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GREAT PAPERS NEWS, SPORT & LEISURE FOR THE PRICE OF ONE Thursday, October 21, 2021 No. 334 90p
Artist hunt goes global By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A SEARCH for new artwork to go alongside the Carnival Hub development has turned into a worldwide contest after entries came from all four corners of the globe.
To the delight of organisers, more than 60 people have put their hats into the ring. Now the challenge is to narrow it down to a shortlist. The winning entry will be located outside the main entrance to the new cultural and leisure complex, which is currently being built on the site of the former swimming pool. Earlier in the year, Arts4Wokingham announced the contest for the major landmark work of art. The brief was to create a groundbreaking and significant work, keeping in mind Wokingham’s regeneration. The group, which is dedicated to promoting art in the borough, said that the response has been fantastic. Ideas have come from artists in the United States, Africa, India, South America, the Middle East and Asia. There has also been interest from European artists in Spain, Italy, Ireland, France, Greece, Turkey and Macedonia. Suggestions for the substance of the final piece have ranged across a whole spectrum of materials, including stone, fibreglass, metal, resin, wood and glass. And there has been a variety of suggested forms: abstract, figurative or functional. Chair of Arts4Wokingham, Charlotte Haitham-Taylor, said: ‘We are thrilled that so many international and local artists have responded to our invitation to create this landmark work of art. “There has been a truly international response for something that has, clearly, resonated across the globe.” Arts4Wokingham is now in the process of sifting through and assessing all the submissions they’ve received. The group is aiming to shortlist just five artists for community engagement before presenting these early in the new year. One artist will then be selected and formally commissioned to take the project forward. n Anyone wishing to contribute can complete a questionnaire on: www. arts4wokingham.com and click on the link, ‘Get Involved’.
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GOOD HEALTH: Event celebrates wellbeing • p14
COUNCIL: MASK UP IN SCHOOL
Covid rates are highest ever in the borough
EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today FACE MASKS are being advised for all secondary school pupils in the borough from now until half term.
A Wokingham Borough Council spokesperson said there are an increasing number of outbreaks in schools across the area. They said: “We are now advising all secondary schools to temporarily re-instate the wearing
of face coverings for students and staff, when in communal areas and classrooms. “A letter is being sent to schools shortly so they can let the parent community know.” Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services at the borough council, said some of the issue lies with the Newbury Showground and Mereoak Park & Ride PCR testing sites. n Continued n Continued on page on XXXXXX page 7
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
Dingley’s Promise welcomes helpful Heart DJs A BERKSHIRE charity welcomed Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden earlier this month. The Heart radio crew visited Dingley’s Promise’s Reading centre on Thursday, October 7, as part of the Heart Breakfast Road Trip, whereby the DJs travelled across the country to meet charities and organisations supported by Global’s Make Some Noise. Dingley’s Promise CEO, Catherine McLeod, and fundraising and communications manager Jo Evans said the charity has been supporting families in Reading since 1983. Ms Evans said the fund had made a huge impact over the last18 months. Global’s Make Some Noise is currently funding a Recovery Activity Programme across all three Dingley’s Promise Centres in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire.
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CHANEY Judith Ann Passed away at West Oak Care Home, Wokingham on 7th October 2021, aged 75 years. Much loved wife of Clive, dear mother to Robert and Helen and Granny to Nicholas, Luke, Ed, Aoife and Hugh. She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral service to be held at Easthampstead Park Crematorium on Monday 25th October at 11.30am. Family flowers only please. Donations for Alzheimer's Society or Sue Ryder Care can be made via www.abwalker.co.uk. All enquiries to A. B Walker, Tel: 0118 978 4040.
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VISIT: Heart Radio’s Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden visit Dingley’s Promise to meet children, families and staff Picture: Heart
Night-time crime drops thanks to plainclothes officer scheme By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today THE THAMES VALLEY has seen a drop in night-time offences, following the launch of a plainclothes police officer project.
On Monday, June 21, Thames Valley Police kickstarted Project Vigilant in Reading, Windsor, Oxford and Milton Keynes. Now, it has reported that stranger rapes and sexual violence linked to the night-time economy have fallen by 77% and 12.5% respectively since Friday, July 23. Project Vigilant is a pioneering programme orchestrated by Thames Valley Police which sees a combination of uniformed and plainclothes officers patrol areas outside of clubs, pubs and bars. It was founded to better identify people displaying predatory behaviour, including sexual harassment, inappropriate touching and loitering. Detective chief inspector James
Senior, the force lead for the scheme, said the latest statistics are “reassuring” news. “It is reassuring to see that [Project Vigilant] is contributing to reducing the number of sexual offences in the night-time economy, ensuring we are able to protect and safeguard our communities,” he said. “Retaining the public’s trust and confidence in the police is particularly vital at the moment and [this programme] is just one way in which the force is working hard to do this.” The project sees plain clothed officers alert those in uniform to anybody showing suspicious behaviours. Uniformed officers then stop those who have been identified and take “positive action”, including arrest if necessary. So far, 99 people across Reading, Windsor, Milton Keynes and Oxford have been stopped and nine arrests have been made.
“We’ve stopped 99 people in this time period for varying degrees of predatory behaviour which included unwanted contact towards women and harassment,” DCI Senior said. “By us taking positive action against this type of behaviour, we’re making it clear that it will not be tolerated. “Everyone stopped and arrested as part of this initiative is considered for further action or support to address their behaviour.” Earlier this year, Thames Valley
Police was awarded £90,000 by the Home Office to fund a dedicated sergeant to coordinate Project Vigilant, as well as commission an academic evaluation of the scheme by Brighton University. The study is ongoing and will identify areas where the force can improve engagement with the programme. “We are committed to continuing this project with our partners in order to make our communities safer and prevent offences from taking place,” the DCI added.
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Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Wokingham Children’s Book Festival was a brilliant time EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THUMBS UP: Picture: Stewart Turkington
THE WOKINGHAM Children’s Book Festival was a fantastic success over the weekend, said the borough’s children’s librarian.
Elizabeth McDonald, young people and families outreach manager, helped coordinate the event, working across the borough’s libraries. She said the two-day event returned over the weekend with a variety of talks for all ages. In it’s fourth year, the festival featured nine authors, hosting inperson and virtual talks at the town hall. Ms McDonald said families seemed to have a brilliant time at the event. “The in-person sessions were really lovely, everyone felt very safe, it was kind of normal,” she said. While preparing for the festival, Ms McDonald said she was unsure if it would go ahead in-person at all. With talks in the town hall allowed, this brought a lot of excitement to the young visitors, who were able to meet their favourite authors in person, she explained. “Lots of children were there so early because they couldn’t wait to meet the authors,” she said. Authors that were hosting sessions on Saturday made a lastminute plan to visit the town’s Waterstone’s, for a post-talk book signing. Ms McDonald said one family, who had tuned in virtually, rushed down to the town to have their copy of a book signed. She said this shows the event was a success both online and inperson, with all attendees enjoying the talks, no matter where they listened from. Kicking off on Saturday was best-selling author Holly Webb, who was exploring themes around environmentalism and friendship. She also shared tales from her Earth Friends books and explained how small changes can make a big difference. “It was really inspiring for the children,” Ms McDonald said.
Addington opens sensory garden
BOOK FESTIVA: Author David Melling lead the Draw Along session Pictures: Steve Smyth
OFFICIAL: Wokingham town mayor Cllr Tony Lack joined in when he visited The children’s librarian said her favourite guest was poet Joshua Seigal, winner of the 2020 LOLLIES, who shared poems from his brand
Pop-up reuse shop opens in Smallmead this weekend A POP-UP reuse shop is opening at Smallmead Recycling Centre this weekend. The Reading tip will be host to re3’s first ever shop, giving items a second home. Located in the car park at the Island Road centre, the pop-up shop will give residents an opportunity to buy pre-loved items that have been donated by others. Profits will go to Sue Ryder, a bereavement support charity, and to improve recycling facilities in the area.
A NEW garden has opened in Woodley to support youngsters with special and educational needs (SEND). Earlier this month, a £70,000 sensory play area launched at Addington School. It is the culmination of a joint project between Wokingham Borough Council and Addington Association, and offers children new opportunities to learn and play in an accessible and engaging environment. The Woodley school is purpose-built for children with SEND, and the new play area includes a number of features to keep pupils engaged. Installed by Green Play Projects, the garden has a friendship slide which staff can Go down with children and a raised sandpit to accommodate wheelchair users. Sara Attra, headteacher of Addington School, said the space offers something for every single child. “The soft flooring means that children who aren’t able to walk are safe to crawl, and we have spinning swings which our children with autism can use for self-regulation,” she said. “Our nest swing is low enough that one of our children who uses a wheelchair can get out of his chair and crawl onto the swing himself. “The design means that children are able to explore and enjoy the space in a more independent way than other spaces offer, which is so important for their learning and selfesteem.” Cllr Graham Howe, executive member for children’s services, said it was fantastic to visit the new garden recently. “It was [great] to see the children enjoying playing in the new sensory garden,” he added. “They clearly were getting a lot of enjoyment out of the space, and I’m pleased the council could support the school to have it built. “Schools like Addington are so important, and you could see the hardwork and dedication Ms Attra and her team put into caring for and teaching their pupils. The sensory garden is a great addition to the school.”
Liam Bould, regional development manager for FCC Environment, said the business has six reuse shops across the country. “The trial here in Reading should help us establish if there is an appetite for such a facility here,” he said. The reuse pop-up shop will be open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Residents can drop in without needing to book a slot at the recycling centre.
FAMILY FUN: Wokingham Childrens Book Festival on Saturday was held in-person and virtually for families to listen from wherever they chose
new collection Yapping Away. And Ms McDonald said it was lovely to be able to host international authors, including Swapna Haddow,
who joined the event live from New Zealand and talked about the first book in her brand-new series, Bad Panda.
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Thames Water funds training for eco teachers THAMES WATER has funded training for 80 teachers in a bid to help teach environmental topics. The utilities company has helped 80 schools in London and the Thames Valley give more than 38,000 students the chance to become eco champions. The teachers’ role will be to guide students in creating student-led Eco-Committees. The Eco-Committees then lead to create a sustainability action plan for the school. Thames Water has partnered with Eco-Schools England at Keep Britain Tidy to help support schools in Berkshire work towards and achieve the internationally recognised EcoSchools Green Flag. Paul Hampton, a former school teacher and the senior corporate responsibility advisor at Thames Water, said: “Protecting and enhancing the environment is extremely important to us. “Working with Eco-Schools will help us teach as many children as possible about the vital role sustainability plays in our everyday lives and how they can help leave our planet in a better place for future generations.” After finishing the seven steps of the programme, schools will be able to apply for Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation in April next year. It is internationally recognised by UN bodies. n Schools interested in securing the funding can visit: www.ecoschools.org.uk
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
Memorial unveiled to councillor who dedicated his life to serving
By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today
A community has created a memorial to their modest councillor who worked so hard for them.
Hurst Parish Council has installed a bench overlooking the village’s allotments as a memorial to Howard Larkin, a parish councillor for 35 years. Council chairman Wayne Smith unveiled the bench last Saturday, watched by Mr Larkin’s family and Hurst residents. After Mr Larkin’s death last year, Mr Smith said: “Our village would not be the place it is today without the hours of dedication Howard devoted to preserving the community of Hurst.” Mr Larkin had become a planning expert, representing the village at many planning appeals and committees. Mr Smith spoke more last Saturday about the quiet but highly effective work Mr Larkin had done: “It’s quite amazing the things he did behind the scenes. We have lost a very, very good friend and colleague.” The creation of a new footpath, now probably the one most used in the village, had been all down to Mr Larkin, he added. The path takes walkers safely off busy Lodge Road out towards Dinton Pastures. The path was named Howard’s Way as a tribute.
REMEMBERED: Howard Larkin’s family try out the bench installed as a memorial to him. Behind are his grandchildren from left George, Hannah and Lauren Larkin, and Luke and Emily Jones. Seated second from right is his widow Janet Larkin. With her are their sons David and Philip Larkin who went to Crosfields School, Reading, and their daughter, Pamela Jones, who went to the Abbey School, Reading Picture: Sue Corcoran Mr Larkin, a keen gardener, managed the allotments for many years. He also welcomed pupils from St Nicholas Primary School, Hurst, to his allotment to learn how vegetables grow. His widow, Janet, said: “It’s a really lovely bench, perfect. It was during a
Workshop offers help for relationship breakdowns HELP is at hand again for those suffering the pain of relationship breakdown. Berkshire’s Divorce Recovery Workshop had to cancel its March 2020 course due to Covid. But now DRW’s help, praised for turning round lives, is on offer again to separated or divorced people. Seamus, from Reading and who works with children, is helping lead the next course. Like all DRW’s volunteer leaders, he went on a course himself. “We’re delighted we can restart,” he said. “Covid has been tough for
everyone, but for those having relationship difficulties working from home could increase intensity of feelings. “Restrictions on mixing meant those on their own didn’t have the support of visits with family or friends. “Anyone wanting to find out how DRW can help should email us, phone me or go to our website. After my course I felt better, helped and supported.” Many people from Wokingham and Reading areas have praised DRW for its help. Participants have said: “There is
conversation here at the allotments that Howard was talked into joining the parish council by Ellen Langton. “He was always keen to put time and effort into the local area. “It was very important to him. Being
on the parish council was his way of contributing to Hurst.” The couple’s children, David and Philip Larkin, who went to Crosfields School, and Pamela Jones who went to the Abbey School, were at the unveiling.
emphasis on your wellbeing so you can have a better life, so you don’t spend your future dogged by the unhappiness and disappointment of a previous relationship.” “Going to DRW made me feel less isolated and helped me have a different perspective. I discovered I could be in charge of my own recovery.” “It can be a horrible, tough, awful time. DRW showed me a way through. I never imagined I could live life to the full again.” “The course gave me empathy for people who have left as well as those who have been left.” One man urged more men to go to DRW: “Generally speaking, men are more embarrassed talking about their emotions. Releasing those emotions
can only be good for you.” The workshops, are open to those whose relationship has broken down, whether they’ve been married or not and at whatever stage of divorce or separation. Videos are shown followed by confidential discussion in small groups. Berkshire DRW is supporting Basingstoke DRW for the next local course. Berkshire people are welcome to attend the course which runs over three dates, November 6, 11 and 13 at Basingstoke. Berkshire DRW will be running a course in Reading area early in 2022.
n For inquiries about either course contact: Seamus on 07887 800521 or email reading@drw.org.uk. The website is at www.drw.org.uk
Hospice dinner serves scheme STAFF AT Thames Hospice were celebrated at an exclusive House of Lords dinner last week to mark the launch of a new initiative. Speakers from the charity told Sajid Javid, secretary of state for health and social care, (inset) and former prime minister Theresa May, and more than 100 guests about the role Thames Hospice, and other hospices have in the national health system. Debbie Raven, Thames Hospice CEO (inset), said: “Right now, we have many people experiencing serious illnesses as a result of the pandemic. “With our ageing population we will see as many people dying every day in 10 years time as at the peak of the first wave. It is essential that hospices are given a seat at
the table to help plan our healthcare so that people living with a serious illness get the care and support they need.” Mrs May, whose Maidenhead constituency includes parts of the borough, has been a long-time supporter of Thames Hospice. “I have watched and supported as Thames Hospice has adapted and grown its services in the last two years to make sure that no patient or family members feels alone with a terminal illness,” she said. “This responsive pragmatic approach to a fast-changing health care environment is the
excellence we should all be striving for.” The evening launched the Thames Hospice Patrons Club, a new giving initiative aimed at sustaining inpatient care and supporting their families. The evening was hosted by Lord and Lady Ranger, who are ambassadors and patrons of the charity. Lord Rami Ranger said: “The work of Thames Hospice is fundamental in supporting individuals through the most traumatic time. We couldn’t think of a better way to support, and encourage our peers to become patrons like we are.”
Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Matt Allwright scoops up £75,000 for Launchpad By Phil Creighton pcreighton@wokingham.
HE DID more than alright … Rogue Traders host Matt Allwright helped raise an impressive £75,000 for a Reading charity and it took him less than a minute.
Launchpad, which works with some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents, is delighted with his efforts. Mr Allwright is a patron to the charity, and on Saturday night took part in the ITV quiz show, Beat The Chasers. In it, he had to take on several of The Chasers — people who answer the questions in the weekday version of the show, The Chase. The Chasers had to answer their questions in 45 seconds, while Matt had a bit longer. Whichever side had time left on their clock when the other team ran out would take success. Just as in the weekday edition, featuring ordinary members of the public, he was able to choose how much money he could win: he could have chosen £2,000, £12,000 or £50,000, but instead he went for the big prize. And Mr Allwright had just five seconds left when the Chasers ran out of time,
BIG WIN: Matt Allwright won £75,000 for Reading charity, Launchpad netting him the £75,000 in the process. On the way, he had to answer questions about cava, British sign language and Coronation Street During the evening, he told host Bradley Walsh about Launchpad: “They do incredible work with very little money. £75,000 is going to change the game for them completely.” When the clock ran out a jubilant Mr Allwright whooped with delight as the studio erupted in joy. A shower of confetti exploded around him and even the Chasers were pleased for him. Jenny Ryan, known as
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The Vixen in the show, said: “You played an extraordinary game, because you did not get fazed by the fact these guys got everything right. “You played your own game, you stayed in your own lane, and it paid off. Even a couple of wrong answers didn’t put you off.” Launchpad, which is based in Merchants Place, said in a tweet that they were “over the moon” that Mr Allwright won the money, calling him a Launchpad legend. Kirsti Wilson, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Launchpad, told Wokingham. Today: “Everyone at Launchpad was so excited to
hear about Matt’s win on Beat The Chasers. “We are so lucky to have Matt’s support as a Launchpad patron, and his passion for our cause is genuinely touching. “Matt really understands the issues, and always goes out of his way to help us. This is just the icing on the cake.” The charity says that it has seen a sharp rise in the number of people seeking support as a result of the covid, with some facing homelessness because they have been made redundant, are fleeing domestic abuse or have been asked to leave their home after the eviction ban was lifted. Kirsti Wilson, head of fundraising and marketing at Launchpad, said: “Our dropin service has recently seen a sharp rise in the number of people in pandemic-related housing crisis, and this amazing donation will help us to continue to support vulnerable people in Reading. “If you know anyone in Reading who needs housing advice or is at risk of losing their home, please do ask them to contact us. www. launchpadreading.org.uk” It’s not the only big sum of money raised by the charity
this month. It held the Big Sleep Out over the weekend of October 9 and 10, with an aim of raising £60,000 for the charity. This will help it support people from the Reading area who are at serious risk of losing their homes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Allwright was part of that event as well, taking part in a virtual event with Michelle Babs Jordan from BBC Radio Berkshire. The charity is also preparing for the forthcoming Twilight Trail and its annual Carols at the Abbey service on Wednesday, December 8, which this year takes place in the Abbey ruins rather than Reading Minster Church. They will be helped at this event by the Reading Community Gospel Choir and hosted by Danyl Johnson. Ms Wilson said: “Christmas is often a bleak and isolating time for the people we support, but by buying a ticket for Twilight Trail & Carols at the Abbey, you can give the gift of a better Christmas to those who are homeless or at risk of losing their home. “Launchpad provides a lifeline to those in need over the festive season with safe and stable accommodation; legal advice; a drop-in service; and practical support with things like food parcels and mobile phones.” n For more details, log on to launchpadreading.org.uk
Net zero may be revisited THE COUNCIL’S plan to be net carbon zero by 2030 may have to be revisited in light of the current financial pressures. As we revealed two weeks ago, plans to build a new library in Twyford have been paused after the cost of building supplies rocketed. Now, the council is looking at every line in its budget, and a warning has been issued that some aspirations may have to change warned council leader John Halsall. “We have a huge number of officers engaged in looking at the budget,” Cllr Halsall said. “There’s no doubt there’s some inflation and material increases, and some delays in obtaining materials which will affect us. “It’s not a UK problem, it’s a worldwide problem.” He added that for the council it could constrain the number of projects it can work on. “We’re going to have to have a debate about carbon neutrality and delivery because it’s clear that carbon neutrality is going to create extra cost,” he said. “In cost terms, there is a front end cost, which might mean we have to have a higher spec and do less, or a lower spec and do more.” Cllr Halsall said that this wasn’t a U-turn, as the council’s policy was to do all it could to achieve net carbon zero, as opposed to hitting that goal. “Everything that we’re doing makes a contribution to achieving that goal,” he said. “But in all of these things there is a play off, which is if you aspire to heights of carbon zero, by definition you can do less with the same money.” He felt that the net carbon plan was vital for the borough, and everyone needed to play their part in that.
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Money course helps pandemic finances PEOPLE who have been financially affected by the pandemic, or just need a helping hand with their finances are invited to take part in a special course next month. Churches in Earley are teaming up run the CAP Money Course, a free and confidential series aimed at helping people manage their money. Sessions covering budgeting, saving and spending well. Organisers say that over a few weeks, participants will be able to get to grips with finances and tackle debt. There is no need to disclose any personal or financial details, and additional help will be available if needed. The courses will be held at Brookside Church in Earley. It is next to the surgery. The first runs from 9.30am to 11.30am on Mondays on November 8. 15 and 22. The second runs on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, on November 17, 24 and December 1. n To find out more or register to attend a course contact course leaders Ben and Lynne Graham by calling 07798 584742 or 07709 686783. Alternatively, email: benandlynnecap@gmail.com
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
Full plans for Shinfield Studios approved by borough council By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local Democracy Reporter MAJOR plans for more film studio space in Shinfield have been approved by the borough council.
On Wednesday, October 13, the planning committee gave Shinfield Studios permission to expand at Cine Valley, at the Thames Valley Science Park off Cutbush Lane. The scheme involves building 18 more sound stages and seven workshops for film and television, five offices, and a central hub building which will provide facilities for future employees. The majority of work will take place in the sound stages, which are large soundproof warehouses where a film set can be constructed, and scenes filmed. These will be supported by workshops where costumes and props are made. At the meeting last week, the main concern from councillors were traffic to and
CINE VALLEY: The full plan for Shinfield Studios Picture: Scott Brownrigg from the studio site. Cllr Carl Doran, Independent councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates, said: “I want to make the point that local people certainly feel the weight of traffic around this location is already high, and it is a bit hidden by the events of the last 18 months, but my concern is for future development on top of this which is certainly possible. “I think we’re already at the limit for traffic there and we need to think more
constructively about how that’s managed.” Cllr Andrew Mickleburgh, Liberal Democrat councillor for Hawkedon, asked that a construction phase travel plan be drawn up to keep lorries off Lower Earley Way and on the M4 instead. Planning officer Christopher Howard said that Lower Earley Way is a “strategic route which is capable of handling HGVs.” The Creative Media Hub will have 1,375 parking spaces, with 79 reserved for disabled
blue badge holders, 154 electric vehicle charging points, 77 of which will be active, 64 motorbike spaces, and 160 cycle spaces. Parking will be divided between surface parking and a multi-storey car park. The creative media hub was unanimously approved by the council’s planning committee, which also chose to refer it to Michael Gove, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, for endorsement of the council’s resolution to approve the scheme. A decision is expected within the next month. Although planning officer Mr Howard said the referral could delay work on the project by three to six weeks, he argued that it “would be best from a challenge point of view to refer it and go down that process.” Earlier this year, the committee approved plans for a permanent television studio from the University of Reading, and permission for
temporary film studio from Shinfield Studios. Nick Smith, joint managing director of Shinfield Studios, said: “We are thrilled to have progressed to the next stage of the planning process for Shinfield Studios and thank Wokingham Borough Council, University of Reading and the community for their support. “The final step is to receive approval from the Secretary of State. Once complete we’re looking forward to sharing more details about our plans for a permanent, world-leading production hub in the heart of Wokingham.” Professor John Gibbs, professor of film and research dean for heritage and creativity at the University of Reading, said: “Cine Valley is creating exciting opportunities for students and local businesses, built on a foundation of sharing skills and expertise with the University of Reading. It’s a theme we hope to continue to foster and develop over the coming years.”
Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Covid cases rise: Masks urged for classrooms and communal areas SAFETY: Students are now being asked to wear masks in classrooms and communal areas. Picture: Alexandra_ Koch from Pixabay
n Continued from front page
It meant residents were told they had tested negative for Covid-19 in error. “As a result, since early September a proportion of residents have not isolated when infectious ... which has contributed to an increase in transmission within the borough,” he said. “The cases are predominantly impacting school-age children and their families. “Our Children’s Services Taskforce has taken a proactive approach; working closely with schools, identifying outbreaks early and encouraging testing across settings. “Our teams are going above and beyond to support schools during this stressful time, and are in daily contact with headteachers by phone, email and virtual meetings, providing advice, guidance and important information to share with parents, carers and guardians.” The council spokesperson said the guidance would be in place until the October half term break, and in line with actions in West Berkshire Council. They added: “We will be working closely with schools to review additional Covid measures that may be implemented if local cases remain high after the half-term break.” Council leader John Halsall said that Wokingham’s increase was anticipated and the “concentration [of the virus] is in the younger age group” and this was due to the vaccination programme working through the older ages groups first. “We are very pro-active in our schools, we’re testing children, and that’s certainly affecting the figure,” he said. “Wokingham has a very high rate of vaccinated people, and a very high rate among our 12
to 15-year-olds, I’m told [our figures] is a reasonable position and we’re doing our best to mitigate it. “We were expecting figures to go past 602, the highest rate we’ve ever had, and it’s believed this is because we’ve been doing good things, such as testing in schools, rather than bad things.” Beyond the classroom, Cllr Margetts is urging residents to wear a face mask when indoors with others. In recent days, the number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus in Wokingham has increased dramatically, and the council fears that the risk of catching or spreading the virus remains high. On Sunday, October 15, there were 217 positive cases recorded, and yesterday there were 157. The rate per 100,000 has also shot up, and now stands at 638.1, the highest it has ever been in Wokingham borough. At the beginning of the year, neighbouring Slough had the highest rate in the county, but it is now 445.9. In neighbouring Reading, the current rate is 468.4. Cllr Margetts said: “With
half-term around the corner, we are urging all our residents to remain cautious when mixing with friends and family. “The chances of catching and spreading the virus remains high, especially when crowded together indoors. “Please wear a face covering when socialising in indoor venues and try to meet outside where Covid-19 particles can blow away. “If you are meeting inside, ventilation is crucial, even in the autumn months – so open windows and doors to allow fresh air to flow through. “We’ve come a long way in the fight against Covid-19, but it isn’t over yet. “Let’s continue to do everything we can to stay safe while cases are high and rising, and protect ourselves and our loved ones.” The Liberal Democrat leader for Wokingham Cllr Clive Jones, agreed with Cllr Margetts’ call for caution. “I think we should be using face masks in shops,” he said. “I try and remember to put a mask on when I go into a shop. “I fully understand it is not a pleasant experience, but it is necessary.
WALK TO PCR TEST SITES IF YOU CAN TWO sites for taking PCR coronavirus tests are on the move — one has already switched location and the other will change next week. The PCR tests are more reliable than the lateral flow sites and require specimens to be sent to a laboratory for testing. The site at the University of Reading’s London Road campus closed on Friday, October 15. This has been moved to Whiteknights Campus’ car park 11. This is accessible from the Pepper Lane entrance. The Prospect Park test site is to close on Monday, October 25, before reopening from noon on Thursday, October 28, at the Battle Street car park. Reading Borough Council said that the sites will be pedestrian access only, and they are
open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm for pre-booked appointments only. Visitors must adhere to social distancing measures and wear a face covering throughout. They are also asked not to travel to the venues by public transport or a taxi. Residents unable to walk to the sites can request a home testing kit. Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for health, said: “The council have worked really hard to ensure residents have local covid testing facilities in place to help combat the pandemic. “The relocated testing facilities will continue to provide residents in Reading with easy access to testing on their doorstep. “I would like to take the
opportunity to say thank you to residents for continuing to get tested and helping to prevent transmission of the virus in our community.” And Cllr Hoskin urged residents who had not had their vaccine get one: “It’s important we have as high a vaccination rate here in Reading as possible, especially as we head into the winter months.” The old sites are closing because they are now needed for new purposes. Propsect Park is to have a new play hub and activity site, while the University is planning a graduation ceremony in the Great Hall. n To book a test, call 119, log on to the NHS Covid-19 app, or log on to nhs.uk/coronavirus, by calling 119 or via the NHS COVID-19 app.
“It is also really, really important to be vaccinated. People over 50 should get the flu vaccination and the booster jab. “No one should think they will be alright without it. The virus is still affecting so many people in so many different ways.” Cllr Halsall added: “Covid is probably going to be around forever, and people should continue to be cautious. Don’t
drop your guard, and continue to do the things that you were doing during the height of the pandemic. Don’t unnecessarily go out, wear masks when it’s appropriate, and keep testing.” A vaccination programme is currently being run for youngsters aged 12 to 15, and the council is working with schools where they have been affected. “The Covid-19 vaccine offers the best defence against the virus,” Cllr Margetts said. “Over 18s need both doses for maximum protection, and anyone eligible for the booster jab will be contacted by the NHS in the coming months. “The school-based vaccination programme is going well, with Wokingham Borough showing the highest take-up in Berkshire. We are hoping to see the impact of this within our schools after half term. “If your child missed the vaccine, it has been announced that walk-in vaccine clinics for 12 to 15-year-olds are expected to launch in England within weeks, so keep an eye out for
Student vaccine rates reassuring VACCINE rates in University of Reading students are reassuring, said the deputy vice-chancellor. More than 90% of students said that they have had one or both jabs, in a poll about their vaccination status. More than 650 students anonymously shared the information, with 86% of them having had two doses. Nationally, 65% of 18 to 24-year-olds in England have received at least one dose. Professor Parveen Yaqoob, at the University of Reading, said: “These survey results are very reassuring, both for our staff and students and for our neighbours in Reading, and show that our students are behaving responsibly in the face of the ongoing pandemic. “What this survey demonstrates is that our students understand the importance of getting vaccinated for their own health and to protect those around them.” The University is also continuing to encourage all students and staff to take a Covid-19 test twice a week, regardless of their jab status.
