Wokingham Today, September 30, 2021

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

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THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, September 30, 2021

No. 331

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Driver crisis forces pause to waste collections

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today GARDEN WASTE collections will be suspended in Wokingham as the HGV driver shortage impacts the borough’s waste services.

The borough council says the national shortage has affected its contractor Veolia, and it is now working closely with the firm to minimise disruption to residents.

To prioritise collecting food waste, rubbish and recycling, the council will suspend garden waste collections from Monday, October 4, until Monday, November 1.

Paid subscriptions will be extended by four weeks in May 2022 to replace the missed collections.

The council also announced bulky waste collections will be paused for two weeks, from Monday, October 18, until Sunday, October 31.

Its online booking form has been temporarily suspended as all slots up to Monday, October 18, are full.

Veolia will also suspend bin deliveries from Monday, October 4, until Sunday, October 31.

However, weekly collections for food waste, blue bags and recycling will carry on as usual.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “We want to apologise to our residents for any inconvenience this unprecedented national issue is causing.

“We are doing everything possible to keep our waste and recycling collections running as normal – we don’t take the suspension of garden waste collections lightly as we know it is an important service to our residents.”

He said the council has made these “difficult decision[s]” to protect general, recycling and food waste collections and reassured those who use garden waste services “will not be out of pocket”.

Wokingham Borough Council is also working with Veolia on HGV driver training and recruitment programmes, incentive schemes for new hires and retention bonuses.

It said it is also lobbying the Government to take steps to resolve the shortage.

GREAT ROYALS POSTER INSIDE!

ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, PLOUGH! Farming contest returns • p12

PUSH TO MAKE SCHOOL KIT AFFORDABLE Charity’s call for changes to ‘expensive’ uniform codes to make it fair to all families

EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM charity has helped a school to make its uniform more accessible to refugees.

First Days Children’s Charity, which works to eliminate poverty in the borough and surrounding areas, helped a school in Reading change its uniform policy earlier this month.

The charity has been campaigning for schools to make uniforms more affordable, after

seeing a 400% rise in demand.

Emma Cantrell, CEO of First Days, said it has been recommending an accessible uniform policy to schools.

“Part of our work is helping families who can’t afford uniforms, but that’s a bit of a sticking plaster to the real issue which is that uniforms are far too expensive,” she said.

“We’ve had huge success in Reading with one school which hadn’t considered pupils who didn’t have settled status in the UK who couldn’t afford uniforms.” n Continued on page 7

BIKERS’ TRIBUTE TO TOY RUN BEN P2-3

CLASP CELEBRATES 15 YEARS P36

GREEN FAIR IS A MASSIVE HIT P22

PUB’S PARTY FOR NEW DRINKS P4

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JAILED: From left; Ilir Biba and Marjan Prendi have been jailed for two years Picture: Thames Valley Police

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Duo jailed for Finch cannabis farm

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today TWO MEN have been sentenced to prison after a cannabis plantation was discovered in Finchampstead, following a police investigation.

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On Friday, September 24, at Reading Crown Court, Marjan Prendi, 27, and Ilir Biba, 38, were each sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for drug offences.

The Albanian nationals of no fixed abode pleaded guilty to one count of producing a class B drug at a hearing in the same court, in July.

Investigating officer PC James Greehy, based at Loddon Valley police station, said the money from the plantation was being put “into the hands of organised crime groups”.

The investigation followed a call from a resident in October 2020, at approximately 12.30am, about a suspicious vehicle in Hogwood Industrial Estate.

When officers arrived, they found the vehicle empty and searched the area.

They discovered a locked business unit and could hear noises inside, as well as a “distinctive” smell.

Upon entering, officers found Mr Prendi and Mr Biba alongside a “substantial amount” of cannabis plants. The duo were arrested and charged on October 18.

In custody, the pair claimed to be victims of modern slavery, but this was later proven untrue through police investigation, leading to them pleading guilty to offences before trial.

PC Greehy said: “This was a well-organised and sophisticated cannabis plantation set up for commercial gain.

“From the crops seized, the potential turnover of the plantation was estimated to be in the region of £2 million.

“Throughout the investigation, both Mr Prendi and Mr Biba attempted to distance their involvement by claiming they were being forced to work there but that they didn’t know by whom, and I am glad the judge was able to see through these false claims.”

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Bikers mark EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

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REMEMBERED: From left: Jane Spiller with Toy Run organiser Denis Denmead co-founder, cardboard cut-out of Ben’, and his former bike, now owned by Mr Stillman All pictures: Steve

MOTORBIKERS gathered on Sunday to celebrate the life of the Reading Toy Run founder.

More than 200 bikers commemorated the life of Ben Spiller, who founded the annual event more than 30 years ago.

Mr Spiller died on Friday, April 9, at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst following a

short illness.

His widow, Jane, said it was an opportunity for the community to mark her husband’s life, as his funeral was limited in numbers due to covid restrictions at the time.

“We knew it was going to be sad, but it was also a happy occasion,” she said.

“It was wonderful, there were lots of people from all walks of life, it was quite an honour.”

The Revd Sean Stillman delivered a service, similar to the one at her husband’s funeral, she explained.

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NOTES: Friends tie tributes to Ben Spiller onto his former motorbike

DONE: Building work on the second roundabout in Winnersh has been finished says the borough council

Winnersh roundabouts completed

THE BUILDING work on two roundabouts in Winnersh is finished, said the borough council.

They link two relief roads, Longdon Road, which opened in May, and the North Wokingham Distributor Road (NWDR), which is currently under construction.

Landscaping and off-road work will take place over the next few months.And the NWDR is expected to be finished in summer.

“Completion of these roundabouts on Reading Road is another step towards reducing congestion in our borough,” said Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport.

“Our new roads project is continuing to bring major new roads to our area, supporting our communities to get around easily however they choose to travel.

“With major routes opened in Winnersh and Arborfield in the last 12 months, and more well on the way to completion, residents will see a real difference on our roads.”

Cllr Jorgensen thanked residents for their patience during the work.

The new road is part of the council’s major highways project which will see an investment of over £100 million. It is funded through developer contributions and the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Bob Mountain, vice chair of the Berkshire Local Transport Body and board director at Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, said the scheme will support 1,415 new houses in the Hatch Farm Dairies development.

the Revd Sean Stillman with a plaque created in memory of Ben. In the background is a Smyth

Ben’s life This time, it also included some more tributes from friends.

Mr Stillman, who co-founded the Toy Run with Mr Spiller, said the service was a goodbye for the biking community.

“It was very moving,” Mrs Spiller added. “We were sat at the front, and when we turned around, we realised quite how many people had come along.”

Mr Stillman said the broad crosssection of people at Sunday’s service demonstrated the impact Mr Spiller had throughout his life.

“He had that ability to pull people together to get a job done,” he said.

The family created a cardboard cut-out of Mr Spiller, which they placed behind his motorbike — now owned by Mr Stillman.

“Ben refurbished it for me, and died shortly after finishing it,” Mr Stillman said.

“He was a mechanic, and it was the last bike he put together. I can now continue the journey on.”

The family encouraged attendees to write a message on a label and attach it to the bike, for them to read after the event.

“It was nice to have is face around, and read the lovely messages,” Mrs Spiller added.

A permanent memorial has also been created for Mr Spiller at High Close School.

Mark Shears, principal at the Wiltshire Road school, said the Reading Toy Run brings a significant contribution to the pupils, as well as other Barnardo’s projects and charities.

COMMUNITY: More than 200 people gathered to remember Ben Spiller, founder of the Reading Toy Run, on Sunday

Wokingham Borough Mayor to host charity dinner dance

THE DANCING shoes will be put on for a special charity fundraiser next year.

Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Keith Baker and Chance to Dance Stars CIC is inviting residents to its Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 19 at Sindlesham Court.

Traditionally, the Mayor chooses a local charity to support which he feels will benefit from fundraising during his time in office.

And he has decided to help dance charity, Chance to Dance Stars CIC. Founded in 2013,the school runs nine dance classes in Reading, Coley and Bracknell to support students with disabilities.

Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Keith Baker is looking forward to seeing Wokingham borough

residents at the Dinner Dance next spring.

He said: “The dress code is formal and it’s the perfect opportunity to wear those pretty frocks and smart suits that have been hiding in the wardrobe.

“On the night, we will have a fantastic performance by X-Factor Star, Danyl Johnson and tickets are selling fast so I urge residents to book early to avoid disappointment.”

Taking place at Sindlesham Court, a Grade II listed building, the event will run from 6.30pm until midnight.

Tickets cost £47 each and include an arrival drink, followed by a three-course meal and a glass of wine.

To purchase a ticket, email sendanceclub@

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

Abuse charity given £1,000 A BERKSHIRE charity has been helped to support women and children in refuge centres.

Berkshire Women’s Aid has been given £1,000

by Persimmon Homes to create welcome packs for women and children coming into refuge when they have fled domestic abuse.

Andrea West, CEO of the charity, said the money will fund 20 packs. “[Women and children] often come to us with little more than the clothes they are standing in,” she said. “We provide clothing, toiletries, sanitary products, food, nappies and toys to make a refuge feel a home.

“We also provide new bedding that they can take with them when they leave refuge to set up their own home.

“As part of the pack, we also have an activity pack for children to help them make sense of refuge. These children have faced major disruption and trauma, so these packs are critical to enable them to settle into what could be their home for 12 months to help them recover and rebuild.”

Ms West said the charity has seen a 50% increase in demand during the pandemic.

Rachel Faulkner, sales director for Persimmon Thames Valley, said: “We know the importance of having somewhere safe to call home.

“We are pleased to be able to help Berkshire Women’s Aid in their efforts to make their refuges just that little bit more homely.”

Charity celebrates its 50th

A CHARITY offering counselling and emotional support to youngsters is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

No5 Young People, which has supported more than 25,000 individuals and families with advice and training, is marking five decades of help in November.

It will host a fundraising gala at the Hilton Reading Hotel on Saturday, November 20.

The event, sponsored by Reading Scientific Services, will include a three-course meal, live music, dancing, a raffle and an auction.

Prizes include a Lexus for the weekend, an overnight stay for two at the Hilton and a cook book signed by chef Tom Kerridge.

According to the charity, nearly 1,000 young people have sought help over the past year.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “The funds raised at the gala will mean No5 can continue to deliver more sessions each week and see even more young people in need as quickly as possible.”

Tickets cost £60 and can be booked for tables up to 10 people. n For more information, visit: www.no5.org.uk

RAISING GLASSES: The bar staff with landlady Hattie Gutzman

CHEERS: Dave and Wendy Damsell with Adam Taylor at the launch of Timeless Spirit Company at The Hope & Anchor on Saturday Pictures: Phil Creighton

Cocktails mark launch of a Timeless new gin A SPECIAL batch of cocktails were served in a Wokingham pub on Saturday night, September 25, as a new spirits company held a launch party.

Silverstone-based Spirit Company came to The Hope & Anchor to showcase the first in its range of premium gin, vodka, whiskey and rum.

Run by Dave and Wendy Damsell, the drinks came from their passion for the right drink at the right time.

Inspiration also came from the

pocket watch that forms part of the fledgling company’s logo, passed down through the generations of Mrs Damsell’s family since 1860.

The rum is called 12 as, Mr Damsell said, “it took 12 attempts to create it”, having started the company during lockdown.

“We wanted to produce something special, and we decided we’d go for it.

“The range grew from there,” he continued. “We’re starting to

produce vodka and gin. This is just the beginning.”

The Damsells chose the Station Road pub thanks to fond memories of it.

“I was brought up in Twyford and we both have roots here,” Mr Damsell said. “The Hope is the first venue in Wokingham for Timeless.

“This is the first time that people have been able to try our range, and it’s been going down well.”

The duo partnered with Adam Taylor, and Mr Damsell said: “It was my crazy idea, but together we make such a good team.”

Cocktails on offer included a Hope Mule, a Ginius Fizz, and Fire at Sundown.

And to complete the party atmosphere, there was live music from Peach and the Prairie Dogs, while canapes were served to a full house. n www.timelessspiritcompany.com

Hospice co-founder walks on fire to raise more than £10,000

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE CO-FOUNDER of a children’s hospice is walking on fire, with help from a world record holder.

Fiona Devine, CEO and CoFounder of Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, is braving the flames on Saturday, October 9.

She hopes other residents will join her to take on the challenge, and help meet the £10,500 fundraising target.

This would fund just over eight overnight stays at its hospice, providing fun and activities for a child with complex healthcare

needs, and giving their parents a break.

Ms Devine said: “I have done all sorts of challenges over the years to help raise the vital funds our charity needs but I have never walked on fire.

“I am a little apprehensive but determined to take on this challenge.

It will certainly be my hottest and shortest sponsored walk ever.

“Thank you to everyone that is supporting me. It means so much to me and the children and families that we support, especially at a time when fundraising income continues to be impacted.”

Kate Wright, fundraiser at the hospice, said: “Throughout this year,

Record for the greatest distance walked on fire.

It costs £25 to take part.

This includes the training seminar with Mr Bell, an Alexander Devine t-shirt, a UK Firewalk certificate of completion and a bespoke medal.

Alexander Devine is asking participants to try and raise a minimum of £150 per person.

The fire walking will begin from 5pm.

it has been inspiring to see different members of our Alexander Devine team take on a variety of challenges.

“When we asked if anyone would be prepared to walk over hot coals for the hospice, Fiona was first to sign up.”

Ms Wright said 14 others have signed up so far.

“The great thing about the firewalk is that no training beforehand is necessary,” she added.

“With spectators welcome on the day to support the challengers, it should be a really fun evening.”

On the evening, all adults participating will receive full training from Scott Bell, who has twice held the Guinness World

n For more information, or to sign up, visit: www.alexanderdevine.org/ firewalk n To sponsor Ms Devine, visit: alexanderdevine.enthuse.com/pf/ fiona-devine-05833

Send in the clowns

Fayre celebrations

ZIPPOS Circus is coming to Ascot Racecourse, promising thrills and laughs for all the family.

The event will include Brazilian showman Paulo Dos Santos, a multi-talented comic, acrobat and aerial performer who stands just over a metre tall. Other acts include the Wheel of Steel and the hairraising motorcycle Globe of Speed.

Performance times vary, but the big top will be open from Thursday, October 7 through to Monday, October 11. It will be set up in Car Park 6.

A SHINFIELD school is hosting its Summer Community Fayre a little later this year.

Alder Grove Primary School is welcoming families to the event on Saturday, October 2.

It will run from 1pm until 5pm, and include a bar, entertainment, stalls, games, a raffle, cakes and pizza.

At 2pm, the school will hold its grand opening, with dignitaries invited.

Entry costs £1 per adult, and accompanied under 16s go free.

n For more details, log on to www.zippos.co.uk

n For more information, search for @aldergrovepcsa on Facebook.

Thursday, September 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Designer showcases sustainable collection

By Jess Warren jwarren@wokingham.today

FASHION designer Vaishali Ragunathan has unveiled her latest work during London Fashion Week.

It is her third collection to hit the runway, and has been well-received due to its sustainable twist.

Instead of creating 11 grand new garments, Ms Ragunathan re-worked and up-cycled ballgowns from her previous collections.

The aim was to reduce waste and fight back against the throw-away culture in fashion, she said.

“Fashion is the second biggest polluter on the planet,” she explained. “The current environment we live in is not sustainable.

“From a very young age, I have felt clothing was an investment, which is why this year I created dresses using my previous collections.”

The garments were redesigned with different styles and tailoring. Some had sleeves cut away, others had additions made, and Ms Ragunathan’s showstopper dress featured 220 metres of tulle, using cut-offs from the wedding dresses she makes.

It was made with the

SUSTAINABLE: Vaishali Ragunathan’s third collection transformed dresses from previous years Picture: Earl Santos leftover denim fabric from her Colours of Life collection last year.

She said there was a wonderful reception to her work, and said the showcase was an amazing way to share a message.

“The amount of appreciation was incredible,” she said. “I never thought I would have so much attention.”

Her work was unveiled on Saturday, September 18, at the The Royal Horseguards Hotel, in London.

The event was in aid of The

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Top Model Foundation, which supports sick children across the country.

“There were about 200 people at the show,” Ms Ragunathan said.

This was significantly more than her showcase last year, which was limited to fewer than 50 people due to coronavirus restrictions.

Prior to the event, one of her designs made it to the red carpet.

Her blue, sequinned dress was worn by television presenter Angellica Bell to the National Television Awards

on Thursday, September 9.

Ms Ragunathan said Ms Bell was a great celebrity to dress, and she was pleased the television presenter chose her design from a number of options.

“She chose mine because it had a great story to go with it,” Ms Ragunathan explained.

“I had a lovely message from her thanking me for the dress.”

Beyond the red carpet, Ms Ragunathan now has plans to open an atelier, the French term for a design studio, in the borough.

She recently moved her Finchampstead studio to Bracknell but is looking for a creative workspace space in the borough, somewhere between Wokingham and Finchampstead.

“I am hoping and looking, because I need a proper studio space,” she explained.

With a team of five, her company, Vz Designs, is in high demand.

“My work is so specific.

“I’m not a high street brand, I do one-offs and made-to-measure pieces,” she said.

She has been expanding on staff, and hopes to take on more clients.

Autumn crochet classes

THE BARKHAM Hookers are sharing their skills in a series of workshops.

The crochet group, which has displayed its work on post boxes, Wokingham Town Hall, and raised money for charity, is teaching anyone interested.

There will be a range of sessions in Finchampstead, Wokingham and Woodley.

Gaynor White, from the group, said: “If you’ve ever fancied learning to crochet, want to join a friendly, sociable group, have a good yarn over a coffee, and work on charity projects, then look no further.”

There will be two classes at the FBC library in Finchampstead, one in the daytime, the other in the evenings.

They start on Tuesday,

September, 28, and run weekly.

There is a session from 10am until noon, and a session from 6.45pm until 8.45pm.

Classes will be in Sanpa restaurant, Wokingham on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Friday class starts today (Friday, September 24) from 10am until noon.

The Wednesday class starts next wee noon.

And the hookers will be in Woodley on Wednesdays and Fridays, as well.

The group will host sessions at the town’s Costa Coffee from 10am until noon on both days.

Sessions cost £5, and are on a pay-as-you-go basis. n For more information, contact Gaynor White on: 07985 046977or visit: www.facebook.com/Barkham-

University scientist inspires fashion designer A UNIVERSITY of Reading scientist hit the catwalk after a fashion designer turned his creation into a range of clothing.

Sustainable couture designer Tammam showcased its 2022 collection at London Fashion Week earlier this month, in partnership with the university.

And NCAS climate scientist Professor Ed Hawkins’ warming stripes visual was featured in the designer’s Flight themed collection.

Professor Hawkins, an NCAS climate scientist based at the University of Reading, said: “Everyone needs to understand and

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talk about climate change if we are to find ways to tackle it.

“Putting the climate stripes on the catwalk is a high-impact way to get the message across — a powerful synthesis of science and fashion.”

The bold stripes represent the average annual global temperature since 1850, using reds for hotter years and blues for cooler years to show how temperatures have risen due to climate change.

Tammam’s 2022 collection includes sustainable materials and craftsmanship from artisans based at its Atelier and across India.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

Arborfield Co-op opens in The Bramshill Hunt pub site

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

A NEW shop has opened in Arborfield, marking an almost £600,000 investment in the village.

Co-op opened on Friday, September 24, creating 15 new jobs for the area.

Based on Bramshill Close, the 2,594 sq ft store runs on 100% renewable energy and is open from 7am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday, and 8am to 10pm on Sundays.

Alice Wragg, Co-op store manager, said she is excited to launch the shop.

“The store has a fantastic modern look and a great range of products — the team and I are very much looking forward to serving the community,” she said.

It stocks a range of fresh produce, ready meals, pizzas, food-to-go, free-from and vegan food, award-winning wines, and Fairtrade products.

It has a bakery, hot food, coffee machine, and Amazon lockers outside for residents to collect their parcels.

Sarah McCulloch, Co-op area manager, said the company is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally.

“We have worked hard to develop a store with range, choice, products and services

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Arborfield’s newest shop opened on Friday that create a really compelling offer and help us meet the needs of customers and members in Arborfield,” she said.

To celebrate its opening, Co-op donated £384.50 to the Arborfield Aces for new footballs and barriers.

The shop donates 2% to community causes every

time a member swipes their membership card when buying own-branded products.

Members are also rewarded with 2p in every pound they spend on Co-op branded products.

The company also has a Community Shopping Card, which aims to make it easier

for those self-isolating or who have been instructed to stay at home to shop and pay for their essentials.

The cards can be purchased or topped-up by calling 0800 029 4592, so friends, families, neighbours or volunteers can shop on someone else’s behalf in store.

Council increases charity investment WOKINGHAM Borough Council will approve grants and contracts to support vulnerable residents.

The arrangements, worth more than £2 million with Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations, will supply prevention services to adults when it meets tonight.

The council currently funds 22 VCS

organisations, providing 30 contracted adult prevention services.

Executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, Cllr Charles Margetts, said: “By increasing investment into the VCS sector, we can help to build safe, strong communities which offer high quality support to vulnerable residents at the right time, therefore reducing the need

for formal statutory care and support.

“At the council, we want to be the best we can be, and it is hoped that the procurement will shape a strong VCS in Wokingham.”

The grants and contracts will be awarded for three years with the opportunity to extend to a further two years.

Wokingham firm raises hundreds for elderly support charity A WOKINGHAM therapy firm has been fundraising for the borough’s elderly.

Therapies on Thames donated £500 to WADE’s Day Centre earlier this month.

WADE offers social and care support for over 60s in Wokingham and beyond at its hub on Reading Road.

The physiotherapy company is in partnership with the Centre and arranges activities, entertainment and door-to-door therapy support for its residents.

Debra Pahalka, WADE centre manager, thanked Therapies on Thames for its contribution.

“On behalf of everyone at WADE, we are both delighted

and very grateful to receive this generous donation, particularly after months of closure throughout the pandemic,” she said.

“They carry out excellent work in the community in rehabilitating the elderly and the Day Centre is very proud to work alongside Raj [Senniappan] and his team.”

Tanya Campbell, business development manager at Therapies on Thames, added: “Supporting elderly people is at the core of our business.

“We work closely with WADE and can see the positive impact that it has on so many people’s lives. Its wonderful to be able to support such a worthy cause.”

Wokingham Walk returns in October

THE WOKINGHAM walk is returning for the second time this year.

On Sunday, October 24, the autumn Wokingham Walk will be taking off from Elms Field, in Wokingham.

With around 500 people joining the May walk this year, the Wokingham Lions Club hopes for another strong turnout in October.

All proceeds will be donated to charities and organisations in the borough.

Andy Slay, one of the original joint organisers of the event, said the spring walk raised around £6,600.

“The autumn colours can be really lovely in late October, and walkers will see a contrast to the

walk in May. “We are delighted to be able to offer a second fundraising opportunity for charities and their supporters to raise their own money.”

Walkers can choose from three routes, which are five, 10 or 15 miles.

Registration on the day will be from 9am to 10.30am, and walkers should begin the walk immediately after registering.

Check-in at the end of the walk will close at 5pm.

It costs £15 for adults, £5 for ages 12 to 17, and free for under 12s.

There will be a free Nature Trail for youngsters to enjoy. Preregistration is encouraged.

n For more information, visit: www. wokinghamwalk.co.uk

Charity helps refugees access school uniform

Protec�ng the Consumer Since 2015 HELP IS AT HAND: Emma Cantrell, founder of First Days Children’s Charity, provided uniforms during the shortage last year and said demand continues to rise

n From front page

Ms Cantrell said refugees were not considered as needing help under the school’s criteria.

“We were able to make the case that they should fall into that category,” she added, “and now they have made a promise to support those pupils as they come forward.

“For us, it’s a huge win because means any people who is a refugee and needs support because their parents have a low income can access uniform and feel included.”

According to Ms Cantrell, not being able to access school uniform can have detrimental impacts on a child’s wellbeing.

“Wearing a uniform allows them to feel part of the school community,” she said. “There’s strong evidence that children are affected when they feel materially unequal to their peers and are acutely aware they don’t have ‘the right stuff’ to fit in.

“This can have a serious impact on achievement at school, mental health and educational attainment.”

She said one mother thanked the charity for helping her children “walk into school confidently” on their first day.

Ms Cantrell said there are a number of Wokingham borough schools with “fantastic” uniform policies already, including Bulmershe School in Woodley.

She said: “It has a very affordable uniform and a very fair policy, offering

support to pupils who can’t afford the clothes.

“We enjoyed working alongside that school this year and our job is now to celebrate these best practice schools, hold them us as great examples and hold other secondary schools to account.”

Last year, First Day’s Children’s Charity ran a series of uniform swap shops to combat a school uniform shortage.

This year, despite there being more uniforms to go around, Ms Cantrell is continuing to run a mobile van to help people access clothes after demand for support rose by 400%.

“A shortage has not been so much of an issue because we’ve had a huge

amount of donations,” she explained.

“As the cost of living goes up, lots of people in the people have realised how much uniforms cost and want to help.”

She said this year, her charity has helped “hundreds” of pupils in need of uniforms.

“Demand has risen by 400%, which is huge,” she continued. “However it has been a strange year academically so we’re not sure why and if it reflects the pandemic or not.

“But our team is here and we’ve still got lots of uniforms for people to choose from.” n For more information about finding uniforms through First Days, visit: www. firstdays.net

Another chance to try out morris dancing

READY TO DANCE: Nic Yannacopoulos, Hurst Morris squire (leader) Karen Ricketts, Richard Mason who came to try morris dancing and Brian Jones TRIAL RUN: People who came to have a go at morris dancing with in the centre Hurst Morris squire (leader) Karen Ricketts and right Christine Taylor, a founder of the side

Council launches consultation to increase secondary school spaces THE BOROUGH council is inviting residents to have their say on secondary school plans for the coming decade.

The council is asking parents, schools and other interested parties to comment on its new strategy, which will run until 2031.

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Thursday, September 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

The council said that there is a rising demand for places due to annual birthrates and families moving into the area.

Cllr Graham Howe, executive member for children’s services, said: “There is a need to increase the number of places

HURST Morris People had great interest in their taster sessions for everyone to have a go at their traditional English dancing last week.

Nine people went along to Hurst Village Hall to experience the dancing. There’s another chance to do so tonight at 8pm.

HuMP’s squire (leader), Karen Ricketts said: “We were delighted so many people came last week. It was really good fun. We’re men and women of all ages and backgrounds. We welcome people whether they have morris experience or not.

“Our friendly teachers will show everyone how to do easy to learn dances. And we’ll have a tea, coffee and home made cake break with lots of chat. Musicians are also welcome along to play. We’re grateful to Wokingham Today as their story attracted people to come last week.”

Anyone interested in this week’s session should contact Judy or Brian on 07971 159293 or email Contact@hump.org.uk. There are more details at www. hump.org.uk and www.facebook.com/hurstmorris.

It’s suggested dancers should wear loose fitting clothing, and trainers or other comfy shoes and bring a bottle of water to drink.

Everyone going is asked if they can take a lateral flow covid test, with a negative result, before they go to the hall in School Road, Hurst RG10 0DR.

available in secondary schools, both on a short-term basis to ensure the next intake are catered for, as well as in the longer term.”

He said the council wants to see people raise their families in the borough — but the area’s schools need capacity to support that.

“Please take time to read through the consultation document and submit your response to the council so we can shape the next

generation of secondary places in the borough,” he added.

The council plans to provide additional spaces by filling “unused capacity” in schools, expanding existing schools and, if necessary, opening new schools.

It said unused buildings could be used as a shortterm solution. n For more information, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/ news-and-consultation

Is Going Green Being Misrepresented to us?

We all know that climate change is happening, certainly science seems to prove this point, but are we being pushed towards a “Green” future that is being misrepresented to us all?

I am sure I do not need to remind you of the Solar panel fiasco, where homeowners were assured by unscrupulous, overzealous salespeople that the Government feed-in-tariff would more than cover the cost of their finance agreements, but for thousands it didn’t, and innocent consumers were conned into making purchases because financial information was misrepresented to them.

Move forward to 2021 and the UK Government have set very ambitious targets for the UK to become Carbon Zero by 2050 and they have set another “Green” target that we must install 600,000 air source heat pumps each year up to 2028 to help reach that Carbo n Zero target.

This means that we as consumers and homeowners need to be on the look out for those unscrupulous and overzealous salespeople.

