Form Preparation Services Lasting Power of Attorney Will Writing & Probate Services Attendance Allowance Claims
Do you have responsibility for supporting older relatives and don’t know where to begin?
07740 246492
We can help
grey-matters-consultancy.com/wokingham
COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY
UPDATED DAILY AT WWW.WOKINGHAM.TODAY
THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Thursday, August 4, 2022
No. 375 90p
Further rail strikes planned By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today
A CELEBRATION OF SIREN P3
COMMUTERS are set to endure more disruption later this month as two unions have confirmed an additional three days of rail strikes in August.
Aslef, a British trade union for train drivers, will strike on Saturday, August 13, affecting Great Western Railway services. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will strike on Thursday, August 18, and Saturday, August 20. These major walkouts are expected to include 40,000 workers, including around 20,000 from Network Rail and the remainder from 14 train operating companies. This means the scale of disruption is likely to be similar to the strikes in June. This strike action is the result of unions continuing to battle for pay increases amidst the cost of living crisis and rising inflation. Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said: “We don’t want to go on strike. “Strikes are the result of a failure of negotiation and this union, since I was elected general secretary in 2011, has only ever been on strike, until this year, for a handful of days. “But we’ve been forced into this position by the train companies, driven by the Tory government. “The drivers at the companies where we are striking have had a real terms pay cut over the last three years – since April 2019.” Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary, added: “Unless there can be assurances made about jobs, pensions and detrimental changes to working conditions, then our strikes in August will go ahead.”
SPORT Royals rocked in new season opener
163,737,616 ROUBLES IN THE RED Council’s £2.2m black hole caused by Putin’s invasion and rising fuel costs
EXCLUSIVE
By DANIEL BLACKHAM news@wokingham.today THE IMPACT of the war in Ukraine continues to be felt closer to home as Wokingham Borough Council has revealed a £2.2 million – or 163,737,616 roubles – gap in its revenue budget for this year.
And there will be stormy times ahead as rising inflation and fuel prices impacts the council’s spending power. The admission was made by Cllr Imogen Shepherd-Dubey, executive member for finance, at
an executive meeting last week. While presenting the council’s revenue monitoring for the first quarter of 2022/23, she said: “This report highlights a predicted shortfall in the revenue budget of £2.2 million for this year. “To be fair, when this budget was set, no one predicted the invasion of Ukraine or the impact it would have on global fuel prices and inflation. “Those current inflationary pressures also affect Wokingham Borough Council just as much as our residents.” n Continued on page 10
CALL FOR FASTER TRAINS P7
QUEEN OPENS P33 THAMES HOSPICE
STRICTLY STARS AT SHOW P37 ISSN 2634-8330 31
9 772634 833019
2
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Expert dementia care at your fingertips
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
Bickerton House care home, Bracknell Parsons Grange care home, Shinfield Our dementia specialists support each resident to live life independently. At Care UK we offer exceptional care and we’re here to help you and your family at every step of the journey.
Trusted to care. If you’re considering care 0370 218 6658 careuk.com/berkshire
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
3
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 Advertisement Feature
The best dementia care, on your doorstep At Care UK’s Bickerton House and Parsons Grange we deliver award-winning care to older people who are living with dementia. Everything we do is focused on supporting your loved one to enjoy a wonderful quality of life – an approach we call ‘Fulfilling lives’. Our caring and experienced colleagues learn all they can about your loved one, tailoring every aspect of their care and lifestyle to their unique needs and interests. We’re trained in the latest dementia care approaches, thanks o our partnership with the Association for Dementia Studies at Worcester University, and a Dementia Coach in each home supports all colleagues to deliver high quality care. Enjoy a fulfilling life Our new-build care homes have been designed to the latest dementia standards, and have their own hair salon, cinema room landscaped gardens. There are regular outings and live
entertainment, plus activities with local groups and schools so your loved one feels part of the community. Signage, colour schemes, soft furnishings and floor coverings are all designed to create a calming and accessible setting. Living at Bickerton House and Parsons Grange is all about continuing to enjoy hobbies and interests, making new friends, and even trying new experiences – always with support from our caring team. Reminiscencethemed activities, from music sessions to baking, help to spark happy memories. Dancing, exercise classes, yoga and gardening enable your loved one to stay fit and active.
Discover the Care UK difference Discover why over 8,000 families trust us to care. To find out more about dementia care at Bickerton House and Parsons Grange please call us on 0370 218 6658 or visit careuk.com/berkshire
4 | NEWS
WE COVER WOKINGHAM BOROUGH
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
Eligible households called on to claim energy bills rebate By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM Borough Council is encouraging all remaining eligible households to apply for their energy rebate.
In print
Order a copy from your newsagent every Thursday – some even deliver
Online
Our website is updated seven days a week – bookmark it in your browser: wokingham.today FACEBOOK & TWITTER: WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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 Reporters • Daniel Blackham, Jake Clothier, Ji-Min Lee, Emma Merchant 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.
The one-off rebate, which does not need to be repaid, is part of a national scheme aimed at helping offset the rising costs of energy bills. It is available to households paying council tax and living in a home in council tax bands A to D. Those living in properties rated E, who qualify for the disabled band reduction, may also be eligible for the scheme. So far, nearly £5 million of council tax energy rebates have been paid and the council is keen to ensure all eligible households make a claim. Whilst the council was able to automatically rebate residents paying their council tax by direct debit, people paying by other means need to apply for the rebate to verify they are the council taxpayer and confirm their bank details for the payment to be made. “We know a lot of people are struggling or finding it harder to make ends meet.” said Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, executive member for finance. “Energy costs show no sign of reducing and this money is here to help. “It doesn’t have to be repaid and doesn’t impact on receiving any
SUPPORT: Help with energy bills must be claimed before a scheme closes Picture: Mykola Makhlai via Unsplash support scheme or benefit on offer, so I’d encourage everyone eligible to claim. “We sent out over 9,000 letters in May telling people who don’t pay by direct debit how to apply. “Whilst we had a lot of interest, there are still a number of households we believe qualify but have yet to claim. “If you think this could be you,
Road closure for resurfacing works A MAJOR route in and out of Reading is to be closed overnight for works. The area around the Suttons Seeds roundabout, which links the A329m with the A4 London Road, is to be resurfaced. Some of the works have already taken place, now Wokingham Borough Council’s team will be return to carry on with the job. The junction links Reading’s Newtown with Earley and Woodley,
or perhaps one of your family or friends, why not check and see if you could apply.” For households in council tax bands E to H, a new scheme will be launched later this year and details on eligibility and how to apply will be released shortly. Receiving the council tax energy rebate, or a payment from the council tax energy discretionary
scheme, has no impact on other income related benefits such as housing benefit, universal credit, pension credits or employment support allowance. For more information, or to apply for the rebate, visit: wokingham.gov. uk. Alternatively, applications can be made via phone by calling: 0118 974 6000
Walk set for September in aid of legal advice
and also provides access to Thames Valley Park. Those needing to get to Reading from the A329m will need to come off at Winnersh Triangle and then travel along the Reading Road. The closure runs from 8pm on Friday, August 5, through to 6am on Saturday, August 6. The council has a helpline set up, which can be accessed by calling 0118 974 6000.
CHARITY London Legal Support Trust is holding the Reading Legal Walk on Monday, September 19. The event will feature a sponsored 10km walk to raise funds for legal advice agencies to help them provide pro bono legal advice to vulnerable people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. There are currently 21 teams signed up to take on the challenge, including teams from Age UK Reading, Blandy & Blandy LLP,
Boyes Turner, Launchpad Reading, and the University of Reading School of Law. Last year’s Reading walk raised more than £16,000 between 300 walkers, with 100% of funds going back into beneficiary agencies in Reading. The London Legal Support Trust’s Reading Legal Walk 2022 is still open to teams, and entrants can sign up via www. tfaforms.com.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Family Notices Your wording
Classification (please tick) n Births n Birthdays n Engagements n Weddings n Anniversaries n Other n Death n In memory
YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Name Address
Advert sizes n 5cm by 1 column – 40 words £30 inc VAT n 3cm by 2 column – 50 words £36 inc VAT Postcode n 4cm by 2 column – 60 words £48 inc VAT n 5cm by 2 column – 80 words £60 inc VAT n 6cm by 2 column – 100 words £72 INC VAT Email n Photo – add £5 inc VAT (email only) DEADLINE IS TUESDAY AT 5PM FOR THAT WEEK’S PAPER
Phone number
Send your forms to: Family notices, Wokingham Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please enclose payment by cheque, made out to The Wokingham Paper Ltd. Payments may also be made by card over the phone.