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Explore heritage with archaeology exhibition AN EXHIBITION celebrates 150 years of archaeology across the county. Held at the Berkshire Record Office until Friday, November 12, the display marks the anniversary of the Berkshire Archaeological Society, which was launched in 1871. No booking is necessary, but due to covid restrictions, space is limited to five visitors at any one time. Mask wearing, while optional, is preferred. The records office can be found at Coley Avenue in Reading and is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.
n For more details, log on to www. berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk
Shop poppies THE POPPY Appeal has its own shop this year. The annual collection is marking its centenary this year, and there will be hubs in Wokingham’s Waitrose and Tesco. The collection will have a shop in the former Clinton’s Card Shop on Peach Street, in the town centre. It will be selling crochet poppies made by the Barkham Hookers, and wooden crosses as well as other remembrance items. There will also be some memorabilia on show.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
Topping out ceremony marks Carnival Hub project progress By Charlotte King cking@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM’S Carnival Hub project has reached a key mile stone.
Last week, a topping out ceremony was held to mark the highest construction point of the project reaching completion. The facility, which will be home to a sports and cultural centre, including swimming pools, a spa, and a 400-seat theatre, is due to open next summer. As of last week, the Carnival Hub’s shell is nearly complete with final cladding to be installed by the end the month. Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “The Carnival Hub is going to be a fantastic community facility and this is an exciting milestone in the project. “The new hub demonstrates the significant investment we are making to ensure our borough is a great place to live, learn, work and grow, and do business.” Over the coming months, work will continue inside of the Hub, including constructing and tiling the pool deck. Gert-Jan Peeters, director of Pellikaan Construction Ltd, said
TOPPING OUT: Breaking ground on the residential site Picture: Stewart Turkington it was great to celebrate the ongoing project with the recent topping-out ceremony. “We are now concentrating on completing the interior works, technically as well as providing the finishes that will make this a great leisure centre and library to enjoy for the
people in Wokingham borough.” Construction on a series of one- and two-bedroom apartments on the site of the former Carnival Pool and Leisure Centre is also due to start soon. In March 2020, planning permission was granted for 55
dwellings, which will link the site through to Elms Field and the town centre. Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhood and communities, said: “We’ve been planning and preparing for this project for many years, and its great to see the progress
ART: Sally Castle held a book signing at Reading Museum this week Picture: Steve Smyth
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that has been made in recent months at the Carnival Hub. “As well as a leisure centre, the Hub will become the home of Wokingham Library, too. “I’m sure it will continue to be a place that our residents love to visit and will serve the local community for years to come.” The new dwellings will be built off site and put in place by February 2022. The original designs were revised last year following a public consultation to make the homes more energy efficient, in a bid to achieve net carbon zero by 2030. They are the final puzzle piece of Wokingham’s town centre regeneration project. David Merrills, operations director at Mid Group, which will construct the new homes, said this is his firm’s first project with Wokingham Borough Council. “It was an honour to welcome the councillors and team to commence the construction works, by breaking the first piece of ground together,” he added. “Mid Group have now commenced the foundations and drainage for the project and in the coming months we will be bringing the offsite manufacture buildings to Wokingham.”
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A TWYFORD artist took a trip to Reading Museum for a special book signing on Monday, writes Laura Scardarella. Sally Castle used lockdown to illustrate Oscar Wilde’s children story, The Happy Prince. With Wilde’s connections to Reading Gaol, Sally was set on drawing the story in the town, and readers can spot local landmarks. Sally said the book signing
event went really well. “We had a steady stream of people coming in and it was so lovely meeting different people saying how much they enjoyed the book,” she said. “I got inspired in lockdown to work on a personal project and, after reading Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince and Other Tales and the story seemed like such a lovely thing to illustrate. Sally said she has added in
private jokes linked to Reading, including the Maiwand Lion. She added: “I would say this book is more appreciated by adults but I’ve also added in lots of details that children would very much enjoy.” Key words were also picked out and used to place decorative text alongside the drawing throughout the book. n For more, visit: tworiverspress. com
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Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Groups come together to sign CLASP anti-hate crime charter
By Phil Creighton pcreighton@wokingham.today
DON’T STAND for it. That’s the message that came from a selfadvocacy group last week.
To mark Hate Crime Week, members of CLASP Wokingham came together with the police, politicians and community groups to launch the signing of its new charter. It is now calling on the community to join them in its campaign to stamp out hate crime. Hate crimes are described as when someone abuses another person due to a difference, be it race, religion, disability, sexuality or being transgender. It can be verbal abuse, physical violence, vandalism, stealing or threatening behaviour. CLASP says that research by learning disability charity United Response found there were more than 7,300 reported Hate crime cases in 2019-20, a rise of just under 12% in a year, and this number continues to increase. This, they say, is the tip of the iceberg. The statistics published back in 2013/14 estimate that there were 62,000 disability hate crimes, with only 2,020 recorded by the police. The charity reminded people who attended the charter
CHARTER: Wokingham CLASP has launched an anti-hate crime charter Picture: Phil Creighton launch on Friday, October 15, of the case of Fiona Pilkington, who set fire to her car with herself and her teenage daughter inside after a decade of harassment and anti-social behaviour because her daughter has learning disabilities. CLASP said that some of its members are regularly
subjected to hate crimes. To raise awareness, CLASP has produced a video outlining some of the issues they face. At the launch, held at The Bradbury Centre in Rose Street, there were speeches by Felicity Parker, Superintendent of Thames Valley Police, and Matt Pope, director of Adult
Social services at Wokingham Borough Council. Supt Parker gave her full support to the initiative, telling CLASP members: “Make sure you come forward to the police” if they experience hate crime. Also speaking was Cllr Keith Baker, the mayor of Wokingham borough. He has
Reading in top ten for start ups
direct experience of helping people with learning disabilities as he has been a governor at Addington School for over 10 years. He took the opportunity to praise CLASP for the work it has been doing in the local community. “I’m delighted and pleased that you have invited me here,” he said, adding: “Congratulations on receiving the Queen’s Award, it is fantastic to see, and you have really, really deserved it.” Now, the group is calling on Wokingham businesses, traders, organisations and societies to support this fight against Hate Crime by signing the charter. As well as Thames Valley Police and Wokingham Borough Council, other signatories include Wokingham United Charities and a number of councillors. Afterwards, the attendees were able to sign the charter as well as enjoy a free bacon roll and other refreshments organised by the Bradbury Centre’s café team and sponsored by Asda. CLASP meets on Tuesday and Friday mornings at the Bradbury Centre for a range of activities.
n For more details, or to join, log on to wokinghamclasp.org.uk
READING has been ranked second in the top 10 UK towns for business start-ups, and Metro Bank is offering its support. This is based on internet speeds, best rates of production, office prices and business survival rates, according to a new study by Fasthosts. “As Reading is the second highest contributor to UK GDP outside of the London urban areas, we will continue to attract business to the area and we have seen a 10% increase in start-ups banking with us in recent month post lockdown restrictions,” Metro Bank area director Simon Neale said. “We are starting to put plans in place for in-store networking to support the local community, and we are working with the local Sterling Networks to facilitate this. “Regardless of their turnover, we assign every business customer a relationship manager.” Mr Neale added this type of support is “vital” to start-up businesses. “We have supported many local start-up businesses from serviced office space to logistic companies but we have seen a lot of business from the service, hospitality and leisure sectors,” he said. “The main focus at the moment is the Recovery Loan Scheme.”
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GRUB’S UP: The Rose Inn’s new team are welcoming customers through the door
The Rose Inn opens after refurb A WOKINGHAM pub has reopened its doors this week, following an extensive refurbishment. The Rose Inn, on Market Place, had a £2.1 million investment from new owners, The Oakman Group. Last week, The Rose Inn hosted a VIP event to celebrate the imminent launch. Attendees included Cllr Tony Lack, Wokingham town mayor, and Lucy Zeal, the town’s high steward. Ms Zeal said it was a pleasure to attend the launch party and to welcome the newly renovated pub. “I am certain it will be hugely popular, with its extensive offering of food
and refreshments, in a variety of settings that are available throughout the day,” she said. “There is something for everyone, and I look forward to returning with my family.” Cllr Lack said he was very impressed with the refurbishment. He thanked The Oakman Group and The Rose Inn’s general manager, Will Upton, and his team for showing their confidence in Wokingham, Mr Upton said: “The renovation has been an amazing voyage of discovery and we’ve been overwhelmed by the warmth and enthusiastic support we’ve received from the community especially over the last few weeks.
29 – 31 October Wellington College
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“We have a fabulous team here who want to complement our beautiful building with the highest standards of food, drinks and service. We are also looking forward to getting involved with Wokingham’s annual events and other activities.” The Rose Inn is The Oakman Group’s 36th opening and eighth since March last year. Dermot King, company CEO, said: “We are very proud of what we’ve created here in Wokingham’s town centre, and Will and his team are looking forward to The Rose Inn playing its part in the community once again. We’re encouraged by the feedback we’ve received so far but could only have achieved this with the help of our investors.”
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Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Hit after hit after hit thanks to Manfred Mann
Justin and Paul are back, oh yes they are
Paul Jones can’t wait to return to The Hexagon next month ... it’s going to be a great night he says, not least because the Manfreds are sharing the stage with Georgie Fame. PHIL CREIGHTON finds out more
T
HE SOUND of the Sixties is, for many of us, the soundtrack to our lives. The songs created by pioneering pop bands have stuck around, used not just on gold radio stations, but on adverts, film soundtracks and in plays.
For 80s children, 5-4-3-2-1 means a chocolate bar. For 90s children, 1-2-3-4-5 is The Spice Girls riffing for the launch of Channel 5. And for 60s children, well, it’s the sound of Ready Steady Go, one of those early pop music shows, from the days when pirates ruled the airwaves. It’s the work of Manfred Mann, one of many hits including Pretty Flamingo, Mighty Quinn and Do Wah Diddy. All of which have had proven staying power. The band formed in 1962, and they enjoyed three number one hits in the UK, plus another 13 Top 10 entries. Like The Beatles and The Animals, the band led the British invasion of America and had a great decade. But they disbanded, not reforming until 1991, for the 50th birthday of bandmate Tom McGuiness. And it is this incarnation that has carried on performing. One of the leading lights is Paul Jones, who has enjoyed success away from the band as an actor, singer and host – for many years a regular on Radio 2 with a blues show. Next month, the band will be back at The Hexagon for their Maximum Rhythm n’ Blues show, with special guest Georgie Fame, who had three number ones of his own: Yeh Yeh, Get Away and The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde. It’s sure to be a great night of music. Paul said: “Not only is it exciting to think that The Manfreds might actually be able to play together on tour again at last; that the great Georgie Fame will be back with us as well; that our friends and fans, starved of live music from us for so long, will refresh their memories with the real thing once more; but also that these loved, cherished and much-missed venues – and the people who work in and look after them – will once again host us and make us welcome.”
Justin Fletcher is writing and starring in this year’s Beauty and the Beast at The Hexagon, along with co-star Paul Morse. Picture: Reading Arts / Philip Tull
J
USTIN FLETCHER says he is, like most of us, incredibly excited about this year’s Hexagon pantomime.
Paul Jones enjoys performing Picture: Rob Blackman He admits that he had carried on doing the occasional gigs over the past year, as covid circumstances permit, including a few warmup dates. “Touring is much more intense, I’m really looking forward to it,” he says. “I’m trying to organise myself, so I don’t wear myself out. “There’s a massive adrenaline boost when you think, oh my goodness, we’re on in five minutes. Having Georgie Fame with us is a big plus and a big excitement. It’s something to look forward to very enthusiastically.” With gold stations playing Manfred hits very regularly, surely there’s no need to see the band live? “There’s a really, really quite considerable difference,” Paul says. “Just sitting there, or standing there, close to the actual people who were creating the stuff you’re listening to, it’s a whole different thing. “I love listening to people’s records because they’re great, they’ve been carefully produced, mixed and mastered. “That’s the advantage of recording, getting it perfect, get the right sort of sheen on it that you want. That’s really just to compensate you for not having the people there in front of you. “Nothing replaces having
that close feeling. It’s something you can’t replicate.” And it’s a two-way street. Paul says the audiences in the front rows get some eye contact as he sings, and that helps the performances. And he’s learning that he doesn’t have to sing everything. Well, not any more… “I remember Gerry Marsden saying to the Manfreds, ‘You guys work too hard’. I said, ‘What do you mean? We played the music.’ ‘Yes, he said and you sing it as well’.” Paul says Gerry encouraged him to sing the first line “and leave the audience to do the rest”. He smiles. When Paul started in music, he was riding the crest of a wave as Britain shook off the post-war period and discovered its original Cool Britannia. Did he know he was going to be a musician for life? “Yes,” he says. “I always thought it was a lifelong career. My early role models were bluesmen and some of them went on working until they’re in their 90s. So I always thought it was forever.” That’s something that’s to our favour. The Manfreds have just released 5-4-3-2-1: The Greatest Hits, featuring 20 songs and everyone a winner. Tracks include Just Like A Woman, My Name Is Hack, Fox On the Run and Sweet Pea,
among others. The band are looking forward to returning to The Hexagon next month, “a lovely venue to play”, and he’s been to see other acts perform here too. That’s a vote of confidence for Reading’s favourite sixsided venue. And the show itself? “The music is fantastic,” he promises. “When you consider how many hits there are between The Manfreds, all the individual Manfreds, Georgie Fame’s hits, we actually cannot get everything into the evening, but we’ll do our very, very best. “It’s an amazing collection of stuff.” He adds: “We also permit ourselves to go out on a limb and do things that we haven’t even recorded, or recorded rather obscurely. We just decide that, hey, we’ve never done that, let’s do it. So there will be stuff you’ve never heard us do. “So, hey, it’s worth it. It’s worth the money, worth the ticket.” n Maximum Rhythm N’ Blues will be at The Hexagon, Reading on Saturday, November 6. Tickets cost £31.50 or £33.50. For more details, contact the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to www.whatsonreading. com n The band are also at the Wycombe Swan on Wednesday, November 17.
Imagine Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast will be his ninth appearance in Reading’s festive show, and the second time he’s appeared in it, but don’t expect the same old jokes – he’s writing the show himself. Delayed a year due to the pandemic, it follows on from 2019’s Cinderella, which was the first he penned. “Although I’ve appeared in many pantomimes, I had never written a panto script before, so I was thrilled at the response that Cinderella received,” the CBeebies megastar says. If you saw it, you’ll no doubt have many fond memories particularly of the slapstick between Justin and his partner in crime Paul Morse, who is returning to play the dame. Just say ‘Balloon’ and many of you will burst out laughing, two years on. This Christmas, Justin is playing Billy Pastry, a young apprentice at a bakery, with Paul’s dame as his mum. “I’m very much looking forward to working with Paul again, he is a very generous performer and gets my style of comedy,” Justin says. Paul says that the pair have worked together so closely that they only have to look at each other to know what the other will do next. “We’re just raring to go,” says Paul. “Justin and I want this year to be the biggest pantomime ever. “After all, we enjoy the fun just as much as the audience … we have a whale of a time and we get paid to do it.” The laughter matters to Justin, who says: “For me, that’s what pantomime is all about, creating happiness through entertainment. “There’s nothing better than hearing the sound of families, both old and young, coming together and sharing joy and laughter at the same time. “Pantomime is such a great shared experience and a perfect platform for this.” Justin is promising more slapstick fun, and is also sculpting Beauty
around the actors, ensuring the songs, the jokes and the spectacle all sparkle to ensure Reading’s Christmas is the best it can be. His shows have been hugely successful, breaking box office records. One of the reasons he cares so much is that he is a local lad, seeing pantos at The Hexagon when he was a Young Tumble. “It means so much to me, especially at the time of year when families come together and visit the theatre to see the pantomime,” he says. “It’s very rare for shows to appeal to both young and old in equal measures and performing at Christmas has an extra layer of magic.” Of course, covid means that things will be slightly different this year and for Imagine Theatre’s producer, Steve Boden, that brings an element of sadness. One big change is the lack of a junior ensemble. “Not being able to have children in Beauty and the Beast breaks my heart, we know that they have had a tough 18 months, but at the tail end of a global pandemic we couldn’t,” he says. “But we are exploring ways to engage with young people in the Beauty and the Beast audiences, and we will ensure there are auditions in 2022.” Aside from that, it will be business as usual, he promises. “We know there is huge demand for pantomime, people are so enthusiastic to be back, Justin and Paul will be back on form. You’ll laugh and enjoy the fun, the spectacle and the music.” The Hexagon and Imagine Theatre are once again arranging relaxed and signed performances, with covid-safe measures in place. Steve says tickets are selling fast and “Theatre is safe to return to”. Paul says: “Everyone is so excited the show, it will have all the best routines, and some old favourites. Book now to avoid missing out, come along and have a blooming good laugh together.” Justin adds: “We cannot wait to see you all at The Hexagon this Christmas. We’ve missed you dearly and cannot wait to welcome you back.”
PHIL CREIGHTON
Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
NEWS | 11
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NEW FIRE STATION
ON CALL: The crew at Crowthorne Fire Station gather round the sign pointing out that these are facilities shared between fire, ambulance and police crews
e of the VIPs who gathered at the launch of the new Crowthorne Fire Station last Friday. The station has mony from taking place Pictures: Stewart Turkington Wellington College, used while the new site was erected. “Wellington College were absolutely amazing in providing the facilities for us,” she said. “It wasn’t a squeeze, the area they provided for us were massive,
we managed to have all our kit available there and we were still able to respond efficiently for our call outs as well.” Now, of course, it’s the brave new world of the 21st century. “The new site has definitely boosted
SMART: The facade of the new building, off Crowthorne’s High Street morale here,” she explained. “It’s a place where we want to be, with all the facilities here. “If we’ve got work to do during the day, we can come down and use the community room if it’s available. We’ve got a big office too – it’s all good. “The facilities are amazing compared
to the old station,” she added. “We’ve got a lovely big gym here, and the community room.” With the shared use by other emergency services, she said: “It helps the ambulance crews with their response time, and they’re able to use the facilities too.”
Woman has bag snatched on road A WOMAN was attacked during a robbery along a Lower Earley street last week, and police are looking for witnesses. The incident took place as the victim walked along Toseland Way around 6.05pm on Tuesday, October 12. Thames Valley Police said that she felt a tug on the handbag shoulder strap. Turning around, she saw the thief, who ordered her to hand over the bag. She tried to fight him off, but he pulled the bag from her, causing her to fall to the ground. The thief then ran off towards Rushey Way. Although the victim tried to chase him, she fell and tripped. Later, she found her bag on the grass, with no sign of the suspect, described as a white man, of skinny build, around 5ft 9in to 5ft 11in tall, who appeared to be around 25. He was wearing a dark coloured hoodie with the hood over his head, and a dark coloured winter coat. Although the victim was left with a sore shoulder, she did not require hospital treatment. Investigating Officer Detective Constable Tracey McQueen, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “We are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to please come forward following this robbery.
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Physiotherapy for the elderly in and around Berkshire
The importance of wheelchair assessments
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
‘River health is important for our health’ says Sonning team
T
HERE are many reasons why someone has the need for a wheelchair, including reduced balance and strength. Sometimes people may not need a wheelchair if they successfully improve their balance and strength through Physiotherapy. Arranging a wheelchair increases a person's independence and mobility and gives them the opportunity to carry out day-to-day tasks independently. It is very important that before ordering a wheelchair that an assessment is carried out by an
Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist. This will ensure that the most suitable wheelchair can be recommended for the specific clinical requirements. It will take into consideration lifestyle, home environment and the needs of any careers or others who will be handling the wheelchair. The use of a wheelchair can vary enormously from person to person, so it is vital that this is established at the wheelchair assessment so that this can be taken into consideration. Badly fitting wheelchairs can cause a multitude of problems for someone including hip pain, difficulty transferring, bad posture, pressure sores and be a waste of money. At Therapies on Thames we do not recommend buying an expensive wheelchair. Instead of buying, we can arrange the hire of a wheelchair. This will give our patients peace of mind about maintenance and the flexibility to alter it if their needs changed in future. Therapies on Thames can assist in assessment for wheelchairs, and this can be done for people who are living independently at home or those who are residents in care homes. Our Occupational Therapists are experts in ensuring that people get the wheelchair that is right for them. Their role involves carrying out the assessment, assisting in ordering a suitable wheelchair, and assisting in testing out the wheelchair suitability. As Therapies on Thames offers a physiotherapy service as well as occupational therapy, it is possible for people to also benefit from this. Our physiotherapists can work with patients to build on muscle strength so that they are able to regain as much movement as possible and are able to transfer independently. Our physiotherapists can also help patients with specific exercises that they can do in their wheelchairs. If you think that you or a loved one would benefit from a wheelchair assessment, whether it be the first time getting a wheelchair or an assessment of a current wheelchair, then please do get in touch and speak to a member of our team on 0118 907 6345.
0118 907 6345
7 day service to meet your needs
www.therapiesonthames.co.uk
JOINGING IN: Even the littles one came along to help out
RUBBISH: The volunteers collected three boats-worth of waste
THANK YOU: Hannah Hyland thanked the community for all their hard work All pictures: Liam Barnes
EXCLUSIVE By Charlotte King cking@wokingham.today THE RIVER is running clearer in Sonning, thanks to a team of hard-working residents.
On Sunday, October 17, more than 30 people took to the waters to clean the River Thames — and pulled out three boat-loads of rubbish. The eco-friendly event was organised by Hannah Hyland, founder of Greener Health Physiotherapy, and was visited by Maidenhead MP Theresa May, whose constituency includes the village. “[Mrs] May came down in the rain and supported some school pupils taking part, so good on her,” Ms Hyland said. “It was a real collaboration of the local community.” She said people arrived throughout the day to collect rubbish, which was pulled from the river’s banks and the water. The event was organised in partnership with Surfers Against Sewage, Thames Rescue Services, Sonning C of E Primary School, Sonning Parish Council, Thames Valley Rotary Club and The Village Hamper. “We had people from Maidenhead, Twyford, Reading, Newtown and further afield,” Ms Hyland said. “People had a great day and we had great feedback, with a whole range of ages on board. “From three-years-old to 80-years-old, the whole community took part.” The organiser, who recently launched her physiotherapy firm in Sonning, said she was inspired to help arrange a river clean after learning about the status of the River Thames. “It was declared biologically dead 50 years
ago,” Ms Hyland explained, “and it fails to meet chemical standards. “We were pulling out a lot of physical pollution, including crisp packets and plastic bottles, but pollution comes from a lot of different things. “The idea was to get the entire community on board and raise awareness of the problem of pollution, to get people thinking about how they use plastic.” She said residents also unearthed chairs, blow up mattresses and a shopping trolley - and found the amount of pollution “devastating”. “It’s heartbreaking for our future generation, but it’s also bittersweet,” she added. “We’ve managed to collect all the rubbish, but it was really hard and we barely made a dent. “The more you collect, the more it draws your awareness to it.” Ms Hyland hopes Sunday’s event will inspire the older generations to keep litter-picking and change their habits. “My daughter is five-years-old and I fear for her generation,” she said. “But they’re on it. My daughter will pick up litter on the way to school and a lot of others do too. “It’s like there’s been a change in the kids and they’re already aware we need to do more, and it’s us adults who are stuck in an old frame of mind and need to change.” And she said the group plans to make river cleans a seasonal event in Berkshire and beyond. “We want to go both ways down the River Thames now,” Ms Hyland continued. “With the turnout being so good and everyone being so keen, we want to travel towards Henley and Marlow and beyond Reading. “Healthy water is vital for our health and all of this rubbish in the water is going to affect us.”
Top team announced for Lib Dems shadow exec THE new leader of Wokingham’s Liberal Democrats has unveiled his shadow executive. Earlier this month, Cllr Clive Jones stepped up from the role of deputy to take charge of the group. He succeeds Cllr Lindsay Ferris, who led the party for five years. He is staying in the leadership
team to oversee its response to the draft local plan and plans from Wokingham to bring elements of the Public Proection Partnership back under council control. “Lindsay did a fantastic job for us and moved our number of councillors from five to 18”, said Cllr Jones. “He will be remaining as a
SUPPORT: Maidenhead MP Theresa May came out to support the efforts
TEAM: The residents teamed up with a whole host of groups, including Surfers Against Sewage
very important part of the council group as the lead member for the Local Plan and Public Protection Partnership.” Another former Lib Dem leader is Cllr Prue Bray, and she will support Cllr Jones and his deputy, Cllr Stephen Conway, by sharing her knowledge of the borough council and how it works. She will also carry on with her role as children’s services spokesperson. Councillors Rachel Bishop Firth
and Ian Shenton will take on the roles of Supporting Residents on Low Incomes and Environment, Sports & Leisure respectively. Senior Cllrs such as Cllr Imogen Shepherd Dubey and David Hare continue in their roles as Finance and Equalities lead and Adult Social Care. “We will continue to hold the ruling conservative group at Wokingham to account,” Cllr Jones added.
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Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Shinfield man shares trauma to spread message of hope in book By Jess Warren jwarren@wokingham.today
HOPE: Henry Willsher has spoken about his experience in the hopes of helping others Picture: courtesy of Mr Willsher
A SHINFIELD man is sharing his story of abuse, trauma, mental illness and subsequent spiritual awakening in a new book.
Henry Willsher hopes that by sharing his experience of childhood abuse, it can teach people about mental illness, and offer hope. Mr Willsher was one of 15 children abused in the Orkney child sex abuse scandal of 1991. In his book, Whatever Happened to the ‘W’ Children?, Mr Willsher said that the book follows his journey from a childhood of abuse on an island farm, to institutional failure and mismanagement of the case. Written in spring this year, after his mother’s death in February, Mr Willsher said the writing process was cathartic. He had considered writing it earlier in his life, but his mother asked him to hold off until she passed away, he explained. “In many ways, the book was already written in my head,” he said. “It took me two to three months. I lived it, I was there, it just needed to be put together. “At some point, I realised I had to make sense of my past in order to move forward.” He said that writing the first
Police warn over Winnersh burglaries
few chapters, discussing the abuse from his father, were more difficult. “It hit me what Mum went through,” he said. “There was a lot of abuse that she put up with, that we never saw. “She had 15 children and spent the best part of 20 years pregnant.” He said that the book is not an explanation of the 1991 case, but focuses on his siblings’ struggle with mental illness. It explores his own experiences within the care
Butchers and bakery to open
TIMES ARE changing at Squire’s as the Wokingham garden centre prepares to launch a new dining area. Next month, the centre on Heathlands Road will open a new cafe and food hall. The Café Bar will serve pizza made on site and includes an outside terrace. The Food Hall will feature pantry essentials, cakes and spirits. A new butcher’s and bakery will also open their doors on site. JL Butchers will move from West Byfleet, in Surrey, to Squire’s, and Cavan Bakery will also launch at the centre to sell sweet and savoury baked goods. JL Butchers was previously voted Butchers Shop of the Year in the Surrey Life Food and Drink Awards 2019. Sarah Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, said she is looking forward to the opening day. “Supporting local suppliers has been part of our philosophy for more than 85 years, so I am very pleased to welcome Cavan Bakery and award-winning JL Butchers to Squire’s,” she said. “I also can’t wait for customers to come and enjoy our new Café Bar, which will be a great place for the local community to meet and enjoy delicious food and drink.”
system. “It begins as a memoir and ends as a message of hope,” Mr Willsher explained. “We all suffer our own demons and overcome them. The overriding aspect is my spiritual journey through mental illness.” Mr Willsher said the book explores the impact on some of his other siblings, and how the effects of abuse can be wideranging. “I hope it will be a useful tool for people to understand how
Council tackles extremism
THE BOROUGH council is leading an extremism strategy to keep the community safe. It is working with police, health and probation services and schools on the Government’s new Prevent Strategy. Launched to safeguard adults and children who may be vulnerable to extremism or radicalisation, the initiative will include a series of campaigns targeted at residents. Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhood and communities, said: “We all have a responsibility to keep our community safe. “There is no single profile of a person likely to become drawn into extremist and terrorist ideologies and behaviours, but we must be aware of the signs which could indicate a person is at risk. “We work closely with our partners to identify risks which may impact on the borough. If you have any concerns, please get in touch.” According to Wokingham Borough Council, there are a number of signs somebody is being drawn towards extremism, including becoming withdrawn and using language that suggests an “us and them” way of thinking. Over the half term holiday, it will launch its first strategy campaign on internet safety.
mental illness is integrated into life, allowing people to forgive themselves and others,” he said. The author said he experienced a profound spiritual awakening after feeling as though he could not live with himself any longer. He said he wanted to end the internal monologue that caused him suffering, and did this by separating his thoughts from himself. “From there, I started doing things for more than myself, for charities, to leave an impact,” he
said. Mr Willsher now works as a counsellor for Greyfriars Church in Reading, outside of his dayjob as a mechanical engineer. Whatever Happened to the ‘W’ Children? was released on Friday, October 1, by Olympia Publishers. It costs £7.99 and some of the proceeds go to the Mental Health Foundation and another mental health charity.
n For more information, or to buy a copy of the book, visit: olympiapublishers.com
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to multiple burglaries in Winnersh. At around 8.53pm on Tuesday, October 12, a woman in her 20s returned home to find her house in Delane Drive had been broken into. The offender was described as a male of average build. Police said he broke into the house through the kitchen window and left the property at the back of the garden towards Churchill Drive. However nothing was taken from the house. Two days later, a man in his 90s, returned home around 8pm to find his house in Sturges Road had been burgled. The intruder had gained entry to the house through a rear window before stealing £600 in cash. On leaving, the offender bolted the door from the inside. Investigating Officer, PC Kelly Ware, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “The details of these incidents, and others in the area, have similar ways of gaining entry. “We understand these incidents may be concerning to the community, so we recommend to ensure that you close and lock all of your windows and doors before you leave the house. Residents can make a report by calling 101 and quoting reference number 43210464373.
