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You can trust us to care At Care UK’s Bickerton House and Parsons Grange care homes in Berkshire, our skilled and dedicated team delivers superb residential, nursing, dementia and short-term care in stunning surroundings. As the country’s most awarded large care provider, Care UK takes pride in delivering the best. When you join us we work with you and your family to learn all about your life, interests and wishes, so we can shape every aspect of your care and lifestyle – even the delicious food we serve – to suit you. Feels like home We’ve thought of everything to help you enjoy the best possible lifestyle. Our homes have their own hair and beauty salon, cinema room and lovely gardens. All bedrooms are beautifully furnished, and each has its own wet-room. There are gorgeous lounges, ideal for relaxing, and
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Thursday, May 26, 2022
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COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS
COUNCIL: All change as Lib Dems take charge
Let’s talk about dementia
To download Care UK’s ‘Let’s talk about dementia’ guide visit careuk.com/letstalkdementia 21 things everyone should know
For family carers
care, and we’re here to offer information, support and reassurance for your family whenever they need us. If you’re considering care, call us on 03702 186668.
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Worried a loved one may have dementia? common forms of dementia in people aged over 65, but it’s also possible to have a combination of these which is called ‘mixed dementia’. While each type of dementia has specific symptoms, they also share some, including a deterioration in memory and decisionmaking, communication difficulties, changing behaviour, problems sleeping, and mobility issues.
Care UK have been providing award-winning, tailored dementia care for over 40 years. Their teams are there to support you if you’re concerned that an older relative may be showing the first signs of developing dementia. Parsons Grange and Bickerton House care homes are two of Care UK’s Goodrated care homes in Shinfield and Bracknell, Berkshire. Their expert teams are experienced in caring for people at all stages of their dementia journey. They can also help you with information and advice. Join one of their dementia information sessions or download our free guides about caring for a loved one living with dementia. What are the early signs of dementia? Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies are the most
What should you do? Please talk to your loved one’s GP about your concerns. If they diagnose dementia, you can then start getting the right support in place for you and your loved one. Trust us to care The teams at Parsons Grange and Bickerton House are trained in the latest dementia care approaches. Above all, they see the person behind the dementia and support them to enjoy each day to the full in a calm and supportive atmosphere. For dementia care you can trust, call 03702 186668 or visit careuk.com/berkshire
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia: around half a million people in the UK are living with it. Symptoms include: • Regularly forgetting recent events, names and faces • Confusion about the time of day, problems finding the right words • Physical disorientation • Impaired judgement, mood or behaviour problems Vascular dementia is the second most common form and is the result of reduced blood flow to the brain. Symptoms include: • Slower thinking • Personality changes (depression, apathy, more emotional) • Difficulty/changes in walking • Bladder problems Dementia with Lewy bodies shares some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms include: • Unpredictable changes in alertness, attention and confusion • Slowed movements, muscle stiffness and tremors • Fainting, unsteadiness and falls • Visual hallucinations and sleep disturbance
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WOKINGHAM TODAY UPDATED DAILY AT WWW.WOKINGHAM.TODAY
THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Thursday, May 26, 2022
No. 365 90p
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SHEEPLANDS CALL FOR HELP n Plant nursery seeks investment for plans n Call for community to get behind revamp
EXCLUSIVE
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dnlackham@wokingham.today THE owner of a Hare Hatch plant nursery is looking for partners to invest and help “realise the dream” of redeveloping the site.
Earlier this year redevelopment of the Hare Hatch Sheeplands was approved by Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee after councillors voted against a recommendation made by officers
to refuse the application. Rob Scott, owner of Hare Hatch Sheeplands, is now looking for partners to help make the proposed plans a reality. He said: “After a long battle of 20 years, with plenty of support from local councillors and our community, we received permission to redevelop the site. “However we now need financial support from an investor or community funding to make it happen.” n Continued on page 8
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LOOKING FORWARD: The Natural History Museum is set to open a state-of-theart research centre in Thames Valley Science Park, Shinfield Picture: University of Reading
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Natural History Museum in Shinfield By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today THE Natural History Museum is to develop a state-of-the-art science and digitisation centre at Thames Valley Science Park.
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Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Daniel Blackham, Jake Clothier, Emma Merchant, Ji-Min Lee Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.
Subject to planning permission, the new facility will house worldleading natural sciences research, with 27 million of the museum’s specimens and 5,500 metres of archive material relocated to the Shinfield site. The plan will involve major collaboration with the University of Reading in tackling issues including climate change, food security and biodiversity conservation. The Director of the Natural History Museum Doug Gurr said: “The University of Reading has a world-class reputation for teaching and research and there is enormous scope for collaboration on shared areas of scientific specialisms. “We look forward to joining the lively community of ambitious, knowledge-based organisations at Thames Valley Science Park and forging closer relationships with institutions already based there.” The plans have been enabled through investment by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport as part of the government’s prioritisation of R&D. Arts Minister Lord Parkinson said: “The partnership between the museum and the University of Reading will also see the UK blaze a trail worldwide through the rapid digitisation of collections in cutting-edge science facilities –
securing our position as a leader in research and collaboration.” Sustainability will play a key role in development, with the centre designed for low carbon impact through reduced energy and water use. The building is set to span the area of three football pitches, with construction expected to be completed by 2026. The relocation of artefacts will see around a third of the museum’s total 80 million objects move to Shinfield, marking the museum’s largest collections move since the 1880s. The museum’s vast mammal collections, non-insect invertebrates and ocean bottom sediments are amongst the items to be housed in the facility. Though not open to the public, the centre will offer opportunity for community engagement through relationships with university and Wokingham schools outreach programmes. “This is an exciting development for the University of Reading,” The university’s Vice-Chancellor Robert Van de Noort said. “It could provide significant opportunities for our academics and students, as well as bringing benefits to the broader local area.” The project further enhances Shinfield’s reputation as a leading site of discovery and creation. Thames Valley Science Park already plays home to cuttingedge innovators such as the British Museum, Rutherford Cancer Centre and Shinfield Studios.
FIT FUNDRAISERS: Staff at Tesco’s Wokingham store raised more than £2,000 to help the
Pedal (and foot) EXCLUSIVE
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today ONE hundred kind-hearted colleagues from a Wokingham supermarket raised more than £2,000 for the people in war-torn Ukraine.
Over a two-day period, they hopped on exercise bikes or recorded their steps around the Tesco store on Finchampstead Road, with the aim of covering 1,500 miles – the distance from Wokingham to Kyiv. Although they chalked up 559 miles before running out of time, shoppers got behind the event to donate £1,622.34.
A further £480.10 was raised by store colleague Emily Kyte, who was selling her handmade sunflower key rings in the colours of the Ukraine flag for £4 each. Emily’s funds went to Dr Vitaliy Herhel, a GP at Bracknell’s Binfield Surgery, who has set up a charity to raise funds specifically for medication and bandages for the people of Ukraine, while the rest went to the British Red Cross, which is assisting with the humanitarian effort in Ukraine. Lukasz Zawada, store manager, said: “What’s happening in Ukraine is shocking and upsetting to see, so the team came up with this fundraiser to help the people out there during this awful time. “It’s unimaginable what Ukraine
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Scarecrows, classic cars and open gardens for jubilee fun
Red Cross’s emergency appeal in Ukraine, They were helped by Wokingham Lions and Scouts Picture: Tesco Wokingham
power for Ukraine families are having to endure, and the team felt we had to do something to support them. We’ve all been moved by what’s happening, and I’m so proud of the way everyone in the store has got behind this.” According to the United Nations, nearly 13 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine to escape the conflict. After seeing the tragic events on TV, the store colleagues approached Energie Fitness Wokingham to borrow two exercise bikes for the sponsored fundraiser. The two-day event was also supported by The Lions Club Wokingham, SHARE Wokingham and 1st Wokingham Scouts, who helped with the cash collections.
Louise Jedras, Community Champion at the store, said: “We didn’t manage the 1,500 miles in the tight timeframe we had, but we certainly got there in spirit and determination. “Thanks to the local businesses and people who helped us, what was achieved was a great combined community effort. “The team felt strongly about contributing to this cause, and we’re really grateful to all the generous shoppers who supported us by donating any loose change they had. She added: “Whenever we’ve raised money for a good cause, our customers have shown what a caring people they are and that we are lucky to have them.”
Marvellous boost for Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation THE Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has received a welcome boost from a “Marvellous” source. The trust will receive charity funding to employ its first Roald Dahl Specialist Nurse, providing support to children and young people with epilepsy in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire. The new nurse will work with families and young people in the region who, without specialist support, would struggle to get the health and social care support they need. For five years, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity and Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust will share the cost of the specialist nurse appointment, expected to be in place by autumn this year. Dr Sarah Hughes, paediatric consultant in
neurodisability at the trust, is delighted to be partnering with the Roald Dahl charity She said: “Epilepsy care for young people changes when they reach 16 to 18 years of age, as they transition from paediatric care to adult care. The young person may have to learn to organise their medications and appointments as well as work out how to keep themselves safe. “This specialist nurse role will enable the trust to have a seamless epilepsy service which spans from birth to old age, by overlapping the nursing support to our young people.” So far the Roald Dahl Marvellous Children’s Charity has funded more than 80 specialist nurses who treat 24,000 seriously-ill children and young people in the UK.
n For more information on the charity visit: roalddahlcharity.org
A WEEK of special events to help Sonning celebrate the Platinum Jubilee include a classic car show, a regatta and the scarecrow trail. The Sonning Regatta will be held from noon to 6pm on the banks of the River Thames by Reading Blue Coat School on Saturday, May 28. A wetland walk will take place from the churchyard on Sunday, May 29. A children’s pond dipping event for primary school pupils will run from 2pm to 3.30pm at Ali’s Pond in the village, on Wednesday, June 1. There are children’s football sessions on the same day, taking place at Berkshire County sports ground in Sonning Lane. A session for ages seven to 11 runs from 10am to noon, and for ages 12-16 from 1pm to 3pm. Sonning will be joining in with the national beacon light ceremonies. People are asked to assemble in King George’s Field from 9.15pm on Thursday, June 2. The Sonning Scarecrow trail runs from 10am to 5pm on Thursday, June 2, and Friday June 3. The hugely popular event attracts thousands of visitors to the village and this year will be fused with a cherished car display in Bishops Close. An organiser said: “There will be many different characters will be on the Trail creating a great deal of excitement, as well as the open gardens, classic cars and delicious refreshments all making a super trip out for the whole family.” Also taking place on the Thursday and Friday will be an art exhibition in Pearson Hall. Reading Blue Coat School will open its grounds for picnics on Saturday, June 4, from 2pm to 5pm and from 7.30pm to 11.45pm. The final event will be a street part in Pearson Road from 2.30pm. n For more details, log on to: www.sonningfestival. co.uk
Order our Jubilee souvenir issue today n Don’t miss our souvenir issue of June 9, featuring reports from every corner of the borough
SUNDAY 5TH JUNE - 5pm
Taste of Summer - Wine Tasting 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 Twelve Wines Guest Speaker
Seafood and Barbeque Snacks Eton Mess Cup
Once you’ve developed an appetite, we invite you to stay for dinner. All wines from the evening can be bought at a retail price. £29.95 per person
0118 979 8805 or email enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com
To book please call us direct on us at
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FUN DAY OUT: Iron Man lives up to his name at the 2019 Sonning Scarecrow Festival Picture: Phil Creighton
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Jubilee service A SPECIAL service will be held at St Mary’s, Shinfield, to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Visitors are invited to bring their own picnic lunch to enjoy together with family and friends post-service. It will be an opportunity to commemorate the occasion, meet new people and take part in some organised activities. The event will have something for all, and will be an ideal way to round off the week’s festivities. The service takes place at 10.30am on Sunday, June 5. n For more information, visit: www.loddonreach.org.uk
Picnic for Queen ST NICOLAS Church in Earley is planning a Platinum Jubilee themed lunch. Visitors to this community event are asked to bring their own picnic to the church garden, on Sutcliffe Avenue. There will be Queen themed ice creams, tea and coffee, children’s games, including table tennis, and a cake competition. The event will take place inside if necessary. The picnic takes place on Saturday, June 4, between noon and 4pm. n For details, visit: www.stnicolas.org.uk
Beer festival fun THERE will be a beer festival in Wokingham town centre. A weekend of food, drink and music is planned at the Queen’s Head. 12 Real Ales will be available along with two country ciders. The festival takes place between Thursday, June 2 and Sunday, June 5. Music and barbecue will take place on Friday evening, June 3, and again on Sunday afternoon, June 5. For more information, follow The Queen’s Head on The Terrace on Facebook.
From
£895
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 26, 2022
Thames Valley park and ride to close over low passenger numbers GOING: The 400 park & ride service will be axed by Reading Buses Picture: Phil Creighton
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
A PARK & RIDE service launched while work to revamp services at Winnersh Triangle is to be mothballed next month.
The 400 service, run by Reading Buses from Thames Valley Park is to stop after Saturday, June 18. The company said that the decision was due to low usage, and the end of a funding deal from Wokingam Borough Council. This means there is no park and ride on this side of the borough until the Winnersh Triangle car park refurbishment is completed sometime next year. Reading Buses chief executive, Robert Williams, said: “The Thames Valley site hasn’t been well used. “We will be looking at options to see if the Winnersh Triangle park & ride service can resume prior to this date, depending on how works progress. An alternative to better serve NHS employees is also being worked on.” Instead, Reading Buses advises people to switch to the Lion 4/x4 service, which leaves from near the Showcase roundabout, the Orange 13/14 services which loop through Woodley, or drive to the Mereoak park&ride 600 services, which are not affected. The new executive member for active travel, transport and highways is Cllr Paul Fishwick, who said that he hoped a bus service from Winnersh Triangle would resume in early 2023, and said discussion with Reading Buses will take place near the time. He said that the decrease in demand for park and ride services was part of a national overall reduction in travel, particularly for commuting, with more people working from home now than before the pandemic. “The Park and Ride service was popular and well used prior to the pandemic, which allowed Reading Buses to run the service commercially without costing themselves or the council any money,” he said. “Unfortunately, although we have worked with Reading Buses to try to keep the service running, there is a very low demand compared to pre-pandemic
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levels – it is currently at about 16% of pre-pandemic demand. This means that the cost of providing a bus service far exceeds the income. “The council financially supported the service hoping that ridership would increase. “As it hasn’t, the council is not able to fully fund the service and Reading Buses has decided to stop the service as of Sunday, June 19.” Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, leader of the Conservative Group on Wokingham Borough Council was the previous executive member for Transport. She said: “The bus service was run commercially by Reading Buses, and during the pandemic it was subsidised by the Government’s bus support grant. When the grant came to an end as Covid-19 subsided, the previous Conservative administration provided bridging funding to allow time for passengers to return to travelling on buses. “Despite the bridging funding, use remains low and ultimately, the decision for running the service is with Reading Buses, wholly-owned by Labour-run Reading Borough Council.” She added: “It is up to the new Lib Dem-led coalition in charge of Wokingham Borough Council to decide if it wants to continue subsidising the service.” The Thames Valley Park park and ride was controversial from the outset. Wokingham Borough Council’s then Conservative-run administration announced the £3.6m plan in June 2016, with the aim of reducing traffic around the Suttons Seeds
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roundabout. At the time, the council applied for permission to build the 277-space on scrubland backing on to Thameside footpath and was opposed by Reading’s Greens and Wokingham Labour. The then executive member for
highways, Cllr Malcolm Richards, said: “Park and rides are part of a comprehensive package to help people make sustainable travel choices.” Cllr Rob White, the leader of the opposition on Reading Borough Council and Park ward councillor, said: “Greens campaigned against building a £3.6 million car park by the River Thames because we didn’t want to lose yet more green space and there are better ways to spend the money and cut pollution. “Yet again Labour-run Reading Council and the Conservatives in Wokingham have been involved in wasting money and missing an opportunity to tackle air pollution.” Looking ahead, Wokingham Borough Council said that it is working with Reading Buses and the Royal Berkshire Hospital to explore long term re-use of the Thames Valley Park site for hospital staff, which it hoped would make a positive contribution to sustainable travel and the climate emergency.
ABOVE: Jubilee cakes are cut LEFT: The choir and church leaders of Earley St Peter’s
Church holds Platinum service
A CELEBRATION of the Queen’s 70th anniversary as monarch was held at Earley St Peter’s Church on Sunday. Taking elements from across her reign, the service saw more than 100 people pack the church to mark Her Majesty’s achievements. The opening hymn was All People That On Earth Do Dwell, the only one sung by the whole congregation at
her coronation service in 1953. Cheryl Chinta Kunta read out part of the Queen’s Christmas message from the year 2000, in which she spoke of her personal faith. Dr Elaine Watts, a lay minister, led a prayer of dedication first written for the Silver Jubilee in 1977, while the closing hymn was O Praise Ye The Lord, sung at the national service of thanksgiving for the Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Simon Carter, the deputy lieutenant of Berkshire, gave the scripture reading, while the Revd Dr Philip Hobday, vicar of Earley St Peter’s gave an address which touched on the Queen’s service and accountability, as well as her inspiration. After the service, Earley Town Mayor Cllr Tahir Maher and Mr Carter cut jubilee cakes for the congregation to enjoy.
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Yes, there are more bobbies... but it will be a while before they’re on the beat EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today RECRUITMENT of new officers is going well says Thames Valley Police’s Chief Constable, John Campbell – but it will be a while before they’ll be seen on the beat.
“We’ve met our targets for the last few years, with more officers to come,” he said. “That’s an increase of around 90 officers. A lot of them will still be in training, so we won’t necessarily see a significant bump in terms of visibility (just yet). “They don’t quite take us back to where we were before we lost a number of officers, but it’s a welcome addition that we weren’t originally expecting.” The chief constable admits that seeing more bobbies on the beat is one of the issues that is regularly presented to him. “I would like more officers, of course,” he admits. “(When it comes to staffing numbers) I’m a greedy, greedy chief constable. We have around 4,200 officers and we police a population across the Thames Valley of 2.4 million. “We try and police in a way that enables teams to be local, familiar and accessible. Our PCSOs work in our community on a regular basis, and we have that 24/7 response capability when people are in need of an emergency response.” CC Campbell said that the first wave of new officers have
RECRUITMENT DRIVE: Thames Valley Police’s chief constable, John Campbell been drafted into help at a local level, while the next wave would be placed into a variety of teams including investigating crimes, something he feels is just as important. “It is flattering to hear that people want to see more police because there are many parts of the world where they don’t want to, and don’t trust their police,” he continued. “The fact that people want to see more of us we should regard as a compliment. “Obviously I will do all I can to make sure we are as visible as we can be.” Is Reading’s busy nighttime economy, with people leaving pubs and clubs in various states of intoxication, taking officers
away from daytime work? “We have a number of nighttime economy hotspots, busy places for people to go and enjoy drink, food and all those other things that come at weekends – long may that continue,” CC Campbell said. “We want people to be safe and have a great time. “It does mean we have a responsibility due to people fighting, and resorting to violence. We also need to keep women safe in those environments as well. “It does take officers on very specific operations that reduces the amount of policing elsewhere in the force area. “The more we can do to get people to have a great night
and behave, the more we can do with licencees, and local authorities means I can then use resources for policing the rest of the Thames Valley.” CC Campbell is full of praise for Reading’s Street Pastors who help out the late-night response. “We’ve also got Operation Vigilant which is to make the nighttime economy safer for women and girls on Friday and Saturday nights. “We’ve run those operations in Reading and have some significant success in identifying people that have, at best, unwelcome behaviour, at worse potentially criminal predatory behaviour.” Late night anti-social behaviour from car meets has been a constant concern from residents – revving engines, racing along roads and ‘doughnuts’ in car parks have all been raised as issues. “It’s not an offence if people want to meet with their cars in a public place,” he says. “But what can happen is sometimes people’s behaviours in their vehicles can become anti-social, driving around and breaking road traffic laws. “That’s where we need to intervene and we have a number of operations across the force to try and reduce the impacts of those car meets.” Knife crime is another issue that keeps coming up. In recent months, Section 60 orders have been placed across various parts of the region, most recently in Whitley. These powers allow police to stop
and search people if they are suspected of harbouring knives. Despite what seems like an ongoing catalogue of knife crime, CC Campbell says it has reduced by 10% over the past year “Operation Spectre and amnesty bins are helping to get knives off the street,” he says, adding that the force has increased patrols, undertaken educational visits and worked across the force to help with the detection rates. “We take it very seriously,” CC Campbell explains. “This is a priority for the force this year. We’ve managed to turn the corner significantly.” The force has also worked to reduce other crime statistics, with robberies down 23%, and significant reductions in county lines – crimes that take place over more than one policing authority. But despite this, CC Campbell is not resting on his laurels, which possibly explains why he feels greedy for wanting more officers. “I’m never satisfied, I always want us to do better,” he says, adding that over the past two years of the pandemic, his officers have gone above and beyond to help keep the public safe not least during the period when covid was at its peak and officers were not vaccinated. “They were risking their own wellbeing as well as protecting others,” he said. “One crime is too many, so we are working hard, and working well.”
M3 lane closures ROAD users on a stretch of the M3 in Surrey and Hampshire have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys by National Highways. Until Friday, June 17, a series of overnight lane closures will be in place between junctions two (M25) and 4a (Fleet). National Highways will be carrying out essential maintenance work in lanes one and two of the southbound alllane running section of the M3. The overnight lane closures will be in place from 9pm to 6am, with one lane remaining open to traffic. National Highways has confirmed the works will not take place between Tuesday, May 31 and Sunday, June 5, due to the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend. Work will involve the removal and infill of manhole covers. Contractors will also be utilising traffic management to safely plant trees along the verges of the M3, carry out litter picking activities and any required cleaning to the emergency refuge areas. In addition, lane one will be kept closed during the day, to allow excavations and infill material to cure. This closure will start from junction two. Access to all junctions on the southbound M3 will remain open and the lane closure will be removed once all work is completed. Only short stretches of the southbound carriageway will be closed at any time and the lane closures will not be in place for the entire stretch between junctions two and 4a. Delays are expected through the lane closures so National Highways is advising people to allow additional time for their journeys.
Helping the over-65s stay independent Do you wish to remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible and still have a say in your well-being? Let me show you how you might be able to get regular financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home and make your life easier. Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for those in receipt of the State Pension who have health issues or needs that cause difficulties or challenges in your day-today living. It is a benefit for those who need help with personal care.
CLEAN-UP: Members of Charvil Matters came together to clean up the village’s verges Picture: Tamsin Morgan
Villagers come together to make Charvil cleaner CHARVIL’S verges are cleaner and greener thanks to a team of litter pickers. Villagers came together on Sunday, May 15, to collect the things that folks had left behind. Organsier, Cllr Sam Akhtar from Charvil Matters, said: “We had a great litter picking session. “It was great to see so many come out and help. “We managed to clear a large amount of litter across Charvil
and the Sonning/Charvil border along the A4.” He continued: “Litter picking is not only a great way to clean up the area and keep but we are actively helping to protect local wildlife and help keep micro plastics from entering the eco system so its a win-win. “Many also say litter picking is a great mindfulness exercise – as you focus on one thing for the hour and always feel great after a session.”
There are two levels weekly rates of Attendance Allowance. A lower rate of £61.85 per week is paid if you need help during the day to maintain your independence. Should you have health issues that disturb your night, then the weekly benefit may increase to over £92.40 per week. The level you receive is determined by your circumstances. You can claim this benefit even if you haven’t paid National Insurance and it is not means-tested, it doesn’t matter where you live or if you have savings. Attendance allowance is tax-free. Are you or is someone you know eligible? We offer an initial free 30-minute confidential consultation to allow us to assess whether we can help and for you to decide if you’d like help. If we both agree that claiming Attendance Allowance is right for you, then we will look after you every step of the way. We complete all the necessary forms and explain the process of claiming in straightforward, plain English so that you understand everything and are in complete control. You may decide, after your initial consultation, that you’d like to continue as you are for now; that’s fine too. We’re only a phone call away if you change your mind, or would like to talk things through again.