Here at HLS we are already seeing an increase in mis-sold and misrepresented air source heat pumps. Homeowners are already being told that the systems will pay for themselves via the Government renewable heat incentive scheme, they are being sold the heat pumps without any heat loss survey or upgrade to their current heat and hot water systems or without ensuring the home has an EPC rating of “C” or above and then they are left wondering why their heat pump doesn’t do what the salesperson told them.

A mis-sold air source heat pump could cost you more money than you ever imagined, your electricity bill could go up dramatically, your home may not heat up properly and you may not have enough hot water and, worse than all of that, you may not qualify for the renewable heat incentive because your property doesn’t meet the energy performance standards set by the Government.

There is no front end regulation to stop bad or deliberate mis-selling, which is unforgiveable. The Government have set in place regulations for fitters, but not salespeople selling them, which means Consumers are once again going to be the target for high pressure sales organisations.

IF YOU WANT HELP OR ADVICE REGARDING PURCHASES YOU HAVE MADE IN YOUR HOME PLEASE CALL HYDROGARD LEGAL SERVICES ON: 08000 74 84 94 Chris Brown & Hydrogard Legal Services are registered with the FCA registration No. 829910 to carry out regulated claims management activities.

ENTER OUR FREE WEEKLY GIVEAWAY FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN A £100 GROCERY VOUCHER FOR THE SUPERMARKET OF YOUR CHOICE! SCAN HERE → → → OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

WWW.HYDROGARDGREENENERY.COM/COMPETITIONS

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Wescott East to hold by-election WOKINGHAM residents can vote for a new councillor in November.

Wescott East is having a by-election, after Mr Julian McGhee-Sumner resigned from his councillor role earlier this month.

At the time, the former Conservative councillor said he would be working outside the area, and did not feel he could represent residents to his fullest.

It means Wokingham Town Council will hold a byelection for the vacant seat on Thursday, November 25. n For more information, contact Wokingham Town Council’s town clerk, by emailing: jnowecki@ wokingham-tc.gov.uk

Home Start showcases art A WOKINGHAM charity is showcasing the entries to its recent competition.

Home Start Wokingham District has an exhibition at Wokingham Library, off Denmark Street.

It is displaying the photographs submitted as part of its competition to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary.

The images can be viewed during the library’s opening hours.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

Reading Blue Coat opens doors to Year 7 girls from 2023

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

READING Blue Coat is opening its doors to more female students.

From September 2023, the Sonning school will welcome girls into Year 7, with the aim of being fully co-educational by September 2027.

The school welcomed its first female student more than 50 years ago, and launched a coeducation sixth form 34 years ago.

Headmaster Pete Thomas said welcoming female students will enhance the school’s community.

In a recent announcement to staff, pupils, parents and Old Blues, Mr Thomas said: “While this plan will see a gradual increase in our overall pupil numbers, I do not wish for our numbers to increase to such a level that anyone in our community becomes just a number.

“I am immensely proud of the sense of community that exists at Blue Coat, the friendliness of our staff and pupils, and the sense of community that exists here.”

SUPPORT: Baldwins Bridge Trust has funded a bridge at Thames Hospice The school’s chair of governors, Peter Bertram, said that Reading Blue Coat has seen a steady increase in pupil numbers over the last 10 years.

“This decision to extend our co-education provision comes from a position of strength,” he said.

“Academic results have increased year-on-year, and at the same time our 45-acre campus has benefited from considerable investment providing 21st-century facilities for our students and staff.

“We are greatly looking forward to our move to full co-education and seeing the School continue to develop and improve.”

The school has also been reviewing its curriculum.

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Earlier this month, the school launched its Adventure Education programme, which focuses on mountaineering, sailing and paddle sports.

Recently appointed Second Master, Ed Trelinski, will be developing this curriculum further.

The school believes this helps develop resilience, teamwork, courage and determination.

“It is essential that there are as many avenues as possible at school to find passions for life, and to grow those attributes that will not only help the pupils keep strong when things are tough, but to be able to encourage and support those around them,” a school spokesperson said.

TRUST FUNDS BRIDGE A TRUST has funded a new bridge at Thames Hospice, as part of work on its inpatient gardens.

Trustees at Baldwin’s Bridge Trust, which maintains Baldwin’s Bridge in Eton parish, have helped link the garden with the hospice.

Sarah Bissell, director of fundraising and marketing at the hospice, said she was thrilled to welcome trustees to the site on Thursday, September 9, for a tour.

“Having access to nature and natural spaces is important for wellbeing, and is especially important for our patients,” Ms Bissell said.

“Every bedroom in our Inpatient Unit and as well as our Day Therapy Suite has direct access to our gardens and

Free coffee for first 1000 customers at Bru TO CELEBRATE International Coffee Day, Bru Reading is giving away free coffees to its first 1,000 customers tomorrow.

Visitors can enjoy a drink of their choice from Bru’s range of Arabica blend coffee.

Bru Director, Aftab Gaffar said the company is passionate about its coffee.

He said: “We live and breathe it and we want to spread the love, so we thought International Coffee Day would be the perfect opportunity to give more people the opportunity to try our speciality blend.

“Our coffee is a blend of hand-picked 100% speciality Arabica beans, ethically sourced from the finest coffee growers in South

Thames Valley Police team up to catch stalker A STALKER was charged for three stalking offences and six breach of restraining orders on Monday night.

Thames Valley Police sent

America and Asia.

“With the high street getting busier and more people returning to the office after eighteen months working from home, what better time to support your local coffee shop by giving Bru a try.”

Mr Gaffar said the variety available at Bru is “incredible”.

“There are 16 variations of coffee on the menu, with the opportunity to personalise your drink through different milks and syrups,” he said.

“Customers can also create coffee combinations, and discover our secret menu options, such as our Dirty Chai Latte, which includes a shot of espresso, making the options available even more extensive.”

n For more information, visit brucoffee.co.uk

the offender into custody for 34 hours.

Police area commander Felicity Parker thanked the Bracknell and Wokingham teams for their efforts.

She said that because of their work, victims can now feel safer.

walkways which are wheelchair friendly.

“We were so thrilled to welcome The Baldwin’s Bridge Trustees for their very first tour of the new Hospice and to see first hand their legacy to support the residents of the parishes of Eton and Eton Wick.

“As well as maintaining Baldwin’s Bridge in Eton, The Baldwin’s Bridge Trustees have created a connection for them to the Hospice, which will now always be there for all to enjoy.”

Bridgemaster Linda Tarbox said she was delighted to visit.

“We all left feeling so pleased we could be a part of it and will be back to visit the café again,” she said.

Relief road wins green award A ROAD near Arborfield has won a biodiversity award for its new bridge, which helps animals travel safely.

OBSERVER Way, a 2.3km (1.4 mile) bypass was opened in November last year.

It has won the Innovation category of this year’s Construction Industry Research and Information Association BIG Biodiversity Challenge Awards.

Commisioned by Wokingham Borough Council, the bridge links two sections of a public right of way to the east of Swallowfield Road.

The bridge features tunnels for animals, wide slopes planted with trees and hedges and a wooden fence to guide bats across until the new planting is fully grown.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, is delighted and proud of this achievement.

“It highlights the council’s long-standing commitment to maintaining a green borough, in which conserving and enhancing biodiversity plays a critical role,” he said.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved, both within the council and our external partners, for successfully delivering this project while creating research to inform many more like it in future.”

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Poet’s session A FRIENDLY open-mic POETRY contest returns to The Rising Sun Arts Centre this Sunday.

The Dreading Slam is a space for poets of all abilities to showcase their work, and for people to appreciate it.

Each poet may read two of their poems, each lasting a maximum of three minutes.

They are scored out of 10 by three volunteer judges, with the top three entrants qualifying for a final.

The winner is crowned the best poet in Berkshire … until the next event.

The Dreading Slam is held on the first Sunday of the month from 7.30pm, and is held at the Silver Street arts venue. n For more details, log on to: www.risingsunartscentre.org

Book for Art AN EVENING of jazz from a maestro will help raise funds for good causes across the borough.

Art Themen and his friends will be performing at The Whitty Theatre in Luckley House School from 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 5.

A bar opens from 6.30pm, and the event is organised by Wokingham In Need. n Tickets cost £19 and can be purchased by logging on to ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghaminneed or calling 07867 530727.

HOSTS: Stephanie Skilton and friends organised the event on Sunday

AWARENESS: Vicky Martin specialises in Nipple Tattoos for Breast Cancer patients. In the background is an inflatable breast to promote her service. All pictures: Steve Smyth

Mum raises £8,000 for cancer A BREAST CANCER patient raised more than £8,000 for charity at the weekend.

Stephanie Skilton, from Wokingham, is on a mission to get people to check their breasts, as she undergoes treatment herself.

The mum of four organised The Big Boobie Bonanza, at Trunkwell House on Sunday.

She said more than 2,000 people came along on the say, doubling her visitor expectations.

“It was incredible and amazing, I was very overwhelmed by it all,” she said. “I think we got the message out there.

“Everyone came out with smiling faces.”

The money will be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and Coppafeel.

The latter runs a monthly text service encouraging people to check their breasts for changes or abnormalities that could be a sign of cancer.

“They run a free text service,” Ms Skilton said. “But it’s not free for them to do.

Not as many people have heard of them, but they help educate about breast cancer.”

The fun day had 40 stalls, a tombola, barbecue, bar and DJ. Families enjoyed the bouncy castle, bungee run and gladiator duel.

And little ones met Elsa and Anna, from Frozen, and Spider-man.

GAME ON: Playing on the inflatables

CHECK: An awareness poster LUNCH: Luke Wade with 18-monthold daughter, Harper, enjoy feeding an alpaca

National One Rugby returns to Old Bath Road on 9th October 2021 K.O. 3pm 1st XV v Rosslyn Park 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.

Season Tickets are available for you to enjoy all our home matches.

Rams Rugby, Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ © RAMSRUGBY 2021

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

Got a business story? Email news@wokingham.today or write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

New leader for cyber hub WOKINGHAM firms will get an extra helping hand to avoid cyber attacks, thanks to a new appointment.

Detective superintendent Andy Richardson has joined as director of the Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East (SECRC).

He has moved from the South East Organised Crime Unit, taking the reins from SECRC’s previous director Justin Torgout.

DS Richardson has worked in policing for more than 25 years, including cyber and economic crime and digital forensics.

“I’m delighted to have joined SECRC,” he said. “Throughout my

role as the Head of Surrey & Sussex Police’s Cyber and Economic Crime Units, I have seen first-hand the devastation that a cyber attack can cause a business.

“The team has worked incredibly hard since the centre’s launch last year in helping local businesses understand more about the threats they face, and help them get better protected.”

SECRC is one of nine centres across the country launched to help businesses defend themselves against cyber crime.

It works in conjunction with universities and Thames Valley Police.

Firms debate remote work

Care agency gives elderly more independence

By Charlotte King cking@wokingham.today

A WOKINGHAM physiotherapy firm is expanding its offerings by launching a new care agency.

Therapies on Thames, which offers home visit physiotherapy and occupational therapy support, plans to launch the service at the beginning of next year.

Raj Senniappan, cofounder of Therapies on Thames, said it is all part of the company’s overarching goal to help people stay independent for as long as possible.

“We are on a mission to create a one-stop shop service for our elderly, to keep

them strong and safe in their homes as long as we can,” he said.

“We also want to prevent our elderly people from going into care homes early, so we’re looking to diversify.”

Tanya Campbell, business development manager at the therapy firm, said the company realised some elderly people have had negative experiences with care in the past, and wanted to launch a service that people could “have faith in”.

“We’ve got a big focus on rehabilitation, and we want to help people with the right care,” she added.

“In the long-term, this can save people money because they don’t have to pay to go into a home if

they’re getting regular physio in their house.

“It also means they can live there for longer than they might do otherwise.”

Therapies on Thames, which launched in 2012, also offers day-care support with WADE on Reading Road, including leading exercise and rehabilitation classes.

It has partnered with Bridge House in Twyford, too, to support people following surgery, illness and accidents.

“We find a lot of patients need some form of care after coming to us for physio, and vice versa,” Ms Campbell said.

“So we think the new care agency could be very useful.”

Mr Senniappan co-founded Therapies on Thames after previously working in Royal

Global tech award for Reading school A READING school has been recognised by Microsoft for its training expertise.

UTC Reading has renewed its status as a Microsoft Showcase School, after being the country’s first UTC to receive the honour in 2015.

Three of its teachers now hold the prestigious accreditation for their use of Microsoft products in

employers now have a great opportunity to work together with employees to ensure that safety and wellbeing are priorities in any comeback plan.

“Returning to a physical place of work will be easier and more comfortable for some and we realise this presents a challenge for both businesses and employees.”

Ms Thompson suggested that employers could ask employees how they feel.

“Even those who are looking forward to being among others again may find the reality unnerving, while many are already nervous at the prospect,” she added.

“Canvassing the opinions of employees can keep teams healthy and happy.” teaching and learning.

As of this year, Robert Bradley, Carly Gale and Neil Pouney have received the accolade.

Principal Jonathan Nicholls said: “I am delighted that once again UTC Reading has been recognised as a Showcase School.

“The teaching of these industryrecognised, future-ready skills sets our students apart from their peers when applying for universities, apprenticeships and employment.”

Microsoft awards Showcase Schools across the globe.

n To find out more, visit: www. therapiesonthames.co.uk

MENTAL HEALTH: Companies are growing their support Picture: Elisa Ventur from Unsplash

Wellbeing prioritised

WOKINGHAM borough businesses could make workers return to the office before they feel comfortable, according to a new report.

Healthcare provider Benenden Health found that more than half (54%) of firms in the South East will ask employees to work on-site even if they are not happy to, postpandemic.

It reported that one fifth (19%) of the region’s employees feel it is too dangerous to return to the office, while nearly half (48%) of companies will not make any permanent changes to practices, such as introducing flexible working opportunities.

Naomi Thompson, from Benenden Health, said: “As businesses consider and rollout their return-to-work strategies,

Berkshire Hospital (RBH), where he realised elderly people could benefit from ongoing support outside of the NHS. “We have a three-pronged service,” the business development manager added.

“We do physiotherapy, offer hospital-avoidance work, and clinic-based support.

“With the NHS under pressure, people have struggled to get appointments, so we bridge the gap.”

Therapies on Thames is in the process of hiring a care manager to help prepare for next year’s care agency launch.

MENTAL health support services are on the up following the pandemic.

This is according to a new report from YouGov, which revealed that more than a third of businesses said their services have improved.

The study, commissioned by Acas, found 36% of firms believe their support is better than before, while 9% felt theirs had got worse.

Half of companies surveyed said their support system has stayed the same.

Susan Clews, Acas chief executive, said: “The pandemic has been a challenging period for everyone, and it’s great to see that over a third of bosses have managed to improve their organisation’s mental health support for their staff.

“However, it is important for[all] businesses to invest in the wellbeing of their workers as they open up again.”

The firm has offered its top tips for managing mental health as the pandemic continues.

These include encouraging team members to talk if they are having issues, maintaining regular contact with staff to see how they are coping, and being understanding towards the concerns and needs of employees.

Bus driver praised for sign language support A READING bus driver has been recognised for his quick thinking with an award.

David Speake, 33, from Reading Buses, has received a Star of the Month award for communicating with a fiveyear-old passenger in sign language.

He was nominated

by the girl’s father for “transforming” her experience while travelling.

The father said: “Today was an amazing experience my five-year-old daughter will never forget.

“I really want the driver to win employee of the month for this.

“She now keeps a look out for David, and made me buy her a toy bus.”

He said it was the first time she met someone outside of her close circle who knew Makaton sign language.

Reading Buses HR Director Caroline Anscombe praised

Mr Speake for an “all-round good performance”.

“It was chance for David to converse with Emily in sign language, and it just shows the extra effort that our employees put in to make our customers feel welcome,” she said.

Thursday, September 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Is The Tamarind Tree Wokingham’s Curry King?

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.

A WOKINGHAM restaurant has its eye on the prize as it hopes its “homestyle” curries will see it win the borough’s Curry King title.

Earlier this month, Wokingham.Today launched a competition for its readers to find the best curry house in the town.

The Tamarind Tree, on Peach Street, Wokingham, was one of those to be nominated.

The restaurant, run by Koush Miah, was founded in September 2006 and was named after the popular tamarind fruit in South India.

Customer favourites include Shobuj Chicken Shashlik (Green Chicken Shashlik), Garlic Chilli Chicken and the king prawn dishes.

Mr Miah said he puts in a lot of effort with his chutney trays.

He tries to be different by encouraging customers to mix and match their dishes to get the full Indian cuisine experience.

The owner started doing deliveries in the second lockdown and is now seeing more people book for their

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NOMINATED: Koush Miah outside The Tamarind Tree Picture: Steve Smyth takeaways instead of walking starting to picking up. in.

“I always try my best to He added that although look after every customer business has been slow due to who visits my restaurant and the pandemic, things are now I make sure I go that little bit

further to help them with what they need.”

Mr Miah explained he welcomes everyone, including those with allergies, vegans and vegetarians.

“If someone with an allergy or a specific dietary requirement wants something that’s not on the menu, I will try and cook it for them so they can eat what they want.”

And he thanked Wokingham.Today readers for nominating The Tamarind Tree for the award.

“Thank you very much to those who have voted for me, I always try my best to do as much as I can for all of my customers and the Wokingham community.”

Mr Miah extended his thanks to residents for supporting his restaurant over the past 18 months.

He said: “I want to say a big thank you to everyone in the Wokingham and surrounding area for their business and for continuing to support me through these difficult months.”

The winner will be announced at the end of the year following a series of knock-out votes on social media.

Superintendent to sign charity hate-crime charter A WOKINGHAM charity has created a Hate Crime Charter.

CLASP manager, Debs Morrison said her members are regularly subject to a variety of hate crimes.

“It is shocking to hear their stories, and I wonder if the perpetrators know their behaviour constitutes a hate crime and is prosecutable by law,” she said.

Between 2019 and 2020, more than 7,300 hate crimes were reported, marking a rise of 12% in under a year according to research from learning disability charity United Response.

“Statistics published back in 2013/14 estimate that there were 62,000 disability hate crimes with only 2,020 recorded by the police,” Ms Morrison said.

Saturday, October 9, marks the start of National Hate Crime

Awareness Week.

Ms Morrison said CLASP will be ending the week with the signing of its hate crime charter, on Friday, October 15.

She is inviting residents to join at 10am at the Bradbury Centre in Rose Street, Wokingham.

Felicity Parker, Superintendent of Thames Valley Police and Matt Pope, director of Adult Social services at the borough council will be signing the document.

“We are reaching out to Wokingham businesses, traders, organisations and societies to support this fight against Hate Crime by asking you to come along to the event and sign the charter as well,” Ms Morrison added.

“Let’s make Wokingham and beyond a positive place for us all to live.”

Town’s property prices 50% higher than UK average WOKINGHAM’S property prices sit more than 50% higher than the national average, according to a new report from Zoopla.

The property group revealed the cost to buy one square foot in the borough is £429, compared to a national average of £282.

It also found in Reading and West Berkshire, the average price is £379 - sitting 40% above the country’s average.

According to Zoopla, this means it costs £13,400 to purchase the

space needed for a double bed in Wokingham borough.

Gráinne Gilmore, head of research at Zoopla, said: “The research [shows] that the town’s increasing popularity for home buyers is a having a major impact on what homes in the area are worth.”

She said more families seeking space, causing house prices to climb faster than flats.

n For more information, visit: www. zoopla.co.uk

October 16th and 17th 2021 We've 9 well-known authors and illustrators joining us, eager to introduce you to their worlds!

For ages 3 - 12 Limited in person sessions and all sessions available online £3 a seat in person or £3 an online family pass Info & to sign up: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/bookfest

12 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today OPEN: Borough mayor Cllr Keith Baker cut the ribbon for Foundry College’s new buildings Picture: Stewart Turkington

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

Women urged to sign up for annual ploughing contest EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

Mayor opens Foundry College’s new building THE BOROUGH mayor recently cut the ribbon to a new building at Foundry College.

The Norreys school received a £1.7 million investment to create more space for students.

The project modified classrooms and a new school hall, outdoor workshop, gym and classrooms for English, maths, cooking and science have all been created.

Acting headteacher Iain Thomas said: “The building has been dedicated in memory of Jay Blundell the headteacher who we sadly lost this year, and who worked tirelessly with Wokingham Borough Council to make it a reality.”

He said the improvements have allowed the school to expand its curriculum.

“We are all very excited about the future of Foundry College,” he added.

Cllr Keith Baker said he was delighted to officially open the new building. “[I was]pleased to hear how the improvements have already had a positive impact on the lives of students and staff who work there,” he said.

The school was created in September 2011 for pupils who have been permanently excluded or are at risk of permanent exclusion, as well as those with medical needs who cannot attend school regularly.

The new premises can support up to 47 pupils.

Mr Thomas added: “I would like to thank Wokingham Borough Council on behalf of the staff and pupils for their commitment to support the most vulnerable in our borough through the provision of this amazing facility.”

PLOUGHWOMEN are being encouraged to enter a rural competition which attracted two thousand visitors after a two year break.

About 50 ploughmen competed at the Royal East Berkshire Agricultural Association’s ploughing match on Sunday on the Wargrave/ Waltham St Lawrence border.

Association chair Alan Keene said: “Sadly there were no ladies [ploughing] and we would certainly like to see some.

“There are also very few young tractor drivers which is worrying because the population of ploughmen competing is getting older and as they retire they are not being replaced.”

He added: “Very little commercial ploughing is done on farms in our area nowadays for all sorts of environmental and husbandry reasons.

“Ploughing is becoming one of many traditional skills that are only kept alive by enthusiasts wanting to

TAKING PART: Ploughman Mark Cottinger, with Ian and Olli, two Picture: Sue Corcoran practice the old crafts and by people who are keen to watch them.

“Hence why ploughing matches are as popular as ever.”

Two Wokingham ploughmen were among Sunday’s winners.

Nathan Smith’s five years of hard work restoring his great grandfather’s 1964 Fordson Super Major tractor were rewarded. He won the prize for best maintained classic tractor at the match.

The former Forest School student, who lives at Hatch Farm, Sindlesham, said: “I’m over the moon about it, very

happy. It was the first show I’ve been to with the tractor since restoring it. All my family still do the ploughing matches. It’s a great tradition to carry on.”

Mr Smith, 22, runs his own business doing hedge cutting, paddock maintenance and other work. He is also a tractor driver for some hay and straw merchants.

Farmer Mark Burrows, 52, was first in his class for ploughing using his vintage 1944 standard Fordson N tractor. He also had the best maintained vintage tractor.

“I do about eight matches a

year, as many as I can,” he said.

He and his brother own Targetts Farm, Maidenhead Road, Wokingham where the business includes 45-50 acres of hay production. Their grandfather bought the farm on a visit to Bracknell cattle market in 1934.

The match included ploughing using old and modern tractors, horse ploughing, a fun dog show, a falconry display, tractor rides, trade stands and stalls. Hall Hunter Premium Berry Growers of Wokingham helped stock a fruit and vegetable display. The event at Church Farm was by permission of the owners David Philp and partners.

Heavy rain stopped the match’s tractor ploughing in 2019 and covid cancelled last year’s match.

Chair Mr Keene said: “After two years with no tractor ploughing everybody was keen to get back into the swing.

Some of the regular ploughing matches on the calendar have still not managed to restart, which helped us to attract more entries.”

He added: “Some people may assume that farmers host ploughing matches as a way of getting their fields ploughed on the cheap but actually the opposite is true.

“Ploughing matches cause significant disruption to the farmer’s routine husbandry and we are very grateful to those who generously provide their land so that we can put on our show.”

Urgent care survey

LESSONS: Police schools officers are running sessions to keep young people engaged in education Picture: Thames Valley Police

Police visit schools to prevent youth crime POLICE officers have returned to visiting schools, with the start of a new term.

Thames Valley Police has 18 schools officers that aim to build connections with institutions across the region.

Chief Superintendent Katy Barrow-Grint, of Thames Valley Police’s Local Policing directorate, said: “We have a package of resources that our officers can use to educate on the difficult issues young people face, and we work closely with schools to prevent young people being excluded or criminalised, wherever appropriate.

“This helps them stay engaged in education and keeps them safe and away from crime.”

Rachel Cave, headteacher of Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre in Emmer Green, Reading, said that they have an extremely positive relationship with their dedicated officers.

“Young people face many challenges, and the work of this partnership is able to support positive outcomes in a range of situations,” she said.

“I have no doubt that working together helps young people to avoid becoming victims of crime.

“Early intervention supports young people from making bad choices in their social lives.”

Schools officers cover issues such as drugs, violence, exploitation and abuse.

RESIDENTS have been invited to share their experience of urgent health care in a new NHS survey.

Berkshire West CCG is looking to understand where people go to seek medical care for urgent, but not life threatening health problems.

The survey is a result of changes prompted by the pandemic that led to people seeking advice in a variety of ways.

This included people visiting walk-in centres, pharmacies and other providers beyond the GP surgery or A&E department.

Health managers are keen to understand where residents went for same-day healthcare support, and why they chose this particular method.

Dr Andy Ciecierski, GP Clinical Lead for Berkshire West CCG, said: “Covid meant we had to bring in some wide ranging changes to our services.

“We need to capture the changes that have worked, and embed them into our local healthcare system.

“At the same time, we also need to reassess the services on offer, how people access them, and whether they meet and match the needs of our communities.” n To take part in the survey, visit: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ samedayaccesssurvey

23 13

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Thursday, September 23, 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Beautiful homes ... and Henley on your doorstep ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

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EAUTIFUL new homes, a more relaxed lifestyle and Henley life on your doorstep.

What more could you want in your retirement?

Laureate Gardens in Henleyon-Thames is a development of beautiful new apartments and houses designed exclusively for the over 55s.

Everything that Henleyon-Thames has to offer is just moments away as Laureate Gardens has an enviable position in the centre of town, however living here feels like an oasis away from the bustle of town life as you’ll enjoy tranquil surroundings and a quiet traffic free location.

The majority of the homes at Laureate Gardens sit behind the façades of historic Grade II listed buildings and behind these façades are exquisite new homes which maintain touches of period character alongside contemporary design.

The homes offer peace-of-

mind knowing that everything is brand new and worrying about the external maintenance of your home becomes a thing of the past as it’s taken care of for you.

You can just spend more time doing the things you enjoy.

You can also spend time relaxing in the impressive shared gardens that the homes are situated around, they are the perfect place to enjoy a neighbourly chat with new friends.

Whether you are thinking about downsizing to a more manageable home, want to move closer to family, or just like the idea of like-minded neighbours and Henley life, making the move to Laureate Gardens offers you low maintenance living and a more relaxed way of life, all in a wonderful location.

There are five show homes to view on-site and the team are available Monday to Saturday to show you around.

Viewings can be arranged by contacting Davis Tate on 01491 412345 and you can find more information visiting laureategardens.co.uk.

L i v i ng i n t h e h e a r t o f H e n l ey h a s n e v er b e e n s o r e l a x i ng At Laureate Gardens beautiful new homes and stunning landscaped grounds all add up to low maintenance living and a more relaxed way of life.

Everything that Henley has to offer is all just moments away as you live in an enviable position in the centre of town, however living here feels like an oasis away from the bustle of town life.

Enjoy becoming part of an exclusive community where life is more peaceful, surrounded by tranquil gardens and attractive landscaping. ❖

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Whether you are looking to downsize and move to a stress-free modern new home, are seeking the sanctuary of a safe and well looked after place to live, or would just like to live closer to loved ones, Laureate Gardens offers you all of this and more.

Prices from £575,000 Come and take a tour and discover if Laureate Gardens could be the perfect move for you or a loved one To find out more and make an appointment to view please call 01491 412345 For couples purchasing only one buyer must be over 55 to qualify

22 14

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Last few remaining.

There’s no age limit to living well Set in leafy Caversham, Beechwood Grove offers much more than the average retirement living experience.

We believe your golden years should be among your best. That’s why our 1and 2 bedroom assisted living apartments for sale feature premium on-site facilities, including a beauty salon, landscaped gardens and a bistro, where you can enjoy a relaxed dining experience or request meals delivered to your door.

Enjoy peace of mind when it comes to bespoke healthcare, which includes round the clock carers and specialists. We want you to know that we’re always here for you, whenever you need us to be.

Join us on the 22nd October for an Afternoon Tea and a tour of our show homes If you’d like to find out more about our community, call Penny at our Sales & Marketing Suite on 0118 321 7964 to book an appointment or visit the virtual tour on our website: beechwoodgrove.co.uk.

23, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30,

Thursday, September 23, 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

21 15

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Luxury living for retirees in Berkshire ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

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CCARTHY Stone, the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities, is proud to showcase a new outlook on retirement living with its latest developments, Birch Place in Crowthorne and Loddon House in Twyford.

The beautifully-finished, low maintenance and spacious apartments at each development offer all the home comforts you could ever need, with a choice of social and leisure activities right on your doorstep.

The two developments in Berkshire offer two exclusive options to suit all stages of retirement.

The Loddon House Retirement Living development features spacious and stylish twobedroom apartments exclusively designed for those aged 60 and over, while Birch Place, the Retirement Living Plus development in Crowthorne, has

been designed for retirees aged 70 and over.

Situated in close proximity to a number of National Trust walks along the river, Loddon House offers retirees the opportunity to be close to nature, while still enjoying the convenience and amenities of the Twyford village, which has several quaint shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Birch Place is situated just over half a mile away from the local

high street, featuring a range of banks, pharmacies, hairdressers and restaurants, as well as a convenient supermarket, to offer the best of rural English life.

Loddon House and Birch Place have plenty to offer the most discerning retirees, with stylish fixtures and fittings, including top of the range built-in appliances in every apartment at each development.

Beautifully landscaped gardens

are maintained all year round for the enjoyment of McCarthy Stone homeowners and are the setting for many garden parties and social activities during the summer months.

At Loddon House and Birch Place, you can live independently and choose your own pace of life, while knowing there’s always someone to share a coffee or a glass of wine with in the homeowners’ lounge or taking

part in the events and activities on offer each week.

It is reassuring to know that both developments have a 24-hour emergency call system in place to provide emergency assistance should it ever be needed. At Loddon House, a House Manager is also available during office hours to oversee the day-to-day running of the development, and to help with anything you might need to enjoy

the independence of your new home. At Birch Place, a trained Estate team is on hand to manage the development 24-hours a day, and retirees also have access to flexible domestic care packages which can be tailored to provide varying levels of support. n To take a tour around McCarthy Stone Loddon House or Birch Place, please call 0800 310 0383 or visit www.mccarthyandstone. co.uk/berkshire.

16 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

OLLY STEPHENS Mental Health & Well-being in a Covid world

Sunday, October 10 is World Mental Health Day and, while this is a long-established annual event which raises awareness of mental health issues around the world, the Covid pandemic of the last 18 months has brought the topic into sharp focus for many more of us than before.

Our lovely team of caregivers have been helping our clients and each other to remain up-beat despite the numerous challenges we have all faced, and as a result we have learned some things we can all do to help ourselves and those we care for as we cope with the ups and downs of life during challenging �mes. I thought I’d share a few of them this week.

What sort of things are people struggling with?

Most of the experts agree that the pandemic has affected the mental health of many across all the age groups, as feelings of loneliness, uncertainty about the future, and general stress and anxiety has increased – whether about the health risks directly, or wider issues that have been exacerbated by the crisis, such as job uncertainty, financial issues or strained relationships with loved ones.

So, what can you do to help yourself cope?

Here are some �ps that have a positive impact on people both during �mes of ‘lockdown’ and since restric�ons have been eased.

Balancing the urge to resume ‘normal life’ and social interaction with absolutely valid concern about the ongoing health situation and continuing spread of infec�on can be a real worry.

In general, keeping a good routine and paying good a�ention to your diet, sleep routine and ge�ng regular exercise are all every bit as valid as they ever were for mental health (not just physical).

Have a think about how you can: • Keep ac�ve, even if you are at home. If you are nervous about ge�ng out and about to the extent you used to, remember there are lots of exercises that you can do at home – YouTube is full of exercise videos for people of all ages and abilities.

• Find other things to do to keep your mind busy and stimulate the brain. Resuming or star�ng a new hobby can be a great way to keep your mind off things that are worrying you, as doing things you enjoy encourages the brain to release endorphins that ease anxiety.

• Keep a good structured daily routine and remember that if your rou�ne has changed form before all this started, it could affect your fluid intake and diet – so remember to keep hydrated and eat regular healthy balanced meals.

• Sleep well. Stress and anxiety can have an impact on your sleep, but by doing some of the things above can help you maintain a healthy sleep pa�ern for you.

Try to relax more, cha�ng with friends and family (whether face to face, on the phone, or via technology like video calls), and finding interests to occupy your mind can all help ease worries and help you sleep well. And we all know that we don’t operate well when �red.

More information?

These are just some of the things you can do to help yourself.

But organisa�ons like Mind (mind.org.uk), the Mental Health Founda�on (mentalhealth.org.uk) and the NHS (www.nhs.uk/every-mind-ma�ers) have a lot of additional �ps and advice.

Meanwhile, here at Right at Home, the most highly recommended homecare company in the Reading & Wokingham areas, we continue to focus a lot of our �me on suppor�ng our own CareGivers as well as our clients during these challenging �mes.

For more info on our services or on job opportuni�es visit our website, check us out on Facebook, or simply call on 0118 207 0600.

Kevin Lancaster

Right at Home Reading & Wokingham District

Life sentence for two teenage boys THREE teenagers were sentenced on Friday, following the murder of 13-year-old Olly Stephens.

Two boys, both aged 14, were sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 12 years, 105 days for one, and 11 years, 105 days for another.

A 14-year-old girl was also sentenced to three years and two months’, after pleading guilty to one count of manslaughter and one count of perverting

the course of justice.

Olly was stabbed and killed on Sunday, January 3, in Bugs Bottom Fields, Caversham — roughly 200 yards from home.

The court heard how the three defendants conspired between them to lure Olly to the field, following an argument he was involved in with one of the group on social media.

When Olly arrived at the field, the two boys, one of

whom was 13-years-old at the time, started a fight with Olly.

The younger boy drew a knife that he had brought with him and stabbed Olly twice before all the defendants fled the scene, leaving Olly critically injured.

The public and medical professionals attempted to save Olly’s life, but his wounds were too serious and he was declared dead at the scene.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said there is no sense of victory for anyone involved in this incident, or investigation.

“Three other young lives have also been changed forever. All of this could so easily have been avoided if those involved had not carried a knife that day,” he said.

‘Murder was so cold and calculated’ SENTENCING: Two teenage boys have been given a life sentence, after being found guilty of the murder of Olly Stephens

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

THE PARENTS of Olly Stephens said many families have been destroyed after their son’s murder.

Stuart and Amanda Stephens’ 13-year-old son was stabbed and killed in Emmer Green in January this year.

“You don’t expect your child to leave the house and be dead in 15 minutes,” Mr Stephens said.

“It was so cold and so calculated,” Mrs Stephens added.

Today, two 14-year-old boys have been sentenced to be detained for life with a minimum term of 12 years, 105 days, and 11 years, 105 days imprisonment respectively, after being found guilty of murder. One 14-year-old girl has been sentenced to three years and two months’ imprisonment for her role in Olly’s death, after being found guilty of manslaughter and perverting the course of justice.

On hearing the guilty verdicts, Mr Stephens said he felt like the floor had opened up beneath him.

“It was so surreal,” he said. “You feel like your insides have just fallen out.

It’s the only way to describe it. You are dealing with children at the end of the day, but they had murdered our son.

“We’ve lost our son and we’ve already got a life sentence, but it’s the repercussions of those word, and the families involved, and the ripple it will have. There’s no escaping this for the rest of their lives, but they are still alive.”

He added: “There are whole families destroyed in this. One person was the physical victim, but you could easily say there a hundred people affected.”

Mrs Stephens said she knows the parents of the killers “must be living in hell like we are”.

“It’s a complete, utter nightmare,” she said. “Their children have done what they’ve done — this awful thing. It must be hell for them.

“All I felt throughout this whole thing is sadness, there isn’t a feeling of anger towards them – it’s just sadness at the situation that’s been created, and the loss for us and for everybody.”

Mr Stephens said he has no feelings for the teenage killers.

“I personally don’t see them as people any more,” he said. “To me they’re irrelevant. We are in this situation because of them, but they don’t mean anything to me.

“I hold all three of those people equally responsible for what happened to Olly, but there’s no point getting angry, no point chucking mud at them, because that’s what the legal system is for, and we have to have faith in the legal system.”

The couple said they are not dwelling on the conviction appeal, lodged by one of the teenage boys.

“That wasn’t unexpected,” Mr Stephens said. “When you’re in that position you have a legal right to make an appeal, so we were expecting that in a way.”

Mrs Stephens added: “What we wanted was for justice to be done, and justice has been done.”

The couple are still stuck in a “bubble” as the rest of the world moves on, Mr Stephens said.

“It’s hard, because we’re still stuck feeling like it’s just happened,” Mrs Stephens said. “Everything’s moved forward and it’s been very surreal, so we’re still in shock and getting our heads around how life has changed.”

Mr Stephens added: “It’s hard walking past his bedroom. I still expect him to knock on the door, I still see him out of the corner of my eye, walking around the kitchen emptying the cupboards.”

The couple thanked those who have supported them since their son’s death.

Mrs Stephens said: “The list is absolutely huge, from the moment it happened. It’s friends, it’s family, the churches, and it’s been national and international. There are heartfelt words and presents that are sent.

“On social media as well, a lot of people we have lost track of along the way, old school friends and things. We have been so lucky.

“There hasn’t really been much that people can do, but even a message saying ‘thinking of you’, really helps.”

The couple are calling for more mental health support for young people, and an end to knife crime.

Mr Stephens said that students who are less academic do not have a system of support in school.

“I think the school system is set up for A and B students,” he said. “Anyone who falls outside of that box [is] a square peg in a round hole. The system isn’t there

to catch you. Not every kid is a scholar.

“Mental health issues are escalating in this country. Kids — 12-year-olds — are getting depressed. What sort of society have we got where a 12-year-old is on antidepressants?

“A few days before he died, I said to Olly, ‘It’s my job to protect you, you need to tell me what’s going on’.

“I just couldn’t get it out of him.

‘Snitches get stitches’ is all he’d say.”

Mr Stephens called on the community to support the Online Harms Bill “Anyone who objects to that, really has to question their morals, because children are dying,” he said.

He urged people to put their knives down.

“If you’re in a position where you need to carry a knife, you need to question what you’re doing,”he said. “A lot of these kids are vulnerable, they’re scared.

“There’s a massive issue of kids being groomed and led down a path by older people. They want these kids to carry out tasks that they don’t want to get caught for. It is child abuse.”

Mrs Stephens called for more support for teenagers who carry weapons.

“Once they do the right thing and hand over the knife, they need help to get onto the right track and move on,” she said.

She urged parents to have more conversations with their children.

“Keep asking questions, be suspicious, try not to be put off,” Mrs Stephens said.

“You get batted away by your children when you ask questions [and] you don’t get answers.

“Just keep going until you feel comfortable and trust your gut reactions as well.

“If you don’t like the sound of [their] friends, there probably is a very good reason. It’s very hard because we can look back and say, as parents, we did our best, loved him to bits, and always tried to be there for him and talk to him.”

NEWS | 17

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Thursday, September 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

OLLY STEPHENS Sonning celebrates Harvest Sunday

Investigating DCI hopes family can start to grieve after sentencing

REMEMBERED: Crowds lined the streets for the funeral of Olly Stephens Picture: Steve Smyth

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

THE SENIOR investigating officer in the Olly Stephens murder case said that he hopes the family can begin to grieve properly for their son.

It comes as the killers were sentenced today at Reading Crown Court.

Two 14-year-old boys have been found guilty of murder, and a 14-year-old girl found guilty of manslaughter and perverting the course of justice.

DCI Andy Howard said that he is grateful for the jury’s considered time on the case.

“It must have been very shocking for them,” he said.

“The overwhelming emotion around the situation and circumstances [of Olly’s death]. is one of sadness.

“In my four years as a senior investigating officer, these are the youngest defendants I have seen, and possibly the youngest Thames Valley Police has seen.”

He said the 13-year-old’s murder sends a message about the impact and “inherent risk” of carrying a knife.

“We all have a duty to this generation to educate and deter knife crime,” he said.

THERE is a chance to celebrate Harvest Sunday in Sonning this weekend.

St Andrew’s Church is hosting a range of services on Sunday, October 3, to mark the traditional autumn festival.

At 8am, it will hold a Holy Communion service.

There will be a family service at 10.30am.

The church is also hosting a Choral Evensong at 4pm, followed by tea at The Ark, the church’s parish hall. n For more information, visit: www.sonningparish.org.uk

“This case illustrates the risk of what could happen. The real message is, if you’re carrying a knife, you are only carrying it if you are prepared to use it.

“So many lives changed forever on that night in Bugs Bottom, in Emmer Green.”

Olly was killed on Sunday, January 3, this year, and from then onwards, speculation about the case began spreading on social media.

DCI Howard said this posed a significant challenge for the investigation, due to the number of rumours circulating.

This included one social media post thought to be written by a defendant, but later turned out to be “fake news”, DCI Howard said.

“As soon as this case arrived in the courts, there were very strict reporting restrictions put in place, which seemed to have helped,” he said.

“Social media was a primary part of the investigation, and how we went about presenting the case to the jury.

“It meant we didn’t need to call on some young people as live witnesses, but the volume

of material we had to deal with was significant.

“Our digital forensics team supported that and identified 11 different social media platforms being used.”

DCI Howard said he felt it was right that the killers have not been named in the courts, or after sentencing.

“There has to be an exceptional reason [to name them], and as shocking as this case is, I don’t feel it meets the criteria.”

The killers can be named in four years, when they turn 18.

“I hope there is a sense of justice now,” the DCI added.

“And I hope Olly would think that justice has been achieved.

For the family, they need this [court case] to finish to move on with the grieving process.

“I hope it is a line in the sand, so they can start to grieve.”

One of the teenage boys has applied for permission to appeal against his conviction.

His lawyers said the judge was wrong to not allow psychiatric evidence about their client’s Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis.

Save date for Hallowe’en fundraiser FAMILIES are invited to a spooktacular Hallowe’en event later this month.

On Sunday, October 17, there will be a charity event at Barkham Village Hall.

It will run from 2.30pm until 4.30pm and include games, a costume parade, a tombola and cake sale.

Entry costs £1 per child, and proceeds will go to Babies in Buscot Support.

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

DOLPHIN SCHOOL

An independent Prep School for Boys & Girls aged 3-13

Nursery Freedom Fridays

At Dolphin School our Nursery children spend “Freedom Friday” in our very own Copse!

To learn more or to arrange to join us with your child for a “Taster Session”, please contact Kate Spooner at admissions@dolphinschool.com or call 0118 934 1277

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18

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

‘Triple lock suspension lets down our pensioners’ College brings picnic power to Forbury Gardens READING College students cooked some tasty treat at Reading Town meal last Saturday.

Individuals attended a special picnic in Forbury Gardens between noon and 4pm as the professional culinary arts pupils made a twocourse meal.

The Level One students used locally-donated fruit and vegetables to create the dishes, which were given away for free on the day.

The main course was a vegetable ragù served with potatoes and salad, a rosemary focaccia and apple and pear crumble for dessert.

Student Shyla Shaw had never taken part in anything like this before.

“It’s helped me to learn how to work as a kitchen and prepare big bulk meals, communicate with each other and taught me to speak up when you need something,” she said.

They have been learning about

sustainability since the start of term, from low carbon food production to animal welfare.

Public services students at the college on King’s Road helped with the set-up and marshalling on the day.

Naomi Coker, Intern, Reading Town Meal, thanked the volunteers for their help on the day.

“The Reading College students had such an enormous impact on the day, with their fingers in a lot of pies,” Ms Coker said.

“The professional culinary arts students helped both with the preparation and serving of the meal, as well as the Public Service students helping with various aspects of the event, including setting up, collecting donations, and packing away at the end.

“It went incredibly well, with over 1,000 attendees and plenty of delicious food and we also raised a lot for next year.”

By Jess Warren jwarren@wokingham.today

MORE than 17,000 pensioners in the borough will be impacted by the suspension of the triple lock system.

Data from the House of Commons Library, analysed by the Liberal Democrats, revealed that 17,333 state pensioners will be affected by the decision.

The triple lock means that the state pension must rise each year in line with the highest of three possible figures; inflation, average earnings or 2.5%.

It was created during the coalition government but has been suspended for 2022 to 2023.

Instead, pensions will be determined by either the inflation rate or 2.5%.

Work and pensions secretary Therese Coffey said the triple lock will be restored for the remainder of this Parliament, which ends in 2024.

Cllr Clive Jones, deputy leader for the Wokingham Liberal Democrat group, said it is a broken promise from the Conservatives.

The party had planned to keep the system in place until 2024, but last week, it was scrapped following a parliamentary vote.

The three Conservative MPs in the borough supported the vote.

Cllr Jones said: “The government is turning its back on local elderly residents, who risk no longer being able to heat their homes this winter as energy costs spiral.

“This is yet another broken promise from the Conservatives that will hit pensioners in Wokingham hard in the pocket.

“Our pensioners deserve a fair deal. The triple lock was a cast iron guarantee that vulnerable elderly people were relying on, and the Conservatives have failed them.”

The councillor called

on the Government to support Wokingham’s state pensioners living in poverty.

“Liberal Democrats are demanding that the government ... ensures that we don’t return to the days of the 75p rise to the state pension,” he added.

Cllr Rachel Burgess, leader of Wokingham Labour, said it was shameful for the Conservative Party to break its manifesto pledge.

“The triple lock was introduced in 2010 to make up for the damage caused to state pensions by Margaret Thatcher’s decision to unlink the value of pensions from wages,” she said.

“For three decades, pensioners got relatively poorer. Slowly, the triple lock has been clawing back the lost decades.

“But still the UK has one of the least generous pensions in Europe, and British pensioners are the worst off in Europe, with many living in poverty.

“Axing the triple lock

not only guarantees our pensioners do not get a fair return on a lifetime of contributions but it will also affect everyone who will claim a pension in the future.”

Cllr Burgess was concerned it could bring uncertainty to residents of retirement age.

“Those who are in work and approaching retirement are having to work longer, and they should not have to face further income reductions and uncertainty,” she added.

“With food prices rising, energy bills going through the roof and year after year of high Council Tax rises, the Conservatives are making pensioners pay an extra price by not giving them money they have earned.

“There is no good reason why the Conservatives choose to make British pensioners the worst off in Europe. Put simply, it is a political choice.”

The borough’s three Conservative MPs were contacted for their views.

Thursday, September 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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19

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20 | NEWS

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SONNING, RUSCOMBE, TWYFORD& HURST, NEWS REMENHAM & WARGRAVE

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

Project makes sun shine in Wargrave

COMMUNITY: Michele Bryan’s sunflower scheme has brought people together

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

WARGRAVE residents have come closer together this summer, a villager has said, thanks to a community-wide gardening project.

Now taking registrations

Sunflowers of Wargrave, a programme which launched in May to generate community spirit after lockdown, has seen the village awash with sunflowers this year.

As the project comes to a close, its creator, Michele Bryan, said the scheme has been a big success.

“I’m really pleased with [the project] — it’s been lovely,” she said. “It’s been surprising because we all had the same seeds, but some of the sunflowers are quite big.

“I think quite a few people are pleased at how theirs have grown.”

The Purfield Drive resident launched the initiative to spruce up the village in time for summer and to help residents reconnect following the pandemic.

She shared sunflower seeds and planting guidance throughout the community

Picture: Michele Bryan

with help from schools, garden centres and pubs.

She has grown more than 20 sunflowers in her front yard and has found even more walking around Wargrave.

“We can’t lay claim to all of them,” Ms Bryan explained.

“But there are some really good sunflowers out there.”

Flowers aside, the project’s creator said the real success was seeing the programme start conversations among the community.

“Those who have taken part have definitely had conversations about how each person is getting along,” Ms Bryan said.

“A lot of people have also

mentioned to me on my walks that they’ve been watching our sunflowers.”

And she said she is now looking forward to making Sunflowers of Wargrave an annual event — with lessons learned for next year.

“We want to start it earlier in 2022,” Ms Bryan added. “There was a frost later than usual and quite a few people had their seeds eaten by squirrels and slugs.

“Some people have even said that if we do this again they’d like to join next time, so that’s quite heartwarming.”

To learn more, search ‘Sunflowers of Wargrave’ on Facebook.

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ART FOR SALE: My Cancer My Choices sold artwork to raise funds for the new centre Picture: Steve Smyth

Charity’s open day extravaganza A CHARITY has launched a new hub in Charvil to support anybody receiving cancer treatment.

My Cancer My Choices opened its premises on Old Bath Road on Saturday, September 25, with a series of mindful activities and refreshments.

It is now one of four centres across Berkshire offering complementary therapies for people being treated for cancer, including massage, Tai Chi and online art therapy.

Victoria Latchford, the charity’s operations director, said the open day was a chance to share the work the charity does.

“Charvil is fantastic and we’ve now got a hub for the first time, which includes our offices,” she said. “We wanted to celebrate that and make people aware of how we support people’s wellbeing.”

The charity, which was founded in 2015, raised more than £1,000 last weekend, which will now be reinvested back into its services.

This includes providing materials for its volunteer therapists and purchasing PPE. “In Charvil, we will now do a whole mixture of therapies, including acupuncture and

reflexology,” Ms Latchford added.

“On Saturday, we had drop-in mindfulness and yoga sessions, an art show to raise money, and a live spin challenge.

“We were also lucky to have deputy mayor for Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Abdul Loyes, spend time meeting volunteers. It was a really positive day.”

Patients are referred for therapy by Royal Berkshire Hospital, Bracknell Health Space, Macmillan and other support groups. They can also self-refer. n To find out more, visit: www. mycancermychoices.org

Exhibition for 300 Hurst homes PLANS to build up to 300 homes to Hurst have been revised by developers Mactaggart & Mickel, which proposed a new estate near Lodge Road last month, will host a public exhibition on the changes over the coming weeks.

It comes following a controversial public consultation, that prompted Protect Hurst Action Group (PHAG) to urge residents to not take part in the survey.

The previous proposals included at least 105 affordable homes, an off-road foot and cycle path, and public open

space linking Lodge Road with Tape Lane.

The land, which is to the east of Lodge Road, is an area which residents have fought to defend for more than 60 years.

Mactaggart & Mickel’s website reads: “We are very aware that this site occupies a prominent position towards the centre of the village, and we understand that most residents are unlikely to support the principle of development.

“However, we hope that you will nonetheless engage with this consultation and advise us on how our proposals can be improved despite your

opposition to the principle.

“Any improvements you suggest will not be used to infer your support for the development.”

The public exhibition will take place on Thursday, October 7, and on Thursday, October 14, from 3.30pm until 7.30pm at Hurst Village Hall.

The revised proposals will be available on the developer’s website afterwards.

Mactaggart & Mickel intends to submit a planning application to the borough council this autumn.

n For more information, visit: www.landeastoflodgeroad.co.uk

Wargrave toddler care team looks for new leader A CARE group is on the hunt for a new organiser.

Wargrave Baby & Toddler Group is looking for enthusiastic parents and carers to take over from its current management team.

Wokingham.Today understands the service has been on hold since March 2020, and the organisers said demand is high to get the group up and running again.

“It is a wonderful chance for

those with young children to have a chat, a hot cup of tea, and get support from others in the village,” they said on social media.

The role involves setting up and tidying away before and after sessions, which are held on Tuesday mornings during term time.

“We are also looking for someone to help with refreshments during these sessions,” the managers added.

In the past, Wargrave Baby & Toddler Group has arranged Christmas events, Hallowe’enthemed parties and hosted activities including flower arranging.

Wokingham.Today understands the sessions take place between 9.30am and 11.30am. n Anybody interested should contact wargravebabyandtoddler@ hotmail.co.uk

NEWS | 21

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Thursday, September 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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WOODLEY&EARLEYNEWS HONEY: Earley Garden Bees and Rainbow Hives join in the fun All pictures: Phil Creighton

BIKES: Talking pedal power

ART: Emma Major shows her work

GUESTS: Bishop of Reading, Venerable Olivia Graham and Cllr Anne Bassett, mayor of Earley CHARITY: The Cowshed

St Nicolas hosts Great Big Green Fair LIVE: The 5Ts brass band perform

FRESH: Freely Fruity had a stall at the event

FAMILIES across Earley joined a celebration of the environment at the weekend.

The Great Big Green Week Fair at St Nicolas Church welcomed visitors on Saturday.

The fair focused on reusing, repurposing and recyling, along with ways to decrease personal carbon emissions.

At the event was the Bishop of Reading, Venerable Olivia

Home helps cancer charity

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today CAKES adorned tables at a Lower Earley care home last week, for a charity fundraiser.

Austen House held a coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday, September 24.

Residents joined in the baking, and created cakes and biscuits for their visitors.

Mayor of Earley, Cllr Anne Bassett, was one of those to come along, and sample the bakes.

Natsayi Dunira, general manager at the care home, said: “Our Macmillan coffee morning has been a huge amount of fun, everyone at the home is always keen to support this fantastic charity in any way we can.

“We are very glad to be able to do

our bit to raise further awareness for Macmillan and money for the charity.

“We we’re happy to welcome Cllr Bassett to our home for the first time since becoming mayor of Earley, along with familiar face, Cllr David Hare and his dashing dog Fraser.”

Some Lower Earley residents also joined the home for its coffee morning.

“A particular guest, Elizabeth Spracklen, shared with us her personal experience of losing a loved one to cancer,” Ms Dunira added.

“I was happy to talk with Elizabeth over a cup of coffee and cake about the loss of her daughter, Maggie, early last year to breast cancer.”

The home raised £40.

Graham, and Cllr Anne Bassett, mayor of Earley.

There was crafts for children, cream teas, charity stalls, art on show, and music from 5Ts Brass Band.

Earley eco group launches calendar THE EARLEY Environmental Group has launched its 2022 calendar.

It contains photos taken by town residents of nature across the area.

It can be bought for £5 from the Earley Town Council Help shop, on Radstock Lane.

Payments must be made in cash.

The Help shop is open from 9am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday.

It closes from 1pm to 2pm each day for the staff’s lunch break.

Woodley and Earley Arts Group hosts exhibition ACROSS THE POND: French market returns to Woodley Town Centre - stallholders with Woodley Town Centre manager Brian Fennelly. Picture: Phil Creighton

Woodley welcomes market OOH la la! A taste of France returned to Woodley for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic.

The Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct was full of traders who came from France on Friday to sell a range of Gallic produce including cheeses, breads, meats and sweets.

Everything was authentic

and fresh, and was organised

by France At Home.

Woodley Town Centre manager Brian Fennelly was delighted to see the return of the popular event.

“It’s fantastic to see our French friends back. They’re very keen to be with us and we’ve been actively promoting the event,” he said.

“The market is stunning,

the kind of atmosphere, the smells you get and the sorts of products they have, they’re a bit different to what you can find in British supermarkets.

It’s nice to have that flavour of France.

“It is all authentic stuff, this is not pretend France, this is the genuine French article that you’ll find in Provence when you go on your holidays.”

ART is being showcased at an exhibition this weekend.

The Woodley and Earley Arts Group is opening the doors at the Oakwood Centre tomorrow for it’s autumn exhibition.

The event will run from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, at the Headley Road site.

The group said there will be a range of pictures and craft items, raffle prizes and artists to watch and meet.

Face masks must be worn in all communal areas at the Oakwood Centre, including the foyer, corridors and toilets.

NEWS | 15 19

Thursday, WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September September 16, 23, 2021 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Thursday, WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September September 16, 23, 2021 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY 22

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Education Education options options Advertisement Advertisement feature feature

To To appear appear in in our our next next feature feature call call 0118 0118 327 327 2662 2662 At At Dolphin, Dolphin, individuality individuality is celebrated, celebrated, relationships relationships between teacher and child are cherished, curiosity curiosity about about the the cherished, world world abounds abounds and and children children are are encouraged to discuss, question encouraged to discuss, question and explore. andOur explore. children wear their own Our children wear theirour own clothes, which exemplifies clothes, exemplifies our wish thatwhich they feel comfortable expressing themselves at school, wish that they feel comfortable expressing themselves at school,

DEVELOPING CHARACTER: Leighton Park says it wants to help pupils grow in confidence school’s values n LEIGHTON PARK SCHOOL n DOLPHIN SCHOOL DEVELOPING CHARACTER: Leighton Park says itQuaker wants to help pupils grow in confidence and forward-looking approach.

LEIGHTON Park is a day and DOLPHIN is a modern and school’s values n LEIGHTON PARK SCHOOL n DOLPHIN SCHOOL WhileQuaker the School offers boarding school for girls and forward-thinking independent, and forward-looking a holistic curriculum, it is boys aged 11-18 in Reading, coeducational school for ages three approach.