COME ONE COME ALL TO THE GREATEST SHOW IN WINNERSH Saturday 30th October 12pm - Late FRESH PIZZA SERVED ALL DAY
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Letters destroyed in post box arson LETTERS in a Finchampstead post box were destroyed at the weekend by a fire. PC Adam Young, of the Bracknell and Wokingham division in Thames Valley Police, said letters in the Royal Mail box on the junction of
Gorse Ride North and Barkham Ride were burnt in a fire. He said it would affect any documents posted after the collection on Saturday. “If urgent or important communications were made via this method, they will need
to be re-sent,” he said in a post on social media. He urged anyone with information about the arson attack to call 101 quoting reference 43210467498 or make an anonymous report via Crimestoppers.
0118 978 4529
www.the-pheasant-hotel.co.uk 355 Reading Road, Winnersh, RG41 5LR
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
Plasma centre campaigns for more donors
PLASMA donors are being urged to come forward in Reading, after around 140 appointments are going empty every week. The donor centre, on Kings Road, is at just 40% capacity each day. And the NHS is reaching out to social media and public places as part of its campaign to get more volunteers. Paula Ussher, Reading Plasma Donor Centre manager, said plasma is a “powerful, lifesaving part of our blood”. “Since donation restarted we’ve had many fantastic people come in to donate but we still see too many empty chairs every day,” she said. Plasma is used to make medicines full of donor antibodies which fight infections. The medicine, immunoglobulin, is used to strengthen the immune systems of people with lifethreatening diseases. Ms Ussher added: “In the next few months, we need thousands more people to start donating at our donor centre. “Plasma donation is safe and easy, it doesn’t take long, and you will help save and improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the country.” n To donate, call 0300 123 23 23, or log on to: blood.co.uk/plasma
Become bus charity of the year
Liz Bird, Louise Simpkins and Nicole Foster with Joyce Goodwin (seated) on the Health and Wellbeing stand
HELPING HAND: Nick Durman on the Healthwatch stand All pictures: Steve Smyth
EARLEY TEAMS HOST WELLBEING FAYRE A COMMUNITY and Wellbeing Fayre was held this weekend, to help look after residents. On Saturday, the health and wellbeing team at the Earley+ Primary Care Network, which includes Brookside Group Practice and Wilderness Road Surgery, hosted the event. It was held at the Salvation Army, Lower Earley, and brought together organisations and charities who wanted to show how they can support people’s wellbeing. Stall holders included Citzens
Advice Wokingham, CAP, Involve, The Link Visiting Scheme, The Friendship Alliance, Reading Men’s Shed, The Cowshed, the Men’s Shed. HealthWatch, Cranstoun, and Earley Help Hub. Nichole Foster, health and wellbeing service team lead at Brookside Group Practise, said there were roughly 70 visitors on the day. She said: “I have already had two patients tell me that they plan to attend groups such as the Earley Day Centre and the Men’s Shed groups which they met
Our colleagues are fundamental to supporting children’s early learning and development. Whether you are qualified or unqualified, working full time or part time, a career in Early Years is massively rewarding. No two days are the same in our nursery and we want to ensure you are having as much fun as the little people we care for.
Jacqueline and Roger Coates on the Salvation Army stand
The Earley Day Centre Stand
n To make an application, visit: www.reading-buses.co.uk/coty
women’s and children’s facility, and a local medical school. The trust is now working on an outline business case, including various potential new locations, before reducing it down to a shortlist and then making a decision on which option to go for, with the aim of getting the best value for money. Ms Foster said the treasury will have the final say on which plans go ahead but the trust would “pull the information together to help make that decision and make a case for what is best for the needs of the population”. She added: “We will put forward proposals that are good value for money. “But it is still within the gift of the treasury to say we only have £200 million, and that is all we can give you.” The Government has not yet announced how much funding the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust will get for a new hospital. While work to construct a new hospital will not start
until 2025 at the earliest, work to improve accessibility at the hospital will not have to wait. Ramona Bridgman, chairwoman of the Reading Families Forum, who earlier this year raised concerns about accessibility, asked what plans there are to improve this issue. Ms Foster said: “If we got the goahead tomorrow for funding to build a new hospital, we know if it was a hospital off-site, it’s probably going to take the best part of four or five years minimum, probably a lot longer. “We can’t wait that long to make improvements to what we’ve already got.” She said a series of proposals to improve accessibility would be considered in December by the trust’s estates committee. On the target of going net zero carbon by 2045, which would include staff travel but not patient transport, Ms Foster said it would be a struggle if the new hospital is built at the current site.
Hospital rebuild plans start in 2025
Join our team Extraordinary careers in Early Years
at the event, and were grateful to have been put in touch with them.” One resident who went along said: “I’m so pleased I went to the Fayre on Saturday, it was very informative with leaflets on the different activities so you don’t forget about the ones you were interested in.” The afternoon event aimed to showcase support on offer and help residents feel connected. Many of the stallholders said it was a fantastic way to gather referrals, as well as volunteers.
READING BUSES is appealing to the public for help finding its next ‘charity of the year’. The travel operator is calling on residents to nominate an organisation to be supported in 2022. Jake Osman, Reading Buses marketing and communications manager, said: “We know that charities have, like all sectors, been hard hit by the pandemic and need a lot of support. “We are looking to start a new partnership in 2022 with a dynamic charity that can benefit from our presence. “Ideally we are looking for a local charity or a national charity with a strong local presence.” Reading Buses will support its ‘charity of the year’ throughout the next year with social media posts, screens and posters on buses and routes, and fundraising events. “The main fundraising activity is our popular open day which we are looking forward to re-starting in July 2022 following the cancellation of the previous two years due to Covid-19 restrictions,” Mr Osman added. “The open day provides the bulk of the year’s fundraising with the company, generating around £10k for our charity partner.
£1000 joining bonus
SCAN ME FOR LATEST VACANCIES
www.childbasepartnership.com
By Laura Scardarella lscardarella@wokingham. A NEW BUILD for Royal Berkshire Hospital is set to begin in 2025 at the earliest, according to hospital trust chiefs.
After securing a share of the £3.7 billion government programme, the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust outlined its plans for a new hospital at Reading’s Health and Wellbeing Board on Friday, October 8. As reported by Wokingham. Today in October last year, the Trust shared its initial idea for the rebuild, which had been confirmed by the prime minister. It is one of 48 hospital trusts across the country that will receive funding to rebuild or construct new hospitals. Alison Foster, programme director at the trust, revealed the current hospital needs maintenance work totalling almost £200 million, along with the need for more clinical space, transport issues, and a desire to go carbon net zero. The redevelopment will include an emergency care block, an elective centre for planned hospital care, a new
Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
‘Give the gift of choice’ with First Days this Christmas By Charlotte King cking@wokingham.today
FESTIVE SPIRIT: First Days Children’s Charity is appealing for cash donations this year to give families more choice Picture: Eugene Zhyvchik via Unsplash
A WOKINGHAM charity is asking the public to change the way it donates this festive season.
First Days Children’s Charity is appealing for cash donations this year in a bid to buy more personal Christmas gifts for children in need. Last year, the anti-poverty organisation redistributed £85,000 worth of gifts to more than 1,500 children in the region. But in 2021, it wants to offer more “dignity, choice and power” to the families it serves. “At First Days, everything we do aims to restore dignity, choice and power to families with a low income,” a charity spokesperson said. “[These] three things are so often taken away from people when they’re experiencing times of hardship and do not have financial autonomy.” The charity said while Christmas is an exciting time for many in Wokingham borough, it can be stressful for anyone struggling to make ends meet. “The parent or carer might dread this period, knowing that they can’t afford to
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Explore life and death RESIDENTS can take a journey to the underworld next month at an interactive University of Reading museum event exploring Ancient Greek and Egyptian beliefs about life after death. The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, on the University’s Whiteknights campus, is hosting the event, Live forever, Welcome to the Underworld, on Friday, November 19, from 6pm to 10pm as part of the national Being Human Festival, an annual celebration of the humanities. There will also be arts and crafts activities and the chance to see real ancient Greek and Egyptian artefacts. Dr Claudina Romero Mayorga, Ure Museum education officer, said:
“In keeping with the 2021 festival theme of renewal, we are recreating the ancient Egyptian and Greek underworlds, which were not about death at all, but about regeneration and rebirth. “This event is a unique opportunity to not only see some of the beautiful items ancient people placed in their tombs thousands of years ago, but experience first hand the stories depicted on them.” The 2021 Being Human festival aims to champion the excellence of humanities research in the UK, highlight its relevance today, and showcase how the humanities help people understand themselves, their relationships with others and their challenges.
World famous snapper hosts talk in Wokingham
buy gifts,” the spokesperson continued. “Although children received wonderful gifts [from us last year], feedback from some of the parents we helped was that they felt oversupplied with presents and were put in a position with an unsustainable standard or expectation for future Christmases or birthdays. “Taking such an impersonal decision about what a child receives reduces the value to the child and removes all choice from the
parent or guardian.” The charity is asking residents to donate £20 for one present for each child this winter, which can then be chosen by their parent or guardian. The spokesperson added: “Choice is everything, especially at Christmas, and this year we want to give families the gift of choice. “What every parent or carer wants is to choose a meaningful gift for their child [and] many of us are lucky enough to choose presents for our children we know they
One of the country’s foremost independent girls’ schools from 3-18
will love. “By making a donation to First Days, you are helping families [enjoy] that magical feeling of seeing your child’s face light up on Christmas morning.” First Days Children’s Charity will also work with groups across Reading and Wokingham throughout the winter season to offer parents the chance to choose stocking gifts for their children.
n To find out more, or to make a donation, visit: www. firstdays.net
A WORLD famous photographer is coming to Wokingham next month. Charlie Waite, a leading global landscape photographer, will make an appearance at the Whitty Theatre. He will be hosted by Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club (WEBCC) to share his passion for taking the perfect shot. Mr Waite, who founded the ‘UK Landscape Photographer of the Year’ title, will host a talk called Behind the Photograph. A WEBCC spokesperson said: “He is a well-known face on television, often discussing the finer aspects of landscape photography.”
Mr Waite is also the owner and founder of Light and Land, a European photo workshop and tour company. “He is an entertaining and inspirational speaker for those with an interest in Landscape Photography, and many of his wonderful images will be familiar,” the spokesperson added. “The evening should be very special, and one not to be missed.” Tickets are limited, so early booking is advised. The session will take place on Thursday, November 4 at 7:30pm. Entry costs £10. n For more information, visit: www. webcc.org.uk
The Abbey invites you to our forthcoming virtual open events: Junior School - 10 November, 4.30 - 5.30pm Senior School - 8 November, 4.30 - 5.30pm Sixth Form - 3 November, 4.30 - 5.30pm
To register your place, please visit:
www.theabbey.co.uk/events
Abbey Virtuals 265x160.indd 1
07/10/2021 17:25
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WHAT’S BREWING
Town Hall painti my late husb
IN FINCHAMPSTEAD?
I
T is with great pride and excitement that we can announce the first Siren pub - the George & Dragon in Swallowfield! It’s no secret that we’ve always liked the idea of extending our Tap Yard offering into pubs and bars, but have always stuck doggedly to our message that it would only ever be when the timing was right, the place was right and we could do the new venue and ourselves justice. It’s fair to say there’s a love of pubs among the Siren team. Although the bright lights of city centre locations and the idea of taking the brewery Tap Yard to some of our favourite places to drink beer is still very much in our
thoughts, this is something a little bit different. The George & Dragon (or the G&D - as we have affectionately come to know it) is a beautiful country pub that has built a reputation over many years for its exceptional cooking, generous hospitality and atmospheric character. In the winter it’s cosy and comforting with open fires and hearty meals, while in the summer it’s perfect for beer garden pints and countryside walks. The pub itself dates back to the 17th Century and is a Grade 2 listed building. It has served many purposes over the years – being a coach house around the turn of the 20th Century, before becoming a pub. Over the past couple of months we’ve gradually begun to help where we can, introducing our beers to thirsty locals. We’re indebted to the existing team at the pub, lead by Rachel, who have agreed to stay on and join us as part of this new adventure for the brewery. At some point we envisage a gentle refurbishment, but right now, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pint of Siren beer with some delicious food.
By Charlotte King cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM artist says her late husband would be “proud” of her most recent work, after she painted the Town Hall in his memory.
WALKING: Hikers raise more than £10,000 Picture: Wes Hicks from Unsplash
Hikers raise thousands on 100km trek A GROUP of determined hikers have travelled more than 60 miles to raise money for a Wokingham charity. The Microsoft Milesters walked the Thames Path last month, a 100km (62 mile) route from Fulham to Henley-on-Thames to support First Days Children’s Charity. They raised more than £5,600 for the anti-poverty organisation. Emma Cantrell, CEO of First Days, says, “It’s an incredible effort from the Microsoft Milesters. It’s so meaningful to us when people who live and work in our community do sacrificial things to raise money for us. “It goes such a long way and that amount of money significantly
helps hundreds of children.” The group, which overshot its fundraising target of £3,600, will now give more than £10,000 to First Days as Microsoft plans to match their donation. “It’s phenomenal,” Emma adds. According to the charity CEO, for every pound saved, £4 will now be placed in a family budget. “This group has essentially saved £40,000 for families in the local area,” she explains. “They can now spend that money on essentials including food, fuel and anything that keeps life ticking over. “Taking on the Thames Path was a huge undertaking and we’re very, very grateful.”
Harvest time with Freely Fruity
Sunday, October 10 – 68kg, donated to New Beginnings, Reading. This week’s harvest included potatoes, carrots, spring onions, beetroots, radishes, cooking and eating apples, chard, spinach, kale, garlic, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, courgettes, runner beans, French beans, leeks, aubergines, pumpkins, cabbages, butternut squash, chillies and mixed herbs.
This week’s total – 68kg 2021 total so far – 1,603.6kg
Get ready, steady, bake Our Memento Best Bitter seems incredibly appropriate, but you’ll also find favourites like Soundwave, Pastel Pils and various specials fresh from the cold store just a few miles away. Its offering and opening times make it the perfect complement to our brewery tap. For more on the George & Dragon, you can head to the siren blog and/or the brand new George & Dragon website, both listed below. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook on @GeorgeDraonRG7. We’re not far from Wokingham, and just round the corner from the Tap Yard so we hope to see you here soon! Siren Blog - sirencraftbrew.com/pub George & Dragon - georgedragonpub.com
SIREN CRAFT BREW 18 Marino Way, Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate, Finchampstead RG40 4RF 0118 973 0929
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
A WOKINGHAM charity is encouraging people to ready, steady and bake for its new fundraiser. First Days Children’s Charity has launched a Great British Bake Off-inspired campaign to teach residents how to organise a bake sale. The ‘self-raising funds’ spreadsheet urges residents to “share a slice and a chat” to support the charity’s anti-poverty work. Emma Cantrell, founder of First Days, said the charity relies on the public to raise more than £100,000 every single year. “We raise money from various places, including grants and trusts, to get £200,000 to fund out service,” she explained. “But we also look to the general public for help. “Every little helps so if that means people bake some cakes and throw some money our way, we’re really glad.” She said the charity is always looking for new ways to inspire people to fundraise.
LET’S BAKE: First Days Children’s Charity is teaching the art of a cake sale Ms Cantrell added: “We live in such a lovely community of people who want to give so much of their time, resources and money. “We wouldn’t exist without them.” n To find out more, visit www. firstdays.net
Lynne Bellchamber has captured the historic building to remember her husband and former Wokingham Town councillor James Fox, who passed away suddenly last year. She says she chose to paint it because the building held a lot of meaning for James when he was alive. “James loved the Town Hall so much,” she says. “He used to mention quite often that it’d be lovely for me to paint it. “It was always in the back of my mind and especially since he died, so it felt like the right time.” Lynne and James moved to Wokingham from Eastbourne, where he grew up, after they had children. The artist, who spent her childhood in the town, says her late husband quickly made it his home too. “He loved Wokingham and threw himself into the town,” Lynne says. “He was always fascinated by the Town Hall and it came to represent him, because he often had meetings there. “He fell in love with the building and I then came to look at it quite differently when I saw how much it meant to him.” She adds: “I keep thinking [how James would feel] and he’d be really proud of me - I know he would. “He was always proud of me and he was proud of Wokingham, so I think he would have loved this painting.” Lynne, who The Wokingham resident, who had always wanted to be an artist after pursuing a degree in Fine Art, says she has relied on her creativity to process her husband’s death. “Without a doubt, painting has been a great way for me to express my emotions and has been a comfort
[since James died],” Lynne says. “He was 100% behind me in my art career and pushed me into it - I did it for him. “Alongside my two daughters, painting has pretty much been the thing that keeps me going.” And she is now considering producing more paintings of sights
Woodley youngster camps for Camp Mohawk A WOODLEY youngster has raised more than £1,000 for a cause close to his family’s heart. Dexter Rosier, 9, has been camping out every night in October to support Camp Mohawk, a Wargrave-based charity supporting children with special needs and their families. Dexter’s mum, Samantha, says he was inspired to take on the fundraiser because his brother, Archie, is a regular visitor to the site. “[Dexter] loves it [at Camp Mohawk] and it’s a very special place for him,” Samantha, who also works at Camp Mohawk, says. “He enjoys going there with Archie and has done fundraising for the charity in the past. “He’s such a sweet little boy and is always thinking of new and interesting projects to do.” Dexter has been camping in the back garden every single night since Friday, October 1. He plans to camp out until
Hallowe’en. “He says he loves the peace and quiet, and is even sleeping better because of it,” Samantha adds. “He’s only nine so it’s a big thing for him. “He says he hears lots of wildlife and I think I’ll struggle to get him back in the house.” So far, Dexter’s outdoor escapade has raised more than £1,300 for charity - but he hopes to donate £3,000 when the month is up. “It’s very ambitious, but so is he,” Samantha says. “I know he’d love to achieve £3,000 but what he’s got already is amazing. “A lot of the people that have donated already are other families that use Camp Mohawk too. “I’m so incredibly proud of him.” And this isn’t Dexter’s first rodeo, after taking on a series of charity challenges in the past. In March, he pledged to raise £100,000 for the NHS and has taken
LEISURETODAY
21.10.21
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
More than just a day at the races Half-term next week is certainly a time to celebrate. They know just how to do that at Ascot Racecourse: spooky fun, fireworks and racing too. PHIL CREIGHTON looks at what’s in store for visitors next weekend
I
T’S THE season to start getting excited ... and after the past 18 months, we could all do with something that sparkles.
Ascot Racecourse is preparing for a series of special events to mark autumn and the run-up to Christmas, and families are well and truly in mind. On Saturday, October 30, the Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday returns. For horseracing fans, there is the
£80,000 Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase . Taking place over three miles, it is a test of stamina for both horse and jockey with several of the previous winners going on to compete in the Grand National. And for younger visitors, the day coincides with an array of Hallowe’en themed family activities, including a ghost train and a haunted house to explore. There are also some friendlier rides for younger people.
All are free before 4pm, and £1 after, with proceeds going to help a range of Berkshire charities and schools supported through Ascot Racecourse’s partnership with the Ascot Round Table. Other activities include a wizard school and potion making, a creepy crawly petting zoo, pumpkin carving and a slime workshop. In the evening, the racecourse will be ablaze with light thanks to a 20-minute spectacular firework display. Organisers are promising that more than 20,000 shots will be fired into the air. Ascot Racecourse is hoping you will save the date for its Christmas event, seven days before December 25. The Howden Christmas Racing Weekend includes a day of jumps racing including the Grade One
Howden Long Walk Hurdle – one of the most prestigious long distance hurdle races in Britain, won by the likes of Big Buck’s, Thistlecrack and Paisley Park in recent years. The card concludes with the ultra-competitive Betfair Exchange Trophy over two miles worth £100,000 which is always an exciting finale to the day. And away from the racecourse there is a feast of family fun. Younger visitors will be able to enjoy festive arts and crafts. They can have their faces painted, there are bubble magicians on hand, and we hear that a certain Father Christmas, along with Mrs Christmas, will be in attendance. Santa will be tending to his reindeer, while Mrs Claus will invite children to join her round the fireplace for a story. The theme for the day will be Christmas Round The World, and
activities have a global view. There will be American cookie decorating, Canadian ice hockey shoot-outs, steel pan carollers, and furry mascots from every corner of the planet. Other fun includes fairground rides and candlelit carol singing, helped by the Ascot Brass Band. On Saturday, October 30, gates open from 10.30am, with the first race at 12.15pm. The fireworks will be from 6pm. The Christmas raceday is on Saturday, December 18 from 10.30am, with the first races from 12.40pm. Tickets are on sale and start at £27 for adults. Under 18s go free with a paying adult. Firework only tickets are available for Saturday, October 30. n For further information and to book visit: www.ascot.co.uk, call 0344 346 3000 or email enquiries@ascot.co.uk
18 | LEISURE
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St Agnes Fountain duo at Folk Club A DUO who has played more than 2,500 gigs will be appearing at Nettlebed Folk Club on Monday, October 25. Chris While and Julie Matthews are members of St Agnes Fountain and also awardwinning singer/songwriters and musicians. Organisers are promising an evening of powerful vocals with guitars and piano. The set is one of a number of gigs coming up at the club, which meets in the village club in Nettlebed’s High Street. On November 1, Cara Dillon will appear, followed by Talisk on November 8, Daoiri Farrell on November 15 and, on November 22, Coig. n For more details, call 01628 636620 for tickets or visit www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk
Blind tasting WINE lovers can tickle their taste buds at a special tasting at the Reading Biscuit Factory next week. The new community hub, on Broad Street Mall, will see Berks Fizz host a workshop of blind wine tasting for visitors to enjoy. The most famous sparkling wines of the world will be on display, including English sparkling against Champagne, Prosecco and more. This informal evening welcomes everyone, with no previous experience needed. n For more information, log on to readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
Half-term treats at South Hill Park
A
WEEK of fun is promised at South Hill Park this half-term, with adventures for all ages to enjoy.
On Monday, there is an hour of magic from Tom Brace. On Tuesday, Tarzanna is a show aimed at ages three to eight, and is nonverbal so it is especially suitable for people whose first language isn’t English, or they are deaf. It follows Anna, who doesn’t like the bugs in her garden, she likes to keep things clean and tidy. But her world is turned upside down when she is magically transported to a rainforest world. Suitable for all ages and featuring a cast of three actormusicians, original songs, dance and interactive storytelling, Pete Stays Home on Wednesday follows Pete, a happy, social young bear. But when winter comes, Pete must stay inside with his mum. How will he feel when the day to leave his cave finally arrives? The Snow Queen is on Friday, October 29, helping children have a fun introduction to ballet. World-record breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo makes mad music with his mouth on Saturday, October 30. And he’s after some help as he seeks to funny sounds,
LAUGHTER: Mates Rates Comedy heads to The Purple Turtle this Friday. Picture: Nick Byard
Enjoy a giggle thanks to Mates Rates at the Turtle
ON STAGE: Tarzanna is coming to South Hill Park this half-term brilliant noises and cool music. The South Hill Park cinema is the perfect place to get cosy and enjoy some family films. The line-up includes The Croods 2: A New Age from Fri 22 – Mon 25 Oct, Spirit Untamed –from Mon 25 – Thu 28 Oct. Plus, get in the
spooky Hallowe’en spirit with The Addams Family 2 from Wed 27 – Sun 31 Oct. Family tickets are available on all screenings. n For more details, or to book tickets, log on to www. southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on 01344 484123.
STAND up comedy in Reading returns to The Purple Turtle this Friday. Mates Rates Comedy has teamed up with the bar, on Gun Street, for a night of laughter, hosted by MC Carl Richard. And special guest headliner, Slim, will be stepping up to the mic to perform his stand-up set. After appearing on Channel 4’s Black British and Funny and Russell Howard Hour on Sky One, Slim’s multi-award winning 20 year career has seen him perform
to thousands across the world. He’ll also be joined at The Purple Turtle by comedian’s Geoff Steel and Ashish Suri. The show takes place at The Purple Turtle on Friday 22 October between 7:30pm9:30pm (doors open 7:00pm). Super advanced tickets cost £12.50, advanced tickets cost £15 and to buy on the door is £17.50, subject to availability. n For more information, or to book tickets, log on to: matesratescomedy.co.uk
LAURA SCARDARELLA
Catch Lexicon’s ghostly train
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THERE’S something spooky at Bracknell this half-term … go there if you dare! To celebrate school being out, The Lexicon is organising a special train ride through its streets. And with Hallowe’en just around the corner, the ride has a spooky theme. The Hallowe’en Express runs from Wednesday, October 27, through to Sunday, October 31. Riders can join in from outside Marks & Spencer. The train then loops around The Lexicon, travelling down Eagle Lane, along the High Street, turning into
Braccan Walk and back to The Avenue. To keep everyone as safe as possible, and with covid in mind, it will only be possible for each carriage, which seats six, to accommodate people from the same household. All carriages will be cleaned in-between each trip. Sue Boor, head of marketing at The Lexicon says: “We really wanted to do something fun in the town centre that everyone could enjoy. “The Hallowe’en Express was a big hit in previous years, and
while we are having to operate it a little differently this year, we hope people will enjoy this fun activity.” The ride runs from 11am to 6pm daily except for Hallowe’en when it stops at 5pm. Trips cost £1 per passenger, plus a card processing fee, and need to be paid via contactless methods. Money will be donated to The Lexicon Charity Fund, managed with Berkshire Community Foundation [BCF], an independent charity that connects local people with local causes and projects.
Reading Lions to light up skies FIREWORKS will be lighting up the skies in Reading for a special charity fundraiser next month. Reading Lions, a club which assists the young, elderly and disadvantaged through community projects, is hosting its Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday, November 6. A funfair, food stalls, drinks will make up the family-friendly event, which takes place on Scours Place, Tilehurst. And there’s prize’s to be won for the best children’s Hallowe’en costumes. This year the organisation has partnered with 12 local schools and a scout group. Each group promotes the event with a unique link and receives a donation to their PTAs from each ticket sold. All proceeds raised will be used to support people in need and community groups through the Reading Lions charity. n For more information, log on to: readinglions.org. uk
LEISURE | 19
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Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Hit after hit after hit thanks to Manfred Mann
Justin and Paul are back, oh yes they are
Paul Jones can’t wait to return to The Hexagon next month ... it’s going to be a great night he says, not least because the Manfreds are sharing the stage with Georgie Fame. PHIL CREIGHTON finds out more
T
HE SOUND of the Sixties is, for many of us, the soundtrack to our lives. The songs created by pioneering pop bands have stuck around, used not just on gold radio stations, but on adverts, film soundtracks and in plays.
For 80s children, 5-4-3-2-1 means a chocolate bar. For 90s children, 1-2-3-4-5 is The Spice Girls riffing for the launch of Channel 5. And for 60s children, well, it’s the sound of Ready Steady Go, one of those early pop music shows, from the days when pirates ruled the airwaves. It’s the work of Manfred Mann, one of many hits including Pretty Flamingo, Mighty Quinn and Do Wah Diddy. All of which have had proven staying power. The band formed in 1962, and they enjoyed three number one hits in the UK, plus another 13 Top 10 entries. Like The Beatles and The Animals, the band led the British invasion of America and had a great decade. But they disbanded, not reforming until 1991, for the 50th birthday of bandmate Tom McGuiness. And it is this incarnation that has carried on performing. One of the leading lights is Paul Jones, who has enjoyed success away from the band as an actor, singer and host – for many years a regular on Radio 2 with a blues show. Next month, the band will be back at The Hexagon for their Maximum Rhythm n’ Blues show, with special guest Georgie Fame, who had three number ones of his own: Yeh Yeh, Get Away and The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde. It’s sure to be a great night of music. Paul said: “Not only is it exciting to think that The Manfreds might actually be able to play together on tour again at last; that the great Georgie Fame will be back with us as well; that our friends and fans, starved of live music from us for so long, will refresh their memories with the real thing once more; but also that these loved, cherished and much-missed venues – and the people who work in and look after them – will once again host us and make us welcome.”
Justin Fletcher is writing and starring in this year’s Beauty and the Beast at The Hexagon, along with co-star Paul Morse. Picture: Reading Arts / Philip Tull
J
USTIN FLETCHER says he is, like most of us, incredibly excited about this year’s Hexagon pantomime.