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
5
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Body found in Woodford Park
Abi Booth, Jo & Max Anley on the merchandise stall.
CHEERS: The Siren Craft Brew Conference was held at Reading Students Union on Saturday, welcoming craft beer fans Pictures: Steve Smyth
Top of the hops: Siren’s uni event to launch four beers
Back row: Jonny Garrett, Robbie Garrigan and Martin Rake. Front row: Sean Knight and Darron Anley.
Guests were able to try a range of craft beers, in special glasses The event was a sell-out and appreciated by many
A BODY was found in Woodley’s Woodford Park on Tuesday morning. Thames Valley Police said the death was unexplained, but non-suspicious. The 32-year-old man’s next of kin are aware and are being supported by officers. A file will be prepared for the coroner. The incident happened near to the Garden of Remembrance, and the area was closed off while police investigated the incident. The rest of the park remained open. In a statement on social media, they said: “We are currently dealing with an unexplained but nonsuspicious death in Woodford Park, Reading. “There will be an increased police presence in the area.”
Drop-in cafe to help people with MS PEOPLE affected by multiple sclerosis are invited to join a weekly friendship event in Earley. Held at the Earley Crescent Resource Centre in Warbler Drive, the sessions aim to provide a safe space for people to share experiences and support each other. It is open to people who have MS and their carers and families. It starts at 10.30am and runs until 1.30pm and is held every Wednesday. Sessions are organised by members of Reading, Wokingham and District MS Society. For more details, call: 0118 986 2591.
EXCLUSIVE
By DANIEL BLACKHAM news@wokingham.today HUNDREDS of craft beer-lovers attended a festival last weekend.
The Time Hops Beer Festival, hosted by Siren Craft Brew at the 3Sixty event space in Reading University, celebrated everything that’s good about hops on Saturday. It was also the official launch of the Finchampstead brewery’s four new brews Cascade, Centennial, Simcoe and Citra & Mosaic. Revellers enjoyed a range of more than 65 beers from a number of producers including Reading-based brewers DoubleBarrelled, Phantom and Woodley’s Dolphin Brewery. There was also a variety of food on offer including FINK, a conscious street food vendor who support the No5 Young People charity to raise awareness and funds for mental health services in Reading. Attendees also enjoyed a number of live performances by Kito Riley, Mellor, Wolfs and Damien A Passmore & The Loveable Fraudsters. There was also a special time hops talk with the craft beer channel. A spokesperson for Siren Craft Brew said: “No words about how good this weekend was. “Let’s do this again sometime.”
Sunday 14th August from 2pm
‘’G and Teatime’’
- Gin Tasting and Afternoon Tea Combine two quintessentially British classics; Gin and Afternoon Tea! This bespoke series of tasting is aimed at the real Gin enthusiast and afternoon tea lovers. Our guest speaker will guide you through two very different Altitude - French Alpine Gins from the mountains in a fun and didactic way.
At the end, pick up your favourite G&T and enjoy traditional afternoon tea, this is the perfect experience for gin enthusiasts. Gin Selection Alpine Dry Alpine Strawberry Pink Welcome Cocktail Gin Tasting Afternoon Tea Gin and Tonic Guest Speaker
Priced at £32.95 per person
To book please call us direct on 0118 979 8805 or email us at enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com www.chalkrestaurants.com Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU
6
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
Ultrafast broadband install closely monitored to minimise disruption INSTALLATION of ultrafast broadband is continuing across Wokingham borough, but some people are concerned by the disruption being caused.
received complaints from customers. “We are issuing fixed penalty notices where necessary and working with CityFibre to address any issues that come up with the aim of keeping disruption on our roads to a minimum.” The council say CityFibre are responsible for informing customers of any planned works as it is a condition of their permit to work on roads in the borough. Cllr Fishwick added: “We are aware that some residents haven’t received letters from CityFibre and are working with them to make sure this doesn’t happen in future. “We know it is easy to mistake such letters as junk
mail but would urge residents to make sure they read anything they receive from CityFibre.” Earlier this year, CityFibre were grilled by neighbouring Reading Borough Council after a number of issues resulted in traffic congestion, homes blocked in and debris left after the workforce moved on. CityFibre insists it will do all it can to cause minimal disruption to residents in Wokingham borough. A spokesperson said: “We do everything in our power to ensure works are carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible, with safety front of mind. “We work closely with our build and local authority partners to ensure all
regulations are adhered to with agreed permits in place at all times. “We strive to manage any potential disruption carefully, for example, utilising existing underground ducts and overhead poles where possible. “In addition, we maintain a routine of checks and controls to ensure access routes are available and that high standards of work are delivered throughout the build.” The firm say they understand “that roadworks of any kind can cause disruption”, but they “always” aim to inform residents ahead of work starting. As the installation continues across Wokingham borough, residents will be advised when they can connect.
Helping the over-65s stay independent Do you wish to remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible and still have a say in your well-being? Let me show you how you might be able to get regular financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home and make your life easier. Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for those in receipt of the State Pension who have health issues or needs that cause difficulties or challenges in your day-to-day living. It is a benefit for those who need help with personal care. There are two levels weekly rates of Attendance Allowance. A lower rate of £61.85 per week is paid if you need help during the day to maintain your independence. Should you have health issues that disturb your night, then the weekly benefit may increase to over £92.40 per week. The level you receive is determined by your circumstances. You can claim this benefit even if you haven’t paid National Insurance and it is not means-tested, it doesn’t matter where you live or if you have savings. Attendance allowance is tax-free. Are you or is someone you know eligible? We offer an initial free 30-minute confidential consultation to allow us to assess whether we can help and for you to decide if you’d like help. If we both agree that claiming Attendance Allowance is right for you, then we will look after you every step of the way.
We complete all the necessary forms and explain the process of claiming in straightforward, plain English so that you understand everything and are in complete control. You may decide, after your initial consultation, that you’d like to continue as you are for now; that’s fine too. We’re only a phone call away if you change your mind, or would like to talk things through again.
07869 694501
A CHANCE to find out more about a proposed 375-home development will take place on Sunday. Members of the Evendons Area Residents Association are organising a walk around the affected areas. The route starts in Viking Field, before moving through Leslie Sears Field, on to Blagrove and Doles Lane, before ending the Ye Olde Leathern Bottel pub. The group says that if the scheme goes ahead, countryside, fields and hedgerows will be torn up. The land, they argue, houses wildlife, including deer, badgers, hedgehogs, woodpeckers, and owls. During the walk, members of the association will try and answer questions. It starts at 4pm, and is expected to take around an hour.
INSTALL: CityFIbe is bringing ultrafast broadband, with speeds of up to 1gbps, to Wokingham borough Picture Call Me Fred via Unsplash
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today
For the cables to be installed by workers, roadworks are often in place and access to properties can be restricted during certain hours. The firm behind Wokingham’s new broadband network, CityFibre, have also faced criticism over miscommunication on when works are due to start, with some residents complaining about not receiving sufficient notice. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, leader of the Wokingham Conservative group and a councillor for Hillside, said: “I do have concerns about the works and have been approached by several Earley residents who have had issues with the quality of the repairs to trenches and have been denied access to their property.” Wokingham Borough Council are aware that some residents have had issues but insist they are monitoring CityFibre’s work closely. Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: “We are inspecting CityFibre works daily, prioritising locations on busier roads where any works could lead to greater disruption and to sites where we have
Evendons walk
CityFibre expects residents in the current “build area” will be able to connect to the service by the end of the year. The broadband company believes the improvements being made to the network will provide significant benefits to households as well as businesses. The spokesperson said: “A Full Fibre connection goes far beyond simply enabling access to the latest entertainment at lightning speed. It’s an essential digital utility, which boosts households and businesses alike. “This is a once in a generation upgrade that will future proof our network infrastructure at a time when connectivity has never been so important.”
n For more details, log on to: https://evendons-area.org.uk/
Charity’s sale AN ANIMAL charity in Hurst is to hold a sale this weekend. Bargain priced new and second hand pet accessories will be available to buy at Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre in Nelson Lane. There will also be new and nearly new clothes and human accessories, along with animal themed T-shirts and mugs. Newly refurbished on-site shop, ‘Barkwrights’ will be open for business. The event, which will support the charity, takes place on Sunday, August 7. The Rescue Centre is open between 11am and 3pm.