LEIGHTON Park a day and DOLPHIN is a modern and and particularly well-known and winner of theisBest to 13 in Berkshire: an exciting the School offers boarding schoolSchool for girls2021, and forward-thinking forWhile its approach to STEAM Co-educational enterprising placeindependent, in which to learn, which combines the it is South East11-18 England. grow and be. school for ages three a holistic curriculum, boys aged in Reading, coeducational analytical skills from Science, UK Government’s Atin the heart of our educational particularly well-known andThe winner of the Best to 13 Berkshire: an exciting and Technology, Engineering and latest Sixth Form league tables practice is our Freedom toto Learn for its approach to STEAM Co-educational School 2021, enterprising place in which learn, Maths with the creativity from reveal Leighton Park to be philosophy – the belief that which combines the South East England. grow and be. the Arts. the best performing School in children learn best when they are analytical skills from Science, The UKand Government’s At the heart ofand ourinspired. educational It won the national Award for Berkshire in the top happy, confident Technology, and latest Sixth Form league tables practice is our Freedom Learn Excellence inEngineering STEAM Education This translates into a to learning 14 boarding schools in the Maths with the creativity from reveal Leighton Park to be philosophy – the belief that love in 2020. environment where children country. is also very highly regarded coming into school, are enthused Park exists to in theItArts. theLeighton best performing School children learn best when they are forIt itswon strength in Music and for by subject specialist form young people real the national Award Berkshire and in theoftop happy, confident andteaching inspired.

Ethical Enterprise. from antranslates early age and the character and confidence, Excellence in STEAM Education This intohave a learning 14 boarding schools in the Why not come and see for opportunity to learn at their own with a determined desire to in 2020. environment where children love country. yourself? pace and in their own way. change the world, reflecting the

Leighton Park exists to form young people of real character and confidence, with a determined desire to change the world, reflecting the

NEWS | 15 19

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

It is also very highly regarded for its strength in Music and Ethical Enterprise.

Why not come and see for yourself?

coming into school, are enthused by subject specialist teaching from an early age and have the opportunity to learn at their own pace and in their own way.

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and spend much much of of their their time time and spend learning through through our our expansive expansive and unique trip programme. n n READING READING BLUE BLUE COAT COAT SCHOOL SCHOOL AFTER two highly successful AFTER two highly successful virtual open events, Reading Blue virtual events, Readingfamilies Blue Coat is open excited to welcome Coat excitedsite to welcome families to theisSchool once more.

Come, explore and more. get a true to the School site once

Come, explore and get a true

insight into life life at at Reading Reading Blue Blue insight into Coat with with aa pupil-led pupil-led tour tour and and the the Coat chance to meet teachers and staff throughout throughout the the morning. morning.

Headmaster Headmaster Pete Pete Thomas Thomas will also be addressing families will also be addressing families throughout the morning and throughout morningon and our CCF willthe be putting a full our CCF will be putting on asofull battlefield demonstration, do battlefield demonstration, soatdo register your interest online www.rbcs.org.uk register your interest online at www.rbcs.org.uk

Awarded Best Co-Ed School South East England

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Annual Open Morning: 9.00am, Sat 25th Sept Sixth Form Open Evening: 6.30pm Tues 12th Oct Weekday Open Mornings: 9.15am, Tues 12th Oct & 9th Nov Taster Days for Year 7 Entry: Thurs 14th Oct & Tues 16th Nov

Annual Open Morning: 9.00am, Sat 25th Sept Sixth Form Open Evening: 6.30pm Tues 12th Oct independent • co-educational • day/boarding th• 11-18 years Weekday Open Mornings: 9.15am, Tues 12 Oct & 9th Nov Education & Training Awards Taster Days for Year 7 Entry: Thurs 14th Oct & Tues 16th Nov

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Book online at www.leightonpark.com/visit-leighton-park independent • co-educational • day/boarding • 11-18 years Education & Training Awards

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"We value school individuality and we are commi�ed to celebra�ng the local context and purpose of each school."

23

24 | SPORT

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

Back row (from left): Mehmet Ali, James Hooper, Ray Holland, Mamadi Camara, Claudio Osorio, Ethan Bristow, Nelson Abbey, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, Jahmari Clarke, Femi Azeez, Michael Stickland, Dejan Tetek, Lynford Sackey, Kian Leavy, Ollie Harrington, Matt Walker, Peter Scott.

Middle row: Alex Theobald, Chris D Ovie Ejaria, Scott Dann, Tom Holme Tom McIntyre, Baba Rahman, Dann Bannister, Luke Bishop, Danny Flitt

Reading FC 2021-2

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SPORT | 25 © JASONDAWSON/JASONPIX

Douglas, Alex Forsey, Alen Halilovic, Tom Dele-Bashiru, es, Luke Southwood, Rafael Cabral, Coniah Boyce-Clarke, ny Drinkwater, Felipe Araruna, Junior Hoilett, Stewart ter.

Front row: Michael Gilkes, Josh Bowen, George Puscas, John Swift, Josh Laurent, Liam Moore, Quinton Fortune, Veljko Paunović, Dayong Pang, Marko Mitrović, Nuno Gomes, Michael Morrison, Andy Rinomhota, Yakou Méïté, Andy Yiadom, James Bittner, Matt Hirons.

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26 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

The hidden cost of going to school FOR MANY parents, sending their child to school comes with hidden costs.

The school trips, lunches, canteens and extra-curricular activities all add up.

And then there’s the uniform.

The initial idea that it’s just a blazer and tie can be dispelled with the extras: the PE kits – indoor and out, complete with socks in the school colours and shorts of regulation length.

Some schools want pupils to have the same type of trousers, jumpers and shirts.

And others will want children to have special kit bags.

It all adds up.

And it’s frustrating when supermarkets compete – before summer term ends – to sell a complete uniform cheap as chips, but not in your colours.

First Days’ advocacy is important.

For some families, the choice will be school uniform or foot. That is not a choice that they should ever have to make. Nor should they be made to feel second class citizens for not having the right kit.

A new approach is needed.

CHURCH NOTES

Restoring what has been denied

T

HESE times have been, and continue to be, difficult for all, whatever our religious or spiritual beliefs.

At least we can now practise our faith in our places of workshop once again, whether it be a church building, meeting house, community centre, or just at home.

The pattern of worship for most involves singing, preaching, and praying in communion with others.

This has been denied to us for many long months, but now the light shines brighter~as we meet again to celebrate our faith in our places of worship.

As a Quaker, our practice is for silent worship, unless we feel moved to speak if guided by the spirit.

This can be a very profound and moving experience, whether sitting alone at home, or on a bench in the countryside, or even (as we have been doing) sharing through Zoom.

In the absence of communal meeting, these experiences have helped me much, as has the support of family and friends.

I have been affected by the events of the last 18 months, as I know many others have, by mental health issues.

In my case, I was diagnosed in November 2017, (at the age of 68) as having Asperger Syndrome.

I also experienced the sad loss of my sister two months later. She had been through a very short illness, so this was quite sudden.

These events affected me very deeply, but my faith held firm, as did the support of those around me, including my Quaker friends.

So, as a semblance of normality returns to our daily lives and practices, let us move forward in faith for a brighter, progressive future – for everyone.

Martyn Towle, from Wokingham Friends’ Meeting House, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

What happens when the fuel runs out DEAR MP/Councillor/Officer, We feel it necessary to inform you that the current fuel crisis (not fully recognised by the government) is now causing havoc to the essential services we provide to our elderly and disabled members. To date we have cancelled over 40 dial-a-ride journeys for doctors appointments, vaccinations and hospital appointments, and in addition we are having to cancel day trips, which were the first opportunity many of our members had the chance to get out and about since the pandemic.

Our drivers, booking staff and the whole organisation are totally frustrated that we are unable to provide the service that we are renowned for. We have no priority for fuel purchase nor, it would appear, do the emergency services.

We are still being told there is no emergency, but yesterday we had nine buses that were unable to obtain fuel which is making the situation even worse. If this continues we will have to close down. The added problem is our drivers are having problems purchasing fuel to get to work.

In the year 2000, when we had a similar situation, we were helped by being issued with passes to purchase fuel as a priority operation, our services were hardly affected. This time we just seem to be in chaos, we are having members pleading with us to get them to their hospital or doctors and we just can’t do it. All we are told is that there is no shortage!

WE NEED URGENT ACTION NOW! At this actual time we have only been able to purchase 47 ltr. of fuel therefore we are having to phone people to cancel their transport tomorrow, most of which is important.

We are cancelling another 27, which includes a Day Excursion.

Fred Rule, Trustee, Keep Mobile

FURTHER to your article in last week’s newspaper which highlighted the very poor performance of the Wokingham GP practices.

Many of your readers may not know that this is not a new issue.

I complained about poor performance two years ago and complained again in 2021 in regard to the local GPs’ vaccinations rates and the GPs effectively going into hiding from their patients.

As many of us now know, GPs are still hiding.

My complaints were addressed to my Conservative Councillor, John Redwood MP and Wokingham Council itself. All three were not interested and fobbed me off with statements that they had no control over what these practices do and the Practices are the responsibility of Berkshire West CCG. I could not complain to the GP Practice myself as no access was allowed to their premises and they were not answering the phone.

I withdrew my help from the local Conservative Party last year partly because I got no support from them when I highlighted the GP practices’ very low performance generally and for vaccinations in particular.

I now believe that the very poor local GPs performance in Wokingham may be developing into a real threat to the Wokingham Conservative’s control of the Council, as I’m hearing more and more people blaming the local CP for this situation - allowing thousands of new homes to be built with no corresponding

9/11 reflections

I would firstly like to commend and pay respect to the overriding sentiments of the letter from Wokingham Town Council Leader, Cllr Imogen ShepherdDuBey printed in Wokingham.Today (September 16). This responded to my letter of September 9.

Helena Badger

I

Thanks to volunteers like you, the British Red Cross Mobility scheme can provide people in your local community with wheelchairs and other mobility equipment to help them through a crisis.

This vital service enables people to maintain their independence and quality of life after an illness or injury.

Whether it is to help take a relative out, or take a child to school, it makes a difficult and distressing time a little bit easier.

This volunteer opportunity is a chance to meet new people and be

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

We must deal with GP scandal now

Volunteer Corner F you enjoy being in an office environment, are compassionate and like meeting people, then this could be the role for you.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

part of a dynamic and inclusive team.

All training and induction for the role is included; there is no charge for training.

The role is based at its offices in Wokingham Town Centre and the Red Cross is looking for help on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays between 10am and 2pm. n Fed up with paying for gym membership?

Would you prefer free exercise in the fresh air?

Do you love animals but particularly horses?

If you can answer yes then volunteering at SAFE (Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines) could be for you.

increase in local GP services.

I shall certainly highlight this at the next local election as I really do believe the absence of any action by the CP is developing into a local scandal.

It’s now almost impossible to get a GP appointment at the Woosehill Practice, there is little or no follow up for any of your medical conditions or treatments and there is no continuity in seeing a particular GP for any one condition or treatment.

My wife made over 100 telephone calls to get one appointment about two months ago and I understand that it’s got even worse since then.

Also, our GPs are still refusing to see a patient without a telephone appointment first which is not acceptable when we are told by the government that GPs have been told that they must see a patient if the patient insists on it. There is apparently no public accountability here which I think is a mistake that needs to be rectified ASAP. GPs are wholly funded from the public purse and provide a vital, public service. Any GPs not delivering on seeing patients should be impacted where it hurts - their pockets - as any appeals to their better nature appear to be not working.

Indeed, I would go further and GPs’ future remuneration would depend wholly upon the number of patients that they actually meet for a Consultation instead of the present system, which does not motivate GPs to see patients at all as GPs’

pay is determined by the number of patients on the Practices Register.

GPs are fully paid whether they actually meet with a patient or not.

Finally, I have absolutely no confidence in Berkshire West CCG’s response to the request from Wokingham Council to implement an improvement plan, indeed their response as outlined in your article appears to have already dismissed that idea. The CCG’s response was full of clichés like “we are committed”, “we are working closely with” but essentially they really aren’t doing much. Perhaps this is because local GPs are heavily represented on this body?

I really do think that the Council should not bother with the Berkshire West CCG but instead make a formal complaint or request to the national CQC and ask them to audit these low-performing GP Practices with a view to putting them into special measures. Wokingham’s local GP Practices need a wholesale clear out of the people running them and replaced by people who are open to improving their performance and putting patients’ needs first.

This local scandal must be dealt with now as many people are at the end of their tether; many are very dependent upon this vital service which has dramatically declined in the last two years and for which Berkshire West CCG appear to either not care much at all or is not capable of doing anything that will materially improve performance.

Name and address supplied

Cllr Shepherd-DuBey’s letter was written with empathy to and compassionate feeling with those dreadful events of that fateful day in September 2001, the day he world has since recognised in straightforward terms as “9/11”. A designation so simple, so seemingly stark yet at the

same time so evocative of that day.

Cllrr Shepherd-DuBey tells us she was personally affected by the incidents of 9/11; this is clearly and openly reflected in the tenor of the letter and the words within.

I am sure that most of us can recall where we were and what we were

It is looking for hardworking volunteers to help care for its horses and ponies.

Shift times are currently 9am1pm and 3pm-7pm but these vary throughout the year and have a degree of flexibility.

SAFE is looking for over 18s with their own transport as it is split across several sites in and around Wokingham and Reading that aren’t easily accessible by public transport.

The charity would love you to be able to commit to at least one regular shift a week so that you can get to know your shift colleagues, the routine and the horses, too.

Basic tasks are feeding, hay, water, mucking out, picking up manure, and general horse care but there are many other things involved, too.

The horses at SAFE come from severely neglected backgrounds, but with the help of our wonderful vets and the care, love and attention from our volunteers, they slowly learn to trust humans again.

Watching their progress is highly rewarding.

In additional to the hands-on volunteering, SAFE is also looking for

volunteers who would be interested in helping with fundraising, PR/ marketing and finance. n The 1st Hurst Scouts are seeking enthusiastic volunteers who are keen to learn new skills, work with young people, and get out and about, to help out with our Beavers (ages six to eight, Tuesdays 5.30pm-6.45pm), Cubs (ages eight to 10, Wednesdays 6.30pm-8pm) or Scouts (ages 10 to14, Thursdays 7.15-9pm).

No previous experience in Scouting is needed – our friendly team of local volunteers will work alongside you and provide all the support you need.

Learn new skills and make a difference in young peoples’ lives, as well as to your local community.

These fun, once weekly term-time sessions are based in its Scout Hut on School Road in Hurst.

For more details, explore other volunteering roles, to or offer help, call: 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit Wokingham Volunteers Centre website: www. volunteerwokinghamborough. org.uk

doing on that day and at the time.

I had just attended a meeting in NATO HQ in Brussels. As we drove back in the car of one of my colleagues, on approaching the underground car park of the hotel, Nick, who was driving, stopped the car quite suddenly.

He was a fluent French speaker and had heard a newsflash on the radio, which indicated that there had been a major air accident in New York.

We made our way quickly to the hotel lobby and reception area.

Nick asked the barman if he would turn on the TV for the news channel. It didn’t matter whether it was the news channel or not as every channel was carrying the harrowing events as they happened. We watched in horrified shock, stunned silence, extreme sadness and anguish, but obviously helpless to the plight of those affected on the other side of the world.

As other guests arrived back in the hotel after their day’s business, the lobby area of the pension-style hotel filled; I can still to this day remember the eerie silence despite the large number of people assembled.

I would like to offer a correction to my previous letter, in that I stated erroneously that the events of 9/11 occurred “20 years ago on September 11, 2000”; this is obviously incorrect and for this I apologise especially to anyone who may have suffered directly or indirectly at the time.

Finally, my previous letter was not meant to be a criticism of or lack of consideration by Wokingham Town Council, the Leader, it’s councillors or those locally involved in organising and undertaking what appears to have been a great day, and a thoroughly successful event. I was aware that the Heritage Day concept was being celebrated on a nationwide basis.

So, thank you to all who organised and participated in and celebrated Wokingham’s Heritage Day but thank you also to Cllr Shepherd-DuBey for

both her personal and more wideranging reflections.

Simon Jackson, Wokingham

Perfection?

There are now a number of new, mental health initiatives, starting in Wokingham, and I hope that they prove successful, and don’t have to struggle for survival, as the crisis house has in the past.

Some attitudes and suggestions made to us,are so crazy that they leave us in fits of laughter, as we reflect on what would happen – if I actually did what was being suggested.

This is a recent one: The lady said, ‘The Crisis House is the only place where I can get any help, and your association’s befriender is the only one who has done anything for me.

I don’t know why you don’t sell the Crisis House, and then use the money raised, for mental health.’

It’s not mine to sell, but, assuming that it were, and I sold it, then this lady would have nowhere to come, to get help, and our association’s befrienders would have no base from which to operate.

It was not for nothing, that I entitled my Thirty Year History of the Crisis House – ‘There’s A Place For Us’.

What would I then do for mental health with the money raised? Buy another house? I would have a job to find one in such a perfect location.

Conversely, another recent suggestion was, ‘Why don’t you buy the Crisis House? Then you could have people living here, and paying you housing benefit.’

So I feel in my pockets for the odd few hundreds of thousands of pounds that are rattling around in them, and buy the Crisis House, to house people.

But we are not a housing charity.

Finally, there was this suggestion.

The man said, ‘When I was isolated, and alone in my flat I was terribly depressed and suicidal, but since I have been coming to the crisis house,

From the chamber Cllr Rachel Burgess

Why we must keep the £20 uplift in Universal Credit

T

HE £20 a week uplift to Universal Credit has kept many families out of poverty and away from the foodbank.

It has helped people to make ends meet through these difficult and unprecedented times.

The imminent cut of £1,000 a year to universal credit by the Conservatives will hit our least welloff families, and their children, the hardest.

Most people claiming universal credit only started claiming it during the pandemic, and this is a cut that will affect hundreds of working families in Wokingham. In Wokingham constituency there are 4,800 children who live in families where universal credit helps people stay afloat. In my ward, Norreys, over 700 people, and 250 children, rely on universal credit.

These numbers have more

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than doubled since the start of the pandemic.

Anti-poverty charities such as Wokingham Foodbank and Citizens Advice understandably have serious concerns about this cut, and a UN official has even said the “unconscionable” cut breaks humanrights law.

Low-income families in Wokingham are already struggling to afford essentials and keep their heads above water. They are struggling to afford food, struggling to afford school uniform or money for school trips.

They face a tough winter ahead with energy bills soaring due to a failure of government planning, and food prices rising.

Again they will be forced to choose whether to ‘heat or eat’, and it is likely to push people further into debt.

They also face a double whammy from the government: not only a cut

my mental health has improved, greatly, and I have not slept so well for years. You are wasted here. Why don’t you work with the Social Services?’

I don’t believe in paid social work, so I am about as likely to work with them as I am to join up with Jeff Bezos and go exploring outer space.

Perhaps one day someone will come to us and say, ‘Your services are perfect, so please leave everything exactly as it is.’

Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House

Vaccine Apartheid I am disgusted by the continuing refusal of the UK and German governments to agree to suspend patents on Covid-19 vaccines, as supported by Joe Biden and others.

Preventing majority Black and Hispanic nations from manufacturing their own supplies to protect their citizens, meanwhile buying the available stock on the world market, can only be seen as vaccine apartheid and racism on the part of majority White Caucasian countries.

The patents exist only to enrich big pharma. The vaccines have created nine new billionaires, with a combined net wealth of $19 billion.

Just two of the successful vaccines are set to become the bestselling pharmaceutical products in the world, with projected revenues in 2021 alone of $60 billion.

While some pharmaceutical companies are raking in the profits, all have benefited from public funding in developing the vaccines.

We are not even donating our ‘surplus’ vaccines: of the 5.6 billion doses produced , 0.5% have gone to low-income countries.

I am tired of hearing that those who refuse the vaccine will ‘come round’ once the benefits (to ourselves and our neighbours) are explained in terms our stupid brains can comprehend. to universal credit but also a national insurance tax rise. Workers deserve a pay rise, not a tax rise.

Many households who claim Universal Credit contain an adult who is working, because many jobs simply do not pay enough. It is shameful that the people who have carried us all through Covid-19, such as the key workers we clapped, are now paying for the pandemic.

Nurses who have cared for us so well during Covid-19 could lose £1,159 per year.

A teaching assistant who has helped to keep our children learning during the pandemic could lose £1,040 per year.

There are many more examples.

And yet the Conservatives have said they are “entirely happy” with this cut.

It’s simply not right and it must be scrapped.

Self-employed people have also been hammered by the Conservatives.

The self-employed have already suffered huge reductions in their income during the pandemic, with many losing their livelihoods as a result of Covid-19.

They have benefited from the suspension of the Minimum Income Floor. This floor is used to work out the support they receive. It assumes self-employed people have managed to find a full week’s work.

The problem is that their actual hours may be much lower than this, meaning their support is reduced with no earnings income to replace it. The

I am also tired of hearing vaccine acceptance described as ‘doing the right thing’. When the government does the right thing?

Helen Palmer, via email

Cyclist safety I refer to your article “Improve cycling routes now campaigners plead” (23rd September 2021).

The A329 Reading Road hazards caused three personal injuries, with more hazards on the London Road waiting to cause more.

The Lib Dems and many local cyclists do not think that the Conservatives are taking cyclists safety seriously, and worse, are promoting unsafe infrastructure.

The two roads mentioned are part of a National Cycle Route, which completed between 2015 and 2020, and thus are of national significance.

I asked the Executive Member of the Council about the shoddy implementation of this route in July, and I was assured it met all the requirements defined by the road standards in place at that time.

These incidents, due to their nature, clearly demonstrate this is not the case, leading to serious consequences as a result.

The design guide states that “the transition between surfaces should ideally be flush”.

When I inspected the routes, I found that there are numerous locations where cyclists move from an on carriageway ‘white painted line route’ to a shared footway/cycle route and vice-versa without a flush kerb, creating a serious hazard for cyclists, and by aside motorists.

Why hasn’t this simple but safe practice been adopted by Wokingham Borough Council? They really aren’t taking cyclists safety seriously.

The climate emergency

Cllr Gregor Murray

Sustainable living

T

O BE successful in achieving our climate goals, there are things that governments around the globe must do with other nations, and things they must do in their own countries.

Minimum Income Floor was rightly suspended during the pandemic, but it has been reinstated, hitting selfemployed people before they are back on their feet.

If the Conservatives want to help people in Wokingham and across the country recover from the pandemic, they must reverse these cuts to hard-working families’ incomes and help protect the 250 children in Norreys, thousands of children across Wokingham, and millions of children across the country who will be devastatingly affected by these cruel changes.

I’m deeply concerned about the impact on my residents, as all councillors should be.

I was dismayed to see that local Conservatives have adopted a “no comment” policy on this issue. I refuse to stay silent.

I will stand up for my residents and our community. That is why I am petitioning our member of parliament, John Redwood MP, the chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP and the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP to cancel this cruel cut to universal credit and reverse the reinstatement of the Minimum Income Floor.

To sign the petition visit www. wokinghamlabourparty.org/universalcredit

For businesses, there are choices to be faced as an industry, and choices that businesses must tackle by themselves.

In Wokingham Borough, there are actions that we can take as a whole community, such as building a solar farm or planting more trees, and there are choices that we need to make as individuals.

Choosing to live more sustainably isn’t always easy. The most common questions I am asked are, “What can I do?” and, “Where can I start?”

Helping to answer those questions is one of the most important things that the Council is working on. We refer to it as ‘the Big Idea’, but what we mean is ‘helping residents to choose to live more sustainably’.

Earlier this year, we began consulting with experts and working to prepare initiatives to help all of us to make the choice to live more sustainable lifestyles.

We are focusing on eight key areas: n Transport – helping us all to live more active lifestyles; n Waste – cutting the total tonnes of waste we generate while increasing recycling rates; n Energy – using less energy while maintaining the connectivity of life; n Food – encouraging sustainable sourcing and sustainable consumption with minimal waste; n Clothing – reducing consumption of fast fashion by encouraging repairing, reusing and repurposing; n Water – reducing the volume of water we each use, and mostly waste, every day; n Schools – enabling our children to learn and live sustainable lifestyles throughout their lives; n Businesses – working with our local business community to help them and their employees live more sustainably.

We are holding an event where we have invited some of the leading national behaviour changes and incentives-based businesses. They will meet with our senior officers and pitch their ideas of what we could do to help us all live more sustainable lives.

We are open to ideas of any size or scale. We know that, in order to help each of us make the choice to live more sustainable lives, we will have to engage you in a number of different ways.

Only through making many individual changes can we achieve our climate objectives.

Each one of us has a role in deciding to change – but we also know that we will each need a lot of help and support along the way. That is why, as part of ‘the Big Idea’ we are also calling on all local businesses, charities, religious groups, sports clubs, community groups and neighbourhoods to join with us and engage in shaping and delivering our sustainable living programmes.

As separate households, we can each save a few kilogrammes of food from being wasted; but as a community we can save hundreds of tonnes. Individually we can walk or cycle more; but as organisations we can cut thousands of nonessential miles from our trips each week.

Individually, we each have a choice to make about how sustainably we want to live our lives.

These add up and have a lasting, beneficial effect for our community, our nation, and for our planet.

The important thing is to recognise that the choice is ours to make, and then to act on it.

Cllr Rachel Burgess is the Labour group leader on Wokingham Borough Council and ward member for Norreys ward

Next week – community engagement.

Cllr Gregor Murray is executive member for resident services, communications, and emissions on Wokingham Borough Council

Paul Fishwick, Winnersh ward councillor on Wokingham Borough Council and Liberal Democrat lead for Highways

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PHIL CREIGHTON reports on a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council held on Thursday, September 23

Tenants charter update approved

Residents to have say on climate plan

AN UPDATE to the council’s tenant’s charter was approved at the meeting of Wokingham Borough Council on Thursday, September 23.

The meeting heard from the Involved Tenants Group, headed up by Steve Bowers.

The session included an update on the past year and how the pandemic has changed things.

Deputy council leader John Kaiser introduced the item, telling the chamber that we really value our relationship

AN UPDATE on the way in which Wokingham Borough Council will “bring residents into the conversation” over the efforts to tackle the climate emergency is promised at next month’s council meeting.

Cllr Norman Jorgensen (Con, Maiden Erlegh) asked Cllr Gregor Murray, the executive member for emissions, about the proposals during a meeting of the council on Thursday, September 23.

Responding, Cllr Murray said that the executive approved a Climate Emergency Community

with our tenants, and the group was a cross-party effort driven by tenants and “constantly changing” legalisation, and would meet changing needs of the tenants.

Seconding the report, Cllr Halsall said: “The administration, the Council and we as the Conservative Group are very proud of the fact that we still manage our own housing stock and are adding to it.

“We have refurbished or rebuilt the vast majority of

homes.

“Our rents are very competitive, and our homes are very much sought after.

“Steve (Bowers) and the Tenant and Landlord Improvement Panel have done much to guide us over the years and we are very grateful.”

Lib Dem leader Cllr Lindsay Ferris said: “Our group fully supports the tenants charter … this is a very good and excellent report.”

The report was approved by councillors.

Petition calls for schools upgrade A PETITION calling on Wokingham Borough Council to upgrade two primary schools was presented to Wokingham Borough Council’s meeting on Thursday, September 24.

Cllr John Halsall read out the citation on behalf of the residents in his ward.

It calls for either a new school to be built in Wargrave, or to modernise the existing buildings used by Robert Piggott infant and junior schools.

The petition states: “Robert Piggott Infant and Junior School have been in discussion with Wokingham

Borough Council since 2008 to start a new project called One School One Site.

“It also proposes to merge the two schools to one single site in the village of Wargrave.

For a number of reasons, this has not progressed.

“During this time, the current buildings have deteriorated and really need repair. Both schools are in desperate need of modernisation to meet the educational needs of the children.

“We need investment.

“We the undersigned petition Wokingham Borough

Council to invest in the future of Robert Piggott Infant and Junior School either through One School, One Site project to relocate the school in the village of Wargrave or investment in the existing buildings at both the infant and junior schools to make them fit for outstanding education of the children in our local community.”

Cllr Halsall thanked the meeting for allowing him to present the petition and Cllr Keith Baker, as mayor chairing the meeting, said it would be passed on “to ensure it gets to the right people”.

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Deliberative Process at its July meeting. This has 15 processes, including benchmarking against other local authorities, and taking information from industry experts.

