham’s Tesco superstore

Active travel, safer roads

TWO perenenials grace our pages this week: the ongoing problems with Reading Road in Finchampstead, and the call for better cycling and sustainable routes to get around the borough.

Both deserve attention.

There have been so many incidents on Reading Road that it is hard to keep up.

Clearly the 40mph speed limit is an issue, just as it is on other roads in the borough.

We applaud the council for looking again at the speed limit on the other Reading Road – the one that links Winnersh to Wokingham town centre.

The money from the government is welcomed, but it is a shame that all £600,000 will be swallowed up by planning an active travel route.

If we are to solve the problems of safer travel, for all modes of transport, then the active travel fund is going to be vital going forward.

There is more to be done, and we want to see the new administration build on what has happened so far.

It’s too important not to.

CHURCH NOTES Kingdom Keys –Family Matters

FAMILY matters. Every one of us has come from a family, whether we’re in touch with them today or not.

For most, family is where we grew and learned how to relate to one another; and discovered what is important and what we value.

Families are central to God’s plan for humanity.

They are mini-models of wider society.

If Nat King Cole was right and “the greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return”, well Family is the obvious place to practice.

But Family can also be pressured and at times difficult. Family life often needs encouragement and help as it aims to offer support and security coupled with unconditional love.

When life gets tough we all need people we can lean on.

Kings FM is a time where some of these family values are practised.

Families of all shapes and sizes come together for a hot meal, games and a story and songs based on a bible theme that everyone can engage with.

Kings FM involves doing things together rather than watching, so Mums and Dads can be as competitive as their children, and often are!

We call it Kings FM, because Family Matters, and building family together is a part of “the greatest thing we ever learn...” though the Kings part is because it happens at King’s Church every other Friday, nothing to do with the unforgettable Nat King Cole.

June and Spike for King’s Church on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

Your letters

Beware of fraud against elderly

Before I curse the Countries’ politicians, I would like to raise a matter of fraud – that ever-growing disease the elderly frequently catch.

I address the typical type of repair or improvement decided for attention for your property – whatever the reason, e.g. leaking roof as a case.

The first step is to find a suitable qualified business, preferably one recommended.

The likelihood is that a tradesman will know a lot more than you, leading if you are unlucky to a good and sothorough story being told as to what you have to do! (or pay for!).

Step one is to obtain a detailed Quotation. There are risks if you are asked for an up-front payment to cover the materials, which is usually preferred. It is a crafty way to buy a little more than is actually required, or prepare for another job. If that turns out to be what happens, you may be paying money fraudulently.

However, the legal situation is that what you have paid for voluntarily is YOUR property. But a fraudulant charge has been made. So make sure all transactions are totally honest and legal. Keep in mind that arguing with a fraudster is Very Difficult.

These notes must be considered “general”, but I hope are a warning.

Lastly, changing to our unknown political future, I am very concerned

From the chamber

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen

Protecting our green spaces while also building the homes we need

MANY people in towns and cities during the Covid lockdowns craved open spaces, especially those with little or no gardens.

In Wokingham we are lucky enough to have a mix of bustling towns with beautiful green spaces like Cantley Park and more rural areas dotted with farms and crisscrossed with public footpaths we can all enjoy.

Wokingham is one of the least densely populated boroughs in Berkshire and that is a benefit to us, but also to our neighbours particularly those in Reading who can walk along the Thames footpath into villages like Sonning and beyond, and visit Dinton Pastures or our other wonderful country parks.

This is something Conservatives

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

Carnival Hub was a key part of the plan

I am pleased Wokingham Borough Council has been named a finalist for the Sustainability and Project of the Year awards, for the Carnival Hub, which opened last Summer.

The Hub was a key element of the previous Conservative administration’s regeneration of Wokingham town. It is a building that works hard, housing the library, swimming pool, other leisure facilities, as well as a café and can be used as a warm space for anyone that needs it.

Early on we wanted the building to be as energy efficient as possible and it includes solar PV panels and a fully electric heating system fed by air source heat pumps on the roof, as well as a high-performance building fabric.

Both Peach Place and Elms Field have added much needed sociable outside space to the town with spots for alfresco dining, benches, trees, popular children’s play area, green space, and wildflowers. It has also brought a range of new shops, cafes, restaurants and a cinema. This has preserved and enhanced

over the subject of Artificial Intelligence.

It’s worth reading the George Orwell book 1984, which I believe illustrates a country under AI control. Total control of people is possible and

Wokingham’s market town feel while drawing in new businesses to keep the town relevant and place that attracts shoppers.

Cllr Rachelle Shepherd Du Bey described the plans for Elms Field at the planning meeting in 2016 as “massive, overbearing and out of keeping with Wokingham”. At the end of the meeting Cllr Prue Bray said that she was “disappointed”.

Cllr Bray had previously called for a “dark store” that would only be serviced by delivery vehicles to be created in the town.

Sadly, this total lack of vision and ambition by the Liberal Democrats is

a Legal system becomes an “Order” department, as those in control can make any decision. Now that may put the left-wingers, communists, Left wing Trades Unions etc. out of business.

has conservation benefits providing habitat for creatures that we all want to protect.

It also retains land not just as charming vistas or pleasure grounds but for useful work such as growing local food, reducing air miles, and forestry.

something we still see today in their running of the Council. They lack a plan for our Borough and hammer our high streets by putting up car parking charges rather than investing in our towns.

None of the regeneration benefits we are enjoying now would have been possible had the Lib Dems been in charge then.

I thank the Council officers who worked so hard on delivering what was an enormous project and am delighted to see the joy it is bringing to residents.

Cllr Stuart Munro, Swallowfield Ward

It’s not predictable who actually would take control of our Country – it could be an enemy or those with money just as now in a sense, control the country. No voting or “Freedom of Speech”.

Local Liberal Democrats say that they want to reduce the numbers of houses Wokingham must build but nationally their party is saying the opposite and instead calling for more houses to be built.

believe should be protected but not all parties agree.

Our semi-rural character is in part defended by the Greenbelt.

And for that we largely have the post War Labour Government of Clement Atlee to thank, who passed the Town and Country Planning Act 1947.

The idea of a Greenbelt to protect against urban sprawl was first discussed among the great social reformers of the Victorian era including Octavia Hill, cofounder of the National Trust.

The principles were to stop rapidly expanding and polluted towns and cities from spilling out into the countryside and to ensure towns remain distinct without merging into one and another.

The benefits of the Greenbelt and other protections against building in the countryside are clear. Providing opportunities for access to the open countryside and outdoor recreation for the urban population.

It keeps the beautiful English landscapes, of fields and woodland close to where people live, and it

Last week the Leader of the Labour Party, Sir Kier Starmer, promised a wholesale shake up of the planning system if he becomes the next Prime Minister including relaxing of rules protecting the Greenbelt and increase in house building targets.

In a speech last Wednesday, he said; “So mark my words: we will take on planning reform. We’ll bring back local housing targets.” He went on to say “We choose the builders, not the blockers.” By which he means they’ll choose developers and not local residents who object.

He also said that he wants to see house prices come down.

What would this all mean for Wokingham Borough?

There is a theory that if more houses are built house prices will come down, but you only have to look at Wokingham to question that logic.

Despite considerable new homes being built we have only seen prices continue to rise.

It would also undoubtedly lead to more house building and a blank cheque for developers.

His speech did not mention help for first-time buyers, higher standards of house building.

The Conservative Group has been clear we want people today to be able to enjoy the dream of home ownership as previous generations have done and we want to see more affordable homes.

But we want to see a reduction in targets for house building and we want sustainable development in the right areas.

Locally the Liberal Democrats do not have a majority on the Council and rely on support from Labour councillors.

Nationally the Liberal Democrats and Labour have not ruled out a coalition after the next election.

Clearly a vote for either party risks putting Kier Starmer in Number 10, and seeing development on the Greenbelt along with losing other protections against unsustainable development. Both parties are committed to more house building targets than the current system.

Labour’s plans would be a backwards step for everyone, eroding vital habitat for wildlife, reducing the amount of food we grow in the UK, and pushing the countryside further out of the reach of people who live in towns and cities.

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

My closing comment is that 1984 System will be very attractive to some, plus be encouraged by the Chinese and Russians, both who are well placed to overtake the UK, and we have done everything we can to help.

So glad we have so many China oriented politicians. Be warned!!. I am very anti China and Russian at present.

Reg Clifton, via email

Thank you for not mowing during May

Instead of bombarding the Wokingham Borough Council with brickbats (and I’ve thrown a few in my time) I’d like, if it were not illegal, to present it with a bouquet of wild flowers.

As I walked along a stretch of dual carriagewaywhere the verges had been left unmown, I counted more thana dozen species of wild flower and many varieties of grass, a delight to my eyes and a valuable source of food for insects.

Thank you for bringing a little of the countryside into our increasingly urban environment.

May this ecological trend for allowing nature to take its course, albeit for a little while, be continued and expanded year on year.

Again, thank you Wokingham Borough Council

Jennifer Spratley, via email

How to help food banks with just an app

With food prices rising and food banks struggling to meet demand, I wanted to share an app that could make a difference.

BanktheFood connects you with

your local food bank. Whenever the food bank runs low on essentials, the app sends you a list of their most needed items.

But that’s not all - the app also sends you an urgent list of needed items when you arrive at the local supermarket, so you can easily pick up a few extra items to donate before you even reach the checkout.

Over 34,000 people are already using BanktheFood, helping 350 food banks in communities across the UK.

If you’re looking for an easy way to make a difference, please consider giving BanktheFood a try. It’s a great way to help your community.

Emma, via email

Unsolicited advice

Providing unsolicited advice to the young is one of later life’s greatest pleasures.

It’s wonderful to share those wise tips one formerly rejected when younger.

State Pension and NI (National Insurance) are yet again topical, because a temporary government catch-up offer is in place.

A window exists for people to secure some incomplete or missing NI years.

With soaring inflation it may be a superb financial strategy, but conditional upon an awkward variable: staying alive.

Preparing for old age seems daft in one’s thirties, but time quickly creeps up on all of us.

With increasing lifespans those added NI years might pay a handsome dividend quite quickly-but the present offer ends all too soon.

James Hardy by email

From the council leadership

Change tactics on Ukraine

We must stop giving weapons to Ukraine.

This Government keeps saying it is not affordable to pay the strikers that help our nation every day in many services that keep this country running as it should be, and now our chemists are all in disarray too.

This government is sending missiles and drones that cost millions of pounds.

This is what our people need –those who can not afford food and heating, so they can have a decent life during retuirement, after working from an early age.

Why are the United Nations and Nato sitting on their backsides doing nothing?

Our government are starving children, women and men, and all for some other country.

Victor Rones, via email

Remember Cameroon during their time of crisis

While some crises feature heavily in the media’s spotlight, places like Cameroon slip under the radar almost completely.

It means that sometimes there can be a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people, yet relatively few people know about it.

At the international disaster relief charity ShelterBox, we want to change that with the help of our supporters who we rely on to fund our responses.

It’s why we’ve launched a Spring fundraising appeal to help us reach our mission of no one without shelter after disaster.

We’re aiming to raise £100,000, so we can provide crucial support to people affected by conflict and

than 20 years’ service. I have also been a regular contributor to debates in the council chamber. In short, I feel that I know the ropes.

Change and continuinuty on the borough council

LAST Thursday’s full council meeting at Shute End saw Cllr Clive Jones step down as leader of council to focus on his campaign to become the next MP for Wokingham.

Clive impressed many people with his leadership of the Lib Dem minority administration through its first year in office - a year with bigger challenges than anyone can remember.

He proved to be calm under pressure, courageous enough to take the difficult decisions, and compassionate in his priorities.

He can look back with pride on a year of considerable success. In the local elections on May 4, the administration not only defended eight seats (securing increased majorities in several) but made three gains, putting us only one short of overall control.

But if Clive’s relinquishing the leadership represents a big change, there is much continuity. I had the good fortune to serve as Clive’s deputy last year, so my succeeding him as leader means that I am familiar

with the role and very aware of the challenges.

The new executive is largely the same as last year’s; most of my colleagues will continue the excellent work they did under Clive. The only exceptions are Clive now focusing on Business and Economic Development and Prue Bray, respected and admired across the council, becoming my deputy. It’s a strong team, which showed its competence and resilience under fire last year.

Clive was very much in the public eye as the leader of council and parliamentary candidate. By comparison, I am probably a bit of an unknown entity to many of you. I thought it might therefore help if I introduced myself and gave you a flavour of what I hope to be able to bring to the role of leader. You, after all, are part of the public that the council is here to serve, and so I am ultimately answerable to you.

I think I can reasonably claim to have the necessary experience. Not only was I Clive’s deputy last year, I have been a councillor for Twyford for 22 years. I have served on numerous committees, boards, and working parties, notably the planning committee, where I had become part of the fixtures and fittings after more

extreme weather events – wherever in the world they may live.

Cameroon is one of many countries where we’re currently responding.

We’ve supported more than 100,000 people in the far north of the country since 2015, but there are thousands more people still living in makeshift camps or inadequate housing, with no access to basic sanitation, clean water, or other essential services.

ShelterBox is the sole provider of emergency tents in and around a vast refugee site known as Minawao camp.

When I visited a transit centre for the site recently it was completely over-crowded.

A space meant for 250 people had around 2,000 people there waiting to move. The need is so apparent, but the world isn’t being told about it.

We’re hoping to support more than 50,000 people there with our latest project.

We’re providing more robust shelter, community toolkits, and items like mosquito nets, water carriers, and cooking sets that are making a tangible difference to families who have lost their homes and belongings.

Our work supporting people around the world who’ve been uprooted by conflict and disaster is possible thanks to public donations.

Every donation to our Spring Appeal will make a real difference to the lives of people who have lost everything.

To find out more, visit: www.shelterbox.org

Flora Longley-Cook, programme manager for Cameroon, ShelterBox

Louise Timlin

Time to make votes matter

VOTER disillusionment is a problem for democracy in the UK.

Turnout for the 1950 general election was 84% and for the most recent general election in 2019 it had fallen to 67%.

There are multiple reasons for this and many proposed solutions, but feeling like your vote is meaningless or having to grit your teeth and vote tactically are key issues for this apparent apathy.

In Wokingham our voter turn-out in 2019 was an impressive 74%. Given 31,263 (50.4%) of the votes cast were not acknowledged in the allocation of Westminster seats and that we’ve had the same MP for 36 years, one could call this a triumph of optimism over experience.

It’s generally assumed that we are not far away from the next general election and in fact we have just seen the Council Leader, Cllr Clive Jones, step down from this position to focus his efforts on becoming the next MP for Wokingham. With only a 5.95% swing to Lib Dem needed to take the seat, and following on from an impressive set of local election results, this could be well within the Lib Dems reach.

A depressing 47% of young people (aged 18-24) were estimated to have voted in 2019. Why vote when you feel your vote doesn’t count and none of the major parties feel the need to court your vote by focussing on issues salient to you?

