Wokingham Today, November 18, 2021

Thursday, November 18, 2021 No. 338 90p

Residents say no to homes at Pinewood

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THOUSANDS of Crowthorne residents have launched a petition against potential development of the Pinewood site, in response to the draft local plan update.

Last Friday, Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive committee approved the launch of a consultation for the draft local plan, with residents invited to share their views until 5pm on Monday, January 17.

Since then, Crowthorne CHAOS created a petition against any development of the site, currently home to a range of clubs, community groups and businesses. It has more than 3,500 signatures.

It states: “We call upon Wokingham Borough Council ... to remove threat of housing development from this muchloved and well used site.”

The draft local plan update does not give a specific number of houses for the site, but instead proposes “selffunded regeneration”.

The plan states: “Pinewood accommodates a number of valued community facilities but the premises on site are of varied quality and they would benefit from investment.

“Proposals would be drawn up in consultation with the existing occupiers. Some of the income from any housing achieved on the site would be invested back into community facilities on site, or if appropriate, their relocation to a new home.”

This new home could be Gray’s Farm, which may be developed too.

Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement, said that the borough council is asking people for their views on the possibility of improving the facilities at the centre, conditional on funding.

He said the council is also seeking views on whether any potential development in the area should also fund any improvements at Pinewood.

“Some of the misleading statements on social media about this are potentially damaging and distressing to the thousands of people who enjoy Pinewood,” Cllr Smith added.

“We are consulting about the principle of improvements at Pinewood and would work directly with them if any proposals are taken forward.” n More Local Plan pages 6-7

EASTENDER PATRICK IN ACTING CLASS P2

DISMAY OVER PLASTIC ICE RINK P9

WON’T FORGET: Wokingham remembers again • P4-5

IT’S TIME TO SUPPORT THE GIVING TREE You can help EXCLUSIVE

children have happy Christmas

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM, Santa needs you to be his helpers once again.

The annual Giving Tree appeal is back.

It’s a simple idea that sparkles with the true meaning of the season.

Around the borough, including Tesco in Finchampstead Road,

are special Christmas trees, each adorned with gift tags.

On the tags are present requests from children who would otherwise go without this Christmas.

All you have to do is take a tag, buy the present on the tree, and return it unwrapped.

Wokingham charities will then ensure that the present reaches the child in time for them to unwrap on Christmas Day. n Full story on page 3

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

EastEnders actor visits theatre school EXCLUSIVE

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today AN EASTENDERS star treated students to a special drama class at a Reading theatre school earlier this month.

FIREWORKS: Vipula, Akshay and Rewa Kulkarni (6) at Wokingham Fireworks. Rewa led the procession and count-down for the fireworks after winning a drawing competition. Picture: Jess Warren A production error last week meant we printed the wrong name and we apologise to the Kulkarnis for this mistake.

FAMILY NOTICES WWW.ABWALKER.CO.UK

BEATTIE Phil.D.J Sadly, passed away in the Thames Hospice near Maidenhead on 31st October 2021.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Family flowers only.

Donations to Cancer Research UK and Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary may be made via www.abwalker.co.uk.

Enquiries to A. B. Walker 01344 303 707.

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

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

Rudolph Walker CBE, who has played Patrick Trueman in the TV soap for 20 years, made a special visit to senior pupils at StageAbility on Thursday, November 4.

The school, which runs drama classes in across Wokingham and Reading for children aged five to 18, focuses on buildings pupils confidence and self-esteem.

And the well-known actor offered the students his support to their latest project, BULLY, an Australian play written by Kristen Doherty.

With more than 50 characters, the play is a collection of vignettes, including short scenes, monologues and duologues revolving around the issue of bullying.

Every scene is based on real life accounts and events and the

individuals were able to write or devise their own scenes into it.

Back in the summer, the theatre school ran a week-long drama project for students aged 13 and over.

The group explored the themes of a play and rehearsed it across the week, performing it on stage.

After the show, some parents suggested that StageAbility approach secondary schools with the project.

StageAbility owner, Jackie Stuart, said: “I am excited by this prospect, as is the director, and we are very keen to pursue the idea.

“It would benefit so many parties including the school, the young audience and our performers.”

Ms Stuart said the content of the play is relevant to young people.

She said: “It’s thought-provoking and, when delivered by peers, can be an incredibly powerful tool in the fight against bullying, whatever form it may take.”

And when Rudolph heard about this he decided to offer his support, as part of his own charity, the

Thames Valley Police recognised at awards THE WINNERS of the Community Policing Awards 2021 were announced at a special ceremony yesterday.

The awards, which took place at The Great Barn, in Oxfordshire, recognise the efforts of Thames Valley Police’s neighbourhood policing teams.

This includes police community support officers, special constables and volunteers.

Running for its 20th year, members of the public, the force and partner agencies nominated team members they felt enhanced the Thames Valley Police service.

The nominations were looked at and reviewed by a judging panel chaired by temporary assistant

PERFORMERS: Rudolph Walker CBE hosted a drama class for the senior students at StageAbility Picture: StageAbility Rudolph Walker Foundation.

The organisation helps young people, in deprived areas in London, develop their confidence through drama.

Rudolph told the StageAbility pupils stories about his early life in Trinidad and the start of his acting career in the UK. Ms Stuart said it was a treat for the students to hear from someone who has made a career of acting.

“It’s good for them to know about the struggles that a career in acting can bring, but also a delight to hear of the successes,” she said.

The actor, who also appeared in the 1970s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour, watched the class work through scenes from BULLY.

And he gave some words of wisdom to the pupils on delivering their performances.

“Rudolph’s advice and feedback was fabulous to witness and I have no doubt that the students have gained so much from this visit,” Ms Stuart added.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to Rudolph for taking time out to lend his support and I hope we can work with The Rudolph Walker Foundation in the future.”

StageAbility is now preparing for its upcoming pantomime, Robin Hood, which will be performed at The Whitty Theatre, Wokingham, on Saturday, December 4. n For more details, log on to: berkshire.stageability.co.uk

Sheeplands launches consultation on £5m plan

chief constable Christian Bunt.

T/ACC Bunt said: “The Community Policing Awards give residents, community organisations, businesses and colleagues the opportunity to recognise members of our force who they think have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference to local people and communities.

“The response we received for 2021 was excellent and it was inspiring to see the difference the winners and other nominees are making to the everyday lives of residents in the Thames Valley.”

There were 11 winners including PC Colin Boyes and PCSO Will Jones from Berkshire.

A PLANT nursery is opening its doors this weekend for residents to view new renovation plans.

Hare Hatch Sheeplands is running a public consultation on its £5 million refurbishment plan from tomorrow until Sunday.

The three-day event will showcase plans for the site, and the owners’ aspirations for the future.

The exhibition will be held in the cafe, with questionnaires for visitors to complete. And the team will be on hand to discuss the proposals.

A spokesperson for Hare Hatch Sheeplands said: “we are planning some exciting improvements to our much-loved local farm shop, garden shop and cafe.

VISIT: Andy Dicks and Rob Scott are inviting residents to view their plans “We would like to invite our customers and the local community to let us know what they think about these proposals.” n The proposals and questionnaire are also available at: www. harehatchsheeplands.co.uk

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Wokingham, it’s time to give to The Giving Tree EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM is being urged to get behind a campaign that will bring smiles to children on Christmas Day.

The annual Giving Tree appeal is back, and once again is asking for your help.

For more than 20 years, the generous people of Wokingham and the surrounding area have dug deep to make sure less fortunate youngsters stay on Santa’s list, and we’re hoping that you will once again come up trumps.

The idea is simple, but it sparkles with the true spirit of the season.

Simply visit one of The Giving Trees across the borough, choose a tag, buy the gift voucher of toy requested on it, and return it, unwrapped, to the tree.

The children nominated for the tags are all connected with a number of local charities, including Barnardo’s, Sebastian’s Action Trust, Berkshire Women’s Aid, and Berkshire Young Carers.

The charities and their volunteers will organise the wrapping and delivering of the gifts, and each will be delivered in time for December 25.

All go to children whose stockings might otherwise have been empty on Christmas morning.

The appeal is organised by Gill Mckernan, who works for Barnardo’s High Close School in Wokingham.

Last Friday, The Giving Tree appeal was launched at the Tesco Wokingham superstore on Finchampstead Road.

Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Keith Baker, deputy mayor Cllr Abdul Loyes, and Wokingham town mayor Cllr Tony Lack joined Mrs Mckernan, Tesco manager Lukasz Zawada, and its community champion, Louise Jedras.

Mr Zawada said: “We’re honoured to host The Giving Tree again this year. It’s a symbol of Wokingham’s endless generosity and thoughtfulness at a time of year when no child should

GIVING TIME: Wokingham’s borough and town mayors at the launch of the 2021 Giving Tree appeal Picture: Phil Creighton go without.

“The Giving Tree will guarantee many children’s happiness this Christmas.”

And Mrs Jedras was also delighted to be involved with The Giving Tree.

“There won’t be a single child who’s asked for a gift through The Giving Tree who doesn’t receive a special gift this Christmas, and that’s down to the kindheartedness of those who support this wonderful cause each year.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who buys a gift card for the children of Wokingham, and I know that this year’s Giving Tree will be as successful as it has been in previous years.

“People don’t need to spend a lot for a gift card. Any amount spent will help to make a child’s Christmas.”

The Giving Tree appeal is firmly backed by the mayors.

Cllr Baker explained: “It’s wonderful to be here again for the launch of The Giving Tree.

“The charity we have chosen is Sebastian’s Action Trust, based in Crowthorne. It is dedicated to helping seriously ill children by providing holidays and respite for them.

“It’s essential that our residents do come and contribute. It’s not money – take a card, order a gift for

Charities supported

by The Giving Tree n Barnardo’s n Sebastian’s Action Trust n Look Ahead Care n Berkshire Women’s Aid n Kaleidoscopic UK n Transform Housing n Home Start n Berkshire Young Carers n Dingley’s Promise n The Cow Shed n Building For The Future n First Days n Berkshire Vision

APPEAL: Gillian Mckernan organises the appeal

these children, because for many of them, a gift like that is far, far more important that just money.”

And Cllr Loyes wants to see every tag taken from the trees and returned with the appropriate present.

“I’m so delighted to be part of this very noble cause. I hope residents will come and support it,” he said.

Cllr Lack said that The Giving Tree was a wonderful organisation that had given so much to so many children over the years, and he was proud to be able to back this year’s appeal.

“It’s lovely to see that all the children get help.

Please, when you come into Tesco or the other Giving Tree sites, please give generously. The little bit that you contribute will help so much for so many. Thank you.”

This year, The Giving Tree is back to normal after covid forced last year’s appeal to be limited to gift vouchers. However, they still ensured no child missed out.

Mrs Mckernan said: “Last year was fantastic, even though we were in the middle of the covid pandemic.

Hundreds of tags were taken from the trees.

“My hope is that Wokingham folk will be just as generous this time around, making the appeal even more successful this year despite the continuing challenging times.”

Giving Tree locations n Tesco Wokingham (tags for gift vouchers only) n Tesco Warfield n Tesco Martin Heron n Newbury Building Society n Nirvana Spa

She added: “Many more families will be struggling this year with the increase in the cost of living, and the hardships that covid has brought. It is my hope that no child who has asked for a gift through the Giving Tree will go without this Christmas.”

Supporting the Giving Tree does not mean spending a fortune.

Any gift will put a smile on the face of a child at Christmas.

All shoppers need to do is choose a tag, buy the gift voucher or toy and return it to the place from where they collected the tag.

Mrs Mckernan added: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Pricewaterhouse Coopers, which printed the tags and posters again this year. They are one of the generous businesses supporting The Giving Tree this year.

“These include Dell UK Bracknell, Lumen Basingstoke, PEAC Bracknell, Wokingham Borough Council, and Simply Commerce Wokingham.”

NEWS | 3

Founding head of The Emmbrook School dies THE FOUNDING headmaster of The Emmbrook School has died.

Richard Carter joined the school prior to it opening in May 1965, and remained head until 1983. He is the longest-serving head teacher at the secondary school to date.

Current head, Nick McSweeney, paid tribute to Mr Carter, who lived into his 90s and died peacefully.

Mr McSweeny said his thoughts are with Mr Carter’s wife Sheila and his family.

“I was lucky to have had the opportunity to talk with Mr Carter on a couple of occasions and I was struck by his deep and genuine interest in, and fondness for, The Emmbrook,” Mr McSweeney said.

“Nearly 40 years on from his retirement he remained engaged with former colleagues and students and continued to read our newspaper, The Emmbrook Wave.

“We also exchanged letters and in those he expressed real pride in this community.”

Mr McSweeney said Mr Carter was particularly proud of Tirabad, the outdoor education centre in Wales that he helped found with the headmasters of Maiden Erlegh School and Charters School.

Since leaving the school, many Emmbrook alumni remained in contact with Mr Carter.

This has included numerous reunions, the last of which was in 2019.

Mr McSweeney said: “Gary Wells was one of the original 65 students who started on May 5, 1965. He remembers Mr Carter as a thoroughly nice guy who was hugely respected.

“Prior to teaching, Mr Carter had served in the armed forces, and Mr Wells said that he had the bearing of a military man.”

Mr McSweeney said that Mr Carter remained in contact with each of his successors over the years. Nigel Matthias, head from 2006 to 2016, shared fond memories of Mr Carter, and said he saw it as a community rather than simply a school.

“We both agreed that Mr Carter’s principles shaped our own leadership,” Mr McSweeney added. “He held a holistic view of the purpose of education; to develop well-rounded individuals who make a positive contribution to society.

“I believe this remains at the core of our ethos more than 50 years later.”

“We will find a suitable way to honour his memory,” he added.

4 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

REMEMBRANCE 2021

I

What happens in Vagus…

N a past life as a younger and significantly more irresponsible man I worked in a ski resort in Canada with some friends for a season. Now

Yes, we will remember them

the upsides of being in a spectacular mountain resort with cheap all access lift pass and weeks to ride to your heart's content is balanced

by earning a rather meek wage from which to live on/buy jugs of beer with.

The decision to pick a healthy supportive diet to help with all the activity you do on the slopes is less appealing to 20 somethings than eating the cheapest thing that will fill a hunger shaped hole in your appetite. Enter KRAFT Mac and Cheese: Microwavable, with the consistency of child snot and wallpaper paste, enough flavour enhancers to not notice and an orange colour that would make President Trump uneasy. One set of workers decided to make this their exclusive food of choice, so much so that they were eventually taken ill with…..wait for it….Scurvy.

Yes the disease that pirates and sailors would get due to a lack of vitamin C. Definite candidates for the Darwin awards that year.

Wokingham’s Remembrance Sunday ceremony and parade

Now one thing you must know is that you are what you eat, meaning that what we consume and put into our bodies helps to shape the state of our health. In short food is fuel. If you put the wrong fuel into your car it malfunctions, or the wrong batteries into an appliance it will not work. It is safe to say that the average diet in the uk leaves a lot to be desired in terms of the required nutrients, vitamins and minerals that our body needs to survive let alone thrive. It is estimated that under 10% of people in the uk eat the recommended amount of fruit and veg needed each day. However I am not writing this to go through what the best diet is, or how to cook the latest superfood. You will probably agree if you have read further into nutrition at all you will know it is a veritable minefield of ideas, information and recommendations. Certainly a lack of information is not the problem.

Maybe we are asking the wrong question? Why do some people have certain bowel and digestive problems that go away when they change their diets when others do not? If you or anyone you know has suffered with ‘plumbing issues’ it can be life debilitating to say the least.

The way our digestive system works is pretty amazing. It is known as the 2nd brain due to the amount of nerves linked to the gut. Conditions ranging from Migraines, Depression and even Multiple Sclerosis have been seen to have links to dysfunctional plumbing. C section babies have demonstrated poor digestive function.

The gut, like all organs in the body is instructed on how to work by the nervous system and one key area is a very important nerve called the Vagus nerve. This powerhouse nerve connects your brain to your lungs, heart, spleen and digestive system and is the ‘dampener switch’ for these organs helping you rest and digest.

It is recognised that having low Vagus nerve function has dire consequences for the body. So the question is not just ‘how can we get it working again?’ but ‘what is causing it to not work well in the first place?’.

The answer lies in its location, it exits through the base of the skull as it travels down the body, and an area where as a Chiropractor I see the biggest amount of joint restriction and subsequent nerve interference is in this area where the skull and the spine meet.

Come and see how we can help you, there is another way to better health, your body has an ability to heal greater than you realise.

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM honoured the fallen once again.

After a break due to covid, the annual civic parade for Remembrance Sunday returned to Market Place.

It was one of a number of events taking place across the borough on Armistice Day and on Remembrance Sunday to allow residents to pay their respects.

The parade, comprising mayors, councillors, armed personnel, Scouts, Guides and Brownies, formed up by the town hall before heading along Rose Street to All Saints Church.

The service, marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion, saw Sir John Redwood MP read John 15:9-17, before an address by the Revd Nick Hudson, chair of Churches Together in Wokingham and minister of Wokingham Baptist Church.

Prayers were led by Jeremy Best from Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

The act of remembrance was introduced by army cadet Lance Corporal Penney, while a candle was lit and the Kohima Epitaph was read by members of the Wokingham Air Cadets.

The service concluded with a prayer for the work of the Royal British Legion and the singing of the national anthem.

Afterwards, the parade returned to the Town Hall, where wreaths of remembrance were added to the war memorial.

On Armistice Day, Wokingham’s honorary bugler, Damon Eamnes, played the Last Post and Reveille at a short act of remembrance led by Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Tony Lack.

At Woodley’s war memorial, hundreds of residents gathered to pay their respects.

Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Tony Lack with his wife Clare and Wokingham Borough deputy mayor Cllr Abdul Loyes lay wreaths of remembrance Pictures: Steve Smyth Trevor Knights, president of the Winnersh & District Royal British Legion read the Exhortation to the Fallen prior to the Last Post and two minutes silence, followed by the Kohima Epitaph after the Reveille.

Wokingham Borough Council Mayor and Woodley Town Council Leader Cllr Keith Baker was the first to lay a wreath at the War Memorial in Woodford Park, followed by Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Janet Sartorel.

Reading East MP Matt Rodda also laid a wreath, followed by Trevor Knights and Rosemary Edington from the Women’s Section of the Winnersh & District Royal British Legion.

Following the wreath laying, Cllr Sartorel addressed the crowd with pride and emotion at representing the residents of Woodley.

“As we stand here in peace and safety, I would like to thank you for joining Woodley Town Council and the Winnersh

and District Royal British Legion to pay our respects and remember all of those who have fallen; all of the wounded; and all who have served in conflicts and wars,” she said.

And in Swallowfield, more than 100 people gathered by the war memorial which was clothed in poppies created by the parish.

The act of remembrance was led by church warden and former Abbey School head teacher, Barbara Stanley.

The service, filmed by ITV Meridian News, saw more than100 people take part, including members of Swallowfield Parish Council, the 1st Swallowfield Scouts and the children and staff of Swallowfield Pre-School.

George Winter, a 95-year-old veteran, read the names of those that feature on the memorial in the village, while proceedings were accompanied by bugler George Huxford and words from Jeremy Baylis.

Thursday, November 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 5

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REMEMBRANCE 2021

St Teresa’s pupils take part in act of Remembrance returned after a break due to the covid pandemic Pictures: Steve Smyth

ON Thursday, November 11, pupils and staff at St Teresa’s School in Wokingham came together to reflect on 100 years of Remembrance.

Canon Simon and Father Anthony from Corpus Christi Church joined the school for a reflective service lead by Mrs Boucher in the school Hall.

Joseph represented the Mayor of Wokingham in his capacity as Mini-Mayor, and the head boy/girl team took an active part in the school’s service by carrying the

Union Flag and School banner.

After the service and two minute silence, the school processed in silence from the back gate, down Sturges Road, Murdoch Road and along Easthampstead Road back to the school where each class laid a wreath at the base of the Sacred Heart statue.

A spokesperson for St Teresa’s said: “We were very proud of the understanding and reverence the children showed throughout our service”.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

LOCAL PLAN UPDATE

Development: Where could the new homes be built in the borough?

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE BOROUGH council is consulting on its draft local plan update that sets out sites across Wokingham borough suitable for development.

The aim is to manage development across the borough to 2038 and meet the housebuilding targets created by the government.

This would require 768 new homes be created each year, and 3,840 homes during the five-year plan.

The Revised Growth Strategy is an update to the draft local plan that was published in 2020.

It no longer includes a garden village in Grazeley.

Instead, a similar garden village plan has been proposed for Hall Farm, which is south of the M4, between Shinfield, Arborfield and Sindlesham.

Two other large sites are being considered on land north of Wokingham, between the M4 and A329(M), and on land to the east of Twyford in Ruscombe Parish.

Residents can have their say on these proposals, with consultation running until 5pm on Monday, January 17.

4,5000 homes at Hall Farm In the draft local plan update, the borough council said land at Hall Farm is considered “the most deliverable and sustainable strategic option”.

The council hopes to build 4,500 homes on the site, with 2,200 homes built by 2038.

The council said: “It offers the opportunity to provide homes alongside jobs within the area proximate to the Thames Valley Science and Innovation Park, Shinfield, being proposed for a potential mixture of science and technology, film studios, educational and health uses.

“This potentially includes the full or partial relocation of the Royal Berkshire Hospital.”

The council hopes this development will include a “comprehensive package of infrastructure to incentivise sustainable behaviours and travel choices” including walking and cycling routes.

This plan could also include a bridge over the M4 to Earley.

The borough council hopes this site would open public access to green space along the River Loddon valley, with projects to restore habitats and improve biodiversity in the area.

283 homes planned on land north of Wokingham Plans to build more homes in the North Wokingham strategic development location are included in the draft local plan update.

This includes 153 homes on Ashridge Farm, and 130 homes and a care home on land east of Toutley Depot.

Also planned are improvements to walking and cycling routes, and open spaces.

371 homes on land south of M4 New sites in Shinfield are being considered in the draft local plan update. These include 175 homes on land to the east and west of Hyde End Road. Land north of Arborfield Road is being considered for 191 homes, and five homes may be built at Lane End House.

Infrastructure improvements, such as parking, may also be considered for the shops on Basingstoke Road and Beech Hill Road.

Also planned is a second primary school, improvements to walking and cycling routes, and open spaces.

The boundary of the development area could be amended to follow the Eastern Relief Road in order to avoid overlap with the newly proposed Hall Farm site.

150 homes for Arborfield The Draft Local Plan in February 2020 proposed 140 homes adjacent to the former Reading FC Training Ground at Hogwood Park.

In April this year, outline permission for this project was approved, and will now be included in the Arborfield Garrison strategic development location.

In the update, an additional 10 homes at Westward Cottage on Sheerlands Road are being proposed.

906 homes in the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location In the draft local plan update, the borough council is proposing more than 900 homes to be included in the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location. This would be made up of 835 homes on land south of Waterloo Road, and 54 homes on land to the west of St Anne’s Drive.

Plans for 17 homes on land south of Gipsy Lane are also suggested.

The council is proposing to develop Gray’s Farm into a sports hub for both outdoor and indoor sports and community use.

Plans already approved for the area include a second primary school, a major new road, a neighbourhood centre, and parks and open spaces.

This plan includes six different sites.

Winnersh farm could see 287 homes, an increase from 250, as previously proposed in the 2020 draft local plan update.

And 85 homes are planned for Winnersh Plant Hire, on Reading Road, an increase from 20.

New sites suggested include 25 homes for King Street Lane, and 15 homes for land to the rear of Toutley Hall, north west of Old Forest Road.

As in previous proposals, 36 homes are suggested for land on north west side of Old Forest Road, Winnersh, and 24 homes are being considered for land off Wheatsheaf Close, Sindlesham.

460 homes for Finchampstead This plan includes six sites. There are 15 homes proposed for Jovike, on Lower Wokingham Road. Five homes are suggested for Tintagel Farm, on Sandhurst Road, with four more on land to the rear of 166 Nine Mile Ride.

New sites up for consideration are Rooks Nest Farm and 24 Barkham Ride, where 270 homes are proposed. Also being suggested are 100 homes for Greenacres Farm on Nine Mile Ride, and 66 homes on 31 to 33 Barkham Ride.

Pinewood could be considered for “self-funded regeneration”.

The draft local plan update does not give a specific number of houses for the site.

316 homes for Wokingham This breaks down into nine different sites.