“This analysis aims to inform the deliberative process that will be undertaken to engage the community with the climate emergency agenda,” he said.

The report, he added, requires the council to be updated in October and this would “establish the financial implications, timelines and expected outcomes

from the delivery of this process”.

“The climate emergency is an urgent problem that needs to be tackled in a time sensitive manner. Engaging and empowering residents and stakeholders to be part of the solution is a key stage of the way forward,” Cllr Murray said.

“Engagement with residents and stakeholders will continue to be an ongoing process and priority in the climate emergency agenda as set out in the action plan which is a living document and constantly evolving.”

Questions on climate emergency THE climate emergency was the focus for much of the council meeting held on Thursday, September 23.

As part of the evening, residents were able to ask questions to the ruling executive, and there were three that related to eco matters.

Helen Palmer wanted to know if the council would declare support for the e Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill.

This, she said, requires the country to take responsibility for issues including greenhouse gas emissions, restoring habitats, and addressing waste disposal.

She pointed out that the bill had support from 115 MPs and 103 councils.

Would Wokingham borough become the 104th?

Cllr Gregor Murray, the executive member for emissions, said the council had already set up targets that will help to protect and support biodiversity in the borough and the council had a strong track record on climate change.

He added that the council would wait on the result of the vote before reviewing the “potential implication on the function of local government, our residents and resources”.

Ms Palmer warned that the whole world could be affected by a collapse in the ecosystem, and accepted that while some things were happening locally to tackle this, “I don’t think what the government is doing is strong enough” and urged Cllr Murray to back the bill.

Cllr Murray said he could not comment on government policy, but only on what they were doing in the borough and pledged to increase biodiversity.

Daniela Esposito wanted to know if the 2019 climate emergency applied to both Wokingham borough and the council.

Cllr Murray said that the action plan had set targets to decarbonise council operations and cited the new Dinton Pastures activity centre as an example of this.

“Within the council, we are working on reducing our carbon footprint by improving the energy performance of buildings, installing electric vehicle charging points, promoting home working, reviewing our policies, promoting changes in behaviour and finding innovative ways to support our community,” he added.

Ms Esposito wanted to know if the council and the borough’s progress could be charted separately, something that Cllr Murray said he hadn’t considered previously.

“We’ve always just wrapped the two things together,” he said. “I can see no reasons why we would or why we wouldn’t. I will consult with officers to see if it’s possible.”

And Andy Croy, until recently the Labour group leader on the council, questioned the costs of the planned solar farm in Barkham, saying

that the 2020 Climate Emergency Action Plan published by the council included four solar farms at an estimated combined cost of £18 million, with a total of 25,560 tonnes of carbon saved.

This year’s plan showed the four solar farms but, Mr Croy said, “Barkham Farm by itself was now shown as costing £21 million. The cost of the remaining three farms was shown as ‘to be confirmed’.

“The cost of the Barkham solar farm is more than four time the original estimate while current Climate Emergency Action Plan includes carbon savings estimates for three farms for which there are no costs attached,” he said.

“The plan is a living document; Given the extraordinarily inaccurate estimates as to costs of solar farms and totally misleading accounting for carbon savings, how can residents trust it?”

Cllr Murray said: “These targets and financial implications are best estimates based on the information we had at the time”, and that the solar farm in Barkham would be funded through “prudential borrowing”.

“It is envisaged that the other solar farms will be delivered on a similar basis and there is no evidence at this time to suggest that they will not demonstrate a similar return on investment to the Council when they are brought forward,” he added.

Responding, Mr Croy said that he felt sorry for Cllr Murray as “there is a lot of detail to keep track of in the plan … but this is at least an £80 million gap that to my knowledge has not been discussed to date. I am sure you and every Councillor will be dismayed at the magnitude of this problem”.

He asked: “In the light of this issue, do you think you have the commitment to transparency, the attention to detail and the competence to properly discharge the delegated authority requested for you in relation to the Barkham Farm project?”

Cllr Murray said that he felt Barkham Farm solar panel “stood up” as an investment and “with fuel prices the way they are at the moment we put in conservative estimates that will show that even after paying down the loan and interest on the loan … we will generate £400,000 in profit which we can invest in other climate emergency initiatives or other initiatives that residents want us to.

“With energy prices the way that they are at the moment, that conservative estimate is only going to be upwards, so we will be making an even greater return on that investment. I’ve been told (on Wednesday) that the equipment cost has been factored into the budget for this project still holds true.”

He concluded: “It’s a great investment and if it was my money I would still do it.”

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The council voted to approve the solar farm in Barkham, despite opposition concerns over the costs and plan

Plans for recycling bins trashed

A MOTION to introduce dual recycling and waste bins in public places across the borough was voted down by Conservative councillors.

They felt that the suggestion couldn’t be approved without scrutiny or a business plan – although opposition parties felt that the party had earlier approved a £20 million solar farm in Barkham without scrutiny or a business plan, something the Conservative dispute.

Labour councillor Shirley Boyt (Bulmershe and Whitegates) pointed out that as the council wants to have a 70% recycling rate by 2030, the dual bins in town centres, shopping parades and parks, as well as on walking routes to schools, would help meet this target.

“When I’m out and about in the borough, I see overflowing litter bins which, on closer inspection, are almost always (full of) drink cans and plastic bottles,” she said, adding that in places where there were dual-purpose bins this was not the case.”

Seconding the motion, Cllr Rachel Burgess (Lab, Norreys) said it would be

a very straightforward change that she believed most residents would want.

During the debate, independent councillor Carl Doran (Bulmershe and Whitegates) said the plan seemed an obvious and an easy step to take.

Cllr Imogen ShepherdDubey (Lib Dem, Emmbrook) told the chamber: “I would very much like to see additional bins for recycling added, where possible, particularly in the busy areas – which in Wokingham should be around Broad Street and the Train Station.”

And Cllr Shepherd-Dubey pointed out that earlier in the meeting the council had approved spending £20 million on a solar farm at Barkham. This has not been supported by opposition parties as they were concerned no business case had been brought to the council chamber or to the council’s overview and scrutiny committee, instead being approved for planning reasons by the planning committee and given the green light at a meeting of the ruling executive in July.

Next to speak was deputy leader Cllr John

Kaiser (Con, Barkham), who wanted to know if the bins were intended to be installed immediately.

Cllr Boyt said it would be a commitment to starting the process.

Cllr Gregor Murray (Con, Norreys), the executive member for emissions, said while he would “deeply love” to support the motion, he couldn’t.

“This motion is clearly going to cost a significant amount of money,” he said.

“My understanding is that due to fire and health and safety regulations, and because the bins have to be made out of anti-micro bacterial materials, these bins cost about £1,000.

Across our borough, we’re going to need hundreds, if not thousands, of them.”

He added: “If I put this into the carbon emergency action plan, I would have to put in a budget, I would have to be able to say how much carbon it was going to save us. This does neither of those things, blindly committing our council to an unknown amount of cost… I think it would be absolutely irresponsible.”

Cllr Parry Batth (Con, Shinfield North), the executive member for

environment and leisure, said the motion would not be cost effective as there were around 1,000 bins across the borough, and the quality of recycling from these bins meant that just a small amount of waste would actually be recycled.

He wanted a focus on increasing recycling from the doorstep waste collection in the blue bags.

Next to speak was Cllr Stephen Conway (Lib Dem, Twyford), who pointed out the discrepancy of Cllr Murray’s position: “He belatedly decided to accept the arguments we were putting about the need for detailed financial scrutiny (over the solar farm) but it seems that only applies when opposition motions are put forward.

“The kind of detailed scrutiny he’s asking for in this case about costing seems to be totally inappropriate.

“I really don’t think this will be as costly as you make it. If you are serious about wanting to deal with the environmental crisis you should be supporting this motion, not trying to find reasons not to.”

Cllr Lindsay Ferris (Con, Twyford) reminded the

chamber that two years ago, the council were asked to approve new green recycling sacks to replace the black boxes, without a full business case being made.

This made Conservative opposition to the new recycling bins “the biggest load of hypocrisy I’ve heard in my life in this council chamber”.

He called the Conservative position “absolutely disgraceful”.

The final speaker was Cllr Pauline Jorgensen (Con, Hillside) who said that the debate reminded her that she had witnessed litter collectors at Frankfurt airport placing both recycling and waste in the same bins, and warned that the cost wouldn’t just be the bins, but also collecting segregated rubbish and recycling.

Summing up, Cllr Boyt said that a lot of residents want to recycle, the dual bin installation policy was a sensible motion and she was sorry that it was not being considered on this occasion.

The motion was voted against by Conservative councillors, and was rejected.

Use of emails

Training plans for Shinfield Studios

THE use of personal email by councillors was raised by resident Philip Meadowcroft, who wanted to know the council’s policy on such usage “when communicating to any individual, group, or media on matters connected with the Member’s status as elected councillors”.

Responding, council leader John Halsall said that the council had an ICT policy, aimed at employees and not councillors, that points out that any email, regardless of whether it is sent from a private or council address, becomes part of the council’s corporate record.

“Councillors may use private or other email addresses when conducting Council business.

“For example, councillors are contacted by residents at non-Wokingham.gov.uk addresses, and for example particularly, where councillors are also town or parish councillors or an appointment to a charity or community body.

“However, as stated earlier, such correspondence if it pertains to the Borough Council forms part of the Council’s corporate record.”

Mr Meadowcroft pushed the point, saying that Cllr Halsall and fellow northern parishes councillors had signed off columns in the Wargrave News publication with their private email addresses, but this changed in December 2020, to the council addresses.

The mayor warned Mr Meadowcroft that his supplementary question was in danger of becoming a speech and wanted him to get to his follow-up query.

Mr Meadowcroft again called on the council to adopt a suitable set of rules similar to those used in Whitehall, but Cllr Halsall declined, saying policy could not be made on the hoof, and promised a fuller response with a written reply.

THE opportunities presented by the new Shinfield Studios is exciting Wokingham’s councillor responsible for business, with a pilot scheme launching next month.

Ward councillor Jackie Rance wanted know more about conversations between the council and the studios relating to the employment and skills opportunities for residents.

Cllr Stuart Munro, executive member for business and economic development, said there was the prospect of significant investment to come in addition to what had already been announced.

“(There are a) huge range of potential professions and trades that feature in the supply chain that offers significant scope to connect residents to employment and skills development opportunities,” he said.

“It is also anticipated that this will be a long-term feature of the local economy and a major stimulus of economic growth so that the creation of opportunities for local people could be sustained for many years.”

He added the council was in discussions with the studios, the university, and other parties to develop a model to maximise

these opportunities.

“The Cine-Link hub would aim to remove barriers to entry to film and television industry jobs, diversify the workforce and respond to the demand for talent,” he said.

“The aim (is to equip) residents with knowledge, skills and contacts to access work in film and television and to develop the aspirations of a younger cohort of borough residents.

“While offering benefits to participants the pilot will also the inform longer term approaches and consolidate the partnership working.”

Support for families over uniform THE COUNCIL has pledged to do all it can to support children in need with regard to school uniform policies in light of a new parliamentary bill relating to their cost.

The executive member for children’s services at Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Graham Howe (Con, Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe, Conservative), reiterated the commitment in response to a question from Cllr Rachel BishopFirth (Lib Dem, Emmbrook).

She wanted to know how the help could be given specifically with the cost of school uniforms, acknowledging that the uniform

policy of a school was down to its governors.

“We know from the issues that parents raise with councillors that more support is needed,” she told the chamber.

“Will council commit to taking a proactive stance that other councils have to support all state schools in the borough and adopt policies which mean that uniform and other education costs are truly affordable for families?”

Cllr Howe said that during the pandemic, Wokingham had some of the best records of keeping schools open, and it has worked with schools and academies in providing advice, guidance

and support, including daily communications to senior school leaders.

He added that the council had been working with the Department for Education.

“We will continue to engage with schools on all coronavirus related issues; and will be supporting them on the usage of the catch-up premium and national tutoring scheme announced by the Government,” Cllr Howe continued.

Cllr Bishop-Firth said she was glad that the council could make “that commitment to support families in need throughout the borough”.

PICTURED: Kat Belton a qualified Yoga teacher and Massage Therapist

Black bee breathing Following on from last week's column regarding yogic breathing (pranayama) I want to talk about Bhramari breathing or black bee breathing.

This calms the central nervous system is energising and fun to do.

Simply sit however you feel comfortable with your spine straight.

Gently purse your lips together and then just hum like a bee for a couple of rounds.

You can place your hands over your ears if you want to hear the intensity of the hum.

Nadi Shodhana is another type of yogic breathing practice.

Simply place the third finger of the right hand on the bridge of your nose … then breathe in through both nostrils.

Then breathe in through your right nostril then close it off with your thumb and breathe out through your left.

Breathe in through your left nostril and then close it off with your third or fourth finger and breathe out through the right do 3 or 4 rounds.

This is a very clearing breathing practice and it balances you as well.

I look forward to meeting you next time on the mat!

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Care home joins village trail A CROWTHORNE care home is taking part in this year’s spooky village trail.

Pinehurst Care Centre, on Duke’s Ride, will create a Hallowe’en themed display as part of the annual Crowthorne Trails event.

Businesses owners and residents across the village will decorate their gardens and windows for families to enjoy looking at throughout the week.

The trail will take place

from Saturday, October 23 until Sunday, October 31.

This year’s theme is magic and mystery.

Victoria Pembroke, activities coordinator at Pinehurst Care Centre, said the staff and residents are excited to take part in this year’s trail.

“The residents not only enjoy helping to make our display, they love seeing the children stop by outside to look,” she said.

“Pinehurst Care Centre are

taking part because we love being involved with something within the community, and these sorts of things are great in Crowthorne and make it such a good place to be.

“We love to connect with our community, and this will be our third time joining in. We have so many creative people working and living here, it’s a great opportunity for them to show everyone what they can do.”

n www.crowthornetrails.org

Complete strategy survey says council Back to skool A SURVEY for Crowthorne Parish Council’s three-year strategy plan is underway.

The questionnaire has been created to help the parish council move forward.

With a green focus, the strategy will seek to address how the parish council carries out activities and services while protecting the environment.

The plan aims to reduce energy usage in different ways over the next three years.

Biodiversity improvements will be made at Circle Hill, Walter Recreation Ground and Morgan Recreation Ground.

It will encourage the use of electric and non-polluting vehicles, especially in the High Street and outside schools.

Participants can take part by scanning the QR code provided on Crowthorne Parish Council’s website. n For more details, or to take part, log on to: crowthornepc. org.uk

A CROWTHORNE pub is hosting an evening of old skool garage, R’n’B and soul this Saturday.

Punters can dance the night away in The Prince, on the High Street, for its Hisstory Night, from 8pm until 11.45pm.

The pub’s take, on popular radio station, Kisstory, will entertain visitors with a mix of 90s and noughties classics. n For more details, visit greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/ berkshire/prince

Crowthorne teens set up car wash A GROUP of teenagers have set up their sponge and buckets to start their own car wash in Crowthorne.

Danny Aylmer, 13, from Crowthorne, and his three friends, Callum Fowler, Joe Lauder and Miley Swift, got the wheels turning on this initiative at the start of the school summer holidays.

And they’re continuing with their car wash on weekends now they’re back at school.

Danny’s father, Matthew Aylmer, is really proud of the boy’s “can do” attitude.

“The boys are over the moon,

are working outside, and are learning great lessons along the way,” he said.

“It’s great for them to learn how to work and communicate with adults and how to earn money.

The team started this up as they wanted to buy a second hand car between them to work on.

Next thing they knew, they began to gain a group of happy customers who were praising them for their services.

Since Mr Aylmer posted the boys efforts on the Crowthorne

Facebook community group, he received a positive response with more than 600 likes.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and with all the positive comments and encouragement we now really know what this means,” Mr Aylmer added.

“It feels this kind of support has been so lacking in these covid times and it’s wonderful to see.”

They charge £5 for cleaning outside and £10 for inside and out. Vans cost £15. n For more information, email crewgetitdone@gmail.com

class for us, but obviously this is more special, as it is Matilda,” he said.

“Kerry always worked hard, is a lot of fun to work with and it was always a pleasure, working with and watching Kerry perform in BARTA shows.”

The family musical revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the story of a girl who dreams of a better life.

Matilda The Musical Jr will be a no-expense-spared production, containing the songs Naughty, Quiet, When I Grow Up, Revolting

Children, Bruce and more.

Mr Penn added: “Having trained and performed with BARTA for over six years, she also knows BARTA, how we work, and our expectations regarding the quality of our shows so that is a big advantage.”

Rehearsals for the show begin in October and tickets go on sale in December.

The performances will take place from February 16 to 19 at South Hill Park’s Wilde Theatre next year.

Matilda star helps young performers

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today AN OLIVIER award-winner will be supporting young performers in their upcoming show, Matilda the Musical Jr, from next month.

BARTA Theatre Academy, based at Pinewood Centre, Wokingham, will get a special visit from past-student Kerry Ingram as she guides them through show rehearsals.

Performing as one of the original Matildas in StratfordUpon-Avon before it transferred to the West End, Kerry became the youngest Olivier awardwinner in 2012 for playing the role.

Kerry’s other acting credits include Game of Thrones, Netflix Free Rein, Wolf Hall, and The Doctor Who Prom.

During rehearsals, Kerry will be working with the students and hosting workshops to share her experience, and tips on performing in Matilda.

Founder and producer Dean Penn said he is “delighted” that Kerry became a patron of BARTA and is now back supporting their production of Matilda the Musical Jr. “It is not uncommon for Kerry to teach the occasional

n For more details, visit bartatheatreacademy.com

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

WOKINGHAMLEISURE Sweet Melody

AWARD winning comedian Victoria Melody hits the South Street Arts stage next week.

Described as the “female theatrical Louis Theroux”, Victoria embarks on the difficult business of being funny and being involved in the amateur stand-up world.

Tickets cost £12 for adults, and £10 for South Street members. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

Bishop’s visit COMEDIAN John Bishop is warming up for his new show at The Hexagon this Friday.

Performing his eighth stand up show, John’s comedy and documentary credits include John Bishop’s Australia, John Bishop’s Britain, The John Bishop Show and more.

John has also hosted The Royal Variety Performance.

Suitable for over 16’s, the show begins at 8pm with tickets at £42. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

LEISURE | 31

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Thursday, September 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

So near, so FARA: Scots band to visit folk club

Nettlebed Folk Club has returned following lockdown, and one of the first acts on the bill is Orkney-based four-piece FARA. LAURA SCARDARELLA finds out how the group are preparing for their forthcoming show

A

SCOTTISH folk band is coming to Nettlebed as part of its upcoming tour next week.

FARA, a four-piece music group from Orkney, Scotland, will perform at the Nettlebed Folk Club, on the High Street, on Monday, October 8.

The band comprises Kristan Harvey, Jeana Leslie and Catriona Price’s three fiddles combined with new member Rory Matheson’s piano.

Focused on their upbringing on the music of Orkney and Assynt, FARA produce a mixture of selfpenned and traditional Orkney tunes with their vocals.

With arrangements full of harmonies, fiddle playing and piano, band member Jeana Leslie

said audience members can expect “a whole handful of things” at their upcoming gig.

After returning to the stage at Edinburgh International Festival in August, Jeana said the band is eager to get back on the road again after so long.

“Excitement has been growing for a long time at the prospect of this autumn tour, and we’re fired up and ready to get back to doing what we love.”

She said it feels good to be getting back on stage to live audiences again.

“It’s so exciting and nervewracking at the same time,” she said.

Though the band haven’t had any live performances for a while, Jeana and Kristan kept themselves busy in lockdown

LIVE MUSIC TREAT: Scottish folk band FARA are coming to Nettlebed Folk Club this autumn. Picture: Euan Robertson Photography creating The Orkney Series online.

The collection of short films showcased their homeland of Orkney and the music that continues to inspire their sound.

Jeana said they both had lots of fun taking it on as a project.

“We moved in together at the start of the pandemic, and we were originally going to do just a couple of episodes,” she said.

“But we got really into it and ended up researching loads, and we learnt so much from it, and it was great to give to the world, as we couldn’t go out and perform anywhere.

“We’ve been away from the stage since February last year, and we’ve all missed the sheer enjoyment of playing.”

Nominees for Scots Trad Music Awards Live Act of the Year, BBC Radio 2’s Horizon Awards and winners of the German Critics’ Choice Award, FARA have entertained crowds with their unique music since 2014.

“I love being able to play and speak to the folk in the audience, and I’ve definitely missed the contact and interaction between band and audience,” Jeana added.

She explained that her most memorable experience in the band so far was getting the chance to perform at the BBC Folk Awards.

“We had the great honour of being asked to perform there, and it was such a buzz for all of us,” she said.

“We’re so lucky to be able to travel and get to do what we love together, and it’s great we’re now able to do it again this year.”

Performing a mixture of songs, the band are looking forward to showcasing some of their new hits from their upcoming album, due to be released next February. n For more details, visit faramusic.co.uk

32 | LEISURE

Tribute night for Amy Winehouse AMY WINEHOUSE’S music will be celebrated for one night only at Norden Farm.

Audiences can sing along to classics including Rehab, Back to Black, Tears Dry on Their Own and more on Saturday, October 16.

The gig will be led by X Factor boot-camp contestant Emma Wright.

And Amy’s original guitarist Robin Banerjee, will be touring with the group.

The performance starts at 8pm, tickets are £19 for adults and £17 for concessions. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01628 682567, or log on to nordenfarm.org

Come as you are

PROGRESS Theatre is welcoming its patrons to feel more comfortable at its upcoming productions.

On Wednesday evenings it will host a Come As You Are night to support transgender, non-binary and gender nonconforming people.

The theatre will open earlier at 7pm and there will be changing facilities for patrons before and after the show.

The front of house staff will also have in-house, inclusivity training. n For more details, visit progresstheatre.co.uk

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

Players wedding is a night to remember Crowthorne Musical Players present The Wedding Singer South Hill Park September 21-25

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ETTING to the church on time was a breeze for Crowthorne Musical Players in its hilarious romantic comedy The Wedding Singer.

The amateur dramatics society performed the 80s hit musical at South Hill Park’s Wilde Theatre last week.

Based on the 1998 Adam Sandler film, wedding singer Robbie Hart is the life and soul of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar.

From then on, he makes every wedding disastrous until he meets Julia, a waitress who wins his affection.

Zac Abbott’s phenomenal performance as Robbie Hart was second to none, and there were moments where you forgot you’re not watching a West End show – especially in his solo musical numbers.

And the on-stage connection he shared with Sophie Earle, who played Julia, feels authentic and their vocals blend perfectly together.

Earle showed Julia’s endearing side well, but also created a contrast later in the show when

LAUNCH NIGHT: Jamie Reed, Karen Rowland, and the Mayor of Reading David Stevens, at the launch of Reading Rep. Picture: Harry Elletson

DANCE ON: Cast members in rehearsal for Crowthorne Musical Players production of The Wedding Singer tension builds up between them.

Matthew Harcourt played band member Sammy, and Holly Snowden played Julia’s friend Holly Sullivan. They also bounced off each other in their love-hate relationship.

Credit goes to Snowden for her epic vocals in a couple of musical numbers throughout the show.

Across the board, the energy on stage was through the roof, and particular ensemble mentions go to Libby Thomassen, Keith Sullivan and Amy Williams.

Director Tom Horrox brought the fun elements in the story to life and highlighted every comedic moment in the script.

And these were achieved

as audience members could be heard chuckling away throughout the performance.

With catchy musical numbers and sterling acting performances, audiences enjoyed this brilliantly executed show.

The Crowthorne Musical Players are now preparing for their spring show, which will also be performed at South Hill Park.

Called Curtain Up, this will be a gala concert featuring songs from the West End and Broadway.

The show will run on two nights: March 18 and 19. n For more details, or to book, visit: www.southhillpark.org.uk n For more on the Players, log on to www.cmp-berks.org.uk

LAURA SCARDARELLA

Reading Rep’s gala opening THE LAUNCH of Reading Rep Theatres’ new building celebrated its opening with a special gala night earlier this month.

The theatre, on Kings Road, officially opened after its two-year build and fundraising campaign, which raised over £1 million to create the new premises.

The gala, supported by Reading Rep’s associates companies, included performances of Animal, written and performed by Camille Ucan and Inauspicious, performed by Zheng Xi. And Make/Sense Theatre devised and performed its piece, When This Is Over.

Rehearsals are now underway for Reading Rep’s first show of it’s new season, Dorian.

Founding artistic director Paul Stacey said it was an honour to open the doors for the first time in two years.

“Creating theatre is a communal act in and of itself and it was a pleasure to bring people together after months of isolation in the way that only live performance can,” he said.

“We can’t wait to welcome our audiences to our first production of DORIAN, a world premiere adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Grey, which explores the events that brought Oscar Wilde to Reading Gaol.” n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: readingrep. com

LAURA SCARDARELLA

Carmen at South Hill Park FLAMENCO dance will grace South Hill Park’s stage next Saturday – October 9.

An adaptation of Prosper Mérimée’s, Carmen, will be performed in the arts venue’s Wilde Theatre on Saturday, October 9.

UK-based, Spanish-born artistic director Jose Agudo blends his flamenco roots with a unique contemporary style, performed by a company of seven dancers.

Claire Cunningham, creative producer at Agudo Dance Company, said: “We believe that the piece’s distinct global

influences will appeal to a broad diverse audience, and it is a fantastic opportunity for the 12 venues to reach local communities new to dance.

“Agudo Dance Company is committed to increasing participation in and raising awareness of dance, and has established relationships with key cultural players in our partner borough of Croydon.

“The impact of the pandemic on young people’s lives has been devastating; now more than ever before, opportunities for engagement with culture are crucial and

audience engagement is at the heart of Agudo Dance Company’s work.”

Carmen follows Jose Agudo’s full-length production of Silk Road, which launched his company, Agudo Dance Company, in 2017.

The performance starts at 7.45pm.

Tickets cost £16.50 for adults, £14.50 for members and £11.50 for under 18s. n For more information, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk

LAURA SCARDARELLA

A night to celebrate Sir Elton John SIR ELTON John’s music will be celebrated with a night performing his greatest hits at Camberley Theatre this Saturday.

A career spanning 50 years, singer Joel Buckingham will showcase all of his best-known songs.

No show about Elton John would be complete without the outrageous outfits and glasses, which have become a signature of his live shows from the early 70’s until modern day.

The show includes songs such as Crocodile Rock, Rocket Man, Candle in the Wind, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, Sacrifice, Daniel and Circle of Life.

Tickets cost £25 for adults and £24 for theatre club members.

The performance begins at 7.30pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01276 707600, or log on to: camberleytheatre.co.uk

LAURA SCARDARELLA

LIVEMUSIC

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

Wokingham Loves Music

It’s an album of wonderful songs with a laid back feel and lyrics ruminating on the ups and downs of life.

Released last year, it is Hank’s 10th album and shows that he can still come up with quality so it’s well worth a listen.

We look forward to seeing him live at Wokingham Music Club (WMC) on Friday, October 22, where he will be appearing with his new compadre, Brad Breath – www. hankwangford.co.uk

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/Wokingham LovesMusic

P

Ronnie Laine & Slim Chance – The Preacher

ERFECT DAY is one of the latest songs to be created by the legendary Hank Wangford, and it tops the bill for this week’s Wokingham Loves Music playlist.

Why is this musical megastar on a soundtrack to the borough? Well, he’s soon to play at Wokingham Music Club. We can’t wait.

To whet your appetite, head to Spotify and search for Wokingham Loves Music – or log on to bit.ly/ wokinghamlovesmusic The playlist is more than just a bunch of tunes.

You can join in the discussion at www.facebook.com/ groups/wokinghamlovesmusicchat And if you’re hosting a gig, or preparing to play for one, send an email to events@wokingham.today

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, September 30

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. John Otway. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, London Road GU17 9AP. Open mic night. Details: 01276 32691.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Stiff Little Fingers and guests. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Storm in a Teacup presents Harrison Wilde, Missing The Scene, Slacker.

Details: 0118 958 3750.

Friday, October 1

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Funkin’ Souled Out. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Luther Vandross tribute.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Neal Meets Steele.

Details: 01344 484123.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Mythicals. Details: 0118 966 7153.

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Live music.

Details: 0118 978 0544.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Love Live The Local featuring: Alder Skanker.

Plonk. Indigo Child.

Personal Issue.. Details: 0118 958 0473.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Good Times Five.

Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, October 2 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Boogie Wookie. Details:

01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Soul’d Out. Details: 01344 422622.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, London Road GU17 9AP. Highside. Details: 01276 32691.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. An evening of live music. Details: 0118 934 4100.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Queen: Real Magic. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Imagine: The John Lennon Songbook. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Salty Dogs. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Funk Soul Rebels. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Mystery Machine. Details: 0118 941 5064.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Vinyl DJ set from 4pm till late. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Sunday, October 3

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Grace Petrie. Details: 0118 960 6060.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Glenn Miller Orchestra. Details: 0118 969 8000.

Monday, October 4 NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Fara. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub. co.uk

LEISURE | 33

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Thursday, September 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

ON THE ROAD: Hank Wangford and Brad Breath

Hank Wangford – Perfect Day This is the opening song on UK Country/ Americana legend Hank Wangford’s latest album Holey Holey.

Tuesday, October 5 PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Quirky Corner Unplugged. Details: 0118 969 98978.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham In Need presents Art Themen and Friends in concert. Doors 6.30pm, concert 7.30pm. £19.

Details: ticketsource/ wokinghaminneed or 07867 530727.

Wednesday, October 6

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Sherlocks. Details: 0118 956 8188.

Thursday, October 7

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Filthy Llamas. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, London Road GU17 9AP. Open mic night. Details: 01276 32691.

Friday, October 8

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Red Hoax Chili Peppers. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate RnB tribute: a flavour of the old school.

Details: 01344 303333.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Comedy night.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Roddy Woomble.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Bruce Juice. Souped Up: Serum, Voltage, Benny Page, Benny Vee and MCs. Details: 0118 959 5395.

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

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Blue Haze. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, October 9 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Mirrorball. Details: 01344 303333.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, London Road GU17 9AP. The Junction. Details: 01276 32691.

CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road, GU15 3EQ. The Turn.

Details: 01276 423582 READING – Across town.

Are You Listening Festival 2021.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. The Rocket Kings. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Ma Bessie’s After Hours Party. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Level 42.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Mythicals.

Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Cafe Zazous: swing gypsy jazz. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Rigsby. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Tequila Chase. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, October 10 READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Bobby V. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Here’s a classic song from the past and it’s included in the playlist this week as Slim Chance will be playing live at WMC on Friday, October 15.

The band has been doing a great job continuing the legacy of the great Ronnie Laine, who is sadly no longer with us.

They evolved around three original members of Ronnie’s band as well as some excellent new regulars so this promises to be a great night of good songs and musicianship – www.slim-chance. co.uk

Split the Dealer – High Rockets

He was No.3 in our Best of 2020 with his Deva St.John duet on the XV single and since then Split aka Sam Brett has released more very good singles and this is his latest – www.facebook.com/ splitthedealer

Deva St.John – Pity Party

The other half of that duet mentioned above also has a new single out. This is the latest of a string of quality singles from Deva and it is a powerful rock pop dance anthem – www.facebook.com/ dayvasaintjohn

In Albion – Earth They performed a great show at local record shop, Beyond the Download’s event in Peach Place Wokingham recently. Here’s their latest single – inalbion.net

Crooked Shapes – Crooked Shapes This Wokingham-based rock band have their debut album, also called Crooked Shapes, due for release on 19th November and Fire is their first single release from that album – www. crookedshapes.com

The Wave Machine – Doesn’t Matter to Me

One of the highlights of the Wokingham Festival was seeing a packed WMC stage audience singing along to the songs of Angus Trott aka The Wave Machine – www.thewavemachine.co.uk

Michael Burns-Peake – London

Michael is a singer/songwriter from Wokingham and is another young talent who appeared on the WMC Stage at the festival and performed a great set of quality songs – www.facebook.com/ MichaelBPMusic

Fred’s House – Shut Up and Dance

Silky smooth vocals, quality musicianship and a 70’s West Coast inspired folk / rock sound, this band from Cambridge are a perfect band for a summer festival as they proved at Wokingham Festival – fredshousemusic.co.uk

The Paradox Twin – Wake Vortex

Nominated at the prestigious Progressive Music Awards two years running following the release of their debut album, this Reading-based band is back with a stunning new single – www. theparadoxtwin.com

No. 5381

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Your weekly puzzle challenge TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

5381

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1. Which breed of sheep has the same name as an English variety of cheese and a Yorkshire valley?

2. The Hotel Inspectors was an episode of which famous sitcom?

3. What is the main ingredient of the Mexican dish huevos rancheros?

4. What substances form the vapour trails visible behind high-flying jet aircraft?

5. Which alphabet consists entirely of collections of dots?

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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

DEBATE TV BEER GURU

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R O R 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: 18 Good; 21 Very Good; 25 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.

10. What H is the title of an Adele song and a word of greeting?

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9 6 1 7 5 3 2 4 8

5 8 4 2 9 6 7 3 1

3 2 7 4 8 1 5 9 6

WORD PYRAMID: Counter-proposal.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – divide; add; subtract; multiply.

Total: 11.

SOLUTIONS

14

DOWN 2. When idle move to a place in India (3,5) 3. Combine below the point to 8. Pretty good weather (4) come into view (6) 9. Delightful discussion of 4. Stretched out at quarter to ten, flattery (5,4) having cared for the sick (8) 5. Potentially a unit opposed to a 11. Rig, it’s collapsed in the horrible lot (4) river (6) 6. Holy container, a bright 12. Grebe fluttering by colour (6) northern port (6) 7. Cold and unfriendly (6) 13. Short-term routine (3-2-3) 10. Fifty in the outfit worn by Scotsmen (4) 16. Complaint of 14. IOW resort – it’s great on the untidiness (8) East Coast (8) 20. Sent Liam round with 15. Another neat space in the Edward (6) waiting area (8) 21. Temporary home has an 16. Dorothy will get on despite inner occupant (6) senility (6) 17. It detects changes in 23. Taking away something haphazard snores (6) that has been worked 18. Grinding part of the bark (4) out (9) 19. Hear when it is strangely 24. Cultivate in long rows (4) silent (6) 22. Drop of mid-afternoon liquid 25. The devil of a cunning first (4) adversary (4-5)

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.

1 9 4 2 5 8 3 1 9

13

ACROSS 1. Frankness of a French substitute (9)

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

8

10

24

EQUALISER 11 9 4 1 7 1 8 3 5 4 1 6

Hard

7 9 4 1 9 2

3

R

SE

XE

9

P

IS

GO

8

24

WA

DL

7

23

TR

IH

6

7

21

FIVE ALIVE PM

5

14

9. Which range of mountains runs from the Arctic Sea to the Caspian Sea?

IE

4

13

WORD PYRAMID

VK

3

12

8. Who wrote the postapocalyptic novel The Day of the Triffids?

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 L through openings in the walls. The A first letter may appear in any chamber.

S O

2

11

7. Who won the 2021 British Open golf championship?

SUDOKU Easy

1

6. Elisabeth Moss stars in which dystopian TV series based on a novel by Margaret Atwood?

1 3 6 5 2 9 8 7 4

15

7

19

9 4 2 3 6 5 8 1 7

2

24

24

24

6 1 8 9 2 7 4 3 5

6

5

22

7 3 5 8 1 4 2 9 6

5

14

24

4 5 1 6 9 8 3 7 2

3

26

2 6 7 5 4 3 1 8 9

24

2

8 9 3 1 7 2 6 5 4

12

3 8 6 2 5 9 7 4 1

1

1 7 9 4 8 6 5 2 3

15

5 2 4 7 3 1 9 6 8

24

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5381

CROSS CODE

31

33

31

35

27. Substitute (6) ACROSS 30. Swindle (inf.) (3) 1. Displace (8) 5. European river (4) 32. Mythical Greek monster (5) 9. Allows (7) 10. Book of maps (5) 33. White ant (7) 34. Soil (4) 11. For each (3) 12. Withdraw from (6) 35. Climbing plant (8) DOWN 15. Even (5) 1. Drug (4) 17. Otherwise (4) 2. Fling (5) 19. Automata (6) 3. Oily fruit (5) 22. Mediterranean 4. Religious text (6) island (6) 6. Hand over (7) 24. Lady’s fingers (4) 7. Fidgety (8) 26. Warning device (5)

8.

13.

14.

16.

18.

20.

21.

23.

25.

28.

29.

31.

Cereal (6) Dove’s sound (3) Bureau (4) Respired (8) Wound mark (4) Sac (7) Feline (6) Podded vegetable (3) Hire charge (6) Open weave fabric (5) Tarnish (5) Scottish loch (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Dislodge; 5 Oder; 9 Permits; 10 Atlas; 11 Per; 12 Secede; 15 Level; 17 Else; 19 Robots; 22 Cyprus; 24 Okra; 26 Alarm; 27 Ersatz; 30 Con; 32 Hydra; 33 Termite; 34 Dirt; 35 Clematis.

Down – 1 Dope; 2 Spree; 3 Olive; 4 Gospel; 6 Deliver; 7 Restless; 8 Barley; 13 Coo; 14 Desk; 16 Breathed; 18 Scar; 20 Bladder; 21 Tomcat; 23 Pea; 25 Rental; 28 Scrim; 29 Taint; 31 Ness.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Wensleydale; 2 Fawlty Towers; 3 Eggs; 4 Ice crystals or condensed water vapour; 5 Braille; 6 The Handmaid’s Tale; 7 FIVE ALIVE: Collin Morikawa; 8 John Wyndham; 9 The Urals; 10 Hello.

(1) Across – Viper; Lulls; Mixed.

Down – Velum; Phlox; Rased.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Unreserve; 8 Fair; 9 Sweet talk; 11 Tigris; 12 Bergen; (2) Across – Kempt; Radii; Avert.

F R M V A Z Q D G X H O Y 13 Day-to-day; 16 Disorder; 20 Mailed; 21 Tenant; 23 Deduction; Down – Karma; Midge; Twist.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 24 Grow; 25 Arch-enemy.

P N B J K U I W S T E L C Down – 2 New Delhi; 3 Emerge; 4 Extended; 5 Volt; 6 Sacred; 7 NONAGRAM: ashore; hair; hare; harsh; harsher; Frosty; 10 Kilt; 14 Yarmouth; 15 Anteroom; 16 Dotage; 17 hash; hear; heir; hero; hire; hirer; hoar; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Sensor; 18 Rind; 19 Listen; 22 Tear. debt; ever; beau; hoarse; hoarser; hoer; hora; horse; trug.

HORSEHAIR; horsier; hose; hosier; rash; rasher; rehash; rhea; shah; share; sharer; shea; shear; shire; shirr; shoe; shore; sirrah.

LEISURE | 35

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Thursday, September 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Still something special about The Specials The Specials Rivermead Leisure Centre Reading Tuesday, September 21

E

VERYBODY knows… The Specials, from their self titled first album in October 1979.

I can still remember dancing to them at my primary school “Poz Disco”.

Here I am, 40 years, later watching the original rude boys at Rivermead Leisure Centre as part of their current tour that ends in London tonight (Saturday, September 25).

It’s an absolutely electric atmosphere for the loyal crowd in this almost capacity venue. People are back together after months of isolation, it’s a joy to behold.

Personally, I feel Rivermead can be a bit of a soulless venue, with over-priced beer that still managed to run out, huge queues, bad toilets and no real spirit, or very good acoustics.

When you are paying over £50 a ticket, they really should do better for the punters.

Luckily the band lifted the crowd still.

Even after 40 years The Specials music is now more apt than ever, in 2021, at a time when the world is riven with social, racial and political unrest.

The Specials have made an upcoming new album of Protest Songs, once again reflecting the society we live in and taking a stand against all forms of injustice.

I did wonder if they would change the classic lyrics to their encore song to “this world, is coming like a ghost world”.

The Specials enjoyed a triumphant 2019 with the release of the critically

South Hill Park turns into jazz club with live duo this Friday

MAKING A WILL: SHOULD A WILL BE MADE PUBLIC AFTER I DIE? acclaimed Encore, their first-ever number one album.

Coming 40 years after they exploded onto the music scene and launched the Two-Tone movement, The Specials make a very timely return with the release of their brand new album Protest Songs – 1924-2012. Released yesterday through their new label Island Records, the album features 12 singular takes on specially chosen protest songs across an almost 100-year span and shows The Specials still care, are still protesting and still pissed off.

Great to hear some of these played among the classics and a new album that’s straight on my hit list.

The support act was Pete Williams, an English singer, songwriter and musician.

Known for his work with Dexy’s Midnight Runners, The Bureau and These Tender Virtues, he was appreciated by the crowd who were supporting the support act.

A JAZZ duo is tuning its instruments for a night of live swing music at South Hill Park this Friday.

Alto saxophone player Allison Neale, and vibraphone player Nat Steele will perform in the arts venue’s Recital Room for

their concert, Bracknell Jazz: Neale Meets Steele.

The pair will use Neale’s crafted lines with Steele’s lyrical and melodic tunes through their common passion for bebop and West Coast jazz to entertain the crowd.

Music charity Readipop enjoys a successful fiesta

HUNDREDS of attendees enjoyed a day of live music at Readipop Fiesta earlier this month.

Music charity Readipop organised twelve hours of non-stop music and DJs, including well-known acts Utah Saints, Kosheen, and The Voice 2021 finalist, Hannah Williams.

The event took place at Reading University’s Whiteknight Campus.

Families were entertained with a beatboxing workshop with BURD and interactive performances from Tree Fellas.

Organiser Pete Wheeler said it was “everything they hoped it would be and more”, adding: “There were so many smiling faces, and everybody was getting involved with the drum, ukelele, beatboxing with BURD and craft workshops.

“We loved seeing the fun created by the weird and wonderful interactive performances from Tree Fellas and Annual Daydream Harvest.”

Live music came from hip-hop collective OSP, reggae artist Jnr Watson, and funk band The Fever 45s.

He got the crowd going for the main event, with many nodding heads and songsters down the front.

He finished with the classic song Black, to riotous applause.

The Specials emerged in the late 1970s as the multiracial flagship of the 2 Tone movement, and sang of racism, unemployment and injustice making a very clear political statement every time they stepped on stage.

With Protest Songs, the band are once again reflecting the society we live in and taking a stand against all forms of injustice.

“People have been using music as a vehicle for protest since time immemorial,” says bass-player Horace Panter. “Injustice is timeless.”

A solid and tight performance tonight, very much enjoyed by their loyal fans supporting them.

Mr Wheeler added: “Thank you so much to everyone who helped make Readipop Fiesta happen, especially our extended festival team and community band members, Reading University Students Union, Sabre Acoustics, Jelly, Applause Touring, Annual Daydream Harvest, Double Barrelled and all the live acts, DJs and performers.

“We truly feel like real-life events are back again and cannot wait to do it all again in full at Readipop Festival 2022 next year.”

Weekend tickets are now back on sale for Readipop, which runs from July 8-10 at Christchurch Meadows, Caversham.

The line up already includes Sugarhill Gang, Badly Drawn Boy, Jesus Jones, Stealing Sheep, DJ Format and Nigel Clark, with more to be announced later this year.

Tickets cost £45.50 for adult and teenager tickets, and accompanied under 14s go free. n For more information, log on to: readipop.co.uk

MATT WHITELOCK The performance starts at 7.30pm.

Adult tickets cost £16 and under 18s are £8. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123 or log on to southhillpark.co.uk

LAURA SCARDARELLA

A celebration of life events to come to Bracknell

AFTER its success of The Nature of Forgetting, Theatre Re is preparing to return to Bracknell with its performance of BIRTH at South Hill Park this October.

The story follows Emily, who is eight months pregnant when she reads her grandmother’s journal.

Exploring her family history, its pages unveil a legacy of tragedies, courage and unconditional love.

BIRTH traces the journey of three women from the same family as they discover self-acceptance, hope and strength in each other.

Company director Guillaume Pige said BIRTH is a celebration of family.

“Throughout the development process, we unearthed the parallels between our own lives and the lives of our parents and grandparents,” he said.

“We looked at the moments that have been an important part of family life for generations and that we want to remember.”

BIRTH is a visual performance piece, which is accessible for deaf and hard of hearing audiences.

The show takes place on Wednesday, October 20 at 7.45pm in the Wilde Theatre.

Tickets cost £16.50 for adults and £14.50 for members. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123 or log on to southhillpark.org.uk

LAURA SCARDARELLA

After reading that Prince Phillip’s Will is to be kept secret for 90 years, I suspect people have wondered why. The strict legal answer is that under the Non-Contentious Probate Rules all Wills must be open to inspection after probate is granted. There are one or two exceptions, the Royal Family have been given the benefit of that exemption.

What are the rules about publication of Wills?

The rules about the publication of Wills actually goes back to the Victorian era and many will ask why in this time of strict privacy law we should continue to make peoples’ Wills public. There are undoubtedly many good reasons arguing that Wills should be kept private, and there is little doubt that many celebrities would love to ensure that their Wills were kept out of the public eye.

Legal reasons for making Wills Public On the other side, there are some very good legal reasons that Wills should be public. The charity sector is heavily reliant upon the receipt of legacies. If Wills were not made public would-be charities always be aware of their legacies? Similarly, what happens if a beneficiary under a Will is not told of his or her inheritance and has no way of seeing the Will? It is a very regular occurrence that we have clients who are anxious to hide the contents of a Will, or to simply ignore or “overlook” sections. I have frequently had requests to try and see if there is a way of not paying a charity or ignoring a bequest to some distant unknown or despised relative. If Wills were not made public these people might struggle to establish their entitlement under a Will. In practical terms it might be that some sort of limited right to see a Will could be established under which only those with a vested interest be entitled to see a Will. I would not like to be the person who has to police such a rule.

A secondary point about the publication of Wills is that as part of this the size of somebody’s estate is also made public. There seems to be much less reason to justify this and I suspect that most of the time it does little more than feed the curiosity of observers who have no particular need or right to know this information. On this subject there must be a stronger argument for a greater degree of privacy.

It is of course partially because of the rules about the publication of Wills that we always advice caution about including notes of reasons or wishes in the body of a Will, washing your dirty linen in public is rarely a good idea!

Is there a legal right to see a Will after Probate?

Having stated that there is a legal right to see a Will after Probate, it is perhaps worthwhile pointing out that if you are seriously interested in protecting your privacy there are ways in which it is possible to hide, or at least disguise many of your intentions. However, doing this is not entirely straightforward and usually involves use of trusts, meaning that it is not a cost-free option. If you are interested in such a course of action, we at Herrington Carmichael Private Wealth Team would be happy to advise on possible routes to achieved this.

Full article online at www.herrington-carmichael.com If you would like to know more about the above article then you can contact one of our specialists.

01276 686222

info@herrington-carmichael.com

www.herrington-carmichael.com

36 | NEWS

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INTHECOMMUNITY

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

News from your clubs, groups and societies.

Email your news to: news@wokingham.today TWO OF A KIND: The Two Gustavs, Klimt and Mahler.

Picture supplied by Arts Society Wokingham

FOLKESTONE & Canterbury Weekend FolkestoneCanterbury&adayinDunkirk_D.pdf

BOOTS ON: The first autumnal Wokingham Walk will take place on Sunday, October 24

Departing Fri 19 Nov ‘21

Date set for new Wokingham Walk

Departing Fri 10 Dec ‘21

THE next Wokingham Walk is being planned for Sunday, October 24, making it the first time that two walks have been scheduled in the same year, and will be the seventh Wokingham Walk.

With around 500 people having participated in the May walk, the Wokingham Lions Club is hoping for another strong turnout in October.

All proceeds will be donated to charities and needy causes in the Wokingham area.

Andy Slay, one of the original joint organisers of the event, said: “Following the success of the May walk, which raised around £6,600, we have decided to organise a second walk this year in October.

“The autumn colours can be really lovely in late October, and walkers will see a contrast to the spring walk in May. “We are delighted to be able to offer a second fundraising opportunity for local charities and their supporters to raise their own money.”

Walkers have a choice of three routes, which are five-, 10- and 15-miles, to suit a range of different challenges for those participating.

All routes start and finish at Elms Field, adjacent to Aldi in Wokingham, to allow more space for social distancing.

Registration on the day will be from 9am to 10.30am, and walkers should begin the walk immediately after registering.

Check-in at the end of the walk will close at 5pm.

Pre-registration is encouraged to minimise the number of people on Elms Field, and to spread people out on the various routes.

Cost is £15 for age 18 and older, £5 for age 12-17, and free for children age 11 and under.

There will be a free Nature Trail included, to keep the children occupied, which involves looking for nature and wildlife along the route.

For further details, visit the website, www. wokinghamwalk.co.uk

Enjoy fabulously festive scenes and Christmas shopping aplenty as we combine the continental atmosphere of the Leeds Christkindelmarkt, one of the most established German Christmas Markets in the country, with York’s award-winning St Nicholas Fayre.

Barn dance party helps CLASP mark 15th anniversary

The popular Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone provides us with the perfect base for this weekend break. The hotel’s fantastic bar offer and entertainment plus excursions to Sandwich, Margate and Canterbury provide a winning combination for a great-value getaway!

Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Entertainment every evening Excursions to Sandwich, Margate & Canterbury

4 Days by Coach

only £149

.99 Single Supplement £45

LEEDS CHRISTMAS MARKET & York St Nicholas Fayre 4starVeniceBreak_D.pdf

Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 2 nights at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast Excursion to Haworth & Leeds Christkindelmarkt En-route visit to York St Nicholas Fayre

3 Days by Coach

only £129

Single Supplement £60

Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

For more information, or to book, please call

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

CLAIRE MANGERS-PAGE

“WE COULDN’T be CLASP without our members.”

That’s the verdict of the charity’s director, Myles Harrison.

He was speaking at Wokingham Cricket Club on Friday, September 24, as the group celebrated its 15th anniversary of the group that helps people with learning disabilities live active lives.

The group holds twice weekly sessions at The Bradbury Centre in Rose Street, with activities including singing, advocacy work, days out and tasting sessions.

Sign up for charity festive draw

The art of freedom

The Arts Society Wokingham

W

HAT a start to the new season.

Gavin Plumley, the wellknown broadcaster, gave an outstanding talk on Klimt and Mahler to more than 100 members of The Arts Society Wokingham last Monday.

He set the scene. Vienna at the end of the 19th century was the centre of the Hapsburg Empire.

The conservative Emperor Franz Joseph was at the height of his power and commissioned the construction of the great Ringstrasse with its collection of neo-classical buildings. This display of traditional opulence provoked a reaction from a group of young architects, painters and designers led

by Gustav Klimt.

Funded by a wealthy industrialist, Karl Wittgenstein, these Secessionists built an Art Nouveau exhibition centre in the heart of the city, where they could display their own work. “To every age its art, to every art its freedom” was carved above the door.

Meanwhile Gustav Mahler was appointed musical director of the Vienna Court Opera. Gavin played his audience the opening of Mahler’s 1st Symphony to illustrate the composer’s modern style of composition. The majority of the audience at its Viennese premiere were appalled, and a fight ensued between these traditionalists and a group of more avant-garde students.

Both Klimt and Mahler sought respite from the stifling atmosphere of Vienna on the shores of Lake Attersee. Here Mahler shut himself off to write his

It marked its milestone with a hog roast and a barn dance at the Sadlers End venue, offering members, staff, supporters and their families an opportunity to celebrate.

Mr Harrison gave a short speech at the start of the festivities, charting the journey of the charity, and reminding CLASP members that it recently announced it is the recipient of a Queen’s Award, “the MBE for charities”.

He also thanked people who had helped CLASP in so many ways: “There have been so many volunteers over the years. Thank you to all of them.”

Of the evening ahead of them, Mr Harrison said: “Enjoy each other’s company, have fun, enjoy, relax, talk and laugh.”

When guests left, they were

DO you need to raise some funds? Are you a charity, a nonprofit making community group, or a Parent Teacher Association?

Your local Rotary Club of Easthampstead are working hard to bring you the Community Christmas Draw again so you can raise some much needed funds for yourselves.

2nd and 3rd symphonies in a small hut specially built for him on the lakeside. Klimt, in contrast, was inspired by the natural beauty of the area and began painting landscapes after the style of French postImpressionists such as Seurat.

Despite their different personalities and approaches to life the two Gustavs were brought together by their admiration for Beethoven. Inspired

by Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Klimt painted a frieze for the Secession’s Beethoven Exhibition in 1902. The Exhibition opened to the strains of an arrangement by Mahler of a theme from the closing chorus of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.

Gavin’s knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject coupled with his lovely turn of phrase made this an evening to remember.

The Society will be returning to live lectures at Newbold Church on Monday, October 18.

Guests are most welcome. Julian Richards will explore why and how Stonehenge has been an inspiration to painters, potters and poets throughout the ages. Email memsectheartsSocietywham@gmail. com for more details.

Better still, why not become a member and have access to these monthly illustrated lectures?

Future talks cover a wide range of topics, such as Peggy Guggenheim and the birth of mid-century Modernism, the revival of 15th century Timurid carpet designs, the Imperial Easter Eggs of Carl Fabergé, and the sculptures of Antony Gormley. n For full details of this season’s programme, visit www.TheArtsSocietyWokingham.org.uk

SUE BRYANT

TOGETHER: CLASP members and staff enjoyed a barn dance and party to mark the charity’s 15th birthday Picture: Phil Creighton presented with a special lapel badge commemorating the anniversary.

We will be following the same format as previous years with a similar prize fund.

Easthampstead Rotarians and their CCD 2021 sponsors will meet all the costs of running the draw.

All you need to do is sell the draw tickets.

You will receive back all the ticket money you collect.

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

We are hoping to have tickets available to collect by the first half of October and the draw will take place just before Christmas.

So now is the time to get your volunteers and members geared up.

The average amount raised per group was £300, with some groups raising more than

£1,000. We hope you want to be part of this again. We have been told it is a ‘no brainer’.

Watch out for more information coming soon, or register your interest now with Rob Hughes robis62@ btinternet.com

Rob Hughes, Easthampstead Rotary Club

Sweetcorn & Chilli Butter In the kitchen

n Small bunch fresh coriander, finely chopped n Pinch of salt n 4 corn on the cob

Freely Fruity

T

HIS time of year we drive past many fields of maize in the UK signalling harvest time.

Not all of it sells as sweetcorn but more and more, each year, what we eat is home grown.

Fresh corn on the cob pairs beautifully with heat from chilli and this flavoured butter is super easy to make.

Ingredients n 50g unsalted butter, at room temperature n 1 red chilli, finely chopped

A

1. Mash the butter with chilli, coriander and salt; set aside 2. Boil, steam or barbecue the sweetcorn 3. Brush with the butter to serve

Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk/

Plastic Free Home With David Lamont

Keeping your laundry clean and green

D

OING the laundry may not seem like a household chore laden with environmental issues but think again.

nearly twice that long.

On 1 July this year, the Government’s new Right to Repair rules came into force. The legislation aims to ensure that appliances such as washing machines, TVs and fridges bought after this date will be cheaper and easier to repair, extending their lifespan by up to a decade.

To help keep your washing machine clean, particularly in a hard water area like ours, check out eco-friendly cleaning solutions from the likes of Ecoegg and Ecozone. And never overfill your machine.

Caught in a cycle Let’s begin with the simplest change of all.

We have long been conditioned to constantly wash everything we wear and use. For example, according to Good Housekeeping, you should be washing your hand towels daily and pyjamas every three days. Life is too short, right?

Let common sense prevail and wash things when they look (or if you are brave, smell) like they need it. If you can eek an extra wear or two out of certain items – great.

Drying your clothes

Energy and water Heating water can account for up to 90% of the total energy used by a washing machine during a hot wash cycle.

Consider washing the majority of loads (perhaps with the exception of anything that is particularly dirty, towels and bedding) using the ‘cold wash’ option.

This will use water that is typically between 20°C and 30°C and deliver significant energy and cost savings – typically more than if using the washing machine’s ‘eco mode’.

Lower temperatures are absolutely fine for washing the majority of items and will generally be kinder to your clothes, as well as the colours in them.

Try to avoid doing inefficient small loads but similarly, don’t overfill your machine or you may find that you need to re-wash some items, which, of course, isn’t eco-friendly.

Detergents Many washing detergents and fabric softeners contain all sorts of chemicals and toxins that aren’t great for us or our planet, from 1,4-Dioxane, a human carcinogen to Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS), derived from petroleum, coconut or palm oil.

Sodium Hypochlorite is essentially bleach and more familiar nasties,

Brunch is on the rise NEW survey has found that one in five people now have brunch as a regular meal, with 44% of these people skipping breakfast to go straight to brunch.

Method

Serves 4

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Thursday, September 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

including Phosphates and Benzene, may be lurking.