Paul Jones enjoys performing Picture: Rob Blackman He admits that he had carried on doing the occasional gigs over the past year, as covid circumstances permit, including a few warmup dates. “Touring is much more intense, I’m really looking forward to it,” he says. “I’m trying to organise myself, so I don’t wear myself out. “There’s a massive adrenaline boost when you think, oh my goodness, we’re on in five minutes. Having Georgie Fame with us is a big plus and a big excitement. It’s something to look forward to very enthusiastically.” With gold stations playing Manfred hits very regularly, surely there’s no need to see the band live? “There’s a really, really quite considerable difference,” Paul says. “Just sitting there, or standing there, close to the actual people who were creating the stuff you’re listening to, it’s a whole different thing. “I love listening to people’s records because they’re great, they’ve been carefully produced, mixed and mastered. “That’s the advantage of recording, getting it perfect, get the right sort of sheen on it that you want. That’s really just to compensate you for not having the people there in front of you. “Nothing replaces having
that close feeling. It’s something you can’t replicate.” And it’s a two-way street. Paul says the audiences in the front rows get some eye contact as he sings, and that helps the performances. And he’s learning that he doesn’t have to sing everything. Well, not any more… “I remember Gerry Marsden saying to the Manfreds, ‘You guys work too hard’. I said, ‘What do you mean? We played the music.’ ‘Yes, he said and you sing it as well’.” Paul says Gerry encouraged him to sing the first line “and leave the audience to do the rest”. He smiles. When Paul started in music, he was riding the crest of a wave as Britain shook off the post-war period and discovered its original Cool Britannia. Did he know he was going to be a musician for life? “Yes,” he says. “I always thought it was a lifelong career. My early role models were bluesmen and some of them went on working until they’re in their 90s. So I always thought it was forever.” That’s something that’s to our favour. The Manfreds have just released 5-4-3-2-1: The Greatest Hits, featuring 20 songs and everyone a winner. Tracks include Just Like A Woman, My Name Is Hack, Fox On the Run and Sweet Pea,
among others. The band are looking forward to returning to The Hexagon next month, “a lovely venue to play”, and he’s been to see other acts perform here too. That’s a vote of confidence for Reading’s favourite sixsided venue. And the show itself? “The music is fantastic,” he promises. “When you consider how many hits there are between The Manfreds, all the individual Manfreds, Georgie Fame’s hits, we actually cannot get everything into the evening, but we’ll do our very, very best. “It’s an amazing collection of stuff.” He adds: “We also permit ourselves to go out on a limb and do things that we haven’t even recorded, or recorded rather obscurely. We just decide that, hey, we’ve never done that, let’s do it. So there will be stuff you’ve never heard us do. “So, hey, it’s worth it. It’s worth the money, worth the ticket.” n Maximum Rhythm N’ Blues will be at The Hexagon, Reading on Saturday, November 6. Tickets cost £31.50 or £33.50. For more details, contact the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to www.whatsonreading. com n The band are also at the Wycombe Swan on Wednesday, November 17.
Imagine Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast will be his ninth appearance in Reading’s festive show, and the second time he’s appeared in it, but don’t expect the same old jokes – he’s writing the show himself. Delayed a year due to the pandemic, it follows on from 2019’s Cinderella, which was the first he penned. “Although I’ve appeared in many pantomimes, I had never written a panto script before, so I was thrilled at the response that Cinderella received,” the CBeebies megastar says. If you saw it, you’ll no doubt have many fond memories particularly of the slapstick between Justin and his partner in crime Paul Morse, who is returning to play the dame. Just say ‘Balloon’ and many of you will burst out laughing, two years on. This Christmas, Justin is playing Billy Pastry, a young apprentice at a bakery, with Paul’s dame as his mum. “I’m very much looking forward to working with Paul again, he is a very generous performer and gets my style of comedy,” Justin says. Paul says that the pair have worked together so closely that they only have to look at each other to know what the other will do next. “We’re just raring to go,” says Paul. “Justin and I want this year to be the biggest pantomime ever. “After all, we enjoy the fun just as much as the audience … we have a whale of a time and we get paid to do it.” The laughter matters to Justin, who says: “For me, that’s what pantomime is all about, creating happiness through entertainment. “There’s nothing better than hearing the sound of families, both old and young, coming together and sharing joy and laughter at the same time. “Pantomime is such a great shared experience and a perfect platform for this.” Justin is promising more slapstick fun, and is also sculpting Beauty
around the actors, ensuring the songs, the jokes and the spectacle all sparkle to ensure Reading’s Christmas is the best it can be. His shows have been hugely successful, breaking box office records. One of the reasons he cares so much is that he is a local lad, seeing pantos at The Hexagon when he was a Young Tumble. “It means so much to me, especially at the time of year when families come together and visit the theatre to see the pantomime,” he says. “It’s very rare for shows to appeal to both young and old in equal measures and performing at Christmas has an extra layer of magic.” Of course, covid means that things will be slightly different this year and for Imagine Theatre’s producer, Steve Boden, that brings an element of sadness. One big change is the lack of a junior ensemble. “Not being able to have children in Beauty and the Beast breaks my heart, we know that they have had a tough 18 months, but at the tail end of a global pandemic we couldn’t,” he says. “But we are exploring ways to engage with young people in the Beauty and the Beast audiences, and we will ensure there are auditions in 2022.” Aside from that, it will be business as usual, he promises. “We know there is huge demand for pantomime, people are so enthusiastic to be back, Justin and Paul will be back on form. You’ll laugh and enjoy the fun, the spectacle and the music.” The Hexagon and Imagine Theatre are once again arranging relaxed and signed performances, with covid-safe measures in place. Steve says tickets are selling fast and “Theatre is safe to return to”. Paul says: “Everyone is so excited the show, it will have all the best routines, and some old favourites. Book now to avoid missing out, come along and have a blooming good laugh together.” Justin adds: “We cannot wait to see you all at The Hexagon this Christmas. We’ve missed you dearly and cannot wait to welcome you back.”
PHIL CREIGHTON
20 | LEISURE
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
A powerhouse of magic
woman’s battle with life will help raise funds for charity. Three Dot Theatre is producing Wee Rosie at South Hill Park on Saturday, October 30. It looks at the life of a woman who grows up, becomes a mum, battles mental health and falls off an exercise bike. Organisers say that the play will make audiences laugh, cry and value time. The hour-long production takes place from 7pm at the Bracknell arts centre. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123 or log on to www.southhillpark.org.uk
ON MONDAY, an evening of baffling illusions will come to South Hill Park. Tom Brace is drawing on his childhood loves, including Roald Dahl, Cluedo a certain 1985 film for the show, called Embrace The Impossible! The evening fuses comedy with magic and some of his “totally pointless abilities”. The show is suitable for ages eight upwards and lasts an hour. Curtain up is at 7pm and tickets cost £16, £13 for under 16s and £52 for a family of four. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123 or log on to www.southhillpark.org.uk
Forever blowing bubbles
Let’s hear it for the youth
MEMBERS of the Berkshire Youth Symphony Orchestra will be performing at The Hexagon on Monday. The group comprises more than 100 of the most advanced and enthusiastic young orchestral musicians within Berkshire. The orchestra, conducted by John Traill will be performing Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No.2 in this concert. Tickets cost £17, £12 for concessions and £48 for a family. n For more details, log on to www. whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.
Sweet night out with Motown hits
AN EVENING of popular music is planned thanks to South Hill Park. The theatre is hosting How Sweet It Is, The Greatest Hits of Motown on Thursday, October 28. The live show has been touring for a number of years, such is its popularity. It promises the slickest choreography, and an amazing band to deliver the best Motown experience you will ever have. The set list features some top-notch music performances including songs by Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops and The Jackson Five. The show starts at 7.45pm and tickets cost £28. n For more details, or to book, call the
TONIGHT’S the night for Rod Stewart Well, almost. The night is Sunday, and the singer is Garry Pease. The entertainer is dropping in to The Mill at Sonning for his Rod Stewart Experience. He not only sounds like the famous Scottish crooner, but he’s also a lookalike. During the evening he will perform all of Rod’s greatest hits including box office on 01344 484123 or log on to www.southhillpark.org.uk
Show me the way to Wokingham ONE of the biggest names in music is coming to The Whitty Theatre next week. Tony Christie is performing for the Wokingham Music Club. The legendary singer has recorded million-selling albums and singles, performed in some of the world’s biggest arenas, appeared at major festivals such as Glastonbury, and had a career that has lasted five decades. For his set in Wokingham, he will perform some of his greatest hits, including I Did What I Did For Maria, Walk Like A Panther, Las Vegas, Avenues
Maggie May, Do Ya Think I’m Sexy, Tonight’s The Night and Sailing. There will also some pieces from his Faces days and the Old American Songbook. Doors open at 6pm, with a twocourse meal before the show. Tickets cost £47 and include the meal. On Sunday, October 31, the Mill will welcome The Johnny Cash Roadshow. & Alleyways and the Number 1 single (Is This The Way To) Amarillo. The show starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £25. Sadly, the Hank Wangford and Brad Breath show that had been planned for this Friday has had to be cancelled. n For more details, or to book, log on to www.wokinghammusicclub.co.uk
Hello, hello, Bye Bye Baby THE musical phenomenon that is the Jersey Boys will be celebrated with a special appearance by Bye Bye Baby at the Hexagon next week. The show has been touring for several years now, to sell-out audiences across the country, but it all started right here
AT THE THEATRE
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Bon Jovi Experience. Thurs. International Concert Series: Ida Pelliccioli. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Performers Here After Endless Waiting. Sat-Sun. Tom Brace. Mon 25. Tarzanna. Tues. Pete Stays Home. Wed. Sessions. Wed. The Greatest Hits of Motown: How Sweet It Is. Thurs 28. Wee Rosie. Fri 29Sat 30. International Concert Series: Ryan Drucker. Fri 29. The Snow Queen. Fri 29. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 29. Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids. Sat 30. Alfie Moore: Fair Cop Unleashed. Sat 30. Wilde Sundays. Sun 31. FILMS: Riders of Justice. Thurs. The Croods 2: A New Age. FriMon. Reminiscence. Sat-Sun. Spirit Untamed. Mon-Wed. The Reason I Jump. Tues. The Addams Family 2. Wed-Sun 31. Cliff Richard: The Great 80s
Tour. Wed-Sat 31. Freaky. Fri 29-Sun 31.
Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Wannabe – The Spice Girl Show. Thurs. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Fri. The Greatest Love of All. Sat. Jason Byrne. Sun. Pop Divas Live. Mon. Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour. Thurs 28. Abba Reunion Tribute Show. Fri 29. Casper (PG). Sat 30. Spooky Safari. Sat 30. Mama’ G’s Story Time. Sat 30. Goosebumps (PG). Sat 30. Hocus Pocus (PG). Sat 30. Monster Mash. Sat 30.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Until Sat. Tori Scott: Welcome To The After Party. Thurs. Who Cares. Sat. Nadiya’s Fast Flavours. Sun. Phil Tufnell: How
Not To Be A Cricketer. Tues. Being Mr Wickham. Thurs 28-Sat 30. Sessions by Ifeyinwa Frederick. Sat 30.
Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Until Sat. Jazz In the Round with The Max Wright Trio and Phil Meadows. Wed. The Bubble Show. Thurs 28. The Dong With The Luminous Nose. Sun 31.
High Wycombe – Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs. Rays of Rhythm 6. Sat. Jimmy Carr. Sun. Rhod Gilbery. Mon. Joel Dommett. Tues. The Greatest Love of All. Thurs 28. Simon Evans: The Work of the Devil. Thurs 28. Tim Vine: Plastic Elvis. Fri 29.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
Clive John is the man in black. The show features many of the artist’s classic tracks Including The Ring of Fire, Boy Named Sue, Folsom Prison Blues, Man in Black and One Piece at a Time. And if that wasn’t enough, The Mill has a comedy night on Monday. n For more details, or to book, log on to millatsonning.com or call the box office on 0118 969 8000. in Reading. The evening will include incredible four-part harmonies, roof raising falsetto complete with energetic and stylish choreography – all backed by their excellent four-piece band. The show includes Valli’s greatest hits including: Sherry, December ’63 (Oh What A Night), Grease, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. It takes place on Friday, October 29, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £27. n For more details, log on to www. whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.
Back on the exercise bike A PLAY focusing on the true story of one
A HALF-TERM treat is coming to the Kenton Theatre on Thursday, October 28 – a celebration of bubbles. Mr Bubbles is promising an event that features bubbles of all shapes and sizes. There will be bouncy bubbles, bubbles in bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, giant bubbles and even fire bubbles. Originally a soldier, Eran The Bubble Man became a teacher and an actor. A member of the Magicians Society, he has toured the world … and now he’s coming to Henley. The show takes place at 2pm on Thursday, October 28. Tickets cost £13 and £11 for concessions. For more details, or to book, log on to kentontheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01491 525050.
Sir Ian takes to the orchard
SIR IAN McKELLAN heads up a top-notch cast in Theatre Royal Windsor’s latest production, Chekov’s The Cherry Orchard. Sean Mathias is directing the show which tells the story of a woman who returns home after a five-year absence. In that time, her estate, including her beloved cherry orchard, has been auctioned off. What happens next? The cast includes Martin Shaw, Jenny Seagrove, Francesca Annis and Robert Daws. The show has performances until November 13. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01753 853888 or log on to theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horrors. Thurs. Dom Joly: SOLD OUT. Thurs. Sessions. Fri. Oye Santana. Sat. The Little Prince. Wed-Sun 31. Cliff Richard Live: The Great 80 Tour. Wed. Enrico Tomasson Quartet. Thurs 28. Loyiso Gola. Fri 29. Hundred Watt Club: A Hallowe’en Evening of Burlesque and Vaudeville. Sat 30.
Reading – South St
Reading – Progress
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 A Little Death. Thurs. Kaleidoscope. Fri. Haiku Salut Lamp Show. Fri. Anxious. Sat. Tom Stade. Sat. The Elves and the Shoemaker. Wed-Thurs 28. Nina Conti (tour warm-up). Fri 29. Heavy Pop presents Beat Connection. Sat 30.
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Jazz at the Progress: Andrew McCormack’s Graviton. Fri. NEXT SHOW: Radiant Vermin. Nov 15-20.
Newbury – Corn Exchange
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Amy Macdonald. Thurs. Anything For Love: The Meatloaf Story. Fri. Dreamboys. Sat 23. Come What May. Sun. Berkshire Youth Symphony Orchestra. Mon. Respect (12a). Wed. NT Live: Follies (12a). Thurs 28. Bye Bye Baby. Fri 29.
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Pete Firman: Bag of Tricks. Thurs. Abba Forever. Fri. The Cavern Beatles. Sat. Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids. Sun. Tokyo Rose. Tues-Wed.
Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Brief Encounter. Until Nov 13.
Reading – Hexagon
Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Brodsky Quartet. Thurs. Jimeoin: Turn It Up. Sun 7.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 Dorian. Until Nov 7.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
Johnny Cash Roadshow. Sun 31.
Windsor – Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 The Cherry Orchard. Until Sat Nov 13.
Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Anne Boylen. Thurs-Sat 30.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Music Box: Songs From The Musicals. Fri, Sat, Tues 26, Thurs 28-Sat 30.
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society: Judas and the Black Messiah (15). Thurs. Tony Christie Live in Concert. Fri 29.
Sonning – The Mill
Woodley – Theatre
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Top Hat. Until Jan 8. The Rod Stewart Experience. Sun. Comedy Night. Mon. The
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 Jazz Concert with the Martin Hart Trio and Alan Barnes. Sat 30.
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21.10.21 Wokingham.Today
RAMS DRAMATIC
KINGS COMPLETE COMEBACK
WINNER
ROCKETS REACH SEMI-FINALS
CLOUD NINE FOR SOUTH BERKS
SWIFTY & WITH STYLE STAR MAN SCORES AGAIN
Exeter Otters 51 Thames Valley Kings 53 THAMES Valley Kings staged a remarkable comeback in their British Wheelchair Basketball Premier Division match to beat Exeter Otters.
Kings’ first team rallied back in the second half against the Exeter Otters in their British Wheelchair Basketball Premier Division fixture this past Sunday to pick up a huge 2 point win, 53-51 away from home. Kings found themselves 12 points down at half-time after pressure in the first quarter from a well-drilled Otters team, a solid defensive display in the third and fourth quarters saw Otters lead chipped away as Kings found their rhythm and the win in the closing stages of a very competitive game. Kings Liam Barker was the game’s top scorer, with 19 points and four assists, and older brother, Reece led the game on rebounds with 13. The win sees the Kings move level on points with Coventry’s CWBA at the top of the league with two wins from two.
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC’s star man John Swift produced the goods once again as his late winner led the Royals to victory over Barnsley on Saturday.
In a fairly even contest, Swift popped up with a stunning solo effort which saw him trick his way into the box before he sat down Barnsley goalkeeper Bradley Collins and fired the ball into the empty net.
The Royals have relied heavily on Swift this season with his scintillating form seeing him return eight goals and five assists from just 12 league games so far this season. However, the club will have to pull off a miracle to keep Swift at the Select Car Leasing Stadium for the foreseeable future with his current contract set to expire in the summer. Swift, 26, has been with the club
since 2016 when he joined from Chelsea and has been linked to a move back to the Premier League for the past couple of seasons, including strong links to Sheffield United last year. The midfielder has already equalled his tally for his best league goals return for the Royals in a season, where he scored eight in his debut season with the Royals in 2016/17. Club captain Liam Moore praised
his teammates after they recorded another win. “We’ve adapted a few things, earlier on in the season I think we were quite open defensively, so we’ve just tightened things up a bit and now we’ve got two clean sheets on the bounce. “I feel there’s a really good bond being built, the fans could see that we needed them. “They, as the extra man, really helped us.”
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
Rams head towards the try line
Mike Phillips at Rams RFC Pictures: Paul Clark Rams sealed a dramatic away victory at Bishop’s Stortford Pictures: Tim Pitfield
Rams evade the tackle of two Bishop players
RUGBY UNION
RAMS SECURE NAIL-BITING VICTORY TO BEST BISHOP’S By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
DIRECTOR of rugby Seb Reynolds reiterated the strength of the league after Rams’ latest nail-biting National One victory in a 21-19 triumph at Bishop’s Stortford.
A breath-taking start saw the hosts take a secondminute lead through Chris Smith before Jak Rossiter’s interception try was converted by Steffan James, only for James Thacker to cross for a score Dan Cole added the extras to as Stortford went 12-7 up inside seven minutes. A penalty try helped Rams move 14-12 in front before half-time, but a flowing end-to-end move finished by Sam Bryan, again converted by Cole, pushed the home side back in front midway through the third quarter. Yet Rams’ forward
dominance fashioned a pushover Robbie Stapley try, converted by starting debutant James on 73 minutes, and with Cole missing a last-play penalty, the away side just clung on to victory. Reynolds said: “It’s a great league. Fair play to Bishop’s Stortford, they came out with really good intentions to play some rugby and chuck the ball around. “They caught us out early on when we were maybe still halfway in last week’s game for the first 10 minutes, but we managed to come back into the game and it was just a good match – they had a kick to win it, so there was nice drama for the crowd. He continued: “They had some really good tactics – they took their time between the whistles and then really played with some nice tempo when the ball was in play, and they caught us out there.
Bishop make an attempt to stop Rams
“They’re a good side – they should have won two weeks ago at Rosslyn Park and they haven’t had many home games, so you could tell they were really up for it and they had good energy, so for us to hold on was really good.” It was Rams’ first-ever success at Silver Leys and only the second in seven attempts against Stortford, and Reynolds said: “It shows how tough a place this is to come and win – we’d never won here as a club and I’ve also been here with Berkshire Under 20s when we were hammered by Hertfordshire, so it’s a really, really good victory. “There was maybe a route there which could have made things more comfortable, but teams never lie down and these tight games are what makes this league fantastic.” “We laid a good platform in the scrum and the maul – James Baker, Jack
Steadman and Ollie Moffitt were outstanding and then Max Hayman and Sean McDonnell-Roberts when they came on continued that and it helped us back into the game.” Reynolds saved his final word for young Welsh standoff James, though, the Leeds Beckett alumni holding his nerve to land the winning conversion. He said: “It speaks to Steff’s mentality that he can come into a side which has been going well and winning rugby matches, get thrust in at 10 and then his kick won the game. “Those kicks from the 15-metre mark are very, very tough because everyone expects you to get them – the ones from the touchline you’re a hero if you get them. “He was expected to get that and he did, so mentally it was a great effort.”
Rams are hit hard in the tackle
RUGBY UNION
FORMER LION CONDUCTS COACHING MASTERCLASS By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today FORMER British & Irish Lion Mike Phillips was a superstar guest at Rams RFC as he ran a coaching masterclass for the club’s juniors on Wednesday evening. The scrum-half, who won five caps for the Lions and 94 for Wales, shared some tips with the club’s youngsters during an hour-and-ahalf session. He said: “It was really good – there are amazing facilities which have blew me away really, perhaps better than most of the clubs I played for. “It was lovely, the kids were fantastic and they’ve got good skills. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I got to do a lot with them and
Rams RFC
I loved it. It was great to see all the kids so enthusiastic about rugby and was fantastic.” He continued: “I was panicking a bit about the session because as a scrum-half you have to be so skilful and comfortable with the ball in your hand and that’s what I was trying to do. “A lot of it they can take away and work on themselves. “In rugby, if you want to make it to the top you have to be dedicated and I told them when I was a young kid I always had a ball in my hand, constantly throwing it up in the air. “When you’re comfortable with the ball in your hands.”
n Mike Phillips’ autobiography ‘Half Truths: My Triumphs, My Mistakes, My Untold Story’ is released on October 21.
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Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
COMBINED COUNTIES FOOTBALL
BASKETBALL
WOODLEY DEALT DEFEAT AT ENFIELD ROCKETS LEAVE CAPITAL WITH By MARK ROZZIER sport@wokingham.today
Enfield Borough 4 Woodley United 2 WOODLEY UNITED fell to an away defeat in the Combined Counties Division One with a 4-2 defeat to Enfield Borough.
A promising opening start by United was undone in the fifth minute when poor defending allowed Richard Ennin to receive a pass and shoot past unchallenged against Ethan Giles. Woodley responded immediately to cries of a penalty when Ben Tegg’s shot hit a defender’s arm but play was allowed to continue. Borough were quick on the counter attack with Giles using his feet to block a one on one effort and then made a full length save to deny the hosts a second goal. However, Enfield did double their lead five minutes later when a shot rebounded off Woodley’s
Woodley United FC Picture: Andrew Batt cross bar which saw Rinidie Lokilo-Imponge react first to head home unmarked. United did well to withstand a period of Enfield pressure that saw a free kick go wide, a goal disallowed for offside and Lokilo-Imponge heading wide. During this period, the visitors best effort saw Callum Betts shoot wide from the edge of the penalty
area on the turn from an Ayo Roberts cross. The deficit was reduced four minutes before half-time when Roberts headed inside the far post from a Tahir Carmichael corner. However, when Carmichael was punished for a foul two minutes later, Ennis was able to restore the two goal advantage from close range. Green was then
required to tip the ball over his cross bar a minute before half-time from a long range shot. The second half saw a United change of formation which nearly brought dividends when Betts raced clear of the defence before passing to Caleb Lucas who fired over the crossbar. However, the promising start was undone when a misplaced pass was intercepted by LokiloImponge to beat Giles one on one for Borough’s fourth. The game began to open and played end to end with Lucas and Anderson causing problems and it was no surprise that Anderson scored United’s second. Roberts did well to clear a shot off Woodley’s goal line before Anderson headed over from a Ryan Smith in stoppage time. Woodley United: Giles, Whight, Carmichael, Monteiro (Reid), Richardson, Birkett ( Roberts), Lucas, Tegg, Betts (Larkins), Anderson, Smith Sub not used: Hudell
MAXIMUM POINTS London Lions 70 Reading Rockets 94
READING Rockets took maximum points on their visit to the capital with victory in the league against London Lions.
New signing Tyler Cartaino produced an all-time Rockets performance on both ends to power a commanding league victory which sees the Rockets take their second win from three games this season. A slow start for the Rockets saw them down 9-5 at the six-minute mark, buoyed by Tyler Cartaino’s early three and layup. With the Lions tallying just 14 points in a scrappy, defensive quarter, the Rockets’ offensive consistency proved the difference, pushing them to a 44-42 lead at the half. After a Lions layup levelled the scores, the third period opened with a flurry of turnovers from both sides. With six points in the opening minute, the Rockets came out ready to seize the game in the fourth quarter.
Tyler top scores for Rockets A Lewis Champion three with four minutes remaining put an end to any thoughts of a comeback, pinning the lead back at an insurmountable 26. With the game settled, youngster Kivuvu was able to showcase his range as the centre stepped out for a three before hitting a free throw to close out the scoring for the Rockets, who emerged 94-70 victors on the night.
National One Rugby returns to Old Bath Road on 30th October 2021 K.O. 3pm 1st XV v Sale FC A range of great food & drink will be available for you to savour. Stay and enjoy our LIVE music after the game. E tickets can be pre-purchased via our Ticket Office at: Entry is £15 for over 18s for non-season ticket holders, FREE for under 18s.
FREE Park and Ride available for this fixture .
Rams Rugby, Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ © RAMSRUGBY 2021
160mmx8 columns (265mm) Sale FC Home 30th October - Wokingham and Reading Paper 22.010.21 copy.indd 1
18/10/2021 14:55:32
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
S4K LADIES EXIT BERKS & BUCKS CUP FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
Bracknell Royals against Hurst By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Berks & Bucks Women’s County Cup S4K BERKS COUNTY LADIES were knocked out of the cup by Slough Town Ladies. Slough raced into a 3-0 lead and despite Megan Cox clawing back a goal for the Fawkes, they fell to a 3-1 loss.
Thames Valley Women’s
Sumas against Hanworth Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire
Division 3S
WARGRAVE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT are in seventh after they picked up a point against Caversham AFC Women. Tiny Leahy and Alison Richardson scored to help them to a 2-2 home draw.
Isthmian South Central BINFIELD climbed up to fourth in the table after they hit three past Westfield without reply.
The Moles went in front through Callum Bunting in the 45th minute and just six minutes later he had his brace to extend the lead. Captain Sean Moore rounded off the scoring to seal three points for Binfield. Binfield joint manager Carl Withers said: “Pleasing win with goals coming at crucial times during the game, a clean sheet and three points to end a perfect Saturday.”
Combined Counties Premier North READING CITY were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Spelthorne Sports. The Cityzens went ahead in the 36th minute as Tyler D’Cruz met Mo Davies’ free-kick, but they were pulled back in the second half as the teams shared the points.
Combined Counties Division One
BERKS COUNTY came away with a point in an entertaining eight-goal contest against Hillingdon Borough. The sides couldn’t be separated in a 4-4 draw to see the Swords in seventh place. WOOLEY UNITED fell to a 4-2 away defeat at Enfield Borough to get them just one place off the bottom of the table. EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA are in ninth as they earned a point on the road in a goalless draw at British Airways. Eversley manager Matty
Angell said: “Not a lot to separate the teams but thought we had a fantastic second-half pushing for the win but lacked the quality needed in the final third. Clean sheet and players that came in did give us some headaches.”
Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD remain as table toppers despite suffering just their second defeat of the season against Richings Park.
Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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FROM THE MIDDLE
WITH 3-1 DRUBBING
By Dick Sawdon Smith
VAR and the PGMO
L
Finch have a two-point lead at the top after seven matches. READING YMCA took the bragging rights over READING CITY U23’s as Andrej Homola snatched a winner in the 89th minute for the visitors to earn their first victory of the season.
Thames Valley Division One HURST extended their winning streak to six consecutive matches with a 2-1 win over Tadley Calleva Reserves. Ellis Howard and Andrew White got on the scoresheet to keep Hurst at the top of the table. FC IMAAN LIONS are at the bottom of the table after they were
defeated 4-1 by Maidenhead Town Reserves.
Thames Valley Division Two HURST RESERVES dropped down to 10th after they lost 4-2 to Maidenhead Town A. BERKS COUNTY SWORDS stay winless at the bottom after a 4-1 away loss at Slough Heating Laurencians Reserves. Jake Wilcock netted a consolation goal for Berks in the defeat.
Thames Valley Division Four HARCHESTER HAWKS continued their unbeaten run as they earned
an away point at Henley Town Development. They are level on points at the top with Saturday’s opponents. FINCHAMPSTEAD UNITED are in eighth after they lost 4-1 at home to Windlesham & Chobham A. Bracknell & District Sunday League Premier Division: Bracknell Rangers 2-2 Crowthorne Inn, Finchampstead Athletic 0-2 Raglan, Woodley Saints Kits 1-5 Wokingham & Emmbrook TMW Division One: FC Showcase 0-4 Finchampstead Reserves, Freeman Royals 2-5 AFC Dukes, Winnersh Rangers 2-2 Bigshot FC Division Two: Bracknell Cavaliers 1-3 Woodley Saints Tigers, Braybrooke Athletic 2-4 Ashridge Park Royals Division Three: Ashridge Park 3-1 S47
FC, Bracknell Royals 15-2 Bracknell Saint Germain, Bracknell Bisons 6-1 Crowthorne FC, Finchampstead Athletic 4-3 Silver Birch Division Four: AFC Dukes Reserves 12-0 Bracknell Titans, Bracknell Athletic Reserves 0-7 Finchampstead Athletic B, Hope & Anchor 3-4 Wokingham Wanderers
Reading & District Sunday League Division One: Emmer Green 10-1 Woodley Saints Hobnob, Give Back FC 3-3 Berkshire Dons, Reading Kites 3-6 Wayback Wanderers Division Two: Woodley Wanderers Reserves 2-5 Farley Hill, Goring United 15-1 Reading West Division Three: Berkshire Royals 2-1 Hurst, FC Woodley 2-1 Thames Valley Railway, Sanctuary Strikers 3-3 Racing Club de Woko
COMBINED COUNTIES FOOTBALL
SUMAS HOLD ONTO POINT IN GOALESS DRAW AGAINST LEADERS HANWORTH BY ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK earned a hard-earned point as they held league leaders Hanworth Villa to a goalless draw at Lowther Road. The Sumas are in 16th position in the Combined Counties Premier North. The hosts created the first big chance of the match as Callum Eagle nodded the ball down to Jake White who was found unmarked in the penalty area, but he couldn’t power his header past the
goalkeeper. Hanworth created their first shot on goal in the 16th minute but Sumas keeper Aron Kanyai gathered the shot comfortably. Kanyai was called into action just a few moments later as he made a terrific stop before Charley Tuttle threw his body in front of the ball to prevent the visitors from scoring the rebound. The away side applied some late pressure but the Sumas stayed resilient to earn a well-deserved point. Sumas manager Whitehouse said:
“In general it was really good, we followed the game plan we set out which is something we are stringent on every week. “We try and execute it and we fulfilled that today which we were pleased about. “We did particularly at the end of the game where we were on the back foot a bit. “But generally we followed the game plan and got what we wanted out of it and got a point against top of the league so we’re delighted. “It’s something that we discussed last week that conceded three goals and that’s something we wanted
to come away from and be really difficult to play against. “We feel in that aspect that we are gradually making strides. This week we got the balance pretty good, created the better opportunities and defended our goal really well.” The Sumas now turn their attentions to cup action as they face Blackfield & Langley in the FA Vase next weekend. Whitehouse continued: “We’re really excited for that one. The guys really want to get a run going and progress.”