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Funds needed to ‘realise dream’ of transforming Sheeplands nursery
LAUGH: Four Seasons residents Janet Tait and Michael Allison enjoy a joke together
n Continued from front page
Gales of laughter in borough care homes EARLIER this month, funloving residents of Berkshire care homes enjoyed a good chuckle, and they’ve been laughing ever since. Care homes Murdoch House, in Wokingham and Woodbury House in Swallowfield, both held their own comedy clubs to celebrate World Laughter Day. They shared their funniest jokes, stories and impressions to kick off an event called Laughter and Sunshine. And the jokes and the giggles have continued through the month. Residents are able to enjoy Laughter Yoga sessions, listening to local children’s favourite jokes and enjoying performances by visiting comedians and singers. The homes’ Magic Moments Coordinators are also putting together Happiness Handbooks. These are full of residents’
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 26, 2022
The proposed plans for the 3.6 hectare site will convert the business into a retail garden centre, with a play area, allotments and new parking. The farm shop would remain and the cafe relocated to a different section of the building which could then accommodate 250 seated customers. Outside, a play area would replace existing glass houses, backing onto a field which will be used for recreational use. Plans also include planting a woodland alongside the A4, creating a biodiverse wildlife corridor. Mr Scott said customers are excited by the plans, but without external investment the current site won’t remain fit for purpose. He said: “Every day we have customers congratulating us on the plans being approved but it is quickly followed up by ‘When is the work starting?’. “The current buildings can’t be utilised for the plans we have and it is unachievable
tips and ideas to bring laughter and sunshine into older life. Home Manager at Murdoch House, James Morl, said: “After the challenges of the last two years we decided it was time to celebrate the joy of laughter and the benefits it brings. “Laughter increases the release of feel-good endorphins, aids muscle relaxation and stimulates circulation which are all good for health and well-being.” Resident Michael Allison, aged 78, said: “I really didn’t know we had so many jokers living here.” Resident Janet Tait, also aged 78, added: “They say laughter is the best medicine and I couldn’t agree more. “A lovely way to forget old age aches and pains. “Everyone should try and laugh more.”
to get work started without investment from a partner. “I maintain the same enthusiasm as I had the day I walked onto the site and this is a plan that everybody wants.” Mr Scott’s enthusiasm is shared by Andy Dicks, operations director at Hare Hatch Sheeplands, who believes the site can become a central hub for the community. He said: “We already have so many people in the community using the facilities here and we
know many of our customers by name because they are so loyal. “Throughout the pandemic we had local choir groups using outside areas when they were unable to practice in their usual indoor environment. “If we can get the funding needed we can then utilise more of the outdoor spaces, including a wellbeing garden, which local residents will benefit from.” Mr Scott is expecting to receive the finalised section 106 agreement from the council NEW FACE: Awanish Roy, who loves cricket, has joined the team at Sultan in Wokingham’s Market Place
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DINERS at a Wokingham restaurant will be bowled over by the food after a cricket-loving executive chef joined the ranks. Awanish Roy is the latest addition to the team at Sultan, one of the town’s oldest Indian restaurants, and says he has some big plans for the menu. Formerly the executive chef at Bombay Story restaurant, also in Wokingham, Mr Roy said: “I’m very excited to be joining Sultan and have some big plans for the menu. “Wokingham is a thriving town with so much going for it, especially with all the new shops and homes. “I love it here and want to make it my home for many years to come.” Awanish has had an impressive career and brings a wealth of experience to the Market Place restaurant, which
recently underwent a £100,000 refurbishment which included a new downstairs café. He came to the UK in 2004 to work at the iconic Cinnamon Club in London where he mastered the art of Indian cooking for the next eight years, before honing his craft at Roti Chai and Chai Ki. In 2015 he opened the highly acclaimed Saffron Summer restaurants in Kingstone and Reigate, before moving to Wokingham in 2021. His other claims to fame include cooking for several Prime Ministers over the years, together with Sir Cliff Richard, Stevie Wonder and former Indian International Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. Sultan’s owner Raja Majid said: “I’m really excited to have Awanish join the restaurant and I can’t wait to work with him on some exciting new dishes.”
PLEA: Rob Scott and Andy Dicks with the plans for Hare Hatch Sheeplands. Picture: Steve Smyth
in the “next week or so” which outlines specific concessions and contributions that allowed the plans to be approved. He said that now this stage is nearly complete he wants to see work commence as soon as possible. “Our loyal customers come in every week and are expecting to see workers with spades in the ground,” he said. “We now need the finances to help realise the dream of transforming the site.”
Cycle ride for all the family YOU don’t have to be a serious cyclist to enjoy a spin at the Wargrave Bike Fest and Family Day. Experienced cyclists can enjoy discovering new territory in the Chiltern Hills on the longer trails, while families and children can attempt the shorter ride. Riders can follow 20km, 50km or 75km rides. The 20km family trail takes riders through Wargrave, Crazies Hill and Warren Row. Children 12 and under can purchase an Olympic Passport to take part in challenge stations to earn a stamp and win a prize. Trails set off from: 8am for 75km, 8.45am for 50km, 9.45am for 20km. At the end, all participants can return to dismount at Mill Green to enjoy a barbecue and cakes. And for those who don’t want to cycle, between 10am and 2pm Mill Green also offers mini Olympic challenges, a craft zone, a climbing wall, martial arts, circus skills, and a baby and toddler play zone. Tickets for adults cost £10, £20 and £25 depending on the length of trail. Children ride free when accompanied by an adult, and can purchase passports for £5. Tickets include a digital cyclist pack. The event takes place on Saturday, June 18. n For information and to book, visit: www. wargravefestival.org.uk
Thursday, May 26, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder where you are? EXCLUSIVE By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today THE stars are coming to Wokingham and if you’re very lucky you may find one.
Lower Earley author Gemma Stone will be hiding copies of her new children’s picture story book, Herb, The Little Star Who Twinkled Differently, which features a special star. She’ll be secretly planting the books in Wokingham in places where children can find them. Youngsters can search during half term, which this year runs from Friday through to Sunday, June 5. The book was originally written for her seven-month-old son Archie. “It’s about how being different can feel scary, especially when it’s hard to find the right words to say. “In my story, Herb, with the help of his dad, learns to realise that he’s a bright spark with his very own star qualities,” explains Gemma. Copies of the Gemma’s book will be tucked away in playgrounds and near schools. She hopes that lots of young children will enjoy searching for it with their families, and if they do find one, it’s theirs to keep. It’s a book that speaks from the heart. Gemma hopes it will help children to understand how it feels to be a bit different. Her own baby son Archie, like Herb, twinkles brightly, and has his
AUTHOR: Gemma Stone with her son Archie own special qualities. He has ocular albinism, a condition where the pigmentation in the iris, the coloured part of the eye, has not developed properly. This can cause visual problems such as nystagmus where the eyes seem to ‘wobble’ constantly, and may also lead to a heightened sensitivity to light. Gemma first noticed that Archie seemed to be searching with his eyes when he was about six weeks old. “He was moving his gaze from left to right repeatedly, as if he was looking for something,” she says. “Neither of my other two children have the condition, so I realised that something was a bit different. When he was three months old
Archie received a diagnosis. “It was a huge shock,” she continues. “I was devastated and felt very alone. “But my way of coping was to write a story specially for Archie. “He’s a little bit different, but he’s a happy, loving little boy, who laughs a lot, and we look forward to being able to celebrate all the things
he can and will do.” Gemma has worked in early years education, and is used to creating stories for youngsters. Her own children are her greatest critics. “I try out all my stories on my children and my nieces and nephews,” she laughs. “They can be quite critical, but they all love this story.” Herb, The Little Star Who Twinkled Differently is a short, easy read, and perfect for parents to read at bedtime. “It’s for every little Herb who is a bit different, and for their families who love them,” Gemma says. “I’m pleased with the book, and delighted with Elina Oplakanska’s illustrations. “Her pictures have a magical quality, like children’s dreams brought to life.” Children looking for Gemma’s book should notice its distinctive purple cover with its friendly yellow star. “It’s been quite a journey,” says Gemma. “And a difficult year for us as a family, but I am very excited that the book is now actually happening.” n Herb, The Little Star Who Twinkled Differently is on sale at Amazon for £9.25. It is also available at Waterstones. Proceeds will go to Great Ormond Street Hospital. n To purchase drop in to Waterstones or search Amazon: G.L.Stone, or ISBN 9781399925075. n Or for more information from the author, search g.l.stone on instagram
Lexicon to celebrate fifth birthday with charity grants IT MIGHT not feel like it, but this year marks the fifth anniversary of The Lexicon opening. The Bracknell-based shopping centre is celebrating by offering five grants worth £5,000 each. Applications are now open to its charitable fund. Sue Boor, head of marketing at The Lexicon, said: “The local community has helped raise money towards our charity fund, so we are thrilled to be able to make this latest round of donations larger than ever before.”
The Lexicon Charitable Fund is managed in conjunction with Berkshire Community Foundation, an independent charity that connects local people with local causes and projects. Jon Yates, chief executive at Berkshire Community Foundation, said: “Organisations can be community, PTA or charitable groups. “They need to be locally based, but groups can apply for a wide variety of projects.
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“The scope covered by The Lexicon Charity Fund is extremely wide.” Examples of projects that might be considered for funding are; a bee conservation project; equipment for providing care; or materials for building a community resource. In previous years donations have been made to: n Pilgrim Hearts Trust received help to provide a freephone line for its client helpline for one year. n Berkshire Search and Rescue
Dogs was able to fund a pocket defibrillator. n Meadow Vale Primary PTA received assistance with a pond regeneration project. n Winkfield St Mary’s Church of England Primary School was able to create a quiet garden space. Applications must be received by Thursday, June 16, 2022. The Lexicon Charity Fund will award grants to successful applicants in September.
n For more information, log on to: www.berkshirecf.org
New director joins Boyer A NEW director has been appointed at a Wokingham-based firm that specialises in planning consultancy. Stuart Crickett has joined Boyer and has more than 20 years’ planning experience in both public and private sectors. Boyer says he has considerable experience of securing planning permissions at the local level and through the appeal process, and advising on-site promotion through the local plan process.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 26, 2022
Developer criticised for lack of maintenance in Arborfield Green By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A DEVELOPER has been criticised for a lack of maintenance at a site in Arborfield.
FOR PEACE: Wokingham people marked International Conscientious Objectors’ Day with a moving vigil held in All Saints churchyard in the town Picture: Sue Corcoran
Vigil held in churchyard to mark Conscientious Objectors’ Day WOKINGHAM people marked International Conscientious Objectors’ Day with a moving vigil held in All Saints churchyard in the town, writes Sue Corcoran. Those attending laid white tulips to remember conscientious objectors around the world during the event, held on Sunday, May 15. Dave Chapman, who
came up with the new idea for Wokingham, said: “We were also remembering those brave Russian people who oppose Putin’s stance on Ukraine, something very much of the moment. “We commemorated conscientious objectors in the past but also the thousands worldwide in prison now for refusing to take up arms.”
At Wokingham, those standing in the pouring rain for the vigil on Sunday included people who go to the Quaker Meeting House in Denton Road, Wokingham. There were readings by some of those attending. The vigil coincided with a national ceremony in Tavistock Square, London held to remember conscientious objectors.
Children’s fun day on Saturday WOKINGHAM Town Council is putting the final touches together for its annual children’s fun day on Saturday. The event will be held in Langborough Recreation Ground between 10am and 4pm. There will be small fairground rides to enjoy, visiting farm animals to pet and feed, the opportunity to have faces painted and plenty of surprises. Refreshments will be available to buy, including a barbecue organised by members of the 1st Winnersh Scouts, and ice cream from a Mr Whippy. Entry is free and families are invited to bring a picnic to enjoy.
Crest Nicholson, the developer behind the new homes in Arborfield Green, is responsible for maintaining the site. However, a councillor has received numerous complaints from residents saying that the work is not being undertaken. Cllr Rebecca Margetts, Conservative councillor for Finchampstead South, said: “Residents are not happy with the service they are receiving. “There are a number of overgrown verges, damaged signs and dangerous holes in the ground near a children’s play area. “This is basic site management that could be resolved so easily. “Some of these represent a real danger to residents and they are frustrated to see a lack of progress with the issues they have raised on multiple occasions.” There is also frustration at having to pay fees to maintain the area and many feel they are not getting value for money. When asked why routine maintenance wasn’t taking place, a spokesperson for Crest Nicholson
WAITING: Damaged safety sign at Arbrorfield Green Picture: Rebecca Margetts said: “We are pleased to inform residents at Arborfield Green that preliminary maintenance works have begun with a team currently on site. “Following these initial works, routine maintenance will be undertaken throughout the growing season.” However some residents said they hadn’t seen any workers in the area, and said many of the issues raised remain unresolved. There has also been confusion over who is responsible for the area, with Crest Nicholson outsourcing some of the maintenance to a management company called Pinnacle. Following these comments the spokesperson for Crest Nicholson said: “Initial mowing and strimming of the verges was completed to the
Nine Mile Ride Extension last week, with more maintenance carried out on Biggs Lane on Monday and Tuesday (week commencing May 23). “An additional team will be on site tending to the rugby pitches throughout the rest of the week and will continue to undertake routine maintenance during the season. “Following the completion of each phase at Arborfield Green, Pinnacle will then maintain the relevant landscaping. This will increase with time until the community is complete.” Residents are also disappointed that a planting scheme agreement between Wokingham Borough Council and Crest Nicholson, for a roundabout near Glover Crescent, has not yet been fulfilled. A spokesperson for the council said: “Officers have been liaising with Crest Nicholson about the area and agreed on a planting scheme for the roundabout earlier this year. “Unfortunately, Crest Nicholson did not get to it before the end of planting season, which is the end of March. “Generally it’s not recommended to plant during the hotter and drier months, as plants are much less likely to establish successfully. “We expect Crest Nicholson to do the planting in the autumn.”
Charity saves life of retired police dog
IT WAS touch and go for 10-year-old Hoby when he suffered a blocked colon, writes Emma Merchant. Life saving treatment at a cost of more than £2,000 was required to save his life and his family worried how they would be able to pay for the treatment. Hoby is a German Shepherd, bred in Holland for the Ministry of Defence Police.
After completing his general training when he was two, he was partnered with his handler, Scott Milligan. Together they worked in Berkshire, in Gloucestershire, and with Thames Valley Police. Hayley Cherry-Milligan, Scott’s wife, said: “Hoby worked until he was nine, at which time he still had all of his courage and fight but his
body was beginning to fail him. “He had been excellent at his job. “He once tracked a suspect into a half-flooded storm drain and was so determined to keep tracking that he swam underwater and through a small opening to follow the scent. “When he stopped working there was never any question that we wouldn’t keep him. He’s a member of our family, and I’ve loved him since the day he joined us. “He has been an absolute sweetheart from the moment he arrived.” In early April Hoby was rushed to the vets, where he stayed for five days. Investigative surgery revealed that scar tissue on his colon had led to a blockage, and an operation was required to save the dog’s life. Following the procedure Hayley and Scott were relieved to be able to bring him home to recover, but were then hit with a bill of £2,400. “We tried to find pet insurance but the cheapest quote was for over £120 a month. It just wasn’t realistic,” explains Hayley. At this point Thin Blue Paw stepped in and agreed to cover the entire cost. The charity specialises in providing support to retired police dogs. “We couldn’t believe it,” continues Hayley. “And we couldn’t be more grateful.” The Thin Blue Paw Foundation was set up in 2020 by a group of dog-lovers to celebrate, protect and support working and retired police
dogs across the UK. The charity has more than 300 retired service dogs registered, and issues grants to their owners for expensive medication, ongoing treatment and therapy, as well as covering the cost of emergency veterinary treatment like Hoby’s. Charity trustee Kieran Stanbridge said: “Veterinary treatment is expensive and if your dog suddenly falls gravely ill and needs emergency treatment the bill can quickly spiral into the thousands. “Dog owners take out insurance so they have peace of mind that they can access the treatment their beloved pet needs should the unthinkable happen. “But for the owners of retired police dogs it’s not always that easy. “Due to the specific training they’ve had and the strenuous working lives they’ve led, exservice dogs often leave the force with lifelong injuries or medical conditions. “They can be uninsurable. “We believe these dogs deserve access to the very best veterinary care and we don’t want adopters to feel they have to choose between paying the bills and getting medication for their pet. “That’s why we’re here to help.” n To find out more, or to donate to Thin Blue Paw, visit: www. thinbluepaw.org.uk or follow Thin Blue Paw on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
Thursday, May 26, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Home’s jubilee celebration TO mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a retirement development Loddon House, Twyford will treat residents to a Jubilee party. Traditional British refreshments will be served in the development’s lounge, and live music in the gardens. The event takes place on Wednesday, June 1 from 2pm to 5pm. McCarthy Stone is developer and manager of Loddon House. Verity McKay, divisional marketing manager for McCarthy Stone Southern, said: “The Queen’s Jubilee is truly a momentous occasion, and so we thought it was only fitting that we put on a special celebration. “Some of our home owners remember the Queen’s Coronation all those 70 years ago. “Our event will be an opportunity for them to get together, share their stories and remember times gone by. “We’d like to encourage anyone interested in attending, to come to our development and help us celebrate the Queen and our British history.” n To book a place at the party, call: 0800 310 0383 or visit: www.mccarthystone.co.uk/ loddon-house
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Sharing is caring: project tackles food waste while feeding community By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today
A VOLUNTEER-LED project is helping Shinfield families struggling with the rising cost of living.
And it also helps tackle food waste. Running every Monday afternoon from Shinfield Baptist Church, Share Shinfield invites users to collect high quality food items that would otherwise end up in landfill. Shop food nearing its sell by date is picked up from nearby supermarkets, such as Co-op, Waitrose, M&S, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and wholesaler Brakes, which are all taking part in the initiative. The group of volunteers distributes fresh fruit, vegetables and bread items to 50-60 households every week. Supplies are collected at the foodshare in-person or delivered to those who are unable to travel, with a weekly open-boot collection point also held in Spencers Wood. Although the surplus food
HELPERS: Share Shinfield’s food surplus project looks to combat the issue of food waste, while feeding the community Picture: Ji-Min Lee project began in earnest at the start of this year, the concept was born at an earlier, more opportune moment, according to one of the project leaders, Sarah O’Neill. “People in the church had actually mentioned the idea of setting up a foodbank, which we started just before the pandemic in 2020,” she explained. “We were able to help people locally during those couple of years. It was totally God’s timing.” The project’s initial success
inspired the group to establish a structured food service that could further combat the issue of wastage on a long-term basis. “The idea was always really to have something that was more regular and consistent,” Ms O’Neill said. “We’re all passionate about food waste and as we came out of the pandemic at the end of last year, we wanted to have something where we could welcome people into the church and share food.” Sarah Buzza looks after her daughter and housebound
friend, preparing meals using produce she collects from Share Shinfield. “I come in every Monday. I look after an elderly gentleman, so I pick up some items for him because he’s housebound. I cook for him and we have meals together,” she said. “I also help out my daughter, who’s a single mother, because she can’t get to her local food bank.” Demand for food shares has been on the rise, particularly in the current cost of living crisis, something Ms Buzza was swift to highlight. “It’s a lifeline for a lot of people. It certainly is for me because I’m on benefits now and I can’t work again,” she explained. “The cost of living has gone up when, at the same time, our benefits haven’t. All the bills go up and you’re not left with anything.” Community is at the heart of Shinfield Share’s activity. Visitors are encouraged to stay for a chat over coffee, tea or cake, while children can get stuck into some arts and crafts.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of background or belief. Organisers say the project has successfully detached the stigma that can deter people from using such food services. “The bottom line is everyone here is an environmental champion regardless of their circumstances,” Ms O’Neill said. “We do have people who come here that probably can’t afford to shop, but we want to be clear that there shouldn’t be any stigma, because it’s really about tackling this important environmental issue. The organisers are already planning ways to enhance Share Shinfield’s provision. “We had the Citizens Advice Bureau come down last week and we’d love to be able to do these things on a regular basis. We’re hoping to be able to do that once a term,” Ms O’Neill explained. “We’d like to forge these types of relationships, so we’d be really welcome to other people or services coming through and offering what they can as well.”
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Sonning Scarecrow trail, open gardens and classic cars.
Runs 11am-4.30pm across the village. Free parking available.
Sonning Scarecrow trail, open gardens and classic cars.
Runs 11am-4.30pm across the village. Free parking available.
Hurst community concert
Picnic in the Park
In the Community orchard in the afternoon
Finchampstead Memorial Park from 6.30pm-8.30pm
Beer festival
Beer festival
The Queen’s Head pub, Wokingham, during opening hours
The Queen’s Head pub, Wokingham, during opening hours
Food and music festival
Jubilee celebration
South Hill Park, Bracknell, offering a mixture of live music, fun and more
Great Hollands Recreation Ground from 10am-9pm
Twyfest - Rock at the Rec
Family games, arts and crafts, and live music
Taking place in Stanlake Meadows from 1pm, live music, food and more
The Lord Ragan pub, Wokingham. Noon-3pm and music from 9pm
Jubilee tea party for seniors
Family festival
Stanlake Meadow from 12.30pm
Stanlake Meadows, Twyford from 12.30pm
The Jubilee Tribute Show
Beacon lighting ceremonies - evening events
In Abbey Ruins, Reading town centre. Ticket only event featuring tributes to Queen, The Beatles, George Michael Ed Sheeran and more
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Thursday, May 26, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
e weekend 2022
lebrate the Queen SATURDAY
SUNDAY
The Queen’s Head pub, Wokingham, during opening hours
The annual event, organised by Twyford Scouts returns to King George’s Field
Party in the Park
Beer festival
Elms Field, Wokingham, from 2pm-9.30pm. Tribute acts from every decade of the Queen’s reign
The Queen’s Head pub, Wokingham, during opening hours
Beer festival
Twyford Donkey Derby and Big Picnic
Woodley’s Big Lunch
Food and music festival South Hill Park, Bracknell, offering a mixture of live music, fun and more
Taking place across the Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct includes live music, games, fun and ice cream. From noon-4pm
Summer party
Party in the Paddock
Farley Wood, Binfield from 3pm-9pm
Holme Grange Craft Village organises the fun party from 11am to 3pm.
Twyford Cricket Club’s jubilee match
Church Service in the park
Includes a tea, coronation display and quiz
A celebration of Her Majesty’s reign at Stanlake Meadows in twyford from 10am
Street Party in the Park
Jubilee children’s concert
Twyford Stanlake Meadows from Noon
Taking place in Forbury Gardens from 3pm with Trinity Concert Band. Features music from The Lion King, Despicible Me 2, Brave, The Greatest Showman and more
Norden Farm’s Lovely Jub(i)lee Party Running at the Maidenhead-based arts centre from noon to 4pm
Jubilee celebration and picnic
Family Festival in Hurst
Christchurch Meadows in Reading from noon, organised by Churches Together. Bring a picnic, enjoy easy-to-sing hymns. Features a short address by the Bishop of Reading and music from Reading Central Salvation Army Band. Fun, games and more.
An all-day event in Martineau Lane Green
Waterfest Reading’s big on-the-water event returns to the Forbury area, features games, fun, stalls, live music, boats and more
Street parties ... everywhere!
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30 | VIEWPOINTS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Not a coalition, but a new start
THERE has been a changing of the guard after all. Last Thursday, Wokingham Borough Council was under new management, as the Lib Dems took control of the council. They achieved a majority by forming a partnership with Labour’s three councillors and the two independents. Both independents write on these pages as to why they made the decisions they did. The partnership agreement is printed overleaf. One thing this is not is a coalition, at least not the conventional sense of the word. The executive positions are all held by Lib Dems, while the other parties will play a part in the council’s committee structures. A full coalition would have seen the minority parties have executive roles. Instead, this is a real partnership aimed at giving Wokingham a different form of governance. How successful that arrangement will be remains to be seen, but it is a time to try something different. As former leader Cllr John Halsall said, there are stormy waters ahead – the new leader warns the £25 million cost of adult social care cannot be met with current council budgets. And the rising cost of living affects all of us. The partnership might help solve some of these problems, and it is about constructive working together. Let’s see what happens.
