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THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Thursday, September 16, 2021 No. 329
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Food share scheme expands into Winnersh EXCLUSIVE By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today SHARE Wokingham has expanded its fight against food poverty with a new service launched yesterday.
It opened SHARE Winnersh to reach “disengaged” residents. Every Wednesday, the charity will distribute food parcels from Rainbow Park Community Centre — and on day one, it gave away nearly all of its stock in 20 minutes. Claire Revie, founder of SHARE Wokingham, said it was “scary” to see how many people turned up for help. “It’s brilliant the food has gone quickly but it shows the hidden need,” she said. Ms Revie said SHARE launched its Winnersh site with the borough council to help people who cannot access the Wokingham centre on Norreys Avenue. She said in the past, people have walked to the Wokingham site from Bracknell to collect parcels. The food hampers are available to anybody in need and do not require a referral. “We don’t want to create a barrier for people,” Ms Revie added. She hopes to launch more distribution centres across the borough in the future, including in Finchampstead, Woodley and Shinfield. “If we can get the support, we’ll open up more,” she explained. “we are happy to, the need isn’t going away.”
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BIRTHDAY GIRL P3 RAISES MORE THAN £1,000 FOR CHARITY TWYFORD HONOURS GORDON STOREY P16
HERITAGE: Wokingham celebrates the town’s history P3
BIKERS RIDE FOR TOY RUN FOUNDER BEN
EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today MOTORCYCLISTS will pay tribute to the Reading Toy Run founder later this month.
A tribute ride for Ben Spiller will be held on Sunday, September 26, following his death earlier this year. It will start at 1.15pm from Showcase Cinema, in Winnersh.
Mr Spiller died on Friday, April 9, at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst following a short illness. At the time, Jane, his wife of more than 40 years, said: “While here, he had been constantly surrounded by his family, where he faced his failing health with dignity and a genuine sense of peace that his Christian faith brought.” Mr Spiller organised the Toy Run for more than 30 years, and saw it grow
into a Guinness World Record-holding event. Bikers from across the country would gather at the Foster Wheeler Building in Shinfield before driving through Wokingham to High Close School where they would donate toys to Barnardo’s children in time for Christmas. He also organised Dr B’s Custom and Classic Bike Show, which was held annually in Wokingham. n Continued on page 6
BLOOMING LOVELY VILLAGE EVENT P16 COVID BOOSTER P4 JABS FOR OVER 50S VISUALLY IMPAIRED ARTIST JOINS P17 WOKINGHAM TRAIL
FARLEY HILL TEAM PREP SOAPBOX P12
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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 aroundwill the WOKINGHAM Borough Council churchyard building of Stservices Paul’s review its and online support Church Reading Road for families to helpinelderly residents who are to find, before enjoying still struggling to get refreshments help online. in the parish rooms. to Cllr Charles This is according The event on Saturday according Margetts, who said 7% was, of residents to Teri Austen, a joyous had difficulties usingoccasion. IT during the “We didn’t if the weather first wave ofknow the covid pandmic. would ideal,but was all okay, ” she “Tobe help thoseitresidents, we said. “We were very pleased. It was just introduced a digital inclusion
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.” Commissioning Group West Clinical The which childrenruns wereaable to take their (CCG), range of GP mouse homesaid as aitsouvenir of theirsome hard practices, understands work. elderly residents have struggled to It wasn’t the only event atduring the church: access online healthcare the on Sunday, the pandemic too.congregation gathered in theThey grounds to that enjoywith hymnthis singing with said in mind, Pimm’s and other refreshments. it has offered alternative ways for “It’s been a goodtheir weekend, ” Mrs people to attend appointments Austen said,virus “and the weather was kind.” while the is still a concern.
residents get online
“We know that a one-size-fits-all programme to repurpose residents’ approach to virtual consulting isn’t unwanted laptops and tablets for suitable for all patients so facethose who did not have devices of to-face consultations with a GP or their own, primarily the elderly, another healthcare professional at vulnerable and deprived,” he said. [surgeries] are always on offer in “We worked with local charities appropriate cases,” they said. the Link Visiting Scheme and First “Practices are [also] encouraged Days on the project, with both to take patient choice into account charities providing support and when offering appointments.” training to those who needed it.” The spokesperson said chronic The Digital Donations initiative, conditions, including diabetes and which launched in January of asthma, may be reviewed over the this year, was aimed at reducing phone, via video or face-to-face loneliness and isolation in the depending on patient needs. borough where household income “In all cases, patients will fell below the poverty line. initially be triaged when they first Cllr Margetts said the scheme is contact the surgery, so staff can now getting a once-over to see if FIND MOUSE: St Paul's Mothers Union heldmake the hunt on they Saturday FAMILY TIME: Harry, 3, on the Mouse Hunt with the help of mum, Sarah Holmes Pictures: Steve sure getafternoon help from the moreTHE support is necessary. right person at the right time,” they “We are now reviewing the added. programme and working with “If patients don’t have internet our partners to look at what our access they are advised to discuss residents need and how we can this when they ring the surgery.” best meet those needs,” he added. walk]. But Berkshire it's gottenWest worse CCG, struggling with local with regular walking or cycling routes to of the issues in the area,” Cllr “We are committed to ensuring EXCLUSIVE Jorgensen added. “They inconsiderate parking — also get them safely to school. lockdown.” Age UK and Healthwatch, that elderly, vulnerable, and since thecouncils, Mr Rowland said some have worked closely with on the weekends. urging to of Digital By JESS WARREN runs parents a network deprived borough residents who He isalso Parking on dropped curbs footpaths had been installed the council’s active travel “get backChampions on their feet” and people jwarren@wokingham.today to support want to be digitally connected have My Journey and double walk towho school with theirto access are struggling the yellow lines can in fields, to help families on team, that opportunity.” Wokingham on their travel be enforced by the borough their journey. INCONSIDERATE parking A spokesperson for Berkshirechildren.internet. This includes a path plan, which contains 75 He believes it would help council, and Cllr Kerr said a has returned along EXCLUSIVE Field with initiatives to encourage Evendons Lane, prompting a resolve some of the number of fines have been linking Viking LAURAField. SCARDARELLA walking or cycling to call for parents to get out of frustration residents of the handed out in recent weeks. Leslie SearsByPlaying “There lscardarella@wokingham.today is a network of school.” “There are way too many lane have. their cars. The school also won the Cllr Sarah Kerr, Liberal parents not considering it’s footpaths around Evendons, For the last four years, Award use themgirlModeshift nuisance parking has been Democrat councillor for a residential area,” she said. people could A WOOSEHILL describedRegional her birthday for being the after best raising in the an issue raised by Evendons, said one person “But the answer isn’t just more,” he said. fundraiser as the “best day ever” borough at encouraging Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Wokingham Town and missed an appointment fines.” vital funds for hospital departments and a pupils to walk, cycle and member She is concerned that executive charity Evendons Neighbourhood earlier this month, after close tofor her heart. scoot to school. the borough Action Group, said chair Ken being blocked-in on their adding more restrictions highways at Isabella Waistell celebrated her sixth birthday Theand councillor said they aware of stalls along the entire lane will council said driveway. Rowland. in she styleiswith a raffle, even a special visit have and sympathises Where Evendons Lane just “move the problem the issue from With pandemic Frozen’s Anna and Elsa.also installed a temporary chicane outside with nearby residents. restrictions easing, Mr meets Finchampstead Road, elsewhere”. The kind-hearted youngster’s party took place theEmmbrook school to control speeds, She said council is and “Evendons Primary Rowland said parents are there is a short road running at the Wokingham Football Club, through traffic and controls to Road, deter lastdeter School is excellent at developingon driving their children to parallel, with a dead end. Lowther Sunday. providesoa better experience at the end of £1,167 sustainable poor parking Having Also referred to as a encouraging Evendons Primary School raised far, the money walking and Lane and between in forthepeople banjo, it provides a safe transport,” she said. “But it’s Evendons will more and more. be split Cleft Lip And Palate cycling. Tanners Row. at the stage where we need turning space for residents This, he,µYH said, leads to cars Association, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford and EHHQ EX\LQJ P\ IUXLW DQG YHJ IURP 'DQQ\ IRU RYHU D \HDU +LV SURGXFH LV She said several “The school has an borough council whose homes line its length. the blocking driveways. Royal Berkshire Hospital. 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Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Taking a bite into Wokingham’s heritage COMMUNITY spirit was in the air as residents and producers came together for Wokingham’s Edible England Heritage Open Day on Saturday. A range of stalls, activities and even ferret racing were enjoyed by all throughout the day. Ale and a hog roast were available and Freely Fruity offered strawberry plants and herbs for people to take home. And art and clay activities were provided to keep the children entertained. Wokingham-based Elusive Brewery passed on their spent hops to Freely Fruity for compost, while the food charity donates their surplus goods to, among others, Poppie Farm for their animals. Freely Fruity also gave plants to Wokingham in Need for their sensory garden in Woosehill’s Acorn Centre. Town Mayor Cllr Tony Lack said it was a “fantastic” day. “Our community never ceases to amaze me; how everyone supports one another is quite special and I feel blessed to be a resident and town mayor at this time,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who took part and came along on the day.”
OUTDORS: Old Albert the Gardener marks the day with his pumpkin All pictures: Steve Smyth
Volunteers with Wokingham in Need sing Sweet Caroline
more than £1,000
PARTY: Isabella Wasitell with mum and dad, Debbie and Nick. She celebrated her sixth birthday with a special fundraising party on Sunday Picture: Steve Smyth
along to support out fundraising efforts and celebrate Isabella’s birthday. “Everyone from Isabella’s school had such a lovely time, and it was nice for the parents and children to all get together again after such a long time.” Mrs Waistell is grateful for the care and support doctors and nurses have shown
£100,000 for cycling in borough ALMOST £100,000 will be spent on cycling in the borough. The Department for Transport awarded £94,481 from its Capability Fund to employ a cycle champion, and fund improvements. The champion will work
towards Isabella. She said: “We really want to buy more toys for the hospital departments to help with children’s visits which, with Isabella’s help, we hope to be able to deliver in October half term.”
n To donate, visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ debbie-waistell
with residents, schools and businesses to encourage people to get out on their bikes. It will also be used to support the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, and train staff in designing roads and cycleways which meet new national guidance to prioritise walking and cycling. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for
highways and transport, at the borough council said she is delighted to win the funding. The councillor said it would also pay for minor improvements on cycle routes. “Other projects will start soon, including a link between Woodley, Earley, Winnersh and Dinton Pastures and Woodley and Reading,” she said.
Old Albert the Gardener with Tony Lyons and George Whitfield
Chloe (10) and Catherine Desarigny looking at “Filou”, a european kestral held by Ben Booth from Millets Falconry Centre
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
CORONAVIRUS LATEST
Covid infection rate rises to 289
THE NUMBER of people catching coronavirus in Wokingham borough remains below the national average, but has risen since last week. On Tuesday, September 14, there were 51 newly reported cases, bringing the weekly rate of infection to 289.7 cases per 100,000 people. This is below the national average of 373.7 cases per 100,000 people, but is slightly up on last week’s rate of 288.6. On the same day, Reading reported 61 new cases, with its rate of infection falling slightly from 369.2 last week to 335.5 this week. In Bracknell Forest, 24 people tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday, bringing the infection rate to 256.1, down from 289.9 the week prior. On Monday, Windsor and Maidenhead reported 53 new cases of the virus, with a weekly infection rate of 368.2, higher than 320 last week. On the same day, Slough recorded 34 cases, with an infection rate of 297.5, down from 316.2 last week. And West Berkshire reported 21 cases, bringing its infection rate to 342, up from 313 the week before. Nationally, 26,628 tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday, and 230,783 in the last week. The same day, 185 people across the UK died within 28 days of a positive test, making 963 in the last week, a rise of 15% on the week before. Now, nearly 81% of England’s population have had their two jabs, and nearly 89% have had one.
NHS bus offers covid jabs at Bulmershe School on Sunday THE VACCINE bus is returning to Bulmershe School this weekend. On Sunday, the NHS Health on the Move bus will be offering first and second doses of the Pfizer jab to over 16s. Residents do not need to book in advance, but can arrive at the Woodlands Avenue site on the day. Jabs are avaliable from 11am until 4pm. Attendees must bring proof of age, and their vaccine card if wanting their second dose. Anyone going for their second jab must have left at least eight weeks since their first jab. Residents looking for their second dose of the Moderna or AstraZeneca jab, can book online via the NHS website. n For more information, visit: www.nhs.uk
Covid booster jabs for over 50s to be rolled out from next week By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today BOOSTER JABS will be given to anyone over 50 from next week.
Announced on Tuesday, health secretary Sajid Javid set out the Government’s autumn and winter plan for Covid-19. As part of this, booster jabs will be given to priority groups one to nine, in ascending order. He said the link between infections, hospitalisation and deaths has “weakened significantly” due to the vaccination programme, but that protection dwindles over time. Cllr Charles Margetts, health executive at the borough council, said he is waiting on Berkshire West CCG to confirm the plan. He expects the jabs to be delivered from GP surgeries across
the borough, instead of at mass vaccination centres. “I have confidence there will be enough capacity, and out GPs will be able to do the job,” he said. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Javid said: “The NHS will contact people at the right time. Booster doses are an important way of keeping the virus under control in the long term.” He hopes this approach will “protect the most vulnerable through the winter months” and “strengthen the wall of defence”. He outlined a “five pillar” plan for the autumn and winter and said testing, tracing and self-isolation would continue to be a “vital” defence over the colder seasons. He also said PCR and lateral flow tests will remain available. However lateral flow kits would be prioritised for those “not fully vaccinated”.
School pupils to be offered single dose of vaccine MORE secondary school pupils will now be offered a dose of the covid jab, in new plans from the
Government. On Tuesday, health secretary Sajid Javid announced that jabs
Mr Javid said the Government is also about to launch the “largest ever flu vaccination campaign this country has ever seen”.
are uncomfortable if they are not,” he added.
Vaccine passports
He encouraged the public to meet outdoors as much as possible, and wear a face mask in crowded and enclosed spaces. While not mandatory, Mr Javid said face mask wearing could be formally re-introduced in “Plan B”, if covid case rates, hospitalisations and deaths rise. This could also see the reintroduction of working from home. Cllr Charles Margetts said it is “sensible” for residents to wear a mask in crowded places, and urged people to think about it wisely. “I would also encourage people to wear them when they sense others
Mr Javid said “Plan B” is a contingency measure, adding: “any responsible Government must prepare for all eventualities.” He added: “[Vaccine passports] are not something we are implementing. We are not going ahead with any plans like that. “They would would have to be backed up by evidence and data – that evidence is not there. To keep it in reserve is the right thing to do.” Despite Mr Javid’s statement, yesterday’s i newspaper revealed that the Government has signed 13 different deals worth more than £75 million on the vaccine passport scheme. Two, each valued at £25 million, were awarded in May.
would be avalibale for 12- to 15-year-olds, following guidance from scientific advisors. He said it was part of the autumn and winter plan to keep covid rates and hospitalisations down, to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed. This is even more important
as flu season approaches, he explained. Cllr Charles Margetts, health executive at the borough council, said he understands these jabs will be administered at school. “They have existing infrastructure from other inoculations,” he said.
Face masks
Covid volunteers thanked at town party EARLIER THIS month, some of the borough’s covid volunteers were thanked with a party. Those that helped at The Bradbury Centre, in Wokingham, gathered on Sunday, September 5, with a celebratory barbecue. It was organised by volunteer David Dunham, who wanted to thank all of those that helped with the vaccination programme. “A small group of us thought it would be a good idea to show our thanks to all those that took part,” he said. “There were a large number of volunteers and staff at Wokingham Medical Centre who were not only doing their day to day work, but were ringing up patients to book
their jab appointments.” He said volunteers worked through all weather conditions to vaccinate 12,500 residents. Mr Dunham gathered donations from Aroma, Blue Orchid, Stefan’s Butchers, Joy Cafe, Unibake, Squires Garden Centre, Chalk, Brown Bag and Danny Edwards, who runs a grocers in Market Place. At the event was Wokingham town mayor, Cllr Tony Lack and mayoress, Claire. And high steward of Wokingham, Lucy Zeal. “It was a fun afternoon and with glorious weather,” Mr Dunham said. “We donated items and vouchers left over to Share Wokingham and the Foodbank.” PICTURES: David Dunham
New guide to help children with start of new term CHILDREN who need a helping hand through the first weeks of term can turn to Barnardo’s. The charity has created a Change Challenge booklet for youngsters aged five to 11, to help them deal with moving to a new school or class. The workbook, designed to be used during the first eight weeks of school, asks youngsters to reflect on each week and develop a plan for a successful half-term. It also includes ideas to support them when they face challenges in the future. Lynn Perry, Barnardos acting chief executive, said: “Starting a new class or going to a new school is often a nerve-wracking experience for children. “After the past 18 months where much of it was spent in lockdown, including having to get used to lessons taking place online, some children will be understandably more apprehensive than normal. “I hope [the book] will be useful not just for them to work through with their teachers in the classroom but also something children can do at home with their parents and carers.” n The workbook is free to download from: www. educators-barnardos.org.uk
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Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Stars come out to play as The Mill honours playwright Ray Cooney SIGN OF THE TIMES: The Mill at Sonning has renamed its auditorium in honour of Ray Cooney, who wrote the play currently being operformed, Two Into One
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
A GALAXY of surprise cameos delighted audiences at a special gala performance of Two Into One on Saturday night.
The Mill at Sonning hosted the evening event as it named its auditorium in honour of the playwright behind the show, Ray Cooney. The funnyman turned serious when he learnt of The Mill’s situation during covid, offering practical support to help keep the dinner-theatre going during lockdowns. The independent venue, like all theatres, had to shut down due to covid, causing the cancellation of many events as well as plays, some of which have been rearranged. The current production, Two Into One, opened on August 5, and runs until October 9. Normally, it stars, among others, former Blue Peter presenter Mark Curry, Brookside star Steven Pinder and Endeavour actor Carol Royle. But the starstudded audience at the gala were treated to some star turns from actors who had appeared in previous Cooney farces. They included Only Fools and Horses’ Sue Holderness, Hi-dehi’s Jeffrey Holland and his wife Judy Buxton. Others popping
Picture: Phil Creighton
up were Anita Graham, Nick Wilton and Michael Cochrane. Audience members included Debbie McGee and former Avengers star Linda Thorson, as well as actors and cast members associated with previous Cooney shows. After the performance, the Mill’s managing director, Sally Hughes, took to the stage to thank the actors for their performances, particularly those making cameo appearances, and Ron Aldridge who directed the show.
“In 1989, in my neverending quest to find plays that guarantee good audiences and entertainment, I decided to go after this West End success, Run For Your Wife,” she told audiences. “I don’t know how, but I got the rights.” And the show that was staged nearly turned to disaster, after director and actor in the play, Dennis Ramsden, had been rushed to hospitals – and they had no understudy. But it was Ray Cooney that came to the rescue.
“We felt the safe, warm arms of Ray Cooney – he heard about our plight and sent his own understudy from the West End to go on stage that night. He rescued us. Thank you, Ray.” That was the beginning of a “special bond” that has lasted 32 years, with a Ray Cooney play performed every year. “They’re just wonderful audience pieces, clever and usually full houses, but not this year, sadly, because of social distancing,” Ms Hughes continued. “But next year, this
very month, there will be a Ray Cooney play on this stage and we will be playing to full houses. “Ray is the master of comedy, but he is also the most kind and generous man. That became evident last year when covid struck and for The Mill, it was like we were in freefall. I didn’t know if we were going to survive. Ray came to our rescue again in a really big way. Thank you.” The evening also paid tribute to some actors and Mill staff who “have sadly gone to that green room in the sky”, with plaques unveiled for them, including Ms Hughes, parents, Tim and Eileen Richards. “They found this building, and they built this theatre, they’ve left this legacy, and I hope we can be here for another 32 years.” To a standing ovation, Mr Cooney came to the stage and, after a soft shoe shuffle that had the audience in stitches, he said: “I so admire what Sally Hughes does”. n Two Into One runs until October 9, with Top Hat running from October 16 to January 8. Tickets include a two-course meal before the show. For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 969 8000 or log on to www. millatsonning.com
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SEND campaigners call for inclusion CAMPAIGNERS speaking out on behalf of children with special educational needs and disabilities are calling on the government to change tact. The Berkshire branch of SEND National Crisis is backing the Let Us Learn Too campaign, launched last week. It pushes the government to rethink planned changes in the law regarding SEND education. It has been backed by former secretary of state for Education, Lord Blunkett, and MP Emma Hardy, former Education Select Committee member, alongside a number of celebrities. Three charities, Disabled Children’s Partnership, the National Autistic Society and Ambitious about Autism, are also supporting the call. Berkshire spokesperson, Ruth
Rae, said: “The cross government SEND Review will have lifechanging consequences for disabled people and their families, but at present they are not being adequately consulted. “Let Us Learn Too is urging the government to include disabled people and their parents and carers at the heart of the review.” She said last year 16,406 applications for assessment of children’s special educational needs were rejected in England. “Councils have now spent £200 million fighting SEND families at court but have lost 9.5 out of 10 cases, according to government data,” she added. Ms Rae said some pupils are being excluded from school, and left with mental health problems due to a lack of support.