AST week I wrote about some of the trials, past and present, that precede the introduction of most new laws. I mentioned VAR, which was slightly different because FIFA was determined to use it in the 2018 World Cup, following the obvious error over Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal in 2010. I only received limited information about the six nations involved in the trials, except from the MLS in America and Canada. Here it was introduced by England’s former World Cup Final referee, Howard Webb. What I liked about it was that it stuck to the principle of the instruction of VAR which was ‘clear and obvious’ errors. For example, if there was a possible offside, and if the referee after viewing the monitor didn’t think it was clear and obvious, he didn’t give it. Howard Webb’s own view is that if you have to look at the defining replay more than twice, it can’t be obvious. When it was introduced into the Premier League, the PGMO took a different view. For instance they decided that the referees would not view the monitor but leave the decision to the VAR and to use a spurious line across the pitch to judge offsides. When I queried with one PGM referee their decision to judge offside by the nearest foot to the line, he replied, ‘that’s the law Dick’. But of course it isn’t the law which talks about any part of the head, body or feet (but not including the hands/arms). So a defender’s head might be nearer than the attackers foot but that wouldn’t count. Does this sound like clear and obvious or even in accordance with the law? When FIFA took control of the use of VAR, they immediately instructed Premier League referees to view the monitor on the basis that otherwise it was a breach of the laws, which say the referees decision is final. The PGMO are now using two lines for offside decisions but say these have improved the accuracy of the system. If used last year, and this is the PGMO figures, 20 disallowed goals would have instead counted. I rest my case.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
How they rated Man of the match: John Swift
SWIFT’S SOLO MAGIC RESCUES READING 1 BARNSLEY 0
LUKE SOUTHWOOD
Pulled off some very good saves including a few from Cauley Woodrow who was very lively in the first-half.
ANDY YIADOM
Dangerous in attack when he got forward and put in some excellent crosses and made a crucial tackle to prevent a Barnsley break.
LIAM MOORE
Formed a good partnership with Dann in the heart of defence and won some important aerial duels toward the end of the match.
SCOTT DANN
Solid performance from the experienced defender on his 400th league start. Put in some timely tackles and blocks
BABA RAHMAN
Had a fierce effort in the secondhalf that was well saved from the keeper and looked lively down the left throughout.
JOSH LAURENT
Off the pace at times with some mistimed passes when he tried to play Yiadom in down the right.
DANNY DRINKWATER
Calm and composed in the middle to keep possession ticking, and made ome crunching tackles that got the crowd off their feet.
TOM DELE-BASHIRU
Showed excellent footwork in the middle and played some clever through balls forward in attack.
JOHN SWIFT
A moment of magic with his superb solo goal in the 77th minute which was enough to win the game. Eight league goals already.
OVIE EJARIA
A frustrating afternoon for the midfielder on his 100th Royals appearance. Had a good chance to score in the first-half.
GEORGE PUSCAS
Struggled to get involved in the game and was anonymous for much of it. Hooked off for Azeez just after an hour,
Subs Femi Azeez 6
8 8 7 8 7 6 7 7 8 5 4
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today JOHN SWIFT guided Reading to three points with a superb solo goal to see the Royals beat Barnsley at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Both sides created half chances throughout the match but were frustrated for the opening three quarters of the game as it stayed level. However, Swift popped up with a moment of magic in the 77th minute as he notched his eighth Championship goal of the season. There were still a host of injuries for Veljko Paunović to contend with, however he did have the luxury of selecting two natural centre halves as captain Liam Moore and Scott Dann started as the middle pairing. The visitors nearly had an early sight of goal when Aaron Leya Iseka looked to pull the trigger from just outside the box, but Dann slid in and got enough on the ball to not give away a free-kick and snatch the chance away from Barnsley. Andy Yiadom showed a superb turn of pace down the right-wing to drive into the box against his former club, as he won the Royals their first corner of the match. The Tykes looked a threat on the break as Callum Brittain escaped the challenge of Ovie Ejaria and found Victor Adeboyejo out wide, who fizzed in a dangerous low cross that missed everyone in the middle. Cauley Woodrow tried his luck on two occasions in quick succession but his 30-yard free-kick hit the side netting to the relief of Luke Southwood, before he tested the Royals keeper with a powerful drive that was pushed behind.
Femi Azeez chases the loose ball
Swift celebrates his winner
Josh Laurent moves past his marker
Match stats Reading: Southwood, Rahman, Moore (c), Dann, Yiadom, Laurent, Drinkwater, Dele-Bashiru, Ejaria, Swift, Puscas Subs: Rafael, Ashcroft, Osorio, Camara, Azeez, Clarke, Ehibhatiomhan Barnsley: Collins, Sibbick, Helik, Moon, Brittain, Williams, Palmer, Gomes, Leya Iseka, Woodrow (c), Adeboyejo Subs: Walton, Cole, Frieser, Vita, Hondermarck,Williams, Oduor Goals: Swift 77’
Scott Dann heads towards goal Reading had the ball in the back of the Barnsley net in the 27th minute only to be denied by the offside flag as Dele-Bashiru poked the ball past the onrushing keeper but to no avail as it was ruled out. Swift showed his precision with a through ball to find Baba Rahman who was fouled just as he was about to enter the box as Brittain was cautioned. Woodrow continued to look lively in attack for the away side as he sent in an inviting cross for Leya
John Swift netted the only goal o Iseka but he steered the ball high and wide on the volley. Woodrow continued his personal battle with Southwood, but the Royals keeper pulled off another smart stop as he got down low to his right to block the Tykes striker’s free-kick. Reading’s clearest chance of the half came just two minutes before the break as Swift whipped in a brilliant delivery from the corner that was met by the jump of Dann but Collins made an important
REACTION
PAUNOVIC PRAISES ‘MATURE’ PERFORMANCE READING FC manager Veljko Paunovic praised his team’s ‘mature’ performance as they earned three points against Barnsley.
“It’s a well-deserved win,” said Paunovic. “The team worked well and were mature. “Our finishing needs to improve. “We were chasing a goal in the first-half and scored but it was ruled out (Tom Dele-Bashiru). “We reviewed it and believe it was onside.” Paunovic admitted he had concerns after a slow start to the second-half but was pleased with the response of the side after Femi Azeez made his return from injury.
“Barnsley had much more confidence in the second-half,” he continued. “Barnsley have a lot of high intensity runs and sprints. “In our approach we had to match that and we did. We knew we had to be patient and with our quality and experience we’d have a chance to score “We didn’t start well and they had a few opportunities. “The relief came after Femi (Azeez) stepped on the field and provided those runs we needed. “The stretches he (Femi Azeez) made to their defence opened up space and allowed us to create chances. “You always want competition
and for the players to be on their toes. “That’ll help the team and give more solutions to the team and options to win. “Our goal came later than expected but it was a brilliant pass from Dann and an excellent execution from Swift.” Paunovic was delighted with the performance of Scott Dann, who helped the Royals to a clean sheet on his first start for the club. “Our football intelligence increased with him on the field. He used his experience and intelligence to help with the pace of the game.” The Reading boss also provided some latest injury updates on
Junior Hoilett, Andy Rinomhota and how Andy Yiadom passed a late test to start the match “It’s a soft tissue injury for Junior (Hoilett) that will probably require time away from the field. “He (Rinomhota) will need some time. “We work with certain guys on a daily basis, and he is one of them. “He might be there or he might not be there for the next game, so we will see. “He’s (Yiadom) a great example. Three days ago we didn’t think he would make it. “He had a cut on his foot that healed very well. “He always gives everything.”
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Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
FROM THE TILEHURST END
ROYALS WITH LATE WINNER
By Olly Allen Yiadom heads away the danger
Is Southwood the permanent number one?
L Azees gets forward Dann rises
Baba Rahman puts in a tackle Swift battles to win back possession
of the game to see Reading beat Barnsley Pictures: Steve Smyth
Tom Dele-Bashiru stridesforward
reactionary save to keep the scores level. Barnsley started the secondhalf strongly as Brittain rattled the frame of the goal with a well connected volley at Southwood’s near post. They forged another big chance when Adeboyejo exchanged passes with Woodrow in the box but hit a weak shot at Southwood. Yiadom made a crucial tackle to prevent Adeboyejo from breaking through the middle before Laurent spotted the keeper off his line and tried an optimistic effort from distance. they got on the front foot but Dann got in the way on two Andy Yiadom swings in a cross
occasions with important blocks. Paunović made his first change in the 63rd minute as Femi Azeez returned to action after injury to replace Pușcaș up top. Azeez had a big chance to break the deadlock when he was sent through on goal by Swift but he opted to take a couple of extra touches to get the ball onto his left foot that allowed Barnsley to snatch the ball from him. Rahman tried an effort from distance and hit a fierce strike that took a small deflection on the way through before Collins dove to his left to keep it out. On the opposite wing, Yiadom
got forward and placed a perfect ball across the face of goal but there was no Reading body there to apply a finishing touch. But in the 77th minute, Reading’s talisman Swift broke the deadlock with a moment of magic. He made his way into the box from the left as he drifted past a defender before he feigned to shoot to trick his way past the keeper and converted the ball into the empty net. Barnsley applied pressure in the closing stages of the game to try and rescue a point, but the Royals held on to earn three points and a clean sheet.
MOORE PRAISES DANN’S ‘DREAM DEBUT’ PERFORMANCE READING FC captain Liam Moore was full of praise for his team’s improved defensive effort after their win over Barnsley.
The Royals earned their fifth win in six matches which has seen them significantly improve their form. “Ultimately, we wanted the three points, that’s the most important thing,” said Moore. “It was another one of those games where we got in the lead, but then it’s almost backs to the wall, which is not ideal but we got what we wanted. “We’ve adapted a few things,
earlier on in the season I think we were quite open defensively, sometimes it’s impossible to defend when you’re so spread out, so we’ve just tightened things up a bit and now we’ve got two clean sheets on the bounce which is not to be frowned upon.” Moore commended the experience of his centre-back partner Scott Dann who made his first start in a Royals shirt. “We’ve not had much chance to train together so it was a case of communicating,” continued Moore. “His experience is unbelievable, the way he moves, his positioning.
“He’s played at the highest level and is someone I’ll look to learn from. “It was a dream debut from Scott, the pass for Swifty’s goal was incredible. “I felt Swifty was a little quiet compared to what he’s done in the last few weeks, but when you’ve got that kind of ability, you can pop up at any moment and that just shows how good he’s been this season. “If you look at the squad now compared to where it can be when our injured players get back, this is a fantastic result and it’s also
very exciting.”. Moore has helped Reading to keep two consecutive clean sheets since his return from injury and is hoping to continue his strong run of form. “It’s been a different couple of weeks. I came back from injury quite quickly. “I was desperate to be out there against Cardiff, after that I needed a good seven to 10 days for things to settle down. “It’s just about me being available, I’ll always do everything I can to be available for this team so I was delighted to be out there.”
UKE Southwood may have spent much of the last few years wondering whether he would ever get the chance to be Reading’s number one. The Oxford-born shot-stopper has been at the club since the age of eight and shone on loan at Bath City, Eastleigh and Hamilton Academical. He was also part of the England Under-20 squad that won the World Cup in 2017. Yet he did not make his Royals first team debut until the age of 22, against Colchester United in the EFL Cup last year. That’s relatively late compared with other academy graduates. Few would have blamed him for moving on in search of regular football in the summer, admitting that it just wasn’t meant to be in RG2. Jack Stacey and Rob Dickie have done so at a similar age in recent years and gone on to have flourishing careers. Nonetheless, Southwood signed a new twoyear deal in May and made his league debut the following day against Huddersfield Town in the final game of the season. Reading’s defensive woes at the start of the season were well-documented – 16 goals conceded in the first six matches equalled a Championship record – but it’s important to note that this wasn’t purely down to Rafael. The Brazilian made errors, but he can hardly be blamed for the way the defence in front of him collapsed so frequently. But when Rafael suffered a self-inflicted injury to his hand, Southwood took his chance with both of his own hands – and he has not looked back. In six games, he has conceded just three goals and kept Reading’s first three clean sheets of the season. It’s also thanks to the rest of the team becoming more solid, particularly due to the introduction of Danny Drinkwater and more recently Scott Dann. There’s no nervy moments with Southwood – which is rare for someone who in truth is still a rookie – and he has proved his shot-stopping ability with several impressive saves. He’s also very vocal and excellent at organising the defence in front of him. Rafael is back from injury but the number one shirt is undoubtedly now Southwood’s to lose. All those years waiting in the wings are finally paying off.
Luke Southwood
28 | SPORT
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
HOCKEY
NINE OF THE TIMES: SOUTH BERKS 6S UP TO SECOND South Berks shoot at goal
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
South Central Men’s Thames 4 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 6s enjoyed a stunning all-round display as they hit nine past Wallingford 5s. South Berks displayed excellence in both attack and defence in their 9-0 triumph The victory puts them up to seocnd in the table with two wins from two.
SOUTH BERKSHIRE earned their third win in four matches as they beat bottom of the table Newbury & Thatcham 2-1 away from home.
SONNING 1s suffered their first loss of the season with a 3-1 defeat away at Staines 2s.
South Central Men’s Division 2 SONNING 2s won their first match of the season as a solitary goal was enough to see off Newbury & Thatcham 2s. SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s remain pointless after three matches as
South Berkshire 6s earned a stunning victory The teams fight for the ball Pictures: Steve Smyth they lost out in a seven-goal contest South Central Women’s to Yateley 1s with a 4-3 defeat. Premier 1
South Berks and Wallingford challenge scored to help South Berks to earn an away draw.
South Central Men’s Division 4
South Central Women’s Thames 1
SOUTH BERKSHIRE are in third with three wins from four as they defeated Newbury & Thatcham 3s. South Berks earned three points and a clean sheet as goals from Mike Longson, Tom Pullen and Sam Coombes won them the match.
SONNING were beaten for the second time this season as they lost 4-1 at Havant 1s.
South Central Women’s Division 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE added a point to their tally with a 2-2 stalemate against Marlow 2s. Kelly Hancock and Sarah Kelly
BASKETBALL
ROCKETS RIDE INTO FINAL FOUR OF LLYNCH TROPHY By JAMIE KING sport@wokingham.today READING ROCKETS held their nerve to progress to the semifinals of the LLynch Trophy at the expense of Loughborough Riders.
Despite dominating large stretches of the game, a frantic finish saw the Rockets escape with a hard-fought home win against a tenacious Loughborough side. Reading started slow, allowing Loughborough to open up a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. After a strong defensive possession by the Riders, Meshack Lufile secured a wellcontested offensive rebound for a putback to stop the bleeding. A trademark block from Meshack injected some energy into the Rockets, who quickly tallied 10 points of their own thanks to a Jaz Bains three and some more buckets inside from Meshack.
Saturday, October 16 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 1-0 Barnsley
The Rockets responded well, shoring up their defence and putting points on the board through a deep Lewis Champion bomb. Late free throws from the Riders’ Justin Hedley saw the quarter end 2318 to Riders. With half-time looming, the Riders responded well through Hedley and Joe Bielak, who each got to the line for easy scores to cut the deficit. Producing seven points in the final minute, Tyler’s latehalf heroics gave the Rockets a commanding 47-36 lead at the break. After a Cartaino coast-tocoast layup beat the buzzer, Reading closed out the quarter with a dominant 68-51 lead. Despite early buckets from Victor Ndoukou, the Riders were unable to close the gap as AJ Basi and Cartiano continued to hit shots from all over the court. With five minutes to go and the match seemingly secure, Harrison Gamble and Greg Wild each
connected from deep to build an 8-0 Loughborough run that took the score to 81-70. With the threat of a comeback a real possibility, Lewis Champion answered with his third three of the night. With their lead cut to two points and just ten seconds left, the Rockets watched AJ Basi take the tactical foul and step up to the line. AJ hit both to extend the lead to four in what ought to have been the decisive play of the game. It surely looked that way as Reis Pinnock jumped the passing lane on the Riders’ inbound pass, stealing the ball and taking it to the hoop for a powerful dunk, but an Ndoukou three with two seconds remaining cast Rivermead into uncertainty once again. With so little time, though, the Riders were unable to turn the ball over and were forced to foul, sending Lewis Champion to the line where he split the free throws to end the game.
SONNING 3s took the points in a local clash at SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s. Sonning move up to ninth after their first win of the season with a 3-1 triumph, while South Berks are in second despite the loss.
TABLE TENNIS
READING REMAIN TOP WITH KINGFISHER WIN READING FC A remain top of Division 2 following their 7-3 win over Kingfisher G. Tony Alleyne, Wayne Alleyne and Mike Childs all defeating Hamid Mohseni and substitute Satej Jaywant but, in turn, each losing to Kingfisher’s Neil Dellar. Although they have played one match fewer, Sonning Sports A climbed to second place after their 7-3 defeat of Kingfisher F, Nick Sears recording a treble, Paul Savage a double and Keith Machin a single while, for Kingfisher, Roger Pritchard won twice and Ajai Kamath won once. Our Lady of Peace B dropped to third after losing 3-7 away to Sonning Common & Peppard D, with Alistair Richardson, Chris West and Darek Kaminski each winning once while, for the Commoners, Mark Jones, Jon Abbott and Danny Dockree each won twice. Despite a hard won treble from Clive Gold, Kingfisher E lost 4-6 to Tidmarsh B with Abhay Gore earning his team’s other point after defeating Mike Aistrop 11-9 in his opening set, subsequently losing to Barry Carter in four games, and then to Dale Ballard. Tilehurst Methodists A recorded their second victory, winning 6-4 against Tidmarsh C, Jes Eassom with one win while team mates Phil Jones and Bill Stamatiou each won twice, which meant that Ian Wu’s fine maximum for Tidmarsh was in vain since Richard Hudson could only chip in with the one win, defeating Jes in the final set.
Wednesday, October 20 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Blackpool (report online at wokingham.today)
FIXTURES
Isthmian South Central Binfield 3-0 Westfield
Saturday, October 23
Combined Counties Premier North Sumas 0-0 Hanworth Villa Reading City 1-1 Spelthorne Sports
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Blackburn Rovers v Reading
Combined Counties Division One British Airways 0-0 Eversley & California Enfield Borough 4-2 Woodley United Hillingdon Borough 4-4 Berks County
South Central Men’s Premier 2
South Central Men’s Division 1
RESULTS
Thames Valley Premier League Reading City U23’s 0-1 Reading YMCA Richings Park 2-0 Finchampstead Woodley United Royals A-W Wargrave RUGBY UNION National League One Bishop’s Stortford 1921 Rams HOCKEY South Central Premier Division 2 Newbury & Thatcham 1-2 South Berkshire South Central North Division 1 Staines 2s 3-1 Sonning South Central Women’s Premier 1 Havant 4-1 Sonning South Central Women’s North Division 1 Marlow 2s 2-2 South Berkshire
Sunday, October 17 FOOTBALL Thames Valley Women’s Division One Tilehurst Panthers v Denham United Reserves Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Wargrave Women Development 2-2 Caversham AFC Women Slough Town Ladies 3-1 S4K Ladies
Isthmian South Central Bedfont Sports v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Spelthorne Sports v Reading City FA Vase Berks County v Burnham Blackfield & Langley v Sumas Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v Kensington & Ealing Boro Woodley United v Sandhurst Town Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead v Woodley United Royals Reading YMCA v Westwood Wanderers Wargrave v Mortimer Yateley United v Reading City U23’s RUGBY UNION National League One Darlington Mowden Park v Rams South West 1 East Chippenham v Bracknell
Sunday, October 24 FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Eversley & California v Winchester City Flyers Thames Valley Women’s Division One Long Crendon v Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave Women & Girls v Carterton Ladies
LEISURE | 29
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Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LIVEMUSIC
To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662
RaW SOUNDS TODAY
BIG FUTURE: Third Lung have powerful musicianship making them a joy to watch
Chris Hillman
bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday
H
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Apache Kites. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Bon Jovi Experience. Details: 01344 484123. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Eddie Martin. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Amy Macdonald. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mellor. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Britop Acoustic: Mark Morriss, Nigel Clarke and Chris Helme. Details: 0118 959 5395.
Friday, October 22
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Starlite and Campbell Stripped Back. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk CHARVIL – Heron on the Ford, Landsend Lane RG10 0UE. Piston Broke. Details: 0118 934 0700. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Hank Wangford and Brad Breath. £18. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Anything For Love – The Meatloaf Story. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Andrew McCormack’s Graviton. Details: www. jazzinreading.com READING – South Street
Arts Centre, South Street. Haiku Salut Lamp Show. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Pete & Bas. Details: 0118 959 5395. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. The Chestnuts. Details: 0118 977 3706.
Saturday, Oct 23
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Spriggan Mist’s Ghostly Tales 2021. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01344 303333. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Andrew Browning as George Michael. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930. TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Nicole and the Papas. Details: 0118 942 5550. Sunday, October 24 READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Discovery. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Come What May. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Fret Heads. Details: 0118 958 6048. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Rod Stewart Experience. Details: 0118 969 8000.
Monday, October 25 NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD.
The latest single from a new hard rock band that recently played at the Acoustic Couch in Bracknell (where some of the band is from). Next month they are in Kingston and Addlestone – https://www. facebook.com/OneLastDayOfficial
This local artist has just released a wonderful lyric video for this beautifully chilled track from their Take A Deep Breath album – abetterlifemusic.com
Hank Wangford – Perfect Day
Third Lung – I A Fire They have released a series of great singles, including this one, and are excellent live too as evidenced by their festival sets at Wokingham, Are You Listening? and their own Loddfest. With powerful musicianship, vocals and a well produced indie sound, Third Lung are destined for large arenas. Check them out at their two forthcoming Reading gigs. They perform a stripped down set at Jamma’s event at Purple Turtle on Friday, October 29, and
GIG GUIDE
Thursday, Oct 21
One Last Day – Holding onto Nothing
A Better Life (feat. Herica and The Wolf) – Dreaming of the Beach
ELLO and welcome to the new RaW Sounds Today playlist.
For the benefit of new readers, each week we round up 10 great tracks, all with connections to the area. It could be a local artist, or a big name – like Tony Christie – coming for a gig. And it’s not just a list of tunes. You can listen to them for free, thanks to our Spotify playlist. It’s a brilliant way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and have a bit of a boogie in the process. To tune in, simply head to https://bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday and pump up the volume. There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap in to. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
from Signals, from which this track is taken – www. theparadoxtwin.com
Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Chris While and Julie Matthews. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub. co.uk
Tuesday, Oct 26
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Chris Jagger and Friends. Details: 01491 681048.
Thursday, Oct 28
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Thomas Heppell Blues Band and support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Greatest Hits of Motown: How Sweet It Is. Details: 01344 484123.
Friday, October 29
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Musikissmo. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. George Michael tribute. Details: 01344 303333. CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Kit Downes. Details: http://www. concertsincaversham.co.uk READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Bye Bye Baby. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Jamma presents Third Lung. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Manics vs Phonics. Details: 0118 959 5395. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Hallowe’en special:
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Majestix. Details: 0118 977 3706. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Tony Christie. 7.30pm. £25. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk
Saturday, October 30
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Housework’s Deep Tech and Uplifting House. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. !Daft! Hallowe’en fancy dress party. Details: 01344 303333. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Scarlet Vixens Purple Creep Show. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street Arts Centre, South Street. Heavy Pop’s Beat Connection. Details: 0118 960 6060.
Sunday, October 31
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays. Details: 01344 484123. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: singers’ night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Scouting For Girls. Details: 0118 959 5395. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Details: 0118 969 8000. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Band of Substance. Details: 0118 957 6930.
their usual set at The Facebar on Friday, November 26 – www.thirdlungband.com
Scouting for Girls – Heartbeat This band gained major recognition for their debut self-titled album in 2007, and have gone from strength to strength since with a stream of indie pop hits such as She’s So Lovely, This Ain’t A Love Song, Elvis Ain’t Dead and Heartbeat. They have been nominated for four Brit Awards and one Ivor Novello Award and they will be visiting Reading to play at Sub 89 on Sunday, October 31. What a great night of sing-along anthems that will be – www.scoutingforgirls.com
Tony Christie – Avenues and Alleyways Tony is a legendary singer who has recorded million-selling albums and singles, performed in the world’s best-known arenas and festivals and he’ll be at Wokingham Music Club on Friday, October – www.tonychristie.com
The Paradox Twin – Sea of Tranquility Following their recent live tour which included Wokingham Festival, this Reading-based band released their eagerly awaited second album, Silence
me Flying Enter tain
This is the opening song on UK Country/ Americana legend Hank Wangford’s latest album Holey Holey. He’s was due at Wokingham Music Club this Friday, but the show has been cancelled– www.hankwangford.co.uk
In Albion – Earth They performed a great show at local record shop, Beyond the Download’s event in Peach Place Wokingham recently. In Albion describe themselves as a theatrical prog rock band. Here’s their latest single – inalbion.net
Split the Dealer – High Rockets He was No.3 in Wokingham.Today’s Best of 2020 with his Deva St.John duet on the XV single and here’s one of his own singles. Split aka Sam Brett is at The Facebar on Friday, November 26, supporting Third Lung – www.facebook.com/splitthedealer
Deva St.John – Pity Party The other half of that duet mentioned above with the latest of a string of quality singles and it’s a powerful rock pop dance anthem. Deva will also be at The Facebar on November 26 – https://www.facebook.com/dayvasaintjohn
nt present
MIKE HUGG O B ’A D E IK M PAUL JONES SEND N W O T B O R S S E TOM MCGUINN N CURRIE O IM S D N A E F IF L C S U MARC GUEST AAND THEIR SPECIAL
Saturday 6 Nov 2021
0118 960 6060 whatsonreading.com
30 | LEISURE
Catch Aldworth in your living room A VIDEO performance of a Reading concert is available to view until the end of the month. The Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra teamed up with Berkshire Maestros Camerata for a performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ ‘Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, first performed in 1910 at Gloucester Cathedral. They had been due to play in Reading’s Abbey ruins but wet weather meant it had to be moved indoors. The performance was filmed used 360º videography, so it’s possible to move around the orchestra while watching. n To watch the music, log on to whatsonreading.com. It is only available until Sunday, October 31.
Music studio
A NEW MUSIC studio for children opened in Earley last week. Kindermusik with Sarah, offering weekly music lessons for up to age seven, has set up camp on St Peter’s Road. The interactive sessions provide the opportunity for parents to connect with their children and others. They include activities made to improve language, movement, sensory awareness, social-emotional and cognitive development. And the lessons have a focus on promoting musical skills. n For more information, log on to: kindermusikwithsarah.co.uk
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
Showbiz legends to go up the beanstalk
S
TARS ARE hoping to dazzle audiences with the power of panto this year.
The Theatre Royal in Windsor is getting ready to stage Jack and the Beanstalk from November, after last year’s show was called off due to covid. The performance will star regulars Basil Brush, writer Steven Blakeley as the Dotty Dame and comic Kevin Cruise. It will also feature showbiz icon Anita Harris, who is gearing up to play this year’s baddie, Alice Fillary who played Cinderella last year, and Dreamboats & Petticoats star Elizabeth Carter. This year, Basil Brush said he’s more eager than ever to get on stage after enjoying rehearsals over the last few weeks. “I don’t think myself or the entire cast or entire audience have ever anticipated an opening of a pantomime quite as much as this year,” Basil said. “Last year, after we were dragged off kicking and screaming, and then went for 18 months with no live shows, so I think this year will be something quite spectacular to behold. “The audiences will be so up for it and so will we.” The fox, who is looking forward to entertaining audiences with his oh so lovable
ON SHOW: Top Hat has officially opened at The Mill at Sonning and will run until January
BOOM BOOM!: Basil Brush in Aladdin in 2019. He will be in Jack and the Beanstalk this year Picture: Jack Ladenburg for Theatre Royal Windsor puns, said he can’t wait to be a part of Jack and the Beanstalk for the first time. “Rehearsals are where it all happens,” Basil added. “We’ve all worked together so much before and we fit together like a family, so we’ve had an awful lot of laughs. “We’re all bursting with excitement to get back out there with a gigantic BOOM! BOOM!” Anita Harris, who will play Jemima Fleshcreep in this year’s production, said she is also thrilled to see the panto season go ahead. “It’s wonderful to be back with everybody here at this beautiful theatre,” she said.
