COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS
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THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Thursday, September 2, 2021 No. 327
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THE EXCLUSIVE YOU MUST READ
Politicians from outside borough lobby Wokingham councillors over 2,500 homes plan for green belt ..
‘IT’S MORALLY QUESTIONABLE’ By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today
CONSERVATIVE councillors from other parts of the country have been sparking anger by asking borough councillors for their thoughts on a 2,500 home development in the green belt.
The Community Communications Partnership (CCP) is canvassing views for Berkeley Homes over a proposed scheme in Ruscombe, which would include a railway station, primary school, health centre, and relief road. The company works on behalf of developers to champion building projects, and draws on the team’s knowledge as politicians. Colin Dingwall and Paul Seeby, who are CCP associate directors and also Conservative councillors, have been ringing round here. n Continued on page 6
READING FESTIVAL PIC SPECIAL P26
LIVE: The town’s music festival returned for the bank holiday Picture: Steve Smyth
SEARCH ON FOR BOROUGH’S BEST CURRY HOUSE P3
SHOW TIME: Wokingham Festival a great hit • p4-5
JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS P3
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 22,2,2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2021
Boxing to help fight anti-social behaviour
St Paul’s hosts a mouse hunt WE COVER WOKINGHAM BOROUGH
VISITORS to a Wokingham church were pleased to find mice everywhere. But these weren’t pests, they were woolly creations conjured up by the talented members of a Mothers’ Union. The animals were dotted around the churchyard and building of St Paul’s Church in Reading Road for families to find, before enjoying refreshments in parish WILLIAMS rooms. Bythe MARIE The event on Saturday was, according news@wokingham.today to Teri Austen, a joyous occasion. didn’t know weather next A “We BOXING gym ifistheopening would was all okay, ” she monthbeinideal,but a bid toittackle anti-social said. “We were verycommunity. pleased. It was just behaviour in the
really nice to do something with the community again. “People came along and said they really enjoyed it, and asked if we could do it every year. We said we are considering it.” The children were able to take their mouse home as a souvenir of their hard work. It wasn’t the only event at the church: on Sunday, the congregation gathered in the grounds to enjoy hymn singing with Pimm’s and other refreshments. “It’s been a good weekend,” Mrs Austen said, “and the weather was kind.”
BXGFit, located above Gail’s Bakery on Peach Place, is a £630,000 The councillor said the new investment from the borough boxing gym will promote an council into combat sports. During its off-peak hours, active lifestyle, address anti-social the space will be used by the behaviour, support young people, A WOKINGHAM nursery celebrated its 30th anniversary with a family fun day. crime prevention team, teaching and create jobs. Construction of the gym is discipline through boxing and Merrydale Day Nursery and Prehalfway complete, with the facility school on London Road hosted its own martial arts. Merryfest, inviting families past and Sessions for youth offenders will due to open in October. The gym will have a training ring, present. be available at a subsidised cost, in Nursery manager Katie the hopes of creating a safe place to a functional storage rig with three fitness stations, a functional cube Beckingham said the day was filled socialise and exercise. The facility will also be available rig with attachments for four to six with fun and games. The nursery’s team organised to nearby boxing clubs and self- fitness stations, aquabags, heavy bags, uppercut bags and more. garden games, face painting and a defence groups to hire. The borough council hopes it coconut shy — which was a big hit. It aims to support young There was giant Jenga, noughts and will be a high-end boutique boxing individuals in the borough. FIND THE MOUSE: Paul's Mothers Union heldstudio, the huntwith on Saturday 3, on the Mouse Hunt with the help of mum, Sarah Holmes Pictures: Steve crossesTIME: as wellHarry, as hook-a-duck. a largeafternoon range of classes. FAMILY Cllr Parry StBatth, executive They also had a farm experience, Different membership options member for environment and leisure said: “Reinforced by the successes at will be available including pay as with children allowed to meet the the recent Olympic Games, boxing you go and a premium subscription. animals. One parent said: “Thank you so has risen in popularity and the There will be both in-person and much [Merrydale] for arranging it. It council has identified a gap within virtual sessions. Szrejder, said she was thrilled to see of the issuesininsupport the area,” Cllr walking orthe cycling to a great regular walk]. But Residents it's gotten interested worse struggling was nice to see people from past routes in finding with Wokingham town’s leisure offering. such turnout of the EXCLUSIVE — also since theout lockdown.” and catch up”. get them safely to school. more, or signing inconsiderate up for the parking “BXGFit will provide a dedicated, nursery.Jorgensen added. “They have worked with Mr Rowland on the weekends. He is10% urging parents tomembership By JESSequipped, WARREN and functional The entrance to Merryfest was said some off early-bird can fully “It is especially nice toclosely see previous council’s active footpaths had been on dropped “get back on the theircouncil’s feet” andpop-upParking jwarren@wokingham.today throughcurbs the nursery, with parents ableinstalled visit stand in space to support our residents families the whose children have lefttravel for team,part – they My still have Journey in fields, to help familiesschool on taking double yellow linesa look can around. school with their to have Place from 8am and on Saturday, while building a strong and walk safe toPeach Wokingham on their travel their journey. Jacqui be enforced by theHead borough INCONSIDERATE parking children.September 4. of nursery operations, fond memories of Merrydale, ” she said. community.” This includes a path plan, which contains 75 He believes it would help council, and Cllr Kerr said a has returned along Evendons Lane, prompting a resolve some of the number of fines have been linking Viking Field with initiatives to encourage walking or cycling to call for parents to get out of frustration residents of the handed out in recent weeks. Leslie Sears Playing Field. “There is a network of school.” “There are way too many lane have. their cars. The school also won the Cllr Sarah Kerr, Liberal parents not considering it’s footpaths around Evendons, For the last four years, ModeshiftSummer Regional people she said. Democrat councillor for a residential area,” nuisance parking hasJohn been business to Peach Place.”could use them WOKINGHAM MP Sir Redwood THE WINNERSH FeteAward for back being the best in the isn’tHardman just more,” an raised by Evendons, said one person “But the answer Mr and Mrhe said. paid a issue visit to one of the town’s is heading to Bearwood borough Pauline Jorgensen, missed an appointment fines.” Wokingham Townto find and Chasteauneuf haveCllr an extensive newest restaurants out how Recreation Groundat this encouraging Saturday. pupilsontoMole walk, cycle and executive member for She is concerned thatof working earlier this month, after Evendons Neighbourhood background in Michelin it has been settling in. The event, Road, scootwill to school. restrictions highways being blocked-in on their adding more starred-kitchens Action Group, said chair Ken and their at the borough Hamlet, in Peach Place, opened Sindlesham, take place from The councillor said they council said she is aware of until 4.30pm. along the entire lane will menu driveway. Rowland. ingredient-led is forever earlier this year and features local 1pm have also installed a problem the issue and sympathises Where Evendons Lane just “move the With on its menu. pandemic evolving. produce Entertainment includes a chicane outside with nearby restrictions easing, Mr meets Finchampstead Road, elsewhere”. “Hamlet’s inclusive menuresidents. range oftemporary The deli/bistro is co-owned stalls, arena displays, to control speeds, She said the council is the school “Evendons ensures Primary Rowland parents are there is a short road running our restaurant provides by Daniel said Hardman and Rob competitions and more. deter by through to deter School withis excellent at developing with aSir dead driving their children to parallel,VISIT: food for everyone to enjoy,”controls the Chasteauneuf. Sponsored Dan andtraffic Neil and Johnend. Redwood (centre) providethis a better poor parking at the end of Agents, encouraging paid sustainable Also Daniel referred to as a Chasteauneuf Evendons Primary said. Sir John was full ofSchool praise for the Estate year’sexperience fete is Hardman, and Rob people walking Evendons in for Hurst-based “But banjo, it provides a safe transport,” she said.“We more more. areit’s delighted to haveLane our and supporting pair’s and work. charity, and cycling. Tanners Row. at the to stage where space forinteresting residents addition This, he said, to cars localwe MPneed John Redwood’s interest. as an “Rob and Danleads reported a goodturning try The Cowshed and children’s mental She Place2Be. said several “The school has health an charity, the now borough “We council whose homes line of itseats length. blocking look forward to welcoming the range and drinks build-up driveways. of customers for their new excellent record involved.” Cllr Kerr said throughout she would Wokingham “You’rewith always going to visitors to our restaurant and in terms of available business, people enjoying EntryEvendons is free and residents parking is took part a walking encouraging good travel She believes someWokingham, like to town see double get about in and bistro from Bracknell, centre. yellow theirpeople dishes,rushing the atmosphere available on site.in consultation, which from their staff families this asmeet the car they — they give lines on “I Reading into and all behaviour the surrounding wasstretch, pleased to the teamare “forced service offer,”don’t he said. For more details, log on to:will be used to inform any changes. cars” due to area.” a lack of and students and are aware here areindependent themselves enough [to it aresidentsandliving welcome a new “Many have optedtime to give winnersh.gov.uk
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‘Get out of your car and walk’ Sir John pays a visit to new bistro
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Search on for our hottest curry house WHO makes Wokingham borough’s best balti? This week, we are launching the search to find the brightest, tastiest and most amazing curry restaurant across Wokingham – and the judge is you. The winner will be crowned Wokingham’s Curry King. We want you to nominate your favourite place to buy a curry, be it a restaurant or a takeaway. Tell us
what makes them so special. Is it the naan? The lassis? The desserts? Or are they the hottest stuff around? Every week over the autumn, we’ll feature your nominations in Wokingham.Today. Each restaurant put forward will be able to display a poster in their window. Later this year, we will launch a knockout draw on Twitter and Facebook. During each heat, two
or three nominations will go headto-head. The venue with the most votes will go through to the next round until we crown the winner just in time for New Year. It’s going to be a thrilling contest, and YOU will decide who deserves to be Curry King. Send your nominations to news@wokingham.today, we’ll feature the first in a couple of weeks time.
Third time lucky for Oliver as he seeks to win young chef By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
THE BOROUGH could be home to one of Britain’s culinary masters, as a Wokingham chef nears the final round of a prestigious cooking competition.
Oliver Marlow, who works at the internationallyacclaimed Aulis restaurants in London and Hong Kong, is in the running for the UK’s best young chef. The 31-year-old moved to Wokingham three years ago when he fell in love with the borough’s food and drink scene, after working in restaurants across the world. Now, he has reached the regional finals of the Roux Scholarship, a contest launched to find Britain’s top kitchen talent, and hopes to reach the national final. “It’s a competition I’ve always wanted to do,” Mr Marlow said. “For me, I’ve always wanted to do something in food because it features in all my happiest memories. “If I don’t win I don’t win, but I’ll be comparing myself against the best chefs in the country and it’s nice to give it a go.” The Wokingham chef, who has featured on BBC’s Great British Menu, has entered the competition twice in the past but said this will be his final attempt.
FINALIST: Oliver Marlow is up for Roux Scholarship regional finals “It’s third time lucky hopefully,” he said. “If I win it, I’ll automatically be known and it will open up so many doors and possibilities. “It will all be down to who is the most prepared, the most relaxed, and who practised the most.” The Roux Scholarship is ranked one of the most prestigious competitions in the world, pitting professional chefs against each other to cook a range of pre-decided and mystery dishes.
This year’s contest will be judged by a number of Michelin-star chefs, including Michel Roux Jr, Brian Turner CBE and James Martin. The winner will receive up to £12,000 to support their future career, as well as the chance to cook and train at a three-star Michelin restaurant anywhere in the world. In a bid to proceed to the final round, Mr Marlow is preparing for a cook-off with his fellow regional finalists
at University College Birmingham next month. In total, 18 chefs will battle it out for six places in the final with their recipes for hake, clams and leeks — and Mr Marlow is counting on his meal to win it. “I think I’ve got a good dish”, he said. “If I execute it well on the day, it’s hopefully strong enough to get me through. “There’s also a mystery box and I’ll have to make four dessert portions with what’s inside which will show who can adapt and think on their feet.” Due to take place in March last year, the Roux Scholarship was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and has now relaunched to find 2020’s winner. Mr Marlow said he initially applied for this round more than two years ago “That’s a long time in chef terms,” he said. “If I do make it to the final, it’ll be really nerve-wracking. “The chefs in my heat are all incredible, which is the beauty of the contest — it attracts so many great people.” Mr Roux Jr, judge and co-chairman of the contest,
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said he is looking forward to seeing the return of the competition this year. “It seems like an eternity since we last came together to do battle in the kitchens and, like us, our 2020/2021 scholar has been patiently waiting,” he said. “Now the moment has come along with some new and exciting changes for this year’s awards ceremony.” Alain Roux, fellow cochairman of the Scholarship, added: “After so many dreadful months, we’re now just weeks away from finding out 2020 scholar. “The anticipation is building for a truly memorable finale [and] I cannot wait to get back in the kitchen with our judges and competitors. “The Award Ceremony will mark the end of a competition like no other as we celebrate a brighter future.” Mr Marlow will take part in the regional cook-off on Thursday, September 9. The national final of the Roux Scholarship will take place at Westminster Kingsway College, in London, on Monday, October 25 and will be livestreamed. n To find out more, visit: www.rouxscholarship.co.uk
PERVERT: James Dyer is behind bars
Man jailed for sex offences A WOKINGHAM man who sent indecent videos to two teenagers and a woman in her twenties, and also attempted to drag a woman from a parked car in a bid to have sex with her, has been jailed. On Tuesday, August 25, Reading Crown Court sent James Dyer, 24 and from Longs Way, down for two years and six months and also issued a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order on him. It follows a hearing where Dyer had admitted three counts of sending an indecent or grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress of anxiety, as well as one count each of sexual assault and common assault. The court heard that in early April, Dyer sent videos of a sexual nature to two teenage girls and a woman in her twenties as well as grossly offensive comments. Then, on Friday, April 16, Dyer opened the door of a parked car in Earley and attempted to drag a woman in her twenties out of the car. He also asked her to have sex with him. The victim was able to get away. Dyer was charged on Friday, April 30. At the hearing, Reading Crown Court also granted restraining orders so he cannot contact his victims. These last for 10 years. Investigating officer, Detective Constable Nicola Henderson, based at Reading police station, said: “At the time of these offences were committed Dyer displayed all the hallmarks of a dangerous offender who was intent on sexual contact with young women and unable to control himself. “He will serve a custodial prison sentence and placed on the sex offender’s register which allows for the supervision of him when he is released from prison to help protect the public. “I would like to thank the victims for the bravery and courage shown during the investigation as well as the wider community who supported Thames Valley Police.”
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
Wokingham Festival rocks the bank holiday Families enjoyed the weekend of live music and activities All pictures: Steve Smyth
EXCLUSIVE By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today FESTIVAL goers enjoyed a full weekend of live music, food and drinks, thanks to organiser Stan Hetherington.
The founder of the Wokingham Music Club described the three-day event as “absolutely wonderful” saying Wokingham made him proud as they turned up in big numbers. He said: “Community is what Wokingham does, and it does it really
The weekend brought out festival costumes and bright colours
Cantley Park was kept tidy by volunteers over the three days
Youngsters had fun at the Circus Scene stand
The beer tent kept attendees hydrated
well. The weekend was all about that.” And the artists praised Mr Hetherington for giving them the opportunity to perform live on stage again. Held at Cantley Park over the bank holiday weekend, there were two music stages, a cocktail bar, food stalls and activities for children. A bar was run by members of Twyford Beer Festival raised funds for male cancer charity Orchid. Mr Hetherington explained it was the best turn out they’d had since the festival began.
He thanked everyone who helped make the festival a success. “Thank you doesn’t seem strong enough, they were all absolutely brilliant,” he said. “The whole weekend was just loads of mates, be it volunteers, audience members and traders, having a laugh with each other, which none of us have been able to do in 18 months.” Mr Hetherington is now looking forward to the music club’s autumn programme. n For more details, visit wokinghammusicclub.co.uk
Thursday, September 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Young and old clapped along to the tunes
Visitors enjoy the music while relaxing in the sunshine
! "
The weekend was one to remember after its hiatus last year
The festival had a range of live acts across the bank holiday to suit a range of music tastes
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
CALL FROM THE BLUE: Tories outside of Wokingham are canvassing views for Berkeley
HANDOVER: Cllr Graham Howe presents keys to Farley Hill head Emma Clarke Picture: Stewart Turkington
New school ready to open KEYS TO the new premises for Farley Hill School have been handed to its headteacher. Emma Clarke and her team are gearing up to open the new school site in Arborfield, after construction was completed earlier this summer. The new facility provides the school space to teach more than 600 pupils, with the cohort growing in a phased approach. The school has specialist areas for design and food technology, PE and dance, and has the latest screens and speakers. Cllr Graham Howe, executive member for children’s services, said it was a great pleasure to hand over the keys to the facility. “I’m sure the hundreds of students who will be starting the new school year there will be delighted with what it has to offer, and will benefit hundreds more in the years ahead,” he said. Ms Clarke said: “We are delighted with our new school building and the excellent facilities. “Farley Hill school will continue to provide an excellent education and help the children to develop academically and as people. “We look forward to being part of the Arborfield Green community.” The school was built with modules constructed in Yorkshire by Reds10. With 70% of the building work done offsite, this cuts carbon emissions.
‘It’s morally wrong to act as a paid agent for a developer’ n Continued from front page
Outside of the Community Communications Partnership (CCP), Mr Dingwall is a Conservative councillor in West Oxfordshire District Council. He is also Chairman of Crawley Parish Council in West Oxfordshire. Mr Seeby is also a Conservative councillor in Broxbourne Borough Council, and its deputy mayor. The two have called all Wokingham Liberal Democrat, and many Conservative councillors to seek their views on development on either side of the London Paddington railway line in Ruscombe. Neither of the two Labour councillors have been contacted, Wokingham.Today has been told. The calls have been on behalf CCP client, the Berkeley Group, which says it is beginning to consult on outline proposals for east of Twyford. The site was previously considered in a borough council master plan in 2018. Cllr Stephen Conway, Liberal
Democrat councillor for Twyford, said he questions the ethics of the CCP. “I think it’s morally questionable whether a councillor should act as a paid agent for development, even in another area,” Cllr Conway said. “They’re making money from their councillor knowledge, and selling their services. “It does not reflect well on what councillors should be doing.” He said the planning process should not operate this way. “It’s so morally wrong,” the councillor continued. “I would never dream of offering my services to developers for a fee. “It is a practice I deplore. It’s very underhand – completely wrong.” Cllr Conway said that because Mr Dingwall and Mr Seeby were not approaching councillors in their own boroughs, they were unlikely to be breaching a code of conduct. He said: “In legal terms, there’s nothing wrong. On moral terms, I think it is wrong and cannot see that as acceptable.”
Cllr Conway said that he would not speak to the company about any plans for Twyford. “The Liberal Democrat group has taken a very clear line,” he explained. “We will not be drawn into a game of identifying or recommending sites.” Cllr Conway said that if one councillor’s ward is under pressure for development, it may be natural for them to suggest an alternative location. He called this divide-andconquer tactics, and is concerned it could weaken the borough and lead to more development. Council leader John Halsall was also angry about the group’s tactics. “I will be formally objecting, as some Tory members are acting in a way which puts it into disrepute. “It’s entirely wrong, a district councillor should not behave in this way. He is either a councillor or a promoter.” Cllr Halsall said that he had spoken to his counterpart on the Wokingham Lib Dems, and empathised with Cllr Conway. “He
is right to be furious about being approached by a serving district councillor,” he said. “I find it completely immoral that a Tory councillor should be using the fact that he’s a Tory councillor to promote development. “We are not engaging with this group in any way.” Cllr Halsall said that “pretty much every developer is knocking on Wokingham’s door,” and that as a rule he didn’t speak to any promoters or developers; instead he has told his party to direct all enquiries to council officers to avoid any accusations that the process has been corrupt. Council officers, he said, are best placed to learn what promoters want, with appropriate details brought to the planning committee if any schemes are put forward. Strict legal protocols are in place for these meetings. Cllr Rachel Burgess, Labour group leader on Wokingham Borough Council, said she was not surprised to find that Conservative councillors
are lobbying on behalf of developers. “Property developers donate hundreds of thousands to the Conservative Party every year, donating almost £900,000 in the first quarter of 2021 alone, and £11 million in Boris Johnson’s first year as prime minister,” she said. “Developers are investing in the Conservative party and they want a return on their investment. “The upcoming Conservative planning reforms will make matters worse for communities like Wokingham, removing the right to object to inappropriate development — the reforms are a developers’ charter and show that the Conservatives put developers before residents.” Cllr Clive Jones, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, said he thought it was interesting that people outside of the borough want to develop in Wokingham. He called the suggestion of a parkway rail station for Ruscombe and Twyford “pie-in-the-sky thinking” and questioned where the funding would originate from for a project of that scale. CCP managing director Henry Lamprecht said: “The Localism Act 2011 requires local people to decide what happens in their area and where development, both housing and employment, and infrastructure gets built. “The CCP facilitates and encourages these conversations and discussions and we would like to thank Wokingham.Today for helping us raise the profile of this further, stimulating debate.” Mr Lamprecht added: “Colin and Paul are both in councils where their Local Plans are adopted and delivering that growth.” At the moment, the borough council is working through a draft local plan update, identifying key sites for development in future years. Earlier this year, it became clear that the plan for a garden village in
Grazeley was out of the question. The borough council had previously hoped to build 15,000 homes there as a way to meet the annual housing targets for Wokingham over many years. But this was called off due to the expansion of AWE Burghfield’s exclusion zone, which was contested in the courts. It means the draft local plan update has been delayed. Alongside Grazeley, two other sites were suggested in 2018: land at Barkham Square, and in Ruscombe on land between Twyford and Hare Hatch, on either side of the A3032 – the area where Berkeley is exploring. However, nothing has been formally decided or put forward formally for potential development at this stage, and the Local Plan Update will be made available for draft consultation later this year. At this stage, residents will be able to offer their views on it. Cllr Halsall said that demand from promoters and developers was because “Wokingham borough is an extremely desirable development territory.” “The only way we can defend ourselves from these attacks is to have a local plan that has gone through its hoops, and that’s what we’re determined to deliver,” he said. “I agree with people who say Wokingham has too much development, but I don’t agree with anybody who says we should have no development, because there is a general need for housing, particularly for first-time buyers and downsizers.” And he added that Wokingham Borough Council’s 2018 report on the three potential developments can be seen from its local plan update section of its website, with a downloadable PDF available. n For more information, visit: www. wokingham.gov.uk/planning-policy/ planning-policy-information/localplan-update
What is in the plan?
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SITE: The area is east of Twyford Picture: Berkeley A SPOKESPERSON for Berkeley said the company is consulting on outline proposals for a new neighbourhood east of Twyford. The plan would include a mix of market-rate and affordable homes along with parks, a health centre, primary school and shops. ““Our early proposals include a new railway station and local bus interchange, a relief road to ease traffic congestion in the centre of Twyford and a 140-acre network of natural open green spaces and wildlife corridors,” the company spokesperson said. This would include woodland, wetlands, ponds, swales, hedgerows and tree belts. “This biodiverse landscape would be open to all, with green cycling and walking routes and a mix of parks, community gardens, allotments and playing fields,” they added. “We are now seeking feedback on this mixed-use proposal, which we believe can offer a sustainable and well-connected development option in the north of Wokingham borough.” Berkley believes it will relieve pressure from the south of the borough, where the majority of development has focused since 2007.
LOCATION: The site is off the A4 Picture: Croudace Homes
Of the proposed homes, 70 would be affordable. It is not yet clear how many bedrooms each dwelling would have. Existing agricultural buildings would also be demolished to make way for the development. Now, residents have taken to Wokingham Borough Council’s planning portal to take part in an online consultation on the latest proposal.