Town councillor resigns A WOKINGHAM town councillor has resigned from his position. Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner, conservative councillor for Wescott East has stepped down. He said he will be working away from the area for a long time. “I won’t be in the ward often enough to be able to represent my residents,” he told Wokingham. Today. “It has been a privilege to represent Wescott East since May 2003 but I really do feel you need
to live in the ward you intend to represent.” A by-election may be held if 10 electors from Wescott East ward request one in writing by Thursday, September 30. If this does not happen, Wokingham Town Council will fill the post by co-option.
n Letters calling for a by-election can be sent to: Returning Officer, Electoral Services Office, Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
Twins split after autistic son ‘let down’ by council EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A PAIR of Wokingham twins have been separated, creating a “devastating” impact for one who has autism.
And fighting the decision has led to the family selling a car to cover legal costs. Joseph Smith, 7, hoped to start Westende Junior School this September alongside sister Isabella. But he was denied a place, because the borough council did not accurately update his education, health and care plan (EHCP) back in October last year. Since February, he has yet to be given a place at any school. Instead, he is sat at home watching his sister leave for school each morning, and wondering why he can’t join her. Dad, James Smith, said his children were at Wescott Infant School together beforehand. “We chose Westende specifically because of its SEND department,” Mr Smith said.
TRIBUNAL: The Smith family have spent £20,000 fighting the decision “His peers all got places at the school and they’re asking for him.” Mr Smith said if Joseph and Isabella are sent to different schools, it would have a “catastrophic” impact on the family. “It’s massively important they’re together,” he said. “Isabella is part of his support network.” He said his family is pursuing the matter with Wokingham Borough Council with the help of solicitors. But it hasn’t been cheap.
So far, the family has spent £20,000 on the proceedings, sold their car and eaten through their savings. “I fail to understand why it has taken so long, cost thing much, and we have got nowhere. “Joseph has no school to go to.” Mr Smith and his wife have been alternating taking time off work to look after their son at home. Both accountants, their absence is having a knock-on effect at work.
“It makes me cross that a system meant to support them is working against them,” Mr Smith said. “The borough council has an obligation to provide a school.” Mr Smith said four weeks ago, the borough council provisionally agreed to accommodate their son at Westende, but since then, there has been no communication. The family is calling for an interim placement, to get their son back into the school system as soon as possible. Executive member for Children Services, Cllr Graham Howe said he has huge sympathy for the Smith family. “We are working with the Circle Trust to agree a start date at Westende School,” he said. “This is a difficult and complex situation, and we have worked closely with the family and the Circle Trust to resolve it. “As a tribunal process is underway, we cannot comment in any detail, but I can state that [a place at] Westende School, with the right support in place, will be provided as soon as possible.”
Bikers pay tribute to Toy Run founder MEMORIAL RUN: Bikers will remember Ben Spiller later this month. Below: High Close School unveiled a memorial shaped as a motorcycle
n Continued from front page
A committed Christian, the Spiller family said that his faith was “the hub of his turning world”, while the biking community was “his tribe”. The family held a private funeral in February, under covid restrictions, but are now hoping bikers will join together for the memorial run. A permanent memorial has also been created for Mr Spiller at High Close School. On Sunday, September 12, the Spiller family were invited to a memorial event at the school, where a planter in the shape of a motorbike, filled with a small Christmas tree was unveiled, alongside a hand-painted plaque. Mark Shears, principal at the Wiltshire Road school, said the Reading Toy Run brings a significant contribution to the pupils, as well as other Barnardo’s projects and charities.
Breast cancer bonanza event A WOKINGHAM woman is raising awareness of breast cancer later this month. Stephanie Skilton has organised The Big Boobie Bonanza, a fundraising fair
“It is always humbling to see the generosity of so many people, who give so much to the most vulnerable young people in our society,” he said. “Ben was a close friend of High Close, his wife Jane taught at the school for many years, and we are incredibly sad at his passing, but take comfort from his legacy and the lasting impact of the Toy Run. “We hope that this year’s Toy Run will be able to go ahead and be a tribute to Ben’s memory. “ in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and Coppafeel. The mum of four is currently has been going through breast cancer treatment for the last year. “I’m on a mission to raise awareness in Berkshire to get more people checking their breasts,” she said. The Trunkwell House event
will include more than 40 stalls, a tombola, barbecue, bar and DJ. There will also be a bouncy castle, bungee run, gladiator duel, as well as an opportunity for children to meet Elsa and Anna, from Frozen, and Spider-man. The event will run from 11am until 3pm, on Sunday, September 26. Entry is free.
‘Farley Hill catchment has left us feeling helpless’ ANGRY: Chiara Arigieri and Henry Surtees with their children, Isabella (4) and Tommy (6) outside the school Picture: Steve Smyth
EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A BROTHER and sister in Arborfield are alternating who is late to school.
Chiara Argieri said her two children, Tommy and Bella, are at different schools primary schools, resulting in an hour-long commute each morning and afternoon. Tommy joined Farley Hill in September last year for Year 1, prior to the school moving from Church Road to Baston Road. “We live in Barkham Place in Arborfield and we were not in the catchment, so we got a place at the end of Reception and moved him from Gorse Ride knowing that Farley Hill would take over the Arborfield Primary in 2021,” Ms Argieri explained. With the school a 15-minute walk from home, the family hoped to walk or cycle the journey each day. Ms Argieri said she assumed Bella would also be given a place at Farley Hill because her brother was already there, and the family live close to the site. “Unfortunately the council didn’t accept that and she didn’t get a place,” Ms Argieri said.
A spokesperson for the borough council said when Tommy was given a place, the family were informed that it was not within their designated catchment area and that having a sibling at the school would not guarantee a place. They added: “We have informed the parents of places available where both children could attend the same school, within their catchment area, which the parents have not taken up.” In the first week of term, Ms Argieri said the journey to take both children to school is an hour-round trip, due to traffic congestion.
“Obviously I can’t be in two places at the same time, so one child will be late and [last week] it was Tommy. “Reception told me that I will be in trouble and I should send him to Breakfast Club – but why should I? “It’s not my choice and not my fault.” Ms Argieri said she will not be waking her son earlier and paying £3 per day for him to go to the morning club “to cover a poor decision made by the council”. The situation has left Ms Argieri and her family feeling helpless. “We have been in touch with the council again to
Parents forced into cars over school sites AS FAMILIES struggle with the catchment decision for Farley Hill Primary School, the environment is also taking a hit, writes Jess Warren. Earlier this month, the school opened at its new site on Baston Road, having re-located from Church Road. Despite the move, it has kept the same catchment area, leading to heavy congestion at the start and end of the school day. This is because parents who live in Farley Hill are driving up the A327 to drop their children at the site. And Arborfield Green residents, who have been denied places at the school, are driving their children elsewhere. Cllr Gary Cowan, independent councillor for Arborfield, said families living in the Arborfield Green development must feel disappointed and let down, after their children failed to secure places at the school. For many, it is visible from their homes, and a short walk, scoot or cycle away. He said the borough council would have refused Crest Nicholson’s planning application if a primary school was not included in the plans. “Crest Nicholson promoted this and much more in their sales blurb and most families bought with local on site
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schools in mind,” he explained. “How disappointed and let down must they feel now having to drive their children miles to school even those living directly across from new schools gates. “So much for climate emergency. The buck stops with Wokingham’s ruling executive.” In March this year, Arborfield Garrison resident Clare Bryant told Wokingham.Today she was concerned her three-year-old daughter may miss out on a place at the new school site. Her suspicions were confirmed later in the year, and is one of many parents whose child was denied a place. Many of them moved into the Crest Nicholson development under the impression their children could go to the school. In some cases, Ms Bryant said families were told their child would get a place. Instead of walking her daughter to school, she now drives to a different school outside the borough, near her workplace. At the time, she said: “Walking to school is really important for a lot of people that moved into the area, and were sold the idea of living in a garden village.”
know when the catchment area is changing, but the answer we get is that they have no plans to change it and they are still compliant. “It’s ridiculous that local people can’t use the local school,” Ms Argieri added. She believes the borough council is ignoring the impact the decision has on families. The spokesperson for the borough council said it follows a subscription criteria, which sets out who has priority for places, when there are more applications than places. “The criteria is readily available on our website with the priorities by which children are allocated spaces, with children with specific needs and who live in the catchment area ranking higher than children outside of a catchment area with siblings in the school,” they added. Ms Argieri added: “We should encourage children in the community to make the community — make friends who live nearby and grow with them. “It’s disgusting that we need to drive them around when we could save the planet and improve our mental health by walking or cycling.”
There were 120 applications for a place at Farley Hill this year, which includes parents that had the school at their second or third choice. Despite this, Cllr Graham Howe, executive member for children’s services said only one form was created because “there were not sufficient numbers of children to warrant opening the new school in its own right without damaging the intake of other local primary schools.” He added: “The council is required by the Department of Education to consider the impact of school expansion on existing schools. “Because the overall intake number across the borough is low, expanding Farley Hill to a two-form entry would have a detrimental impact on other local schools, in particular The Coombes and Gorse Ride Infants. “Across the borough, the number of children starting primary school this year is lower than it was a few years ago, other than in the areas with a significant number of new homes such as Arborfield Green.” He said the catchment area would change for next year, based off its new premises, with the school expanding into “two form entry within the next couple of years.” He added: “We encourage sustainable travel, such as public transport, walking and cycling where possible. Unfortunately, due to the changing plans with the school, as outlined above, on this occasion we appreciate that won’t be possible for everybody.”
Hydrogard Customer Mr F Wins £14,000 refund for his mis-sold solar panel complaint
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8 | NEWS
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PARISHNOTICEBOARD
Meetings may also be online – contact councils for details 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
Wednesday, September 22
Earley Town Council. Policy and Resources committee. 7pm. Earley Town Council offices, Radstock Lane, Earley RG6 5UL. www.earley-tc.gov.uk
Thursday, September 23
Wokingham Borough Council. Full Council meeting. 7.30pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN.
Monday, September 27
Wokingham Town Council. Civic meeting. 7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham RG40 1AS. www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk
Tuesday, September 28
Winnersh Parish Council. Planning committee meeting. 7.30pm. Winnersh Community Centre, New Road, Sindlesham RG41 5DU. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Finance and Personnel Committee. 7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham RG40 1AS. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Full council. 8pm. The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley RG5 4JZ. www.woodley.gov.uk
Wednesday, September 29
Now taking registrations
Finchampstead Parish Council. Finance Committee. 7.30pm. FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. www.finchampstead-pc. gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Planning site visits. 6.30pm. Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
FROMTHECOURTS A WOKINGHAM woman has been jailed for 18 weeks, suspended for 12 months, as magistrates felt she had exhibited a wilful and persistent failure to comply with a community order imposed on her. Louise Sally Beasley, 27 and from Norreys Avenue, was sentenced at Reading Magistrates Court on July 15. On March 8 last year, she threatened to ‘smash his windscreen and cut his brake lines on his car’ of her victim. She had pleaded not guilty on November 3 last year, but her case was proven in absence on May 7. n On May 7, she failed to appear at the court n On February 1, she was convicted of theft from a shop and a community order imposed on her The original offence was stealing cosmetics worth £929 from Boots’ branch in Bracknell’s High Street. She was ordered to pay £128 to victim services at a rate of £20 per month from October 17 this year. A BINFIELD man has been ordered to stop driving for 25 months and undertake up to five days of a rehabilitation activity. James Boyer, 48 and from Dunford Place, appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on July 15, where he admitted drink driving. A test found he had 97 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, when he was stopped at Framptons Bridge Roundabout in the village on February 19.
In addition to surrendering his licence, Boyer must pay an £80 fine, £85 costs and £95 to victim services, at a rate of £20 per month from October 17. AN ARBORFIELD woman who was five times over the limit has been banned from driving for 28 months and ordered to receive treatment for alcohol addiction. Ashley Davies, 29 and from Faraday Close, pleaded guilty when she appeared at Slough Magistrates Court on July 16. She had been stopped on Princess Marina Drive on February 14. A test found she had 250 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. She must pay £85 costs and £95 to victim services. A FINCHAMPSTEAD man has been given a 26-week suspended sentence after reoffending while a community order had been imposed on him. Alexander Anthony Clark, 22 and from Finchampstead Road, admitted being in possession of cannabis when he was stopped by police on March 2 in Wokingham. He had been found guilty of the same offence on August 25 last year. Under the terms of his order, he must undertake an eight-week curfew, ending on September 13. Between 7.30pm and 6.30am, he must be at his home address. He must also wear a tag. Clark was also ordered to pay £85 costs.
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Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Courts in recent weeks DRIVING while under the influence of drugs has seen a Wokingham woman banned from getting behind the wheel for a year. Marie Salter, 35 and from Oak Avenue, was stopped by police on Bean Oak Road on January 27. A test found a quantity of benzoylecgonine, a form of cocaine, in her blood stream. In addition to the ban Salter, also known as McCallum, was fined £120, and ordered to pay costs of £85 and £34 to victim services. A READING man who stole £40 from a man in Winnersh has been ordered to carry out 270 hours of community service. Ionut Sandru, 29 and from Faygate Way, was also ordered to pay £300 costs and £95 to victim services following the incident which took place on March 28, 2019. He had initially pleaded not guilty and opted for a summary trial, but changed his mind on July 1. He was sentenced on July 22, and may repay at a rate of £20 per month. DRUG DRIVING has seen a Woodley man have his licence revoked for 12 months. Mark Adam Whitlock, 35 and from Colemans Moor Road, was stopped on Shinfield Road on January 15. A test found that he had traces of Delta-9Tetrahydrocannabinol, a form of cannabis, in his bloodstream. At a hearing at Reading
Magistrates Court on July 23, he was fined £100, ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services. A 41-YEAR-OLD from Woodley has been jailed for 18 weeks after committing a further offence while on bail. Galan Skillz Zambo, 41 and from South Lake Crescent, was stopped on Lowfield Road, Caversham on July 23. A test found 112 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the prescribed limit. He was also driving while disqualified. Reading Magistrates Court heard his guilty plea on July 26, and ordered him to pay £128 to victim services and a day in prison for defaulting on a payment of £128. He is also banned from driving for 50 months, and will remain disqualified until he has passed “an extended test of competence”. At the same sitting, he was jailed for a further 10 weeks, to run concurrently, for a further charge of drink driving. Zambo was stopped on South Oak Way in Reading on June 29. A test found 66 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. His licence was revoked for 18 months for this offence. Zambo has pleaded not guilty to two further charges of assaulting one person and using threatening language to another on September 26 last year at an address in Reading. This case was due to be heard at Reading Magistrates Court on August 9.
£50,000 to tackle anti-social behaviour
COMMITTED: Matthew Barber has pledged to invest £7.72 million in Community Safety Partnerships. £50,000 will go to Wokingham projects
EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN news@wokingham.today THE BOROUGH will see almost £50,000 pumped into tackling anti-social behaviour over the next four years.
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Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, has committed £7.72 million to the region to support Community Safety Partnerships. Mr Barber said the best way to focus on the issue is by working in partnership with communities and councils. Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) are hosted by each local authority in Thames Valley and work closely with the police and other agencies on projects to cut crime. In the year 2022/2023, Wokingham will receive £103,138, and this will grow to £126,561 for 2023/2024 and £150,875 for 2024/2025. Mr Barber said committing to a three-year funding settlement will help councils plan for long-term projects. Cllr John Halsall, leader of the borough council, said
it should help those most in need. “It will help make things happen, but it’s not a huge amount of money,” he said. “But we should be able to really help the people who need help. “Clearly neither domestic violence nor antisocial behaviour is a singular issue – it’s a combination of issues which we could help alleviate and resolve. “Obviously not in all cases, but if we were able to resolve 50%, we’d be doing well.” The PCC hopes the funds will be used on initiatives such as street associations or antisocial behaviour task forces. “The work that my team does
in partnership with councils and the police is invaluable,” Mr Barber said. “I am delighted to be able to demonstrate a longterm commitment to support local projects that seek to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour through prevention and pro-active work within communities. “This funding is in addition to the work commissioned and carried out directly by my office to support Thames Valley Police and other agencies to tackle crime and make our communities safer.” The proposals are being presented to the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel later this month.
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Future of Wokingham town off-licence hangs in balance By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter
DECISION: BB Wines in Broad Street, Wokingham had its alcohol licence debated on Monday Picture: Steve Smyth
THE FUTURE of a Wokingham offlicence hangs in the balance, after an alcohol licence hearing on Monday.
At the Licensing and Appeals Sub-Committee, Leo Charalambides a representative for BB Wines, on Broad Street, pleaded the shop owner’s case. It comes as Parmit Singh Kapoor, owner, sold alcohol to under-age teens three times; for one these offences he was prosecuted for at Reading Magistrates Court. Mr Kapoor sold beer to a 16-yearold boy in April this year, and again to the same teenage boy, and a girl who had just turned 17, in July. During the summer incident, Mr Kapoor was on the phone. When licensing officers confronted him, he said: “Ah, you caught me again.” Mr Charalambides argued that Mr Kapoor had passed previous underage test purchases in February and March 2019, and January 2020, and knew the type of people to look out for. At the hearing, he said: “We’ve noticed a change in the character of the area, particularly in the past few years, having issues with children coming in, trying to buy alcohol, and picking up alcohol and running out of the store. “Mr Kapoor recognises what the likely lads and lasses look like.
“They’re very different from the clean cut Scouts and police cadets that are used in test purchases. “That’s not to make an excuse, it’s just to point out there’s a difference between someone in the locality who knows the faces, style and attitude of children trying to buy alcohol and the very different body language and attitude of kids fulfilling their undercover spy fantasies working for the police and trading standards.” This summer, he was prosecuted for selling alcohol to a girl on Monday, December, 10, 2018, and was ordered to pay £330.
Mr Charalambides defended the incident, saying, “There was concern around the appearance of the girl, who we said had a great deal of makeup and looked a lot older than she actually was.” He suggested a minimum of two staff members at BB Wines from 3pm onwards, and said that the shop has been busier after four offlicences closed. Mr Charalambides also said that Mr Kapoor had struggled with staffing this year, after one employee, Mr Banala, visiting his parents in India after they caught Covid-19, and “got stuck” there due to coronavirus measures and the
cost of returning to the UK. He also said that Mr Kapoor and staff members Sammy Miah and Mr Banala had been trained by Surendra Panchal, a personal licence holder trainer, who conducts courses in English and Bengali. The committee did not reach a decision in the meeting. They could take no action, issue a warning, modify the premises licence, temporarily suspend the licence or revoke the licence entirely. Committee members Cllr Bill Soane, Cllr Chris Bowring and Cllr Ian Shenton will make a decision by tomorrow.
Global Café to stay closed until next year READING’S Global Café is to remain closed until next year at the earliest. The popular venue serves fair trade and ethically sourced food and drink and is part of RISC, Reading International Solidarity Centre. It also hosted a range of popular music nights, and is next door to the Global Shop, which remains open. This sells fairtrade and ethically sourced goods, gifts and books. However, organisers say covid has made it too difficult to reopen the café, with challenges posed by the alcohol licensing restrictions, among other issues. A statement on RISC’s website reads: “We see this as an opportunity to bounce back and make some positive changes, and we’re very much looking forward to bringing you an updated Global Café in the months to come.”
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Community Foundation opens autumn grants for £5,000 CHARITIES could receive £5,000 in a new wave of funding. The autumn round of the Vital for Berkshire Fund is open to applications. Created by the Berkshire Community Foundation, charities and community groups have until Monday, October 18, to submit their bid. The allocation will go to groups that focus on children and young people, older people, those with disabilities and those who continue to be impacted by the pandemic. While it will prioritise applications from Slough and Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham groups are still encouraged to apply.
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10 | BUSINESS
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Got a business story? Email news@wokingham.today or write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
Firms urged to get ready for new plastic packaging tax
Charity focus for business coach A BUSINESS coaching firm is turning its focus to charity, thanks to a new partnership. ActionCOACH, which offers training to companies around the world, has teamed up with Children with Cancer UK for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout September, its franchisees are delivering seminars for business owners – and will donate the full cost of each ticket to the charity. Julie Wagstaff, UK co-founder of ActionCOACH, said she is thrilled. “I think everyone has been affected by cancer at some point in their lifetime,” she said. “But childhood cancers are particularly agonising to encounter.” She said on average, 12 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer every day. “We understand that children are the dreamers and entrepreneurs of the future, and that’s why we want to encourage business owners to get involved and help us make an impact on so many families across the UK,” Ms Wagstaff added. So far, ActionCOACH has raised more than £27,000 for Children with Cancer UK, which lost 40% of its funding during the pandemic. Cliff O’Gorman, the charity’s CEO, said: “We are so grateful for the fantastic support of ActionCOACH UK. “The impact of this partnership is far reaching as it will help us continue to fund vital, lifesaving research and find kinder, safer treatments with fewer toxic side effects.” n To see a full list of upcoming coaching sessions, visit: www.actioncoach.co.uk/featured-events/ children-with-cancer-uk
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strategies, whether moving back to operations as they were pre-pandemic or retaining some of the new ways of working discovered, employers now have a great opportunity to work together with employees to ensure safety and well-being are priorities in any comeback plan. “Returning to a physical place of work will be easier and more comfortable for some and we realise that this presents a challenge for both businesses and employees. Ms Thompson suggested employers could canvass employees to find out how they feel. “By involving employees, they can feel that they have some control, reducing stress and driving up satisfaction levels and performance at work,” she added.
Craig Herman, tax specialist at Perrys Chartered Accountants, said the policy will impact thousands of UK companies – so it pays to be prepared. From April next year, businesses producing plastic, whether it is manufactured or imported into the country, must pay £200 per tonne if less than 30% of it is recycled. The new fees will be introduced in a bid to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill, by encouraging firms to consider sustainable alternatives. “It is estimated that 20,000 producers and importers of plastic packaging will be affected with a significant impact on a wide range of industries, including
manufacturing, logistics, freight, transport, haulage and construction,” Mr Herman said. The plastic packaging tax will not apply to companies manufacturing or importing less than 10 tonnes of plastic per year, nor to packing export from the UK or plastic used for licenced human medicines. But it could impact food and drink companies and translate into extra costs for customers. “It is important that businesses do not delay with finding alternatives to plastic packaging and start planning now to ensure they are fully prepared for the April 2022 deadline,” Mr Herman said. “Businesses that are uncertain about what the plastic packaging tax might mean for their operations should seek the advice of a professional accountant, who will be able to guide them through the legislation and requirements.”