Thames Valley Buses trialling age ID on app READING Buses’ sister company, Thames Valley Buses, is trialling the use of age verification measures on their mobile app. The service provides Boost services to those under 18, or under 21 if in full-time education at local colleges or universities. From August, customers who purchase Boost tickets through Thames Valley Buses’ mobile app for use in Maidenhead will be required to verify their age. The trial period will allow customers to upload ID details to the app for an automated visual check which will allow them to buy Boost tickets. Robert Williams, chief executive officer of Thames Valley Buses,
said: “The aim of the trial is to see if we can remove the need for older children and students to carry ID to prove their age to the driver on every journey. “While we understand that some younger children may not have ID they are also less likely to have a mobile phone. “A number of Boost tickets, such as singles and returns, will still be available to buy on board our services in Maidenhead, providing the driver is happy that they are the right age.” Mr Williams added: “The trial will enable us to monitor customer reaction in a defined area and, if it is successful, then we will consider rolling it out on a larger scale.”
First Days asks for second hand uniform Nigel Pearce AIPW Grey Matters Consultancy Wokingahm
grey-matters-consultancy.com/wokingham
A CHILDREN’S charity is seeking donations of school uniform. First Days is asking for both primary and secondary school items, and will collect them on Friday. All uniform is needed, including logo items for Wokingham schools, shoes and accessories.
School and baby items purchased in the store can also be handed in. The uniform drive takes place at Tesco, in Finchampstead Road. Volunteers from the charity will be there to receive items between 10am and 4pm.
7
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Wokingham in one .. councillors join forces to call for faster rail service ON THE SAME TRACK: Cllrs Charles Margetts and Paul Fishwick are campaigning for Wokingham to have faster rail conections to the capital Picture: Daniel Blackham
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
A CAMPAIGN has been launched by Wokingham Borough Council to improve train journey times between stations in Wokingham borough and London Waterloo.
It is in a bid to encourage more people to use the service and provide a more attractive alternative to car travel. The 36-mile journey currently takes an hour and 17 minutes, but the council says South Western Railway (SWR) could reduce this to 59 minutes by introducing “fast” trains that don’t stop between Twickenham and the capital. The proposal to improve train journey times has the support of all political parties after a motion was unanimously agreed at a full council meeting on Thursday, July 21. Cllr Charles Margetts, Conservative councillor for Finchampstead North who proposed the motion, said: “In 1975 the fast train from Wokingham to London took 49 minutes. Since then the line has reverted to speeds from the steam age. “This service is too slow and people are voting with their feet. “Passenger numbers at all Wokingham stations are static or falling and it is quicker to drive
to Fleet if you wish to access Waterloo or to Twyford if you want to access Paddington. “The Wokingham Conservative group is calling on the Department for Transport (DfT) and SWR to speed up the service.” The calls for change have been supported by Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, highways and transport. Cllr Fishwick said: “I was delighted to second this motion as everyone on this council recognises the importance of tackling the climate emergency.
“We also cannot allow political differences to stand in the way of reducing air pollution, a major health hazard to which car usage is a significant contributor, nor the health and economic benefits of making public transport more accessible and desirable for everyone. “As well as helping the environment, we’re determined to do all we can to support residents by making rail journeys into London - where many of them work - more attractive.” Changes to the route were
EXPERIENCE THE EXPERIENCE! With The Holiday Inn Reading South
considered by Network Rail in 2017, which believed there was “minimal” demand for the additional stops from people travelling from Wokingham borough, but was not followed through. In 2014, the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership concluded that speeding up the journey would bring economic benefits of up to £91 million locally. The council believes now is the right time to revisit the idea as it looks to make train travel a
Free teas at food bank
more attractive option. It says doing so will reduce car usage, which is a priority as it strives to meet its pledge of achieving net zero emissions by 2030. Cllr Margetts feels there are “several” changes which can be implemented “quickly” to achieve a faster route. He said: “We are calling on the council to provide independent access to the two houses at Knoll Farm enabling the closure of the manual crossing and raising the line speed to 70 mph. “This would save two minutes on the journey and would also reduce the level crossing wait times at gypsy lane. “We are also calling on SWR to introduce the new class 701 trains with driver only operation without further delay. “This would save four minutes on the journey time.” Cllr Margetts would also like to see Network Rail stop the process of “defensive driving”, increase the speed limit to 100mph and for the DfT and Network Rail to remove some level crossings from the route. Cllr Margetts added: “We believe Wokingham residents deserve better and a rail service which takes 59 mins to do 36.7 miles is not an unreasonable request.”
A WOKINGHAM church is welcoming users of a nearby food bank for a free tea or coffee. For the next six weeks, visitors can pick up their complimentary hot drink at St Mary’s Church, RG2 9BY, before or after collecting their items at Shinfield Baptist Church. The move allows the Baptist Church’s cafe to take a break over the summer holidays. St Mary’s Gateways Cafe is part of the Friendship alliance and is open from Monday to Friday. Visitors can expect a warm welcome from the team of servers, with toys and colouring activities available for children. The cafe is also dog-friendly. The cafe will be open between 10amnoon from Monday to Friday. n For more information, search St Mary’s, Shinfield on www.facebook.com
CELEBRATING CELEBRATING
25YEARS YEARS 25 WORLD WIDE WORLD WIDE
IMMERSIVE THEATRE AT ITS STARTLING BESTAT ITS IMMERSIVE THEATRE BROADWAY BABY STARTLING BEST BROADWAY BABY
top attraction of London’s theatre scene since 2012 and worldwide for over 25 years, this fully immersive, fantastically interactive show uses fantastic actors to put audiences right at the heart of the action. A brilliant night is on the cards when the Faultys come to town. This is the show where you step inside the TV series and see it from the inside out. Highly improvised, highly interactive and fully immersive, audiences to join the action, becoming guests who play along with
A
SIDE-SPLITTING LAUGHTER GUARANTEED
SCOTTISH LAUGHTER FIELD SIDE-SPLITTING GUARANTEED
SCOTTISH FIELD
PERFECT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY SEE DO EAT
PERFECT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY SEE DO EAT
Basil, Sybil and Manuel. With 5-star reviews from audiences and critics in 40 countries, and over a million seats sold around the world, this is officially the world’s most sought-after tribute to the BBC’s iconic Fawlty Towers. � For more information and to book tickets visit www.interactivetheatre.com.au/ events/uk-tour-events/fup220909holiday-inn-reading/
Holiday Inn Reading-South Basingstoke Road, Reading RG2 0SL
Friday 9 September 2022 The Terribly-Long-Named Hotel Doors open 7:00pm, show starts 7:30pm
pp, includes 3-course 1 meal and 2-hour interactive Saturday£42.50 31 August and aSunday September 2020 show 123 Street name, Hamlet name, City Name, 870482 XX1 2XX 01189 Includes drink on arrival, 3-course meal, 2-hour show, plus tea and coffee
12345 678 reservationsmgr@hireadingsouth.com 90123 | www.crazlylongURLwebsite.gov.uk/events
8
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
Wokingham Town Council’s Grant Applications Process Is Now Open.
E
ACH year the Town Council allocates grants to local voluntary organisations and community groups which operate within the town boundaries, that support our vision and benefit the residents of Wokingham Town.
The application process closes on Monday 12th September. Grants are open to event organisers and initiatives from local groups/organisations. Cllr Adrian Mather said: ‘We are always keen to hear from new
organisations and groups which fulfil our grant criteria. Each new initiative not only strengthens our community but over time, builds bridges across the wealth of local charity and community groups who provide care and services to those in need,
improve the lives of others or support our environment. We offer part or match funding depending on the project and objectives.’ for more information visit www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/grants
WOKINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL GRANTS TO VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS Are you a member of a voluntary organisation or community group that would benefit from a grant from Wokingham Town Council in the fiscal year 2023-2024?
Applications open from 26th July 2022 To apply, please complete the application form and provide the relevant supporting material at
www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/grants
Closing date is Monday 12th September 2022 Please note: grants will only be made for activities by organisations that suppor t our vision and benefit the residents of Wokingham Town. - Online applications only Any queries please contact Nicky Harmsworth on 0118 974 0883.
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Council strongly refutes claims it misled residents over food waste bags EXCLUSIVE By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM Borough Council has strongly refuted claims it misled residents over its decision to stop providing green food waste bags.