CHURCH NOTES
A sense of belonging
H
AVING a sense of belonging is very important to most of us. Feeling lonely, isolated and disconnected from others can lead to mental health issues.
When we feel we have support and are not alone, it is much easier to deal with life’s inevitable problems. Having friends, a friendly neighbour and being part of a wider community gives everyone a sense of security. It also gives life a sense of fun. Throughout the centuries the Christian Church has provided many with a sense of identity and community. Jesus told us not only to love God but to love or treat our neighbours as ourselves. Helping other people either informally or through the activity of a church or charity is a highly effective way to connect with other people. Helping others usually means we forget our own troubles and as a bonus we often enjoy a psychological uplift or a feelgood experience. Most churches encourage newcomers to join a team undertaking various jobs in the church like serving the coffee or moving chairs. That’s not just to get those tasks done, but because working in a team is an easy way to get to know people and enjoy some of the benefits that belonging to a church brings. Reading is blessed with many welcoming and friendly churches.
Roger Howard is a member of Kings Church Wokingham, www.kingschurch. org.uk, writing of behalf of Churches
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Your letters
Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today
Time to change electoral system Your editorial last week (Wokingham Today 5th May) makes the case for greater democracy through the formal adoption of Proportional Representation (PR) very graphically. How can it be right that a couple of elected representatives, in a couple of small wards, in disparate parts of the borough, make policy (or be “kingmakers” to quote you) for the whole of the borough? Is policy now to be made in “smokefilled rooms”, behind closed doors? Neither Labour nor Conservatives support PR but surely the current state of affairs in the borough makes the case for greater,inclusive, transparent, democracy? The voices of many who voted will continue to go unheard unless we adopt PR.
David Chapman, Wokingham
Change in the council Watching Wokingham Borough Council’s annual council meeting, it was a real pleasure to see a packed house - every Councillor present for an historic occasion which was to see the first ever all female line-up on the meeting’s management bench - a lady Mayor, a lady Deputy Mayor and a lady Chief Executive. My how some things have changed in Wokingham. With a “hung” council with No Overall Control by any single party, I was keenly anticipating the voting to see who’d be Mayor. Would it be different political groups for Leader and Mayor as is the case in at least seven NOC councils around the country, with a Tory Mayor to accompany a LibDem Leader in our case, or would we see single party rule again? As it happened, this hinged on a single vote, which turned out to be for the Liberal Democrat candidate rather than the Conservative one, so the Borough falls under single control once again and the opportunity for
One of the reasons why the Conservatives held power in Wokingham for the last twenty years was because last time the ill-named Liberal Democratic Party was in charge they all fell out with one another. Then they started fighting with each other like ferrets in a sack! Now, the Lib Dems are getting into bed with Labour. A party that seems unable to define what a woman, the female of the human species, is!
They are also cosying up to Councillor Gary Cowan, an Independent. He fell out with the Conservatives. Perhaps history will repeat itself under a new administration. What this new “partnership” needs to remember, at all time, is that the good citizens of Wokingham now have (I assume at the time of writing) a new ruling regime in power to take the blame. For everything! I am also assuming that the first
real and significant behavioural change by Councillors was lost. There was an opportunity for the new Leader to accept an amendment put forward by the Conservative Group, but rather than act in a statesmanlike manner and accept the proposal in the spirit of working together as he’d promised he would, he turned it down for reasons best known to himself. He had a chance to instigate real change and he blew it. What followed was a long, boring and time-wasting set of votes on contested seats for the various committees and outside bodies, ending up with very poor political balance overall. By the time the new leader stood up to announce his Executive, I was wondering if things could get any worse? It turned out that they could. As yet another Northern Parishes representative has been appointed to be in charge of the Local Plan replacing the two Northern Parishes representatives who put forward the disaster that saw residents turn away from Conservatives in droves at the May elections because of the last local plan. Between the spectacle of 33 houses in Hurst and 3,300 in Shinfield from the previous administration(s), the rest of the Borough is still shaking its collective head as to why nothing’s being done to fix the issues elsewhere. If we want to be anything other than a place that floods when it rains,
gets hosepipe bans when it doesn’t and gets traffic jams all the time, then we need a political leadership which sets nimby, short term self-interest to one side and starts to think about all the citizens in all the places - all the time. I’d hope to be proved completely wrong, but seven years of closely observed Woky politics tells me it’s “no change here - business as usual” just with a different name in charge.
Helena Badger
D
n The Cowshed is a charity
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
Cut councillor expenses in half
Volunteer Corner
INGLEY’S Promise is a children’s nursery caring for children with special educational needs from ages two to five. It has a sensory garden, with herbs and flowers, that needs some maintenance. It anticipates this needing two to three hours every other week, but the charity is open to ideas and options. If you have some basic gardening skills and enjoy the outdoors, please get in touch.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 26, 2022
which provides support to people of all backgrounds in a time of personal crisis. The aim of The Cowshed is to provide good quality cleaned and ironed clothes and other essentials free to anyone in need. It is looking for volunteers to help at its donation centre based at Unit 2, Bennet Court, Bennet Road, Reading RG2 0QX on Saturdays from 10am-1pm and/or 1pm-4pm. Volunteers are needed to help with sorting donations, washing, ironing, stock management and greeting guests.
Tony Johnson, Winnersh
Inclusive and transaparent First of all may I congratulate Cllr Clive Jones on becoming the leader of Wokingham borough council. I wish him all the luck in the world for the future. Clive and others, have spent a lot of time and column inches telling us all that his administration wants to be inclusive and transparent. These are admirable ambitions and he and his newly formed coalition group had a great opportunity to illustrate this during the recent Annual Full Council. Unfortunately the coalition group, through their actions, demonstrated that their commitment were just words and sound bites. The first opportunity to show that they meant what they said was on the composition of a committee. Although the coalition group only have a twovote majority this committee was split three coalition members and one Conservative which is blatantly unfair. When a motion was put to change n The Wokingham Transport scheme is a scheme is run from the Wokingham Volunteer Centre and provides transport mainly for the to hospital, the doctors, dentist and physiotherapy appointments. It also provides transport for social trips such as shopping, lunch clubs and other social activities. Drivers will be called on an ad hoc basis and they then help the clients get to and from their desired destination and in most cases, help them to attend their appointment. It is looking for a volunteer on Wednesday mornings to take telephone requests from clients for transport to essential medical appointments, shopping and social trips and to enter all the booking into the CATTS booking system, to liaise with volunteer drivers to allocate the drives effectively and to update the system whenever necessary regarding any changes to client/drivers situations.
act of the new “partnership” will be to cut expenses and allowances for Councillors by fifty per cent. The savings to be passed on to those who will suffer the most hardship during the cost of living crisis. Viewpoints “Politics for grownups” (Wokingham.Today, The Voice Of The Borough) was spot on, because some voters have long memories.
Paul Clarke, Wokingham that to three and two meaning the coalition still had the majority they voted it down. The second opportunity was where there was more then one nomination for an outside body. The new Mayor, in her acceptance speech, praised my neutrality on votes in the last year and proudly announced she intended to follow my example. So what happened? Over a dozen such appointments had equal votes for both nominees so the mayor had the casting vote. Not a single casting vote went to a Conservative nomination. An interesting example of continuing that neutrality. I wonder what other things they said they would do which won’t be done?
Cllr Keith Baker, Conservative councilor for Coronation Ward, Wokingham Borough Council
Not a pretty sight Annual Council last week was very odd as after 20 years of rule the Conservatives had to surrender control of Wokingham Borough Council. The manner in which they accepted defeat was not a pretty sight. Reflecting on my role as an independent Councillor in a hung council needed some thought. My first reaction after the election was how my Conservative opponent polled only 14% of the vote. In my 25 years as a Councillor I have never
Training will be provided on the CATTS system. The Time commitment is 9.30am-1pm on Wednesdays, plus possible other ad-hoc cover for holidays and sickness if possible. Essential skills; Good IT skills, excellent communication and an empathy for elderly or other clients with health problems. Volunteer travel and parking expenses can be claimed. Based Wokingham Town Centre. It is also looking for drivers, who can help on an ad-hoc basis. Please get in touch if you can help with either role. n These are just a few roles on our books. Please visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer. If you would like to get in touch with us, please call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@ wok-vol.org.uk.
known a Conservative, particularly a very high profile one, do so very badly. My first reaction was I must be the best thing since sliced bread until it reality hit me and that was such an astonishingly low vote was residents showing a total disgust for the Conservative Party in Wokingham. The Conservatives were content to destroy the Green fields of Arborfield on the banks of the Loddon River with 4,500 houses that they had no need to even build especially in a time of climate change and the risks that involves. In the local elections on May 5, 62% of the electorate voted for anyone but a Conservative with the majority votes cast for the Lib Dems. That made my choice very easy, as an Independent Councillor to support the wishes of Wokingham’s residents and support an administration that excluded Conservatives’s. Interestingly reading social media all I see from Conservatives is ‘beware of the dark old days and cartoons of puppets’ etc. Nowhere have I seen words like sorry, we got it wrong or we should have listened more. Why I wondered. The answer though is very simple these words are not in the Conservative’s vocabulary. It’s everybody else’s fault not ours. Another word also not in their vocabulary is CONSENSUS. That word is another not in their thinking in which residents don’t matter but their ideology does. That was obvious by their dreadful petty behaviour in the Council Chamber. The petty behaviour of the Conservatives in the Council Chamber only cemented the view that I took the right decision to support an administration that had no Conservatives in it. I am very optimistic that a change in direction well away from the ideologically driven Conservatives will only benefit the residents of
Wokingham and I am willing to play my part as long as its good for Wokingham’s residents.
Gary Cowan, Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council
Thanks for walking to school Living Streets’ Walk to School Week is over for another year and I’d like to thank everyone in Wokingham who made it such a success! Over 12,000 pupils from 36 Wokingham schools joined pupils across the UK to enjoy the many benefits of walking to school. Schools that took part will have enjoyed reduced congestion and pollution, while children were well on their way to meeting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day to stay fit, healthy and happy. Over 200,000 pupils nationwide took part in our Power Up! Challenge, which encouraged them to travel sustainably every day of the week, unlocking different levels as they went. We’re thrilled so many families joined us to swap the school run for a school walk. We hope they will be inspired to keep it up all year round.
Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets
Give him a knighthood Re: Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine. He has got everything right in his speech to Davos, he is being used by the west to get rid of Putin through this ugly war by not fearing Russia. Ukraine is facing many war crimes and genocide in Donbas and other towns. The world leaders must stop talking and take action now words mean nothing anymore. Using navy ships from the US, UK and Europe, open the Black Sea to get grain out to feed the starving and
From the chamber
Cllr Jim Frewin
If we work as Team Wokingham we could achieve so much
I
WRITE this from a very different council chamber.
A Chamber that on Thursday night was full of mixed emotions, elation, disappointment, excitement, frustration, apprehension and some unfortunate examples of party political bitterness. Along with my Independent colleague, I had found myself in a strange and possibly unique situation, with some difficult decisions to make. I had been personally inundated with calls and contacts from a multitude of people, some asking, some demanding, some trying to influence. I respectfully listened to all and
VIEWPOINTS | 31
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Thursday, May 26, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
considered all the points raised. In the end it came to a straight decision, stay as you were or try something different. I respect clever people and Einstein is widely seen as one of those. He is quoted as saying ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’. I’m not going to argue with him. Some will say that you have to be mad to be involved in local politics, I can understand why. I have found the experience frustrating, especially in trying to get a voice for Enough is Enough on Shinfield and Arborfield development and the repeated behaviours where party politics have taken priority over
people with famine in the world. I wrote to Boris Johnson PM to honour President Zelensky with a Knighthood because he has proved to the world that he is the leader of it.
Victor Rones, Bracknell
Taking care of care The care system exists to support children who cannot live with their birth parents or do not have a stable and supportive home life. At its best it can protect children from harm and help them recover from traumatic early experiences. At Barnardo’s, we know from our direct experience supporting children in care across the South that one of the greatest challenges they face is still instability. For far too many children, living in care can feel like being ‘bounced around’ a system, with frequent changes of home leaving them feeling endlessly unsettled. Through the work of our regional family hubs, we know it is possible to help families to access crucial support before things reach crisis point. The key is early support. We want to see the Government provide more early support for the country’s most vulnerable families: so that children can have safer childhoods and more positive futures. The number of children in care now sits at a record high of over 80,000 in England alone, and many of these young people carry burdens that young shoulders shouldn’t have to bear. With the recent publication of the Government’s review of the children’s social care system in England, we now have a unique, once in a generation opportunity to give these children the same opportunities as we expect for our own children. It cannot be right that children who experience the care system are more likely to become homeless or end up in prison. It cannot be right that, during their most unsettled moments, children in care can be passed from working together for residents. So, I decided to support a different approach. I have been asked what I was offered to support the partnership. The answer is nothing except a promise to work more collaboratively with all members. The only offer I had during all of this was made by the now opposition. I turned this down. I only asked for the same thing from all parties/groups/partnerships/ collaborations (just in case the naming is still an issue to some). That was to stay involved in Overview & Scrutiny, which I had enjoyed the experience of over the past two years. It had both purpose and potential benefit. Other than that, I simply emphasised my voting and engagement neutrality going forwards was non-negotiable. I will continue to vote as I feel right and work collaboratively with anyone from any party/group/partnership if required. Some have told me I am mad for trying to get Wokingham away from party politics and that it will never work. Why not? There are some very talented councillors on all sides and we are lucky to have some very talented officers. If we work as Team
pillar to post. And it cannot be right that we, as a society, allow all this and more to happen without demanding change. Correcting this fundamental inequality for children in care is a major undertaking. However, if the Government can get the system of care and support right for these children, then we can truly start to ‘level up’ opportunities for all, right across the country.
Lynn Perry MBE is CEO of Barnardo’s
Still time to pray in May This month I am supporting the Mary’s Meals Pray In May campaign, which invites people to pray for the charity’s work, so that more hungry children can receive life changing school meals. Mary’s Meals, named after Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is now feeding more than 2.2 million children across 20 of the world’s poorest countries. The promise of a good meal attracts these hungry children into the classroom, giving them the energy to learn and hope for a better future. Growing up, May was always the month of Mary. I have fond memories of May processions and bunches of bluebells placed in front of the statue of Our Lady. Faith, hope and charity are interdependent in my life and Mary’s Meals embraces all of them. As Catholics, it sometimes seems we are happy to share the fruits of faith – through acts of charity and kindness – but we are often shy about revealing its roots. Mary’s Meals does both with great joy. There are lots of ways for your readers to support Mary’s Meals during this special month. For prayer guides, gift cards and other resources, please visit marysmeals.org.uk/prayin-may God bless,
Frank Cottrell-Boyce, novelist and screenwriter Wokingham we could achieve so much. We worked collaboratively during Covid, where some courageous decisions were made. Why not make this the norm? One thing is certain, in 2024 there will be an ALL OUT election. This means that for the next two years all groups and all councillors have an opportunity to influence residents with how and what we do and not just being associated to a party. Politicians behaviours have been subject of extreme bad press for some time now. People are fed up with politicians, I know I am. All Wokingham groups have stated that we are only here to serve the residents. Why not try and do that over party politics? To slightly misquote Churchill ‘Some will change their party for the sake of principles, others their principles for the sake of the party’. No one enters local politics without a principle of trying to make a difference for their community. Could we try to put that principle first in a Team Wokingham?
Cllr Jim Frewin is an independent councillor for Shinfield South, on Wokingham Borough Council
From the leader Clive Jones
Voting for change
A
MAJORITY of Wokingham borough residents voted for change in the local elections on May 5. We will be trying to live up to that hope and expectation of change.
One of the early signs of a different way of doing things is our approach to how the council is run. When it was under Conservative control – as it was for the 20 years before May 5 – only Conservative councillors were given the opportunity to chair committees, and only Conservative councillors were allowed to represent the council on external bodies, even when those external bodies were based in a part of the borough in which the Conservatives had no councillors. The new Liberal Democrat-led administration has already shown its willingness to be less tribal and more inclusive. We have offered chairs of powerful Overview & Scrutiny committees to members of other parties, including Conservatives. While labour and the Independents accepted Chairs of two O&S committees the Conservatives declined because they did not have a majority on the committee. Sadly, they do not understand how Overview & Scrutiny works. We have supported local nominees for external bodies, which means we have agreed to the appointment of Conservative, Labour, and independent councillors as well as Liberal Democrats. In place of the winner takes all approach we have opted for a fairer distribution of roles and responsibilities. This new approach is part of the spirit of partnership that we want to encourage. No party has a monopoly of good ideas. We want to draw on the skills and experience of all councillors, irrespective of party allegiance, to help us tackle the challenges that face the council. These challenges are great. The government has, for many years, underfunded the council. Now it is proposing to pass on to the local taxpayer much of the cost of its social care reforms. These costs will increase in scale over the next few years, as the reforms are phased in, but before very long will be eye-wateringly enormous amounts of money. Over three years this will cost the Wokingham council taxpayer over £25 million. The Conservatives left no plan to address this massive cost which would clearly bankrupt the council. This is what the outgoing Conversatives have said about the government’s plans. We therefore need to lobby government for more funding to help meet this vast new call on the council tax. To do this we will work with other local authorities that are likely to be as badly affected as we are. We will be looking to councillors of all political parties on Wokingham Borough Council to put aside their differences to enable us to present a strong case to government. Similarly, we need to call on the talents and connections of all councillors, regardless of party, to help put the case for a reduction in the housing numbers imposed upon us by government. We have fresh evidence to give, which will strengthen that case, but we need all councillors to work for the cause. Protecting our borough from unsustainable development is something, surely, on which we can all agree. One of my first acts as Council leader has been to write to Michael Gove the Secretary of State for levelling up, communities and Housing who is responsible for housing numbers asking for a meeting to discuss housing numbers in Wokingham. We want a significant reduction. We also need to work together to address the climate emergency that threatens us, and our children and their children. Without urgent and concerted action at local as well as national and international levels, disaster will ensue. To do our bit, we will need buy-in from all parties on the council. If we work together, we can achieve a lot for you, our residents. If we spend all our time fighting over what the public regard as trivial matters, we will be doing a disservice to the residents we were all – of whatever party – elected to serve. Now, more than ever, is the time for grown-up politics. Let’s hope the Conservatives get the message soon.
32 | NEWS
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COUNCILNEWS
PHIL CREIGHTON and DANIEL BLACKHAM report on the annual council meeting of Wokingham Borough Council – and events afterwards – held on Thursday, May 19
Call made to publish agreement THE new leader of the opposition on Wokingham Borough Council has called on the Lib Dems to make clear what Labour and the independent councillors have been offered to allow the change in leadership. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, making her maiden speech, said: “In the interests of transparency, perhaps the Lib-Lab coalition Members will tell residents what they have been offered to join this coalition? “Residents who put their cross next to Labour candidates at the election may also be taken aback that those same councillors have now dissolved their parties and decided to join the Lib Dems. “A pity that wasn’t mentioned when they were out asking for people’s votes.” As leader of the Conservatives, she pledged her party would tackle being in opposition differently to the Lib Dems. The No Overall Control result from the recent local elections meant that the party would “support the need to work together to tackle the challenges ahead”. “Where we believe the Lib Dem led Group are doing things that are of benefit to Borough residents, we will support them, but we will also hold them to account when they fail,” she said. One example, she said, was working on the local plan and housing numbers. “The message from residents is clear: we must put aside our differences more for the benefit of the Borough,” Cllr Jorgensen said. And she called for a something similar to prime ministers
questions during council meetings, or more time for council motions to be discussed. Cllr Jorgensen also said that the new Lib Dem executive would inherit “an enviable legacy”, that included “sound financial management”, new schools, roads and leisure centres along with £57 million for social housing. She said: “When the going gets tough, as it inevitably will for any
Wokingham Borough Partnership agreement revealed
THE partnership agreement was published by Wokingham Today on Tuesday. Its text is below: This partnership memorandum is made between the independent councillors, the Labour councillors, and the Liberal Democrat councillors on Wokingham Borough Council. The groups have agreed a partnership to ensure the effective governance of Wokingham Borough Council. They will work together in the best interests of residents in the context of persistent lack of funding from central government and increasing demand for council services. The partnership memorandum is founded on democratic principles of trust, openness and fairness and the partnership is committed to enabling and supporting the delivery of services to residents, communities, and businesses in Wokingham. The partnership memorandum will take effect from Monday, May 16, and will last for the municipal year 2022-23. The partnership can be terminated if there is irretrievable breakdown in confidence that the partners can deliver the content and spirit of this memorandum. 1. PRINCIPLES 1.1 The Leaders of each Partner shall ensure that all members of their
new administration, I hope they won’t fall back on the trope of trying to blame it on the excellent situation they’ve inherited.” And she praised her colleagues, who she promised would provide scrutiny, challenge, and “make the case to the residents of this great Borough on why they should return a Conservative administration at the next election.” respective groups observe the spirit and intent of this Partnership Memorandum. 1.2 Partners agree to work together, but it does not stop Partner Councillors voting in accordance with their conscience, but all Partner Councillors will have regard to the spirit of cooperation in the interests of residents. 1.3 Should there be any disagreement between the Partners or their Councillors then every effort will be made to resolve matters in good faith in the spirit of this Partnership Memorandum. 1.4 In any event, this Partnership Memorandum shall not operate so as to fetter the statutory duties of the Council and its governance, which is duly established by law and enshrined in the Council’s constitution. 1.5 All groups believe the council should be a fair employer and should treat its staff fairly at all times. 2. GOVERNANCE 2.1 The Liberal Democrat group will form the Council’s Executive in accordance with the Council’s constitution. 2.2 The Partners support the establishment of effective governance within the Council through the following nominations to roles. (i) Councillor Clive Jones as Leader of the Council, (ii) Councillor Caroline Smith as Civic Mayor.
Lib Dems announce executive roles WOKINGHAM Borough Council’s new executive members have been confirmed. At the council meeting on Thursday, May 19, Cllr Clive Jones, the newly elected leader of the council, announced who will form the Liberal Democrat led administration. Cllr Stephen Conway will act as deputy leader and also the executive member for housing. The Liberal Democrats will introduce a new position on the executive for equalities, inclusion and fighting poverty. This position will be filled by Cllr Rachel Bishop Firth. On the creation of the new role, Cllr Jones said: “We will be placing an emphasis on antipoverty measures and working closely with local businesses to see what the council can do to help them.” The executive member for planning and the local plan will be Cllr Lindsay Ferris. Cllr Jones said: “Liberal Democrats have petitioned the secretary of state for communities, housing and levelling up asking for a reduction
in the excessively high housing allocation imposed on us by the government. “The council has previously tried to get the number reduced and Lindsay Ferris will continue to argue our case for a reduction. “If the government accepts that our housing allocation should be reduced, we can reassess the less sustainable sites in the draft local plan.” In 2019, Wokingham Borough Council declared a climate emergency and Cllr Jones is committed to continue reducing the council’s carbon footprint. He confirmed that Cllr Sarah Kerr will take up the role as executive member for climate emergency and residents services. Following her appointment, Cllr Jones said he was “delighted” adding: “There is no better person on this council to be taking on this role.” The executive member for environment, sports and leisure will be Cllr Ian Shenton. Cllr Jones said Cllr Shenton will continue to promote the idea of a “Covid Memorial Wood” which will help to meet
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 26, 2022
tree-planting ambitions and commemorate those who lost their lives in the pandemic. The new executive member for active travel, highways and transport will be Cllr Paul Fishwick. This role will have an “emphasis on active travel,” said Cllr Jones. Cllr Prue Bray has been chosen to take up the mantle of executive member for children services. Cllr Jones said one of the priorities will be children’s mental health. The executive member for wellbeing and adult services will be Cllr David Hare. The role is described by Cllr Jones as a “massive challenge” due to “recent government announcements of changes to the way the public pay for Adult Social Care”. The final member confirmed was Cllr Imogen Shepherd-Dubey who will become the executive for finance. Cllr Jones said the priority will be “prudence and stability” as the council faces “major financial challenges”.