Joanna Butler, was announced Top Producer at Tutor Doctor’s Dream, Believe, Achieve conference. Held on Thursday, August 19, the event saw more than 200 franchisees come together to network and collaborate. It included an award ceremony which saw titles including Rookie and Franchisee of the Year awarded to owners, as well as speeches from
keynote speakers Rich Diviney, Mike Anderson and Edward Leaman. Mr Butler said: “What a year it’s been. But, once again, we didn’t let this get us down. “We’re committed to our local community and supporting students and families with their learning. “We continued our work with
underprivileged children, including young offenders, and have still grown our business with private clients. It’s a very proud moment indeed.” Mrs Butler added: “Getting this recognition makes all our hard work worth it. “We don’t do it for that, but it certainly helps to keep us on track and go bigger and better next year.”
POST COVID: Companies are making arrangements for the return of office life
Back to office comforts WOKINGHAM borough businesses could make workers’ return to the office before they feel comfortable, according to a new report. Healthcare provider Benenden Health found more than half (54%) of firms in the South East will ask employees to work on-site even if they are not happy to post-pandemic. And one fifth (19%) of the region’s employees feel it is too dangerous to return to the office, they may not get a say in the matter. The survey revealed nearly half (48%) of companies will not make any permanent changes to practices, such as introducing flexible working opportunities. Naomi Thompson, from Benenden Health, said: “As businesses consider and roll-out their return-to-work
Tutor firm awarded for education work at global ceremony A READING franchise came out on top at a global education awards evening last month. Tutor Doctor Reading, run by husband and wife duo Mark and
By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM businesses are urged to get ready for the new plastic packaging tax, which will come into effect next year.
Moving? Change your will A THAMES Valley law firm is urging people to review their wills when moving house. As the UK’s property market booms, Daniel McGurk, solicitor at Blandy & Blandy, said people should always make or reassess their documents when up- or downsizing. “Your home is one of your biggest assets,” he said, “and it is vitally important that you ensure your will is kept up to date to reflect your wishes and to protect your family’s future interests.” According to Mr McGurk, the way people own property affects their wills. Joint tenants, who own the home with somebody else, will see the property automatically passed onto the surviving owner. “This transfer happens automatically, regardless of what is stated on your Will,” he said. “Think of it like a joint bank account – when one of the owners
of the account dies, their name is simply removed from the joint account, leaving it in the sole name of the survivor.” But if a house is owned by ‘tenants in common’ who each have a share of the property, people have much more control over their assets. “When you die, your share of the property will pass in accordance with the instructions in your will,” Mr McGurk explained. He said Blandy & Blandy can check how people are holding their properties if needed. “Remember too that your address appears in your will and is one of the ways used to identify who the owner of the will is,” he added. “Keeping the address on your will up-to-date is very important and if you move you should get in touch to take advice on what changes need to be made.”
n For more information or legal advice, visit: www.blandy.co.uk
Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Home comforts makes Spice Rack a favourite By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
“OUR FOOD will remind you of home”, a takeaway has said in a bid to become Wokingham’s first Curry King.
Earlier this month, Wokingham.Today asked for readers’ help to find the tastiest curry house across Wokingham borough. One of the first to be nominated is Spice Rack, a family-run takeaway specialising in home-made, vegetarian cuisine in Calcot but with a strong following in Wokingham borough. Launched in 2019, it offers South Indian food, and is managed by Ramya Giri and her husband. “[Spice Rack] came about from a passion to let people know that Indian cuisine isn’t all about curry,” Ms Giri said. “There are so many other dishes that people can eat, particularly from a vegetarian menu, like lentil burgers for example.” She said her family frequents vegan markets in Woodley and Wokingham and regularly support a range of charity and school events. “We’ve done fairs in schools around Christmas
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UP FOR THE CROWN: The Giri family serve takeaway South Indian vegetarian food and in the summer holidays, has with its customers. “We are quite unparalleled as well as a fundraiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind,” she in the taste and variety of food we provide,” Ms Giri explained. When Spice Rack launched, explained. “Everything is Ms Giri said it was the only customisable and we are vegetarian Indian restaurant very person-centred in our approach.” in Reading. She said alongside “We didn’t have anything like it,” the owner added. offering a range of vegan “There are people who prefer and vegetarian options, Spice vegetarian-only and it can Rack takes extra measures sometimes be difficult trying to offer gluten-free dishes on to find something that suits request. “It’s all been very your requirements.” Now, she is hoping welcomed and appreciated by Spice Rack will become our clients,” she said. “One person even said our Wokingham’s next Curry King based on the relationship it food feels like home which
is a real credit and was very moving to read, because we are really happy to reach somebody on that level.” Ms Giri has since thanked readers for their nomination in the Curry King competition too, adding: “We’re grateful for all the support we’ve had during the pandemic. “We’ve had a lot of engagement from our clients who have supported us, and keep an eye out for us at the upcoming markets.” Anjan Ranganathan, one of the people who nominated Spice Rack, said it was his favourite, while Sanjay Purushothaman said: “They go to great lengths to provide an authentic taste of food from South India. It’s also vegan friendly.” Wokingham.Today is asking readers to continue nominating their favourite places to dine out. Send us a message on Facebook or email news@ wokingham.today to tell us about your top curry house and why you think it deserves to be Wokingham’s Curry King. The winner will be crowned following a series of knock-out votes on social media.
Elms Field cycle event celebrates pedal power WINNERS of the Beat the Street competition will be celebrated this Friday in a town event. Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Keith Baker will be awarding trophies and certificates to those that hit the pavements earlier this year. From 4pm to 6pm, in Elms Field, the council’s MyJourney Team will also be running a balance bikes session. It is part of the DEFRA funded Wokingham Air Quality Project, which is promoting walking and cycling around Wokingham town and Twyford.
There will also be a park orienteering game, e-bikes to try and bike helmets will be for sale. Intelligent Health, the creators of Beat the Street will be playing Park Bingo with a chance to win a £50 Decathlon voucher. Residents can also have a go on the smoothie bike. WATCH will also be on hand to share cycle routes in the area, and police will be advising on how best to protect against bike thefts. Dr Bike is available for cycle check ups, but these must be booked in advance, via: cutt.ly/6WtR4Py
Help with dementia
A WOKINGHAM opticians is hoping to better support customers with dementia. The Specsavers team have finished training from the updated Dementia Friends programme, an Alzheimer’s Society initiative changing the way people think, act and talk about dementia. The Market Place team are now Dementia Friends, and have a badge to wear on their uniforms. The Home Visits teams, who provide eyecare to those who cannot get to a store, are also trained. Sean Caskey, Specsavers Wokingham partner, said: “By becoming Dementia Friends, our team feels more confident to ensure any customers living with dementia feel safe and are looked after in a sensitive way,” he said.
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“We’re always keen to go the extra mile and support our community and this development should do exactly that.” Morven Lean, senior strategic change manager at Alzheimer’s Society praised the store. ‘There are currently 850,000 people in the UK with dementia and this number is set to rise to one million by 2025,” she said. “It’s never been more important for businesses, organisations and individuals to tackle the stigma around dementia, and transform the way the nation acts, thinks and talks about the condition.” Some people with dementia may experience sight problems which can lead to confusion. Many may also be wearing the wrong prescription, which can lead to increased isolation.
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Soapbox derby comes to Farley Hill DRIVERS will be racing to the finishing line at Farley Hill’s soapbox derby this Sunday, writes Laura Scardarella. The event, starting at Priestly Hill at noon, will see racers competing for the trophy as they rush their carts down the track. Organiser Ben Teale said the aim of the day is to raise money for charity and to bring people together. Mr Teale added: “It’s been nice to see family members work as a team and go through the building experience together.” He said: “I also love the fact that some teams have been a true generational project with inspiration from the son, driving from the dad, and welding from grandad.” “It takes a lot of effort to make an entry, but there are also real rewards for those who have put in the effort, so fingers crossed for an amazing day.” Engineering students Riley Brown and Sam Woodhams, from Arborfield, said they can’t wait to “bomb it down the hill” on Sunday. The F1 car fans started off with
lots of drawings and ideas on how to create their cart. “We’re both really into our F1 cars and came up with the idea to call it Rocket, and just put it together from there,” he said. They’re both looking forward to not only racing but seeing other entrants’ creations. Mr Brown added: “It’s going to be a good laugh, and we can’t wait to see everyone and all the hard work they’ve put into their carts.” Food will be available from vintage horsebox Bluebell Box, and drinks from sponsors, Siren Craft Brew. Mr Teale thanked everyone for their help leading up to the event. “I would like to thank all the people who have bought tickets to support the event, but there would be no event to see without the serious commitment of those who have brought their creations to life for the enjoyment of all,” he said. Spectator tickets cost £4 for adults, £2 for juniors and £10 for families. n For more details, visit farleyhillsoapbox.co.uk
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
Swallowfield village store reopens under new team By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
SWALLOWFIELD’S village store has reopened under new owners following a disagreement between its former manager and the parish council.
The general goods shop is now being run by Jasdeep Singh and his wife, Avneet Juneja, and opened its doors on Monday, September 6. Swallowfield Parish Stores’ former owner, Naresh Kumar, closed the shop on Wednesday, August 18, after a series of discussions about its lease. Mr Singh and Ms Juneja have since signed a 15-year lease with Swallowfield Parish Council, the shop’s landlord, and Wokingham. Today understands they plan to launch the Post Office counter soon. According to Swallowfield Parish Council, Mr Kumar was asked to close the shop after the council made
the “reluctant” decision to appoint a new tenant. In a statement, a spokesperson said: “We appreciate the contribution to the village made by Mr Kumar over the last 13 years, particularly the kindness he has shown to the residents during lockdown. “The council ultimately came to the view that the long-term future of the village store and Post Office would not lie with Mr Kumar or his son [Raghav Puri]. “We join other members of our community in thanking Mr Kumar and his family for their contribution and commitment towards the people of Swallowfield parish.” They said the council has done all it can over the last three years to support the long-term future of the store and Post Office. “Following the events of the last 10 months, we identified new tenants who
OPEN: It is now being run by Jasdeep Singh Picture: Steve Smyth were willing to work with us to take on the [store] as soon as practicable on a longterm basis,” the spokesperson added. In a statement published on social media, Mr Kumar said he is proud to see how far the shop has come since he took over in 2008, and thanked residents for their support over the last month. “I am sincerely sorry that
your local village store and Post Office had to shut rather unexpectedly. I can imagine the inconvenience caused to you all,” he said. “I have looked after this village and its people like my own family. “My family and I are grateful for your support over the past 13 years [and] I do not have enough words to thank you all.”
Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Get flu jab while you shop WOKINGHAM’S Tesco pharmacy is driving a campaign to boost the uptake of flu jabs. It is working with the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Cancer Research UK to encourage more people to protect themselves and their families. To help more residents access the vaccination, the pharmacy is operating an online booking system for its Finchampstead Road store. Adrian Price, Tesco Superintendent Pharmacist said: “We want to make getting your vaccination as easy as doing the weekly shop. “We’re doing all we can to make it as convenient as possible for people to get their flu jab to protect themselves and their families. This
is the most important flu jab ever for those at risk.” With longer opening hours than some GP surgeries and high-street pharmacies, customers can get vaccinated in the evenings and weekends. Some groups of people are eligible for a free jab. This includes anyone 50 and over, people with certain health conditions, those that are pregnant, in long-stay residential care, are a carer, health or social care worker, or live with someone else that is more likely to get infections. Anyone not eligible can get a jab for £9. It is given by a Tesco Pharmacist in a private consultation room that is cleaned before each appointment.
Arts centre seeks air con A READING arts venue is making headway towards its fundraising target as it plans for a new air conditioning unit. With a goal of £10,000, Rising Sun Arts Centre, on Silver Street, is hoping to raise vital funds as it makes improvements in its performance space. The money raised will also go towards a new PA and lighting system to help with future events. Having raised £4,810 so far, manager Larry Watson said the venue has already received a lot of support from the community. “Since launching the fundraiser in mid August, I’ve had so many
messages and people reaching out to offer their help,” he said. “Rising Sun Arts is solely run by volunteers who do a huge amount of work to put on events here and keep it all going, and we are always welcoming new members.” Though the arts venue received grants over lockdown, Mr Watson is now looking ahead to build on its space and host more shows. Upcoming events at the centre include its monthly poetry nights, a Hallowe’en night, book fair and a tribute night. n For more information, log on to risingsunartscentre.org n To donate, justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/rising-sun-arts-centre
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Wokingham’s newest café didn’t stick around long EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM town centre gained a new café over the weekend, but it didn’t stick around for long.
The Flower Corner on Broad Street was transformed into Betty J’s Café, offering coffee, cakes, breakfasts and paninis. Well, kind of. It was all a front. The town centre is playing centre stage in a new drama from the pen of Sherlock cocreator Steven Moffat. On Sunday, production company Hartswood Films used the location for its new film, Inside Man. It is a four-part mini-series that will be shown on BBC One and Netflix when it’s completed, and 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. It is not known how Wokingham fits in to the drama, which 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. Hundreds of people stood in the street to watch the filming, hoping to catch a glimpse of its stars. Security was tight, with pavements closed off and people unable to visit local businesses while the film makers captured the action. Those hoping to see former Doctor Who David Tennant were unrewarded: there were whispers that he either had a
WHAT’S THE STORY?: Broad Street became a film set on Sunday for a new BBC drama Pictures: Phil Creighton/Ian Hydon day off, or filmed his scenes in the early hours of the day. However, Whovians were able to spot Mr Moffat, who wrote many memorable episodes of the popular adventure serial. He was part of the team observing filming of several scenes in the café, and also on the road. Towards the end of the filming day, drone cameras were seen filming cars driving along parts of Broad Street.
Hartswood Films is being very tight-lipped about the filming and asked us not to reveal any specific details, lest it spoil people’s enjoyment of the series when it is screened. So, for now, we have to wait and see how the town’s latest brush with the stars comes over on screen. But with the new Shinfield Studios on its way, it won’t be long before Wokingham becomes Tinseltown once again.
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Graduates wanted for detective scheme EXCLUSIVE
By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today ANYBODY who fancies themselves as the next Sherlock Holmes might be interested in a new training scheme.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) has launched a detective recruitment programme to support university graduates. The two-year course, which offers students a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice, takes people from all walks of life and trains them to enter the force. According to TVP, an average day might include working with prisoners in custody to start the investigation process, interviewing and taking witness statements and heading out on the field to look at crime scenes. “It can be very fast-paced,” said Caroline Cookson, recruitment marketing manager, “and every day is different depending on your department.” Michael Hopcroft, a former cabin crew member and current student on the programme, said he was inspired to enrol after the pandemic put a stop to international travel. “It gave me time to think
on English soil,” he said. “Then my old man asked if I had thought of a career in policing and directed me towards the programme. “I’ve always wanted to help people so thought why not.” Mr Hopcroft said while he has never done anything policing-related before, it’s been “fascinating” getting his teeth into the detective process. “Everyday we’re learning something new,” he said. “For example, I’ve learnt the biggest perk of being a detective is that it’s your case from start to finish – I think that’s incredibly rewarding.” According to detective inspector Peter Scott and detective sergeant Lara Pinder, who have both been in the force for nearly 20 years, many people have the skills to be a detective without knowing it. “We want someone with good communications skills, resilience and a general pride in their work,” DS Pinder said. “But at the end of the day, we’re here to keep people safe and that should be at the forefront of everything we do.” DI Scott added: “This programme is about reaching out to members of the community with a diverse range of skills. “We’ve seen people changing
careers and coming in as entrepreneurs, social workers and teachers, because they all bring a different type of thinking. “That diversity is what makes the strongest teams possible to serve our communities.” And Mr Hopcroft echoed DI Scott and DS Pinder, adding: “You’ve got the skills and might not even realise it. Every job you’ve had gives you skills, from learning to communicate to first aid, for example. “Detective work is an amalgamation of all your skills can lead to a very successful career if you just apply; I recommend it to everyone.” After graduating from the programme, TVP said students have plenty of career options too. “We’ve got many departments, from our domestic abuse units to major crime, and we help people on that journey to wherever they want to go,” DS Pinder added. “It’s all about deciding where they feel they are best placed, and it’s the beauty of such a course.” TVP is accepting applications for its Detective Constable Degree Holder Entry Programme now.
“We have events here all throughout the year,” Mr Biles said. “And we used to have people selling our beers for us, or we sold them when we had a temporary events notice. “Now we can do it seven days a week, all day long.” The owner said while his store has hosted some big names in the past, including The Amazons and Circa Waves, events dried up as the pandemic brought the live music industry to a halt. Now, he hopes the new alcohol licence will bring even more people in for performances.
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Record shop to serve beer A RECORD shop in Wokingham has increased its offerings, thanks to a new licence, writes Charlotte King. Beyond the Download, a vinyl shop on Rose Street, can now sell beer and host live music all year round after its permanent premises licence was approved two weeks ago. Ian Biles, the store’s owner, said this means people can enjoy a pint on site during performances, rather than heading elsewhere for drinks. “We do a lot of in-store [shows] for local bands who want to promote something,” Mr Biles said. “We also get asked by record companies to arrange shows for larger bands for album signings. “Now, the beauty is that we can sell beer to people on site at the same time.” The new licence lets Beyond The Download sell alcohol for consumption in store, host live performances and play recorded music between 10am and 10pm seven days a week. The shop has since begun selling three own-brand beers for people to enjoy on the premises: Beyond the Bitter End, Beyond the Pale and Helles Belles.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
“We’re already quite well known in Wokingham after being here for two-and-a-half years,” Mr Biles added. “But we are always trying to promote local artists and get involved in the local music scene. “I think this [licence] is definitely going to make it even better for us.” Beyond The Download is also working with Wokingham Borough Council to host live music in Peach Place on weekends. The final performance, by The Keep Cats and In Albion, will take place this Saturday between 6pm and 10pm.
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Education options Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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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?
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TWYFORD& Lidl dives into dumped food mystery “HELP US wrap up the mystery wrap dumper”, Charvil’s ward councillor has pleaded, after food waste was discarded in the village for the second time last month. At the end of August, a mountain of out-of-date bread, crumpets and wraps was fly-tipped behind the bottle bank on Park Lane. Sam Akhtar, ward councillor for Charvil and leader of litter-picking group Charvil Matters, said it has since been “a sore point” for the community. “[Charvil Matters] specialises in litter-picking across the village and have made it an example of one the cleanest, tidiest villages in Wokingham borough,” he said. “It was very sad and upsetting for a lot of us because we work so hard on our monthly litter picks.” According to Cllr Akhtar, the food waste always consists of out-ofdate Lidl products, but is not being dumped by the supermarket. “It seems someone somewhere is using a common supply chain and bought a bulk lot of short-dated supply and didn’t manage to sell it,” he explained. “They decided for some reason rather than to put it in a bin bag or take it to re3, to just dump it on the side of the road.” Now, the councillor is working with Wokingham Borough Council officers and Lidl to find out who Charvil’s repeat rubbish-dumper is. “I’ve spoken to the team in Woodley Lidl who said Lidl is really concerned about this,” he added. “They get paid to send waste food back so there’s nothing for them to gain by dumping it apart from a bad rep. “Once we know who it is, we will be closer to finding out how it happened and holding someone accountable because good Samaritans don’t want this on their doorstep.” A spokesperson for Lidl said: “We can confirm that we are aware of this issue and take matters such as this very seriously. “A thorough investigation has been launched and we are currently liaising directly with our supplier to ensure this does not happen again. “Although our teams were not responsible for the fly-tipping, colleagues from a local store took the time to clear the area as soon as they were notified.” n Anybody with information on the fly-tipping can contact Cllr Akhtar by emailing charvilmatters@gmail.com
Weekend gig for village ENJOY live music in Twyford village centre this weekend. On Saturday, September 18, the second of four street performers will take to Wellington Square for a free show. The event will run from 11am until 1.30pm and is part of a new initiative to boost the village’s economy.
HURST, SONNING, RUSCOMBE, REMENHAM & WARGRAVE
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TOGETHER: The village remembered Gordon Storey, who passed away in February this year
Twyford celebrates community champion with memorial evening EXCLUSIVE
By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today MORE THAN 50 people remembered one of Twyford’s community stalwarts at a memorial event on Monday.
Twyford Together hosted a tribute night for Gordon Storey, who died aged 72 in February. The event, held at Burattas on Ruscombe Lane, saw people enjoy a buffet, raffle and speeches about his tireless work to help the community. Robin Yeadon, chairman of Twyford Together, said it was an opportunity to celebrate Mr Storey’s life. “I think everybody had a really good time and a lot of people commented that it was needed,” Mr Yeadon said. “It would have been great if we could do it [earlier in the year] but with the [covid] restrictions we couldn’t, but people felt like it brought some closure.” Mr Storey, who was a Twyford resident for 42 years, was actively involved in Twyford Together by organising events and connecting the community. “Quite a lot of our ideas were
things that Gordon helped to facilitate,” Mr Yeadon added. “He organised for people to get together to produce the final result.” Throughout the evening, six speeches were made to highlight Mr Storey’s ability to bring businesses together, as well as people’s experiences working with him over the years. His wife and children were in attendance too. “I think they were a little overwhelmed by all the tributes,” Mr Yeadon said. “I know they knew he did a lot of community work but I don’t think they realised what he meant to the businesses, charities [and] community sports groups.” The raffle, which raised £1,000, will now support to Twyford Charities Together: a group comprising Daisy’s Dream, Age Concern Twyford and District, Building for the Future, Camp Mohawk, Twyford District Youth and Community Centre and ARC. “It was a really good night and really good tribute,” Mr Yeadon added. “[Gordon] brought Twyford Together into the community and it’s amazing the amount of people he knew.”