One suggestion is for 40 homes for Station Industrial Estate, Wokingham. This has been decreased from 92. And 31 homes may be built on 54 to 58 Reading Road, an increase from the previously proposed nine.

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A new site on land to the rear of Bulldog Garage, Reading Road, is being considered for 25 homes.

The former M&S on Peach Street could be developed into 15 homes. And plans are also suggested for 15 homes at Wokingham Library, being relocated as part of the Carnival Hub development.

Further suggested sites in the town include 20 homes at Suffolk Lodge, on Rectory Road, and 21 homes on land at the corner of

Don’t sell the library WOKINGHAM Library’s current site could be developed into homes under the draft local plan update.

But the town council leader said she would like to see it kept as a community resource.

The site on Denmark Street could be used to build 15 homes, after the library re-locates to the Carnival Hub development.

“I would like to see

the library kept as a community space,” said Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey. “An arts centre would be nice, I’m sure residents would have lots of ideas for it.

“We could use it for youth services — there’s lots of community reasons why we would like it kept as an accessible and public building.”

Cllr ShepherdDuBey said she would “resent” seeing a public asset being sold

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139 homes for Charvil This breaks down into two different sites.

There are 78 homes suggested for land east of Park View Drive North, Charvil, a decrease from 85. Additionally, 61 homes are suggested for land west of Park lane, Charvil. This is a decrease from 75.

70 homes for Swallowfield This is a new suggested development site, that would build 70 homes on land west of Trowes Lane.

49 homes in Sonning Land at Sonning Farm is being considered for 25 homes, as previously proposed in the 2020 draft local plan update. Sonning Golf Club is being considered for 24 homes.

45 homes for land north of London Road This site is a new addition to the draft local plan update and would be on land east of the A329(M) and north of London Road.

32 homes for Ruscombe Two sites are being considered, including 20 homes on land between 39 and 53 New Road, an increase from 13 in the 2020 draft local plan update. To the rear of 9 to 17 Northbury Lane, 12 homes are being considered.

LOCAL PLAN UPDATE Hall Farm will be ‘outside floodplain’ ONE of the biggest sites for development is at Hall Farm.

It is on land to the south of the M4 between Shinfield, Arborfield and Sindlesham.

The garden village proposal includes 4,500 homes, with 2,200 homes built by 2038.

Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement at the borough council said while the River Loddon runs through the centre of the proposed new garden village at Hall Farm, all development will be outside the floodplain.

He said: “The proposal includes the creation of large areas of parkland along the river valley, which would provide public access for the first time.

“There is flood plain on both sides of the Loddon, with more on the west than the east because of the topography of the area.

“No housing or commercial buildings would occur within

FLOODING: A river runs through the site’s centre Picture: Phil Creighton the flood plain, allowing for this area to continue to respond to changes in the river.”

Cllr Smith said parkland would also include wetland creation, a greenway route, and other ecology and biodiversity projects.

19 homes for Barkham This breaks down into two different sites.

Four homes on land north of The Shires, a decrease of one. And 15 homes on Woodlands Farm, which remains the same as the 2020 draft local plan update.

15 homes for Hurst This is spread across two sites. Proposals are for 12 homes on land north-west of Hogmoor Lane, and there is a suggestion for three homes on land adjacent to Whistley Green Cottage on Whistley Green.

Wellington Road and Station Road.

Additional suggested sites include Millars Business Park, on Molly Millars Lane, which could see 90 homes built. And Bridge Retail Park on Finchampstead Road, which could house 59 homes.

180 homes on Bridge Farm, Twyford This has been increased from 150 homes previously proposed in the 2020 draft local plan.

15 homes for Woodley This is a new site up for consideration on Mohawk Way. There are 15 homes being suggested for land at the rear of Sandford Pumping Station.

10 homes for Shinfield This proposes 10 homes for Rustlings, The Spring, and land to the rear of Cushendall on Shinfield Road.

site for flats, says town council leader

for flats.

“Once its gone, its gone,” she added.

“We need community space in the centre

of the town. A community asset is what it should stay as.”

Cllr Wayne Smith,

executive member for planning and enforcement said no loss of library facility is proposed, as it will

be relocated.

He added: “We are proposing to repurpose the site ... to accommodate a small number of new homes.

“No decision has been made but there is merit in the idea of housing there because it is a brownfield site in the town centre, where people will be able to easily access shops, trains and buses.”

The proposal is one of many new sites up for consideration.

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To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today MONEY: GPs can access additional funding for the Berkshire West region Picture: Darko Stojanovic from Pixabay

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

‘More can be done to help adults with learning disabilities’ EXCLUSIVE

GPs can share £74m Winter Access fund

By Niki Hinman Local democracy reporter

GPS in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire have been told they can get a share of £74m funding share of £250m of government cash to improve access to doctors over the winter.

Katie Summers, operational director of the Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, told West Berkshire Council’s health scrutiny committee that GPs in the area are “all on their knees”.

“It is great to increase the funding,” she added, “but where are we going to get the workforce?”

Across Berkshire West there has been a 76% increase in consultations, but GPs are under fire for reducing face-toface appointments.

“The changes from covid have meant that most general

practices have moved to a hybrid model using a telephone or video consultation as a way of triage to determine who are in greatest need of the face-toface appointments,” said Ms Summers.

There are currently 55 GP vacancies in the region, with some primary care networks reporting zero take up on job ads.

GP practices will have to submit ‘evidence-based’ claims to access funding, such as payslips demonstrating staff have worked more than usual, NHS England has said.

Practices must submit claims ‘promptly’ and ‘no later than two weeks after the end of the month when the costs were incurred’, with claims to be approved ‘within one month’, according to the supplementary guidance.

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE BOROUGH council has praised the number of borough adults with learning disabilities with paid jobs.

But Nic Lander, founder of the Kimel Foundation, said more can be done by working together.

His charity supports young people with autism through education and employment, with an aim to help more neurodivergent people stay in paid work.

Last week, Wokingham Borough Council and Optalis announced that Wokingham had ranked number one in the southeast and number two in the country for the proportion of adults with learning disability in paid employment, according to the Adult Social Cares Outcomes Framework.

It has risen from third in the country last year, and there are ambitions to reach top place next year.

David Birch, chief executive of Optalis said he is delighted that 19.3% of adults with

DATA: Under 20% of adults with learning disabilites in Wokingham are in paid employment Picture: Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash learning disabilities have a job.

He said: “Despite all of the obstacles that covid has placed in our way over the last year, the team has worked incredibly hard to keep the service safe for our residents to use. Families have needed some reassurance, but we have successfully kept every customer safe throughout the pandemic.”

Donna Morgans, head of supported employment services said that they work with more than 90 employers in the area.

“Everyone can achieve their career aspirations if they are

provided with the right support and are matched to the right job,” she said.

Nationally, the number of people with learning disabilities in paid employment has dropped from 5.9% to 5.1%.

Mr Lander said that 50% of autistic people do not have a learning disability and are not included in the statistics.

But they may need support.

“The ONS claims that only 22% of autistics are in any kind of employment,” he said. “In an article published in June for Austin Spectrum news, it is claimed that the reason for the

Spate of keyless car thefts across Wokingham area

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low employment rate is largely due to employer ignorance and lack of proper support.

“None of those having their employment terminated was due to incompetence, stealing, negligence or absenteeism, the common causes of termination.

The most common reason was ‘it just wasn’t working out’.”

Mr Lander said that more needs to be done.

“It is not enough to support someone into employment,” he said. “These people need support and validation. That is what will produce long term positive results.

“We are hearing of increasing numbers of tribunal cases being brought against employers for failing to support individuals as required under the 2010 Equality Act, and Kimel seeks to help employers avoid a costly day in court.”

He said that his charity welcomes working with all potential partners to achieve these aims.

“As a father of three neurodivergent daughters, I know only too well the challenges faced,” he added.

The Kimel Foundation runs a 12-week programme that focuses on personal development, with six weeks of job coaching.

It works in collaboration with the employer to find jobs that are right for everyone.

The company has also developed an app that keeps communication flowing between employer, the young person, and the foundation.

Crowthorne school unveils new library

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A CROWTHORNE school has launched its newly refurbished library.

Oaklands Infant School, on Butler Road, treated its Year 1 pupils to an exciting reading space full of books and colourful paintings.

Drawings of characters from children’s books are displayed around the room, along with a range of stories for students to

enjoy reading.

Headteacher Hannah O’Neill said: “We are delighted to present our newly refurbished library, featuring some fantastic artwork of some of the children’s favourites characters from the library books.

“It was kindly created by some of our talented parents, and it’s something to be enjoyed for many years to come.”

THAMES VALLEY POLICE are warning there has been an increase in the number of keyless vehicle thefts.

Often, they follow a burglary.

To help try and prevent residents becoming victims of such a burglary, the force is encouraging a number of crime prevention tactics.

They include keeping an electronic car key in a security pouch or metal box to prevent it from being scanned by thieves wanting to open a car to steal.

Other measures include fitting a steering wheel lock, and checking that a vehicle has locked before walking away, in case jamming equipment is being used.

Police advice looking around to see if anyone is loitering – they say if a thief has been spotted, they are likely to move on.

And police also want people to be good neighbours, and look out for others if they are away.

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101, or report online at www. thamesvalley.police.uk call 101 or, in an emergency, dial 999.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.

Thursday, November 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 9

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Ice, ice, maybe?

Cantley rink has been ‘mis-sold’

Town by-election held next week

A BY-ELECTION is being held next week to fill a vacant Wokingham town council seat.

On Thursday, November 25, residents in Wescott East will be able to vote for their new councillor.

There are three candidates standing from the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour parties.

These are Jane Louise Ainslie for the Liberal Democrats, Ellie Crabb for Labour, and Mike Townend for the Conservatives.

Voting opens from 7am at St Crispin’s Sports Centre, and closes at 10pm.

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today RESIDENTS celebrating the festive season have been frustrated by “false advertising” from the borough council, and improvements are promised.

On Friday, November 12, the Cantley Park ice rink opened for the first time.

But skaters were left disappointed after discovering the ice was not as promised.

Instead, the rink has been constructed out of plastic tiles that connect together.

It means attendees are not allowed to bring their own skates, instead being asked to use boots with a plastic blade, so to not damage the surface.

Since opening, residents have taken out their frustration on social media, with some calling on the borough council for a refund.

Some said the rink was too slippery to use safely, with others leaving minutes after arriving.

Wokingham Borough Council has sought to placate aggrieved families, offering a free swiming or soft play session to those who have bought ice rink tickets, but have decided not to go.

Its executive member for

Covid rates are ‘coming down’

RINK: The surface is made from plastic Picture: Kelli McClintock on Unsplash

envrionment and leisure, Cllr Parry Batth, said: “I would like to apologise for any confusion with regards to the synthetic ice skating rink at Cantley Park.

“We have stated in the press release that the rink was synthetic, however, this should have been made clearer, and we will make sure it is in future.”

He added: “We are working with our partner, Chippa Events, to improve the skating surface experience for all visitors.”

A 45-minute session on the rink costs £12 for adults, £7.50 for children 4+ and £30 for a family of four.

WINNERS: Nessie Hearn (7), Coco Mead (8), and Jocelyn So (6) with their winning entries

Young artists win festive competition THREE ARTISTIC youngsters have been awarded for their festive spirit.

Woodley’s annual Christmas Poster Competition has drawn to a close, with winning designs coming from Coco Mead, Nessie Hearn and Jocelyn So. Woodley town centre manager, Brian Fennelly said:

“Once again we had loads of lovely posters submitted for our annual Woodley Christmas Poster competition.

It was very difficult to choose three winners.

“In the end we decided that Coco, Nessie and Jocelyn’s bright and colourful entries best illustrated the Carol Concert and Christmas Fayre

events in Woodley this year.”

Mr Fennelly said all three winners were presented with a framed print of their poster together with a gift card.

“They will also all be guests of honour at our Christmas Illuminations and Carol Concert where they will pull the lever to turn on this year’s Christmas Lights,” he added.

COVID rates are “coming nicely down” according to the leader of Wokingham Borough Council.

Cllr John Halsall added that while the number of people who were contracting covid had seen a decline in recent weeks, this was partly attributable to the recent halfterm holiday.

As a result, he said: “One shouldn’t be anything but cautious about covid.

“We have done a good job in vaccinating younger people, but we still have to have that caution.

“If you haven’t had your covid vaccination yet, get one.”

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Wokingham boxing gym opens soon

Teenager detained after lorry jump

By DANIEL JAE WEBB

A LORRY was stripped by Wiltshire police officers at a truck stop last week.

The search came after Thames Valley Police were called to reports of a person jumping out the back of a lorry on the M4, approximately 60 miles away.

Officers in the Reading and Wokingham areas responded to calls at Winnersh to hunt down the suspected illegal immigrant, on Thursday, November 11.

They located and detained a 17-year-old boy nearby.

Due to his age, he has since been handed over to social services.

The lorry thought to be involved in the incident on Thursday, November 11, was later stopped by officers in Wiltshire.

The yellow Mercedes cab, seen pulling a large trailer full of goods, was pictured surrounded by Roads Policing Unit vehicles at Chippenham Pit Stop, in Draycot Cerne, just off junction 17 of the M4.

A witness described police as ‘stripping’ the lorry as they hunted for further suspects and ensured the cargo on board was legitimate.

Thames Valley Police told Wiltshire Today that the incident will be “dealt with by immigration” moving forward.

Apply for school APPLICATIONS for children starting school, or moving to junior school, in Wokingham borough opened a the weekend.

Children born between September 1, 2017, and August 31, 2018, will be eligible for a school place in reception from September 2022.

Children currently in year two at one of the borough’s infant schools are eligible for a transfer to junior school.

Cllr Graham Howe, executive member for children’s services urged residents to look at the school admissions hub.

“Find out about the different options available,” he said.

The application deadline is Saturday January 15, 2022.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

OPEN SOON: Cllr Keith Baker and Cllr Parry Batth toured the hub earlier this

FINAL preparations are underway at a new boxing gym in Wokingham.

BXGFit will open this winter in Peach Place, providing a space for combat sports and fitness sessions.

It is hoped the gym will generate income for the borough council through memberships, personal training packages, pay-as-you-go classes, facility hire and merchandise sales.

It includes a training ring, storage rig with three fitness stations, a functional cube rig with attachments for four to six fitness stations and punchbags, including aquabags, heavy bags and uppercut bags.

Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Keith Baker and Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, toured the hub earlier this month.

Cllr Batth said the centre will support the community and complement an active lifestyle.

“As we prepare for the launch, we are running a series of free taster sessions and tours where residents can explore the gym, see and try out the equipment, ask questions and sign up to an early-bird discount on membership and classes,” he said.

This can be done via the BXGFit app.

Half-hour tours are available on Mondays or Wednesdays until November 24.

The council hopes BXGFit will bring social and health benefits by promoting positive physical and mental health for all ages.

It will be available to hire in off-peak hours, opening its doors to boxing clubs for hire, selfdefence partners, and young people.

Financial hardship survey panned EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today OPPOSITION councillors have criticised the approach to understanding poverty in the borough.

Wokingham Borough Council is asking for residents to complete a survey to help shape a new strategy.

It covers key topics, including family and home life, employment and income, and access to support.

Cllr John Halsall, leader of the council, said that there has been an increase in people facing employment and financial insecurity due to the pandemic.

He said: “Our borough has consistently been one of the least deprived unitary authority areas in England, ranking least deprived in 2019 Indices of Multiple Deprivation, but we want to help people on low income.”

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, Liberal Democrat councillor and lead for supporting residents on low incomes, said that she is concerned it places too much focus on employment.

“An increasing number of people in Wokingham borough are struggling to provide the basics for themselves and their families,” she said. “The fact

that we are a wealthy area makes it even harder for those who are living on lower or even average incomes, as the very high cost of living can make it difficult for people to make ends meet.”

She said the recent £20 cut in Universal Credit uplift will stretch many budgets to breaking point.

Cllr Bishop-Firth said that she would like to see more questions in the survey about housing costs.

“One major issue in Wokingham is the fact that many working people have to pay very high rents for a small place to live, and this leaves too many struggling to pay their other living costs,” she said.

“We would have preferred that this survey had taken the opportunity to understand more about these pressures.”

She added: “It also doesn’t ask about a number of other, very important issues that can leave residents struggling financially — such as late payment of benefits.”

Her other concerns include the affordability of school uniforms, and access to a dignified funeral through borough council support.

Cllr Halsall said that some opposition councillors had a chance to shape the survey.

“We are really on the first rungs of our anti-poverty strategy,” he said.

“While the opposition may not think this is sufficiently ambitious, they are party to the strategy and play a leading role in determining it.

“In a sense, they are criticising themselves.

“If they think the emphasis is wrong, they have every ability to influence the emphasis.”

Cllr Halsall added that the borough council has been working closely with residents, partners in the voluntary sector, and council colleagues to understand more about financial hardship in the borough.

“This isn’t about quick fixes,” he said. “It’s about long-term changes that will make a real difference to our residents.

“The strategy is focused on anti-poverty, and there are clearly drivers to this: food, housing, heating, and energy are the main drivers. We’re trying to tackle all of them, but we’re not trying to do the same job as the government.”

Cllr Rachel Burgess, leader of Wokingham Labour said that it is vital that the voluntary sector is fully consulted and involved with the strategy.

“We must draw on their knowledge and experience for this strategy to have meaningful impact,” she said. “But the council cannot waive its own responsibilities

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Cllr Burgess questioned whether the Conservative party can be “trusted” to tackle poverty.

“Who would trust a party that has overseen more than 11 years of austerity policies, a party who recognised during the pandemic that Universal Credit is not enough to live on, but then cruelly withdrew the £20 per week Universal Credit uplift and left claimants £1,000 per year worse off.

“While top Conservatives are enjoying their luxury holidays and gold wallpaper, hundreds of families in my ward are now £1,000 per year worse off and turning to their local foodbank as they can’t afford to feed their children.”

Cllr Burgess said that rising energy prices, £20 cut in Universal Credit uplift, and a rise in National Insurance are a “triple whammy” for residents.

“Families are struggling with the cost of living.

“The Conservatives have no coherent plan to help people facing these challenges, and that means that however impactful a local strategy is, my residents will continue to struggle.”

There will be a further consultation on the draft strategy early next year. n To take part, visit: engage. wokingham.gov.uk or call 0118 974 6000.

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and simply pass them to the voluntary sector. The council needs to ensure that it is delivering on its own schemes to alleviate poverty.”

Cllr Burgess said that there has been a significant decrease in the number of residents helped through the Local Welfare Provision Scheme. “[It] exists to provide immediate financial support to households facing an emergency situation,” she said. “However the number of people helped by this scheme has fallen by 76% since 2016-17, with just 21 people helped in 2020-21.

“In 2019-20 just £3,000 was spent providing support through this scheme at a time when foodbank usage was trebling.”

She added: “The Conservatives are happy to support giving out blankets to people in Wokingham borough who need them because they are cold, but remain entirely silent on the cut in Universal Credit and the massive impact this is already having on our residents.

“Instead of focusing on providing the right support to residents, they tell residents who need a blanket that turning their heating down will save the planet.

“An insult to anyone who is struggling to heat their home — my residents deserve proper support, not to be patronised.”

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Family thanks The Cowshed for help after they became homeless

THANK YOU: Priya Perera said that The Cowshed provided clothes and baby items for her newborn daughter Picture: Aditya Romansa on Unsplash

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A FAMILY that became homeless have thanked staff at a borough charity for their kindness.

Priya Perera, whose name has been changed, said that her family of five are asylum seekers and didn’t have enough clothes, shoes, or toiletries when they found themselves without a permanent place to live.

During that time, their health visitor urged them to contact The Cowshed.

“They provided all the necessary items, such as suitable clothes age by age, shoes, jackets, laundry items and toys in a professional manner,” Ms Perera said. “It was really helpful during that stressful and helpless situation.”

When Ms Perera became pregnant, the charity helped her with maternity clothes, which was really useful, she said.

“The Cowshed helped us a lot with baby items, such as baby clothes, crib, bedding set, Moses basket, highchair, feeding bottles, nappies, wipes, bath tub and toiletries,” she added. “All of the baby items arrived just in time before our baby girl was

born. It was quite a lot of stuffs we couldn’t even imagine. We were very much grateful to get all the stuffs at once, on time.

“Our baby girl was so lucky to have all ready before her arrival.”

Ms Perera said that the charity continued to support her family for half a year.

“They even sent us baby clothes up to nine months for our new born baby,” she said.

“We are so grateful to The Cowshed charity organisation for helping us when we were in need. My children were so happy when they received clothes,

shoes and their favourite toys.

Most of the items were brand new.”

Ms Perera said that her family still does not know how to thank staff at The Cowshed for their help and kindness during a stressful time.

“We wish The Cowshed good luck with their work, and may God bless their charity work more and more,” she said.

“We once again say thank you helping us.”

Jake Morrison, chief executive at Citizens Advice Wokingham, said that his organisation often refers

residents to a range of charities for support.

This year, Citizens Advice Wokingham has supported one in 20 adults in the borough.

“We all know that Wokingham borough is charitable and full of friendly, supportive people,” he said.

“This can be also demonstrated through the number of active charities we have and the services provided.

“Charities like The Cowshed provide essential and immediate support.

“So when we’re providing advice, information and support

to our clients, quite often they also need immediate hardship support, or relief in need type support.

“Theses charities do a brilliant job filling the immediate needs of many people in need in our communities, while we can continue to work with them to look at income maximisation, dealing with debts, housing issues or a problem with their job, for example.”

Mr Morrison said that 42% of referrals to The Cowshed also highlighted a mental health issue. Many others were also supported with debt advice.

Woman threatened by men with knife

A WOMAN was threatened at knifepoint during an attempted robbery in Lower Earley earlier this week, and police are appealing for witnesses.

It took place around 3.30pm on Sunday, November 7, in Beech Lane.

The victim was approached by three balaclava-wearing men who told her to hand over her bike.

Thames Valley Police said that one of them had a knife.

However, they ran off when the victim said she was calling the police.

The first offender is described as an Asian man around 5ft 6ins, slim build, wearing a black puffer coat, black joggers, with a white and black Adidas man bag.

The second is described as an Asian male around 5ft 8ins, of stocky build, wearing a long green puffer coat.

There is currently no description for the third offender.

Investigating officer PC Victoria McNicholas, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “I would like to appeal to anybody who may have been in the area and witnessed this robbery to please get in touch.

“You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43210503510.

Anonymous reports can also be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Free soft drinks at Greene King pubs for designated drivers this Christmas

IT’S the time to eat, drink and be merry … as long as you’re not the designated driver, in which case you should just eat and be merry.

To help, a pub chain is joining up with CocaCola to launch a hero driver campaign during the Christmas party season.

It runs in every Green King pub, including The Outlook in King’s Road and the Rose and Thistle in Argyle Road, The Wee Waif in Charvil and the Two Poplars in Wokingham.

The campaign was originally a buy-one-getone-free offer but this year there are prizes of up to £500 of shopping vouchers, alongside a guaranteed prize of a free bottle of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke or Coca-Cola Zero Sugar.

Everyone taking part is guaranteed to get a voucher for a free 330ml bottle of Coke and will also be in with a chance of winning additional prizes from there.

Other prizes include £100 Red Letter Days vouchers and £25 Greene King gift cards.

A customer buys a Coca-Cola drink from any Greene King pub, scan a QR code on posters in the venue, and the logo on their bottle, can or glass. They will then receive a voucher and find out if they have won.

Ashleigh Egan, trade marketing controller at Greene King, said: “Celebrating Christmas at the pub with friends and family is sadly something that many of us did not have the chance to do in 2020, and reuniting at the pub for Christmas this year is going to be incredibly special.

“That’s why we’re investing more than ever in Coca-Cola’s Hero the Driver campaign to champion the designated drivers from each Christmas party and family group who are choosing not to drink alcohol so they can safely drive people home at the end of the night.”

Footballers supports gift appeal A WOODLEY football team is hoping to spread Christmas cheer this festive season.

Woodley United FC has teamed up with Roc-Search to support Reading Family Aid by collecting toys for disadvantaged families.

The organisation delivers toys to children who otherwise would receive nothing on Christmas morning.

Last year, residents donated £31,000 to the cause, which funded gifts for 1,401 children.

The charity said this year, it has been inundated with

requests and is aiming to help 2,500 children.

