Wokingham.Today for September 9, 2021

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

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Flats blaze: Heirlooms lost for good

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, September 9, 2021 No. 328

Tonne up

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EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today “I’LL GET ARRESTED if I have to,” a resident has said, in a bid to retrieve her sentimental belongings following the Arborfield fire.

Thirty three households were affected by the blaze at Hayloft House earlier this year.

Now, after losing their homes, some Arborfield Green residents have been told they can no longer salvage any items which survived the disaster as mould, decay and toxic fumes have left them irretrievable.

On Thursday, April 15, a block of flats in The Cavalry development was gutted by a blaze, leaving 33 households homeless, although alternative accommodation was made available, and community groups and churches rallied round to help those affected.

Fire crews were on the scene for several days helping make the building safe.

No other buildings were affected and all residents got out of the flats safely.

Five months on, Wokingham.

Today spoke to two former residents who have been affected by the incident.

Stacey Cooper, whose name has been changed, lived in Hayloft House – the building which caught fire. She said she was told in August that her belongings are no longer retrievable.

Now, she is demanding Savills, which manages the property, explains why it cannot give her items back and wants to know what will happen to them now. n Continued on page 6

CINE VALLEY PLANS REVEALED P2-3 IT’S A harvest that keeps on giving.

Charity Freely Fruity has now picked more than a tonne of produce from its allotments, and shared them with community groups. The group will also

be at Wokingham’s Heritage Open Day on Saturday, handing out free strawberry plants to visitors.

Co-founder Ryan Simpson said: “It feels amazing to go over the tonne. We are

really proud of all the team who help to make it happen.

“Who knows what we will end up with, especially as the weather is on our side at the moment.”

BENEFIT CUT: ‘PEOPLE WILL SKIP MEALS’ EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today MORE THAN 6,500 borough households will see a cut of more than £1,000 to their annual income from next month.

From Wednesday, October 6, Universal Credit will be reduced by £20 per week, removing the uplift that was introduced in March last year.

New research conducted on behalf

of the Trussell Trust found one-in-five people claiming Universal Credit in the South East are “very likely” to skip meals as a result.

Annette Medhurst, manager at Wokingham Foodbank said the additional £20 helps households “keep their heads above water”.

“The uplift in Universal Credit alongside free school meal vouchers during the school holidays has given many households that little bit extra to help them cope,” she said.

“Wokingham is a very expensive place to live and I am very concerned that people will slip back down into needing to attend a Foodbank.

“I know that is what we are here for but the dignity of buying what you want to feed yourself and your family should not be understated and overlooked.”

And Juliet Sherratt, founder of the Woodley Lunch Bunch said she shares the same concerns. n Continued on page 5

WHO MAKES THE BEST CURRY? P9

FUN IN THE SUN AT CHARVIL FETE P14

2 | NEWS NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 22,9,2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 2021

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 the parish rooms.

The event on Saturday was, according to Teri Austen, a joyous occasion.

“We didn’t know if the weather would be ideal,but it was all okay,” she said. “We were very pleased. It was just

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.”

University helpers join R2-D2 to celebrate the Cine Valley launch Picture: UoR FROM LEFT: Darth Vader and Robert Van de Noort, vicechancellor of the University of Reading Picture: UoR

While none of the films being created have been confirmed, th

Cine Valley In print

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Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Deputy editor • Jess Warren Reporters • Charlotte King, Laura Scardarella Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: pcreighton@wokingham.today, or telephone: 0118 327 2662. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk.

Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

EXCLUSIVE

FIND THE MOUSE: St Paul's Mothers Union held the hunt on Saturday afternoon

FAMILY TIME: Harry, 3, on the Mouse HuntWARREN with the help of mum, Sarah Holmes Pictures: Steve

By JESS

jwarren@wokingham.today

‘Get out of your car and walk’

A NEW HUB for cinematic innovation launched last week in Shinfield, and it’s bringing jobs.

Cine Valley is a project created by The in the Cllr cycling routes to of the walk]. But it's gotten worse struggling with regular walking orUniversity of Reading to issues develop a area,” film and added. “They to school. inconsiderate parking — also get them safely since the lockdown.” television hub in the Jorgensen borough. have worked closely Park, with Mr Rowland saidin some He is urging parents to on the weekends.

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“There are way too many lane have. their cars. blockbuster movies.

The school also won and the Evendons, Cllr Sarah Kerr, Liberal parents not considering it’s footpaths around For the last four years, It included Darth Vader, Storm Troopers Modeshift Regional Award use Wars them nuisance parking has been Democrat councillor for a residential area,” she said. people could other Star characters, as well as a range of forcharacters. being the best in the an issue raised

by Evendons, said one person “But the answer isn’t just more,” he said. other recognisable film borough at know encouraging Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Wokingham Town and missed an appointment fines.”

While the University does not exactly pupils to walk, cycle and member for She is concerned that executive which Evendons Neighbourhood earlier this month, after films will be made on-site, the parade scoot school. at the borough Action Group, said chair Ken being blocked-in on their adding more restrictions highways reflected an aspiration fortothe types of multiThe said they she is awareprojects of along the entire lane will council said driveway.

Rowland. million-pound that councillor could be created in and sympathises have also installed a Where Evendons Lane just “move the problem the issue Shinfield.

With pandemic temporary chicane with nearby residents. restrictions easing, Mr meets Finchampstead Road, elsewhere”.

Speaking at the event was Robert Van deoutside Noort, school toofcontrol speeds, She said the council of is thethe “Evendons Primary Rowland said parents are there is a short road running vice-chancellor University Reading. through can traffic to deter thedeter School is excellent at developing controls driving their children to parallel, with a dead end.

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Nick Smith, managing director of Shinfield Studios, shows the progress of his four stages Picture: Jess Warren

he parade reflected the University’s ambtion to target multi-million-pound productions Picture: Jess Warren

launches in Shinfield He said the site will bring many jobs and opportunities to the area. These would be jobs and internships for the University’s students, as well as for the wider population.

“There will be opportunities for many others in Wokingham, in Reading, and across the Thames Valley to come and work here,” he said.

“We know that in the Thames Valley, there are some serious inequalities. And we think we can help address these inequalities by developing Cine Valley as an opportunity for people from many different backgrounds, many different skills bases to come and work here.”

He said the University was not alone in its ambition and thanked Wokingham Borough Council for its support.

Professor John Gibbs, a professor of film at the University, said in recent years the UK has turned away many major productions due to a lack of studio space.

He thanked Shinfield Studios, the University’s anchor tenant at Cine Valley, which is currently developing four sound stages on site.

These will open for filming to begin in autumn.

Professor Gibbs said that another factor limiting the country’s production is people.

“The UK is famous for the quality of its film and television skills base, not just acting talent, but skilled film crews, set builders, painters, carpenters and electricians,” he said.

“At the same time, the growing UK film

industry means that these are all in short supply.

“We’re really excited that Cine Valley means we can use our experience in education and skills to help fill this gap and provide opportunities for young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to develop careers in the film industry.”

Cllr John Kaiser, deputy leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said he was happy that there would be a big focus on vocational jobs.

“How can it not be brilliant,” he said. “They’re bringing jobs for youngsters.”

He said the site was also an opportunity to put Shinfield on the map.

“It’s great for us as a council,” he said. “It’s highly visible.”

And he thought it could attract more students to the University.

“Wouldn’t you want to go here,” he said. “People might start thinking, Oxford, Cambridge, Reading.

There are even rumours of an academy.”

Andrew Grimes, chair of Shinfield Parish Council, said the site would bring a range of jobs attractive to all.

“I think it’s really good for the parish,” he said.

Shinfield North is the second most deprived area in the borough.”

He believes vocational jobs will have a big impact on the immediate community.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” he added.

“I hope we get back to being a well off, welleducated community – this is part of that for us.”

What is Shinfield Studios?

SHINFIELD Studios is the anchor tenant at the University of Reading’s Cine Valley.

With a long-term lease on the land, the company is developing sound stages suitable for film production.

Shinfield Studios is currently building four sound stages, totalling 150,000 square feet.

Managing director Nick Smith said the aim is to provide enough space to create

one production per year.

Building work on the four stages began in the spring, and they are expected to open in six weeks time.

“Trying to build this in six months is never going to go smoothly,” Mr Smith said. “It’s going up quickly, and we’re building at speed.”

His first client, whose identity is being shielded, is ready to move in.

Next month will see the plan for 14 more sound stages

go to the planning committee.

The application is going through the planning process, with a decision due to be made on Wednesday, October 13.

If approved, Mr Smith said Shinfield Studios will be one of the biggest film and televisions film studios in the UK. It would have more than a million square feet of filming space, as well as workshops, offices, and a post-production facility. This main site would open at the end of 2023.

!

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4 | NEWS

re3 says borough recycling rates are record-breaking IT’S BEEN a record-breaking year for recycling, re3 has revealed.

The waste management firm, which works with Bracknell, Reading and Wokingham borough councils and FCC Environment, has published its yearly Environmental Report.

It reported that less than 10% of household waste has been sent to landfill over the last 12 months — the best result since 2006.

Re3 also revealed more than 8,000 tonnes of food waste has been collected and sent to its digestion facility across all three boroughs, raising recycling rates to more than 50% for the first time.

It processed a record-breaking volume of materials, including more than 2,700 tonnes of plastic sent for reprocessing.

In a joint statement, Cllr Dorothy Hayes MBE from Bracknell Forest Council, Cllr Adele BarnettWard from Reading Borough Council, and Cllr Parry Batth from Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We are very appreciative of the efforts undertaken to deliver this essential service to our residents during the covid outbreak.

“The pandemic has not only posed a significant risk to our staff and residents but also generated an unprecedented volume of waste that was sorted to a high standard to meet the industry requirements.

“We are very grateful to all residents for bearing with us last year, for respecting the staff and, as always, for doing their bit so we can keep achieving our goals to benefit our communities and the environment.

The company reported that its new booking system, created during the Covid-19 pandemic, has been successful when helping with social distancing.

Hospice hosts Sunflower Walk A CHARITY is helping Wokingham residents remember their loved ones this weekend.

Thames Hospice is hosting its annual Sunflower Walk to honour family, friends and the organisation’s work.

This year, the event will see people take on the walk ‘their way’ by choosing a 2.5km (1.5 miles), 5km or 10km route.

Afterwards, there is a chance to visit the charity’s Maidenhead hospice, collect their medal and enjoy an afternoon of BBQ food and entertainment.

Registration is free, but Thames Hospice asks that each participant raised at least £75.

Everybody who visits the Bray Lake centre after the fundraiser can also write a message to a loved one on a dedicated memorial tree. n For more information, and to sign up, visit: www. thameshospice.org.uk/sunflower-walk

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

LAND RIGHTS: Green lane maintenence falls to bottom of list claim user associations

Work together and fix byways say 4X4 and biker groups EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today AN ARBORFIELD horserider is speaking out about what she says is the neglect of byways in the area.

Sue Redpath, a member of a livery yard in the area, said she is concerned the borough council is failing to maintain public byways.

She is particularly concerned about Arborfield 15, a public byway also known by the name of Wokingham Lane, off Poperinghe Way. She said the route has deep ruts of two- to three- feet, caused by a minority of anti-social drivers in 4X4s.

Lauren Eaton, communications officer for the Green Lane Association (GLAS), works to encourage responsible use of byways by off-road vehicle owners.

She said the damage was likely caused by drivers going off-piste, a crime that could lead to cars being seized and crushed, if repeated.

Ms Redpath said she reached out to the borough council over the issue earlier this year, but said there has been a lack of transparency over timelines.

“Wokingham is one of the best places to live in the country,” she said. “So you expect for lanes like these to be useable.

“It feels like it’s at the bottom of the list. They’ve done nothing for six months.”

She said the borough council told her it was gathering quotes to relevel the route.

“Maybe they can’t get hold of the materials or equipment – but tell people,” she said. “Be more transparent.”

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure at the borough council, confirmed the damage was from 4X4 vehicles but said they do not yet have a date for the repairs.

Graeme Collins, chairman for the Loddon Vale Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) said his organisation would be happy to help with the work.

The TRF works to promote responsible trail riding on byways

RISK: A horserider is worried Arborfield 15 poses a threat due to its surface across the country.

“We are more than happy to help with the maintenance of the lane,” he said. “Let’s work together and get the repairs done.”

This was echoed by Ms Eaton, from GLAS, who said her organisation has been helping councils maintain byways for 26 years.

“We are constantly working on these sort of projects, giving out advice and helping with maintenance where there are budgetary restrictions,” she explained.

Mr Collins agreed that the borough council was not staying on top of byway maintenance, but said it is not the only local authority struggling to do so.

Often, byways can be placed at the bottom of the priority list, Ms Eaton explained.

“The TRF and GLAS have repeatedly offered to help maintain the byways,” Mr Collins explained.

“We did a lane clearance in Swallowfield last year with GLAS.” He said some of the TRF membership fees go into a fund set aside for the maintenance of byways for all users: horseriders, cyclists, walkers, motorcyclists and drivers.

“We’re having more and more wet winters, which is causing an additional problem,” he said.

“Byways should have drainage ditches on either side – most of the problems are caused by standing water.

HELPING OUT: Members of the Loddon Vale TRF helped to clear debris along a byway in Swallowfield last year Picture: courtesy of Graeme Collins “It’s a road – a byway open to all traffic – and [the council is] required by law to maintain it.”

He said his organisation also works alongside the British Horse Society (BHS) and GLAS as part of the Mid and West Berkshire Local Access Forum.

“We debate the subjects that affect countryside access,” he explained.

In March, the borough council placed an experimental Traffic Regulation Order on Arborfield 15, restricting the width to 1.5 metres, banning 4X4 cars.

The council is currently considering making the restriction permanent but is looking for feedback first.

Cllr Batth added: “We are working on a plan for seasonal closures on sensitive byways to prevent damage by 4x4 use over the winter, and are hoping to get this in place for this winter.

“This should prevent the damage to the surface in the most sensitive parts of the year, while balancing the existing rights of vehicle users to use byways.”

Mr Collins is concerned that by permanently removing access to cars, it would only displace the problem of anti-social behaviour, sending irresponsible drivers into different woodland areas.

“Persistent culprits will just move to the next woodland. Education is the solution, and that’s what GLAS tries to do.”

Ms Eaton said that when temporary Traffic Regulation Orders are used, the “wrong people” could begin using the byway.

“It becomes a bit of a playground because there is nobody there to stop them,” she said. “GLAS members are also the eyes and the ears on the ground. If you get rid of

legitimate users, you get rid of their ability to report incidents.

“Closure doesn’t stop these people – they don’t care.”

Mr Collins was also concerned both bikers and 4X4 drivers could become a persecuted community.

“We have to be careful not to persecute the responsible many for the actions of the irresponsible few,” he said.

“GLAS advocates for sensible use, as we do. What’s happened here is not representative of 4X4 users.”

He said there are many instances where ramblers, cyclists or horseriders may also deviate from a byway, bridleway or footpath track – sometimes without knowing.

“Councils don’t put adequate signage in,” he said. “Either one user, viciously or inadvertently, goes offpiste and a new track is formed.

“The next person comes along, sees a track, and goes with it.

“Do they get persecuted for it?

Of course they don’t, because that’s not what a modern, tolerant, society does.

“Motor vehicles have access to less than 2% of the rights-of-way networks in the country,” he said.

“We and GLAS have maps for our members to follow that show these.”

He said bikers will often use these maps on a GPS, directly showing the route to follow.

Ms Eaton said her organisation does not tolerate off-piste driving, and any members found doing so would be removed.

“It is the worst thing you could possibly do,” she said. “Ignorance is not an excuse.

“We exist to give the byway information and maps to our members, but drivers can also access the local council’s maps to find out where it is legal and illegal to drive.”

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Petition: Families lose £1,000 a year in Universal Credit cut n Continued from front page

She founded the group last summer, over concerns about free school meal vouchers.

Since then, the demand for children’s holiday packed lunches has grown and they need more volunteers.

“We’ve now got a waiting list of people because we’re at capacity,” Ms Sherratt told Wokingham.Today. “We set up to help people, but at the same time, we have to be realistic, and realise that we sort of pushed ourselves to the limit.

“We’ve also had to turn down people from out of the area. It feels mean, but we have to realise that we’re working within our limits.”

The Trussell Trust, which supports a national network of more than 1,300 food banks, is calling on the Government to stop the Universal Credit cut as part of the Keep the Lifeline campaign.

It is one of 100 organisations supporting the campaign.

The charity said it is the biggest overnight cut to social security since the Second World War and

will be a huge blow for thousands of families.

Emma Revie, chief executive at the Trussell Trust, said: “These are families already caught in impossible situations who worry every day about switching on the heating and feeding their children.

“No one should have to suffer the indignity of not being able to afford the essentials in life – like food or heating.”

Reacting to the planned cut, Wokingham Labour is petitioning Sir John Redwood to help struggling families.

Cllr Rachel Burgess, leader of the group, is calling on the Wokingham MP to reverse the cut in Universal Credit and suspend the Minimum Income Floor for the self-employed.

Cllr Burgess said her ward, Norreys, has 700 people relying on Universal Credit. The highest number per ward.

She said 7,900 individuals across the borough receive the support, with 5,500 of them living in Sir John’s constituency.

This was based on

PPP consults on gambling principles in borough THE FUTURE of gambling in the borough is under consultation until the end of the month.

The Public Protection Partnership (PPP), which operates over Wokingham, Bracknell Forest and West Berkshire councils, is consulting on its proposed statement of gambling principles.

The aim is to guide gambling licencing, under the Gambling Act 2005.

The PPP said it also aims to ensure an appropriate balance between the interests of those wishing to provide and take part in legal gambling, and those who might be affected by such activities.

The Wokingham consultation ends on Wednesday, September 29. n For more information, visit: www.wokingham. gov.uk/news-and-consultation/consultation-andhaving-your-say/current-consultations

BIG IMPACT: Cllr Rachel Burgess (centre) says the drop of £20 per week is a massive amount throughout the year, and could drive Norreys residents to the foodbank Picture: Wokingham Labour provisional data from the Department of Work and Pensions, published last month.

“In Norreys, more than 250 children live in families which rely on Universal Credit – double the number at the start of the pandemic,” the councillor said.

“Foodbank and food charity usage soared in the pandemic, but the £20 per week uplift made a real difference and kept many people away from the food bank.”

Cllr Burgess said while £20 each week may not

sound very much, it means a reduction of more than £1,000 a year.

“This is a massive amount,” she said. “People ... are now really worried about what the future will bring. Debt will rise.

Foodbank usage will rise.

Poverty will rise. It is simply not good enough.”

Cllr Clive Jones, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat group said: “Such a devastating cut will knock many Wokingham families into real poverty, why this Government continues to hit the poor and protect

those better paid is a scandal that will be scorned by generations to come.”

Cllr Burgess said the Government should not be “driving people” to foodbanks.

“This is building back worse and crushing people down, not levelling up,” she said.

Sir John Redwood said: “I will, as always, raise my constituents’ concerns with the Government.”

Wokingham borough Conservatives declined to comment on national Government decisions.

Shinfield entrepreneur launches School Green cafe

A NEW Shinfield cafe will be opening to the public this autumn.

With current premises on Maidenhead Road, Warfield, Robyn’s Nest Cafe is now on the hunt for new staff members ahead of its launch later this year.

The venue will be located on School Green, part of the newly built community centre.

Shinfield Parish Council chair, Andrew Grimes, said he was delighted someone from the village will be running the venue, and said he was happy to keep it local.

For those interested in applying, start dates would be from October, with training taking place at the cafe in Warfield. n For more information on job vacancies at the Shinfield site, log on to: robynsnest.co.uk/jobvacancies

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6 | NEWS

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Town centre shop may be banned from selling alcohol A WOKINGHAM off-licence will have its ability to sell booze put under the spotlight next week, writes Jess Warren.

BB Wines, on Broad Street, is to have its premises licence reviewed on Monday, September 13, and police are calling for it to be revoked.

It comes as the shop sold alcohol to someone underage earlier this year, on Thursday, April 29.

Two years prior, Mr Parmit Singh Kapoor, who has been the store’s licence holder since 2014, was found guilty in Reading Magistrates Court of selling cider to a 15-yearold.

On Wednesday, June 16, this year, the council licensing team and Thames Valley Police conducted a follow-up inspection.

They found that Mr Kapoor’s main licence with conditions was not available.

They also inspected the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) authorisation document, which needed updating to reflect staff changes.

And the incident book’s last entry was March this year, which was queried.

Police recommended more

Challenge 25 posters to be displayed in the windows.

In a statement submitted

by Gary Clarke, licensing officer for Bracknell, Wokingham and West Berkshire, he said the shop was inspected two weeks before the Wednesday, June 16, visit.

He wrote: “This confirms our opinion that the DPS is not a fit and proper person to manage this business.

“Reading the comments on the second occasion when the DPS sold alcohol to an underage youth, I believe this shows a lack of concern for the safety of children in the area and underlines his failure to meet this licensing objective.”

In the submitted evidence for the review, neighbourhood sergeant Richard Probert said Thames Valley Police is in full support of the removal of license for the sale of alcohol.

He wrote: “BB Wines has repeatedly failed test purchasing operations and shows a complete lack of care with regards to safeguarding young persons and abiding by laws.”

The review will be live-streamed on YouTube at 10am.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

FIVE MONTHS ON: Arborfield Green residents affected by fire that destroyed

‘We just want our n Continued from front page

Now, Ms Cooper is demanding Savills, which manages the property, explains why it cannot give her items back and wants to know what will happen to them now.

“They’ve decided the building is not structurally safe,” Ms Cooper explained.

“Originally they said that though we [the residents] couldn’t go in, they could maybe get an engineer to do it.

“Now I believe they could still salvage our stuff, but because of the cost they’re not going to – they don’t want to spend the money.”

Ms Cooper has said she is willing to be arrested in a bid to salvage a safe which contains sentimental souvenirs from her children’s lives.

“I’m devastated, absolutely devastated,” she added. “Every single thing I’ve had, I’ve lost it. I’m not prepared to lose the one thing I’ll get back.”

Ms Cooper, who lived by herself in her flat, lost her husband to cancer when he was in his 50s.

After he died, her children

wanted to store their mementos in her home.

“At the time, all of our boys were moving around so they asked me to keep hold of birthday and Christmas cards with [their father’s] writing on them,” she explained. “[Now] things like that have gone and you can’t ever get that back.”

‘We deserve answers’ Savills has not yet been able to confirm whether the top floor of Hayloft House, or the entire building, will be demolished – but Ms Cooper said residents need answers.

She is worried that when her safe is brought down, it could be recycled or end up in someone’s else’s ownership. “[Salvaging the safe] needs to be possible because if it doesn’t end up in my hands, it’ll end up in someone else’s,” she said. “I don’t believe what I’m being told.

“If I have to stand out there for three days and three nights or get arrested, I will damn well do it to get my stuff back.”

This has been echoed by fellow Hayloft House resident

FLASHBACK: Firecrews tackle the blaze at The Calvary in April.

Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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a block of flats share frustrations over inability to retrieve their belongings

possessions back’ understand, but we must be guided by the advice which the specialists have provided,” the spokesperson added.

“This advice concerns not just the condition of the building but also whether the tenants possessions in themselves represent a risk to health and safety.

“Savills has not lied to residents [and] is saddened by the fact that any residents feel they have been lied to.

“The situation has developed and sometimes the news has changed in a way which the residents have understandably found disappointing, but this does not mean that they have been lied to.

“Savills have not and would not lie to them.”

The building owner is still considering whether any further salvage may be possible.

Following orders

Residents are hoping their belongings can be saved Stuart Coleman, whose name has also been changed. He accused Savills of “taking their sweet time” to return his belongings.

Three boxes of his items have been retrieved so far, but he said they were in poor quality because they were allegedly left in the building for too long.

“Today, we still don’t know what’s happening,” Mr Coleman said.

“There are rumours Savills will demolish the building but nobody has confirmed it.

“It feels like they are killing time and it’s very inappropriate.”