REMEMBERED: Attendees read tributes to Gordon Storey at the event Picture: ABL Photography
Theatre group returns to stage with Rapunzel show
SHOW: Committee members were delighted to hold a show again Picture: Steve Smyth
Horticultural show ‘big success’ TWYFORD came together to celebrate all things gardening at a “successful” outdoor event last weekend. Twyford & Ruscombe Horticultural Association (THRA) hosted a show on Saturday, September 11 and saw more than 100 people take part. The afternoon included competitions, tea on King George V Recreation Field, and offered residents a chance to show off home
grown fruit and vegetables. Diane Thirtle, from THRA, said: “It was different and much more informal [than previous years], but it was nice. We were very pleased with it.” Approximately 40 people entered the different classes which will be judged by attendees this year. “Normally, we have judges make their decision but we asked visitors to fill in a form,” Ms Thirtle added.
“We will announce the results at the weekend.” THRA also organised a series of competitions for children, including a carrot trail. The day raised more than £100 to fund repair work on its store on Loddon Valley Road. THRA is currently appealing for new members and volunteers. n For more information, visit: www.trha.org.uk
A THEATRE group, excited to be back on stage, is offering actors and back stage helpers the chance to take part in their pantomime. Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group managed to stage their 2020 panto just before Covid took off. Enterprisingly, they managed to keep in touch with their audiences by staging well-received online “radio plays”. Now they the award-winning group is planning to return to the stage with their 2022 panto Rapunzel. The panto is being directed by Pete King and Bill Evans. Bill Evans is also looking forward to the challenge of building Rapunzel’s tower. Pete King said: “Anyone interested in coming along on Tuesday, September 21 and Thursday, September23 is very welcome, there’s no need to contact me in advance. “We have about 14 principal characters, a couple of those are smaller parts. We also need chorus members. The chorus involves singing and dancing but if people
Robert Piggott School opens reflection room ROBERT Piggott School is opening a Chaplaincy for students to “stop, pause, reflect and pray”.
would rather just sing we can find places on stage for them. “We’re looking for people back stage to do make up, props, prompting, set building, painting and costumes. We’re also always on the look out for help with lighting and sound. “We’re serious about our shows but like to keep everything light hearted. We usually having a drink after our rehearsals and shows and we have an after show party.” Other social events have included trips to the Mill at Sonning, tours of the Stanlake vineyard at Twyford, and visits to The Globe Theatre in London.” n Important dates are: Auditions, September 21 and 23 at 8pm in the Ruscombe Room at Loddon Hall, Twyford. Rehearsals start on September 28, and continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Final rehearsals and performances January 9-16. Performances are on Friday, January 14, at 7.45pm, Saturday, January 15, at 2pm and 7.45pm, Sunday, January 16, at 2pm. St Mary’s Twyford is appealing for donated books, including colouring books, puzzles and word searches. They can be dropped at St Mary’s Church, Twyford, St Nicholas Church, Hurst, or St James’ Church, Ruscombe.
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Visually impaired Earley woman showcases art EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today AN EARLEY woman is showcasing her work in the Wokingham Arts Trail this weekend.
Emma Major is one of 20 artists showcasing their creations across 12 locations in the borough. After partiall losing her eyesight eight years ago, Ms Major decided to try lots of seemingly impossible things. “Art was definitely considered impossible for anyone with as little eyesight as I have, but it turns out anything is possible if you try,” she said. “Over the last few years I’ve tried sketching, painting, mosaic making, needle felting and even had a go at using resin with various degrees of success.” Over lockdown in November last year, Ms Major experimented with digital painting on her iPad. She had caught Covid-19, and is now living with
the effects of long-covid. She said digital art has been a revelation during this time. “To be honest, I’m not sure how I would have coped without it,” she said. “With long-covid, I now have to spend a lot of time lying down, but I can still create using my iPad. “I thought it would be wonderful to let people come and see how I paint.” Ms Major said she hopes to share the joy of creativity with other people, especially anyone with a disability. As part of this, she is running four special “have a go” sessions for disabled or visually impaired people, or anyone who struggles with traditional painting. “Everyone is welcome to come along to see some of my paintings,” she said. “If you bring along your iPad or tablet, perhaps we could have a go at creating a painting together.” The “have a go” sessions will begin at 11am and 2pm on both days, and Ms Major has one spare iPad
OPEN STUDIO: Emma Major is running digital art workshops as part of her exhibition in the Wokingham Arts Trail Picture: Emma Major to lend to visitors. Her art will be at venue 11 in Lower Earley from 10.30am to 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. The full addresses for all 12 sites are available at:www. wokinghamartstrail.co.uk To book a “have a go” session, email:
emmuk74@gmail.com Outside of the Wokingham Arts Trail, Ms Major’s art is being included in a Reading Museum exhibition this month, and 40 of her paintings about climate change are being displayed at the COP26 conference in Glasgow.
Earley Panda takes on Silverstone Circuit AN EARLEY bear has become the first Panda to cycle Silverstone. The Earley Panda took on the iconic Formula 1 track on Sunday, September 5. “Although I couldn’t beat the
fastest lap time set by Sir Lewis Hamilton, I completed four laps, marking 20 kilometres in the scorching sun, mirage building up on the track, drenched in sweat and supported by fellow
cyclists all along,” the bear told Wokingham.Today. The neighbourhood bear also completed a 60-kilometre ride at Southampton Sporterium on Saturday, September 4.
Woodley town cente hosts first Hallowee’en event FAMILIES are invited to Woodley town centre’s first Hallowe’en event this year. On Saturday, October 30, a Witches’ Coven will be in the town’s centre stage,
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with a series of spooktacular activities. Town centre manager, Brian Fennelly, said families can expect pumpkin carving competitions and a Hallowe’en
trail around the town’s shops. The family-friendly event is expected to run from 4pm until 7pm.
Allotment group marks 80th birthday A CELEBRATORY picnic marked a milestone for some Earley allotments this month. The Huntley and Palmer Allotments Association commemorated its 80th anniversary on Saturday, September 4, at the Culver Lane allotments. Originally founded for workers at the famous biscuit factory, the plots became part of The Federation of Horticultural and Allotment Associations of Reading in 1940. They were also used as part of the Dig for Victory Campaign during the Second World War, and staged the first Victory Garden show, later known as the Reading Show in 1941. The Association manages the trading shed on the site. Cllr Anne Bassett, mayor of Earley, said she was delighted to open the event, and was fascinated by the site’s history. Organisers dressed for the occasion with wartime overalls, and typical land girl-style headscarves for the ladies. In the last 80 years, the site has continually evolved. Its newest additions are beehives, and a variety of plot sizes, including small and raised beds. The allotments are now managed
PARTY: Earley Town Mayor, Cllr Anne Bassett, opened the event Picture: Earley Town Council by Earley Town Council. Each year, it holds a competition for the best and most improved allotment. Cllr Bassett said it was an “outstanding” year with a huge variety of quality crops and flowers. The picnic also had its own competition winners. Chairman of the Huntley and Palmers Allotment Association, Richard Tredgett, presented certificates for the best vegetable, the best group of vegetables and the best arrangement of flowers.
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Author talks tales of Covenant EXCLUSIVE By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today WHERE is the Ark of the Covenant? Crowthorne-based Graham Addison says he can reveal all in his new book, Raiders of the Hidden Ark: The Story of the Parker expedition to Jerusalem.
The sacred object hasn’t been seen for more than 2,500 years. Along the way, there have been many quests and even a film, in a bid to locate the ark, but nothing comes close to the Parker expeditions at the start of the 20th century. Having never been told in full in English before, Mr Addison says he has uncovered many new details during his research. The book tells the story of the individuals who believed they
could retrieve the Ark from an underground hiding place. They believed it was hidden in tunnels near Jerusalem, explored by Charles Warren 50 years before. Mr Addison said readers will learn about an incredible true story that seems “stranger than fiction”. He said: “Who could invent such a story of aristocrats, poets, psychics, a deadly curse, bribery, gun-running, riots, and madness? “They will also learn about how the English upper-classes lived, and what Jerusalem was like at the start of the 20th century.” Mr Addison was inspired by Simon Sebag Montefiore’s biography of Jerusalm, including pages about a group of Eton-educated men searching for the Ark. “It just sounded so incredible,” he said. “Downton Abbey meets Indiana Jones meets Dan Brown.”
“When I tried to find more, I discovered that there was not much more written about the expedition and much was inaccurate,’’ he added. “So I decided to try and tell the whole story and, in doing so, I also found the story was much more complex than first portrayed.” Mr Addison’s first love is history, having gained a degree in the subject at Leeds University. “After a career working in hitech companies, largely in the Thames Valley, I decided to return to my first love and write a history book, but one that was accessible and interesting,” he said. Having been influenced by Ian Rankin’s work, Mr Addison said he wished he could have written one of Alexandre Dumas epic works, such as The Count of Monte Cristo.
Being his first book, Mr Addison also learnt a lot of new skills. “At one point I had written 10,000 words on the history of Europeans seeking religious relics in the Holy Land. “Early readers of the book said that it was just too long and was stopping them getting to the actual story,” he said. After gaining feedback, he decided to cut most of it and it became only a couple of paragraphs. “It was a painful lesson that just because something is interesting, it does not have to be in the book,” he said. “You need to make sure what you write is relevant to the story.” The book is available in ebook, paperback and hardback from Amazon and IngramSpark. n For more information, visit grahamaddison.com
Baptist church unveils refurb A CROWTHORNE church held a special celebration service to mark the completion of a building project. On Sunday, the Baptist Church welcomed special guests, including the architects, to the formal opening of its new base in the High Street. The guest preacher was the Revd Lynn Green, the general secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain – the denomination’s equivalent to the Archbishop of Canterbury. The service was introduced by Sue Burrow, who had helped steer the New Heart project to fruition, giving a potted history of the church and its buildings since its formation in 1914, when a group of Baptist Christians met in a hired hall. Four years later they bought the plot of land on the High Street and moved a chapel from Calcot. Mrs Burrow said it was transported by men,
engines and trolleys before it was rebuilt on site. A hall was built in 1933, and a new chapel was erected in 1953. A dedication service was held on May 22, 1954. A new hall came in 1964, and in 1987 the church updated its foyer. The first plans for a new building were presented to Bracknell Forest Borough Council in 1992, but were refused. A different scheme was approved in 2013, but it was a fourth scheme, approved
in 2019, that was constructed. It includes moving the church sanctuary – where Sunday services are held – to the rear, and creating new meeting rooms. Work started on the build in February 2020, and had been expected to take 11 months, but covid pushed this back. “In no time at all, we have our beautiful new building,” Mrs Burrow said. The church’s minister, the Revd Kevin Mills, led the prayers of dedication, inviting the congregation to stand.
His prayer included: “We acknowledge it has been a long, hard, bumpy road to get to this point. Lord you have kept your promises and you have been faithful. We thank and praise you.” In her address, Mrs Green said it was “a huge privilege” to be invited to speak at the service. “Today we see the fruit of the vision. It has been a long journey together,” she said. “This is a well-deserved moment to stop and give thanks. “It is a beautiful space
Salty Dogs wash up at legion CATS perform Robin Hood CROWTHORNE’S Royal British Legion will host a live music night this Saturday. The Salty Dogs first played at the club, on Wellington Road, in 2019. Now it’s welcoming the band back for one night only to entertain the crowd. Tickets cost £5 for members and £6 for non members. n For more information, call 01344772161 or log on to: crowthornerbl.co.uk
TICKETS are on sale for CATS Crowthorne’s annual pantomime. The amateur dramatics society is performing Robin Hood at Crowthorne Parish Hall. Performances run from Thursday, November 25, to Saturday, November 27. Standard tickets cost £10, early bird tickets are £8 and family tickets cost £35. n To book online, log on to: ticketsource.co.uk/ crowthornecats
CELEBRATION: The Revd Lynn Green, Sue Burrow and the Revd Kevin Mills cut the cake as Crowthorne Baptist Church dedicated its new buildings on Sunday Picture: Phil Creighton
to come and encounter God.” She added that this was a threshold moment for the church as they sought their vision of being at the
heart of Crowthorne’s community. After the service, a cake was cut on the steps of the church and refreshments were served.
Magic and mystery promised for village trail A SPOOKTASTIC trail is making its way to Crowthorne this Hallowe’en. Crowthorne Trails is hosting its Magic and Mystery Trail this autumn to raise money for Hatch Ride Primary School and COATS Crowthorne. The trail will run from Saturday, October 23 until Sunday October 31. Maps will be available to buy from Pinewood Cafe and the Co-op on Crowthorne High Street. And explorers will be able to find themed displays across the village. This year’s trail features an interactive story that takes families on an adventure through past and present. Followers can scan a QR code located in businesses on Crowthorne High Street. Display entries from all residents in the village are welcome. Residential displays cost £5 per entry, and £20 for businesses. Registrations for displays must be completed by Thursday, October 7. n To register interest, log on to crowthornetrails.org
Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Mayor supports ambitions to exp
Life of Brian
Brian Hicks
By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today
Lessons from a twin
W
OKINGHAM’S German twin town of Erftstadt hit the headlines worldwide in July, including this very paper. The town was badly affected by the flooding of the River Erft, especially in the district of Blessem, following several days of torrential rain. Even a castle was partially swept away. There were about 200 deaths in various parts of Germany, with the Netherlands and Belgium also affected. The flooding was a “catastrophe of historic dimensions” according to Armin Laschet, premier of North Rhine Westphalia – Germany’s largest state, where Erftstadt is situated. Laschet is the CDU party candidate to replace Chancellor Angela Merkel when she steps down this month. Climate change experts reckon that these freak weather conditions will become much more common in the years ahead. London also had flooding problems in July. The city is protected from sea surges by the Thames Barrier, but is vulnerable to flooding from heavy rainfall. The local authorities and fire brigade in Erftstadt have come in for criticism from the German TV channel WDR and others for their slow response to the flooding threat and in communicating warnings. German weather forecasters had already pinpointed Erftstadt as the centre of the bad weather front and hydrologists had warned of a “once in a century” flood. Many locals had little or no notice of what was to come and some lost everything. Even the fire station was flooded, with electricity cut off and sirens silenced. There were indications from higher up the river that the water levels were rising rapidly, but this was not acted on quickly enough. The River Erft flows into the River Rhine near Düsseldorf. I worked in Düsseldorf for nine years and my flat was 200 metres from the Rhine. On the few occasions when the river got very high, it overflowed its banks into an area south of the city designated as a flood plain. A few roads would be closed and ferries disrupted, but otherwise there were few problems. There have been many major floods from the Rhine and you can see the levels reached over the centuries by markings on the walls in some pubs and restaurants nearby. The last major floods around Düsseldorf were in the 1980s. Here in Wokingham we, perhaps fortunately, have no river going through the town centre. The River Loddon is the nearest and flows into the Thames at Wargrave. The River Loddon floods now and then, especially in Winnersh, Hurst and Woodley, with the Showcase Cinema car park a frequent victim. The Thames also flows through part of Wokingham Borough, with Wargrave suffering flooding in 2014, and Sonning in February this year. It is good to see that Wokingham Borough Council is taking steps to reduce our carbon footprints to help combat global warming. Wokingham may not be highly susceptible to the effects of global warming, but, if freak, hot weather were to become problematical, we might get forest fires. We can only hope that we are promptly informed of the risks and threats should we suffer extreme weather conditions in future. And our comrades in Erftstadt, of course.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
A DANCE charity is hoping to expand its services across Berkshire, and the Wokingham borough mayor is offering his support.
When the going gets tough, Andy keeps on pedalling A BERKSHIRE man who thought he would never cycle again has raised nearly £4,000 for charity on his road to recovery. Last month, Andy Ryan cycled from Torquay to Wokingham to support Dingley’s Promise. The Talent Specialist completed the 200-mile ride on Sunday, August 29, to raise money for the charity’s Pandemic Recovery Appeal, which will help support young children with special education needs and disabilities. Andy took on the challenge just 18 months after a serious cycling crash that left him wondering whether he would ever ride a bike again. “The ride was really challenging,” Andy says. “The hills out of Devon were beyond anything I had ever ridden, so the first 70 miles were extremely tough.
“I felt positive throughout though, even if at times it seemed impossible.” Andy had hoped to raise £2,000 for Dingley’s Promise but came away with more than £3,700 to donate to the charity. “Knowing I had raised such a huge amount of money was a massive motivator,” the cyclist adds, “as I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. “I feel privileged to have ridden for Dingley’s Promise, and proud of the money that was raised by such generous friends and family.” n Andy is still raising money for the charity. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/andyryan200for2000 n To learn more about Dingley’s Promise’s Pandemic Recovery Appeal, visit: www.dingley.org.uk/ recoveryappeal
Harvest time with Freely Fruity
Sunday, September 12. 96.2kg donated to Share Wokingham. This week’s harvest included potatoes, carrots, spring onions, beetroots, radishes, cooking and eating apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, runner beans, French beans, plums, strawberries, leeks, marrows and peppers.
Chance to Dance Stars, a school offering dance classes for children and young adults with learning disabilities, holds fortnightly sessions in Bracknell and Reading. Founded by Victoria Andrews in 2013, she now wants more students in the area to access her services as she plans to open up in more schools. Cllr Keith Baker, who has experience in performing arts, is backing Miss Andrews aspirations for the charity. “To show my support, I will be looking at attending as many of their events as possible, giving them lots of exposure and opportunities to raise money,” he said. “Chance to Dance Stars opens up opportunities for children and the rapport and care between Victoria and her students is immense.” Last month, Cllr Baker joined 22 students for a day of entertainment. The event, held at the Beansheaf Community Centre, in Calcot, included Zumba, a bouncy castle and face painting. Ms Andrews said the event was full of joy, laughter and entertainment. “The lights went down, the disco lights came on and the party began,” she said. “We had students and a fabulous volunteer team all with extensive knowledge and passion to support our work in the disabled community. “The students were smiling from ear to ear and kept saying how much fun they were having.” Cllr Baker described the activity
day as a “great success” and said the students had lots of fun. Miss Andrews thanked Cllr Baker for his interest and support for the school. “When you’ve got someone with the passion and understanding that he has around performing arts it really means a lot to us,” she said. “To have Cllr Baker at our events means he is able to talk to the children and help us raise more awareness on what we do and how we support these students in developing their communication skills.” Miss Andrews school is mainly run by volunteers who she trains up to be TEAM-UP: Sam Milligan from JAC with Matt Tanner from Squire’s Garden Centre in Wokingham
This week’s total – 96.2kg 2021 Total so far – 1,152.2kg
Designs on Christmas ONE of the nice things about the festive season is seeing the decorations. In years gone by, that was a few paper chains and a sprig of mistletoe. In recent years, the joy of Christmas has spread to everything from special editions of Women’s Weekly to disposable coffee cups. A newly-opened Reading-based café has launched a search for a festive design for this year, with coffee as one of the prizes. Bru Coffee and Gelato in Friar Street is seeking ideas which will then be used in all six of its UK stores. Bru managing director, Junaid Makda, said this is a great opportunity for people to “get creative” and have their artwork seen by lots of customers. “Whether you’re a budding
young artist or a graphic design pro, we encourage you to get involved and submit your designs.” Mr Makda added that Christmas is an important time of year for Bru. “After a tough couple of years for many, we really want to help spread some Christmas cheer.” He said designs should be fun, festive and reflect Bru’s vibrant personality. The prize is a £75 Amazon gift voucher and 10 vouchers for a coffee – served in the winning design. To enter, applicants should submit their Christmas cup design – 7cm by 7cm via email to info@brucoffee.co.uk by Monday, Septembr 20. Winners will be announced at the end of October. n For more information, visit brucoffee.co.uk
Plant life will help JAC A WOKINGHAM charity is celebrating after being named organisation of the year by a national garden centre. Squire’s has revealed that Just Around the Corner (JAC) is one of its ‘Charities of the Year’ for 2021/22 — meaning it will help with fundraising over the coming 12 months. The Wokingham charity, based on Forest Road, was founded in 1998 and offers learning and development therapy for children and young people in the borough. Robbie Forsaith, office manager at JAC, says: “We are really pleased to have been selected by Squire’s and are excited for the deepening relationship and support to come in this year between the garden centre and the charity.”
In total, Squire’s is supporting 16 small charities across the country, all chosen by individual garden centres. Sarah Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, adds: “We believe it is so important to work with and be part of the local communities in which we are situated, so every year each of our garden centres supports a local charity that is close to its hearts. “We will help raise awareness of our chosen charities as well as fundraise for them. “As always, we are extremely grateful to our customers and colleagues for their support and generosity in helping these brilliant local causes.”
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s dance charity’s pand in Berkshire
SUPPORT: Wokingham borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker is supporting Chance to Dance Stars this year
As part of the celebration of our ‘Summer of Joy’ events 2021, we are offering new residents the chance to save save up to up to £1,000 on their fees.
£1,000
CUT ABOVE: Amy Goodsell holds her hair following a cut in aid of Breast Cancer Now
The offer is available to those individuals privately funding their own care, who move in permanently to Murdoch House Care Home before the end of October.