“I can’t tell you how excited, and a bit emotional, we are. “The world is healing and theatre will help to heal, so we hope to lift people’s spirits and let the children have fun. “They’re even allowed to boo this year, which will be wonderful.” The curtain will go up on Jack and Beanstalk from Friday, November 26 with final performances on Sunday, January 9. Tickets are available from £18.50. n For more details, or to book tickets, visit: www. theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
CHARLOTTE KING
Top Hat taps its way to The Mill at Sonning
A TOE-TAPPING musical officially opened at The Mill at Sonning last weekend. Top Hat will be bringing glitz and glamour to the theatre stage throughout the winter season. Based on the 1935 film, featuring the world famous dance partnerships, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the story follows Broadway sensation Jerry Travers who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of society girl, Dale Tremont. Directed by Jonathan Boyle, the show will see Jack Butterworth take on the starring role of Jerry as he dazzles audiences with an opening Charleston number. This 1930s show features
Irving Berlin’s classics Puttin’ on the Ritz, Cheek to Cheek, Isn’t This A Lovely Day and Top Hat, White Tie and Tails. Other cast members include Brendan Cull, Tiffany Graves, Billie-Kay, Paul Kemble and Delme Thomas with an ensemble of Joel Baylis, Charlie Booker, Courtney George, Jinny Gould, Alex Harrison, Connor Hughes, Meg Power and Charlotte Coggin. Performances will take place until Saturday, January 8. Tickets are available from £61.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 969 8000, or log on to: millatsonning.com
LAURA SCARDARELLA
Sing up for climate emergency CHOIRS of all shapes are sizes are being urged to take part in a COP26 inspired event on Saturday, October 30. Music Declares Emergency is inviting everyone to take part in a national musical moment in support of action on climate. The challenge is to take over social media by performing a new version of What A Wonderful World. It has been arranged by Mark De Lisser, the man behind the stunning performance of Stand By Me at the wedding of Harry
and Meghan. There will be major events at cultural landmarks in Liverpool, Bristol, Glasgow, and London, but staying at home is fine. Performances can be in town squares, a church hall, a skate park, or even a front room. The aim is to create a moment of national unity and celebration. The event will start at noon on October 30th but, if choirs can’t sing then, they are asked to sing earlier, or later, or the day after. Even later in the week. And you don’t have to be a
singer to take part. For example, metal bans could send in their version of the song. Or a hip-hop crew can try out their take. And jazz bands can improvise. Organisers say COP26 is a vital moment for the climate. The decisions made at Glasgow will affect our environment and our future for generations to come. Performances can be shared on social media with #SingTheChange. n All the details of how to get involved are at https://www. musicdeclares.net/sing
Ballet with a touch of frost HANS Christian Anderson’s classic fairytale is heading to South Hill Park next week. Ballet Theatre UK will perform The Snow Queen on Friday, October 29. The company will retell the story of Gerda and her quest to find her friend Kay. And the Snow Queen has placed Kay under an evil spell, which only Gerda can release him with her love. She travels across the frozen north to break the Snow Queen’s curse of eternal winter. Ballet Theatre UK is bringing internation dancers, costumes, stage sets and a magical musical score. Tickets cost £22 for adults, £21 for concessions, £20 for members, and £13 for under 16s. n For more information, or to book tickets, call the box office on 01344 484 123, or log on to southhillpark.org.uk
LAURA SCARDARELLA
31 | LIFE
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Roasted Pumpkin Seeds From the kitchen Freely Fruity
Serves 4 or more as a snack
icing sugar once cool for a sweet snack.
A
Ingredients
The seeds straight out of a pumpkin are white; inside this shell is the green seed we are used to seeing but the white shell is edible and full of fibre. Swap the spices for your favourites or try roasting in just oil and dusting in cinnamon and
Method
S the family have fun carving their pumpkins, save the seeds and make this toasted moorish snack.
Seeds from one or more pumpkins Salt Olive oil Ground cumin Chilli powder
1. Place the seeds from your pumpkins into a sieve and while rinsing the seeds thoroughly, discard any remaining
pumpkin flesh 2. Bring a pan of generously salted water to the boil and add the seeds; boil for 5 minutes 3. Drain the seeds and blot between sheets of kitchen paper, leave to dry for a few hours or overnight 4. Preheat the oven to 185°C 5. Line a large baking tray, or two, with baking paper 6. Toss the dry seeds in olive oil, cumin, chilli powder and salt 7. Spread the seeds out in one layer and roast for about 25 minutes 8. Serve once cool or store in an airtight jar for a few days
W
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It’s essential that while you wait for treatment, you get support to manage your health and wellbeing in a way that is best for you. If you need hospital treatment, you should be receiving advice and information from the NHS about how to look after your health while you wait. You should be kept informed about the dates of your treatment and where you are on the waiting list.
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Adrian Betteridge
The Local Plan for … ?
healthwatchwokingham Joanna Dixon www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ NHSWaitingListExperiences or call us on 0118 418 1418
Watch Wokingham
Wokingham Active Travel Community Hub
Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk/
ILLIONS of people have had their treatment delayed by the pandemic – are you one of them? We want to know if you’re getting the advice, information and support you need while you wait. Millions waiting for care because of pandemic The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many people having their operations, treatment and appointments cancelled or delayed. The NHS had to postpone nonurgent elective care treatment when the pandemic hit, freeing up inpatient and critical care capacity. While this helped medical staff respond to the crisis, it has resulted in a huge backlog of people waiting for treatment. The latest data shows that the number of people waiting for routine operations and procedures in England is at its highest level since 2007 – currently at 5.45 million.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
people waiting for care
It’s vital that decision makers hear your experience of waiting for care as a result of the pandemic and the subsequent backlog. Whether it’s gynaecological surgery, a knee replacement or a biopsy you’re waiting for, if you’ve got a story to tell, we’re here to listen. Everything you tell us is confidential and will help us understand what needs to be put in place to better support people waiting for treatment like you. So, whether your experience is good or bad – we want to hear it. Help us to help the NHS better support people like you
by completing our short survey and telling us your experience of waiting for care. https://www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/NHSWaitingListExperiences or call us on 0118 418 1418.
How to get in touch with Healthwatch Wokingham
0118 418 1418 between the hours of 09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday. Healthwatch Wokingham, Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham, RG40 1AS enquiries@ healthwatchwokingham.co.uk
E expect that regular readers of this column will be looking forward to their opportunity to contribute to Wokingham’s new Local Plan. We are told that this will be mostly about where in the Borough new housing, infrastructure and the assumed road capacity will be. We’re thinking about some of the assumptions within this. The recent history of much of our public space has been dominated by a desire to enable as many car journeys as possible. We see this in the proliferation of new large roundabouts and other fast flowing junctions which are optimised for traffic throughput. Noise, air pollution, the climate, accessibility, personal safety and general wellbeing are all sacrificed on the altar that is traffic flow. There are, however, some good counterexamples. Elms Field and Peach Place in Wokingham Town have both reclaimed space from cars. While neither can claim to be a rural idyll, the absence of traffic makes these spaces more human, contributing to our social, physical and mental health once you are able to reach them. People-friendly commercial centres are also good for business, with research regularly showing they get more regular visits and higher consumer spend than roadside equivalents. Market Place in Wokingham’s town centre, pinned in on two sides by traffic, simply isn’t as nice a place. We see another aspect of this in Wokingham’s below average and worsening rates of travel on foot or by bike. People tell us all the time that they are deterred from walking or cycling by the need to navigate busy and fast roads. We think it’s time to join the dots between what people say and show they want from their public space, the reduction in car travel by 40% that the Council says it is committed to and the assumptions underpinning our Local Plan. We need a vision for a people-centred borough, not just find the least bad way to fit in more of the same, We have a rare opportunity to change course, and WATCH hopes that the debate in the next few months leads to a vision for a public realm to enjoy, not endure.
You can find more from WATCH at facebook.com/watchwokingham
No. 5384
Your weekly puzzle challenge TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662
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To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
5384
Quiz Challenge
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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
EVEN TO BEAT OCTAVE
E R E
H R Y 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: 19 Good; 23 Very Good; 27 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.
AT
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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
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DOWN 1. River said to trickle gently (4) 2. Criticise the roofing material (5) 5. Complaining that part was 3. Long-term bitterness first on not ornate (5) the ship (7) 8. Will Mum take everything? 4. Number put on fibrous (5) tissue (6) 5. Position in which to take a 9 & 10. Not relevant sharp catch? (5) elsewhere (7,4,3,5) 6. A church I go with first lady 12. Rebel leader noted to reach (7) another rat, perhaps (6) 7. Ron’s name could have come from a Scandinavian (8) 14. Private chamber often used by tourists (6) 11. Gill has a respite (8) 13. Discussed cricketer involved 17. Very industrious, like a in the action (7) social worker perhaps 15. Do a part exchange with an (2,4,2,1,3) electrical device (7) 21. Strike player who’ll 16. Supported Bill and Kay in retaliate (3,4) bed (6) 22. Italian poet to include the 18. Step found in most airports (5) donkey (5) 19. Stopped without starting to 23. Haggard cyclist? (5) be relaxed (5) 24. In the act was free to have 20. Confident that it is standing out (4) treated with contempt (7)
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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.
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ACROSS 1. Hit song remixed right away (2,5)
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
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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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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
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To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
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© Sirius Media Services Ltd
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WORD PYRAMID: Millionaires’ Row. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – divide; multiply; subtract; add. Total: 6.
SOLUTIONS
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10. What type of cargo was the fast sailing ship Cutty Sark designed to carry?
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9. What makes the planet Venus so bright?
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 R through openings in the walls. The O first letter may appear in any chamber. W M
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M T S
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8. What is the capital city of the South American country Ecuador?
5. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, British gymnast Max Whitlock won gold in which event?
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7. What R is the title of a 2007 Disney Pixar film and a French dish of stewed vegetables?
4. Joe Swash won I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and which other TV series?
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1
6. What are edible marine crustaceans of the genus Homarus better known as?
3. The Piper at the Gates of Dawn was the debut album for which English rock band?
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2. What is the popular name for the human bone known as the clavicle?
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1. Herm is part of which group of islands?
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PZ1P5384
CROSS CODE 15
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ACROSS 2. Kansas city (7) 7. Strong cord (4) 8. Select and kill (4) 9. Egyptian ruler (7) 10. Price (4) 12. Engrave (4) 15. Souvenir (5) 17. Concurred (6) 18. Informal (6) 19. Mug (6) 21. Fool’s gold (6) 22. Rubber tree sap (5) 23. Fight (4)
26. Round protuberance (4) 28. Flight company (7) 29. Indication (4) 30. Alcoholic drink (4) 31. Resentment (7) DOWN 1. Game played on horseback (4) 2. Sobbed (4) 3. Pursued (6) 4. Slanting script (6) 5. Dull pain (4) 6. Political alliance (4)
10. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. 20. 21. 24. 25. 26. 27.
Irritable (7) Top layer (7) Sightseer (7) Pike (7) Beat back (5) Part of a flower (5) Rigid (6) Small and dainty (6) Single entity (4) Come to earth (4) Stitched (4) Arm bone (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 2 Wichita; 7 Rope; 8 Cull; 9 Pharaoh; 10 Cost; 12 Etch; 15 Relic; 17 Agreed; 18 Casual; 19 Beaker; 21 Pyrite; 22 Latex; 23 Duel; 26 Stud; 28 Airline; 29 Sign; 30 Wine; 31 Dudgeon. Down – 1 Polo; 2 Wept; 3 Chased; 4 Italic; 5 Ache; 6 Bloc; 10 Crabbed; 11 Surface; 13 Tourist; 14 Halberd; 15 Repel; 16 Calyx; 20 Ramrod; 21 Petite; 24 Unit; 25 Land; 26 Sewn; 27 Ulna.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The Channel Islands; 2 Collarbone; 3 Pink Floyd; 4 Dancing on Ice; 5 Pommel horse; 6 Lobsters; 7 Ratatouille ; 8 FIVE ALIVE: Quito; 9 Sunlight reflecting off a dense cloud layer; 10 Tea. (1) Across – Glass; Adore; Doyen. Down – Guard; Agony; Sheen. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 On sight; 5 Plain; 8 Shall; 9 & 10 Neither here nor (2) Across – Metal; Gleam; Treat. K W L F A M E T B C G U R there; 12 Rodent; 14 Camera; 17 As busy as a bee; 21 Hit back; Down – Might; Theme; Limit. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 Tasso; 23 Rider; 24 Derided. Z Q X D S N J P Y I O H V Down – 1 Ouse; 2 Slate; 3 Galleon; 4 Tendon; 5 Point; 6 Achieve; NONAGRAM: emery; erst; ester; ether; here; heresy; 7 Norseman; 11 Breather; 13 Debated; 15 Adaptor; 16 Backed; herm; mere; merest; merry; meter; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU 18 Stair; 19 Eased; 20 Bold. cave; abet; veto; metre; myrrh; reset; rest; rete; retry; Eton. rhyme; rhymer; RHYMESTER; seer; sere; sheer; sherry; shyer; steer; stere; teres; term; terry; terse; terser; there; therm; three; tree; trey; tyre.
NEWS | 33
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Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
ing ‘would make band proud’
Shinfield residents enjoy fa-brew-lous afternoon
Life of Brian Beer and the Germans
T
HE Munich Beer Festival, the Oktoberfest, is the biggest of its kind in the world with six million visitors over two weeks.
CUPPA: Residents at Parsons Grange took part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning Picture: Care UK
around Wokingham after her Town Hall piece was incredibly well received on social media. “Wokingham has a lot of pub and a big pub culture, so I’m quite interested in painting some in the future,” Lynne adds. “The response [to my work] from everyone was overwhelming and
deeply touching. “It was purely just for me and for James, because I didn’t realise quite how much the town hall means to so many people.” Lynne is selling limited copies of her painting online. n To find out more about her work, visit: www.lynnebellchamberfineart.co.uk
CAMP: Dexter Rosier, 9, has been camping out every night in October to support Camp Mohawk Picture: Samantha Rosier
on a series of marathons to help the Royal Berkshire Hospital. He has also helped with food bank collections, and ran a marathon in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
n To find out more about Dexter’s ongoing challenge, search ‘Dexter’s Camp for Camp Mohawk’ on Facebook or visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ dexter-rosier2?
A SHINFIELD care home whisked up £650 for charity earlier this month. Residents at Parsons Grange took part in the ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support. They sold a selection of cupcakes, doughnuts, muffins and more - and their £324 profit was matched by Care UK. Anthony Browne, home manager at Parsons Grange, said: “We want to say a big thank you to everyone that came along to our cake sale and helped us raise a fantastic amount for Macmillan Cancer Support. “Our Macmillan Coffee Morning is an annual event which everyone at Parsons Grange always looks
forward to and this year was a huge amount of fun. “It was great to see residents engaging with the local community this year, and for everyone involved to give something back to a charity which focuses on helping and supporting those in need.” He said it also gave the staff a chance to “get their chef hats on” and plan a fun afternoon for residents. Every year, Macmillan hosts coffee mornings across the UK to support people with cancer and has raised more than £290 million since its first event in 1990. The funds will now be donated to support people through cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
POETRY CORNER: The fall It stood tall once, stately, Proud of its immensity, its age. Dominating the village green, Over-topping the small cottages Clustered under its widespreading Branches. It was a king of trees, and stood As though it knew its status. The villagers were proud of it. ‘Bin ‘ere since before the war,’ The oldest gaffer used to say. ‘Firs’ war that was. Me Granpa tells ‘Ow ‘e ‘n’ other lads gathered under it An’ marched off, proud, to beat the Hun. Then crawled back, two by three. An’ people Met, an’ stiffened up their spines To face a new world under that Ol’ tree. The seasons turned; from light leaf-green Of spring, through summer, autumn gold To winter cold, and gales. The tree was lashed and beaten,
scourged And whipped, until, giving in to age And feebleness – it fell. Villagers mourned its fall. Then, practical, Gathered its branches to dry for firewood. The last few feet of trunk left standing, Humbled. Until the Carpenter, in kindly pity, Carved it into patterns of mice and bees, Birds and butterflies, woodlice and beetles, That once had made their home Within its welcome.
Send us your poems to news@wokingham.today
Rosi MB
It has been cancelled for the second year running and should have been in full swing now. I managed to go to an English version in Richmond instead where many visitors were sporting Bavarian Lederhosen and Dirndl. German beer is brewed to stringent standards that date back to the Bavarian purity law, Reinheitsgebot, introduced in 1516 by the joint rulers, the brothers Duke Wilhelm IV and Duke Ludwig X. It specified that beer could only be made from water, hops and barley, omitting to mention the yeast. It was adopted throughout Germany from 1906. Wheat was later used as well as barley and these beers are mainly brewed in Bavaria as either clear or cloudy versions, the latter with yeast still in it. Most wheat beers have a non-alcoholic version, which sell well as they are tastier than their barley equivalents. Bavaria has a very large hop-growing area with what is claimed to be the world’s oldest brewery, Weihenstephan, founded in 1040. It is owned by the State of Bavaria and the brewing department of a local university is based there. The most popular German beer is Pils or Pilsner. This lager-like beer with a hoppy flavour is named after the Czech town of Pilsen. It was first developed there in 1842, albeit with the help of a German brewer. The Germans love their beer but are drinking less. Today the Czechs are the biggest beer drinkers in the world, with 189 litres consumed per head of population in 2020. Germany was in fourth place at 99 litres per head, although consumption was 146 litres when it peaked in 1980. The UK was 22nd with 70 litres per head. The Germans are kings of recycling and beer is sold chiefly in bottles that often get reused 30-40 times. The bottles of German beer that are exported have thinner glass. Germans buy their beer mainly in crates of 20, with 500ml or 330 ml capacity. They pay a deposit on the crate, €1.50, and each bottle, €0.08, which they get back when returned. These can often be inserted into an automated machine which gives a credit note. Few cans of beer are sold compared with bottles and the deposits are €0.25. Beer in German supermarkets is about half the price of here but in pubs is about the same. Most leading German breweries have retained their independence. However, some have been acquired by leading international beer companies, such as Holsten (by Carlsberg) and Becks (by AB InBev). Smaller breweries are growing in importance, accounting for 8.7% of German beer production in 2020 compared to 7.4% in 2005. Most Germans are not keen on unchilled beers and regard British draft bitter as too warm. One of the closest German beers to a bitter is Altbier, a dark-brown speciality of breweries in Düsseldorf and the surrounding area. This is served chilled, usually in distinctive 200ml glasses, and there are several pubs in Düsseldorf that brew their own Altbier. Breweries in the Cologne area make Kölsch (also the word for the local dialect spoken in Cologne), a light beer that is not as bitter as Pils. Not much Altbier is sold in Cologne and very little Kölsch in Düsseldorf, mainly due to the longstanding rivalry between these two cities. I prefer Altbier, as it has a lot of flavour, but I have been influenced by nine years working in Düsseldorf.
34 | VIEWPOINTS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Covid: Keep on with precautions CORONAVIRUS is a blight on us all. It just ain’t going away without a fight. The borough council, along with NHS staff, carers and emergency service personnel has been working tirelessly since the start of the pandemic to try and keep us safe and well. They deserve nothing but praise, especially the staff members at the sharp end of it. But despite everyone’s best efforts, covid rates are shooting up. Thankfully, death rates and hospitalisations aren’t going up as quickly. That doesn’t mean we should be complacent. To help prevent the spread, the simple manta of hands, face, space should be adhered to. Dig out your facemask and start using it again. Use that hand gel. Keep two metres apart. We will get through this time, but we must stick to using these simple precautions.
CHURCH NOTES
Pray for our elected representatives ‘I urge you that requests and prayers be made for all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives…’ The Bible Right thinking people were horrified by the murder of Sir David Amess as he went about his job as an elected representative, meeting in a local church hall for a constituency surgery. There’s been much discussion since of how MPs need to be safe to do what people elected them to do; about the way our MP’s and others are spoken about and spoken to in the street, in local and national papers, on social media. What about our own elected representatives locally – our MPs, borough councillors and town councillors, and how we treat them? As a local minister I’ve met our own MP many times, and many of our borough and town councillors. Clearly I only vote for some of them, and I don’t agree with their views or policies on everything. But I can say that I never met a local elected representative at any level who I felt was ‘in it for themselves’ or ‘in it for the money’ as you sometimes hear said. Sometimes they get things right, sometimes they do not; sometimes I think they’re right, sometimes I think they’re wrong. But I know they are generally motivated by a desire to serve, to make a difference, to help the community according to their convictions. When we speak about our MPs or local Councillors, let’s make sure we do so mindful they are human beings trying to do their best. Let’s speak about them as if they were in the room and we were looking them in the eye. That may well involve challenging them, debating with them, holding them to account for their words, actions and policies. But it also means doing that with respect, recognising our common humanity, flawed as we all are. If we believe they could do a better job, let’s pray for them, as the Bible urges us to do: that they will fulfil their responsibilities with wisdom, skill and diligence, with an insight into the issues that affect us all. And if you believe you could do a better job, then get involved in local politics yourself. If you were to do so, how would you like to be treated?
The Revd Nick Hudson is minister of Wokingham Baptist Church and chair of Churches Together in Wokingham
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Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today
Libraries are a waste of space IN her letter published in the October 14 Issue of Wokingham Today, Councillor Sarah Kerr berates the forward-thinking Councillor John Halsall for his sensible policy of withholding funds from Libraries because they “generate no income”. Quite right. On the same topic, I have noticed that, all over the Borough, there are establishments called “schools” where young people go, for no good reason that I can ascertain. These “schools” EXACTLY LIKE LIBRARIES, generate no income. Councillor Halsall will surely agree with me that they should be closed. As for what to do with the current attendees of these so called “schools” – there is plenty of room up the chimneys and down the mines – both places being unconducive to the Library driven obsession for the (non-revenue generating) pastime of reading
Roger Chalke, Wokingham Resident and reluctant Council Tax payer
Stick to the day job, John HAS John Redwood finally lost the plot? Having just perused last week’s contribution (Westminster Diary, October 14, on the new James Bond film), I was amazed to read that with all the problems facing the country our MP had chosen to pick up the mantle of part- time cinema critic. No mention of shortages of fuel, lorry drivers or Christmas panic buying. The sooner we replace him with someone who shows a bit of awareness of the problems that his constituents face on a daily basis the better for all.
Allan Payne, via email
When will it be open? I took my monthly walk to the western end of Nine Mile Ride to check on the progress of building the new roundabout and connection to NMR
WITH great sadness I have to say that after a very long illness my Wife Katie, 77 years of age passed away peacefully at home with myself and her loving cats with her. Although expected for some time it was still a devastating blow to us, her loving family. She will be sadly missed by myself, her loving husband Gary, her Daughters Zoe and Sara and her Grandchildren Kieron, Jasmin, Ellie, Tiegan, Thomas, Harry and Tiffany. Katie loved Arborfield and its residents and for many years she was most active in community work as a member of Arborfield Parish Council which she served as Vice Chairman and Chairman of Planning until her illness got the better of her. All her life Katie loved plants and she was an outstanding Gardener. Katie’s many other skills included cooking, painting and decorating and they were not far behind her gardening skills. No task was too much and she became a master of them all. Throughout her illness the care she got from the Swallowfield Medical Practice, The Royal Berkshire Hospital not forgetting the Southern Ambulance Service were all outstanding as without them all I am sure Katie would have not been with us for so long. My special thanks to them all. We were married for 54 years Extension. This work is supposed to end on October 31 and the bus stops state that date is latest the service is suspended. I can safely report that my observations today confirm that there is not a cat-in-hells chance that NMR will reopen in 12 days time and is more likely to extend until spring 2022. Someone should tell the bus company.
Matt Rodda
Time for action over the climate emergency, not more words
I
COP26 will bring together the most powerful people in the world with the expectation that each and every carbon-producing country will take to limit climate change. The UK has agreed a target to
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
Remembering Katie, my wife
Westminster Diary
N two weeks, in Edinburgh, the 26th UN conference on climate change will take place.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
be a net-Zero carbon economy by 2050, meaning in the next 30 years we will be adding no carbon to the environment through our industrial and commercial activities. The Government also want to significantly reduce our emissions by 2030. However the Government’s rhetoric does not match with their actions. The recent UK – Australian
and together for 57 years, which although I am full of the happiest of moments in that time the sadness of this moment over shadows them all. In time, the good times will all come back. Katie will be laid to rest at the Co Op Funeral Parlour, 572 Wokingham Road RG6 7JD, telephone 01189667922 (email early@letsco-
operate.com) until we hold a private family only service next week. No flowers please but should anyone wish to make a donation please do so to any charity of their choice but the Battersea Dog and Cats Home and Deramflight were just two of the many Katie most supported in her life.
Gary Cowan, Independent councillor for Arborfield
The good news is that I did see one workman but he appeared to be snoozing in the cab of his digger. The deviation route to the south, while NMR is closed, has also been closed for several days due to a water main burst on Jubilee Road. NMR was closed a couple of weeks ago due to a water main burst at Kiln Ride and NMR is now closed at Soldiers Rise until the end of November.
Oh the joy of living south of Wokingham. Can we have a rebate of our council tax for being held captive in our own homes?
trade deal will bring new market opportunities for British business, but it also hugely scaled back on the expected international environmental commitments. The UK abandoned its hope of influencing the Australians to scale back their dependence on coal and fossil fuel in favour of renewable energy, despite the Department of International Trade insisting that reducing carbon emissions would be at the heart of all our international trade arrangements. This is a continuing feature of the UK trade deals where shortterm economic gains are prioritised over long-term environmental improvements. The Government cannot continue to ‘greenwash’ its work at home while happily indulging polluting countries overseas to secure trade deals. The current spike in gas prices which is putting small energy suppliers out of business and reminds us all that there is still a long way to go to end our dependence on fossil fuels.
We have been too slow as a nation to invest in and roll-out renewable energy in the UK. We still import coal from Poland and gas from Russia and renewable energy sources in the UK are not supported to reach their full potential. Of course, we are already feeling the affects of the climate change with weather patterns changing and rising sea levels putting island nations at risk. The need to limit global temperature increases to 1.5ºC isn’t about doing something virtuous – it’s about protecting our ecosystem. Locally, many organisations – including the University of Reading and our local councils – are taking direct action to become carbon neutral much quicker than is required by the Government and they are to be commended for their work but, after COP26, we must all hold the Government to account and ensure that we take our actions to combat climate change seriously. The time for talking has passed, now is the time for action.
Disgruntled Motorist
Thank you for getting the jab I want to say “Thank You” to the vast majority who have taken the Covid vaccines. As of this writing, 74% of the total population have received at least
one dose, while 68% have received two doses. That’s more than 43 million Britons whose actions are protecting the public health. Those percentages are of the “total UK population” and can never reach 100% because they include children and other ineligible risk groups who rely on the rest of us to protect them. But we cannot declare success yet, and it is with great sadness that I mention the 100+ people dying every day since late July from this virus – mostly amongst the unvaccinated. They and their families will never return to “normal”. But we can spare others this pain and we know widespread vaccination is the key to disease control. There has been so much vaccine misinformation and negativity for reasons I cannot understand. Real science-backed answers to any question can be found by going to official NHS websites or their surgery. The vaccines are a wonder of Science, which has spent years preparing for some type of coronavirus. No steps were skipped in testing the vaccine. Rather, good planning, a proactive NHS and an extremely motivated population allowed testing to be completed in record time. The hundreds of millions now vaccinated around the world are proof positive of the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines. So, my thanks to the scientists and companies who created the vaccines. My thanks to the NHS, pharmacists and thousands of volunteers who have administered tens of millions of jabs. My thanks to those vaccinated, those getting boosters and the
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children and their parents who will be jabbed in the coming weeks. And my thanks to any unvaccinated who now get jabbed. We should all be proud of doing our part to protect the vulnerable, save the NHS and put this country on the only permanent path to “normal”.