‘It’s too dangerous’ A spokesperson for Savills said the fire left Hayloft House structurally insecure, making it too dangerous for anybody to step foot inside.

They said while the owner of Hayloft House hired disaster recovery specialists to retrieve some personal belongings, only the ground and first floors could be accessed.

“When those specialists gained access to the building, they discovered that it would only be possible to retrieve items of special significance or sentimental value,” they explained.

This was because of “considerable levels” of fire, smoke and water damage which varied from flat to flat.

The spokesperson continued: “It has not yet been possible to make the top floor of the building sufficiently safe for anyone to enter … and given the extent of the damage, the former residents of these flats were told in early August that regrettably, it was highly unlikely that the retrieval specialist would be able to access this floor.”

After exploring the two floors below, the recovery team found a lot of furniture and belongings have been affected by mould and decay – and they are likely to be toxic.

“We know that the residents on the top floor are bitterly disappointed with this news, which we completely

Savills is now asking former Hayloft House residents to appreciate the order work has to be done in the wake of the fire.

“Savills are the managing agents on site and we do not have the authority to make decisions,” the spokesperson said, explaining why it took five months to update households on the status of their items.

“This rests with our client, the building’s owner, [who] has taken advice from the retrieval specialists who have only recently gained entry to the site and inspected what they could.”

They said the recovery team could only enter the House after the taskforce investigating the cause of fire completed their work They continued: “Acting on advice from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Hayloft House had been cordoned off from the date of the fire.

Access was forbidden on the basis that the structure was no longer stable.”

They said the Rescue Service could enter the building from Friday, July 9.

“Each of these tasks has taken time, and we appreciate how frustrating that must have been for the residents, but all parties have been working as fast as possible,” they added.

Life after the fire Since the fire, Mr Coleman said adjusting to his new life has been “heartbreaking” — and alleged Savills’ approach to managing its former residents has been “very insensitive”.

“While the fire was going on, we were told to stand in the car park and they didn’t know where to put us,” he said.

“We all moped around while the blaze was raging because there was no emergency meeting spot.

“It was very embarrassing.”

He said the estate agent has since made numerous promises to residents and alleged they have been unfulfilled.

“They said they issued all Hayloft House residents state-of-the-art furniture but that was a lie,” Mr Coleman said.

“When we moved into another block, they gave us one second-hand armchair and one second-hand bed — they smelt and had marks on them.

“It was an absolute disgrace and we don’t ever feel like we’re taken seriously.”

He said the entire incident and the following five months have been distressing for him and his wife.

“It’s always a guessing game and we rarely get a straight answer,” he continued. “We thought Savills would give us someone to speak to for mental health but they didn’t give us anything.

“It’s been a joke and they don’t understand what the fire has done to us mentally.”

This has been echoed by Ms Cooper who said life after the blaze is “indescribable”.

On the day of the fire, she watched as her apartment went up in flames and came away with only the outfit she was wearing and her phone in hand.

“It’s terrible,” she said. “I can’t even begin to tell you what it’s like.

“It’s so echoey where I am now, in a new flat, because I can’t afford to buy anything.”

Ms Cooper currently sleeps on a second-hand mattress with no bed frame, stores her clothes on the floor because she cannot afford a dresser, and uses hand-me-down cutlery and glasses.

“I’ve received things from others which is incredibly kind,” she added, “but how do you live like that?

“I’m grateful for the things I have been given and I’m not in a position to go and buy new furniture, but at my time of life it’s devastating.”

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‘We are here for you’ The spokesperson for Savills said the company has done its best to support Hayloft House residents after the incident. “[We] have been [their] first port of call not just for their day to day needs but also for news and updates,” they said.

“Savills have done their best to answer residents’ needs and to provide them with what information we have been given ourselves.”

They said on the day of the blaze, households were escorted to a designated emergency meeting point which happened to be in a public spot.

“Savills are sorry that residents found this an exposed [space] but having considered the layout of the site, the fire safety specialists designated it as the safest and most obvious place for residents to gather in the event of an emergency,” they explained.

The company said Hayloft House residents who chose to live elsewhere in The Cavalry after the fire were offered half price furniture, and some second-hand pieces were offered for free with the help of local charities.

It also distributed pamphlets with designated helplines from charities to support residents’ mental health in the aftermath of the fire.

“We would again like to say how sorry we are that any of the residents believe that we have not taken their needs seriously because that is not the case,” the spokesperson said.

“We have tried to approach what has been an immensely difficult and challenging time for residents with patience, tact, and understanding.”

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8 | NEWS

PARISHNOTICEBOARD Meetings may also be online – contact councils for details Thursday, September 9

Wokingham Borough Council. Wellbeing board. 5pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN.

Monday, September 13

Remenham Parish Council. Parish Hall, off Remenham Lane, Remenham. 8pm. www.remenhamparish.org.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Review of premises licence – BB Wines, Broad Street, Wokingham. 10am. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN.

Tuesday, September 14

Sonning Parish Council. Council meeting. 7pm. Sports Pavilion, King George V Playing Field, Pound Lane RG4 6XE. www.sonning-pc.gov.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm.

Winnersh Community Centre, New Road, Sindlesham RG41 5DU. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Amenities Committee meeting.

7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham RG40 1AS. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Strategy and Resources. 8pm. The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley RG5 4JZ. www. woodley.gov.uk

Wednesday, September 15

Finchampstead Parish Council. Planning Committee. 7.30pm. FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. finchampstead-pc.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Children’s Services overview and scrutiny committee. 7pm. Audit Committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN.

Thursday, September 16

Finchampstead Parish Council. Full council. 7pm. Memorial hall. www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk

Monday, September 20

Shinfield Parish Council. Full council meeting. 7.30pm. Mitford Close, Three Mile Cross RG7 1AT. Shinfieldparish.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN.

Tuesday, September 21

Arborfield Parish Council. Arborfield Village Hall, Eversley Road, Arborfield RG2 9PQ. Full council. 7.30pm. arborfield.org.uk

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FROMTHECOURTS AN EARLEY man has been banned from driving for a year after being found guilty of drug driving.

Themis Spyrou, 20 and from The Orangery, was stopped in Church Road on December 28 last year.

A test found traces of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in his bloodstream, over the prescribed limit.

At a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on July 8, he was fined £120, and ordered to pay £34 to victim services and £85 costs.

AN ARBORFIELD man who stole a van from Wokingham on September 25 last year has been ordered to undertake 60 hours of community service.

At a hearing at Slough Magistrates Court on July 9, Kevin Richard George changed his plea from not guilty to guilty.

The 36-year-old from Howell Close was ordered to pay £250 costs, and £95 to victim services at a rate of £50 per month.

AN EARLEY man who was caught with a kitchen knife in the street has been jailed for 26 weeks and fined £500.

Eddie Beaumount, 64 and from Finch Road, was stopped in Whitley Road in Reading on March 15, when police found the blade on him.

He had pleaded not guilty and elected for a summary trial on March 16 this year.

Magistrates proved his case in his absence on July 12, and a warrant for his arrest was made.

In addition to the jail sentence and fine, he was ordered to pay £128 to victim services.

A WOODLEY man who drove while above the alcohol limit has been fined £770 and banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months.

Darren Paul Anderson, 44 and from Buccaneer Close, was stopped on Sandford Lane on December 30 last year.

A test found he had 110 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood – the limit is 50mg.

Anderson pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on July 13.

His ban will be reduced by three months on completion of a safe driving course, and he was ordered to pay £85 costs and £115 to victim services.

He was found guilty of two further offences: resisting arrested on December 31 last year, and being in possession of the class A drug cocaine on December 30.

For this he was fined £385 and the

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Courts in recent weeks drugs were destroyed.

Anderson may pay at a rate of £220 per month.

AN ARBORFIELD woman who committed further offences while subject to a community order has been jailed for 12 weeks.

Molly Cook, 35 and from Marbett Close, failed to provide a blood specimen when requested by police. She had been stopped while driving in Shinfield on June 17 last year.

Reading Magistrates heard that Cook, also known as Molly Smith, had changed her plea to guilty when she appeared before them on July 14.

She was also guilty of: n Beating a police officer on June 17 in Spencers Wood n Assaulting a police office in Shinfield on June 17 n Assaulting another police officer in Spencers Wood on June 17 n Failing to appear at Reading Magistrates Court on July 9.

For each of the assaults she was given a six-week concurrent jail sentence for failing to appear she was given an additional two-week sentence.

The overall length of her sentence is 16 weeks.

Cook is also banned from driving for three years.

At the same sitting, Cook was given a further 14-week sentence for failing to provide a blood specimen for analysis while at the Royal Berkshire Hospital on October 8 last year.

She must pay £128 to victim

services, and was banned from driving for 38 months.

AN EARLEY man has been placed under curfew and given a 10-week suspended sentence for failing to provide a blood specimen for analysis.

Irfan Mohammed Zaman, 34 and from Erleigh Court Gardens, was stopped while driving in Reading on April 29 last year, when he refused the sample.

He pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates Court on February 14.

A second charge saw him refuse a blood test at Loddon Valley Police Station on May 30 last year.

For this he was given a 16-week suspended sentence.

Under the terms of his curfew, Zaman must wear an electronic tag until September 8, and be at his home address between 7pm and 7am daily.

Zaman must also pay £620 costs and £128 to victim services at a rate of £28 per month.

A HOMELESS man who stole bikes from Reading and Twyford railway stations has been given a four-week jail sentence.

Jack Schofield, 29, carried out the thefts on August 11 last year.

Magistrates felt that due to his previous offences, he had to be sent to prison.

He was ordered to pay £128 to victim services, but no compensation order or request for costs was made, as he had a custodial sentence.

Modular construction could win awards for borough council

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokingham.today TWO modular construction projects have been shortlisted for awards.

Dinton Activity Centre and Addington Special Education Needs school have made it into multiple design and construction awards shortlists.

The country park site has been nominated for six awards, and the school four.

The two schemes were created by the borough council, which contracted modular building company Reds10 to complete the work.

The nominations were made by the Offsite Construction awards, the British Construction Industry (BCI) awards, and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) awards.

“Investing in great new facilities for our local residents is incredibly important and something we continue to do across the borough,” said Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for finance and housing.

“Everyone who has been involved in the Dinton and

Addington schemes, from the designers, HLM Architects, to the contractors, Reds10, recognise how special these two projects are and it’s great to see them getting the recognition they deserve.

“There was lots of competition for all these awards.

To be shortlisted for seven awards is a massive achievement, and we will be keeping our fingers crossed as winners are announced over the coming months” The expansion of Addington school was finished last year, allowing it to increase capacity by around 50 new students.

The new building has classrooms, a café and social areas.

The Dinton Activity Centre has fully accessible changing areas, a new coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating and an activity hall.

Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for resident services, communications and emissions, said: “The award categories for which we’ve

been shortlisted for all reflect the commitment this council is making towards building greener buildings, to help us achieve the vision of a Net Zero Carbon Wokingham Borough by 2030.

“We’ve set ourselves the ambition of becoming leaders in greener construction and projects like these are a big step towards achieving this.

“When it opens in the autumn Dinton is going to be a flagship for net-zero carbon development. A showcase for what can be achieved if you are willing to challenge expectations and embrace a more sustainable way of working, while still creating a great community building for residents to use.”

Winners of the Offsite Awards are announced on Tuesday, September 21. The CIOB awards are on Wednesday, September 29, and the BCI Awards are on Wednesday, October 13.

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Redwood praises Winnersh relief road EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today THE NEW WINNERSH relief road is already seeing positive outcomes as Wokingham MP John Redwood paid a visit earlier this week.

He joined with Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for Highways, to see the road and to look ahead at improvements across the WInnersh crossroads.

And resident Stuart Sharp also joined the group.

After asking the government for a congestion busting fund, Mr Redwood was pleased when Wokingham Borough received money for improved traffic lights and sensors.

The new Winnersh bypass is improving traffic flow across the crossroads.

And this has also meant less noise for residents living on Reading Road.

Over time it will link with the new road to run north of Wokingham, reducing traffic on the A329 into the town.

VISIT: from left: Resident Stuart Sharp with Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood and Highways executive, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen Mr Redwood thanked Cllr Jorgensen and her team for delivering a bypass for Winnersh.

“I wish her well in securing improvements to the Winnersh crossroads junction with its reduced flows through improved traffic management,” he said.

“I also look forward to

improvements on other major junctions on our local A road network.

“I have successfully pressed the government to provide additional money for local strategic road networks to make it easier for people driving to work, school and the shops, and to reduce flows and dangers on other local roads.”

Town centre street closed for TV drama filming FILMING for a new TV drama is set to take place in Wokingham, as some roads will be shut this Sunday, writes Laura Scardarella.

Wokingham.Today understands that production company Hartswood Films is using the location for its new film, Inside Man. Directed by Paul McGuigan, from Dracula and Sherlock, the four-part mini series will be shown on BBC One and Netflix.

It stars former Doctor Who David Tennant, Dracula’s Dolly Wells, and Lydia West, who appeared in Years and Years.

The title role is played by Stanley Tucci.

The story follows a prisoner on death row in the US, a Vicar

in a quiet English town, and a maths teacher trapped in a cellar, as they cross paths in an unexpected way.

Written and created by Steven Moffat and executive produced by Sue Vertue, the creative team said: “We’re a bit stunned, and very excited, at the acting talent we’re managing to assemble for this show.”

Piers Wenger, director of BBC Drama, said: “BBC One viewers will already know the television magic created when Steven Moffat writes for David, Dolly and Lydia.

“With a fantastic Stanley Tucci alongside them as our Inside Man, everything is in place for a series that will have

the nation gripped.

Broad Street and Market Place will be closed to traffic from 6am to 8pm to allow the filming to take place.

Pedestrian and business access remains open.

And Eastern car park at Shute End will also be closed for the day for crew vehicles and equipment.

It’s not the first time that Wokingham has been pressed into action as a filming location.

The Redan was used for an episode of ITV drama Primeval, while Mia Farrow starred in the 1971 horror film See No Evil.

For more details on the closure and diversions, log on to: one.network/?GB122888810

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 head-tohead. 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 next week.

Town enjoys live music gig AUDIENCES gathered in Peach Place on Saturday, for a spot of live music.

Katie King and George Parnell performed in the Wokingham town centre square during the afternoon.

It was part of a series of performances organised for the outdoor area.

The Keep Cats and In Albion will be live from 6pm to 10pm on Saturday, September 18.

Visitors are encouraged to book a table at one of the bars and restaurants in Peach Place, or bring a camping chair to enjoy the show.

PICTURES: Steve Smyth

NEWS | 9

10 | BUSINESS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

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

Cyber firm up for award ONE OF the region’s cybersecurity experts are finalists in a prestigious national award.

The South East Cyber Resilience Centre (SECRC), which launched in September 2021, has made it to the final round of the UK IT Industry Awards 2021.

It has been nominated for Best Public Sector IT Project of the Year.

The Awards are the largest event in the technology industry calendar and seek to recognise people improving the world through IT.

A spokesperson for the SECRC said: Technology is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and there are hundreds of events dedicated to recognising success – but only one boasts the professionalism, scale and recognition to lead the way.”

It said winners are chosen based on a written entry and celebrated for “genuine success”.

The awards ceremony will take place at Evolution London on Wednesday, November 10.

Mall’s green bill of health

GREEN WIN: Broad Street Mall has won an award for its work on being zero landfill since 2019 Picture: Bill Nicholls

A READING shopping centre has been given an award for its environmental practices.

Broad Street Mall won a Green Apple Award last week for leading the way when it comes to sustainability.

It was recognised for its Zero Landfill policy, which has been in place since 2019, and its new waste management system after upgrading waste bins and installing a state-of-the-art food waste digester on site.

The Mall’s team was also highlighted for working to reduce carbon emissions by comparing cardboard and plastic waste, resulting in a 50% reduction in collection visits.

It was awarded for its lowemission vehicles too, as well as for using 100% green renewable energy

and reducing water consumption.

Nicola Williamson, centre manager at Broad Street Mall, said: “We are very grateful and proud to have won this award, but we are in no way standing still with this success. It has generated momentum in the team and our tenants to ensure we continue to operate in a sustainable and efficient way.

“Further opportunities have been identified, and training is underway to make more necessary changes.

“We want to inspire and support our tenants to think about how they use items and, most importantly, how they dispose of them.

The Green Apple Environment Awards launched in 1994 by The Green Organisation to recognise those working to help the planet.

Chicago date for label firm A WOKINGHAM medical firm is sharing its expertise at an international level.

PRISYM ID, which helps find labelling solutions for the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry, is attending a conference in Chicago, US. It will be present at the virtual 11th Annual Medical Device and Diagnostic Labelling Conference on September 22 and 23.

The event brings authorities and industry experts together, and it will see PRISYM ID exhibit its latest cloud-based software designed to

support industries as regulations change.

Kevin Grygiel, VP US sales at PRISYM ID, said: “The regulatory landscape is continually evolving, and we look forward to gathering with industry colleagues to discuss how PRISYM ID can help medical device organisations manage these complex changes, and ensure their labelling operations remain compliant.”

Register for the event at: www. q1productions.com/medical-devicelabeling

Business group to meet GET A head start to your day with this upcoming business meeting.

Later this month, Woodley Business Club is hosting ‘Off The Fence and In The Front Door’: a session on all things marketing.

It will feature a talk from Nikki Ochtman, from RG10 Marketing,

advising businesses on how to advertise in local magazines.

The virtual event is taking place on Tuesday, September 14, at 8am and entry is free.

For more information and to book a space, visit: www.bit. ly/2WvPhnL

Hair we go: salon selected for Small Biz Saturday

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A BRACKNELL business is one of 100 companies across the country marking this year’s Small Business Saturday.

Ataji Hair Care, founded

by Michelle Jenmi in 2020, was selected to take part in the campaign, which highlights inspiring, independent businesses up and down the UK. It will now be highlighted on social media, on Saturday,

September 11, as part of the initiative.

Ms Jenmi said she felt honoured to be chosen.

“It feels amazing to be part of such a diversified and uplifting campaign,” she said.

“Being selected will give us the opportunity to boost our profile so we can continue to educate individuals on how to look after afro hair, while providing them with quality products designed especially for them.”

As part of the campaign,

Ataji will use social media to demonstrate how to use its products and offer advice on how to care for afro hair.

Small Business Saturday is taking place on Saturday, December 4, after last year’s event saw approximately £1.1 billion spent on small businesses.

Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday, added: “Throughout this crisis, we have been reminded of the special role that small NEW FACE: Dirk Becker has joined Thermal Management Solutions Group as its new VP for sales, marketing and engineering

Dirk brings drive to Woodley firm AN AUTOMOTIVE enthusiast is bringing his expertise to Woodley.

Dirk Becker is the latest appointment for the Headley Road East-based Thermal Management Solutions Group, a leading automotive systems provider.

He has joined as the new VP for sales, marketing and engineering.

Mr Becker has more than 25 years’ experience in the global automotive industry and will now support the

company as it focuses on the next generation of electric vehicles.

He has moved from Johnson Electric International AG, where he previously spent 10 years in the same role.

Mr Becker said: “Thermal Management Solutions Group is in an exciting and promising position.

“The group is well poised to become the go-to supplier for thermal management products in zero-emission vehicles, while remaining an industry-

leading force in the internal combustion engine market.

“Using the knowledge and experience I have gathered over many years across the automotive industry, I’m looking forward to helping advance the Group’s core offering that will see Thermal Management Solutions operate seamlessly on a global level, while still retaining the personal approach that the company is renowned for.”

Mr Becker has replaced Paddy Lange.

firms play in local areas, looking after their customers, communities and the planet.

“We are excited to be kicking off this year’s campaign to show our thanks to amazing small businesses like Ataji Hair Care.

“As firms recover from the challenges of the pandemic, we are calling upon everyone to get behind the campaign to make it our most impactful Small Business Saturday yet.” n To find out more, visit: www. smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

Key to learning A COLLEGE official from Reading says technical learning is key for students looking to work in modern industries.

Pupils from UTC Reading, on Crescent Road, have secured spaces at a host of apprenticeship schemes and top universities following last month’s A-level results.

And the school, specialising in engineering and computer science, said it is largely due to its focus on developing indemand technical skills.

Former student, and now cross-functional apprentice at Cisco, Rhiannon DodsonEdwards, said that her industry-focused education was vital for securing her current role.

“I had so many industry engagement events. These helped me understand the world of work,” she said.

Jonathan Nicholls, principal at UTC Reading, said that this year’s A-Level cohort will now move on to some of the region’s biggest employers, including Thames Water, Microsoft and GlaxoSmithKline.

“They have secured highquality destinations to start the next phase of their studies or to enter into the workplace,” he said.

Advice for charities facing covid issues HELP IS at hand for charities navigating the postpandemic world, courtesy of a Thames Valley law firm.

Nick Burrows and Emma Ford, from Blandy & Blandy, are offering advice to organisations.

It comes after the Government updated its coronavirus guidance for the charity sector, shifting its restrictions to the lowest alert level.

The duo said it is now

vital charities put their best interests and future prospects at the forefront of their next move.

When it comes to annual meetings, Mr Burrows and Ms Ford said charities should check requirements before holding them online.

“Throughout the pandemic, many charities have opted to function on an online basis, with meetings and AGMs held remotely,” they said.

“It may be the case that charities will continue to hold meetings online or by telephone, even as the remaining restrictions are lifted.

“It is important that trustees consider their charity’s governing document, to ensure that there are no restrictions.”

As for accounts, the pair said that charities need to make sure they file their annual returns soon.

“ All charities with an extension approved by June 30 will need to complete their filings by September 30,” they said.

“Charities can still apply for an extension if the cause of their filing delay is related to Covid-19.”

And they said that organisations should contact the Charity Commission if they face financial challenges post-pandemic. n www.blandy.co.uk

Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Winnersh’s Pheasant Bar and Restaurant proves big hit after opening last month

R

EGULARS are already forming at Winnersh’s newly opened pub.

The Pheasant Bar and Restaurant on Reading Road opened last month, and customers keep coming back.

Manager Neil Mottershead said the bar’s extensive cocktail menu is popular with the crowds already.

And with 2-for-1cocktails, the drinks are friendly on the pocket, too.

Heading through the front door, The Pheasant has restaurant seating, with a separate bar area.

It’s stocked with 22 types of gin, and 14 rums, and the taps are craft beer led.

Big hits include the Espresso STOUTini (£8) which is a combination of vanilla vodka, Kahlua, and freshly made coffee, and finished with a rich, chocolatey craft stout.

Mr Mottershead said his signature cocktail, the Buzz’s

Special (£7.50) is also in high demand.

Inspired by his childhood nickname, Buzz Lightyear, the drink includes pink gin, Absolut Citron, sugar syrup and grenadine, topped with prosecco.

The glass of fizz is also the star of the mini afternoon tea (£18.50 or £30 for two), which includes miniature sandwiches, and freshly baked scone, brownie and lemon cake.

The tipple can be substituted for a beer or cup of tea, if desired.

Mr Mottershead is encouraging any big groups to call ahead and book their afternoon tea, to ensure that the sweet treats are made to order.

The tea is also available for takeaway, including the bottle of bubbles (£30 for two).

And if savoury snacks are preferred, the bar and restaurant is running a snack menu until mid-October, when it prepares to launch the kitchen in full.

Freshly made snacks include

NEW LOOK: Manager Neil Mottershead says the bar’s extensive cocktail menu is popular with the crowds already All pictures: Steve Smyth

Neil Mottershead is bringing vast mixologist experience to the team

a hybrid Scotch egg, taking on the flavours of the east in vegetarian form.

The hardboiled egg is coated in a falafel breadcrumb and served with hummus (£6.50).

There is also a BBQ jackfruit Caribbean “No Sausage” Roll (£6) and a traditional sausage roll (£5.50), along with muffins (£3), brownies (£3.50) and cookies (£4).

Mr Mottershead is planning to increase the snack menu to include even more savoury treats soon.

He is currently looking for someone with a passion for food to join his team as head chef, in preparation for the full menu launch.