Also, don’t forget the process and footprint involved in producing these detergents, and the typically plastic packaging they normally arrive in.

At home we use a refillable Ecoegg on everything. If you’d prefer an eco-friendly detergent, we would recommend the likes of Friendly Soap, Bio-D, SESI, Fill, Faith in Nature, Greenscents and Planet Detox.

You will find some of these available, along with many other brilliant products, through nearby zero-waste businesses Maya’s Refillables (Woodley, Wokingham and delivered), ArborFill (Delivered from Arborfield) and Handy DIY Store (Crowthorne), as well as through Milk and More and ethical online retailers.

be responsible for hundreds of thousands of microfibers. Every week it is estimated the over nine trillion microfibers are released through washing in the UK alone.

To combat this major problem, as above, wash your clothes a little less often and on a full load.

Also, consider ordering a filter (these can cost under £50) or a laundry bag or ball (that goes in with the washing), designed to reduce the level of microfibers being washed away.

And, of course, as much as possible by clothes, towels and bedding that are 100% cotton, ideally organic cotton. Wool is fine, too, if properly sourced and made. Nylon, Polyester, Lycra and so on are all synthetic materials and derived from forms of plastic.

Microplastics

Clean and fresh

Leading research has recently highlighted that microplastic pollution as a result of washing clothes and other items made from synthetic textiles is the primary source of microplastics found in our oceans.

Every time we wash our clothes, fibres are shed and released into the water system.

A single load of washing can

Washing machines live longer… if they are looked after and kept clean.

According to research by WRAP, a leading charity focused on reducing waste, the average UK consumer expects their washing machine to last just six years.

That’s shocking.

Many sources suggest that on average a washing machine should last

If you can, avoid any standalone spin/drying cycles and absolutely avoid using a tumble dryer. An average drying cycle uses around 4kWh of energy and produces 1.8kg of carbon dioxide.

If every household in the UK with a tumble dryer instead dried one load of washing outside weekly, more than a million tonnes of carbon dioxide would be saved in a year.

The research, undertaken by Jarlsberg cheese, found that nearly 80% of people changed their brunch habits during the pandemic, with one in three brunchers making the switch as they are waking up later thanks to working from home.

The weekend is still the most popular time to brunch, with Saturday the most popular day.

Somewhat surprisingly, 73% of brunchers choose to have brunch at home with their family rather than going out to a café or restaurant.

Cheese is a very popular ingredient in a brunch meal according to 40% of brunchers, while one in two people like brunch to involve eggs.

And, although the trend is towards a plant-based diet in the UK, it still appears that 50% of brunchers like to have meat as part of this meal.

English cuisine is still overwhelmingly the favourite cuisine for brunch, according to 76% of people compared to the next favourite, American food, being preferred by 33%.

“The pandemic has changed much about our lives and routines,” said Dorota Dziedzic, assistant brand manager for Jarlsberg.

“We have been at home much more than usual and our eating habits have certainly changed. Our survey shows that many people are now skipping breakfast and prefer eating a brunch-type meal mid-morning as they have got used to getting up later because they don’t have to commute to their desks any more.

“Brunch used to be a weekend thing, but people are now brunching all through the week.

We found that 65% of brunchers like to have brunch multiple times a week, and Friday and Wednesdays are catching up with Sundays in terms of percentage of brunchers who partake on these days. Around 40% of brunch-eaters have brunch on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday too, so it’s becoming an every day meal.”

Ms Dziedzic added: “The variety of food that people like in their brunch is also a bit of a revelation with half of brunchers liking a mix of sweet and savoury for their brunch.

Unsurprisingly cheese and eggs are popular choices when it comes to brunch.

“And with hybrid working looking set to become the reality for many people, it will be great to see how businesses will accommodate their employees desire to opt for brunch over breakfast.”

The UK’s first-ever National Brunch Weekend

Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with over 32,000 followers that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably.

Visit www. theplasticfreehome.com or www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk

Jarlsberg said it conducted this survey ahead of the country’s first-ever National Brunch Weekend to celebrate the UK’s love of brunching and how it has become such a social event over the last decade.

It will take place this Saturday and Sunday.

Ms Dziedzic said: “We are really excited about launching the UK’s first-ever National Brunch Weekend and celebrating the slower pace of life that weekends and brunches symbolise.

“We will be creating some dedicated National Brunch Weekend recipes featuring Jarlsberg that people will be able to recreate at home, including a sourdough with Jarlsberg cheese recipe.

“We are optimistic that National Brunch Weekend will become a major part of the UK’s foodie calendar.”

Jarlsberg will also be running a competition on social media, teaming up with Robert Dyas on some prize giveaways. n For updates, follow @Jarlsberg cheese on Facebook, @Jarlsberg_ on Instagram and @ No1Jarlsberg on Twitter

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (HOLT LANE, WOKINGHAM) (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: Holt Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with A329 Reading Road and Jubilee Avenue.

The alternative route for all Southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Jubilee Road, A321 Milton Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Shute End and A329 Reading Road.

The alternative route for all Northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, A329 Rectory Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A321 Milton Road and Jubilee Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 23rd October and 31st October 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Southern Gas Networks contractors to undertake gas main replacement work in safety.

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

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

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 23rd 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: 30th September 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 (WHITE HOUSE LANE, SPENCERS WOOD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 23rd September 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: White House Lane, Spencer’s Wood between its junctions with Yew Tree Lane and Beech Hill Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Beech Hill Road and Yew Tree Lane or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 4th October and 8th October 2021 between 09:30 and 15:30.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake blockage clearance and construction of new jointing boxes in safety.

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

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

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 4th 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: 30th September 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 (B3349 BARKHAM ROAD, BARKHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

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:

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:

B3349 Barkham Road, Barkham between its junctions with B3349 School Road and Barkham Street.

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

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Langley Common Road, A327 Eversley Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road, B3030 Mole Road and Bearwood Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 23rd October and 24th October 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake carriageway trial hole excavation work in safety.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 23rd 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: 30th September 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

For up to date news in the borough follow us on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOODS WANTED

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

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

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WELL BEING

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via M4 to Junction 8/9, A404 Roundabout and return to M4 Junction 10.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 22nd October and 24th October 2021, May/ June 2022 and October/November 2022 between 20:00 and 06:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake Bi Annual Maintenance work in safety.

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

@WokinghamToday

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 22nd 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: 30th September 2021

@wokingham.today

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

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION

Sales Terms and Conditions

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

212926

Bartletts Farmhouse, Swallowfield Road, Arborfield

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

212927

Bartletts Farmhouse, Swallowfield Road, Arborfield

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

213010

3 Augustfield, Charvil Lane, Conservation Area Sonning

Householder application for the proposed erection of a detached double garage.

213022

Land South of Old Bath Road, Sonning

Reserved Matters application pursuant to Outline planning permission 201833 with Appearance and landscaping reserved for the proposed 57 dwellings suitable for older persons accommodation (Use Class C3) with consideration of means of access, layout and scale to be determined. Following demolition of existing dwellings. (Appearance and Landscaping to be considered.)

213106

213160

Description Householder application for the proposed erection of fence, a drop kerb and the addition of gravel driveway to create parking and turning points.

Application for the Listed Building consent for the proposed erection of fence, a drop kerb and the addition of gravel driveway.

Major Application

Headley Road East, Woodley

Major Application

Land West Of, Park Lane, Charvil

Major Application

Full planning application for the proposed erection of 5 no. buildings for commercial development to provide flexible light industrial, general industrial, and storage and distribution uses, with ancillary offices, associated car parking, formation of new accesses, and landscape planting, following demolition of existing buildings.

Application to vary condition 2 of appeal permission APP/X0360/W/15/3130829 for the 'Proposed erection of 25 detached dwellings with associated roads, garages, parking spaces, gardens and landscaped areas. Provision of allotments with associated access and parking, plus replacement field access to adjoining grazing land' (original reference F/2014/2503). Condition 2 refers to the approved plan numbers and the variation is to alter the orientation of plot 10, change the detached garage to an attached garage within plot 10 alter the west boundary of plot 10.

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 14th October 2021. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by any one 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: 30th September 2021

Orders for insertion of advertisements in The Wokingham Paper and associated websites are accepted subject to the following conditions:1. Advertisement copy shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful; shall comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice and all other codes under the general supervision of the Advertising Standards Authority; and shall comply with the requirements of current legislation. In placing the Advertisement the Advertiser agrees that the Company may at its option publish the Advertisement in electronic format.

2. *While every endeavour will be made to meet the wishes of advertisers, The Wokingham Paper Ltd (the publisher) does not guarantee the insertion or position of any particular advertisement nor does the publisher guarantee to place advertisements in alphabetical order or in specific categories.

3. Whilst doing its upmost to avoid error, the publisher does not hold itself responsible for any mistakes that arise in course of publication. Mistakes must be notified to the publisher within one week of insertion; after that period has elapsed claims for credit cannot be considered. The publisher will not accept responsibility for repetition of any error on subsequent insertions and therefore requests that advertisers kindly check their advertisements weekly.

4. In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing and publishing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement (not being a matter covered by Clause (5) of this Contract) the publisher will either reinsert the advertisement or relevant part of the advertisement as the case may be or make a reasonable refund of or adjustment to the cost. No re-insertion, refund or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially detract from the advertisement. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the publisher for any error, misprint or omission exceed:(a) the amount of a full refund of any price paid to the publisher for the advertisement in connection with which liability arose.(b) the cost of a further or corrective advertisement of a type and standard reasonably comparable to that in connection with which liability arose.

5. The publisher reserves the right to:(a)* cancel the order at any time by giving reasonable notice before the next insertion, but in that event the advertiser / advertising agency shall not be liable for payment of the difference (if any) between the rates for the series specified in the order and the usual price for the series of insertions which has appeared when the order is stopped; (b)* make any alteration it considers necessary or desirable in an advertisement and to require copy to be amended to meet its approval (c)* increase the advertising rates at any stage. Any rate increase will effect all current bookings unless prior agreement has been made 6. The copyright for all purposes in all artwork, copy and other material which the publisher or his employees have contributed to or reworked shall vest in the publisher.

DOING COPYRIGHT, RIGHT UKpublishers invest

£1BILLION

a year creating content like thisnewspaper

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7. *Copy will be changed as required by the advertiser / advertising agency, provided adequate time is allowed.

Websites Thiscontent isprotected undercopyright law

...uses presscuttings...

...sharesarticles online...

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royalties publishers Licencefeesare paid back to publishersas royaltiesto help support journalism

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16. When credit is allowed, payment for an advertisement is subject to the cash flow rules currently in force and as agreed between the News Media Association, the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers. The due date for payment is as shown on the invoice submitted by the publisher.

17. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage occasioned by any total or partial failure (however caused) of publication or distribution of any newspaper or edition in which any advertisement is scheduled to appear.

18. Every endeavour will be made to forward replies to box numbers to the advertiser as soon as possible after receipt by the publisher, but the publisher accepts no liability in respect of any loss or damage alleged to have arisen through delay in forwarding or omitting to forward such replies (howsoever caused). The advertiser authorises the publisher to return to its originator any communication which, in the opinion of the publisher, should not be delivered to the advertiser.

19. The layout, design, type faces / sizes, border, etc. of any advertisements which are not complete artwork are left entirely to the discretion of the publisher.

20. Due to the heavy demand for advertising space, some advertising pages may be restyled to nine columns. The publisher apologises for any inconvenience caused by this method but believe this is preferable to the alternatives of limiting space or having to hold advertisements over to a later issue.

21. The placing of an order for the insertion of an advertisement shall amount to an acceptance of the above conditions and any conditions stipulated on an agency’s order form or elsewhere by an agency or an advertiser shall be void insofar as they are in conflict with them.

22. Cancellation and amendments to advertisements:, Cancellation of display, semi-display and lineage advertisements ordered for the current week’s issue must be received at least two days before the newspaper’s deadline. Advertisers cancelling advertisements will be given a cancellation number, which is proof of cancellation and should be quoted if any subsequent query arises. No claims for credit will be considered without a cancellation number. If pre-paying for an advertisement please note that if you qualify and require the series rate you cannot cancel the booking until its run its course.

23. Artwork - Clients who require artwork or disks / CDs / removable storage such as USB sticks returned, must provide stamped addressed envelopes.

24. The publisher reserves the right to impose an administration charge (no greater than that imposed on ourselves) for the processing of credit / debit card transactions. If payment by cheque is not honoured, an administrative charge may be applied.

25. Free advertising will only appear if space permits. The publisher reserves the right to hold any or all advertising over for publication in an alternative week’s publication.

Free advertisements are subject to the following terms and conditions: For use by private customers only (for sale advertisements) and companies (recruitment).

9. *The publisher will allow to an advertising agency the right to cancel any unexpired part of an order without penalty in the event of the death or failure of its client.

One item per advertisement.

10.*Advertisement orders are issued by an Advertising Agency as a Principal and must be on the Agency’s official form.

(When copy instructions not constituting an official order are issued, they shall be clearly marked at the head ‘Copy instructions - Not an Order’).

12.*Voucher copies, tear sheets or other proof of insertion, as agreed, are to be supplied to the agency as soon as possible after publication in an electronic format unless otherwise agreed.

13. *The placing of an order by an advertiser, or an advertising agency on behalf of a client, constitutes an assurance that all necessary authority and permission has been secured in respect of the use in the advertisement(s) of pictorial representations of (or purporting to be of) living persons, and of references to the words attributed to living persons.

If your organisation...

semi-display) are subject to 0.1% Advertising Standards Board of Finance surcharge payable by advertisers to help finance the self-regulatory control system administered by the Advertising Standards Authority.

8. *Omissions or wrong insertions will only be made up with the agreement of the advertiser / advertising agency.

11.*Proofs are to be passed by the Agency before insertion if time permits.

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39

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Thursday, September 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

14. *The advertiser / advertising agency agree to indemnify the publisher in respect of all costs, damages, or other charges falling upon the newspaper as a printed or electronic format as the result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the advertisement, or any one or more of the series of advertisements, published in accordance with the copy instructions supplied to the newspaper in pursuance of the advertiser / advertising agency’s order. In any case where a claim is made against the newspaper or the newspaper is sued and the advertiser / advertising agency may ultimately be liable under the terms hereof, notice in writing shall be given to the advertiser / advertising agency, and consultation shall take place before any expense is incurred or the claim is settled or the case is defended or otherwise disposed of. (Advertisements of prospectuses and company meetings are excluded from clauses (14) and (15).

15. All gross advertising rates (except classified lineage and

Only six free advertisements will be accepted per household for any one publication.

Only one free advertisement per company.

A maximum of 30 words is allowed per advertisement.

26. All advertising must be pre-paid. Where an exception to this is expressly agreed (ie, credit is given) all other terms remain as stated.

27. Data Protection. All requests to amend, delete, suppress and gain access to personal data should be made in writing to the Data Protection Officer, The Wokingham Paper Ltd., Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Telephone calls may be monitored for staff training purposes. Occasionally, we may use your details for marketing purposes only. If you would prefer us not to, please write to the Data Protection Officer, The Wokingham Paper Ltd., Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. 28. Rates. A full list of our Advertising Rates may be obtained by telephoning The Wokingham Paper on 0118 327 2662 or writing to The Wokingham Paper Ltd., The Wokingham Paper Ltd., Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. 29. Series discount – in the event of non-compliance or early cancellation, where the value of an order has been reduced by a series discount due to the advertiser having committed to a continuous running order, The Wokingham Paper Ltd reserves the right to re-charge all advertising published at the base rates as per their published rate cards. *Based on the STANDARD CONDITIONS for the transactions of business between Newspapers and Advertising Agencies, agreed between the Newspaper Society and the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising in 1936 and revised in 1937 and 1954. Trade Descriptions Act 1968. All advertisements will be accepted only on the express conditions that the advertiser warrants that the advertisement does not in any way contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.

40

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 30, 2021

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Thursday, September 30, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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BASKETBALL

RESULTS

ROCKETS COMPLETE HUGE COMEBACK

Saturday, September 25 Lewis Champion dribbles past an opponent

By GARY JOHNSON sport@wokingham.today READING ROCKETS produced a stunning comeback as they came from behind to beat Thames Valley Cavaliers.

Rockets have now put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-final stage of the LLynch Trophy, having already defeated Oakland Wolves away last weekend.

Rockets went from a losing position to victory as they went on a 53-27 run to take the scalp of the talented Cavaliers, much to the delight of Rockets new head coach Dan Pearson in his inaugural season.

Cavaliers scored first and took an early lead, but returning after a decade away, guard Lewis Champion – an ex-Cavalier last season – stroked a treble before new signing Meshack Lufile scored ten points in his opening quarter in English basketball, as Cavaliers found it difficult to keep him quiet.

Reis Pinnock opened his personal tally with a coast-to-coast score, whilst A J Basi was secure from the free throw line though Rockets trailed 22-26 at the end of the first period.

Cavaliers were out, rebounding Rockets and finishing inside as they extended their lead by 35-24 before Basi hit the first of his four trebles though he had to be rested as he

A J Basi with the ball

Kivuvu Live tries a shot was called for his third personal foul.

Cavaliers again stormed out of the blocks, increasing their lead to 60-40.

A Toluwase spin and a couple of points from Basi at the free throw line edged Rockets closer, but Cavaliers still pinched points off most forays around Rockets basket.

A Basi treble and a top of the key similar shot from Kivuvu saw Rockets squeeze Cavaliers and when Jaz Bains took a charge and

Jaz Bains on the ball for Reading Rockets to see Rockets six up with three Pinnock safely converted a pair minutes to go. of free throws Rockets were 75-77 Bains hit treble and again takes a down. charge before moments later he hits Stout defence and enterprising another treble. offence saw Rockets score the next The victory saw Rockets with three points and take the lead for a 53-27 finish when 20 points the first time in the game, causing adrift as they completed a superb Cavaliers to call a time-out at 77-78 turnaround down.

Next Saturday, the Rockets are Lufile hit one from two from the away to the league champions penalty stripe to see Rockets enjoy Solent Kestrels, before entertaining a small advantage of 82-77 . Again Hemel Storm at Rivermead on Cavaliers came back with a score Sunday, October 3. but Tyler Cartaino scored a treble

HOCKEY

TABLE TENNIS

SONNING LADIES 1S MAKE PERFECT START KINGFISHER OVERCOME LEAGUE CHAMPIONS WITH OPENING WIN OVER HENLEY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Premier Division 2 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s opened their season with a home defeat to Eastcote 1s.

They scored three but fell to a 5-3 defeat as the visitors took the points.

They have their first away trip of the season on Saturday away at Witney 1s.

North Division 2 SONNING 2s got off the mark with a draw in their first match of the campaign.

They struck twice to take a 2-2 draw away against Eastcote.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s started with defeat after they lost 4-2 away at Phoenix & Ranelagh 1s.

Sonning host Bicester 1s in their next match, while

South Berks welcome Newbury & Thatcham 2s.

North Division 4 SONNING 3s began their campaign with a home draw as they were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Berkhamstead & Hemel Hempstead 2s.

They face an away visit to Oxford 4s at the weekend.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s fell to an opening weekend defeat with a 3-1 loss at Buckingham.

They are at home to Henley 3s in their next league match.

South Central Women’s Premier Division 1 SONNING LADIES 1s made the perfect start to their season as they hit four past Henley 1s in a 4-1 success.

They face their first away test at the weekend against Reading 2s.

South Central Women’s North Division 1

SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 1s took a point in their first match as they were locked in a 1-1 stalemate against Newbury & Thatcham 1s.

They are on the road this weekend away at Phoenix & Ranelagh 1s.

South Central Women’s Division Two SONNING LADIES 2s took three points home with a 3-0 triumph against Henley, and they host Reading 4s this coming weekend.

South Central Women’s Division 3 SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 2s got off the mark with victory in their opening match.

They earned a 2-0 home victory over Amersham & Chalfont 3s, before they face Marlow 4s away this weekend.

A BIG match in division one saw Kingfisher A win 6-4 at reigning champions Our Lady of Peace A in the Reading & District Table Tennis league.

Sam Ricks and Ian Cole had put OLOP 2-0 up, however a crucial win for Hari Gehlot over Sam put Kingfisher 3-2 ahead.

OLOP stayed in the match by winning the doubles set, but Darren Jones ensured Kingfisher came away with the win on the night by beating Steve Murgatroyd.

A fine treble from young Jamie Barlow and two apiece from Nigel Maltby and Brian Meheux saw Sonning Common & Peppard B win 8-2 at Tilehurst RBL A, Jamie just holding off a stiff challenge from British Legion’s Kate Maksimenko with some sparkling play from both players.

Kingfisher C followed up their opening 6-4 win at home to Tidmarsh A with a hard fought 8-2 win at Sonning Common & Peppard C, Daniel McTiernan and Shreesh Gupte with maximums with Shreesh winning a key opening set against Matt Stone.

Julian Telford got a maximum as Kingfisher D opened their account with a 6-4 victory against Kingfisher B, Graham Mendick getting a good double in support alongside a single from Jordan Huang.

In Division 2, Kingfisher E and Our Lady of Peace C shared the points, whilst for OLOP, Arun Rajagopal won once while Pradeep Desh and Binit Bhaskar each won twice.

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 1-0 Middlesbrough Combined Counties Premier North North Greenford United 2-2 Reading City FA Vase Abingdon United 1-10 Berks County Eversley & California 1-2 Oldland Abbotoians Sumas 1-1 Hallen (Sumas win 5-4 on pens) Milton United 6-0 Woodley United Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead 6-1 Reading YMCA Marlow United 4-1 Woodley United Royals Reading City U23s 1-3 Windlesham & Chobham Wargrave 3-3 Yateley United Thames Valley Division One Hurst 5-1 Maidenhead Town Reserves Thames Valley Division Two Mortimer Development 2-2 Hurst Reserves SB Phoenix Reserves 7-1 Berks County Swords Twyford & Ruscombe 0-0 Hambleden

FIXTURES

Wednesday, September 29

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Derby County v Reading

Saturday, October 2 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Cardiff City v Reading

Isthmian South Central Binfield v South Park Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v Virginia Water Southall v Sumas Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v Bedfont & Feltham Langley v Berks County Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead v Westwood Wanderers Maidenhead Town v Reading YMCA Richings Park v Reading City U23’s Wargrave v Windlesham & Chobham Woodley United Royals v Mortimer Thames Valley Division One Hurst v FC Imaan Lions

Thames Valley Division Four Berks County Rovers 2-4 White Eagles Farnham Royal Mavericks 2-4 Harchester Hawks

Thames Valley Division Two Hurst Reserves v Slough Heating Reserves Maidenhead Town A v Twyford & Ruscombe

Sunday, September 26

Thames Valley Division Four Finchampstead United v AFC Corinthians Harchester Hawks v Finchampstead Development

FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Reading Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Moneyfields 5-0 Woodley United Thames Valley Women’s Division One Tilehurst Panthers 8-1 Mortimer Ladies Thames Valley Division 3S Eversley & California Reserves 10-1 Newbury Ladies Development S4K Ladies 3-1 Yateley United Ladies Tilehurst Panthers Development 0-8 Caversham AFC Women

Tuesday, September 28

FOOTBALL Isthmian South Central Ashford Town v Binfield – POSTPONED

Wednesday, September 29

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Derby v Reading – for result see wokingham.today

Sunday, October 3 FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Reading v Everton

FA Women’s Cup Eversley & California v Caversham United Ascot United v Tilehurst Panthers Milton United v Woodley United Thames Valley Division One Mortimer Ladies v Wargrave Women Thames Valley Division 3S Tilehurst Panthers Development v S4K Ladies

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www.trademarkwindows.co.uk A win over Beaconsfield sees Bracknell stay on top Pictures: PGR Photo and images

Rams make a run for the line

Rams enjoyed another win, this time over Leeds Tykes Pictures: Paul Clark

RUGBY UNION

The win sees them enjoy a flawless start to the season

RAMS KEEP FLAWLESS START ON TRACK WITH BONUS POINT WIN

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Leeds Tykes 11 Rams 29 SEB REYNOLDS admitted there is still plenty for his Rams to work on despite recording a fourth consecutive bonus-point victory with a 29-11 triumph at home to Leeds Tykes.

Tom Vooght grabbed two tries to take his tally to four for the season and Henry Bird, Ollie Taylor and replacement scrum-half Ollie Cole also crossed the whitewash at Old Bath Road.

And while the victory pushed Rams to the top of the nascent National One table, the side’s director of rugby believes further improvements can be made.

Reynolds said: “It was a controlled performance, but you have to credit Leeds who really stuck at it and stayed

in the fight, scoring in the last moments.

“We drifted off at times and there’s lots to work on, but the players have had a strong start to the season, so I’m pleased for them.

“It’s nice to get a bonuspoint, but we’re not really looking at that or league positions and points scored, I just want these guys to keep getting better.”

Scrum-half Ollie Monye was involved in both of the home side’s first-half tries, and Reynolds paid tribute to the former Oratory School student.

He said: “He did really well. He’s not played loads of senior rugby and while he’s at a Premiership club in Wasps, he’s still got lots to learn.

“But he has these electric moments and some lovely snipes around the breakdown – he put Jack Steadman through a gap

Leeds Tykes v Rams Pictures: Paul Clark

and if you’re putting a prop through a gap you know it must be good – and I’m chuffed for him because he’s a great lad.”

Rams had suffered an early setback, with Connor Stapley forced off with a broken arm in just the third minute of the game, and while Reynolds confessed his disappointment with the injury, he also hailed the work from the home substitutes.

He continued: “I’m gutted for Connor because he’s been so good, and he’s a brilliant, brilliant rugby player.

“He’ll be sorely missed, but hopefully he’s back to fitness as quickly as possible.

“Jamie Guttridge was on after five minutes and looked really good and then (hooker) Ben (Henderson) came on and had a really good impact – he broke through the line and I was

expecting him to step the full back.

“The bench, in general, had a really good impact because Turkey (Sean McDonnell-Roberts) was excellent in the set-piece and Ollie Cole did a great job as well.”

And with a much larger crowd on hand than against two weeks ago, Reynolds reserved his final words for the supporters who became increasingly noisy towards the end.

He said: “We try to give the crowd something to cheer about because it’s been a long time without rugby and we’ve only had two league games, but the numbers were up on two weeks ago and the players just love the support.

It was great to have the Ramily out cheering the boys on.” n Rams travel to Taunton Titans on Saturday (3pm)

Leeds Tykes v Rams Pictures: Paul Clark

RUGBY UNION

FOUR TRY HAUL SEES BRACKNELL STAY ON TOP

By AMELIA WHITBREAD sport@wokingham.today

BRACKNELL continued their perfect start to the season with a four try haul in their first-ever league meeting with Beaconsfield.

From a line out in the Beaconsfield 22, a catch and drive from the Bracknell pack saw Bradley Walters come up with the touch down.

With half-an-hour of the half gone, an almost identical move to Bracknell’s opening score saw Bracknell’s and Bradley Walters’ second score. Following a catch and drive Bradley Walters was at the base of the drive to touch down.

Just before the break Bracknell were reduced in numbers when Jake Hodge was sin binned for a high tackle.

Within five minutes of the re-start, a Jake Findlay penalty extended Bracknell’s lead.

With Bracknell now restored to full numbers Bracknell pressed into Beconsfield territory.

A kick through from Alex Frame got behind the Beaconsfield defence, allowing Simon Bayliss to collect the ball and outpace the Beaconsfield defence to dot down.

Chris Laidler’s conversion was good.

With five minutes of the game remaining, Bracknell secured their bonus point try and Bradley Walters hat-trick try.

With the catch and drive established as a potent attacking weapon for Bracknell, one final catch and drive saw Bradley Walters come up with the score. n On Saturday, the 1XV are at home against Witney, kick off 3pm

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www.trademarkwindows.co.uk FA VASE

SUMAS HOLD THEIR NERVE IN PENALTY TRIUMPH

By ARTHUR STRAND sport@wokingham.today

The FA Vase game ended in stalemate after 90 minutes, and went straight to penalties

Wokingham & Emmbrook took on Hallen Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

Sumas go in for an aerial challenge

A happy manager

Sumas celebrate their shoot out success

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK booked their place in the next round of the FA Vase with a penalty shootout triumph over Hallen.

The second qualifying round kicked off at Lowther Road, and Olly Noyes attacked along the left-wing but Hallen defenders cleared the ball, and a long approach found Reece Hedges in a position to run in from the left and shoot across the face of goal, narrowly missing the far post.

In reply, Sumas returned to the opposite end, gaining a corner in the process, but the ball went straight to Harry Thomas-Barker, keeper for Hallen.