Earlier this week, the Wokingham Conservative group accused Cllr Clive Jones, the council leader, of “falsely” telling residents that the previous Conservative administration had not budgeted for the caddy liners. They said the council’s chief financial officer (CFO) had confirmed, by email, that money was made available for the green bags in the budget passed in February. According to the Conservatives, the CFO also explained the cost of the bags was £40,000 less than the administration claimed. Cllr Norman Jorgensen, shadow executive member for environment and leisure, said: “The Lib Dem-led coalition know that funding was made available for green bags, yet they’re telling people that they’re scrapping the bags because there’s no money.” Wokingham Borough Council has rejected these claims and have confirmed that no budget was allocated for the provision of the liners. Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “The decision not to supply kitchen caddy liners was a pragmatic decision made by officers in consultation with the executive based on the environmental impact of the single use plastic bags and their cost. “First, there was no budget allocated by the previous administration and the council’s CFO did not claim there was. “There is no specific budget set aside for the provision of caddy liners. For the past two years, they have been paid for by income generated from the waste service. “Sadly, this is no longer possible due to a significant increase in the cost of the liners and the financial pressures on the council. “Secondly, the CFO did not say that the cost of the bags is £40,000 less than
CHANGE: Wokingham Borough Council is no longer sending out green bags to line food waste caddies Picture: Wokingham Borough Council we stated in our announcement about this.” Cllr Shenton said the council received an estimate for the bags for 2023/24 of £120,000, a £40,000 increase on this year’s cost. He added: “The information in our announcement on July 13, about this was correct. “This decision was made because it makes sense – it is the right thing to do for the environment and financially.” Cllr Jorgensen believes the removal of green caddy liners will “dissuade” residents from recycling food waste and cost the council money in the long run. He said: “At a meeting last year, which was attended by Lib Dem and Labour councillors, we were told that the food waste service is already saving us £500,000 per year and could save us a further £1 million a year if all food waste was diverted from the blue bags to the food waste service.
“Indeed, the budget for this year has a saving of £350,000 built in from encouraging people to recycle food waste. “The coalition’s incompetent decision – poorly-made, for the wrong reasons, and without proper scrutiny – is actually going to cost money, not save it.” Cllr Shenton doesn’t think there will be a decrease in participation. He said: “Residents can use a variety of things to line their caddies, including newspaper, any soft plastic bag they have that they were going to throw away such as carrier bags, bread bags, and fruit and veg bags, or they can leave it unlined and rinse it between uses.” Five councillors have requested, under the council’s constitution, that the decision on caddy liners be called into council as they see it as a “key decision”. As a result, a report will be considered by the full council in September.
It’s football crazy ... Reading Buses apologises after cancelling six matchday routes to Royals ROYALS fans have been sick as a parrot over news that Reading Buses is unable to run its usual matchday buses this month. The company has apologised for the lack of service for the home games of August 6, 9, 17 and 20, and says it shoot and score with the services resuming in September. The six routes that will not run are the F11 from Emmer Green, F13 from Caversham Park, F22 from Tilehurst, F24 from Purley, and F31/F32 from Woodley. However, the firm says that after consulting with the club and supporter groups, they are ensuring fans can still get to the matches. The company advised supporters
to catch their usual bus, such as the Orange route, into the town centre and then catch the F1 shuttle bus from Reading’s railway station to the Select Car Leasing Stadium. To help fans, a football day ticket is being introduced on matchdays. For Saturday 3pm kick-offs, they can be bought from noon, and from 5pm for 8pm kick-offs. They cost £4.20, or £2.90 for under 19s. Robert Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Reading Buses, said: “We are obviously sorry for the inconvenience, but feel it best to make a decision in a planned way now rather than risking wider short notice problems on the day.
“Only six of the 21 matchday services we run will be suspended, selected because there are alternative routes to the football stadium using our existing network. “Therefore, we have made sure that any supporter who does not have an alternative service will still have their football bus available to them.” He added: “We have to be mindful of running our normal network of bus services at a time of year when more of our hard working and committed employees are on annual leave.” Football services are expected to return to normal in September. n For full details about alternatives and information about routes, visit: www. reading-buses.co.uk
9
10 | NEWS
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
EXECUTIVENEWS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
DANIEL BLACKHAM reports on a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s executive held on Thursday, July 28
Council predicts £2.2m shortfall in revenue n From front page
D
Are you a truly family friendly employer?
URING the school holidays I am fortunate enough to enjoy a great blend of time between work and personal life. It usually works out well. But there have been times when it wasn’t so seamless, and it always gets me thinking about juggling work and personal lives for employers and employees. So, here are some thoughts and ideas for striking a ‘give and take’ balance that creates a strong platform for harmonising work and home in our ever-changing, seemingly overly busy lives.
Cllr Shepherd-Dubey highlighted a number of challenges the council faces to try and achieve a balanced budget. She believes this is also the result of “over-ambitious targets”. “We have £558,000 overspend on home to school transport,” she said. “This is largely due to the high number of SEND children needing specialist school places and Ukrainian, Hong Kong and other children being brought to the error seeking sanctuary. “Many of our schools were full to begin with and as a consequence we are now having to pay for these children to be transported long
distances to the available school places around the borough.” The council is also predicting an overspend of £1.33 million on place and growth, contributed to by a drop in car parking revenue and higher costs for waste collections and bags. Cllr Shepherd-Dubey said: “We are expecting a £780,000 cash shortfall in car parking. “This is probably due to an over ambitious income target being set. Since the covid lockdown people’s driving habits changed and people are using their cars less which is good for the environment. “But it does not help Wokingham Borough Council cover its bills this year.
“Inflation has also affected many of the things we need to buy. “The inflationary increase in oil based plastics into the budget we inherited is currently £250,000 short when it comes to purchasing the blue bags and waste collection.” As well as the increase in blue bag costs, there has been a rise of £300,000 in relation to the council’s waste contract, a result of inflation. Resources and Assets are also predicted to be short by £353,000, largely made up of property pressures from voids and income shortfalls and leisure
services rebuilding following the pandemic. Cllr Shepherd-Dubey said the council is actively looking for solutions and is doing its best to “bridge this gap”. She added: “But it does mean that we all need to pull together to find either more income to cover the shortfall or make savings in other ways.” Cllr Stephen Conway, deputy leader of the council, commented: “This is a snapshot of where we are now and what we’re projecting from here. “It’s not the end result and I think that’s a really important point to underline.”
Park and Ride’s £1.3 million budget problem A WOKINGHAM Borough councillor has said the council has been “forced” into remedying a problem at Winnersh Park and Ride, costing £1.3 million. The comment was made at an executive meeting on Thursday, July 28, as part of the council’s capital monitoring for quarter one of 2022/23. The capital monitoring report shows the projects the council is currently working on.
Support employees to plan for what they need It can feel overwhelming sometimes to organise and prioritise a variety of needs over the extended summer period and then equally difficult to ask employers for help. So help employees get clear about what they need early on and then you can be sure that what you offer is helpful. Observe the statutory obligations as a minimum standard Statutory obligations are minimal for a reason. Think about how to meet both the needs of your customers and the needs of the employees who serve those customers. People who feel valued and appreciated produce higher quality work and service levels. Include well-being in your family friendly thinking Caring for an elderly relative, supporting a sick spouse, becoming a new parent, adjusting to new school arrangements, researching universities, responding to special care needs, going through divorce, among many other needs, all evoke emotional stress over and above practical, logistical demands. This eats personal energy, not just time. So, when you’re thinking family friendly, think about supporting and educating people about how to manage stress, or meet personal needs. Sometimes it’s not just time off that’s needed. Train your line managers to be open-minded and supportive So many times, I have witnessed an escalation that could have been prevented with some education for, and empathy from, the first line manager.
Where Are You on Your HR Journey? Is it Time for Expert HR Support? At Organic P&O Solutions, our service can be as flexible as you need, adapting to your changing needs as your business grows. Get in touch with us today for an initial chat.
Organic P&O Solutions
T: +44 1344 441 043 E: contactus@organicposolutions.co.uk
www.organicposolutions.co.uk
Cllr Imogen Shepherd-Dubey, executive member for finance, said: “It gives us a view of any upcoming issues that might be heading our way. “One of the key things highlighted is the challenge we have around the Winnersh Triangle Parkway park and ride where an unexpected water main was found during its build process.” Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel,
highways and transport, said: “I did want to highlight the Winnersh park and ride. “£1.3 million pounds overspent due to the consequences of a Thames Water main. “This appears to have come to life in the autumn of 2021, but unfortunately no budget estimate was made at that time so it forced us to actually remedy this.”
Concerns over pollution at site of new dementia care home CONCERNS over the location of a new dementia care home continue to be raised by residents and councillors.