It will focus on a fusion of east meets west cuisine, exploring

different food combinations.

The venue is family-friendly, with the definition expanding to dogs, too.

“I want to create a relaxed atmosphere for family and friends,” Mr Mottershead explained. “I have a passion for good food and drink. I want to deliver that high standard, but without any snobbery.”

And this seems to be working, Mr Mottershead said.

“We’ve had a few local people come in that wouldn’t have visited us before,” he said. “Some have come in quite often. We’re getting repeat custom.”

For the month of September, The Pheasant is also offering a discount on its hotel rooms.

The 12 bedrooms are usually £75 per night, but until the end of

The familyfriendly bar has a play area for children

the month, they will be available for a maximum of £50.

It is also offering teacher, student and blue-light discount.

The garden can seat 100 for food and drink. And there are six outdoor huts with lighting and heating, and bands will be invited to perform in the garden.

There is also a separate smoking area with heaters, away from the main garden.

The sports televisions and pool table have been removed, and in the main restaurant, staff will be on hand for table service.

The venue was transformed over the summer with owners John Palmer and Roberto Perini. n For more information about The Pheasant Bar and Restaurant, to book a table or room, visit: www.the-pheasant-hotel.co.uk

The afternoon tea is also available to takeaway, including the fizz

The Pheasant has a freshly prepared snack menu and wellstocked bar with craft beer on tap

. www. the-pheasant-hotel.co.uk . info@the-pheasant-hotel.co.uk . 0118 978 4529

The venue has a new look, including its signs

12 | NEWS

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Council launches learning courses THE BOROUGH council has launched a series of autumn courses for adults to help residents with their personal development.

A wide range of classes are available to book now, covering topics from Excel and English to maths and coding.

There is also a series of sessions to support wellbeing delivered by Activate Learning, including singing classes, mental health support and a mindfulness nature walk.

Cllr Graham Howe, executive member for children’s services, said: “We have loads of great courses available through our adult education service, that are free or subsidised for many of our residents.

“These courses are designed to help adults gain vital skills and confidence.”

He said they could help residents in their day-to-day life, when raising a family, or when returning to work.

“We had over 600 learners last year, and we look forward to welcoming more this year,” Cllr Howe added.

The courses available include English, coding, maths, Microsoft Excel, and digital skills.

They vary in length and delivery, with some taught online and some in person, and are free to anybody claiming income support or jobseeking benefits. n To register for a course, or to find out more, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk n Residents can also contact adulteducation@wokingham.gov.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

Entrepreneur launches Thai spa in town with free NHS massage

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A NEW spa has opened in Wokingham, and it’s offering a free treatment to NHS staff.

The Lazy Frog is a Thai massage and spa on Denmark Street.

It opened on Monday morning with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with Wokingham town mayor, Cllr Tony Lack.

Owner Tassie Atkinson spent six years as a Thai massage therapist in London.

Now launching her own business, Ms Atkinson said her spa will be a tasteful and relaxing environment.

“Here at The Lazy Frog, we retain all the traditional Thai massage techniques and benefits combined with scented oils and body scrubs.

“Our therapists are qualified practitioners able to adapt their style to suit your individual needs, whether you’re wanting a traditional Thai massage, deep tissue massage, an aromatic experience or a gentle soothing oil massage.”

She also wants to give back to the community.

“As Thai Buddhists, we passionately believe in helping others with compassion in action, and we want to give something back to the community we serve.

“We’re offering a free 30-minute foot or head and shoulder massage every week to key workers – starting with the NHS. “We look forward to providing a relaxing and rewarding experience to thank them for their contribution to the pandemic.”

And there is a competition to win as well.

To celebrate the salon’s opening, the Lazy Frog has partnered with The Giggling Squid for a chance to win a one-hour Thai massage for two, followed by lunch or dinner.

Two runners-up will win a 30-minute foot, or head and shoulder, massage.

To enter the competition, residents must have had a full-price massage at the spa, or eaten lunch or dinner at the Giggling Squid on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

Diners must then email a photo of their receipt along with their name and phone number to: competition@thelazyfrog. co.uk n For more information, visit: www.thelazyfrog.co.uk

OPEN: Wokingham town mayor, Cllr Tony Lack cut the ribbon

Theatre raises £800 PROGRESS Theatre raised almost £800 from a special sale held last month.

The event, on Saturday, August 21, came as part of its Building for Progress campaign to which it is aiming to raise a total of £50,000.

Progress Theatre has raised £4,921 towards its target.

Marketing manager Esther Arzola said she was pleased with the total so far, adding: “Every little bit helps, so the more exposure we can gain on this the better.”

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SALE: Progress Theatre offered scripts, crafts, plants, cakes and drinks in its fundraiser Picture: Steve Smyth

Tesco reduces waste with food-sharing app Olio MORE THAN 12,000 meals have been saved from going to waste in Wokingham, thanks to Tesco and a food-sharing app.

In August last year, the popular supermarket partnered with OLIO, to provide unsold food for those in need in the local community.

OLIO’s Wokingham network for food waste heroes saved meals that people could put to use for themselves and their families.

This follows Tesco’s existing food donations programme, including its Community Food Connection scheme with FareShare.

OLIO’s food waste heroes collect food when charities supported by FareShare are unable to. The items are then uploaded onto the app, ready to be redistributed free to

those living nearby and to community groups.

And app users can then pick items up from a contact-free collection point.

Claire De Silva, Tesco head of communities, said: “Tesco is committed to tackling food waste, and we were confident our partnership with OLIO would help with that, but its impact has exceeded all our expectations.

“For our partnership to have diverted more than five-million surplus meals from going to waste nationally shows the strength of the partnership between our store colleagues and OLIO’s food waste heroes.”

Since 2016, OLIO has provided more than 120 million meals to charities and communities across the UK, with more than five million

coming from Tesco.

Co-founder of OLIO, Saasha Celestial-One, said the partnership with Tesco has been a “huge success” this year.

“We’re incredibly proud to have delivered so many meals to communities across the UK that would have otherwise been wasted,” she said.

“But our work is far from done,” she added. “We hope this partnership encourages other businesses to follow suit and consider how they can take a more proactive approach to minimising waste and supporting communities.”

The company hasn’t sent waste to any landfill since 2009, and in 2013 it was the first UK retailer to publish its food waste data.

n For more details, download the OLIO app or log on to: olioex.com

Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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NEWS | 13

The rock climbing wall proved popular FETE: Lucinda Bryers, Amy Fennell and Leanne Hill on the Home Start stand All pictures: Steve Smyth

Winnersh Fete returns

V

ILLAGERS flocked to Winnersh Summer Fete at Bearwood Recreation Ground on Saturday.

The afternoon event featured Maypole dancing, a tug of war, and plenty of stalls to browse.

There were arena displays and competitions to keep visitors busy, as well

as a bouncy castle, assault course and rock climbing wall.

Cllr Paul Fishwick, chairman of Winnersh Parish Council, said the event was fabulous.

“The weather was really kind to us. We had record crowds,” he said.

The event was sponsored by Dan and Neil Estate Agents, with proceeds going to The Cowshed and mental health charity Place2Be.

Villagers enjoyed the event Lucy Call (5) playing the Woodley & Earley Lions human fruit machine with Paul Norman, Mike Luff and Malcolm Mortimer

The Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band perform

Children danced around the Maypole

14 | NEWS

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Cycling group hosts taster A READING cycling group is making sure nobody travels alone with a series of new taster sessions.

The Reading branch of Cycling UK is running free classes this Sunday for anybody interested in exercising in a group.

Phil Rassell, publicity officer for Cycling UK Reading, said the biggest barrier to cycling is the idea that it is “too hard”.

“Our unique selling point is paramount,” he said. “We have rides which are as slow as 8mph and we never leave anyone behind. All visitors are welcome — it costs nothing to join our rides.”

Cycle UK Reading is running three taster sessions in total this weekend, all setting off from Christchurch Meadows in Caversham.

It is also offering people the chance to try an e-bike, to learn to ride a unicycle and to test an obstacle course.

People can have their bikes security marked by the police and checked for mechanical issues.

Cycle Reading UK regularly organises events setting off from Earley and Henley.

The Reading Cycling Festival is running from 11am until 4pm at Christchurch Meadows on Sunday, September 12. n To find out more, visit: www.readingcyclefestival. co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

Party on, Charvil EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today CHARVIL’S annual village party came back with a bang this year.

On Sunday, September 5, residents flocked to East Park Farm Playing Fields for an afternoon of games, face painting, food and live music.

The event was postponed in July following changes to the coronavirus restrictions, making last weekend’s festivities the first time the village has come together since the pandemic.

The Playing Fields were awash with tents and tables,

and the day also included a licensed bar, petting farm, bungee trampolines, bouncy castles, reptiles and balloon modelling.

On social media, the organisers said: “Thanks to everyone who came down and supported [us]. “[It was] lovely to see so many of our lovely community enjoying themselves.”

Charvil Parish Council, which hosted a stall to raise awareness of its Neighbourhood Plan, said the event was very well attended.

Rob Jones, vice chair of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee, said: “It went really well.

“We had lots of people

come by both to learn more about the Neighbourhood Plan and also to give their views by completing surveys on the day, or sharing what they liked and didn’t like about it on maps.

“We also shared proposals for the future so it was a really good opportunity to meet people face to face and talk about issues and ideas.”

Residents are able to complete the Neighbourhood Plan survey until Monday, September 13 at www. neighbourhoodplan.charvil. com Sally Radford, Mike Ismay and Julia Winmill with Theresa May Wokingham.Today MP as she takes a cycle challenge on the “My Cancer, My Choices” understands the Charvil Stand All pictures: Steve Smyth Village Party will make a return in 2022.

The Cowshed welcomes shoppers to evening event SHOPPERS can enjoy an evening at The Cowshed tonight as they browse the charity’s formal clothing.

The organisation, on Kings Street Lane, Winnersh, will display a range of smart attire and offer a glass of prosecco for its Little Black Dress sale event.

And items from Tropic Skincare and Carozel Jewellery will also be available to buy.

The event will take place from 6pm until 10pm.

Now taking registrations

n For more details, log on to: thecowshed.org

The Akeju family relax in the shade, enjoying an ice cream from the popular van

Morris dancers host open events in Hurst

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Hurst Morris People (HuMP) are inviting everyone to have a go at their traditional English hobby at their taster sessions.

They said the evenings will bring lots of fun, easy to learn dances, taught by friendly teachers, live music and exercise.

The sessions will be on Thursdays September 23, and 30, from 8pm to 10pm, at Hurst Village Hall, School Road, Hurst.

HuMP’s squire (leader), Karen Ricketts from Twyford, said: “Everyone is welcome for the fun evenings trying out dancing, you don’t need morris experience. We’re men and women of all ages and backgrounds.

“At our taster evenings we have a tea, coffee and home made cake break and lots of chat.

“Musicians are also welcome to the tasters to play.”

Helen of Wokingham

SHOW: Members of the Hurst Morris People perform to onlookers at the coast Picture: HuMP thought she had two left feet until she tried HuMP’s taster sessions.

She said: “Everyone was so welcoming, friendly and helpful. Before I knew it I was dancing to my first tune. It didn’t seem to matter if I wasn’t always facing the right way, help was on hand. I realised it was great fun and that Hurst Morris were a really nice group of people.”

Helen, a Woodley Library assistant, added: “With their persistent and superb coaching I got to a standard to dance out.

“I feel a huge sense of achievement; have had such fun and made new friends.”

Ms Ricketts added: “If you are coming, and we hope you

will, just wear loose clothing and trainers or other comfy shoes and bring a bottle of water to drink.

“We’re asking everyone coming to the sessions if they can take a lateral flow covid test, with a negative result, before they come.”

The evenings are subject to any changes in the covid rules.

HuMP dances at pubs, schools, fetes, stately homes and folk festivals.

They dance the Cotswold tradition, the one with hankies and sticks.

n Anyone interested should call 07971 159293 or email: Contact@hump.org.uk n For more information, visit: www.hump.org.uk

Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 15

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‘BIASED’: Earley resident claims developer survey presented a one-sided picture for plan Reuse: Council will no longer collect black recycling boxes

‘Don’t build on Swallows Meadow’ EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today AN EARLEY resident is fighting back against what he says is a “biased” survey over plans for Swallows Meadow.

Stewart Campbell said he thought it was inconceivable that more than 650 people supported the development, which would include a Lidl supermarket and 43 homes.

“I know they’re lying,” he said. “It doesn’t chime with local opinion.

They’re trying to pull the wool over our eyes.”

The data came from Lower Earley Properties, which Mr Campbell said was based on a “biased” feedback form in July, making it hard for residents to object.

Instead, he spoilt his form, along with many others.

The developer said that it received 401 feedback forms supporting the plans, with 261 of them double-signed.

A company spokesperson said this meant 662 people supported the plan.

But Mr Campbell believes this is not representative of the true public feeling.

He conducted a poll on the Earley Residents Discussion Group, hosted on Facebook, for seven days.

During that time, 514 voted to oppose the plan, with just 156 votes

in favour. Mr Campbell said there were also 37 comments under the poll against the development, and six in favour.

He said: “These results show clear opposition to building a Lidl on Swallows Meadow, with opposition outnumbering support by a ratio of greater than three to one.

“I find it inconceivable that a poll carried out fairly by the PR company could found such radically different results.

“While there are issues with Facebook polls, the process is at least open, unlike the poll conducted by the company.”

Mr Campbell has also formally objected to the plans via the council’s planning portal, submitting his own research as part of this.

He said the data from Lower Earley Properties is biased because the company did not declare how many forms opposing the plans were double-signed.

When Wokingham.Today asked the developer for this number, it declined to reveal it, stating instead that “we received 117 spoilt forms which indicated they were opposed to the plans.”

Mr Campbell was also concerned the company did not share how many forms were sent out to begin with.

The company told Wokingham.

Today that 9,000 forms were sent out, in a radius of 1.8km (1.1 miles) from the site.

Disregarding the data for double signatures, this means just 4.5% of all forms were in support of the plans.

A spokesperson for Lower Earley Properties said: “The leaflet provided an update on the planning application and the opportunity for local people to sign and return the form if they supported the plans.

“We make no apology for proactively engaging with the local community as part of the planning process. We are aware that local Liberal Democrat councillors have prepared proforma objection guides with no opportunity to express support for the plans. This was never questioned, and we are simply playing by the same rules.”

Cllr Clive Jones, leader of Earley Town Council and deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, said the group did circulate objection guides after the planning application was submitted.

“After their leaflet was distributed, we also did a Facebook poll with options to support,” he added.

“It is interesting this multimillion-pound company is concerned about what a group of Liberal Democrats are doing. It shows we’re having an effect.

“It shows they recognise we are the opposition to them locally.”

The Lower Earley Properties spokesperson reiterated the statement that there is local support

for the plan.

It comes as Earley Town Council’s Planning Committee recommended the application be refused.

As we revealed in July, councillors said they were against the plans, which would be built on designated countryside in the Adopted Local Plan.

The councillors were concerned the development would lead to the loss of the green corridor along Lower Earley Way, damaging the habitat for wildlife and animals.

Increased traffic flow and road safety were also a concern to the group, which raised questions over the parking allocation and noise impact as well.

Mr Campbell said he shares similar concerns, and was disgusted when the land was cleared back in November last year.

At the time, trees on the site were felled without warning, with some residents dubbing it “environmental vandalism”.

Mr Campbell said the developer “destroyed” a wildlife habitat that he and many other people use.

“I’ve got dogs and it’s becoming harder to find places to take them [for walks],” he said. “There is a slow destruction of green space, and this is adding to it.”

Mr Campbell said he would have likely supported the plans if they had been on a brownfield site.

He urged the developer to rethink and “listen to local people”.

FIND A way to reuse the old black recycling boxes, says the borough council.

From Monday, October 4, waste contractor Veolia will no longer collect recycling from the black boxes, instead picking it up from the green recycling bags.

The council has decided not to collect the boxes, as it would cost £100,000 to do so.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure at the borough council, said: “Our residents have been really creative with their old black boxes and, when we looked closely at the environmental and financial cost of collecting them all, it just did not seem a sensible thing to do.

“We are allowing our residents to keep their old black boxes and find alternative uses.”

Ideas for reusing the boxes include storage, planters, storing glass for the bottle bank or creating a shelter for hedgehogs.

There is a Facebook group called Wokingham Borough black box rehoming hub where residents can give their boxes to schools, companies, nurseries, or anyone else that might want them.

Anyone wanting to recycle the boxes can take them to the Reading or Bracknell re3 recycling centres, which can recycle rigid plastic.

Claim a free bus ticket READING Buses is giving away free day tickets.

The bus operator will be distributing them to all accounts registered by Sunday on its app.

Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, said: “The offer comes at a time when people are beginning to get back to some element of normality. This is our way of saying thank you to everyone and to encourage more people to download our app.”

The free ticket will appear on the app Friday, September 17, and can be used on all Reading Buses services before the end of the month.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

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Twyford hosts gig series

LIVE: Tony Lyons, one half of Box Set, pictured performing in Wellington Square on Saturday. He was joined by band mate George Whitfield. Picture: Steve Smyth

A NEW music project launched in Twyford at the weekend, writes Charlotte King.

Local band Box Set, led by musician Tony Lyons, performed in Wellington Square on Saturday, September 4, as part of a new initiative to boost the area’s economy.

The concert was the first of four arranged by a joint covid recovery group, which includes representatives from Woodley, Wokingham and Twyford.

Cllr Stephen Conway, who helped organise the live performances, said the first show was a big success.

“The weather was kind to us, lots of people came down and there were lots of smiles on people’s faces,” he said.

“I hope it will help local shops and businesses by stimulating local economic activity.

“People were tapping their feet and clapping, and I’m sure it’s been a help to local musicians, too, by giving them more exposure — it’s a win-win.”

He said the money was available through the Welcome Back Fund, which comprises Government contributions and money from the European Union to support local businesses.

There will be three more live performances taking place at fortnightly intervals, all running on Saturdays from 11am at Wellington Square, Twyford.

Cllr Conway expects the concerts to end in early October.

“All of the performers will be local musicians, and I encourage anyone who missed out this Saturday to come down and listen,” he added.

Orphaned goslings in car crash re-homed at Dinton EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today TWO ORPHANED goslings have found a new home at Dinton Pastures after one was involved in a car accident in Hurst.

Named by residents as Morris and Doris, the young Egyptian geese have been welcome additions to the village over the summer.

But last month, residents called for them to be transferred from Townsend’s Pond to Dinton Pastures Country Park, after Morris was hit by a car on Wednesday, August 25.

They were moved on Tuesday, August 31.

According to Hurst resident Kerry Woolford, the duo were “adopted” by villagers in July after losing their mother to a similar accident.

Ms Woolford was nearby when Morris was injured.

“I was heartbroken when I heard the accident,” she said.

“I saw them fly into the road and didn’t see them fly away.

“Now I’m not sure if he’s dislocated or broken his wing, but it’s hanging by his side.”

Ms Woolford said she

Show your veg TWYFORD is hosting a horticultural show this weekend.

Its Horticultural Association is holding a village-wide event, which will include flowers, fruit and vegetables, and art on display.

cradled the goose before he waddled back into the pond, and was “standoffish” to residents ever since.

“Everybody stopped, fed them, and looked after them,” she added.

“Another resident created signs to tell people to slow down because of geese in the road.

“The whole village [was] looking out for them.”

Following the incident, residents called for Morris and Doris to be rehomed for their own safety.

Now, the goslings have been moved to Dinton Pastures to become fullyfledged adults in a safe environment.

Wayne Smith, ward councillor for Hurst, moved the geese with the help of Simon Bartlam, countryside ranger for Dinton Pastures.

And Ms Woolford said while she was sad to see the pair go, they will be better off there.

“There’s more space for them to take off,” she said.

“I’m not sure if Morris will ever take off again, and I hope they don’t put him down.

“I’ll miss them, but knowing they’re safe and sound is a relief [and] I think

There will be a vegetable weigh-in, and tea on King George V Recreation Field.

There is also a virtual exhibition showcasing handicrafts and “domestic” creations.

The show is taking place on Saturday, September 11, between 2pm and 4pm

REHOMED: Morris and Dorris are now in Dinton Picture: Kerry Woolford the whole village is glad they’re safe.

“A big thank you to all who cared.”

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said he is “delighted” the geese now have a safer home — but people should not expect the borough council to regularly

at the Horticultural Associations Trading Store on Loddon Valley Road.

Memorial for Gordon Storey TWYFORD will honour one of its community stalwarts with a memorial next week.

rehome wildlife.

He said: “Although we could help on this occasion, it is worth pointing out that our country parks are not rescue centres.

“They are places where birds and other animals live in their natural habitat, and are not necessarily the right environment for all wildlife.”

On Monday, September 13, Twyford Together is hosting an evening to remember Gordon Storey, who passed away in February.

The invitation-only event is for businesses, charities and clubs, and will be held at Buratta’s at The Royal Oak.

Panto auditions TWYFORD and Ruscombe Theatre Group is hosting auditions for its panto, Rapunzel.

They are on Tuesday, September 21, and Thursday, September 23, at 8pm at Loddon Hall, Twyford.

NEWS | 17

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Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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WOODLEY&EARLEYNEWS

Cheerleading group marks Lunch Bunch founder 10th anniversary in town nominated for award 10 YEARS: Kick twist Cheerleading marked its anniversary with a party on Sunday Picture: Kelsey Hudson

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THIS MONTH, a Woodley sports team is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Kick Twist Cheerleading, which trains at Woodford Park Leisure Centre, marked the occasion with a celebration on Sunday.

Programme director Kelsey Hudson said that when they opened a decade ago, they had no idea it would make such a huge impact on young girls of the area.

She said more than 500 girls have come through its doors, as Kick Twist grew in size.

It now offers classes for beginners and elite teams that travel across Europe and the US. Some of its teams have won multiple titles including the National Champions in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

This year, they hope to qualify for the 2022 World Championships in Orlando, Florida, Ms Hudson explained.

She said the sport requires the team to trust in each other.

“There is no moment in a cheerleading routine where there is an individual component; they are always working as a unit,” she explained. “You put your life and safety in the hands of your teammates, physically stand on one another, throw one another and trust they will catch you”

She said a strong team is more than its athletic ability, strength and technique, but its bond as people.

She said this has also improved the team’s social development.

“By running our team in Woodley, it has allowed the young people in our area to become dedicated to a team that consequently keeps them fit and healthy, where previously

they were not involved in any extra-curricular activities and were not receiving any benefits from a team sport.”

Ms Hudson thanked Purple Balloon Designs and Delightful Bites by Melissa which donated towards the celebration evening.

n For more information, or to join, email: kicktwistcheerleading@ hotmail.co.uk

Arts group hosts show

OPEN: The charity is offering a free membership for the next six months to mark its reopening after lockdown

Woodley toy library restarts the fun CHILDREN are celebrating after the town’s toy library reopened after lockdown.

The Woodley Lend and Play Toy Library has been shut for the past 18 months.

To celebrate its reopening, membership is free for the next six months.

The library, based at the Ambleside Centre, provides toys to children as well as those with additional needs, including those with dementia.

Formed in 2002, the charity has almost £10,000 of toys to choose from, with something for all ages.

Prices range from 50p to £4.50 for four weeks’ hire. The library offers a party hire service for larger play items.

“Like many small charities, the lockdown has been tough,” said chairwoman Brenda Cowdery.

She said its survival has been down to her wonderful staff and working partnership with

Hurst-based First Days Children’s Charity.

“We ask that people who come to the library wear a mask and ensure all the toys are thoroughly cleaned after each hire period,” she said. “Come along and see what toys we have to offer.”

It is open Wednesday from 2.30pm to 7pm, and the first and third Saturday of each month between 10am and noon. n For more information, visit: www.lendandplay.org.uk

THERE is an arts exhibition in Woodley next month.

The Woodley and Earley Arts Group is hosting a two-day event at the start of October at The Oakwood Centre.

The event features original arts and crafts, as well as prints, cards and a raffle.