SKETCH: A sea of yellow in the chamber A SEA of yellow greeted visitors to the council chamber on Thursday, May 19, as history was made. The colourful name placards placed on the Lib Dem benches was the clearest sign of the change that took place at the Wokingham Borough Council elections earlier this month. Seven years ago, when new leader Cllr Clive Jones was first elected to Wokingham Borough Council, there were just a handful compared to the dominance of the Conservatives. But thanks to the way in which Wokingham elects its councillors – 18 every year bar the fourth year – this change has been creeping in. Now it is reality and, for the first time in 20 years, the Conservatives are in opposition. For an area where the joke is stick a blue rosette on a cuddly toy and it will get elected, this is a shock. The annual council meeting is always one with a bit of pomp and
circumstance. The new mayor and deputy are appointed, and there’s always a bit of a tussle over who sits on which committee. But to have a new leader? And from a different side of the chamber? That’s something. The Conservatives are calling it a coalition, for the Lib Dems, Labour and the two independents a partnership. However you dice it, it’s history. Cllr Jones said that looking around the chamber reminded him of how far the party had come. “When I joined the council six years ago, we were just a small group in the corner of the council chamber. Now we are 23 Liberal Democrats, and it is a great feeling, really good.” The party won eight seats not long after his election, followed by three last year and then five this year, giving them their bumper share. “We are on a roll, we are doing very well,” Cllr Jones said. “I
expect us to run the council very well and hopefully we’ll make some more gains again next year.” That is going to be an interesting question, as the Conservatives will be keen to see their Rolls Royce, as former leader Cllr John Halsall described the borough, returned to them in immaculate condition. “The good residents of Wokingham have spoken and voted for change,” he said. “It happened on my watch, therefore I’m responsible and I have resigned as leader of the Conservative group and the council.” Now, after some pomp, and puffing, the page has turned and a new chapter is being written. For the new leader? “I’m very, very excited. We have an awful lot to do,” he said. “We’ve got lots of very difficult decisions to make, there are some financial problems coming down the road.”
New leader pledges to do his ‘very best’
IN HIS first speech as leader of Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Clive Jones said he will do his “very best” to serve all residents in the borough.
Cllr Jones was confirmed as the new council leader at an executive meeting on Thursday, May 19, after Cllr John Halsall resigned from the position following the recent local elections. For the first time in more than 20 years, Wokingham councillors have approved a Liberal Democrat-run administration. The Liberal Democrats have agreed a partnership with Labour and the two independent councillors to form a working majority called the Wokingham Borough Partnership. After being elected, Cllr Jones said: “I would like to thank all my colleagues, including the members of the Wokingham Borough Partnership, for giving me the honour of being the leader of the council. “They have placed enormous trust in me, and I will do my very best to serve all the residents of the borough in a professional, effective, and efficient manner. “ Cllr Jones said he has a vision for the future but admits there are “considerable challenges” facing the borough. He said: “Now, more than ever, is the time for grown-up politics, which puts the interests of our residents and businesses above party political point scoring. “The challenges the borough faces are great. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting individuals, families, and businesses here in Wokingham. “The government has imposed an unsustainable new housing allocation on the borough, which greatly exceeds local need.
“A climate emergency requires urgent action, not just to protect us here and now, but for the security of our children and our children’s children. “Meanwhile, ministers are putting the council’s finances under intense pressure with an enormous bill looming for their social care reforms and new rules that require us to put aside more money to cover the financing of investment assets and capital loans.” Cllr Jones says the cost-of-living crisis and rising inflation will impact the council and what it can do over the next 12 months. He said: “The major financial challenges faced by the council necessarily mean that we will need to work hard to ensure the council is on a firm financial footing. “There are many things – low cost but high impact – that we would like to pursue. “How many of them will be feasible depends on the financial legacy left to us by the previous administration.” Despite these challenges, Cllr Jones is determined to show that the Liberal Democrat administration is worthy of residents’ trust. He said: “Our new Lib Dem administration will seek to make the council more open and more inclusive, as well as financially sound. “We have a vision of a caring, listening, responsive council, and we will happily work in partnership alongside anyone else who shares that vision. “Above all, we will never forget that we are here to serve the people of the borough. They have put their faith in us. “We are determined to show that we are worthy of the trust.”
Pauline names her shadow team WOKINGHAM’S Conservatives has unveiled its shadow executive team, with new leader Cllr Pauline Jorgensen saying they are a talented group. Cllr Laura Blumenthal will be the shadow executive member for levelling up, equalities and social Housing. Highways and transport will
be Cllr Charles Margetts, and Cllr Gregor Murray will continue to look at climate emergency. Cllr Stuart Munro will become the shadow member for finance, economic development and regeneration. Cllr Wayne Smith maintains his portfolio for planning, enforcement and strategic
development. Environment and leisure will be looked after by Cllr Norman Jorgensen, and Cllr Bill Soane will speak about neighbourhood communities. Adult services will be part of Cllr Phil Cunnington’s brief, and Cllr Graham Howe will continue to speak about children’s services.
NEWS | 33
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Thursday, May 26, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
COUNCILNEWS
PHIL CREIGHTON and DANIEL BLACKHAM report on the annual council meeting of Wokingham Borough Council held on Thursday, May 19
Michael Gove invited to visit for discussions on housing
IN HIS first task as leader of Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Clive Jones has written to Michael Gove calling for a reduction in housing numbers imposed on the borough.
Cllr Jones penned the letter to the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities on Monday, May 23, and invited him to visit Wokingham. He said: “Over the last 40 years 40,000 new houses have been built in Wokingham borough. “Many residents think that we have done our fair share of development and they say enough is enough.”
A key manifesto pledge from the Liberal Democrats ahead of the local elections earlier this month was to lobby government to reduce development in the borough. Each council in England is required to build a number of new homes as set out by the government, determined by a mathematical formula. Last year Wokingham had its housing target reduced to 768 homes. Cllr Jones believes this number is still too high. In his letter to Mr Gove he said: “I wanted to reach out to you at the earliest opportunity to raise the continuing concerns of our residents as to how
the planning system is failing our borough and no doubt many other local authorities. “I am sure we both wish to see a planning system that is fair to all places, and is consistent and understandable to residents and business. “Whilst recognising the needs of the country, the government must be sensitive to and respond to how government policy impacts communities and places.” Cllr Jones says the government’s national planning policy has “lost sight” of how development should be managed on a national scale.
He added: “In the case of housing, housing need is calculated through a simple mathematical formulae. “These formulae are applied without any sense check or any consideration of constraints or opportunities. “Stepping away from this formula requires a local authority to demonstrate ‘exceptional circumstances’ – a very high bar which I do not believe any local authority has cleared, even those which are within the green belt.” Cllr Jones accepts the formula is a “laudable approach” but says the reality is different to what
can be expressed by a mathematical equation. He is calling on Mr Gove to lower the expectations on Wokingham and reduce the target imposed on the borough. He said: “The ask of Wokingham borough and our residents must be lowered to a fair scale. “I welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss planning reform further with you and in particular the housing need for Wokingham borough. “I also warmly extend to you an invitation to visit Wokingham borough and see for yourself the exemplary work we do.”
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NEW LOOK: A panoramic view of the council chamber last Thursday night showing the Lib Dems on the front benches Picture: Phil Creighton
Conservatives criticise new council for ‘breaking promises on day one’ THE leader of the Wokingham Conservatives has criticised the Wokingham Borough Partnership for “breaking its first promises on day one”. Following the authority’s annual council meeting on Thursday, May 19, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen said the new leader of Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Clive Jones, “talked a good talk” but didn’t deliver on his promise. She said: “At the annual council meeting, I spoke of the need for all political parties to work together – that was the clear message that the voters sent when they left no party with a majority. “It’s outrageous that coalition councillors are trying to deceive the public into thinking that they are representing their old parties, when the truth is that they’ve merged together to ensure that they gain a stranglehold on the council. “Coalition councillors have completely ignored the
democratic choice just made by residents.” Cllr Jones disagrees with this as he believes residents “sent a clear message” at the elections on Thursday, May 5. He said: “We will take no lectures from any Wokingham Conservative on democracy. “Residents sent a clear message when 62% of voters didn’t vote Conservative.” The Wokingham Borough Partnership, referred to as a “coalition” by the Conservatives, was formed after the local elections earlier this month. Wokingham councillors approved the Liberal Democratrun administration at the meeting last week after it received support from Labour and the two independent councillors. Cllr Jones insists partnerships like this are common across the country. He said: “Partnerships like the Wokingham Borough Partnership are common in
many places in the country. “In some parts, the local Conservative group forms some of these partnerships.” Cllr Jorgensen said her party will do their best to hold the new council to account, with or without cooperation from the administration. She said: “In an ideal world, they’d do the decent thing, resign their seats and seek reelection for their new party, but the very least they could do is be honest with the public.” Cllr Jones said the new administration is open to cooperation, something he believes the Conservatives didn’t do throughout their time of holding a majority. He said: “May I remind Pauline Jorgensen that they have always said no to additional representation from other parties.” Cllr Jones added: “The Conservatives need to grow up and do proper politics, not just political point scoring.”
Borough faces ‘difficult days’ CLLR Clive Jones, speaking after being elected on Thursday, May 19, warned the borough faced “some financial problems down the road”. This included a national shake-up of adult social care, which the Lib Dem leader said could be a £29 million hit for the council. “This council can’t cope with it,” he said. “The government will be giving us that big hit.” He also felt there were other financial concerns: “We had (new Conservative leader) Pauline Jorgensen telling us we have a rosy picture left, and (former leader) John Halsall telling us there are some difficulties. “The local plan is going to be very difficult to sort out because the Conservatives have failed to get the numbers down - now they’re saying it’s over to us.” He added: “Let’s see what we can do - we’ll certainly be talking to Michael Gove very, very quickly, saying to him that the residents of Wokingham do not want so many houses here. “The numbers have to be reduced.” Cllr Jones felt that Mr Gove would listen because the Conservatives had seen their position change in recent elections. “They have lost council seats all over the south east of England, all over the Thames Valley. A lot of it is because the housing numbers are too high.”
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34 | BUSINESS
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 26, 2022
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A business park that is changing
Law firm welcomes new team member and three promotions Help with WFH headaches WITH working from home on the agenda again, the June meeting of the Woodley Business Club could be pertinent. For many, working from home means being stuck at a desk, kitchen table or perched on a bed. And that could lead to neck, shoulder and arm problems as well as low back pain and headaches. To help counter this, the club is holding an interactive session designed to showcase some stretches to help relieve the tension in your muscles. It will be led by Susan Martin, a Soft Tissue and Scarwork therapist based in Lower Earley. After almost 30 years of working in the office of a large Multinational company, Ms Martin took early retirement in 2016, and retrained for her current career. The session takes place virtually, using Zoom software, from 8am on Tuesday, June 14.
n For more details, or to book a place, log on to: https://woodleybusinessclub.org.uk
By Phil Creighton news@wokingham.today NEW TEAM: Left: Frances Kyle, Rebecca Ledgerwood and Louise Nelson; Above: Jonathan Dinsdale
A THAMES VALLEY law firm with offices in Reading’s town centre has announced a new appointment and three promotions.
Blandy & Blandy, close to Reading town hall in Blagrave Street, welcomed Jonathan Dinsdale as a senior associate solicitor in its Dispute Resolution team. He joins from an established firm in Surrey, having previously worked at two firms in London, and will specialise in advising on property related disputes, dealing with commercial and residential property matters and advising both organisations and individual clients. Partner and team head David Murray said: “We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to our Dispute Resolution team. “He brings nearly 17 years’ experience of advising clients in relation to a broad range of commercial and residential
property-related disputes and will be responsible for helping to take forward and grow this specialist area of work within our team.” Elsewhere, Louise Nelson, who has more than 25 years’ experience, becomes a senior associate solicitor in the firm’s Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts team. The firm said she has played an integral role in helping to establish and develop Blandy & Blandy’s presence in Henley-on-Thames since re-joining the firm in 2017. A member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and Solicitors for the Elderly (SfE),
she has been recommended in The Legal 500. “I am very pleased to have been invited into the role of senior associate solicitor and I look forward to contributing to another busy and successful year for the firm,” Ms Nelson said. In the Dispute Resolution team, with 14 years’ experience, Frances Kyle also becomes a senior associate solicitor. She specialises in advising on disputes relating to trusts, probate and inheritance matters and continues to play an important role in helping to advance and grow this practice area.
“I am delighted with this recognition of my hard work and grateful for the incredible support from the whole firm,” Ms Kyle said. And Rebecca Ledgerwood becomes an associate solicitor in the Family Law team. She qualified as a solicitor in 2017 and advises on all aspects of Family Law, including divorce, financial relief and children issues. She is a member of Resolution, a national body which aims to resolve family disputes in a nonconfrontational manner. Ms Ledgerwood said: “I am delighted to have been promoted and to become an associate at Blandy & Blandy. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the Family team’s success and of course the success of the firm as a whole.” Of the promotions, chairman Nick Burrows said: “I congratulate Louise, Frances and Rebecca on their well-deserved promotions, which reflect their hard work and commitment to delivering first rate legal advice and client care and the contribution they each continue to make to our growing firm.” n www.blandy.co.uk
NEW HOME: One Forbury Square - Savills will be moving in to the offices in Reading’s town centre later this year
Savills Reading announces move to Reading’s Forbury Square IT’S ONE of the most prestigious addresses in Reading town centre, and a real estate specialist is getting ready to move in. Savills’ Reading team will be relocating to One Forbury Square, right opposite Forbury Gardens and the Forbury Hotel. They will take a 3,704 sq ft (344.1 sq m) space with a triple aspect and at the heart of Reading’s business district, close to Davidson House, the Forbury Hotel and the Forbury Gardens. The impressive Grade At Located within the heart of the town’s business district, One Forbury Square is part of
a square, which is also home to Davidson House and the Forbury Hotel. The office building was refurbished in 2018 and includes a modern reception and lobby and secure parking and cycle storage. Phil Brown, head of Savills Reading, said: “Savills first moved into Reading in 2013 with a small specialist team of 13 staff. “Over the years, we have grown considerably to become a market leader, employing more than 40 staff and offering expertise across a range of services, including residential development sales, lettings,
planning, development, valuations and occupier services.” He added: “Thanks to the success of our business, we have been eying up a move for a while. “Finding the right space in the right location was, of course, paramount, and we are absolutely thrilled to have secured One Forbury Square, which ticks all the boxes for our team now and in the future. “As we gear up for a move in later in the year, we very much look forward to welcoming clients and continuing on our positive trajectory as we settle into our new home.”
Thursday, May 26, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Sand Martins hosts festival of golf for Wokingham primary schools By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
A FINCHAMPSTEAD golf club welcomed back primary school students to take part in a competition for the first time in two years.
Sand Martins Golf Club hosted the Wokingham Borough Schools Tri Golf Festival on Tuesday, May 17, after a twoyear break due to the pandemic. Eight primary schools competed in a series of games, created by the club’s assistant professionals, showcasing their chipping and putting skills. Fraser McDonald and Jamie Banning, assistant PGA professionals at the club, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to host the festival at Sand Martins Golf Club last week. “It was great to teach the children and see them all enjoying the game of golf and learning some vital fundamental skills”. Each team consisted of ten pupils battling it out for victory to secure the opportunity to represent Wokingham in the Berkshire Schools County finals being held at Bisham Abbey later this year. The winners of this year’s festival were Shinfield St Mary CE Junior School with Hawkedon Primary School in
Hawkedon Primary School second and Highwood Primary School coming third. Prizes were awarded by the outgoing mayor of Wokingham, Cllr Keith Baker.
Highwood Primary School Following the event’s success, Matthew Short, general manager of Sand Martins Golf Club, said: “It was great to hold the event once again, to look
BRACKNELL shoppers can bee happy thanks to an eco-friendly scheme from The Lexicon. To mark last week’s World Bee Day, it launched a pollinators programme to help the yellow-and-black insects. The shopping centre installed three bee hives and established a bee garden on the roof of Princess Square and, as the year progresses, it will provide updates on the new colonies. Marek Bryant, operations manager at The Lexicon said: “I have been an amateur bee-keeper for three years, and so was delighted that we now have some hives at The Lexicon. “Not only are these wonderful creatures essential for all our lives, they are absolutely fascinating to observe and work with. “Our Pollinators Programme will give everyone an insight into the life of bees and give useful information about things that everyone can do to help bees flourish.” And as part of the World Bee Day celebrations, The Lexicon installed five bee sculptures created by local artists including Mark Manley from Wokingham, Cat Croxford from Reading, and Caroline Crawford from Woodley. Pamela Chambers, founder of Bee Responsible said: “We are so pleased to be supporting The Lexicon Pollinators Programme. “Our aim is to help people understand about honeybees, the impact that they and other pollinating insects have on our ecosystem and to leave a healthier legacy for the future generations.”
Peter Rabbit goes gardening TO MARK National Children’s Gardening Week and Peter Rabbit’s 150th birthday, a garden centre is holding a sustainable growing workshop for younger gardeners. The workshops are for children aged four to 10 and include a range of gardeningthemed activities. Participants will delve into the world of Beatrix Potter, have the chance to explore Mr McGregor’s
Quo Show finale
Shinfield St Mary CE took the gold medal Picture: Richard Bowen
vegetable patch, learn how to keep their own fruit and vegetables safe in a sustainable way. The workshops take place at Dobbies in Shinfield and Hare Hatch. Sarah Murray, the firm’s partnership and events manager, said: “We’re hosting a very special Little Seedlings Club for National Children’s Gardening Week, which shares ways in which
children can be more sustainable. “We’re also proud to share the news that Peter Rabbit will become one of our Little Seedling Ambassadors, with blog posts being shared on dobbies.com” The sessions take place on Sunday, June 5. Advance booking is required and places are free.
n For more information, or to book, visit: dobbies.com/events
Some of the volunteers across our driving range before and during the afternoons event it made me very proud to be general manager. “The excitement and
enjoyment the afternoon brought to all the children, teachers and club volunteers who took part made for a fabulous community event.”
ON Friday 10th June John Coghlan brings his Quo Show to Wokingham. The Whitty Theatre will be filled with the classic songs of English rock band, Status Quo. But this is the last chance to hear them live because John Coghlan is hanging up his drum sticks after 60 years in the music business. This will be the group’s very last show, and a special night for fans of Coghlan and Status Quo. Doors open at 6.30pm. The event starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £21. n For more details, visit: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk
PUBLIC NOTICE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (SCHOOL ROAD, ARBORFIELD) (EXPERIMENTAL PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022
NOTICE OF PROPOSAL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make the above Experimental Traffic Order under Sections 1(1), 2(1), 2(2) and Section 9 and Part 3 of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) and all other enabling powers. If the Experimental Order comes into force it will introduce the following change: To prohibit any motor vehicle from proceeding along School Road, Arborfield in either direction, past a point 25 metres northwest of its junction with Wood Lane, Arborfield. Copies of the draft Experimental Order, explanatory statement and location plan may be inspected during the hours of 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Mondays to Fridays, at the offices of Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham (Environment) for a period of six months from 31st May 2022. These documents are also available online at www.wokingham.gov.uk/tro during that period. Any objections to the proposals, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing quoting ref: 2022/E06/001 to the Traffic Management, Parking & Road Safety Team, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or by email to tm.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk, by no later than 23.59hrs on the 29th November 2022. Dated 26th May 2022 Andy Glencross, Assistant Director, Active Travel, Highways & Transport, Place & Growth Wokingham Borough Council, PO Box 150, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1WH
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n For more information, call: 0118 976 2089.
A JAZZ concert is taking place in Woodley this weekend. The Martin Hart Trio, featuring special guest Karen Sharp on tenor saxophone, will take to the stage at The Oakwood Centre on Headley Road. Ms Sharp is a prominent figure in the UK jazz scene and has won multiple British Jazz Awards for best tenor saxophonist. Meanwhile the trio will be performing a range of popular fan-favourites. The show will start at 7.45pm on Saturday, May 28. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: woodleytheatre.org
Barkham Shopping centre’s bees date for jubilee fun A FAMILY fun day is set to take place in Barkham on the jubilee weekend. Barkham Parish Council and Barkham Village Residents Association have joined forces to host a day of games at the village hall on Church Lane. There will be a number of children’s games and races as well as face painting among the other attractions. Tea, coffee and cakes will also be available on the day. The event will take place on Saturday, June 4, from 11am to 4pm and admission is free.
Jazz up your Saturday
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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (KIRTONS FARM ROAD, PINGEWOOD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 19th May 2022 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Kirtons Farm Road, Pingewood for its entirety between its junctions with West Berkshire Borough Boundary and Reading Borough Boundary. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Berrys Lane, Burghfield Road, Reading Road, Victoria Road, The Street, Cross Lane, Bloomfieldhatch Lane, Lambwood Hill, Bloomfieldhatch Lane Mereoak Lane, Great Lea, Hartley Court Road and Kybes Lane or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 5th June and 17th June 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Matrix Group contractors to undertake installation of high voltage ducts and cable in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 5th June 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 26th May 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application
Address
Reasons for Advert
Description
221387
The Acre, Thames Street, Sonning
Conservation Area
Householder application for the proposed modifications to front roof with demolition of 3No gable roofs and replacement with part hipped roof. Part single, part double storey side extension with dormer to form first floor, rear bay window, following demolition of garage and outbuilding, single storey front extension to create porch and other changes to fenestration.
221215
Hill House, Milley Lane, Hare Hatch
Works to a listed building
221333
Hill House, Milley Lane, Hare Hatch
221432
Works to a listed Woodclyffe Cottage, Wargrave building Road, Wargrave
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed like-for- like replacement of existing double-glazed units to sunroom roof.
Works to a listed Woodclyffe Cottage, Wargrave building Road, Wargrave
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed repair of an existing external bressumer beam.
Works to a listed Woodclyffe Cottage, Wargrave building Road, Wargrave
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed replacement of existing flat roof and lantern with a GRP system and 1 no. rooflight.
221447
4 Pound Lane, Sonning
Conservation Area
Householder application for the proposed single storey rear extension, single storey front extension, single storey side carport and changes to fenestration.
221460
1-3 Church Street, Twyford
Conservation Area
Full application for the proposed changes to fenestration.
221502
Sonning Lock, Weir House, Thames Street, Sonning
Conservation Area
Application to remove condition 4 of planning consent 211801 for the proposed erection of a part single part two storey rear extension following the demolition of existing conservatory additions, plus changes to fenestration and replacement of existing windows. Condition 4 refers to the replacement windows and the proposed removal of this condition is to allow flexibility on material choice for the windows.