At a Wokingham Borough Council executive meeting on Thursday, July 28, a number of questions were asked about the suitability of the Toutley East site, which was approved by the planning committee earlier this year. The most prominent concern raised was the 68-bed care home’s proximity to the A329M, which the site borders. A government research group, the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, published a report which concluded air pollution is “likely” to increase the risk of accelerated “cognitive decline” and of “developing dementia” in older people. Experts believe this is the result of pollutants entering the circulatory system, affecting blood flow to the brain. Cllr Gary Cowan, independent councillor for Arborfield who objected to the planning application, said: “I believe the council should not disregard a committee of government advisors who will be much more informed than our council officers. “With the availability of a government landmark report on air pollution as a cause of dementia
it’s now for the executive to decide if Toutley is still a good option or should they look elsewhere for a more suitable site.” Cllr Lindsay Ferris, executive member for planning and the local plan, said he has seen the report and the council will need to take “due reference” from the findings. The proposal has previously received objections as many feel the site is not suitable for a care home or housing. Noise assessments at Toutley East indicated that it would exceed recommended levels in some areas and some homes would need triple
glazed windows to not be impacted. It would also be affected by air pollution as areas where there is traffic congestion see higher levels of nitrogen dioxide. If the project goes ahead, some residents at Suffolk Lodge Care Home, on Rectory Road, would be moved to the new care home. Cllr Jim Frewin, independent councillor for Shinfield South, has asked the council to provide a risk assessment and mitigation details on how the move would impact them, with a focus on the change in noise and air quality.
Cllr David Hare, executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “We intend to work closely with Optalis to ensure a safe and smooth transition for residents to the new care home.” Cllr Frewin believes the Toutley plan “is not a good idea”. He added: “It appears to be being done for speed to provide a number of places and is not taking into account the health and wellbeing of the residents being placed there.” Cllr Frewin then asked if the executive would defer the decision on Toutley until clarification had been made on the noise and air pollution issues raised. Cllr Hare said he didn’t think the council could defer the decision but said, as the process goes along, it would make sure that air pollution and noise are kept to “an absolute minimum and within all legal standards”. Later in the meeting, Cllr Stephen Conway, deputy leader and executive member for housing, added: “We have to recognise the stage we are at is outline. “There’s still scope for all sorts of work to be done to try and address the very legitimate concerns that have been raised.” The council then agreed that officers are to provide a report on the impact of poor air quality and noise on dementia as part of the strategic masterplan.
NEWS | 11
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
EXECUTIVENEWS
Green light at last for Twyford library
AFTER more than 20 years of campaigning by residents and councillors, Wokingham Borough Council has committed to delivering a new library in Twyford
At an executive meeting on Thursday, July 28, the council agreed to take on a 99 year lease of the Old Polehampton Boys School, with the intention of converting it into a library and community hub. Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the council, said: “This is something that residents really do want to happen. “There are a number of times over the last 20 years that this library has come to the council and it’s been considered and then it hasn’t happened. “We are going to make sure that it is definitely going to happen.” The council were due to discuss buying the lease in September last year but were unable to do so because of rising building costs. At the time, Cllr John Halsall, then council leader, described the rises as “significant”, adding: “This is simply not the moment to be cavalier with our capital spending.” To assist with delivering the library, estimated to cost
DROPPED: A Woodley man has been caught fly-tipping paint (not actual cans) Picture: Wokingham Borough Council
Fly-tipper paints himself into a corner around £1 million in total, the council have agreed to allocate £330,000 of S106 funding to the project. S106 funds, also known as developers contributions, is money paid by developers to mitigate the impact of new homes and other buildings. Cllr Lindsay Ferris, executive member for planning and the local plan, also serves as a councillor for Twyford. He said: “I would like to thank the Polehampton charities because they have put a lot of effort in and the late Dave Turner, who was really the person who got the old school site into the agenda as a site for the new library because we’ve been looking around the village for a little while beforehand “He spent many, many hours
campaigning for this building to be put into use, and we pay tribute to him.” Dave Turner helped to fundraise and championed the project throughout the last 20 years, including reenacting a record-breaking see-saw challenge he carried out in the 1960s. He died last year. Speaking to Wokingham. Today earlier this month, the trustees of the Polehampton Charity were also keen to recognise Mr Turner’s efforts. A spokesperson said: “The countless hours spent pushing this project forward was championed by the very determined David Turner; he refused to give up when people doubted the project would succeed.”
Council agrees to ‘extensive consultation’ on 3G pitch at school WOKINGHAM Borough Council is to launch a public consultation on installing a 3G football pitch at Maiden Erlegh School in Earley. The 3G pitch forms part of the council’s leisure strategy and was put to councillors at an executive meeting on Thursday, July 28. Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sports and leisure, said: “There remains a need for additional football capacity in the borough, both for training and for weekend fixtures. “So an option appraisal analysis was therefore carried out which has identified that
Maiden Erlegh School would be the most suitable location based on existing facilities and access to the site whilst also providing usage for the school itself.” Cllr Shenton said the application would be subject to “extensive public consultation”. Planning approval would then lead to a bid for Football Foundation funding, a partnership between the Premier League, FA and government which provides grants to improve facilities. If the application for funding is successful, installation is expected to start during the summer holidays of 2023, with the facility opening in
September of the same year. Failure to secure funding from the Football Foundation would result in the proposals not going ahead. Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the council, welcomed the undertaking of extensive consultation. He said: “I’m really pleased to hear there is going to be extensive and proper consultation, that the borough council will be engaging with residents, that council officers will be available to meet with residents, that there will be extensive leafleting to houses in Earley and that the council’s social media engagement will be extensive as well.”
A MAN from Woodley has been caught fly-tipping a bag of paint tins and cans in a public car park. The incident took place in Lytham Road on the morning of Saturday, April 30. A witness, who was sitting in their car, saw a man acting suspiciously as he got out of his van and started to look around. According to the witness, he then went to the side of his van, opened the sliding door and took out a black bin bag. The man then dropped it on the ground behind his van and drove off. The witness took a photo of the van and went to check
the contents of the bag. After discovering it contained tins and paint cans, she contacted Wokingham Borough Council’s anti-social behaviour team to report the fly-tipping incident and provided them with the evidence. The anti-social behaviour team worked with Thames Valley Police to trace the van’s registration and the perpetrator was presented with the evidence and issued a £400 fixed penalty notice. The man cannot be named as he has paid the fine which discharges any further action.
Your local in Winnersh HOMEMADE FOOD SERVED DAILY BEER GARDEN PRIVATE HIRE WEEKLY EVENTS
Funds approved for improvements to sport facilities at Forest School WOKINGHAM Borough Council has approved funds for physical activity enhancements at Forest School in Winnersh. The changes form part of the council’s leisure strategy and were agreed at an executive meeting on Thursday, July 28. The improvements include a
refurbishment of the gym and the swimming pool floor. Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sports and leisure, said: “Once completed, the improved facilities will be available for community use, in particular for groups of vulnerable adults or children.
“The pool will also provide for groups that have modesty requirements in swimming, which will be unique among the council swimming facilities.” The enhancements will be funded by S106 payments, formerly known as developer contributions.
Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “Thanks to the quick thinking of our witness, we were able to successfully identify and trace the fly-tipped waste back to the perpetrator and hand him a £400 fixed penalty notice. “We have a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and anyone caught fly-tipping in our borough will be held accountable. “On this occasion, the flytipper certainly painted himself into a corner.” Residents who witness fly-tipping in the borough can report it online by visiting: wokingham.gov.uk
ALL DAY BREAKFAST SUNDAY ROAST
The Pheasant Bar and Restaurant
thepheasantwinnersh
355 Reading Road - Winnersh - RG41 5LR 0118 978 4529 info@the-pheasant-hotel.co.uk www.thepheasantbarandrestaurant.co.uk
12 | NEWS
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Things ancient church uncove
Another view Neil Coupe
By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today
How the net can help you park
I
AM gradually coming to the conclusion that the most challenging part of driving is not actually finding a destination (sat-nav has eradicated that), congestion, or even aggressive or selfish fellow road users, either on two of four wheels. The most stressful part of driving is parking.