It is on Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2, from 10am until 5pm.

Applications are still open to exhibitors, with a 205 commission taken by the club on all sales.

Entry is free.

n For more information, visit: weag.art

A WOODLEY woman has been nominated for a Pride of Reading award for her work feeding families, writes Jess Warren.

Juliet Sherratt founded the Woodley Lunch Bunch last summer, after being concerned families would struggle to put food on the table during the school holidays.

She has been nominated for The Inspiration Award.

Ms Sherratt told Wokingham.

Today that she was shocked at discovering the nomination and is doing “detective work” to discover who actioned it.

“Just knowing that we’re making a difference is rewarding,” Ms Sherratt said.

“The families that we help have been so grateful, and not that you do it for gratitude, but it just lets you know that it’s worthwhile when you hear what a difference it’s making.”

Since July last year, she said the group of volunteers have made more than 4,000 rounds of sandwiches.

She said this has all been made possible by the volunteers, who have put in more than 1,300 hours.

“It’s very well having an idea to do it, but without people who are willing to give up their time, nothing happens,” Ms Sherratt said.

Her nominator told Pride of Reading: “Utilising the network of a local councillor as well as her

own contacts, the first lunches were provided to approximately 60 children in the area.

“Woodley Lunch Bunch has since grown and continues to provide twice-weekly packed lunches, as well as weekly family food bags and children’s activity packs during all school holidays.”

It supports more than 140 children across more than 60 families in the town.

“During term time, they also run initiatives, such as collecting donated winter wear, to give to families.” the nominator continued.

The lunch bunch also sourced laptops and donated stationery to families to support home learning.

“While there are many other people to also thank for getting this initiative off the ground, if it hadn’t been for Juliet it would never have begun,” the nominator explained.

“She and her original team, as well as the many volunteers, have worked tirelessly to ensure that children in Woodley are provided for when the need has arisen.

“Juliet has inspired me and many others to think about other people and to see the benefit in community” ​Anyone wanting to support the Woodley Lunch Bunch can donate food, volunteer or support the charity via its GofundMe page, available at:www. woodleylunchbunch.org

Me2Club marks birthday with summer raffle draw LAST WEEK a Woodley charity marked its fifth birthday with a summer raffle.

On Wednesday, September 1, the Me2 Club celebrated at The Blade, in Reading, with the prize draw.

Also invited was the high sheriff of Berkshire, Willie Hartley Russell, and the deputy mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden.

Cllr Eden said it was a pleasure to help draw the raffle for the “amazing” charity.

“Me2 Club supports so many local young people and has been never more needed than over the last 18 months,” she added.

Fundraising manager Liz McDaniel said she was delighted to raise £1,238 with the raffle, in a time when fundraising has been difficult.

“Thank you to everyone who supported the raffle by donating sponsorship and amazing prizes plus buying tickets, together we will be preventing

local children with additional needs from feeling locked out and abandoned,” she said.

There were 12 winners, with the top prize a £150 John Lewis Voucher, and second and third prizes an M&S hamper and gifts from Ascot Racecourse.

The funds will go towards the Me2 Club’s Pandemic Recovery Appeal.

The draw was sponsored by ROLABOTIC. n For full details of the winners: www.me2club

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CROWTHORNE& FINCHAMPSTEAD NEWS Gig to return to the green

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

DOLPHIN SCHOOL

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

ON STAGE: The Gig on the Green will make a welcome return to Yateley later this month YATELEY’S Gig on the Green is making a return later this month.

The festival, taking place on the village’s common, between Reading Road and Firgrove Road, will run from Saturday, September 18 to Sunday, September 19.

Both days will be packed with music and dancing featuring a range of tribute acts and local talent.

Families are welcome to bring picnics or enjoy food stalls on the day.

Committee member Emma Owen said she is “really excited” for this year’s event.

“The last 18 months have been challenging for all of us but we think we all deserve the chance to come together and enjoy a weekend of live music, dancing and fun,” she said.

“We know some people may still be feeling anxious but we’d like to reassure anyone coming to Gig on the Green that we are taking steps to make the event as safe as possible.”

Ticket entrance on the day will be via the Firgrove Road entrance, near to the car park. n For more details, log on to: gigonthegreenyateley.co.uk

Confetti on stage thanks to Players

By LAURA SCARDARELLA news@wokingham.today CONFETTI will be thrown on stage as Crowthorne Musical Players head to South Hill Park later this month.

Amateur dramatics society Crowthorne Musical Players is performing The Wedding Singer at the venue’s Wilde Theatre from Tuesday, September 21 to Saturday, September 25.

Based on the 1998 Adam Sandler film, the story follows Robbie, who sings at weddings, his failed relationship with his former

fiancée and with a new love, Julia.

Director Tom Horrax is looking forward to the show.

He said “It’s a very happy, safe and predictable story, a real feel good musical, and it’s just the kind of show that’s going to make everyone smile.”

“The rehearsal process has been an eye opener, and I think this is going to be a very unique show because the relationships that people are building through this show are so special and that’s really going to shine through in the performance.”

Audience members at the Friday night performance are encouraged to come in 80s fancy dress.

Tickets cost £23 from Wednesday to Saturday evenings and £21 for Saturday matinee. Concession tickets are £22 Wednesday to Saturday evenings and £20 for Saturday matinee.

Evening performances start at 7.45pm and matinees at 2.30pm.

Student tickets are £17 and family tickets are £68.

Scrum on down

FOR THOSE interested in teaching abroad, Wellington College is hosting an introductory session on Sunday.

The school, on Duke’s Ride, Crowthorne, will present the Huili School Nantong Recruitment Event.

There will be a presentation from the school master, on both Huili School Nantong and the Wellington College China group.

A question and answer session will follow.

The event will run from 11am until 12.30pm.

For more information, visit: wellingtoncollege.cn/ huili-schools/huili-school-nantong/

CROWTHORNE Ladies RFC will host a special rugby camp for new members next Wednesday.

As part of the England Rugby Allianz Inner Warrior initiative, the club is running the session from 7pm to give people a chance to meet the team.

Suitable for ages 17 and over, individuals are invited to give rugby a go and enjoy a glass of Prosecco.

The event is open to all abilities and will take place at the Crowthorne Rugby Club on Lower Broadmoor Road.

For more details, follow Crowthorne Ladies RFC social media channels

Outdoor challenge from church cycling and horse riding.

Individuals can enjoy a packed lunch from the hostel, a three-course dinner on Saturday night and a cooked breakfast on Sunday morning.

There will be the option of another activity before heading home.

The cost is £90 per person which includes all meals on

www.dolphinschool.com Alternatively, contact Kate Spooner admissions@dolphinschool.com

0118 934 1277

Waltham Road, Hurst, Berkshire, RG10 0FR

2SHQ (YHQWV

n For more details, or to book, visit southhillpark.org.uk

Help for teaching abroad

A FINCHAMPSTEAD church is welcoming the public to join in its outdoor challenge this weekend.

The FBC Centre, on Gorse Ride North, is hosting a Fellas On Tour to the Brecon Beacons from tomorrow through to Sunday.

Participants can be treated to walking, sailing, boating,

Please visit our website to learn more

Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.

Check in is available between 5pm and 9pm on Friday, dinner isn’t included on the first evening.

Under 18s are welcome but should be under parental supervision.

n For more details, log on to: finchampstead.com

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ADVERTISING FEATURE | 19

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Education options Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Advertisement feature

To appear in our next feature call 0118 327 2662 At Dolphin, individuality is celebrated, relationships between teacher and child are cherished, curiosity about the world abounds and children are encouraged to discuss, question and explore.

Our children wear their own clothes, which exemplifies our wish that they feel comfortable expressing themselves at school,

DEVELOPING CHARACTER: Leighton Park says it wants to help pupils grow in confidence n LEIGHTON PARK SCHOOL LEIGHTON Park is a day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 11-18 in Reading, and winner of the Best Co-educational School 2021, South East England.

The UK Government’s latest Sixth Form league tables reveal Leighton Park to be the best performing School in Berkshire and in the top 14 boarding schools in the country.

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

school’s Quaker values and forward-looking approach.

While the School offers a holistic curriculum, it is particularly well-known for its approach to STEAM which combines the analytical skills from Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths with the creativity from the Arts.

It won the national Award for Excellence in STEAM Education in 2020.

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

Why not come and see for yourself?

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

Come, explore and get a true

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

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

Awarded Best Co-Ed School South East England

n DOLPHIN SCHOOL DOLPHIN is a modern and forward-thinking independent, coeducational school for ages three to 13 in Berkshire: an exciting and enterprising place in which to learn, grow and be.

At the heart of our educational practice is our Freedom to Learn philosophy – the belief that children learn best when they are happy, confident and inspired.

This translates into a learning environment where children love coming into school, are enthused by subject specialist teaching from an early age and have the opportunity to learn at their own pace and in their own way.

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

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Honest Motherhood

A day of colour t

Angela Garwood

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today COLOUR, noise, entertainment and food all made up last weekend’s Reading Pride celebrations.

Back to school

I

T’S that time of year once again. Uniforms ready, ludicrously expensive Clarks visit out the way, stationery painstakingly labelled.

Maia started Year 3 last week at her new junior school where, in her words: “The older years are just there at play time minding their own business, they don’t really take any notice of us.” Good, good.

She was not happy about leaving her infant school (which stops at Year 2), despite the fact she is surrounded by pretty much the exact same children at her new school. They were however mixed around class-wise, and Maia was, at first, devastated to learn most of her close friends were in other classes.

“I’ve got no one.”

“You’ll see them at break time and you’ll make new friends. And anyway class time is for learning, you’ll be focused on your work.”

Four days in and this has thankfully come to be true. She is adjusting well to all the newness and I am attempting to adjust our entire household’s daily routine.

We got into quite a relaxed routine over the summer break, in that, there was really no routine.

The lack of order could be described as hellish by many, probably more productive parents.

Maia would be in bed any time from 8pm-10pm, Joel and I would then stay up talking till gone 11pm, weary yet determined to have some childfree-time while regretting not having them in bed two hours earlier.

Of course, I had big plans for September, life-changing ones, everything was going to be different.

I’d envisioned a new routine where we ate dinner at 5.30pm and had the children in bed and asleep by 7.30pm, 8pm at the latest. (We were going to be conventional for a change...).

A simple shift leaving over two hours to do absolutely anything we wanted.

In my case attempt to write, snack incessantly, reorder my to-do list, attack my to-do list, chat with Joel about how great the new routine is while he stacks the dishwasher, complain I never have time to write.

We might even get to watch something together because hey, we have the energy, and it’s only 8.30pm.

(We have miraculously managed the earlier bed time the last few nights, though quite what we did with our sacred two hours I cannot recall).

Obviously the flip side of having time alone in the evenings is rising earlier.

I’d visualised a 6.30am wake-up, in order to fit in a quick run before the start of the day. I think this whenever I go for a run (about once a fortnight) and remember how good it feels.

“I want to feel like this every single day. I am going to make this happen. It’s all about the early mornings…”

I announce my intentions and Joel nods along, knowing this is as likely as us visiting Mars.

My excuse for not having manifested these fitness ideals yet, is my son Leo. He is a small but powerful being who still wakes me up in the night and shows no signs of stopping.

Because I am stubborn and the idea of sleep training jolts both my heart and stomach, I live in a perpetual state of partly self-inflicted exhaustion.

Every minute of sleep counts, so the invigorating but unnecessarily early morning gallops can wait.

Thankfully, the school run only requires us to bounce out of bed at 7am, which for most parents of young children is a generous lie in. Old routine or new, we’re both equally as delirious.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

PART OF THE DAY: Joyce Bell was unable to attend the wedding of her grandson, Adam, to Savannah Cook, so the bridal party stopped off to visit after the service

If you can’t get to the church on time

WEDDING BELLS were ringing this summer, with many couples tying the knot as covid restrictions dropped.

One Wokingham resident, Joyce Bell, missed out on seeing her grandson get married, as she was too frail to leave The Berkshire Care Home on Barkham Road.

But she was over the moon to be paid a special visit on their wedding day.

Adam Bell and his bride Savannah drew up to the home in a vintage motor straight after the ceremony in Wokingham Baptist Church.

The newlyweds presented Joyce with a rose from the bridal bouquet.

“Oh they both looked beautiful,” Joyce said. “This was my best day of the year.”

The couple were greeted at the home by residents and the care team.

The home’s Magic Moments Club co-ordinator, Bella Cuka, said: “Joyce was determined to be outside with everyone to welcome Adam and Savannah and they were so surprised and delighted to see her there waiting for them.

“We have dried the rose from the bouquet and Joyce has it in a box on her bedside table to help bring back memories of a very special day.”

Harvest time with Freely Fruity

This week we have gone over the tonne marker for this season…

Friday, September 4 – 74.2kg.

Donated To Sadaka. This week’s harvest, pushing us over the tonne mark, included - potatoes, chard, spinach, carrots, spring onions, beetroots, garlic, red and white onions, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, runner beans, French beans, plums, mixed berries, leeks, marrows and various herbs.

This week’s total – 74.2kg 2021 Total so far – 1,056 kg

Summer fun under the sea

The Love Unites Festival gave individuals the chance to show their support for the LGBT+ community and the ongoing camping for equality.

Crowds made their way to Queens Walk on Saturday, before heading to King’s Meadow for the main event.

In all, an estimated 14,000 people took part in the day.

Martin Cooper, CEO of Reading Pride, said: “What a super event we had this year, and it wouldn’t have happened without all of you.

“The past 18 months have been challenging for everyone, so we were thrilled that we were able to put on this event, with the majority of the planning done since July 19.”

Acts on the main stage included B*Witched, Daniel Molyneaux, Danny Mellin, and Carter the Bandit.

The Pride aLive stage featured special performances from Mother Pluckers, Hatty Taylor, Wherewithal and Tara Deane.

And on the PrideXtra Cabaret stage included drag artists Dr Bev and Grace Anatomy to entertain the crowd.

Thames Water showed its support, including installing a special drain cover that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.

And team members attended the festival with a hydro station to keep everyone hydrated.

Mr Cooper added that this year’s Pride will be a “year to remember”.

“Pride is important globally, not just in Reading, it’s to show people that there are like-minded people around and that it’s OK to be yourself,” he said.

“There is safety in numbers, and with Reading Pride ever growing in size, more people should recognise they’re not alone should they have felt they needed to hide their true self, and hiding one’s truth is a very sad state to be in.”

Mr Cooper went on to thank

C Both weeks finished with a performance to family and friends.

Principal Shelley Otway said it was an amazing week.

She said it had been good to see so many happy faces – they even enjoyed ice cream for all their hard work.

Steppin Out is offering a free taster day on Friday, September 17 at Bulmershe Senior school in Woodley, and Saturday, September 18 at Emmbrook Senior school. n For more details, log on to: steppinoutstars.co.uk

everyone who attended and supported the event.

He said: “Whether it was sponsorships, supporters, marketplace traders, hosts and entertainers, funfair and more, to the

Events will celebrate heritage so good you can eat it

ELEBRATE the history of Reading and Wokingham over the coming month, as the annual Heritage Open Days returns with a tasty theme.

A WOODLEY theatre school hosted two weeks of summer musical fun for its students last month.

Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow pupils performed Under The Sea, based on The Little Mermaid, and the week after staged I’m A Believer, based on Shrek the Musical.

Each week, pupils spent five days learning routines from the shows.

And in the second week, they were treated to a cinema experience of the Broadway production version of Shrek on the big screen.

LINE-UP: Visitors to Reading Pride on Saturday

From Saturday, a whole host of events are taking place across the two boroughs as part of England’s annual heritage festival.

And this year’s theme, Edible England, will see the festival tell the story of the area’s culinary history.

This Saturday, Wokingham’s town centre will be a hive of activity in Market Place and Howard Palmer Gardens as Wokingham Town Council organises some fun – and covid safe – events.

That’s not all. From touring historic kitchen gardens in Carversham to discovering old shops in Woodley, residents can get involved until Sunday, September 19.

Nigel Horton-Baker, from Reading UK, which produces the guide to the town’s Heritage Open Days events, said: “The fascinating history of Reading, its people, places and its food will take centre stage for 10 days in September as part of the national festival of heritage.

“After a difficult 18 months, it is great to see so many in-person events as part of the festival, but there are also some intriguing digital events to watch from home or explore yourself on your own.”

What’s on the agenda this year? n Castle Street: An in-person tour of a 16th century house, once owned by a Reading mayor and used as an inn, doctor’s residence and surgery.

Saturday, September 11.

Reading Town Hall: A chance to chat with Father Willis and

Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

thanks to PRIDE

y dressed up, wore colourful outfits and celebrated diversity Pictures: Dijana Capan

dedicated volunteers and committee members that worked tirelessly to put everything together, thank you.”

Mr Cooper has also asked for those who came along to the event to fill out the online survey.

This will help the organisers shape future Pride festivities.

The survey will close on Saturday, September 11.

listen to organ music, marking the centenary of the Berkshire Organists’ Association. Saturday, September 11.

LifeSpring Church, Oxford Road, Reading: Recipe tasting with local artist Caroline Streatfield. Saturday, September 11.

Caversham Court Allotments: Guided tours to learn how diets and gardening have changed over the centuries. Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12. Booking is essential.

Castle Hill and Coley: A circular walk including a lost jam factory and listed buildings. Sunday, September 12 and Wednesday, September 15.

Booking is essential.

Crockhamwell Road: Two walks through Woodley looking at the old forge, historic shops and ancient cottages. Saturday, 11 and Sunday, 12 September, and Saturday, 18 and Sunday, 19 September.

Caversham Road: A guided walk around a Victorian townscape.

Friday, September 17 and Saturday, September 18. Booking is essential.

Brock Keep, Oxford Road, Reading: An in-person tour around the historic former armoury and gatehouse now housing artists studios and a gallery.

People will also get a chance to create prints and sculptures with locally-sourced fruit and vegetables.

Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19.

The Ure Museum, University of Reading: A virtual eat, pray, love exhibition exploring ancient diets, food in the museum’s collection and cookalong recipes.

View anytime from Friday, September 10 until Sunday, September 19.

All Open Days are free to attend but some may require booking in advance.

There are more activities taking place than the ones listed above.

View the full itinerary and find out how to book spaces here: www. heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/ printable-area-lists/town/Reading and also at www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk

n For more details, log on to: readingpride.co.uk

NEWS | 21

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Wishing Maisie the best of British for Miss GB final

A FINCHAMPSTEAD pageant star could be come the next Miss Great Britain, after reaching the grand final of this year’s national contest.

Maisie Hopkins, 24, is heading to Leicester next week to represent Reading in the country-wide competition.

Miss Great Britain is the country’s oldest beauty pageant, celebrating its 76th show this year.

Maisie is currently this year’s Miss Reading after winning the title for the second time, and says she cannot wait to get out on the national stage soon.

“I’m really, really excited,” Maisie says. “It’s something I’ve worked really hard for across a number of years and it’s such a fulfilling moment when you get on that stage and put everything you’ve worked for into practice.”

Maisie, who has been competing in pageants since she was 16 years old, says she started her journey to Miss Great Britain in 2016.

She has already reached the final twice and is currently running a host of fundraising and online campaigns to be successful in this year’s contest.

“To get to the final, you have to win a regional heat,” Maisie explains. “This includes submitting applications and answering interview questions.

“Then you get involved in fundraising where you can use your title in a positive way to add value to other people.”

Maisie is currently fundraising for national charity Cancer Research UK and Alex’s Wish, a Loughborough-based organisation set up by a young boy’s parents to help cure Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. “[The two charities] are chosen

by Miss Great Britain itself and last year I raised more than £1,000 for them,” Maisie explains. “I just really connected with them and really believe in them.

“So many of us can relate to cancer and have second- or firsthand experience, while Alex’s Wish is a smaller charity and I love feeling like I’m raising awareness of it.”

Maisie has also launched her own social media campaign on video platform TikTok called Be Authentically You, in a bid to succeed in the final.

She says it focuses on body confidence, self-worth, personal development and mental health.

“I’ve always wanted to do a campaign on mental health and I’m passionate personal development,” the pageant star explains “I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and a lot of people do, and that can really knock your confidence.

“I wanted to find a way to incorporate all of this on social media and the response has been really positive.”

According to Maisie, it is this hidden side of pageantry that makes beauty competitions a lot more than meets the eye.

“They require a dedicated individual who is willing to work hard and ideally use her platform to make a positive impact,” she explains. “I always thought it’d be a positive thing to be involved in [and] over the years, I have been able to raise thousands of pounds for numerous charities.

“It’s great to become an ambassador for something that matters.”

She adds: “For me, hopefully it’s third time lucky [this year] but ultimately it’s all about the experience, the friends you make and the platform you are able to share to impact others.”

The final of Miss Great Britain will take place on Thursday, September 16 and Friday, September 17. n Maisie is currently accepting donations to her fundraiser, which will include a raffle and a pub quiz, at: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ MaisieHopkins n To find out more about the contest, visit: www.missgreatbritain.co.uk

POETRY CORNER

Our Wedding Anniversary T’was a hot and sunny September day When my bride came up the aisle.

Our Ealing church was crowded.

All faces had a smile.

This day was many years ago, Sixty five to be exact.

Happy years together.

Our marriage still intact.

We’ve had our share of ups and downs The way most lives have been

And countless blessings we’ve enjoyed Through many a changing scene.

Two daughters kept us busy And our family since has grown With a granddaughter who We’re pleased to say Has three children of her own.

What makes a happy marriage?

A question you may pose.

Each couple has their answer.

We took our time before we chose.

Jim Horsnell

We love receiving readers’ poetry. Email your submissions to letters@wokingham.today

22 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Freely Fruity are simply amazing

OVER the summer, there has been a spot in our centre pages dedicated to the work of Freely Fruity.

This wonderful group have been planting, curating and now harvesting food for the benefit of the wider community.

The fruits of their labours has been given to charities and groups who can get them to people who need food.

And what can be better than fresh?

This week, they passed a major milestone: They have harvested a tonne of vegetables and fruit and given it away.

It’s not the end of the story either.

There are more crops coming to fruition so more families will benefit.

For those attending Saturday’s Heritage Day event in Wokingham town, there are free strawberry plants to take home.

Freely Fruity is a brilliant idea. It’s been superbly executed and is making a real difference.

Everyone involved deserves the fullest praise.

Here’s to seeing their work grow.

CHURCH NOTES

The Gate opens on Sunday

A

NEW church is launching on Sunday with a special celebration service.

Sindlesham Baptist Church is now The Gate.

Its launch service takes place from 11am at its building in Bearwood Road.

Afterwards, there is a hog roast in Bearwood Recreation Ground, followed by a family games time. A vegetarian option is available.

Guests are asked to book and bring a picnic blanket or chair to sit on.

The church says that its services will begin with a time of worship and “soaking” in God’s presence before a message from one of its pastors.

Afterwards, there will be refreshments, with the first Sunday of the month designated a bring and share lunch event.

The Gate also offers activities for younger people, including midweek events for secondary school pupils.

Outside of Sunday services, there are events during the week.

Create is a weekly arts and crafts group running on Friday mornings from 10.30am to noon. Places cost £3 per session and must be booked in advance.

Elevate is an art community aimed at people who want to explore Christian spirituality through creating art. This meets on the first Sunday of the month from 2pm to 4pm.

The Breakfast Bar is a toddler group that includes food and meets on Thursdays during term-time from 8.45am to 10am. It’s specially for parents and carers and their toddlers.

And the church also runs a special worship event, Encounter, on the first Sunday evening from 6.30pm. There are also small Bible study groups that meet on Thursday. n For more details, or to book places, call the church office on 0118 941 5557, or email admin@ thegate.uk.com

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Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

Protest against the bill while you can I am writing in support of Dennis Flanagan’s letter, published in the August 26 paper, encouraging people to oppose this government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

As noted, this horrific bill would undermine public protests by granting police and government a wide swath of suppressive powers.

Under this bill, a single protestor is criminalised, even without causing damage or disrupting business.