221436
221440
Affects setting of listed building
Application for the Listed Building Consent for the proposed alterations to the basement level to comprise the following: Alteration to the partitions (retrospective) - Provision of new stud wall (retrospective). Replacement of 3no. Windows (retrospective) insertion of external door (retrospective) - insertion of new plasterboard ceiling (partially retrospective). Repair works undertaken due to flood from boiler to include the removal and reinstatement of MDF wall paneling, removal/ replacement of ceramic tile flooring to enable works to underfloor heating. (Partially retrospective) Householder application for the erection of a greenhouse and fence panels in the rear garden. (Retrospective)
The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. Comments on the application can be made online from this web page. Any comments must arrive on or before the 16th June 2022. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses. Date: 26th May 2022
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 26, 2022
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (GENERAL PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT) (ENGLAND) ORDER 2015 AS AMENDED NOTICE PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 4 OF THE CONFIRMATION OF AN ARTICLE 4(1) (DIRECTION WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT) RELATING TO LAND ON THE WEST SIDE OF WARGRAVE ROAD OPPOSITE BEECH TREE FARM RG10 8PJ
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL made an Article 4 Direction with immediate effect on 22 November 2021 under Article 4(1) of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) (the Order). The Direction relates to: Development comprising any building operation consisting of the erection, construction, maintenance, improvement or alteration of a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure being development comprised within Class A of Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the said Order. The Direction removed permitted development rights for the type of development referred to above. The Direction had immediate effect from 22 November 2021 and was due to expire on 22 May 2022 unless confirmed before expiry. This Notice confirms that the Council consulted on the Article 4 Direction from 22 November 2021 until 17 December 2021 and has now considered representations received during this period. The Council confirmed the Direction on 18 May 2022 therefore it will remain in force permanently after 18 May 2022 (unless cancelled) Planning permission on an application made to the Council under Part III of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 will therefore continue to be required for development referred to in the second paragraph of this notice on over or under the Land on The West Side of Wargrave Road opposite Beech Tree Farm RG10 8PJ shown edged in red on the plan attached to the confirmed direction. A copy of the confirmed Direction, including a plan can be viewed at Wokingham Borough Council Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 IBN, from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday (apart from Bank Holidays) from 18 May 2022 to 1 July 2022. Dated: 26th May 2022 Steve Moore Director of Place and Growth (Acting)
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (BEARWOOD ROAD AND B3349 BARKHAM ROAD, BARKHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 19th May 2022 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Bearwood Road, Barkham between its junctions with Coombes Lane and Hermes Close. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 King Street Lane, B3030 Mole Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road, Eversley Road, Langley Common Road and B3349 Barkham Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 4th June and 5th June 2022. 2. B3349 Barkham Road, Barkham between its junctions with B3349 School Road and Barkham Street. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bearwood Road, B3030 King Street Lane, B3030 Mole Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road, Eversley Road and Langley Common Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 11th June and 12th June 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake carriageway trial hole excavation for water main location in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (BEARWOOD ROAD AND B3349 BARKHAM ROAD, BARKHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 19th May 2022 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Bearwood Road, Barkham between its junctions with Coombes Lane and Hermes Close. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 King Street Lane, B3030 Mole Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road, Eversley Road, Langley Common Road and B3349 Barkham Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 4th June and 5th June 2022. 2. B3349 Barkham Road, Barkham between its junctions with B3349 School Road and Barkham Street. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bearwood Road, B3030 King Street Lane, B3030 Mole Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road, Eversley Road and Langley Common Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 11th June and 12th June 2022. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake carriageway trial hole excavation for water main location in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.
The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 4th June 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.
Dated: 26th May 2022
The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 4th June 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
Dated: 26th May 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
Thursday, May 26, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY
26.05.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
Spend the night with Blowers T
HE voice of cricket is set to host a special evening of anecdotes in Bracknell this weekend, and if you’re not a cricket fan there is something for everyone.
Henry Blofeld, affectionately known as Blowers, will bring his one man show My Dear Old Things to the Wilde Theatre in Bracknell on Sunday, May 29. Blowers is best known as an author, journalist and for spending 45 years in the box as a commentator on BBC Radio’s Test Match Special (TMS). He had an “exceptional” career as a schoolboy cricketer and was given the Cricket Society’s award for the most promising young player of the season. However in his final year at school he suffered a serious accident when he was hit by a bus while riding his bicycle. In his autobiography he said of the accident: “My skull had been broken much of the way round, the cheek bone had been squashed flat, my jaw was somewhat worse for wear,
my collarbone had taken quite a hammering and the perimeter of my right eye had seen better days. “A good deal of sewing had gone on and I remained unconscious for quite a while, then they had to fish all the splinters of bone out of my brain.” Despite spending 28 days unconscious, Henry says his outlook on life remained a positive one. “I don’t think I spent my life thinking ‘if only’ I just wanted to get on.” Although the injuries curtailed his cricketing career, he did go on to play first-class matches for Cambridge University. After what he described as an unfulfilling stint in banking, Henry moved into sports journalism in the 1960s before joining TMS in 1972. The highlight, he said, was England’s third test victory against Australia at Headingley in 1981, a series which became known as “Botham’s Ashes” and “The Miracle of Headingley” after Sir Ian Botham’s performance with both bat and ball.
Blowers added: “Always good to beat Australia isn’t it?” Throughout his tenure in the TMS box he commentated on hundreds of world class cricket matches and entertained listeners with regular use of the phrase “my dear old thing”. His unique style has been commended for bringing the atmosphere of a real event to a cricket match by painting the picture of more than what is happening at the crease. Henry said: “If you are commentating on a cricket match and only focus on what is going on in the middle I think it all becomes rather two dimensional. “If you don’t paint the picture, you aren’t giving the listener a fair look on what is actually happening.” This style of articulating a message is what you will experience when attending one of his live shows. “The key to any public speaking or commentary is to be yourself. I am who I am,” said Henry. “What I try to do is to make
everyone feel like I am talking to them personally rather than talking at them in an audience.” Despite being synonymous with sport, the show will be more than just a night of cricket anecdotes as Henry also featured in series four of The Real Marigold Hotel The show followed eight celebrities as they travelled around India and experienced the culture. He was joined on the show by wellknown names such as Britt Ekland, Paul Chuckle, Duncan Bannatyne and Barbara Dickson. Henry said: “India is my favourite country in the world so it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.” “The most enjoyable part of the journey was the interaction of eight fascinating but different people thrown together. “Each one had led a distinguished career in their own fields and they now brought together all their different experiences in an interesting mix of characters.”
Since his retirement from TMS in 2017, he has also appeared on Tipping Point and the award-winning comedy panel show Would I Lie to You? Henry says his “My Dear Old Things” show has something for everyone, whether you are a die-hard cricket fan or just looking for an evening of entertainment. “The first half of the show will be all about my amazing experience on The Real Marigold and then after the interval I will share all the TMS anecdotes. “If you are a cricket fan I have all the stories of Brian Johnston, Arlott and of course the streaker at Lords. “There is something for everyone and for anyone who comes along we will have a laugh a minute.” n The show starts at 4pm on Sunday, May 29, at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park in Bracknell. To book tickets, visit: southhillpark.org.uk
DANIEL BLACKHAM
14 | LEISURE
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Live on the big screen WHO needs to go to London, when London can come to you? On Thursday, May 26, The Hexagon in Reading will screen a live broadcast direct from the National Theatre in London. Straight Line Crazy is a new play by David Hare, directed by Nicolas Hytner and starring Ralph Fiennes. It tells the story of New York City’s streets during the 20th century. Right at the heart of this change is Robert Moses, who careers spanned more than five decades, and was heavily involved in the creation of 658 playgrounds, 11 pools and 13 bridges … was he a good man? Tickets for the screening cost £13, and curtain up for the three-hour show is at 7pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or log on to: www.whatsonreading.com
A journey to the stars
SET at the height of the space race, a double bill of drama is coming to Henley’s Kenton Theatre this weekend. Tales From Star City looks at the women at the centre of the Soviet Union’s journey to the stars. The Letter of Last Resort looks at how the Prime Minister was faced with the late-night challenge of writing a letter that could change the face of the earth forever. The plays aim to explore the brightest and darkest moments of Cold War history, aimed at questioning political beliefs and their impact on the world. The performances, on Sunday, May 29, start at 7.30pm, and will raies funds for War Child, a charity working on the ground in Ukraine to help children and their families. Tickets are available on a pay-whatyou-want basis, but a £1.50 transaction fee is added to each order. n For more details, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: www. kentontheatre.co.uk
What I’ve been looking for
YOUNG actors will have their moment on stage this weekend, as they present their latest work. The Berkshire Theatre School will be performing High School Musical Jr at The Whitty Theatre in Wokingham. The show is set in a high school on the
A NEW children’s festival is continuing this week with a range of theatrical events for all ages. On Saturday, South Street is the venue for The Artist, an interactive art gallery where each painting is a world to be explored, and works can be stepped into. It’s suitable for ages three and up and takes place across the day. On Wednesday, June 1, it’s the turn of Palaver Party, for ages three to eight: a glittery, colourful space to allow children to be free. It includes music, costume making, party games, and a rainbow disco. It takes place from 2pm and tickets cost £14. Swings And roundabouts is a comedy music show on Thursday, June 2, from 11.30am. Tickets cost £10, and the show is for new parents and their babies. It is a celebration of the highs and lows of parenting, through songs, laughter and more. Bucket Club’s Catch That Beast! Is on Friday, June 3, and performed across the day at South Street. first day after the winter break. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes all find their cliques. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. The couple causes an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well. The show is performed on Saturday at 4.30pm and 7.15pm, and on Sunday at 2pm and 5.30pm. Tickets cost £15. n For more details, log on to: www. luckleyhouseschool.org/
Appliance of science
THEY baffled magicians Penn & Teller, they amazed audiences with their sell-out conjuring shows, and now they’ve turned their attention to science … unbelievable science at that. Morgan & West, whose act involves them recreating the era of Victorian gentlemen, are turning to their original skill of science for the new familyfriendly show, coming to the Kenton Theatre on Monday, May 30. The show, suitable for ages seven upwards, promises explosive thrills, chemical spills and a risk assessment
AT THE THEATRE
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Bartered Bride. Until Sat. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat. My Dear Old Things: An Evening With Henry Blofeld. Sun. The Circus Sonas Family Show. Wed. Dirty Tattooed Circus. Wed. The Festival of Food and Music: Jubilee event. Fri 3-Sun 5.
Camberley – Theatre
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Both Sides of Phil Collins. Thurs. Bumper Blyton. Fri. Comedy Club. Fri. Circus Skills with Patches. Sat. Rapunzel. Sun. The Little Mix Show. Tues. Total 90s. Thurs. Bring The Laughter. Fri 3. Marty Wilde. Sat 4.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000
Private Peaceful. Until Sat. Henry Normal: The Escape Plan. Fri. A Diva and a Piano: Lesley Garrett. Sun. The Wellspring. Tues-Wed. In The Night Garden Live. Thurs 3-Fri 4.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Housewives on Holiday. Thurs. BNU Dance. Fri. Stewart Lee. Fri. Fanny’s Bingo Brunch. Sat. Al Murray: Gig For Victory. Sun. Private Peaceful. Tues-Sat 4.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Johnny Cash Roadshow. Fri. Josh Berry and Rafe Hubris. Sat. Tales From Star City and The Letter of Last Resort. Sun. Morgan and West: Unbelievable Science. Mon. Mark Steel: Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright. Thurs 2. Made In Tennessee. Fri 3. The Navy Lark. Sat 4.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 26, 2022
The acts are The Bourbon Massive, Salamander, Strangers In Transit, and 3Thirty. Doors open at 7.30pm, entry is pay what you can – and is cash only. n For more details, call The Facebar on: 0118 956 8188, or log on to: whatsonreading.com
Bright lights for jubilee
The show follows the Royal Society of Beastologists as they try and track down the Fearsome Beast of Reading … but they need your help. Tickets cost £10. The week of fun ends on Saturday, June 4, with a performance of The Council of the Birds by Bee In My Beanie. that gives their stage manager chills, all backed up by the daring duo’s trademark wit, charm and detailed knowledge of the scientific method. It takes place at 2pm, and tickets cost £15, £12 for concessions, and lasts 60 minutes. n For more details, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: www. kentontheatre.co.uk
Laughter at the Mill
THE Mill at Sonning is holding one of its regular comedy nights on Monday, May 30. The evening of laughter features a set from Nathan Caton, who has appeared on BBC comedy shows Live at the Apollo and Mock The Week. Also on stage will be Aaron Simmonds, who has appeared on the Comedy Central show. Karen Bailey will be the MC. The show includes a two-course meal beforehand, and the ticket price of £46.50 reflects that. Doors open at 6.15pm. n For more details, call the box office on: 0118 969 8000, or log on to: millatsonning.com
Double bill of comedy A DOUBLE bill of Edinburgh preview shows is coming to Norden Farm next week.
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Royal Opera House live: Swan Lake. Fri. Operation Mincemeat (12a). Wed-Thurs 26. National Theatre Live: Straight Line Crazy. Thurs. Alice Armstrong and Matt Long. Thurs. Geoff Norcott: I Blame the Parents. Fri. The Vinyl Frontier: Champion of Champions. Fri. Patrick Monahan: Started from the Bottom, Now I’m Here. Sat 28. The Northman (15). Sat. Family Concertini with RASPO. Tues. Fantastic Beats: The Secrets of Dumbledore (12a). Tues-Wed. The Bad Guys (U). Wed. George Fu (piano). Wed. Avalon Edinburgh preview: Simon Brodkin and Bella Hull. Wed. Pop Divas Live. Wed. The Northman (15). Thurs 2. Old McDonald and The Three Pigs plus… Fri 3. Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG). Fri 3, Sat 4.
Hundred Watt Club: A Right Royal Evening of Burlesque. Fri 3. Norden Farm Market. Sat 4. Lovely Jub(i)le: Come Together. Sat 4. Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts (tbc). Sat 4.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 NT Live: Straight Crazy Line (15). Thurs. 80s Live. Fri. The Gingerbread Man. Sat-Sun. Exhibition on Screen: Pissarro, father of Impressionism. Sun. Gyles Brandreth: Break a Leg. Wed. Pop Princesses. Sat 4.
Newbury – The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Bleak Expectations. Until Jul 2.
Reading – South Street
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060
Taking place at 11.30am, the show is inspired by an epic Persian poem, and follows a girl’s journey across oceans and mountains to a place beyond time and the bird gather just once a year. Tickets cost £10. n For more details on these shows, log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/ themes/head-clouds-festival The Maidenhead-based arts centre is welcoming Spitting Image star Luke Kempner for an evening of contemporary impressions. He has had more than 10 million views of his online videos, so he must be doing something right. Joining him is Bella Hull, a Londonbased stand up, who recently appeared on the BBC show Stand Up For Live Comedy, and also appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Newsjack. As if that wasn’t enough she is also advice columnist for Quadra magazine. She won Yellow Comedy Young Comedian of the Year award in 2019, and is a member of Cambrdige Footlights. The show takes place on Wednesday, June 1 and tickets cost £12. n For more details, call the box office on: 01628 788997, or log on to: Norden.farm
Music for Launchpad
FOUR acts are promised at a special rock night in aid of Reading charity Launchpad. Reading University’s Rock Society will be swapping the students union for the night at The Facebar in Reading’s Ambrose Place. The bands, all from university members, will play a mixture of punk, indie, art rock and classic toe tappers, all in the name of charity.
SITELINES presents The Land’s Heart is Greater Than Its Map. Until Sun. The Artist: Filskit Theatre. Sat. Juniors Youth Theatre free taster sessions. Mon. Seniors Youth Theatre free taster sessions. Tues. Palaver Party. Wed. Swings and Roundabouts. Thurs 2. Catch That Beast! Fri 3. The Council of the Birds by Bee in my Beanie. Sat 4.
Reading – Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NT Live presents: Straight Line Crazy. Thurs. West Side Story (12a). Fri. Sandi Toksvig Live. Sun. The Hollies. Sun 5.
THE Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will be celebrated in unique style in Maidenhead next week, thanks to a burlesque troupe. The Hundred Watt Club will be shining brightly for the regal celebration, held at Norden Farm on Friday, June 3. The evening will fuse the art of burlesque with a variety show that will certainly be different. Norden Farm says it will be a “good old-fashioned, bawdy and champagnesoaked variety show all tied up in a feisty, tongue in cheek ribbon”. It stars Seragina Hart and musical comedian Elliot Mason, as well as circus stunts from Bella Diosa. Tickets cost £16, and the show is for over 18s. Glamorous vintage wear is encouraged. n For more details, call the box office on: 01628 788997, or log on to: Norden.farm
Head to the Bus Stop for The Hollies
ONE of the biggest names in British music, The Hollies are back on the road and preparing to come to Reading. The band, famous of hits such as He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother, and Bus Stop, will be at The Hexagon on Sunday, June 5 – the perfect end to the Jubilee weekend. This is their 60th anniversary tour, and they said: “‘We felt like this is something no other band gets to do, celebrate six decades together, 60 years of these songs that mean so much to us and so many others. We’re incredibly excited performing for everyone on what will be some of the most special shows in the history of The Hollies.” The line-up includes powerhouse drummer Bobby Elliott, and singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist Tony Hicks, both of whom are original members. Tickets cost £33 to £48, and the show takes place at The Hexagon. n For details, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com
0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Angels In America Parts 1 and 2. June 20-July 2.
Reading – Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Until Sat 5.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Theatre closed due to Storm Eunice damage NEXT SHOW: The Beauty Queen of Leenane. June 15-18.
Sonning – The Mill
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Dylan Moran: We Got This. Jun 5.
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Busman’s Honeymoon. Until June 25. Stars of British Jazz. Sun. Comedy Night. Mon.
Reading – Progress Theatre
Windsor – Theatre Royal
Reading – Concert Hall
www.progresstheatre.co.uk
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 NEXT SHOW: The Best of Queen. Wed, Jun 8.
Wokingham – Wokingham Theatre
www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Comedy Night. Fri. NEXT SHOW: Stones In His Pockets. June 8-18.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society: Nightmare Alley (15). Thurs. High School Musical Jr. SatSun. Wokingham Music Club: John Coghlan’s Quo: The Final Tour. Fri Jun 10.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 The Martin Hart Trio featuring Karen Sharp on tenor sax. Sat.
Thursday, May 26, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LEISURE | 15
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Pheasant is full of pluck, with first-class food
Midsummer Night is a dream come true
The Rep’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a party for all the family which doesn’t shy away from Shakespeare Picture: Harry Elletson
The Pheasant Reading Road Winnersh RG41 5LR the-pheasant-hotel. co.uk 0118 978 4529
W
HEN the promise is good food, good drink and good company, that’s a lot to live up to – but that’s exactly what we got when we visited The Pheasant.
The Winnersh-based bar and restaurant is under new management, and its garden and adjacent accommodation underwent an extensive makeover last year. Its new food menu specialises in English cuisine with a twist. The location benefits from easy access and on-site parking. It also has an extensive rear garden, with 100 seats and tables that were spaced out. There are also some heated dining shacks, and a covered area just in case it’s a traditional British summer. It is a great space to eat, drink and relax with friends and family. Inside, you’ll be struck by how bright, open and spacious the Pheasant is. The decor was fresh and comfortable with flowers on all the tables which added a lovely touch. We were greeted by Ceci, The Pheasant’s friendly new manager and shown to our table, before being introduced to our Waiter, Nate, who was every bit the perfect host. The menu created by The Pheasant’s talented new chef is well thought out, offering something for everyone, and using fresh and seasonal ingredients. For starters, we enjoyed sharing a selection of dishes. First was the sautéed Moroccan Prawns (£6.95), served with small wild leaf salad, Moroccan sauce, toasted flaked almonds and sourdough toast. It was a perfectly presented and generous portion of warm perfectly cooked prawns. Our children normally hate cauliflower, but they really enjoyed the deep fried cauliflower wings with soy ginger sauce (£5.95). Other starter dishes on the menu include Mackerel Terrine (£6.95) served with watercress and cucumber salad and sourdough Crostini (£5.95), Grilled Halloumi with wils leaf salad, spring onion, sundried tomato, olive oil and balsamic glaze (£5.95), and freshly made soup of the day £6.95. Moving on the main course, I opted for the Pan fried Salmon served with Seaweed
S
HAKESPEARE can be difficult to adapt well.
Food, presentation and style at The Pheasant in Winnersh is top-notch
potato, chard Pak choi with a passionfruit Hollandaise and Samphire (£16.95). This dish was really special with stunning presentation. The salmon was cooked to perfection with a beautifully seasoned crispy skin, the potatoes were perfectly cooked and flavoured, the pak choi expertly cooked with wilted leaves and al dente stalks. The silky smooth passion fruit Hollandaise gave this dish a real twist, whilst the slightly salty and distinctively crisp sampire worked perfectly with the buttery fruity hollandaise. My son opted for a rib eye steak (£21.95), served with a large roasted portobello
Mushroom, cherry tomatoes on the vine, goose fat chips and rocket salad that normally is accompanied by bernaise or blue cheese sauce, but my son asked for him to have peppercorn sauce which the chef made specially for him. The steak was tender, succulent, flavoursome and perfectly seasoned. The stack of goose fat chips were super crispy on the outside and light and fluffy in the middle, and devoured quickly. My husband chose Grilled Curried Chicken Breast (£13.95) served on a bed of sweet potato fries, tomato chutney and The Pheasant’s signature curry sauce.
A fabulous combination of flavours; crispy sweet potato fries work in harmony with the lightly curry seasoned chicken breast accompanied with the tangy homemade tomato chutney and curry sauce on the side. This was a wonderful dish which my husband highly rated. My daughter chose grilled chicken strips served with chips (£5), from the children’s menu, which she enjoyed very much. We were very excited to try the new desserts. There was a cheesecake of the day (£6.25), which was delightful. A crunchy biscuit base with a thick and creamy vanilla middle, not too overly sweet topped with a strawberry coulis. The luxury chocolate gluten free, vegan brownie (£5.95) was a treat, served with a creamy vanilla ice cream. The Pheasant offers a wide variety of beverages, including cocktails and gins. We felt The Phesant was fantastic: first class food, amazing service, and a great atmosphere. While I went with my family, it would also be a perfect location for a get together with friends. On Friday, June 3, The Pheasant will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with live music and a barbecue. The fun starts from noon.
CLAIRE WORSFOLD
Not just because the source material’s age can alienate some audiences, but because attempts to update it can feel at best contrived, or at worst toe-curlingly cringe-worthy. Reading Repertory Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, however, seems to dispense entirely with this problem. To begin, we are introduced to six actors who have come to Reading in preparation for a jubilee event. Immediately, the casual, breezy attitude that the production takes is clear as they spitball ideas and joke with each other. Soon, the idea of the play is struck upon, and the acting troupe sets about an impromptu performance of one of Shakespeare’s seminal works. And this play within a play perfectly sets the tone. The production does not shy away from the source material, with a great deal of the original play’s dialogue untouched, but refuses to let any pomposity remain. The framing gives the play a level of approachability, bringing all of the lively fun and cheeky back and forth that a Shakespearean audience would have enjoyed. It brings this exciting, fizzing energy to the fore, making it easy to follow along even if the language can be offputting for some. Each of the characters is set apart early on, and each is played with ready and engaging dynamism. As such, not a single member of the small cast is wasted. Oberon, played by Dave Fishley, is immediately arresting. At times brash and physically playful, and occasionally bossy and overbearing, he is one of the play’s shining comedic assets, with more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. This is matched by Amy Ambrose’s Titania, who brings an earthy, one-ofus relatability to her scenes, and brims with humour, especially when she is taking on the role of Puck. Jonty Peach’s Demetrius goes in the opposite direction, playing on the theatre-kid haughtiness with an eminently likeable glee. Charlotte Warner, who portrays Hermia, and Beth Eyre, who plays Helena, ground the play’s more airy
tendencies with strong emotional performances. Each cuts through to the more tender moments of the piece with ease, and without sacrificing the levity. The cast is rounded out by Mark Desebrock, whose pivotal Lysander sells the change of heart at the centre of the play with a relaxed yet focused wit and a contagious sassiness. Altogether, the cast does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of what a Shakespeare play ought to be: a raucous romp through a dream-like space purely for the enjoyment of those watching. The players throw the production around, fully embracing the “half sleeping, half waking” qualities of the play in all of the best ways. The set echoes this, with the entire play taking place in what is essentially an improvised space. Resembling any drama studio after 4pm on a busy Tuesday afternoon, the set is vibrant enough to compliment the production, while giving only the bare minimum needed to suck you into the narrative. Overall, Paul Stacey’s adaptation, with co-director Chris Cuming, straddles its obligations to both the audience and the source material with a dazzlingly precarious balance which doesn’t falter once. While all of the most necessary parts of the original play are here, the rest is pure, lively, riotous, and celebratory, making it just as palatable and enjoyable as it ever has been– maybe even more. It is clear that this is the last in the Rep’s current season, because the production plays like it has nothing left to lose any more, and wins all the more for it. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is showing at Reading Repertory Theatre daily, except Mondays, until Sunday, June 5. It is a family-friendly performance, though attendees are advised that there is one small instance of mild swearing during the show. Tickets are between £14 and £25, with some available to those who can’t afford them as part of the theatre’s community mission. Signed shows, relaxed performances, and touch tours are available. n To book tickets, visit www. readingrep.com.