But just over £4,000 has been raised so far, creating a gap of around £46,000.

It is also holding a pop-up donation point in Woodley Precinct this Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

Residents can bring any new, or “as new” gifts for the appeal.

A spokesperson for Reading Family Aid said: “Please be as generous as you can. Tell all your friends, family and colleagues. Any donation,

however large or small is extremely welcome. Every pound you donate will go towards buying a gift for a child who would otherwise have very little, if anything, for Christmas.”

Residents can also drop off donations at Lower Earley Library, on Chalfont Close during library opening hours.

This must be done by Saturday, December 4.

And all donations must be made by Sunday, December 5.

n For more information, visit: www.roc-search.com/toy-appeal

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12 | NEWS

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WHAT’S BREWING

ON STAGE: Amy Williams, 11, was chosen from more than 170 hopefuls to join the English Youth Ballet

IN FINCHAMPSTEAD?

I

T’S beginning to look a lot like C….aribbean Chocolate Cake week.

That’s right folks, our annual stout release is back, and excitement is through the roof. If you’ve not heard of Caribbean Chocolate Cake, or CCC as it’s known colloquially, then you’re in for a treat.

The Caribbean Chocolate Cake story began all the way back in 2013. With a collaboration in mind, emails started flying between our base in Finchampstead and Florida, the home of Cigar City Brewing. We were blown away by the American Brewery’s experimentation into the relationship between wood and beer, and not just barrel ageing. They were producing some unique and outstanding results and we wanted in.

Cigar City founder, Wayne Wambles, agreed to work on a recipe with us, and kindly shared some of the knowledge and experience that they had picked up over the years. The result was our most indulgent beer yet. CCC broke all the rules, racking up an ingredients bill that made Siren founder Darron’s eyes water.

A trio of imported cacao nibs, Cypress wood spirals and brand new experimental hops landed at our fledgling brewery. This was a new level of ambitious brewing.

Over the years, CCC has expanded into one of our favourite projects of the year, evolving with many spin-offs, evolutions and variations.

This year, we have the return of Nitro CCC and Death by CCC. The creamy, super smooth version of the base beer was a huge hit, and we loved it. Death by, the imperial strength version, has established itself as a permanent fixture in the lineup. This year’s two special variants are Caribbean Chocolate Mole Cake - a take on Mexican Mole, using chilli for a subtle background warmth.

There’s also Caribbean White Chocolate Pancake Stack - a hybrid of sorts on two former variants.

The full set is available from Friday 19th online and from the Tap Yard. We’ve also got a special online virtual tasting at 7.30 pm on November 26th, via YouTube and Facebook.

For more details on the beers, or to watch the online tasting, head to sirencraftbrew.com/ccc Cheers!

SIREN CRAFT BREW 18 Marino Way, Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate, Finchampstead RG40 4RF 0118 973 0929

sirencraftbrew.com

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

Wokingham DJ w for supporting LG EXCLUSIVE

By NAT BURTON news@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM DJ has won a prestigious new award.

Talented Holt pupil takes to the stage in the English Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker A HOLT School pupil will fulfil her ambitions to take to the stage, in the classic festive ballet The Nutcracker this weekend.

Amy Williams, 11, was chosen from more than 170 hopefuls to join the English Youth Ballet. She is one of 88 dancers from across the south east who will be performing.

Amy will perform one of the most recognisable parts of the story, the Waltz of the Snowflakes, alongside international professional dancers. The dance reflects the wonders of a white Christmas in an enchanted forest. Dancers’ costumes are designed to represent a snow storm.

“I cannot wait to see my costume,” Amy said. “I am really enjoying the whole experience.”

Esther, Amy’s mum, said that she is proud of her daughter. Amy transferred from primary school to The Holt in September and rehearsals have been over several weekends at a school in Crawley, West Sussex.

Esther said that this has brought additional challenges: “She had to be extremely organised and efficient starting secondary school and attending rehearsals, so she

has been doing homework during the week as soon as it is set.”

Amy has enjoyed dancing since she was two. She studies at The Lewis Academy of Dancing in Wokingham and Bronia Pearce Dance Company in Woodley.

And her hard work has paid off. Previous EYB members have gone on to perform in some of the world’s best ballet companies, including the Royal Ballet.

“This experience has really ignited a passion for ballet, and she would love to become a professional ballerina,” Esther explained. “She is at her happiest when dancing.”

Janet Lewis, EYB director, echoed this. Lockdown restrictions led to the original performance schedule being postponed, and she has sensed that the cast members are pleased to be back dancing.

“They are displaying a sense of freedom that is boosting their selfconfidence and wellbeing,” she said.

The event takes place at the Hawth Theatre, Crawley, on November, Friday 19, and Saturday, 20. n For more information, visit: parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/The-Hawth

Nikki Gladwin-Stride, also known as DJ NikNak, was the first ever winner of DJ set of the year in the Where Pride Lives awards on Friday, November 5.

Hosted by Manchester-based radio station Gaydio, the awards recognise and celebrate the work which goes into delivering more than 170 Pride events across the country annually.

Kriss Herbert, network content manager for the station, said: “Many Pride events across the UK are put together with love and passion from unpaid volunteers. We wanted to do something that recognised this dedication.”

Ms Gladwin-Strike, who works in a Wokingham primary school, has hosted the family area at Reading Pride for the past three years.

She described the experience as a pleasure because it is her local Pride event.

She also said that it is all the more special because such a large and varied event is entirely organised by volunteers.

“For a free festival, it’s pretty epic,” she said.

The radio station received several nominations for DJ Niknak’s programme at the event in King’s Meadow on Saturday, September 4.

Activities including circus skills, balloon modelling and a family disco.

She went on to scoop the title in a public vote.

One of her nominees said: “Being an openly gay entertainer is bold, especially when hosting family events.”

For Ms Gladwin-Strike the family friendly nature of the event shows how far the LGBT+ community has come, saying: “To see families attending from all walks of life and celebrating diversity is a special feeling.”

AWARD: Nikki Gladwin-Stride was the first eve The support she receives from her own family, partner and friends is something she credits for her success.

Many of them help with the family area voluntarily, as she does.

“My nan is my number one fan,

University museum unveils Twyford girl’s watercolour new bird-like dinosaur cards raise £900 for charity

A LIFE-SIZE model of a dinosaur bird was unveiled at the University of Reading’s museum last week.

Visitors of the Cole Museum, in the health and life sciences building, on Whiteknights campus, will be able to see an accurate recreation of an Archaeopteryx, created by Bob Nicholls.

First discovered in Germany, an Archaeopteryx, meaning ancient feather, lived around 150 million years ago, measuring at 50cm long.

The model displays updated features of the reptile, including its scaley feet and feathered body.

From Mr Nicholls research, he included shaggy, black flight feathers on the back of the legs and feet, and striking yellow colouring around its eyes.

Professor Amanda Callaghan, curator of the Cole Museum at the University of Reading, can’t wait to unleash the model to their visitors.

“We are grateful to world-class

MODEL: An Archaeopteryx lived around 150 million years ago paleoartist Bob for the time and research that has gone into creating one of the most up-to-date models of this dinosaur species ever seen,” she said.

The museum is set to reopen its doors to the public before the end of the year. The unveiling this week was accompanied by a public lecture by Mr Nicholls about how Archaeopteryx lived.

PLAYING with her watercolours on the kitchen table over the summer, Amelie Turnbull never expected to raise so much money for charity.

The seven-year-old from Twyford has been creating greeting cards after discovering a love for the art medium.

Always a creative child, Mum, Davina, said that her crafts have now raised £900 for charity.

“Amelie has always loved arts and crafts,” she explains. “She has been sat at the kitchen table making things all her life.

“It was this summer we found the talent she has for watercolours.”

Amelie creates each design. These have included flowers, animals and insects. Her Christmas cards feature a snowman, Christmas tree and pet dog in a santa hat.

These are then printed onto recycled card.

“We found a printer using recycled card,” explains Davina. “It

was important to Amelie to be ecofriendly, as she studies this in school.

“The first batch I ordered sold out so quickly. It wasn’t just me that thought they were good.”

The family is now on its fourth batch, and hopes the Christmas cards will be a hit with the community.

Half of all profits are then being sent to two charities that support Amelie’s eldest brother, George: Camp Mohawk and The Music Club.

Davina says the two charities support her son to make memories with the family in a safe way, and fuel his passion for music.

She hopes that the cards will raise more than £1,000, and will donate the funds in spring.

Amelie’s cards cost £3 each and are stocked in Home of Twyford, an interior design shop on the village’s High Street, Antique Rose in Wokingham, FourState and Calvert Jones in Henley, FourState and The

Thursday, November 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

wins new award GBT+ community

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NEWS | 29

Hare Hatch-based garden centre offers you a chance to be Santa’s little helper

MOVIE LOVER: William Morgan has recreated his favourite cinema in Minecraft

HO HO HO: Dobbies is on the look out for festive helpers for the garden centre

er winner of DJ set of the year in the Where Pride Lives awards always creating props and giveaways,” Nikki says. “I am really lucky to love what I do and to have so much support around me.”

Martin Cooper, Reading Pride CEO said: “I am ecstatic that DJ NikNak has

won this award.

“She has brought joy to many and long may that continue.”

DJ NikNak and her team will be returning to run the family area at Reading Pride 2022.

THERE are some great mysteries of the universe. Where the odd sock goes, for one. Why toast always lands butter side down, for another.

But what about how Santa manages to be everywhere at once?

Well, forgive us for being a bad magician, but here’s the secret. He’s got lots of little helpers.

And a Hare Hatch-based garden centre is looking for Santas to come forward. And elves.

Dobbies is planning to make this Christmas an experience to remember, offering breakfast events and special quiet grottos, allowing children with additional needs to enjoy an anxiety-free experience.

Sarah Murray, the company’s partnership and events manager, said: “At Dobbies, we are committed

to delivering memorable Christmas experiences, and the role of Santa is vital to this. It’s a perfect role for enthusiastic individuals who love the spirit of Christmas and want to ensure that family visits to our Hare Hatch store is perfect.”

Applicants are invited for the roles of Santa and elves, with a full online training programme provided for those appointed.

Following the course, the new team members will come into the store for the store-specific side of the training, including walkrounds, Grotto familiarisation and store procedures. Charity Autism Together will support on all skills required for the autism-friendly sessions.

n If this sounds right up your chimney, log on to: careers.dobbies.com

POETRY CORNER

Isn’t Autumn beautiful?

Marlow Bookshop in Marlow and NOOD Stores in Caversham.

They can also be ordered online by emailing: littleamelieart@gmail.com

PAINTING: Amelie found a love for watercolours in the summer, and says it is very calming for her Picture: Davina Turnbull

Isn’t Autumn beautiful?

She thought, as she crunched through mulching leaves and breathed in the warm, fecund scent of November days

still sometimes bathed in golden sunshine, the chill wind the dwindling afternoon light a reminder that winter is to come.

By Tina Cathleen MacNaughton

We love receiving readers’ poetry. Email your submissions to letters@wokingham.today

If you can’t go to the movies, why not recreate the magic of Winnersh?

A MOVIE-LOVING eight-year-old boy from Reading has recreated his local cinema by using his favourite video game Minecraft.

Talented William Morgan began building Showcase Cinema de Lux Reading during lockdown because he missed making regular film trips with his family.

After toiling away on the complex digital build for weeks, the talented gamer has finally put the last brick in place.

The extraordinary digital build includes the full exterior of the cinema and a series of interior designs, including the concession stand and one of the 14 cinema screens at the Winnersh location.

William completed the build using Minecraft on his Nintendo Switch, which allows users to use blocks to build structures inside a virtual 3D world.

His unique creation caught the eye of the bosses at Showcase Cinemas, who invited William and his family to a movie of their choice as their guests, as a thank you for paying homage to Showcase Cinema de Lux Reading.

William said: “I missed going to Showcase so much because they have the biggest screens and really comfy seats.”

Dad Tim added: “William really missed going to the cinema during lockdown, so decided to focus on the next best thing – building the cinema himself.

“He is absolutely over the moon that Showcase love his creation as much as we do.

We had a great time visiting recently and can’t wait to be back again soon.”

Mark Barlow, UK general manager for Showcase Cinemas, said: “We’re thrilled to see William’s incredible recreation of our Winnersh cinema. His digital version of the cinema is extremely close to real life and William has shown a huge amount of talent to pull it off.

“When William began building, the cinema was closed due to the national lockdown, but we are delighted to now be back fully open.

“We have been in touch with William and his family to thank them for the incredible tribute to our Winnersh cinema and were delighted to welcome them as our guests, with William able to enjoy his digital masterpiece in real life.”

30 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

We need to back White Ribbon THIS EVENING, Wokingham Borough Council will hold one of its regular meetings.

The agenda includes a motion urging the council to back the White Ribbon UK charity.

This calls for men and boys to commit to ending male violence against women and girls.

It seems unlikely that anyone can disagree with this aim, but as events have proven this year, it’s clear people do.

In recent weeks, we’ve reported on drink spiking events in bars, while posts on social media ask if women feel safe going to Christmas parties.

There is also a demand on services such as Kaleidoscopic UK, helping the victims of domestic abuse.

If we are to end this, backing the White Ribbon call is an important step.

Councillors can lead by example, committing to appointing a male councillor as an amabassador for the White Ribbon cause. This could work well as a role for the mayor, symbolic of their impartial office.

But of course, the motion will only get debated if councillors make time for it.

Surely, this is too important to be struck off? We must take action.

CHURCH NOTES

Beyond remembrance

T

HIS week we have had a time of remembrance, a time of reflection.

During the last 18 months we have perhaps had more time than normal to pause and reflect but, as life returns to a new normal, the business of life also returns and the time to reflect sadly reduces.

It is all too easy to focus on our own needs, wants and desires rather than on what we can do for others.

The men and women that we have remembered this past week put their lives, their wants and desires to the side and fought for freedom for others – would we do the same in their position?

Would we be keen to sign up to fight, leaving the comfort of our own homes and the love of our families to protect the freedom of strangers?

Churches regularly remember someone who died for others. The way we do this is in a special service generally known as ‘communion’ involving sharing bread and wine.

Why? Because just before he died, Jesus instructed his followers to take and eat bread to remember his body given as a sacrifice and to drink wine in remembrance of his blood shed for us.

Why is this so important? Because through that death everyone is offered eternal life.

We are reminded in John 3:16 that, “God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that whoever believes in him should not die but have eternal life.”

That is worth remembering and taking to heart not just this week but every day of every week.

Claire Revie, from Norreys Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

Wrongly named Liberal Democrats I am not, nor ever have been, a member of any political party so it was with interest that I read the letter from Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Wokingham Borough Council (Politically and morally corrupt. Letters Thursday, November 11, 2021).

One problem with the Liberal Democrats is that they are wrongly named.

They should be called the NonLiberal Non-Democrats.

They still do not recognise the result of the democratically held referendum on the UK leaving the EU known as Brexit. This makes them Democracy Deniers.

They still have unelected and unaccountable Peers sitting in a House of Lords, which could also be construed as a “Politically and morally corrupt” organisation.

The House of Lords is also a bastion of unelected and unaccountable privilege.

I have written letters to Wokingham.Today in the past asking Liberal Democrats why they still have Peers sitting in the House of Lords.

Why have they not unilaterally made their Peers redundant for good? No replies so far.

The reason is, I believe, because they too are allegedly like all the other political parties.

They support unelected and unaccountable privilege within a politically and morally corrupt system.

I call upon Cllr Clive Jones, as leader, to condemn the House of Lords, in the Wokingham.Today newspaper, as being against the principles of a political party calling

The 2021 Poppy Appeal was always going to be special, as it marked the Centenary of the Royal British Legion.

Following a recent article in the paper, the Wokingham Poppy Appeal is a success because of a great team of volunteers, local businesses and local councils, and of course the public of Wokingham.

I appreciate that there are many different reasons why we support it, I hope that all taking part understand that they are all part of a bigger team.

Next week I hope to be able to give everyone some great news on how much was raised in Wokingham.

Thank you to all.

David Dunham, Wokingham Poppy Appeal

itself “Liberal Democrats” and to call for the unilateral redundancy of Liberal Democrat Peers immediately.

If Cllr Jones won’t do this then he really should start calling himself the leader of the Non-Liberal NonDemocrats as he will be seen to be willing to continue with unelected and unaccountable privilege within our “Politically and morally corrupt” political system.

@The Acorn is a social group for people aged 16 upwards with learning disabilities, including those with complex needs held in a local community venue in Wokingham on a Tuesday night 7pm-9pm.

It is looking for volunteers to to liaise with the @the Acorn.

A Co-Ordinator and Support Worker and undertake tasks as directed, to ensure adequate supervision of activities and to help to set up activities and to help tidy away at the end of the session.

Also needed are volunteers who are self-motivated, able to work on own initiative, good communicators, good listeners and an understanding of, and commitment to, meeting the

Answers please Cllr Jones, not silence.

Paul Clarke, Wokingham

Make road closures work for residents

It was interesting to read Councillor Cowan’s letter in last week’s Wokingham Today.

Road works are indeed out of hand and the interests of the ordinary

objectives and embrace its ethos of supporting and safeguarding children and adults with learning disabilities/ autism and their families.

Helena Badger

P

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

Thank you for supporting the Poppy Appeal

Volunteer Corner

ROMISE Inclusion is a local charity supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism, their carers and families.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

needs of people with a profound learning disabilities/autism and their families.

Promise Inclusion is also looking for a Volunteer Corporate Fundraiser will report directly to the Development Manager and then to the CEO. The purpose of the role is to develop and increase the fundraising potential of Promise Inclusion (Pinc) through corporate fundraising.

The aim is to explore all opportunities to increase funds such as, regular giving and to expand Pinc’s community and corporate funding to grow revenue.

The ideal candidate needs to be someone comfortable asking for money, with an ability to recognise and capitalise on funding opportunities and be able to build and maintain relationships with funders.

All volunteers are expected to support Pinc’s vision, aims and

n Soulscape is a charity that supports children and young people’s physical and mental wellbeing by creating space to explore life.

Its vision is of empowered young people who can think for themselves.

Where young people are under 24/7 pressure, Soulscape wants to see them living freely and discovering new ways to think and be.

Instead of being conformed to the culture around them, Soulscape wants want to see them transformed and transforming their world.

Soulscape is looking for a volunteer administrator to join our delivery team, volunteering approximately 8-10 hours a week. It has a flexible approach and this role can be home and office based.

It is also looking for a Fundraiser.

They will have the exciting and varied role of helping to empower, plan and deliver local fundraising events, aided by a team of fundraising volunteers.

The voluneer will use their passion for Soulscape’s work to plan exciting fundraising events and gather innovative ideas to increase awareness of its work and generate income.

road user appear to get little, if any, consideration.

A couple of examples of how things are arranged to meet the needs of the companies doing the work, rather than the motorist.

There appears to be division of labour (e.g. one team digs up the road and another fills the holes in).

I walked up past the sewer works on the Nine Mile Ride at its junction Soulscape wants to be able to say ‘yes’ to helping more young people where school budgets are tight, but this is only possible with the support of generous donations from the public.

Schools across the area really value what Soulscape is doing and are constantly asking the charity to come in and run our programmes.

Another role Soulscape needs help with, is a Bid Writer. This role will be instrumental in sourcing and applying for funding opportunities which will allow Soulscape to grow and remain sustainable.

Ideally volunteering with one or two days per week, on a completely flexible basis from home or in the office, the BID writer can help increase Soulscape’s income and visibility so we can deliver more in 2022 and beyond.

It is Soulscape’s 25th Anniversary year and it has events and fundraising opportunities across the year, successful bids will help Soulscape beyond that. n These are just a few roles on our books. Please visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer. If you would like to get in touch with us please call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@ wok-vol.org.uk

Thursday, November 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Let’s protect the animals

Cllr Jim Frewin is concerned about potential developments in Shinfield, such as the Hall Farm area, pictured here during flooding in 2019 with the A321 on Thursday and the works were clearly finished, with only limited clearing up still to do.

Nevertheless, it was only this morning (Saturday) that there were signs of the road opening.

The other example is that the response to recent odious fly-tipping on Ambarrow Lane was to close the road, when the alternative of shovelling the blockage to the side temporarily would have almost certainly taken less time than putting up road closure signs at the blockage and at the end of the road.

Once again, little common sense was used and no thought apparently given to the interests of the ordinary road user.

I am grateful, however, to one of the Finchampstead councillors, Charles Magretts, for providing accurate and up-to-the-minute information on local road works.

At some point, road users should wake up to the fact that they are members of a persecuted majority.

There are many other examples of this, for example not-so-smart motorways, no action taken to curb car park cowboys (despite Government promises) and the state of the DVLA. This is a ridiculous situation in a democracy.

John Sheridan, Finchampstead

Influential views Last week’s article ‘Dovetails Nicely’ by the Leader of Wokingham Council on the Local Plan clearly demonstrates the current Wokingham Borough Council culture.

This blatant attempt to influence ‘consultation’ before it actually started shows that consultation and debate in Wokingham are meaningless.

The article, of course, also included the current favourite sound bite ‘we are only here to serve the residents’.

The local plan update shows yet again that In Wokingham residents come behind the leaders serving themselves, serving the University and serving their own political party aspirations.

Wokingham has a culture of ‘follow the leader’, so there is absolutely no doubt at all of the LPU will get approved. No doubt promises of infrastructure and delivery behaviours will yet again be made and broken.

Just like the promises made in previous local plans.

The only losers in all of this are residents and communities, which dovetails nicely with the current Wokingham Borough Council political culture.

Cllr Jim Frewin, Independent councillor for Shinfield

From the chamber

Cllr Lindsay Ferris

W

OKINGHAM Borough Council is in the middle of putting its next Local Plan together to cover housing numbers through to the year 2036. I thought I would raise a number of issues and concerns which I feel readers might be interested in. I plan to raise other issues in due course.

The first point I raise is the Housing Numbers associated with the current Local Plan.

These were initially derived in February 2016 by a group of people, none of us know who, and since then the figure has changed slightly (both up and down) from an initial 856 homes per annum to a figure now around 790 homes per annum.

The problem with this is that there has been no local input and when

anyone dares raise their concern about the figures involved, we are just told in effect “ to take it or leave it You have to work with it”.

This figure is an increase in housing of circa 15,000 until 2036 and represents an increase of over 20% on our current number of properties.

No one is opposing the need to new homes in our area, particularly affordable homes, but no one has been able to advise why we have a potential increase of 20%, when the national projection for increase in population is only circa 5-6% during this same timeframe.

The second relates to Climate Change.

While we accept that there is a national policy and framework around which a local plan is developed, we believe it is deficient when it comes to Climate Change and associated issues.

VIEWPOINTS | 31

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 Please write to your MP to protect all farm animals that myself and other people have campaigned for many many years.

Advocates in Dover, Trafalgar Square, and Ramsgate, have been speaking out against live exports of cattle, sheep and many other animals such as ostriches and goats.

It is horrific and cruel.

The animals are not watered or given any space and it is alleged drivers have been beating them with police looking on or the other way.

This trade must stop and stamped out for ever.

We have put this forward to parliament for 50 years plus now and still it goes on regardless of the promises to end this long time misery for animals and factory farming which cause Tuberculosis.

Victor Rones, Animals Justice & Rights

Bullying today Bullying is an issue that has always affected children and since Childline began 35 years ago, thousands of young people have turned to the service to share their experiences of bullying.

Over the past 18 months due to the coronavirus pandemic, the landscape of bullying has changed.

Some young people have had respite from the bullying they experienced in person due to the numerous national lockdowns meaning they were out of school and away from the children who had previously picked on them for months on end.

For others, the bullying transferred online and we know for many this felt inescapable and overwhelming due to the increased amount of time children were spending online for their education, to keep in touch with friends and family and to stay entertained.

For many who were struggling with this issue, Childline was the only place that they felt they could turn to.

It’s thanks to our supporters like the players of People’s Postcode As an area we are being expected to take an increase in population of circa 20% at the same time, as a country and locally (via the Council’s Climate Emergency), we are expected to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions and head towards Carbon Neutrality.

A Local Plan that adds an extra 20% to its housing numbers means that the Borough needs to make an even greater reduction just to keep to the current levels, when it is already necessary to make cuts in the current figure. This makes it extremely difficult if not impossible to achieve our targets.