After Sumas were deemed offside, Hedges took a free kick for Hallen that lacked power, which was easier for Kanya to save.

In the 41st minute, Captain Martin Stowell clinched a goal to give the visitors a timely lead in the run up to half time, although Luke Scope tried to reach the ball before Thomas-Barker who got to it first.

Hallen started the second-half reasonably well but Sumas regained the ball and worked up-field and took a corner kick with no outcome.

However, in the 51st minute, James Clark received the ball and ran into the Hallen

area shooting effectively.

The equaliser raised hopes for the Sumas, although they had a free kick soon after the restart, but the ball was a fraction too high for Liam Eagle to get an accurate header past the keeper. Substitutes were made as Jack Webb replaced Olly Noyes but Hallen brought along just one man on the bench.

Curtis shot wide, and Sumas were stringing passes together, although that spell culminated in another miss by Sumas.

The last action was by Sumas with Liam Eagle heading wide of the mark.

Sumas held their nerve from the penalty spot to progress to the next round with a 5-4 win.

Sumas manager Eliot Whitehouse said: “In terms of the result, it’s excellent and has got us where we wanted.

“We probably should have dealt with it in the 90 minutes and put the game to bed, but it was all about getting through to the next round, and we’ve done that, so we’re very pleased.

“There was an element of nervousness, and there was a bit of the unknown as I’ve never been in a penalty shootout with these boys before, so it was all very new.

“We already had in mind the penalty takers but there had to be an element of belief.”

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

BERKS COUNTY HIT 10 IN VASE VICTORY FA Vase

BERKS COUNTY stormed through to the next round with a stunning victory as they put 10 past Abingdon United.

Les Sackey notched a first-half hattrick to help put the Swords 6-0 up by half-time.

A brace from Luke Hayden and goals from Mark Jordan and Luke Rippon helped Berks to complete a remarkable 10-1 win.

Meanwhile, EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA and WOODLEY UNITED were both eliminated from the competition.

Joe Moriarty netted for the Boars but they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Oldland Abbotonians.

The Kestrels suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Milton United as they were beaten 6-0.

Combined Counties Premier North

READING CITY picked up a point on the road with a draw against North Greenford United.

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division WOODLEY UNITED LADIES were condemned to a fourth consecutive defeat of the season.

They conceded five away at Moneyfields which leaves them without a point at the bottom of the table

Thames Valley Women’s Division One TILEHURST PANTHERS WOMEN are the league leaders after a stunning win over Mortimer Ladies.

Tilehurst put eight past their opponents as a hat-trick from Leah Why, braces from Lydia Vettese and Tilly Wright, and a goal from Deanna

Eversley & California FC Pictures: Richard Milam Cane earned them a huge 8-1 triumph.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES are top of the table after they put ten past Newbury Ladies Development.

Ellie Messitt had a stunning afternoon in front of goal as she bagged a double hat-trick, Laura Comerford scored a treble and Megan Averill added to the score to wrap up a tremendous 10-1 win.

Sultan Senior Cup Woodley Saints Picture: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

S4K BERKS COUNTY LADIES got their second win of the campaign after they defeated Yateley United Ladies.

Lauren Futcher hit a double and Natalie White also got on the scoresheet to help the Fawkes record a 3-1 success.

TILEHURST PANTHERS WOMEN DEVELOPMENT are bottom after they were beaten 8-0 by Caversham AFC Women.

Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD continued their

winning streak with a convincing win over READING YMCA. Finch were clinical with their chances as James Payne hit a treble and Aqeel Butt, Connor Richardson and Ethan Simons added to the score to seal a 6-1 success.

Finch are up to third after four matches, while Reading YMCA are in 13th having only played three games.

WARGRAVE shared the points with Yateley United after an entertaining 3-3 draw.

WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS stay at the bottom after a 4-1 away defeat.

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THREE IN A ROW: ROYALS’ WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

HOW THEY RATED Player of the match: Grace Moloney

SPURS WOMEN 1 READING WOMEN 0 GRACE MOLONEY

Made several important stops throughout the game to keep Reading in the contest and was the Royals’ best performer.

FAYE BRYSON

Got down the right-wing to send in a dangerous cross in the dying embers of the game to try and find a late equaliser but to no avail.

DEANNA COOPER

Had a tricky afternoon against a lively Spurs attack that kept the Royals defence busy all game.

GEMMA EVANS

Won some important aerial duels but lost the run of Naz that led to Spurs’ late winner to take the points.

TASH HARDING

Made a superb block on the line in the fist-half from Percival to keep the scores level as her goal-bound shot was cleared by the skipper.

EMMA HARRIES

Wasn’t allowed to get forward and hurt Spurs in attacking areas as she had plenty of defending to do to help out her side.

CHLOE PEPLOW

Struggled in the midfield battle up against Spurs as Reading didn’t keep the ball too often to start attacks.

JUSTINE VANHAEVERMAET Battled to win the ball on several occasions but still looks slightly off the pace as she finds her feet in the WSL.

DEANNE ROSE

Showed some bright moments with her pace but struggled to make an impact and was subbed after 65 minutes.

NATASHA DOWIE

Held the ball up well and had rare sight of goal at the end when she stooped low to meet Bryson’s cross but couldn’t direct it goalwards.

BROOKE CHAPLEN

Didn’t have too many sights of goal as the Royals struggled to keep possession and had just one shot on target in the match.

SUBSTITUES Amalie Eikeland 5 Lily Woodham 5

9 7 5 5 7 5 5 5 5 6 5

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC WOMEN were condemned to a third consecutive league defeat after Jessica Naz bagged a late winner for Tottenham Hotspur Women.

The Royals have had a difficult start to the season and have now lost all three of their opening games in the Women’s Super League, without scoring a goal.

The hosts carved out the first chance of the match when Ashleigh Nevile sprinted at the Reading back line and tried a shot from just inside the box from a tight angle that flashed just wide of Grace Moloney’s post.

Spurs threatened again when they had a free-kick within striking distance, but they wasted the opportunity as the effort rose over the target.

Tottenham continued to dominate and created chances, but Moloney came to the rescue with an excellent stop to keep the scores level as she rushed out at the feet of Kit Graham to prevent her from finishing a one-on-one chance.

Spurs kept the ball alive after Moloney’s save, as the Royals keeper was called into action again to punch away Chioma Obogagu’s cross that fell only as far as Ria Percival.

The Spurs defender must have thought she had opened the scoring with a goal-bound shot but Reading skipper Tash Harding was perfectly positioned on the line to make a crucial block and clear the danger.

Deanna Rose on her first Reading start

Harries competes Pictures: Neil Graham

An applause for Jimmy Greaves

MATCH STATS Spurs Women: Spencer, Ale, Bartrip, Zadorsky, Clemaron, Percival, Ubogagu, Neville, Naz, Williams, Graham Subs: Korpela, Morgan, Green, Harrop, Cho, Tang, Addison, Ayane, Flores Reading Women: Moloney, Bryson, Cooper, Evans, Harding, Harries, Peplow, Vanhaevermaet, Rose, Dowie, Chaplin Subs: Eikeland, Stewart, Woodham, Roberts, Lister, Baigent, MacDonald Goals: Naz 85’

Rose looks to pick out a teammate The second-half continued in similar vein to the first with the Royals constantly on the back foot and doing all they could to protect their clean sheet.

Spurs had plenty of shots as Graham tried another effort at goal that whiskered past the far post, but Moloney looked to have had the shot covered had it been on target.

Rachel Williams had the next chance for Tottenham as she brilliantly brought down an aerial

cross but blasted her shot high over the target.

Moloney was kept busy throughout the half as she pushed away a dangerous cross from Naz, before she got in the way of a powerful effort from Graham that took a deflection off a Reading body on the way through.

The Royals created a late chance in hope of snatching an equaliser as Faye Bryson strode down the right-wing and

THE AFTERMATH

‘We weren’t at the races ... deafeat is a hard pill for us to swallow’ READING FC Women’s manager Kelly Chambers sent a rallying cry to her team after they fell to a third consecutive league defeat.

“It’s a hard pill to swallow,” said Chambers after her side lost to a late Tottenham goal on Sunday.

“I don’t feel like we were at the races.

“We had a golden opportunity in the first-half that we had to score, but on the whole it’s disappointing to not come away with anything.

“I said to the team in the changing room straight after the match we’ve got to find some character.

“The result has hurt a lot, it’s hurt me very much, and I know it’s the same for the players.”

The Royals boss is determined

that her side will be able to bounce back and pick themselves up when they host Everton on Sunday.

Reading are on a run of three straight league defeats and have yet to find the back of the net this season, coming closest when Brooke Chaplen’s strike on the opening day was controversially ruled out against Man United.

“But we now go again, prepare for Everton, and people have got to stand up, pump their chests out and be ready for the challenge ahead,” she continued.

“One thing we can take is we all need to show character to bounce back and put in a good performance in front of our fans.”

Despite the result, fans got to see new summer signings Natasha

Dowie, Deanne Rose and Justine Vanhaevermaet start for the first time, as well as a welcomed return to Grace Moloney after missing the previous game to Arsenal who put in a player of the match performance.

“I think the introduction of Tash Dowie was massive, and you could see what she can bring to us and the level of competitiveness she gives us upfront.

“There were a few good signs, so we just need more time on the training pitch to mould that a little bit more.

“On the other side, it was fantastic to have Grace (Moloney) back in goal.

“Not just with her countless amount of saves, but her leadership and organisation at the back.

“You could constantly hear her, and the value you get as a team to have someone with the amount of experience she has to help the back line through the game.

“Yes, you can say that’s her job, but it’s the way she goes about executing it, and it would have been tough for her to swallow that goal we conceded today.”

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’ DRAB START CONTINUES

From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

When to blow the final whistle

R

sent in a cross that was bravely met by the head of Natasha Dowie but she couldn’t guide her header on target.

But Reading’s resilience at the back was finally broken in the 85th minute as Naz got in behind the defence and stretched out her right boot to poke the ball past Moloney.

The game ended in another disappointing defeat for the Royals who mustered just one shot on target.

Reading are now in 11th position, one palace off the bottom of the table and are yet to pick up a point.

PREVIEW

ROYALS LOOKED TO END STICKY PATCH IN TOFFEES CLASH READING FC WOMEN are looking to break a streak of three consecutive losses when they host Everton at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday.

Kelly Chambers’ team have endured a disappointing start to this year’s Women’s Super League season and have lost all three of their matches so far.

They started with an opening day defeat at Manchester United, followed by a heavy home defeat

by Arsenal and most recently a late away loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Not only are they without a point to their name, but the Royals have

failed to score in any three of their matches so far, conceding seven in the process.

They remain a place off the bottom of the table with a better goal difference than Birmingham City.

Everton have also had a mixed start to the season as they kicked off with two consecutive losses.

They faced back-to-back 4-0 defeats, first at the hands of Manchester City and then by current champions Chelsea the following week.

However, at the weekend they got off the mark with their first

victory of the campaign.

Leonie Maier, Hanna Bennison and Rikkie Sevecke netted to help the Toffees to a 3-1 win over Birmingham City to push them up to ninth in the table.

On their last visit to the SCL, in February, Everton ensured that they walked away with a point as Nicoline Sorensen cancelled out Rachel Rowe’s opener.

Reading captain Tash Harding said: “Sunday, for us, I feel like we should have come away with a draw. Neither team really created too many chances, we created a huge opportunity in the first half

and so did they.

“I think a draw would have been deserved for both teams, but we can’t switch off especially in the latter stages of a game as any team will punish you no matter who it is.

“In our next few games, it’s now about showing our character and putting pride in our performance.

“If we can come off the pitch in full knowledge that what we did out there we can be proud of, then that’s the most important thing, as well as picking up points.

“We have to bereally hard to beat, and be as clinical as we can with the chances that we create.”

ECENTLY I wrote about the very minor change to the Law on Allowance for Lost Time.

This reminded me of the complaint by the Spanish team manager after their Euro 2020 semi-final with Italy.

“The referee,” he said, “blew his whistle for full-time exactly at the end of 45 minutes”.

He wasn’t complaining that he allowed no added time but because he blew when they were attacking.

I have had this complaint on occasions over the years.

One I remember well was a university game.

The away team was losing by one goal when they had a throw-in well into their opponents half.

I looked at my watch, 15 seconds to go.

The ball came into the penalty area and after much scrambling a shot was deflected for a corner.

Another watch check, 10 seconds over the 45 minutes.

I blew for full-time.

They protested loudly that they should have been allowed to take the corner.

My answer was the one I always give: “How many chances to score would I have to give you before you agree that I could end the game?”

One reader wrote to me to suggest that football should adopt the same rule as rugby where although the watch shows time is up, the game can’t end until the ball goes out of play, I put this to the IFAB who told me they had considered it but didn’t think is as suitable.

Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested that there should be an independent time keeper.

This already happens in futsal, of course. where every game has three referees and, in the senior matches, four.

One of the referees is the timekeeper who will blow for time.

However, even that is not always foolproof. I was timekeeper at a regional tournament, and with my eye on the watch, I blew up exactly on time, only to look up to see the ball on its way to the back of the net.

The organisers were not pleased as it meant there had to be a play off.

In local football anyway, it’s going to remain the referee’s whistle.

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HALILOVIC KEEPS ROYALS SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

How they rated Dejan Tetek is our man of the match

READING 1 MIDDLESBROUGH 0 LUKE SOUTHWOOD

Brave to come out and smother the ball that led to Matt Crooks’ red card. Not tested often but solid when he was.

DEJAN TETEK

Did a superb job playing out of position at right-back. Full of running and put in several important tackles throughout the match.

ANDY YIADOM

Stepped in at centre-back and was given the captain’s armband.

A very assured display, used his experience to guide the back four.

JOSH LAURENT

Didn’t look at all out of place playing at centre-back, formed a good partnership with Laurent and was tidy in possession.

BABA RAHMAN

Provided a useful outlet on the left at times when he was allowed to get forward and worked hard defensively.

TOM DELE-BASHIRU

Should have found the net early in the second-half when he was played through by Drinkwater oneon-one but had his shot saved.

DANNY DRINKWATER

Threaded a superb ball through to Dele-Bashiru to set him on goal.

Used his experience to keep Reading ticking in midfield.

JOHN SWIFT

Another accomplished performance and added another assist to his tally as he set up Halilovic to score the winner.

ALEN HALILOVIC

Worked hard to help out defensively and scored the all important goal with a scuffed finish to score his first Reading goal.

OVIE EJAIRA

Produced a few moments of magic with his excellent footwork but didn’t always provide the cutting edge needed.

JUNIOR HOILETT

Was kept quiet for large periods of the game and didn’t have too many sights of goal but played his part in Halilovic’s goal.

Subtitutes Michael Strickland George Pucas Both came on in stoppage time

7 9 8 8 7 7 7 8 8 7 6

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING kept their first clean sheet of the season as Alen Halilovic’s goal fired the Royals to their third consecutive Championship win.

The Royals had the better of the game and broke through early in the second-half as Halilovic’s scuffed effort found its way in the net courtesy of John Swift’s assist.

Reading kept Middlesbrough at bay as they picked up their first clean sheet of the campaign despite fielding a makeshift back-four with injuries to all of their senior centrebacks.

Veljko Paunović came into the game with several selection dilemmas to solve after an injury crisis in central defence.

Five first team centre-backs are currently out with injury for the Royals which meant that full-back Andy Yiadom was handed the captains armband and a place at central defence alongside midfielder Josh Laurent.

Meanwhile, young Serbian midfielder Dejan Tetek stepped in to fill in at right-back and goalkeeper Luke Southwood maintained his place in the starting lineup despite Rafael Carbal being fit again.

Reading were given an early scare when Middlesbrough had the ball in the net after just two minutes as Isaiah Jones found Matt Crooks in the box to head in from close range. But the goal was disallowed as Jones marginally ran the ball out of play on the touchline before his cross.

The Royals struggled to create

Ovie Ejaria dribbles past his opponents any early chances but finally forged a superb move that was worked out from the back as they broke through Boro’s high press and worked the ball forward.

However, a heavy pass from Tom Dele-Bashiru to Alen Halilovic saw the move break down when John Swift on the opposite wing may have been the better option.

But that move seemed to spark Reading into life as Championship top scorer Swift had a great opening to try and open the scoring.

Halilovic split open the Boro defence as he found the run of Swift, but the midfielder rushed his effort that was saved down low by Joe Lumley.

Reading won a free-kick within striking distance moments later, but Swift’s shot hit Josh Laurent as the chance was squandered.

Swift worked his magic again to drift past two defenders and unleash a shot was deflected behind for a corner.

After a short corner routine, Swift slightly overhit a pass that almost had Ovie Ejaria through on goal in the box but the attempted through ball went out for a goal kick.

Jones picked up the first yellow card of the match after he tripped

Both teams scramble for the ball in the box

Match stats Reading: Southwood, Tetek, Yiadom (c), Laurent, Rahman, Dele-Bashiru, Drinkwater, Halilović, Swift, Ejaria, Hoilett Subs: Rafael, Stickland, Bristow, Sackey, Ehibhationmhan, Clarke, Puscas Middlesbrough: Lumley, Peltier, McNair, Fry, Bola, Howson, Tavernier, Crooks, Payero, Jones, Sporar Subs: Daniels, Hall, Bamba, Lea Siliki, Watmore, Ikpeazu, Olusanya Goals: Halilović 55’

Alen Halilovic celebrates as he

Tetek who looked to burst into the box from the right-wing but was tripped inches outside of the area.

Despite the Royals having had the better of the game and shutting out Neil Warnock’s side at the other end, the half ended goalless.

Reading created an opening inside the first two minutes of the second-half as Danny Drinkwater traded passes with Junior Hoillet and then threaded the ball to find Dele-Bashiru one-on-one with the keeper, but Lumley rushed off his line and blocked the shot with his legs.

Tetek was then the first Reading playe to be cautioned for a foul on Jones.

Reading took the lead in the 55th minute as Halilovic netted his first

REACTION

PAUNO PRAISES DEFENSIVE RESILIENCE IN FIRST CLEAN SHEET READING FC manager Veljko Paunović hailed a fantastic defensive performance as a makeshift Royals defence earned a first clean sheet of the season.

“The guys at the back did a fantastic job, they executed the plan very well,” said Paunović.

“I said this team were only going to get better and that is what’s happening right now.

“In the end we ended up defending the scoreline instead of benefiting from some of the chances we created with some superb team play.

“It’s regrettable we didn’t score more goals when we had the opportunity.

“But the team are showing their capability and their confidence.

“The fans here helped us again and they are building a great connection.

“We have to capitalise on the chances we create and we have to score more.

“There were opportunities to execute clinically and unfortunately we didn’t.

“But one goal is enough when you keep a clean sheet, and not conceding gave us three points today.”

Paunovic was full of praise for fellow Serbian Dejan Tetek who filled in at right-back amid the injury crisis in the Royals defence.

“Dejan (Tetek) proved he was ready for this. He did a great job, man of the match for me.

“He played for the first time in a new position, but having players that are coachable, intelligent and want to improve, it’s a pleasure to work with a team like that.

“And the whole team showed great spirit given the injury circumstances.

“The team has confidence, the belief is there and the team is playing good football.”

Speaking ahead of last night’s game, he said that Derby was another very important match.

“We will keep our feet on the

ground and keep rolling,” he said.

“They [Derby] have to fight for their goals so it’s going to be a tough match.

“We always play matches in a manner where we have to match our opponents while we look to put out an attacking performance that can give us a win, so we’ll see how that goes.

“It’s definitely a big game and we are still in the process of getting better.

“We have to keep our feet on the ground and keep our focus only on the next match.”

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IN WINNING WAYS

From the Tilehurst End Olly Allen

Reading deserve clarity from EFL

Y

Andy Yiadom battles for the ball

fires Reading to victory over Middlesbrough Pictures: Steve Smyth goal in a Royals shirt to cap off a flowing team move.

Swift made a darting run down the right and he then pulled the ball back for Halilovic whose shot rolled past the keeper from close range despite a scuffed finish that hit his standing foot on the way in.

Warnock responded by making two substitutions as Payero and Jones were replaced by Lea Siliki and Olusanya.

Middlesbrough looked to hit back but were yet to test Southwood in the Reading net as the visitors worked a sharp move but Andraz Sporar fired a shot wildly over the bar.

Baba Rahman and Southwood picked up yellow cards in quick succession as the game progressed towards the final 10 minutes.

Reading looked to kill the game off as Hoilett had a sight of goal but hit a curling effort over the top.

Danny Drinkwater

Boro then received a red card in the 86th minute as Crooks flew in on Southwood for the loose ball, but the referee deemed it to be dangerous challenge.

There was almost an astonishing end to the match as Boro goalkeeper Lumley came inches away from connecting at a corner but the ball narrowly evaded him as Reading held out against the ten men of Boro to make it three wins on the bounce.

After filling in at right-back and performing valiantly, Dejan Tetek said: ““I’ve got to play wherever the gaffer wants me to play, if that’s at right-back, then it’s at right-back.

“But I’ll give you everything as a player, that’s the type of mentality I have.

“And it wasn’t just me today. Josh Laurent, Andy Yiadom, I thought they were fantastic. And the whole team was brilliant.

Crooks is dismissed after a challenge on keeper Luke Southwood

Junior Hoillet tries a strike at goal

“The coaching staff give energy to the team, and that positivity.

We gave everything out there from minute one.

“We’re building that momentum now with the wins, and now it’s time for clean sheets too.

“You can’t always win with two or three goals, sometimes it needs to be a 1-0. Everyone put a shift in defensively.

“It wasn’t easy at all, especially with the injuries that we’ve had.

But I thought the boys were fantastic, and it was a big, big three points.

“When the fans are behind you, you feel that energy. You get that desire to win, to put your body on the line. That really helped us.

“The momentum is kicking in, so hopefully we can finish the next two games with wins and go to the international break with more points.”

Michael Stickland

Goalscorer Alen Halilovic added: ““I’m really happy because we won a really important match against a really tough opponent.

“So congratulations to all my teammates, and thanks to our fans who came today, they really helped us.

“I was really happy for my first Reading goal, especially with a home crowd, it’s even better.

“But most important that we won this home match.

“We showed that we can play good football, and that we can defend our goal with this clean sheet.

“Swifty got another nice assist, we have a really good connection, and I gave him a chance in the first half. He is doing really good and he is important for us, I hope he can keep getting assists and goals.

“We have a better connection together, we are showing that.”

PREVIEW

READING ON THE ROAD AGAINST STRUGGLING BLUEBIRDS READING are on the road this weekend as they make the trip to Wales to face Cardiff City.

The Royals’ have had a confidence boost after a recent upturn in form which has seen them win three games on the bounce prior to Wednesday night’s game away at Derby County (match report and reaction online at Wokingham.Today).

Veljko Paunović’s side did have the worst defensive record in the league but finally kept a clean sheet at home to Middlesbrough last weekend despite having to field a makeshift back four with injuries to

all five of their senior centre-backs.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s opponents have had a tough start to this season under manager Mick McCarthy.

The Bluebirds enjoyed a tremendous new manager bounce when McCarthy joined last season but they have been unable to carry that form into this campaign.

They have now lost their last four Championship matches with defeats to Coventry City, Bournemouth, Blackburn Rovers and West Brom.

Their poor form leaves them in 16th position, before Wednesday

night’s fixtures.

Cardiff have conceded nine goals in their last two fixtures, suffering a 5-1 hammering at Blackburn last weekend before a 4-0 defeat at the Cardiff City Stadium to league leaders West Brom on Tuesday evening.

Cardiff have struggled for goals this season and have scored just 12 times in 10 matches.

The majority of their goals have come from defence as centreback Aden Flint has netted an impressive four times in eight matches.

Meanwhile, his centre-back

partner, and former Royals player Sean Morrison has scored twice as the pair has been responsible for exactly half of Cardiff’s league goals this season.

Midfielder Marlon Pack has been their main provider with three assists and a goal to his name.

The Royals have an outstanding record against Cardiff and are unbeaten in their last 11 meetings, a run that stretches back to 2015.

On their last visit to Cardiff in September 2020, Reading took the points with a 2-1 win after goals from Michael Morrison and Lucas Joao.

OU will see no arguments from me about Reading receiving a points deduction. If you break the rules you have to deal with the consequences, and the Royals haven’t just broken the rules, they have obliterated them.

This has been coming for a considerable amount of time, given the club’s huge losses year after year. With the English Football League clamping down on profit and sustainability breaches in recent seasons, Reading’s violations were always going to catch up with them and you would have been naïve to think otherwise.

At present, talk of a points deduction is only coming from national media reports, with The Telegraph breaking the news last week that Reading are “locked in talks” with the EFL over a sanction and that these discussions are “at an advanced stage”.

The definite number of points set to be deducted remains unconfirmed, but is believed to be between six and nine. Unsurprisingly and understandably, no comment has been made by either the club or the league.

However, I hope that this is not something that stays in the rounds of rumour for too long.

Reading deserve clarity from the EFL over exactly what their punishment is going to be and when they are going to receive it.

Getting penalised is fair, prolonging the uncertainty is not.

Unfortunately, clarity doesn’t seem to be in the EFL’s vocabulary. Reading found that out this summer, as they sought insight from the governing body over exactly what business they could do in the transfer window while operating under an embargo.

Veljko Paunovic and senior players spoke publicly on the matter, but it seems they were left uninformed for most of the summer.

Everyone at Reading will be desperate for any points deduction to be applied as soon as possible as it would allow Paunovic to confidently plan for the rest of the season.

The last thing we need is being in March with the EFL still having not made their minds up.

At that point it may threaten the club’s place in the Championship, as they could be in a position of not knowing how many points they will need to survive with an impending deduction hanging over their head.

It’s time for the league to start helping clubs, rather than making their lives more difficult.

WOKINGHAMSPORT NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US! HOT STREAK BRACKNELL IC CONTINUES V O IL L A H MARCH ON FIRES AS LEAGUE READING ROYALS LEADERS LOOK TO CLEAN TO FIX T E E H S POOR ALL ACTION Y R O T RUGBY IC V FORM ES R PICTU

CUP TIES MAKE WELCOME RETURN

SUMAS WIN FA VASE SHOOTOUT

Sumas celebrate their FA Vase win Picture: Andrew Batt Football in

After their penalty shootout triumph in the last round of the FA Vase against Hallen, the Sumas were rewarded with an away trip in the first-round proper.

They will travel to Southampton to face Blackfield & Langley FC. Wokingham & Emmbrook manager Eliot Whitehouse said: “I know very little about our opponents but I will do some homework.

“My initial thoughts are that I feel like it’s another opportunity for us to progress.”

After a stunning 10-1 victory in the previous round, Berks County FC have been drawn to play Burnham at home.

The Berks & Bucks Senior County Cup also returns with Woodley United are at home against Milton Keynes Irish, while Reading City make the short trip away to face Sandhurst Town.

And in the BBFA Women’s Senior Cup, Tilehurst Panthers Women have been selected to face Milton Kenyes Dons.

Woodley United Ladies are in cup action this weekend away to Milton United in the FA Women’s Cup. Tilehurst Panthers are at Ascot United and Eversley & California Ladies host Caversham United on Sunday.

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T I D I D E ‘W

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK ensured their run in the FA Vase would continue after they defeated Hallen in a penalty shootout.

The cup tie was in the balance for much of the opening half as both teams had chances but failed to capitalise.

However, just before the break it was the visitors from Bristol who took the lead at

Lowther Road as they headed home from a corner kick in the 38th minute.

But it didn’t take too long into the second-half for the Sumas to find their response as James Clark slotted past the Hallen keeper to level the cup tie in the 51st minute.

The sides were locked in a 1-1 draw at the end of the 90 minutes, meaning that they would have to be separated through a penalty shootout.

Jake White got the Sumas

off to a scoring start but Hallen responded with a successful spot kick.

Clark then had his penalty stopped as Hallen took the lead in the shootout.

With the match on the line, Callum Eagle sent his penalty into the top left corner before goalkeeper Aaron Kanya pulled out a crucial save to take the shootout to sudden death.

Jack Webb netted to put the pressure on Hallen and their next taker fired over the bar as

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the Sumas booked their place in the next round.

Following his penalty save to help the Sumas through in the Vase, Kanya said: “I’m buzzing to get another penalty save in after the last FA Vase match to get through as well.

“The game was a bit scrappy but penalties is always a lottery and we got through.

“I always try to relax and just trust the rest of the boys to bag their penalties and try to do my bit and save one.”

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021

CUP competitions are back on the football calendar with several teams competing this weekend.