I believe I have the energy and enthusiasm for the role. I have decided to take retirement from my paid work as a university lecturer earlier than I had planned so that I can concentrate my efforts on running the council. In Twyford, where I live and have represented for all my time on the council, I have devoted a lot of time and effort to helping the local community to realise some of its ambitions. I will show the same commitment to helping the borough as a whole and all the different communities that it comprises.

Indeed, I would highlight my willingness to work with others as an attribute that should prove useful in leading the council. Last year, I was entrusted by Clive with developing our relationships with external partners, such as the voluntary and charitable sector, town and parish councils, business, and educators.

I also oversaw the first opiniongathering stage of forming a community vision, which sets out the community‘s aspirations and establishes priorities for the council to pursue on behalf of the community. I am looking forward to continuing this work as leader.

Working with others is important within as well as beyond the council. I have been greatly impressed by the quality and commitment of council officers, who entered their careers to make a difference.

Their strong sense of public service is a great asset for the council and I firmly believe it can be

harnessed most effectively if council officers are shown proper respect as professionals. That doesn’t mean that I will always agree with them, but I will always listen to their views and recognize that they are based on professional judgment that deserves to be given considerable weight.

I will adopt a similar approach to councillors of other parties. No political party has a monopoly on good ideas. I will always listen and respect the views of others. I want to call on the experience, the knowledge, and the talent of all councillors to help the council serve the community better.

Perhaps I can finish with my appeal to colleagues of all parties at the end of my acceptance speech last Thursday:

“Fellow councillors,” I said, “We at our best when we are positive. Whatever our differences about means, I believe that we share a common view of the ends we are seeking. All of us, surely, want to see a more prosperous, a more vibrant, and a greener Wokingham.

“All of us, I hope, want a compassionate and caring Wokingham.

“And all of us, I hope again, want to ensure that everyone in our community is treated with respect and is given the opportunity to live a happy and fulfilled life, whatever their background or characteristics. If we do indeed share these objectives, let’s work together to deliver the even better borough that we all want to see.”

So what’s the solution? Most Western democracies use some form of Proportional Representation (PR). In fact, in Europe, only the UK and Belarus continue to use the winner takes it all system of First Past the Post. Proportional Representation has the potential for so many benefits. Voters can vote for whoever they believe in rather than voting “against” a party. Concerns about “splitting the vote” are no longer an issue. Rather than resulting in unstable coalition governments, which opponents to PR would have us believe, parties are able to work together and co-operate in the long-term interests of the country. Collaborative politics benefits all of us. Currently around a third of our MPs are women. PR systems result in around 8% more women elected and every European country with more than 40% women MPs uses a form of Proportional Representation. Our current electoral system remains a barrier to women’s participation in politics and needs to change.

The Women’s Equality Party supports the use of Proportional Representation and I will be attending “Sort The System”, a mass lobby of Parliament, today (Thursday, May 24). We are calling for Proportional Representation for UK general elections and people from every part of the UK are coming to Westminster to tell MPs: it’s time to Sort The System.

I asked our MP, Sir John Redwood to meet with me however he has declined. The email in reply to my request stated that “he does not support representation”. After I had lowered my eyebrows and stopped smiling, I queried and was reassured by a staffer that this was a typo and in fact he does not support “Proportional Representation”. Although, since Jacob Rees-Mogg appears to have confirmed that the new mandatory voter-ID policy was an attempt at gerrymandering gone wrong, I was not too surprised at the wording of the initial response.

Our electoral system is broken and does not reflect the way we vote. We are denied a voice or forced to vote tactically. It’s time to start fixing our democracy with a system in which all our votes count.

n More information here: https://www. makevotesmatter.org.uk/

Louise Timlin is the leader of the Women’s Equality Party, Reading and Wokingham

Cllr Stephen Conway is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council and ward member for Twyford

Cllr Stephen Conway

In association with Blandy & Blandy

Waze

and means ... Volvo’s new in-car systems

THERE’S new Waze and means to get about and avoiding traffic jams, thanks to a Reading car retailer’s latest offer.

Waylands Reading is now offering cars with the navigation app Waze as standard.

This helps drivers navigate a quicker and safer journey, with instant notifications of traffic and police hazards, and rapid rerouting to avoid congestion.

Alongside live traffic data, drivers will also benefit from identifying local fuel stations, restaurants and other services.

A spokesperson for the Imperial Way-based Volvo dealership says the in-car system will offer the full functions of the mobile version of the Waze app without the hassle and distraction of using a phone, meaning drivers don’t need to compromise their safety when using the navigation app.

Daryl Best, general manager at Waylands Reading, adds: “We’re delighted that Reading drivers are now able to benefit from the fantastic Waze app in their Volvos.

“Having Waze’s real-time navigation, routing and alerts seamlessly displayed in the car without needing to connect a phone makes for a simplified and seamless driving experience.

“We’d like to invite Reading drivers to come along to Waylands Reading and speak to our team of experts to navigate the growing range of infotainment apps – including Waze – available in our latest range of Volvo cars.” n For more details, log on to: volvocarsreading.co.uk, or call: 0118 207 0888.

Face to face networking event

IN RECENT years, working from home has become more popular and has many benefits. The end of the long commute, increased family time and wearing your pyjamas bottoms are just some of the reasons more and more people have swapped the office for the spare room.

But there are also important events which workers and businesses once took for granted but have become distant memories.

These include networking, the art of meeting other employers and business on a regular basis to discover how they can benefit each other.

That’s why the Woodley Business Club is holding a Face to Face Networking event next month. The 90-minute session will give members more time to introduce their businesses and explain what they need from other members to help their business to grow.

Make a note in your diary - Tuesday, June 13, 8am. Venue: Coffee#1, 65 Crockhamwell Road, Woodley.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: woodleybusinessclub.org.uk

Estate agency expands with new financial services arm

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

MOVING home is one of the most stressful times in our lives.

Finding a solicitor, hiring movers, signing all the right paperwork and hoping Gordon the goldfish will settle into his new abode, are just some of the hurdles all homeowners have to face.

Now the founders of threebranch Berkshire-based agency Hat and Home have launched a mortgage brokerage to aid their mission to ‘make moving home a fantastic experience’.

Milliner Financial Services is headed by directors and cofounders Ben Gee and Luke Strzadala.

As one would expect from the makers of Hat and Home, Milliner Financial Services has a strong brand identity with a balance between trusted and distinguished and modern and edgy.

The brand gives a nostalgic wink to the 1970s with its retro colour palette and throwback video edits.

Director Ben Gee explained: “Milliner is focused on developing long term relationships with our

clients and our marketing is centred around that journey. The brand campaign illustrates how Milliner will always be on hand to help and make the mortgage process easier when working with a trusted adviser.”

The firm will offer mortgages, protection and insurance products with a focus on creating client relationships for life.

Milliner is an appointed

representative of PRIMIS which is part of the LSL group and responsible for one in nine mortgages in the UK.

Director Luke Strzadala adds: “When choosing a partner to act as an appointed representative for, PRIMIS was an easy choice.

“They have a significant share of the market, excellent relationships with lenders and a robust training and support

proposition for their appointed firms.”

The choice of name is no coincidence either.

A milliner is, of course, a hat maker and was chosen as a homage to the estate agency brand which has gained notoriety within a short space of time for its clever marketing and aggressive growth.

Milliner Financial Services enables Hat and Home to offer a streamlined buying and selling experience for customers, ensuring access to a varied product base and excellent lines of communication.

Teresa Williams joins Milliner as their first mortgage and protection adviser.

Teresa says: “I am delighted to be joining Milliner Financial Services on what is sure to be an exciting journey. I look forward to helping our customers get the house of their dreams secured.”

Much like Hat and Home, Milliner has a special relationship with Parkinson’s UK and has pledged to donate £10 to the charity for every completed mortgage as it joins Hat and Home in raising £200,000 by 2026.

Gordon the goldfish will be delighted.

Leep-ing ahead: Investment sees utility firm grow again

A READING company which started off with a staff of 10 just six years ago has announced another major expansion.

Leep Utilities is doubling its vehicle fleet to support its ongoing growth and recruitment drive for engineers in both the water and electricity sectors.

The company is a leading owner and operator of last-mile utility networks across the UK. It has increased the number of employees by 47 in the last financial year and reported its most successful trading year ever.

The acquisition of the new vans will enable Leep’s highly skilled team of water and electricity engineers to service and monitor more networks on construction sites and commercial and housing developments nationwide.

All new Leep vehicles feature the

firm’s ‘Straightforward Connections’ strapline – highlighting its breadth of expertise and true multi-utility adoption offering – and are fully equipped to enable the most efficient and safe customer service delivery.

Leep Utilities has a workforce of over 120, made up of engineers and support staff working across multiple functions.

In addition to its southern base in Reading, the company also has an office in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Louise Manfredi, CEO of Leep Utilities, said: “Not only are we doubling our fleet of vehicles with these new additions, but we’re also marking yet another huge milestone for the company and our future strategic direction.

“We can’t wait for our water and electricity engineers to take them on the road, to service our growing number of customers.

“There’s been a significant step change in our scale, operations and performance in recent years, which has led to our ongoing recruitment drive and investment in these new vehicles.

“We’re growing at a substantial rate and these new vans will further support our capabilities and customer services to accelerate it further.”

Trevor Sargent, Head of Electrical Connections in the UK, for Leep Utilities announced the business was making “major headway” with both water and electricity projects.

“That’s why we’ve invested in these new vehicles.

“We’re now working within a wider market, to offer all UK developers, contractors and consultants a flexible last-mile utility solution for new residential, commercial and mixed-use developments – whether that’s

on electricity, water or heating networks, or a combination of them all.

“We’re all very excited about what our future holds and these new vans will literally help us to drive our ambitious growth strategy forward.”

Leep Utilities was formed as a joint venture between Ancala Partners LLP (‘Ancala’), an independent investment management firm and The Peel Group, one of the UK’s leading private real estate investment and infrastructure companies.

With offices in MediaCityUK and Reading, it owns and operates regulated and non-regulated utility networks, including electricity, cold and hot water, heating and cooling with a portfolio of sites across the country, including Media City, Liverpool Waters and Canary Wharf.

NEW TEAM: Ben Gee, Teresa Williams and Luke Strzadala from Hat and Home estate agency celebrate the launch of Milliner Financial Services

New executive team revealed

ALTHOUGH Wokingham Borough now has a new council leader, its ruling executive committee is consistent with the previous municipal year.

At the annual council meeting held on Thursday, May 18, Cllr Stephen Conway was voted in as leader after Cllr Clive Jones stepped down to concentrate on his general election campaign.

The deputy leader will be Cllr Prue Bray, and she remains executive member for children’s services.

The new executive committee is:

n Cllr Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council (with responsibility for housing and partnerships)

n Cllr Prue Bray, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Children’s Services

n Cllr Clive Jones, Executive Member for Business and Economic Development

n Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, Executive Member for Equalities, Inclusion and Fighting Poverty

n Cllr Lindsay Ferris, Executive Member for Planning and Local Plan

n Cllr Paul Fishwick, Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways

n Cllr David Hare, Executive Member for Health, Well-Being and Adult Services

n Cllr Sarah Kerr, Executive Member for Climate Emergency and Resident Services

n Cllr Ian Shenton, Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure

n Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, Executive Member for Finance

Cllr Conway said: “It is a great privilege to lead the council. I’m fortunate to have a talented executive to support me.

“I look forward to working with councillors of all parties and with our external partners to tackle the challenges that the borough will face over the coming year.”

At the same meeting, Cllr Beth Rowland was made mayor of Wokingham Borough, with Cllr Adrian Mather as her deputy.

Cllr Caroline Smith returns to the council’s backbenches following her year in office.

‘It’s a great privilege to take on leadership,’ says Cllr Conway

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

THE NEW leader of Wokingham Borough Council says it is a great privilege to take on the role, and he would do his best to justify the support of councillors.

Cllr Stephen Conway was elected to the role at the annual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council, held on Thursday, May 18.

“This year will no doubt be challenging for the council, as was the last. Inflation has not gone away; demand for our services grows, interest rates remain high, and the government has given us totally inadequate core funding,” he said.

“But we have at least three significant advantages to help us rise to the challenges ahead.”

These include external partnerships with community partners.

“This administration will continue to work to nurture and deepen these relationships, in the firm belief that we can achieve more together than we can on our own,” Cllr Conway said.

His second advantage is the council’s officers “who want to make a difference and are committed to the public service. I hope all councillors will appreciate the enormous contribution our officers make – without them, we could do nothing”.

And the experience and talent of the councillors was the third advantage.

“I would like to call on the

expertise of all councillors to help us tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

“I want all councillors to be able to make a meaningful contribution through active participation in council committees or working parties,” he said.

His priorities will be “financial stability; targeting what resources we can at helping those most in need; securing school places for the borough’s young people; providing support for local businesses; and playing our part in addressing the climate emergency.”

He also called on councillors to work together.

“Believe me, constructive opposition can add value to what the council does. Ultimately, it’s more satisfying for opposition

members than merely railing from the sidelines,” he said, adding that he had invited the Labour and Conservative groups the opportunity to chair or vice-chair committees.

“I have offered the chairs of the Audit Committee and the Climate Emergency Overview and Scrutiny Committee to the Labour group. I have offered the Conservative group the vice-chairs of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Licensing and Appeals Committee, and the Standards Committee,” he revealed.

“The leader of the Labour group has agreed – thank you, Rachel. The leader of the Conservative group has accepted the vice-chair of Standards, which is encouraging,

ALL CHANGE:

Cllr Clive Jones (left) stepped down as leader of Wokingham Borough Council, and his deputy, Cllr Stpehen Conway, has stepped up as his successor. Cllr Prue Bray will be the new deputy leader

but has declined the offer of Conservative vice-chairs for Health Overview and Scrutiny and Licensing Appeals, which strikes me as a missed opportunity. I hope Pauline will reconsider.”

He said councillors were best when they were positive and worked on their shared ground.

“All of us, I hope, want a compassionate and caring Wokingham,” he said. “And all of us, I hope again, want to ensure that everyone in our community is treated with respect and is given the opportunity to live a happy and fulfilled life, whatever their background or characteristics.

“If we do indeed share these objectives, let’s work together to deliver the even better borough that we all want to see.”

‘False information on bins a political ploy’

“CONFUSING and false information” about changes to bin collections in Wokingham was deliberately spread as a “political ploy” ahead of local elections, a councillor has claimed.

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment and leisure, made the claim at a full meeting of Wokingham Borough Council, held on Thursday, May 18.

It came after a local campaigner questioned the council’s recent decision to switch to alternating weekly recycling and general waste collections, citing criticism from some residents.

Tony Johnson, who asked the question, stood unsuccessfully to be elected as an independent councillor in Shinfield North during local elections this year, with his campaign featuring questions around the proposed changes.

The Conservative Party also campaigned against the changes.

In answer to Mr Johnson’s question, Cllr Shenton said: “It is regrettable that so much confusing and false information about the changes to our waste collection was deliberately circulated as a political ploy during the election

“Our proposal is simple: food waste will be collected every week, accompanied by recycling one week and general waste the next.”