This bill was not part of the Conservative 2019 manifesto and current laws have been fit for purpose for decades. There is no need, no demand, no mandate and no urgency for these changes.

This bill is very dangerous and ripe for the type of abuses seen in authoritarian governments. This country deserves so much better.

Public protest has always been essential to moving society forward - whether it is the rights of women to vote, the rights of ramblers or the rights of trade unions. And a critical part of public protest is to be distractive, else these voices are never heard above the roar of entrenched business interests and government.

If you ever wish your voice were heard about housing numbers, climate policy, racial justice or any other topic, you should contact your MP and ask them to oppose this regressive legislation.

Tom Ross, Crowthorne

I won’t support you any more RE. Doctor warns of jabs abuse from anti-vaxxers (September 2).

I had hoped as a local paper that Wokingham Today wouldn’t follow the mainstream media’s bias on the reporting of ‘anti-vaxxers’.

This term is intentionally derogatory and like ‘conspiracy theorist’, refers to people who dare to have a different opinion and don’t agree with the Government’s stance on covid.

It’s articles like this that give

the vaccinated carte blanche to abuse those who choose not to be vaccinated.

Dr Henry Walters doesn’t give his real name, does he even exist or is this just for the article, for fear of being targeted at work. Seriously?

How many surgeries in the borough have been targeted?

A few people outside Costa hardly counts as intimidation or a widespread campaign, does it?

His words are patronising and condescending – you have a choice, but not really.

I have been buying your paper to contribute to the running costs, but I’m not even going to bother with the free copies anymore.

This is one more biased article too far.

‘Juliet’, via email

Questions that need answers LAST week’s Wokingham Today headline story questions the morality of 2,500 houses being promoted by Conservative Councillors from outside the Borough.

Morality or not it does raise many questions that need answers.

The Conservative Government want to build 300,000 houses each year for an indefinite period. It’s promoting new policies designed to identify large tracts of land ( including our green fields ) suitable for development while reducing residents’ rights to object.

Worse still the Conservative Government requires Councils to have a Housing Local Plan (ours will be up to 2036) but that local plan must be reviewed every five years.

The downside of that is Wokingham’s Conservatives, wherever they put houses in the new local plan it will be the obvious area additional houses will go with every five year review excluding the North of the Borough and certainly nothing in Renenham or Hurst where our illustrious Leader and the Executive Member for planning preside.

Cllr Stephen Conway makes some very fair points in the paper but when one looks at how development has

Westminster diary Matt Rodda

E

VERYONE should have the right to grow old with dignity; with the care and support they need, at the time they need it and in a social care system which meets their needs without causing financial hardship.

The current social care system, long overdue of reform, is riddled with problems and inequalities.

The most vulnerable in our society are cared for via a mish-mash of contracts, overseen by local councils, where the ‘successful’ bidder typically offer their services for the least

amount of money.

It’s a system where services and support can be radically different dependent on your postcode, and where available funding is determined by how much council tax is collected in your local area with little to no regard for what each person needs.

Compare that to the NHS – care given when needed, to a high standard, by a central system funded from general taxation by the Government.

Successive Governments have tried to grapple this issue only to realise that any real solution is quite

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 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 occurred over many years where the South of the Borough got hammered and the North has escaped reasonable unscathed it’s not unreasonable that residents in the South say enough is enough so spread the development more evenly and fairly around the Borough as a whole.

One example of this unfairness is why has Hurst only had under 50 houses in the last 10 years when Shinfield, Arborfield Garrison and Winnersh tops around 10,000 in the same period with no doubt many more to follow?

With Global warming threatening us all and getting worse seeing the recent flooding, property destruction and loss of life in Germany why is the Borough Council promoting a site by the Loddon river flood zone and within the risk of flooding from a category A dam at Bearwood Lakes for over 4,500 houses in Arborfield in their draft local plan?

Looking objectively at Hurst as a case study it makes one wonder.

Hurst is located between two railway lines along with extensive highway links to the A4/M4/M3.

It is close to Reading, Twyford, Wokingham, Bracknell and Woodley shops but no major development is being considered there.

Why must be the question?

Similar evaluations could be made for other areas in the North of Wokingham taking in green belt considerations but again would not the North of the Borough and the Borough as a whole benefit from spreading development fairly across the Borough as a whole?

Such fairness to all our residents does not seem to be in Wokingham Conservatives mindset.

The Leader of the Council is right when he says we should have some development but I only wish he added as long as it’s not in my back yard or my neighbours back yard so put them all in the South.

Cllr Gary Cowan, Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council hard and therefore the whole issue gets put back on the shelf and ignored for a few more years.

From the Dilnott Commission of the coalition Government of 2010, the 2016 Social Care precept through to Theresa May’s 2017 proposals which quickly became known as “the dementia tax” and, say some commentators, cost her the 2017 General Election, ideas and have been and gone and all we have seen is tinkering at the edges of a system in crisis.

If the Government plans to raise taxes to generate the necessary funding to improve social care, the issue isn’t how much cash is needed but instead what is it going to be spent on to make the system better – and not just for those receiving care but also for carers.

Any new social care system must recognise the value and importance of carers – these are the people in who we place out trust to look after our older and vulnerable people. They are deserving of far more than the

Time to help WE need to help people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, these people can not ask for help their self as they are confused.

We want people to be aware of this disease that these people need much help and understanding and care.

The Alzheimer’s Society need money and campaigners to help all walks of life.

As myself, I am a dementia friend and Advocate for them.

This is not my only issue that I fight for.

This disease can attack anybody who one least expect. It is too sad that this country has forgotten people with this illness big time.

Victor Rones, Bracknell

Think of the farmers FOR many farmers, this is an all too familiar scene at this time of year: They have combined one of their fields, and carted the grain. They go to close the field gate and, as they do so, a group of individuals driving a 4x4 attempt to force access to go hare coursing.

When challenged, the group physically assault the farmer, leaving him or her shaken and needing medical treatment.

The common perception of the poacher is the shifty, Claude Greengrass-type character portrayed in Heartbeat and Emmerdale.

The brutal reality faced by many CLA members is unfortunately more like the scene described above, rather than the loveable rogue taking one for the pot.

Hare coursing is about as far removed from this populist image as you can possibly get. Large sums of money are bet on the outcome of matches, thousands of pounds of damage are caused to crops, violence against those who inadvertently get in the way is rife – and there are clear links between coursers and other organised criminal activity.

However CLA South East, which represents farmers and landowners across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and statutory minimum wage.

The changes must address the grossly unfair systems which means ‘sleep ins’ – where a carers stays over night to provide support – are not deemed as work hours so can be paid as little as a couple of quid an hour.

Likewise, the scandal of care workers not being paid for the time they take to travel between their patients.

If the Government wishes to increase tax to pay for an improved social care system, the motivation shouldn’t solely be to protect the assets and wealth accrued over a lifetime in affluent parts of Britain, but should be to properly resource a system where carers are valued and where care isn’t a race to the bottom in terms of cost, and where whether you are in Reading, Redbridge or Redcar, you can expect the same support when it is needed.

Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East, which includes parts of Woodley and Earley

Oxfordshire, believes hare coursing during the day is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wildlife crime.

Night poaching can be particularly distressing to CLA members. This is where individuals, with no consent to be on the land, will use a lamp to run bull lurchers (a bull breed crossed with a lurcher) on deer or any other wildlife they come across.

Others may target deer with firearms for the illicit venison trade.

Again, this causes huge amounts of damage to farmland as they drive over crops and through hedges in the pursuit of their sport or to flee from the police and gamekeepers.

Finally, despite having been illegal since 1973, badger baiting and digging remains a popular criminal activity in some areas. Normally taking place away from public view at remote setts, it is a crime that often goes unnoticed and undetected. Like other forms of wildlife crime, it is becoming increasingly organised via social media.

Despite this rather bleak picture, there is some good news. The CLA’s continued efforts to lobby government – alongside other organisations as part of a coalition – has secured future legislative reform on penalties for hare coursing activity.

We also continue to work with the police and other bodies to make sure that rural crime stays high on the list of policing priorities.

For more information about the CLA and its work, visit www.cla.org. uk/in-your-area/south-east/ and follow @CLASouthEast on Twitter.

Tim Bamford, CLA South East Regional Director

Looking back at 9/11 WOKINGHAM Heritage Day this coming Saturday 11th September is clearly a day of fun and festivities many will be looking forward to with anticipation, deservedly so after the trying and traumatic times of the last 18 months.

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Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

I wish all those organising the event, participating in the event and attending the event good luck and very best wishes for an enjoyable and successful day all round.

Pausing for a moment, I wonder if Wokingham Town Council (and indeed WBC though not directly involved in planning, undertaking etc of the day) might be planning to mark in some way the tragic and devastating events of 20 years ago on September 11, 2000, a day we have come to know as “9/11”, to honour those poor souls of many nations who perished either in the Twin Towers or on the aircraft which so destructively caused not only the deaths of thousands, lasting trauma to families and friends and which acted as a catalyst to change our lives and our worlds forever.

Simon Jackson, Wokingham

Aldi Parking piracy A few weeks ago a reader’s letter raised concerns with regards to parking at Aldi Wokingham calling for a boycott of Aldi given the parking piracy it operates.

Despite being parked for less that the allocated free time and proving by credit card statement that they had shopped and purchased at Aldi, ParkingEye, on behalf of Aldi have refused the residents appeal.

How many shoppers find themselves with not only a parking penalty but also the stress involved, simply because they shopped at Aldi?

If you have been fined for shopping at Aldi please let this paper know.

Name and address supplied

Saving heart care THE Covid-19 pandemic has caused huge disruption to life saving heart care, causing untold heartbreak for so many.

Latest figures show that around 41,592 people in the South East were waiting for heart tests and treatment, including heart surgery, at the end of June.

Despite the unwavering efforts of everyone across the health and care system, the situation could get even worse. New analysis by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) predicts that the number of people anxiously waiting for heart care and diagnosis in England could peak at over half a million in January 2024. In this scenario, it could take up to five years for cardiac waiting lists to recover to pre-pandemic levels.

That’s why the Government must act now. We need a clear cardiovascular strategy for England to support recovery from the pandemic, alongside substantial longterm investment in the health and care system, with targeted funding to tackle the backlog of heart care.

To help us, we’re calling on readers to email their MP, urging them to show their commitment to addressing this vast backlog and help end the untold heartbreak.

You can do that by visiting bhf.org. uk/askyourmp Without this urgent action from the Government, we’re deeply concerned that many heart patients might not get the life saving care they need before it’s too late.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive, British Heart Foundation

Best foot forward WALKING in the fresh air is something that many of us have appreciated more than ever since the pandemic began.

As someone who tries to walk every day, I value the physical and wellbeing benefits that it brings – as well as the time to think and reflect.

I am writing to encourage your readers to put their best foot forward and take part in Sue Ryder’s Walk to Remember 2021.

Healthcare charity Sue Ryder is a cause that is close to my heart.

My daughter was cared for in her final days at one of Sue Ryder’s hospices, Sue Ryder Leckhampton

Court Hospice, in 2010. The compassionate care she received meant an awful lot to me and my family.

Sue Ryder does fantastic work, being there for families like mine.

However, it remains reliant on voluntary income and needs your readers’ support to ensure it can keep offering expert care.

This is why I want to tell you about how you can get involved with Walk to Remember this October.

It is an opportunity to get together with family and friends to celebrate the memory of your loved one, raise vital funds and help Sue Ryder fill someone’s last days with love.

Sue Ryder’s research shows more than half (54%) of the British public think that remembrance events help them grieve. You can join hundreds of other supporters and walk 5k or 10k at one of Sue Ryder’s organised events – Walk to Remember in Bedford or Peterborough, or Starlight Hike in Cheltenham or Worth Valley.

You can also organise your own Walk to Remember and do 5k or 10k or a distance of your choice on any day during October.

The charity’s research found more than two thirds of people (71%) have a special place they visit to remember someone who has died. Make it your Walk to Remember by deciding your start and finish line and a route that means something to you.

The funds raised will help Sue Ryder to support people through the most difficult times of their lives.

Whether that’s a terminal illness or a bereavement, with your support Sue Ryder can be there when it matters.

You can sign up now at sueryder. org/walk Thank you so much for your support; it really will make a difference to those needing Sue Ryder’s care.

Sir Geoff Hurst MBE, Former England footballer, World Cup winner and Sue Ryder Ambassador

Roasted Aubergine Curry From the kitchen Freely Fruity

T

Serves 4 HE aubergine is synonymous with warmer climes, but grows very happily in UK greenhouses for the British retail market, much like our tomatoes.

Roasting aubergines is a great way to cook them and this vegan curry is a satisfying option on a meat free day, especially as the weather gets cooler.

Ingredients n 3 aubergines, cut into 1 inch cubes n Olive oil n Salt

n 1 x 400ml can coconut milk n 1 large white onion, diced n 3 medium fresh tomatoes, quartered n 1 x 400g tin chickpeas, drained Serving suggestions n Brown rice n Poppadoms n Fresh coriander

Method

For the curry paste 1. Preheat the oven to n 6 cloves garlic, peeled 200°C n 1 knob ginger, peeled 2. Place the aubergine roughly chopped cubes onto a large n 2g fresh coriander, torn oven tray, drizzle n 2 fresh green chillies liberally with oil and n 1 tbsp garam masala season with salt. n 2 tsp ground cumin Roast for 35 minutes n Black pepper 3. Meanwhile blitz all n 1 tbsp cider/wine of the ingredients for vinegar the curry paste with

2 tbsp coconut milk using a mini chopper or immersion blender; set aside 4. Place a large deep pan over a medium heat and add a few glugs of oil. Fry the onion with a pinch of salt for 3-4 minutes 5. Add the curry paste

and fry for 5 minutes then add the tomato and lower the heat to cook until the tomato is soft; about 10 minutes 6. Increase the heat and add the coconut milk and chickpeas to the pan then the roasted aubergine 7. Once hot throughout

serve with some brown rice and top with crushed poppadoms and a sprig of coriander.

Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk/

The climate emergency Cllr Gregor Murray

Let’s talk about energy

T

HERE’S no such thing as an easy answer to climate change, and anyone who tells you otherwise hasn’t understood the question.

There isn’t a practical ‘One Big Thing’ that will cut our emissions in half, or even by 25%.

The reason for this is that we don’t all generate carbon emissions in the same amount or in the same way. We each create them individually and in small increments – to tackle climate change we also have to tackle those increments individually.

The UK average household produces roughly 8.1 tonnes of carbon a year. That’s about the weight of two adult hippos.

Here in Wokingham, we’re a little higher than average, because of high car ownership, centralised public transport, and a mixture of rural and urban living with space in-between.

Our emissions come not just from what we do, but also how we do it. Moving around, heating our homes, charging our phones, watching TV, eating, drinking, going on holiday all create carbon emissions, as do many other aspects of our lives.

Just under half of our emissions come from our homes. They come from heating and lighting, from cooking food and from taking a shower or a bath, and they come powering the numerous TVs, fridges, washing machines, tumble dryers, mobile phones, laptops and other devices that we all have.

As a council we help reduce domestic emissions in two main ways. Firstly, by helping make homes more energy efficient. And secondly, by generating green energy that feeds into the National Grid and is then used to power your home.

Our Help to Heat scheme has already provided efficiency upgrades to over 700 of the most energy inefficient homes across our borough, with more planned.

You may have also seen that we have submitted a planning application for our first, Council funded, solar farm in Barkham, which will look to generate green electricity to power up to 7,000 nearby homes.

Building one, or more solar farms will both help us reduce our carbon footprint, and it will create income from the sale of clean energy to the National Grid which we can then use to fund other climate change initiatives.

What we can’t do though is control the amount of energy you use in your home. There are, though, numerous things that you can do that will both cut your personal carbon footprint and help save you money on your energy bills.

Installing solar panels on your rooftop or swapping to a non-gas boiler might not be financially possible right now, so here are a few low-cost things you could do.

You can swap to energy efficient light bulbs.

They use significantly less power, are just as bright, last longer, can be recycled and will save you money on your electricity bill.

You could shower for a minute less per day, turn your thermostat down a degree or two, wash your clothes at 30ºC or 40ºC, turn lights off when you aren’t in a room, switch off devices you aren’t using, or, you could listen to the advice your father gave you when you were young and put a jumper on when it gets cold rather than turning the heating up.

Energy is just one aspect of dealing with climate change.

In the next column, I’ll talk more about another – how we get about.

Next Week: Let’s Talk About Travel Cllr Gregor Murray is executive member for resident services, communications and emissions on Wokingham Borough Council

24 | SOCIETY

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INTHECOMMUNITY

News from your clubs & groups.

Email news@wokingham.today

The amazing art of the poster revealed

A

S you probably know, Wokingham Town Council (WTC), along with many other historical venues across the country, will be celebrating Heritage Open Days on Saturday September 11th.

The national theme is “Edible England” and WTC will be celebrating local and seasonal produce in the Market Place and Howard Palmer Gardens.

The Wokingham Society, in support of this Heritage Day, has made available on its web site a couple of e-booklets. The first of these can be found at: A History Of Food And Drink In Wokingham wokinghamsociety.org.uk What we eat and drink is at the heart of much of our history, culture, communities and daily lives, and this booklet documents some of the events, people, associations, shops, restaurants, and stories that made a contribution to Wokingham’s way of life.

People such as Mr. E.J. Garrett, who retired in 1957 after thirty years as a milkman at the age of 65. He had left school when he was 12 years old, and started as a milk-boy for Mr. Elder of Matthews Green Farm.

Associations such as the Agricultural Association, which was established in Wokingham in 1883 to encourage farm servants and labourers into husbandry.

Shops such as Ye Tuck Shoppe at 7 Market Place that Harry Hawkins, confectioner, started running in 1936. He was also a volunteer fireman and would close the shop when the fire alarm sounded and run to the Town Hall, where the fire engines were kept.

Harry remained at these premises until 1968.

Restaurants such as those run by the Berni Inn chain, which took over Ye Olde Rose Inn in 1963. In the 1970s most people only ate out on special occasions such as birthdays and the go-to place in Wokingham was the Berni Inn. The favourite combination of food was a prawn cocktail starter followed by steak and chips and then black forest gateau. If you were really lucky y ou ended up with an Irish Coffee, with a waitress pouring the cream over the back of a spoon into a glass.

Stories such as the “Muffin Man’, who was a regular visitor to the streets of Wokingham during the mid-1920s . He had muffins and crumpets piled up in a wooden tray sitting on a cushion on his head. He would ring a bell and call out “ Muffins and Crumpets”.

The other e-booklet can be found at: Frank Day's memories and Day Family article wokinghamsociety.org.uk This tells of Frank’s childhood memories of the people and shops of the town, and of the tasks he performed as an apprentice at the London Central Meat Company which supplied meat to Wokingham and beyond.

Kevin Lenton The Wokingham Society

I

N AUGUST, members of the Arts Society Wokingham were treated to a bonus online lecture by Charles Harris entitled Taken by Surprise: a Revolution in the Art of the Poster.

Charles, who has enjoyed a life-long career in advertising, took his audience back to the birth of commercial art during the Belle Époque in Paris.

It was Jules Chéret the French illustrator and graphic designer, who first used the emerging technique of lithography to create eye-catching posters in the latter half of the 19th century. Toulouse-Lautrec, Mucha, Steinlen and Cappiello followed in his footsteps and created some iconic Art Nouveau posters, blurring the line between high art and advertising.

These artists understood how to use line and colour to maximum impact, as illustrated in the Toulouse-Lautrec’s poster for the Moulin-Rouge, as seen on this page.

Charles pointed out that our eyes are immediately drawn to the colour yellow which was frequently used for dramatic effect.

Nowadays we take brand mascots such as the Michelin man (with associations of strength and durability) and the energetic pink Duracell bunny, for granted, but it was Leonardo Cappiello who first used them to great effect at the beginning of the 20th century – his Maurin Absinthe green demon and the Cinzano red zebra being the most famous examples.

Charles explained that the juxtaposition of a red zebra and a bottle

PICTURE CAPTION: Fiona Talkington judged Colette to be one of two winners for this year’s Marie Dyson Award

Winning artists

BRIGHT COLOURS: Toulouse-Lautrec’s poster for the MoulinRouge catches the eye’s attention of Cinzano creates the element of surprise which is essential when designing a good poster.

By his choice of illustrations and insights into the techniques, artistry and psychology behind poster art Charles convinced his audience that a revolution did take place in Paris during the Belle Époque.

This lecture was the last in the season for the Arts Society Wokingham but we have an exciting new season starting at 7.45pm on Monday, September 20.

Gavin Plumley, the well-known writer and broadcaster, will be talking about Two Gustavs: Mahler and Klimt.

He will be comparing these two great fin de siècle talents, and asking what fundamentally links and, indeed, divides them.

Future lectures cover topics such as Peggy Guggenheim and the birth of mid-century Modernism, the revival of 15th century Timurid carpet designs, the Imperial Easter Eggs of Carl Fabergé, and the sculptures of Antony Gormley.

Why not join the Society and enjoy these monthly talks by accredited and knowledgeable experts?

For full details of the new season’s programme, please visit www.TheArts SocietyWokingham.org.uk

SUE BRYANT

THE Reading Guild of Artists (RGA) has released the names of this year’s recipients of the Marie Dyson Award.

BBC Radio 3 presenter, Fiona Talkington said “it was a privilege to be asked to assess the works exhibited at the RGA’s 90th Annual Exhibition. It was also extremely difficult: there were many contenders”.

While contemplating the many works on display Fiona said the Guild had shown, once again, why art is so important, not just for those who make ‘all this amazing work’ but also for the effect on us as visitors who spend time with each work.

She also admired the huge amount of work that goes into mounting such an exhibition including the ‘painstaking work of hanging’.

She chose Earth Dreaming by Nina O’Connell, batik on paper and Colette by Jenny Halstead, conté on paper.

Of Nina’s piece, Fiona admired the “huge swirling lines and the tiniest most intricate details, exquisite techniques, which tell of a time spent in love and care for this planet of ours. Earth Dreaming wouldn’t let me go”.

Of ‘Colette’ she talked of the “compulsion to look at her, to admire her magnificent profile and that I am under her spell”.

Five other artists who were ‘highly commended’.

The exhibition was held at the Old Fire Station Gallery in Henley during July. n For more details, visit: www.rgaartists.org.uk or www.facebook.com/ ReadingGuildofArtists

Thames Valley Chorus to rehearse indoors again THE TVC are delighted to report that they are now rehearsing indoors.

A giant step forward.

After months of rehearsing with the Zoom system, and latterly outdoors at our base at Bulmershe School, we have now started to sing close harmony almost as we did before the various lockdowns.

We observe safe distancing and have our temperature taken before we start. Hopefully even these procedures will soon be rendered unnecessary.

The benefits of singing indoors are that we can now hear the other voice parts clearly and tune appropriately to them – very important part of our singing style.

Gents, if you would like to take up a new hobby, or restart a previous singing experience, come along to Bulmershe School on Tuesday, September 21, at 7.30pm.

We are organising a “taster evening”, where in addition to hearing us sing you can have a try yourself and, if you like what you have experienced,

you can begin a series of coaching sessions with the aim of joining us.

Our repertoire is wide and varied. We sing popular songs from many periods, and from the shows, plus some more serious ballads to add variety to our singing style.

We have the opportunity to travel around to both the local area to other parts of the UK, and also to some European destinations. In particular the twinning of Reading and Düsseldorf give us the opportunity of both hosting

and travelling to Germany.

The health benefits of singing have been well documented and we also have fun at our rehearsals.

A sense of humour is a trait we like in our recruits.