JAKE CLOTHIER
16 | LEISURE
Nightmare Alley is society’s choice MEMBERS of Wokingham Film Society will see a manipulative man with a mysterious past take huge risks to boost his career. Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley will be showing on Thursday, May 26. The psychological thriller is based on the 1946 novel of the same name. Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett head up the star cast. Tickets, available on the night, are £6.50 (£4 for members). Doors open at 7pm with the film starting at 7.30pm. n For more information, visit: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
Tech support is free at library ANYONE needing help with a laptop, tablet or smartphone is invited to join in some technology support sessions at Wokingham Library. Every Tuesday, local business Pratts Pod are at the Denmark Street venue to help and advise from 2pm to 4pm. The sessions don’t need to be booked in advance, but operate on a drop-in basis. n For more details, log on to: prattspods.co.uk, email: info@ prattspods.co.uk, call 0118 304 7777 or visit the store in Elms Walk, Wokingham.
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 26, 2022
Jubilee festival at South Hill Park
A
ROYAL celebration will take place in the grounds of South Hill Park over the jubilee, and everyone is invited.
The Bracknell-based arts centre is holding its annual festival of food and music, featuring live music, famly activities and, of course, food. There will be creative arts activities in its Italian Garden, including sculpture willow weaving, and canvas painting. Taking place from Jubilee Friday to Sunday, there will be music from every decade of her reign, from the 1940s to the present day. It starts with a tribute to the music of Queen’s Freddie Mercury at 2pm on the Friday, followed by tributes to Kylie Minogue, Little Mix and Take That with a DJ who will keep people dancing between changeovers. The day of tribute artists ends with the Abba Stars Band performing Dancing Queen. On Saturday, June 4, the musical lineup includes Evolution performing covers of classic hits, the Self Preservation Society bringing songs from the 60s as well as music from acoustic duo Inversion, Tony Woods & the Jazz Giants,
FUN: The Festival of Food and Music will return to South Hill Park in time for the Jubilee Funky Nature and The Lemon Sharks of London. On the In The Woods Stage there will be acoustic music with Michael Tuffery, Tomorrow Bird, Union Blue, Veronica Drozdowski and Colin Bailey. On Sunday, June 5, rock ‘n’ roll band The TR5’s will perform music from the 50s and 60s, and country/Americana will come from Sandy McLelland, Jenny Colquitt and No Dog Deal. On the In The Woods stage there will be The Capo Thieves, Marc Woosnam, The Gillies and Meddling Fox. And each day will finish with a singalong with Matthew Quilliam.
Another attraction will be a chance to go behind the scenes of South Hill Park’s arts centre and learn about its history, and some exciting upcoming performances. The event is free, and there’s no need to book. Stallholders will charge for food, drink and activities. Parking is available, but limited. It is open from 2pm-9pm on Friday, June 3, noon-8pm on Saturday, June 4, and noon-6pm on Sunday, June 5. n For details, log on to: www. southhillpark.org.uk/events/thefestival-of-food-and-music/
PHIL CREIGHTON
Four Seasons in just one night … and with added Frankie Valli FOUR SEASONS in just one night that’s the promise from The Hexagon for a new evening’s entertainment just announced. The ever-popular Bye Bye Baby show is returning to Reading on Saturday, September 17, promising a celebration of the timeless music of Frankie Valli and his band. There will be 30 of Valli’s greatest hits including Sherry, December ’63 (Oh What A Night), Grease, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Beggin’,
and Working My Way Back To You. The show features fourpart harmonies, roof-raising falsetto and energetic and stylish choreography, all backed by their excellent four-piece band in a tribute to the musical phenomenon that is the Jersey Boys. It takes place from 7.30pm on Saturday, September 17. Tickets cost £27.50, and can be reserved by calling the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or logging on to: whatsonreading.com
Check in not to Hotel California but to Reading’s The Hexagon A NIGHT celebrating the music of The Eagles is coming to Reading this autumn. Talon will perform some of the band’s greatest hosts including Hotel California, Take It Easy, One of These Nights, and Lyin’ Eyes. The seven-piece band are said
to have transcended the tag of ‘tribute’, becoming a brand name in their own right, revered by their peers and respected by the music industry, but dearly loved by their massive and expanding fan base. This is their 25th anniversary
tour, and it will check in to The Hexgaon on Sunday, September 25. The show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £28.50. For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: readingarts. com.
You’ll be Walking In The Air as Aled Jones and Russell Watson fly in IT MIGHT seem like the wrong time of year to be making plans for Christmas, but … well, this will be popular. Aled Jones is teaming up with Russell Watson for a special festive tour and Reading’s Hexagon theatre is one of the stop-off points for the duo. The tour celebrates their new collaboration, an album of Christmas songs, including carols such as O Holy Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem and In The Bleak Midwinter, alongside festive favourites including White Christmas, It’s Beginning To Look At Lot Like Christmas, Little Drummer Boy, and Mistletoe and Wine. And there will be a very special rendition of Walking In The Air - released by then boy soprano Aled in 1985. It will be recorded later this year, and goes on sale at the
beginning of November. Christmas With Aled and Russell is their third album together, following 2018’s In Harmony and 2019’s Back In Harmony, both of which shot straight to number one on the UK Classical Album Chart and the top 10 of the UK Official Album
Charts upon release. They will be appearing at The Hexagon on Tuesday, November 15, and tickets have just gone on sale, costing £57, £44.50, or £34.50 For more details, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: www.whatsonreading.com
LEISURE | 25
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, May 26, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LIVEMUSIC
To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662
RaW Sounds Today
Katie Ellwood
Bex Ruth – Scratching my Head Bex is a singer-songwriter from London who creates electronic soundscapes overlayed with soulful vocals. She visited Reading to perform at the Loddfest Takeover Show. See her at Loddfest in September https://linktr.ee/bexruth
Chris Hillman
bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday
T
OSP – When?
HIS week, topping our hit parade is Katie Ellwood with a track from her debut album.
Hour Glass has blown us away, with unique and powerful sounds. We think you’ll love it too. Our mission is to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name). Katie is from Wokingham, and an impressive young artist. We think she’ll go far. To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music. There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
Katie Ellwood – Hour Glass Katie, from Wokingham and studying at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, says that her aim with her debut album Interference was to ‘remove any genre restrictions I have felt in the past and just write pure music’. She’s certainly achieved that, it’s an impressive album. This piece has electronic and acoustic instruments, creating a hypnotic riff, with a choir theme which mutates into a pulsating trance beat
GIG GUIDE
Thursday, May 26
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Filthy Llamas. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk EARLEY – Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 8HN. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 334 4300. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jazz Singers night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop: Coach Party, Sister Lucy, Elucidate. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango Presents Amapiano. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Open mic night. Details: 0118 958 6048. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Friday, May 27
BEENHAM - The Six Bells, The Green RG7 5NX. Mash, Nash and the Band. Details: 0118 971 3368. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Originals. Details: 01344 303333. CHARVIL – The Heron On The Ford, Lands End Lane, RG10 0UE. Piston Broke. Details: 0118 934 0700. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – Grosvenor Casino
Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. AJ’s Calypso Tent: Remembering Dave Batson: G-String, Ms Desire, De Admiral, Brown Sugar, Rev B, Dame Polly, Music Man, DeeBine, King Clivas, Super Trini Vives, AJ’s All-Stars, The Kaiso Gems and more. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Housebase. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Jason Stretch. Details: 0118 926 5804. RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. The TR5s. Details: 0118 343 0565. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. 4G Band. Details: 0118 977 3706. YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01252 872105. YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road GU46 7UG. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01252 872459.
Saturday, May 28
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Recycler Rock n Roll Band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. From The Ashes. Details: 01344 422622.
www.sprigganmist.com/
OSP stands for ‘Only Speak Positive’ and they are a four piece from Reading looking to deliver a powerful message of tolerance and respect. They will be at Readipop on Sunday, July 10 https://www.facebook.com/ospmusicuk
Split the Dealer – Dreamstate
before ending with a solo acoustic violin. Wow. The choir is Ruby Thorne and Hope Pugh, violin by Janice Ellwood (Katie’s mum) and vocal at the end by Katie - https://www.katieellwood.com/
Here’s the new single from local favourite Reliant, and it’s an exciting piece of powerful indie rock recorded at Generation Studio. They will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August - https://www.facebook.com/WeAreReliant
Leoni Jane Kennedy – Life Like This
Adomania – Heavy Rain
Leoni is a Blackpool-born, Guildford-based singer-songwriter and she will be appearing on the Wokingham Music Club Stage at Wokingham Festival in August, as will Katie Ellwood. Life Like This is an excellent single showcasing Leoni’s rock sound with progressive leanings and soulful vocals. We’ll look forward to her appearing with her band at the festival - https://www. leonijanekennedy.com/
Here’s a debut single from a new young Wokingham It has a vibrant enthusiastic feel with great melodies. There’s potential here and we look forward to seeing that potential develop - https:// www.facebook.com/AdomaniaBand
Reliant – Heaven or Hell BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Broken Bones. Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace. 3pm. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultra 90s. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Utter Madness Duo. Details: 01344 530615. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Daughter of the Water. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Delights. The Scarlet Vixens present Summerween. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.Details: 01344 303333. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Brick Top. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Band Substance. Details: 0118 957 6930. WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Festival Garden live music: The Rollin Stoned. 5.30pm onwards. £11. Details: 0118 979 7402. WOODLEY - Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG6 4JZ. Jazz at the Oakwood:
Spriggan Mist – Remember the Day They just released their album, Isambard the Mechanical Dragon and it’s their best yet. Following a successful appearance at HRH Prog, Spriggan Mist are back at Wokingham Festival in August - https://
Karen Sharp and the Martin Hart Trio. Details: www.woodleytheatre.org YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. DJ Night. Details: 01252 870648.
Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Centralizin Soundz Reading: Benny Page, Serial Killaz, Shabbat, Sublowhz. Details: 0118 959 5395.
Sunday, May 29
Thursday, June 2
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Theme night: Body Count. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. The Anniversary and Birthday of Rex. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Stars of British Jazz. Details: 0118 969 8000.
Tuesday, May 31
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Wednesday, June 1 READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop: The Lovely Eggs, Thick Richard, Arch Femmesis. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Popworld, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Platinum Thursday Pop from 10pm.
BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Pink Fish. Details: 01344 420690. HURST - The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Wheelies Fest from 3pm. Details: 0118 934 4100. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Ray Gelato and the Giants. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Charity gig from University of Reading Rock Society in aid of Launchpad. Details: 0118 956 8188. STANFORD DINGLEY The Bull RG7 6LS. Self Preservation Society. Details: 0118 074 4582. WHISTLEY GREEN - The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Pixi Devalle. Details: 0118 934 0886.
Friday, June 3
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Adele tribute. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 457318. LOWER SHIPLAKE - The Baskerville, Station Road RG9 3NY. Leech. Details: 0118 940 3332.
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
READING - Abbey Ruins, The Forbury. The Jubilee Tribute Concert: Queen, The Beatles, George Michael, Ed Sheeran, DJs and more. Details: whatsonreading.com READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity: New Mind-Wonk Unit, Launch Control, As Loud As… Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Doors Alive. Details: 0118 959 5395. WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR. Full Flavour Band. Details: 0118 978 4529. YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Anna Nightingale from 2pm. Details: 01252 870648.
Split the Dealer is a fave at RaW Sounds.Today and he performed at an incredible headlining show at Reading’s Sub 89. Here’s one of his excellent single releases. He’ll be at Wokingham Festival in August - https:// linktr.ee/splitthedealer
The Mezz – Yesterday You Said Tomorrow The Mezz is a new indie four-piece band and this single is well worth a listen. They supported Split the Dealer at his Sub89 Reading show mentioned above and were one of the highlights of the night - https://www.themezz.uk/
Rocket Kings – Rendezvous This ukulele pop band are at Wokingham Festival in August and here’s a song with a very sing-along hook from their Everyday Adventures album. Check out the video on YouTube - https://www. facebook.com/rocketkings/ Lake. Hurst Jubilee Concert from 3pm. Glee Club, Forbury, Bottle Kids, Dandy Man, Rick Sinfield,Third Lung. Free entry. Details: hurstjubilee.co.uk PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Soundjam. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. P’Jam jazz night. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Mystery Machine. Details: 0118 926 5804. THEALE - The Bull, High St RG7 5AH. Mythicals. Details: 0118 930 3478.
THEALE - The Fox and Hounds, Station Road RG7 4BE. Hippyhaze. Details: 0118 930 2295. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Rd RG40 2AD. Red Hoax Chilli Peppers. Details: 0118 977 0918.
Sunday, June 5
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Stonesthrow. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING - The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk. The Hollies. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun St. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.
Saturday, June 4
BRACKNELL - Bracknell Rugby Football Club. Bracknell Real Ale Festival. Live music including The Shelf Side. 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. Bad Penny. Details: 01344 422622. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace. 3pm. Self Preservation Society. Details: 01344 484123. HURST - The Green, Martinea
ROLLING STONED TRIBUTE BAND Tickets £11 Wegottickets.com
Saturday 28th May 17.30pm til late
THE WHITE HORSE Easthampstead Road Wokingham, RG40 3AF
0118 979 7402
26 | LEISURE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WHAT’SON Films at Reading Biscuit Factory
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness (12a). Thurs. Everything Everywhere All At Once. Thurs. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (15). Thurs. The Innocents (15). Thurs. Keep It Cult: Do The Right Thing (15). Fri. Top Gun: Maverick (12a). Fri-Thurs 2. Keep It Cult: Pulp Fiction (18). Mon, Fri 3. Reading Film Theatre presents: La Mif (15). Wed 8. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Friday, May 27
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Create a Platinum Jubilee Stamp. Free entry, drop-in when library is open. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. DiddiDance session for ages 2-5, part of Reading Children’s Festival. 10am. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 931 2111. WOKINGHAM - WADE Day Centre, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Quiz night. Teams of 4-6, £10, includes light refreshments. Bring your own drinks. Booking essential. Details: www. wadecentre.org.uk or 0118 978 7025. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, May 28
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook
Primaries PTA. Earley – Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club, Beech Lane, RG6 7PT. Open day – come and try bowling, bring flat soled shoes or trainers. 11am to 4pm. Details http://www. maidenerleghbc.co.uk FARLEY HILL - Victory Hall, Church Road RG7 1TR. Farley Hill bowls club open day. 1.30pm5.30pm. Details: www. farleyhillbowlsclub.org.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, marino Way. Brewery tour. 1pm2.30pm. Booking essential. PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall. READING – Biscuit Factory, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Family life drawing session. For ages 6-12. £10 per adult and child. 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING - Christchurch Meadows. Reading Friendship Festival. From 11am. Bring a picnic, invite friends. Details: https://bit. ly/ukhkRDG READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Paint your own biscuits with Dr Ella Hawkins. 1pm or 2.30pm. £5, suitable for ages eight upwards, and adults. Booking essential. Bertie’s Brilliant Biscuit Design: create a new biscuit for display. £1. Details: 0118 937 3400. READING - Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, Sidmouth Street RG1 4QZ. Open doors coffee and tea for Ukrainians newly arrived in the UK and their sponsors. 3pm-5pm. Details: https://www. rucc.uk/ SHINFIELD - Leighton Park School RG2 7DE. Whiteknights Ensemble in concert: Mozart, Arrieu, Hallam, Poulenc, and Ankarblom. £10, under 18s £5. In aid of ReadiFood foodbank. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/ Whiteknights-Ensemble TWYFORD - URC Hall, Station Road. Quiz night. Teams of up to six. Bring drinks and snacks to share. Entry by donation. 7.30pm. Details: http://thru-christ.org.uk WINNERSH - St Mary The Virgin, Church Close RG41 5NA. Gratis choir free concert: Victoriana. Includes a medley of Gilbert & Sullivan. Free entry, retiring collection in aid of Ukrainian refugee appeal. 7.30pm. Details: www.gratischoir.org.uk
WOKINGHAM - Langborough Recreation Ground, Fairview Road. Wokingham Town Council presents Children’s Fun Day: fairground rides, visiting farm animals, face painting. 10am-4pm. Free. WOKINGHAM - Baptist Church, Milton Road. St Sebastian Wokingham Band presents Jubilee Brass, a celebration of music to mark the jubilee. 7.30pm. £10, £5 children. In aid of SHARE Wokingham. Details: 07724 073307. WOKINGHAM - Theatre, Twyford Road. Wokingham Lions Club comedy night: Matt Bragg, James Ellis & Joe Sutherland - plus their fantastic compere, David Ward. Over 18s only. £17 plus booking fee, in aid of Kimel Foundation. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY - Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG6 4JZ. Jazz at the Oakwood: Karen Sharp and the Martin Hart Trio. Details: www.woodleytheatre.org
Sunday, May 29
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. FARLEY HILL - Victory Hall, Church Road RG7 1TR. Farley Hill bowls club open day. 1.30pm5.30pm. Details: www. farleyhillbowlsclub.org.uk PANGBOURNE - Village Hall RG8 7AN. #FACEUP Exhibition of Quilts, in aid of Launchpad Reading. 10am-4pm. Details: 07795 571 671. READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Paint your own biscuits with Dr Ella Hawkins. 10am or 11.30am. £5, suitable for ages eight upwards, and adults. Booking essential. Details: 0118 378 8660. READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Mates Rates Comedy presents Comedy at the Tap Room: Jared Christmas, Aideen McQueen, Carl Richards and Mo Omar. 6.30pm, doors 5pm. £15. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk Monday, May 30 ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org CAVERSHAM – Reading Canoe Club, The Warren. Reading Canoe Club kayak on the river taster session. 10am, 11.45am, 1.45pm. For ages 9-16. 10 places per session, booking essential. Free. Details: reading-canoe.org.uk/ taster READING – Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Platinum Planting for ages 5-11. Free entry. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5950. READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Museum, My Way, a day suitable for people with additional needs, developed by Autism Berkshire. Free, booking essential. 10am-2pm.. Details: 0118 378 8660. READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Design a Huntley and Palmers biscuit tin fit for royalty. 10am-4pm. £3, booking required.. Details: 0118 937 3400. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Comedy night. Details: 0118 969 8000. WHITLEY – Whitley Community Development Association, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7AQ. Whitley Music Day: learn how to play, create and more. For ages 10-16. Free, booking essentials. Details: therockacademy foundation.org/ WhitleyMusicDay2022 WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Tuesday, May 31
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on
Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Make a fairy place or a castle of doom. Free dropin craft session for ages 4-10. 2pm-4.30pm. Details: 0118 937 5103. CAVERSHAM – Reading Canoe Club, The Warren. Reading Canoe Club kayak on the river taster session. 10am, 11.45am, 1.45pm. For ages 9-16. 10 places per session, booking essential. Free. Details: reading-canoe.org.uk/ taster EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org. FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. All-day Platinum Jubilee Celebration: make a crown, join a treasure hunt and Royal themed quiz. 1pm-7pm. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Jelly, Broad St Mall. Art Club: unique sock puppets and mini-films. 3pm-4.30pm. Booking essential. Details: www. thejellyreading.eventbrite. co.uk READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Jubilee party hats. £1. Drop-in. Details: 0118 937 3400. READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomews Road RG1 3QB. Come and make Royal Decorations, for ages 4-10. Free, booking required. Details: 0118 937 5106. SOUTHCOTE – Library, Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Make your own Platinum Jubilee Crown. 2pm-4pm. Free, booking required. Details: 0118 937 5109. TILEHURST – Library, School Lane RG31 5AS. Platinum Jubille crafts. 10am-11am. Details: 0118 937 5114. WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Platinum Planting. Drop-in seed planting session. Free. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 937 5115. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Wednesday, June 1 ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal
Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. CAVERSHAM – Reading Canoe Club, The Warren. Reading Canoe Club kayak on the river taster session. 10am, 11.45am, 1.45pm. For ages 9-16. 10 places per session, booking essential. Free. Details: reading-canoe.org.uk/ taster EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Jelly, Broad St Mall. Art Club: flag making workshop. 4pm-5.30pm. Booking essential. Details: www.thejellyreading. eventbrite.co.uk READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Victorian Schoolroom experience in Abbey Gateway. 11.30am3.15pm. Ages five upwards. £1, booking essential. Details: 0118 937 3400. READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. Bumps and Babes for expectant parents and those with babies under 12 months. 1pm-2.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 931 2111. READING - Town Hall, Blagrave Street. Reading Samaritans open day: learn more about its work and how to support its callers. 11am-5pm. Free, drop-in. WHITLEY – Children’s Centre, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Under 1s messy play. Free. Details: 0118 937 3894. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Jubilee Thursday, June 2
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Salvation Army. 11am12.30pm. Free. Details: www.broadstreetmall.com READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 26, 2022 Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Shakespeare in Ancient rome: Does Shakespeare celebrate monarchy. A talk by Martin Hughes. 7.30pm. £2 non-members. Details: wokinghamliterarysociety. org.uk WOODLEY - Woodford Park, Headley Road. Woodley Town Council beacon lighting by town mayor Cllr Janet Sartorel. 9.45pm, arrive by 9.30pm.
Jubilee Friday, June 3
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Reading Male Vocie Choir. Noon-2pm. Free. Details: www.broadstreetmall.com READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue RG1 8EQ. Reading Vinyl Record Collectors Fair. 9am-3pm. £4. WINNERSH - The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Queen’s jubilee celebration: barbecue, Full Flavour Band and more. From noon. Booking essential. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents classic car show. 9.30am-3.30pm. www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Jubilee Saturday, June 4
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. BARKHAM - Village Hall, Church Lane RG40 4PL. Jubilee celebration and family fun day, organised by Barkham Parish Council and Barkham Village Residents Association. 11am-4pm. Details: barkham-parishcouncil. org.uk CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Make a fairy place or a castle of doom. Free dropin craft session for ages 4-10. 11am-2pm. Details: 0118 937 5103. HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. A Date With Nature Monthly Saturday morning walk. £2 donation to RSPB. Meet in main car park. 9am, event to take around threeand-a-half hours. Details: ww2.rspb.org.uk LOWER EARLEY – Events field, Kilnsea Drive. Lower Earley Baptist Church Queens Jubilee afternoon Tea. 2-4pm. READING – Broad St Mall,
Broad Street. Platinum Jubilee celebrations. RASPO Steel Band. 11amnoon. Free. Details: www. broadstreetmall.com READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-noon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarme rsmarket.co.uk READING - Across The Forbury. Waterfest 2022. 11am-5pm. READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society lecture: Paolo Scremin, Bringing the Past to Life: Photographing the Tombs of Ancient Egypt, Oakwood Centre, Woodley In-Person only, £4 visitors. Details: www. tvaes.org.uk
Jubilee Sunday, June 5
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. ARBORFIELD - Recreation Ground, Swallofield Road. Jubilee picnic in the park. Noon-5pm. Fancy dress, live music and more. Bring your own picnic. BEECH HILL - Memorial Hall, Basingstoke Road. Jubilee celebration. 11am church service, 12.30pm a toast to the Queen, 1pm buffet lunch. Pudding competition, cash bar. Booking essential. Detais: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ beech-hill-memorial-hall/ t-lyqlvn READING - Broad Street Mall, Broad Street. Jubilee: The Silver Tones Choir. 1pm. READING – Forbury Gardens. Jubilee children’s concert with Trinity Concert band. 3pm-4.30pm. READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING - Prospect Park, Bath Road. The Reading Society of Model Engineers Public running day. Tickets 60p per ride, £5 for 10. Noon-3.45pm. Details: http://www.rsme.org/ READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: risingsunartscentre.org THEALE - Recreation Ground. Theale Parish Council presents Jubilee fete: morris dancing, produce, baking, art, fancy dress, funfair, games and stalls. From noon.