Cllr Shenton also said the decision was based on consultations with residents and experts, and the experience of other councils in moving to alternating weekly collections.

Mr Johnson asked at the meeting what message councillors should send to residents concerned about the changes. He said residents of Shinfield North “expressed opposition” to the planned changes during election campaigning this year.

He also asked how the council would fund the changes.

Cllr Shenton referred him to a report from the council’s executive in March, which approved them.

It says the funding – some £1.96 million – would mostly come the Waste Equalisation Fund, a pot of money linked to a joint waste management project between Wokingham Borough Council, Bracknell Forest Council and Reading Borough Council.

Wenona enjoys the dance

WOKINGHAM resident and Cotswold Morris dance ‘apprentice’

Wenona Bryan made her debut dance performance with Hurst Morris People recently when her team performed outside two Wokingham pubs.

Despite rain earlier in the day of performing, it was a fine evening for customers of The Ship Inn in Peach Street and The Queen’s Head in The Terrace to watch Hurst Morris and another Cotswold side, Berkshire Bedlam, perform alternate dances.

Hurst Morris squire Karen Ricketts said, “We had a great evening. Well done to everyone and special congratulations to Wenona for completing her first ‘dance out’.”

Wenona keeps up her fitness with activities like tennis and was easily able to complete the full autumn/ winter training session with Hurst Morris this spring.

She thanked everyone “for all the encouragement on my first time out. Honestly, it was not as bad as I thought it would be.”

Hurst Morris will be dancing again on Thursday, Man 25, from 8pm at The

Yeomanry House history

KATIE Amos, the lead for local history at Reading Central Library, told the History Of Yeomanry House to the May meeting of Wargrave Local History Society.

Maps showed that the site was a nursey in 1802, but by 1813 Castle Hill House stood there.

Confusingly, there was another house with the same name on the other side of the road, so care was needed in tracing the early history of the property.

The front of the main house looks much the same now as it did then, with a white render finish, but the rear aspect is much more varied, with bare brickwork and a variety of roof heights.

However, in 1967 the military authorities decided they no longer needed Yeomanry House, so Reading Borough Council bought it for £39,000.

Wheelwrights’ Arms in Hurst, where they will be performing with Border Morris side Shinfield Shambles.

On Thursday, June 1, they will be at The Jolly Farmer, in Hurst from 8pm, where they will be performing with North West Clog Morris side, Taeppa’s Tump.

Details of more 2023 events are on www.hump.co.uk, and Instagram @hurstmorrispeople, or Facebook @hurstmorris – search for #HurstMorris.

The local 1839 Tithe Map showed Harriet Sherwood as the occupier. She and her husband John, a surgeon originally from Purley, lived there since at least 1820.

John had died in 1831, and his will, written in 1826, says that he had bought it from ‘Aislabie’s widow’. Harriet moved out in 1849, and let the house to Thomas Tredwell, a contractor who was building the Berks and Hants Railway. Both he and Mrs Sherwood had made the grounds available to local groups, such as when St Mary’s Sunday School had an entertainment event for pupils.

The house was offered for sale in 1850, described as a substantial property, and passed through several owners until bought by Edwin Jesse in 1880. His family were builders and developers in the Reading area, and it

seems he planned to develop the Castle Hill House site in a similar way, but that never happened, and the house is occupied by Joseph Bartlett, a painter, in the 1881 census.

The next occupier was John Twistleton Wykeham Fiennes, who remained there until 1887. As with several large houses in the area, it then became a school. Ascham House School had been established by Marian Abrams about a decade earlier, and was at Castle Hill House until 1904 – latterly run by Walter

Etches

The property still belonged to Mr Jesse, and the new tenant, from November 1906, was the army, who used it as the Berkshire Yeomanry headquarters. They bought the property in 1909, in due course, adding a drill hall and riding school.

The main use of the house was as the office for Registration of Births Deaths and Marriages, and Katie was able to show some of the original architectural features that remain in rooms used for wedding ceremonies, and on the staircases, for example.

By 2017 the council decided that the property could be sold to a nursery school, with the Registrar moving to Reading Town Hall, but the pandemic affected those plans, and so for a while the premises were used for storage.

Katie’s talk showed how a variety of sources (from the library collection and other places) could be used to discover the history of a property, as well as the specific history of Yeomanry House, and prompted a number of questions from the audience.

For more information about the society, visit the website at www. wargravehistory.org.uk

WIN and WADE’s royal celebration

GUESTS at a Wokingham centre for the over 60s were able to enjoy a picnic to celebrate the King’s coronation.

Organised by Wokingham In Need, in collaboration with the WADE Day Care Centre, the event saw more than 150 people from local care homes, The Friendship Alliance, and the nearby community gather in the day centre garden for afternoon tea and entertainment.

Opened by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Felicity Rutland, Sue Jackson from Wokingham In Need, and Debra Pahalka from WADE, the free event included sandwiches, tea and cakes, and royal-themed performers.

“It was a wonderful day, and the weather was perfect,” said Sue Jackson, founder of Wokingham In Need.

“It was dull in the morning while we were putting out the bunting and the garden furniture, but just as the last table was set, the sun came out, and shone all afternoon.”

Entertainment included a Beefeater on stilts from Circus Scene, a Scots piper who played the national anthem, magic, giant bubbles, and vintage harmony from London based female singing trio The Bailey Dolls.

“It was lovely to see how much people enjoyed the day, with some up on their feet and dancing,” said Ms Jackson. “We were also delighted to have CLASP members singing to welcome people, and Wokingham Disctrict Scouts helping out.

“It was a wonderful mix of young and old, all celebrating together.

“And the great thing is that the scouts enjoy volunteering so much that they have been inspired to set up a Junior Wokingham In Need group.”

Ms Jackson extends grateful thanks the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Felicity Rutland for opening the event, and to all the volunteers, especially those who

prepared and set up on the day.

“Thank you, too, to Cathy from Circus Scene for organising the entertainment for us,” she said.

“And for the support given by Easthampstead Rotary Club, Wokingham Rotary Club, Wokingham Town Council, Wokingham District Scouts, and The Wokingham Lions.

“It was a great day for the community, and Wokingham In Need is proud to have been with such wonderful people at such a special event.”

n For information about WADE and Wokingham In Need visit: www.wadecentre.org.ukand www. wokinghaminneed.com

Volunteer award for charity

A CHARITY that helps children learn to read has been recognised as an Investing In Volunteers achiever.

It is the third time that ABC to Read has been awarded the UK quality standard, which assesses organisations with volunteers against six quality areas: vision, planning, inclusion, recruiting and welcoming, supporting, and valuing and developing.

Having the mark shows that a group values its volunteers and demonstrates a commitment to volunteering within the

organisation.

Marcia Rowlinson, ABC to Read CEO, said: “Our mission wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers.

“The amount they invest in the children they mentor through time and skill is outstanding.

“We are delighted to have been recognised once again for valuing them and committing to support them fully, as they serve our local youngsters.”

ABC to Read was proved to excel in all aspects of working with its volunteers.

The Chair of UKVF, the Awarding Body, said:

“They have demonstrated a real commitment to volunteering, proving that their volunteer management policies and procedures meet nationally recognised standards.”

On average, 500 children are encouraged and mentored by an ABC to Read volunteer every year. And around 12,000 hours are invested annually invested into improving not only their reading ability but their enjoyment of the pastime as well as their general attitudes and confidence. n For more information, or to volunteer, email: info@ abctoread.org.uk

PETER DELANEY

YEOMANRY HOUSE PICTURE: Wargrave Local History Society

Members of Hump, including Wenona Bryan on her first public engagement, have begun their summer season of dance

Classifieds

PUBLICNOTICES

ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (KENDRICKCLOSEANDNORTONROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2023

NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatonthe18thMay2023

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

1.KendrickClose,Wokinghamfromitsjunctionwith A321WellingtonRoad.

2.NortonRoad,Wokinghamfromitsjunctionwith A321DenmarkStreet.

Worksrequiringtheserestrictionswilltakeplace between31stMayand9thJune2023between20:00 and06:00.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowCityFibre contractorstoundertakerouteprovingandsubducting inexistingnetworkinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedatall times.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe31stMay2023andshallcontinuein forceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:25thMay2023

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices

ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOODLEY AND CHARVIL)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2023

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 to prohibit any vehicle from:

1 Proceeding along Woodlands Avenue, Woodley between its junctions with Crockhamwell Road and B3350 Church Road

The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3350 Pitts Lane, A4 London Road, A4 Shepherds Hill, A4 London Road, Reading Road, Headley Road, Loddon Bridge Road and Crockhamwell Road

The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Crockhamwell Road, Loddon Bridge Road, Headley Road, Reading Road, A4 London Road and B3350 Pitts Lane

1 Proceeding along Park View Drive North, Charvil from its junction with A4 New Bath Road

2 Turning right onto A4 New Bath Road from its junction with Park View Drive North

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 New Bath Road, A4/A321 Roundabout and return Works requiring these restrictions will take place from 12th June 2023

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake resurfacing and surface treatment work facilitate preliminary and auxillary works for the Structural Maintenance programme including resurfacing, surface treatments, relining, ironworks, coring, resurfacing, and all other improvement 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 12th June 2023 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier

Dated 25th May 2023

Chris Easton

Assistant Director – Highways and Transport

Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices

Shute End

Wokingham

Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2023

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 to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

1 A329M/A329 Berkshire Way Alpha between its junctions with Showcase Roundabout and Wokingham Borough Boundary

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A3290 Loddon Bridge and Bader Way Interchange, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road and A329 London Road

2 A329 Berkshire Way/A329M Bravo between its junctions with Wokingham Borough Boundary and Showcase Roundabout

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 London Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Shute End, A329 Reading Road and A3290 Loddon Bridge and Bader Way Interchange

3 A329M Alpha off to Winnersh Triangle between its junctions with Wharfedale Road roundabout and A329M Alpha

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bader Way, A3290 Loddon Bridge and the Bader Way Interchange, A3290 Bravo off to Wharfedale Road, A3290 Bravo and A4 London Road Roundabout

4 A329M Bravo off to Winnersh Triangle between its junctions with A329M Bravo and Wharfedale Road roundabout

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A3290 Bravo, A4 London Road Roundabout, A3290 Alpha, A3290 Alpha off to Bader Way, A3290 Loddon Bridge and the Bader Way Interchange and Wharfedale Road

5 A329M between its junctions with A3290 Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange and A329 Coppid Beech Roundabout

The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A3290 Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road and A329 London Road

The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 London Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Shute End, A329 Reading Road and A3290 Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange

6 A329M Alpha, Winnersh between its junctions with A329M off slip and A329M on slip

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via M4 to Junction 11, Basingstoke Road Roundabout and return to M4 Junction 10

7 A329M Bravo, Winnersh between its junctions with A329M off slip and A329M on slip

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via M4 to Junction 8/9, A404 Roundabout and return to M4 Junction 10 Works requiring this restriction will take place from 12th June 2023 between 20:00 and 06:00

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake Bi Annual Maintenance 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 12th June 2023 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier

Dated 25th May 2023

Chris Easton Assistant Director – Highways and Transport

Wokingham Borough Council

Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Classifieds

PUBLICNOTICES

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (BARGE LANE, SWALLOWFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2023

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 to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

Barge Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with Bull Lane and A33 Swallowfield Bypass

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A33 Swallowfield Bypass, Mereoak Lane, Bloomfieldhatch Lane, Wood Lane, Beech Hill Road, Trowes Lane and Chequer Lane or by this route in reverse

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 13th June and 26th June 2023

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake excavations for pot extension 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 2023 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier

Dated 25th May 2023

Chris Easton

Assistant Director – Highways and Transport Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

NEWBLACKOUT ROLLARBLIND. DarkBlue. 180cmwideby 160cmdrop. Cost£12 ono.Details:

Bensonon0118

9887289

ROTARYCLOTHES

THREEARM AIRIER. Very goodcondition. Includuing screwinground spike.Cost£15

ono.Details:

Bensonon0118

9887289

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (HOGMOOR LANE, HURST) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2023

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 to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

Hogmoor Lane, Hurst between its junctions with Poplar Lane and A321 Wards Cross

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Poplar Lane, Hinton Road, B3018 Waltham Road, A321 Hurst Road, Broadwater Lane and A321 Wards Cross or by this route in reverse

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 15th June and 16th June 2023

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Volker Highways contractors to undertake tree works 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 15th June 2023 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier

Dated 25th May 2023

Chris Easton Assistant Director – Highways and Transport Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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A day out by special train to Plymouth The South Devon Explorer

Saturday 27th May 2023

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

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

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

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

£10 per person discount quote: DHP

Steam to seaside Minehead

West Somerset Steam Express

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

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

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

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

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

£10 per person discount quote: DHQ

A day out to Cornwall The Royal Duchy

Sunday 30th July 2023

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

• Premier Dining £309 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £209 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £134 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. £10 per person discount quote: DHR

Bob Green

Bob Green

Bob Green

LEISURETODAY

Your

guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Festivals, fatigue, and finding inspiration

WHILE the sun has set on the Are You Listening? Festival for 2023, one of the stand-out performers from the line-up was Reading’s own Tayo Sound.

His set at Sub89 – one of the highlights from the day – saw a member of the audience join him on stage for a cover of American Boy nestled among his easy-going but emotionallyinvested repertoire.

Tayo has spent a number of years busking and performing around Reading, and the UK, and said festivals are among the more enjoyable of bookings to get.

“I’ve done a few festivals and they’re probably some of the best experiences as an artist,” he explains.

“A lot of touring can be quite lonely – it’s just you and your band seeing the

same people every day.

“With festivals, though, you’re backstage with other artists having fun, and usually playing a shorter set so there’s a little less pressure; they’re a blast, for sure.”

There are also practical reasons, he explains, as touring can take a physical toll: “You still have to travel a tonne, but if you’re doing a festival season you only ever really travel a couple of days in a row and then you’ve got some rest time.

“When I performed a headline tour last year, it was two days of rehearsal and then we started the next day, followed by five shows on the trot.

“So that was a really intense, adrenaline-filled seven days.”

AYL itself, he says, is a particular highlight: “Part of the reason is that it feels like it’s the whole town with how many venues it covers.

“They’re all good for other reasons, but to see one event take over the whole town, is great.

“I’m hoping there’ll be even more independent business and events to really continue developing the culture here, and having all of the different venues is an opportunity to open that up.”

But he also says that he enjoys them as an audience member, too, despite a little envy: “If you’ve played there, you do wish you were the one on stage.

“That’s a hard feeling to get over when you know what it’s like to be on the other side.

“But I was playing at Truck Festival last summer alongside Sam Fender, and seeing him live, the energy of the crowd, so I very much enjoyed seeing that.”

Live performance, he says, is a big part of what attracts him to music:

“Writing is so important to me.

“I very quickly realised that I do care about what I put out – I love it and care about it, and that goes together with performance.