We are an all-male Chorus, but if any ladies reading this would like to sing in this style, there is a ladies chorus in Reading, and mixed choirs are becoming very popular. n For more information on the taster evening please e-mail us on sing@tvchorus.co.uk or look at our website tvchorus.co.uk

Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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| 25

No. 5378

Your weekly puzzle challenge

26 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

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Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE

25

7 18

20

1

22

20

6

21

4 14

4

3

4

20

24

14 18

22

21 18

7

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22

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18 13

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21 14

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14 22

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22 4

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11 5

18

2. Who was king of Britain for a mere 326 days?

7. Which principality is ruled by the House of Grimaldi?

3. A laburnum tree has what coloured flowers?

8. Sandra Bullock plays con artist Debbie Ocean in which of the Oceans series of heist films?

NONAGRAM

O W D

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

U

S

J

10

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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

ATTEMPT LOYAL POEM

E N G

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: 16 Good; 19 Very Good; 22 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.

RA

EU

IE

SA

LC

VO

UG

AT

IN

OE

SUDOKU Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

7 6

9 7

5 4 1 7 8

8 6 7 4

8 6 8

2 9 8 3

1

1

6

T

R C

R

E O

V

Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

YS

3

13

14

15

16 17

2

17

18

19

20

18

1

2

3

To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com © Sirius Media Services Ltd

DOWN 1. In which to sing in praise of decimalisation? (8,5) 2. Young crab (6) 3. Is this what the filthy rich possess? (5) 4. Heavy fall of French toboggan (6) 5. Taking one’s life in one’s own hands (7) 6. Stick in this place (6) 7. Correspondence sent by fast writer? (7,6) 13. Crafty to include one teetotaller in an amusing way (7) 15. Attempt by Peter first to find room (6) 16. Brought up periodical with section about opening moves (6) 17. Turn up in the fields (6) 19. Arab troubled by US aid (5)

4

5

5

6

7

25

28

8 9

10 10

11

11

12

14 17

15 18

13

13

16 19

20

21 23

24 26

28

30

ACROSS 1. Indian memorial (3,5) 5. Applaud (4) 9. Shabby (3-4) 10. Pinafore (5) 11. Artefact (5) 13. Film theatre (6) 15. Carts for heavy goods (5) 17. Spoken (4) 19. Hostelry (3) 20. Levee (4) 21. Caper (5)

20

22

This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

5 3 8 7 6 1 5 9 4 2

4 5 8 1 3 2 6 7 9

2 7 9 8 6 4 3 5 1

6 3 1 9 5 7 8 2 4

WORD PYRAMID: Undercover agent.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – divide; add; multiply; subtract.

Total: 3.

SOLUTIONS

13

QUICK CROSSWORD

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

4 7

N

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.

5

5 6 4 2 9 3 1 8 7

1 9

5 7

1 9 2 4 7 8 5 6 3

4

5 1

2 7 4

2 6

8 1 6 7 2 9 4 3 5

3 2

4 2

8 5 7 6 1 2 3

8

1 9

Hard

12

ACROSS 1. Squeezed fellow with force who went first (7) 8. Point to one of five with the beast, it occurs twice a year (7) 9. Optical illusion of current interest (7) 10. Not sure about an ulcer problem (7) 11. Lettuce is a danger at sea (7) 12. Not coming to any conclusion (7) 14. Bird to go round corner of car (7) 18. Forgive second-class loaves being distributed (7) 20. Problem can’t be solved in private room (7) 21. Sent, say, for bunch of flowers (7) 22. Rock singer (7) 23. Over there tribal leader struck the lady (7)

EQUALISER 10 3 7 7 2 2 0 9 8 3 2 1

9 2 3 5 4 6 7 1 8

Easy

A

EK

ND

11

23

E

MN

GI

10

G

AI

IR

7

22

ND

CE

6

21

FIVE ALIVE OR

5

11

14

10. The 2010 Eminem song Love the Way You Lie featured which female singer?

BG

4

10

9. Tom Curran represents England in which sport?

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 U through openings in the walls. The N first letter may appear in any chamber.

D E

3

9

WORD PYRAMID

U R P

1

2

8

6. What does a xenophobe have an extreme dislike of?

5. Which nationality links the words ‘courage’, ‘going’ and ‘uncle’?

2

1

1. The Jowett Javelin was a British type of what?

4. Comedian Lee Mack is a team captain on which BBC1 comedy panel show hosted by Rob Brydon?

22

5 14

6

18

23

8

15

24

14

14 20

22

4

24

2 1

20

19

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5378

22

20

20

7 4 5 3 8 1 2 9 6

14

22

3

14

11

21

23

1 4 5 6 3 9 8 2 7

7

21

4

3 6 8 7 2 4 9 1 5

22

18

18 20

8

24

17 22

1

20 22

20

5

9 7 2 5 1 8 6 3 4

21

21

6

2 3 9 1 4 7 5 6 8

11

21

22

4 5 7 8 6 2 1 9 3

6

25

17

24

16

21

20

7

6 8 1 3 9 5 4 7 2

22

7 1 4 2 5 6 3 8 9

9

8 9 6 4 7 3 2 5 1

22

5 2 3 9 8 1 7 4 6

14

5378

27

29

31

23. Develop (6) 24. Seashore (5) 28. Mislays (5) 29. Hug (7) 30. Sound quality (4) 31. Thoughtless (8) DOWN 1. Grass (4) 2. Old Testament book (5) 3. Be plentiful (6) 4. Skin condition (4) 6. Theft (7) 7. Pseudonyms (3,5)

8. Fertile spot in desert (5) 12. Wear down (5) 13. Sneering critic (5) 14. Bedspread (8) 16. Social insect (3) 18. Skilled worker (7) 21. Pernod flavoring (5) 22. Mend shoes (6) 25. Screen (5) 26. TV detective (4) 27. Golf pegs (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Taj Mahal; 5 Clap; 9 Run-down; 10 Apron; 11 Thing; 13 Cinema; 15 Drays; 17 Oral; 19 Inn; 20 Dyke; 21 Antic; 23 Extend; 24 Coast; 28 Loses; 29 Embrace; 30 Tone; 31 Careless.

Down – 1 Turf; 2 Jonah; 3 Abound; 4 Acne; 6 Larceny; 7 Pen names; 8 Oasis; 12 Grind; 13 Cynic; 14 Coverlet; 16 Ant; 18 Artisan; 21 Anise; 22 Cobble; 25 Shade; 26 Vera; 27 Tees.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Car; 2 Edward VIII ; 3 Yellow; 4 Would I Lie to You?; 5 Dutch; 6 Foreigners; 7 Monaco; 8 Ocean’s 8; 9 Cricket; 10 FIVE ALIVE: Rihanna.

(1) Across – Brain; Scrum; Tides.

Down – Besot; Acrid; Names.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Mangled; 8 Equinox; 9 Topical; 10 Unclear; 11 (2) Across – Gored; Align; Annoy.

L W K A F D C G J H O P X Iceberg; 12 Endless; 14 Lapwing; 18 Absolve; 20 Sanctum; 21 Down – Guava; Reign; Dinky.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Bouquet; 22 Lorelei; 23 Thither.

R Z V M U Q S I E N T B Y Down – 1 Metrical psalm; 2 Nipper; 3 Lucre; 4 Deluge; 5 Suicide; NONAGRAM: dower; down; downer; drew; drown; 6 Inhere; 7 Express letter; 13 Wittily; 15 Pantry; 16 Gambit; 17 endow; gown; gowned; grew; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Plough; 19 Saudi. atom; type; opal; grow; grown; GUNPOWDER; owed; melt. owned; owner; powder; power; prow; rewound; rowed; unwed; wend; wodge; wonder; word; wore; worn; wound; wren; wrong; wronged; wrung.

WOKINGHAMLEISURE

Jethro Tull prepares for Hexagon return

Jethro Tull has been delighting audiences since 1968, and the group’s lead artist, Ian Anderson, says their latest show is simply about good music and good times.

PHIL CREIGHTON finds out more

B

ACK in February 1968, a musical legend was born: prog rock group Jethro Tull performed their first gig at the famous Marquee Club in London’s Wardour Street. They’ve not stopped since. Well, until covid.

Ian Anderson is bringing the group to Reading’s Hexagon Theatre for a show on Saturday, September 18. It was originally planned for October last year, but lockdowns put paid to that.

Now it’s back on again and Ian says there is a “quiet sense of relief” that the show can finally go on.

He says, “All the immense amount of work we’ve gone through in 18 months, having to postpone yet again, perhaps for the second time, concerts that we’d already put a lot of work into in terms of all the planning – buying tickets and hotels, doing all the prep work – it is an enormous amount of work only to find, yet again, we’ve had to postpone yet again.

“It’s an ongoing scenario, it’s been very depressing, and I’m sure it’s the same for all those people who bought tickets.”

Such is the group’s popularity, Ian says that the group had nearly sold all tickets for the tour back in 2019. “That’s a long time to be sitting on tickets,” he says.

For the gig at The Hexagon, Ian has one big request to his audience: wear a mask.

“Equip yourself with a proper one, none of this flimsy blue surgical mask rubbish,” he says.

“Throw it away, go online and but, for less than £1, some BFE masks, otherwise known as a 95, which

will give you a much higher level of protection.

“At this point in the pandemic, I honestly think people who do continue to wear masks are actually thinking about protecting themselves primarily because they are well aware of the risks.

“It would break my heart if one of the audience was to become infected,” he continues. “It would also break my heart if it was one of the band or the crew. In that scenario, it would sink the tour. If one person gets sick, it’s over.”

Ian has ensured that all venues have covid protocols in place to help protect everyone.

“Audiences can feel reassured, but that doesn’t mean throw caution to the wind,” he adds.

Of course, the show isn’t about covid, but about good music, good times. Why does Ian think prog rock has endured?

For some, he says, the music is like a comfort blanket: “we hang on to the things we know we’ve enjoyed”.

“But,” he adds, “if it’s on Wikipedia, chances are it merits its inclusion in terms of being part of the world we live in, and you should probably know something about it.”

He describes himself as being “a musical kitchen chef who likes to toss in different ingredients and try things out, blend different flavours together. That’s the kind of eclectic approach I took to music.”

He also admits to preferring the term progressive rock rather than its shortened version.

Things have changed for the band since 1968. Gone are the

LEISURE | 27

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Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

small smoky clubs and in are the larger stages. Ian prefers them as it give him extra space, while the audience has “a much more comfortable place to enjoy music”.

Naturally, The Hexagon is one venue that he enjoys playing at: “We’ve been to it many, many times”.

“I can recall many previous visits to many previous venues, and in some cases, I sort of stick my head in the backstage door.

I know where my dressing room is, there is that sense partly of déjà vu and of reconnecting with a personal past as a performing musician.”

Ian is very forthright and plain speaking. When asked why people should come along and see the gig, he can see Old Father Time.

“I’m 74-years-old, and at the moment reasonably fit, but you know, sooner or later it won’t happen,” he says. “I can’t possible predict when that time is.

“The other reason would be for people who are not so familiar (with my music), it is a bit of a curiosity.

“It’s a bit of getting to know and meet potentially new friends. The idea that you’re either discovering something for the first time or rediscovering something, can be an enriching experience.

“In worst case scenarios, you’re going to ask me for your money back. I shall reach into my sporran and say, ‘You know what?

I forgot to put my spare change in here today’.”

And with that there’s a chuckle and Ian is off to carry on his meticulous preparations for a great night of music. n Jethro Tull: The Prog Years is at The Hexagon on Saturday, September 18 from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost from £34.50. For more details or to book, log on to www.whatsonreading.com or call 0118 960 6060.

Feast of fun at Henley Festival

H

ENLEY FESTIVAL will be returning with a bang next week.

The black-tie extravaganza, taking place from Wednesday, September 15 to Sunday 19, is inviting festival goers to celebrate on the riverbank in Henley-on-Thames.

Kicking off with Madness on the floating stage on Wednesday night, they’ll perform much loved classics House Of Fun, Baggy Trousers and It Must Be Love.

Singer-songwriter James Blunt will step up to the mic on Thursday night as he sings songs from his debut album, Back to Bedlam.

And Friday night festival goers will be treated to a performance from Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

The Murder On The Dancefloor pop singer is set to bring a mixture of pop, disco, nudisco and 80s electronic sounds as audiences dance the night away.

The concert will be followed by broadcaster Sara Cox as she presents Just Can’t Get Enough 80s.

On Saturday night, disco lovers can enjoy a performance of Disco Classical, featuring special guest Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge.

And Sunday includes English National Orchestra’s show Don’t Stop Me Now, with West End musical stars and a full rock band.

Milton Jones, Rich Hall and Shaparak Khorsandi will also be joining Al Murray in providing

PROMENADE YOUR PARTNER: All kinds of entertainment will return to Henley next week for its annual festival comedy entertainment.

And for those interested in world and folk music, can enter the Bedouin Tent for some unique songs by Paprika, Max Pashm, Namvula and more.

For more jazz, attendees can visit the Spiegel Tent to watch three-part harmony group, The Boneshaker Band and Moscow Drug Club.

Henley Festival is also hosting up-and-coming makers and craftsmen, including artisanal jewellers of Studio 35 and Cristo Design’s wooden furniture, along with Tommy Burr’s urban art that repurposes materials into vibrant pieces of art.

For food lovers, Michelinstarred chef Angela Hartnett MBE will be returning, creating a special menu exclusively

for Henley, at the Riverside Restaurant.

Restaurants popping up at the festival will include Garden Bistro by Jimmy Garcia, Green Box, Oink, BBQ Club, Hotel Chocolat, Jessecco Prosecco, Black Cab Coffee Company and more.

Sunday sees the festival transformed into a playground for families and children of all ages with appearances from theatre troupe Creature Feature, Mad Etiquette and Groove Baby.

Each night will end with a firework display.

Tickets start from £50 and seated tickets from £75. n For more details, or to book, visit henley-festival.co.uk

LAURA SCARDARELLA

28 | LEISURE

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WPR_2021-09-06_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go

WorcesterObserver

Reader travel THE LAKES & DALES

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Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 2 nights at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel in the North West area with dinner & breakfast Heritage train journey on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Cruise on Lake Windermere Narrow boat cruise on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

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Departing Mon 15 Nov ‘21 Where better to indulge in some preChristmas celebrations than the spectacular south coast? With its beachfront chic and iconic tourist attractions, Brighton is a lovely setting for our break, perfect to get you in the festive spirit.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 4 nights at the Royal Albion Hotel, Brighton with dinner & breakfast (includes traditional ‘Christmas’ dinner) Tea, coffee and mince pies on arrival 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks After-dinner tea and coffee Light entertainment every evening Excursion to Eastbourne, Beachy Head & Sussex Heritage Coast scenic drive

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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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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

Join Gwenifer for Down at the Abbey

A

NYBODY on the lookout for a new sound should keep an eye out for this Welsh artist.

Gwenifer Raymond, who is known for her experimental, instrumental folk music, is performing at Down At The Abbey this weekend — and she is urging people to come along.

Ms Raymond, who started playing guitar when she was just eight, released her second album Strange Lights Over Garth Mountain towards the end of last year.

Now, she is gearing up to take Reading by storm with her unique American Primitive sound.

“It looks like [Down At The Abbey] will be a great festival,” she said. “Gigging is my favourite thing to do, and there’ll be some fantastic people playing.

“We’ve been without live music for so long and I think any music that’s good is always better live because you connect to the artist playing it, and the sound fills you up.

“Everyone should get out and see as much live music as they can.”

Ms Raymond describes her music as something that is always growing and changing.

While she started producing her solo guitar pieces, she drew

on techniques from American folk styles including the blues and Appalachian music.

Now, as it has been influenced by other genres, the musician sees her sound as more avant garde, calling it Welsh Primitive.

“It’s hard to articulate, but some of it sounds Welsh to me,” Ms Raymond said.

“There’s also a horror, goth element to my latest album.”

Outside of the recording studio, the Welsh guitarist has an impressive portfolio with a PhD in astrophysics and a side gig programming computer games.

But it is her love for music that is undeniable.

“Music is a natural thing to me,” Ms Raymond explained.

“I find it easier to communicate musically than I do verbally.

“I can normally be a bit of

Glass on show at Arts Trail

an incoherent, rambling mess but I am fairly eloquent on the instruments.

“To pick up something and get a sound out of it is cool.”

After launching her first album in 2018, the instrumental guitarist said she is having a fantastic time back on stage after not being able to perform live during the pandemic.

“After my first album, I was gigging quite heavily and it was nice,” she said. “My schedule exploded and I got to visit lots of countries.

“All of a sudden, having that ripped out from under you wasn’t good, but there are a lot of interesting albums coming out as a product of the pandemic.”

As she looks towards Down At The Abbey, Ms Raymond said she hopes people come long to enjoy the entertainment.

When asked what people can expect from her on the day, she said: “A bunch of weird songs on solo guitar and very little chat between them.”

Down At The Abbey is taking place on Saturday, September 11, at Reading Abbey Ruins.

Ms Raymond will perform on the second stage at 7.30pm. n For more information, including how to buy tickets, visit: www. downattheabbey.co.uk

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 in and around Wokingham on September 18 and 19.

Visitors can enjoy following the trail throughout the weekend and meeting 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.

Glass artist Jill Chadwick is encouraging visitors to come along and support their work.

“It’s been tough over the last couple of years and we’ve missed engaging with customers,” she said.

“Lots of people can just come for an enjoyable day out, have a browse of the art work, and you even get to explore different places in the town that you wouldn’t normally.

“When you physically meet the person who made the picture or sculpture that you are going to purchase, it makes the artwork a bit more personal and special to you.”

Ms Chadwick said visitors can expect a similar set up to previous years, including lots of ceramics, glasswork and jewellery at affordable prices.

And makers can even demonstrate techniques and materials they used to create their work.

She added: “We love seeing people come along to buy gifts and cards for certain occasions, such as birthdays, Christmas and weddings.

“It’s also nice to see some schools in the area encouraging young artists to look around with their parents.”

The trail is open each day from 10.30am until 5.30pm. n For more information, log on to: wokinghamartstrail.co.uk

CHARLOTTE KING

LAURA SCARDARELLA

New season plans from Progress PROGRESS Theatre has announced its new season line-up as it returns to in-person shows from October.

The Reading-based theatre company has planned a range of productions all the way up until June next year.

The season starts with Secret Life of Humans, from October 11 to 16, Philip Ridley’s Radiant Vermin, from November 15 to 20 and Babe The Sheep-Pig on December 8 to 11.

After Christmas, Dark Sublime will run from January 17 to 22, The Progress New Writing Festival will be from February 16 to 26, Yous Two on March 28 to April 2, Catch-22 from May 2 to 7 and finishing the season with Angels in America from June 16 to 26. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 384 2169, or log on to progresstheatre.co.uk

No ensemble for panto this year

PRODUCERS of this year’s pantomime at The Hexagon have announced it won’t include a junior ensemble this Christmas.

The Reading-based theatre is part of multiple locations that won’t feature young performers in this year’s show of Beauty and the Beast.

Pantomime producers Imagine Theatre said they want to keep productions as safe as possible by limiting numbers in the cast.

With many factors, such as audition days, chaperones and rehearsals the company already has to consider, the company has stated it is more complex with covid.

But, the Imagine Theatre team added, they are looking forward to welcoming the youths back next year for the 2022 season. n For more details, visit imaginetheatre.co.uk

LEISURE | 29

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LIVEMUSIC Wokingham Loves Music Chris Hillman

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662 stage audience singing along to the great songs of Angus Trott, aka The Wave Machine.

His songs are inspired by his love of sun and surfing and they have an uplifting feel-good style – www.thewavemachine.co.uk

Michael Burns-Peake – London

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

G

IGS are back, and that’s a good reason to celebrate.

Underneath this column, you will see the first gig guide published on these pages since March 2020.

We love championing bands you may not have heard before, and everyone featured in our playlist has a connection to the area. You can hear this week’s selection at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic The playlist is more than just a bunch of tunes.

You can join in the discussion at www.facebook.com/ groups/wokinghamlovesmusicchat And if you’re hosting a gig, or preparing to play for one, send an email to events@wokingham.today

The Wave Machine – Doesn’t Matter to Me One of the highlights of the Wokingham Festival was seeing a packed Wokingham Music Club (WMC)

Another young talent who appeared on the WMC Stage at the festival and performed a great set of quality songs. Michael is a self-taught guitarist, singer and songwriter from Wokingham, and he has released a five-track EP, Principium, from which this track is taken.

It’s well worth a listen and we look forward to hearing more in the future - www.facebook.com/ MichaelBPMusic

Fred’s House – Shut Up and Dance Silky smooth vocals, quality musicianship and a 70’s West Coast inspired folk/rock sound, this band from Cambridge are a perfect band for a summer festival as they proved at Wokingham Festival – fredshousemusic.co.uk

The Paradox Twin – Wake Vortex Nominated at the prestigious Progressive Music Awards two years running following the release of their debut album, this Reading-based band is back

THIS WEEK’S GIGS Thursday, September 9

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Matt Long and The Revenant Ones plus support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, London Road GU17 9AP. Open mic night. Details: 01276 32691.

Friday, September 10

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Comedy night.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – Abbey Ruins.

Down at the Abbey, warmup party. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Pulp’d and Blur2. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Oye Santana. 7.30pm. £20. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk

Saturday, September 11

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Glo. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Anna Nightingale.

Details: 01344 457318.

GALLOWSTREE COMMON – Kidmore End Cricket Club, The Hamlet RG4 9BU. Jazz at the Pavilion: Lea Lyle and Her Trio. Details: www. jumblebee.co.uk/jpav FRIMLEY GREEN – Frimley Green Club, Sturt Road GU16 6HX. The Cherries.

Details: 01252 835322.

READING – Abbey Ruins.

Down at the Abbey, all-day event. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Johnny Too Bad. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Boyzlife.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. John de Barra. Details: 0118 926 5804.

TILEHURST – Royal British Legion, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Mystery Machine. Details: 0118 942 9606.

Sunday, September 12

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street, RG1 4RJ. Readifolk: Will Finn and Rosie Calvert. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Genesis Connected.

Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOKINGHAM – The Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Omari. From 6pm. Details: 0118 978 0918.

Monday, September 13

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Breabach. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

Tuesday, September 14

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Quirky Corner Unplugged. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Killer Queen. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Wednesday, September 15

WOKINGHAM – The Hope and Anchor, Station Road

RG40 2AD. Wokingham Folk and Acoustic Blues Club. Details: 0118 978 0918.

Thursday, September 16

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Voodoo Sheiks. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, London Road GU17 9AP. Open mic night. Details: 01276 32691.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. The Fran McGillivray Band. Details: 0118 402 7800.

Friday, September 17

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. I See Shapes, Jack and Sally. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Abba Revival. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Only The Poets. Details: 0118 959 5395.

RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. Bazooka Joe. Details: 0118 343 0565.

Saturday, September 18

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Triple Bill of Music: Vanilla Humans, Masquerader, Scott Freeman. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. England’s Dreaming.

Details: 01344 422622.

BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Mystery Machine. Details: 0118 983 2220.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, London Road GU17 9AP.

The Deuce Band. Details: 01276 32691.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. The Salty Dogs. Details: 01344 772161.

FRIMLEY GREEN – Frimley Green Club, Sturt Road GU16 6HX. Blonde Ambition. Details: 01252 835322.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Davey Dodds Solo. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Luther Vandross tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Jethro Tull.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Goldtrax.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – South Street Arts Centre, South Street.

Double Dot Bash!. Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Heathrow Jets.

Details: 0118 978 0918.

YATELEY – Village green, off Firgrove Road.

Yateley Gig On the Green 2021. Details: www. gigonthegreenyateley. co.uk

with a stunning new single - www.theparadoxtwin. com

Wille and the Bandits – Four Million Days The festival headliner closed the festival in fine style with an exciting blend of rock and roll, funk, soul and roots. We look forward to their new album in 2022 - www.willeandthebandits.com

Edward Naysmith – Live Anymore Edward is a talented singer-songwriter who performed at the festival and is currently working on a new album being recording in a new recording studio that he built himself - www.facebook.com/ EdwardNaysmithOfficial

Kyros – Rumour A very prolific international band with local

Showhawk to showcase at Sub89

A PAIR of guitarists will be striking a chord at Sub89 next month.

From old-school classics to modern funky house, Showhawk Duo is taking to the stage at the music venue on Friar Street, Reading, on Sunday, October 17.