No. 5415
Your weekly puzzle challenge
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Thursday, May 26, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Quiz Challenge
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1. The Isle of Skye belongs to which group of islands? 2. In Greek mythology, Perseus rescued which chained princess? 3. Which 2022 Top 10 UK single by Fireboy DML and Ed Sheeran shares its name with a country? 4. British athlete Katie Ormerod competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics in which discipline? 5. Which leader in ancient history rode a horse called Bucephalus?
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NONAGRAM
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1 14
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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
A TORRID RENDERING
E T E
R E S
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines: 26 Good; 31 Very Good; 36 Excellent.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
LH
RA
IO
TL
FS
UE
HF
OA
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
7 6 1 3 5 2 2 1 4 7 9 5 1 7 8 5 6 9 2 3
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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
OE
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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
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© Sirius Media Services Ltd
DOWN 1. An old-fashioned preposition (4) 2. Kelvin lent over and rested on his knees (5) 3. Girl hurried in amid confusion (7) 4. Article inside drum is almost a fruit (6) 5. Hidden microphone on the French instrument (5) 6. Ray of light coming from a star millions of miles away (7) 7. Rats topping the bill! (4,4) 11. Brides do get upset when undressed (8) 13. You can find top-class beer up at the Crown perhaps (7) 15. Heavenly cast? (3-4) 16. Criticises attempts to gain access (6) 18. I take a turn around Italian city (5) 19. Priest to have a gloomy expression (5) 20. A singular occasion (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD
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To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
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Saved (8) Engaged (9) Acceptable (9) Hit hard (5) Warning device (5) Theatrical items (abbrev.) (5) Unselfish (8) Dark (5) Hocus ----- (5) Dreadful (4) Sicilian volcano (4) Atmosphere (4)
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WORD PYRAMID: Stars and stripes. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – divide; subtract; multiply; add. Total: 6.
SOLUTIONS
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Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
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ACROSS 1. International body detained large number inside who were slovenly (7) 5. Foundation of graduates’ lives (5) 8. Ron abandons thornier problem belonging to them (5) 9. Battle colour (7) 10. Be able to endure cricket (5,3,4) 12. Make a hostile incursion in a way (6) 14. Cultivator goes a long way over the French sea (6) 17. On all sides but not at the front or back? (5,3,4) 21. Warrior’s belt of hairless one in church (7) 22. I’m leaving monitor wrecked on Scottish golf course (5) 23. Looking tired as depicted (5) 24. It is pointedly used in administering medicine (7)
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.
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EQUALISER 8 7 9 1 3 2 5 1 2 2 2 3
Hard
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10. Which was the last club other than Celtic and Rangers to win the Scottish Football League?
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9. A bichon frise is a breed of which type of animal?
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8. A traditional Bellini cocktail is flavoured with which fruit?
Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed A through openings in the walls. The N first letter may appear in any chamber. D S
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7. Alan, Karren and Tim are the first names of the judges on the 2022 series of which reality TV contest?
SUDOKU Easy
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WORD PYRAMID
H U T
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
6. Who directed the 2021 Northern Irish coming-of-age drama film Belfast?
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PZ1P5415
CROSS CODE 8
5415
ACROSS 1. Malnourished (8) 5. Sharp-tasting (4) 7. Unsuccessful dive (5,4) 9. Always (4) 10. Binding strip (4) 11. Incisive (5) 14. Rugby formation (5) 15. Kingdom (5) 16. Texan battle site (5) 17. Waterlily (5) 18. Tartan (5)
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19. Bulges (5) 22. Told untruths (4) 24. Mediterranean island (4) 26. Put out of joint (9) 27. Only (4) 28. Australian island (8) DOWN 1. Exhort (4) 2. Large jug (4) 3. Dirt (5) 4. Postpone (5) 5. Study hard (inf.) (4)
13. 14. 20. 21. 23. 24. 25.
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Underfed; 5 Sour; 7 Belly flop; 9 Ever; 10 Tape; 11 Sharp; 14 Scrum; 15 Realm; 16 Alamo; 17 Lotus; 18 Plaid; 19 Humps; 22 Lied; 24 Elba; 26 Dislocate; 27 Sole; 28 Tasmania. Down – 1 Urge; 2 Ewer; 3 Filth; 4 Defer; 5 Swot; 6 Redeemed; 7 Betrothed; 8 Palatable; 11 Smash; 12 Alarm; 13 Props; 14 Selfless; 20 Unlit; 21 Pocus; 23 Dire; 24 Etna; 25 Aura.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The Inner Hebrides; 2 Andromeda; 3 Peru; 4 Snowboarding; 5 Alexander the Great; 6 Kenneth Branagh; 7 The FIVE ALIVE: Apprentice; 8 Peach; 9 Dog; 10 Aberdeen (in 1985). (1) Across – Sumac; Otter; Haste. Down – Slosh; Maths; Curse. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Unkempt; 5 Basis; 8 Their; 9 Magenta; 10 Stand the (2) Across – Whirl; Ileum; Folio. I E Y H X B V A K T F Z Q test; 12 Inroad; 14 Farmer; 17 Right and left; 21 Baldric; 22 Down – Whiff; Ideal; Limbo. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Troon; 23 Drawn; 24 Syringe. S G O C N W D J R L P U M Down – 1 Unto; 2 Knelt; 3 Miranda; 4 Tomato; 5 Bugle; 6 NONAGRAM: erst; ester; ether; hest; hurst; hurt; Sunbeam; 7 Star turn; 11 Disrobed; 13 Regalia; 15 All-star; 16 reset; rest; rete; retest; rust; ruth; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU grid; rare; iron; dent. Knocks; 18 Turin; 19 Frown; 20 Once. seethe; sett; settee; setter; sheet; shut; shutter; steer; stere; stet; street; strut; struth; suet; suttee; teeter; teethe; teres; terete; terse; test; testee; tester; tether; thee; there; three; thrust; thus; tree; tret; true; truest; trust; trustee; truth; tush; tutee; USHERETTE; utter.
28 | LIFE
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How menu planning can be a help Healthy heart tip
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Meal planning can support healthy eating as nutritious and balanced meals are easier to achieve when planned ahead. Planning meals makes it less likely that families will opt for take-aways or less healthy homecooked options.
Save money Menu planning saves money by identifying exactly what groceries are needed and makes it easier to resist impulse
HE UK is a nation of dog lovers. Statistics from the PDSA show that 26% of UK adults have such a pet, with an estimated population of 9.6 million pooches. Kennel Store has advised Brits on how to ensure their Jubilee celebrations are smooth sailing in terms of making sure pets aren’t overstimulated and misbehaving and how to prepare for a house full of guests. Street parties and family get-togethers are a chance to come together and socialise. Many of us consider dogs treasured members of the family, and so it’s important they too are included in the festivities. Large crowds can be overwhelming for dogs, so it’s important to understand your dog’s personality and how much social interaction they’re able to handle to prevent unwanted behaviours.
Try to preserve day to day normality
Dogs are creatures of routine and enjoy having a consistent, daily schedule. If this is disrupted greatly, it can instil feelings of insecurity and under confidence, which may cause a change in behaviour. Ensure you’re walking, feeding and playing with your dog at the standard times to maintain some normality.
Plastic Free Home David Lamont
How to have eco-friendly fun in the sun… STAY SAFE: When out in the sun, protection is a must - but how can you ensure you help the environment too? Picture: Pixabay
and skin cancer. It is important to remember though that our bodies need sunlight and Vitamin D to remain healthy. Indeed, various studies have suggested that Vitamin D can help to reduce our risk of being as severely affected by communicable viruses and certain illnesses. Sunscreens generally contain an emulsion (a cream, lotion, milk, oil, gel or foam), which works to carry an active ingredient (that either absorbs or reflects UV rays) designed to protect your skin. SPF simply stands for ‘sun protection factor’ and is a measure of the ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) protection provided. SPFs are rated on a scale of between two and 50+, with the latter offering the greatest protection. Sunscreens should also feature a star rating that indicates the level of ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) protection that is provided. In the UK, sunscreens are rated up to a maximum
How to ensure your dog has a happy Platinum Jubilee
T
Since the ingredients required to cook a meal are already available and the recipe has already been decided; time, effort and stress are reduced. purchases, helping with Remember that the cost of living crisis. leftovers from one Planning your meals ahead also cuts back and meal can be used to supplement another in reduces waste, as you your plan too. only buy what you are Take a look in the going to use. cupboard for foods that Keep it interesting need to be used and Menu planning could base some of the meal incorporate more variety plan on what you find. For example, a can into your week. of chickpeas may be Why not plan some used to make falafels or meatless meals or have houmous. some themed nights? Hopefully we have In your meal plan, you could also alternate inspired you to have a think in advance about between new and old your meal choices. favourite recipes to mix things up. n For more tips on how Don’t forget to to stay healthy, sign up think seasonal too. For to weekly healthy tips example, what fresh at: www.heartresearch. produce is available this org.uk/healthy-tips.
TRADITIONAL (generally big brand) sunscreens often contain chemicals, including Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, that can harm or kill coral and marine life when they enter our rivers and oceans. And of course, many come in bottles, often made from virgin plastic, and include hard to recycle spray mechanisms. Every time we bath or shower, wash our hands or swim outdoors having applied sunscreen, we risk introducing potentially toxic and harmful chemicals into the water system. Coral reefs are vitally important ecosystems and often referred to as the “rainforests of the oceans”. They help to store Carbon, to protect against costal erosion and to provide essential habitats for thousands of species. Their future existence is threatened by factors including climate change, overfishing and other forms of pollution. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) recommends using marine-safe sunscreen and has said: “Unfortunately sunscreens have been shown to have an impact on the marine environment – not just coral reefs but also other marine organisms. Oxybenzone and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) are particularly harmful and the MCS recommends avoiding sunscreens with these ingredients.” When choosing a sunscreen, aim for one that is both organic and cruelty free where possible. Applied and used correctly, sunscreen can help to reduce the risk of sunburn, skin damage, ageing
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 26, 2022
of five stars, with this offering the highest level of protection. We have been taught to aim for a high level of SPF protection when buying sunscreen, but many people do not realise that the difference between different factors is relatively small. For example, a sunscreen labelled SPF30 will protect your skin against 96.7% of the harmful UV rays it may be exposed to during hot and sunny weather. While an SPF50 sunscreen will protect against around 98% of the UV rays. As a simple rule of thumb, if you multiply a sunscreen’s SPF factor by 10, this will indicate approximately how long the sunscreen may provide your skin with protection for. For example, a SPF30 sunscreen will at least partially safeguard your skin against sunburn for up to 300 minutes, or up to five hours, compared to just 10-15 minutes if no sunscreen at all is applied. That said, it is recommended to reapply all
sunscreens every two hours or so to top up your protection. In the UK, the NHS says: “Do not rely on sunscreen alone to protect yourself from the sun. Wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun is at its hottest. When buying sunscreen, the label should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB and at least 4-star UVA protection. Make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of two to three years.” Ocean/reef safe, Vegan and cruelty free sunscreens that we would recommend include Green People (SPF 30), Badger (SPF 30), Child’s Farm (SPF 50), Neal’s Yard (SPF 30) and Lucy Bee (SPF 30). Shade is also a solid option but note that it is SPF25. The company writes: “As SPF25 protects you from 96% of the sun’s harmful UVB rays which cause burning, we believe that users will not be as complacent as they would be about using a high SPF. Also, very high SPF is only achievable with chemical active ingredients, something we’re trying to avoid.” Please note that in some cases different versions are available for adults and children but otherwise don’t let any branding deter you – they are fine for children and adults alike. n Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with more than 32,000 followers that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably. Visit www.theplasticfreehome. com or www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk
Add in an extra walk Many dogs exhibit nervous and excited energy as new and unfamiliar faces enter your home, but it may benefit your dog to go on an extra walk during the day to help burn off some nervous energy. It’s also worth noting that if you find your dog becoming overwhelmed whilst your guests are present, taking your dog out for a stroll can help settle them.
Set some boundaries with your guests Your dog’s behaviour is extremely important during parties, but so is your guest’s behaviour. Running over some ground rules with your friends and family. Make sure your dog’s space is being respected and that any children who are around are also able to maintain a level of distance and mutual respect. Putting certain rules in place such as not playing with the dog until all four paws are on the floor can help keep your dog calm and prevent them from becoming overexcited.
Respect your dog’s space Your dog needs space to retreat when they are feeling overwhelmed or wishes to retreat. If your dog is crate trained and finds their crate a safe space, keep the door open so they have an area to go. Your guests won’t mind and they’re more likely to behave better and feel safer knowing their crate or bed is readily available. Making sure your pet is behaving during social events will ease anxiety for not only you, but also your dog too. Ensuring they feel safe and secure will help your dog be on their best behaviour.
SPORT TODAY WOKINGHAM
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
26.05.22
RAMS HAND OUT AWARDS
SWORDS BEATEN IN THE FINAL
OAKS ON TOP AGAINST OXFORD
READING LEGENDS PUT ON A SHOW THAT WINNING FEELING!
Nominees announced for Football in Berkshire 2022 awards
THE shortlist for the Football in Berkshire awards nominees has been released.
ROLLING BACK THE YEARS By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
ALMOST 10,000 fans turned out to celebrate a unique event as Reading FC legends put on a show to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.
In what has been a difficult season for Royals fans as the team narrowly escaped relegation in the 2021/22 Championship season, the club was able to come together to celebrate the two most successful
teams in the clubs history. Steve Coppell’s illustrious 106 point record breaking Championship winners from 2005/06 took on Brian McDermott’s 2011/12 Championship winners at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Both teams etched themselves into Reading’s history by making it to the Premier League and there were a host of stars of yesteryear on show to enjoy an incredible day of jubilation in
front of their adoring fans. In a manic spectacle on the pitch that saw 13 goals scored across the 90 minutes, both teams played their part in creating an unforgettable experience for the attending fans who were able to see their heroes in action on the pitch one last time.
Captain from the 2005/06 team Graeme Murty said: “Thank you to all the staff and players that took the time to come back and a make a brilliant day even more amazing. Thanks also to all the fans who came out to support both teams. We all loved being back out on the pitch and being surrounded by so much positivity.” n Full report and pictures on pages 22
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Plenty of worthy nominees from across the county have been selected across several different categories which include: Best Ground, Support of the Season, Volunteer of the Season, Best Individual Photo or Media, Goal of the Season, Best Website or Blog, Best Content Creator, Best Community Campaign or Content, Outstanding Contribution to Local Football, Manager of the Season, Referee of the Season and more. Wokingham & Emmbrook have received nominations, including Anne-Louise Doe on the shortlist for Volunteer of the season, the Lowther Lip for Best Website or Blog, and Roy Merryweather for Outstanding Contribution to Local Football. Eversley & California are represented among the shortlist as Sarah Pyne is up for Volunteer of the Season, while Richard Milam is nominated for Best Individual Photo or Media. The football community in Berkshire will come together to celebrate the awards night which will be held on Wednesday, June 15 at Double-Barrelled Brewery. n For more information or to buy tickets, visit: https://ticketpass.org/ event/EFTSPS/berkshire-footballawards-2022
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LOUTH CENTURY HELPS OAKS CRICKET
Callum Creighton bowling for Wokingham Pictures: Steve Smyth By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Home Counties Division 1
WOKINGHAM climbed up to fifth after they got the better of Oxford by six wickets. Oxford elected to bat first and totted up 217 runs before they were bowled all out by the Oaks thanks to three wickets each from Max Uttley and Billy Rogers. Wokingham’s opening batsman Conrad Louth survived the entire innings
Shaan Khan bowling for the Oaks
and gave them an excellent platform to take the victory as he hit 105 runs Rogers followed his impressive bowling spell by contributing a half century which helped Wokingham to seal the win after 48.2 overs after dropping only four wickets. FINCHAMPSTEAD were defeated away at Aston Rowant by 113 runs. Lewis Sharp was in fine form with the ball for Finch which saw him collect four wickets,
but Aston managed to total 250 from 50 overs. But Finch fell short of the run chase after they were skittled all out for 137.
out, saw Wargrave get over the line after 44 overs with three wickets to spare.
Home Counties Division 2
WEST READING added 38 points to their total after they earned success against CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD. Saqib Gulfraz top scored with 59 runs for West Reading as they were all out on 163 after Anthony Cluett picked up a five-wicket haul for Crows.
WARGRAVE put 20 points on the board with an away triumph at Great Brickhill. Wargrave bowler Euan Woods took three wickets as Brickhill finished on 185. A half century from Toby Greatwood, who remained not
BCM Championship
Cluett totalled 37 but Crows fell short of the chase after Muhammad Zameer also bagged a five-wicket haul which saw Crows all out on 134. SHINFIELD fell 50 runs short as they lost against Braywood.
the first innings. Alex Cobb top scored for Emmbrook with 53 but they lost after being bowled all out for 190.
CMB Premiership
EMMBROOK & BEARWOOD 2s are up to second after they were successful away at Penn & Tylers Green 2s. Alec McNab bowled superbly to take six wickets as Emmbrook had Penn all out for 102.
EMMBROOK & BEARWOOD fell to a home defeat against Monks Risborough. Andy Robertson picked up three wickets for the Bears as their opponents recorded 231 in
Chilterns Division Two
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TO OVERCOME OXFORD
BINFIELD CONTINUE FLAWLESS START
BINFIELD continued their flawless start in Thames Valley Division 2B with a nail biting win over Cove.
52* runs from Simon Huppmhrey and 34* Adrian Trueman saw Emmbrook breeze to victory after just 16.3 overs with eight wickets left.
BCL Premier Division SHINFIELD 2s scored 10 points despite being beaten by Stratfield Turgis/Hartley Wespall. Arun Kumar hit 54 runs for Shinfield as they posted 186, but Stratfield won in the second innings with six wickets to spare. WEST READING 2s lost out on their trip to Woodcote. 36 runs from opener Zain Raja helped West Reading post 141, but Woodcote surpassed the target
after 25 overs to take the win.
BCL Division 1A READING UNITED lead the way after they earned a huge win over Peppard Stoke Row. A massive total of 351 was posted by Reading after Daud Sardar batted an incredible innings, hitting 202 runs from 84 balls. Peppard were all out for 176 after three wickets from Kiran Alluri which gave Reading a 175-run win. READING LIONS and EARLEY couldn’t be separated as they tied. Earley batsman Vinod Kumar Reddy Aduri scored 40 as they finished on 174 after three
wickets each from Lions’ bowlers Rahul Chansouriya and Param Palanisamy. Shiva Aruna totalled 63 runs, but the match was tied after they lost
their final wicket with both teams on the same total. BERKSHIRE ROYALS lost out away to Silchester by 45 runs.
THAMES VALLEY CRICKET
READING CLIMB UP TO SECOND WITH VICTORY OVER FINCHAMPSTEAD 2S By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Thames Valley Division 1 EVERSLEY dropped down to seventh after they lost by eight wickets to Ickenham. Eversley batted superbly as Olie Parsons put in a fantastic individual display by totalling 117, with Eversley finishing on 220. But Ickenham stood up to the test put to them and dropped just two wickets on their way to surpassing the target after 40.3 overs.
Thames Valley Division 2B
BINFIELD continued their flawless start to the season by defeating Cove. Binfield scored 202 and left it late to take victory as Cove were bowled all out just three runs short of the target as Alex Jackson (3-41) and Rob Pigden (4-21) posted strong bowling figures. READING are up to second after they earned a convincing win over FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s. Pavendeep Chima and Firaz Amjad both scored 60 runs, with
Reading ending their 50 overs on 279. A stunning bowling performance from Luke Beaven (6-28) saw Finch finish on 177, 102 runs short of Reading’s total. WOKINGHAM 2s lost out by five wickets to Fleet.
Thames Valley Division 3A
SONNING dropped down to fourth after they were overtaken by Haprsden in the table. Sonning were set 279 to chase and batted strongly, including a score of 79 from Dean, but they fell
33 runs short after they were all out on 246 after 42.1 overs. WHITE WALTHAM lost out after an impressive batting performance from Bagshot. But Bagshot batted efficiently which saw them reach the target after 27 overs with eight wickets left to take the win. WARGRAVE 2s were beaten by 123 runs in a heavy defeat to Kidmore End. THEALE & TILEHURST recorded their first victory of the new season with a win over Aldershot.
Binfield batted first with Wynand Lamprecht and Michael Allan-Canty opening the innings. They made a good start for the first few overs, 24 from six overs and 40 from 10 overs. Allan- Canty found the boundary in over 12 and over 15. In over 18 he hit another four but in the following over, he was caught by Redhead bowled Finney who was bowling opposite end to Finney. The run rate dropped when Morgan arrived at the crease but Lamprecht boosted it with a four in over 25. Morgan then sent the ball to the boundary in the 26th over and it was Lamprecht’s turn in over 29. The next over Lamprecht was caught Short bowled by Redhead for 48 on 116-2. Nick Randall came on to bowl over 32 and the run rate slowed down as Humphrey joined Morgan. He sent the ball to the boundary from T. Redhead’s first ball of over 47 and a six from Morgan on the last ball of over 39 brought up 150. Chris Morgan was Run Out for 53 on the penultimate ball and Tom Andrews was caught Neil Randall for 0 first ball and a double Wicket Maiden over on 172-4. Jackson joined Shaun Miller and ran singles until Wisniewsky had him caught by Finney for nine on 194-6. On the last ball Pigden was caught by Roylance bowled Short for four with the final total 202-9. The First ball that Cove opener Tom Redhead faced was a real eye-opener for the fielder who caught him. Andrews to Tom Redhead caught by Miller bowled Tom Andrews. Neil Randall was joined by Gavin Sinclair then the next over the former was out LBW to Pigden for a zero. Another Wicket Maiden took the game to 0-2 and Finney was next in. Two more expensive overs, over five cost 10 runs and over six 12 runs and three boundaries to Sinclair. Andrews then bowled a maiden over to Finney and the eighth over Sinclair was caught and bowled Pigden in another wicket maiden on 29-3. Roylance came in with Finney and 50 went on the scoreboard in the 15th over. In over 17 Roylance was caught Miller bowled Jackson for nought. In over 41, Finney was caught by Andrews bowled Jackson for 74. Short cracked Jackson for a six in the 45th over which added 10 to the total then a six off Clark in the following over, the 46th over adding 11 runs. Wisniewsky cracked Clark for a six and, with three singles taken, he watched Collett catch him for 38 bowled Ben Clark. 10 runs in over 49 shared between W. Redhead and Wiesnewsky, 199-9. In the final over Binfield took victory as they had Cove all out just three runs short of the target.
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Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds presents the Coaches’ Player of the Season to Ant Marris
Roger Batchelor presents the Louie Batchelor Memorial Trophy for Coaching to Titans’ duo Paddy Conlon and Harry Stapleton
3M v Bracknell Spartan Vets Pictures: Andrew Batt
SUNDAY LEAGUE FOOTBALL
3M AND BRACKNELL RAMS CELEBRATE SUCCESSFUL YEAR CLAIM CUP WINS Rams CEO Gary Reynolds presents an Honours Cap to stalwart Rob Dyer Pictures: Tim Pitfield
RUGBY UNION
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today SCRUM-HALF Ollie Cole was crowned Rams RFC Players’ Player of the Year at the club’s end-of-season ball on Saturday night.
The outstanding No. 9 in National One this season, Cole took the gong ahead of runner-up Paul Schroter, the versatile forward, and 12-try Connor Hayhow who scored two hat-tricks in the centre as the Old Bath Road side finished sixth in the third tier. The Coaches’ player was prop Ant Marris, who recovered from a knee injury which forced him out for nearly two years to become a regular 80-minute player at prop. Skipper Robbie Stapley presented the Captain’s Player trophies to Jamie Guttridge in the forwards, and joint-top try scorer Henry Bird in the backs.