“If you’re performing stuff you’re not proud of, that feeling really sucks, so to be honest if I wasn’t proud of what I was playing or wasn’t able to play live, I think I’d retire my writing.

“Every now and then, though, the stars align and the inspiration strikes – it’s rarer, but that can be as good a feeling as the gig itself.”

As for how he encourages such lightning strikes of inspiration: “For me, I have to wait on it.

“There are some people in the industry, like Rick Rubin, who curate their vibes and their inspiration space–there are some who’ve hacked it.

“But I think for the majority, myself included, you have to wait, which

doesn’t mean you can’t write good music.

“But the ‘wow’ moments? You need to live life to have those moments.”

He explains that he feels external experiences inform the substance of an artist’s output, too: “There’s two forms of inspiration.

“Subject matter and sonic, I think–you can fall in love with a sound, or you can write about something really personal for it to be genuine.

“But also what you’re connecting with might not be what your audience connects with, and at the end of the day, they decide.”

This year AYL celebrated its 10th anniversary and has confirmed that it will be returning for 2024.

n Updates from the team at Are You Listening? are available via its website: areyoulistening.org.uk

Double bill preview

AN impressionist and a stand up comedian will perform their sketches and gags ahead of this Summer’s Edinburgh Festival

Billed as top entertainers, Luke Kempner and Bella Hull appear in the Avalon Edinburgh Preview.

Luke is known for his Alternative Love Island and Alternative Game of Thrones sketches, and is a member of BritBox’s Spitting Image cast

Bella took her debut show, Babycakes, to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London’s Soho Theatre last year. TV appearances include BBC’s Stand Up for Live Comedy, ITV’s The Stand Up Sketch Show and Comedy Central Live.

The event is at Maidenhead’s Norden Farm Arts Centre, in the Studio.

It can be seen on Wednesday, May 31, with tickets on sale for £12. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm

Fairytale surprise

THE Not So Grimm Twins is a theatre show featuring three actor-musicians. Twins Jake and Will Grimm tumble from their magical wagon filled with stories from around the world.

Favourite tales, including Rapunzel and Red Riding Hood, are re-spun by the storytelling duo, with help from their sister, Lottie.

Audiences can expect live music, puppetry, and surprises.

The family show can be enjoyed at the Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead, in the Courtyard Theatre. Performances on Friday, June 2, are at 11.30am and 2pm. Tickets are available for £12, or £10 for under 16s.

LOUIS Pearl is the Amazing Bubble Man.

A regular performer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, he is bringing his show to Maidenhead.

The audience can expect square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and people inside bubbles.

The show, suitable for all ages, features audience participation, visual slapstick, and bubbly music from Jet Black Pearl.

The event is at Norden Farm’s Courtyard Theatre on Tuesday, May 30.

Shows are at 11.30am and 2pm, with tickets available for £12, or £10 for under 16s. Family And Friends groups of four tickets cost £40, with no charge for babies under 18 months, on laps.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm

Family And Friends groups of four tickets cost £40, with no charge for babies under 18 months, on laps.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm

Enjoy a night with Dire Straits ... almost

MONEY For Nothing is a Dire Straits tribute show promising attention to detail and an authentic recreation of the British rock band’s music.

During their career Dire Straits sold more than 120 million albums.

The audience will be able to hear hits including: Money for Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, Sultans of Swing, Private Investigations, Walk of Life, Brothers in Arms, and So Far Away. They can also enjoy guitar solos and riffs from the band.

VERA’S NORTHUMBRIA

The event is at The Corn Exchange, Newbury, on Saturday, June 3. Doors open at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £31.25

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 08455 218218 or log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com

Irish music for feelgood fun

A READING theatre will be filled with the sounds of 1960s Irish folk band, The Dubliners.

Direct from the West End, Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners tells the story of a career spanning 50 years and invokes the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke and Jim McCann.

A cast of musicians and singers brings the music of the group back to life and

AT

Reader travel

promises to have the audience singing and dancing in the aisles.

The event is at The Hexagon Theatre, on Friday, June 2. Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £28.50.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

John takes the biscuit

JOHN Hegley, star of radio, TV and school assemblies is to perform his comedy show, Biscuit Of Destiny, in Reading.

Delving into the eccentric side of Romantic Poet, John Keats, he explores everyday goings-on in the Hegley homes of now and yesteryear.

While designed more for adults, it can be enjoyed by those aged nine and above.

The event is at the South Street Arts Centre, on Saturday, June 3. Doors open at 8pm, with tickets on sale for £15, or £13 for members.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

In your happy place

A PERFORMANCE with puppetry, physical theatre and live music, is coming to Bracknell.

Happy Place explores the role technology plays in our world, as it tells a story of four strangers in search of happiness. Set in a near dystopian future, corporations have commodified happiness into virtual reality booths called Happy Places, costing the price of a coffee for limitless experiences.

In an extraordinary journey, the four find themselves locked inside their own Happy Place, as reality and fantasy merge.

Bracknell – South Hill Park

southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123

Celebrating George Michael. Fri 26. Dance 365. Sat 27-Sun 28. A Midsummer Night’s Dream the Musical. Sat 27. YEM presents Disney’s Frozen Junior. Mon 29-Tues 30. Happy Place. Sat 3. Twirlywoos

Live. Sun 4.

FILM: Royal Opera House Live: The Sleeping Beauty (12a). Sun 28. Elvis (12a). Fri 26-Sun 28. Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (12a). Fri 26-Wed 31. The Night of the 12th (15). Tues 30. Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (PG). Wed 31. Champions (12a). Fri 2-Thurs 8.

Camberley – Theatre

camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600

Your break includes  Return coach travel from Reading

4 nights at the Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle with dinner & breakfast

 Blue Badge guided tour of Vera’s Northumbria (Amble, Blyth, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay & Newcastle-upon-Tyne)

 Blue Badge guided Borders Country tour (Ford, Etal, Coldsteam, Kelso & Jedburgh)

 Blue Badge guided tour of the Durham Dales, North Pennines, Barnard Castle & Teesdale

5 Days by Coach only

389

Departing Wed 9 Aug ‘23

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading  3 nights at the 3-star Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport hotel with dinner* & breakfast

 Admission to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

 Excursion to Loch Lomond (Luss & Balloch)

 En-route visit to Gretna Green *Lunch will replace dinner on the day of the Tattoo.

Days by Coach only

Rabbit Rabbit, The Chas and Dave Tribute. Thurs 25. The Neil Diamond Story. Fri 26. Comedy Club. Fri 26. Classic Rock Revival. Sat 27.

Dreamcoat Stars. Sun 28. The Litte Mermaid. Tues 30. Showstopper. Thurs 1. Disco Inferno. Fri 2.

Guildford – Yvonne

Arnaud

yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000

Tony - The Tony Blair Rock Opera. Thurs 25-Sat 3. Tapped. Sat 27.

High Wycombe – Swan wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000

The Many Voice of Debra Stephenson. Sat 27. Titanic The Musical. Mon 22Sat 27. Rosie’s Rainbow Fun Charity Gala Performance 2023. Sun 28. Michael McIntyre work in progress. Tues 30-Wed 31. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 1. Tim Vine Breeeep. Fri 2. The Sound of Springsteen. Sat 3. Tom Allen - Completely. Sun 4.

Henley – Kenton

kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050

Toothpaste Kisses. Thurs 25. Josh Berry:

Sexual Politics. Fri 26. The Music of George Harrison. Sat 27. Under Milk

The event is at South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Saturday, June 3, at 2.30pm and 7pm. Tickets cost £14.50, or£13.50 for concessions.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Twirly time

THE Twirlywoos are coming to Bracknell.

Tiny fans of Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends can enjoy a stage adventure based on children’s animation, The Twirlywoos. Audiences can expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as the characters set sail in a big red boat and discover the world around them.

The event is at South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Sunday, June 4, at 2pm and 4.30pm. Tickets cost £16.50, or £14.50 for under 16s.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Fare to Blue Jeans

Hear a band celebrate 25 years on the road.

Forever In Blue Jeans promises a feast of entertainment at their farewell tour, with country music and rock ‘n’ roll.

The audience can also expect songs from Western Musicals, including Oklahoma and Paint Your Wagon. Billed as a family show, the event takes place at The Corn Exchange on Thursday, June 1. Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets on sale for £30.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 08455 218218 or log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com

Wood. Thurs 1-Sat 3. The Take That Experience. Sat 3.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

Maidenhead Music Society - Heath String Quartet. Thurs 25. National

Theatre Live - The Best of Enemies.

Fri 26. Cairo Conspiracy (12a). Sat

27. Soul Kinda Wonderful. Sat 27.

The Amazing Bubble Man. Tues 30.

The Super Mario Brothers Movie (PG). Wed 31. Magical Honey. Wed

31. Mummies (U). Wed 31. Loving Highsmith (12a). Wed 31. Avalon

Edinburgh Preview - Luke Kempner and Bella Hull. Wed 31. Mummies (U).

Thurs 1. The Super Mario Brothers Movie (PG). Thurs 1. Jinder. Thurs

1. The No So Grimm Twins. Fri 2.

The George Harrison Project. Fri 2. Norden Farm Market. Sat 3. Royal

Opera House live: The Sleeping Beauty. Thurs 1, Sat 3. National

Theatre Live: The Best of Enemies.

Sat 3. Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage. Sat 3.

Newbury – Corn Exchange cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218

Griff Rhys Jones: The Cat’s Pyjamas.

Thurs 25. Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers. Sun 28. Liza

Pulman - From The Heart of It. Wed 31. Forever In Blue Jeans. Thurs 1.

Money For Nothing. Sat 3.. Nick Cope Family Music. Sun 4.

Newbury – The Watermill

watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher. Until Sat Jun 10.

Reading – South Street

whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

John Hegley - I Am A Poetato. Sat 3. John Hegley - Biscuit of Destiny. Sat 3.

Reading – The Hexagon whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 80s Live. Thurs 25. Mike and the

Mechanics. Fri 26. Seven Drunken Nights. Fri 2.

Reading – Concert Hall

whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 English Sinfonia. Thurs 8.

Reading – Progress

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195

Silver Lining. Until Sat 27.

Reading – Reading Rep www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620

The Rumble Under The Rug. Wed 31-Sat 3.

Shinfield – Players shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880

The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Jun 7-10.

Sonning – The Mill millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Gypsy. Wed 24-Jul 15. The Everley Brothers Dream. Sun 28. Afternoon tea and tour. Thurs 1. Glenn Miller Orchestra. Sun 4.

Windsor – Theatre Royal theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888

Thank You For The Music - The Ultimate Tribute to Abba. Thurs 25. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Fri 26. 80s Live. Sat 27. Walk Right Back. Sun 28. Happy Birthday Sunita. Mon 29-Sat 3.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363

NEXT SHOW: Ding Dong. Thurs Jun 8-Sat 17.

Wokingham – The Whitty thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

Wokingham Film Society presents Living (12a). Thurs 25. Berkshire Theatre School presents Matilda Jr. Sat 27-Sun 28.

Woodley – Theatre woodleytheatre.org 07488337838

NEXT SHOW: Educating Rita. June 20-24.

Forget Woodstock and think of Englefield for sixities special

Formed in the early 1990’s, The Counterfeit Stones have successfully toured the globe for nearly three decades, performing the most authentic celebration of The Rolling Stones in the world to sold-out audiences.

HASTINGS explains

THEY say that if you can remember the 60s then you weren’t really there.

Well, if you go to Englefield House this summer and close your eyes, you might just think you are actually back in that groovy, flower power decade when love and peace were the words on everybody’s lips, man.

Forget Woodstock and think Englefield this July when the world’s favourite Beatles tribute band for more than four decades, The Bootleg Beatles, will take to the stage.

They will be joined by special guests, The Counterfeit Stones, providing that hard rock sound that made two of Britain’s best loved bands reigned supreme.

For those a little younger, or a little younger at heart, there’s another treat in store for the same ticket price. Thirty years after the Merseybeat, the group many regard as the natural successor to the Beatles and the Stones, will belt out their sound around the Berkshire summer evening.

The Bootleg Beatles will be performing in Englefield this summer as part of Heritage Live. The bill also includes tributes to The Rolling Stones and Oasis

With immense attention to detail, Noasis, recreates the real Oasis experience, playing all the classic songs as if they were their own.

Founded in 1980, The Bootleg Beatles have been selling out venues across the globe with their immensely accurate representation of the original band, from the guitars to the clothes, the mannerisms, and the music.

A global favourite, The Bootleg

Beatles have played over 4,500 shows since the 80’s and taken to the stage at some of the most noteworthy locations and festivals, including Glastonbury, The Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace, Knebworth and Wembley.

In fact, The Bootleg Beatles are so good, their notable guests over the years have included Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, George Martin and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

What a Shambles

A COMIC whose tour is, well, an Absolute Shambles, is preparing to crack the funnies in Reading and Maidenhead this summer.

Tom Houghton is extending his tour to meet demand, with South Street and Norden Farm among the new dates.

He says he will come armed with even more outrageous takes, unbelievable tales and biblical chat to leave audiences bowled over with laughter.

The band has shared the stage with some musical greats over the years, including Joe Cocker, Iggy Pop, Blur, ZZ Top, Bryan Ferry, and many more.

It’s little wonder that Mick Jagger described them as “The most famous Stones band in England”.

Noasis were formed in 2006 and are regarded as the definitive tribute to Manchester’s super group Oasis.

The highly praised band has toured extensively across the world to perform the hits that have defined a generation.

With immense attention to detail Noasis recreates the real Oasis experience, playing all the classic songs as if they were their own.

Also announced at Englefield House for the Heritage Live concert series is Richard Ashcroft of The Verve, plus very special guests Ocean Colour Scene and The Sherlocks on Saturday July 22, as well as Hozier plus very special guests Far from Saints and Victoria Canal on Sunday, July 23.

So, whether you hark back to the age of flower power or the 90s no nonsense Gallagher brothers. Make sure you get your tickets before they sell out, man. n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.heritagelive.net

The comic has a loyal fan base thanks to more than 250,000 people following him on TikTok.

The show, he adds, will take people even deeper into his ludicrous life.

Tom has been part of the comedy circuit for the past five years, sharing tall tales about growing up with a Dad who is the Ex-Chief of Defense Staff, living in the Tower of London or lifting the lid on the all-boys boarding school environment.

Every tale aims to fascinate, make people think and make ‘em laugh.

The comic said: “After such an incredible time on my first tour, I’m over the moon to be heading out on my second.

With twice as many venues and bigger rooms, the reaction has been incredible so far.

“So many tickets sold in the first week. I am ready to bring a show that is packed with wall-to-wall laughs, but also lets the audience in even further.

“This will be a more personal, slightly darker show, but without sacrificing the belly laughs.”

The show will be at South Street on Thursday, June 22, and Norden Farm on Thursday, July 6. He will also perform at G Live in Guildford on Thursday, July 13. n For more details, log on to: www. honourabletom.com

The Borough building has quietly existed within the hustle and bustle of Maidenhead since the 1850s as a wine and spirit merchant, located steps away from the main High Street.