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Bridge Farm plan could bring 200 homes to village HUNDREDS of homes could be on their way to Twyford — and residents have been asked to share their views, writes Charlotte King. Last week, Croudace Homes submitted a planning application for 200 dwellings on land near Bridge Farm It comes following an online survey to gauge residents’ thoughts on the project which launched earlier this year. On Wednesday, August 25, the developer revealed it now wants to build up to 200 “market and affordable” homes on the 29 acre site, alongside open space, landscaping and a possible access site from New Bath Road. This would include 477 parking spaces, tree planting throughout the estate, a play area and wildflower meadows.
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One villager, Joanne McIntyre, objected to the development saying Twyford is “already overcrowded” and cannot support its current residents at the moment. “Adding around 200 households to this would only mean further strain on existing infrastructure (in particular the doctor’s surgery, schools and parking),” she said. “Not to mention the environmental impact of so
many more cars on the roads as well as traffic issues.” Ms McIntyre said it would be a shame to see Twyford lose green space to housing. “The village is simply not big enough for this,” she added. Fellow resident Dr Jo Akeju also raised concerns about Croudace Homes’ plans for accessing the new site. He said: “The impact on New Bath Road will be considerable. “A speed assessment during covid is not representative of the real situation on that road. “Cars ignore the current crossing near Charvil and frequently go through red lights; I’m very concerned about the safety of this proposal.” The land at Bridge Farm was earmarked for potential development in the council’s draft local plan update. The online public consultation is ongoing until Thursday, September 16. n To find out more, search for application number 212720.
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8 | NEWS
PARISHNOTICEBOARD Meetings may also be online – contact councils for details Thursday, September 2
Shinfield Parish Council. Planning and Highways. 7.30pm. Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield RG2 9EH. shinfieldparish.gov.uk
Monday, September 6
Hurst Parish Council. Council 7.30pm. Committee Room, Hurst Village Halls, School Road RG10 0DR. www.hurstpc.org.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Planning committee meeting. 7.30pm. Winnersh Community Centre, New Road, Sindlesham RG41 5DU. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Arts and Culture meeting. 7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham RG40 1AS. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Wokingham Without Parish Council. 7.30pm. Howard Palmer Room, St Sebastian’s Hall, Nine Mile Ride RG40 3BA. wokinghamwithout-pc.gov.uk
Tuesday, September 7
Arborfield Parish Council. Arborfield Village Hall, Eversley Road, Arborfield RG2 9PQ.Planning Committee. 7.30pm. F&GP committee. 8pm. Parks Committee. 8.30pm. arborfield.org.uk Earley Town Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. Council offices, Radstock Lane, Earley RG6 5UL. www.earley-tc.gov.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Recreation & Amenities Committee meeting. 7.30pm. Winnersh Community Centre, New Road, Sindlesham RG41 5DU. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Planning and transport committee meeting. 7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham RG40 1AS. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Wokingham Without Parish Council. Council meeting. 7.30pm. Howard Palmer Room, St Sebastian’s Hall, Nine Mile Ride RG40 3BA. Wokinghamwithout-pc.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Planning. 7.45pm. The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley RG5 4JZ. www.woodley.gov.uk
Wednesday, September 8
Earley Town Council. Amenities and Leisure. 7.45pm. Council offices, Radstock Lane, Earley RG6 5UL. earley-tc.gov.uk Shinfield Parish Council. Development Board. 7.30pm. Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield RG2 9EH. Shinfieldparish.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Planning Committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN.
Thursday, September 9
Wokingham Borough Council. Wellbeing board. 5pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN.
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FROMTHECOURTS A WOODLEY woman who caused damage to a taxi estimated at between £1,000 to £1,500 has been fined £40. Kelly Stacey, 32 and from Hearn Road, carried out the offence in Reading on June 3. She was also found to be drunk and disorderly in Friar Street, Reading on the same day. Reading Magistrates Court heard her guilty plea at a hearing on June 29, and ordered her to pay £100 compensation and £34 to victim services. There was no order for costs due to her limited means.
A WOKINGHAM man who assaulted two people, one of whom was an NHS nurse, has been given a 12-month conditional discharge. Matthew Kevin Needham, 41 and from Coronation Square, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour with intent to lead the victim to think that immediate unlawful violence would be used against them. This took place on November 19. On the same day, he beat the NHS nurse as they went about their work. At a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on June 30, he was ordered to pay compensation of £75, £85 costs and £22 to victim services. A WOODLEY man has been jailed for 16 weeks for a string of offences. Ryan John Bunce, 24 and from
Wheble Drive, appeared before Slough Magistrates Court on June 30, where he admitted: n On May 15, 2019, stealing a rucksack and its contents from a car in Reading. For this he was ordered to pay £100 compensation Stealing alcohol from Asda in High Wycombe, to a value unknown, on December 5, 2019 n Racially abusing a man in High Wycombe on the same day. For this he was ordered to pay £150 compensation n Using racially/religiously aggravated harassment against a police officer in High Wycombe on December 5, 2019. For this he was given a six-week jail sentence n Stealing a wireless speaker, a hair and body trimmer, a cosmetic gift set and an electric toothbrush worth £94.96 from TK Maxx on December 11, 2020. He was jailed for two weeks for this offence, but no compensation ordered as there was no loss or damage n On December 9, 2020, stole eight DVDs from Sainsbury’s in Reading. He was given a two-week jail sentence for this theft n On December 11, stole a vape set and a make-up brush set worth £29.99 from Superdrug in Reading. He was given a two-week jail sentence for this theft n On January 22 this year, failing to appear in court. For this offence, he was given a six-week concurrent jail sentence n On December 19, 2020, stole a beauty gift set worth £70 from John Lewis in Reading. He was given a two-week jail sentence for this theft
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Courts in recent weeks n On February 6 this year, he stole electrical items worth £65.67 from WH Smith in Reading. He was given a two-week jail sentence for this theft n On January 29, 2021, he stole high value clothing worth £3,590 from a car in Reading. He was given a 12-week jail sentence n On March 22, he stole a Toshiba television worth £169 from Tesco in Reading. He was given a two-week jail sentence for this theft. No order for costs were made, due to his limited means.
was jailed for two weeks n Using racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment/alarm/distress words/ writing to their victim, a police officer, again on January 1, 2020. For this he was jailed for nine weeks n Assaulting another police officer by beating them, again on January 1 and in Wokingham. For this he was jailed for six weeks and ordered to pay £100 compensation. The total length of time of his jail term is 18 weeks.
A WOKINGHAM man who beat a police officer and was guilty of ‘disgusting’ spitting offences has been sent to prison. Dariusz Pawel Sarota, 39 and from Station Road, had pleaded not guilty to the offences and opted for a summary trial. Reading Magistrates heard his case on July 1 and found him guilty of: n Assaulting a police officer on January 1, 2020, in Wokingham. For this he was ordered to pay £200 compensation, £500 costs and £128 to victim services n Using racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment/alarm/distress words/ writing to their victim, again on January 1, 2020. His prison sentence would have been six weeks, but was increased to nine due to the racial aggravation. n Causing criminal damage to the night pay desk, to a value unknown, to a Shell garage in Wokingham, on January 1, 2020. For this, he
A WOKINGHAM man has been jailed for possessing a range of drugs. Reading Magistrates Court on July 6 heard Charlie Thomas Burgess, 24 and from Blagrove Drive, plead guilty to: n Possessing class B drug, ketamine, in Ashbridge Road, Wokingham on September 7, 2020 n Possessing a class B drug, ketamine, in Howard Palmer Gardens in Wokingham on June 24 last year n Possessing a class B drug, cannabis, in Howard Palmer Gardens in Wokingham on June 24 last year. For each offence, magistrates ordered that the drugs be destroyed and he be jailed for two weeks concurrently. His original offence, assaulting a man on September 22, 2018, was recalled by the magistrates, and he was jailed for 16 weeks overall. Burgess must also pay £85 costs and £128 to victim services.
‘We will do whatever we can to help Afghan refugees,’ says leader EXCLUSIVE
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM will do whatever it can to help Afghan refugees – that’s the promise from council leader John Halsall.
He said they are still waiting for details from the government, but are poised to take action. He answered criticism from some online commentators after the council previously indicated they would take two or three families for the government’s resettlement scheme. “We will be stepping up to the plate,” he promised. “We’re not limiting ourselves to two or three. At the moment, we don’t know what the government wants us to do, how many they’ve got out (of Kabul) and how
Big screen winner AN OSCAR-winning actress stars in the September offering from Wokingham Film Society. The group will be screening
many they want to settle here. “These people helped our soldiers, and we’ve got to help them. “We have an obligation to help those people who helped us, particularly those at risk from the Taliban. They will not be kind to the LGBTQ+ community, for example. “It’s a very difficult situation and, as a council, we have to do our very best to help. I really don’t know what that means yet.” There have also been comments on social media from people arguing that the UK should put its own housing needs first. Cllr Halsall felt that while the council’s decisions will always be criticised by some, this was a time when they “really have to do the right thing, and the right thing is to support people who supported us”.
Cllr Halsall said that Wokingham Borough Council has been proactive in managing the situation. “We don’t have a huge surplus of houses (available),” he said. “Managing the waiting lists means the pipeline of houses is dedicated to people who need them. And to those Wokingham residents who commented on social media that they had been waiting for a number of years to bid on social housing, Cllr Halsall urged them to get in touch. “I would welcome anyone who feels they have been (waiting for years) to write to me. I will look at the case. “My understanding is that pretty much all those who are entitled to housing are satisfied not in a matter of years, but a matter of months.”
Minari (12) on Thursday, September 16, from 7.30pm. It tells the story of a KoreanAmerican family that moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream.
Yuh-Jung Youn won best supporting actress for her role. It is screened at The Whitty Theatre, and places must be pre-booked. For details, log on to wokinghamfilmsociety.com
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Retired teacher Residents rally against mast plan jailed for child sex offences EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today
A PETITION has been created against a 5G phone mast for Wokingham.
By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today A RETIRED teacher has been jailed for 16 years for a string of historic child sex offences, which took place during school trips.
John Stanley Imeson used to teach at Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning. Reading Crown Court heard that between 1980 and 1981, he assaulted two boys who were aged between 11 and 13. The incidents happened during trips to Reading, London and Ross-on-Wye. He also assaulted them at his home residence. Imeson – also known as Jack, and from Fitzroy Crescent in Woodley – was charged via a postal requisition on 3 April 2020. On May 25 this year, Imeson was convicted of seven counts of indecent assault on a male person, four counts of buggery, and a count each of indecency with a child and assault with intent to commit buggery. On Tuesday, August 24, Reading Crown Court put the 73-year-old behind bars. Detective Sergeant Jason Wilkinson of Thames Valley Police said it had been a long and protracted investigation, and the
two victims had shown bravery, perseverance and resilience as they brought Imeson to justice. Their case was helped by a number of witnesses, and DS Wilkinson thanked them for their support. “(Thanks to) the team effort from the police officers involved, counsel and the CPS and the determination that was shown,” he said. “Justice has been served swiftly by a unanimous jury in a non-recent, complex child sexual-abuse case. “There is vindication for the victims who were subject to the most serious sexual offending by a predatory and dangerous individual who was in a position of trust and who was meant to care for them, not harm them.” He added: “It is the hope of the victims that their actions in coming forward and reporting these crimes will assist others in doing the same, and help towards rebuilding lives. “Thames Valley Police will always listen to anyone who wishes to make a report regarding matters such as this, which are non-recent. “The impact they have on victims cannot be underestimated and officers will work tirelessly to investigate reports and bring offenders like Imeson to court.”
Mobile phone operator Three is looking to build a 15m-high mast off Norreys Avenue, on Ashridge Road, and has submitted a prior approval application to the council. But Cllr Rachel Burgess, Labour councillor for Norreys, said the location is inappropriate, being near two schools and hundreds of houses. “It is ridiculous that other sites have been rejected, as they are too close to houses, but somehow this site, which is right outside a row of houses, is deemed acceptable – that’s double standards. “It is also on a lovely patch of grass with a variety of trees which creates a green oasis in the heart of a densely packed residential area that will be ruined by this mast and all the associated infrastructure. “The mast is 15 metres tall and will totally spoil this area, overshadowing the houses and trees, and the base cabinets are extensive and take up a lot of children’s play space.” The councillor has teamed up with residents who are concerned the mast will overshadow their properties. Resident Georgia Watts, who lives in one of the houses next to the mast site, is outraged by the proposals. She said: “It’s not right that this mast will be so close to our houses. “When we look out of our windows our view will be blighted by a 15-metre mast and all the surrounding
NO TO MAST HERE: Adrian Salter, Cllr Rachel Burgess and Georgia Watts cabinets, which will ruin this lovely area of grass and trees. “I see children playing here all the time, as well as lots of people walking through this area, and it will be totally spoiled by this mast.” Another resident who lives nearby, Kiara Maher, also objects. “Having a 5G mast so close to our house is not only an eyesore but has been proven to devalue a house price, and deter interested parties from making offers,” she said. “We don’t want or need this 5G mast so close to our houses, especially when Wokingham Borough have failed to outline proof as to how safe they are.”
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Cllr Burgess said cabinets on the verge could also lead to a loss of parking spaces, if residents cannot open their car doors. “I don’t doubt the need for the infrastructure but this location is just wrong,” she added. Cllr Burgess said it is not her job to suggest another location and wants Three to consider other sites again. Consultation on the proposed mast ends on Wednesday, September 8. The application number is 212776. Residents have until Monday, September 8, to object to the application at www.wokingham.gov.uk/planning quoting application number 212776.’
10 | BUSINESS
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
Got a business story? Email news@wokingham.today or write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE: Ovenu, launched by Adam Penniston in 1997, has received a diamond award from an online review site for “outstanding” customer service
Top reviews lead to award A BUSINESS born in Wokingham has been recognised with an award, after completing 30,000 services for its customers. Ovenu, launched by Adam Penniston in 1997, has received a diamond award from an online review site for “outstanding” customer service. The oven-valeting franchise dismantles and cleans ovens across Wokingham, Finchampstead, Arborfield, Twyford and Wargrave. It received the diamond award from Trustist — and Mr Penniston said it was a welcome win following a challenging 18 months. “This business is founded on
great service, and there is no higher praise than glowing testimonials from people that matter most — our clients,” he said. “This diamond award represents a huge vote of confidence in the business and the service we provide. “I’d like to say a big thank you to our clients, because without their positive feedback, Ovenu Wokingham wouldn’t have received this accolade.” Nigel Apperley, chief executive of Trustist, added: “It is important to recognise that individual franchisees like Adam play a huge part in building a good reputation for an overall brand.”
Cold Chain help from Blandy A THAMES Valley law firm has lent a helping hand to a national publisher. Blandy & Blandy’s corporate and commercial team recently advised The Cold Chain Federation on a number of acquisitions. The Federation, a trade association for businesses using temperature-controlled storage, acquired industry magazines Cold Chain News and Global Cold Chain News. David Few, from the Blandy & Blandy team, advised on the deal, with Emma Ford. “It was a pleasure to assist the Federation with this acquisition, which I am sure will further help the Federation continue to provide invaluable support to the logistics
sector, particularly during these most difficult and challenging times,” he said. Cold Chain Federation chief executive Shane Brennan said working with Blandy & Blandy was “reassuring at every stage.” “We are delighted to have made this acquisition,” he added. “Over the past three years we have been on a journey to transform our organisation so as to ensure it has an impactful voice on the major issues; brings professionals together to learn and problem-solve; and invests in the advice and research that benefits the whole UK cold chain.” The magazines will continue to operate independently.
Help to get young into work GRANTS are up for grabs for anybody in Wokingham with a bright idea to tackle unemployment. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) is looking for people and organisations in Berkshire with a project that helps those out of work. As part of its Community Training programme, ESFA is offering grants worth between £5,000 and £20,000 to fund schemes that will bring people closer to employment. The initiative is supported by Thames Valley Berkshire LEP and aims to help smaller grassroots organisations. Green Health Thames Valley, which offers mental health support
with a twist, has already received nearly £20,000 from ESFA for its Progression Through Horticulture programme. It provides a safe space where individuals can engage with a horticultural therapist, and targets long-term unemployed people. The deadline for applications for the latest round of funding is Monday, September 20 at 9am. Anybody applying before Monday, September 13, can access pre-application guidance. ESFA’s funding is available to a number of groups, including charities, social enterprises, third sector organisations and individuals aged 16 and over. n For more information, visit: www. groundwork.org.uk
Discover networking to help grow your business By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today NETWORKING is the key to success, according to two Wokingham groups.
Sarah O’Neill, from Wokingham Positive Difference, and Julian Mobbs, from Thames Valley Berkshire Business Growth Hub, said connecting with colleagues and companies is vital for career progression. Now, they have shared their top tips for anybody looking to get started.
Pandemic networking Over the past 18 months, as the world shifted online, Ms O’Neill said networking has become more important than ever before. “Effective networking can be an extremely valuable component of your business success story,” she said. “It offers many benefits. “It’s been a steep learning curve with new systems, methods and styles, but time and time again the people that attend events show us that the need and value for networking did not drop off during the pandemic.” Over the pandemic, she said Wokingham Positive Difference has hosted 16 online networking sessions. “The ability to attend events without needing to travel, park and get up that
extra 30 minutes earlier saves energy and helps the environment too,” she added.
share knowledge, seek help, [and] explore current issues that may be emerging.”
Why is networking vital?
How can it help?
According to Mr Mobbs, networking can help people share their experiences and discover new opportunities. “Whether virtual or faceto-face, networking remains a highly valuable tool,” he explained. “[It] enables participants to benefit from the first-hand experience of others.” He said the Business Growth Hub, which is run by Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, is currently helping companies network by bringing together groups of business leaders to consider industry challenges and opportunities. “[This] provides business owners with the chance to build a trusted support network, developer leadership skills, find solutions to challenges and seize opportunities,” Mr Mobbs added. Ms O’Neill said knowing how to communicate can be “extremely valuable” for businesses looking to succeed and grow. “Networking can allow you to establish or build upon relationships outside of your everyday interactions,” she said. “It will offer opportunities for you to
Wokingham Positive Difference said networking is key for anybody looking to move up the career ladder. “It may allow you to make connections with people in similar roles and industries, be first to hear about potential opportunities, and even give you a platform for some personal selfpromotion,” Ms O’Neill added. “The extent of this relies on the individual as well as the type of networking being sought after. “Being present in the right environments with the right sorts of people can afford you the chance to demonstrate transferable skills.” Mr Mobbs said it also allows people to make lasting connections, form new partnerships with potential colleagues, raise their business profile and generate referral opportunities.
How to get started Ms O’Neill says networking is a personal journey. “Its value can be subjective and very much depends on the individual’s understanding and expectations of what can be achieved,” she explained.
“Some professionals may report great success at specially organised meetings, while others may gain more from attending more tailored functions such as sporting competitions [and] charity events. “The key to networking paying off for you is to think about what it is you wish to achieve from spending time (and potentially money) partaking.” She said Wokingham Positive Difference could be a useful starting point for some. And Mr Mobbs said Berkshire Growth Hub offers a range of services for those interested in networking. This includes signposting people towards local networking groups and enrolling businesses on its free Peer Networks programme, which forms part of a national initiative. “It goes beyond traditional networking and is based on action learning,” he explained. n For more details on the Business Growth Hub, visit: www.berkshirebusinesshub. co.uk n Anybody interested in Wokingham Positive Difference should visit www.wokinghampositivedfference.co.uk or contact wokinghampositivedifference@gmail.com
Make connections at new meeting
Workshop for self-employment help
WOMEN in business across Wokingham borough can make new connections at an upcoming meeting. The Women in Business Network is hosting a networking session for entrepreneurs across Caversham, Reading and Wokingham next week.
ANYBODY considering selfemployment can get help from a new workshop. Wokingham Job Support Centre (WSJC) is hosting the event for those thinking about starting their own business. The session, called Working for Yourself, will teach a range of topics including: n Creating a business plan
It is taking place at Cantley House Hotel, on Miltons Road, to help people connect with one another in the area. The session is running from noon until 2pm.
n For more information or to book a space, contact Sarah van Dort on 07888 695281 or sarahvandort@wibn.co.uk
n Value for money marketing n Managing cash flow n Organising wages and taxes The workshop will take place at The Cornerstone on Norreys Avenue on Thursday, September 9 between 10am and 12.30pm. n For more information, call 0118 977 0517 or email jobsearch@wjsc.org.uk
Retraining funding pot launched A FUNDING pot has launched to support people looking to retrain after the pandemic. The Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT) has made £500,000 available for workers who have been furloughed, made redundant, or become unemployed over the past 18 months. It forms part of its new Step Into International Trade training programme to help anyone interested in joining
the international trade sector. Marco Forgione, IOE&IT director general, said: “Step Into International Trade is about offering workers who have recently had a change in circumstances a chance to train for a new career path. “The UK is at an historic junction in terms of its trading relationship with the rest of the world, and businesses need more skilled people to work in
international trade.” He said the funding should introduce new people into the job market. The first intake, which begins today, offers a training course and a certificate in International Trade, Customs and Logistics. Mr Forgione added: “This is the perfect opportunity to forge a new career path. “With 50,000 customs specialists needed to handle
post-Brexit documentation, let our expert trainers provide you with the skills you need to take your first steps into international trade.” Those enrolling on the IOE&IT’s online course will be offered a tutor to guide their learning, including how and why firms import and export, and how goods are moved across borders.
n For more information, visit: www.export.org.uk
Thursday, September 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Midnight hit-and-run smashes into historic cottages and drives off EXCLUSIVE By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today A MIDNIGHT hit and run driver smashed so hard into two ancient cottages they moved. The car was then driven off, leaving a trail of destruction behind.
The shocked and frightened Hurst residents are now appealing for people to help the police hunt for the heartless driver. Less than two years ago about 500 people signed a petition asking Wokingham Borough Council to improve safety on the road, a treble bend by The Castle Inn at Church Hill, Hurst. The speed limit is 60mph. One of the Church Cottage residents, Robert Stothart, 63 and an IT trainer, said: “At about 12.15am (on Tuesday) I was sound asleep but then heard a car roaring up the hill [from Winnersh direction]. The road bends here are like a mini chicane, giving some people the feeling of being on a race track. “I heard a screech of brakes, then a big thump and the whole house moved. Things on top of the wardrobe fell off. “I looked out of the window – no car there. It had bounced
off the wall and I don’t think actually stopped. It must have been foot down to get away, across our front garden, taking out our fence to get back onto the road. “The builder said if our cottage was a new-build it would have gone right through the wall. But these cottages are hundreds of years old with walls a foot deep. An hour or so earlier I’d have been sitting by the window and covered in broken glass from smashed ornaments.” The vehicle left blue paint scraped along the front wall, and cracks inside and outside the sitting room wall. The cottage next door also had cracked walls. Mr Stothart appealed for anyone seeing a blue car with damaged left and right head light areas and passenger door to contact the police. Thames Valley Police are investigating the incident. Yesterday they said: “No arrests have yet been made. Anyone with information which could relate to it should call us on 101, quoting reference number 43210389918.” Mr Stothart’s partner Diane Pilgrim, 67, a counsellor, said: “Three police cars came very quickly, the officers were very supportive. It’s really upset me.
DAMAGED: Diane Pilgrim and Robert Stothart whose cottage moved when smashed into by the midnight hit and run driver and (left) some of the damage We’re terrified, so nervous now. We couldn’t get back to sleep all night, worried it’d happen again. I’m not sure I want to stay here after living here for 22 years.” The fence had been knocked down 12 times to her memory. Next door neighbour Simon Davies, 29, a landscape gardener, said: “I’d just fallen asleep when I heard an almighty thud. I shot out of bed but they were so quick getting away.” His front garden was the first victim of the swerving vehicle which smashed through his front fence, his front door porch and the side fence, into his neighbour’s front wall.