Surely any new Local Plan should have detailed sections in it to explain the position arising from the current Housing Numbers. I have asked many questions on this topic and, while it is acknowledged it is an issue, I have not seen any response to a situation where a new Local Plan ends up increasing CO2 emissions and air pollution.

We believe there needs to be some form of adjustment to the Plan to prevent a new local Plan being developed which is detrimental to the local area.

In other words, why develop a new local plan when it is known it would

Lottery who have provided crucial funding that enabled our frontline staff to still be here those young people during the pandemic who desperately needed our help.

As we move out of the pandemic, it remains essential that all children know where they can turn to for support.

This anti bullying week, we want to remind children that Childline is here for them and that they don’t have to deal with this issue alone.

All children can call children on 0800 1111 or online at childline.org. uk. No worry is ever too small.

Alex Gray, Head of Volunteer Operations or Service Head.

Remember our armed forces As we paused to remember the fallen this Remembrance Day, our thoughts naturally turned to the veterans of the Second World War, rightly so.

This stoic and humble generation made the ultimate sacrifice and have been an inspiration for the countless servicemen and women who have followed after them.

We must also remember those who answered their country’s call to serve more recently in campaigns in the Middle East, and Europe.

Events in Afghanistan this year reminded us all, not least those who had served there and their families, that for those who do their duty, duty does not end when they arrive home.

For many, the physical and mental impact of their service remains with them for the rest of their lives.

Our mission at the Fund is to find all those who did their duty, however long ago, and ensure they know we are here for them, as long as they need us.

In celebration of their service, we are calling on members of the public to share their loved ones’ stories as part of our Month to Remember. Go to lovedonesmissed.memorypage. org/dedication to pay tribute to your family members.

Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Controller, RAF Benevolent Fund cause serious detrimental damage to the local area.

The third relates to biodiversity.

It has recently been identified that in the UK over the past 200 years since the start of the Industrial Revolution, our wonderful Nature, (also known as biodiversity) has dropped by 47%.

This means we have lost nearly one half of our natural habitat, wildlife, insects, and the like during this period.

As the World average is a drop of 25%, it shows that the UK is already more depleted than most parts of the World. Instead of further depletion which comes with excessive housing development, we urgently need to increase our biodiversity.

While we acknowledge there are proposals to plant up to 250,000 new trees in the Borough over the next 10 years, other types of habitats also need to be increased.

Again, this is in direct opposition to the building of so many additional homes. So how do we square the circle if there is no flexibility within the process?

There needs to be a clear message from the Council on this topic.

Cllr Lindsay Ferris is the Lib Dem lead on the Local Plan at Wokingham Borough Council and ward member for Twyford

Spacephiller Phil Creighton

Why I miss honeycomb balls

C

HRISTMAS 1983 was a watershed moment in our household. It was the last time that some of my favourite Christmas decorations were used.

Goodness knows how old they were. Probably not much older than early 1970s, but they were magical to junior me.

It’s hard to explain as they are not widely sold any more, probably because they’re a fire risk, but they started off folded flat and, as you unfurled them, they turned into multi-coloured balls.

A quick Google reveals that they are honeycomb balls and, if you don’t mind going online, there are plenty of sites that flog them.

When the decorations came down on Thursday, January 5, 1984, they were consigned to the great festive celebrations in the sky. The reason I remember this so clearly is – quelle surprise – it is the date that the first episode of the new Doctor Who story began. Let’s not go there, as it’s one of the worst stories ever made and stars the guys who did the pantomime horse in Rentaghost as the big baddie.

Anyway, that Christmas my parents decided it was time to redecorate our lounge, taking away the naff 70s wallpaper that looked like someone had rolled a dirty cigar over the walls, and replace it with 1980s chic. Well, cracked ice wallpaper in the vernacular.

When the walls were transformed, it would be the end of the gaudy decorations, the balloons and streamers, and, well, an era to be precise.

Nearly 40 years on (how did that happen?) it still hurts, and I miss those honeycomb balls.

It wasn’t just the décor – the excitement of Christmas coming, the anticipation of visits from Father Christmas, the joy of parties and even a bottle of pop made this time of year incredibly special.

Even now, in my head, I can still smell those decorations, and I’m instantly transported back to happier times and places.

Every home has its own Christmas traditions.

Mine is very much not to have any as everything from post-Remembrance Sunday onwards is about helping you celebrate yours, be it the Winter Carnival, the light switch-ons, the pantomimes or the wonderlands. By the time I get to December 24, I’m already on to Valentine’s Day. Not that anyone sends me any, but that’s another story.

A few years ago, I did try and create a magical, wonderful, exciting festive tradition based around the other end of 1984.

Over six weeks, from November 21, 1984, through to Christmas Eve, Children’s BBC broadcast an adaptation of John Masefield’s classic children’s novel The Box of Delights.

It’s a magical tale of a boy who returns home from public school for the Christmas holidays only to end up being chased by a vicar and a rat for a box. He also loses his shadow, sees flying cars, eats muffins and ends up the size of a matchbox.

It was, at the time, one of the most technologically advanced programmes Auntie had ever made. As a child, it entranced me, as a grownup it is a comfort blanket amid all the winter woe.

So, just as I did back in the 80s, I persuaded the family to watch it with me one episode a week in the run-up to Christmas.

We managed two years of this, but there was a rebellion in year three.

“The Box of Delights? We call it the box of boringness,” they said.

I tried, reader, I tried. What makes Christmas magical for me won’t be what makes it special for you.

I mention all this now as this weekend is the one to start watching The Box of Delights, on my own. I can’t be the only one who remembers this glimpse of Christmas past with so much fondness, can I?

32 | NEWS

Thieves steal van in Woodley A VAN has been stolen from a home in Woodley.

Thames Valley Police said that around 2am on Thursday, November 11, thieves broke into a home in Wallace Close, stealing the van’s keys from the dining room table.

The vehicle is a blue Transit Custom Limited Van, with a distinctive dent in its rear.

Police are hoping that any witnesses or people with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage will come forward, as it will help their investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to report it using an online form, or call 101 with reference number 43210509770.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via their website or on 0800 555 111.

Hurst Christmas Fayre returns A POPULAR Hurst event will be returning to the Village Hall next month.

St Nicholas’ Church Christmas Fayre is on Saturday, December 4, between 11.30am and 3pm.

Organisers are looking for more stallholders to create a Christmas market feel. n For more details, contact: office@thru-christ.org.uk

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

Borough motorist says M4 feels less safe as a smart motorway EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A BOROUGH driver is concerned about the safety of the M4 smart motorway project, after a near miss last week.

David Gregory was driving home from work on Tuesday, November 9, when he saw brake lights building in the inside lane.

He was heading southbound from Slough, and a car had stopped half a mile from the exit slip road at junction 10.

“I saw the lane begin to lengthen for the exit, so I moved into the new inside lane,” Mr Gregory said. “I didn’t see that there was a vehicle stopped.”

As he passed the broken down car, Mr Gregory’s dashcam footage showed that the driver and passengers had climbed out of the car and over the barrier to stand next to the car with its hazard lights flashing.

Mr Gregory said that there was no warning by the motorway’s electronic signs of a breakdown ahead.

Dash-cam footage showed that the first sign displaying a red cross to mark a lane closure came after the broken down vehicle and not before.

A spokesperson for National Highways said that signs were changed within three minutes of the broken down car being picked up on CCTV, and that this happened eight seconds after Mr Gregory had driven past an earlier gantry.

It means that he was one of several drivers not alerted to the breakdown.

Mr Gregory said that he is concerned because this could have caused a pile-up.

“How many cars passed that point at 60mph in eight seconds?” he questioned. “And how many of those could have been involved in a crash?”

The National Highways spokesperson said that stopped vehicle detection is currently being installed on this stretch of the M4, and should be finished by the end of the month for junctions 8/9 to 12.

“This will reduce the time taken to activate signs and signals to around 20 seconds,” they said.

“We have removed the cones and barriers to open four lanes of traffic at 60mph between Maidenhead and Reading while the final parts of new technology installed as part of the upgrade are tested and commissioned.

“While this may appear fully open, it is part of this phased

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M4: David Gregory said there was no warning of a breakdown ahead approach. We open all of our motorway upgrades in a phased way to ensure that they are fully tested and operational before they go live, and that there is a smooth handover from our roadworks teams to our on- and off-road traffic officers.

“During the commissioning phase, besides the reduced speed limit, there is full CCTV monitoring and free vehicle recovery in place.”

Mr Gregory said that until the motorway is completed with stopped vehicle detection, a hard shoulder should be open.

“The car didn’t pull onto the hard shoulder because there wasn’t one,” he said. “Until it is a smart motorway with all of the protections, you need to keep a hard shoulder.”

He added: “After 35 years of driving, I cannot see how this is

a positive step. It feels less safe.

It sounds like we just need the hard shoulder back.”

Mr Gregory said that it was the first breakdown he has seen on a smart motorway.

“It was eye-opening,” he said.

“I’m right to be cautious on that road — the dark feels more unsafe than in the daytime.

“Coming back on a dark motorway frightens the hell out of me.

“There’s no road lighting.

Cars are changing lanes with headlights in your wingmirror.

It’s a very disorientating and concerning environment.”

He added that refuges are too small for drivers to enter and exit safely.

“That morning on my journey into Slough, there was a motorcyclist sat at the end tip of the refuge, and they pulled

straight out.

“You’ve got to take a run up, adjust your speed, and pull on. But the lay-bys aren’t big enough.

“It’s almost impossible to get up to speed and rejoin at the same speed as the traffic.”

Nationally, smart motorways have been place under heavy scrutiny over safety concerns about refuges.

A transport committee report from MPs called for some smart motorway projects to be paused, including 15 miles of the M4 between junctions 3 and 8/9.

This is because they have emergency refuges up to 1.5 miles apart, which is farther than the one-mile safety guidance made by transport secretary Grant Shapps.

National reports show that there are more than 80 miles of smart motorway across the country have refuges spaced up to 1.5 miles apart.

Mr Shapps will respond to the report in the new year, but National Highways said that the sections in question were designed before Mr Shapps’s review, and prior to his safety guidance being published.

A resolution to this could be building more refuges along the routes, National Highways has suggested.

ROLL UP: Neil Mottershead and Grace Brigdale attracting passersby to the event All pictures: Steve Smyth

Pheasant hosts carnival fun day FAMILIES joined spooky celebrations at a Winnersh bar last month.

The Pheasant put on the greatest show in Winnersh, hosted by it’s very own ring master, on Saturday, October 30.

Residents came along in their fancydress costumes for an afternoon of fun.

This included face painting and a bite the doughnut competition.

Thursday, November 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wokingham Winter Carnival will be a Christmas cracker

Initial Assessment Following a long period in hospital, John was discharged to a care home as he was no longer able to continue living independently as he was before his admission. He had experienced limited therapeutic intervention in an acute NHS trust over Christmas. He was discharged in January and had lost a lot of weight. He required hoisting and was also doubly incontinent. He was unable to sit up for any period.

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today IT’S going to be a Christmas cracker. That’s the verdict of the man behind the Wokingham Winter Carnival.

FAMILY FUN: Zak Johnson (3½) and his Dad Brett Johnson (38) celebrate hooking a duck at The Wokingham Winter Carnival 2015 year, the carnival will be organised by the Wokingham Lions. I have been involved for the past twenty years, but while I am stepping down as chair, I will still be involved.

“Every year businesses from within the town centre and surrounding area donate their time, energy and financial support to make it the success that it is.

“The committee are also very grateful for the continued support of Wokingham West Forest Round Table and West Forest 41 Club, together with other local Rotary, Lions and Round Table Clubs for help on the day and during preparations.”

People are asked to sign in when visiting the carnival via a smart phones, using the QR codes on signs around the town.

Wokingham Borough Council is encouraging all visitors to wear masks in crowded areas, use hand gel regularly through the day and respect the advice of our marshals.

What to see and where Market Place

Noon - Hodman and Sallyforth (from the internationally renowned

Fly-tipping linked to specific waste clearance services WOKINGHAM Borough Council is asking residents for information on a mobile phone number linked to fly-tipping.

It would like anybody who has used rubbish clearance services offered by the people behind 07340 045 208 to come forward.

All information will be treated in confidence.

It comes less than a year after the council reported a significant

Physiotherapy for the elderly in and around Berkshire

JOHN; 90 years old; his rehabilitation journey with Therapies on Thames

EXCLUSIVE

Philip Mirfin believes this year’s event will be one of the best — despite covid regulations restricting some events.

And it will be a case of mixed emotions for Mr Mirfin, who is bowing out after 20 years involvement with the carnival, including chairman for the past five.

Last year, the event, which attracts around 15,000 people, was heavily restricted due to the pandemic.

However, a cheerful Mr Mirfin promised things will be “near normal” for the family fun day that takes place on Sunday, November 25.

“There will be more than 80 stalls, funfair rides, street entertainers, mouthwatering food stalls, lots of amazing performances and, of course, Santa will be in his grotto,” he explained.

“The town is closed to traffic, so its easy to wander around. After a busy day there is the very popular carol service led by the mayor’s chaplain, Rev Judi Hattaway, and St. Sebastian’s band. Followed by the mayor and mini mayor on the balcony overseeing the light switch on.”

Due to covid restrictions, there is no parade or Trigger the Train but Mr Mirfin insists that will not spoil a major fun day for the town.

The performance stage will be sited at the eastern end of Peach Place, with a full programme of entertainment from 11am to 4pm.

Children can sit on the stage side of the plastic barriers, and there is space for disabled chairs and mobility scooters to view the performance from the stage side of the barrier.

“Santa is available for children to visit in the grotto at Wokingham Library from 11am. Santa will be socially distanced, but we hope that the children enjoy meeting him as usual.

“Please respect the social distancing with others queuing to see him.”

Added Mr Mirfin: “This is my last carnival as chairman. From next

NEWS | 33

increase in fly-tipping across the borough.

In a bid to crack down on illegal dumping, the council has installed additional CCTV cameras and warning signs at several flytipping hotspots. They have also added mobile cameras to their surveillance efforts.

Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhood and communities, reminded

Flying Buttresses Puppet Company).

Hodman and Sally have travelled from a land far away. Having wandered off course, they find themselves in deepest Wokingham, where they are intrigued to learn all about the strange inhabitants called hooman beans.

1pm - Artemis Singers from Artemis Studios and College of performing arts.

2pm - No Strings Attached Ukulele Group. Fabulous toe tapping songs.

3pm - Comedy Jugglers with their very own unique brand of silliness.

4.30pm - Carol service led by The Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev Judi Hattaway, and St. Sebastian’s band.

The mayor and mini mayor will be on the balcony overseeing the light switch on.

Denmark Street: Morris Dance displays by Berkshire Bedlam, Fools Gambit, Customs and Exiles and OBJ throughout the day.

Dance displays will take place towards the end of Denmark Street and in Peach Street.

R & R Fisher will be providing melodies from a bygone era with their vintage barrel organ. residents that their rubbish is their responsibility.

“The most commonly fly-tipped items include household waste,” he said. “If we trace items back to you, you will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.”

Fines are typically between £80 to £400.

He appealed to residents to dispose of their rubbish responsibly and legally by visiting their Re3 recycling centre, using the council’s large unwanted items service, or ensuring that any waste removal company carries a valid waste carriers licence. This can be

11.30am - The immaculately costumed street performer Mr Twizzle will mix and mingle throughout the town.

Peace Place Stage: 11am - Bracknell Intermediate Brass 11.15am - Piano Solo Slot Noon - Bracknell Concert Band 1pm - St Sebastian’s Brass Band 2pm - Bracknell & Wokingham Intermediate Strings 2.20pm - Windsor Pan Flutes 2.40pm - East Berks Jazz Orchestra 3.10pm - Wokingham & Bracknell Training Bands 3.40pm - Bracknell Youth Brass Throughout the day - Circus Scene’s Jugglers and street entertainers will mix and mingle all day.

Peach Street: Throughout the day - Morris Dance Displays throughout the day.

Circus Scene’s Jugglers and street entertainers will be mixing and mingling throughout the day.

Broad Street: Fairground rides and attractions for all ages.

Wokingham Library: 11am - 2.30pm - Santa’s grotto

Rehabilitation John went through a phase of very slow recovery, but still unable to feed himself. He still required to be hoisted into a chair. After a time, John started to show signs that he wanted to improve and do more things independently to the carers at the home.

John had seen a physiotherapist when he first came to the care home but the family didn't peruse it as he wasn't interested at that time. The home was very supportive in John becoming more active. The carer told the family john would now benefit from physiotherapy.

Contact was made to Therapies on Thames initially to carry out a wheelchair assessment for John. Then they also learnt of the physiotherapy offering.

Result After a few weeks of physiotherapy rehabilitation, John was able to walk independently with two sticks and feed himself. He is gaining weight and muscle tone that he didn't have before he started the physiotherapy. He is much more engaged and can hold conversations on the phone. He is happier now he can be so much more independent.

Family Feedback "The Therapies on Thames team responded and were able to interact with my dad so that he was able to begin his journey back. As a physio myself, I was not at all sure he would be able to walk again, and so this has been a very significant improvement and has improved the quality of his life immensely."

If you think that you or a loved one would benefit from physiotherapy or occupational therapy, then please do get in touch, and speak to a member of our team on 0118 907 6345.

PICTURE: Wokingham Borough Council checked online.

n Residents with information on the number can contact: wokingham.gov. uk/contact-us/contact-us-online

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34 | NEWS

New finance chair THE ANGLICAN church has appointed a new chair of its financial board.

Sir Hector Hants is taking over from the Revd Canon John Tattersall at the Diocese of Oxford, which includes churches in the borough.

The role aims to provide good governance for the investments made by the diocese, and safeguard its financial interests.

Sir Hector has more than 30 years experience in the financial sector.

Sir Hector said: “Having been a resident in the diocese for over 35 years, I am delighted to be joining the Board in this role to help the diocese to continue to flourish and grow as a Christian community which enhances the life of all those within it.”

Choral nativity for St Paul’s Church A WOKINGHAM church is hosting a special Christmas concert next month.

Love Came Down: A Choral Nativity will be at St Paul’s Church on Saturday, December 4.

Eleutherios will be performing new arrangements and favourite carols to retell the Christmas story.

Tickets are £15 or £5 concessions. n For more details or to book, visit: www.eleutherios.uk

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

New data suggests residents trust councils the most on climate action

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

A NEW SURVEY has found that residents across the country trust their councils most to address the climate emergency.

But opposition councillors have questioned whether this is happening in the most effective way in Wokingham.

The Local Government Association (LGA) found that 40% of 1,000 people surveyed in its latest Residents Satisfaction Polling put their council at the top for carrying out climate action.

This was followed by 28% trusting the Government to act, and 15% focussing on world leaders.

The LGA believes that councils can play a fundamental role in tackling climate change because they know their villages, towns and cities best.

“As leaders of local communities, it will be local governments across the world who will be driving the collective action required to address the climate emergency,” said Cllr James Jamieson, LGA chairman.

“Councils are rooted in the places where people live and businesses do their business, and know their communities

COUNCIL: Wokingham Borough Council’s Shute End offices better than anyone else. This is why they are best placed to lead the way towards a net zero future.”

Cllr John Halsall, leader of the borough council, said that he was delighted with this view, pointing out that Wokingham was one of the first boroughs to declare a climate emergency.

“One of the problems with climate change is that it’s an infinite issue,” he said.

“We could spend all the money we have on climate change and still not arrive at the point we would like to arrive at. You’ve got to do the best with what you have.

“I’m really proud of the borough in its ambitions and its delivery. But when you ask, is it enough, it’s clearly not enough.

“As a local authority, we can only do what we can do. We’re trying to do that.

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“If there was one epitaph to my leadership, it would be that he actually tried to make a difference and take decisions.”

Cllr Sarah Kerr, Liberal Democrat lead for environment, said the 40% figure in the LGA survey is “still low”.

“In places like Wokingham, I wouldn’t be surprised if it were even lower,” she said.

The leader of the Labour group, Cllr Rachel Burgess, said that while local authorities are best placed to help deliver changes needed, this should be done alongside legislation and financial support from central government.

This was echoed by Cllr Kerr, who said that a multi-level response is needed.

“This isn’t just about whether residents trust local government to be a key facilitator in climate action,” she said. “But more simply, if local government isn’t given the powers and resources to play a key role, then net-zero won’t be achieved.

“How is the government going to increase greener modes of transport and reduce short car journeys without local government putting in the safe infrastructure to ensure this change?”

Cllr Burgess said that she believes the Conservative Government is “incapable of

providing this leadership or support”.

“They scrapped the last Labour government’s requirement that all new homes should be net zero by 2016,” she said. “In Wokingham, this means that thousands of houses were not built to the highest environmental standard.”

And Cllr Burgess believes the council’s current approach to the climate emergency is not enough.

“Residents should be horrified by [it],” she said. “The Conservatives took activities the council was already doing and re-badged them as a response to the climate emergency, when the reality is that these activities were just business as usual.

“The council now pumps out press release after press release in order to convince people that meaningful action is being taken, and to give residents a false sense of security that the council is reducing carbon emissions in our area.”

Cllr Burgess added: “Even huge projects, like the £20 million Barkham solar farm, if it goes ahead, do little more than offset the emissions caused by the council from its own property, let alone the wider borough.”

Cllr Kerr said that she

believes more “effort” is going into offsetting emissions than reducing them.

“Of greater concern is the faith being put into the government halving our carbon emissions by 2030 without the local authority needing to lift a finger,” she said. “The Tories have overlooked the fact that in order for national government to achieve its aims, it requires local government action, and they’ve not factored that in.

“Local government can do a huge amount. But it could do even more if the Conservatives enabled local authorities to do more.

“Sadly, I don’t think the Conservatives are serious about tackling the climate emergency.

We have so many of the tools now ready to go, but not the political will.”

Cllr Burgess said that trust is essential, and works two ways.

“Wokingham Labour trusts residents, and wants to engage them fully in the decisions we have to make via a Citizens’ Assembly on the Climate Emergency, which the Conservatives voted against,” she added. “The Conservatives cannot give their trust to residents — because informed and engaged residents would see the current response for what it really is — inadequate.”

Wokingham residents urged to have their say on waste collections THE FIRST round of consultation on the borough’s waste strategy of the future is “the most subscribed consultation we’ve ever had”.

Council leader John Halsall has welcomed residents’ views and is hoping more will come forward before it closes at the end of the week.

The consultation looks at four areas: recycling rates, waste minimisation, resident satisfaction and cost.

Every household and business in the borough relies on the council’s arrangements for waste, and its existing contracts — with Veoila for doorstep collections, and re3 for recycling and waste processing — will be up for renewal over the next few years.

“We have to decide what we are going to do, and some of the paradigms of the past are not where you want to end up now,” he said.

“Residents have blue bags, food waste and

recycling green bags. If you’re using food waste collection, then your blue bags are completely clean. So we’re getting to the situation where we can re-examine the paradigms.”

This includes the re3 contract, which is shared with Reading Borough and Bracknell Forest councils. Cllr Halsall questions the value of the contract, and the amount Wokingham Borough Council pays into it, as well as how re3 processes Wokingham’s waste.

“Those are the sort of questions we need to answer,” he said.

“But the more fundamental question is how we can influence the volume of waste. If you look at your waste, most of it is packaging. There are big decisions to be made in terms of climate change.” n To take part in the strategy, log on to engage. wokingham.gov.uk

Reading doctor wins two awards A READING doctor has won two national awards for outstanding achievement as an individual learner.

Dr Deepak Ravindran scooped the Chartered Management Institute’s outstanding apprentice of the year award and the Federation of Awarding Bodies learner of the year award. The ceremony took place in London on Sunday, November 14.

The consultant in anaesthesia, pain and musculoskeletal medicine is currently completing his

honour’s degree in Applied Management at Henley Business School, which is part of the University of Reading.

He has been studying alongside his work with the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

After the ceremony Dr Ravindran thanked the business school and trust for their support.

He said: “I am extremely honoured and delighted to have won both the CMI and FAB2021 awards. These three years of study have

been transformational in my personal and professional development.”

He was nominated for the awards for applying skills learned on the course to the workplace.

Dr Ravindran’s final work-based project focused on impacts of long covid. It included co-authoring a paper with an Oxford professor and was reviewed by the House of Lords. As a result, Public Health England released £10 million of funding nationally to support long covid sufferers.