Amy makes the grade able to run the sessions. She is always on the lookout for more people who wish to help. “Anyone with a passion is welcome to volunteer and we’ve even had students who have grown up attending our classes and are now volunteering themselves which is just incredible,” she said. “To see our students develop in their communication skills and confidence, even if it’s just a smile from across the room, is what we are all about and that’s why I do what I do.” Cllr Baker is planning a dinner dance gala for March next year where Chance
to Dance students will get the chance to perform. And a local X Factor star will also make a guest appearance. He hopes to raise thousands of pounds from the event which will go towards support the charity’s services. Cllr Baker added: “I’ve recognised that throughout the pandemic we’ve all suffered financially and I know money is tight, but I’m asking people to dig deep and find something to contribute for these disadvantaged children.”
n For more information, log on to: sendanceclub.co.uk
MUCH-LOVED LANDLADY: Hattie Gutzman receives her long-service award from Berkshire South East CAMRA chair Kevin Lenton. She has been at the helm of The Hope & Anchor for more than 10 years
Time at the bar IF YOU want a good pint, you need a good pub and beer lovers know the best places to go. Last month, Kevin Lenton, chairman of the Berkshire South East Branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), paid a visit to Wokingham-based Hope and Anchor pub to present a very special award. Landlady Hattie Gutzman received a long-service award to recognise her 10th anniversary at the Station Road venue – Hattie took over in October 2009. Mr Lenton said he took great
pleasure in presenting the award, which was delayed due to lockdown. “It was a doubly poignant presentation, as the local branch of CAMRA (at that time it was called Reading & Mid Berks) was formed in the 1970s in The Hope and Anchor,” he said. The Hope and Anchor is one of Wokingham’s busiest pubs for live music, and recently resumed hosting bands on Saturdays. This weekend, Heathrow Jets will perform, while on Saturday, September 25, the pub hosts Peach and the Prairie Dogs.
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today AN ARBORFIELD student has raised £1,800 with a dramatic cut.
Amy Goodsell, who is in Year 10 at Bohunt Wokingham, shaved her head at the end of the summer term to fundraise for Breast Cancer Now. She was inspired by her thenboyfriend’s mum, Debbie Quinn, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. “I just wanted to do something to help,” she said. “Too many women suffer from this horrible disease and the more people who help out, the quicker we can get rid of this in the future.” Amy said Debbie’s diagnosis spurred her on. “I wanted to do this for a while, but I was too scared to do it,” she said. Amy said it took the last two
months to get used to the new length, although it has started to regrow. “Her hair had to be at least a grade two to come back to school,” explained Mum, Sarah. A former hairdresser, she was tasked with the responsibility of the big cut. “It was a bit weird,” Sarah said. “I hadn’t quite realised how long it had gotten.” Following the cut, Amy was supported by teachers at Bohunt, and by familyfriends, who donated to her JustGiving page. “There’s been lots of support from the school,” Sarah added. “That’s been really nice.” She had initially aimed to hit £300, but made six times this figure. n For more information, or to donate, visit: bit.ly/3BRt5E3
We know how tricky it is this year to plan ahead - so we are providing a second offer with a saving of £500 on privately funded short stays taken before the end of October 2021.
saving of
£500 “The staff are so lovely at Murdoch House. Mum has been here for 4 years now and they all go over and above their call to help make her comfortable. I can’t thank them enough. They are all fantastic. A special shout out to one member of staff, in particular, who is an angel in disguise.” (Daughter of resident, April 2021)
POETRY CORNER
Harvest
The fields were ready for harvest, The countryside sunny and bright When the morning silence was shattered As a huge machine came in sight. It was a combine harvester. Soon it was working hard. Cutting, threshing, baling. Clearing each field yard by yard. This was a very different scene To what the Bible tells When all this work was done by hand. Then a group would work together Which was called, “A Reaper Band”. Efficient as we are today
No stalk is left behind. In days of old this was not done; To leave some was thought kind. The poor folk would rely on this For they gleaned what reapers left This then became their harvest So they did not go bereft. The harvest message stays quite clear: Our bounty we must share With those who also have a need. There is no place in Christian life For any thought of greed. So, from a look at days long gone To as we see life now We know as harvest is complete It’s back again to plough.
Jim Horsnell
We love receiving reader’s poetry. Email your submissions to letters@wokingham.today
January 2021
Murdoch House al provides residential and respite care. For more information, call our friendly team today on: 0118 911 7019 Murdoch House Care Home 1 Murdoch Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 2DL www.fshc.co.uk/murdochhouse
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
The problem with greener travel
THERE can be no denying it – getting around Wokingham borough without a car is really difficult. And after hours, it’s almost impossible. Trains run on set lines, so you can’t catch one from Twyford to Wokingham, while buses are limited to parts of the borough. And when the sun goes down, many are put off cycling or walking along an unlit country road. If we are to hit our collective goal of net carbon zero by 2030, walking and cycling short distances needs to become easier. And the school run remains a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. We emphasise with the parents in Arborfield Green who see a new primary school within walking distance, but are forced to drive to other schools further away. Surely the whole point of the new school was to serve the new community, right where they are? This is a riddle that needs solving. It’s certainly one that has got us scratching our heads.
CHURCH NOTES
Ending slavery
A
SLAVE: “a person legally owned by another for whom he/ she has to work without freedom, pay or rights.” In 1102, Bishop Anselm obtained a resolution against the buying and selling of slaves. Sadly, this had little lasting effect. While trading was not allowed in Britain, trading abroad in the colonies was still legal. John Woolman, born in 1720, was a Quaker living in New Jersey. One day he was asked by his employer to draw up a bill for the sale of a black slave woman who” belonged” to the family. He was taken by surprise and reluctantly completed the document, meanwhile explaining that he believed slave-keeping to be inconsistent with Christianity. This incident proved to be a turning point in his life. He began travelling, making notes on slave ownership. He wrote an essay, Some Considerations on Slave Keeping. It was written as a sincere and courageous thinker rather than an agitator, and as a result, the large Quaker Meeting in Philadelphia published their own pamphlet and, by 1758, there was a ban on the buying and selling of slaves. In retrospect, it is astonishing that friends living in Pennsylvania - named after Quaker William Penn - could, in all conscience, think that keeping slaves in any way acceptable. In 1783, Quakers petitioned Parliament, and became Britain’s first anti-slavery organisation. Quakers were not allowed tertiary education, they were certainly not allowed to sit in Parliament. Thus their case was somewhat weakened. William Wilberforce gave his amazing threehour speech to Parliament in 1789, and finally, in 1791, he presented a Bill to the House of Commons to abolish the slave trade. It is sad that there are still human beings that believe they have the right to “own” others. We read and hear continuously, through various media, of human trafficking: forced labour, children made to fight and kill (one-in-four slaves are children); three quarters are women and girls.
Paula Seddon from Wokingham Quakers, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
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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
Reflect on why we need to stop extremist views and terrorism IN response to Simon Jackson’s Letter in Wokingham.Today, dated 9th September 2021 Wokingham’s Heritage Open Day was part of a nationally organised festival that was happening across the country. The date of September the 11th, this year, was not selected locally and many towns and historic buildings across the country opened up for people come and enjoy our history on that day. It was a good event enjoyed by many visitors to the town. However, I certainly do understand that we need to also acknowledge the compelling events that happened on the 11th September, 20 years ago in the USA. I was affected personally, as I was living in San Francisco at the time. I was actually trying to fly back to the UK on 9/11 to visit my parents. Unsurprisingly, I was chased out of the airport by armed security before I got on a plane. Later that day, I found out that someone I knew was killed on United Airways Flight 93. United 93 was on its way to San Francisco, before being Hijacked and crashed into a field when the passengers retaliated. In a way, we were all affected by the events of that day, some more than others.It did change the direction of the world forever. For me, it instigated my return to the UK and started my interests in my community and how our government works, both locally and nationally. While the commemorations of 9/11 have been more muted in the UK, I would encourage everyone to reflect on the compelling events of that time and why we need to stop extremist views and terrorism occurring.
Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, leader of Wokingham Town Council
A long throat infection
FOR several years my MP Sir John Redwood has ignored my emails about April 27, 1982.
On that day Robin Day the presenter of The World at One on Radio 4 walked out while the news was being read. The BBC said Sir Robin had ‘succumbed to a throat infection’. This was just as the Falklands War was breaking out. Sir Robin’s throat infection lasted exactly as long as the war. I suspect he walked out because the Tory Party tried to plant propaganda at a time when there was a chance of peace. Because of the victory in that war Margaret Thatcher won the 1983 General Election. Had the people been apprised of the facts her victory would not have happened. She was behind in the polls when the war began.
Stephen Sharp, Earley
Catching covid I WRITE in support of Julie’s letter of September 9, which she sent in response to your ‘Dr Walter’ piece on Covid 19 vaccination. When I worked abroad, I was vaccinated against hepatitis, yellow fever and malaria. The doctor or nurse never said I might catch those diseases if an unvaccinated person came near me. It looks as though with these Covid-19 vaccines, things are different, which I find very surprising. Surely it’s reasonable for people to take time to find out what is going on with them, and then decide, without being demonized by the likes of your ‘Dr Walter’.
R. Grange
Stop killing badgers THE country wants this government to stop killing badgers. There is no proof that they give TB to cattle, it is the other way round because of intensive farming. If you keep saying you will stop it, do it already. Keep your promise for once and we will all be happy vaccinate them as you keep saying on farming today.
Wokingham Volunteering Helena Badger
www.volunteer wokinghamborough.org.uk
Save date for volunteer fair
A
S restrictions ease and life begins to return to some sort of normality, charities are also getting back to normal. Local charities need your help now. Whether it is Conservation groups, volunteer reading mentors going into schools, support buddies for children with extra needs, befrienders for the elderly and charity shops volunteers. They are looking for more volunteers to support the amazing work they do locally.
Helena Badger, Volunteer Services Manager at the Wokingham Volunteer Centre says, “The pandemic really saw people pull together. “We really want people to keep the feeling of community going and continue to help people in need. “It really does change people’s lives; both those who volunteer and those who are helped by volunteers. “Volunteering can help you gain new skills, meet new people, test the water for a career change, allow you to
Also stop factory farming of chickens it is barbaric. Also ban farrowing units for pigs the sows can not move nor can the piglets.
Victor Rones, Bracknell
Become a foster carer BARNARDO’S is urgently calling for more people to consider becoming a foster carer after the numbers of children referred to the charity’s fostering services across the UK shot up. The number of children needing care has increased by 36% over 12 months. Barnardo’s is looking for more foster carers to ensure that when a child needs a loving, stable and safe family, there are local carers available. In particular, they are looking for people who would consider caring for siblings as they can offer each other support and it can help reduce feelings of isolation. The number of sibling groups referred to its services in the UK over the same period rose by 31%. A new YouGov survey for Barnardo’s encouragingly shows that 14% of adults in Great Britain would consider fostering a child aged 18 or under in the next five years. However, that figure drops to just 6% when asked the same question about fostering siblings. The survey shows how vital it is for siblings to remain together with 70% of adults saying it was important that they and their sibling were together when they grew up and 60% of respondents who had a sibling saying it would have had a negative impact on them if they had been separated while growing up. Barnardo’s hopes to hear from people from all backgrounds from around the UK, including BAME and LGBT communities. It welcomes passionate individuals from all walks of life. If you are over 21, have a spare room, are a UK resident and have the commitment to support a child, you could be the person they need. give something back and help a cause you really believe in. “Whether you have just an hour once a month or much more time to give, there really is something for everyone.” The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is holding a Volunteer Recruitment Fair on Saturday 25th September from 11am-2pm at Wokingham Town Hall. The event is free to the general public and there is no need to book, so please just turn up and come and discover what volunteering can do for you. We will have the necessary safety precautions in place with one entry and one exit point, sanitisation points and social distancing. The organisations attending include: The Link Visiting Scheme (which provides befrienders for elderly people who have become isolated), the Me2 Club (which supports children and young people with extra needs to access mainstream activities), Wokingham Transport
For further information visit www.barnardos.org.uk/foster
Emma Bowman, Barnardo’s South East Regional Director
Get ready to wear it pink
As we near Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, I’m calling on your readers to wear it pink, on 22 October. By taking part in the UK’s biggest and brightest fundraiser, readers can raise vital funds and help make life-changing breast cancer research and care happen at a time when it’s never been more needed. The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted how Breast Cancer Now has been able to support people affected by breast cancer – we had to postpone in-person meetings and repivot our support online, and our research was stalled when our labs were closed during the first lockdown. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women in the UK, with one in seven developing this devastating disease in their lifetime. Disruption to breast cancer across treatments and care over the past 18 months have made the already frightening time of a breast cancer diagnosis even tougher for those faced with this difficult news, and the support we provide and hope our research generates has never been more essential. We remain determined to be there the whole way through to support people when they need us. You can play your part in helping us to do this by joining people across the UK to wear it pink on 22 October, to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now. If there ever was a time to put on that pink top, proudly drape that pink feather boa around your neck or pull up those pink socks, it’s now. Together we can wear pink, raise money and help make life-changing breast cancer research and care happen. Join us and sign up today at wearitpink.org.
Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive, Breast Cancer Now Scheme (which enables elderly people to get to essential medical appointments), Thames Hospice Charity shop (raises essential funds for Thames Hospice), The Wokingham Transport Scheme (which providers volunteers for transport for medical appointments), Guide Dogs (which provide trained dogs to support those who are blind or have sight issues), Citizens Advice (which supports anyone who needs advice, support and guidance), and ABC to Read (which provides trained volunteers to local schools to read with primary school children. Other organisations attending include those that support children, young people, families, the elderly, people with disabilities and other groups. n If you would like to find out more about the event or discuss volunteering in general, please get in touch. www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org. uk , call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk
Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Green Smoothie From the kitchen Freely Fruity
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Serves 1 MOOTHIES are a great way to pack more nutrients into our day but equally many tend to be packed full of sugar. This one is a good balance and has a neutral flavour so can be finished off with different toppings depending on your mood; a swirl of natural yoghurt or a dash of Tabasco, a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Ingredients n 1 tbsp linseeds/flaxseeds n 200ml green tea, cooled n 50g kale, tough stalks removed n 1 green banana, frozen n 1 ripe pear, chopped n ½ avocado, peeled n 20g cashew nuts Topping suggestions n Natural yoghurt or Tabasco or honey or lemon juice
Method 1. Place the linseeds into a high speed blender and blitz to a powder 2. Add the green tea and kale to the blender first to blitz together well 3. Add the remaining ingredients and blend well to combine
Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/freelyfruityuk/
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The climate emergency Cllr Gregor Murray
Talking transport
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RANSPORT is one of the biggest emitters of carbon in the United Kingdom. Nationally around 122 megatonnes of carbon are emitted every year just from moving ourselves and other items around our country and communities. Almost half of those emissions come from cars and taxis. About a third comes from moving objects around in heavy or light goods vehicles. The remainder is generated from shipping, buses, rail, aviation, motorbikes and other transport options. Around the world, car companies are pushing hard to launch electric vehicles (EV) and build their EV range. While the brand-new cost of these vehicles is currently high, over time these costs are likely to improve. The prevalence of company fleets in the new car market means that in three to four years’ time the second-hand market will be a lot more affordable. The Government in the UK has announced two new laws that will help transport decarbonisation. The first is helping to bring an end to sales of new petrol and Diesel vehicles from 2030 and hybrids from 2035, something that locally I pushed for via an Individual Executive Member Decision. The second, announced only a few days ago, will mandate electric vehicle chargers in all new homes. These are significant steps forward, but clearly there is a lot still to be done to fully decarbonise transport. Here in Wokingham Borough, around 30% of our carbon emissions come from moving around. We have a number of challenges in decarbonising our transport network. We have some of the highest household car ownership in the country. We have a mixed urban/rural geography where many do not have nearby access to public transport. And, we
have many historic towns, where adding greenways, cycleways or widening pavements is challenging. To deliver decarbonisation, we have to solve for the root causes of our emissions. For transport, that means looking at the reasons why residents and goods are moving around our Borough, and then finding solutions to achieve the same objective in different ways. We are talking to our local business community, encouraging them to think about a more flexible approach to work, continuing, where they can, remote working. Removing short and long-distance car commutes from our roads will go a long way to cutting carbon emissions. Our MyJourney team have been running programmes for many years. This year’s Beat the Street was a huge success and got kids, and parents walking, cycling and finding ways to school that didn’t depend on the car. With local bus companies, we are working on a Bus Service Improvement Plan to go along with our Low Emissions Transport Strategy, followed by a strategy to decarbonise distribution across our Borough. Later this year, the Council will launch its Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, building on the EV Usage Survey earlier this year. We are working how best to provide EV charging across our Borough, including in our car parks, at commercial properties and for onstreet charging where practical. We are also continuing to expand our cycleways, greenways and public rights of way across our Borough. We already have more than 170,000 meters of them, roughly one metre per resident of Wokingham Borough. But we want to do more to provide ways for you to explore on foot or bike through a that network is fully accessible. There are many benefits of transport decarbonisation. Improved air quality, reduced noise levels, reduced congestion, and more active lifestyles leading to healthier and longer lives. You can help deliver all these benefits by choosing to walk short distances, cycle where you can and work from home is possible.
Cllr Gregor Murray is executive member for resident services, communications and emissions on Wokingham Borough Council
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160mmx8 columns (265mm) Leeds Tykes Home 25th August - Wokingham Paper 16.09.21.indd 1
10/09/2021 11:38:20
24 | SOCIETY
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
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BOURNEMOUTH Weekend
4starVeniceBreak_D.pdf
Departing Fri 5 Nov ‘21 Where better to enjoy a refreshing weekend break beside the seaside this November than the bustling resort of Bournemouth with its traditional attractions and seven miles of beaches, perfect for a winter stroll! We also visit maritime Poole and Swanage.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 3 nights at a selected hotel in Bournemouth with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursion to Poole & Swanage Optional excursion to Dorchester & Weymouth (£10pp)
4 Days by Coach
only £159
Single Supplement £45
LEEDS CHRISTMAS MARKET
& York St Nicholas Fayre 4starVeniceBreak_D.pdf
OGRE’S TIME: Students from Platform YP took part in a summer school Pictures: Simon Drake
Shrek on show PERFORMING arts students took to the stage last month for a musical show. Pupils at Platform YP’s five-day summer school performed Alice By Heart at The Whitty Theatre, Wokingham. The school, based in Woosehill, had 55 pupils, from ages four to 18 on stage. The musical was an adaptation of Alice and Wonderland. School founder Tracey Eley said she couldn’t be prouder of what the students achieved in a short time frame. Those enrolled in the programme learn the show from 10am to 4pm each day, with the live performance on Friday.
Rob Barlow, 17, said the process was rewarding, especially to be performing to a large audience. “It is a full-scale musical theatre production with lights, scenery and costumes,” Ms Eley explained. “Our staff were just as excited as the students to get back to work on a huge production. It was amazing to be back with a full audience and full set, props and costumes. “My favourite part of the week was seeing our students on stage working together as a huge team again. We all say we are a Platform family, and it really did feel like we were all coming home to the theatre again.” Sophia Revie, 10, said
WADE 150 Club
Departing Fri 10 Dec ‘21 Enjoy fabulously festive scenes and Christmas shopping aplenty as we combine the continental atmosphere of the Leeds Christkindelmarkt, one of the most established German Christmas Markets in the country, with York’s award-winning St Nicholas Fayre.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 2 nights at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast Excursion to Haworth & Leeds Christkindelmarkt En-route visit to York St Nicholas Fayre
3 Days by Coach
only £129
Single Supplement £60
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
ON FRIDAY, September 1, WADE held its latest draw in its 150 Club lottery. The centre, on Reading Road, provides daycare facilities for the borough’s older residents, including hot lunches, entertainment and resources, and the fundraiser helps its activities. Held monthly, there are three prizes for the draw. The more people who join the 150 Club, the greater the prizes. First prize was £134, and went to
she loved the scenery and props, which elevated the production. Ms Eley added: “It was extremely emotional seeing what our students and staff managed to put together in only four days of rehearsal. “We are incredibly lucky to have such an amazing team of students and staff. “I’m still not ready to let go of this show; it definitely was a special production. I couldn’t be prouder of our Platform family.” George Brunton, 7, said the summer school was so much fun. “I love the lights and the smoke on the stage — it’s a very exciting feeling,” he said.
member number 29. Second prize was £67 was given to member 62. And third prize was £33.50 and awarded to member 15. A spokesperson for WADE said: “Many thanks to all our Members for your continued support. “Please do sign up if you haven’t already – your help is much appreciated.” For more details, call Jess on 0118 978 7025, email wade150club@wadecentre. org.uk, and log on to the group’s website, wadecentre.org.uk.
Celebration of Merdeka Day MALAYSIA celebrates its independence day (‘Merdeka Day’) on August 31 every year. It is a public holiday in Malaysia. Historically, the country is a blending pot for the Indian, Chinese and Malay cultures, language and food. This makes this particular celebration a truly crosscultural affair. There are approximately 75,000 Malaysians living throughout the UK. But it can be rather lonely if you don’t know where any of them actually are. To address this matter, I founded the Thames Valley Malaysians (TVM) WhatsApp group in late 2020. Currently, there are more than 50 members within the group. Due to covid, the group had never physically met. The Merdeka celebration turned out to be the perfect opportunity for everyone to get together The Merdeka celebration was held on the Oakey Drive in Wokingham, on Sunday, September 5. It was attended by Oakey
Drive residents and families of the TVM group. More than 70 people turned out for the Merdeka celebration. This is the second time that Merdeka Day has been celebrated in Wokingham. There was all the familiar Malaysian delicacies, such as Nasi Lemak (rice with spicy sauce), Mee Hoon (spicy vermicelli noodles), Ayam Masak Merah (chicken in spicy gravy), Rendang (lemon grass beef) and Kuih (a host of delicate rice cake desserts). The newly appointed High Commissioner for Malaysia, His Excellency Zakri Jaafar, took this opportunity to wish Selamat Hari Merdeka (Happy Independence Day) to all the Thames Valley Malaysians in a video address that was played at the celebration. It was a beautiful summer’s day spent with friends physically meeting for the first time who enjoyed an abundance of incredibly delicious food.