“The police were here before the beads on our window sill candelabra stopped swinging,” he said. Mr Davies found a small car part afterwards. From online research he believes it shows the vehicle was a 2002-5 Subaru Forester. He hopes this will help police track the driver. Over the road at The Castle Inn supervisor Cameron Hopes said: “We went out to make sure everyone was OK. Everyone was rather shaken up.” Sue Payne, from St Nicholas Church, Hurst, said the damage had been reported to Oxford Diocese who own the cottages on behalf of the church. “It was
a real shock for the residents. We’re so grateful they weren’t physically injured,” she said. Repairs will be arranged. She shared the concerns about speeding traffic in an area used by many including church goers, almshouse residents, Hurst bowling club, pub customers, and also children and young people. Mr Stothart added: “We’ve been campaigning for the 60mph speed limit to be reduced but they would still speed. All we got from Wokingham Borough Council were warning signs, white lines on the road sides and white arrows on the road.” Hurst’s borough councillor Wayne Smith was hoping to meet the area’s police officer yesterday to discuss possible safety improvements. “Based on that I will raise it with the borough council,” he said. “The only way may be to create some kind of width restriction to slow traffic.” He said it was important any accidents were reported to the police. Less than two years ago Hurst parish councillor Mac Stephenson presented a petition signed by nearly 500 people to the borough council asking for better Church Hill safety.
New coffee morning launches A COFFEE morning is starting later this month. Hosted by Woosehill Church, on Chestnut Avenue, the first event will be on Saturday, September 11. Sit and Share will run once a month, but more dates may appear if popular. A spokesperson for the church said: “If you live in Woosehill and have been affected by the long lockdowns and Covid and would like someone to talk to or to make new friends then Sip and Share coffee morning may be the answer you have been looking for.” It will serve tea, coffee and cake from 11am at the church.
Time for some old favourites ST ANDREW’S Church in Sonning is to hold a special service dedicated to some old favourites. The Songs of Praise event will take place from 5pm on Sunday, September 12. All 10 hymns sung have been chosen by the congregation, and the evening will act as a service of dedication for its new organ. The guest preacher will be former Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Revd Lord Carey of Clifton. Afterwards there will be celebratory drinks.
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CORONAVIRUS LATEST
Doctor warns of jabs abuse from anti-vaxxers EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A BOROUGH doctor abused by antivaxxers said that speaking about the effectiveness of a jab made him a target.
Dr Henry Walters, who works for a surgery in the borough, said that revealing his name could lead to protests outside his workplace. After spending 18 months with colleagues on the frontline of the pandemic, Dr Walters said that the last thing he wants is for his team to be abused as they arrive for work, or targeted by email. Wokingham.Today has changed his name because of this. Last week, anti-vaxxers protested outside Costa Coffee, at Showcase Cinema, Winnersh. The chain has been targeted in recent weeks for complying with the law in the Republic of Ireland. It requires all eateries to ask for proof of vaccination or immunity status before customers can dine-in. Dr Walters said that vaccines are a choice, much like speeding or acquiring a gas certificate. “There are lots of things in life you have a choice over,” he said. “You have a choice to speed, but doing so puts yourself, your loved ones, and others at risk. “You have a choice to get a gas certificate, but not doing so puts yourself and others at risk. “There are certain basic minimums that are required to protect ourselves, loved ones, and
society,” the doctor said. “Vaccines are the same.” He added: “If you’re not prepared to protect yourself and others, then society will say, ‘Hold on, we need a different relationship with you’.” He said that people who choose not to have a vaccine could be putting others in real danger. “I’ve seen people die from Covid-19,” Dr Walters said. “I’ve lost colleagues, I’m seeing others still affected by longcovid. “There are still people with covid in hospitals, and there are still people dying.” Dr Walters said that lockdown, face masks and increasing handwashing were the first steps to help curb the spread of Covid-19. Vaccines are the second, he said. “The vaccines are amazingly effective,” he said. “They are the progression of hundreds of years of science.” Dr Walters said that the covid vaccines might be some of the most tested and monitored in history. With the world watching, medical groups knew they had to be safe and effective, he said. “Yes it was done in a short timeframe,” he said. “That’s because they ran the trials concurrently, gambling a lot of money in the process.” But the cost does not lead to automatic approval, he explained. “There have been some Covid-19 vaccines that haven’t passed the tests, with only those found to be effective approved,” he said. Dr Walters said that there is also more real-time data than ever before.
He said that researchers look at the vaccine data for everyone that tests positive for the virus via PCR test. “Did they have one jab, two, or none?” he said. “Which one did they have? When did they have it?” These are questions asked of all those who test positive, in a bid to create a growing pool of data. But for some people, data is not enough, Dr Walters said. “There are some people who, no matter how much reassurance you give them, have a fixed position,” he said. “They won’t budge. And often these are fairly irrational approaches.” Dr Walters explained that anyone with logical concerns would be willing and open to change their mind based on the data. “I’ve been a doctor more than 30 years,” he explained.” There will always be some people with a fixed position. “I have no toleration for people who have no real reason why they can’t have a vaccine, who go out without face masks, and come into healthcare settings without masks. “They’re putting staff, loved ones, and even themselves at risk.” The doctor encouraged anyone who is unsure about the vaccine, and would like to talk about its effects, to speak to their own GP or another healthcare professional who will guide them through the process. Jabs are still available across the UK, and open to anyone who may change their mind. n For more information, visit: www.nhs. uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirusvaccine
Students jabbed before term starts ALMOST half of eligible pupils have had their first jab in time for the return to school this week. As the autumn term commences, the borough council expects more students will take up the offer of their first jab, and said the pop-up events at The Forest and Bulmershe school were successful. It comes as the Government updated the Contingency Framework, which advises on actions after a positive case, and re-defines “close mixing”. A spokesperson for the borough council said they are supporting schools in the decisions they make, based on “what feels right for them”. “Our dedicated Children’s Covid-19 Taskforce is continuing to reaching out to local head teachers and early years staff to provide information on the guidance, understand what measures they might be putting in place from this week, and to see how we can support further,” they added. Last autumn, case rates began to climb, coinciding with the arrival of cold and flu season. To help keep cases low, the council spokesperson said the taskforce will continue to have daily contact with headteachers. There will be weekly virtual
Reading Festival gives out jabs
FESTIVAL JABS: A student at The University of Reading gets a Covid-19 jab at a pop-up vaccination tent at Reading Festival Picture: Dijana Capan leadership drop-in sessions, where council staff can share information and school leaders can discuss and share best practices. And schools will be updated with any changes in Government guidance. The taskforce is also aiming to support parents, carers, young people, and staff who feel anxious about returning to school.
From this month, all state-funded schools will be given CO2 monitors, to spot whether ventilation needs to be improved. The £25 million investment will fund roughly 300,000 monitors, with priority going to SEND schools. The council aims to provide inform schools about the monitors, including how to use them.
PEST: The van was on Warren House Road Picture: Andrew Waters
Dinton boat storage to be flattened for car park EXCLUSIVE
Japanese Knotweed spotted near homes AN INVASIVE species of plant has been spotted in Wokingham, raising concerns about its impact on residents homes. Japanese knotweed removal vans were seen on Warren House Road on Wednesday, August 25. And the next morning, excavation equipment was being unloaded, in preparation to remove the root. The site is east of the Thames Water Sewage Treatment Works, next to the land where David Wilson Homes is building 153 properties. Classified as controlled waste, it is an offence to cause the plant to grow in the wild, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If untreated, it can cause serious structural damage to homes and their foundations. Andrew Waters spotted a treatment van along the Wokingham road last week. He told Wokingham.Today: “This has the potential for quite a serious environmental problem.”
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He was concerned that with the plant established in the area, it could have an impact on future housebuilding. “It now brings the questions, should we be building on land infested with Japanese knotweed,” he said. Anyone disposing of the invasive plant could be fined up to £5,000 or be sent to prison for up to two years if they allow contaminated soil or plant material from waste transfered to spread into the wild. A spokesperson for David Wilson Homes said a small amount of the plant was identified. “We have appointed a specialist contractor to remove the plant and ensure that it is disposed of in the approved and legal way,” they said. “Once the work has been carried out and the knotweed is removed, we will be issued with an insurance-backed guarantee to ensure it does not return and therefore will not impact future homeowners at the development.”
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE WIND has been taken out of the sails of some visitors to Dinton Pastures Country Park.
This autumn, the boat storage at Dinton Activity Centre will be demolished to make way for a car park extension. This means that 37 sportspeople who store their boats, kayaks and paddleboards at the centre must find a new home for their kit, from Sunday. The change is part of an evolution of Dinton Activity Centre, which is moving towards a leisure-centre style model of operation, said Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure. David Masters, who has stored his vessel at the country park since 2017, said that there was not enough notice or transparency over the decision. “There has been a lack of communication about the future of sailing at
the club,” he said. “I think it’s been really badly handled.” A spokesperson for the centre said that they are happy to extend storage time for extenuating circumstances. But once everything has been cleared out, work will begin. Visitors will then have to tow boats on trailers to the park each time they use the lake. Mr Masters said this directly opposes the borough council’s climate emergency goals by encouraging more people to drive to the lake instead of walking or cycling. He is also concerned that some sportspeople may choose to drive further afield to other water sports venues. According to Mr Masters, the storage fees at Dinton Pastures were always quite reasonable. He is concerned that when the relatively lowcost option is removed, some people may be put off their sports. “People might have to look at storing their boats at home, or at more expensive private clubs,” he said. Cllr Parry Batth, executive
OPEN: The new activity centre welcomed visitors at the weekend member for environment and leisure, said that he anticipates most boat owners will be able to transport their kayaks or paddleboards on their cars, or tow their dinghies to the lake. He said: “Access to the lake will be maintained for all to participate in watersports. We are only asking people to store their crafts elsewhere.” The councillor said that the reason for scrapping storage is due to a rising demand for on-site parking. The extension would also be an opportunity to improve drainage and the car park surface, he said. Mr Masters said that he was told the decision was based on “feedback”, but has asked to see a survey of storage users’ views. “I don’t think an adequate feedback survey was conducted,” he said. “There should be some more
transparency.” A spokesperson for the borough council said that feedback was received in a number of ways, including a public consultation as part of the Dinton Activity Centre planning submission. Comments from car park visitors about its size, and flooding issues were also included. Lake visitors can still buy annual, day and half-day lake access passes for their dinghy, boards, canoes and kayaks. The activity centre is refunding boat storage passes based on the remaining days between Sunday, September 5, and each person’s storage expiry date. The new car park will include three cycle racks, a bike pump, two electric car charge points, four additional disabled bays, and designated minibus parking.
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By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A COMMUNITY partnership is tackling loneliness in the borough with a range of events over the coming four weeks.
Now taking registrations
To support Wokingham residents, the Friendship Alliance has arranged a series of activities in honour of Friendship Month. Launched in 2011, the campaign was created to bring people across the country together to tackle isolation. The Alliance, which is run by The Link Visiting Scheme, Age UK Berkshire, Involve Community Services and Wokingham Volunteer
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
Make friends across September Centre, is hosting events nearly every day in September. Marjie Walker, manager at Link Visiting, said friendship and making connections are “invaluable” when it comes to health and wellbeing. “The Link Visiting Scheme is delighted to be supporting a focused month of special events in celebration of friendship with the Friendship Alliance,” she said. “We know how debilitating and painful it is to struggle with the
Fun is an essential ingredient at Oak Tree Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them. FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS
serious impact of loneliness, and how important and crucial it is to have a few quality friendships in our lives.” Over the coming month, the Alliance is hosting a series of Friendship Tables, outdoor activities and coffee mornings to mark the campaign.
What’s on the agenda? On Mondays, residents can visit the Friendship Table at Coffee #1 on Peach Place, which will be staffed by a volunteer. People are invited to come alone or with a friend and chat to whomever is there. It is running between noon and 1pm,
OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM
and will also continue after Friendship Month. On Tuesdays, the Alliance is hosting another Friendship Table at the FBC Centre in Finchampstead between 10am and noon. Wednesdays will feature a range of activities throughout the month, including a Virtual Friendship Cafe, Nordic Walking and an Authors Online library event. On Thursdays, the Friendship Alliance has seasonal outdoor bowls planned courtesy of Link Visiting. It will also host a badminton session, coffee and a chat, a Dementia Walk with Age UK Berkshire and a walk in Cantley Park. Fridays will feature a range of activities, from jigsaw puzzles and games to a singalong.
“We look forward to taking part in lots of the events planned. We hope we play our part in promoting groups and services around the borough that are enabling friendship and changing lives,” Ms Walker added. The Friendship Alliance has arranged activities for week-ends, including trips to Charvil Fete, Wokingham Town Market and Spencers Wood Carnival. According to Age UK Berkshire, its Afternoon Tea event, which took place yesterday, proved extremely popular and was fully booked out. A number of events are available to pre-book online now, too. n For more information, including a full diary of upcoming events, contact amalia.mills@ageukberkshire.org.uk or jayne@linkvisiting.org
75 years of housing, not out! By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today ALMSHOUSE residents met for a party to celebrate the 75th birthday of a group which helps make this special form of affordable housing possible.
RATED OUTSTANDING IN THE PAST THREE OFSTED INSPECTIONS
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The Almshouse Association, based at Billingbear Lodge, Maidenhead Road, Wokingham, helps more than 1,600 independent charities that run almshouses for about 36,000 residents across the UK. It started in London in 1946. The association says: “Dating back to the 10th Century, almshouses are the oldest form of social housing; they are held in trust by local people for local people in perpetuity, generation after generation.” Hurst Consolidated Charity is one of the charities. It runs the Harrison Almshouses in Twyford, the William Barker Almshouses in Church Hill, Hurst, and seven in Hinton Road, Hurst, includingh four 1960s almhouses, and three new homes. The new Richard Bigg
PARTY TIME: Lorraine Gladdish trustees clerk, Jacqui Watts, Elizabeth Pomeranz, Brenda Hawkes and Tony Dormer, with charity chair John Edwards behind Almshouses have just been inspected for an award scheme in which Prince Charles is the final judge. Residents of the Twyford and Hurst homes met on Sunday at Church Hill to celebrate the national association’s birthday. Hurst Consolidated Charity chair John Edwards said: “This milestone gives us, as an almshouse charity, an opportunity to celebrate our achievements with our local communities and help us raise the awareness of the very important role our almshouses play in society today.” The association represented almshouse charities and helped them manage resources effectively. It helped the charity provide good quality, ‘micro-community’ housing. “They also help to promote the welfare and independence of our residents and assist with the preservation of our almshouses for future generations,” he added. The Hurst charity can make their housing affordable and keep the homes up to date through its investments. Solar
panels on the new almshouses bring in £5,000 a year. Church Hill resident Steve Williams, 68, who works in quality control at Intersurgical, Wokingham, said: “There are such nice friendly people here. We all help each other out when it’s needed.” Brian Eke, 86, a Twyford resident said: “It’s the best place to live in Twyford. We’re right opposite the shops.” His neighbour Tony Dormer, 69, said: “it’s a friendly, very lovely place to live.” Jacqui Watts, 67, a community first responder with the ambulance service, had high praise for her new Richard Bigg almshouse, saying: “I’ve got a good sized bedroom, a fab wet room [bathroom] and a lovely kitchen living room at the back. It’s a nice community here.” She praised Clerk to the Trustees Lorraine Gladdish for her “absolutely brilliant” work, including dealing with any maintenance problems. Villager Emma Vaughan made the birthday cake shared among guests. TOGETHER: Chris Gray, Peter Snape and Steve Williams
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Chance to air views on Charvil’s neighbourhood plan at fete By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
CHARVIL Parish Council is urging residents to visit an upcoming fete to share their thoughts on its new Neighbourhood Plan.
This weekend, the team behind the plan will visit Charvil Village Party to offer people a last-minute opportunity to complete its survey. So far, the parish council said that hundreds of
villagers have responded – but there are only 10 days left to take part. The Charvil Neighbourhood Plan, which launched in spring, with support from local MP Theresa May, proposes how the village should develop between 2026 and 2036. Guided by the local community, the plan must be considered by Wokingham Borough Council when considering future planning
applications in the area. Since June, Charvil Parish Council has been seeking residents’ views on topics, including housing, green space and the environment, in a bid to develop its proposals. Rob Jones, vice chair of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee, said: “We’re delighted that the initial response has been so strong but we would like to get the response rate to 50%
of households – we’re very close. “The greater the input of local residents, the more weight the plan will carry.” Once residents’ views have been heard, the parish council will finalise its ideas on the future of the village. Mr Jones added: “We are also looking forward to meeting more people on Sunday at the Village Party and discussing further face to face.” Residents can respond to
the Charvil Neighbourhood Plan online and by paper before Sunday, September 12. For more, visit: www. neighbourhoodplan.charvil. com Anybody interested in finding out more at the Charvil Village Party can speak to the parish council on East Park Farm Playing Fields between 2pm and 6pm on Sunday.
n For more about the fete, visit: www.facebook.com/ CharvilVillageFete
Hurst panto group to head to Wild West FUN TIME: Boxes make great toys
CRAFTS: Antonella Mhlanga (4) shows her hat
LAUGHTER: Fun at a previous Hurst panto, based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
RACES: Tackling the obstacle course By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today HURST Pantomime Group is inviting all interested in getting involved in their tenth production, either on or off the stage, to go to an introductory Information meeting.
An original script written by talented Hurst residents Jonathan de Mounteney and Matt Allwright, A Lad in The Wild West promises a fun-filled twist on the classic Aladdin pantomime. Swapping the Arabian desert for Texan ranches, our heroes include Jasmine, a plucky cowgirl, and her trusty steed, Flying Carpet. All are welcome at the relaxed information meeting on Monday September 6 at 7,30pm in Hurst Village Scout Hut, next to Hurst Village Hall, RG10 0DR, A spokesperson said: “It will be a fantastic opportunity to meet the team, hear a synopsis of the script, and learn more about both the acting and back-stage crew roles available.” Producer Claire Lawrence said: “Every panto we produce relies on a large team both on and off stage. Crew roles range from lighting, sound, costumes, props,
ACTIONS: Children enjoy taking part in the singing session
Chattaboxes have fun in the field
TWYFORD was feeling tropical last weekend, thanks to a summer holiday club. Thru-Christ hosted its first-ever Chattabox event on Sunday, August 29, to help youngsters enjoy some end-of-summer activities. The jungle-themed day took place at King George V Recreation Ground, and saw children and adults enjoy music, sketches, crafts, and Bible stories. Ele Buckley, children and families worker at Thru-Christ, said: “We were delighted [with how the day went]. The atmosphere was really happy and relaxed, and we welcomed more children than we would normally expect.” Following 18 months of coronavirus regulations, she said it was the first time Thru-Christ had come back together for a team project. “Lots of people said they absolutely loved helping out and being part of a team again,” she added. Activities included making binoculars, jungle jackets and hats, to crafting boats out of boxes. There were also parachute games and an obstacle course. “Everybody was happy to be there and people forgot about their worries,” Ms Buckley said. “We have a new vision as a church about building up and out into the community and this was a great way to start living out that new vision as we emerge from the other side of the pandemic.” Thru-Christ is a partnership of churches across Twyford, Wargrave and Ruscombe.
hair and makeup, to front of house, chaperoning, marketing, ticket sales, directing, and production. “So, no matter how much experience you have, if you fancy getting involved, then please let us know. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, have fun, and experience the fantastic camaraderie associated with putting on a highly regarded show.” Those interested in auditioning will be able to register and take away character part descriptions, audition excerpts, and an information sheet. Youth (school year nine upwards) and adult auditions will be held on Friday, September 10, in Hurst Village Hall from 7.30pm. Children from school years four to eight can register and audition on Sunday, September 12, in Hurst Village Hall from 1pm. Performances will be from January 20-22, next year, with tickets going on sale later in the autumn. Follow Hurst Pantomime Group on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@hurstpanto) or log on to www.hurstpanto.org.uk
n For questions about the information meeting or audition process, email info@hurstpanto.org.uk.
Motown singing session
HOP TO IT: Racing on the space hoppers
SING TO your heart’s content in Charvil next week. Music teacher and choir director Suzanne Newman is hosting a singing afternoon for female voices — and it includes a bumper crop of Motown classics. From Please Mr Postman to I Heard It Through the Grapevine, singers will practice a range of tunes from Motown: The Musical in a two-part choir.
They will be accompanied by Marie Daniels from Checkendon. The event takes place on Saturday, September 11, between 2pm and 4pm at Charvil Village Hall. Spaces are still available for £10, which includes music and light refreshments. For more information, contact Ms Newman on 0118 934 0589 or email suzanneynewman@ btinternet.com
CROWTHORNE&FINCHAMPSTEADNEWS Bend it like Jane at new class NEW YOGA classes in Finchampstead have been launched this month. Suitable for beginners and all abilities, Yoga With Jane has arrived at Nine Mile Ride School, on Finchampstead Road, on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7pm. And Jane Wu, who organises the classes, says that she teaches a relaxed style of Hatha yoga, and the sessions will focus on alignment and mindful movement. “I am so thrilled to be bringing my style of gentle yoga to Finchampstead. I welcome anyone who wants to boost their health and resilience to come and join me,” the instructor said. “I started yoga in my early 40s and I found a gentle but incredibly effective way of building strength and resilience.” Participants don’t need to be fit or flexible to join in, and poses
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Couple’s marathon run will honour Jake and help Seb By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today A COUPLE are running this year’s London Marathon in memory of their son to raise money for children’s charity Sebastian’s Action Trust.
TUTOR: Jane Wu will lead Hatha yoga classes in Finchampstead can be adapted so everyone can work within their limits comfortably. The spacious hall is well ventilated, with class numbers limited to ensure there is plenty of room. Mrs Wu added: “Combining movement with breath work and relaxation techniques it’s a complete
approach to health and well-being. “I hope your yoga journey will be as rewarding as mine.” The one-hour class costs £10 with beginners running on Mondays and all abilities on Wednesdays. n For more details, or to book, log on to bookwhen.com/ yogawithjane
Kate and Nick Mellor have decided to embark on this challenge in memory of their eldest son, Jake, who died at the age of just eight in 2018. The organisation, with premises in Crowthorne and North Waltham, provides services to help seriously ill children and their families. The family stayed at the charity’s North Waltham site, The Bluebells, several times, enjoying all of the facilities, especially the hydrotherapy pool. Jake was born with lots of complex medical needs and cerebral palsy, but his death came as a shock, as his condition was life-limiting, not life threatening. Mrs Mellor spoke of how much support they have received from Sebastian’s Action Trust through its bereavement services and holidays. “At Jake’s funeral, I can remember just spending hours being hugged by friends and family; over 400 people attended on the day,” she said. “I remember seeing, among all those people, our outreach worker Sue, with
MARATHON EFFORT: Kate and Nick Mellor are aiming to raise £5,000 for Sebastian’s Action Trust, as they run the London Marathon in memory of their son Jake (above) two huge teddies for Jake’s sisters.” Mrs Mellor added that they are both “absolutely thrilled” to be running the London Marathon on Sunday, October 3 in memory of Jake. With all funds raised going to the trust, Mrs Mellor explained how the bereavement support they have received has been a “real lifesaver”. “When Jake died, we became one of their butterfly families,” she added. “Sebastian’s Action Trust continues to include and remember Jakey. They support the girls and us in so many ways, so we can’t think of a better
charity to run 26.2 miles for.” Abi Hurst, communications and fundraising officer at Sebastian’s Action Trust, said: “The whole team are so proud of Nick and Kate and all the money they have raised for Sebastian’s Action Trust. “We are wishing them the best and cannot wait to be supporting them round the marathon in October.” The couple have so far raised almost £2,500 of their £5,000 target. n For more details, or to donate, log on to: sebastiansactiontrust.org/ missiontomarathon
National One Rugby returns to Old Bath Road on 11th September 2021 K.O. 3pm 1st XV v TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS RFC
© RAMSRUGBY 2021
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.