Arriving at work this morning, there were three spaces, all of which were perfectly accessible, in each case with satisfactory gaps between two perfectly parked cars. After deciding to follow best practice of reversing in, I slowly reversed into the correct spot and the beeper went off to tell me I had gone as far back as possible. Happiness. Or was it? I got out of the car and off I went, after turning for a cursory glance. It was at an angle, meaning the car to my right was slightly hemmed in. I could not possibly leave it like that. So, I drove it out, just as someone else was arriving, thinking I was leaving. I wasn’t, but now had the added pressure of a spectator as I drove out, attempted to straighten it and then reverse back in. Another failure. As this time, I am straight, but have now trapped in the vehicle to my left. I let my spectator pass, to to a space further into the car park. Within seconds, she had parked, without batting an eyelid, and then strode purposefully towards her office, as I tried again. Palms sweating, after two more attempts, I finally found a position that felt reasonably fair to my fellow car park users, although aesthetically could hardly be given more that six out of 10. The truth, I have realised, is that this is a regular occurrence in what is a very easy car park to use. I used to visit a company in Wycombe with several parking levels below ground, with the tightest of angles, where it was often necessary to reverse back up the ramp to be able to access the level below. Attempting to park was complicated by huge protruding pillars and narrow spaces that allowed absolutely no room for error. The company thought they were doing me a favour by reserving a space on the fourth level down. Four hairpin bends and two scratches later, I decided that for my next visit it would be far less stressful to pay for a meter and make sure I was out of the meeting within the hour. So, I cannot cope very well with a nice simple external car park I used every day, and I generally recoil at the thought of multi-storey car parks. An exception must be made for the parking facilities at The Lexicon in Bracknell, which feels generously proportioned and has nice big parking spaces, which allow plenty of scope for error. The only problem is that when I have been there, there have often been several different spaces to choose from, which can bring its own problems, especially when my passenger decides to be involved in the discussion about which spot to go for. Recognising that I may need to address my suboptimal parking ability, I decided to search ‘How to Reverse Park’ on YouTube. What an absolute treasure chest of tips and advice, often delivered in a reassuring American drawl. I shall start reversing only if I am at least 5ft away from my destination and will start using ‘reference points’. People do say that the first step in solving a problem is recognising it, and the second step is finding a solution on the internet. Wish me luck.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
A WOKINGHAM town centre church is currently an archeologist’s dream.
BACK TO NATURE: Families can enjoy looking out for local butterflies and dragonflies at Buckhurst Meadow this Saturday. Picture: galadrim via Pixabay
Free nature walks and bike surgeries this weekend
FLOREAT Montague Park Primary School is the location for a stroll or a cycle this Saturday. Butterfly and dragonfly spotting walks will take place at the Wokingham venue on Saturday. Particularly suitable for families with school age children, the walks take around 90 minutes, with light refreshments available at the end of each walk. During a leisurely stroll around the Buckhurst Meadows and pond, ramblers will be able to look out for brightly coloured insects. Children can also enjoy free activities laid on for them. The two nature walks, organised by Thames Basin Heaths Partnership, take place on Saturday, August 6.
They both start at the school on William Heelas Way. The two events take place from 10am to noon, and from 2pm to 4pm. All are welcome, including well-behaved dogs on a lead, and sturdy footwear such as trainers is recommended. Booking for this free event is essential. Also at the school on Saturday will be My Journey Wokingham’s Doctor Bike. The organisation will be available for bicycle surgeries between 10am and noon. These are free but must be prebooked. n For more information and to book walks and cycle surgeries log on to: www.tbhpartnership.org.uk/event/ nature-walks, or log on to: www. myjourneywokingham.com
Join Santa’s session to your hoe, hoe, hoe levels SANTA will be going hoe, hoe, hoe this weekend, thanks to a special workshop. Dobbies is to hold sessions at its Hare Hatch and Shinfield branches designed to help people grow their own Christmas dinners. The Grow How sessions are aimed at novices and will see experts explain how to grow festive meal staples including Charlotte Potatoes, Autumn King Carrots, Kale Dwarf Green Curled, Parsnip Tender & True, Swiss Chard Bright Lights. In addition to this, the experts will share top tips on creating a thriving herb garden to elevate your meal. The only thing not included is the meat. And Dobbies says you don’t need a large garden or allotment - a balcony space will do. Sarah Murray, Dobbies’ partnership and events manager, said: “We’re putting on our Santa hats early this year at Dobbies and doing everything we can to get our customers ready for the big day in a sustainable way. “We’re passionate about encouraging growing your own and are looking to help reduce our customers’ carbon footprint when it comes to food transport and wastage.
All Saints has been stripped bare, and the building is temporarily closed to its congregation, as a 21st century makeover is installed. But before that, there’s a chance to see which giants shoulders they have been standing on over the past several hundred years or so. The diggers have been in, the floor has been lifted and various stone monuments have been stored in bubble wrap. The major clearance work taking place as part of the Spaceforall project. When completed, it will be a new community space. But the process it has unearthed one or two finds. The church has survived many centuries, records show that there has been a place of worship on the site since the 12th century. Dedicated by the bishop of Salisbury in around 1189, the structure has been altered and improved by successive generations. There is evidence of Norman building in the bases of the pillars, and a small door leading to the ringing chamber has been dated as medieval. Much later building work was carried out by Henry Woodyer in the mid 19th century. He also designed and built St Paul’s church on Reading Road. An ancient site would expect to unearth a few interesting finds, perhaps a Victorian button or two from under the now removed pews. The current work has actually exposed one or two previous congregational members.. A curved brick vault was discovered beneath the floor. It appears to have been built for Faith James and members of her family. A number of bones and an almost complete skull were found there, so it is likely that these are Faith’s remains and those of her clan. Who was she?
UNCOVERED: A skull and some bones were fo Church
“No one really knows,” says deputy church warden and project manager, Anne King. “It’s quite difficult to trace modern descendants of ancient families. “Whenever we have to move a monument or a grave, we do advertise the fact to enable family members to come forward. “But it’s very rare that anyone contacts us.” Human remains may be discovered during any routine building work, for example when foundations are dug, or when a drain needs to be repaired.
It’s the brainy bunch ... Wokingham’s a clever place Dobbies is holding Grow Your Own sessions with a festive feel on Saturday “Our customers really enjoy our monthly Grow How sessions, and we’re excited to get into the festive swing.” And if you see a large, cuddly man with a white beard, be nice to him – after all, Rudolph will be expecting some carrots on Christmas Eve. The event takes place on Saturday. n For more details on Dobbies’ Hare Hatch Grow How sessions in August, visit www.dobbies.com/grow-how
A NEW study has revealed the brainiest areas in England – and Wokingham is in second place. The survey looked at level 8 attainment rates for GCSE and A-Level exams in every local authority in England as well as analysing the percentage of population in each area that have higher education qualifications. While York was the brain of Britain, Wokingham took silver. The northern city had the highest percentage of population with a higher education degree, with 59.3% of residents having a degree. Similarly, York ranked seventh when it came to high pass rates amongst A-Level and GCSE exams, with 55.28% attaining a level 8 or
higher. As for Wokingham, it ranked highly for both factors, with the area having the fourth highest percentage of students receiving a level 8 in their GCSE or A-Level exams at 57.55% and the fifth highest percentage of its population possessing a higher education degree at 56.8%. Trafford was third, while Reading came in fourth. When broken down, Reading has the sixth highest rate of its exam takers attaining a level 8 or higher with 55.36% as well as 55.4% of Reading’s population having a higher education degree – the eighth highest rate of any area in England. In fifth place is London. It ranks second when it comes to
nt and modern: ers hidden past
ound. Picture: Vince Clerkin via All Saints
“They are always reburied by a member of the clergy, close to the spot where they were found,” continues Ms King. So Faith can expect to be returned to her rest following examination by an archaeologist. Is the congregation excited by the find? “Actually, you could say that they are moderately excited just now,” jokes Ms King. “Of course, what we all really hoped for was to discover a sack of gold. But, yes, it is interesting to have found the bones.
“And fortunately, the discovery has not led to the work having to be stopped altogether for further investigation. Although there have been some implications for us.” The completion of the project has been delayed by the find, and by changes that need to be implemented as a result. The site of the vault means the foundations for the steel frame to support the new mezzanine floor will have to be relocated and the frame redesigned. “We’ve had to take the decision not to hold our celebrations in the church this year,” said Ms King. “But we’re hoping to be back in the building in January next year.” The church, led by Canon David Hodgson, hopes that a wide range of people and groups will be able to meet in a safe and welcoming environment. All Saints will remain primarily a place of worship but it will also provide an accessible and flexible public space for cultural and educational events, and a centre for discovering local heritage. “The vision is that a lot of people will be in the church every day of the week, continues Ms King. “It will be open for community groups to use, and there will be a cafe, of course. “But it will, perhaps, be a bit different from other community spaces. “Rather than weekly activity meetings, we are expecting groups will be able to use the building for special events, perhaps even letting out the whole church, for arts events, for example. “We’re very pleased that we already have a number of concerts booked for next summer.” Services during the construction work continue in The Cornerstone close by. The congregartion meets on Sundays at 8am, 9.30am and 11.15am, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am, and on Thursdays at 9am. n To find out more about the church and its project, log on to: www. allsaintswokingham.org.uk
TOP OF THE CLASS: New research suggests that people who live in Wokingham borough are rather clever
the percentage of its population with higher education degrees at 58.75%, however it just fails to make the top 10 for the factor of exam takers achieving a level 8 pass rate or higher with a percentage of 54.1%. New city Milton Keynes is the sixth, and seventh is Windsor. A spokesperson for SudokuCraze,
NEWS | 29
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
which compiled the figures, said: “Since the pandemic began, there have been numerous setbacks to education and exams, however these findings highlight the areas in England that have surpassed the national average and are indeed the brainiest areas in the country.”