SIMON SURESH
A-PEEL-ING: Matthew Steele, 17 and Helen Ricketts, 13 at St Marys Church, Twyford wearing their medals from the ringing contest
Teenagers help keep bells ringing By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today TWO secondary school students had a great ding dong of a day, representing Berkshire in a national bellringing contest. For 13-year-old Helen Ricketts from Twyford it was her first ringing competition. Also in the team was Matthew Steele, 17, from Charvil. They’re both students at The Piggott School, Wargrave, and ring at St Marys Church, Twyford. They were part of the eightstrong team from Berkshire and Buckinghamshire who went to Worcester for the Ringing World National Youth Contest last Saturday. Their first ring was at the magnificent Worcester Cathedral, dating back to 1084. Helen, a little daunted at first, said: “I enjoyed it once we got going. It was a massive day out, bell ringing in lots of different churches.” The team rang in six places. The competition tower was at St Martin-in-the-Cornmarket. “It was my very first ringing competition. The bells were lovely, they rang really well. They weren’t too heavy or too light. It went pretty well,” said Helen. “We didn’t win the trophy, but we had a great time and had lots more experience.” Matthew explained how the competition was organised. “We started off ringing in rounds, the smallest bell starting, and then the others ringing in size order going up. “Then we started call changes,
where the conductor calls out switches in the order of ringing.” He and Helen took part earlier in the Bucks and Berks Young Ringers’ practices and were then invited to join the team for the contest. “It’s always an education ringing in new towers. Every tower has bells that feel and sound different. We had very few practices, only starting in May, because of Covid. There are quite a lot of young ringers in our area, including at Twyford, Wargrave and Waltham St Lawrence,” added Matthew. The team’s organiser, Peter Jasper, was pleased with Helen’s first contest performance. “She has been taught so well at Twyford, she was able to find ringing at one of the country’s great cathedrals relatively straightforward. “The contest really boosts ringers’ confidence. Someone sent me a message saying: ‘You may not have won, but it looked like you were all having way more fun than the other groups.’ Matt is a very experienced ringer. He was mentoring some of the younger ringers during the contest.” Mr Jasper hopes to organise a trip to ring in the city of London churches. The Bucks and Berks Young Ringers practices are open to any ringers under 18. There are more than 6,711 English churches with the traditional rope and wheel bells. There are 227 in Wales, 23 in Scotland, 39 in the island of Ireland, two on the Isle of Man and 147 others worldwide.
Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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The Gate Church
A NEW church has launched in Sindlesham. The Gate has been formed from a merger with Sindlesham Baptist Church, and on Sunday held a special service to celebrate. Afterwards, the church family gathered in Bearwood Recreation Ground to enjoy a hog roast and family games. Picture left is James Maslin serving up the food, joined by Kevin Jesty, church pastor Yinka Oyekan, and Joanna Palmer Above is the congregation. The church has been a fixture in the village for nearly 200 years, and will have regular art sessions, a post-school run toddler group and will launch an Alpha course on Tuesday evenings in October. Pictures: Steve Smyth
Woodley and Earley Arts Group WOODLEY and Earley Arts Group are delighted to have begun their new programme of painting exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops. Our first exhibition since 2019 will be held on October 1-2, at the Oakwood Centre, Woodley, 10am to 5pm on both days. As well as original painting there will be crafts, cards and more. Everyone is welcome, admission is free. After commissioning free on-line demonstrations during the pandemic, we held our first in-person painting demonstration in nineteen months on August 26, attended by new and past members. Professional artist Melissa Wishart demonstrated a seascape in oils. It was a very informative demonstration with lots of questions from the audience. Our next meeting is on Thursday, September 23, when the demonstration will be Cityscape in Acrylics with Colin Brown. We have invited Colin to the Group before and his brushwork is always fascinating, he also approaches the subject from a completely different angle such as painting upside down (the painting, not himself). During the winter months we also hold oneday workshops at weekends, at which we can practise new skills for ourselves. Our first is Sunday, September 26, at Pearson Hall in Sonning. The tutor will be Sky Landscape Artist of the Year finalist Shelagh Casebourne teaching a landscape in oils. The cost is £30 for the day (10am–4pm) and again all are welcome. Whether you are a budding artist or just have an interest in painting you are welcome to come along to any meeting to see if it is your thing, full information is at our website weag.art
Wokingham Literacy Society
WOKINGHAM Literacy Society will host its first open meeting on Thursday, October 7. With guest speaker Ruth Nobbs, the talk will welcome visitors and members to Wokingham Baptist Church, on Milton Road, at 7.30pm. After holding her first talk on J.B Priestley’s life during the second world war, this upcoming in-person event discusses how he became a public figure as a novelist, playwright, broadcaster and campaigner. n For more information, log on to: wokinghamliterarysociety.org.uk
St Catherine’s Bearwood THE BISHOP of Oxford, the Rt Revd Steven Croft, cuts the cake to help celebrate the 175th anniversary of St Catherine’s Church. He was helped by Gladys Matthews, the church’s oldest parishioner. Bishop Steven was the guest preacher at a service on Sunday held at the Bearwood church. It was one of a series of events organised by the congregation over recent months to mark the milestone. Pictures: Steve Smyth
SOCIETY| 25
No. 5379
Your weekly puzzle challenge
26 | LEISURE
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
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Quiz Challenge
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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
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How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines: 17 Good; 20 Very Good; 23 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.
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13. Rash part of London with complicated maze (6) 16. Eccentrically used this in France to lead astray (6) 18. Do they find no more stars are moving? (11) 19. A measure of whisky labourer found in space station (6) 20. Keen setter’s food? (3,3) 21. Tool a divorcee returns (3)
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To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
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6. Sandra Oh plays British intelligence agent Eve Polastri in which spy thriller series? 7. What name was given to the Mediterranean region of Algeria infamous for its piracy? 8. In the Gilbert and Sullivan opera The Mikado, what was Ko-Ko’s official title? 9. Which town was England’s last possession in France – lost in 1558? 10. A Discovery of Witches is a 2011 historical-fantasy novel by which writer?
SUDOKU Easy
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
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9
9
1 6 7 2 5 3 4 8 9
20
11
2 4 3 7 9 8 1 5 6
26
1
3 1 8 5 4 2 9 6 7
20
16 16
3
4 5 6 9 8 7 3 1 2
10
1
9 7 2 3 1 6 5 4 8
11
11
22 1
1
7 8 4 6 3 5 2 9 1
21
6 2 9 1 7 4 8 3 5
7
5 3 1 8 2 9 6 7 4
CROSS CODE
5379
ACROSS 1. Secondary caption (8) 5. Horse’s foot (4) 7. Act of leaving (9) 9. Scottish valley (4) 10. Sky colour (4) 11. Of birth (5) 14. Lift (5) 15. Worship (5) 16. White heron (5) 17. Organisation (5) 18. ----- reef (5) 19. Laziness (5)
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22. Musical work (4) 24. Peer (4) 26. Dairy product (4,5) 27. Wound dressing (4) 28. Seasonal allergy (3,5) DOWN 1. Cosy (4) 2. That time (4) 3. Jewelled headdress (5) 4. Additional (5) 5. Aromatic plant (4)
6. Predict (8) 7. Luscious (9) 8. Space for movement (5-4) 11. Requirements (5) 12. Human trunk (5) 13. Door fastening (5) 14. Related to an area (8) 20. Stumble (5) 21. Linger (5) 23. Type (4) 24. Country road (4) 25. Expensive (4)
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Conifers; 2 Frances McDormand; 3 Four; 4 On the Aintree racecourse; 5 Crocodile; 6 Killing Eve; 7 The Barbary Coast; FIVE ALIVE: 8 Lord High Executioner; 9 Calais; 10 Deborah Harkness. (1) Across – Gaped; Laird; Sakes. Down – Gulfs; Prick; Dodos. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 2 Get; 5 Outcry; 7 Orchid; 9 King Solomon; 10 Truism; (2) Across – Trail; Among; Erect. E Z X K S M O F T Q R J H 11 Trance; 13 Eczema; 16 Seduce; 18 Astronomers; 19 Skylab; Down – Tease; Above; Light. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 Hot dog; 21 Axe. Y L P B G C A V D I W N U Down – 1 Bunker; 2 Gypsum; 3 Toilet; 4 Picnic; 6 Continental; 8 NONAGRAM: about; abut; ambit; AMBITIOUS; Commandment; 10 Toe; 12 Eve; 14 Cranky; 15 Amoeba; 16 ambo; atom; autism; auto; bait; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Soothe; 17 Custom. sure; upon; road; bast; bias; biota; boast; boat; boma; ends. iambus; iota; mast; moat; oast; sabot; QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Subtitle; 5 Hoof; 7 Departure; 9 Glen; 10 Blue; 11 sati; soba; soma; stab; stoa; stoma; Natal; 14 Raise; 15 Adore; 16 Egret; 17 Guild; 18 Coral; 19 Sloth; tabi; tabu; tibia; tosa; tsuba; tuba. 22 Opus; 24 Lord; 26 Sour cream; 27 Lint; 28 Hay fever. Down – 1 Snug; 2 Then; 3 Tiara; 4 Extra; 5 Herb; 6 Foretell; 7 Delicious; 8 Elbow-room; 11 Needs; 12 Torso; 13 Latch; 14 Regional; 20 Lurch; 21 Tarry; 23 Sort; 24 Lane; 25 Dear.
Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LEISURE | 27
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WOKINGHAMLEISURE
The big welcome: artists to open doors for trail
After a year off for covid, the Wokingham Arts Trail returns this weekend. LAURA SCARDARELLA meets some of the artists taking part
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HIS weekend, the Wokingham Arts Trail returns, and three artists can’t wait to welcome visitors again. Taking place at different venues across the borough, a range of artwork will be on display to the public. Running from 10.30am until 5.30pm, the trail is free to visitors to roam and see what the artists have to offer. n For more details, and a map of venues, log on to www.wokinghamartstrail.co.uk
CHRISTINE MORGAN Wokingham-based visual artist Christine Morgan is brushing up on her watercolour paints as she prepares for this year’s Arts Trail. With a particular interest in the west coast of Ireland, she says her love for art has always been bubbling away inside. “When I got the chance to explore my creative side, I decided to go to classes and had the time to play,” she says. With an initial training in ceramics, Christine also enjoyed using acrylic paint and inks as a response to her love of colour, texture and line. Christine went on to build her own studio in her garden and attended an art foundation course. She explains: “Clay is a medium I use with paper or glass to express my reaction to the world around me and things that interest me.” Christine says she enjoys taking in the landscapes around her as she works up quick watercolour sketches on the go. Her main influencers are Scottish painter Barbara Rae, printmaker Norman Ackroyd, and John Piper. Having read some of Norman Ackroyd’s books and seen his sketchbooks, Christine discovered the variety of watercolour and that it doesn’t have to follow the rules. “Whenever I travel now, I always carry my sketchbooks and do loose watercolour sketches,” she says. Christine doesn’t restrict herself to one particular style, wanting to explore colour, texture and lines. Throughout lockdown, she used her time to work more on her concertina sketchbook and post her creations on social media. Christine is encouraging visitors to come to the Wokingham Arts Trail this year, describing it as a “great community event”. “People don’t realise the amount of artistic talent around here and from past trails I have found that visitors are surprised and enjoy looking at everyone’s work.” “I think attendees could learn a lot from coming, and hopefully it might even encourage people to have a go themselves, especially children.” She explained that art is for everyone. “You don’t have to make things to be displayed in a gallery, you can create art for your own enjoyment,” she adds. Christine is looking forward to meeting people again after so long. “I can’t wait to be able to share my
INHERITANCE TAX: INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING: HOW DOES IT WORK? READY TO SHOWCASE: Christine Morgan is returning to Wokingham Arts Trail, and will be joined by Richard Young, whose work, Freedom, is being created in the picture below enthusiasm with other people and it gives me a huge boost to see my work up on display.” Christine will be based at Venue Seven, off Murdoch Road, with fellow artist Joy Frey on September 18 and 19.
IHT can often be a daunting subject - for many years Herrington Carmichael has offered inheritance tax (IHT) planning advice. We are recognised specialists in inheritance tax planning and often write articles and guidance with tips on how you can avoid paying too much.
PAUL WOOLLEY Mixed media paintings and print artist Paul Woolley is also looking forward to displaying his work at the event. Trained to be a sculptor, Paul gained a degree from Bristol Polytechnic, now the University of the West of England. He then went on to work for a framing company for several artists, including Anthony Gross, Peter Blake and Bill Jacklin. Paul says that Toronto-based artist, Margaret Priest, has been motivational throughout his art career. “She was my tutor, and she took an interest in me,” he explains. “She was someone I looked up to, she really helped me with my art work and even got me a job as a framer. “Although there are various painters I like, I wanted to take what I had learnt from Margaret and pass that on to students I teach at Reading College.” Paul found lockdown gave him a chance to get on with his new work, and to explore. “It took a while to get going, but after a while I decided to do a series of work which I’ve put together, and it was good to have that spare time to do so.” Basing his work on trees, plant life and natural objects, Paul says his organics and geometric forms make his work unique. It should be no surprise, but he is also looking forward to welcoming trail visitors. “It’s great to talk to other artists and your their experiences with them,” he said. “The Arts Trail also allows people who may be interested in art to come along and see what local artists are doing.” Paul adds that members of the public should visit the trail, as they’ll see a choice of styles across the different venues. “We’ve got lots of types of art and craft, from needle work to jewellers to fine artists, so you can decide what you like and what you don’t.” Having exhibited his work for eight years, Paul says there is something there for everyone to enjoy. “We’ve had a lot of new artists come,
For any single person with an estate in excess of £325,000 or a couple with more than £650,000, inheritance tax remains an issue that will affect you and your family. With property prices in the region as high as they are, it means that many of our clients do exceed these levels.
How can we help you with Inheritance Tax? and it widens the scope of what you do and it’s nice to have a variety of work.” Paul will be set up at Venue Three, WADE, on Reading Road.
• Explain what reliefs and exemptions are available to you and how to access these. • Warn you of the many traps contained in the tax legislation • Help you to organise your affairs in a tax efficient manner
RICHARD YOUNG
• Advise on a tax efficient structure for your Will
Contemporary realism artist Richard Young is excited about his first year exhibiting at the Wokingham Arts Trail. Creating his oil paintings using only a knife, Richard will be displaying his fine art work from his new studio space at Southgate House, on Denmark Street. He’ll receive a visit from the mayor on Saturday at 4pm. Richard works with a limited colour palette, mixed only on the canvas. After graduating in engineering in 1983 with a passion to travel, Richard initially pursued a career as an engineering and design consultant. He returned to Commercial Art in 2003. After living in Saudi Arabia for several years, Richard came back to the UK in 2018 to look into selling his art work on more platforms, such as Etsy and eBay. And he started looking into securing publishing contracts. He was pleased to be able over lockdown to focus on planning for the opening of his gallery. “It gave me a chance to focus on new directions in art as well as looking at ideas for the new space, and putting it all together,” he says. Richard’s aim for the gallery is to open for art events such as workshops or for people to rent the space to display their work. He also plans to host the Wokingham Arts Trail after-party at his new studio space to celebrate the event. “The party will give us all a chance to meet one another, and I’m going to make a slideshow of all the Arts Trail pieces to display everyone’s work. “With the Trail, we really want to increase awareness of local artists in Wokingham.”
• When appropriate refer you to third party investment advisers or liaise with your own advisers over the implementation of advice. • Advise and assist in the preparation and implementation of Trusts when these are considered beneficial.
How does the service work? Stage 1: Fact find and initial advice This will usually charged on a fixed fee basis of £750 plus VAT (£900). If, as is often the case, the principal advice is a new Will that will then be charged for as an additional item on the basis of our usual charges which range between about £375 plus VAT (£450) for a single basic Will (you will be surprised how often a simple Will can be the most tax efficient answer) to about £1000 plus VAT (£1200) for a complex pair of Wills for a couple.
Stage 2: Report and Recommendations on Inheritance Tax The charge for this will range between £500 plus VAT (£600) for someone whose affairs are relatively straightforward to £2000 plus VAT (£2400) for the most complex circumstances
Stage 3: Implementation It is impossible to give an estimate of the costs of implementation as this will vary hugely depending upon what is recommended, and also upon whether or not the work involved can be carried out entirely by Herrington Carmichael or if parts of the work may be carried out by third parties. Full article online - Read in full at www.herrington-carmichael.com If you would like to know more about the above article then you can contact one of our specialists.
01276 686222
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28 | LEISURE
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
LIVEMUSIC
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Wokingham Loves Music
ON EARTH: In Albion will be live in Peach Place this Saturday, but you can get a preview of their single, Earth, thanks to our Spotify playlist
Chris Hillman
bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic
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HERE’S no doubt that the free gigs in Peach Place have been a hit. Running on alternate Saturdays in recent weeks, they’ve brought people back to Wokingham and featured some great bands. This Saturday’s line-up includes In Albion, and they are top of our hit parade this week. You can hear it, and nine other great tracks, 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
In Albion – Earth Here’s the band that is headlining this week’s
(Saturday 18) free show put on by local record shop, Beyond the Download, in Peach Place, Wokingham with support from The Keep Cats. In Albion are a band from Surrey who describe themselves as a ‘theatrical prog rock band’, and Earth is a single that they released last year which showcases their sound with strong musicianship and powerful vocals. This looks like a band that is well worth checking out live – inalbion.net
THIS WEEK’S GIGS 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 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Asylum Affair. Details: 01344 303333. 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. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Up The Junction. Details: 0118 957 6930. RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. Bazooka Joe. Details: 0118 343 0565. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. The Grafters. Details: 0118 977 3706.
Saturday, September 18
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Vanilla Humans, Masquerader, Scott Freeman. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF.
The Original Soundtrack. Details: 01344 303333. 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. 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
Sunday, Sept 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
Monday, Sept 20
NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club: John McCusker Band. Details: nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Pip Blom. Details: 0118 956 8188.
Tuesday, September 21
READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue. The Specials. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk. 5ive, A1, Damage, 911. Details: 0118 960 6060.
Thursday, September 23
CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, London Road GU17 9AP. Open mic night. Details: 01276 32691.
Friday, Sept 24
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. One Last Day and Barerra. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Mirror Effect. Details: 01344 303333. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Rd RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club: Small Fakers. £18. Details: wokinghammusicclub. co.uk READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. 4G. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – South Street arts centre, South Street. John Smith and support. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. UK Foo Fighters. Details: 0118 959 5395. STOKE ROW – The Cherry Tree Inn, Stoke Row Road RG9 5QA. The New Jazz Sextet. Details: 01491 680430. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Graffiti Child. Details: 0118 977 3706. WOKINGHAM – Easthampstead Park, Peacock Lane RG40 3DF. Glo. Details: 0118 974 7576.
Crooked Shapes – Fire It’s the new single from another band that have performed at Beyond the Download’s Peach Place shows previously. Crooked Shapes have their debut album, also called Crooked Shapes, due for release on November 19, and Fire is their first single release from that album. The band are an exciting three-piece alternative rock band taking elements from the classic rock past and bringing them up to date with their own injection of power and melody – www. crookedshapes.com
The Wave Machine – Doesn’t Matter to Me One of the highlights of the Wokingham Festival was seeing a packed Wokingham Music Club (WMC) stage audience singing along to the songs of Angus Trott aka The Wave Machine – www. thewavemachine.co.uk
Michael Burns-Peake – London Michael is a singer/songwriter from Wokingham and is another young talent who appeared on the WMC Stage at the festival and performed a
great set of quality songs – www.facebook.com/ MichaelBPMusic
Fred’s House – Shut Up and Dance Silky smooth vocals, quality musicianship and a 70s West Coast inspired folk-rock sound, this band from Cambridge are a perfect band for a summer festival as they proved at Wokingham Festival – fredshousemusic.co.uk
The Paradox Twin – Wake Vortex Nominated at the prestigious Progressive Music Awards two years running following the release of their debut album, this Reading-based band is back with a stunning new single – www.theparadoxtwin. com
Wille and the Bandits – Four Million Days The festival headliner who 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 recorded in a new recording studio that he built himself – www.facebook.com/ EdwardNaysmithOfficial
Kyros – Rumour A very prolific international band with local connections who recently completed their summer tour in support of their acclaimed ‘Celexa Dreams’ album which features this single – www.kyrosmusic. com
The 11 – This Life They were a late addition to the Wokingham Festival line-up, and what a great addition they were. They are a straight-up, no-messing, proper honest rock-band with feels and melody aplenty – www. facebook.com/the11uk
Saturday, Sept 25
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Atmospheric Drumgalism. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Riots. Details: 01344 303333. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Start! Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930. SONNING – Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. A tribute to Tina Turner. Details: 0118 969 8000. WOKINGHAM – The Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Peach and the Prarie Dogs. Details: 0118 978 0918.
presents
JACK DEE JO BRAND PIPPA EVANS ROBIN INCE ARTHUR SMITH 23 SEPT 2021, 7:30 PM THE HEXAGON, READING
Sunday, Sept 26
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Gill Love Band. Details: 01344 484123. READING – Watlington House, Watlington Street, RG1 4RJ. Readifolk: Sylvia Barnes and Sandy Stanage Details: readifolk.org.uk READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Mas Bessie’s tribute to Shanty. Noon. Details: 0118 402 7800.