Over 170 odd years have passed, and we are now the privileged custodians of this historic building where people have been socia lising for over a century.

Today, this three-storey building is a neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, restaurant with private events spaces.

Opening 30th of May from 5pm

A music festival coming to Englefield House will see sets from The Bootleg Beatles and The Counterfeit Stones, as well as a bit of Britpop. JAMES

The Churchfitters plan gig night

THE Churchfitters, a unique folk band, will perform at the Yattendon Village Hall on Friday, May 26, in a show that promises to leave the audience wanting more.

The band’s performances feature traditional tunes with jazz saxophone, foot-stomping fiddles with funk-rock rhythms, and heart-wrenching vocals.

The stage will be adorned with instruments ranging from the double bass made out of a saucepan to the electric hub-cap bass-bouzouki

Doors and bar open at 7pm, with music starting at 7.45pm. n Tickets cost £15, and are available at Yattendon Stores or by emailing Roger Sansom at randssansom@aol.com

Jazz with Paul

A trumpet player and composer is to explore the history of jazz, and will make a performance of it.

Paul Higgs is coming to the Jazz@PJC monthly gathering on Sunday, June 4.

He has enjoyed a successful musical career across many fields, including performing, composing, and arranging music for film, TV, and theatre.

The Pangbourne Jazz Club event will be held at the Rosewood Hall in Whitchurch Road, Pangbourne from 7.30pm. Tickets are available through Skiddle.com or at the door. n For more details, log on to: www.pangbournejazzclub.com

Chart the evolution of cars with Pangbourne show

IT was a time when cars were more than just transport and when going for a spin had nothing to do with the laundromat.

If you remember, or if you pine, for an age when driving did not mean being stuck for hours on the A4, then steer a course for the Pangbourne Classic Car Show. This is where you will rediscover the golden age of motoring, of sleek lines, headscarves and picnic baskets in the boot.

Started in June 2016, the show was the brainchild of Tom Cheney, assistant head of boarding at Pangbourne College. The idea was to engage and enthuse pupils, especially those involved in the Car Restoration Club, where vehicles such as the splendid 1970 Bond Equipe GT4 and a Rickman Ranger kit car are brought back to their rightful glory.

That first show saw around 100 vintage and classic cars being admired by a delighted public, while raising money for charity.

At last year’s show there were more than 250 four wheeled beauties enjoyed by more than 4,000 spectators, while this year’s

event is expected to be bigger.

The show is based around the college and local community and all the helpers are volunteers including teachers and support staff, current and past pupils who have been involved with the Classic Car Restoration club.

The event is slightly different from most classic car shows as the cars are arranged in make and age order, allowing spectators to see the progression of marks as designs evolved.

There is a very relaxed atmosphere, with the Pangbourne Silver Band playing at different points in the day, and car owners

Psychobilly legends prepare for Reading gig

A DOUBLE bill of music is coming to The Face Bar next month and it will be a night to remember.

chart success with their 1987 single I’m On Fire.

and spectators alike enjoying the cars and the natural beauty of the College grounds throughout the day.

So, crease those trouser legs, grab that stylish fascinator and prepare your cucumber sandwiches and drive on down to Pangbourne College for a motoring masterclass through the ages.

It will be held on Saturday, June 3.

n For more info or to exhibit your classic car, go to: community. pangbourne.com/pages/classiccar-show

JAMES HASTINGS

Club Velocity and Good Wrecking Tonight have teamed up to bring Guana Batz and The Go Go Cult to the Chatham Street venue.

Guana Batz hails back to the summer of 1982, and the London scene rocking to the sound of The Meteors’ psychobilly.

The trend saw shaved heads, and bands of the likes of Stingrays, the Sharks, Restless or the Ricochets gain in popularity.

And young singer Pip Hancox met a guitarist Steward Osborne.

The rest is history. As Guana Batz, they played the early “Klubfoot” gigs and a few “Night of the long knifes, and enjoyed

After an early 1990s sojourn, when Pip moved to the states, the Batz came back again, with a 1995 set at the Second Wildcat Weekend in Berlin, and then in 2002 with a performance at Satanic Stomp at The Weberei in Gütersloh, which was packed with quaffs, flattops and rockers.

Here is a chance to enjoy the songs of the old Psychobilly heroes, including Loan Shark and King Rat.

Support comes from Reading based-world class punk n roll The Go Go Cult.

n The gig takes place from 8pm, on Thursday, June 29, at The Face Bar in Chatham Street. Tickets are available via wegotticketscom

ON SHOW: Classic cars are on show at Pangbourne College on Saturday, June 3

ON FIRE: Guana Bataz will be at The face bar next month

LIVEMUSIC RaW Sounds

Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

BEWARE little green men from Mars?

This week’s playlist features Flying Saucer Attack, with a fantastic opening riff.

We’re including it after enjoying a fantastic gig from The Rezillos when they came to Reading’s Facebar recently, their first date here in nearly 50 years. Phew!

You’ll love it, and the nine other tracks we’ve selected. Tune in for free on Spotify. Our playlist is a mixture that will help you discover something new.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstodayand enjoy the music.

There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Rezillos – Flying Saucer Attack

Check out the opening bass on this song by The Rezillos from what must be one of the best-ever

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, May 25

BRACKNELL – The Golden Farmer, Reeds Hill RG12 7LS. Karaoke. Details: 01344 302038.

EARLEY – Reading Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 7HN. Leech.

Details: 0118 334 4300.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Hurst Morris People and Shinfield Shambles. Details: 0118 934 4100.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hugh Turner funk quartet.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. 80s Live. 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Vegas baby, Vegas with the Ding Dong Daddios. DDD and Jim Donavon. Mr Sango. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Outlook, Kings Road. Singer Soup Kitchen: three performers, one band, one night only. 8pm.

WOKINGHAM – The Grasshopper, Rose Street RG40 1XU. Live at the Grasshopper: Mark Warner’s Full Swing. From 6.30pm. Details: 0118 901 2678.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 9437.

Friday, May 26

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ditch The Demon, Erin May, After Arden. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Luther Vandross solo and Motown tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Birch Hill Shopping Centre, Liscombe

RG12 7DE. Soult Trax. Details: 01344

457318

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Celebrating George Michael. Details: 01344 484123.

CHARVIL – Heron on the Ford, Landsend Lane RG10 0UE. Candy Rock. Details: 0118 934 0700.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street

RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place

RG1 7JE. Away With The Seas single release show. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk

RG1 7QF. Mike and the Mechanics

SOLD OUT. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street

ON SONG: The Rezillos at The Face Bar last month

Picture: Andrew Merritt

pop punk albums, Can’t Stand the Rezillos. Brilliant stuff.

A few weeks ago the band came to Reading for the first time since 1978 to perform at a Club Velocity Facebar event.

They certainly made up for their absence, playing classics and more as the energetic band led by the charismatic duo of Fay Fife and Eugene Reynolds showed that they still have incredible passion and energy – https://www.rezillos. rocks/

Caravan – In the Land of Grey and Pink Caravan released an album that is often cited as one of the best progressive rock albums ever made and here’s the title track of that album.

RG1 1DB. Stars in their Minds karaoke.

Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street

RG1 2JR. DJ Ben. Dinos Band. Joe: New Bass Order. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz weekend: Denny Ilett, Andy Crowdy, Maff Potts. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents Seán McGowan. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Unit 8 Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road. KGB.

Details: 01344 778543.

YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvis.

Details: 01252 872105.

YATTENDON – The Old Dairy RG18 0XT. Renegade Brewery Taproom presents Friday night music night with Barry Newman. Details: 01635 767090.

Saturday, May 27

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Slide Oasis. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate Party Band. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Blink of an Eye.

Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Eat At Joe’s. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. NRG. Details: 01344 530615.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Wheelies Fest 2023: live music from 5pm, barbecue noon8pm. Tickets free. Details: 0118 934 4100.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Moonage: The Best of Bowie Tribute Band. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Boot Led Zeppelin. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Gateway Pub, Greyfriars Road RG1 1PA. Danny T. Details: 0118 959 0376.

READING – IBIS Club, Scours Lane RG30 6AY. Reading Fest with G Maffiah, SeSe, Jahfett, Kryboss, Solo Barton, DJ Hich, Firechild Unit, MonstaSound,

They were pioneers of the 1970s Canterbury Scene and we are very excited that this legendary band will be coming to headline Wokingham Festival on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28.

Their current line-up of excellent musicians is led by founder member, Pye Hastings, so this promises to be a very special event – https://officialcaravan. co.uk/

Odyssey – Going Back to My Roots

They had some huge disco hits in the late 70s/ early 80s, including this one, and now Odyssey will be playing live in Reading on Friday, June 9, at the Disco Abbey event being organised by Blue Collar.

The band is led by Steven Collazo, who used to live in Caversham so, with a set of disco classics and a great line-up of other artists and DJs, this should be quite a party – https://www.facebook.com/ odysseyNY

Myopia – Unendable

An exciting new band from Essex with a single that is both beautiful and powerful. They will be at the Windsor Trooper on Thursday, June 1, and University of Reading on Friday, June 2.

They will also be at Wokingham Festival on August 28 – https://linktr.ee/myopiaofficial

Spriggan Mist – The Portal

One of the stand outs on Spriggan Mist’s 2017 album, The Portal was the title track which has been remixed and mastered by Aaron Cilia, with Fay Brotherhood providing new lead vocals – https:// www.sprigganmist.com/

Sean McGowan – Casanova

Southampton-born singer, Sean McGowan, has a new album, Who on Earth, and he will be live with his full band at a Club Velocity show at Reading’s Rising Arts Centre this Friday 26 – https://www.facebook.com/ seanmcgowanmusicuk

Dream Wife – Orbit

We were blown away by Dream Wife when they visited Reading to headline the launch party of Are You Listening? Festival.

This single is from the band’s forthcoming third album Social Lubrication – https://www.dreamwife. co/

Hello Indigo! – Fall Through You

This new young indie band from Cardiff will be at Wokingham Festival in August – https://www. facebook.com/helloindigouk

Savour the Flavour –Fish and Chip Song

Any song that mentions local landmarks Nine Mile Ride and Bob’s Fish & Chips has got to be worth a listen. This is from the band’s new album Crikey! It’s Savour the Flavour – http://www.flavoursong. co.uk/

Voyager – Promises

Congratulations to Voyage who made it to the final of Eurovision and put in a brilliant performance too – https://www.voyagerau.com/

Play Mi Tune, DJ Phily, McFyA and more. £10. Details: shoobs.com

READING – The Moderation, Caversham Road RG1 8BB. The Cosmic Pixies. Details: 0118 959 5577.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Mollys Jam. Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Britpop Saturdays. From Noon. New Beginnings Reading Fund: The Skavengers, Corvid, The Skandal, Monochrome State, and Natural Right.. Scarlet Vixens. Faded Bass. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz weekend: TJ Johnson, Paul Jeffries, Simon Price. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Classic Tracks. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TILEHURST – The Atrium, Scours Lane RG30 6AY. AJ Calypso Tent coronation celebration with G-String, Brown Sugar, Ms Desire, De Admiral, Music Man, Dame Polly, Rev B, DeeVine, King Clivus, AJ’S All Stars, The Kaiso Gems, Andre McGenious Shepherd. £10 in advance. Details: 07930 907354.

WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, RG2 7QA. The Dirty Shirts Band. Details: 0118 374 0052.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Spartan Events launch night: DJs, barbecue, entertainment and more. Details: 0118 978 4529.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Beatles and Buddy tribute Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Garden rock festival: Parallel Blondes, Make Shifts, Nicole Allen. £11. Gates 5.30pm. Details: 0118 979 7402.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. The Vinyl Sessions. Details: 0118 979 9437.

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Healdey Road. Jazz concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Details: www. woodleytheatre.org

Sunday, May 28

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Arrested development: The 30th anniversary tour. Details: 01344 303333.

CAVERSHAM – Working Men’s Club, Church Street RG4 8AU. Keith Live.

Details: 0118 954 5434.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Wheelies Fest 2023: live music from 5pm, barbecue noon8pm. Tickets free. Details: 0118 934 4100.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Captain’s Beard. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night May Songs. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – Gun Street Garden, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Loop Volumbe 2.

Details: 07494 888180

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays with Mr Gee. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Hendeson, Simon Price and guests. From 3.30pm. Jazz weekend: Phil Braithwaite and Friends. Details: 0118 376 9159.

TILEHURST – The Plough, School Road RG31 5AW. Gary Roman as Elvis.

Details: 0118 942 7250

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. Thomas Heppell Live. Details: 07889 226309.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Jazz with P’Jam. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Whitsun Holiday Monday, May 29

BRACKNELL – Newtown Pippin, Ralphs Ride Rg12 9LR. Acoustic cafe. 2pm6pm. Details: 01344 426298.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test. Club Reckless. Details: 0118 959 7196. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic cafe. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, May 30

BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Bracknell Folk Club. Details: www.bracknellfolk.org.uk

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

CAVERSHAM – ALTO LOUNGE, Church Street RG4 8AU. Charity Open Mic Night in aid of Team Charlie. 7.30pm.

READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road RG1 7HR. Thomas Heppell. Details: 0118 958 6222.

Wednesday, May 31

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Artist Link-Up. Details: www.risingsunartscentre.org

Thursday, June 1

BRACKNELL – The Golden Farmer, Reeds Hill RG12 7LS. Karaoke. Details: 01344 302038.

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Elvis with Mike Nova

Details: 0118 983 2059.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. FSJB presents Ma Bessie and her Pig Foot Band. Details: 0118 959 5500.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 9437.

Friday, June 2

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Judge Jules. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. The Boys are Back in Town: Rev John H and The Revelations. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Ginger Wildheart. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Seven Drunken Nights.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in their Minds karaoke.

Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. These Certain People.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Alex Clarke Quartet. Details: www. jazzinreading.com

READING – South Street arts centre RG1 4QU. Duo perform Flamenco Fusion.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

Saturday, June 3

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

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Apres. Details: 01344 303333.

BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Community Sports Association, St James Lane RG30 3RS. Martin’s Musicbox: DJ Triple B, Eclipse and friends. In aid of Royal Berkshire Charity Oasis Wellbeing Centre. £5 plus booking fee. 7.30pm. Detail: https://www.

ticketsource.co.uk/royal-berks-charity/ eclipse-friends-charity-varietyevening/e-aabekq

CAVERSHAM – Working Men’s Club, Church Street RG4 8AU. The Silver Searchers. Details: 0118 954 5434.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Utter Madness. Details: 01344 530615. CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Beatles and Buddy Holly tribute. Details: 01344 772161.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Xander and the Peace Pirates. 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Greg Mayston Band. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Once In A Lifetime 80s night.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Hometown Glory Adele. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Sound Jam house and garage night. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Tribute night: The Human League and Heaven 17. Details: www.risingsunartscentre.org

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Soul Man. Details: 0118 926 5804.