We look forward to welcoming you to OLd Bath Road... Rams Rugby, Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ 160mmx8 columns (265mm) Tonbridge Juddians Home 11th August - Wokingham Paper 2.09.21.indd 1
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WOODLEY&EARLEYNEWS Earley Home Guards raise glass to new bar
FROM LEFT: Vicky Fisher, activities and volunteers coordinator, Liz McDaniel, fundraising and development officer, Theresa May, Shaun Polley, charity CEO and Lucy Morris, charity chair
Mrs May joins the club THE FORMER prime minister visited a Woodley charity last month. Theresa May spent time with some of the Me2Club team, which supports children with additional needs to enjoy weekly leisure activities. The MP met chair of trustees, Lucy Morris, who has a child supported by the charity. Ms Morris said: “We were delighted to welcome Mrs May to our offices in Woodley this week. “We were proud to be able to share with her the way in which Me2Club quickly adapted the services we offer during the pandemic, and our plans for recovery and beyond.” Ms Morris said the former prime minister was very interested in the
impact pandemic isolation had on the mental health and wellbeing of the children and families the charity supports. Mrs May said the charity provides a “really important service”. “Often groups, like Scouts, worry about whether they can provide for a child with additional needs, but with the help and support of Me2 Club’s volunteers, the answer is, ‘yes they can’,” she said. “This benefits the child and their family but it also benefits the group they are joining. This is a great charity that really makes a difference to children’s lives.” n For more information, visit: www. me2club.org.uk
Over 55s club regroups
A WOODLEY club is restarting sessions after 18 months away. The Woodley Over 55s Club will be meeting tomorrow with a talk about under sea life of Indonesia. It will be delivered by Paul
Showtime THE WOODLEY Light Operatic Society is taking to the stage next week. The amateur group
Hatfield at 2.15pm. Doors open at 1.45pm, for visitors to find their seats at Coronation Hall. A spokesperson for the club said a full programme of events has been planned until the end of the year, ranging from talks to
music, bingo and a Christmas party. Sessions this month include a talk about Great Ormond Street hospital, a quiz afternoon and a comedy picture show.
is performing its Celebrate the Musicals production at The Flavell, in Sindlesham Court. Opening night is Wednesday, September 8, followed
by shows on the Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost £25 and include supper. All shows start at 7.30pm.
CHEERS: Chairman Jeff, secretary Kaye, trustee Barry and vice-chair Barbara mark the refurb Picture: Steve Smyth
EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today WOODLEY’S Christmas Fayre will be returning this winter.
The event was cancelled last year due to coronavirus, but will be back in familiar form this December. From 10am until 3pm on Sunday, December 5, the town’s residents are invited to join the festivities in the town centre. Woodley town centre manager, Brian Fennelly, said he is confident the Yuletide event will go ahead, and
he is very pleased with the interest so far. “Having had a year off, it’s given us a chance to reflect,” Mr Fennelly said. “So we’re going to do things a bit differently.” The town’s centre stage will be used as a focal point for the day, with a wide programme of events featuring nearby groups and choirs. “We want to have more street performers this year,” Mr Fennelly said. This could include circusstyle performances, bringing mobile entertainment to the town.
Mr Fennelly hopes this choice will mean large crowds do not gather around the stage, but attendees have plenty to see as they roam the precinct. Stalls will include hot food and drink, Christmas gifts, and charity fundraising stalls. “It’s a great opportunity to come out and buy some early Christmas presents,” Mr Fennelly added. And it’s not the first Christmas event for the town The week prior, there will be a Christmas Tree light switch-on, on Saturday, November 27.
The event will include a carol concert, song with lashings of mulled wine, mince pies and hot roasted chestnuts. Applications are now open for vendor pitches for the December event. Stalls and gazebos are limited to three metres long and wide. A charity gazebo costs £30, trade price is £45, and trade vehicles cost £60. Stall applicants will be contacted with details in the first week of November. n For more information, visit: www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk
Harvest ready for community orchard A COMMUNITY orchard in Earley is ripe for picking. Jean Hackett, who helps maintain the orchard along with others, said the trees are flourishing this summer. The Laurel Park site marked its fifth birthday this year, with the majority of trees ready to be picked. There are apples, plums, pears, damson and greengage fruits. Ms Hackett said: “The orchard is always open and the fruit available to the public. We hope everyone will be restrained in their
n For more information, call Jill Turner on 0118 9628631.
n For tickets, visit: www.wlos.co.uk
15% off your first visit % &
n For more information, visit: www.ehgsc.co.uk
Town’s Christmas fayre to return with new look
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VISITORS were welcomed to the Earley Home Guard Social Club on Sunday. The group held an open event for people to visit the newly refurbished function room bar, and explore more becoming a member. Those that dropped into the Pitts Lane venue were also able to enjoy a drink with society members in the new bar.
Women’s club returns WOODLEY Women’s Club is returning this month, with sessions starting from Monday. The group has recently confirmed its programme of events for the year. The first meeting is Monday, September 6, at 7.30pm at the Oakwood Centre with Tom Way talking about
picking, leaving plenty for others.” There are 18 trees, 16 of which are sponsored by Earley residents and organisations, with the remaining two donated. “The range was chosen their quality, the range of the cropping season and the fact they cannot be found in supermarkets,” Ms Hackett explained. The group that maintains the orchard visit monthly to look after the site. n For more, visit: earleyorchard.org.uk
his world wildlife photography. Molly Cheesman, from the society, said: “After being forced to close down for approximately 18 months like most clubs, the Woodley Women’s Club is delighted to announce that we are re-starting our meetings. “Our club secretary Sheila has worked really hard preparing an excellent list of speakers for the coming year.”
Ms Cheesman said plans are underway for a Christmas party at Sonning Golf Club and the club’s birthday party in February. “We are also excited to say that two new ladies have joined the committee, offering to be joint social secretaries, so there will also be outings to look forward to in the future,” Ms Cheesman added. She hopes to see existing and new members next week.
Thursday, September 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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20 | NEWS
Honest Motherhood Angela Garwood
Leo, the party animal
W
E had Leo’s first Birthday party last week. Joel’s parents kindly let us host it in their back garden, allowing us to invite more than the five guests we’d squeeze into ours. They cooked, and did most of the preparation, I brought the cake and expressed opinions on where the bunting should hang. It was a wonderful afternoon. I discovered a love of Pimm’s, and Maia a love of drawing on people’s faces in scented pens. She spent a vast chunk of time adorning a grown man’s head in detailed illustrations. He looked like some kind of weird circus performer meets drunken stag do consequence. Toddlers hopped on and off the bouncy castle, and adults abided by our handmade “NO ADULTS ALLOWED” sign. Which was difficult for some. Leo had a whale of a time crawling around the place, meeting some loved ones for the first time. The mood dipped slightly when we all sang Happy Birthday. I was all ready with Colin the Caterpillar and, as the song ended, he burst into tears, quite dramatically, clearly distressed. It was all a bit much. No one likes being serenaded. From one celebration to another, I dragged the boys to their first Filipino party at the weekend. My mother, her best friends and a platter of food they couldn’t eat. (Joel has recently taken up veganism, though is reluctant to commit to calling himself “a vegan” for fear he should fall off the wagon, so tells people he is merely “trying veganism”.) This is all well and good but sadly Filipino cuisine is largely meat and fish, tricky for a vegetarian, let alone a vegan. I advised him to avoid the dining room where it was hard to ignore what I thought was an entire roasted pig on the table, but turned about to be a rather substantial chunk of lamb. Neither of us went near it. We stuck to our vegetable pancit (a Flilipino noodle dish). He said nothing as guests heard of our family’s unusual dietary choices and joked they’d been feeding Leo cuts of lamb. This was not amusing. “I didn’t realise they were joking,” Joel blurted out on the way home. “I would never have let that happen,” I replied. (Our son is strictly vegetarian.) Maia, on the other hand, devours parma ham as if its a normal accompaniment to every meal. It wouldn’t be a Filipino gathering without karaoke, which I have been well acquainted with over the years, having been dragged to dozens of these get-togethers myself as a child. I have many happy memories of Summers in The Philippines, staying up till the early hours with my family, all crowded around the karaoke. It’s sink or sing. You have to embrace it, otherwise they’ll detect your shyness and put the spotlight on you all the more. Even Leo had a go. Though he was more intent on consuming the microphone. I hogged it, working my way through the classics. My Mum sang and danced with her friends like the old days, laughing endlessly and posing for photos. We ate purple Ube cake, belted out a duet to The Human League, and politely declined about 15 offerings of alcohol. (I barely drink and he was driving.) It was Joel and Leo’s first insight into my Filipino heritage. Lamb jokes aside, I think it went well.
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Why Laura knows her 35 times table
IT’S AN iconic cinema moment. Sitting around the card table, Sean Connery is dressed to the nines, Martini close by. He lights up and utters the immortal words, “The name’s Bond, James Bond”. For many, this is their experience of a casino. High stakes, preserve of rich people and, well, a bit of a fantasy, so the Grosvenor Casino situated off the A33 in Reading might seem as exotic as the island where Dr No was busy building a secret underground base. But it’s actually a hive of friendly activity and acts as one of the company’s UK key sites, coaching staff to create memorable moments. Through its Gaming Academy, it trains staff in a range of games over a six-week period. Part of this includes a safe gambling module to help manage those times when lady luck has definitely run out. Grosvenor says this includes how to identify “potential markers of harm” in customers. The course also covers some of the most popular games, including blackjack, roulette and poker. Other skills include dexterity in both hands, customer service and catching cheats – no cards up these sleeves. Jonathan Swaine, managing director of Grosvenor Casinos, says the company prides itself on creating opportunities for team members to progress their careers. “When we make a hire, we are committed to giving them the best chance to progress and have a career, not just a job,” he adds. “The Gaming Academy is something we are really proud of; we have seen a really positive uptake in participation. The past 15 months have been very tough for us all and now we have our teams back doing what they do best, we are determined to give them the best career development opportunities we can.” Laura Wilson, 33 and “Reading born and bred”, is one such graduate. She joined working in the food and beverages department, and took the opportunity to join in the Academy programme ... days before the second lockdown.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
A Wilde adventu landmarks m By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today
“When we realised we were reopening, I completed the training,” she says. “My goodness, it was so hard. “At the beginning, I found it frustrating because there were certain things my mind wasn’t used to doing: calculations, mathematical stuff, and basically retraining my brain to do things I’ve never done before. “It was enjoyable at the same time. I love being here, having a focus. This is what I want to do, what I’m going to accomplish.” She took to it like a roulette ball to a wheel. Just don’t think the maths is basic stuff, as Laura explains: “If you ask me what’s 15 times 35, it’s 525. I can tell you because I essentially trained my brain to know these types of calculations.” Being able to manipulate cards, spin the wheel, cut chips without breaking into a sweat – it’s a skill. Laura got there with the help of a roll of sticky tape, using it to tape fingers together to help her get, those muscle memories in place. She feels it’s all been worth it: “The Gaming Academy also instilled a lot of confidence in me personally and the fact I was able to complete the course was a big deal for me,” she says. “I never imagined I would progress the way I have, and I’ve been given so many opportunities through the time I’ve been here. “I love being here – we’re one big happy family.” She adds: “I don’t think I could move because I’m so attached to the customers here: I love the staff and the customers. It’s like my second home here.” Forget 007, Laura is in Grosvenor heaven.
TALENTED artist Sally Castle has created a magical book for children and adults based on a classic story where good deeds are rewarded.
The Twyford-based artist used the quietness of covid lockdown to illustrate Oscar Wilde’s children’s story, The Happy Prince. She has lettered the Irish writer’s words in a style loosely based on copperplate, written with a pen dipped in Quink. The end result is a beautiful art book edition, with a sketchbook feel. A professional artist, Sally was born in Reading, the town where Oscar Wilde became the local gaol’s most famous inmate. He was imprisoned there in 1895. For these reasons her drawings set The Happy Prince story in the town. Sally went out and about gathering details with her sketchbook and camera. Readers will be able to spot the local landmarks: the prison and town hall are on the front cover which includes gold foil blocking. Inside, delightfully, the picture of Wilde’s beautiful Palace of Sans-Souci is in fact the Co-op store at Cemetery Junction. The upper section with its mouldings and window framings inspired Sally to think of it as a palace. She has other amusing references. The drawing of Wilde’s lion that roars is of course the war memorial Maiwand lion in Forbury Gardens. “It started just as a personal project during covid. I’d really wanted to do one of Wilde’s fairy stories. The Happy Prince appealed because it shows good deeds being rewarded. It’s a book adults will buy for children. It just looks so lovely,” she says. Sally, 68, has worked closely with Reading Museum. “The book will be launched there
and they will have the art work in their collection,” she says. “I’ve also devised a route round the town, about three miles long, so people can look for the book’s landmarks. Details of the online map will be published later,” she said. She has designed covers and illustrated over 40 books for Readingbased Two Rivers Press, the publishers of her latest book. She is a director of the company.
Super! Heroes go gratis Safety first when swimming for Free Comic Book Day WHILE summer is coming to an end, many Wokingham residents will still be heading out for a swim before autumn truly kicks in. To ensure people stay safe in the water, Reading-based swim school Paddle Ducks has issued some top tips. It comes as the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Swimming predicts more than one million children could leave primary school in the next five years without the vital skill. Jo Gribben, owner of Paddle Ducks, says drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional deaths worldwide. She says: “Children who have missed out on swimming lessons, or have not even had the chance to start them, are more at risk from danger in the water. “Parents should be extra cautious with their little-ones in the water this year.” So what are Jo’s top tips for staying safe?
n For more, visit.grosvenorcasinos. com and www.begambleaware.org
n Make sure children are only in the water when adults are around n Take extra care if visiting the coast n Know what lifeguard flags mean – and avoid red ones n Help children learn through fun activities n Encourage youngsters to talk about safety n In an emergency, remember to float. “It’s important to instil [these] from an early age,” she adds. “Make sure your child asks you before getting in the pool [and replicate] simple fun activities that children can learn. “Although it is important to stay safe in the water and avoid danger, it is a place where children can enjoy themselves whilst learning a key life skill. “Enjoying games, races and splashing in the water is as important as staying safe, allowing your child to have a great time whilst making memories.”
WITH Marvel dominating Disney+, and appetites whetted by the launch of a trailer for the new Spider-man film, demand for superheroes has never been higher. A Reading-based store is celebrating that by giving away comics this Saturday. Crunch Comics, in Harris Arcade off Friar Street, is taking part in this year’s Free Comic Book Day. The nationwide event is a celebration of all things related to the art form and is usually held on the first Saturday in May, but it has been delayed due to covid. Crunch Comics’ plans for the rearranged date of August 14 was nixed by shipping problems facing UK distributors so not all the special edition comics arrived on time. While other comic shops held their Free Comic Book Day event last weekend, Brian Wong, who runs Crunch Comics, took a decision to move it to this weekend,so it didn’t clash with Reading Festival. There will be more than 30 titles
available and a special edition of a Batman comic for every visitor, while stocks last. Like Record Store Day, demand is high and stocks limited. There are no reservations and people can only take one free comic. There will be special offers and a sale on a range of selected items including T-shirts, back issues and collectibles. To help customers, the shop will open from 9am on Saturday, September 2. Mr Wong says: “This will be our fifth year participating in Free Comic Book Day. “In 2019, more than 200 people visited us and, with more titles available this year, we hope to be able to welcome even more comic fans to the store.” He felt that this year’s event is highly anticipated after last year’s event was muted by covid, and the high street has been under pressure due to restrictions on retail trade over the past 18 months. “Hopefully this Free Comic Book
ure sees Reading meet a giant
The Berkshire Care Home
NEW: Sally Castle’s hand-drawn version of Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince features some familiar landmarks
Blooming lovely colours for autumn gardens
The company say she has “a reputation for original hand lettering and a particular interest in linocut printmaking, environmental lettering and mixed media artwork.” Her work is on panels at Chatham
Place and on the Forbury Square Stone in Reading. It’s also on items in Reading Museum’s shop, including tea towels and mugs, and most recently biscuits and sweets packaging which include Wilde’s words: “I can resist everything except temptation”. Sally was part of the Save Reading Gaol campaign, designing T-shirts for it. Wilde expert and collector Michael Seeney’s introduction to the book says it is “beautifully written and illustrated.” He adds: “By setting the story in a recognisable town rather than the stereotypical middle-European towns often used as a setting, Sally Castle allows us to see the universal application of Wilde’s moral, and the whole lives up to his wish that we should ‘find in simplicity a subtle strangeness’.”
A WOKINGHAM garden centre firm has shared its top autumn plants, after being inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show. Squire’s Garden Centres, which has a branch on Heathlands Road, is suggesting a range of flowers and colour schemes for residents’ own gardens this year. It has done so to honour the RHS show being held next month, rather than in May, because of the pandemic. Squire’s has since asked managers across a range of stores to suggest their top five plants for an autumn sanctuary or ‘rainbow’ garden. Some of the suggestions included: n Sedums, for their pink colours which appear only in the autumn. n Heather ‘garden girls’ shrubs, which shine red, pink and white at this time of year. n Japanese maple for their elegant, autumnal leaves.
n Purpletop vervain, which not only stand out with their vibrant purple flowers but also attract bees. n Mountain ash, for its small yellow berries and leaves which turn purple, red and yellow soon. Chris Carpenter, a plant manager at Squire’s, says autumn is the best time of year to get planting. “The soil is warm from the summer sun and moist from the autumn rain,” he explains. And Theresa Scattergood, plant manager in Washington, Sussex, says residents planning an autumn-themed garden should also consider benches and plants that attract wildlife. “[A large bench] has become a symbol of one of the few places people could meet friends, family or neighbours, during the difficult covid restrictions,” she says.
n To find out more about Squire’s autumn offerings, visit: www. squiresgardencentres.co.uk
Harvest time with Freely Fruity
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26 – WOODLEY LUNCH BUNCH: 28.6kg. Cucumbers, mixed berries, cherry tomatoes, plums and apples. We also donated more than 100 potted strawberry plants every family as well, so that they can grow their own fruit. SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 – LOVE MY NEIGHBOUR, NEW BEGINNINGS, HILLSONG CHURCH and STREET FOOD BUDDIES: 111kg. Our biggest harvest so far: potatoes, chard, spinach, carrots, spring onions, beetroots, garlic, red & white onions, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, runner beans, french beans, plums, mixed berries, leeks and various herbs.
FREE READS: Brian Wong from Crunch Comics in Reading’s Harris Arcade with some of the comic books he is giving away this Saturday Picture: Phil Creighton
This week’s total – 139.6kg 2021 Total so far – 981.8 kg
POETRY CORNER
Day will be a nice way to mark a return to normality,” Mr Wong says. For those who haven’t picked up a comic book for ages but enjoyed the numerous Marvel and DC films and TV series, Mr Wong is confident he can find a book that will enthral. “There are a range of Free Comic Book Day special edition titles available, so there’s sure to be something for all the family,” he says. “Whether you already are a regular comic reader or just venturing into comics, or haven’t read comics for a while, Free Comic Book Day will have something for you.
NEWS | 21
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Thursday, September 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
“On Free Comic Book Day, the special edition comics are absolutely free and it’s an opportunity to try something new .... but as these comics cost us money to buy in, we can only afford to give a limited amount away. “Given the tough business conditions due to the covid pandemic, we’d love it if you could make even a small purchase (or big one) on the day, so we can keep selling what we all love – and hopefully participate in Free Comic Book Day next year.” n For more details, log on to crunchcomics.com or www. freecomicbookday.com
Early morning swim
One of those days where the sea melts into the sky seamlessly, languidly a tranquil azure mist of palest watery blues. The beach is quiet almost deserted. Just a few swimmers, the scamper and bark of a small dog. The still of the morning lulled by quiet movement
of whispering waves and early morning shimmers. The gasp of a chill caressed by the kiss of warmth on bare flesh with the promise of the day.
Tina Cathleen MacNaughton, from her book, On the Shoulders of Lions (The Choir Press, July 2021)
We love receiving readers’ poetry. Email your submissions to letters@wokingham.today
As part of the celebration of our ‘Summer of Joy’ events 2021, we are offering new residents the chance to save save up to up to £1,000 on their fees.
£1,000
The offer is available to those individuals privately funding their own care, who move in permanently to The Berkshire Care Home before the end of October.
We know how tricky it is this year to plan ahead - so we are providing a second offer with a saving of £500 on privately funded short stays taken before the end of October 2021.
saving of
£500 “My aunt has been a resident ent at The Berkshire for just over two years. It was difficult for her to move into a care home setting, but management and staff at The Berkshire made this transition as smooth as it could have been. Although my aunt remains an independent personality, she now feels settled and happy.” (Nephew of resident, May 2021)
For more information, and full terms and conditions, visit www.brighterkind.com/ theberkshire or call us on 0118 911 1223 The Berkshire Care Home, 126 Barkham Road, Wokingham RG41 2RP www.brighterkind.com/theberkshire
22 | VIEWPOINTS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
We are blessed with great restaurants IT’S GREAT to see talented chef Oliver Marlow reach the regional finals for the Roux Scholarship contest. He came to Wokingham because he was impressed with the food and drink scene around here. And with so many great restaurants, breweries, vineyards and bakeries, it’s no wonder. We wish Oliver well in the contest and hope we can report more good news of his blossoming career in due course. While sometimes it can feel like we are awash with nothing but chain restaurants, there’s a wide range of choice available to us. Sir John Redwood knows this, having visited new bistro Hamlet last week. We hope he enjoyed his meal. Just over the way is Peach Place’s newest restaurant, Dabbawalla. It is one venue that some of you might consider entering for our Curry King contest. Over the next few weeks, it’s going to be great learning why you like different venues. We can’t wait to see who you think is best for curry in the borough.
CHURCH NOTES
Choose your influences
Most of us try to live the best life we can. This can be tricky when there is no rule book on how to live your life. There are many influences on every one of us. We are influenced primarily by family in our early years. We learn a lot from our parents as they try to bring us up in the best way they know, trying to give us the best life possible. Family can influence us in other ways. Were you the eldest or youngest child? This often makes a difference to our outlook on life. From school onwards, we make friends who may well try to guide us in a particular way. How do we decide how to live our lives? Do we have exactly the same values as our parents? Do we adopt exactly the same outlook as our friends? For me, and I suspect many other people, I inherited a lot of my views from my parents because I was exposed to them before I could think about things for myself. The pandemic has thrown up many ethical questions for us all. Do I always where a mask? Do I have the vaccine? Do I self-isolate when requested to do so? Do I get surge tested when requested? Some of these actions are much more to protect the community than ourselves, but all have both elements. Why should I do something that does not benefit me in any way? It seems to depend on how community minded you are. Jesus Christ put the community first, regardless of personal circumstances. Living our lives the way that Jesus taught will benefit both us, in knowingly that we have helped the people around us, and the community we live in. Geoff Peck from Woosehill Church writing on behalf of Churches Together Wokingham
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Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today
Biden’s choices were limited I read Sir John Redwood’s 19-August “Westminster Diary” with the usual dismay at his partisan and dangerous rhetoric. True, it is worrying that Taliban control of Afghanistan will create a “terrorist safe haven”. But these are dangers that are managed remotely in dozens of other locations around the globe. As written, Sir John’s article is the frustrated rant of those who supported the colonisation of Afghanistan. The fact is that Sir John and politicians on both sides of the ocean have never made the case for a permanent military presence in Afghanistan. The public was promised a temporary engagement as a representative Afghan government was formed. But recent events have proven, despite 20-years’ engagement, that a Western-style Afghan government requires a permanent military presence to prop it up. When President Biden was inaugurated, the withdrawal agreement and timeline were already in place – and the Taliban controlled/ contested half the country’s districts. The President’s choices in February fell into two groups: continue withdrawal or reintroduce troops to fight the Taliban. All other options, including a “pause” or “surge”, inevitably lead to one of these two choices. The British and American public have been clear for over a decade, that they do not want to remain in Afghanistan. President Biden is fulfilling a campaign promise by withdrawing. It should be recognised that he took an extra three months trying to shore up the Afghan government, during which he also restarted the visa scheme to evacuate our allies.