The band, Mikhail Asanovic and Jake Wright, present their unique mix between acoustic and electronic music.

The gig comes as part of the pair’s UK and Ireland tour, kicking off this month.

Starting out as buskers, the duo have gone on to play live at Glastonbury, Isle of Wight

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK

The 11 – This Life They were a late addition to the Wokingham Festival line-up, and what a great addition they were.

They are a straight-up, no-messing, proper honest rock band with feels and melody aplenty – www. facebook.com/the11uk

The Room – The Golden Ones 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 – theroom.band

Festival, Secret Garden Party, Boomtown and internationally, the F1 Grand Prix.

Playing over 26 different dates, Mikhail and Jake will have audiences upon their feet as they

enjoy an evening of fiery acoustic sounds.

The performance starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £15.15. n For more details, log on to: sub89.com

presents

JACK DEE JO BRAND PIPPA EVANS ROBIN INCE ARTHUR SMITH 23 SEPT 2021, 7:30 PM THE HEXAGON, READING

Sunday, September 19

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street, RG1 4RJ. Readifolk: Theme Night: Time and Tide Details: www.readifolk. org.uk SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Forever In Blue Jeans.

Details: 0118 969 8000.

YATELEY – Village green, off Firgrove Road.

Yateley Gig On the Green 2021. Details: www. gigonthegreenyateley. co.uk

connections, who recently completed their summer tour in support of their acclaimed Celexa Dreams album which features this single – www.kyrosmusic. com

Tickets £29.50 whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon Box office 0118 960 60 60

30 | CLASSIFIEDS

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Classifieds ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT A. E004-21 – EXPERIMENTAL AMENDMENT OF ‘THE ORDER OF 2017 – RESTRICTED ZONE EVENDONS LANE & RESTRICTED PARKING ZONE OAKLANDS DRIVE. B. E004-21 – LIMITED WAITING PARKING BAYS OAKLANDS DRIVE. C. E004-21 – JUNCTION PROTECTION EVENDONS LANE; TANNERS ROW. WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL EXPERIMENTAL ORDER NO. 4, 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Wokingham Borough Council, on the 6 September 2021 made the above-mentioned Order under section 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended and all enabling powers. The Order, which will come into force on the 21 October 2021.

The effect of the Wokingham Borough Council Experimental Order No. 4, 2021: amended the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Roads, Wokingham Borough) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Resident Permit Parking Places) (Civil Parking Enforcement) (Consolidation) Order 2017, ‘the Order of 2017’, by imposing: (a) double yellow lines ‘at any time’ waiting restrictions at the junctions of Evendons Lane and Tanners Row (b) a restricted zone on a length of Evendons Lane, operational ‘at any time’, no loading operational ‘at any time’; (c) a restricted parking zone on a length of Oaklands Drive, operational 10am11am Mondays to Fridays, no loading ‘at any time’ except in signed bays.

Documents giving further information of the Order can be viewed for a period of up to 18 months from the date of this Notice online at ‘www.wokingham.gov.uk/roadworks-and-outdoor-maintenance/trafficmanagement-road-signs-and-markings/traffic-regulation-order-consultations’.

The Orders provides that the Assistant Director of Place & Growth or a person authorised by that person, may, if it appears to Assistant Director of Place & Growth or that person essential in the interests of the expeditious, convenient, and safe movement of traffic or for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which any road affected by the Orders runs, modify, or suspend the Orders or any provision thereof.

If any person wishes to question the validity of the Order or of any of its provisions on the grounds that it or they are not within the powers conferred by the 1984 Act, or that any requirement of the Act or of any instrument made under the Act has not been complied with, that person may, within 6 weeks from the date on which the Order is made, apply for the purpose to the High Court.

Within a period of 6 months beginning with the day on which the experimental Orders came into force, or if that Order is varied by another order or modified pursuant to Section 10(2) of the Act, beginning with the day on which the variation or modification or the latest variation or modification came into force, any person may object to the making of an order for the purpose of such indefinite continuation.

Any objections to the experimental Order, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing to the Traffic Management Team, Localities & Customers, PO Box 153, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or via email to ‘tm.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk’ quoting E004-21 reference above, by no later than 9 March 2022.

Dated: 9th September 2021 Andy Glencross, Assistant Director Place & Growth, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WL.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

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NOTICE OF MAKING WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (STOPPING, WAITING, LOADING AND UNLOADING PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS, PARKING PLACES AND RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING PLACES) (CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT) (CONSOLIDATION) ORDER 2017 (AMENDMENT NO. 4) ORDER 2021.

Wokingham Borough Council hereby give notice on 6 September 2021 they made the above name Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended and all other enabling powers the Orders.

The Order, which will come into force on the 21 October 2021.

The general effect of the above named Order, will be to amend the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Roads, Wokingham Borough) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Resident Permit Parking Places) (Civil Parking Enforcement) (Consolidation) Order 2017 (the Order of 2017) by either introducing or amending waiting restrictions operational ‘at any time’ on a length or lengths of Anderson Avenue; Ardwell Close; Baston Road; Biggs Road; Blackthorn Close; Byron Road; Culvert Lane; Dalley Road; Elgar Avenue; Ellis Road; Erleigh Court Gardens; Emerald Close; Fairview Road; Gipsy Lane; Grange Avenue; Hilary Drive; Hilmanton, Leisure Road; Loddon Bridge Road; Millers Grove; Milton Road; Nightingale Road; Northway; Oak Avenue, Purcel Road; Ravenswood Avenue; Whitegates Lane.

The proposals for Isaac Newton Road / Nuffield Road Arborfield have been deferred. The remaining proposals for Addington Gardens, Hilmanton, Oaklands Drive, Silk Lane, The Terrace and Weavers Way have been abandoned [NOTE: These roads are intended to be made under a separate amending Order].

Documents giving further information of the Order can be viewed for a period of up to 6 weeks from the date of this Notice online at ‘www.wokingham.gov.uk/ roadworks-and-outdoor-maintenance/trafficmanagement-road-signs-and-markings/trafficregulation-order-consultations’.

If you wish to question the validity of the Order or any provision contained in it on the grounds that it is not within the powers conferred by the Act, or on the grounds that any requirement of the Act or any instrument made under it has not been complied with in relation to the making of the Order, you may, within 6 weeks of the date of the making of the Order, apply to the High Court for this purpose.

Dated: 9th September 2021 Andy Glencross, Assistant Director Place & Growth, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WL.

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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT A. Experimental 40MPH: Arborfield Road [A327]; Eversley Road [A327]; Reading Road [A327]; Swallowfield Road.

B. Experimental 50MPH: Arborfield Road [A327]; Eversley Road [A327]; Observer Way [A327]; Reading Road [A327].

THE WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL EXPERIMENTAL ORDER NO. 5 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Wokingham Borough Council, on the 6 September 2021 made the above-mentioned Order under section 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended and all enabling powers. The Order, which will come into force on the 21 October 2021.

The general effect of the Wokingham Borough Council Experimental Order No. 5, 2021 will be to impose 40mph or 50mph speed limit(s) on lengths of roads mentioned in Schedules 1 and 2 to this Notice below; and amend or revoke and re-enact the Orders listed in Schedule 3 to this Notice.

Documents giving further information of the Order can be viewed for a period of up to 18 months from the date of this Notice online at ‘https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/ roadworks-and-outdoor-maintenance/traffic-management-road-signs-and-markings/ traffic-regulation-order-consultations/’.

The Order provides that the Assistant Director of Place & Growth or a person authorised by that person, may, if it appears to Assistant Director of Place & Growth or that person essential in the interests of the expeditious, convenient, and safe movement of traffic or for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which any road affected by the Order runs, modify, or suspend the Order or any provision thereof.

If any person wishes to question the validity of the Order or of any of its provisions on the grounds that it or they are not within the powers conferred by the 1984 Act, or that any requirement of the Act or of any instrument made under the Act has not been complied with, that person may, within 6 weeks from the date on which the Order is made, apply for the purpose to the High Court.

Within a period of 6 months beginning with the day on which the experimental Order came into force, or if that Order is varied by another order or modified pursuant to Section 10(2) of the Act, beginning with the day on which the variation or modification or the latest variation or modification came into force, any person may object to the making of an order for the purpose of such indefinite continuation.

Any objections to the experimental Order, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing to the Traffic Management Team, Localities & Customers, PO Box 153, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or via email to ‘tm.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk’ quoting E004-21 reference above, by no later than 9 March 2022.

Dated: 9th September 2021 Andy Glencross, Assistant Director Place & Growth, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WL. SCHEDULE 1 – 40MPH SPEED LIMIT Arborfield Road [A327], Eversley Road [A327], Reading Road [A327] and Swallowfield Road.

SCHEDULE 2 – 50MPH SPEED LIMIT Arborfield Road [A327], Eversley Road [A327], Observer Way [A327] and Reading Road [A327].

SCHEDULE 3 – AMEND / REVOKE EXISTING ORDERS Royal County of Berkshire (Restricted Roads) ( No. 5) Order 1968; Wokingham District Council (Various Roads, Arborfield & Barkham) (30MPH & 40MPH Speed Limits) Order 1999; Wokingham District Council (Various Roads, Arborfield & Barkham) (30MPH & 40MPH Speed Limits) Order 2000; Wokingham District Council (A327 Reading Road, Arborfield) (40MPH Speed Limit) Order 2001; the 2nd & 3rd item from the Schedule of Wokingham District Council (A327 Eversley Road and Reading Road, Arborfield) (40MPH Speed Limit) Order 2003; Wokingham District Council (A327 Eversley Road and Reading Road, Arborfield) (40MPH Speed Limit) Order 2004; Wokingham District Council (Church Lane, Greensward Lane and Swallowfield Road, Arborfield) (40MPH Speed Limit) Order 2004; the 2nd & 3rd Schedules of Wokingham Borough Council (Langley Common, Biggs Lane, Rickmans Close, Arborfield) (Restricted Road & 30MPH Speed Limit) Order 2018; Wokingham Borough Council (A327 Reading Road, Arborfield, Finchamhanstead and Swallowfield Road) (50MPH Speed Limit) Order 2019.

For up to date news in the borough follow us on @wokingham.today

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PUBLIC NOTICES

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A329 BROAD STREET, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (GIPSY LANE, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 2nd September 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 2nd September 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

A329 Broad Street, Wokingham between its junctions with A329 Peach Street and Rose Street.

Gipsy Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with Fairview Road and Langborough Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Market Place, A321 Denmark Street, A321 Wellington Street, A321 Station Approach, A329 Reading Road and A329 Shute End.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Langborough Road and Fairview Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 13th September and 14th September 2021 between 20:00 and 06:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake installation of parking bay studs in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 13th 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.

CLASSIFIEDS | 31

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Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address

Reasons for Advert

Description

212747

Land Opposite Rooks Nest Farm, Barkham Ride, Finchampstead

Major Application

Application to vary condition 14 of planning consent F/2009/1388 (090467) for the proposed change of use from agricultural land to informal public open space for the purpose of suitable alternative natural green space (Class D2 Assembly and Leisure) and associated development including access, car park, footpath network and landscaping.

Condition 14 refers to the submission of details of all fencing and other means of enclosure and the variation is to permit the formation of an informal access/path with associated works and installation of a gate and footbridge. (Part retrospective)

212801

GTO House Floral Mile, Bath Road, Hare Hatch

Major Application

Application to vary condition 3 of planning consent 193047 (as varied by application 210342) for the proposed erection of a workshop including associated office accommodation and storage following demolition of existing outbuildings. Condition 3 refers to the approved documents and the variation is to allow minor alterations including the addition of a basement, a glazed link from the new workshop to the main building, changes to fenestration and internal modifications.

212859

18 South Drive, Wokingham

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed raising of the roof to create first floor accommodation and erection of a single storey front extension to enlarge the garage, entrance canopy and changes to fenestration, plus demolition of existing conservatory and widening of front driveway.

212900

15 Market Place, Wokingham

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Full application for the change of use of first and second floor accommodation from ancillary retail to residential to create two self-contained flats with associated internal alterations and replacement of existing upper floor windows.

212901

15 Market Place, Wokingham

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Application for Listed Building Consent for the proposed change of use of first and second floor accommodation from ancillary retail to residential to create two selfcontained flats with associated internal alterations and replacement of existing upper floor windows.

212911

5 Augustfield, Charvil Lane

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed erection of a car port following demolition of existing garden shed, changes to fenestration, the insertion of 1no. juliet balcony, and new block paved driveway.

212914

Land At Stanbury House, Basingstoke Road, Spencers Wood

Major Application

Application for the approval of reserved matters pursuant to outline planning consent O/2014/2101 (143279) determined by appeal reference APP/X0360/W/15/3097721 for the erection of up to 57 new dwellings, to include new access from Basingstoke Road and provision of suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). (Appearance, Landscaping, Layout and Scale to be considered).

212921

50 Brook Street, Twyford

Conservation Area

Full application for the proposed erection of a 1 no. bedroom dwelling, following demolition of existing workshop.

212933

Lynden Hill Clinic, Linden Hill Lane, Hare Hatch

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Full application for the Proposed Enclosed Link Between the Existing Main Clinic Building and the Hydrotherapy Treatment Unit at the Lynden Hill Clinic.

212934

Lynden Hill Clinic, Linden Hill Lane, Hare Hatch

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed enclosed link between the existing main clinic building and the Hydrotherapy Treatment Unit at the Lynden Hill Clinic.

212958

Former Cafe Rouge, 30 Market Place, Wokingham

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed installation of replacement signage including 3 no. fascia signs, 1 no. hanging sign, café barriers and 1 no. lettering sign, plus associated lighting and redecoration.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 16th September and 20th September 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake investigation, excavation and repair of highway flooding work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 16th 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: 9th September 2021

Dated: 9th September 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, FARLEY HILL AND ARBORFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Jouldings Lane, Farley Hill from its junction with Church Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 27th September 2021.

2. Church Lane, Arborfield between its junctions with A327 Reading Road and B3030 Sindlesham Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Reading Road and B3030 Sindlesham Road or by this route in reverse.

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE Troy Davis trading as Troy Scaffolding Limited of 48 Park View Drive North, Charvil, Reading, RG10 9QY is applying for a licence to use Crosslanes Farm, Beech Hill Road, Spencer's Wood, Reading, RG7 1JH as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 28th September 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake blockage clearance and defect reinstatement work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

WELL BEING

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 27th 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: 9th September 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

For the latest news visit

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: 9th September 2021

32 | CLASSIFIEDS

MOTORING

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

HEALTH & FITNESS

ACCOUNTANCY

TREE SURGEONS

KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION

PET SITTING

TECHNOLOGY

PAINTING & DECORATING

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PHOTOGRAPHER

RECYCLING

TV AERIAL & SATELLITE

THERAPY

Please recycle me !

It’s good news for everyone

Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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PROPERTY | 33

34 | SPORT

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021

NATIONAL COUNTIES CRICKET CRICKET

BERKS ADD TO TROPHY CABINET WITH FINAL TRIUMPH

UNDEFEATED: EMMBROOK TAKE CHILTERNS TITLE

Alex Cobb batting for Emmbrook and Bearwood Pictures: Steve Smyth Berkshire CCC celebrate after capturing another trophy Pictures: Dave Wright

By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today

BERKSHIRE added to their bulging trophy cabinet by winning the National Counties Trophy for the sixth time with a recordbreaking 151 runs victory over Cumbria in last Thursday's final at Wormsley.

Put into bat, they posted an impressive 260-8 in their 50 overs and then skittled out their opponents for 109, having taken their first six wickets for just 31.

It was their eighth piece of silverware in five seasons – no competitive cricket was played last year owing to Covid-19 – and maintained their remarkable record of having won at least one competition each season since 2016.

The margin of victory was the biggest in the history of the Trophy which began in 1983, bettering the 128 runs by which Berkshire defeated Shropshire in the 2013 final also at Wormsley.

The win was the perfect send-off for three Berkshire stalwarts, brothers James and Richard Morris and former Middlesex slow

left-armer James, who was appointed skipper in 2013, has missed the whole of this season having undergone knee surgery with his brother replacing him as captain, while Peploe has taken more than 300 wickets in all competitions since making his Berkshire debut in 2009.

Savin Perera and Toby Albert laid the foundations for victory with a second-wicket stand of 132 in 30 overs which ensured that Berkshire were able to survive the loss of six wickets for 55 at the end of their innings to set Cumbria a stiff target of 261.

A difficult task soon became a hopeless one after Andy Rishton, who was made man of the match, took 4-16 in 10 overs by pitching the ball up and bowling straight.

With Tom Nugent bowling Sam Dutton in the first over and then trapping captain Gary Pratt leg before, the northerners were in tatters at 31-5 just 12 overs into the chase.

That became 48-7 when Sam Sharp went lbw to slow left-armer Luke Beaven (3-20).

Earlier, McGown had claimed four Berkshire wickets for 50.

Chilterns Division One EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD ensured they completed the league season unbeaten as they earned an eight-wicket triumph over Knotty Green 2s.

Four wickets from Andy Lazenbury and three from James Gibbs helped to skittle Knotty all out for 89.

The Bears strolled to victory after 12.4 overs as Matt Booth struck 55 runs to help them get over the line and conclude a memorable league winning season.

BCL Premier Division CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD ended the season as runners-up after they defeated Mortimer West End. Christopher Emes earned four wickets and K E Golding took three as Mortimer were all out for 152.

Crows dropped just three wickets as they cruised to victory as James Whitehurst top-scored with 46 to secure promotion.

FARLEY HILL took victory against bottom side

TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE with a 55-run triumph.

Farley knocked 224 from 40 overs as Thomas Hale (61) and Michael Sheridan (54) built a solid opening foundation.

Farley finish the season in third.

Twyford’s opening batsman Manan Narula scored 47, but Duncan Greeff proved too hot to handle with the ball as he collected five wickets to help bowl them all out for 169.

BCL Division One EARLEY got the better of WOODLEY with a six-wicket win.

SriHarsha Cherukuri topscored for Woodley with 37, but their order fell quickly as Steven Mapes took three wickets for Earley.

The opening pair of Vinod Aduri (54) and Ranvir Rana (38) put Earley well on the way to victory as they sealed the result after 33 overs.

Chilterns Division Two EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s ended their season in style with a 34-

Earley batsman Ranvir Rana is run out by Woodley 2s

run triumph away to The Lee 2s.

Ravi Balakrishnan smashed 75 runs to help the Bears to record a firstinnings total of 178.

Balakrishnan then followed up his fine batting display as he collected three wickets, complimented by three wickets from Sharjeel Kiyani to see Emmbrook to victory as they secured a fourth placed finish.

Home Counties Division One FINCHAMPSTEAD climbed up two places to finish in seventh with a final day success at Henley.

Three wickets from James Woodford for Finch helped to bowl Henley all out for 146.

Finch took control of the game thanks to a brilliant opening partnership from Gregory Smith (61) and Madhawa Fernando (50) as they wrapped up victory after 30.4 overs with five wickets to spare.

Home Counties Division Two WOKINGHAM secured promotion to Division One

as they ended the season as league runners-up.

The Oaks defeated Horspath on the final day of the season by six wickets to confirm their promotion.

Andy Rishton (4-36) and Callum Creighton (3-23) contributed to Wokingham’s fine bowling and fielding display to bowl Horpsath all out on 118.

WARGRAVE ended with a two-wicket win at home to Harefield.

Mandip Sohi enjoyed a stunning afternoon with the ball as he took five wickets.

Neal Robinson scored a second innings half-century as Wargrave won the match.

Thames Valley Division 2B EVERSLEY finished the season as league champions as they beat WOKINGHAM 2s by five wickets.

Jarrett Bobb hit a half century for the Oaks, while James Magowan had three wickets to his name in the Eversley bowling attack.

Oli Parsons top scored with 83 as Eversley won with five wickets in hand.

Rana hits a shot to the boundary

FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s were beaten by Bagshot but finish the season in third position.

BINFIELD triumphed by 77 runs against Kidmore End to finish the season with a victory and confirm a fifth placed finish.

Thames Valley Division 3A SONNING ended with defeat as they lost by 57 runs to Boyne Hill.

WHITE WALTHAM confirmed their position in fifth after they narrowly beat Windsor by one wicket as Scarborough hit 67 runs.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s moved up from the bottom of the table into ninth after they beat Cove 2s by four wickets.

Scott Osler smashed 95 runs for Finch, while Scott Osler added 89 more to see Finch over the line with four wickets to spare.

Thames Valley Division 4A WARGRAVE 2s took top place after they defeated Bagshot 2s by nine wickets in their final outing of the season.

Woodley celebrate taking a wicket

RESULTS

WOODLEY COUNCIL PROPOSES EXTRA TIME SPORTSPEOPLE in Woodley may have extra time on their hands soon.

Woodley town council is proposing to extend the opening hours of the 3G pitch at Woodford Park.

It would mean an additional hour of play, changing closing time from 9pm to 10pm on Mondays to Thursdays throughout the year.

At the start of the year, the chairman of Woodley United Football Club told the

Friday, September 3 FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Manchester United 2-0 Reading

Saturday, September 4 FOOTBALL Combined Counties Premier North Wembley 3-0 Sumas Combined Counties Division One Woodley United 3-2 Berks County Eversley & California 3-2 Rayners Lane

town’s Leisure Services Committee that the growth of youth football in Woodley had created high demand for training facilities across the town.

Woodley Wanderers have also supported the plan for a time extension.

The town council plans to consult on nearby residents’ views, separate from the planning permission application.

Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield 1-0 Finchampstead Richings Park 3-2 Wargrave Woodley United Royals 1-2 Maidenhead Town Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions 1-6 Hurst Thames Valley Division Two Hurst Reserves 1-2 Windlesham & Chobham Development Twyford & Ruscombe 5-1 Berks County Swords

Thames Valley Kings members celebrate victory

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

KINGS SHINE AT SCHOOL FINALS

THREE members of the Thames Valley Kings, PJ O'Donovan, Liam Barker, and Charlie McIntyre are celebrating winning gold as members of the England South team.

Competing at the 2021 School Games National Finals in the wheelchair basketball competition that was held this past weekend at Loughborough University, the Kings

celebrated success.

The school games competition saw more than 1,300 young athletes compete across 10 sports, including disability disciplines, at venues across Loughborough University Campus at the first multisport event for young athletes following the lifting of lockdown restrictions.

The three Kings members now add the School Games Gold to the BallOut 3x3 junior and adult competitions they won last month.

After an opening game defeat to England North, they rebounded with wins against Scotland White, Wales, Scotland Blue,

England Green, and England Pink in the Group stages.

England South defeated England Pink 10-3 in the semi-final to set up a great final with England North, in a rematch of their first game.

This time revenge was sweet as they won 15 -9 to take

the tournament gold.

An additional member of the Kings, George Gray was also at the event representing England Green - who finished sixth overall.

All four Kings members will be in high sprints as the club builds towards its first-ever Premier League campaign in the new 2021/22 Wheelchair Basketball National League season.

GOLF

RUSS TAKES TOP SPOT IN THEALE CHAMPIONSHIP

By DICK SAWDON SMITH sport@wokingham.today THEALE Golf Club enjoyed a superb weekend as its members turned out in force to compete in the club championship.

Attracting a large number of members who were able to play in perfect conditions with thick roughs and fast greens, the championship was a great success.

At the end of the first day, Matt Russ was lying in joint second place with a score of 77.

Although he couldn’t

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Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

quite match that on the second day with 79, the total of 156 was enough to win him the Championship.

Shawn King was close behind with 158 to secure second place on his own.

A member at Theale since 2013, this was the first time that Matt has won the championship.

Two subsidiary competitions were held on the same weekend, a medal competition which was won by Dean Lawrence and a Stableford match which saw Paul Fox take first place.