WOKINGHAM – Elms Field. Wokingham Town Council presents Party in the Park 2023: The Midnight Soul Sisters, Majestix, Vogue Madonna, Wildboys. From 3pm. Free entry. Details: www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk/partyinthepark/

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Not Just For Kicks. Details: 0118 979 9437.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. I Got Soul.

Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, June 4

PANGBOURNE – Woking Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS.

Pangbourne Jazz Club: A Brief History of Jazz with Paul Higgs and the Terry Hutchins Quartet. 7.30pm £10.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Linda Moylan.

Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Super chilled open mic. 3pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Quiz Challenge

1. The term ‘web offset’ is associated with which industrial process?

2. Which leading Tudor clergyman-politician died in Leicester in 1530?

3. Which acid is also known as spirits of salts?

4. Which legendary hero was the subject of a drama by Schiller and an opera by Rossini?

5. The football club Benfica is from which city?

6. What P is the name of a BBC quiz show and the title of a 2023 UK No 1 hit song by Lewis Capaldi?

7. In the culinary world, what are ramen, udon and soba?

8. What name is given to a large rally of Scouts or Guides?

9. Steve Pemberton is associated with which TV show set in the fictional town of Royston Vasey?

10. At the 2023 Academy Awards, who won Best Supporting Actress?

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

FIVE ALIVE EQUALISER

CROSS CODE

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

1. Caps do, drink might (2,2,4,4)

9. Caught thus with diamonds and hearts only (9)

10. Appreciate part of the diocese evidently? (3)

11. Cook bird for a pagan (7)

12. Salad plant right in the pool (5)

13. Thoroughly enjoy the appetiser (6)

15. Radio broadcast new decree (6)

18. After a short time run out and feel regret (5)

20. Baked dish lacking in covering in a patchy way (7)

22. Boy returns with small numbers (3)

23. Look at follower who uses cosmectic (9)

24. Do not interfere with the water supply (3,4,5)

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.

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

2. Eccentric will not even dance (7)

3. Order upsetting hag in Ulster (5)

4. One getting up to have a meal with a girl (6)

5. Cocktail for passengers in combination? (7)

6. It leaves adjoining bathroom to follow (5)

7. Wearing informal clothes –bandage with soft feathers (8,4)

8. One who might be bent on breaking the law (4-8)

14. Frank seeing that the engineers followed (7)

16. Leave a belt on (7)

17. Ask the umpire to take the matter to a higher court (6)

19. Overturn the surprising result (5)

21. Lady finds article among the Spanish (5)

NONAGRAM

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:

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

SUDOKU

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

39 2 85 4 5 2 74 8 5 9 1 4 74 1 28 76 9 1 2 71 86

37 2 41

SOLUTIONS

talon; tian; toco; toil; tonal; tonic; tool; toon.

Down – 1 Sprain; 2 Robbed; 3

Papaya; 32 Statue.

Adhere; 27 Manage; 28 Tapes; 29 Toiler; 30 Naught; 31

Across – 1 Stripe; 4 Shared; 8 Rubber; 10 Armpit; 11 Waive; 12 Icecap; 14 Ethics; 16 Dart; 17 Roar; 19 Stag; 22 Abet; 26

QUICK CROSSWORD:

EQUALISER:

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD:

ACROSS DOWN

Walking for heart health

Healthy Heart Tip

partner can really help you stay motivated and committed to your scheduled walks.

Would you drink a cocktail made with asparagus?

MAY is National Walking Month, which encourages us to leave the car at home and find ways to incorporate more walking into our days.

Walking a little each day can offer a great benefit to our overall health and wellbeing, including our heart.

It is a low-impact form of exercise so most people can give it a go. Right now is also the perfect time of year to get outside as the evenings lighten and temperatures start to

warm up.

Here are some ideas to help you clock up more steps this May and beyond.

Set a goal

Setting a goal and planning can really help you make walking a daily habit. A good example would be aiming to walk for 20 minutes a day, five days a week.

Plan your week every Sunday evening and schedule in your walking times to make sure they happen.

Walk with a friend

Finding a walking

Another benefit of walking with a friend is you are more likely to try harder, so if you are heading out on a longer walk, walking with someone else will push you to try as hard as you can.

It is also a great opportunity for catching up and checking in with a friend.

Make it fun

Get children involved by going on a scavenger hunt or wildlife spotting walk.

You could simply head out with the family and look out for certain colour cars, anything to add an element of fun.

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly health tips at www.heartresearch. org.uk/health-tips

SCL and Royals to serve up high quality food and fun at half-term camps

READING FC and sponsor Select Car Leasing will ensure children from disadvantaged backgrounds enjoy healthy meals and activities during the upcoming May half term.

Two new holiday camps, organised by the club’s Community Trust, have been added to its current Easter, summer and winter holiday offerings. Their aim is to provide a safe environment to ‘care, develop and educate disadvantaged or at-risk young people’, according to the trust.

Dave Evans, general manager of the community trust, said: “Reading FC Community Trust is extremely grateful for the support it continues to receive from Select Car Leasing, and we’re delighted to be able to launch our new Food and Activity camps this May half term.

“This is about making a real difference to the lives of children and their families at a time when parents and carers need all the help they can get.

“We know that the school holidays can be a real pressure point for lowincome families, who might struggle to afford healthy food and activities for their children, so the camps have been created to try and alleviate some of that strain.”

Select Car Leasing has supported the camps since 2021, pledging thousands of pounds into the initiative which encourages young people to eat nutritious food while taking part in mental health-boosting activities with new friends.

It will continue to support the two new camps, which take place at the end of May and start of June.

The first Select Car Leasing Food and Activity Camp will be held at the Ranikhet Academy, on Tuesday, May

30, with around 60 children aged from five-14 set to take part. The June camp will be held at Reading School on June 1 and 2.

Both camps will provide hot meals, fun games and access to a food bank.

They are open to any child on free school meals who attends a school in the surrounding area and will be put forward by their own educational establishment or council.

A total of 27 youngsters enjoyed the Easter Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) camp at Ranikhet Academy, with more than 90 healthy meals provided. These were provided by community cafe Dee Caf, which also runs a food bank.

Participants were surprised with a surprise visit from then-Royals star Cesare Casadei, who was on loan from Chelsea.

Chris Berry, Reading FC funded programmes officer and HAF coordinator, said: “Our HAF Camp programme is crucial to so many vulnerable families, so it is great to be able to work so closely with partners to impact a community in such a positive way.

“I cannot thank Ranikhet Academy enough for working with us to promote the camp as well as letting us use their excellent facilities.

Tina at Dee Caf has been superb; not only providing nutritious hot food, freshly baked treats, drinks, snacks and fruit but also helping promote the camp through word of mouth.”

Louisa Sanghera, headteacher at Ranikhet Academy, added: “Strong community links are so important for making children and adults feel safe and giving them a sense of belonging.

“We want everyone to feel proud of the community that they are part of and to work together to make it stronger.

“We talk to our children about caring for the local community, serving others, and having ‘trusted adults’ in the community who help them to feel safe. The holiday camp has played a huge part in this and helped us to strengthen relationships within our community.”

Each day at a camp involves at least three hours of physical activity. This includes sports such as football, frisbee, Kimball, dodgeball, soft archery, handball and Gaelic football.

The funding from Select comes from a scheme whereby £50 goes to the Community Trust whenever a customer states they are a Reading FC fan when leasing a car.

Select Car Leasing director Mark Tongue, a passionate and lifelong Reading fan, said: “We’re proud to support the Reading FC Community Trust and its school holiday initiatives, and we’re thrilled to now offer the additional Select Car Leasing Food and Activity Camps.

“As a local company, we’re passionate about reaching out to surrounding areas and supporting worthwhile ventures. There are many families in Reading facing real financial challenges right now, and anything we can do to help benefits us all.”

JI-MIN LEE

FORGET Marmite, there’s a new love-itor-loathe-it in town … a cocktail made with asparagus.

The seasonal vegetable is one of the key ingredients for the drink which will be available for a limited time in branches of Cote, including its restaurants in Henley and Windsor.

Called Vive Le Asparagus, it uses asparagus flavoured vodka, features an asparagus spear and complements Côte’s spring specials which feature asparagus and have been designed by Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef Steve Allen.

Mixologist and drinks author Dan Whitesidw created the cocktail which also includes Cold Press kiwi and apple juice, Elderflower cordial, and Belu Sparkling water. It is garnished with dried rose petals.

Asparagus is said to be an aphrodisiac, is high in vitamin K, a source of fibre, promotes good bacteria in the gut, and is said to have anti-inflammatory benefits.

It is also highly seasonable, traditionally collected by British farmers from St George’s Day to the Summer solstice.

Mixologist Dan Whiteside said: “The cocktail has the flavour of asparagus, sweetness and floral notes of elderflower, body and acidity of the cold press juice.

“It’s an interesting take on a popular Collins cocktail, using fresh flavours such as apple, ginger and elderflower and combing with the unique flavour of asparagus. The cocktail combines a food that’s big in French cuisine with one of the most popular types of cocktails at this time of year.”

Last month Côte launched its spring menu with a focus on fresh seasonal ingredients to showcase classic French cuisine.

Steve Allen’s new menu additions celebrate La Saison Délicieuse with a collection of timeless dishes, sharing plates, seasonal spritzers and French classics with a Côte twist.

Former Claridges chef Steve has elevated La Cuisine Française at Côte with the new dishes, created with produce from trusted British and French producers with the asparagus for the new specials sourced from a long-term partnership with the Chinn family in the Wye Valley.

“I have been cooking French cuisine since the age of 13 and this menu is a reflection of everything I love about French food in the Spring,” he said. “Our main focus is and always will be about the taste of our food at Cote. Simple, yet complex and delicious.”

The unique cocktail is £9.95, and available until June 14. The spring menu is available in all Cote restaurants including Wokingham’s Broad Street branch, and The Oracle Riverside in Reading.

Reading midfielder Cesare Casadei dropped in to Ranikhet Academy during the Easter holidays. Picture: Select Car Leasing

AWARDS NIGHT FOR RAMS

ASCOT WIN AT WEMBLEY

ROYALS BOSS: ‘WE MUST LEAVE IT ALL ON THE PITCH’

KELLY Chambers has tasked her side to ‘leave everything on the pitch’ when Reading host Chelsea this weekend in a crucial Women’s Super League match for both clubs.

Reading must win to have a shot at survival, while the Blues need to win to secure a fourth consecutive WSL title.

“It’s an opportunity and we have to leave everything out there, which we didn’t against Tottenham,” said Chambers.

AND IT WAS ALL YELLOW

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

ASCOT UNITED made history at Wembley Stadium as Kai Walters’ 80th minute winner helped the Yellas defeat defending champions Newport Pagnell Town to win the FA Vase.

With more than 4,000 Yellas fans turning out to the home of football for the big day, the players made it a day to remember by delivering on the pitch.

In a tense encounter that was goalless for the opening 80 minutes and looked headed for extratime, Ascot made sure that there

wouldn’t be an extra 30 minutes and the possibility of a penalty shootout.

Substitute Walters popped up with the all important goal as he snuck in at the near post to connect with man of the match Sean McCormack’s cross and glanced the ball into the far corner.

The goal sent the Ascot players, fans and staff into jubilation with one hand now on the trophy.

The team guided their way through the next 10 minutes and six minutes of additional time as their defence stood resilient to maintain their clean sheet.

n Report on pages 18 & 19

“We can’t come off disappointed that we haven’t given our best and that’s how we felt against Tottenham.

“We have to make it as difficult as possible for Chelsea.

“We haven’t got time for people to be jogging around the pitch or not giving 100% effort.

“We need everyone out there who will step up.

“We have to believe. If we give up now then what’s the point in stepping out there on Saturday?

“There’s still a glimmer of hope and we have to do what we can.”

With the team on the brink of relegation, with the men’s side having already been condemned to the drop, Chambers is waiting for the team’s fate to be decided before plans for next season can be made.

She continued: “I’ve not been in a position like this before with one team trying to win the league and us trying to stay in the league.

“For the neutral it’s extremely exciting. If we are able to pull it off, it will be a moment in my career that I’ll never forget.“

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

WALTERS SCORES WINNER AS YELLAS BECOME

By ANDY PRESTON

Ascot United 1 Newport Pagnell Town 0

ASCOT UNITED made history at Wembley Stadium by defeating defending champions Newport Pagnell Town to get their hands on the FA Vase trophy.

After a tense match between the teams, Kai Walters scored the all important goal 10 minutes from time to give the Yellas a

moment that will be etched into their history.

Playing at the home of English football, Ascot United were looking to make history by getting their hands on the FA Vase.

Standing in their way were defending champions Newport Pagnell Town who were aiming to capture victory in the final for the second consecutive season.

With a wall of yellow engulfing one quarter of the stadium, the start of the game

was signalled by the arrival of the ball delivered by a remote control car.

The first bit of defending was smartly done by Harry Tucker who got across to cover after Newport tried to find a long ball to their forwards.

The Yellas won the first corner of the match when Sean McCormack’s cross was diverted behind.

The best chance of the half was presented Ascot’s way when Jordan Ajanlekoko rose highest with a glancing header

that crashed off the far post. Newport responded with a couple of chances of their own but weren’t able to test goalkeeper Rhys forster.

Brendan Matthew had his first sight of goal in the 14th minute when the ball dropped for him in the box but only managed to get a tame shot away that was comfortably held by the keeper.

After a lengthy stoppage that saw Rob Gerrard down with a head injury, he had to be replaced by Kai Walters.

In the 26th minute, Newport came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when a wicked cross from Ben Ford found Albie Hall at the back stick who hit the post from close range.

Chances were few and far between in the opening 45 minutes after both sides had hit the upright as Jay Welch tried his luck from 25 yards with a sweeping effort that went wide.

Mo Ahmed continued to break from midfield to provide an attacking spark for Newport

and set up a chance for Hall that was slashed at and hit wide.

Neither side were able to find an opener as the teams went into the break goalless in a half that saw both teams take a nervy approach with so much riding on the result.

The first big opportunity after the restart came for Newport when Hall delivered a teasing low cross for Jake Watkinson, but his strike partner failed to make a good connection and scuffed wide.

At Wembley Stadium

Ascot United manager Jamie Tompkins lifts the trophy

Ascot take in the trophy celebrations on the Wembley pitch

Kai Walters celebrates after scoring the winning goal

Ascot United made it a day to remember and were crowned as FA Vase champions

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

BECOME FA VASE CHAMPIONS

‘WE WANT TO KEEP GROWING’: TOMPKINS REFLECTS ON SUCCESS

ASCOT UNITED manager Jamie Tompkins expressed his delight after leading his team to a historic victory in the FA Vase Final at Wembley Stadium.

The Yellas’ famous win at Wembley concludes an exceptional season for the men’s first-team who have completed a league and cup double.

“What a moment for all the players, staff and everyone associated with the football club,” said Tompkins.

“Not just on the pitch but off the pitch with all the volunteers and staff who have been involved for many years. To bring the trophy home is phenomenal.