On your bikes for this family ride
WPR_2022-08-01_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go
WorcesterObserver
Reader travel HISTORIC DURHAM
Beamish & Captain Cook Whitby HistoricDurhamBeamish&CaptainCooksWhitby_D.pdf
Departing Thu 6 Oct ‘22 Enjoy a host of historically-themed excursions on this wonderful trip to the North East. From the bustling port of Whitby, to the fascinating open-air living museum of Beamish and the beautiful city of Durham, we journey into the past on this captivating break.
Your break includes
RIDE ON: Kidical Mass will be hosting a Wokingham bike ride starting and finishing at Elms Field on Saturday, August 13. Picture: Steve Smyth A COMMUNITY group is set to host a family cycle on Saturday, August 13. Kidical Mass will embark upon a one and a half mile route around the south-east of Wokingham, starting and finishing at Elms Field. Riders will pass the Town Hall via Denmark Street. The mass bike ride is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities with families from across the town encouraged to attend. There will be music to accompany riders on their way, with guides stationed at every junction to ensure safe crossing. Refreshments will be served at
the finish, while the youngsters can get stuck into some games. July saw Kidical Mass host an event in Reading, starting from Green Park. The ride was attended by Reading Mayor Cllr Rachel Eden. The events are designed to increase families’ confidence in cycling together, while highlighting the need for improved infrastructure. The group hopes to raise awareness of healthy modes of transport and bike types. The meeting time is 2pm at Elms Field, with the ride starting once everyone is ready to leave.
Return coach travel from Slough 4 nights at the Jurys Inn, Middlesbrough with dinner & breakfast Excursions to Durham, Beamish Living Museum & Whitby
5 Days by Coach
only £329
Single Supplement £100
DELIGHTFUL DEVON Weekend
DelightfulDevonWeekend_D.pdf
n For more information, visit: www. kidicalmassreading.co.uk
POETRY CORNER Taking Tea on Mars Departing Fri 7 Oct ‘22
Life on Mars, these days, is quite sedate, As I sit watching blue-tinted sunsets; Enjoying the cool, easy atmosphere, Punctually taking tea at eight. The views up here quite catch the eye, Olympus Mons rising up impressive; The horizon is glowing blazing red, The ground awash in iron oxide. Misty clouds roll regular across the plains In steaming rivers of flowing dry ice; The effects can be quite spectacular, But frankly speaking, I do miss the rain… But overall life seems very laidback, With gravity causing barely a ripple; And life is lived at an easy pace, With trips to the sand dunes at ‘Dingo Gap.’ Place names are quite familiar, like ‘Gleneig’ For instance, or even ‘Yellow Knife Bay’; And homesickness is now n’er a problem, Memories of the ‘Old World’ beginning to fade.
Some drawbacks occur, I admit, that’s true, The cold winters can seem awfully long; And the frequent, giant, red dust storms Lasting for weeks on end, spoiling the view. The chances of returning are nought to slim, Old Mother Earth now reduced to cinders; Climate change, apparently was no hoax, And life on Mars, some days, can seem quite grim. But old habits have a warm familiarity That makes this migrant existence not too bad; The space suits, true, are awfully cumbersome, Sitting alone here on Mars, taking tea...
We love printing your poems. You can email yours to: news@wokingham.today
Ian James
Beloved for its mild climate and miles of golden sands, Exmouth in South Devon provides us with the perfect base for our short break away. From here we explore this picturesque corner of the West Country, including a visit to Exeter, the capital of Devon.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading & Slough 3 nights at the Ashton Court Hotel, Exmouth with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursion to Exeter Optional excursion to Sidmouth (£9pp)
4 Days by Coach
only £144
.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
or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
30 | VIEWPOINTS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
There may be rouble ahead..
OK, A bad pun, but a serious subject. This winter is going to be one of the hardest we have had since the 1970s. To mangle a phrase, we appear to have a government that knows the price of everything but they value doing nothing. We know that energy prices have already gone up, and there is much, much worse to come. The cost of fuel is already having much of an impact. Everyday prices are soaring. As an example, it was possible to buy four pints of milk for £1.10 in January. The same store is now charging £1.80. With people receiving notes that their energy bill direct debits will be £1,600 a month from January, the problem is apparent to all. And the council is similarly being affected. Its spending power will be squeezed. It is inevitable that this will mean a rise in council tax next year. Another pressure put on our purses, caused in part by Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Whoever wins the Conservative leadership election must take action to protect us from the forthcoming storm. We can’t be left to sink or swim.
CHURCH NOTES
A peaceful mind
T
HERE are a lot of books and articles being published these days about to what we need to do to get a peaceful state of mind.
Techniques to find a peaceful state of mind include mindfulness, meditation and walking in the woods. In my opinion, one pre-requisite for a peaceful state of mind is to accept the world as it is now. This means no resentment for anybody or anything that is going on in the world at the moment, or that has happened in the past. I find the hardest time to find anything close to a peaceful state of mind is when I am feeling negative about myself or what is happening around me. It is very easy when I am feeling like this for my mind to go down negative paths. What I have found works for me is to make a list of the positive aspects of my life and a second list some positive thoughts. When I come to list the positive aspects of my life, I find there are many. Creating this list does require me to look at life from a much more positive perspective because only positive aspects are permitted, anything even vaguely negative is not allowed. I read this regularly and it makes me realise that I have much to be thankful for. This list is really a list of things to be grateful for and make me realise how much I have to be grateful for. Recently, things have happened, mainly problems with my health, that caused me to look at life quite negatively. I find that frequent re-reading of my gratitude list of positive aspects of my life means that slowly I begin to understand how much there is in my life that is positive.
Geoff Peck from Woosehill Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today
Political common sense RE: Paul Stevens, parish councillor for Aborfield Newlands letter (Wokingham Today 17/2/22) refers to a letter received from Michael Gove in response to a previous council letter querying the number of houses to be built in Wokingham. It states that the standard method of local needs is not set at a target. The local authority should take into account land supply, constraint in green belt and cooperation with neighbouring authorities as to whether need should be shared before deciding housing requirements. This recognises that not everyone will be able to meet their housing requirements in full. It is insane to build more houses in the Shinfield and Arborfield areas. There is a limit to what people can take. It is clear that there are very few areas left after all the brownfield areas have been built on. Yes you can destroy the remaining greenfield sites and open spaces and cause devastation to the lives of local residents. The latest proposed development of 350 homes at Evandons/Blagrove is nothing short of a government and council completely out of control. This should never go ahead and all the support of residents must be given to Paul Tolen for his battle to prevent this development. The present negotiations between Cllr Jones and the government should be on a need to build the right type of homes at the right price and stop this crazy nonsense of targets in areas.
Cedric Lander. Radcot Close, Woodley.
Change of scene I have been amused by correspondence about the nastiness of Tory councillors. Expecting a Tory not to be nasty is like expecting a dog not to have fleas. It is hard-wired in their DNA and has been ever since the 1980s, when their then national party leader proclaimed that ‘society is dead’. The fact was illustrated yet again only recently, when the current
The inspiring success of the Lionesses has prompted an enormous amount of media attention. It is a result of the work over many years towards a ‘catch-up’ for ladies in sport in general and football in particular. Clearly there is still much to do to achieve equality of access to sport and the rewards the top sportspeople can achieve. But at the grass roots level, it is alarming to read that around the country some clubs are charging more for girls to play and some clubs have girls’ teams but are providing little investment into them. As President of the Wokingham Borough Sports Council, can I ask that all our local schools and clubs look at their constitutions and practices to ensure they are leadership race descended with depressing inevitability into the gutter and only stopped when someone twigged that it might prove costly to them. Although I am not religious, I had the privilege once of meeting a former anglican archbishop at a function. While discussing politics, he told me it was his honest belief that Jesus would never vote Tory, which seems to be an opinion quite widespread amongst the clergy. I spent my whole career working with Tory government ministers and MPs and, on the very first day, my boss’s advice to me was that, should I ever shake hands with any of them, I should count my fingers promptly afterwards then wash them thoroughly. Two very different incidents separated by many years but illustrative of an enduring theme. So, will Wokingham’s lot ever change their spots? Not on your Nelly. Whilst they snipe and scheme in the margins, they remain oblivious to the immutable truth that they lost votes not just because people were thoroughly fed up with the shadiness of their leader at national level but
Sir John Redwood
Why we should sell Channel 4 and change the BBC
T
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
Building on Lionesses’ inspiring success
Westminster Diary
HE BBC and Channel 4 are being outpaced and outgrown by Netflix and Amazon, Disney and Apple as people seek their
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
entertainment from downloads rather than tuning into the same scheduled programme as their neighbours. As a result the budgets of these
doing their best to provide equal opportunity to all. Clubs need to be looking to ensure it is equally attractive and possible for anyone to join and train and play. Equality, diversity, inclusivity and also their brand of negative politics locally. Individuals finally woke up to the fact that they are just, well, nasty and everything they have done since losing overall control bears this out. At least the poor of the borough (yes, they really do exist) can look forward to some respite from an administration that was completely deaf to and uncaring of their situation. For my own part, life in Wokingham without the Tories in office is that little bit brighter: rather like the inexplicable raising of spirits you experience on a dull midwinter’s day, until suddenly you realise that the sun has emerged from behind a persistent cloudbank. We still face some unprecedented challenges ahead but I am genuinely thankful that we do so without the Nasty Party at the helm.
opportunity are not buzz words, but the aims everyone involved in sport need to embrace.