We now see that the Afghan government had no control, nor the faith of its own troops, and was doomed. Post-match debates on the sequence of withdrawal do not change the correctness of the strategy. And that strategy, to decolonise Afghanistan, is both right and popular. But the premise of Sir John’s article is to call out the risks arising from the withdrawal strategy – a strategy that is 18 months old, dating to President Trump’s Doha deal with the Taliban in Feb 2020. So, let’s review what Sir John done over the past year to raise these issues and press for the UK government for answers. Did he call for Britain, NATO or the UN to take up the US’s military position in Afghanistan? Is he offering 6,000 British troops now to replace the departing Americans? Did he demand this government accelerate the evacuation of its allies in the past year? Or, has he offered ways to contain China or Iran as allied forces left? No, of course not. His article only criticises and stokes fears, attacking an ally during a massive and successful evacuation effort. If Sir John felt an ongoing military/ colonial presence in Afghanistan was critical, the time to have spoken up was over a year ago. Unless he’s offering solutions to the current scenario, or seeking to hold this government’s ministers to account, I am not interested in his late concerns over decolonisation.
Tom Ross, Crowthorne
Heat pumps THE government’s new Hydrogen Strategy is welcome but it doesn’t mean we can do without heat pumps and retro-fitted insulation to keep our homes warm. In the UK hydrogen is not an energy source – like electricity it is a medium for distribution and storage of energy. ‘Green hydrogen’
Wokingham Volunteering Helena Badger
www.volunteer wokinghamborough.org.uk
O
XFAM is dedicated to fighting poverty and inequality. Boost your CV, confidence, and skills by getting customer service and sales experience by volunteering. Both its Wokingham and Woodley shops are looking for more volunteers. Oxfam says it will give volunteers training and support so they can help sell lots of goodies each week by providing customers and donors with amazing service. It asks for four to eight hours per week. The charity says it can be very flexible around parenting, caring, health, employment, education, and any other commitments you have. Some travel and lunch expenses can be covered too.
Please note Oxfam is unable to take under 18 volunteers at present due to its shops being at capacity with a waiting list. You will need to be reliable and honest, willing to learn new skills, want to be part of a team with a team and meet new people. If you have a couple of hours to give to Oxfam as a till operator, online lister, donations sorter or a shop floor merchandiser, then contact Wokingham Volunteer Centre. n The Friendship Alliance is a project brought together by The Link Visiting Scheme, Age UK Berkshire, Involve Community Services and the Wokingham Volunteer Centre to tackle loneliness, promote friendship and improve the mental and physical
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
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 is made from low carbon energy. ‘Blue hydrogen’ is made from natural gas with consequent CO2 emissions which may be reduced by ‘carbon capture and storage’ at additional cost. Sir John Redwood, August 26, says that the scale of the government’s plans “implies pessimism about the speed of expansion and take up of this new wonder fuel” and notes that “Producing green hydrogen will take a lot of renewable power.” I think it’s going to take time and it’s not going to be cheap – but it will be important. Premium uses for hydrogen are likely to be in industry and heavy transport vehicles not in home heating. The strategy says “trials and planning work … will enable strategic decisions by 2026 on the role of hydrogen for heat”. Trials are likely to be in the north east of England where there is potential for undersea storage of both hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The great thing about heat pumps is that they deliver up to three or four times more energy as heat than they use as electricity. The challenge for government is to implement fair and effective ways to make their capital costs affordable. The ‘Green Deal’ and ‘Green Homes Grant’ schemes have both failed – the anticipated ‘Heat and Buildings Strategy’ must succeed.
John Booth, Earley
Helping refugees WOKINGHAM Borough Council is making good preparations for Afghan refugees. After the chaos that President Biden has caused by turning his back on children women and men to suffer torture and death and refused to extend more time to get people out. Before he goes to his Catholic church he should get down on his knees and say sorry to God, he has failed the people and armies. wellbeing of residents in Wokingham borough. It is looking to establish a network of Friendship Champions whose role it would be to promote the Friendship Alliance’s services, actively encourage friendships and develop community spirit. If you organise a group or activity, run your street’s WhatsApp group chat, work in your local café, library, or even if you’re just a friendly person who wants to spend more time in their community, the Alliance would love a few hours of your time. n CPRE Berkshire is the county branch of a national environmental charity. It aims to protect and enhance the English and Berkshire countryside. It supports national CPRE initiatives such as Quiet Lanes, Dark Skies, recycling, litter abatement etc. The charity is looking for a new chair, providing direction and focus; chairing the Trustee meetings once every six weeks, based near Theale, line managing the two paid staff; implementing national CPRE programmes and attending national and
In my view , thank you Wokingham Borough Council and I wonder if Bracknell Forest Council takes the same stance.
Victor Rones, Bracknell
End the cage age IN a welcome move, the European Commission recently announced it plans to ‘End the Cage Age’ for all farmed animals, committing to introduce legislation to phase out caged production systems. Yet, every year across the UK, millions of farmed animals suffer in cages where they are unable to express their natural behaviours. The Commission has also indicated that it will look to ban the import of food produced in caged systems. As a result, inaction may also prevent trade with our nearest and largest export market and could ultimately damage the entire British farming industry. Caged, industrial-scale farming is cruel, unnecessary, and clearly doesn’t make good business sense as consumer appetite for meat, eggs and dairy produced to higher welfare standards is increasing. Unless the UK Government acts now, our animal welfare standards here will fall significantly behind those of the EU. I am the lead signatory on a petition, launched this month, that calls on the Government to ban the use of all cages for farmed animals because a life in a cage is no life at all. The UK Government has dithered for too long, while our European neighbours are leading the charge in a move towards more humane farming systems. How much more scientific evidence is needed for the UK Government to do the right thing? t’s time for action. It’s time to End the Cage Age.
Deborah Meaden, Patron of Compassion in World Farming Southeast CPRE meetings. The right person will need to have leadership experience and some knowledge of planning would be advantageous. A regard and appreciation of the Berkshire and English countryside and a desire to protect and enhance them is a must. Anyone interested is asked to email a CV or brief biography, before an informal interview. Don’t forget to put our Volunteer Recruitment Fair in your diaries. It will take place at Wokingham Town Hall on Saturday, September 25, from 11am-2pm. It is a fantastic way to meet a variety of charities who do amazing work in the local area. Come and see what a difference you can make and find out what volunteering can do for you n These are just a few of the opportunities on our books. Contact us: tel. 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org. uk or visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer.
Another view Neil Coupe
The legacy of the quiet man
John Major Picture: Sharon Farmer/Wikipedia
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HEN asked why he was a Conservative, Gyles Brandreth responded to the effect that he was a Conservative because he liked things the way they are, or more accurately, the way things were 25 years ago. This must have been in the back of my mind when for some reason I decided that my holiday reading would be Sir John Major’s autobiography, written in 1999 and mainly focused on his time in office as prime minister from 1990-97. In some ways it reads as a text from a distant galaxy — a time of so-called ‘sleaze’ when political careers were destroyed for activities in MP’s personal lives that would not raise an eyebrow today. The concept of 24-hours-a-day news was in its infancy, and social media was still years away. On the other hand, our current local MP, Sir John Redwood was a key player in the story, and inevitably, there was lots of talk about Europe. Plus ça change. From a 2021 perspective, however, there are
two achievements that resonate to this day. This week we heard that our Paralympians had won their 1,000th Olympic medal since the introduction of the National Lottery. Since winning one gold in the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, GB has won more than 100 gold medals in the subsequent six Games. At the time, Major wanted to use National Lottery funding to nurture talent and involvement at grassroots level throughout the country, and coming from a modest background himself, supported the idea that children from every background should have the same opportunity to participate in and enjoy arts and sport. Once the lottery was up-and-running, the proceeds were spread throughout the country on new sports facilities, such as swimming pools in many different towns and specific projects such as the velodrome in Manchester. The subsequent targeted funding through UK Sport, aiming for excellence and success has clearly been spent in an effective way, and can be traced directly back to the introduction of the
Helping Citizens Advice Wokingham Natalie Cernuschi
An eyeopening experience
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WORKED at Citizens Advice Wokingham (CAW) for 10 months as a Debt Adviser, joining in response to the increase in demand for debt advice resulting from the pandemic. Prior to working at CAW, I was a paralegal and I am due to start my training contract at Bevan Brittan LLP in September.
What I enjoyed Working at CAW was eye opening, engaging and rewarding. Although I grew up in Wokingham, I naively failed to realise the harsh conditions and struggle with finances many people in the area currently live in and endure. To experience first-hand the impact the charity has had on the community through its independent, impartial and free advice was extremely gratifying and I was proud to be a part of the team. Despite working remotely throughout my contract, I was welcomed by both staff and volunteers and immediately felt a sense of belonging as the team was friendly, supportive and encouraging. It was refreshing to witness
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an entirely committed and hardworking group of people who are not afraid to share their opinions and beliefs for the benefit of the community and society as a whole. The Debt Team was especially helpful and regardless of the pressures resulting from a demanding workload they were willing to answer any questions I had and provide assistance where necessary. This demonstrated a strong and highly motivated team. In just a few months, I developed the skills and confidence to understand a client’s financial situation, explain ways of maximising their income and reducing expenditure, and identify suitable options.
Highlights I thoroughly enjoyed the work at CAW and looked forward to each day, the range of unexpected challenges and distinctiveness of each case fuelling my motivation. Although I predominantly worked within the Debt Team, it became clear that client issues frequently encroached on other areas and therefore I was fortunate to learn about a variety of sectors including benefits, housing and mental health. It was important for me to apply my skills and exceed expectations so that I could achieve notable results during my time at CAW. I expressed my willingness to further contribute by participating
National Lottery. If we look at how many different parts of the country have produced the successful Olympians and Paralympians, there is a clear argument that this is a fine example of ‘levelling up’ before the phrase had even been invented. The other major achievement was the Citizens Charter, which at the time was sneered at, as being the ‘Cones Hotline’, where people could phone a number to ask why there were cones on their motorway route. In reality it was the medium by which the quality of public services would be properly measured, benchmarked and ultimately improved, at a time when the conventional wisdom was that the only way of improving public services was by throwing money at it. NHS waiting list targets were introduced, the average time waiting for a passport was halved, but maybe most importantly of all, Ofsted inspections were introduced, amid great resistance from the teachers’ unions and the Department of Education. At the time, it was felt that it was unreasonable to compare schools given that the demographics of the local areas were the most important single factor. At the time, prospective parents would have access to more information about the toaster they were thinking of buying than the school they may consider sending their children to. Now schools have banners up outside their premises proclaiming their Ofsted ratings and it would be inconceivable that such inspections would subsequently be abolished. John Major was soundly beaten in the 1997 election and is not considered to be a particularly distinguished prime minister, but a quarter of a century on, his legacy lives on.
in campaigns and training that were available to me. I was grateful to be asked to present two training sessions on the COVID Winter Grant Scheme and New Debt Advice Process, areas I had dedicated a great deal of time towards and felt passionate about. I can report the presentations were a success and I received positive feedback from my peers. CAW presented me with additional opportunities including Mental Health First Aider training conducted by the chief executive, Jake Morrison. The course provided me with the knowledge and understanding to recognise the early signs of mental ill health and support a person appropriately both personally and in the workplace. It was a huge achievement to be able to raise awareness and tackle the stigma of mental ill health alongside many others on the course.
Good outcomes I worked with numerous clients consistently during my time at CAW which resulted in strong, trustworthy relationships and a close rapport. I believe this helped me to achieve good outcomes and in some cases, to offer clients a new beginning. In my final two weeks I was successful in securing three approved Debt Relief Orders (DROs) and one approved Bankruptcy by the Insolvency Service. In addition, all applicable fees were donated by a local charity following favourable applications. In total, just under £86,000 of debt was written off for clients who had been in vulnerable and difficult situations due to their low income and individual circumstances. Writing off debt through the use of formal insolvency options is a serious yet positive solution as it enables clients to make a
fresh start, begin to pay their bills on time and learn to effectively budget, therefore avoiding getting into debt again. The responses and gratitude I received from clients highlighted this and was extremely fulfilling. The bankruptcy client, in particular, had a difficult time with her long-term partner passing away and being unable to work due to her own health conditions. She was unfortunately left with a significant amount of debt and was required to live on benefits for the first time in her life. The debt was a huge burden on the client and bankruptcy was a positive step to improving her quality of life and enabling her to manage her finances without debt repayments. I achieved a more unexpected outcome in a case where a client was innocently scammed into his vehicle being taken away for scrapping and subsequent parking offences totalling just over £5,000 being later committed in his name. The client was taken to court but I was able to use my effective communication skills for the purposes of negotiation. Following a statement and submission of evidence, the claimant cancelled the charges and agreed to take no further action. This was a huge relief for the client.
Conclusion Overall, my experience at CAW was unforgettable. I would highly recommend others to join either as a staff member or volunteer, especially if like me you are passionate about helping those most in need. Citizens Advice Wokingham in particular was a rare find for me as it was a mixture of great people, great work and great culture and I am therefore extremely grateful for the opportunity I was given.
The climate emergency Cllr Gregor Murray
Listening to experts
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FTER declaring a Climate Emergency, we were faced with two challenges. Firstly, to work out the detail on how we would reduce our carbon footprint; and secondly, to decide on the best way to pay for it. To help choose the most effective course of action we should take, I wanted to listen to people who are experts. Those experts came from three areas: environmental charities and interest groups; environmental businesses; and our residents. Over the last two years, I have met with and engaged numerous individuals and organisations – either virtually or in person – to discuss and understand what they think Wokingham Borough Council could be doing to combat climate change. I’ve spoken with, and attended events, hosted by environmental groups such as Extinction Rebellion, Friends of the Earth, and Climate Emergency UK. I’ve met with the Woodland Trust to discuss what the right species of native trees that we should plant are, and where. I’ve spoken with local environmental groups and charities, attended events in Parliament and discussed our climate emergency with some of our local MPs. I have met with independent bodies to understand how we can reduce carbon from our existing buildings and homes, and how to create planning guidance locally that will enshrine low and zero carbon development into our building development. In Wokingham Borough, we are blessed with having several industry-leading environmental businesses based within our boundaries. Many are at the cutting edge of green technology and developing solutions to the climate crisis. I have met with a number of them to discuss ideas ranging from developing solar farms and at home solar, battery and heat pump technology, through to innovative solutions for absorbing particulate matter from the air and improving in-room air quality. We also undertook to ask our residents what you thought we should do, and what ideas you had for tackling climate change locally. Several thousand ideas came back and all of them were reviewed and considered. Some we were already planning to do, such as tree planting and rewilding. Other ideas made us look at existing projects differently. One example was the new Dinton Pastures Activity Centre which, when it opens, will be the first carbon-zero building in Wokingham Borough. Some people raised challenges, such as the affordability of making climate friendly home improvements, which led us to explore and launch the Help to Heat scheme. And there are many more ideas that we want to implement once we work through how to implement them and how to pay for them. Paying for our climate initiatives isn’t easy. We get less money from the Government than any other unitary authority in England. Our budgets are always stretched, and we must work hard to ensure value for every pound we spend. Many climate initiatives, particularly those that will encourage sustainable living, will cost the council a lot of money. Unless it’s completely unavoidable, we don’t want to pass that cost on to you. There are grants and other funding available for some of our initiatives, but others we will have to find the money for. That’s why we must look at investing into solar farms and similar initiatives first. Even after paying back the loan required to fund it, a solar farm will generate a surplus in revenue. This money will help to pay for rewilding, active transport infrastructure, increased recycling, home efficiency programmes and potentially many other climate initiatives.
Next week: Let’s talk about Energy Cllr Gregor Murray is executive member for resident services, communications and emissions on Wokingham Borough Council
No. 5377
Your weekly puzzle challenge
24 | LEISURE
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
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Quiz Challenge
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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
SUPPOSE PUPPY HOME
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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: 29 Good; 34 Very Good; 40 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.
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 S through openings in the walls. The I first letter may appear in any chamber. G N
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ACROSS 1. Flighty part of an armchair? (4) 4. Unattached monk has his liberty (7) 8. What a leech needs and why – how gruesome (12) 9. Paddy and Edward toughened the metal (8) 10. Everybody alongside the western barrier (4) 12. Reflected light from Ulster (6) 14. Have success at present with fan (6) 16. In the jungle noticed a narrow valley (4) 17. Supervisor to disregard Rex (8) 20. Grants Hamlet order to preserve his independence (2,4,6) 21. Form of dry heat used to produce a chemical compound (7) 22. Part of these regions had dried up (4)
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DOWN 2. I knock this religion (5) 3. Mathematics from new grey tome (8) 4. Workman who is more suitable (6) 5. Not the right time to give out (4) 6. Scorn theologian going round the island with Ian in a frenzy (7) 7. Ship might take Rose perhaps (9) 9. Daily means of communication (9) 11. I’m coming up with allowances for settlers (8) 13. Put out waste by road – that’s official (7) 15. Develop but do not start to turn (6) 18. Chemical discovered in Leicestershire (5) 19. Mother takes me up first to see the girl (4)
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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd. To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com © Sirius Media Services Ltd
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WORD PYRAMID: Channel crossing. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; subtract; divide; add. Total: 8.
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Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
6. What B links a Leonardo DiCaprio film made in 2000, a 1960s rock band and a Nevil Shute book? 7. According to the Barbra Streisand song, ‘People needing people, are the luckiest people in the...’ what? 8. The Khyber Pass links which two nations? 9. Associated with the Indian subcontinent, a tabla is what sort of musical instrument? 10. The Battle of the Gabbard was fought in which conflict?
2. What is Britain’s smallest native songbird?
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
PZ1P5377
CROSS CODE 16
5377
ACROSS 1. Wild horse (7) 5. Fusillade (5) 8. Garden tool (3) 9. Demean (7) 10. Tines (anag.) (5) 11. Foe (5) 13. Tremulous (mus.) (7) 15. Item of footwear (4) 17. Misprints (6) 19. Submit (6) 22. Card game (4) 24. Approaches
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boldly (7) Part of stair (5) Tether (3,2) Act of eluding (7) Place (3) Wuthering Heights heroine (5) 33. Physician (7) DOWN 1. Gnat (5) 2. Follow on (mus.) (5) 3. Psychiatrist (7) 4. City slum area (6) 5. French river (5) 26. 29. 30. 31. 32.
6. 7. 12. 14. 16. 17. 18. 20. 21. 23. 25. 27. 28.
Lithe, flexible (7) Result (7) Neither (3) Back part (4) Tool handle (4) Pliable (7) Most wealthy (7) Pirate (7) Colouring agent (3) Possessions (6) Sentimental (5) Game bird (5) Continue uninterrupted (3,2)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Mustang; 5 Salvo; 8 Hoe; 9 Degrade; 10 Inset; 11 Enemy; 13 Tremolo; 15 Shoe; 17 Errata; 19 Accede; 22 Faro; 24 Accosts; 26 Riser; 29 Tie up; 30 Evasion; 31 Put; 32 Cathy; 33 Surgeon. Down – 1 Midge; 2 Segue; 3 Analyst; 4 Ghetto; 5 Seine; 6 Lissome; 7 Outcome; 12 Nor; 14 Rear; 16 Haft; 17 Elastic; 18 Richest; 20 Corsair; 21 Dye; 23 Assets; 25 Soppy; 27 Snipe; 28 Run on.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Weaving; 2 The goldcrest; 3 Beyond the outermost planet in the solar system; 4 His Dark Materials; 5 Jon Rahm; 6 FIVE ALIVE: Beach (The Beach, The Beach Boys, On the Beach); 7 World; 8 Afghanistan and Pakistan; 9 Twin hand drums; 10 The First Anglo-Dutch War. (1) Across – Liven; Volts; Dodgy. Down – Loved; Valid; Nosey. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Wing; 4 Freedom; 8 Bloodthirsty; 9 Tempered; 10 (2) Across – Print; Urged; Knell. J O H G N K A P B W U I S Wall; 12 Lustre; 14 Winnow; 16 Glen; 17 Overseer; 20 At arm’s Down – Pluck; Ingle; Tidal. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 length; 21 Hydrate; 22 Sere. L D Q M C Z Y F R E T X V Down – 2 Islam; 3 Geometry; 4 Fitter; 5 Emit; 6 Disdain; 7 NONAGRAM: ante; anti; atilt; eaten; elate; elite; Mayflower; 9 Telegraph; 11 Migrants; 13 Steward; 15 Evolve; 18 entail; entitle; event; inlet; ital; late; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU hope; opus; pump; Ester; 19 Emma. lateen; latent; latte; latten; leant; leat; espy. leet; lent; levant; levitate; lint; lite; native; neat; nett; nettle; tael; tail; taint; tale; talent; teal; teat; teen; tein; telnet; tenet; tent; tian; tile; tilt; tine; tinea; tint; titan; title; valet; veinlet; veleta; vent; ventil; VENTILATE; vital; vitta; vittle.
SOCIETY | 25
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INTHECOMMUNITY
News from your clubs & groups. Email news@wokingham.today
CLASP’s plans for September
Sign up to counties bike challenge
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YCLING enthusiasts are registering fast to reserve their place for this year’s Three Counties Cycle Ride on Sunday, September 12, organised by Easthampstead Rotary Club. Starting and finishing at Garth Hill College, Bracknell, cycling families and the club enthusiast alike can again enjoy one of the scenic, well-signed and marshalled routes that wind through Berkshire, sometimes dipping into Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Riders can take advantage of the drink stations on route, and receive their medal, certificate and even get the T-shirt. Full details can be downloaded from the website www.3CCR.org and riders who enrol on-line before the day pay just £20 (compared to £25). Under 18 entry fee is £10. The entry fee covers the Ride costs of providing the signs, certificates, medals, T-shirts, and drink stations.
The Inner Wheel is still turning THE INNER Wheel Club of Reading and Maiden Erlegh has been active throughout the summer. Tonia Trathen said that last month, 18 bridge players at the club assembled for a fundraising event which included an afternoon tea. At the same time, all 22 non-playing members had a charity lunch at a club member’s house.
All profits go directly to the nominated UK charities supported by the 3CCR. “Since the cycle ride was founded in 1983,” says organiser Dave Donaldson, “well over £500,000 have been raised for our charitiesm which have included Macmillan Cancer Support, the British Heart Foundation, the Stroke Association, and Alzheimer’s Society. “Last year raised more than £12,000.” He added: “This year’s principal beneficiaries will be Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Breakthrough Learning, Daisy’s Dream, and NHS Berkshire Healthcare.” To find out more, call Dave on 07748 701 346 or visit the website www.3CCR. org During the pandemic, Easthampstead Rotarians have been supporting local Foodbanks, and the Cowshed crisis charity, and providing Tablet PCs to schools for home-learning.