“Scoring from a cross is something we’ve worked really hard on and we score lots of goals from crosses.

“Sean McCormack, who was man of the match, was unbelievable and we knew if he played well then we had a chance. He put a great ball in for Kai Walters to score.

“What a moment for him (Walters) and his family, it was his last game. He’s moving to Australia and he can now say in his last game that he scored the winning goal at Wembley Stadium.”

Ascot won the Combined Counties Premier North, achieving 102 points in a remarkable league campaign which was added to by their win at Wembley over Newport Pagnell Town on Sunday.

The team will now prepare to play at Step Four and will ply their trade in the Isthmian South Central from next season.

Tompkins continued: “It will be a short break. It was our fifth final in five years so we’ve always played right up until the end of May.

Newport picked up the first booking of the game when Shane Bush scythed down Matthew who was in the midst of a powerful run.

With just under 20 minutes left to play, Jamie Tompkins opted for a switch that saw Marcus Mealing replace Welch.

He made an immediate impact when he found some room in the box to get a shot away that was put behind by the keeper for a corner.

Mealing then went even closer from the resulting corner with a bullet header that smacked the crossbar.

With 10 minutes left to play, Ascot found the breakthrough when Walters stooped low to glance a header into the far corner to convert from McCormack’s cross.

Ascot navigated their way through the final 10 minutes of the match and five minutes of additional time to clinch the trophy.

Ascot United: Forster, Lock, Gerrard, Ajanlekoko, Bailey (c), McCormack, Grant, Matthew, Grant, Matthew, Welch, Tucker, Grant

Subs: Negus, Bouwers, Mealing, Balogun, August, Walters, Ellis

“We’ll be in a new league which we are very excited about. We finally achieved it and get to go to some big clubs. There are some historical clubs (in it) and it’s an exciting challenge for us.”

Tompkins was delighted with the collective defensive effort from his team as they managed to block Newport out to keep a clean sheet.

He continued: “It was about trying to manage the game (after we scored). We dominated our own box and won headers.

“Marcus (Mealing) had a brilliant impact, helped us keep the ball and was able to hold it up and gave Brendan Matthew more space to run. He almost got the winner himself. He’s over the moon.

“We want to keep growing as a club. We’ve got brilliant support from the Racecourse to help us build more facilities and accommodate more players.

“If we have more than 1,000 boys and girls coming to the club each week, that’s a huge community hub. Bringing trophies is really nice, but first and foremost we are getting more people playing football.

“I was really proud to work out at the most iconic stadium in the world and lead them out. It was incredible.”

Newport Pagnell Town: Conway, Sage, Smail, Powell, Shepherd, Watkinson, Hall, Ford, Wilson, Ahmed, Short Subs: Willett, Pryke, Barnes, Bush, Evans, Pike, Tshikuna

Goals: Walters 80’ Player of the match: Sean McCormack

by beating Newport Pagnell Town at Wembley Stadium Pictures: Andrew Batt

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

FOOTBALL

READING YMCA BREAK YATELEY’S UNBEATEN STREAK TO CAPTURE CUP

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BTC Senior Cup Final

READING YMCA picked up a trophy with a remarkable win over YATELEY UNITED

Yateley went into the final with a faultless record in the league that had seen them storm to the league title by winning all 20 of their league games.

Meanwhile, Reading finished in third after winning 12 of their 20 matches.

In the final, played at Reading FC’s Select Car Leasing Stadium, Alfie Stephens popped up with the only goal of the game to

make it a memorable night for YMCA.

Thames Valley Division One

HOLYPORT RESERVES concluded their campaign in fifth position after they earned a win over Windlesham Youth in their final match.

Hoylport picked up their 12th win in 20 with a 5-2 success at home.

Thames Valley Division Two

READING YMCA RAPIDS were confirmed as champions despite being beaten in their final game of the season.

YMCA have lost just two league games all season in the league and stormed their way to the title by picking up 50 points from 20 games, winning 16 of them.

Ben Cousins and Andrej Hornola were both on the scoresheet for YMCA, but they lost 5-2 to third placed SB Phoenix Reserves.

BURGHFIELD RESERVES finished as runners-up after they took the win in a seven goal contest against Allied Community Elite.

Lorenzo Medford and Fred Tauher both scored for the Fielders before a double from the bench from Kieran Smith helped the hosts to take the

points with a 4-3 win.

TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE moved up to claim fourth position in their final game of the campaign after getting the better of Slough Heating Laurencians Reserves. A brace from Adam Parker and goals from Ricardo Catlyn and Malvin Kachingwe contributed to a 4-1 triumph.

Twyford end the season on 36 points from 20 games.

Thames Valley Division Three

BINFIELD DEVELOPMENT picked up a point in their final game of the season against READING CITY DEVELOPMENT

to confirm their status as league champions.

Seun Akintola, Shaquille Johnson and Nicholas Heffernan netted in the 3-3 draw for Reading.

The point was enough for the Moles to keep Reading at bay and claim their position at the top with 38 points from 38 games.

The Cityzens are on 33 points in second with one game left to play.

Thames Valley Women’s Cup Final

TILEHURST PANTHERS concluded their cup season with silverware after they

got the better of EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES in a close battle.

Georgia Hayes put the Panthers ahead after 17 minutes, but the Boars turned the game on its head to after half-time when Laura Comerford scored a minute into the second-half Eversley then had the lead when Lily-May Varney put them in front in the 72nd minute.

The Panthers came fighting back and levelled the game through Deanna Cane. With just five minutes left to play, Cane netted her second of the game to give Tilehurst the trophy.

Reading YMCA beat Yateley United at the Select Car Leasing Stadium to win the BTC Senior Cup Pictures: Brian Baggaley

Reading YMCA Rapids were crowned as champions

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

FOOTBALL

BURGHFIELD BEAT BRACKNELL IN BERKS & BUCKS CUP FINAL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Berks & Bucks Sunday Cup Final

BURGHFIELD SUNDAY ensured they took home the trophy with victory over BRACKNELL RANGERS

Burghfield overcame their opponents with a 4-1 win to make sure they picked up silveraware at the end of their season.

Reading & District Sunday League Premier Division

FC BAPCO wrapped up the league title in their top of the table clash against FC SPORTY Bapco won the contest 4-1 which puts them in pole position and sees them overtake FC Sporty with their superior goal difference. BAPCO still have one game left to complete their season, while Sporty concluded their season in second on 37 points.

Reading & District Sunday Division One

116 EXILES ended the season in second place after they were held to a 1-1 draw by ARBORFIELD

SPURS 4-1 READING

ROYALS ON THE BRINK OF RELEGATION AFTER DEFEAT

READING FC WOMEN’s were all but succumbed to the drop from the top flight after they suffered a costly away defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.

The defeat leaves the Royals rock bottom of the Women’s Super League table and needing a miracle to survive on the final day.

With just one game to go, Reading will need to beat title pushing Chelsea on the last weekend of the season, while Leicester would have to lose both of their remaining matches to see Reading escape the drop.

Spurs secured their safety with a double from Beth England that was added to by Celin Bezit and Kit Graham, despite a consolation goal from Justine Vanhaevermaet

It was the hosts who started brightly and had a coi[le of close shaves when Deanna Cooper had to put in a vital intervention to prevent Eveliina Summanen from having a tap in from six yards.

Reading responded with the best chance of the game when a deep corner found its way to the back post to find Troelsgaard unmarked who was only prevented by a superb Becky Spencer save.

It was Spurs who broke the deadlock a minute shy of the half hour mark when a short corner routine was worked to the back stick to find England unmarked and she punished the Royals by squeezing a header in at Moloney’s near post.

Reading looked for a response and it was Troelgsrard who tried to provide the inspiration as she has done almost single handedly on occasions this season. She tricked her way past former Royal Molly Bartrip who had to cynically bring the Danish international down to prevent her having a run at goal and was booked as a result.

Things went from bad to worse for Reading as Tottenham added a second

before the break when a through ball was slid into the path of Bizet to break the Royals back line open and she tucked the ball into the corner to make it 2-0.

Unhappy with her team’s first-half display, Chambers made a double switch going into the second-half as Emma Harries and Jade Moore replaced Troelsgaard and Lauren Wade.

Moore picked up a booking within minutes of coming on after fouling Ashleigh Neville.

Cooper was next to go in the

referee’s notebook after flying into a mistimed tackle on Ayane.

With half an hour to play, Rose made her long awaited return when she took the place of Tia Primmer.

Spurs put the game to bed in the 62nd minute when they were presented a gift by Easther Mayi Kith who underhit a back pass to Moloney that was stolen by England who rounded the keeper and converted into an empty net.

A fourth Reading change ensued as Faye Bryson replaced Mayi Kith.

A humiliating afternoon continued

Aborfield ended in eighth on 28 points, while Exiles finished on 43 points, four behind league champions GC UNITED BURGHFIELD RESERVES finished in seventh after they were defeated by fifth placed BARTON ROVERS 5-3 in their final match.

CAVERSHAM UNITED ended up in 11th after they took a point in a goalless game against sixth placed TWYFORD COMETS

TRBL TESLA’s ended their season in style with a 7-2 win over ENGLEFIELD EAGLES to finish in third.

Reading & District Sunday League Industrial Cup Final

WESTWOOD WANDERERS

DEVELOPMENT got the better of BROTHERS UNITED to get their hands on the trophy. Westwood came out on top with a 2-0 win to seal the cup.

Reading & District Division Two

AFC Pangbourne 0-4 Give Back Reserves, Barton Rovers Reserves 6-2 RDG Athletic, Burghfield A 3-5 Hurst, Rose & Thistle 1-4 Reading United, Zone RG 2-3 Berkshire Royals

as the home team added a fourth with 15 minutes to go as a long clearance was raced onto by Kit Graham who was given time and room to slot past Moloney.

Reading got themselves on the scoresheet to claw back consolation when Justine Vanahevermaet rose highest to head in from a corner.

Reading now go into the final weekend of the season at home to Chelsea with their future almost certainly decided and Championship football beckoning unless they can pull off a shock result.

Emma Harries in action for the Royals

Westwood Wanderers beat Brothers United to win the Reading & District Industrial Cup Final Pictures: Andrew Batt

Reading lost away from home Stock Pictures: Steve Smyth

Burghfield defeated Bracknell Rangers in the Berks & Bucks Sunday Cup Final Pictures: Andrew Batt

CRICKET

BEARS BEAT CROWS TO TAKE EARLY LEAD

BY ANDY PRESTON

sport@wokingham.today

Emmbrook and Bearwood (238-7) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (199-9)

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD defended their total of 238 to earn a 39-run victory over CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD to move to the top of the BCM Championship.

In the early stages of the league campaign, the Bears sit at the top of the table on 90 points after winning their opening two fixtures, while the Crows are in eighth.

Emmbrook won the toss and elected to bat first.

Crowthorne made a formidable start as they had both Matt Loxton and Jafe David out with just eight runs on the board.

The hosts started to recover after a nervy start and managed to amass 98 on the scoreboard before the next two wickets fell which included a half century from Andy Lazenbury.

A strong display in the middle and back end of the order saw Emmbrook move onto a healthy total of 238 as 43 from Matt Booth and 53 not out from David Healey boosted the innings.

With 238 to chase down, the Crows made a promising start as they were able to total 32 from their opening partnership of Anthony Cluett and Peter Emes before Cluett was removed from the bowling of Tom Stevenson, caught by Jack Narraway.

The next two wickets came in quick succession as Oliver Taylor was bowled by Lazenbury before Peter Emes was caught by Andy Robertson, bowled Lazenbury to put Crowthorne on 47-3.

The visitors got themselves firmly back in the contest with their trio at the crease which saw Will Avrili (25), Daniel Cartlidge (44) and Chrisotpher Emes (30) get them back on track.

But with the overs beginning to run out, Emmbrook were able to take the large share of the points as

CRICKET

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS EVERSLEY EARN

Crowthorne ended their 45 over innings on 199-9.

Lazenbury and David Healey both ended with two wickets, while Williams collected three wickets.

Emmbrook ended with 40 points, while Crows picked up seven points in defeat.

Next week the Bears travel away to face Braywood while Crowthorne host Ballinger Waggoners.

BY ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Division One

EVERSLEY were victorious for the first time in the new season with an eight wicket success over Stoke Green.

The Boars skittled Stoke Green all out for just 93 in the first innings before they strolled to success, dropping just two wickets in the process on the way to getting 93 runs from 24.3 overs.

WOKINGHAM 2s were on the end of a heavy defeat at home to Falkland.

Salman Khalid was in fine bowling form to take 4-53, but Flakland totalled a strong score of 271.

The Oaks were then removed all out for 118 in a 153-run defeat. Home Counties Division One

WOKINGHAM collected their first win of the new season with an away success against Slough.

Three wickets from Jacob Clark and four from Callum Creighton helped the Oaks to bowl Slough all out on 142.

Wokingham then managed to chase the target down within 40.5 overs with three wickets to spare to take 20 points.

Jayden Barson helped guide Wokingham to the win as he scored 67 not out.

WARGRAVE made it two wins from two by beating Harefield by 64 runs.

A first inning stop score of 78 from Euan Woods helped Wargrave to total 250.

The hosts then successfully protected their lead which saw John Child take four wickets to see Wargrave to a comfortable victory.

FINCHAMPSTEAD lost out on the road in a three wicket defeat to High Wycombe.

Finch batter Toby Albert scored highest with 60 in the first innings which saw Finch put 174 runs on the board before they were removed after 40.4 overs.

Despite Christ Britz managing to pick up three wickets, Wycombe were able to surpass Finch’s total after 40.2 overs with three wickets remaining.

BCM Championship

SHINFIELD amassed 38 points after their exceptional away trip at Ballinger Waggoners.

Several excellent batting displays, including Abhishek Chatterjee (69), Muhammad Hafeez (75) and Amit Rawal (65) helped Shinfield to put 315 on the scoreboard after 45 overs.

Shinfield ensured they claimed the victory as the hosts finished on 199 after 45 overs which saw Shinfield win by 116 runs.

WEST READING lost out at home by four wickets to Braywood.

Usman Tariq top scored for West Reading with 43 not out, and despite four wickets from Muhammad Zameer, Braywood won after getting to 112 with four wickets remaining.