Road closures announced for Reading Toy Run MOTORISTS are being warned to expect delays to their journey – and it’s all to ensure that children can enjoy some Christmas presents.

The annual Reading Toy Run returns on Sunday, December 5.

The ride sees motorcyclists – many in fancy dress and decorated bikes – drive in convoy from the former Foster Wheeler building in Whitley Wood Lane, along the Lower Earley Way, turning right at the Showcase Roundabout and then driving up the Reading Road into Wokingham before heading along Rectory Road and Wiltshire Road to High Close School.

During the procession, these roads will be closed to traffic.

On arrival at High Close School, the motorcyclists will donate presents to Barnado’s children, ready for Christmas Day. The organisers said they want to thank motorists for their patience and apologise for delays that might be experienced from 2pm to 3.30pm, due to the closures.

This year is the 35th Anniversary of the Toy Run. Last year’s event was cancelled due to covid, but riders still donated presents.

This year, restrictions mean there will be no bucket collection along the route, but a JustGiving page is being set up.

Because of covid there will be no bucket collection along the route this year. Anyone wishing to donate can use a Just Giving Page.

NEWS | 35

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, November 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Communities urged to sign up to new Speedwatch campaign EXCLUSIVE

FAST: Thames Valley PCC Matthew Barber (far left) joined Bracknell MP James Sunderland (second from right), Bracknell Forest councillors and police for the launch of a Speedwatch initiative Picture: Phil Creighton

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today SPEEDING motorists beware … you are being watched.

Bracknell MP James Sunderland joined with Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber last week to launch a new Speedwatch initiative.

They met at South Hill Park, where Mr Barber explained that the scheme allows communities to launch their own speed watching programmes using equipment he can supply that will work with Thames Valley Police.

Previous schemes had seen residents use their own machines which didn’t meet the necessary specifications.

“We ran a pilot last year that we’re in the process of rolling it out to existing groups to provide better support,” he said. “The data that local people can gather is fed into Thames Valley Police to make sure that local neighbourhood teams and roads policing get the real picture about the scale of speeding in our communities.”

He added: “From spring next year, we’ll be looking to recruit more people to the schemes and funding a new project that will allow more people to join a community Speedwatch.

“I’ll be providing the equipment and the training to make sure we can have a bigger impact.”

Mr Sunderland said: “The reason why it’s so important is because there’s a problem with antisocial driving, traffic noise and excessive

speed. It’s really important that we curb it and adopt a zero-tolerance approach.

“I would urge the entire community to please get behind this, develop your own teams locally and let’s solve this problem.”

Before community teams are able to attend the roadside, they undergo a number of training sessions, that ensure risk assessments have been completed and protocols have been adhered to.

PC Lee Turnham, Thames Valley Police Community Speedwatch Coordinator, said: “The pilot scheme has been running since April and has proven to be a platform of individuals and police are able to work seamlessly. To that end, I am really pleased that the new platform will now be rolled out across Thames Valley within the next three months.” n For more details, log on to www. thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk

36 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

School Green Centre opened by vice chancellor

The ‘forgo�en room’

A

part of the home that I fondly call the ‘forgotten room’ is the downstairs cloakroom - a room that is probably used the most, by the family of the home, friends and even the Waitrose Delivery Driver.

It is generally located towards the front of the house with the door closed almost as if to hide the room. The question is why this room is hidden away and why we don’t take much notice of it but, as part of updating your home this room is a perfect start to practice in.

How to make ‘small spaces’ look good If, you want to experiment with colours and patterns my first choice would be the ‘downstairs cloakroom which I call the ‘forgotten room’so, lets re introduce this room and make it a real feature in the home. Inject fun by having a funky radiator, quirky tiles and clever storage to complete the look. This could be an opportunity to express your decorating style in this smaller area of the house. Traditionally, we use this room as storage so why not introduce clever ways of storing your essentials. Don’t choose large items of bathroom furniture but, furniture with items that suit the size of the room.

Perhaps even choose some vibrant wallpaper that expresses your favourite themes. Add photographs and pictures to create a family feel about the room. Focus too, on a mirror; this is where ladies will go to check on their appearance so perhaps having lighting around the edge to soften the look.

Lighting in your small space Lighting is a key part of the room and does not just provide the functionality of having light it adds atmosphere and mood. Having just one light in the form of a lamp ceiling light will just cast a single pool of light in the middle of the floor. By using multiple lighting sources it will give the room elements of light in all areas of this small space. This will make the room feel bigger and more relaxing. Even the wall hung toilet adds to the look of the room and coupled with lighting underneath creates a warmth to this room. The cloakroom below is a beautiful cloakroom that really shows how lighting works in this small space by using a ‘chandelier’ type light.

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OPEN: Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice chancellor of University of Reading, cut the ribbon Picture: Paul Fitchett

A NEW community centre in Shinfield has opened its doors.

The School Green Centre officially opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, November 10.

The ribbon was cut by Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice chancellor of University of Reading. His institution owns the land it was built on.

Mr Van de Noort said: “We are proud to have played our part in bringing this facility to the residents of Shinfield.”

The parish council chair, Andrew Grimes said he is delighted that the centre has officially opened.

Facilities include meeting rooms and a library. The cafe will be run by Robyn’s Nest, which is owned by a Shinfield resident.

The first opportunity for residents to explore the centre will be at a family fun day from noon until 3pm on Saturday.

Crowthorne church welcomes new minister with induction

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today HE’S BEEN here for a while, but now it’s official: Crowthorne Baptist Church has a new minister.

The Revd Kevin Mills joined the High Street church in December last year, but due to the pandemic the induction service had to be postponed, finally taking place on Saturday, November 13.

It’s been a busy period — the church held the official opening of its New Heart buildings in September, again delayed due to covid.

The project saw the church buildings totally redeveloped and creating new spaces that can be used by the village across the week.

At Saturday’s service, friends and family of Mr Mills and his wife, Wendy, came together with members from his previous church in Stafford, members of Churches Together in Crowthorne, village leaders and church pastors from

across the county.

Introducing the service, church member Sarah Webb told the congregation: “We come together from different fellowships, but we come together as one church.”

The act of induction was led by the Revd Joth Hunt, a Southern Counties Baptist Association senior minister — the Baptist equivelent of a bishop.

During it, church secretary Philip Hood gave a short presentation detailing how the church came to make the appointment and the problems that the pandemic posed as the church was both without a building during the works and also holding services online.

After, Mr Mills shared his story.

He had a career in sales before becoming a pastor, helping launch a church on a new housing estate in Stafford prior to coming to Crowthorne.

“We knew God was leading us here,” he said, adding that the love of the church really stood out to

Thames Valley Police talk rural crime with farmers RURAL crime and emerging trends in organised crime were discussed when two farming and rural organisations met with Thames Valley Police.

Representatives of the NFU and the CLA met with the force’s Chief Constable John Campbell at its headquarters in Kidlington for their annual liaison meeting.

They discussed legislative changes to combat dog attacks on livestock and tackling hare coursing.

The two organisations raised serious concerns about organised crime, specifically the theft of high tech, high value GPS kits that are shipped abroad by criminal networks and sold in Europe.

NFU South East regional director William White said: “GPS thefts are highly disruptive to farming operations, given the delays in replacing stolen kit. There was a productive discussion on self help measures being adopted by farmers to deter thieves and police recognition of the severity of the impacts arising from these thefts.

Tim Bamford, CLA South East regional director, said it was a positive meeting which highlighted the very real impact crime has on rural businesses and communities.

“The new rural crime task force is a strong step forward and we very much look forward to hearing its successes in the fight against rural crime,” he added.

FROM LEFT: Sarah Webb, Wendy and the Revd Kevin Mills, the Revd Colin Baker and regional minister, the Revd Joth Hunt, at Crowthorne Baptist Church him, and he thanked the members for making him so welcome.

After the induction, church leaders then prayed for Mr and Mrs Mills.

A sermon was given by the Revd Colin Baker, from Caversham Baptist Church, who acted as the church’s moderator during the integrum period. He spoke from the Bible passages of 1 Corinthians 12:4-

11, and Ephesians 4:1-3, and urged Mr Mills to ‘pray not for crutches but wings’ and to be willing to step out of the comfort zone during his ministry.

The service included the hymns How Great Thou Art, 10,000 Reasons, and I Stand Amazed In The Presence of Jesus the Nazarene.

After the service, the church served refreshments.

Can’t make carols? Still buy a ticket urges charity CHRISTMAS lovers are being asked to buy tickets for a charity carol service, even if they cannot attend.

The Berkshire branch of St John Ambulance is holding the event from 6pm on Saturday, December 11, at Wellington College in Crowthorne.

Music will be led by the Tamesis Chamber Choir, while readings will be given by Lady Stevenson, Lord Brownlow, and Sean Taylor.

Clive Lawson Smith, Chair of the St John Priory Group in Berkshire, said: “Since covid struck in 2020, St John volunteers have been immensely busy supporting the NHS in many ways, including shifts in hospital A&E departments and, crewing ambulances.

“We’re now delighted to be able to arrange what promises to be a festive and enjoyable early evening of songs and readings and hope that many people will want to attend. Even if you cannot be there on the 11th, please consider buying a donation ticket for £10 which will mean that more much-needed funds will be raised to support the training of local volunteers and the purchase of essential first aid equipment.”

Tickets are £10 and under 12s can attend for free. The entry fee includes a glass of wine and a mince pie and all proceeds will go to St John Ambulance.

Registration is via Eventbrite, search for Christmas Carols Tickets.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING AND COMPULSORY PURCHASE ACT 2004 THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL PLANNING)(ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2012 LOCAL PLAN UPDATE – REVISED GROWTH STRATEGY CONSULTATION This notice has been prepared in accordance with Regulations 18 and 35 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

Local Plan Update - Revised Growth Strategy consultation Wokingham Borough Council is preparing a new Local Plan, known as the Local Plan Update (LPU), which includes an ongoing programme of engagement and consultation. Following the Draft Local Plan consultation in 2020 the council is now seeking views on an updated approach to managing growth across the borough because the previously proposed Grazeley Garden Town is no longer achievable. The purpose of this consultation is therefore to enable people to make representations on the revised growth strategy for development within the borough to 2038, including proposed development site allocations.

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 A. PROPOSED – SPEED LIMITS: WATERLOO ROAD AND WILLIAM HEELAS WAY. THE WOKINGHAM BOROUGH (30MPH SPEED LIMIT) (WILLIAM HEELAS WAY AND WATERLOO ROAD) ORDER 202*

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Householder application for the proposed replacement of existing corrugated sheet roof with new flat roof and part pitched tiled roof, plus clad concrete block walls with feather edge boarding and fit roller shutter door, plus changes to fenestration of the house.

2. The effect of the proposed speed limit Order would be to impose a 30mph speed limit on lengths of Waterloo Road and William Heelas Way.

213508

1 Farley Court, Church Road, Farley Hill

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed installation of a parapet to the existing roof.

3. Copies of the draft Order, statement of reasons and plans may be inspected at the offices of the Traffic Management Team, at the address given below between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Mondays to Fridays.

These are also available to view at ‘www.wokingham.gov.uk/tro’.

213556

Sarum Cottage, Pearson Road

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed Loft conversion to form a bedroom, two new rear roof windows, erection of a single storey rear extension.

213626

Thames Bridge House, Henley Bridge, Henley On Thames

Conservation Area

Full application for the proposed erection of a fourstorey building consisting of 3 no. residential units (two x 3-bedroom units and one x 3-bedroom unit) with associated parking and amenity space including 2 no. first floor balconies and a roof terrace, following demolition of the remaining built form on the site.

Dated: 18th November 2021

• Email: lpu@wokingham.gov.uk • Post: Local Plan Update consultation, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN. Dated: 18th November 2021

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (HONEY HILL, CROWTHORNE) (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: Honey Hill, Crowthorne between its junctions with B3430 Nine Mile Ride and Redlake Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Heathlands Road and B3430 Nine Mile Ride or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th December 2021 and 21st January 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Southern Gas Networks contractors to undertake gas main replacement and associated connection work in safety.

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 2nd December 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: 18th November 2021

Andy Glencross, Assistant Director Place & Growth, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WL.

Comments can also be submitted by:

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE Blue Scaffolding Services Ltd of 79 Merton Road South, Reading , RG2 8AX is applying for a licence to use Greenacres Storage, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, RG40 4NE as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicles.

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.

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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 6th December 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: 18th November 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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The Old House, Lea Farm, Lodge Road

• On the council’s website at www.wokingham.gov.uk/ LPU; and

https://engage.wokingham.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/righthomes-right-places-local-plan

The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address 213321

The consultation runs from Monday 22 November 2021 to 5pm Monday 24 January 2022 The consultation documents can be inspected:

Please submit your comments via our online form which can be found at:

The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under sections 84(1) and Parts III and IV of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and of all other enabling powers.

4. Any objections to the proposals, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing to the Traffic Management Team, Localities & Customers, PO Box 153, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or via email to ‘tm.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk’ by no later than 9 December 2021.

• At the Council Offices: Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION

It’s good news for everyone

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A327 READING ROAD, FINCHAMPSTEAD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF VEHICLES) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on 17th November 2021 the Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (“the Act”) and all other enabling powers the effect of which continues in force the restrictions contained in a Notice under Section 14 (2) of the Act dated 16th November 2021 prohibiting any vehicle from proceeding along A327 Reading Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with Park Lane and Remount Drive.

The restrictions are necessary to enable Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake resurfacing works in safety.

The alternative route for all traffic affected by the restriction shall be by proceeding via A327 Eversley Road, Langley Common Road, Biggs Lane, Park Lane, Nine Mile Ride, B3016 Finchampstead Road, B3348 Jubilee Road, B3348 The Village and B3348 Fleet Hill.

The restrictions shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs in accordance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Direction 2016 are lawfully displayed in the said roads.

The Order shall come into operation on the 21st November 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. .

Dated: 18th November 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

Wokingham Winter Carnival SUNDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 21 ~ 11AM TO 5PM

Wokingham Winter Carnival is a fun day out for the whole family in the Town Centre and surrounding area, including performances in Peach Place. The Town is closed to traffic for the day so children can join in the fun in a totally safe environment. Thereʼs a whole host of street entertainers, music, singing,dancing and the fun of the fair with loads of different rides, whether youʼre young or old.Santa will be in his grotto, and for lunch there are stalls offering an amazing choice of food and drink together with crafts and gifts for Christmas shopping. And at the end of the day there will be carol singing – from 4.30pm and the Christmas tree lights will be switched on.

For full details, including contact information please visit

www.wintercarnival.co.uk We are sad to announce that we cannot run the parade this year, due to restrictions still in place, so this only means it will be back in 2022. Bigger and Better!

Wokingham Winter Carnival request all visitors to the Carnival, to adhere to all government guidelines, applicable on November 28th regarding Social Distancing and the wearing of masks.

LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY

18.11.21

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Kip, Kip hooray!

S

NOWFLAKES will be falling in Maidenhead this Christmas.

Kipper’s Snowy Day is set to entertain audiences at Norden Farm from Tuesday, November 30, to Sunday, December 30.

Based on the award-winning children’s book Kipper the Dog, by Mick Inkpen, the story will be brought to life on stage, thanks to Slot Machine theatre company.

The plot follows Kipper, his friend Tiger, and their magical adventure in the snow.

Filled with original songs, including Big Hill, and Very Positive About Snow, the soundtrack aims to reflect the action happening on stage with puppets.

It is inspired by the concept of a fresh, snowy

night and the blank page of a book.

Nicola Blackwell, co-artistic director at Slot Machine, says: “Audiences are in for a really spectacular show. We’ve tried to recreate that visual world tastefully on stage and families will be able to watch it all come to life and experience that magic of the show.”

Slot Machine theatre has a long-standing relationship with Norden Farm. The arts venue has presented three Christmas pieces with the company, and was one of the first theatres to commission them.

Ms Blackwell says they chose Kipper’s Snowy Day because it is “well-loved by so many families”.

She continues: “We just really enjoy the book, and our adaptation actually includes both Kipper’s

Snowy Day and Kipper’s Christmas Eve, which is what Mick Inkpen suggested we do.

“Mick was so lovely to work with, and I think his character definitely reflects in his books, showing his generosity and heart-warming nature,” she says.

This production isn’t the only production Slot Machine have been working on throughout the pandemic. Other shows include Your Toys, The Boy, The Piano and The Beach, and Scooter Ballet.

The company’s focus is on multidisciplinary work for family audiences, ranging from commercial pieces to larger-scale choreographic shows.

During lockdown Slot Machine released a film of Kipper’s Snowy Day, which was screened at

various BFI cinemas. Now, live theatre is back and Norden Farm has the festive adventure.

Ms Blackwell says that after a challenging Christmas last year, she is excited to be spreading joy to families this festive season.

“You won’t see a show like this anywhere else this Christmas,” she explains.

“Our production is so unique, and no other theatre company in the UK has been commissioned to do this adaptation, so I think that’s what makes our show so special.

“You just can’t beat walking into a theatre and seeing all the children laughing and engaged in your show, and it’s a real privilege to be a part of it.”

Tickets for Kipper’s Snowy Day cost £14.50, or £12.50 for under 16s. A family ticket of four seats is £50. Relaxed performances will take place on Saturday, December 4, at 11am and Wednesday, December 29.

Touch tours are available before the show. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01628 788997, or log on to: norden.farm

LAURA SCARDARELLA

14 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

Get ready to disco with Sir Duke

inspection, panic surrounds the town.

The performances start at 7.45pm and tickets are £14. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 978 5363, or log on to: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk

A DISCO band will be stepping into the spotlight in Reading next month.

Sir Duke Disco and the Dance Party band is set to play a variety of disco, dance, soul and funk, from the 70s to present day, at The Jazz Cafe, at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The performance takes place on Friday, December 10 at 7.30pm.

Entry-only tickets cost £12.

And for those who want to treat themselves to a three-course meal, tickets cost £46.50. n For more details, or to book, call: 0118 968 1442, or log on to: thejazzcafe.co.uk

80s rock night

BON JOVI, Queen and Bonnie Tyler lovers will be living on a prayer at South Hill Park this Christmas for a special tribute show.

Audiences will be whisked back to the 80’s to enjoy listening to rock anthems, power ballads and some Christmas tunes in That 80’s Christmas Rock Show.

The fancy-dress-encouraged event, performed in the Bracknell venue’s Wilde Theatre, is set to have individuals dancing the night away.

The performance takes place on Tuesday, December 14 at 7.45pm.

Tickets cost £22, or £21 for members. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484 123, or visit: southhillpark.org.uk

Moths to turn up at the Turtle

A ROCK band will be tuning up their guitars for a gig at Purple Turtle next month.

Marisa and the Moths will entertain crowds at the Reading bar on Saturday, December 12.

The alternative-rock group mix their sharp, modern music with a grungy take on 90s tunes.

Doors to the Gun Street, Reading bar open at 6pm and the performance starts at 7pm. n For more details, or to book, log on to: purpleturtlebar.com

Chilling tale on screen A CHOIR is preparing for its first concert since the covid pandemic.

Cantemus is used to performing four times a year, and is sure to be in fine voice when they return next month.

They will be performing a selection of Christmas carols, songs and readings at St Mary’s Church in Kintbury.

Mark Thomas to share Rapunzel as a panto his festive tales THE GRINCH has got nothing on comedian Mark Thomas, who will be delivering a Christmas comedy treat in Reading next month.

Presenting his show, An Extra Plateful, the not-so-festive storyteller brings his family tales to life at South Street Arts Centre.

He’ll tell stories, including his Dad being Father Christmas for the school fete, Christmas spent alone, dead neighbours, broken hearts, and unexpected guests.

The performance takes place on Thursday, December 30, at 7.30pm.

Suitable for ages 12 and over, standard tickets cost £17 and £15 for members. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or visit: whatsonreading.com

RAPUNZEL will be letting down her hair in Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre’s group’s pantomime in January.

The community theatre company is set to reopen its doors with this fairytale classic on Friday, January 14 to Sunday, January 16.

The story follows a beautiful blonde woman, who is trapped in a castle and longs to find a lover to save her. n For more information, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 328 2825, or log on to: twyrusdrama.org.uk

Beauty-ful panto

A CLASSIC tale as old as time will be making its debut at Basingstoke’s The Anvil this Christmas.

Beauty and The Beast includes largerthan-life characters, catchy songs, jokes and festive fun.

The musical director will be Andrew Cox, while the accompanist is Chris Lambert.

It takes place from 3pm to 4pm on Saturday, December 18.

Tickets cost £10 and will be available on the door, with proceeds going to St Mary’s Fabric Fund.

Strictly Come Dancing champion, Joe McFadden stars as The Beast, and Basil Brush’s Mr Stephen Chris Pizzey is playing Louis la Plonk.

EastEnders’ Nick Wilton stars as Polly la Plonk, Maria Coyne is Belle, and Michael Quinn is Hugo Pompidou, the cheeky chap trying to win the heart of Belle.

Performances run from Thurday, December 9 to Sunday, January 2.

Tickets range from £22 to £32. n For more details, or to book, call: 01256 844244, or visit: anvilarts.org.uk

Rat Pack’s crackers

AN EVENING of festive classics will be sung by The Definitive Rat Pack at The Mill at Sonning later this month.

Featuring the Manhattan Swing Orchestra, The Definitive Rat Pack brings Christmas hits including White Christmas, Jingle Bells, The Christmas

AT THE THEATRE Coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice.

Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Conservatoire International Concert Series: Alan Shellard and Hamish Brown. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Raymond Burley: The Music of Spain. Sat. Wilde Sundays. Sun. Coach House Christmas Parties. Thurs 25. Cinderella.

From Fri 26-Jan 3.

Conservatoire International Concert Series: Amit Yahav. Fri 26. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 26.

Spirit Chasers Paranormal UK. Sun 28. Swing Into Christmas With the Down For The Count Concert Orchestra. Mon 29.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600

Desi Central Comedy Show. Fri. Circus Skills with Patches The Clown. Sat. The Real Magic Show. Sat. Live at Camberley Theatre. Fri 26. An Evening of Burlesque. Sat 27.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Tell Me On A Sunday. Mon-Sat. Radio Live: A Hilarious Romp Through 50 Years of Broadcasting. Sun. Miriam Margoyles: This Much Is True.

Wed. Poirot and More: A Retrospective. Fri 26-Sat 27.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Lost In Music. Thurs. George Hinchcliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

Fri. Tropicana Nights: The 90s.

Sat. Heathers The Musical.

Tues-Sat 27. Hellfire Comedy

Club. Thurs 25. Mamma Mia and More Dinner Dance. Sat 27. Carl Hutchinson Live. Sun 28. Coldplace. Sun 28.

Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Lipstick on your Collar.

Fri-Sat.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Piers Lane Piano. Thurs. The Vinyl Frontier: Scissor Sisters v Keane. Thurs. The Dolly Project. Fri. St John’s Chamber Orchestra. Sat. Five Star Swing at Christmas. Wed. Ahir Shah: Dress. Fri 26. The Alter Eagles.

Sat 27. Kipper’s Snowy Day. From Nov 30.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218

The Comedy Network. Fri. Cinderella. Fri 26-Sun, Jan 2.

Newbury – The Watermill

Cantemus are also preparing for its spring concert, which is schedule for Saturday, March 19. It will take place at St Mary’s Church in Shaw cum Donnington. n For more information, log on to: www.facebook.com/cantemusnewbury and: www.cantemus-newbury.org Song and Let It Snow.

And they’ve perform other all-time favourites such as I’ve Got You Under My Skin, That’s Amore, Mr Bojangles and New York, New York.

The performance takes place on Sunday, November 29, at 8.15pm, with dinner at 6.15pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 969 8000, or visit: millatsonning.com

Inspect the Inspector

A SATIRICAL play will be performed by Wokingham Theatre next month.

Nikolai Gogol’s The Government Inspector will take to the stage from Wednesday, December 8 to Saturday, December 18.

The story follows a small Russian town that’s full of corruption.

But when the officials find out they’re going to be subject to an undercover

Reading – The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Suzi Ruffell. Thurs-Fri. NEXT SHOW: The Snow Queen. From Dec 3-Christmas Eve.

A GROUP of four comedians are heading to Reading’s Just The Tonic Comedy Club this Saturday.

The event, hosted at Sub 89, on Friar Street, will provide an evening of nonstop laughter.

The gig features Jewish comedian Sol Bernstein, Will Duggan, Joanne McNally and Robin Morgan.