WELL, it’s now September, who can believe it? CLASP are doing STEP IT UP for SEPTEMBER – supporting each other and others in our community. This month’s events are: n Friday, September 3: trailing activities at Dinton Pastures to show they are accessible to those with a disability. n Tuesday, September 7: our book corner – this month we are talking about hobbies n Friday, September 10: we have an exciting session sponsored by Wokingham in Need where we will learn circus skills. n Tuesday, September 14: we have our regular Dancing to Music – we just love that session n Friday, September 17: we are offering our feedback on how well GP websites are to access for those with a learning disability, followed by our favourite choir with Singhealthy n Tuesdays 20 and 27: we have our coffee shop drop in – we are loving just catching up with friends and doing wordsearches, drawing and mini quizzes. n Friday, September 24: we have Jon Codd, our local Clinical Psychologist talking to us about a Covid 19 research project that we can assist with. We end the month on a high note with our Happy and Healthy Club, and a session with Amy from Omada about healthy minds which will definitely be lots of fun. Watch out for more information on Step It Up, where our staff, trustees and volunteers will be doing a challenge to celebrate our 15th Anniversary, and we will all be taking part in the Wokingham Walk. All to raise money for our wonderful charity. How can you stay away? Contact me for more information and remember membership to CLASP and the learning disability partnership board is free – take a leap and join us. For more details, log on to wokinghamclasp.org.uk
PETER VON BERGEN
DEBS MORRISON CLASP AND LDPB MANAGER
These were to support The Cowshed, based in Winnersh, and Karun School and Children’s Home in Tamilnadu, India. The club plans to help Wargrave-based Camp Mohawk, a day centre for children with additional needs. With a focus on the outdoors, the club will help clear autumn leaves to tidy the centre. Next month, the club will be holding the Reading Charity Art Fair at Leighton Park School. It will run from Friday, October 29
to Sunday, October 31, with a preview on the first night. Members of the Inner Wheel will be making and serving canapés, as well as running the cafe for refreshments over the weekend. Ms Trathen said the Inner Wheel is a very keen, lively and enthusiastic club looking to attract new members. It meets on the third Thursday evening of each month at Sonning Golf Club. n For more information, visit: www.innerwheelclubrme.org
Celebrate the 175th anniversary with the bishop St Catherine’s Bearwood AT 11am on Sunday, September 12, the Rt Revd Dr Stephen Croft, the Bishop of Oxford, is coming to take the service at St Catherine’s Church, Bearwood Road in Sindlesham. For St Catherine’s, this will be a special celebration, as it commemorates 175 years since the church was first consecrated by the then Bishop of Oxford, Samuel ‘Soapy’ Wilberforce, who stayed the
night before at the ‘big house’ at Bearwood in order to be there by 11am. That first service was attended by a great many people – a report of the day said the church could hold 400; today, with pews, we would be lucky to squeeze in as many as 150, so worshippers must have been standing up. Now think about that for a moment. ‘Soapy’ arrived at 11am,
half-an-hour after the congregation had assembled, to inspect the new building. It is said they finally got away at 2.30pm – some four hours after their arrival – and repaired to the ‘big house’ for drinks. The service on September 12 will not take anything like that length of time – in fact, it will probably last only about an hour – but afterwards there will be drinks and a celebratory ‘birthday’ cake to enjoy.
Also, we hope, an opportunity to talk to the Bishop, who we will ask to cut the first slice. We would love to welcome anyone who is interested to come to a service conducted by the Bishop – it isn’t often that he comes to our part of the diocese and it may be some time before the opportunity arises again.
ROBERTA TWEEDY
COMMERCIAL LAW: RIGHT TO REPAIRS – CONSUMER RIGHTS EXTENDED? You may have seen in the news that new laws have been introduced granting consumers further rights to repair. But what do consumers and product suppliers need to know and do the laws do what they say on the tin? Further consumer rights to repairs have effectively been introduced by the Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations 2021 (the ‘Ecodesign Regulations’) which are expected to improve the availability of repairs for consumers in relation to certain defective home appliances with effect from 1 July 2021. Although not directly intended as a consumer right, the Ecodesign Regulations provide consumers with greater access to repairs for longer periods of time than was previously provided under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (‘the CRA’) in relation to certain products.
The Ecodesign Regulations – what’s changed? The Ecodesign Regulations oblige manufacturers, authorised representatives and importers of certain products to make available to professional repairers certain types of spare parts for their repair. Consumers are also given greater access to spare parts, but the list of parts available to consumers is not as extensive as those available to professional repairers. There is also an obligation on such manufacturers, authorised representatives and importers to make greater information regarding repairs available to professional repairers. The products that these obligations apply to are:
• dishwashers • washer-driers • washing machines • refrigerators and • electronic displays (including televisions) The repairs using these spare parts must also be possible to complete using commonly available tools, broadening the availability of such repairs for consumers. The regulations therefore to not create a new absolute right to repair for consumers, but allows for greater access to repairs to the certain above-specified products.
How long must spare parts be made available? Under the Ecodesign Regulations, depending on the type of product, spare parts must be made available for minimum periods ranging from 7 to 10 years. These time periods commence following the placement of the last unit of a particular model of an applicable appliance on the market, meaning that consumers will likely have longer than this depending on when they purchase the product. Full article online - Read in full 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
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
Ale popular fun READING FESTIVAL 2021 at Bracknell day A weekend to remember
Words: Candice Armstrong Pictures: Dijana Capan
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EADING was filled with excitement and anticipation as the Festival reopened after the 2020 lockdown halted all live events. To ensure the safety of all staff, volunteers and festival goers, covid testing guidelines and scannable wristbands were issued to all attendees to accurately track test results at each festival entry point. The streets of Reading may not have been heaving with wellie-clad festival goers as in previous years, but crossing the entrance to the festival was like walking into another time and place, demonstrating the sheer
CHEERS: The Bracknell Ale and Cider Festival was very popular Pictures: Steve Smyth By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A LATE celebration of summer was held in Bracknell on Sunday, as thousands flocked to a celebration of beer. The annual Bracknell Ale and Cider Festival returned to Lily Hill Park, raising funds for Bracknell Rugby Club. More than 60 real ales, ciders, gins and Prosecco were available for people to enjoy on the day. And as people supped and chatted, they were able to enjoy music on two stages including folk and rock ‘n’ roll acts. There was plenty of food to sample and children were able to take part in a range of activities. Organiser Tom Canning was delighted that the event had been a success and visitors had enjoyed themselves. “It was a phenomenal day; the weather held, people enjoyed the beer,
the cider, our new craft beer bar,” he said. “They danced, they ate and the overwhelming feedback was simply, ‘We had a great time, roll on next year’. “I am aware of people coming from as far afield as Oldham and Bolton, and I know Dani Harmer’s mum enjoyed herself. “Considering there were two other big events in Bracknell over the weekend plus Wokingham Festival and, of course, Reading Festival, the fact thousands of people chose us for their Sunday is both humbling and testament to what we’ve built over the last 10 years.” He added: “I have to thank my co-organiser Michael Keen and Rugby Club chairman Ian Wilson for pulling out all the stops, our sponsors, food vendors and all the musical acts, plus the army of volunteers who without them, it just wouldn’t work. “Now, it’s time for me to put my feet up and grab a pint.”
numbers eager to venture out after months of isolation and immerse themselves in festival atmosphere. From the moment of arrival at the entrance Reading festival staff and volunteers provided a wealth of energy, positivity and assistance that made guests feel welcome. The biggest difference from previous years at Reading Festival was the introduction of the two main stage layout, west and east. With the quantity and variety of musical talent performing to fill the two stages, this provided festival goers with a great opportunity
to catch up on all the music culture they’d missed throughout lockdown and experience the contagious energy and enthusiasm of the crowds as they navigated between the stages, while breathing in all the droolworthy aromas drifting from the array of food trucks, and the vibrant lights of the fairground rides surrounding them. After months without live music, feeling the vibrations flowing through your body as the bass rocks out through the festival, and the closeness and camaraderie of like minded music fans as everyone crowds
Friday’s highlights
T
HE event sold out as people flocked to see headliners Stormzy – the crowd loved him and his set has been described as ‘fantastic’.
Sam Fender
Other acts on the bill include Catfish and the Bottlemen, Sam Fender, AJ Tracey, Mabel and Nothing But Thieves. The BBC Introducing stage, which champions up-and-coming acts featured a set from Tayo Sound, a Reading-based musician who was busking in Broad Street just two years ago.
Mabel on Mainstage East
Dana Dentata
To order souvenir pictures of Bracknell Real Ale and Cider Festival visit wokingham.today, and click on PHOTOS
in close to get the best view is a freeing experience. Neither covid or the chill in the air as the sun went down dampened the mood. Arms were raised high, crowds jumped, danced and hugged, as crowd surfing and mosh pits continued with renewed energy, not to mention the volume of response from festival goers to the roaring pyrotechnics, the dazzling onstage light displays and as the sky behind the headliners erupted in streams of fireworks. Whatever your taste in music, it was definitely a weekend to remember.
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READING FESTIVAL 2021
To order souvenir pictures of Reading Festival, visit www.dvision-images.com
Saturday’s highlights
Bonnie Kemplay on the BBC Introducing Stage Jazmin Bean on The Pit Stage
Nova Twins on the Lockup stage
The Kid Laroi
The Wombats
H
Becky Hill
Sigrid
The Wombats
Post Malone
Mabel performs on the mainstage East
Two Door Cinema Club
Holding Absence on The Pit stage
Wargasm on the Lockup Stage
Post Malone
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T was a very busy second day at Reading Festival, including the first post-covid gig from Texas-based band Waterparks. The group had flown over from Houston to take part in the threeday celebration of music, where they treated the crowds with a sneak peak of their new album, Greatest Hits. It was the very first live performance of the tracks from it, and greatly appreciated by the fans. And while most British nationals still can’t travel to the States due to covid, another US band was able to entertain at Reading: Los Angelesbased Badflower brought a little taste of what we’re missing. Another visitor from overseas was Aussie Kid Laroi. The 18-year-old is from New South Wales and was making his first visit to Europe. He’s sure to be a festival favourite. When Becky Hill gave her set, she told the audience that her previous performance, back in 2019, had “changed my life”. When 24-year-old Norwegian singer-songwriter Sigrid walked on stage, she became quite emotional as she was overwhelmed by the reception she received. Reading’s main stages were packed
as festivalgoers for the return of The Wombats and Two Door Cinema Club. And the crowds lapped up Disclosure, with an army of phones raised high in the air with almost military precision for their performance. They really got people rocking. Other acts performing included Jazmin Bean from The Pit. They are a non-binary British singer-songwriter based in London who identify as a ‘genderless monster’. Over on the BBC Introducing stage, there was a debut for 19-year-old singer-songwriter Bonnie Kemplay. She had travelled all the way from Edinburgh to perform. She had been named the UK’s top emerging musical talent after winning a spot performing on Radio 1’s Live lounge from more than 10,000 other entrants. Judges included Sam Fender, who played Reading festival on Friday. This was not only her first time playing at a festival, but also her first time attending a festival. And headlining main stage east today was Post Malone. He nailed it with his description of the return of the festival postcovid and the crowd turnout: “This is mindblowing”.
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READING FESTIVAL 2021
WorcesterObserver
Reader travel
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
Words: Candice Armstrong Pictures: Dijana Capan
Sunday’s highlights
BOURNEMOUTH Weekend
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Dana Dentata Departing Fri 5 Nov ‘21 Where better to enjoy a refreshing weekend break beside the seaside this November than the bustling resort of Bournemouth with its traditional attractions and seven miles of beaches, perfect for a winter stroll! We also visit maritime Poole and Swanage.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 3 nights at a selected hotel in Bournemouth with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursion to Poole & Swanage Optional excursion to Dorchester & Weymouth (£10pp)
4 Days by Coach
only £159
Single Supplement £45
TORQUAY House Party
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Departing Tue 16 Nov ‘21 Devon’s English Riviera is the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled getaway in November where we’re based in the resort of Torquay. With happy hour every evening at our friendly hotel plus fun entertainment and a trip to Exeter, this is the perfect seaside tonic!
Tom Grennan Yungblud
T
HE FINAL day of Reading Festival was another one packed with great music as crowds rocked all over the site. The festival village is an amazing temporary structure that fuses food stalls with a host of groups, organisations and charities offering inspiration, help and advice. Among them was Brook, which helps under 25s with sexual health and wellbeing. They handed out almost 4,000 condoms by 3pm on the Sunday. There was also help on hand from the Street Pastors, who are normally seen patrolling Reading’s town centre on Friday and Saturday nights with their flip flops and lollipops. All those medical, security and catering staff, plus all the volunteers, should be praised for their amazing work over the festival.
Music wise, cheers erupted from Main Stage West as American rapper Arizona Zervas leapt off stage to greet the audience and hug one of the festival-goers. When he was 17, Tom Grennan attended Reading and dreamt of playing on that stage. This weekend that came true. Tom told his Reading audience that his dream became a reality “thanks to you”. There was a lot of love at Reading today for Wolf Alice, as Ellie Rowsell received proposals of marriage and kids. Dominic Harrison, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter has a strong belief in no judgment and often speaks out on issues relating to sexuality and mental health. He brought a lot of energy to the stage today, which spread throughout the audience sparking some impressive mosh pits.
Holly Humberstone recently came second on BBC’s Sound of 2021 and has garnered more than 65 million streams on her debut EP Falling Asleep At The Wheel. Berwyn came to the BBC Introducing stage today from a place of adversity. With his father in Trinidad and his mother in and out of jail, he said he struggled through times of homelessness and learnt to fend for himself from a young age. He confessed music was always a bit of an escape for him. It certainly heated up on Main Stage West Sunday evening as flames erupted from at the front of and above the stage for Biffy Clyro. Festival goers (and even some of the other artists) turned out in force for the final band of the weekend. With fireworks and multiple encores, the weekend definitely ended with a bang.
Blossomons
Wolf Alice
Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 3 nights at the Seascape Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast Happy hour every evening Entertainment some evenings Tea, coffee and cake on one afternoon Bingo on one afternoon Excursion to Exeter Optional excursion to Brixham & Dartmouth (£10pp)
4 Days by Coach
only £159
Yungblud Berwyn
Biffy Clyro
Holly Humberstone
Single Supplement £45
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
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Liam Gallagher
WOKINGHAMLEISURE
Rob, the Time lord
An evening exploring all aspects of time – through comedy, poetry and words – is coming to Reading next month. Rob Auton timechecks with PHIL CREIGHTON
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POET, comedian and wordsmith will be performing his latest show in Reading’s South Street, and it’s about time. Yes, really. It’s all about time and it’s also about Time. Confused? Spare a thought for Rob Auton, who had planned to play at South Street Arts Centre last March. Covid had other plans. The virus prevented him from performing the rescheduled date, and the one after that. Finally, he is able to present his timely show, Time. It’s a focus on all things to do with time, and follows on from similarly themed shows on subjects such as sleep, hair, water and faces. Why does Rob explore single issues? “I just love testing myself,” he says. “I sit down with a pen and a pad and just start writing and see what happens. “When I’m walking around or things like that, I have ideas. When I pick these things – say if I am doing a show about the colour yellow, then I’ve almost got like a yellow alarm going off in my head every time I see something like a double yellow line, or hear a song or something. It just makes me engage with that thing.” And the process continues – he admits he is quite disciplined about it, writing late at night, even when he doesn’t want to. “Looking back at what I’ve written and going, ‘Ah yes, I’m pleased I sat down.’ That is where the effort goes. You only get out what you put in, don’t you?” If you’ve seen Rob on TV, including The Russell Howard Hour, or seen a previous show at South Street, you’ll know that his performances are precise, as well as funny. “Pretty much every word in the show is one I want to be there,” he says, adding that one of the reasons is that he combines comedy with poetry. “When words come together to create a specific feeling in someone, it’s just magic,” he says. “The feelings or ideas I have, if I can get them down as quickly as possible without overthinking too much, I don’t try and sit down and try to have ideas normally. I’m lucky – sometimes they come to me and I just try to catch them and not get in the way of them too much. “It feels like something that’s natural to me. I want to follow my instinct.” He feels that this is what happens when artists don’t overthink, instead sharing whatever they think is worth
sharing, whether it be through words, drama or painting. “If you’ve got a feeling for a colour, you go, ‘Right, I’m going to paint this big thing red’.” This in turn can help his performance and turn a show into something that audiences will remember for years to come. “When the night turns into something that I won’t be able to recreate again, because of other people in the room who have brought something to me, it snowballs into something magical. “It isn’t just me. Something will happen, the air is punctured by someone laughing in a weird place and everyone starts laughing – why were they laughing? Everyone’s different elements of enthusiasm are on board. “I’d love it if I could recreate the perfect gig every night,” he says, quickly adding, “but if every performance was it would probably become boring. It’s worth having those tough gigs where it doesn’t click, you just try again the next time.” Rob likens it to being with your mates having a perfect dinner party and then trying to recreate it at the next performance. “I think that’s what excites me; everything is so fluid,” he says. “We’re made up of blood and guts and bones and eyes and brains. There is no way that we can harness it because we’re wild. Life is wild, isn’t it? “Just trying to tame it for an hour-and-a-halfm or whatever it is, I don’t want to. I want it to be an a live experience for everyone.” Coming out of lockdown, Rob thinks this connection is more important than ever, saying we’ve been living in a moment but people are now ready for a new moment, a new challenge, getting ready for that new normal. “It’s a challenge I’m definitely up for.” Lockdown has seen many of us take up new challenges, and for some that has been growing facial hair. Rob, who is blessed with a hirsute abundance on both the head and face, went the opposite way: a grade two all over. “When all my gigs were cancelled, I thought OK, I’m going to shave it off. I had a bit of fun with a beard for a bit, giving myself a goatee, but it’s grown
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back now,” he says, “although my hair is thinning out a bit on top. My hairs have taken lockdown very seriously and started social distancing.” Time was originally performed for a 2019 audience, winning great acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival, and Rob had performed the first half of the tour before lockdown. He doesn’t mind the pause that coronavirus has forced on him. “I’ve looked forward to (getting back on tour) because I had such a good time in Edinburgh and the tour,” he says. “I think (I wouldn’t) if it was a show that was good one day and not the next, you know, inconsistent, but it’s not. I’ve tried to make the show as strong as possible. “The material is there, I’ve just got to make sure that I’m as good as I was before the pandemic, and that will come through practising.” He’s looking forward to being back at South Street – he’s been regularly popping up there over the years, including a 2014 gig with local legend AF Harrold. “I do love South Street,” he admits. “It’s one of the best setup arts centres in the country, because the dressing room is right behind the stage. “I was there in 2018 for my last tour, I loved it. It was such a good gig.” So why should people come and see if Rob’s rehearsals have come good? “There might be an opportunity for flapjack,” he says smiling. “I don’t know if that’s a spoiler. “But I want to share with people because I think the experience that we create in the room together is a positive thing. And I think people need positivity at the moment.” Yeah, it’s definitely time for Time. n Rob Auton brings his comedy/ theatre/spoken word show about time, The Time Show, on his (timely but rescheduled) biggest tour to date, including a performance at South Street Arts Centre, Reading on Saturday, October 2. For full dates and info, visit robauton.co.uk n I Strongly Believe in Incredible Things by Rob Auton (Mudlark, £14.99) is out on Thursday, September 16 and available to pre-order now.
Testing the waters Cookham art trail A COMEDIAN will be testing the waters for a new show in Maidenhead next week. Award-winning Paul Chowdhry is performing a work-in-progress show at Norden Farm on Thursday, September 9. Being the first British Asian comedian to sell out at Wembley Arena, Paul’s performance there was voted as one of the venue’s top ten shows of 2017. And his 2019 tour show, Live Innit, was released as an Amazon Prime original special in 200 countries worldwide. Paul has also won Best Live Event at the ITV Asian Media Awards, Comedian of the Year at the Asian Voice Awards and the Eastern Eye Comedian of the Year award. TV credits include hosting Channel 4’s Stand Up for the Week, headlining BBC’s Live at the Apollo and a contestant on Channel 4’s Taskmaster. And he even stars as a lead role in a 10-part international TV series, Devils. Tickets cost £15 and the show starts at 7.30pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01628 788997 or log on to: nordenfarm.org
ARTISTIC creations will be on display at this year’s Cookham and Maidenhead Arts Trail. The free event, run by volunteers since 2019, is welcoming visitors to take a look at a range of work made by a group of creatives on September 11 and 12. The aim is to promote visual arts in the area and encourage more people to get involved in the craft. Around 34 makers will demonstrate their practice and process to others across 14 venues in the area. Starting in Maidenhead, members of the public can follow the trail up to Cookham and back to the south of Maidenhead down to finish. Refreshments and demonstrations are available at many venues. Jill Chadwick, glass artist, who heads up the online publicity for the arts trail, is looking forward to getting out there and meeting people again. “I’m excited to see customers after so long, chatting to them and getting feedback on my work,” she said. “To get such positive responses from visitors keeps me motivated and it’ll be nice to meet visitors face-to-face
to show them what I’ve created.” Although the arts trail went ahead last year, mainly outside, Ms Chadwick said this time they’ll be more new artists as well as existing ones. “We are very much driven by the applications for the trail, we always welcome new people to apply to take part and even have some artists from further afield too.” n For more details, or to take part, log on to: camat.org.uk
Wokingham trail returns
THE WOKINGHAM Arts Trail returns later this month as it welcomes back visitors for the first time in two years. Since it began in 2010, the event has given artists the opportunity to showcase their talent in the borough. And this year, 21 creators will unveil their work in 12 different venues across the borough on September 18 and 19. Visitors can meet first hand some of the local jewellers, sculptors and artists. Displays will be in craft makers’ own homes or studios and others are grouped in halls. The trail is open each day from 10.30am until 5.30pm. n For more information, log on to: wokinghamartstrail.co.uk
WOKINGHAM IN NEED PRESENTS
ART THEMEN & FRIENDS October 5th 2021
WHITTY THEATRE, LUCKLEY ROAD WOKINGHAM RG40 3EU Doors open 6.30pm Performance starts 7.30pm Bar open prior to, during interval and after event. Tickets available from: ticketsource.co.uk/wokinghaminneed or call 07867 530 727 All proceeds raised from this event will go to Wokingham In Need for distribution to worthy causes.
Tickets: £19.00 Each Supported by: Prospect Estate Agents Wokingham Rotary
www.wokinghaminneed.com www.facebook.com/WokinghamInNeed
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A taste of paradise and a bargain
The Coconut Tree Kings Road Reading RG1 3BJ 0118 338 3921 www.thecoconut-tree.com
bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic
T
FEAST: Sri Lankan food from The Coconut Tree, which has just opened in Reading. It has a large selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes, at keen prices Picture: The Coconut Tree Colombo (£6) then appeared: cheese cubes in a lightly spiced sticky sauce which are delicious. Black Pork (£7) is pork belly slowcooked in dark roasted spices – oh, my. How amazing. Two Kotthus were served: this is a Sri Lankan ‘luxury’ street food, and comes with a finely chopped roti bread. It comprises scrambled egg, onions, chillies, spices and is from £5 for a vegan version to £9 for a chicken and cheese. My favourite had to be the Stir-Fried Chickpeas (£4.50), a simple dish made with onions, garlic, mustard seeds, coconut chunks, curry leaves and crushed chillies. It’s flavoursome and a far cry from a greasy, heavy ruby murray. In case you hadn’t guessed, these dishes are best shared – the plates might look small when they arrive, but order an assortment and you’ll quickly run out of table room unless you let everyone have a nibble. Sharing is caring. For hygiene, serving spoons are provided. The food is just one part of The Coconut Tree’s offering. Its ‘cocotails’ is a menu that fuses premium Sri Lankan spirits, sharing party pieces, low sugar and low or alcoholfree drinks, served in appropriate glasses, some imported specially.
There’s much to enjoy, particularly the bill. The environment is cool, with a funky soundtrack, great street art on the walls, and friendly staff who go out of their way to make you welcome. Instead of napkins and posh tablewear, there’s a roll of kitchen towels on the tables and instructions to expect warm Sri Lankan hospitality, sweet and fiery cocktails, and candles in half coconuts. The final décor and tables is still on its way, but will complete the authentic Sri Lankan vibe. There’s also a private dining room downstairs for parties. For its opening, it is offering 50% off food until Saturday, September 4, then the same discount on Mondays to Wednesdays. The catch is you need to prebook. But then you’ll need to book anyway. The word on the street spread quickly and seats have been snapped up, with queues outside. It’s great that Reading has something completely different joining its blossoming food scene, and it’s cool and funky. It’s a place that will make your party go wow, and is somewhere you can’t wait to return to.
PHIL CREIGHTON
Does an age-blind Hamlet really work?