The latter crossed the whitewash 14 times to share the Try-scoring Cup with vice-captain Tom Vooght, while stalwart outside centre, Stevie Bryant, won the Tackling Trophy. Captain Josh Collis was voted Titans Players’ Player of the Season, with young hooker Spencer Hayhow, who also led Berkshire Under 20s to a runners-up finish in Division Two of the Jason Leonard County Championship, winning the Coaches’ gong. Around 120 guests were present at Old Bath Road, with Andy Lynch presenting the Chairman’s Award to Marcus Noye, who took over running the social side of senior rugby in the Centaurs (3rd XV), Dragon’s Teeth (4th XV) and Horde (5th XV). The Hutchinson Frost Memorial Award for Young Player of the Year went to the outstanding Max Hayman,
Ollie Cole (centre) was the Players’ Player of the Year, pictured with first-team manager Matt Maxwell
the hooker who scored eight tries for the first team and went onto captain Berkshire. Titans’ coaches Paddy Conlon and Harry Stapleton were awarded the Louie Batchelor Memorial Trophy for Coaching, with the former one of four to be presented with Honours Caps for 2019-20 when the season was shortened by Covid and the end-of-season bash subsequently postponed. Joining him were Bryant, Rory Paxton and Ross Crame. For the 2021/22 campaign, long-serving first-team players Jack Steadman, Jamie Guttridge, Ben Henderson and Ollie Taylor were all recognised, along with Titans’ manager Rob Dyer and medical lead, Sara Hill. Finally, the Bill Taylor Memorial Trophy for Club Contribution was awarded to Roddy and Amanda Vaughan, who do an astounding job in ensuring the pitches are
kept in as good an order as possible. First Team Awards Tackling Trophy – Stevie Bryant Try-scoring Cup – Tom Vooght and Henry Bird Captain’s Player – Jamie Guttridge (forward) and Henry Bird (back) Coaches’ Player – Ant Marris Players’ Player – Ollie Cole; Runner-up – Paul Schroter; Third – Connor Hayhow Titans Awards Coaches’ Player of the Season – Spencer Hayhow Players’ Player of the Season – Josh Collis Honours Caps 2019-20 – Paddy Conlon, Stevie Bryant, Rory Paxton, Ross Crame. 2021-22 – Jamie Guttridge, Jack Steadman, Ben Henderson, Ollie Taylor, Rob Dyer, Sara Hill Club Awards Louie Batchelor Memorial Trophy for Coaching – Harry Stapleton and Paddy Conlon The Hutchinson Frost Memorial Award for Young Player of the Year – Max Hayman Chairman’s Award – Marcus Noye Bill Taylor Memorial Trophy for Club Contribution – Roddy and Amanda Vaughan
Andy Lynch hands over the Chairman’s Award to Marcus Noye
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
THE Bracknell & District Sunday League season came to its conclusion with the final two cup finals of the campaign.
Bracknell & District Sunday Supplementary Cup 3M ensured they took the trophy in the final by beating BRACKNELL SPARTAN FC VETS. Having only lost one league game all season, 3M transformed their form into the cup by earning success with a 3-0 victory. Bracknell Spartans enjoyed a superb season in the league where they won 12 of their 18 matches to finish as runners-up in division two. Meanwhile, 3M topped off an
incredible campaign that saw them go through the entire league season losing on just one occasion. They won the division four by 11 points with 17 wins from 18 matches.
Mick White Subsidiary Cup BRACKNELL ATHLETIC earned success after they defeated BRACKNELL CAVALIERS. In a tight contest, Bracknell Athletic ensured their name was on the trophy after they saw off Cavaliers 2-1. Cavaliers finished sixth in division two with seven wins, two draws and nine defeats from their 18 matches. Meanwhile, Bracknell Athletic finished in fourth with eight wins, five draws and five losses.
3M v Bracknell Spartan Vets Pictures: Andrew Batt
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FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
BERKS COUNTY EDGED OUT IN CUP FINAL
Berks County fell just short in their pursuit of the Combined Counties Challenge Cup Pictures: Andrew Batt By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today
Esoteric Division One Challenge Cup Final BERKS COUNTY missed out on the chance to finish their season by taking silverware after they were beaten by London Lions. The Swords came close to capitalising on their attacking play eight minutes in when they stole possession from Lions, but the goalkeeper made an exceptional stop to keep out
Berks County v London Lions
Sackey. Just four minutes later, London Lions made County pay for their missed chance when Jake Furman put the league champions ahead. It was a suckerpunch for Berks as Lions quickly added a second just a few minutes after the opener when Max Kyte slotted home. The Swords looked to fight back and almost grabbed a goal back in the 18th minute when Sackey got behind the Lions’ defence and found Hayden, but his effort was well stopped by
the keeper. Berks then came agonisingly close again just before the break when Sackey hit a powerful strike that sailed just over the top of the bar. County went into half-time two goals down with plenty of work to do to get back into the contest. Berks provided a stern test for the Lions and were unfortunate not to have got back in the game when Hayden’s brilliant hit free-kick thumped the crossbar. But County were unable to
force their way back into the tie as Lions saw out their two-goal advantage and completed a league and cup double. Berks County first-team joint manager Lee Simpson said: “Ahh football, the thing that keeps us sane but also drives us insane. Huge effort from our group this season. We have all learnt big lessons about this league. Consistency has cost us. But still in our debut season there has been progress. Big thanks to all volunteers and club members for all the support. We had some great
moments. Vase run and support in the final.” Co-manager Ellis Woods added: “I’d like to take this opportunity, now the season’s done, to thank everyone at Berks County FC, one again, for what has been a brilliant season. Our players, the volunteers, the club trustees and committee members. Everyone has backed myself and Lee every step of the way. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone for the support throughout the season and I’m so proud of where we’ve taken
the club. It’s time for a week or two’s break to take stock and look at the next step in our journey. Lots to do and think about.” Berks County: Harris, Griffiths, Hobbs, Lee, Akem-Che, Craske, Money, Brighton, Hayden, Sackey, Allan Subs: Kennedy, Edwards, J Smith, D Smith London Lions: Samberg, Lipman, Landesberg, Cohen, Weinberger, Mordecai, Furman, Barnett, Kyte, Creese, Lipman Subs:: T Levenfiche, Mattey, L Levenfiche, Arnold, Wagner
22
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ROYALS LEGEN
READING FC
Legendary Reading FC managers Brian McDermott (left) and Steve Coppell (right) meet the fans before the match
Brian McDermott’s team beat Steve Coppell’s side in an entertaining game full of goals By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
READING FC
LEGENDARY MANAGERS REFLECT ON ROYALS EVENT
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC legendary manager Brian McDermott and Steve Coppell reflected on a momentous day for the club as they celebrated 150 years of history.
Both of their teams, Coppell’s record breaking 106 Championship winners and McDermott’s Championship winners from 2011/12 put on an entertaining match with 13 goals scored. There were plenty of fans favourites on display once again in the famous blue and white hoops, including captain’s from each team Graeme Murty and Jobi McAnuff. Leroy Lita was in fantastic scoring form for Coppell’s men, as was Jason Roberts for McDermott’s team. Former club captain Jem Karacan also got on the scoresheet with a sublime chip, while Kevin Doyle netted for Coppell’s team. Brian Howard had an excellent second-half cameo which saw him hit a hat-trick, including a spectacular free-kick. Reflecting on the day, Coppell said: “haven’t been here for a couple of years so to come back and see so many familiar faces and be in this environment again. “The crowd were fabulous.
“ I loved it in the dressing room beforehand, the players rose to the occasion. There were so many good players on display for both teams “ McDermott commented on the exceptional quality of the match and was delighted to see so many players return to mark the event. He said: “I was surprised about the quality of the game, it was terrific. The fans got involved in the game. Some of the goals today were fab. “ It’s all about good people. I walk into my dressing room, it’s like going back 10 years, I had a lovely, lovely day.” Both bosses were highly complementary of each others teams. Coppell continued: “The team reflects the manager, they are a reflection of the manager. The manager doesn’t give up, the team doesn’t give up. “The team showed some strong committed football and got what they deserve with promotion. “Speaking to a lot of people, they are talking about the past rather than looking forward to the future. “I hope that changes because it’s a lovely club wit some terrific people here behind the scenes.” McDermott continued: “What’s important was the occasion. Everyone knows Steve’s team, they are the best team the Championship has ever seen. “The record of 106 might go one day but it will take some doing. I can’t see it really. “It’s a fabulous team and a fabulous
bunch of guys.” Both managers looked ahead and gave their thoughts on the Royals future which has begun this summer with a restructure with Paul Ince being appointed as manager, Mark Bowen returning as Head of Football operations. Coppell said: “I hope from next season they have some more to cheer about rather than escaping relegation.” McDermott said: “I look at what’s happening with Mark (Bowen) coming in. I think that’s good. Brian (Carey) is in as head of recruitment, I know him really well. I get the sense that things are starting to go in the right direction. “They’ve now got to get the fans back, communicate with the supporters the good and bad stuff, you’ve got to tell them what’s going on, “But I get a good feeling about what’s going to happen this summer. “It will be a tough season, there’s no doubt about that with the money side of it but I can see a lot of success coming this way “That’s what everybody wants. It’s a great club, it’s got a great base. “When Steve came there wasn’t a whole lot of history, but now we’ve got some history at this football club With Steve’s team getting to the Premier League, finishing eighth in the Premier League and our team that got promoted. “There is some history and now we need to build on that.”
IT was goals galore as Reading FC legends adorned the Royals pitch for one last time in a spectacle to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.
Reading’s two legendary managers who won the club’s promotion to the Premier League, Steve Coppell and Brian McDermott, took to the touchline. Coppell led his famous ‘106’ team who broke the points record in the Championship, a record that still stands, in 2005/06 when the Royals won promotion to the top flight for the first time in the club’s history. Meanwhile, McDermott’s players had a collection of stars that helped the club win the Championship in 2011/12 after fighting off competition from West Ham United and Southampton in a gripping campaign to take the title. Former chairman Sir John Madejski lapped up the applause and ovations from the adoring crowd prior to kick-off having overseen the most successful period in Reading’s history. It didn’t take long for the team to shake off the cobwebs as they got up to speed playing on the hallowed Madejski turf. Stephen Hunt showed he hadn’t lost his technical level of skill as he pulled out a few tricks and flicks. One of which set up James Henry to score the opening goal of the game as the midfielder smacked the ball into the top left hand corner from range after six minutes to put team Coppell ahead. Team McDermott struck back
quickly to level just four minutes later when Mikele Leigertwood slipped a pass through to Jason Roberts and the forward applied the finish past Marcus Hahnemann. McDermott’s side edged in front five minutes later when Jimmy Kebe expressed his quick feet in the box to work space for Simon Church to apply the finish. Leroy Lita showed that he hadn’t lost a yard of his blistering pace as he broke behind the defence and opened up his body to tuck the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-2. Lita then turned provider when he flicked the ball to find Henry who sprinted at goal and finished to grab his second of the afternoon. Jem Karacan scored a spectacular equaliser to put team McDermott back on terms when he spotted Hanhneman off his line and chipped the ball over the keeper. The goals kept coming as McDermott’s men grabbed the initiative before the break when Kebe got through on goal and slotted home before pulling up his socks in a trademark celebration. McDermott’s team raced into a convincing lead in the second-half, scoring twice more as Brian Howard curled in a free-kick from 20 yards. Howard then had his brace when he latched onto a defensive error and chipped the ball over the keeper to make it 6-3. But Coppell’s men showed their fighting spirit and worked their way back into the game as true champions do. Striker Kevin Doyle got on the scoresheet when he broke through and blasted the ball into the top corner at the near post. The 11th goal of the game went
23
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ENDS PUT ON SPECTACLE
From the Middle
Dick Sawdon-Smith
Finished playing? Think about refereeing
F The players go on a lap of appreciation after the match
Roberts with Sir John Madejski
Pictures: Steve Smyth in with just over 15 minutes remaining when Simon Cox tucked the ball in from close range to make it 6-5. Howard’s second-half cameo was capped off late in the game when he bent the ball into the top corner to put McDermott’s side 7-5 ahead with his hat-trick. The game ended in victory for McDermott’s team in an afternoon full of nostalgia for the attendees.
Kingsley greets the fans
The Legends Game.
TEAM COPPELL: Hahnemann, Murty (c), Golbourne, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Little, Cox, Hunt, Mullins, Tabb, Doyle, Lita, Henry, Convey, Cureton, Embertson, Brown, Bayley, cisse GOALS: Henry 5’, 28’, Lita 20’, Doyle 68’, Cox 73’ TEAM MCDERMOTT: Grant, Cummings, Griffin, Pearce, Gorkss, McAnuff (c), Kebe, Karacan, Leigertwood, Church, Roberts, Robson-Kanu, D’Ath, Howard, Manset, Connolly, Bignall, Mills, Hodder GOALS: Roberts 9’, 90’, Church 14’, Karacan 32’, Kebe 44’, Howard 50’, 60’, 84’
McAnuff and Marcus Hahnemann
REACTION
JEM KARACAN: “I LOVED EVERY MOMENT” SAYS READING FAN FAVOURITE By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today FORMER Reading FC midfielder and club captain Jem Karacan was delighted to return to help celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.
Karacan, who came up through Reading’s academy, went on to make 155 league appearances for the first-team. The 33-year-old rolled back the years on Saturday and showed his class by scoring a sublime chip against Marcus Hahnemann in a
game that was filled with goals, with Brian McDermott’s side coming away with an 8-5 win over Steve Coppell’s team. “It was amazing to be back out there, I loved every moment of it,” said Karacan. “It was wicked to get the kids on the pitch on at the end of the game and get some pictures with them where it all started for me. “We all grew up together a little bunch of us so there’s nothing better than being back with everyone.
“I remember when some of the guys were here before knocking about with their little ones who are now about twenty odd, so it’s incredible. “I’ve loved every minute of it and it’s been so amazing to see everyone again.” The Turkish international played a starring role in the centre of the park for McDermott’s promotion winning team, turning out 37 times in the Championship, scoring three goals on the way to winning the title.
Reflecting on the game, Karacan continued: “I feel alright to be fair, considering. I was a bit gutted with Bri (McDermott), that he brought me off at half-time but Blakey took me out at one point so I’m feeling that, it was a bit sore. “I’m so glad to have scored, I hope someone has got that on camera, have we got that on camera? I really hope so. I loved it. “I had to give it a bit in celebration. You don’t know if it’s ever going to happen again so you’ve got to enjoy it.”
OOTBALL as we all know is the most popular sport in the world. What’s not keeping up with it, especially in this country, is the number of referees, so many games are played without qualified referees. At the higher level of course this is not really a problem. Where the shortage is really felt is what is known as ‘grass roots’ football, in other words is what is played on our local parks. When we had our local training teams before it was centralised, we were limited to 24 people on a course and the County FA decreed that we shouldn’t have more than four who were under 16. Today, it is the other way around, there are seldom more than four who are over 16. There are perhaps two main reasons for this, one is the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme. You can gain points if you become a football referee (community service). The other is money. The starting age for referees is 14. Until they are 16 they can only referee teams that are two years younger. So an under 12 match doesn’t last very long and often a referee can do two games on the same day. The fee can be as much as £20 so that’s £40 for a mornings work. We must not decry early starting as the last three number one referees in this country began as teenagers. Howard Webb was 15, Martin Atkinson 16 and Michael Oliver, today’s top man, was 14. The problem is that not enough of them continue refereeing after a couple of years. There are many reasons given for this. One often quoted is they then go to university, but I don’t see this as an excuse for not continuing with the whistle. However, whatever the reason, the fact is that not too many of them get to go into adult football. As I’ve said, in the past many older people took the referees exam. Many of these would have been players, who for some reason decided not to continue playing. It may have been that they weren’t too good and felt they could get further as a referee, others through injury or age, who had enjoyed playing and wanted to ‘put something back into the game’. If this describes you, then why not think about refereeing. Full details can be found on the Berks & Bucks website. You could be refereeing by next season. The clubs and leagues will welcome you with open arms.
24 | SPORT
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INTERVIEW
INGIMARSSON: ‘I HAD A BRILLIANT TIME’ By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Reading FC Legends match - Mathieu Manset and Ivar Ingimarsson
They defeated their West Country rivals at Sidmouth by five wickets at the quarter-final stage last season, dismissing their hosts for 253 and then recovering from 59-4 to reach 256-5 in 47 overs with Tom Scriven and the not-out Euan Woods both making 75, and Andy Rishton 57 not out, the pair sharing an unbroken stand of 108. This will be Berkshire’s first Trophy appearance since 2017 at the Brakespear Ground, where they boast a good record, having won their last six one-day games. The most recent of them was also against Devon with
Berkshire Cricket League Championship Braywood (143 all out) beat Shinfield (93 all out) West Reading (163 all out) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (134 all out) CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood (190 all out) lost to Monks Risborough (231-9) Chilterns Division Two Penn & Tylers Green 2s (102 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (105-2)
Coppell’s side celebrate after scoring a goal during his time at the Madejski Stadium. He continued: “It was nice to meet up with everyone and have a chat after the game. “Most of these people I haven’t seen for 10 years or so, so it was great to come together for this occasion. “The manager was cheerful and happy so there were no problems in the dressing room, he just told us to go on the pitch and enjoy it.
BERKS TO BEGIN DEFENCE OF NCCA TROPHY BERKSHIRE open their defence of the NCCA 50/50 Trophy when they host Devon at Henley CC on Sunday (11am).
FOOTBALL Esoteric Division One Challenge Cup London Lions 2-0 Berks County
Home Counties Division 2 Great Brickhill (185 all out) lost to Wargrave (188-7)
CRICKET
By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today
Saturday, May 21
CRICKET Home Counties Premier 1 Aston Rowant (250-9) beat Finchampstead (137 all out) Wokingham (220-4) beat Oxford (217 all out)
FORMER Reading FC defender Ivar Ingimarsson reminisced on his ‘brilliant’ memories at the club following the legends match.
Celebrating 150 years of Reading Football Club on Saturday, Steve Coppell’s 106 point Championship winning team of 2005/06 took on Brian McDermott’s Championship winners from 2011/12. In a game filled with entertainment, nostalgia and goals, Ingimarsson played his part at the back joined by his formidabele partner Ibrahima Sonko. “It was a nice feeling to be back out on the pitch,” said Ingimarsson. “I was a bit worried because I hadn’t played football for a long time but it was a great day and a very nice occasion “No, I absolutely didn’t feel fit out there! I just had to fake it and most definitely I’ll have sore legs for a few days but it was so nice to be back.” The Icelandic international, who won 30 international caps in his career, played a pivotal role for Coppell’s Royals as he played in every single match of the record breaking season in 05/06 that saw Reading win promotion to the top flight for the first ever time. The ever present defender then played in all 38 games in the Premier League in the 2006/07 campaign as Reading achieved an incredible eighth placed finish. He went on to make 251 league appearances, scoring 11 times
RESULTS
Berkshire recovering from 77-5 to post 234-9 before dismissing their visitors for 190 with Henley paceman Tom Nugent taking 3-40 to follow up his 25 runs. Berkshire will be looking to put behind them the disappointment of making their exit from the NCCA T20 competition, being pipped for the Group 4 title by Oxfordshire on net run rate after both them and Bedfordshire had all finished on 10 points. Oxfordshire went on to win the T20 final at Tring Park last Sunday, scoring 170-8 to beat Cambridgeshire by two wickets with four balls to spare. Devon will be keen to kick-start their season after a disappointing T20 campaign which saw them win just one game and suffer five defeats to leave them bottom of Group 2.
Reading FC fans at the legends match “It was very nice to see the gaffer, he was such a big part of the massive success we had. “I had a brilliant time here both professionally and family wise. I have so many nice memories of Reading. “I’m sure Reading will get back one day. Sometimes you just have to be patient but I’m sure with the right work that one day they can do it again.”
BOWLS
WOKINGHAM OAK APPLES HOST BURGHFIELD By Pat Rutherford sport@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM and Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club were both back in action for the start of the season with several teams in action.
Wokingham Oak Apples hosted Burghfield this week who had three very strong teams. However, Wokingham Ladies managed to win on one rink results being lost 11-20, lost 8-17 and won 22-14. Ladies top team against Suttons proved to be a hard fought contest ending in a draw 64-64. However Wokingham just lost on points Singles result 16-21, pairs very close at 14-15, triples 18-18 and the fours secured a win 16-10. Sunday saw the County mixed fours against Palmer Park. This was a win for Wokingham so they now proceed through to the second round. Wokingham Acorns ladies managed a draw against a very strong Suttons team results being drew 18-18, lost 11-16 and won 14-9 Wokingham Kennet League ‘A’ team played its second match of the 2022 season home to Reading A last Tuesday.
Wokingham lost on all four rinks, narrowly on the third with an aggregate score of 64-80.
Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club
MEBC travelled away to Henley and in an enjoyable game with welcoming hosts, saw MEBC win overall 93-75. With wins on three rinks they earn 10-4 points. KLV-B team travelled away to play Bracknell “B”. After wins by the MEBC ladies and MEBC “A” team the previous day, MEBC were unable to continue the winning streak with the “B” team losing 41-54, points 2-8. TVLL Maiden Erlegh A hosted Bracknell and won on all rinks score was 61-33. KLV-A home game against Bracknell A. A titanic battle saw MEBC down on all three rinks at the mid point, but successfully fight back winning 48-45 shots, picking up 9-1 points. Midweek friendly triples away at Trenthams. A close result saw MEBC win overall 89-86. winning three, losing two and drawing one. The away match at Three Mile Cross saw ME win on all four rinks and 89-39 overall.
BCL Premier Division Shinfield 2s (186 all out) lost to Stratfield Turgis (190-4) Woodcote (142-5) beat West Reading 2s (141 all out) BCL Division 1A Reading Lions (174 all out) tied Earley (174 all out) Reading United (351-9) beat Peppard Stoke Row (176 all out) Silchester (289-8) beat Berkshire Royals (244 all out) Home Counties Women’s Softball Crowthorne & Crown Wood (42-5) beat Binfield (4-7) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (220 all out) lost to Ickenham (221-2) Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield (202-9) beat Cove (199 all out) Hurst (207-3) beat Royal Ascot (206 all out) Fleet (235-5) beat Wokingham 2s (234-9) Finchampstead 2s (279-7) beat Reading (177-9) Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham (202 all out) lost to Bagshot (203-2) Harpsden (279-7) beat Sonning (246 all out) Wargrave 2s (80 all out) lost to Kidmore End (203-8) Thames Valley Division 4A Finchampstead 3s (246 all out) lost to Falkland 2s (255-5) Wokingham 3s (260-2) beat Peppard Stoke Row (259-7)
Sunday, May 22 FOOTBALL Supplementary Cup 3M 3-0 Bracknell Spartan Vets
Mick White Subsidiary Cup Bracknell Athletic 2-1 Bracknell Cavaliers CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Super 8 Binfield v Crowthorne & Crown Wood
FIXTURES Saturday, May 28
CRICKET Home Counties Premier League Aston Rowant v Wokingham Finchampstead v Buckingham Town BCM Championship Great Kingshill v Shinfield West Reading v Braywood CMB Premiership Braywood v Emmbrook and Bearwood Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Hurley 2s BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames v Farley Hill Shinfield 2s v Woodcote Waltham St Lawrence v West Reading 2s BCL Division 1A Earley v Checkendon Stallions v Reading United West Reading 3s v Berkshire Royals BCL Division 1B Farley Hill 2s v Stallions Rangers v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s Reading United 2s v Earley 2s Shinfield 3s v Warfield Twyford and Ruscombe v Woodley Thames Valley Division 1 Cookham Dean v Eversley Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield v Wokingham 2s Hurst v Fleet Reading v Cove Finchampstead 2s v Sulhamstead & Ufton Thames Valley Division 3A Theale & Tilehurst v Wargrave 2s Sonning v White Waltham Thames Valley Division 4A Finchampstead 3s v Maidenhead & Bray 2s Wokingham 3s v Henley 3s Thames Valley Division 5A Hayes 2s v Wargrave 3s
Sunday, May 29
FOOTBALL Bracknell & District Sunday Bracknell Rangers v FC Fleet CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Super 8 Crowthorne & Crown Wood v East & West Hendred Wargrave v Steventon Moreton Mavericks v Binfield