Doors open at 6pm for audiences to have a drink and chat before the show. n For more details, or to book, log on to: justthetonic.com

Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Radiant Vermin. Until Sat.

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: A Christmas Carol.

Dec 3-New Year’s Eve.

Reading – Reading Minster Church

Reading – South Street

That’s the tonic

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 The Jungle Book.Until New Year’s Eve.

rabbletheatre.com 07930 834970 RABBLE Theatre presents Who Killed Alfred Oliver? Until Sat 20 – CANCELLED DUE TO COVID.

A SCREENING of Amelia will be shown at South Street Arts until the end of November.

The filmed version takes place in March 1896, where a brown paper package was found floating in the river at Caversham Lock.

What was discovered inside brought an end to the chilling career of baby farmer Amelia Dyer.

Originally staged outdoors in July 2019, around Caversham Lock, the location where Amelia committed many of her crimes, the film will hit the big screen until Tuesday, November 30.

Audience members are advised to pay what they can. n For more details, or to book, call: 0118 9606060, or visit: whatsonreading.com

Shinfield – Shinfield Players Rachael Parris: All Change Please. Sat. The Horne Section.

Mon. The Darkness. Fri 26.

Katherine Ryan: Missus.

Sat 27.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Jon Hopkins. Sat. NEXT SHOW: Lunchtime Organ Recital.

Jan 17.

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Youth Group Revue.

Dec 3-4.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Top Hat. Until Jan 8. The Sound of Springsteen. Sun. The Rat Pack at Christmas. Sun 28, Dec 5.

Windsor –

Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Radio GaGa. Thurs. You Win Again. Fri. Thank You For The Music. Sat. Jack and the Beanstalk. Fri 26-Sun, Jan 9.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: The Government Inspector. Wed, Dec 8-Sat, Dec 18.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society presents The Father (12a). Thurs.

Elements Dance: A Night at the Movies. Sat-Sun.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Talking Heads Part 2. Nov 30-Dec 4.

LEISURE | 15

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, November 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Reading band wins award for music video release

Jungle Book swings into The Watermill

SHOW: Peter Ashmore, Philippa Hogg, Karishma Young, Guido García Lueches, Rowena Lennon in rehearsals.

Picture: Pamela Raith Photography

Last Picture Show talk unity and the joys of life with their new awardwinning music video

A

N AWARDWINNING music video has been made to explore life’s wonders, thanks to a Reading-based band.

Created by Last Picture Show, featuring Gareth Cooper, Matt Robinson and John Mullaney, The Joy and the Wonder portrays rejecting division and embracing the world.

First emerging as Ripchord in 2006, the video was put together in Summer 2019 after the band recorded the track in 2018.

Band member John Mullaney, and director of the shoot, said the idea for the music video came from when he was on a residential holiday “There are few more magical places on earth than rural England in full bloom on a midsummer night and it’s a vibe that’s self-evidently at the heart of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is one of my favourite plays and a subtle influence on the growing idea for the film.” Mr Mullaney said “Channelling Matt’s soulful lyrics about rejecting division and embracing life’s joy and wonder, the central concept for the film was born right there and then.”

Mr Mullaney explained he wants as many people as possible to experience and share the film.

And he added viewers can enjoy its magical vibe, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

BAND MATES: The group features Gareth Cooper, Matt Robinson and John Mullaney Picture: John Mullaney The band entered several competitions and went on to win Best Music Video 2021 at the Hollywood Art and Movie Awards.

“We were over the moon to win this,” Mr Mullaney said.

“It is so gratifying to have that industry recognition and to be able to describe Last Picture Show as an awardwinning band.”

Actress Cassie Vallance starred as the leading role in the film and Mr Mullaney’s friend, who was on a film course, offered to help with

some filming equipment.

“That generous access to professional gear, combined with the kind and exceptionally talented cast & crew we now had on board, meant we were all set to make a really professional looking film on a relatively shoe-strong budget,” he added.

Mr Mullaney explained the film shoot as a “gratifying experience”.

He said: “One of the best personal memories about the film is that so many people on the shoot told me it was one of

the best experiences they’ve ever had.

“I’m super grateful to everyone involved who helped make the film happen.”

He said: “I keep getting asked when we’re going to do it again, I’ve written the sequel, which is ridiculously ambitious, but then so was Joy and Wonder, so who knows.

“It’ll take a lot to finance, but I hope we can eventually make that film happen as it would be spectacular.” n For more information, log on to: last-picture-show.com

A

week.

JUNGLE adventure through the treetops will be performed at The Watermill from this

The Newbury-based theatre presents Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, The Jungle Book, over Christmas.

In the depths of the jungle, a child is abandoned with no possessions, no family and no home.

And the infant is soon discovered by a pack of wolves who decide to raise them as one of their own.

Swing through the treetops with Mowgli and watch a show all about acceptance and finding a place in the world Director and choreographer Tom Jackson Greaves said he can’t wait to share the production with audiences.

He said: “After being an associate

Crumbs! Biscuit trail will make your Christmas

S

ANTA Claus, Japanese cuisine, an X Factor star, a marshmallow fire pit and even biscuit-making icons, Huntley and Palmer, are among the new features announced for Twilight Trail: Biscuit Town, the flagship festive attraction of Christmas in Reading.

Taking place in the stunning setting of the Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens, the light trail sold more than 12,000 tickets last year and was cited as a UK holiday highlight by the Daily Mail.

It runs from Friday, December 3, all the way through to New Year’s Eve. This year’s light, sound and smell installations have a biscuit theme as the bicentenary approaches of Huntley & Palmers, the Reading-based biscuit business that became one of the first-ever global brands, selling to 172 countries.

They include a brand-new Son et Lumiere The Packing Plantin the Abbey Ruins, a recreation of a board game featured on a 1950s biscuit tin, the interactive Lion’s Roarand a shimmering photo frame entirely constructed from rolling pins.

Leading light trail producer, Luminism, have been working with Bing Liveand Bicycle Boyplaywright Helen Eastman and artists from Reading and beyond to create a mouth-watering, wintery wonderland.

Two specially commissioned songs, written by lyricist Eastman and composer Russell Heppelwhite, celebrating Reading’s history as Biscuit Town will be featured, recorded by children from six local schools: Caversham Park Primary School, Christ the King Catholic Primary School, Redlands Primary School, St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, St John’s Church of England Primary School and St Mary & All

Saints Church of England Primary School.

Food and drink offerings include Après Ski chalets, a marshmallow fire pit, Japanese and sausage stalls, as well as specially created iced gem and adults-only hot chocolates from WePop. Special guests appearing including Victorian Huntley and Palmer characters looking for help designing new biscuits and, on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus.

Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity, Launchpad, will take over the Twilight Trail on December 8, joined by Anonymous Coffee andX Factor star Danyl Johnson, who will be compering Carols at the Abbey starring BBC’s Gospel Choir of the Year 2019 winners, Reading Community Gospel Choir .All proceeds from tickets sold for this special evening will be donated to Launchpad to directly support people who are homeless or at risk of

losing their home in Reading.

Reading UK’s Zsuzsi Lindsay commented: “We can’t wait to light up Reading again and bring a bit of magic to the beautiful Forbury Gardens and Abbey Ruins.

“We’re so proud to have a fully accessible light trail located right in the heart of the town centre, so people can make the most of what’s on offer in Reading over the festive season.

“And, being just a few minutes’ walk from Reading Station and other transport links, means that residents and visitors alike can enjoy this truly special trail which is totally unique to Reading.”

Tickets for Twilight Trail: Biscuit Town can be booked via whatsonreading.com, with off-peak tickets starting at £6 for children, £8 for adults and £26 for a family pass. n More information on festivities in Reading is available at christmasinreading.co.uk

artist of the Watermill Theatre for the past five years.

“It makes me unbelievably happy to be working on my tenth production at the theatre and my first as director.

“The Jungle Book is a tale I have fallen in love with and hope that our production will bring a universal serving of joy whilst telling a story that oozes themes of acceptance, growth, understanding and love.”

Performances run from Thursday, November 18 until Friday, December 31.

Adults tickets cost £23 for performances up to Thursday, December 16 and £25 from Saturday, December 18 onwards. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01635 46044, or visit: watermill.org.uk

THE MILL AT SONNING PRESENTS

TOP HAT

16 OCTOBER 2021 TO 8 JANUARY 2022 BOOK ONLINE AT MILLATSONNING.COM

THE MILL AT SONNING THEATRE LTD SONNING EYE, RG4 6TY READING

16 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Classical music celebration ONE OF BEETHOVEN’S symphonies will be celebrated at Norden Farm this Christmas.

St John’s Chamber Orchestra make its return to the Maidenhead arts venue for a special concert on Saturday, at 8pm.

Conducted by Nigel Wilkinson, the orchestra is joined by Oliver Simpson, on cello, and Yehuda Inbar, on piano.

The programme includes a showpiece by Dvorak and Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony.

Live streamed and adult tickets are £18, £16.50 for concessions and £5 for under 18’s. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01628 788997, or visit norden.farm

Mark Watson’s Concert Hall date

COMEDIAN Mark Watson is heading to Reading’s Concert Hall for a night of laughter next year.

He will perform at the arts venue, on Blagrave Street, on Thursday, February 3, at 7.30pm.

The Channel 4’s Taskmaster survivor will cram a couple of years of pathological overthinking into an evening of standup.

Suitable for ages 14 and over, tickets cost £22. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

REVIEW: @HOME at South Hill Park

A

CAPTIVATING new production explores the implications on society through the world of contemporary dance.

Directed and choreographed

by Didy Veldman, @HOME explores the idea of being stuck inside and, while there is a literal house setting on stage, the dance itself has much more meaning to it.

The talented cast of dancers include Theo Arran, Oliver Chapman, Hannah Ekholm, Melody Tamiz and Nicholas Tredrea.

Each individual absorbs the audience into their own unique story, taking them on their emotional journey to find out what and where home is for them.

Arran and Chapman perform a memorable section that shows careful attention to their interlocking movements and unity.

Chapman swoons to the floor, completely oblivious of Tamiz’s support who places the mattress underneath him to break his fall.

The pair’s fluidity show Chapman’s trust of Tamiz, which seems to be an important factor in contemporary dance as a whole.

Composer Sabio Janiak’s original score has a real mix of

DANCE: @HOME was performed at South Hill Park’s Wilde Theatre on Tuesday, November 9. Picture: Foteini Christofilopoulou disjointed melodies, as well as more smooth, underlying tones that coincide with Veldman’s exquisite choreography.

Speech was incorporated a couple of times into the piece and those moments weren’t necessarily needed.

These included dialogues from an estate agent on flat rentals, and a reflection on identity, which brought the level of performance down slightly.

Perhaps the spoken words could have been used as a pre-recorded voiceover so it didn’t distract from the skilful choreography on stage.

Ekholm and Tredea’s duet seemed to portray the love and

WPR_2021-11-15_TheWokinghamPaper_16x4 (1)_Just Go

WorcesterObserver

Reader travel

ABBA TRIBUTE ABBATributeLiveinLiverpool_F.pdf

LAURA SCARDARELLA

TV show runner-up at Biscuit Factory

A TALENT show star is heading to The Reading Biscuit Factory this Thursday.

Hosted by The Stand ad Deliver Comedy Club, Britain’s Got Talent contestant Robert White will headline at the arts venue on Broad Street Mall.

The club, which was formed in 2016, partnered with the community hub to deliver various nights of entertainment.

And this Thursday will be its opening night, hosted by Reading Fringe Comedian of the Year, Lucas Jolson.

Cabaret trio set Hexagon date

& the Dales

Alongside Robert White, the gig features supporting acts Alexis Coward and Charlie Bowers.

Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.

Club promoter, founder and spiritual leader, Rhodri Buttrick, said: “I am so excited to be bringing my comedy club to such a wonderful new venue.

“After the year we have had Reading deserves a good laugh.” n For more details, or to book, log on to: standanddelivercomedy. com

Scrooge in Kings Road for Christmas

HistoricYork&theDales_F.pdf

Departing Sun 6 Mar ‘22

Departing Mon 21 Mar ‘22

Your break includes

Your break includes

Return coach travel from Wokingham Overnight stay at the 2-star Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool with dinner & breakfast (all meals buffet style) 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks ABBA tribute act plus a live DJ at the hotel Free time in Liverpool

Return coach travel from Wokingham 4 nights at a selected hotel in the Leeds area with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursions to York, Skipton Market & Grassington Optional excursion to Knaresborough & Harrogate (£10pp)

2 Days by Coach only £

94

159.99

5 Days by Coach only £ 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 us online at

the struggles of a couple living together under one roof.

Their strong partner work blended together perfectly, demonstrating elements of closeness and escapism.

By the end of the number, they swap clothes, Ekholm wearing Tredea’s waistcoat and him wearing her dress, showing they’re connected to one another.

Although the set is fairly minimalist, with table, chairs, a mattress and a plant pot, each dancer embodies the props to their full capacity, particularly in the group sequences. n For details or future shows, log on to: humanoove.org

LAUGHS: Robert White will headline The Stand and Deliver Comedy Club’s gig this Thursday

HISTORIC YORK

Live in Liverpool

Single Supplement £35

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

justgoholidays.com/WPR

033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

justgohols JGTravelGroup

A CABARET trio is popping the champagne for their latest tour.

Fascinating Aida will be hitting Reading for one night only, coming to The Hexagon.

Audiences will be treated to a selection of favourites and even a bawdy song or two.

The group, made up of Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson and Lisa Pulman, have captured political and social fixations across four decades.

The performance takes place on Wednesday, February 16, at 7.30pm.

With three Olivier Award nominations and more than 25 million YouTube hits, the trio’s songs and topical, with a splash of glamour. n For more details, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or visit: whatsonreading.com

THE CASTING for Reading Rep Theatre’s next production has been announced.

The theatre company, on Kings Road, will perform a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel, A Christmas Carol.

Written by Reading-born playwright Beth Flintoff, and directed by Paul Stacey, the cast includes Beth Eyre, Dave Fishley, Samuel Kyi, Rose McPhilemy and Rick Romero.

Set on the cobbled streets of Reading, the story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, who is a miserable boss at Huntley and Palmers, Reading’s world-famous biscuit company.

With a little help from Christmas Past, Present and Future, will he be able to feel the festive joy this year?

A 15ft tall Christmas tree will be set up outside the theatre to honour the festive season and the first Christmas production at Reading Rep’s newly built theatre.

This family-friendly production opens on Wednesday, December 8, and runs until Friday, December 31.

Completing the creative team are Anna Lewis, Joe Dines, Simeon Miller and Sheree Paton.

The production is accompanied by Reading Rep’s largest participatory project, Dear Mr Scrooge, which aims to bring literature to life through performing, for communities who find it hard to access the arts.

The project will engage over 300 participants across Reading including SEN school, five primary schools, Bounce Back 4 Kids and Purley Park Trust, who will create their own versions of Dickens’ timeless tale. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 370 2620, or visit readingrep.com

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, November 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LIVEMUSIC

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

RaW Sounds Today

Moth Man – Nutter This band, with members from Reading and Manchester, have released a new video of this track from their latest album. It was filmed by Gigshotz from Reading and reflects the moody atmospheric feel of the song and the album – https://mothman. band/

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

Slim Chance – Ooh La La

T

HERE are three terrific new entries in yet another great RaW Sounds Today playlist.

First from an excellent up-and-coming duo from Reading, second from a local established musician with his 10-year anniversary of an album released on a Wokingham-based record label, and third, a Wokingham band with an excellent cover of a classic.

You can listen to all 10 tracks, for free, thanks to our Spotify playlist.

The RaW Sounds playlist is a brilliant way to discover some new music and keep dancing.

To tune in, simply head to https://bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday and get ready to rock.

There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap in to. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Valeras – Let Me Go Reading-based duo, Valeras, have been building up a reputation with a stream of critically acclaimed singles, including this one that also features on their new four-track EP Tell Me Now. It’s a great piece of indie rock with a pop punk feel and an uplifting singalong anthemic chorus. They will be live at Sub 89 on Wednesday, November 24, and, if you fancy a vinyl copy of the EP, the band will be doing a special ‘in store’ at Wokingham’s Beyond the Download record store on Saturday, November 27 – https://www.facebook.com/valerasband

LET ME GO: Valeras Picture: Madeline Rome

Mordecai Smyth – Sinister Cyclist Mordecai Smyth was the first artist to sign to Wokingham-based Mega Dodo Records in 2011, and his first album, Sticky Tape and Rust, was released in the same year. It has just been re-issued as a special 10th anniversary two CD set with 32 bonus tracks.

The album has a wonderful 60s psych pop feel with clever lyrics that make you smile such as this song about a Sinister Cyclist dressed in black, casting spells.

Mordecai has a new album coming in next year. https://www.facebook.com/stickytapeandrust/

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Green Embers, Redhead, Brioche.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: David Rodigan. Details: 01344 303333.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Live music. Details: 0118 966 7153.

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Live music.

Details: 0118 978 0544.

EVERSLEY – The Frog & Wicket RG27 0NS. Electric Eden. Details: 0118 973 1126.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Molly Karloff, Raze, Blyth Road, Scramin Irene. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Marvellous Fridays. Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Strictly UB40. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Dacoda. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, November 20

BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells RG30 3TH. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 983 2220.

BINFIELD – The Victoria Arms, Terrace Road North RG42 5JA. Majestix. Details: 01344 483856.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Damage UK, Oil City Kings, The Beelines. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Funky Funks.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park RG12 7PA. Raymond Burley. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Tequila Chase. Details: 01344 422622.

READING – The Butler, Chatham St RG1 7DS. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 959 5500.

Mike Wagner – Face of Light An uplifting sing-along anthem that showcases the talents of this local singer-songwriter. It’s taken from Mike’s Life… A Seven Day Journey mini-album – https://www.facebook.com/mikewagnermusic

Rocket Kings – The Green Zone Check out the video of this song, filmed in Reading. It’s taken from this local five-piece ‘uke pop’ band’s new album Everyday Adventures – https:// www.facebook.com/rocketkings

Hoopy Frood – Horse with No Name

Lucy Spraggan – Run to the Hills

Here’s a Wokingham-based band with a very cool cover of a classic 70s hit by America. It’s a great interpretation of the song with good grooves, strong vocals and even a guitar solo at the end – https:// www.hoopyfrood.co.uk/

Lucy rose to fame following her amazing performances on X-Factor in 2012, and has a great new album, Choices, which features this track. She will be at Reading’s Sub 89 on Tuesday, November 23 – http://www.lucyspraggan.com/

Katie Ellwood – More Than Perfect

The Paradox Twin – Sea of Tranquility

It’s another wonderful indie pop single with an infectious melody and chilled beats from Katie who is from Wokingham and who writes, records, plays and sings on her releases. Very talented. – https:// www.katieellwood.com/

Following their recent live tour, which included Wokingham Festival, this Reading-based band released their eagerly awaited second album, ‘Silence from Signals’ from which this track is taken – https://www.theparadoxtwin.com/

GIG GUIDE

Friday, November 19

This classic song was one of the highlights of the show that the band, which includes members who played with the late great Ronnie Lane, performed at Wokingham Music Club recently.

Ronnie co-wrote the song – https://www.slimchance.co.uk/

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Beeyonce. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club RG1 4HX. Lainie Live. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Blonde Ambition.

Details: 0118 942 9606.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Live music. Details: 0118 941 5064.

WOKINGHAM – The Roebuck, Market Place RG40 1AL. Garage night. Details: 0118 979 6486.

Tuesday, November 23

Sunday, November 21

Thursday, November 25

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays. Details: 01344 484123.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Rd RG6 1NY. Karaoke. 2pm-6pm. Details: 0118 966 7153.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Mick Ryan and Paul Downes. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Concert Hall, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Heavy Pop presents Jon Hopkins.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun St RG1 2JR. The Earl Slick band. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Total Stone Roses and Oaysis. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Sound of Springsteen. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Tenor Ethem Demir, pianist Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Monday, November 22

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Coig.

Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Horne Section. Details: 0118 960 6060.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Lucy Spraggan. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Wednesday, November 24

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Valeras. Details: 0118 959 5395.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Dave Pegg and AJ Clarke. Details: 01491 681048.

READING – Sub89 RG1 1EP. British Lion.

Lawrence Chaney. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, November 26

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Pure Queen.

Details: 01344 303333.

CHARVIL – Heron on the Ford, RG10 0UE. Monkey Shock. Details: 0118 934 0700.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Live music. Details: 0118 966 7153.

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Live music.

Details: 0118 978 0544.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Sarah Jane Morris: Sweet Little Mystery, songs of John Martyn. £17.50.

Details: www.wokinghammusicclub.co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Metal Fridays. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Darkness. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Opening party with DJ Yoda. Details: www. marketyard.co.uk READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham

Road RG6 1JL. Marvellous Fridays. Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Clark Tracey Sextet. Details: www.jazzinreading.com READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Wedding Present. Details: 0118 959 5395.

RISELEY – The Bull, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. The Turn. Details: 0118 343 0565.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern RG40 1AU. Live music. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Roebuck, Market Place RG40 1AL. The Midnight Rebel Band.

Details: 0118 979 6486.

Saturday, November 27

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Originals.

Details: 01344 303333.

LOWER EARLEY – Maiden Place Social Club, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Stephen Roper.

Details: 0118 926 0850.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity presents King Kurt.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. The Chain Gang.

Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Disco Brunch, Disco Shed, DJ Paulette.

Details: www.marketyard.co.uk READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Shufflepack Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club RG1 4HX. Move It. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. TBC. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. The Lost UK Showcase Tour. Details: 0118 958 6048.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Mythicals.

Details: 0118 942 9606.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Live music. Details: 0118 941 5064.

WOKINGHAM – The Roebuck, Market Place RG40 1AL. Garage night. Details: 0118 979 6486.

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LEISURE | 25

How to choose the right care home: top tips from Murdoch House

When looking for a care home for you or your loved one, the choice can seem overwhelming.

Here are some factors to consider that may help with your decision.

Care types The type of care you’re looking for will start to narrow down your choices.

For advice on the kind of care you’re looking for, speak to a local GP or social services department.

Location Should the home be near where you live now or further away? Staying close to your current home means that you’ll be able to keep in touch with friends and neighbours. Moving away, perhaps to be closer to grown up children, might allow them to visit more often.

Likes and dislikes This is where the individual homes will start to stand out.

Keen gardeners might want to consider homes with large grounds where they can carry on their hobby – or you may prefer a home with a buzzing social and activities calendar.

Pay them a visit Make sure you look round the care homes on your shortlist to meet the team and get a feel for the atmosphere in the home.

‘Rated good across all areas’ January 2021

Murdoch House 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

WHAT’SON Thursday, November 18

READING. Terry’s Walkabout: Crime and Punishment special, in conjunction with RABBLE theatre.

Advance booking essential, in aid of Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice. 9.50am-12.30pm.

Details: terry.dixon89@ virginmedia.com READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Berkshire Family History Society presents: The Duke of Wellington; A life of Service, An online talk by Brigadier Michael Aris & Richard Bennett.

2pm-3.15pm. Booking essential. Details: https:// berksfhs.org READING – The Biscuit Factory, Unit 1A, Queen’s Walk, RG1 7QA. Stand and Deliver comedy club. £10. 7pm for 8pm. Details: standanddelivercomedy. com READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Radiant Vermin by Philip Ridley. 7.45pm. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, 30 Silver Street, Reading RG1 2ST. SOS Drag Night Special. Details: risingsunartscentre.org READING – Sub89/ PopworldFriar Street RG1 1EP. Comedy with Rachel Fairburn. 8pm. Details: www.justthetonic.com WOKINGHAM – Cantley Park Pavilion, The Lodge Milton Road RG40 5QG. Wokingham Borough Council presents silver jewellery making earings workshop with Janet Richardson. 10am-4pm.

Details: wokingham.gov.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Studio Lighting with Shawn Bishop.

7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: The Father (12). £6.50, £4

members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, November 19

CROWTHORNE – Wellington College RG45 7PU. Wellington College Chamber Choir and Orchestra and Crowthorne Choral Society present John Rutter’s Requiem. 8pm. £12, £2 students. Details: www. wellingtoncollege.org.uk/ forthcoming-events READING – BrewDog, Castle Street RG1 7SB. Mad Monkey Improv Charity Show. 7.30pm. Details: www.madmonkeyimprov. co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Comedy night: Roger Monkhouse. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Radiant Vermin by Philip Ridley. 7.45pm. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 6267.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley vegan market. 11am3pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com

Saturday, November 20

BURGHFIELD – Willink Leisure Centre, Holly Bush Lane RG7 3XP. Christmas craft fair. Noon-4pm. 50p entry. Details: 07990 667503.