Tom Ross, via email
World Polio Day This Sunday is World Polio Day, so what? We haven’t seen a single case of Polio in the UK in the last 25 years, and systematic global vaccination has reduced case numbers to just 176 and 140 cases in 2019 and 2020, and only in two Asian countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan. A real vaccination success story. But it still exists, and is still a global threat. Worldwide Coronavirus lockdowns have meant reduced population movements but our focus shifted away from the End Polio Now campaign, and the world is opening up again. This is why we should not take our eyes off the ball. This is why Easthampstead Rotary men and women in recent years have illuminated Bracknell & Wokingham College in purple, planted purple crocus bulbs, and held End Polio Now collections outside our supermarkets. And we are not alone. The WHO, GAVI (the global vaccine alliance), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Rotary International continue the fight. Every pound funded by Rotarians worldwide is tripled by the Gates Foundation. Moreover, the global vaccination infrastructure is now in place also to fight the Coronavirus. What can you do? Go to https://www.endpolio.org/
scroll down and donate what you can afford
Impact on breast cancer
WE all need a touch of Christmas magic this year. That’s why Santa’s workshop is open, and Santa and his elves are busy writing, sealing and posting letters that will put smiles on the faces of children everywhere. With a letter from Santa, you’ll bring magical tales from the North Pole right to your doorstep. There are eight fantastically festive designs, from traditional Christmas to a North Pole Safari – so there really is something for every child, or even the family pet! Whichever letter you choose, each one is more personalised than ever this year. You can add your child’s name, age, hobbies, what they want for Christmas and your very own P.S. message. Plus, it will be addressed and posted directly to your child via sleigh mail – so they’ll feel like they’re at the very top of Santa’s good list! After sending a massive 170,000 letters last year, we’re looking forward to reaching even more children this year. And with a donation to the NSPCC, you’ll help Childline be here for children who need someone to listen. That’s the true spirit of Christmas. So, what are you waiting for? Order your personalised letter from Santa by December 14th to make sure yours arrives before Christmas. To order your letter please visit: nspcc.org.uk/santa
AS a Clinical Nurse Specialist on Breast Cancer Now’s Helpline, I’m acutely aware of the shattering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emotional wellbeing of people with breast cancer. News of a diagnosis can be a lonely experience, and the pandemic has at times exacerbated this, denying people the chance to be with loved ones. We’ve seen a sharp rise in calls to our Helpline and emails to our Ask Our Nurses service from people struggling emotionally – many say the loneliness they’ve felt living with breast cancer during the pandemic has been the hardest emotional impact to cope with, and that its negatively impacted their mental health. As many of us look ahead to a ‘new normal’ beyond the pandemic, this World Mental Health Day, we must acknowledge the loneliness legacy facing people who’ve lived with breast cancer through the pandemic and commit to addressing it. This Breast Cancer Awareness month, we want to remind everyone affected by breast cancer that we’re always with you, in every way we can. Thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, our Online Support Services are one click away for anyone after a breast cancer diagnosis. Whether you’re a younger woman, adjusting to life after treatment, or living with incurable secondary breast cancer, our tailored support provides a confidential, safe space to connect with others and access specialist information. Find out more about Younger Women Together, Moving Forward, Someone Like Me, and Living With Secondary Breast Cancer at: breastcancernow.org/online-services.
Emma Motherwell, Local Campaigns Manager, NSPCC East of England
Jane Murphy, Breast Cancer Now Clinical Nurse Specialist
Peter von Bergen, Easthampstead Rotary Club
Get a letter from Santa
NEWS EXTRA
Knitted chain talks of modern slavery EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today MORE than 4,000 people who live in the Oxford Diocese are thought to be caught up modern slavery.
To highlight the unseen victims in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, members of Mothers’ Union groups spent the summer knitting and crocheting giant chains. The final result, produced in collaboration with The Clewer Initiative the Church of England’s response to modern slavery, was unveiled in Reading Minster Church in St Mary’s Butts on Monday – antislavery day. The giant chain was part of an exhibition organised by Maureen Weston, diocesan President of Mothers’ Union. The displays, telling the story of modern slavery – such as force labour, sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, and domestic servitude. Ms Weston said: “Anti-Slavery Day provides a perfect opportunity to raise awareness. “The handicraft project has been particularly well received because it is a way for people to get involved without having to gather in big numbers or attend events. The eyecatching chains have enabled us to
raise awareness of the presence of modern victims in slavery to a much wider audience. They are a powerful symbol and we hope that the 1,460 links will help people begin to grasp the true scale and horror of the issue in our communities.” This view was echoed by Caroline Virgo, director of The Clewer
Initiative, who said both it and the Mothers Union are committed to ending modern slavery in the UK. “The craft chain project is a simple way in which we are attempting to awaken local communities to the horror of slavery and challenge people to find out more about the issue,” she said.
“We are often told by frontline workers in statutory services that any way of getting the message about modern slavery to a general demographic is useful. “We hope that each chain will result in many conversations about modern slavery and people resolving to take concrete action.”
Spacephiller Phil Creighton
The Pringles man is bald, has he no taste?
T
HE PRINGLES man is now bald.
It’s not exactly the most earth-shattering news, but Julius Pringles has been a staple in the US since the 60s, making it over here in 1991. He’s a familiar face: a big moustache and a bow tie that says Pringles. Pretty simple really. His fizzog has brightened up the tubes, regardless of the flavour you get, for more than 50 years. In that time, he’s had several different looks. The original looked as if he was working an Edwardian fairground, with a big handlebar ‘tache and plenty of centre-parting slick-backed hair. His more recent incarnation gave him curtains and a rather perky tauche. Now though, he’s been given a 21st century makeover and the hair is for the chop. Instead he’s got some big, bushy eyebrows and a facial fungus that could double as a paintbrush. You’ve got to hand it to the makers of Pringles, they’re not afraid to innovate. They keep mixing things up. Indeed, you could say when it comes to new ideas, once you pop, you can’t stop. Here in dear old Blighty, there are three new spicy flavours, giving you a kick long after the savoury snack have disappeared in you tum. Being a bit of a lightweight, the spicy sour cream and onion is hot enough for me, but others won’t blink twice at the hardcore tastes on offer. That’s nothing though. There have been more than 100 different flavours. Forget original (salted), salt n vinegar, or barbecue beef. If the mood took you and you were in the right time zone, how about seaweed flavour? Or grilled shrimp? They have also tried Hot Diggity Dog, Crab, Pecan Pie, Eggs Benedict, Mushroom Soup, and Pizza. There has even been a chocolate flavour. Clearly, whatever you are in the mood for, there’s a tube for that. The fad for weird flavours isn’t confined to tubs of savoury snacks. If you wanted to, you could try these ice cream flavours: Oyster, Curry, Cheese, Smoked Salmon, or Squid Ink. And there’s me thinking Neapolitan is exotic. Pizza is another thing that can be customised to your hearts content. Are you a pineapple person, or do you want to stick to pepperoni? It’s quite a heated debate in some circles, almost up there with which knife to use at a posh dinner party. If the official foods weren’t enough, we all have our own combinations. Growing up, a Sunday teatime staple was a crisp sandwich. The bread had to be buttered thickly enough and the crisps tart enough to counter the sandwich part, but goodness, it was tasty. One Boys’ Brigade camp in the 80s, the tents had an unofficial contest to create the most disgusting sandwiches going. Mars bars? Shove it in. Jelly Babies? Hmm…. That wasn’t too bad. Yesterday’s left over fruit cocktail? Steady on, old chap. Taste is clearly a subjective thing. What one person likes another won’t touch with a bargepole – my son considers peas to be radioactive, so will go to great lengths to avoid them in anything, while I lap up some homemade pea and ham soup. Yes, soup, Julius Pringle, don’t get any ideas.
36 | BUSINESS
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
A business park that is changing
Supporting NHS A COMMUNICATIONS firm is switching its focus to social prescribing in a bid to support the NHS. Content Guru, based in Bracknell, has partnered with Simply Content to help GPs offer more holistic care. Social prescribing is when patients are referred to support in the community to improve their health and wellbeing. It offers non-medical treatment, including sports and activities, and has become more popular during the coronavirus pandemic. Content Guru has been awarded a place on a new NHS scheme and will work with Simply Connect. Martin Taylor, deputy CEO and co-founder of Content Guru, said: “We look forward to expanding into the emerging field of social prescribing, which is an important part of providing holistic care. “Together with Simply Connect, we are excited to support the development of services that support ultrapersonalised health and care. “I hope NHS organisations already using [our] services will take advantage of this new opportunity to add social prescribing to their portfolios, quickly and easily.”
Workshop expands to meet rising demand By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
A BRACKNELL workshop has launched a second premises in a bid to meet growing demand.
The Sash Window Workshop, which has been making doors and windows in Berkshire for nearly 30 years, has opened a second workshop next to its original site. The new, larger premises on Kiln Lane, will now be used to help the team manufacture more timber products. Richard Dollar, managing director of the company, said he is proud to see how his firm has grown since 1994. “Having started from nothing with a hand to mouth existence, we are very proud of the success of our business,” he said. “This success has enabled us to make a £1 million-plus investment this year into new premises, plant and equipment. “We have always made our own windows and doors in Berkshire, allowing us to closely manage the quality of our products, and most importantly it provides job opportunities locally.” As part of its expansion, The Sash
GROWTH: The Sash Window Workshop now has a second site Window Workshop has also revealed it is working with a new paint line CEFLA Lab. It chose the line after hosting a series of trials and hopes the partnership will help the team paint more doors and windows. According to the Bracknell firm, the demand for home improvements has grown during the pandemic. As part of its £1 million investment, it has installed new machinery. This will help it accurately prepare timber in house.
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A REGIONAL education group has appointed a new chief executive. Activate Learning, which runs a range of school across Berkshire, will see Gary Headland become its new CEO next year. He will take over from Sally Dicketts in April, who steps down after 18 years at the helm. She has worked in further education for more than 35 years, and was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Honours List in July 2013. Speaking about his appointment, Mr Headland said he is “delighted” to join Activate Learning and build upon Ms Dickett’s legacy. “I am honoured and proud to be invited to lead Activate Learning through the next phase of its distinguished history,” Mr Headland said. “Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through its approach to learning. “I am very much looking forward to working closely with the Activate Learning team to achieve our shared and compelling vision of achieving far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning.” Mr Headland previously worked as chief executive of Lincoln College Group, director at Norfolk Constabulary, and has spent nearly 23 years as a senior Royal Air Force officer. He served throughout the UK and overseas in Germany, Italy and the Middle East.
Businesses warned to stop junk mail
BUSINESSES in Reading and Wokingham have been warned to put a stop to junk mail or pay the price. Marie Wilcox, South East chair of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) issued the warning after millions of pounds was claimed in fines. Figures from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) revealed £1.7 million has been retrieved this year so far against businesses guilty of sending unsolicited marketing emails and texts.
And in October, the ICO issued £495,000 worth of fines to We Buy Any Car, Saga and Sports Direct following 345 million “nuisance messages”. According to a survey by OnePoll for the CIM, nearly one third (29%) of customers reported hearing from a business they did not give permission to contact them in the past month. “While not many companies are sending this volume of email and texts, the ICO has sent a clear message that
it will tackle unsolicited marketing, irrespective of whether the messages have been orchestrated by a small business or a leading household name,” Ms Wilcox said. “Whilst many businesses are aware of the [data protection] rules they often don’t appreciate, if they’re sending direct marketing messages. They must first have people’s consent. “As this action shows, ignoring the rules can lead to big fines.”
Thames Water launches new training scheme
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The Sash Window Workshop has used a pot of Government funding to support its new facilities. The family business, which now has a turnover of approximately £7 million a year, started operating from of a pig shed in Ascot in the 1990s. Today, it has more than 60 employees, working to install doors and windows across London and South England.
Former RAF officer takes the reins at Activate Learning
Supporting journalism
THAMES WATER is launching a pioneering apprenticeship programme in a bid to boost the country’s utility sector. It is creating a new training scheme within its supply chain, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK. It hopes the programme will increase the number of apprentices within the water industry, and expand the diversity of its workforce. The shared apprenticeship scheme will offer jobs in the Thames Valley and London. Successful candidates will get a chance to learn about the company’s infrastructure while gaining a qualification.
Lynne Graham, Thames Water people director, said: “The shared apprenticeship scheme is the next step in our plans to build a pipeline of skills from our communities and education sector, and ensure we have a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents the customers we serve. “We want to contribute to the creation of a fair society and tackle real challenges, such as digital skill shortages and in-work poverty, and ensure our people receive the right investment in skills development to have successful and sustainable
careers. “We’re excited to be working with our supply chain to provide these new apprenticeships and offer further access to career opportunities in the water industry to drive social mobility and provide good work for all.” Thames Water is planning to include a wide range of qualifications, including in Project Management and Electrical Installation. The first group of 20 apprentices will be in place by March 2022.
n For more information, visit: www.thameswater.co.uk
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Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
A business park that is changing
Funding success
Teaching top tech talent A READING school has launched a new tech centre to train the next generation of digital geniuses. The South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) opened a hub at Reading College at the end of September. It will now use the site to deliver technical and digital education in a bid to give students skills they will need in employment. The SCIoT hub forms part of a wider network of centres in Milton Keynes, Bletchley and Oxford. Alex Warner, principal, said the latest hub marked a “special moment” in SCIoT’s journey: “It feels great to be opening the doors to the new hub at Reading, the first fully developed and built NETWORK AGAIN: Businesses will be able to meet up to share ideas and news Picture: Christina from Unsplash
Wokingham business group plans post-pandemic celebration A WOKINGHAM networking group is gearing up for its first in-person session after launching during the pandemic. Reccobiz, which is based in Reading, is a family-run firm offering networking and advertising services to Thames Valley companies. Camilla Medcalf founded it with her husband last year, after spotting a gap in the market. “We’ve created a LinkedIn for small businesses and sole traders,” she explained. “We were inspired after running our own home improvement business.
“My husband has been in the industry for more than 30 years and used everything from the Yellow Pages to Facebook ads, and realised there was a gap for smaller companies.” She said the duo decided to create a new networking space for those outside of the corporate world, and has been running virtual meetings ever since. Now, the company is gearing up for a website relaunch and it’s first face-to-face meeting next month. “We’re so excited to meet in person,” Ms Medcalf said.
“Hopefully things will continue to open up and we won’t go into a lockdown again. “During the pandemic, we’ve had no opportunity to launch Reccobiz properly, so now is our chance.” The owners plan to celebrate the relaunch of their company with an in-person networking session on Friday, November 12. The time and location are not yet confirmed. n For more information about Reccobiz and it’s regular, online networking group, visit: www. reccobiz.co.uk
component of the SCIoT, which already has its first intake of learners,” he said. “The digital and tech sectors are so important to the UK’s future growth and these state-of-the-art, industrystandard facilities will help to develop and nurture the talent that will drive the sector forward.” Students studying at the Reading College hub will have access to £1 million facilities, designed to bridge skill gaps and support employers in the region. It is already offering Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeships in communication, software development and data analysis. n For more information, visit: www.southcentraliot.ac.uk
Sustainability firm seeks manager SUSTAINABLE enthusiasts might be interested in this Wokingham vacancy. Green Recruitment Company, which advocates for a greener economy through more sustainable energy, is looking for a new strategy manager. The successful candidate will work alongside
multinational businesses at the heart of Britain’s energy system, with a salary of up to £55,000. They will help transform energy across the UK to meet the Government’s net zero emissions target by 2050.
n To find out more, contact Tom Brookers at: tom.brookes@ greenrecruitmentcompany.com
A READING space start-up has raised millions of pounds in funding. Isotropic Systems, which creates technology to support satellites in orbit, secured more than £27,000 in a financing round last month. The money will fully fund the development and launch of its revolutionary multi-link antennas, due to launch in 2022. It is currently developing technology that allows antennas to connect to multiple satellites in multiple orbits. The company said that this has the potential to “unlock” a global satellite ecosystem to improve connectivity across government, defence, maritime, enterprise and aerospace industries. John Finney, founder and CEO of Isotropic Systems, said: “We are delighted to announce this new funding, which will bring our game-changing technology to reality within the next 12 months.” In total, Isotropic Systems has now received more than £73,000 through investor and customer support, and has expanded its workforce by 40% in the past five months.
New kid on the block at law firm THERE’S A new kid on the block at a Henley law firm Victoria Baker has joined THP Solicitors’ Wills, Trusts & Estates Administration team after a stint as a Partner at a national company. With more than 13 years’ experience, Ms Baker is an expert in private client work, administration and providing
inheritance advice. She said she is excited to have joined the Henley team. “I am delighted to have joined THP Solicitors and am looking forward to meeting my new clients,” she said.
“I think the pandemic has brought home to everyone how important it is to plan your affairs in advance to ensure your wishes are clear for all sorts of eventualities.”
Berkshire salon group wins award A REGIONAL salon group has won a prestigious industry award. Haringtons, with branches in Reading and Wokingham, received the Marketing Campaign of the Year title at the British Hairdressing Business Awards earlier this month. The Awards, now in their 23rd year, recognise entrepreneurship across British hairdressing. Nikki Neal, head of brand
and marketing at Haringtons, said it was “brilliant” to win this year. “This is our first year doing marketing for Haringtons, and we’ve come along way in that time,” she said. “We were up against massive competition, so it’s a huge honour to win.” The salon group won the award for its innovation when attracting new customers. Judges praised Ms Neal and her team for having a clear
strategy, strong branding and consistency. Jayne Lewis Orr, executive director of the British Hairdressing Business Awards, added: “Haringtons has demonstrated an exciting and unique approach to marketing, and a brilliant brand strategy. “From successful campaigns to a clear vision of who their customer is, their success in this area is both admirable and inspiring.”
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38 | NEWS
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CROWTHORNE&FINCHAMPSTEADNEWS
Helpful tips from
Murdoch House Care Home
Bookshop secures new tales for charity
Considering care in Wokingham? Sit down with a cuppa and make
+ 65 sure you’re not missing out on Attendance Allowance Am I eligible? Attendance Allowance is available to anybody 65 and over with physical or mental disabilities and who need help with washing, dressing or eating. You are eligible if you pay for your care in a care home.
65+
65+
Attendance Allowance isn’t means tested so your finances won’t be checked to work out if you’re entitled. To claim, you don’t need to be receiving assistance already you just need to show that you will benefit from it.
• you receive DLA (Disability Living Allowance) • you live in a care home and the local authority already contributes to your costs (Attendance Allowance will only be paid for the first 28 days).
aD
By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham. A BOOKSHOP has raised £200 to purchase new reads for a Crowthorne children’s charity to bring families together.
Day or Night
£60.00 Weekly
Makylla’s Little Imaginations Day & Night Bookshop, based in Bagshot, Day or Night launched the fundraising Weekly Day or Night initiative in August to support Weekly Sebastian’s Action Trust. The charity, which has a premises in Crowthorne Day & Night Weekly called The Woodlands, provides care for children with lifelimiting conditions and their Weekly families. Day & Night The fundraiser has since then reached its target, which will go towards buying books HELP: Makylla Issac is buying books for Sebastian’s Action Trust Weekly for the children who come to “One child I am currently books this month. visit the centre. And she thanked the supporting absolutely loves to Makylla Isaac, who set up the bookshop in June 2020, said the community for their donations read and reads so much it is hard for mum to keep up,” she idea came because she wanted to the initiative. “I wanted to say a massive said. to do a community fundraiser. “As well as reading books “I was already familiar with thank you for getting behind Sebastian’s Action Trust and this and helping with the there are many activity and creative books and with a huge the fantastic work they do, so I fundraiser,” she said. “I personally really range of books to interest most wanted to help bring enjoyment and family time for these appreciate all of their support children, it is going to be lots of children who are going through and generosity towards all fun choosing.” Miss Isaac is hoping to do these families that will benefit awful situation. more book pledges in the future. “I wanted the families to from this.” For more details, visit Claudia Thompson, youth feel like these books will be an escapism and I’m excited to see support worker at Sebastian’s Maklla’s Little Imaginations Action Trust, said this is a “huge Bookshop Facebook page. what they’ll choose to buy.” Miss Isaac added that the gift” that many children will n To donate, log on to: bit. charity will be going to get the benefit from. ly/3vbjvtF
£89.60
£60.00
£60.00
£89.60
£89.60
+ 56
You are NOT eligible if... • you already receive PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
ro y or Night iNDay
Day Day or Night
or Night
Crowthorne couple mark 56 years
Day or Night £ £60.00 6 0 D . £60.00 a Weekly £60.00 &y 00 Weekly hgiN£60.00 Weekly £ t 8Night 9 Day & . 6 & Night Day & Night 0 Day & Night £89.60 9.60 £89.60 Weekly
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Weekly
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
CELEBRATIONS were in order as a Crowthorne care home y resident marked his 56th Weekly wedding anniversary last week. eW Michael Bell, a resident e k yl at Pinehurst Care Centre, on Duke’s Ride, and his wife Valerie, were treated to an afternoon of cake and their Weekly The amount of Attendance Allowance you favourite songs on Wednesday, get depends on whether you need help September 29. WeeklyAnd their daughter Debbie day or night or both day and night. Payments are arranged for Michael to give calculated weekly and flowers and chocolates to usually paid every 4 weeks. Valerie when she arrived at the care home. The couple, from Crowthorne, first met when Valerie had a broken television For more help on how and Michael came to fix it at to complete your form, visit the time. www.fshc.co.uk/attendanceallowance And when Valerie moved or call our friendly team today on: away to Bramley, Michael 0118 911 7019 would come to visit her every day after work. Murdoch House Care Home The pair married on a 1 Murdoch Road, Wokingham, Wednesday afternoon and Berkshire, RG40 2DL enjoyed just two days on www.fshc.co.uk/murdochhouse honeymoon in Devon and Cornwell. Valerie explained that the key to a long-lasting marriage is their big family. “We had three fantastic kids, nine grandkids and eight fantastic German shepherds,”
eW lke
£89.60
Wokingham estate agents expands to Crowthorne AN INDEPENDENT business is opening its doors in Crowthorne next month. Estate agency Hat and Home will launch a branch in the village as it expands for the first time. The company was founded by Ben Gee in Wokingham last year, and he said he cannot wait to start working with the Crowthorne community. “We’re currently going through the refit to give it the Hat and Home vibe,” Mr Gee said. “This includes bricks on the wall, an industrial retro look and our signature bowler hat lights. “But we’re already listing properties in Crowthorne.” He said he chose Crowthorne for his business’ first expansion because of its “wonderful” high street. “Hat and Home is an independent business that works well in locations that are full of independent businesses,” Mr Gee explained. “Crowthorne is a lovely village and it’s important to us that we have a presence there. “We feel our brand and what we offer works well in these sorts of locations where perhaps there hasn’t been the choice of something new for a while.” Mr Gee hopes the new branch will be open from Monday, November 1 - and he said there will be more expansions in the future. “It’s massively exciting and we can’t wait to to open in Crowthorne,” he added. “We’ve got a fabulous team to work there with some new recruits too.”
COATS Crowthorne opens to daytime new visitors
COUPLE: Michael and Valerie celebrating their 56trh wedding anniversary at Pinehurst Care Centre she said. “We also had lots of lovely holiday,s which made up for only having two days honeymoon.” Michael came out of the care home and met with Valerie in its Garden Room, where the both got very emotional. They sat down together to share past photos whilst singing along to songs such as My Guy, by Mary Wells, and The Wonder of You, by Elvis. Activities coordinator
GROWING: Ben Gee (right) said he is excited to launch in Crowthorne Picture: Courtesy of Ben Gee
Victoria Pembroke said she was “thrilled” to be able to help the couple celebrate their special day. “Family is at the heart of what we do and they are clearly very much in love and have such a kind and caring family,” she said. “Happy anniversary Mick and Val, you are an amazing and inspiring couple and we hope to be able to celebrate many more anniversaries with you.”
COATS Centre in Crowthorne is encouraging new members to visit now lockdown has eased. The charity, which supports senior citizens in the area, offers companionship, hot drinks, biscuits and a two course lunch each weekday. Residents can enjoy mingling over a cuppa throughout the day. And after lunch, a range of activities are provided to entertain the visitors. Trustee David Wilson said: “COATS offers a safe environment for seniors to meet, socialise, make new friends and share stories and experiences. “Our trained staff are there to make sure everyone gets the most out of their time at the COATS Centre.” All staff are fully vaccinated and tested regularly, and a number of measures are still in place to keep people safe. Visits cost £6 per day with a minibus service around Crowthorne on offer, which costs £3 for a return trip. To book a visit, call Bernie on 01344 773464, or e-mail manager@coatscrowthorne.org.uk n For more details, visit coatscrowthorne.org.uk
SONNING, RUSCOMBE, TWYFORD&HURST, NEWS REMENHAM & WARGRAVE
Former PM’s fears over 250 homes plan for Hurst By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today THERESA May has stepped in to the fight over proposals to build up to 250 homes on a green field.
The Maidenhead MP visited an exhibition about the scheme for land between Lodge Road and Tape Lane in Hurst last Thursday. The exhibition at Hurst Village Hall was staged by the plan’s promoters, Mactaggert and Mickel. Hurst Village Society, which is fighting the proposals, is in touch with Mrs May who has told Wokingham Borough Council of residents’ concerns. The HVS website quotes from Mrs May’s letter to WBC saying: “My constituents are concerned that the current development plans will have a disproportionate impact on the village and its residents. The current proposals would see 300 more homes in a village of roughly two-thousand people... The impacts of large developments on small communities need to be reviewed closely and any development should enhance the existing community.” On Tuesday the village society said they would make the “strongest possible objection” to the plans when a planning permission application was made to Wokingham Borough Council. The society criticised the “very lack lustre exhibition”. In many instances it had lacked “important
LAND: A horse grazing in land by Tape Lane. A proposal for up to 250 homes will be showcased at an exhibition taking place in Hurst Village Hall Picture: Sue Corcorcan accurate factual information.” The exhibition revealed that 50 homes have been cut from the original 300 suggested. Wokingham Borough Council has challenged some information given by the promoters at the exhibition as being incorrect. Mactaggert and Mickel claimed that their proposals should be given planning permission, given certain circumstances. This was because the council couldn’t show there was a five year supply of land to build housing in the borough. But Cllr Wayne Smith, WBC executive member for planning
Community project helps Twyfordians mark wildlife A TWYFORD resident is creating a wildlife map to showcase the parish’s conservation work. Gavin Robinson is appealing to the public for help to document wildflower areas and woodland. He is working with Twyford Parish Council on the Twyford in Bloom initiative to highlight where work is being done to support insects and wildlife. The council hopes it will also help it identify where there are not enough wildlife-friendly features, so it can take action. The map, called Bee Friendly Twyford, can be accessed online. So far, residents have marked a range of meadows, copses and ponds. Cllr Bridget Ditcham, who leads the Twyford in Bloom Working Group, said the project helps the community improve the village.
“When [Mr Robinson] told us of his initiative to map all the ponds and wildflower areas in our village, we jumped at the idea of supporting him,” she said. The councillor said mapping the ponds will create awareness and highlight where the parish council could expand its network to support Twyford’s wildlife. “All the work being done is improving the appearance of our village, working with the community, protecting wild life, and hopefully helping to implement our Climate Change Policy,” she added. To find out more about the scheme, visit: www. twyfordparishcouncil.gov.uk/ twyford-in-bloom-mapping-ofponds-wildflower-areas-andwoodland-in-twyford
said: “The reference to not having a five-year housing land supply is incorrect. The most recent monitoring report, from March 2020, found a deliverable housing land supply of 5.23 years. “The report is on the planning policy evidence page of the council’s website.” Mactaggert and Mickel said on Tuesday: “We were pleased by the level of turnout at our public exhibition, considering that a local group was recommending to Hurst residents that they not attend.” Protect Hurst Action Group had urged residents not to go.
They said that unless residents said they were emphatically against any development on the site, any other comments would be used to imply support. McTaggert and Mickel denied that. M&M did not answer some of Wokingham Today’s questions. The exhibition displayed points raised earlier by residents and changes made responding to them. M&M declined to say how many people had raised each point, how visitors had reacted to the changes and how many attended the exhibition. But they did say: “The proposals on show at the exhibition responded to the most common issues raised by respondents during our initial online consultation over the summer and initial advice from Wokingham Borough Council’s Highways team. “We have arranged for follow-up meetings with individual adjoining property owners, and we will reflect on where the concerns expressed can be accommodated within the proposals before we submit an outline planning application at the end of this year or the beginning of next year.” WBC has said the location for a second access road [in a narrow, access only road, Tape Lane] now included in the plans was not discussed with M&M. The exhibition and an online feedback form can be seen at www. landeastoflodgeroad.co.uk
Hurst music concert helps feed families in need MUSICIANS have helped needy families have more food to eat and a church to repair its organ. The Music for a Late-Summer’s Evening concert on Saturday, September 25 at St Nicholas Church, Hurst raised more than £1000. The money will be shared between Woodley Food Bank and the church’s organ fund. Associate priest at Hurst, Twyford and Ruscombe, the Rev Graham Theobald said: “We were treated to a wide variety of music, superbly sung. “We were privileged to have such talented musicians in St Nicholas Church. “It was a delightful, wellsupported evening. “We hope to arrange similar events in the future.” Accompanying the choir on
Knowl Hill Billies raise money for charity with homemade go-kart A RACING group from Knowl Hill raised hundreds for charity at a homemade go-kart event last month. The Knowl Hill Billies donated nearly £800 to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust at the Gravity Grand Prix. The annual fundraiser, held in Cookham Dean, sees drivers enter a downhill race where speed is
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determined by gravity. The team’s car, which was dreamt up before the pandemic, completed the fastest time down the course of 1 minute and 38 seconds. The Knowl Hill Billies came 11th overall out of 26 competitors. Following the event, the team thanked everybody for their “generosity and support”.
the organ and piano was former Twyford resident Tom Lowe, who discovered a love of music at St Nicholas Primary School, Hurst. He also performed two organ solos, one by Bach and one by Whitlock. St Nicholas organist Chris Bond brought his choir Te Decet Hymnus to sing at the concert. Afterwards he praised Mr Lowe’s playing and told the choir: “It was a truly splendid concert enjoyed by a very appreciative audience of about 70 people. “I could tell you all enjoyed it as much as I did. “Your singing was superb. £1000 is an outstanding amount of money to raise anywhere, but for a small, rural parish is quite incredible.” The singers had come from as away as Cardiff.
Sonning street closes for works SONNING residents might want to find alternative routes, as a street prepares to close. From Monday, October 25 until Thursday, October 28, Pound Lane will be shut. Openreach is performing telecoms maintenance work. Diversions will be put in place, alongside a possible two-way traffic control junction with Glebe Lane.