Matt Russ rreceives the trophy from club captain Lee Barrett

Thames Valley Division Four Finchampstead United 1-1 Farnham Royal Mavericks Pangbourne Development 3-5 Berks County Rovers SB Phoenix Development 1-4 Finchampstead Development White Eagles 0-2 Harchester Hawks CRICKET BCL Premier Division Mortimer West End (152 all out) lost to Crowthorne & Crown Wood (153-3) Twyford & Ruscombe (169-6) lost to Farley Hill (224-4) BCL Division One Earley (135-4) beat Woodley 2s (134-8) Chilterns Division One Emmbrook and Bearwood (912) beat Knotty Green 2s (89 all out) Chilterns Division 2 The Lee 2s (144 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (178 all out) Home Counties Division One Henley (146 all out) lost to Finchampstead (152-5) Home Counties Division Two Horspath (118 all out) lost to Wokingham (119-4) Wargrave (138-8) beat Harefield (136 all out) Thames Valley Division 2B Hurst (231-8) beat Thatcham Town (221 all out) Kidmore End (88 all out) lost to Binfield (165 all out) Finchampstead 2s (203 all out) lost to Bagshot (242 all out) Wokingham 2s (267-8) lost to Eversley (269-5) Thames Valley Division 3A Sonning (139 all out) lost to Boyne Hill 2s (196 all out) Cove 2s (264-8) lost to

Finchampstead 2s (265-6) Windsor (212-7) lost to White Waltham (213-9) Thames Valley Division 4A Bagshot 2s (135 all out) lost to Wargrave 2s (139-1) Eversley 2s (250-9) lost to Wokingham 3s (251-9)

Sunday, September 5 FOOTBALL Southern Region Premier Division Woodley United Ladies 1-6 Winchester City Flyers Southern Region Division 1 South Milton United 2-2 Eversley & California Thames Valley Division One Denham United Ladies Reserves 0-11 Tilehurst Panthers Women Penn & Tylers Green Ladies 4-4 Wargrave Women Division 3S Newbury Ladies Development P-P S4K Ladies Yateley United Ladies 1-1 Wargrave Women Development

FIXTURES Friday, September 10 FOOTBALL FA Vase Eversley & California v Virginia Water

Saturday, September 11 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v QPR Isthmian South Central Chipstead v Binfield Combined Counties Division One AFC Hayes v Woodley United FA Vase Berks County v Newent Town Sumas v Moreton Rangers Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v Woodley United Royals Finchampstead v Marlow United Mortimer v Reading City U23 Yateley United v Wargrave Thames Valley Division One Holyport Reserves v Hurst Westwood Wanderers Reserves v FC Imaan Lions Thames Valley Division Two AFC Winkfield v Twyford & Ruscombe Datchet v Hurst Reserves Berks County Swords v Mortimer Development Thames Valley Division Four Finchampstead Development v Berks County Rovers Harchester Hawks v AFC Corinthians Pangbourne Development v Henley Town Development

Sunday, September 12 Women’s Super League Reading v Arsenal

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Rams earned victory on the road against Cambridge Pictures: Paul Clark

RUGBY UNION

RAMS PREVENT CAMBRIDGE COMEBACK IN AWAY VICTORY Cambridge 28 Rams 34

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today SEB Reynolds paid tribute to Cambridge as their extraordinary comeback gave Rams a real fright before the visitors ran out 34-28 winners in the opening National One game of the season.

A superb opening hour saw Rams secure a 34-7 lead on the back of two Tom Vooght tries and further efforts from Jamie Guttridge, Kieran Leicester, Connor Hayhow and Henry Bird, Drew Humberstone

adding a brace of conversions.

Matt Hema had grabbed Cambridge’s only try to that point – added to by the boot of Lawrence Rayner – but they rallied superbly in the final quarter with the outside centre grabbing a second before further converted scores from Jake McCloud and Ben Brownlie earned them two bonus-points.

The contest took a similar course to the opener two seasons ago when the away side led 36-18 before a late response from the Blood & Sand, and Reynolds admitted: “You wait more than 500 days for a league game and then you get served up a similar game to

what happened when we came here last time.

“They launched an outstanding comeback and there were a couple of moments where you’re thinking ‘what’s happening?’

“We’ve got to credit Cambridge for the way they came back – they were playing some stuff off the shoulder really well, breaking through and there was some lovely play from their midfield.”

While the hosts’ comeback was impressive and heroic in equal regard, Rams had looked superb in the opening hour, looking dangerous all round the park and also showcasing some

of their trademark terrific defence at the start of the second period.

Reynolds commented: “Some of our play in the first 60 minutes was brilliant, and for the guys to be out for so long and come and perform like that – they really put a squeeze on at times – was really great to see.

“Having both the forwards and backs scoring keeps them all happy – if it’s only the forwards scoring the backs will moan – so it was good.

“There was some nice variety and some good play off turnover, but above all it was just good to be back out there.”

Two-try Vooght – who now has 14 in his last 15 National One appearances – was joined on the scoresheet by Guttridge as captain Robbie Stapley also impressed as the back row trinity was reunited.

With the trio in top form, Reynolds said: “They’re quite the combination, but you also need to give a special mention to Paul Schroter and Connor Stapley in the second row – I thought they were brilliant and really worked hard for 80 minutes.

“Drew at 10 did a really good job and controlled the game well, so there were some good performances out there.”

Reynolds expressed his joy at being back on the road in front of fans: “It’s just nice to be back – I might not have been saying that if we’d lost – but it’s just great to see the guys playing.

“The process of getting here, being together, having a coffee on the way down, chatting to people and the ones to come to watch us is just lovely – we’ve really missed that.

“Having spent that time away, we really appreciate that and how nice it is.” � Tickets for Rams’ home match against Tonbridge Juddians on Saturday (3pm) are available at www.ramsrugby.co.uk

Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

UNITED DEFEAT READING AFTER CONTROVERSIAL DECISION Manchester United 2 Reading 0

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC Women’s manager Kelly Chambers admitted there were positives to take after her side were beaten by Manchester United on the opening night of the new Women’s Super League campaign.

The Royals lost out by two goals in their first game of the season as Kirsty Hanson and Ola Battle gave Manchester United three points.

But things could have been different had goal line technology been in use.

Brooke Chaplen struck the underside of the crossbar, with replays showing the ball to be a fraction over the line, but the goal wasn’t given.

Just moments later, the hosts found a second goal which was enough to give them the perfect start under new manager Mark Skinner.

“We’ve got to stick at it and find where we need to balance our emotions when we’re under the cosh and pay the way we want to play,” said Chambers.

“We have to build on that

and work on that.

“There were two defining moments that were our own undoing tonight.”

“I thought it was in,” continued Chambers, speaking on the goal that was not given and United’s second goal moments after.

“It definitely would have changed the game, we could have built momentum and got back in control.

“If that stood, the game is completely different so it’s disappointing not to get that on the board.”

Chambers was also full of praise for her defence which featured two new signings, Faye Bryson and Gemma Evans who signed

from Bristol City in the summer.

“There were patches that I didn’t think our two fours didn’t release enough in midfield.

“My back four defended really, really well. Gemma Evans was outstanding, not much got past her.

“They’re a new backline so we need to keep building on that.

“The aim was to find gaps for Brooke (Chaplen) and when we found those areas, we needed to do more.

“If you add an experienced Natasha Dowie into that, we might have had more possession higher

up the pitch and got into the final third more.

“I’m hoping I’ll have all of them available for Arsenal.

“We will have a stronger squad going into that game.”

MAN UNITED: Earps, Blundell, Thorisdottir, Mannion, Battle, Zelem, Risa, Hanson, Staniforth, Galton, Toone SUBS: Thomas, Ladd, Fuso, Groenen, Smith, Turner, Russo, Jones, Baggaley READING: Moloney, Bryson, Evans, Cooper, Woodham, Rowe, Harding, Peplow, Chaplen, Eikeland, Harries SUBS: Rose, Jeon, Stewart, Roberts, Lister, Wild GOALS: Hanson 39′, Battle 54′

PREVIEW

ROYALS READY FOR THE GUNNERS IN FIRST HOME CLASH

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING WOMEN will play in front of their home fans for the first time this season when they host Arsenal on Sunday.

The Royals had a tricky start as they kick-off the new campaign live on Sky Sports with a 2-0 loss to Manchester United.

Despite a spirited performance and a controversial disallowed goal due to no goal-line technology,

Reading had to settle for an opening day defeat on a ground where they won last season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal made a stunning start to the season as they beat champions Chelsea at the Emirates.

Also playing in front of the Sky cameras as the

Women’s Super League made a splash on the opening weekend, the Gunners shocked the title favourites in a five-goal thriller.

Clinical forward Vivianne Miedema put Arsenal in front only for Erin Cuthbert to level for Emma Hayes’ team before the break.

But in his first game as new Arsenal boss, Jonas Eidevall ensured

he started with victory as Beth Mead netted a second-half brace to seal a 3-2 win.

The Royals suffered a heavy defeat last campaign in their away fixture to Arsenal with a 6-1 loss.

However, it was a different story in a much more even contest when the teams met later in the season at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Lauren Bruton put the Royals ahead after just five minutes but Miedema popped up with an leveller as the points were shared.

PREVIEW

RANGERS LOOK TO DEFEND UNBEATEN RUN IN HOOPS BATTLE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING will be looking to break the unbeaten record of Queens Park Rangers when they do battle at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday.

The Royals will be hoping to right some wrongs following the end of the international break after a tricky start to the 2021/22 Championship season.

Veljko Paunović’s side have just three points on the board after the first five games with one win and four defeats.

They are on a run of three consecutive defeats which leaves them just one place above the relegation zone, with currently the worst defensive record in England’s top four divisions.

To make matters worse

the injuries have been mounting up with Lucas João, Yakou Méïté, Tom McIntyre, Felipe Araruna all facing spells on the sidelines.

Reading were able to add to their squad despite several difficulties in the transfer window with the addition of six new players.

It has been a different tale for QPR who have made an excellent start to the new campaign.

They are currently in third place, with three and two draws from their opening five matches.

After an opening day draw at home to Millwall, Mark Warburton’s team have earned victories away at Hull City, Middlesbrough and at home to Coventry City.

QPR finished in ninth last season and had a much improved second after they had looked to be in the midst

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of a relegation battle with a stuttering start.

Their enhanced form saw them finish just two points behind seventh-placed Reading.

Lyndon Dykes currently leads the goalscoring charts for QPR with three league goals, while John Swift is Reading’s top scorer, also with three, and two assists to his name.

The Royals had the bragging rights over Saturday’s opponents away from home last season.

Michael Olise netted a stoppage-time winner at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium to gift Reading a 1-0 win.

Meanwhile, the sides played out a 1-1 stalemate at the Select Car Leasing Stadium after Méïté cancelled out Dykes’ opener in March.

Reading against QPR last season Picture: Steve Smyth

From The Tilehurst End Adam Jones

Will Scott Dann be the new Michael Morrison?

C

HELSEA'S Danny Drinkwater and Baba Rahman may have been the two most eye-catching additions at the Select Car Leasing Stadium this summer, but Scott Dann may prove to be the most useful.

He comes into a Reading side that has failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their opening five league games of the season, conceding three or more goals in three of these Championship matches and leaking 13 in total.

This is a disappointing record for a team that conceded just one goal in their first seven league games during the last campaign and if they fail to improve on their current defensive record, they will never be able to climb up the table.

The good news for Reading fans is the fact we finally have a senior left-back at our disposal in Rahman and barring any injury to him on international duty with Ghana, he could potentially be in line for his debut against Queens Park Rangers at the weekend.

A left-back has been sorely needed all summer following Omar Richards' departure, so this addition has been vital and his fitness could prove to be vital this year.

I'm not sure many of us can bare to see square pegs in round holes with Andy Yiadom or Tom McIntyre, when the latter recovers, on the left-hand side.

In the centre though, a signing was also important following McIntyre's injury and although many may have wanted a pacier option to be a real alternative to Michael Morrison and Tom Holmes, a man of Scott Dann's ability and experience will be welcomed and he could have a Morrison-esque impact.

I remember that sunny August day in July 2019 when the former Birmingham City man put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

The Royals were also strongly linked with Matt Miazga at the time and people thought the club were about to announce him when the teaser on the club's Twitter account appeared.

But it proved to be Morrison, much to the initial disappointment of some fans who would have preferred it to be Miazga.

How wrong we all were to be disappointed, because the 33-year-old was outstanding for the Royals in his first two seasons in Berkshire.

His performances in the present day will be debated - but no one can deny the impact he initially made and it could now be Dann's turn to level up what has been a shoddy backline so far this season.

Like Morrison, the 34-year-old will be seen as a solid but not spectacular signing and many people will pick out his age as a drawback of this signing.

But with age comes experience - and this is why he could potentially be the signing of the summer with our failure to bring in a forward.

The striker issue will no doubt be talked about in the future - but at a time when positivity is at a premium - the signing of Dann is one good thing we can take from a mixed summer transfer window.

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COMBINED COUNTIES

COMBINED COUNTIES DIVISION ONE

KESTRELS BLUNT THE SWORDS IN LOCAL CLASH

BOARS FIND LATE WINNER

Woodley United 3 Berks County 2 WOODLEY UNITED got a much needed morale boost by taking all three points against local neighbours Berks County and in doing so inflicted only the second defeat of the season on the visitors.

Ethan Giles was called upon to make a save in the seventh minute which was followed by Jack Page-Smith hitting County’s upright four minutes later for the ball to be cleared by the Berks defence.

The following 20 minutes saw most of the play in midfield with little goalmouth activity until the 37th minute when Giles saved well for a corner kick to keep the scores locked at 0-0.

A minute before half-time, Ben Anderson’s through ball to Caleb Lucas saw the winger hit the side netting, while as the half came to a close Berks County fired narrowly over the cross bar.

Tahir Carmichael also hit the side of the visitors’ net in added time to leave the match goalless at the break.

The first chance of the second half saw Jordan Goddard hit the cross bar from close range three minutes after the restart.

The opening goal came in the 61st minute when Woodley were awarded a free kick on the edge of the visitors’ penalty area and Carmichael’s kick went through the wall

to Liam Harris’s left hand side.

The lead was short lived when Ebby Epoku-Ware fired through a crowd of players three minutes later to put the game level once again.

Woodley were unaffected, taking the game to Berks County and were awarded in the 73rd minute when Lucas’s run saw the teenager bend his shot past the disparing right hand of Harris.

Berks County made a claim for a penalty as the game opened up but instead were awarded a free kick that was shot over the bar.

A minute into stoppage time, Bevan Van Wyk went wide before ex-United youth player Kaine Larkins scored from close range in the fifth minute of stoppage time following good work by Ben Anderson.

There was still time for one more goal when a minute later Les Sachey converted a penalty for Berk County to reduce the deficit before the referee called for full-time.

Eversley & California earned three points at home to Rayners Lane Pictures: Richard Milam

Eversley & California 3 Rayners Lane 2

By ARTHUR STRAND sport@wokingham.today EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA boosted their league position with an impressive victory over former leaders Rayners Lane.

The game started with a fast tempo but it was soon to see a free kick to Eversley which missed from a middle distance.

Rayners reached the Eversley end but the cross was taken by keeper Patmore who cleared the ball way up field.

Wint received a yellow card and Rayners took a free kick with two

corners stemming from it. The visitors were approaching the Eversley defence more often and after a couple of free kicks, the next was punched away by Patmore but went out for a corner to Rayners.

Zak Otto found the goal that Rayners had battled for and all expected that to be the half-time score.

However, Joe Pantony had a different idea and levelled things just before the break for the Boars.

Patmore saved from a free kick to Rayners but the latter gained a corner.

Defending, Eversley made a break but lost possession soon after. Rayners were awarded a free kick and an ensuing breakaway was unsuccessful because Patmore

saved from the final touch.

Ben Catt was able to head in the ball by the near post in the 64th minute to put Eversley in the lead for the first time in the contest.

Rayners then benefited from a corner after a long breakaway run and Doolen equalised in the 84th minute.

McKernan missed for Eversley and Rayners were also equally unfortunate as a draw seemed the likely outcome.

An excellent save by Patmore from an incoming cross that led to a shot prevented the winner but with not much time left, a free kick

by Adam Henry reached the Rayners area and left the ball with Kittleton who netted the ball from close range to win the game and

points for Eversley & California.

Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “What a reaction from the squad today. Worked their socks off for the whole game and on the face of play, I think we thoroughly deserved the three points, next step to do it consistently week in, week out.”

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA: Pigeon, Allston, Mckernan, Wint, Robson, Catt, Appleton, Pantony, Baker, Mulipola, Blackie SUBS: Frewin, Moriarty, Kittleson, King RAYNERS LANE: Patmore,[G.K.], Lavender, Maxwell-Davis, Doolen, Wilson, Rdikaiy, Otto, Al-Naturde, Hastings, Jones, Maha.

Substitutes: Edwards, Noyes, Mosta, Davis, Blagdon.

WOODLEY UNITED: Giles, Wight, Carmichael, Van Wyk, Richardson, Goddard, Lucas, Birkett, Page-Smith, Anderson, Probert SUBS: Reid, Gray, Monteiro, Larkins, BERKS COUNTY: Harris, EpokuWare, Senussi, Ford, Rippon, Laverty, Epoku-Ware, Keremieh, Allan, Sackey, Hanley SUBS: Craske, Hayden, Richardson, Taylor, SassiRoberts

Joe Pantony scores the equaliser for Eversley & California

Ross McKernan leaps to score a header but it is disallowed

Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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From the middle Dick SawdonSmith

Offside without playing the ball

N Wokingham & Emmbrook away at Wembley (pictured left) and Woodley United Ladies against Winchester City Flyers (pictured right) Pictures: Andrew Batt - FootballinBerkshire

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

SUMAS SUNK AT WEMBLEY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Combined Counties Premier North WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK are still at the bottom of the table after their fifth defeat of the season.

The hosts opened the scoring as they latched onto a long ball to score.

Wokingham responded quickly to try and find an equaliser as Jake White got on the end of Harris’ freekick but headed just over the top.

Sumas’ goalkeeper Sean Woodward made an important stop from a longrange effort but couldn’t prevent Wembley from extending their lead before the break as they finished off a well-worked move.

Wembley ensured they wrapped up the three points with a third goal of the afternoon, while Mullan received a red card before Harris was also sent off after the final whistle.

Sumas coach Sam Wilson said: “It’s been a recurring message from us in the dressing room, it’s been fine margins for us.

“We switch off for five or 10 minute periods and unfortunately at this level, you’ll concede.

“It’s the lapse in concentration and trying to

get the boys focused on the task in hand and the formation we set up.

“The second half was a similar story, they dominated the first 20 minutes but the last 20 minutes we started playing football and created some chances.

“We now focus on the FA Vase and we’re back at home finally, it’ll be good to get as many supporters down as we can to see Lowther rocking in the Vase.”

Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD made a disappointing start to their title defence as they were beaten 1-0 away at Burghfield.

With a tough trip on the opening weekend to last season’s third-placed side Burghfield, Finch suffered their first defeat of the new league campaign.

WARGRAVE were defeated in their opening game of the season in an entertaining contest away at Richings Park.

With the teams locked a goal apiece at half-time, it was the hosts Richings who took the share of the points as the five-goal game ended 3-2 in favour of the home side.

WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS were narrowly

beaten in their opening match at home to Maidenhead Town.

Thames Valley Division One HURST made a flying start to the season as they put six past FC IMAAN LIONS. Shaun Bannon bagged a hat-trick, Joseph Bonney netted a brace and Hayden Best also got on the scoresheet to confirm a 6-1 win.

Thames Valley Division Two TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE made a perfect start to the new season with a 5-1 triumph over BERKS COUNTY SWORDS. Sean Kelly scored twice, while Nathan Manser, Adam Parker and Ben Claridge all got on the scoresheet for Twyford. Matt Panton scored a consolation goal for Berks.

HURST RESERVES started with defeat at home to Windlesham & Chobham Reserves.

Joseph Peck scored for Hurst, but they were beaten 2-1.

Thames Valley Division Four FINCHAMPSTEAD DEVELOPMENT opened with a fine away performance at

SB Phoenix Development.

Cameron Pritchard stole the show with a hat-trick as he opened the scoring in the fourth minute and added two more in quick succession after the break.

Hugh Elliot notched the other goal as Finch took three points on the road.

HARCHESTER HAWKS earned three points with a win and a clean sheet away at White Eagles.

BERKS COUNTY ROVERS took an away win at Pangbourne Development in an eight-goal contest.

Jadan McEwen hit a brace, while Christopher McKay and Louis Woodbridge also scored in a 5-3 success.

FINCHAMPSTEAD UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Farnham Royal Mavericks.

Behlol Itkerd put Finch ahead in the 30th minute, but a 65th minute equaliser from the visitors meant that the spoils were shared.

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division WOODLEY UNITED LADIES begun their season with a heavy defeat to Winchester City Flyers.

The Flyers took advantage of their 2-0 lead and added four more goals in the second-half to cap

a 6-1 win.

Southern Region Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA LADIES earned a point in their debut match in their new division with a 2-2 stalemate away at Milton United Ladies.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One TILEHURST PANTHERS WOMEN made a storming start as they smashed 11 goals past Denham United Ladies Reserves.

Leah Why had her shooting boots on as she bagged four goals, complimented by braces from Elanor Pearson and Celia Spanu.

Georgia Haswell, Eve Rhind and Tilly Waight also netted to round off a huge victory.

WARGRAVE WOMEN & GIRLS took a point away from home in a 4-4 thriller away to Penn & Tylers Green Ladies.

Millie Bilcliff netted a brace to help earn a draw.

Thames Valley Division 3S WARGRAVE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT settled for an away point in a 1-1 draw against Yateley United Ladies.

ORWICH City is one of football’s yo-yo teams, their membership of the Premier League seemingly going up or down every season.

It is obvious therefore that they need every point, and their manager, Daniel Farke was annoyed when they had a goal disallowed, which would have seen them gain a point against Leicester City.

He says it was a blunder by VAR. Norwich’s Kenny McLean had headed the ball past Leicester’s goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel.

However, the goal was ruled offside as Norwich’s Todd Cantwell was standing in front of the goalkeeper.

Farke claimed that although Cantwell was in an offside position, he couldn’t be given offside as he didn’t take any part in the goal.

The offside law is however, very explicit.

It does say it is not an offence to be in an offside position.

It goes on to say, it becomes an offence if the player prevents an opponent from playing the ball or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponents line of vision.

It seemed quite clear that Cantwell, standing about a yard in front of Schmeichel, was obstructing his line of vision.

This particular offside decision is often the most difficult for the assistant referee and the referee.

The assistant referee should be able to see quite clearly whether or not the attacking player is in an offside position but looking from the side of the pitch, is not able to see if the player is blocking the goalkeepers view.

The referee, while not being able to judge offside, is more likely to see if the goalkeeper’s view is blocked.

In the higher regions of the game, referee and assistants will likely be wired-up, so can talk to one another and check the situation from each other’s perspective, but it seemed that the referee wanted to make sure by checking with the VAR. I was surprised that Daniel Farke complained.

This part of the Law was introduced in 2016, along with other changes to offside, surely long enough for club managers to have caught up.

He was the one who blundered.

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Emmbrook and Bearwood in action in their final league game of the season Picture: Steve Smyth

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season at home to Knotty Green 2s hoping to complete the entire league season without tasting defeat.

Andy Lazenbury (4-16) and James Gibbs (3-35) took plenty of wickets to help remove Knotty’s order.

Tom Stevenson followed up with two more wickets, while Andrew Robertson added one more with the final wicket of the first innings as Knotty were removed all-out after 29 overs with 89 runs on the board.

Emmbrook made light work of catching the target to confirm victory.

Opening batsman Alex Cobb managed to total 25 runs before he was bowled out to get

Emmbrook off to a positive start in their run chase.

Meanwhile, his opening partner Matt Booth survived the entire innings and scored 55 runs on the way as he hit Emmbrook over the line.

They scored the winning runs after 12.4 overs to seal an eight-wicket win in their final outing of the league season.

A stunning league campaign sees Emmbrook finish way out in front as league champions with 13 wins from 18 matches.

The unbeaten title winners concluded their season with 512 points, 88 points above runnersup Braywood 2s. � Cricket round-up on page 35

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