GORING – Village Hall RG8 9AG. Goring Craft Fair.

10am-4pm. £2. Details: www.goringcraftfair.co.uk LOWER EARLEY – Salvation Army, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Christmas fayre: cakes, books, crafts, pre-loved, toys and more.

10.30am-2pm. Details: 0118 931 0760.

READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free personalised letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm.

Details: broadstreetmall.

LEISURE | 27

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, November 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk com READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading farmers market. 8.30am-noon.

Details: www.tvfm.org.uk READING – The Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AG. The Whiskey Affair whiskey festival: Scotch, bourbon, whiskey and whiskey cocktails. 1pm or 7pm. £9.90 per session.

Details: thewhiskeyaffair. co.uk READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Radiant Vermin by Philip Ridley. 7.45pm. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – St Joseph’s College, Upper Redland Road RG1 5JT. Reading Hadyn Choir with Sinfonia Musiciti present Rutter’s Requiem and Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man, a Mass For Peace. 7.30pm. £14, £12 concessions, £5 under 19s. Details: www. haydnchoir.org.uk READING – Across Reading.

Christmas light switch-on 2021. Live music from 1pm, including RASPO. Festive food stalls in Broad Stall and more.

YATTENDON – Village Hall RG18 OUE. Yattendon Christmas Market. 10am4pm.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, November 21

ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Council libraries online virtual storytime.

11am. Details: libraries@ wokingham.gov.uk BINFIELD – Salisbury Hall, Newbold College RG42 4AN. Bracknell Choral Society: A Celebration of Mozart. 6pm. £15, under 18s free. Details: www. bracknellchoral.org.uk CAVERSHAM – Creativ.

Spaces, Southview Park, Marsack Street RG4 5AF. Artisa Christmas Market.

10am-3.30pm. Details: www.madebytamalia.co.uk GORING – Village Hall RG8

9AG. Goring Craft Fair.

10am-4pm. £2. Details: www.goringcraftfair.co.uk READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free personalised letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm.

Details: broadstreetmall. com WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Vegan Market. 11am-3pm.

Details: 07861 654674 or woodleytowncentre.co.uk YATTENDON – Village Hall RG18 OUE. Christmas Market. 10am-4pm.

Monday, November 22

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe from Earley Help Hub. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 966 4474

Tuesday, November 23

ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Council libraries online virtual storytime for ages seven and under.

11am. Details: libraries@ wokingham.gov.uk READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, 30 Silver Street, Reading RG1 2ST. BAlive Life Drawing workshop. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org WOODLEY – Bulmershe Leisure Centre, Woodlands Avenue RG5 3EU. Wokingham Borough Council presents Life Drawing and Portraiture with Mick McNicholas.

Noon-1.45pm. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Wednesday, November 24

READING – Market House, Market Place RG12EQ. Drag Queen Bingo. £10. Details: www. markethousereading.com WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm.

Details: 07861 654674 or woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, November 25

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:fresh

wellbeing drop-in cafe, 2pm-4pm. Details: 07493 784091.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Image Improvement. 7.30pm.

Details: www.webcc. org.uk.

Friday, November 26

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe from Earley Help Hub. 10am-noon. Details: 07493 784091.

READING – Broad Street Mall.

Enjoy Christmas Carols by local choir ‘Moving On’ next to our Christmas tree in Central Square.

1pm-1.30pm. Details: broadstreetmall.com READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, 30 Silver Street, Reading RG1 2ST. StrikeUp Forum Theatre Workshop.

7.30pm. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear.

2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 979 6267.

Saturday, November 27

BARKHAM – Village Hall, Church Lane RG40 4PL. Barkham Village Residents Association quiz evening.

7pm. £12. Details: 0118 978 3373 or social@ barkham.org.uk READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free personalised letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm. broadstreetmall.com READING – Rivermead Leisure Complex RG1 8EQ. Reading Comiccon. Details: www. creedconventions.com READING – St Laurence’s Church, Friar Street RG1 1DA. Reading Festival Chorus in concert: Haydn’s Little Organ Mass, Monterverdi’s Cantate Domino, Telemann’s Laudate Johovam, and Vivaldi’s Gloria. 6pm. £15, students £5, under

18s free. Details: www. readingfestival.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. You Too Music presents a workshop for people who used to play, aimed at people with grade three and above.

9.30am. £20. Details: www. youtoomusic.org.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Christmas light switch-on.

4.30pm-5.30pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, November 28

BRACKNELL – The Lexicon.

Bracknell Vegan Market.

11am-4pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free personalised letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm. broadstreetmall.com READING – Rivermead Leisure Complex RG1 8EQ. Reading Comiccon. Details: www. creedconventions.com TWYFORD – Bell Corner.

Twyford Together Christmas light switch-on.

5pm-6pm. Featuring Tree of Christmas Wishes decorated with baubels from the children at The Colleton Primary and Polehampton Junior schools. Details: www. twyfordtogether.org WOKINGHAM – Across town centre. Wokingham Winter Carnival.

11am05pm. On street entertainment, Comedy jugglers, morris dancing, Mr Twizzle. Santa’s Grotto in Wokingham Library. Carol service 4.30pm. Details: www. wintercarnival.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm.

Cars £10, vans £15.

Details: 07861 654674 or woodleytowncentre.co.uk

What’s What’s on on event event submission submission form form Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups,

Name Name

charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

Address

Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:

Address

Postcode Email Postcode

Reader travel HISTORIC YORK & the Dales

HistoricYork&theDales_D.pdf

Departing Mon 21 Mar ‘22 Join us on this lovely short break to beautiful Yorkshire, where we combine the rolling hills, panoramic landscapes and charming towns of the Yorkshire Dales with the historic city of York, famous for its glorious Minster and warren of narrow streets.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at a selected hotel in the Leeds area with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursions to York, Skipton Market & Grassington Optional excursion to Knaresborough & Harrogate (£10pp)

5 Days by Coach

only £159

.99

Single Supplement £60

FOLKESTONE

& Classic Canterbury

Departing Fri 25 Mar ‘22 From our base in the town of Folkestone, we explore one of the most important cathedral cities in Britain, Canterbury.

From the timber-framed buildings to the cathedral’s glorious stained glass windows, this city’s history is on display everywhere you look.

Your break includes Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Reading 3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Entertainment every evening Excursion to Canterbury Optional excursion to Chatham & Rochester (£8pp)

4 Days by Coach

only £129

.99

Single Supplement £45

Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

For more information, or to book, please call

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

Time of event: Contact number for readers:

WPR_2021-11-15_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go

Send Emailyour forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

28 | LIFE

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Winter Slaw

WATCH Wokingham

Adrian Betteridge

In the kitchen Freely Fruity

B

Serves 4 as a side

RITISH red cabbage is synonymous with this time of year, as are carrots, apples and onions.

This is a great dish to serve with a cheese tart or leftover Christmas ham; even turkey.

The dressing can be swapped for a classic vinaigrette if you prefer.

Ingredients n Third red cabbage, shredded or grated n 1 carrot, peeled and grated n 1 x eating apple, sliced n Half an onion, peeled and sliced

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

Will Wokingham COP out of change?

n 20g fresh coriander, chopped n 20g fresh dill, chopped n 60g walnuts n 1 red chilli, sliced For the dressing n 75g mayonnaise n 75g natural thick yoghurt

W

Method 1. Place all of the slaw ingredients into a large bowl and mix thoroughly 2. When ready to serve, mix in mayonnaise and yoghurt

Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk

Healthwatch Wokingham Joanna Dixon

A looks at carers’ experiences during the coronavirus pandemic

I

isolated, lonely, or alone.

A few carers spoke only positively of their caring experience. They were able to voice some of positive aspects of the experience.

N 2020/ 2021, we asked residents who provide care for family and loved ones for their stories about caring during the Covid pandemic and asked, ‘What could we learn?’

It is safe to say that the worries, sadness, and restrictions of the past years have been difficult for everyone, but carers are likely to have faced additional challenges during the pandemic. n 78% said the number of hours of care they provide had increased n 70% hadn’t been able to get regular breaks n 84% said their mental health had been negatively affected n 73% said that their family wellbeing had suffered n 62% said their physical health had been negatively affected.

What helped carers?

What were the challenges?

We asked carers to tell us what life had been like for them, but one of the most common responses was to describe the impact on the person they look after.

Decline in physical health has long-term consequences for both the carer and the cared for.

“There has been a noticeable impact on the progress of dementia with regard to my cared for, due to a lack of external contact/ stimulation with others,” one said.

The Covid period has also brought a new or increased responsibility for maintaining their loved one’s mental wellbeing.

Many carers can’t take a break unless someone else looks after their friend or family member.

Our carers’ stories highlighted the impact the pandemic had had on both formal and informal respite care.

It is important not to underestimate how hard reduced services affected carers, particularly those looking after people with the highest support needs, often 24/7.

For many, organised services, or groups for their loved one had been the only opportunity for them to

get a break.

Twenty per cent of carers used the words ‘pressure’ or ‘stress’ in describing their Covid caring experience.

“Stressful. Caring for two adults both living alone and refusing paid carers and having an autistic child has taken its toll”.

Others spoke about fear or worry that they were more vulnerable to Covid.

Exhaustion was felt by many: “Feel like we’re swimming through treacle even more than ever”. Over 20% of respondents used the term

Services which remained open or re-opened, were highly valued by carers. Community and voluntary groups have been particularly good at reacting and adapting to the covid crisis quickly and flexibly.

Wokingham Borough Community Response, an umbrella effort coordinated by WBC helped carers to access vital support. This was accessed via One Front Door – run by Citizens Advice Wokingham in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council and local voluntary sector organisations.

Although its limitations were noted, video conferencing was generally welcomed when face-toface contact was not possible. The exception was young carers (under 18s) who expressed dissatisfaction.

When asked what had helped them, common responses were family, friends, fresh air, and exercise.

So what next?

Next Month we will update you on our recommendations and responses from service providers. n You can read our full report by visiting our website. www. healthwatchwokingham.co.uk

ILL Wokingham ‘COP’ out?

What to make of COP26?

Are you with the activists and scientists (it’s too little and too slow), or with the politicians (it’s all that was possible and hope for better in the future)?

Whatever your view, with global temperatures rising and scientists saying our future depends on slowing and stopping this, you’re probably thinking about what you can do to help?

Climate change is cumulative, and reductions in emissions now are worth more than those in the future.

Most of COP26’s agreements are longer term but there is one thing almost all of us can do which will make a difference now, and that’s to change the way we travel.

Transport is the UK’s largest source of CO2 emissions.

In Wokingham, road transport alone produces 30% of emissions, and that doesn’t include traffic on the M4 or emissions from manufacturing cars and their fuel.

Electric vehicles will help, but we cannot replace all cars in the short term, and even if we could the result would be a net increase in emissions from the manufacturing involved.

There are only two ways to reduce transport emissions in the short term: travel less or use an existing mode of travel that emits less.

Over one third of car miles are trips of under two miles, and nearly two thirds are under five miles. Walking or cycling some of these will cut emissions immediately.

Many of us took to this happily during lockdown, but with traffic back to normal have reverted to the comfort and protection of our cars.

Long term improvements to our roads for a sustainable future are planned, but will take years to deliver.

To enable a step change now, we need to look at how we allocate and use existing road space, set speed limits to accommodate vulnerable road users and make other short-term changes to shift the balance of attractiveness between sustainable and unsustainable travel.

Realpolitik may limit what our leaders can do on a global scale, but across the UK towns and cities are already making bold decisions to change how we travel.

Does Wokingham have the will to do the same?

SPORT TODAY

WOKINGHAM EDITION

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

18.11.21

HARRIES STEALS DRAW

BEST FOR HOCKEY ACTION

10-MAN SUMAS IN LATE LOSS

CELEBRATE WOMEN’S FOOTY

RAMS READY FOR TOP CLASH

LOCAL DERBY SPECIAL

RAMS CEO Gary Reynolds is predicting a remarkable and fascinating encounter when National One table-toppers Cinderford arrive at Old Bath Road on Saturday (3pm).

KNIGHT SAVES THE DAY Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021

LATE WINNER SEES BOARS BEAT KESTRELS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today SAM KNIGHT netted a last-minute winner as 10-man Eversley & California beat Woodley United.

The Kestrels started strongly in their Combined Counties Division One clash as they made the short trip to Eversley.

Woodley took the lead when Ben Anderson put them in front in the first-half, and things got better for them when Reece Buckett received a red card to put Eversley down a player.

With plenty to do in the secondhalf, the Boars showed plenty of fight to stage a remarkable comeback to take the points.

Paras Gill found the net in the 64th minute to level the scores and put the game in the balance.

The game ooked to be headed for a point apiece until Knight popped up with a decisive goal in stoppage time to win Eversley all three points.

The win puts the Boars up to fifth with 29 points from 17 matches,

while Woodley are in 20th with nine points from 12 games.

Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “What a group of playe rs, going down to 10 men and showing that fight within to come back from one nil down to win the game 2-1.

“MOTM by Ellis Wint and some composure from Sam Knight.”

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The Forest of Dean men arrive having won nine of their 10 games to date, along with four from four in pre-season.

They stand seven points clear of second-placed Rosslyn Park and 14 ahead of the Berkshire side – albeit having played a game more – which means Rams’ return to action against one of the biggest tests they could face.

And Reynolds said: “Cinderford are an enormous challenge. You play a Gloucester side and you know what you’re going to get, which is an extremely robust form of rugby.

“We’ve locked horns on many occasions and we have a huge amount of respect for them – especially (DoR) Paul Morris and the Chairman Pete Bell.

“They live and breathe that club and so do the squad – they’re a very, very decent side and it will be a remarkably fascinating encounter.”

One of the highlights of Rams’ season to date was the 24-21 success against then leaders Rosslyn Park back last month, and Reynolds is confident another classic could be on the cards as the hosts look to bounce back after two straight defeats.

“It will be different to the Rosslyn Park game as both sides will be vying for set-piece – if you’re an aficionado of scrums, line-outs, driving mauls you’ll love it,” he said.

Rams go into the crucial contest having recorded six wins from nine games and the chief executive said: “I think the way the boys have performed shows we’ve kicked on since our first season in National One, and that’s all you can ask – that the squad gets better.

“I think the coaching team have done a first-class job.”

18

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 18, 2021

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South Berks 1s in league action against Amersham Pictures: Steve Smyth

MAGIC EIGHT: SOUTH BERKS ON TOP DURING HIGH SCORING AFFAIR HOCKEY

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Men’s Premier 2 SOUTH BERKSHIRE came out on top in a high-scoring affair at home to Amersham & Chalfont.

In a battle of two potent front lines, South Berks came out on top as they took the points with an 8-5 win.

The win puts them in fifth position with three wins from six matches.

South Central Men’s Division 1

SONNING gained a point against top of the table

Aylesbury at home with a 1-1 draw.

South Central Men’s Division 2

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s settled for a point on the road against Amersham & Chalfont 2s.

South Berks held the league leaders to a 1-1 stalemate to keep them in 11th position.

SONNING 2s added three points to their tally with a 3-1 home success against Yateley.

The victory puts them in third position in the table, level on points with second and just one point off the top.

South Central Men’s Division 4

South Berks Ladies 1s in their win over Aylesbury

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s came away with the points with a spectacular attacking display at Berkhamstead & Hemel Hempstead.

South Berks were in clinical scoring form as they hit seven past their opponents with a hat-trick from James Barnard, a brace from Mike Longson and goals from Sam Coombes and Tom Pullen to secure a 7-2 win.

SONNING 3s had to settle for a point after a 2-2 draw at home to Henley 3s.

Women’s National Division 1 South

READING added three points to their total with three goals and a clean sheet over Surbiton 2s.

They are second in the table with five wins from eight matches.

South Central Women’s Premier 1

SONNING 1s fell to a home loss to Amersham & Chalfont to keep them in sixth in the table.

READING 2s put in an exceptional performance as they raced to a convincing win over Winchester 1s.

Reading scored nine without conceding to put them up to second in the table.

They are just two points behind league leaders Oxford after a promising start to the campaign.

South Central Women’s

Division 1

SOUTH BERKSHIRE picked up maximum points with a win and a clean sheet over Aylesbury.

Jemima Simpson gave South Berks the lead before two goals from Yellie Powley sealed the points with a 3-0 victory.

South Central Women’s Division 2

SONNING 2s were beaten away from home by a single goal against Staines.

South Central Women’s Division 3

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s were on the end of a heavy defeat at home to Witney 2s.

They lost out by five goals

Sonning Ladies celebrate after scoring a goal

to one to Witney which puts them in eighth with six points from six.

South Central Women’s Thames 1

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s pushed up the table with a clean sheet victory away from home.

They hit three past Wycombe 3s without reply to climb up to third, level on points with Reading 5s and three points behind leaders Wallingford 3s.

SONNING 3s took three points to stay level on points with South Berks in fourth place.

They secured a 3-1 win against Maidenhead 3s.

SPORT | 19

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FOOTBALL

JMA STUDENT SIGNS PROFESSIONAL DEAL WITH EVERTON

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham. today

JOHN Madejski Academy student Pat Nash has signed a professional contract with Everton Football Club.

A year after being released from Reading FC’s Academy, the talented goalkeeper has joined the Merseyside Premier League club.

JMA student and member of their Football Performance programme, Pat Nash, has signed a professional contract with the Toffees until June 2022.

After being released by Reading FC, where he spent

eight years, the 17 year old, named after former Northern Irish goalkeeper Pat Jennings, joined JMA’s Football Performance programme to continue on his path towards the professional game, while also being able to work on his A-Levels.

Pat said: “I was really lucky that Butch (JMA’s Football Performance Director Michael Butcher) offered me a place at JMA so early on, long before I was near to finishing year 11 and pre-covid.

“It gave me a plan to aim for and a pathway when I didn’t really have much motivation with my football

after a huge set-back having been released from Reading FC after eight years in the academy.”

“The programme itself was ideal as it gave me the opportunity to work towards my A-Levels whilst being able to get consistent training and matches.

“The teachers were always supportive and the football coaches allowed me to use the pitches and gym for me to do extras that I wanted to do.

“At JMA, everything is there for you to succeed, it is down to you to use it and apply yourself.

“For me, JMA was a brilliant stepping stone to

get into the pro game.”

Director of Football Performance, Michael Butcher said: “Pat genuinely epitomised everything you would expect from a top, top professional and by applying himself like that every single day .

“He would never miss a session either in the gym or on the pitch and would always be the last one off the pitch whether that be practicing his kicking or simply staying in goal.

“On top of this he was a model student, spending time regularly in extra study sessions and working closely with his teachers.

“It is his dedication, focus, and willingness to sacrifice alongside the support the programme here offers that has given Pat the platform to now sign at a top premier league club.”

“We are all incredibly proud and at the same time excited, as we know there is still more to come.”

PREVIEW

ROYALS LOOK FOR MOMENTUM IN FOREST CLASH READING FC will be looking to make it back to back wins in the Championship when they host Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Having had a torrid run of four losses on the bounce, the Royals salvaged a win at Birmingham City in their final game prior to the international break thanks to a brace from 18-year-old forward Jahmari Clarke.

Clarke replaced George Puscas at half-time and made a significant impact as he netted twice to put Reading up to 16th in the table.

Manager Veljko Paunovic will return to the dugout having missed the previous two matches after serving a period of isolation having tested positive for covid.

Saturday’s opponents Forest had a torrid start to the season which saw Chris

Reading’s Josh Laurent against Forest picture: Steve Smyth Hughton lose his job as manager in September with the team on just one point after six defeats from their opening seven fixtures.

However, new boss Steve Cooper has enjoyed a new manager bounce as Forest

have flown up the table in recent weeks, overtaking Reading in the process.

They are currently in 13th position, three places above the Royals despite having the same number of points, but with a positive

goal difference.

Forest went into the break on the back of a comfortable 3-0 home win against Preston North End. Despite suffering a heavy 4-0 home defeat to highflying Fulham in October, Forest have been in fine form and have picked up 17 points from their last eight games to see the move well clear of the relegation zone.

Seasoned Championship goalscorer and former Royals loanee, Lewis Grabban, is Forest’s top scorer this season with eight goals from 16 matches.

The last meeting between the teams, in March 2021, ended in a 1-1 stalemate at the Forest ground after Yakou Meite grabbed a late equaliser to cancel out Tom Holmes own goal.

Forest’s last visit to the

Select Car Leasing Stadium saw Reading take three points.

The visitors went down to 10 players early as Ryan Yates was dismissed for handling the ball on the line.

Lucas Joao scored the resulting penalty and Michael Morrison ensured the points for Reading with a goal in the second-half.

Paunovic confirmed that he hopes to have some players back free from injury after the international break.

He said: “We are expecting at least three players to be back. That could be Alen (Halilovic), Tom (McIntyre) and Danny Drinkwater.

“And maybe there is a possibility for Andy Rinomhota. They are in the final stages.”

FOOTBALL

ROYALS LEGENDS TO RETURN FOR SPECIAL MATCH

Reading FC are celebrating their 150th anniversary LEGENDARY Reading FC managers Steve Coppell and Brian McDermott will field teams against each other in a special 150th anniversary match.

The match, which will take place on Saturday, May 21 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, is part of the club’s special anniversary celebrations.

Both managers etched themselves into Reading FC history with respective promotion winning teams to the top flight of English football.

Coppell became the first Royals boss in history to lead his team to the top division when his team took the Championship by storm in the 2005/06, finishing with a remarkable 106 points, a record that still stands today, to win a place in the Premier League.

The Royals made a seamless transition to life in the Premier League in their debut season in the 2006/07 campaign and achieved an astonishing eighth placed finish.

Meanwhile, McDermott led the Royals back to the Premier League for their second stint in the top flight.

Having narrowly missed out on promotion, losing the play-off final, McDermott’s men dusted themselves off and came back stronger the next season.

His team finished with 89 points on the way to the Championship title as they soared past West Ham United and Southampton in the final months of the season with two particularly memorable victories away against both of those clubs.

The line-ups set to be finalised and announced by the club in the coming months. n Ticket details for the match will be released in the coming months by the club

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

HARRIES SNATCHES LAST-GASP POINT IN ROYALS COMEBACK AT WEST HAM West Ham 2 Reading 2

READING Women snatched a late equaliser as Emma Harries scored a stoppage time goal to rescue a point away at West Ham.

The Hammers took a two-goal lead into the break with goals from Lisa Evans and Grace Fisk.

Justine Vanheavermaet netted her first goal for the club, before Harries

squeezed in a late leveller.

Reading’s best chance of the half fell in the 19th minute when Rose broke through on goal one-on-one with the keeper, but West Ham goalkeeper Arnold rushed off her line to make a fantastic save.

Just moments after missing that golden chance, Reading were punished as West Ham broke up the other end and opened the scoring as Lisa Evans, on

loan from Arsenal, headed in from close range.

West Ham won a corner from the resulting freekick and extended their advantage as Grace Fisk was on hand to nod the ball in from a few yards out.

Reading got themselves back in the contest with 20 minutes to go as Vanheavermaet towered above the West Ham defence to power in a header from Bryson’s freekick.

The Royals had plenty of possession in the final stages of the game and were rewarded in the 92nd minute when Harries found the net.

Rose kept the ball smartly on the wing and then crossed the ball which was met by Harries on the volley, and despite the goalkeeper making her best efforts to keep it out, the officials awarded the goal, with replays showing it did cross the line.

West Ham: Arnold, Flaherty, Cissoko, Fisk, Longhurst, Svitkova, Stringer, Yallop, Hasegawa, Evans, Walker Subs: Leat, Parker, Joel, Filis, Cairns, Wyne, Garrad, Brynjardottir Reading: Moloney, Harding (c), Bryson, Evans, Vanhaevermaet, Peplow, Eikeland, Woodham, Chaplin, Dowie, Rose Subs: Stewart, Poulter, Roberts, Macdonald, Primmer, Harries, Lister Goals: Evans 19’, Fisk 35’, Vanheavermaet 70’

Select Car Leasing Stadium

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TEN-MAN SUMAS SUNK AS WINDSO COMBINED COUNTIES FOOTBALL

Sumas forward Luke Scope is booked

Allen Bossman is fouled by Windsor

Dan Carter challenges for the ball in the air

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Sumas 1 Windsor 2 10-man Wokingham & Emmbrook fell to defeat at Lowther Road as visitors Windsor snatched the points with a late winner.