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WOODLEY&EARLEYNEWS Join Earley’s animal trail for half-term fun YOUNGSTERS are invited to go on a treasure trail across Earley this halfterm. Earley Town Council has hidden 10 pictures of animals in Sol Joel Park. Each one includes details of their habitats and are clues to a wordsearch which can be downloaded from the council’s website. Copies can also be collected from their offices from 9am-1pm and 2pm4.30pm weekdays. Children can then find the words in the grid and return it for the chance to win a prize. It is part of the town council’s green events initiative. n For details, log on to www.earley-tc.gov. uk/green-events-2021
Art contest opens ARTISTS are being invited to create a picture from nature in a new content being run by Earley Town Council. The theme is environment, and part of the preparations to the COP26 climate emergency summit. Entrants are asked to create a picture in any media that incorporates rubbings. There are three categories: under sevens, ages 8-16, and adults. All entries must be A3 or A4 in size, and there will be prizes for the best picture in each category. The judging panel includes town council staff and councillors, and the closing date for entries is Friday, October 29. For more details, log on to www. earley-tc.gov.uk
Woodley Town Council keeps the Green Flag flying over park By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today
THE GREEN flag is flying over Woodley once again after Woodford Park was recognised as one of the best in Britain.
The scheme, which rewards wellmanaged parks and green spaces, is given to places that can demonstrate they are welcoming, healthy, wellmaintained, and have community involvement. Launched in 1996, it is celebrating its silver jubilee this year. Woodford Park has been given the award for the third year running, and is the only park in Wokingham borough to have the status. Judging involves a site visit as well as assessing the management plan. The judges are trained professionals who give their time voluntarily to support the programme, and more than 1,000 people across the world take part. Woodford Park is located off Headley Road and is close to the town centre. Facilities include an outdoor paddling pool for toddlers, 3G artiifical pitches, a garden of remembrance, a lake, a community orchard, a skate park and play areas. It is home to Woodley’s war memorial and a garden erected to
ECO: Woodford Park in Woodley has been awarded a green flag Picture: Phil Creighton mark the Queen’s 90th birthday and plays host to regular events including a weekly park run and the annual carnival. Green Flag Award Scheme Manager
Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Woodford Park worthy of a Green Flag Award.” Woodley Town Council, which runs
and manages the park, was delighted, saying that it was a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the grounds team and volunteers who helped keep it clean and tidy. “To meet the requirements demanded by the Green Flag scheme is testament to the hard work of the Council’s staff and the volunteers of the Friends of Woodford Park who do so much to ensure that Woodford Park has high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management and is a place that supports people to live healthy lives,” said town council leader Cllr Keith Baker. The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the UK and around the world. To mark its 25th anniversary, the scheme is launching a silver jubilee award scheme, offering honours in categories such as volunteer or the year, team of the year and best health initiative. The winners will be announced later in the year.
Woodley plans remembrance event WOODLEY Town Council is making plans for its annual act of remembrance. Taking place at 11am on Thursday, November 11, around the war memorial in Woodford Park, it sees pupils, community groups, armed forces, members of the public, and councillors
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come together for the two-minute silence. Any groups wishing to lay a wreath are asked to contact the town council by Monday, November 1, so arrangements can be made. n For more details, email matthew. filmore@woodley. gov.uk
Woodley town mayor attends judicial service WOODLEY’S Town Mayor was one of the many guests who attended the annual judicial service in Reading. Held on Friday, October 8, at St James’ Church near Forbury Gardens, the event marks the start of the judicial year. As this year marks the 900th anniversary of the foundation of Reading Abbey, and the current High Sheriff is a Catholic, the service was held not in its usual place of the Minster Church, but in St James which is situated on part of the abbey’s site. The event started with a reception held in the
Waterhouse Chamber of Reading’s Town Hall, before there was a procession past the Crown Court to the church. And Cllr Janet Satorel, who represented Woodley at the service, was delighted to be present. She said: “The Church service was quite a grand affair with readings and rousing hymns, accompanied by a magnificent choir and musicians situated high up in the gallery. “I am very proud to have taken part and it was a highlight of my Mayoral year so far.”
Where’s the Woodley witch? IT’S THE little shops full of horrors … children are invited to a Hallowe’en event at Woodley town centre on Saturday, October 30. The event takes place from 3pm to 6pm, and includes a mixture of scary, spooky and seasonal fun. Children are invited to dress up as witches and wizards, with prizes for the best outfits. Other activities include a witch hunt, and a painting contest. Music will be performed and both the town and deputy mayor will be making an appearance.
n For more details, log on to www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk … if you dare.
Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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INTHECOMMUNITY
Life on the Home Front 1914-18 Wargrave Local History Society
WARGRAVE Local History Society was able to return to meeting ‘in person’, rather than using Zoom, for their October meeting.
Dr Margaret Simons gave an illustrated presentation on Reading in the First World War: The Home Front 191418, sharing the results of her research into the effects of the war on the local area. Local newspapers described Reading as being ‘alive with khaki’ over the August Bank Holiday of 1914 (1st-3rd that year). It had been a super summer but then rained heavily on the 4th – the day when the anticipated declaration of war took place. Things moved rapidly in the first few days. Men of the Royal Berkshire Regiment departed on the 5th, with 24 boxes of Huntley & Palmers biscuits, while two days later all suitable horses in the town were commandeered. The following day, Reading became a food base for the army. The idea of war seemed surreal at the time, with a sense of excitement as people thought it would “be over by Christmas”, people thronging the streets to watch parading soldiers. One of the main impacts on local people was the price of food, which had already started rising. There was a shortage of pigs, sugar was scarce, and the prices for meat and bread rose significantly. Some food had been retained for use by forces personnel – while some farmers had held on to their animals, hoping for a higher price. Changes in economic activity meant many workers were put on to short time, or lost their jobs. The combined effect was that many poorer families were in difficulty, and special arrangements had to be made
POPPY: Symbol of remembrance from the Great War Photo by Fraizer Dunleavy on Unsplash to ensure that children were fed – by the end of September 1914 there were 1,273 ‘necessitous children’ in Reading. The Defence of the Realm Act, passed on August 8th, imposed restrictions, such as watering down alcoholic drinks and restricting public house opening hours (some rules remaining in force until 1988). People were not allowed to talk of anything that could give information to the enemy – there was real paranoia that there was “a German around every corner”. The Royal Berkshire Regiment (based at Brock Barracks) paraded through the town and used other events to encourage volunteers to enlist. Later, the National Registration Act required the details of men eligible for military service and women who could be available for work to be recorded, conscription following in 1916. There were tribunals held in the town, three days a week, to consider the claims of Conscientious Objectors and others to be exempted. Billeting of members of
the forces also affected local people, particularly as Reading was a transit hub for the troops. A house occupier was paid 9d per night per man who stayed in their home, over 1,500 being accommodated this way. There was a considerable outcry at the time, as the burden fell mainly on the poorer families already living in crowded homes, rather than the more affluent in bigger houses. From February 1916, Reading also became the home of the Royal Flying Corps’ No 1 School of Aeronautics, based at the university’s Wantage Hall, with an airfield at Coley Park. A suggestion in 1918 that the newly formed RAF should be based at Reading was not implemented, however. Many Reading firms were involved in the war effort – food companies, outfitters, and engineering concerns – even Huntley & Palmers making around 60,000 shell cases, while the Royal Berkshire Hospital cared for the war wounded, as well as the civilian population. To help provide sufficient beds for patients, the former workhouse became Battle Hospital, and many auxiliary hospitals were created in large houses and village halls, to accommodate the less severely injured and those convalescing. As well as tending them, local women ‘did their bit’, taking on the work of the men serving in the military. Margaret spoke of many more aspects of life at this time, and hopes to make the results of her research available as a book in due course. The Society’s planned programme is at www. wargravehistory.org.uk where the latest information can be found, or email info@ wargravehistory.org.uk to confirm meeting details. PETER DELANEY
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PUBLIC NOTICES
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 THE WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL EXPERIMENTAL ORDER NO. 4, 2021 A. E004-21 – EXPERIMENTAL AMENDMENT OF ‘THE ORDER OF 2017 – RESTRICTED ZONE EVENDONS LANE & RESTRICTED PARKING ZONE OAKLANDS DRIVE. B. E004-21 – EXPERIMENTAL LIMITED WAITING PARKING BAYS OAKLANDS DRIVE. C. E004-21 – EXPERIMENTAL JUNCTION PROTECTION EVENDONS LANE; TANNERS ROW. THE WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL EXPERIMENTAL ORDER NO. 5 2021 A. E005-21 – EXPERIMENTAL 40MPH: EVERSLEY ROAD [A327]; SWALLOWFIELD ROAD. B. E005-21 – EXPERIMENTAL 50MPH: ARBORFIELD CROSS RELIEF ROAD [A327]; EVERSLEY ROAD [A327]; OBSERVER WAY; READING ROAD [A327]. THE WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (STOPPING, WAITING, LOADING AND UNLOADING PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS, PARKING PLACES AND RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING PLACES) (CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT) (CONSOLIDATION) ORDER 2017 (AMENDMENT NO. 4) ORDER 2021. P008-20 – PERMANENT WAITING RESTRICTIONS, VARIOUS ROADS. 1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Wokingham Borough Council, on the 20 October 2021 made the 1st and 2nd above mentioned experimental Ord ers und er section 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amend ed and all enabling powers. The 1st above mentioned experimental Order will come into force on the 16 November 2021. The 2nd above mentioned experimental Ord er will come into force on the 27 October 2021. 2. The effect of the Wokingham Borough Council Experimental Order No. 4, 2021: amended the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Roads, Wokingham Borough) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Resident Permit Parking Places) (Civil Parking Enforcement) (Consolidation) Order 2017, ‘the Order of 2017’, by imposing: (a) double yellow lines ‘at any time’ waiting restrictions at the junction of Evendons Lane and Tanners Row; (b) a restricted zone on a cul-de-sac length of Evendons Lane, operational ‘at any time’, no loading operational ‘at any time’; (c) a restricted parking zone on a cul-de-sac length of Oaklands Drive, operational 10am-11am Mondays to Fridays, no loading ‘at any time’ except in signed bays. 3. The effect of the Wokingham Borough Council Experimental Order No. 5, 2021: imposed 40mph speed limit(s) on lengths of Eversley Road [A327] and Swallowfield Road ; imposed 50mph speed limit(s) on lengths of Eversley Road [A327], Observer Way and Read ing Road [A327]; amend or revoke and re-enact the Ord ers listed in the Sched ule to this Notice. 4. FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Wokingham Borough Council, on the 20 October 2021 made the abovementioned permanent Order under section 1, 2, 4 and 124 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended and all enabling powers. The permanent Order will come into force on the 16 November 2021. 5. The effect of the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Roads, Wokingham Borough) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Resident Permit Parking Places) (Civil Parking Enforcement) (Consolidation) Order 2017 (Amendment No. 4) Order 2021: amended the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Roads, Wokingham Borough) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Resident Permit Parking Places) (Civil Parking Enforcement) (Consolidation) Order 2017 (the Order of 2017) by either introducing or amending waiting restrictions operational ‘at any time’ on a length or lengths of Anderson Avenue; Ardwell Close; Baston Road; Biggs Road; Blackthorn Close; Byron Road; Culvert Lane; Dalley Road; Elgar Avenue; Ellis Road; Erleigh Court Gardens; Emerald Close; Fairview Road; Gipsy Lane; Grange Avenue; Hilary Drive; Hilmanton, Leisure Road; Loddon Bridge Road; Millers Grove; Milton Road; Nightingale Road; Northway; Oak Avenue, Purcel Road; Ravenswood Avenue; Whitegates Lane. 6. The proposals advertised on 8 October 2020 for: Isaac Newton Road / Nuffield Road Arborfield have been deferred and the remaining proposals for Addington Gardens, Hilmanton, Oaklands Drive, Silk Lane, The Terrace and Weavers Way have been abandoned [NOTE: These roads are intended to be made under a separate amending Order]. 7. If any person wishes to question the validity of the above named made Orders or of any of its provisions on the grounds that it or they are not within the powers conferred by the 1984 Act, or that any requirement of the Act or of any instrument made under the Act has not been complied with, that person may, within 6 weeks from the date on which the Orders are made, apply for the purpose to the High Court. 8. Documents giving further information of the Orders can be viewed for a period of up to 18 months from the date of this Notice online at ‘https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/roadworks-and-outdoor-maintenance/traffic-managementroad-signs-and-markings/traffic-regulation-order-consultations/’. 9. The experimental Orders provides that the Assistant Director of Place & Growth or a person authorised by that person, may, if it appears to Assistant Director of Place & Growth or that person essential in the interests of the expeditious, convenient, and safe movement of traffic or for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which any road affected by the Orders runs, modify, or suspend the experimental Orders or any provision thereof. 10. Within a period of 6 months beginning with the day on which the experimental Orders came into force, or if that Order is varied by another order or modified pursuant to Section 10(2) of the Act, beginning with the day on which the variation or modification or the latest variation or modification came into force, any person may object to the making of an order for the purpose of such indefinite continuation. 11. Any objections to the experimental Orders, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing to the Traffic Management Team, Localities & Customers, PO Box 153, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or via email to ‘tm.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk’ quoting E004-21 reference or E005-21 reference respectively, by no later than 20 April 2022 Dated: 21st October 2021 Andy Glencross, Assistant Director Place & Growth, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WL. SCHEDULE Royal County of Berkshire (Restricted Roads) (No. 5) Order 1968; Wokingham District Council (Various Roads, Arborfield & Barkham) (30MPH & 40MPH Speed Limits) Order 1999; Wokingham District Council (Various Roads, Arborfield & Barkham) (30MPH & 40MPH Speed Limits) Order 2000; Wokingham District Council (A327 Reading Road, Arborfield) (40MPH Speed Limit) Order 2001; the 2nd & 3rd item from the Schedule of Wokingham District Council (A327 Eversley Road and Reading Road, Arborfield) (40MPH Speed Limit) Order 2003; Wokingham District Council (A327 Eversley Road and Reading Road, Arborfield) (40MPH Speed Limit) Order 2004; Wokingham District Council (Church Lane, Greensward Lane and Swallowfield Road , Arborfield ) (40MPH Speed Limit) Ord er 2004; the 2nd & 3rd Schedules of Wokingham Borough Council (Langley Common, Biggs Lane, Rickmans Close, Arborfield) (Restricted Road & 30MPH Speed Limit) Order 2018; Wokingham Borough Council (A327 Reading Road, Arborfield , Finchamhanstead and Swallowfield Road ) (50MPH Speed Limit) Ord er 2019. Footnote: The notice of making(s) advertised on 16 September 2021 for the making of Orders, have been superseded by this notice.
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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Pump Lane, Shinfield between its junctions with Grazeley Green Road and Lambswood Hill. The alternative route for all vehicles affected this restriction shall be via Lambwood Hill, Mortimer Road and Grazeley Green Road, or by this route in reverse. 2. Ky bes Lane, Shinfield between its junctions with Hartley Court Road and Grazeley Green Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected this restriction shall be via Grazeley Green Road, Mereoak Lane, Great Lea and Hartley Court Road, or by this route in reverse. 3. Croft Road, Shinfield between its junctions with Clares Green Road and Croft Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Clares Green Road, B3340 Hyde End Road and Croft Road, or by this route in reverse. 4. Hyde End Lane, Shinfield between its junctions with Ryeish Lane and Croft Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3430 Hyde End Road, B3349 Basingstoke Road and Church Lane, or by this route in reverse. 5. Ryeish Lane, Shinfield between its junctions with Clares Green Road and Hyde End Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Hyde End Lane, Church Lane, B3349 Basingstoke Road and Clares Green Road, or by this route in reverse. 6. Bunglers Hill, Swallowfield between its junctions with Priest Hill and Castle Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Priest Hill, Castle Road and Church Road, or by this route in reverse. 7. Priest Hill, Swallowfield between its junctions with Castle Road and Church Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Holly Corner, Castle Road, Church Road and Bunglers Hill, or by this route in reverse. 8. Bunces Shaw, Swallowfield between its junctions with Castle Road and Church Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Castle Road and Church Lane, or by this route in reverse. 9. Church Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with Church Road and Castle Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Church Road and Castle Road. 10. Jouldings Lane, Swallowfield from its junctions with Church Road and Wokingham Borough Boundary. 11. Sandpit Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with Church Road and Nutbean Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be Nutbean Lane, Church Road and Bunglers Hill, or by this route in reverse. 12. Nutbean Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with Church Road and Sandpit Lane The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be Sandpit Lane, Bunglers Hill and Church Road, or by this route in reverse. 13. School Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with School Road and The Devil’s Highway The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via School Road and The Devil’s Highway, or by this route in reverse. 14. The Devil’s Highway, Swallowfield between its junctions with School Road and School Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via School Road and School Lane or by this route in reverse. 15. Trowes Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with Part Lane and The Street. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Part Lane and The Street, or by this route in reverse. 16. Charlton Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with B3349 Basingstoke Road and Trowes Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3349 Basingstoke Road, The Street and Trowes Lane, or by this route in reverse. 17. Sun Lane, Swallowfield from its junctions with Bull Lane for its entirety. 18. Bull Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with Welsh Lane and Barge Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Barge Lane and Welsh Lane, or by this route in reverse. 19. Spring Lane, Swallowfield from its junction with Barge Lane. 20. Barge Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with Welsh Lane and A33 Swallowfield Bypass. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Welsh Lane and A33 Swallowfield Bypass or by this route in reverse 21. Kingsbridge Hill, Swallowfield between its junctions with Lambs Lane and Barge Lane The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Barge Lane, B3349 Basingstoke Road, Back Lane and Lambs Lane or by this route in reverse 22. Lambs Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with Basingstoke Road and Back Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Basingstoke Road and Back Lane or by this route in reverse. 23. Park Lane, Finchampstead between its junctions with A327 Reading Road and Nine Mile Ride. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Park Lane (northern section), Biggs Lane, Langley Common Road, A327 Eversley Road and A327 Reading Road, or by this route in reverse. 24. White Horse Lane, Finchampstead between its junctions with Nine Mile Ride and Church Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Church Lane, B3016 Finchampstead Road and Nine Mile Ride, or by this route in reverse. 25. Church Lane, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3016 Finchampstead Road and B3346 Jubilee Road.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
31. Greensward Lane, Arborfield between its junctions with A327 Reading Road and Swallowfield Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Swallowfield Road and A327 Reading Road, or by this route in reverse. 32. Castle Hill, Arborfield between its junctions with Priest Hill and Swallowfield Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Priest Hill and Swallowfield Road, or by this route in reverse. 33. Poplar Lane, Hurst between its junctions with Hinton Road and A321 Broadwater Lane The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Hinton Road and A321 Broadwater Lane, or by this route in reverse. 34. Mill Lane, Sindlesham between its junctions with B3030 Mole Road and B370 Lower Earley Way. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 Mole Road, B3030 King Street Lane, A329 Reading Road and B3270 Lower Earley Way , or by this route in reverse. 35. Pound Lane, Hurst between its junctions with Broadcommon Road and Nelsons Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Broadcommon Road and Nelsons Lane, or by this route in reverse. 36. Broadcommon Road, Hurst between its junctions with Nelson Lane and A321 Wokingham Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Nelsons Lane and A321 Wokingham Road or by this route in reverse. 37. Broadcommon Lane, Hurst between its junctions with B3016 The Straight Mile and Broadcommon Road. The alternative route for all vehicle affected by this restriction shall be via B3016 The Straight Mile, Hinton Road, A321 Broadwater Lane and Broadwater Road, or by this route in reverse 38. Islandstone Lane, Hurst between its junctions with Broadcommon Road and A321 Wokingham Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Broadcommon Road, Nelsons Lane and A321 Wokingham Road or by this route in reverse. 39. Nelsons Lane, Hurst between its junctions with Islandstone Lane and Broadcommon Road and Pound Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Pound Lane and Broadcommon Road and Islandstone Lane or by this route in reverse. 40. Lines Road, Hurst between its junctions with Church Hill and A321 Wokingham Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Wokingham Road, Orchard Road and Church Hill or by this route in reverse. 41. Dunt Avenue, Hurst between its junctions with Lines Road and Dunt Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Lines Road, B3030 Davis Street and Dunt Lane, or by this route in reverse. 42. Dunt Lane, Hurst from its junction with B3030 Davis Street for its entirety. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 Davis Street, Davis Way and Little Hill Road, or by this route in reverse. 43. Green Lane, Winnersh between its junctions with Dunt Lane and Little Hill Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Little Hill Road and Dunt Lane or by this route in reverse. 44. Little Hill Road, Winnersh between its junctions with Davis Way and Dunt Lane The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Dunt Lane, B3030 Davis Street and Davis Way, or by this route in reverse. 45. Whistley Mill Lane, Hurst between its junctions with Park Lane and Broadwater Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be Broadwater Lane, A321 Broadwater Lane, A321 Hurst Road, B3018 Waltham Road, B3018 Church Street, A3032 High Street, A3032 Old Bath Road and Park Lane, or by this route in reverse. 46. Park Lane, Charvil between its junctions with Waingels Road and Landsend Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Waingels Road, Beggars Hill Road and Landsend Lane or by this route in reverse. 47. Landsend Lane, Charvil between its junctions with Park Lane and Beggars Hill Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Park Lane, Waingels Road and Beggars Hill Road, or by this route in reverse. 48. Beggars Hill Road, Twyford from its junction with Waingels Road for its entirety. 49. Hatch Gate Lane, Wargrave between its junctions with Crazies Hill and Warren Row Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Hatch Gate Lane and Crazies Hill, or by this route in reverse. 50. Highfield Road, Wargrave between its junctions with Hatch Gate Lane and Crazies Hill. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Hatch Gate Lane (southern section), Rose Lane and Warren Row Road, or by this route in reverse. 51. Kentons Lane, Wargrave between its junctions with A321 Wargrave Road and Culham Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Wargrave Road, A4130 White Hill and Culham Lane, or by this route in reverse. 52. Remenham Lane, Remenham between its junctions with A4130 Henley Bridge and Remenham Church Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via White Hill and Aston Lane or by this route in reverse. 53. Aston Lane, Remenham between its junctions with Remenham Lane and A4130 White Hill. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Remenham Lane, Remenham, Church Lane and A4130 White Hill or by this route in reverse. 54. Remenham Church Lane, Remenham between its junctions with Remenham Lane and A4130 White Hill. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4130 White Hill, Aston Lane and Remenham Lane or by this route in reverse. 55. Sandford Lane, Woodley/Hurst between its junctions with B3030 Davis Street and Mohawk Way. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 Davis Street, B3030 Robinhood Lane, A329 Reading Road, Loddon Bridge/Bader Way Interchange, The Bader Way and Mohawk Way , or by this route in reverse.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3346 Jubilee Road and B3016 Finchampstead Road, or by this route in reverse.
Works requiring these restrictions will take place between 9th November 2021 and 31st March 2022 and between 9th November 2022 and 31st March 2023.
26. Lower Sandhurst Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with Cricket Hill and Wokingham Borough Boundary.
These restrictions are to enable Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake essential highway drainage maintenance works in safety.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Cricket Hill, B3016 Longwater Road, B3346 Jubilee Road, B3348 The Ridges and Dell Road, or by this route in reverse.
Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.
27. Dell Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with Lower Sandhurst Road and B3348 The Ridges. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Lower Sandhurst Road, Cricket Hill, B3018 Longwater Road, B3346 Jubilee Road and B3348 The Ridges or by this route in reverse. 28. Redlake Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with Easthampstead Road and Honey Hill The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Honey Hill, Heathlands Road and Easthampstead Road or by this route in reverse. 29. Commonfield Lane, Barkham between its junctions Biggs Lane and Barkham Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Biggs Lane, Langley Common Road, Barkham Road and Barkham Street, or by this route in reverse. 30. Park Corner Lane, Arborfield between its junctions with Copse Barnhill Lane and B3030 Mole Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 Mole Road and Copse Barnhill Lane, or by this route in reverse.
The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs comply ing with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 9th November 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 21st October 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A329 PEACH STREET, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 14th October 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
1. A321 Finchampstead Road, Wokingham and for a distance of 20m on either side of the railway bridge
A329 Peach Street from its junction with A329 Wiltshire Road.
The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Wellington Road, Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road, B3349 Barkham Road and Molly Millars Lane. The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Molly Millars Lane, B3349 Barkham Road, Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road and A321 Wellington Road Works requiring this restriction will take place between 26th October and 27th October 2021 between 22:00 and 06:00. 2. Easthampstead Road, Wokingham and for a distance of20m on either side of the level crossing. The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Easthampstead Road, Old Wokingham Road, Peacock Lane, Vigar Way, A329 Berkshire Way, A329 London Road and A329 Peach Street. The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Peach Street, A329 Market Place, A329 Broad Street, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 London Road, A329 Berkshire Way, Vigar Way, Peacock Lane, Old Wokingham Road and Easthampstead Road. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 18th November and 19th November 2021 between 23:00 and 05:00. 3. B3349 Barkham Road, Wokingham between its junctions withOxford Road andA321Wellington Road. The alternative route for all cars and light vehicles (Northbound) affected by this restriction shall be via B3349 Barkham Road, Molly Millars Lane, A321 Finchampstead Road and A321 Wellington Road. The alternative route for all cars and light vehicles (Southbound) affected by this restriction shall be via Station Approach, Reading Road, Station Road, A321 Wellington Road, A321 Finchampstead Road, Molly Millars Lane and B3349 Barkham Road. The alternative route for all HGV’s (Northbound) affected by this restriction shall be via B3349 Barkham Road, Bearwood Road, B3030 King Street Lane, A329 Reading Road and Station Road. The alternative route for all HGV’s (Southbound) affected by this restriction shall be via Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, B3030 King Street Lane, Bearwood Road and B3349 Barkham Road. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 6th February 2022 between 00:30 and 06:00. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake lifting of level crossing, rail inspection and non-intrusive examination of bridge 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 26th October 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 21st October 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
CLASSIFIEDS | 45
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Thursday, October 21, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Classifieds 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
211033
Land west of Old Wokingham Road and south of Waterloo Road, Wokingham
Environmental Impact Assessment
Outline application for the proposed demolition of equestrian buildings and up to 95 no. dwellings (35% affordable housing), public open space, attenuation, ecological enhancement and associated works with details of vehicular access from Old Wokingham Road and pedestrian/cycle access from byway WOKW BW30 with all other matters reserved.
213070
Sultan Balti Palace, 7 Market Place, Wokingham
Conservation Area
Full planning permission for alterations to shop front and ground floor seating area. (Retrospective)
213116
Five Horseshoes, White Hill, Remenham Hill
Conservation Area
Full application for the proposed erection of a part three storey, part single storey rear extension including roof terrace, the demolition of existing two storey flat roofed rear extension and demolition of detached outbuilding, plus insertion of 6 no. rooflights and associated roof alterations.
213196
Major Application Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd, Shinfield Park, Reading
213354
The Rose Toop Boatyard, Wargrave Road, Remenham
Major Application
Full application for the proposed ground floor and first floor extensions to the existing building and raising the central roof. To also include external balcony and fenestration changes to the river frontage. Cladding of external walls with vertical timber boarding and the creation of an additional river cutting for additional/replacement moorings.
213378
Land at Broadcommon Road, Hurst
Major Application
Outline application with all matters reserved except for Access. The proposed erection of up to 33 Custom and Self-Build homes (plots), to include 14 affordable homes, public open spaces with equipped play areas, landscaping, and other associated infrastructure.
213380
Balcombe Nurseries, Basingstoke Road, Swallowfield
Major Application
Full application for the erection of 5 no. detached dwellings, two with separate detached garages and three dwellings with internal garages. Plots 2-3-4-5 are three storey dwellings. Associated landscaping works including one balancing pond, 2 no. accesses with entrance gates and 1.2m post and rail fencing.
213389
Sultan Balti Palace, 7 Market Place, Wokingham
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed alterations to shop front and ground floor seating area. (Retrospective)
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 London Road, A329 Coppid Beech Roundabout and return. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 8th November and 14th November 2021 between 20:00 and 06:00. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Southern Gas Networks contractors to undertake laying of new service 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 8th November 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 21st October 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (KING STREET LANE, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 14th October 2021 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: King Street Lane, Winnersh between its junctions with A329 Reading Road and Allnatt Avenue. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, B3270 Lower Earley Way North and Hatch Farm Way or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 28th October and 29th October 2021 between 20:00 and 05:00. The reason for this prohibition is to allow Vodafone contractors to undertake maintenance, fault investigation and repairs to telecommunication equipment in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.
Application to vary conditions 1, 3 and 4 of planning consent 110624 (VAR/2011/2182), which relates to 'the variation of condition 1 of planning consent 081258 (F/2008/1861) for the proposed erection of a building to provide additional office accommodation’. Condition 1 refers to the retention of the existing modular building for a further 10 years, and the variation is to enable the retention of the temporary building for a further 3 years. Conditions 3 and 4 relate to the habitat management and travel plans and the variation is to provide amended plans.
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 8th November 2021. 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: 21st October 2021
More Eyes than a sack of potatoes!
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 28th October 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 21st October 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
ACROSS PRINT, WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA WE CAN HELP YOU REACH OVER 100,000 PAIRS OF EYES Our website (www.wokingham.today) has over 175,000 visits per month from over 100,000 unique visitors * Our Facebook posts reach over 150,000 people per month ** A range of other Social Media Channels and thousands of loyal readers of our weekly print edition combine to create an unrivalled local reach. Talk to us about how we can get these eyes on your business!
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46 | CLASSIFIEDS
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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (POUND LANE, SONNING) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 21, 2021
KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 14th October 2021 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: Pound Lane, Sonning between its junctions with B4446 Pearson Road and Liguge Way. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B4446 Pearson Road, B4446 Sonning Lane and A4 Bath Road, or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 25 October 2021 and 28th October 2021 between 09:30 and 15:30.
@wokingham.today
The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake cable renewal work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 25th October 2021 and shal l continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 21st October 2021
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Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
@wokingham.today
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CLASSIFIEDS | 47
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