T
HE PRINCE of Denmark is one of those actor-defining roles. It’s a reflective look at power, and how it can corrupt. But it’s usually a role given to someone in their 30s, with notable predecessors, including Richard Burton, David Tennant, Mel Gibson, local lad Kenneth Branagh and, of course, Laurence Olivier. To see the role given to 82-year-old Sir Ian McKellan in an age-blind casting might seem weird, but audiences need to suspend their disbelief to accept that the stage is not just a stone’s throw from the Queen’s castle, but a court in Denmark. Does it work? Well, the
Wokingham Loves Music Chris Hillman
HERE’S a set formula for food reviews. Set the scene, list the food, leave some impressions and end with a witty pay-off. For The Coconut Tree, bringing something unique to Reading’s restaurant scene, let’s eschew writing thousands of words as a preamble, but go straight to the point: you simply have to try it. Here is something very different, Sri Lankan street food and cocktails at a price point that sees it compete with fast food chains. Meals are made with fresh ingredients, and there’s plenty of choice for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. Based on Kings Road, minutes from Jackson’s Corner and in the home of the old Zizzi, The Coconut Tree exceeds expectations. After all, few of us have tasted Sri Lankan food before, and if you’re expecting a fusion between curry and Thai, well, think again. Reading is one of eight branches, offering tapas style dishes, starting from £2.50. All are freshly cooked from an open-plan kitchen at the centre of the dining area. There are no hiding places, and no chance of chefs being tempted to take shortcuts. The menu is extensive. If you can’t decide, The Coconut Tree has a tasting menu for £20. It’s not a set menu, as they’ll make some dishes aimed at your palette. The first dish served was the Egg Hopper (£3.50), a bowl-shaped coconut milk pancake with an egg, coconut sambol, seeni sambol (caramelised onions with a hint of cinnamon), and lunu mirris, a Sri Lankan salsa. The pancake resembles the injera you’ll find at Tutu’s Ethiopian Table, you can use your fingers, use the cutlery, peck at it or wolf it down. It’s very filling and would make a satisfying lunch on its own. The empty dish was repurposed as a plate, for helpings from the next plates to arrive. Polenta Battered Mushrooms (£5) came with spicy caramelised onions. I thought this would be my favourite, but the Cheesy
Hamlet Until September 25 Theatre Royal Windsor theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853 888
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
play’s the thing. Sir Ian, who has had an incredible career, is mesmerising. Regardless of what else is happening on stage, notably from the visual opening with a cascade of brollies, right through to the bitter end, he commands your total attention. He bounds around with a youthfulness that even a man in his 30s would struggle with, let alone a senior. It is an astonishing performance, capturing the unhinged nature of Hamlet. And while Sir Ian might be the big name, it is a stellar cast all round: Frances Barber and Jenny Seagrove are just some of the stars in Windsor’s orbit. The set is sparse, and industrial. It’s multi-level and dimly lit. All the audience sees is a blank canvas to create their court, aided by a few props and steps leading up to a U-shaped
gantry. It looks like something from The Crystal Maze – all that’s needed is for Richard O’Brien to come on asking for the fans to be started. For those in the bleacher seats at either side of the stage, there will be moments when they have unparalleled access to the cast, while at times their vision is impaired by the action above them. Woe betide any of them that nod off during a key moment: there’s no hiding place when you’re within touching distance of the action. The big question is whether the age-blind approach to casting works. Watching Shakespeare has always required leaps of the imagination – back in his day, male actors would play female roles and the company didn’t necessarily have costumes. There certainly wasn’t staging. Asking the audience to accept that the actor playing
Hamlet is older than his compatriots is initially jarring but quickly overcome. Hamlet is an unsettling story, a tale of different people’s motivations for power and what happens when that goes wrong. The Theatre Royal’s version is unsettling. It pushes boundaries and leaves us much to think about. It is a masterclass in acting, a triumph in sound design and lighting, and a memorable night out. Tickets have sold so well that the play’s run has been extended until September 25. There’s then a break before Francesca Annis, Sir Ian and Jenny Seagrove return for The Cherry Orchard. Performances run from October 1 through November 13. n For more details, log on to www.theatreroyalwindsor. co.uk
PHIL CREIGHTON
WHO’S IN THE HOUSE?: Fred’s House top our playlist this week, and they wowed audiences at Wokingham Festival, too Picture: Andrew Merritt Photography
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HIS week, it’s a repeat. But don’t worry, it’s with good reason. All of the featured artists were so good when they perfromed at Wokingham Festival last weekend, we had to keep them all in the playlist for another week. We will be back to adding new tracks next week, so if you have a music event going on or you are an artist with a local connection why not tell us all about it by posting in the chat group at www.facebook.com/groups/ wokinghamlovesmusicchat . You never know, you might find yourself in the playlist sometime. Have a listen for free at bit.ly/ wokinghamlovesmusic Next week also sees the return of the gig guide, featuring a round-up of live music events taking place across Wokingham, Bracknell and Reading and surrounding areas. If you’re hosting a gig, or preparing to play for one, send an email to events@wokingham.today
previously and will be returning to appear again this year. He is currently working on a new album being recorded in a new recording studio that he built himself – www.facebook. com/EdwardNaysmithOfficial
Fred’s House – Shut Up and Dance
The Room are an excellent live band with local connections who were invited back to the festival this year after a brilliant performance in 2019. The band’s bass player, Andy Rowe, was a great host for the day on the Sunday – theroom.band
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 on Saturday 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, featuring an incredible vocal duet from Danny Sorrell and Nicole Johnson – www.theparadoxtwin.com
Wille and the Bandits – Four Million Days
What a perfect way to close the festival. This is a great headlining act that creates something unique with their exciting blend of rock ‘n’ roll, funk, soul and roots. The band is a four-piece led by talented singer/ songwriter Wille Edwards – www. willeandthebandits.com
Edward Naysmith – Live Anymore
Edward is a talented singersongwriter who has played in the area
Kyros – Rumour A very prolific international band with local connections and, due to lockdown, they haven’t yet performed any of the tracks live that appeared on their critically acclaimed Celexa Dreams album. That changed this week with their excellent summer tour – www.kyrosmusic.com
The 11 – This Life They were a late addition to the Wokingham Festival line-up and what a great addition they were. The 11 describe themselves as a straight up, no messing, proper honest rock-band with feels and melody aplenty – www. facebook.com/the11uk
The Room – The Golden Ones
Flutatious – Glen Row Stomp A band with an exciting blend of folk, rock and prog who have been busy since restrictions eased with festival appearances at Kozfest, Wickham, Prog for Peart, A New Day and now Wokingham – www. flutatious.co.uk
Third Lung – What is a Life? Reading-based outfit Third Lung has released a number of quality singles during 2021 and this is one of them. They performed at Wokingham Festival for the first time and showcased those powerful vocals, guitar riffs and melodic choruses – www.thirdlungband.com
Warmrain – Fading Star Here’s a band who creates beautiful pieces of music with moving lyrics. They started playing live shows before lockdown in support of their debut album, Back Above the Clouds, and despite having put plans on hold they are back and getting very positive reactions – warmrainband.com
LEISURE | 31
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Thursday, September 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Freely Blackberry & Apple Crumble
In the garden September
From the kitchen Freely Fruity
F
Serves 4 REELY foraged blackberries and ripe windfall apples are making an appearance now and are just the job for this crumble. Choose brambles away from busy roads and pick high-up shiny dark blackberries that come away from the stalk easily. Many folk with apple trees are only too happy to leave out a box or two of apples for all to enjoy or you could relieve friends who might be drowning in them.
The start of autumn
Ingredients
S
n 750g ripe windfall apples, peeled and finely diced n 250g blackberries, rinsed n 75g + 2 tbsp muscovado sugar n 65g plain flour n 100g unsalted butter, diced n 65g ground almonds n 75g oats n 1 pinch salt
Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4 2. Place the apples and blackberries into an oven-proof dish about 2-litre capacity
and toss with 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp flour and 100ml water; set aside 3. In a separate large bowl put the butter,
remaining flour and almonds; using fingertips rub together. Then add and rub in the remaining
sugar, oats and salt 4. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the fruit and bake on a tray for 40 minutes
Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk/
Plastic Free Home David Lamont
facebook.com/ PlasticFreeHomeUK
Rethinking travel post-pandemic
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AST week, I read a piece in The Telegraph by TV personality and writer Victoria Coren, on “the joy of proper British holidays,” and it got me thinking. The UK travel industry has reported record levels of demand for “staycations” in 2021. This year, the country’s most popular holiday spots include Cornwall, Devon, North and South Wales, Cumbria and Yorkshire. Growing up, our family holidays were largely spent in South Wales, separated by the occasional trip to Scotland or the Isle of Wight. And it was brilliant. As a child, I flew just twice. We have continued that same tradition with our own children, four and seven, and have enjoyed many memorable holidays in South Wales in recent years. As Brits, our sights are so often fixed on overseas destinations, and our minds on “escaping”, that we risk overlooking everything that this country has to offer. According to an independent think tank, the Resolution Foundation, in pre-pandemic times the UK’s “tourism trade deficit” (the amount we spend on overseas holidays versus the amount
spent by tourists visiting the UK) equated to an incredible £30.5bn. The economic benefit of staying and spending here in the UK is impossible to ignore. So, what about the environmental cost of overseas holidays? Around 2.4% of global carbon dioxide emissions come from aviation, and the industry is thought to be responsible for around 5% of global warming, by the European Federation for Transport and Environment. Yet only half of us in the UK fly annually, and just 3% of the global population flies regularly. I have never been a big flyer but I have been very fortunate to visit several wonderful countries – often typically gravitating towards those where nature lies at their heart. Costa Rica, today one of the most biodiverse places on earth having returned from the brink of environmental disaster just decades earlier, is the most incredible place I have been. It should be viewed as an example of what can be achieved by world leaders on a global scale. Unfortunately for me, those fond memories are now tinged with a growing sense of guilt, having watched the climate crisis continue to escalate in the decade since.
HOME COMFORTS: South Wales is a top holiday destination this year Picture: Roman Grac from Pixabay We currently have no plans to fly again as a family. Our next big adventure will be to explore Scotland in a couple of years’ time, and if we do go to Europe it will be by train. The Canary Islands, around 3,500 miles away, or a four-hour flight from the UK, are among the most popular destinations for British travellers. For a single person, return flights from London will equate to 1 tonne of carbon dioxide (that person’s share of the planes’ total emissions) – around 10% of the total emissions the average British person generates annually. For a family of four, that figure is of course 4 tonnes. It is worth noting that if you are flying business class or first class, your emissions are calculated to be up to four times higher than if flying economy. By contrast, a family car journey covering the same distance would chalk up 2 tonnes of carbon dioxide
– a reduction of over half. Taking the train would reduce your emissions by just over half again. Of course, if choosing to holiday here in the UK, we won’t be driving anywhere near that far – equivalent to travelling up and down the UK twice over. Our recent family holiday to South Wales will have resulted in around 0.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide – emissions 20 times lower than if we’d hopped on a plane to somewhere like Gran Canaria. It means that we could take our boys to Wales every year of their childhood and still not quite match up to that single overseas trip. The simple point is, do we really need to fly or travel long distances in search of the perfect holiday? Or, given the climate emergency that faces us, is this one significant and relatively easy change that we can all make now
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
UMMER is drawing to a close and autumn is just around the corner – what a perfect time to think about planting – the soil is warm and the autumn rains will get plants established before the winter sets in. It’s also a good time to take stock of your garden and think about any changes or plans you want to make. Keeping colour in borders for as long as possible is top of the ‘to do’ list for September, so you may like to consider incorporating late summer or autumn flowering plants such the Aster (pictured). The name ‘Aster’ comes from the ancient Greek word for ‘star’, although they are often referred to as Michaelmas daisies because of their typical flowering period in the autumn. Asters come in blue, purple, red, pink and white each with a yellow centre. There are numerous varieties of Aster, from dwarfs that measure less than a foot, to tall versions that can reach up to eight feet. All varieties make for good cut flowers and are easy plants for beginners to try in the garden. They thrive well in drained, fertile soil that retains moisture and prefer full sun or partial shade. It’s also the time of year that nurseries and garden centres have great offers on big bags of mixed Daffodil bulbs, in all shapes and sizes. They can grow pretty much anywhere, even through the lawn. The easiest way to work out how deep to plant your bulb is to dig down approximately three times the depth of the bulb – but be warned, if you plant Daffodils too close to the surface they often won’t flower. You can plant Daffodils, and Crocuses, from September to October – as many as you can get into the ground or in containers. Once planted you need do nothing else to them other than wait for a stunning show in the spring. If you’re planting in lawns, cut out three sides of a square and lift back the turf, put in a few bulbs and then firm the turf back again. As it’s bulb season, you could also plant hyacinth bulbs in pots, by mid-September, so that you have a glorious Christmas display – creating a scented centrepiece or gift for gardening friends and family. Once the hyacinths are planted in a pot, put in a dark cool place (a garage or shed) for 10-12 weeks and then bring out into the light so flowering can start. September is when autumn begins to creep into your garden, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to let it all go to seed – jobs for this month suggested by the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) include ... n Look after your lawn – weed it and seed it n Pick and harvest summer fruits n Bring tender houseplants inside n Continue to sow vegetables n Clear out the greenhouse n Collect and sow seeds gathered from plants in the garden n Plant spring flowering bulbs
32 | CLASSIFIEDS
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PUBLIC NOTICES
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 26th August 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:
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A329 BROAD STREET, A329 MARKET PLACE AND ROSE STREET, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021
1.Patten Ash Drive, Wokingham between its junctions with Hughes Road and Heron’s Way.
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 26th August 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (b) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Heron’s Way, Long’s Way and Hughes Road or by this route in reverse.
1. A329 Broad Street, Wokingham between its junctions with A329 Shute End and A329 Market Place.
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th September and 10th September 2021.
2. A329 Market Place, Wokingham between its junctions with A329 Peach Street and A329 Broad Street.
The reason for this prohibition is to allow South East Water contractors to undertake relay communication pipe work in safety. 2. Evendons Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with A321 Finchampstead Road and Blagrove Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Blagrove Lane, B3349 Barkham Road, Molly Millars Lane and A321 Finchampstead Road or by this route in reverse.
The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by these restrictions shall be via A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road and A329 Peach Street.
The reason for this prohibition is to allow South East Water contractors to undertake carriageway reinstatement work in safety.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street and Cross Street.
Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.
Works requiring this restriction will take place on 12th September 2021 between 06:00 and 20:00
Dated: 2nd September 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
RECRUITMENT
The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address
Reasons for Advert
The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Inside Man Ltd. contractors to undertake filming work in safety.
Land South East of Environmental Finchampstead Road, South Impact Assessment Wokingham Strategic Development Location, Wokingham
Hybrid Planning application (part outline/ part full) comprising outline application with all matters reserved for up to 171 no. dwellings, public open space and associated infrastructure and full application for Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). This is a re-consultation because revised/additional information has been received including a reduction in the site area and a reduction in the number of dwellings proposed (from 190 to 171). Most of the drawings, supporting documents and the Environmental Impact Assessment have been updated. See the agent’s covering letter “Covering Letter 2021 07 02 JCM P18-2684_Redacted” for more information. Revised arboricultural assessments have also been submitted.
212074
The Lieutenants Cottage, Basingstoke Road, Spencers Wood
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Application for Listed Building Consent for the proposed erection of a 4 ft. close board fence with a 2 ft. trellis panel and concrete posts.
212709
Thatch Cottage, Southbury Lane, Ruscombe
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed erection of link attached singlestorey side extension, demolition of existing outbuilding, plus internal alterations.
212712
Thatch Cottage, Southbury Lane, Ruscombe
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Householder application for the proposed erection of link attached single-storey side extension, demolition of existing outbuilding, plus internal alterations.
212717
Dobbies Garden Centre, 166 Hyde End Road, Shinfield
Major Application
Full planning application for redevelopment of the site to provide a new garden centre retail development incorporating restaurant/ café, food hall and veterinary practice with ancillary works including car parking, access, outdoor display areas and landscaping, following demolition of existing buildings.
212720
Land At Bridge Farm, Twyford
Departure from Development Plan
Outline application (all matters reserved except access to the site) for the development of up to 200 dwellings and associated infrastructure, open space, biodiversity enhancements, landscaping and green infrastructure, following demolition of existing agricultural buildings. (Means of access into the site from New Bath Road to be considered.
212838
The Thatch, Church Lane, Three Mile Cross
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Householder application for the proposed rear single storey oak framed extension.
212839
The Thatch, Church Lane, Three Mile Cross
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed rear single storey oak framed extension.
Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 12th September 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: 2nd September 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
We are looking for a Painter/handyman! (full time) We are recruiting for a painter/ handyman to work on our facilities team, renovating and maintaining childrenʼs nurseries. Candidates must have a clean driving licence, be willing to travel to our sites, and have decorating experience. This job is a permanent full-time role, however part-time/flexible working will be considered.
Please send your CV and a covering letter to hr@completechildcare.co.uk Complete Childcare is a group of 14 day nurseries and pre-schools in Berkshire/ Oxfordshire. As part of our safer recruitment process, references and a DBS check are required.
www.completechildcare.co.uk
Description
192325
Works requiring these restrictions will take place on 12th September 2021 between 06:00 and 20:00 3. Rose Street, Wokingham between its junctions with A329 Broad Street and the entrance to Peach Place.
The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 6th September 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990
The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by these restrictions shall be via A321 Denmark Street, A321 Wellington Road, Station Approach, A329 Reading Road and A329 Shute End.
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 13th October and 14th October 2021 between 09:30 and 15:30.
The restrictions 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.
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION
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 23rd September 2021. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses. Date: 2nd September 2021
WELL BEING
THERAPY
Thursday, September 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
MOTORING
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HEALTH & FITNESS
ACCOUNTANCY
KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION
TREE SURGEONS
TECHNOLOGY
PET SITTING
PAINTING & DECORATING
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
PHOTOGRAPHER
RECYCLING
TV AERIAL & SATELLITE
PUBLIC NOTICE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3024 WALTHAM ROAD, RUSCOMBE) (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: B3024 Waltham Road, Ruscombe between its junctions with Southbury Lane and Wokingham Borough Boundary. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3024 Ruscombe Lane, B3024 Ruscombe Road, A3032 London Road, Church Street, A321 Waltham Road, B3018 Waltham Road, B3018 The Straight Mile, B3034 Forest Road, A3095 Maidenhead Road, A330, B3024 Littlefield Green, B3024 Hurst Lane, B3024 Broadmoor Road and B3024 Twyford Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 20th September and 24th September 2021 between 09:00 and 15:30. The reason for this prohibition is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake repairs to a damaged culvert 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 20th September 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: 2nd September 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
34 | SPORT
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ATHLETICS
BASKETBALL
NEW ADDITIONS ROCK UP AT READING READING ROCKETS have added a treble of new signings to their roster ahead of the new season.
Meshack Lufile, AJ Basi and Tyler Cartaino have joined the Rockets as they begin a new adventure under coach Dan Peason for the upcoming campaign. Standing at 6’9 and listed at 109kg, Meshack cuts an imposing figure on the court and will use all of his size to control the paint as centre for the Rockets next season. A brief spell in Romania’s first division during 201920 allowed Meshack to shine and got the Rockets’ attention, as he put up more than 11 points and seven rebounds a game on the best field goal percentage of his pro career. Meshack said he plans “on bringing a winning culture and experienced veteran leadership” to the squad, adding that he “couldn’t be more happy” with the player-coach relationship he has formed with new coach Dan Pearson. Pearson clearly feels similarly, and he praised Meshack as a “bruiser with touch and incredible feel for the game” who could contribute “on the court and for the community of Reading”. Bringing some selfcreation and shotmaking to the Rockets this year, AJ Basi is poised to have a great season as another weapon in Coach Pearson’s arsenal. After five years at college and a number more playing overseas, the
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
Canadian-born baller has plenty to offer the team on both ends next season. AJ comes to the Rockets with a comprehensive basketball résumé that will put him in position to shake up the guard rotation and push up standards across the roster. Besides his ambitions on the court, AJ is particularly excited to bring joy back to fans who will at long last be able to watch the team in person again. He said: “I can’t wait to play in-front of our fans and become part of the Reading community.” Coming off the back of a full four-year spell at Chaminade University, Tyler Cartaino will begin the next step of his basketball journey with the Rockets next season. A 6’6 swingman who can operate effectively both on and off ball, Tyler is ready to bring valuable versatility and efficient scoring to the team for the 2021/22 season. Tyler’s time at college allowed him to play an incredibly high standard of basketball, regularly facing off against NBA-level talents when matched up against Division 1 college teams in the US. Despite only just moving from college to professional basketball, Tyler is already a highly experienced player at the age of 23. Tyler said: “I hope to be a part of a winning culture and to help bring a championship to the Rockets.”
YOUNG ATHLETES TO REPRESENT BERKSHIRE
School Games National Finals Pictures: Youth Sport Trust MORE than 30 young athletes from Berkshire have been selected to compete at the 2021 School Games National Finals.
The major multi-sport event is held across the UK, and takes place at Loughborough University from Thursday, September 2 to Sunday, September 5 The School Games National Finals will be the first multi-sport event for young athletes following the lifting of lockdown restrictions. The event will celebrate the athletes’ achievements in working
hard to maintain training and motivation over the last 18 months. More than 1,300 athletes will compete across 10 sports at the School Games, four of which include disability disciplines. The event will give many young people, across a variety of different sports, an experience of high-level competition in a multi-sport environment similar to an Olympic or Paralympic Games. The 34 will be following in the footsteps of some of Britain’s biggest sporting stars who have
competed at the event before going on to senior international success. The athletes will experience the excitement of competing at the highest level. They will live in a dedicated Athletes’ Village on the Loughborough University campus, take part in the School Games ceremony, and have their performance livestreamed for spectators via the Youth Sport Trust YouTube channel. “The School Games National Finals provide a great experience for talented young athletes,” said Ali
Oliver MBE, chief executive Officer of the Youth Sport Trust. “Competitors get a real taste of what it’s like to be part of a multisport world-class sporting event at the amazing venues of Loughborough University. “Given the competitors have endured a tough challenge to maintain their training and motivation over the last year, it’s fantastic to see them back. “We are so excited to celebrate the athletes’ during a weekend of sport.”
RUGBY UNION
RAMS READY FOR ACTION AS PRE-SEASON ENDS
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today RAMS Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds admitted he is glad pre-season is over as the National One campaign gets underway at Cambridge on Saturday.
The Old Bath Road side were beaten 24-7 at Cinderford in their final warm-up game on Saturday, but Reynolds took positives from the defeat in the Forest of Dean. He said: “It was an interesting afternoon at Cinderford and nice to get the last pre-season game out the way. “We made changes and then you lose rhythm, get it back, and at points the game maybe could have gone either way, but all-in-all, it’s a pre-season hitout we’re relatively happy with.” After an even opening period, Cinderford led 12-0 at the break courtesy of a George
Boulten try midway through the first half and one from wing Tim Andrew on the stroke of half-time. They extended their lead to 19-0 in the second period, before Ollie Monye crossed and Carl Morgan converted to cut the gap to 12 points, only for the hosts to have the last word. “I’ve spoken to them about that and we’ll review it in the week, but they’ve got to learn when to put the foot on the gas and then when to take it off, and how to play with the flow of the game. “On a different afternoon maybe the bounce of the ball goes our way, you nick another score and then you’re back in the game, but it was still a good run-out.” He continued: “The good thing is we’re creating opportunities where the players feel they can off-load to create chances to get in behind the opposition – I’d be more
concerned if we weren’t creating those moments. “We did force it at times a little bit, there’s probably still a little bit of rust out there, but there was also some good offloading and continuity which got us in good positions.” While results-wise it has been a mixed set since proper rugby finally returned on August 14, Reynolds remains pleased with what has been Rams player Ollie Monye achieved ahead of Saturday’s visit to Cambridge. He continued: “I’ll put on record I’m not a huge fan of preseason. “You want is your players to get through (without getting injured) – especially with them being without rugby for so long – and work on the things you want to work on, and then start the league programme. “We’ve managed that and while we’ve got lots to work on and lots to put right, we’re really excited for Cambridge.” Rams director of rugby Seb Reynolds
Thursday, September 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
SPORT | 35
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RESULTS Saturday, August 28 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Huddersfield 4-0 Reading Isthmian South Central Northwood 0-3 Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Ascot United 2-2 Reading City St Panteleimon 3-1 Sumas
Tom Howorth batting - Eversley CC v Hurst CC
Combined Counties Division One Berks County 2-1 Enfield Borough Hilltop 3-1 Eversley & California Rayners Lane 7-0 Woodley United CRICKET BCM Championship Shinfield (269-2) beat Downley (241 all out)
A G Cluett bowling for Crowthorne & Crown Wood against Farley Hill
Eversley in their Thames Valley fixture against Hurst Pictures: Steve Smyth
CRICKET
EVERSLEY MAINTAIN TOP SPOT BCM Championship
SHINFIELD ended their campaign in style as they defeated Downley by 28 runs. Amit Rawal smashed a century and Fakhir Ali added 66 to help them to a first innings total of 269. Ashiq Khan, Anuraag Shukla and Shashank Garg all gained two wickets to see Shinfield over the line to claim the win after 44 overs. They finish the season in fifth position.