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK
Tickets £29.50 whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon Box office 0118 960 60 60
Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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PROPERTY | 29
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HEALTH & FITNESS
MOTORING
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 9, 2021
ACCOUNTANCY
KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION
TREE SURGEONS
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TECHNOLOGY
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PAINTING & DECORATING
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Please recycle me ! It’s good news for everyone
RECYCLING
Thursday, September 9, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
CLASSIFIEDS | 31
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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS OFF-STREET BOROUGH CAR PARKS) (NO. 1) ORDER 202* WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS OFF-STREET BOROUGH PARK & RIDE SITES) (NO. 1) ORDER 202* 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. *) ORDER 202*. 1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Sections 32, 33, 35, 124 and Parts III and IV of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and of all other enabling powers. 2. The effects of the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Off-Street Borough Car Parks) (No. 1) Order 202* and the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Off-Street Borough Park & Ride Sites) (No. 1) Order 202*, would be to revoke, re-enact and update the Wokingham Borough Council (Off-Street Borough Car Parks) (Civil Parking Enforcement) Consolidation Order 2017; Wokingham Borough Council (Council Offices, Shute End Car Park) Order 2018; and Wokingham Borough Council (Rose Street (Temporary) Car Park) Order 2018 as amended (‘the 2017 and 2018 Orders’), by creating a separate Order for Park & Ride Car Parks and to absorb those provisions, as mentioned in Schedule 1 to this Notice. 3. Further effects of the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Off-Street Borough Car Parks) (No. 1) Order 202* would be to: (a) absorb the remaining provisions from ‘the 2017 and 2018 Orders’ [not taken by the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Off-Street Borough Park & Ride Sites) (No. 1) Order 202*]; (b) update and amend the Articles ‘the 2017 and 2018 Orders’; (c) impose a maximum vehicle height restriction of 2.1 metres in the following car parks: (1) Carnival Multi-storey; (2) Civic Office(s) [central, eastern and western]; (3) Easthampstead Road East; (4) Easthampstead Road West; (5) Lytham Road East; (6) Lytham Road West; (7) Station Road; (d) introduce a new banded parking charge tariff structure to incorporate existing parking charges, details of which may be found within the draft Order; (e) in the car parks listed in Schedule 1 to this Notice, extend the existing, daily: (i) charging hours to ‘at all times’; (ii) opening hours to Mondays-Sundays (including bank holidays); (f) introduce a new method of payment of parking charges by a ‘check in/check out system’; there would no requirement to display a ticket purchased, the parking charge would apply according to the parking band purchased; (g) introduce a new ‘initial parking period’ wherein, the first: (i) 15 minutes parking is without charge in Dinton Pastures Country Park Activity Centre Car Park, Hurst; and (ii) 30 minutes parking is without charge in Shute End (Central) Car Park, Wokingham (Mondays to Fridays 6am to 6pm), where the driver enters the Vehicle Registration Mark details of the vehicle, obtains a ticket (without charge) from the ticket machine and then displays that ticket within the vehicle in accordance with the Order; (h) remove the following off-street car parks within the Order 2017: Elms Road, Wokingham MultiStorey, The Paddocks Car Park, Wokingham and Wellington House Car Park, Wokingham; and Winnersh Triangle Park & Ride from the new Off-Street Parking Order; (i) introduce: (i) a new vehicle release charge of £88.00 in the following car parks: California Country Park, Finchampstead; Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst and Laurel Park, Earley; (ii) a new time restricted parking at the off-street California Crossroads Car Park of 1 hour maximum stay, with no return within 2 hours; (iii) the provision to designate electric vehicle charging parking bays in any Off-Street Car Parks; (iv) the following parking permits in the following car parks: (a) a business parking permit for use in Denmark Street, Wokingham; (b) a key worker parking permit for use in the following car parks: Carnival Multi-storey Car Park, Wokingham; Cockpit Path Car Park, Wokingham; Denmark Street Car Park, Wokingham and Easthampstead Road (East and West) Car Parks, Wokingham; (c) a staff parking permit in the following car parks: Carnival Multi-storey Car Park, Wokingham; Easthampstead Road East Car Park, Wokingham; and Shute End Eastern Car Park, Wokingham; The charge in relation to key workers parking permits and staff parking permits would be as detailed in Schedule 2 to this Notice. (j) facilitate market trader parking permit in Cockpit Path Car Park, Wokingham. 4. Further effects of the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Off-Street Borough Park & Ride Sites) (No. 1) Order 202* would be to: (a) introduce a new off-street car park to the: (i) west of the A329(M) Coppid Beech junction and to the north of the A329 London Road, Wokingham, being an off-street parking place and being known as "Coppid Beech Park and Ride”, the hours of operation would be ‘at all times’; (ii) west of the A33 and north of Mereoak Lane, Shinfield, being an off-street parking place and being known as "Mereoak Park and Ride”, the hours of operation would be ‘at all times’; (iii) west of Thames Valley Park Drive and north of the A3290, Earley, being an off-street parking place and being known as "Thames Valley Park and Ride”, the hours of operation would be ‘at all times’; (b) impose a maximum vehicle height restriction of 2.1 metres in the following car parks: (c) (1) Coppid Beech Park and Ride; (2) Mereoak Park and Ride; (3) Thames Valley Park and Ride; (4) Winnersh Triangle Park and Ride; and (d) incorporate the charging structure as detailed in Schedule 3 to this Notice. 5. The effect of the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Roads, Wokingham Borough) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Resident Permit Parking Places) (Civil Parking Enforcement) (Consolidation) Order 2017 (Amendment No. *) Order 202* would be to introduce a prohibition of: (a) waiting on lengths of road: of Coppid Beech Park and Ride terminus road; (b) loading on lengths of Oak Avenue, Wokingham and Coppid Beech Park and Ride terminus road.
6. Copies of the draft Orders and Statement of Reasons may be inspected at the offices of Wokingham Borough Council, at the address given below during normal office hours to Fridays. These are also available to view at ‘www.wokingham.gov.uk/tro’. 7. Any objections to the proposals, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing to the Traffic Management Team, Place & Growth, PO Box 153, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or via email to ‘tm.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk’ by no later than 7th October 2021. Dated: 16th September 2021 Andy Glencross, Assistant Director Place & Growth, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WL.
SCHEDULE 1 - ‘Charging At all times’ (park & ride car parks Order). COPPID BEECH Park and Ride Car Park. MERE OAK Park and Ride Car Park THAMES VALLEY PARK & RIDE Car Park, Broken Brow Thames Valley Park Drive. WINNERSH TRIANGLE Park and Ride Car Park, Winnersh. ‘Charging At all times’ (non-park & ride car parks Order). CALIFORNIA CROSS ROADS Car Park Finchampstead, Wokingham. CALIFORNIA COUNTRY PARK VISITOR Car Park, Finchampstead. CARNIVAL MULTI STOREY Car Park, Wokingham. COCKPIT PATH Car Park, Wokingham. COUNCIL OFFICES Car Park, Shute End central, Wokingham COUNCIL OFFICES Car Park, Shute End eastern, Wokingham. COUNCIL OFFICES Car Park, Shute End western, Wokingham. CROCKHAMWELL ROAD Car Park, Woodley. DENMARK STREET Car Park, Wokingham. DINTON PASTURES COUNTRY PARK VISITOR Car Park, Hurst. EASTHAMPSTEAD ROAD EAST Car Park, Wokingham. EASTHAMPSTEAD ROAD WEST Car Park, Wokingham. HEADLEY ROAD Car Park, Woodley. LAUREL PARK Car Park, Earley. LYTHAM ROAD EAST Car Park, Woodley (Public areas only). LYTHAM ROAD WEST Car Park, Woodley. POLEHAMPTON CLOSE EAST Season Ticket Holders, Twyford. POLEHAMPTON CLOSE WEST Car Park, Twyford. ROSE STREET car park, Rose St, Wokingham. SCHOOL LANE Car Park, Wargrave. STATION ROAD Car Park, Earley. SCHEDULE 2 Bands
Period
Charge
Band 1
1 month
£12.50
Band 1
3 month
£37.50
Band 1
16 month
£75.00
Band 1
12 month
£150.00
Band 2
1 month
£25.00
Band 2
3 month
£75.00
Band 2
16 month
£150.00
Band 2
12 month
£300.00
Band 3
1 month
£58.00
Band 3
3 month
£174.99
Band 3
16 month
£349.98
Band 3
12 month
£700.00
SCHEDULE 3 PERIODS
COPPID BEECH
MERE OAK
THAMES VALLEY PARK
Band A
Up to 1 hour
£1.50
-
£1.50
Band B
Between 1 to 2 hours
£3.00
-
£3.00
Band C
Between 2 to 3 hours
£4.50
-
£4.50
Band D
Between 3 to 4 hours
-
-
-
Band E
Between 4 to 5 hours
-
-
-
Band F
Between 5 to 6 hours
-
-
-
Band G
Between 6 to 7 hours
-
-
-
Band H
Between 7 to 8 hours
-
-
-
Band I
Between 8 to 9 hours
-
-
-
Band J
Between 9 to 10 hours*
£6.00
£1.00
£6.00
Band K
Between 10 to 11 hours
-
-
-
Band L
Between 11 to 12 hours
-
-
-
Band M
All Day
£6.00
£1.00
£6.00
BANDS
Band N
Overnight
N/A
N/A
N/A
Band O
Saturday
£6.00
£1.00
£6.00
Band P
Sundays
£6.00
£1.00
£6.00
* Mondays to Fridays flat rate only.
32 | CLASSIFIEDS
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (WHITE HOUSE LANE, SPENCERS WOOD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3024 WALTHAM ROAD, RUSCOMBE) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 9th September 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
White House Lane, Spencer’s Wood between its junctions with Yew Tree Lane and Beech Hill Road.
B3024 Waltham Road, Ruscombe between its junctions with Southbury Lane and Wokingham Borough Boundary.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Beech Hill Road and Yew Tree Lane or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 4th October and 8th October 2021 between 09:30 and 15:30. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake blockage clearance and construction of new jointing boxes in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 4th October 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 16th September 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
TENNIS
LATIKA JUNIOR TENNIS CLUB CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3024 Ruscombe Lane, B3024 Ruscombe Road, A3032 London Road, Church Street, A321 Waltham Road, B3018 Waltham Road, B3018 The Straight Mile, B3034 Forest Road, A3095 Maidenhead Road, A330, B3024 Littlefield Green, B3024 Hurst Lane, B3024 Broadmoor Road and B3024 Twyford Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 20th September and 24th September 2021 between 09:00 and 15:30. The reason for this prohibition is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake repairs to a damaged culvert in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 20th September 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 16th September 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
A LOCAL tennis club celebrated its 50th anniversary at the weekend with a fun day.
Latika Tennis Club, in Farley Wood Bracknell, unveiled their newly resurfaced courts to coincide with their milestone anniversary. The club were able to update their facilities with a freshly surfaced court after money raised
Luke Milligan (Team GB Player), Matt Reid, Denise Walker (Chair & Head Coach), Will Terry (Assistant Coach) and Danny Sapsford (Team GB Player) with the celebration cake Pictures: Steve Smyth
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address
Reasons for Advert
Description
211841
Major Application
Full planning permission for the Science Park Creative Media Hub comprising the erection of film stages and associated workshops and office space and ancillary uses including equipment stores, cafe, post-production screening facility. Formation of associated access, decked and surface parking, and landscaping at the Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP). Application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment. Application is a potential departure from local plan.
Land North and South of, Cutbush Lane
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 27th 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: 16th September 2021
GOODS WANTED
GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE SCS Automation Uk Ltd trading as SCS of Unit 4/5, Redlake Lane, Wokingham, Berkshire is applying for a licence to use Unit 4/5, Redlake Lane, Wokingham, Berkshire as an operating centre for 2 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.
by members at the club through sponsored events, donations from companies and local government grants. The club hosted a general fun day on Sunday, including a BBQ for all to enjoy and featured an exhibition match between coaches, and former Davis Cup players, Luke Milligan and Danny Sapsford.
WELL BEING
Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
RESULTS
CRICKET
CROWS CELEBRATE WOMEN’S CRICKET
CROWTHORNE & Crown Wood CC celebrated women’s cricket with a softball festival at the weekend.
The event, hosted on Saturday, saw eight teams from Berkshire and Surrey compete in a softball cricket tournament. Eversley Cricket Club took the crown as winners of the festival, while the ‘Allsorts’ team, made up of Crowthorne & Crown Wood Cobra’s and guests, finished as runners-up. Crowthorne & Crown Wood
SPORT | 33
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Coyotes player Lou Rodgers said: “It was a brilliant event to celebrate women’s cricket. It’s great to see that women’s cricket is growing and that the surrounding counties are doing equally as well at supporting that. “The whole ethic of the club is as one happy family to work together, we’ve had overwhelming support from everyone at the club and we can’t wait for next year’s event.”
Friday, September 10 FOOTBALL FA Vase Eversley & California 3-0 Virginia Water
Saturday, September 11 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 3-3 QPR Isthmian South Central Chipstead 2-2 Binfield Combined Counties Division One AFC Hayes 3-0 Woodley United FA Vase Berks County 3-1 Newent Town Sumas 4-0 Moreton Rangers Reading City 1-2 Cribbs Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield 7-0 Woodley United Royals Finchampstead 4-2 Marlow United Mortimer 0-7 Reading City U23 Yateley United 2-4 Wargrave Thames Valley Division One Holyport Reserves 1-5 Hurst Thames Valley Division Two AFC Winkfield 1-1 Twyford & Ruscombe Datchet 4-3 Hurst Reserves Berks County Swords 2-2 Mortimer Development Thames Valley Division Four Finchampstead Development 8-0 Berks County Rovers Harchester Hawks 6-0 AFC Corinthians
Sunday, September 12
HOCKEY
SONNING AND SOUTH BERKS COMPETE IN FRIENDLY ACTION IN a round of friendly fixtures, SONNING 1s were defeated 2-0 away at Basingstoke.
Meanwhile, SONNING LADIES 1s earned a 5-1 away victory at Eastcote. SONNING LADIES 5s took a 1-1 draw away at Yately, while SONNING 3s were held to a 2-2 stalemate in an inter-club tie against SONNING MENS VETS. SONNING LADIES 4s put six past Phoenix & Ranelagh without reply, and SONNING 6s were tied 1-1 with Sonning Hockey Ladies in action Pictures: Steve Smyth Oxford 9s. Several teams from South Berkshire Hockey Club were also involved in friendly action over the weekend. SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 1s were defeated 2-1 away at Marlow 2s, while SONNING 5s defeated Camberley 3s 5-1. SONNING LADIES 5s suffered a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Marlow 7s and SONNING LADIES 4s were edged out 2-1 by Marlow 6s. SONNING 3s and SONNING 7s were both beaten by Henley.
FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Reading 0-4 Arsenal Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Ascot United 2-0 Woodley United Southern Region Division One Eversley & California 0-3 Bournemouth Sports Thames Valley Women’s Division One Tilehurst Panthers Women 2-1 Carterton Ladies Wargrave Women & Girls 2-1 Stonefield Strikers Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC Women 4-1 S4K Ladies Thatcham & Newbury Town Ladies 2-6 Eversley & California Women’s Reserves Wargrave Women Development 2-1 Newbury Ladies Development
Tuesday, September 14 Sky Bet Championship Reading 3-1 Peterborough United
Isthmian South Central Binfield 4-1 Staines Town Combined Counties Premier North Reading City 4-6 Abbey Rangers Combined Counties Division One FC Deportivo Galicia 3-3 Berks County Hampshire Senior Cup Fleet Town 5-2 Eversley & California
FIXTURES Saturday, September 18 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Fulham v Reading Isthmian South Central Chalfont St Peter v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North CB Hounslow United v Reading City Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Bedfont & Feltham Eversley & California v Enfield Borough Woodley United v London Lions Thames Valley Premier League Maidenhead Town v Wargrave Reading City U23 v Cookham Dean Woodley United Royals v Finchampstead Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions v Tadley Calleva Reserves Rotherfield United v Hurst Thames Valley Division Two Hambleden v Berks County Swords Hurst Reserves v Richings Park Reserves Twyford & Ruscombe v Mortimer Development Thames Valley Division Four Harchester Hawks v Pangbourne Development White Eagles v Finchampstead United Berks County Rovers v Finchampstead Development
Sunday, September 19 FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Woodley United v Abingdon United Southern Region Division One AFC Stoneham v Eversley & California Thames Valley Women’s Division One Tilehurst Panthers Women v Caversham United Women Wargrave Women & Girls v Denham United Reserves Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K Ladies v Taplow United Wallingford Town AFC Ladies v Eversley & California Reserves
34 | SPORT
BASKETBALL
SENIOR DUO ADDED TO ROCKETS ROSTER
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
RUGBY UNION
RAMS EARN BONUS POINT WIN
READING Rockets have confirmed that two senior players have re-committed to play for the team for the upcoming season.
Ben Dixon will return for his third season in Reading, hoping to build on his previous two campaigns with the Rockets. The 28-year-old Australian has established himself as part of the Rockets’ roster as a point guard where he is tasked with keeping things moving in offense. Rockets coach Pearson said: “Ben’s experience and headiness will be key to our success and we expect him to balance our group in a multitude of ways.” 36-year-old Sam Toluwase will also be returning for a second season with the Rockets. Standing at 6ft4in, the winger who has a dual Nigerian and UK nationality, will be hoping to bring some veteran leadership and experience to the team. As well as nurturing the young players in the team, Sam will hope to provide a dynamic scoring punch as one of British basketball’s premier dunkers with a catalogue of superb finishes throughout his career with supreme athleticism and strength.
RUGBY UNION
BRACKNELL RACE PAST WINDSOR Windsor 0 Bracknell 34 BRACKNELL’S FIRST TEAM continued their strong start to the season as they scored 34 points past Windsor without reply.
Bracknell started their season with an impressive display against Trowbridge at Lily Hill in a high scoring affair which saw them run out as 63-17 winners in their opening game. Facing their first away trip of the season, Bracknell went into the game as league leaders, while Windsor were edged out 47-36 by Beaconsfield in their fisr match of the new campaign. Both defences canceled each other out in the first-half, but Bracknell flew out of the traps in the second period. Chirs Laidler got over the Windsor try line to score the first points of the match just five minutes after the restart. The visitors continued to pile pressure on the Windsor back line and found a second try when Ben Bathurst touched down. Just moments later Ben Yates gotin on the act to score the third try of the afternoon. John Maybe crossed the white wash to earn Bracknell their fourth try of the afternooon to seal a bonus point with 12 minutes still left in the match. Bradley Walters and Ruairi Henderson touched down to add two more tries to cap a superb second-half peformance from Bracknell as they prevented Windsor from scoring any points. Next Saturday Bracknell return to home action when second placed Banbury make the trip to Lily Hill (3pm kick-off).
Rams earned their second win of the season Pictures: Paul Clark
Rams 24 Tonbridge Juddians 13 By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today SEB Reynolds paid tribute to his pack after they helped make it two National One bonus-point wins from two with a 24-13 success at home to Tonbridge Juddians.
A dominant scrum helped set the platform for a penalty try and further scores from hooker Ben Henderson and Ollie Cole in the first half, the hosts establishing a 19-6 interval lead despite a penalty apiece from Tom White and Harvey Young for the visitors. The second period
proved more of an errorstrewn affair, but Rams secured the bonus-point courtesy of a second try in as many weeks from Connor Hayhow, smartly set-up with a well-weighted Drew Humberstone chip ahead. And while TJs had the last word when Tom Chapman crossed for a converted score, the hosts eventually ran out deserved winners. Reflecting on the game, Reynolds said: “The pack were brilliant. Tonbridge were very good against Bishop’s Stortford last week and had scrum dominance, so we knew that was going to be an arm wrestle there. “I thought Jack Steadman doing 80 minutes was
outstanding considering he’s not played National One rugby for probably 19 months, James Baker was very good and Ben Henderson did a full shift as well.” He said: “The defence was also superb. We talked about trying to contain them and stop them playing in our half and we did that very well. “There was a good fold in defence and we closed down well and the chop tackles were excellent.” Having built up a useful half-time lead, Rams would have hoped to kick on in the autumnal sunshine, only for the visitors to proved dogged to the end. Reynolds said: “Credit must go to Tonbridge and
how they stayed in the fight – from having a really good start and a chance to kick on, we put ourselves under pressure in the second half. “There was some frustration because of the contrast in how good we were in the first half and then how much our discipline cost us in the second half – we allowed a very dangerous side to come back and remain in the game when we should have been pushing to finish them off a little bit earlier.” With the Titans completing a double over TJs 2nd XV with a 31-14 success, the Centaurs triumphing 40-21 at Slough and the Vets enjoying a fabulous day out in their Injured Players Foundation
fundraiser at Twickenham, it was a fine day for the club, and Reynolds lastly highlighted the way various members of the Senior Squad had also chipped in. He said: “We had our sport psychologist Sally McGinn on the gate and we thank the volunteers so much for what they do. “Will Janes has been at the club a minimal amount of time and unfortunately he’s hurt his wrist, but he’s a real talent and we’re incredibly grateful to him for helping out with the car parking, and Ross Crame also offered to check tickets. It’s brilliant.” Rams travel to Plymouth Albion on Saturday (3pm) for their third match of the league season.
Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
SPORT | 35
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From the middle Dick SawdonSmith The Sumas beat Moreton in the FA Vase Pictures: Andrew Batt - FootballinBerkshire
The Sumas beat Moreton in the FA Vase Pictures: Andrew Batt - FootballinBerkshire
FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
TRIO MAKE FA VASE PROGRESS
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
FA Vase WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK earned a much-needed win as they progressed past Moreton Rangers in the FA Vase. The Sumas were three goals up by half-time with goals from James Clark, Jack Webb and and Harry Pearson. Webb added a second goal, and Wokingham’s fourth, to see them through with a 4-0 triumph. EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA booked their place in the next round of the cup with victory over Virginia Water. Reece Buckett put the Boars ahead after 15 minutes as he slotted past the keeper. Just five minutes later, Joe Pantony converted from Ross McKernan’s corner to double Eversley’s lead. Eversley had the chance to add a third before the break but McKernan missed from the penalty spot. But he made amends when he hit a stunning strike from distance to put the Boars in a commanding position as they ran out as 3-0 winners. BERKS COUNTY sailed through to the next round with a 3-1 triumph over Newent Town. READING CITY were eliminated from the Vase as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Cribbs.
Combined Counties Division One WOODLEY UNITED dropped down to 18th after they were
defeated by AFC Hayes. Having nearly taken an early lead from a potential own goal, the Kestrels keeper was called into action to keep them in the match. Hayes took the lead in the 19th minute and scored quickly into the second-half to double their advantage. They wrapped up the game with a third in the 83rd minute. BERKS COUNTY took a three-goal lead away at FC Deportivo on Tuesday night but had to settle for a point as the hosts produced an impressive fightback.
Thames Valley Premier League
Isthmian South Central
Thames Valley Division One
BINFIELD had to settle for an away point at the weekend in a 2-2 stalemate against Chipstead. Ollie Harris put the Moles 2-1 in front early in the second half, but the Moles were pegged back as the points were shared. The Moles got back to winning ways with a spectacular 4-1 victory over Staines Town. Callum Bunting gave Binfield an early lead before Josh Helmore’s brace put the Moles further in front before the break. Asa Povey returned to find the net to seal a convincing win.
HURST made it two wins from two with a fine away performance as they scored five away at Holyport Reserves. There were five scorers: Shaun Bannon, Joshua Hodgkins, Ellis Howard, Greg Sinclair and Daniel Townson netted in a 5-1 victory.
Hampshire Cup EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were eliminated after a a 5-2 defeat to Fleet Town. The Boars put up a valiant fight after they were reduced to 10 men after George Marsh was sent off. They found an equaliser despite being a man down to make it 2-2, but the away side found three goals in the final 15 minutes to progress.
Finchampstead versus Marlow Pictures: Andrew Batt - FootballinBerkshire
FINCHAMPSTEAD got off the mark with their first victory of the season against Marlow United. Joel Day was in fantastic scoring form as he struck a hat-trick for Finch, while Callum Vallance added to the score to secure a 4-2 win. READING CITY U23’s enjoyed a superb afternoon as they hit seven past Mortimer. WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS suffered a heavy away defeat as they were beaten 7-0 by Burghfield.
Thames Valley Division Two TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE earned a point on the road with a 1-1 draw against AFC Winkfield. BERKS COUNTY were held to a 2-2 draw by Mortimer Development after goals from Harvey Richardson and Nicholas Wiggett. HURST RESERVES were defeated in a seven-goal match away at Datchet.
Thames Valley Division Four FINCHAMPSTEAD DEVELOPMENT earned a huge win against BERKS COUNTY ROVERS. Cameron Prichard bagged a hat-
trick, Dylan Chaffin and Calvin Grainger netted a brace each and Nathan Rogers scored in an 8-0 triumph. HARCHESTER HAWKS found a second consecutive win as they put six past AFC Corinthians. FINCHAMPSTEAD UNITED scored three in each half to beat Pangbourne Development 6-0.
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division WOODLEY UNITED LADIES were on the end of a 2-0 defeat away at Ascot United.
Southern Region Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA LADIES were beaten for the first time this season with a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth Sports.
Thames Valley Women’s Division One TILEHURST PANTHERS WOMEN are at the top after tey got the better of Carterton Ladies. Tilly Waight scored twice to help earn her side three points in a 2-1 win. WARGRAVE WOMEN AND GIRLS got their first win of the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Stonefield Strikers with goals from Millie Bilcliff and Hannah Sheehan.
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC Women inflicted defeat on S4K BERKS COUNTY LADIES in the Fawkes’ opening game of the season. Megan Cox netted for S4K but they were beaten 4-1 .
Eversley & California versus Virginia Water Pictures: Neil Graham
A change to added time
‘Y
OU’VE told us about the changes to the handball law, but what about any other changes,’ a football fan asked me.
Well there are a few more changes but some are technical, which would be of little interest to the normal fan and others that might seem a little obtuse. There is one which has bemused referees who operate in ‘grass roots’ football. Law seven, the duration of the match, has the word ‘playing’, added to ‘allowance for lost time’. So the law now says, ‘allowance is made for all playing time lost’. Basically, what this is referring to, is if there is a stoppage, say for an injury, with two minutes to play and the treatment of the injury takes five minutes. When the game restarts, only the two minutes playing time lost is played, and not the length of the injury treatment. Why grass roots referees are confused, is because for stoppages, they stop their watch, so if there is two minutes left on their watch, that is what they will play, irrespective of how long the injury treatment takes. However, in his book “Blowing the Whistle”, Stuart Carrington says that Premier League referees do not stop their watch. For each substitution they add 30 seconds and any other stoppages, will be recorded by an assistant referee or the fourth official. They will pass this to the referee who will add them to his substitute calculations. I don’t know if this is actually true but I remember Alan Pardew, when he was manager of Reading Football Club, making the same allegations. At the time, I thought this was perhaps sour grapes, because I couldn’t imagine any referee wanting to do mental arithmetic during a match. However, I put this to David Elleray, Director of the IFAB Technical Committee, He said: ‘I assure you that any method used by PGMO had no influence on this slight change. It came about because we received reports that the stoppage time had been played, causing confusion’. Of course these reports could come through IFAB’s other committee, from anywhere the game is played in the world.
36 | SPORT
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
ROYALS SHOT DOWN B READING WOMEN 0 ARSENAL WOMEN 4
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC Women fell to their second defeat of the season as Vivianne Miedema netted a brace to give Arsenal a convincing win at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Rowe gets forward
Rowe fights for possession
Eikeland goes to ground to win a tackle
The Gunners went ahead through Jen Beattie and were three ahead before the break as Beth Mead and Miedema got on the scoresheet. Dutch striker Miedema completed her brace early in the second half as the Royal were dealt a second consecutive defeat in the Women’s Super League. Kelly Chambers initially named the same starting eleven that lost at Manchester United on the opening weekend. However, the Reading boss was forced into a late change as goalkeeper Grace Moloney had to pull out due to injury and Rhiannon Stewart made her WSL debut. The visitors made a fast start as Mead tricked her way into the box and cut the ball back for Miedema, but the usual clinical striker took one touch too many which allowed a Reading body to get in the way of her shot. The Gunners kept the heat on as a ball was floated into the back post and met by Kate McCabe who headed inches wide. Gemma Evans made a crucial intervention to prevent Reading from going behind as she got in the way of Mead’s goal bound attempt. But from the resulting corner Arsenal went ahead as Jen Beattie got free of her marker and headed the ball past Stewart. Rachel Rowe was handed the first booking of the game as she clashed heads with Lia Walti with a late challenge, but both players were fine to continue. Having seen the away side dominate possession for much of the half, the Royals stole the ball with a high press which created their first chance of the match as Emma Harries forced a save from Manu Zinsberger. On the half-hour mark, Arsenal found their second goal of the afternoon as a shot deflected into the path of Mead who controlled the ball beautifully into the top corner beyond the reach of the keeper on the half volley. It wasn’t long before Jonas Eidevall side had a third, just two minutes after their second. Mead continued to terrorise the Reading defence as she eased her way into the box past two defenders before she unselfishly
Reading Women suffered a second defeat of the season as they were beaten by Arsenal at the Select Car Leasing Stadium Pictures: Neil Graha
Reading Women’s manager Kelly Chambers
laid the ball across to Miedema who tucked the ball into the corner. The Royals struggled to keep Arsenal at bay as Mead’s header floated just over the top. Reading had the last chance of the half from a corner and had a half-hearted appeal for a penalty as Brooke Chaplen was felled in the box, but went down too easily for the liking of the referee. The second half began in similar fashion to the first as Arsenal added to their tally just five minutes in as Miedema met Mead’s cross to the back post to nod into the far corner. That prompted the first change from Chambers as Justine Vanhaevermaet entered for her Royals debut in place of Chloe Peplow.
Midfielder Rachel Rowe is shown a yellow card
Chambers made her second switch in the 65th minute as
Match stats READING: Stewart, Woodham, Bryson, Evans, Cooper, Rowe, Peplow, Harding (c), Chaplen, Eikeland, Harries SUBS: Jeon, Rose, Vanhaevermaet, Roberts, Lister ARSENAL: Zinsberger, Maritz, Williamson, Beattie, Catley,Walti, Maanum, Little (c), Mead, Miedema, McCabe SUBS: Williams, Goldie, Wubben-Moy, Patten, Houssein, Iwabuchi, Hennessy, Parris GOALS: Beattie 17′, Mead 30′, Miedema 32′, 50′
Canadian international Deanne Rose came on for her debut in place of Harries. The Arsenal pressure relented slightly in the final quarter of the match as Reading managed to have some possession of their own. Vanhaevermaet brought more urgency to the Reading attack and had a couple of attempts at goal that drifted just wide. Reading forged their best chance of the match in the 90th minute as Zinsberger made a super save to deny Amalie Eikeland from close range, but the full-time whistle came to end a disappointing afternoon for the Royals. The Royals will be hoping to find their first points of the new campaign when they Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, September 26.
Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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SPORT | 37
BY RUTHLESS ARSENAL Reading goalkeeper Rhiannon Stewart
The Royals line up before kick-off
am
Arsenal celebrate after adding to the score
Amalie Eikeland glides past Arsenal captain Kim Little
Royals debutant Justine Vanhaevermaet
REACTION
CHAMBERS ADMITS ‘NAIVETY’ IN GUNNERS DEFEAT By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today Reading FC Women’s manager Kelly Chambers admitted her side were ‘naïve’ in their defeat at home to Arsenal.
“I think we had a bright start but there was a spell of 15 minutes where the three goals had come,” said Chambers. “For the first goal, we need to make a better decision in terms of dealing with that situation. “As for the second goal, when we were under a bit of pressure, you play into a centre-half from the edge of
your box where we have been actually successful hitting the pass that we have been hitting. “So there was a bit of naivety in some individuals.” Despite being three goals down at half-time, Chambers was pleased with her team’s response in the second-half. “Our second half performance was really good and we had a lot more composure,” Chambers continued. “We could have crumbled after conceding those three goals in such a short space of time, but in the second half we looked very good.
“But I was disappointed not to get on the scoresheet. “We got to build on our football and had some really good chances. “We should have scored at least one goal today from all of our chances. “If we want to keep building we have got to put the ball into the net when we do get those opportunities. “To score one today would have been a fair reflection on our performance, not that it may have changed the outcome, but it would have been a boost for the players who worked tirelessly.”
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 16, 2021
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
How they rated STAR PLAYER Tom DeleBashiru
SWIFTLY DOES IT: ROY READING 3 PETERBOROUGH 1
LUKE SOUTHWOOD Made two cracking saves, the second of which looked destined for the top corner. A safe pair of hands in his second league start.
ANDY YIADOM Useful getting forward in attack and put in a couple of decent crosses that weren’t converted.
LIAM MOORE Looked solid enough but forced off with injury at the end of the first-half that could keep him out for a while.
MICHAEL MORRISON Won some important aerial duels and looked the most assured at the back despite some poor passing.
BABA RAHMAN Looked lively and helped out in attack and was relatively comfortable in defence too.
JOSH LAURENT Wayward with some of his passes but was his usual lively self and helped to win the ball on several occasions.
TOM DELE-BASHIRU His most impressive performance yet. Tireless work in midfield and added to that with a brace, the second of which flew into the top corner.
JOHN SWIFT Followed up from the weekend’s hat-trick with a stunning free-kick. The league’s top scorer with seven to his name so far.
OVIE EJARIA Quiet in the first-half, contributed more in the second. Beaten far too easily on the back post for Peterborough’s goal.
ALEN HALILOVIC Worked hard to try and influence the game but was closed out of the game for large sections.
GEORGE PUSCAS Was starved of chances in the first hour but kept working and provided an assist through his sheer resilience to set up DeleBashiru’s first goal.
SUBSTITUTES Tom Holmes 6, Junior Hoilett 6, Dejan Tetek n/a
8 6 5 6 6 6 9 8 5 5 7
By ANDY PRESTON at the Select Car Leasing Stadium apreston@wokingham.today READING manager Veljko Paunović admitted a sense of ‘relief’ as the Royals produced three second-half goals to beat Peterborough United.
Championship top scorer John Swift produced more magic as he scored a sublime free-kick to open the scoring before a double from Tom Dele-Bashiru. The Posh replied with a goal of their own in the 74th minute, but the Royals held on to earn a much needed three points. “It was a relief today,” said Paunović. “We have been punished severely in the last few games and it feels sometimes that everything goes against us. We needed to turn that wheel. “We are turning that forward and that’s what we are chasing now. “The first half was mature and solid, we played safe and were making progress towards the final third and their box. “In the second half, we got the edge to push forward and the conviction to open the scoreboard. “Once we scored, we knew there was a chance to score another and the team did well to be ruthless on the front foot. Reading had the majority of early possession as Alen Halilović and George Pușcaș linked up well, but couldn’t conjure a meaningful attack. It was the visitors who had the first presentable opportunity of the evening as they won a free-kick 25 yards from goal. Jordan Clarke-Harris took aim but hit his shot straight into the Reading wall. John Swift played a perfectly played cross field switch to find Andy Yiadom on the right-wing. He played the ball to Dele-Bashiru who spun into the box and got a shot away but Christy Pym collected comfortably. The game went flat as neither side could forge out any decent chances, while Southwood was quick off his line to prevent a through ball causing any danger to his defence. Despite having less of the ball, the Posh came closer to scoring than the hosts as Sikiri Dembele unleashed a testing effort that forced a smart save from Southwood who dived to his left to keep the score goalless. Reading replied with a long ranged effort of their own as Halilović lined up a shot from 25 yards but a Peterborough body
John Swift scored a spectacular free-kick as Reading beat Peterborough Pictures: Steve Smyth
Josh Laurent battles for the ball
managed to get in the way and divert it behind for a corner. The Posh must have thought they had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time when Ollie Norburn hit a sweetly struck volley but Southwood pulled off a magnificent save at full stretch to tip the ball over the top. The half ended with a yellow card for Peterborough’s Frankie Kent, while Royals skipper Liam Moore was forced off with injury and replaced by Tom Holmes. Peterborough had the first halfchance after the break as Joel Ward tried a curling effort, but it sailed harmlessly wide. Darren Ferguson’s side maintained their threat and almost found Clarke-Harris with a backheel through on goal, but Holmes made a vital interception to clear for a corner. The game finally burst into life as Swift came to the rescue for the
George Puscas hunts down a defender
Royals once again in the 64th minute. With a free-kick lined up 25 yards from goal, the Reading midfielder hit a sumptuous strike that flashed past Pym into the top
Match stats READING: Southwood, Yiadom, Morrison, Moore (c), Rahman, Laurent, DeleBashiru, Swift, Halilović, Ejaria, Pușcaș SUBS: Boyce-Clarke, Holmes, Tetek, Hoilett, Camara, Ehibhatiomhan, Clarke PETERBOROUGH: Pym, Edwards, Butler, Thompson (c), Kent, Clarke-Harris, Dembele, Marriott, Norburn, Coventry, Ward SUBS: Cornell, Szmodics, Taylor, Grant, Knight, Poku, Tomlinson GOALS: Swift 64’, Dele-Bashiru 67’, 89’, Thompson 74’
corner to score his seventh Championship goal of the season. With momentum now firmly on their side and the crowd brought into life, the Royals took advantage and struck a second goal quickly after. Puscas’ ball across the box found Dele-Bashiru who composed himself before he drilled a shot into the bottom corner to net his first goal in Reading colours. But the game wasn’t done as the Posh hit back with a reply in the 74th minute. The Royals conceded from yet another set-piece as Peterborough captain Nathan Thompson nodded in at the back post. Peterborough applied some pressure as they threw bodies forward, but to no avail as Reading won their second match of the season. Reading are away to Fulham on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Thursday, September 16, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
SPORT | 39
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PREVIEW
OYALS GET PAST POSH
ROYALS FACE HIGH FLYING FULHAM READING face a tough away test against promotion favourites Fulham on Saturday (3pm) at Craven Cottage.
Luke Southwood clutches the ball
Tom Dele-Bashiru celebrates with Andy Yiadom
Swift and Yiadom
Dele-Bashiru nets his first goal
Alen Halilovic attempts a pass
Thompson scores for Peterborough
The Royals are still looking for their first clean sheet of the season and have conceded the most goals of any side in England’s top four divisions this season (17). Despite their defensive woes, Veljko Paunovic’s side have had no trouble in finding the net at the right end and have scored the joint second most of any side in the Championship (13). John Swift has netted more than half of Reading’s goals this season and is currently the league’s top scorer with seven. Fulham have made a good start back to life in the Championship having been relegated from the Premier League last season. Under new manager Marco Silva, the West London side have won four of their opening six matches to put them third in the table before their Wednesday night match away at Birmingham City. Aleksandar Mitrovic has been crucial to their side and has already netted four times and registered two assists in six matches. Fabio Carvalho has also had a promising start to the season with three goals and an assist. Prior to Wednesday’s match, Fulham have scored the same amount of league goals as Reading but have conceded just four times. The Royals had a successful trip on their last visit to Craven Cottage in the 2019/20 season when they defeated Fulham on New Year’s Day thanks to goals from John Swift and Charlie Adam to confirm a 2-1 win. Reading’s growing list of injuries continued in Tuesday night's win over Peterborough as captain Liam Moore was forced off before halftime and is expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Meanwhile, new signings Scott Dann and Danny Drinkwater are expected to be in contention to make the matchday squad, while Andy Rinomhota is close to a return.
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
SWIFT TREBLE PEGGED BACK BY LAST GASP QPR LEVELLER Reading 3 QPR 3 JOHN Swift’s hat-trick wasn’t enough to give Reading victory as Stefan Johansen snatched a point for QPR with a stoppage time equaliser on Saturday.
The Royals thought they had done enough to deliver QPR their first Championship defeat of the season but had to settle for a point in an entertaining spectacle at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. QPR went ahead, but Swift netted to equalise before half-time. Swift then added two more in the second-half, before Andre Gray replied instantly to put QPR back in the contest. But with the game headed for stoppage time, Rangers found a sixth and final goal of the afternoon as
Johansen smashed a shot in on the rebound. There was a superb atmosphere in the Select Car Leasing Stadium prior to kick-off with the Rangers fans travelling in their numbers to pack out the away end. Chris Willock swung a free-kick into the back post and QPR were first to the ball to head back across the box and Dominc Ball was on hand to find the net as his shot deflected off Michael Morrison and found its way in. In the 35th minute, Reading’s main main got them on the scoresheet and back on terms as Swift bagged his fourth Championship goal of the season. Reading took the lead in the 64th minute as Swift bagged his second of the game and fifth of the season. The Royals extended their lead in the
76th minute as Swift completed his hattrick as he got on the end of a cross from Liam Moore and dispatched the ball neatly into the corner. But QPR hit back with an instant response as Andre Gray latched onto the end of a cross. The frantic action continued as Reading swung a cross into the box to find the head of Pușcaș who made contact but agonisingly headed inches wide. With the match headed into the final minutes, QPR snatched a point as Stefan Johansen fired in a shot on the rebound. Rafael made a stunning save from close range to keep out an effort but Johansen was on hand to meet the follow up and fire the ball into the net as the points were shared in a disappointing collapse for Reading.
Reading conceded late against Queens Park Rangers Picture: Steve Smyth
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 19, 2021
BEST FOR FOOTBALL
TOM’S BRACE NETS VITAL WIN
WOMEN OUTGUNNED PAGE 36
RUGBY ACTION & PICTURES
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Tom Dele-Bashiru netted twice in Reading’s win over Peterborough Picture: Steve Smyth
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
goal but Dele-Bashiru sealed the Royals win with an unstoppable drive into the top corner. A STUNNING Tom Dele-Bashiru “Tom (Dele-Bashiru) is a great DOUBLE and a spectacular free- example of someone who came kick from John Swift saw in on time in the transfer Reading beat Peterborough window and how long it takes United. to come in, play games, train, Swift opened the scoring attend meetings and get used to with a pinpoint free-kick and their surroundings,” said Dele-Bashiru quickly doubled Reading manager Veljko the lead. Paunović. The visitors replied with a “His teammates understand him now and you saw that in his performance today.” ISSN 2634-8330 37 Paunović also praised Swift after his superb run of scoring form continued. “It’s to his credit that he is capable of applying on 9 772634 833002 the pitch. Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 “Those free-kicks are Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The
pure talent. “He loves doing that. In the past, he has invested in a freekick coach and he now knows exactly what he needs to do. The boss also praised Luke Southwood who made some exceptional saves in the firsthalf in just his second league start as he came into the line-up in place of the injured Rafael Cabral. “Luke had a very good game. “Overall, the team’s performance helped him to feel safe and he provided the team security with his confidence and interventions in the first-half. “He was very calm and composed on the ball.” � Match report on page 38
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