Eversley 2s picked up their first win of the season Pictures: Steve Smyth

Emmbrook and Bearwood beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood to take top spot Pictures: Andrew Batt

Emmbrook and Bearwood batting: Loxton 8, Williams 14, David 0, Lazenbury 57, Narraway 25, Booth 43, Stevenson 12, Davis 16*, Healey 53*, Robertson dnb, Morgan dnb

Crowthorne & Crown Wood bowling: K Cluett 2-70, Chandran 1-30, Taylor 0-27, Emes 1-16, A Cluett 2-35, Vogel 0-38, Golding 0-12

Crowthorne & Crown Wood batting: A CLuett 12, P Emes 28, Taylor 1, Avrili 25, Cartledge 44, C Emes 30, Kruger 9, J Cluett 10, Vogel 19, Golding 2*, Chandran 1*

Emmbrook and Bearwood bowling: Stevenson 1-13, Morgan 0-36, Lazenbury 2-22, Robertson 0-38, Healey 2-33, Davis 1-32, Williams 3-17

Andy Robertson bowling for Emmbrook

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

RN EIGHT-WICKET WIN

HONOURS BOARD

BATTING

White: Theale & Tilehurst 2s v White Waltham 2s - 107*

P Chima: Reading 2s v Thatcham Town - 103

Mike Longson: Twyford & Ruscombe v Mortimer West End - 102*

Javier Frost: Finchampstead 3s v Boyne Hill - 102

John Matthews: Eversley 2s v Sonning 2s - 101

Matt Furness: White Waltham v Cove 2s - 98

Hari Gurung: Bracknell 2s v Bradfield - 95*

Thomas Hale: Farley Hill v West Reading 2s - 87

Wes Roberts: Finchampstead 3s v Boyne Hill - 84

Jason Stotesbury: Wokingham Oaks & Acorns v Fleet 3s - 83*

Christopher Priddle: Twyford & Ruscombe v Mortimer West End - 83

Will Tucker: Eversley 4s v Reading 3s - 81

Abishiv Kishanth: Reading 4s v Kidmore End 4s - 80

Khartik Khanti: Finchampstead 4s v Boyne Hill 3s - 79

Ranjeet Sidhu: Wokingham 6s v Finchampstead 5s - 78*

Euan Woods: Wargrave v Harefield - 78

S Jeffrey: Binfield 2s v Royal Ascot 2s - 77*

Dan Humphrey: Binfield v Cove - 77

Mukesh Adwani: Rangers v Welford Park - 76

Muhammad Hafeez: Shinfield v Ballinger - 75

Daniel Aston: Eversley 5s v Maidenhead & Bray 5s - 72*

Idress: White Waltham 2s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s - 71

Abhishek Chatterjee: Shinfield v Ballinger - 69

Suman Ganguly: Reading United v Peppard Stoke Row - 68*

Jayden Barson: Wokingham v Slough- 67*

Shakeel Bashir: Farley Hill v West Reading 2s - 65

Amit Rawal: Shinfield v Ballinger - 65

Joe Loveday: Finchampstead 5s v Wokingham 6s - 64

Zain Raja: West Reading 2s v Farley Hill - 63

Steve Bendall: Wokingham 6s v Finchampstead 5s - 62

Chilterns

Division One

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s tallied 35 points after they secured victory against Denham 2s.

Rahul Soni took four wickets for Emmbrook in the first innings before a top score of 62 from Ravi Balakrishnan contributed to the win as the Bears won by five wickets.

BCL Premier Division

READING UNITED performed brilliantly to seal a nine wicket win away at PEPPARD STOKE

ROW 2S

Three wickets each from Krishna Thiyagarajan and Atul Pawar had Peppard all out for 108.

Reading then dropped one wicket on their way to winning the match, including 68 not out from Suman Ganguly.

CROWTHORNE & CROWN

WOOD 2s added 35 points to their total with a narrow win over SANDHURST

A five wicket haul from Sandhurst bowler Jason Wiseman had the Crows all out on 192.

Sandhurst fell just short as they ended the 40 overs innings on 182.

SHINFIELD 2s lost for the first time this campaign with a six wicket loss against Woodcote.

FARLEY HILL enjoyed an emphatic win over WEST READING which saw them triumph by 141 runs.

Thomas Hale totalled 87 as Farley finished with a superb score of 300.

A stunning bowling display from Adeel Razaq (5-38) had West Reading all out for 159.

Ravi Balakrishnan: Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Denham - 62

Chinmay Kulkarni: Wokingham 4s v Purley on Thames - 61*

Toby Albert: Finchampstead v High Wycombe - 60

Dilupa Chandrasekara: Sandhurst v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s - 60

Fahad Raja: Wokingham 3s v Purley on Thames - 59

Andy Lazenbury: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Crowthorne & Crown Wood - 57

Chris Sharpe: Waltham St Lawrence v Checkendon - 57

Max Carrol: Hurst v Reading - 56

David Healey: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Crowthorne & Crown Wood - 53*

Kieran Lall: Wargrave 2s v Windsor - 53

Freddie Meader: Wargrave 2s v Windsor - 50

BOWLING

Alex Sharp: Eversley 2s v Sonning 2s - 5-15

Jason Wiseman: Sandhurst v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s - 5-36

Arvind Bhat: Wokingham Oaks & Acorns v Fleet 3s - 5-36

Adeel Razaq: Farley Hill v West Reading 2s - 5-38

Ruthika Sabbineni: Binfield v Cookham Dean - 4-10

Ryan Pogson: Wokingham 3s v Purley on Thames - 4-16

Lewis Hart: Farley Hill v West Reading 2s - 4-18

Hussain Stanikzai: West Reading v Braywood - 4-22

John Child: Wargrave v Harefield - 4-30

R Javed: Wargrave 3s v Bracknell - 4-33

Sam Fearon: Finchampstead 4s v Boyne Hill 3s - 4-34

Rahul Soni: Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Denham - 4-37

Jack Staples: Wokingham 4s v Purley on Thames - 4-41

Azmath Atham: Waltham St Lawrence v Checkendon - 4-48

M Salman Kahlid: Wokingham 2s v Falkland - 4-53

Gabriella Jones: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Binfield - 3-10

Freya Cook: Wargrave v Sonning - 3-12

N Vojinov: Eversley v Stoke Green - 3-14

Ollie Williams: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Crowthorne & Crown Wood - 3-17

B Salter: Eversley v Stoke Green - 3-17

J Beavan: Reading 2s v Thatcham Town - 3-17

S Bucksey: Eversley v Stoke Green - 3-21

Pranav Desai: Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Sandhurst3-22

Chris Britz: Finchampstead v High Wycombe - 3-26

Niraj Kumar: Rangers v Welford Park - 3-29

Zain Raja: West Reading 2s v Farley Hill - 3-33

Jacob Clark: Wokingham v Slough - 3-42

Sonning bowling against Eversley Eversley 2s claimed an eight wicket win over Sonning 2s

Wokingham 2s lost out at home to Falkland

Wokingham at the crease

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

RUGBY UNION

RAMS HAND OUT AWARDS AT END OF SEASON BALL

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

OUTSTANDING back row James

McRae was named Rams’ Players’ Player of the Season at their endof-season presentation ball.

The Eton College teacher enjoyed a fabulous campaign in which he scored 10 tries in 21 games, helping his side to a runners-up spot in National One and finishing ahead of Axel Kalling-Smith and Max Hayman in the vote.

Kalling-Smith was chosen as Captain’s Player after his breakthrough efforts ended with the Swedish international touching down 13 times, while full-back Henry Bird was the Coaches’ Player after a sterling season.

Destructive 17-try hooker Hayman won the Tackling Cup, while Jak Rossiter was the top try-scorer having crossed the whitewash on 20 occasions.

On an evening when some 150 guests celebrated a memorable campaign at Old Bath Road, Mike Hoyt was crowned Titans (second XV) Players’ Player, while versatile forward Spencer Hayhow collected the Coaches’ gong.

The Louie Batchelor Memorial Trophy for Coaching was won by Joe Whatmore and Paul Smith, the duo overseeing a pair of title triumphs for the Centaurs (third XV) and Dragon’s Teeth (fourth XV).

RESULTS

Saturday, May 20

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League

Tottenham 4-1 Reading

Rams’ chairman Andy Lynch presents Joe Duffelen with his Honours Cap Pictures: Paul Clark

Thames Valley Women’s Cup

Tilehurst Panthers 3-2 Eversley & California Reserves

The Hutchinson Frost Memorial Award for Young Clubman of the Year went to George Batty, the teenage referee who has overseen a number of Titans games along with the Under 16 OBB League final victory for Rams against Newbury last month.

Former Premiership referee turned waterboy Ashley Rowden won the Chairman’s Award having

been involved with the club for the best part of six decades.

The Bill Taylor Memorial Trophy for Club Contribution was taken by photographer Tim Pitfield who has travelled the country from Darlington to Plymouth and all in between in taking superb snaps for the past few years.

An outstanding Honours Cap

PREVIEW CRICKET

ROYALS HAVE ONE LAST SHOT AT SURVIVAL IN WSL FINAL DAY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC host Chelsea on the final weekend of the Women’s Super League season with plenty riding on the result at both ends of the table.

The Royals are playing for their future in the top flight and will need to overcome the odds to beat Chelsea to give them a chance of survival.

Kelly Chambers’ side will also need other results to go their way and need relegation rivals Leicester City to not win at Brighton to give them hope. Reading go into the last game at the bottom of the table on 11 points, two points behind Leicester.

Meanwhile, Emma Hayes’ Chelsea team have their sights set on trying to capture a fourth consecutive WSL title. The blues will need three points at the Select Car Leasing Stadium to ensure that they are crowned as champions again.

Title rivals Manchester

United made sure that the race for top spot would go down to the wire after they scored a dramatic injury time winner against local rivals

Manchester City.

Two points separate the top two which means that United will have to win their final game away at Liverpool and hope that the Royals can do them a favour in the process against Chelsea.

Reading have managed to beat Chelsea just once in their history, which came last campaign at the SCL.

The Royals shocked the WSL champions with Deanne Rose’s early goal before they executed a determined defensive display to claim a 1-0 win.

Reading will be hoping for a repeat of that performance this Saturday to try and save their season.

There was a welcome return last weekend for long term absentee Rose who picked up a severe injury on the opening weekend of the season.

She came on for a cameo appearance off the bench against Spurs and proved to be Reading’s brightest spark in their heavy defeat.

from 2019/20 was belatedly awarded to Colt turned first-teamer Ross Crame, who heads into his 25th season at the club next term. Honours Caps for the past campaign were awarded to stalwart Phil Rushton, another colt who went onto score 47 first-team tries in Joe Duffelen, Rossiter and Colts coaches Owen Espley and Shaun Sheppard.

BERKS TO BEGIN DEFENCE OF NCCA TROPHY

BY DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today

BERKSHIRE open their defence of the NCCA Trophy against Hertfordshire at Henley CC on Bank Holiday Monday (11am).

When they met them in the group stage last year, they won by six wickets at North Mymms, with skipper Dan Lincoln making an unbeaten half-century.

Berks will be looking to bounce back following their 68-run defeat by Staffordshire in the T20 semi-finals at Tring Park last Sunday. Staffs notched up a massive 252-2, the highest-ever Finals Day total. Nils Priestley had smashed a brilliant unbeaten 147 from just 66 balls with 10 sixes and 12 fours. He brought up his century from 41 balls, having along the way hit three sixes and two fours off five successive deliveries from Shaariq Sheikh.

Priestley shared an opening partnership of 124 in nine overs with Zen Malik (40) and then 99 with James Kettleborough (33). Lincoln and Johnny Connell made a promising start to Berkshire’s reply, reaching 84 in 7.4 overs before the Henley batter was dismissed for 36. Two overs and 17 runs later, Lincoln was caught for 55 and the innings faltered with Berks slipping from 123-2 to 137-5, and finishing with a final total of 184-9. Staffs (119 all out) went on to lift the title by beating Cornwall (115-9) by four runs in front of a large crowd.

Thames Valley Division One

Holyport Reserves 5-2

Windlesham United Youth

Thames Valley Division Two Burghfield Reserves 4-3 Allied Community

Reading YMCA Rapids 2-5 SB

Phoenix Reserves

Twyford & Ruscombe 4-1 Slough Heating Laurencians Reserves

Thames Valley Division Three Reading City Development 3-3 Binfield U23s

CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Slough (142 all out) lost to Wokingham (146-7)

High Wycombe (175-7) beat Finchampstead (174 all out)

Wargrave (250-9) beat Harefield (186 all out)

BCM Championship Ballinger Waggoners (199-8) lost to Shinfield (315-6)

Emmbrook and Bearwood (238-7) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (199-9) West Reading (111 all out) lost to Braywood (112-6)

Chilterns Division One Denham 2s (185 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (187-5)

BCL Premier Division Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (192 all out) beat Sandhurst (182-7)

Farley Hill (300-7) beat West Reading 2s (159 all out)

Peppard Stoke Row 2s (108 all out) lost to Reading United (113-1)

Shinfield 2s (149 all out) lost to Woodcote (153-4)

BCL Division One Reading Lions (149-2) beat Earley (146 all out) Rangers (287-6) beat Welford Park (199 all out)

Waltham St Lawrence (205 all out) tied Checkendon (205 all out)

Thames Valley Division 1 Stoke Green (93 all out) lost to Eversley (94-2)

Wokingham 2s (118 all out) lost to Falkland (271 all out)

Thames Valley Division 2B

Sonning (91 all out) lost to Burnham (176 all out)

Binfield (191 all out) lost to Cove (287-6)

Reading (124-3) beat Hurst (123 all out)

Finchampstead (93 all out) lost to Sulhamstead & Ufton (178 all out)

Sunday, May 21

FOOTBALL

FA Vase final

Ascot United 1-0 Newport Pagnell Town

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two Kingsclere 0-0 S4K Berks County

Thames Valley Division 3S Burghfield 0-8 Larkspur Rovers

CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Super 8 Cricket

Crowthorne & Crown Wood (76-2) beat Cookham Dean (63-3)

Moreton (86-6) lost to Sonning (94-2)

Cookham Dean (83 all out) lost to Binfield (105-4)

Sonning (46-5) lost to Wargrave (82-8)

Moreton (74-8) lost to Wargrave (68-6) Crowthorne & Crown Wood (77-4) beat Binfield (86-6)

FIXTURES

Wednesday, May 24

Thames Valley Division Two Reading YMCA Rapids v Stoke Poges

Thames Valley Division Three Henley Town Development v Reading City Development

Saturday, May 27

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading v Chelsea

CRICKET Home Counties Division One Finchampstead v Banbury High Wycombe v Wargrave Wokingham v Harefield

BCM Championship Braywood v Emmbrook and Bearwood Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ballinger Waggoners Great Kingshill v West Reading Shinfield v Mortimer West End

BCL Premier Division Reading United v Shinfield 2s West Reading 2s v Goring on Thames

Woodcote v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s

BCL Division One

Earley v Checkendon

Silchester v Reading Lions

West Reading 3s v Maidenhead Royals

Rangers v Waltham St Lawrence

Thames Valley Division One

Uxbridge v Wokingham 2s

Eversley v Cookham Dean

Thames Valley Division 2B Cove v Sonning

Slough 2s v Binfield

Hurst v Harpsden

Reading v Finchampstead 2s

Sunday, May 28

FOOTBALL

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Ascot United Reserves v Tilehurst Panthers

Owen Root presents the Coaches’ Player of the Year to Henry Bird

Rams’ CEO Gary Reynolds presents the retiring Ollie Taylor with a shirt

Winner of the Players’ Player Award, James McRae

Royals captain Emma Mukandi Stock Picture: Steve Smyth