BCL Premier Division CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD finished their campaign with an away win at FARLEY HILL. The home side, Farley, elected to bat first and hit 139 from 40 overs as opening batsman Peter Weston top scored with 40. Crows successfully chased down the score with five wickets to spare Farley are fourth with one game left to play, while the Crows are in second. WOODLEY ended with a home triumph over Sandhurst with a 47run win. There were several solid batting
displays in the Woodley order as Fazly Azeez proved most valuable with 71 not out to see them knock a total of 247. Sandhurst only conceded four wickets but finished short of the target as Woodley confirmed a sixth-placed finish. TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE still sit at the bottom after they lost out by three wickets to Welford Park.
BCL Division One WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE ensured that they end the season as runners-up as they earned 36 points in a triumph over Peppard Stoke Row 2s. An exceptional pair of innings from Sree Venkata (95) and Ankush Gandhi (94 not out) saw Waltham finish with 321. Peppard ended with 244, 77 runs short of the target. SHINFIELD 2s got the better of FARLEY HILL 2s with a three-wicket victory. Shinfield are in third with one game left to play, while Farley finish in ninth. EARLEY are sixth with two games to play after they beat
Warfield by 56 runs. Vinod Aduri and Vikesh Patel both struck half-centuries for Earley, while Prasad Gore took four wickets to help them to success. CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 2s took victory in their final game of the season to finish seventh. They chased down 127 to earn an eight-wicket win over Reading Lions. WOODLEY are at the bottom after they were beaten at West Reading 2s by 10 wickets after scoring 53 runs in the first innings.
Home Counties Division One FINCHAMPSTEAD fell to defeat at home to Datchet in a high scoring contest. Finch are just one place off the bottom of the table with one game left in the season. Madhawa Fernando and James Woodford took three wickets each as Datchet set Finch a target of 285. Guy Ashby top-scored with 47 in amongst several impressive batting displays but Finch came up just short as they ended their 50 overs 14 runs away from the total set.
Home Counties Division Two
WOKINGHAM put 20 points on the board in their penultimate game of the league season against Chesham. Iain Muirden was in fine form to take four wickets, while Chris Peploe added three to bowl their opponents all out on 125. Andy Rishton top-scored with 36 as the Oaks sealed victory to push them up to third in the standings. WARGRAVE are in eighth after they earned victory on the road against Slough/ Mandip Sohi took three wickets as Slough were all out for 216. Opening batsman Rhodri Lewis enjoyed a fantastic spell at the crease as he smashed 127 runs to help Wargrave to an away success.
Thames Valley Division 2B EVERSLEY are at the summit with one game to go after they defeated HURST by 32 runs. Tom Howorth hit a half-century for Eversley in the first innings, while Benjamin Salter took 4-41 to maintain their spot at the top.
Farley Hill (batting) v Crowthorne & Crown Wood
Finchampstead celebrate taking Calvin Dickinson's wicket
James Woodford bowling
BCL Premier Division Farley Hill (139-9) lost to Crowthorne & Crown Wood (143-5) Twyford and Ruscombe (1926) lost to Welford Park (195-7) Woodley (247-5) beat Sandhurst (200-4) BCL Division One Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (127-2) beat Reading Lions (126 all out) Shinfield 2s (146-7) beat Farley Hill 2s (145 all out) Waltham St Lawrence (321-6) beat Peppard Stoke Row 2s (244-7) Warfield (147 all out) lost to Earley (196-8) West Reading 2s (55-0) beat Woodley 2s (53 all out) Chilterns Division One Chalfont St Giles 2s (133 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (266-7) Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (142-2) beat Pinkneys Green 2s (141 all out) Home Counties Division One Finchampstead (270-9) lost to Datchet (284-9) Home Counties Division Two Slough (216 all out) lost to Wargrave (217-3) Wokingham (126-6) beat Chesham (125 all out) Thames Valley Division 2B Eversley (272-9) beat Hurst (241-9) Binfield (110-5) beat Fleet (109 all out) Reading (359-4) beat Finchampstead 2s (198-7) Bagshot (163 all out) lost to Wokingham 2s (364-7) Thames Valley Division 3A Sulhamstead & Ufton (170-6) beat Sonning (169 all out) Finchampstead 3s (198-5) lost to Windsor (199-8) White Waltham (120 all out) lost to Royal Ascot (121-0) Thames Valley Division 4A Wargrave 2s (223-7) beat Reading 2s (221-9) Newbury (138-8) beat Eversley 2s (136 all out) Wokingham 3s (199 all out)
beat Falkland 2s (142 all out)
Monday, August 30 FOOTBALL Isthmian South Central Binfield 1-3 Bracknell Town Combined Counties Premier North Tadley Calleva 1-1 Reading City Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 1-2 AFC Aldermaston Sandhurst Town 1-2 Berks County Wallingford Town P-P Woodley United
Tuesday, August 31 Combined Counties Premier North Sumas 1-2 Ascot United
FIXTURES Friday, September 4 FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Manchester United v Reading
Saturday, September 5 FOOTBALL Combined Counties Premier North Wembley v Sumas Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Woodley United Eversley & California v Rayners Lane Thames Valley Premier League Burghield v Finchampstead Cookham Dean v Reading City U23 Richings Park v Wargrave Woodley United Royals v Maidenhead Town Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions v Hurst Thames Valley Division Two Hurst Reserves v Windlesham & Chobham Development Twyford & Ruscombe v Berks County Swords Thames Valley Division Three Reading City Development v Pangbourne Thames Valley Division Four Finchampstead United v Farnham Royal Mavericks Pangbourne Development v Berks County Rovers SB Phoenix Development v Finchampstead Development White Eagles v Harchester Hawks CRICKET BCL Premier Division Mortimer West End v Crowthorne & Crown Wood Twyford & Ruscombe v Farley Hill BCL Division One Earley v Woodley 2s Chilterns Division One Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green 2s Chilterns Division 2 The Lee 2s v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s
36 | SPORT
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
WAIT FOR WIN CONTIN By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Combined Counties Premier North
Finchampstead competing in their final pre-season friendly against Singh Sabha
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK were defeated on the road with a 3-1 loss at St Panteleimon on Saturday. Despite a late fightback from the Sumas which saw Harris find the net from the penalty spot, they were beaten for the third time in three matches in a tough start to the campaign. The Sumas are still awaiting their first points of the season after they were narrowly beaten at home to Ascot United on Tuesday night. Despite the disappointing result, it was a historic evening for the Wokingham club as they competed in the Combined Counties League for the first time in front of fans at Lowther Road. It was also the first home game in charge for the new coaching team after Eliot Whitehouse was appointed as new boss after the management duo of Dan Bateman and Matt Eggleston stepped down before the start of the campaign. The visitors ensured they headed into half-time with an advantage as they opened the scoring five minutes before the break. Ascot then doubled their lead in the 55th minute to take control of the contest. Sumas fought to get themselves back into the game in the 63rd minute when Jake White latched onto the rebound of his saved penalty and reduced the deficit. However, the Sumas were unable to find an equaliser despite creating some promising chances. READING CITY earned a point away from home in a 2-2 stalemate against Ascot United on Saturday.
Wokingham & Emmbrook made a return in front of home fans at Lowther Road in a defeat to As
Isthmian South Central BINFIELD were defeated in a local derby clash against Bracknell Town in front of a bumper crowd at Hill Farm Lane. On the back of their unfortunate FA Cup exit, the Moles returned to league action on Saturday with a 3-0 triumph away at Northwood before Monday’s derby against Bracknell. An impressive crowd of 671 turned out on bank holiday Monday to show their support for nonleague football to watch last season’s FA Vase runners-up. And it was Binfield who flew out of the traps to make the perfect start as they took the lead in the third minute after a deflection off a Bracknell Town defender found the back of the net. Grant grabbed an equaliser for the visitors in the 28th minute and
Bracknell ensured they went into half-time with the lead as Bowerman converted a penalty two minutes before half-time. Grant completed his brace in the 58th minute which was enough to ensure three points for Bracknell in a hard fought game. Binfield co-manager Carl Withers said: “No complaints today, and beaten by the better team. “This result won’t define our season but it is a reminder to us of the levels required in this league. “Unbelievable support once again and was great to see so many old faces in the crowd.” Co-manager Jamie McClurg added: ”I can honestly say that’s the first time since being a manager I’ve looked and said we were beaten by a better side on the day. “We didn’t play to our levels.
Football is brutal and I love it. Amazing support for both teams and we learn and move forward.”
Combined Counties Division One BERKS COUNTY enjoyed a profitable weekend as they accumulated six points with two wins. The Swords went a goal behind to Enfield Borough but showed their resilience to recover and claim the win. In a local clash against Sandhurst Town, Berks made a fast start as Sackey put them in front. Sandhurst got themselves back on level terms with a free-kick, but it was the Swords who took three points as Sackey converted his second of the afternoon as he met Leigh Allen’s cross.
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA suffered double defeat on the Bank Holiday weekend. The Boars were beaten 3-1 away at Hilltop on Saturday after they had taken an early lead in the match through Reece Buckett. Matty Angell’s team made an equally brilliant start on Monday at home to AFC Aldermaston as Buckett added another goal to his tally with a 10th minute opener. However, Aldermaston levelled on the half hour mark and then grabbed a winner early in the second half to take the points. Meanwhile, WOODLEY UNITED were dealt a heavy defeat away at Rayners Lane. The Kestrels conceded seven to the currently league leaders, which leaves them in 20th position with three points from four games.
Thursday, September 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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NUES FOR SUMAS
From the middle Dick SawdonSmith
Where to start with abuse for referees?
A
scot United Pictures: Andrew Batt - FootballinBerkshire
A big crowd turned out to watch Binfield and Bracknell Town in a local derby in the Isthmian South Central Pictures: Andrew Batt - FootballinBerkshire
Eversley & California Ladies against Caversham United
Berks County against Sandhurst Town
Woodley United Ladies against Bournemouth Sports
book I have read recently, ‘Referees, Match Officials and Abuse’ is by Tom Webb and his crew down at Portsmouth University, who have been carrying out their research for over 15 years. As it suggests, it covers abuse of match officials, not just football in the UK but other sports scanning many other countries. However, their findings for English football are not good reading. Out of the referees questioned, 93.7% said they had been abused and 18.9% had suffered physical assault. Football abuse is not confined to the UK. In America youth football, or soccer as they call it, is very big and 70% of the referees are teenagers. Mike Woitally writing recently in Youth-SoccerInside, an American magazine, recalled a match where the coach screamed so much at the teenage girl referee that she burst into tears and the match had to be abandoned. This was illustrating his view that ending referee abuse starts with the coaches. There is a great deal to be said for this. When refereeing youth matches I have often had to tackle coaches about their loud criticisms from the touchline. I explain that if they are allowed to continue, young players will think that it is perfectly acceptable behaviour and start to make similar comments when decisions don’t go their way. This may lead to them receiving yellow or perhaps red cards. Even in professional football, coaches set an example. That’s why red and yellow cards were introduced for coaches. Take the Reading v Bristol City match. One of the Reading coaches received a yellow card for his behaviour when a decision in the opponents’ penalty area, didn’t go Reading’s way. Despite the fact that the referee had a much better view being within 10 yards of the incident, while the coach was at least 60 yards away, he ran onto the pitch, waving his arms about and screaming like a banshee. Even after receiving a yellow card he carried on waving his arms about to incite the supporters to show their displeasure. Why should any player hold back from abuse of referees, with an example like that?
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2, 2021
New Reading signings Danny Drinkwater (left) and Scott Dann (right) Pictures: JASONPIX
READING FC
READING DOUBLE DAN WITH NEW ADDITIONS By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
READING have bolstered their squad with two experienced additions as Scott Dann and Danny Drinkwater join the Royals.
Experienced defender Dann, 34, joins on a free transfer after being released by Crystal Palace at the end of last season while midfielder Drinkwater, 31, joins on a seasonlong loan from Chelsea. Dann has a wealth of experience playing at Premier League level having made 50 appearances for Birmingham City, 98 games for Blackburn Rovers and 164 league games for Palace. He was involved as recently as last season where he played 15 Premier League games for Palace and scored once. “Scott will play a crucial part in helping us keep clean sheets and win football matches,” said Reading manager Veljko Paunović. “A natural leader, Scott will be another important cog in the first team machine we are trying to construct. Chief executive, Dayong Pang added: “I’m very pleased to have Scott sign with us. He’s a centreback who has so much experience of top-flight football and that vast experience will deliver so much to our first-team squad at Reading. I
look forward to seeing him pull on our hoops.” Meanwhile, former Premier League and Championship title winner Drinkwater joins for the season. He played a vital role in Leicester City’s miraculous Premier League title win in 2015/16, making 35 appearances that season as the Foxes made history to overcome all the odds in a remarkable campaign in the English top flight. He then earned a big money move to Chelsea in 2017 but has struggled to find a way into the team, making just 12 league appearances for the West London club. Paunović said: “Danny’s talent and ability is unquestionable and to bring a player of his calibre to our club is extremely exciting. “A proven winner, he is a player whose achievements on the pitch can inspire those around him and help to drive this club forward from the centre of midfield. “We are very pleased to welcome him to Reading.” Dayong Pang added: “The opportunity to bring a player with Danny’s undoubted ability to our club was not one we could miss. “I am confident he is a strong character who can help this squad gel and work together to improve performances and earn results.”
FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
SEASON BEGINS WITH CURTAIN RAISER AT MANCHESTER UNITED By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING WOMEN are involved in the Women’s Super League curtain-raiser for the 2021/22 season in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Friday night against Manchester United.
The Royals endured a disappointing campaign under Kelly Chambers as they finished in seventh, but their highlight of last season came on their away visit to United. Facing a United side that had gone two years unbeaten at home, Reading ended their long-standing run with a 2-0 victory after Tash Harding and Danielle Carter scored to give them three points. Meanwhile, Friday night’s opponents finished in fourth position last season under Casey Stoney, but are under
new management for this season after she left her position as head coach. United are now managed by Marc Skinner who was appointed as the new boss in July. There have also been changes for the Royals at player level as they have welcomed four new arrivals this summer. Justine Vanhaevermeat, Deanne Rose, Chloe Peplow, Faye Bryson, Gemma Evans and Natasha Dowie have all joined Chambers’ team to freshen up the squad ahead of a new season. Manager Kelly Chambers has been delighted with her team’s preparations for the season as they moved to a full-time training environment at Bearwood Park. “Pre-season has gone really well,” said Chambers.
“The biggest thing for us has been moving into Bearwood Park and that’s really raised the level of professionalism and given us a proper home too. “The facilities there for us are amazing, the pitches and the support that we’ve got from everyone there. “That’s allowed us to concentrate on the pitch and really push for what we want this season.” Chambers is keen to challenge her side to push on after an underwhelming campaign last season in an unprecedented season for all teams playing without fans. “The biggest thing for me was the physical side of the girls,” Chambers continued. “Making sure they’re physically ready for this league because year on year it gets tougher. “It gets faster and we’ve
got to be able to compete with that first and foremost, then let the football do the talking. “We moved to the stadium last season which was a massive step in the right direction, but the hinderance was not being able to have ans at the games. “We need to grow a fanbase now and I think we can definitely do that being in the heart of Reading. “You can really build a connection with the players, they will stay behind and have conversations and it becomes a really close family.” After they kick-off the 2021/22 WSL campaign with an away game in Manchester, the Royals will be in front of their home fans at the Select Car Leasing Stadium against Arsenal on Sunday, September 12.
Thursday, September 2, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
ROYALS GO DOWN AT HUDDERSFIELD
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Huddersfield Town 4 Reading 0 IT was an afternoon to forget for the Royals on their visit to the John Smith’s Stadium as they were defeated 4-0 by Huddersfield Town.
The loss, which is the fourth of the season in just five games, leaves Reading just one place above the relegation zone heading into the first international break of the season. The Terriers came close to taking the lead when Danel Sinani’s free kick evaded several bodies in a crowded penalty area but struck the post. Reading responded with a chance of their, which turned out to be their only shot on target in the entire match.
Debutant Junior Hoilett was fed the ball in the box by John Swift, but from an acute angle his low drive was comfortably held by goalkeeper Lee Nicholls. The hosts took the lead five minutes before the break as Sorba Thomas breezed past three Reading defenders with ease and his cross found Lewis O’Brien after Andy Rinomhota couldn't sort his feet to clear, and he dispatched the ball past Rafael Cabral. Huddersfield quickly extended their advantage in the second half a free kick was swung into the box beyond the defence and touched home by Matty Pearson who
capitlised on some lacklustre marking from the set piece. Two goals in two minutes then condemned Reading’s afternoon into more misery as the Terriers had the points all but sealed with more than 20 minutes remaining. Thomas continued his superb afternoon and added to his two assists with a goal in the 66th minute. Reading surrendered possession cheaply and were made to pay for it as Hudersfield broke into attack and Thomas tricked his way pat Liam Moore before he fired past Rafael. Veljko Paunović’s team were caught out again just moments
after conceding a third as Danny Ward showed his composure to skip past Rafael and roll the ball into the empty net. Reading resume their Championship campaign, where they currently have just three points on the board, when they host unbeaten Queens Park Rangers at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday, September 11. HUDDERSFIELD TOWN: Nicholls, Pearson, Lees, Samuels Colwill, Thomas, Hogg, O’Brien, Toffolo, Sinani, Ward, Koroma SUBS: Vallejo Minguez, High, Holmes, Turton, Campbell, Sarr, Schofield READING: Rafael, Holmes, Moore, Morrison, Yiadom, Rinomhota, Laurent, Dele-Bashiru, Swift, Hoilett, Puscas SUBS: Halilovic, Tetek, Southwood, Stickland, Clarke, Bristow, Sackey GOALS: O’Brien 39’, Pearson 51’, Thomas 66’, Ward 68’
REACTION
PAUNOVIĆ PLEDGES TO IMPROVE LEAKY DEFENCE By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING boss Veljko Paunović vowed to improve his team’s defensive record after they suffered a heavy defeat at Huddersfield Town.
The Royals are in 21st position in the Championship, with four defeats and one win in five games. “The team doesn’t defend with just two centre backs, everyone should defend,” Paunović said. “When the team is incomplete, it impacts everywhere on the pitch. “There are two reasons why the team is incomplete. “One is because of transfers we haven’t replaced and the second are injuries. “Those are tough to replace, those players belong to us and unfortunately we have to deal with the injuries. “When we lost I’ll always look and analyse team performances and not individual performances. We have to do better.” Reading also have significantly the worst defensive record in the division having conceded 13 goals in five matches, five more than any other side. They face third place QPR in their next league match, a team that has made an unbeaten start to
SPORT | 39
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their campaign. “The first goal we had urgency in our defending and it was a bit unlucky, but after the break the performance wasn’t good and we all feel responsible for it. “Over the next couple of weeks we need to work, fix the error and acknowledge where we need to improve. “We need to lift the spirit, mentality and willingness to do your best, work hard and learn what you need to do if you’re in a different position. “Overall, a review of our performance so far this season must be made. “Everyone is conscious of the importance and impact of this loss. “We have to stay away from negativity, we have to stick together as a team. “Conceding so many goals hurts, it is painful. “This team can do good things and do much better so we have to get everyone on the same page during this break. “We haven’t played a game with this kind of performance since I’ve been here. “I’m concerned and in the next couple of weeks I want to fix all of this. “We can’t fix this game now but we can use it as a catalyst.”
Reading manager Veljko Paunović Picture: Steve Smyth
From The Tilehurst End Olly Allen
Pressure on Pauno grows after poor start
Y
OU simply cannot defend the way Reading fell apart in last weekend’s 4-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town. Which is rather fitting, considering the team simply could not defend on the pitch at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Each goal was a catalogue of errors – from poor positioning to a complete lack of courage – and I genuinely don’t think I have ever seen us defend in such a catastrophic way across 90 minutes. Understandably, there was a lot of anger amongst the fanbase following the loss, considering the manner of defeat and the fact that it meant Reading headed into the international break on just three points from five games and only a point outside the relegation zone. The calls for Veljko Paunović to leave his post only grew louder and it’s fair to say this is the most precarious that the Serbian’s position has been during his year in charge. Dai Yongge has used the international break to dispense of a manager before – Jaap Stam in March 2018 and Jose Gomes in October 2019 – so questions have been asked whether he would do the same again. While it seems unlikely that Pauno will be relieved of his duties in this two week window, there is no doubting that the next month is make or break for the Royals boss. This is his nadir and things must start to improve. You can feel a certain level of sympathy for Paunović considering all the factors that have impacted Reading’s start to the season that are largely out of his control. The transfer restrictions placed on the club by the EFL meant he was not able to add to his squad until the second week of August and it was only in the last few days of the transfer window that the bulk of the new arrivals came. In Pauno’s words, his squad has not been “complete”. Injuries have worsened the situation – Ovie Ejaria is yet to feature due to Covid-related issues and Yakou Meite and Lucas Joao are long-term absentees. Add in Michael Olise’s departure to Crystal Palace and that is two thirds of Reading’s league goals from last season gone. Not that that affects the team’s ability to defend, but it certainly hampers the way they play. These are components that bide Paunović time, but when the Championship returns he will not be afforded as many excuses. Ejaria should hopefully be ready to feature, and new signings Alen Halilovic, Danny Drinkwater and Scott Dann will have had a fortnight to bed into the squad. Nonetheless, a turnaround in fortunes is a necessity, or to use Paunović’s phrase, a “nonnegotiable”. The run of games is not easy – Reading face QPR, Peterborough, Fulham, Middlesbrough, Derby and Cardiff before the next international break – but if results do not pick up then Dai Yongge will surely be producing a fifth managerial P45 of his tenure.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 19, 2021
BEST FOR CRICKET
P34 ROYALS WOMEN PREVIEW
P38 FANS RETURN TO LOWTHER ROAD
Wokingham & Emmbrook in action on Tuesday night against Ascot United Picture: Andrew Batt - FootballinBerkshire
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2-0 down. Despite a resilient fight from the hosts to try and grab an equaliser, Ascot’s defence held firm to cling onto the three points. The Sumas are currently bottom of the table with four defeats from their opening four games. It was also the first home game for manager Eliot Whitehouse who took over at the Sumas after Dan Bateman and Matt Eggleston stepped down before the season. “It was a bit of a frantic start but once we found our footing and established our style, the boys dealt with it well,” said Whitehouse. “We physically faded after 20 minutes and it took us until the second-half to pick back
up again. “We were reliant on our setpieces to get them on the back foot, but there was gradual progress again. “The first goal was disappointing to conceded and the second one even more so at a time when you’re chasing the game. “We had a few chances to effect the game and stop them getting to the point that led to the goal so that is disappointing. “We will make mistakes but its how we recover from them. “For the last 30 minutes we threw everything at the game and had to go for it. “We threw a few of the younger lads on and asked them to put themselves about and they were very keen spirited. � Football round-up on page 36
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