The Sumas went ahead early but after receiving a red card in the first-half, the away side recovered with two goals to

take the spoils.

The loss leaves the Sumas in 17th position in the Combined Counties Premier North on eight points.

Joe Cummuskey started with the captain’s armband for the Sumas after striker and club captain, Jake White, went off injured last weekend with an achilles injury which may see him miss the remainder of the season.

The Sumas made a flying start and took the lead in the second minute of the match.

Charley Tuttle delivered a free-kick into the box and when Windsor’s goalkeeper came way off his line to collect but missed the ball, Callum Eagle took advantage as he headed into the unguarded net.

Sumas had another brilliant delivery put into the box from a Tuttle free-kick, with his left foot proving to be a potent weapon throughout the match, but this time Windsor cleared.

Wokingham boss Eliot Whitehouse was forced into an early change as Cummuskey

picked up a knock and was replaced by Liam Eagle.

The hosts dominated much of the first-half as Luke Scope looked to break in behind the Windsor defence but was blocked off.

Windsor’s first shot came in the 14th minute on the half volley but the effort bounced harmlessly wide. They then hit another shot off target after a nice piece of attacking play.

Looking for a second goal, Scope played a neat through ball to Nathan Mindomba but Sumas keeper Sean Woodward takes a catch

Will Shaw fights for the ball Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

his cut back couldn’t find an orange shirt in the middle.

Sumas goalkeeper Sean Woodward was called into action when he turned away a powerful header to keep his team in front.

Another Tuttle free-kick caused chaos in the Windsor box but Callum Eagle could only find the side netting with his diving header.

Scope picked up a booking in the 23rd minute when the referee judged that he had led

with his elbow in an aerial challenge.

When Windsor goalkeeper Sam Butcher hit a loose pass into midfield, Harry Pearson Tried an audacious effort with a lob from 40 yards but the keeper recovered to catch the ball on the line.

The game took a twist in the 35th minute when Scope was dismissed for his second yellow card offence of the match when he caught a Windsor player with a late sliding tackle.

Woodward made another

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OR SNATCH LATE WINNER Callum Eagle heads Sumas in front Pictures: Andrew Batt

From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

No tricks allowed from goal kicks

W

Sumas lost out to Windsor at Lowther Road on Saturday smart save just before the break to ensure his team went in with their lead intact.

Using their one man advantage, Windsor started the half strongly and applied the pressure to find a leveller just three minutes after the restart.

A low cross fizzed into the box and Liam Eagle was unfortunate to turn the ball into his own net as he tried to clear..

Tuttle put in another inviting free-kick delivery only for Windsor to clear the danger before Liam Eagle made two crucial blocks.

The home side more than held their own despite being down to 10 and had chances to restore their lead.

Josh Harris arrived at the back post to meet a cross but Butcher made a fine stop from his header.

Mindomba then came close with a header but had his goal bound effort hacked away by the defence.

The visitors began to grow in confidence as they looked to claim a winner as the Sumas’ energy levels began to fade after some exceptionally hard work to make up for having one less player.

Woodward pushed away a free-kick at the near post with just over 10 minutes remaining in the contest.

It looked as if the Sumas would be able to hold off Windsor to at least claim a point with some

resilient defending but they were pegged back with just eight minutes left as Excellence Muhemba powered in a header from a corner.

Windsor missed a golden chance to wrap up the victory as the ball was delivered across the face of goal, but with the goal gaping the onrushing striker missed the ball on the stretch.

Woodward then rushed off his line quickly to collect the ball at the feet of a Windsor forward with a positive piece of goalkeeping.

The Sumas forced the issue to try and find a stoppage time equaliser with a late free-kick that was whipped in from Tuttle, but

Windsor keeper Butcher took a well taken catch while being swarmed by a crowd of bodies as the match came to a close.

Wokingham return to action next week with an away trip to face Reading City in the league.

Wokingham & Emmbrook: Woodward, O’Connell, Cummuskey (c), C Eagle, Tuttle, Carter, Mullan, Mindomba, Bossman, Clark, Scope Subs: L Eagle, Harris, Shaw, Pearson Windsor: Butcher, Smyth, Jaggers, Losasso, White, Appleton, Horscroft, Hammond, Muhemba, Sowolona, Stewart Goals: C Eagle 3’, L Eagle (og) 50’, Muhemba 82’

REACTION

WHITEHOUSE RUES MISTAKES IN LATE DEFEAT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC manager Eliot Whitehouse admitted he was ‘angry and disappointed’ after the Sumas’ late defeat to Windsor.

The Sumas went ahead, but conceded twice after half-time after they had gone down to 10 men.

“It’s disappointing and there is initially an element of anger,” said Whitehouse.

“I felt there were some poor decisions on our part.

“We got a sending off and then there were some poor decisions to get to their goal.”

Despite the defeat, Whitehouse was quick to praise the efforts of his side who more than held their own after playing close to an hour with one less player.

“There’s disappointment there because I feel that we were the team that created the better chances,” he continued.

“Had we kept 11 players throughout the game, I think we would have gone on and got something out of it.”

The Sumas are now without two of their most potent forward options with captain Jake White out injured for the remainder of the season with an achilles injury, and Luke Scope suspended after his dismissal.

Whitehouse continued: “Brandon Curtis is due back next week after an ankle issue and we’re hoping he can aid us in the attacking part of the pitch after Jake White’s injury and Luke Scope’s sending off.

“It’s something that we will review and assess over the next

week and see whether we need to recruit or adjust the side to get success at that end of the pitch.”

The Sumas are back in league action again this weekend when they make the short trip to face Reading City.

The Cityzens are currently 12th in the Combined Counties Premier North after they drew to North Greenford United last weeekend.

They have collected 17 points from 14 matches this season, while the Sumas have eight points from 11 games.

HEN asked about any other changes to the laws this season, I said there were some obscure ones.

However, there is one of them that is interesting, if only to show how they sometimes come about.

First we must go back to 1998 and the introduction of the law change that said a goalkeeper couldn’t handle the ball, if it was kicked to him by a team mate.

Some clever players learnt to flick the ball up with their feet and head it back to the goalkeeper to catch.

The law makers didn’t like this, so the following season, added to the law, a completely new cause, ‘a player must be cautioned (YC) if he initiates a deliberate trick for the ball to be passed to the goalkeeper with his head, chest, knee etc. to circumvent the law, whether or not the goalkeeper touches the ball with his hands’.

Now onto a couple of seasons ago, when the law on goal kicks was changed. The ball is in play now, when it was kicked and clearly moved.

No longer having to go outside the penalty area to be in play. The goalkeeper (or other player taking the kick) must not touch the ball again until it has been played by another player.

The sanction is an indirect free kick, unless the kicker who was not the goalkeeper, handled the ball. Then it would become a direct free kick.

Obviously remembering that earlier trick in an attempt to get around the law, someone said, ‘what if, the goalkeeper flicks the ball up at a goal kick to a nearby team mate, who heads it back to the goalkeeper to catch’.

The law makers hadn’t thought of this and initially said that the kick should be retaken but no sanction imposed.

However, this is now treated as a trick to circumvent the law and the changed law says that the goalkeeper should be cautioned and shown a yellow card.

The game is restarted with an indirect free kick.

I doubt if any of us will ever see this happen but it’s covered if it does.

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Paras Gill scores Eversley’s equaliser against Woodley United Pictures: Richard Milam

Joe Pantony is fouled by Woodley

EVERSLEY STUN WOODLEY WITH STUNNING LAST-MINUTE WINNER FROM KNIGHT FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

BY ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Combined Counties Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA took the points in a local clash against WOODLEY UNITED with a dramatic late winner.

The Kestrels took the lead just before half-time through Ben Anderson and were added an extra boost when Eversley player Reece Buckett received a red card.

But the Boars made a remarkable turnaround in the second-half with 10-men as Paras Gill popped up with an equaliser in the 64th minute.

Then deep into stoppage time with the game headed for a point each, Eversley ensured that they would take all three as Sam Knight scored a decisive winner.

FA Trophy first-round BINFIELD booked their place in the next round of the FA Trophy with a home win over Cinderford Town.

Sean Moore put the Moles ahead in the first minute and then added his second of the game in the 26th minute.

Callum Bunting netted with the final attack of the game to see Binfield safely through to the next round.

Combined Counties Premier North

READING CITY had to settle for a point against North Greenford United.

The Cityzens took the lead after Harry Grant scored from the penalty spot but they were pegged back deep into stoppage time as the visitors scored a leveller.

B&B Charles Twelvetree Cup READING YMCA put their name in the hat for the next round with a penalty shootout win at Cholsey United.

FINCHAMPSTEAD breezed through to the next round after

they hit five past Compton.

Joel Day and Lewis Francis both netted braces and Stephen Hunt added to the score to see Finch through with a 5-1 triumph.

TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE got past Datchet with a penalty shootout victory.

Thames Valley Premier League WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS were on the end of a 6-0 defeat at home to Westwood Wanderers.

The loss leaves Woodley in 14th position after nine matches.

Thames Valley Division One

HURST took three points on the road with a 3-2 win at Westwood Wanderers Reserves.

Shaun Bannon Joseph Bonney and Kenny Evans scored to earn an away win for the league leaders.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One TILEHURST PANTHERS earned their fourth win of the league season with a five-star performance.

Lydia Vettese notched a hattrick and goals from Deanna Cane and Leah Why wrapped

Woodley United Royals in their TVPL defeat to Westwood Wanderers

Crowthorne Inn against William Twigg in the Bracknell Sunday League

up a 5-0 win over Stonesfield Strikers.

WARGRAVE fell to a 4-0 defeat against top of the table Badshot Lea.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K BERKS COUNTY put in an astonishing away display at Yateley United with a thumping victory.

Five goals from Magan Cox, four goals from Samantha Sadler, a brace from Kiah Owen and goals from Grace Belstone, Amber Newhouse and CharisseEllouise Tregaar helped the Fawkes to a resounding 14-0 success.

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FA WSL

WOMEN LOOK TO CONTINUE MOMENTUM WITH SEAGULLS VISIT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham. today

READING FC Women are hoping to continue their unbeaten run when they host Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

The Royals have picked up seven points from their last three Women’s Super League matches to help recover after a difficult start to the campaign.

Kelly Chambers’ side enjoyed back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Birmingham City before they picked up a late point at the weekend against West Ham United.

Sunday’s draw puts

Reading up to eighth in the table, one place ahead of Manchester City because of their superior goal difference.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s visitors to the Select Car Leasing Stadium have made a flying start to the season.

Under the tutelage of experienced manager Hope Powell, Brighton sit in third position with 15 points from seven games.

The Seagulls started the season with consecutive victories as they beat West Ham 2-0 before they thumped five past Birmingham away from home without reply.

They then suffered a

shock home defeat to Villa and were then beaten by current WSL champions Chelsea 3-1.

They got back to winning ways against Tottenham with a late winner from Victoria Williams.

Powell’s team suffered their second defeat of the season with a 3-0 loss to Arsenal but responded by beating Everton away from home and then scored a stoppage-time winner at the weekend to see off Leicester City.

It has been almost a year since the two sides last met, when the Royals took all three points away from Brighton in December 2020.

The Seasiders last trip to the Select Car Leasing Stadium came in April 2019, where again Reading ran out with maximum points after Rachel Furness’ solitary goal was enough to take the match.

Jess Fishlock netted twice and despite a goal from Brighton’s Inessa Kaagman, Rachel Rowe wrapped up the points with a third for Reading in stoppage time.

Chambers said: “It is

FC BRACKNELL SHINES LIGHT ON WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKEND important to keep getting points, scoring goals , as where we’ve had such a big transition of players, you’ve got to allow time for them to gel and understand the way you want to play.

“I think now the girls have grown week on week, and they’re showing that they are really building as a team, the togetherness they have in the squad.

“It’s nice now to build a little bit of momentum.”

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

CARROLL JOINS READING ON SHORT TERM DEAL READING FC have signed former England international striker Andy Carroll on a free transfer.

The experienced striker joins the squad at the Select Car Leasing Stadium having been released from his contract at Newcastle United at the end of last season.

He joins on a short term deal with the Royals that will last until mid-January.

The 32-year-old has had two spells with his hometown club Newcastle, scoring 32 goals in 107 appearances.

His first spell with Newcastle won him a big-money move to Liverpool in 2011, when the Merseyside club splashed out £35million to sign the striker.

He netted six times in 42 games for the Reds in a move that ultimately didn’t work out, which led to his

Andy Carroll has joined Reading FC sale to West Ham United, where he spent the next seven seasons of his career.

Carroll also has two international goals to his name in nine caps for

England The Royals have chosen to look to the free agents market to bolster their squad amid their current injury crisis.

Veljko Paunovic’s team have been hampered by injuries to several key firstteam players throughout the campaign, having as many as 12 players injured at one time.

Among the players on the sidelines include forwards Lucas Joao, Yakou Meite, Femi Azeez, Junior Hoilett and Jahmari Clarke.

That leaves just George Puscas as the only fit senior striker at the club, who is currently on a 21 game goal drought.

Royals boss Veljko Paunovic said, “This is a deal which we have been working on for some time and are confident it is the right move for both player and club.

“Andy is looking for a new challenge in his career and we need a player with his quality and vast experience.

“So this is a great match and I’m really looking forward to working with Andy over the next couple of months.”

Royals Chief Executive Dayong Pang said, “With long-term injuries to two of our key goalscorers, our strength in depth in attack has understandably been limited all season, so I am very pleased that Andy has agreed to join us.

“With a proven eye for goal, I am sure he will offer our first team squad something different as we approach another busy period of Championship football.”

Carroll has been assigned the number nine shirt in the squad.

FC Bracknell FC Bracknell has been celebrating the Women’s Football Weekend by shining a spotlight on all those who play and volunteer for the club.

The Farley Wood-based club handed over its Instagram account to Marie Cobb, its director of female football, and age group manager Becky Sarney to mark the event that is now in its third year.

And it comes as the number of female players at the club goes from strength to strength.

As well as a girl-only under 10 team – FC Bracknell Wolves - there are many other girls teams.

There is also a training programme on Sundays for girls aged five-11.

FC Bracknell chairman Neil Graham said: “Women’s Football Weekend is becoming an increasingly important date in the calendar.

“It shows how much the game is growing, and it is a great opportunity for us to showcase all the brilliant work that is going on at the club to increase female participation.

“This is a particularly poignant season for us as we now have a girls-only team.

“But I’m also proud of all the girls and women involved in other aspects of the club.

“We have women coaches, referees, club officials and team admins.

“And without their work and dedication, our teams would not be taking to the pitch every week.

“We want to get as many girls and women involved in football as possible. n Contact FC Bracknell to find out more about playing or volunteering at the club.

BADMINTON

RANGERS TOURNAMENT RETURNS AFTER TWO YEAR ABSENCE

By ANKUSH KAPOOR sport@wokingham.today LOCAL badminton players made their long-awaited return as the Rangers Sports tournament took place over the weekend.

With a two year absence due to covid, the tournament at Loddon Valley Leisure centre took place on Sunday, November 14.

The tournament attracted a lot of badminton enthusiasts from the area with 45 teams participating and many members of the public turned up to witness it.

The teams were divided into nine groups of five teams each and the top teams were to qualify for the next round playing for two separate Trophies – Champions

Cup and Rangers Cup. While most Shuttlers were pleased with their performance in their four group games, only the remaining sixteen went on to play in the PreQuarterfinals which produced eight quarter finalists which were then down to the four semi-finalist for the two cups.

After more than 90 group

games, eight quarter-finals and four semi-finals, the four teams made it to the finals which were always going to be a close contest.

The Champions Cup final was contested between Vishvesh/Ravi against Babar/Shakeel.

There wasn’t a dull moment in the two set game between arguably the two most consistent teams in the competition.

Vishvesh/Ravi took an early lead in the first set but Babar/Shakeel took the set with the magic 21st point.

The second set was equally interesting with some critical rallies ending on unforced errors on either side.

In the end, Babar/Shakeel held their ground and emerge as winners.

With the awards

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ATHLETICS

READING MAKE CROSS COUNTRY RETURN Reading Athletics Women celebrate after their race

By SARAH HOLMES sport@wokingham.today THE first outing of the cross country season kicked off this weekend for Reading Athletics Club in Kings Meadow, Bournemouth.

It was a perfect day conditions wise for racing, with the senior women competing 6k on a hard and fast course.

The Senior women had a strong representation with many athletes competing off the back of a successful track season and other athletes returning from injury or with heavy legs from the Reading HM. The Reading ladies put on a gutsy display with everyone starting strong to get into good positions on the fast first lap.

Lauren Church led the team up and over the hills, through the woods to finish in a career high position of fourth, showing her continued form from the successful track season.

Emma Howsham followed closely in eighth position having a determined run showing her continued excellent form with Laurie Marlow completing the scoring team by finishing strongly in 15th position for a superb race.

Next home was Sophie Crumley with the performance of the day finishing 18th after a challenging year with injury, and Sarah Holmes then followed in 30th with a

READING ROCKETS were edged out in a pulsating game away at Worthing Thunder.

Rockets had the lead for more of the time but within two minutes of the start of the final quarter, a pair of refereeing decisions went seriously against Rockets as they enjoyed a 72-67 lead.

Reis Pinnock made the best stop of the day and then appeared to take a charge moments later but the officials called a foul on him followed by a technical foul and Reis exited the game.

Jaz Bains drained a treble from the top of the key for Rockets before Pinnock went coast to coast to finish before a Thunder three drew the teams

FOOTBALL FA Trophy first-round Binfield 3-0 Cinderford Town Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 2-1 Woodley United

B&B Charles Twelvetree Cup Cholsey United 1-1 Reading YMCA Compton 1-5 Finchampstead Twyford & Ruscombe 1-1 Datchet (5-4 pens) Thames Valley Premier League Woodley United Royals 0-6 Westwood Wanderers Thames Valley Division One Westwood Wanderers Reserves 2-3 Hurst

confident performance to start the season.

Hayleigh Wood followed in 41st position with a solid run showing all her additional half marathon miles are paying off in racing, with Georgia Walton having a fantastic return to cross country racing finishing in 66th position with her fastest mile pacing in recent years.

Lee Fellows brought the team home in 79th position, proving her excellent range across all distances backing up her Reading HM PB from

the previous weekend.

Overall it was a very successful day for the ladies with the team finishing in second position.

The team will next compete in their next cross outing on Saturday, December 4.

Meanwhile, Berry Hill Park in Mansfield played host to the 2021 edition of the National XC relays.

Run over a very challenging course that encompasses various undulating sections, as well as a twisting wooded passage, Reading

ROCKETS FALL SHORT IN THUNDEROUS BATTLE Worthing Thunder 97 Reading Rockets 90

Saturday, November 13

Combined Counties Premier North Reading City 1-1 North Greenford United Sumas 1-2 Windsor

BASKETBALL

By GARY JOHNSON sport@wokingham.today

RESULTS

level on 11 each. Lufile worked inside scoring off offensive rebounds and power plays.

Captain Ben Dixon hit his first from the free throw line before Rockets finished the period with three trebles for Bains, Dixon and then the academy star Live Kivuvu as the game was tied on 24 each at the first break.

Isaac Round drove to score at the start of the second quarter before Lewis Champion took a charge and Round stroked a treble quickly followed by another Bains treble tying the game on 34 apiece.

In a few minutes all three of Rockets starting guards were called for three fouls meaning head coach Dan Pearson kept looking along his bench swapping players to try and minimise the damage.

Sam Toluwase rose to the occasion again scoring off an offensive rebound, drawing the foul and making it a three point

play.

But Rockets fired again with a 10-3 run to lead again 68-65 before the torturous opening minutes of the fourth quarter for Rockets.

However this Rockets side is deep on commitment and guile and despite being a key man short drew the scores level on 77 as Toluwase hit a treble causing Thunder to take a time out with almost 6 minutes remaining.

With under three minutes left the score was 84-83 in Thunder’s favour when Taylor hit the brace of trebles for Thunder.

Rockets began to sense this wasn’t going to be their night as Lufile appeared to score and get fouled but nothing was given.

When Champion joined Pinnock with five personal fouls it was left to Bains to have the last say with his sixth treble and leaving the score 97-90 Thunder’s way.

AC’s Senior Men’s team would have to navigate two laps of this gruelling terrain, totalling 5km per leg.

Fielding two teams of four athletes, the boys in red, white and blue were well represented in the Nottinghamshire countryside.

Present on the start line for the first leg were Sam Rodda for the A-team, and David Lewis for the B-team; with 172 teams competing, the competition was fierce.

TABLE TENNIS

KINGFISHER BEAT SONNING IN DIVISION 1 CLASH IN Division 1 Kingfisher C were 6-4 winners at Sonning Common & Peppard B with Shreesh Gupte and Daniel McTiernan both winning twice.

Jamie Barlow got a maximum and Nigel Maltby managed a single for Sonning Common after he beat Adrian Cretu in the final set of the night. Kingfisher B moved up the table after an 8-2 win against Tidmarsh A, Phil Mead and Alan Cummings with trebles while Mike Stanners beat Simon Barter.

Our Lady of Peace A kept leaders Kingfisher A just about in their sights after they were comprehensive 9-1 winners at Tilehurst RBL A, Sam Ricks and Steve Murgatroyd with maximums, while for the Tilehurst team Keith Winter had a notable win over Ian Cole.

OLOP go top but Kingfisher A have two matches in hand. Sonning Common & Peppard A moved up to third spot after they were 7-3 winners against Kingfisher D, Neil Hurford with another hat trick while Malcolm Gregory managed a fine win over Julian Telford.

Division 2 saw a top of the table clash between Sonning Sports A and Reading FC A and it was Sonning Sports who retaining their undefeated status with a 7-3 win to take top spot.

Nick Sears was the star on the night, winning all three, with Paul Savage recording two wins, after only losing to Mike Childs, and Bob Woodmansee losing to both Wayne Alleyne and Mike, but winning his opener, against Tony Alleyne.

Thames Valley Division Two Maidenhead Town A 1-2 Berks County Swords Thames Valley Division Three Reading YMCA Rapids 2-0 Taplow United Reserves Thames Valley Division Four Finchampstead Development 6-0 Pangbourne Development Harchester Hawks 1-2 White Eagles Berks County Rovers 2-4 Finchampstead United HOCKEY Women’s National Division 1 South Reading 3-0 Surbiton 2s South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire 8-5 Amersham & Chalfont South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning 1-1 Aylesbury South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 1-3 Amersham & Chalfont South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire 3-0 Aylesbury

Sunday, November 14 FOOTBALL Women’s Super League West Ham 2-2 Reading

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Badshot Lea 4-0 Wargrave Tilehurst Panthers v Stonefield Strikers Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Taplow United 4-2 Wargrave Development Yateley United 0-14 S4K Berks County HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1

South Canterbury 1-0 Reading

Tuesday, November 16

Russell-Cotes Cup Eversley & California 4-0 Totton & Eling

FIXTURES

Saturday, November 20

FOOTBALL Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v Sumas FA Vase second-round Harefield United v Berks County Combined Counties Division One Hillingdon Borough v Woodley United Rayners Lane v Eversley & California Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead v Yateley United Maidenhead Town v Reading City U23’s Mortimer v Woodley United Royals Westwood Wanderers v Reading YMCA RUGBY UNION National Division One Rams v Cinderford South West 1 East Bracknell v Newbury Blues HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Reading v Oxford Hawks Women’s National Division 1 South Wimbledon 2s v Reading South Central Men’s Premier 2 Basingstoke v South Berkshire South Central Men’s Division 1 Berkhamstead & Hemel Hempstead v Sonning South Central Women’s Premier 1 Bournemouth v Sonning South Central Women’s Division 1 Leighton Buzzard v South Berkshire

Sunday, November 21 FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Reading v Brighton & Hove Albion

Berks & Bucks Women’s Cup Woodley United v Abingdon United Mortimer v Shinfield Rangers Holyport v Caversham United Wallingford Town AFC v Wargrave Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC v Taplow United S4K Berks County v Newbury Development