Angus Ross, Wokingham Without
Picture: Daniel/Flickr
I read Louise Timlin’s article – ‘From the Stump’ – in Wokingham Today – 28th July – with interest, and with some surprise, as well. I did not realise that accessing abortion was still controversial – here,
in England. Her article brought to mind the occasion when one of our service users, a lady who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, said to me, ‘Everyone has babies, don’t they?’ I thought that she was simply referring to a couple with a baby – who were staying in the crisis house. ‘Not everyone’, I replied. ‘People only have them if they choose to, and can afford to.’ Then she told me that she was pregnant – from a one-night stand with a stranger. ‘I don’t think that I could cope with a baby’, she said. ‘It’s funny that you should say that’, I replied, ‘because I don’t think that you could, either.’ It didn’t occur to me to do other than to refer this lady, immediately, to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service. This excellent charity provided counselling before the termination, the abortion itself, and counselling after the operation. The lady didn’t have to pay for the service – though in her circumstances – we would have paid for her abortion, if necessary. At the end of it all, all that she felt,
large corporations to commission films and seek new content are much larger than the UK state institutions. The traditional media are finding it difficult to hold their audiences. Channel 4 should be sold to new owners. It needs to seek new capital to expand and needs new direction to compete successfully in this multimedia world, with audiences beyond one country. I favour giving employees in C4 some shares in the organisation on sale so they have a stake in the business going forward and a greater sense of alignment of their interests with those of the new dominant shareholders or owners. The BBC has a well-known brand in many parts of the world and has some global reach in both TV and radio.
It is being held back by dependence on Licence fee funding. More and more people are dropping their licences by not having tvs at all and not using BBC services, while the cost of competing for talent and new material is rising on a global stage. The BBC does need to look for additional revenues from selling its services outside the UK on a global scale. It does not help itself by its systematic global establishment bias and wokeish preoccupations. The UK competition authorities need to watch to see if BBC subsidised services are preventing competitors emerging or flourishing. Sir John Redwood is the MP for Wokingham
Jack Carrington, Finchampstead
On abortion
was relief. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder with a genetic component, and who knows what the antecedents of the stranger, who would have been the child’s father, were? Louise’s article surprised me because I thought that all the arguments had been fought, and won, in the 1960’s. Prior to legalisation, the situation with abortion, was like that under Prohibition [of alcohol], in America. It all went on anyway – underground. Those with the money to do so, would go to Harley Street, where the operation would be performed, properly and safely, if illegally, by qualified surgeons. Those without the money, would go to backstreet abortionists – sometimes dying as a result of infection, and their lack of medical qualifications, and skill. This was, precisely, why reform was sought. If abortion is interpreted as the prevention of life, then so is contraception. Is this day and age, is it really envisaged, that women should just go on having more and more children, as they did in Victorian times? Most couples opt for two – that being as many as they can cope with, and can afford. I have never opted for any – my charity is my baby, and I tell people, that while I could just about imagine myself, having coped, with a couple of girls, having to cope with boys – never! Then, those who know from experience, tell me, that girls are, the more difficult! It is fine for the Rees-Moggs of this world. They have plenty of money to employ nannies, and to pay for everything else that is needed – so they can choose to have six children, and good luck to them! For most others, such is not a realistic option, and the choice of whether or not, to continue with a pregnancy, should be entirely up to the individual, concerned. When the person is mentally ill, the choice needs to be backed up by counselling, in order to help them make a decision which is realistic.
Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House.
Democracy broken. Wokingham Council seeks residents opinions via ‘Have Your Say’. Residents can get a ‘Have Your Say’ account from a WBC website. WBC has requested residents opinions on their Infrastructure Improvements. Except nobody can leave a comment. The IT system between WBC and Commonplace is broken. See for yourself, although Active the Infrastructure Improvement has no comments: https:// wokinghamboroughlcwip. commonplace.is/ It is impossible to leave a comment on the Infrastructure Improvement page (hosted by Commonplace) even if you first logon to the WBC website with your ‘Have Your Say’ account details. Commonplace does not offer a means for a resident to create an account by which they can contribute to this, supposedly, democratic process. On Friday or Saturday, I raised a complaint with WBC and logged a support call with Commonplace pointing out that residents could not leave comments. I have not received any sort of reply. Perhaps the power of the press could intervene, and ask WBC why they will not allow residents to comment on the Infrastructure Improvement plan: https://wokinghamboroughlcwip. commonplace.is/en-GB/map/ navigational-map
Angus McDonald, via email
Paper lining Just read the article in the local paper - if you buy sainsburys paper kitchen caddy liners the caddy bins will still get dirty and need washing regularly - another job to do on top of everything else I do to look after my disabled husband plus the number of damp tea bags we use and recycle will make everything mucky. Unless I have a bread bag or cereal bag to hand, which is one of each each
From the stump Andrew Gray
Labour taking action on the cost of living crisis
T
HE cost of living crisis is still a real issue across the borough and with the prospect of even higher bills this winter, it only looks to get worse.
The Conservatives’ inaction on this issue in government is increasingly shifting the burden of support to local councils and the charity sector. Foodbank usage in the borough almost doubled last year as more and more families are hit with rising costs. The work of foodbanks and local charities is brilliant, but it shouldn’t be the responsibility of charities
VIEWPOINTS | 31
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
to pick up the pieces of a negligent government. That’s why, Wokingham Labour leader Cllr Rachel Burgess submitted an important motion to the council to review the WBC’s Local Welfare Provision scheme. The scheme is designed to provide immediate support to those in need, but has not been used to its full potential in recent years under the Conservatives. A combination of inadequate signposting and unnecessary bureaucracy has meant that the scheme has only helped a fraction of the families it has the capacity to
week (which will not be enough bags), I will go back to putting my food waste down my kitchen sink waste disposal unit, which in my mind is going backwards on looking after the planet.
LW
Peacemaker “Blessed are the peacemakers”-like Lord David Trimble (1944-2022) who died this week and the late John Hume MP (1937-2020). As architects of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement they successfully drew together former foes in Northern Ireland. The pair of political giants showed patience, intellect, charisma and steely determination, so that their memory will be celebrated when the names of terrorists have been forgotten. Lord Trimble had trained as a barrister, and as well as this role had been a law department academic, before committing totally to a career as a politician.
J T Hardy by email
Help Ukraine’s orphans If you can afford the small amount of money please donate anything you can afford to send to Unicef for the lost and orphaned children in Ukraine who have to run for their lives from the war from Russia. One does not have to send large sums as long as one send something to this charity to help children it is needed. Unicef would be very grateful for children lost or stolen and forced to Russia are tortured and living hand to mouth separated all over Europe and UK. One can find address and phone no. on the web site.
Victor Rones, Bracknell
Holiday help The start of the school holidays is traditionally when children get to enjoy activities and days out with friends and family. Whether it’s going to the seaside or playing football in a park, we believe every child deserves to feel happy and safe this summer and all year round. However, at Barnardo’s, we know from our direct experience of help. It is vital that the review of this scheme is implemented soon so that families can be supported over the winter months when it may be needed most. One of the most important aspects of the motion for me, is the review of the way support can be given. Individuals and families may need emergency financial support for a variety of reasons, but the current guidelines suggest that the scheme prefers to pay in ‘goods or services’. I have always believed that supporting people in financial hardship should be about empowering them with choice rather than imposing decisions on them. It is too often the case that for people in hardship their priorities are dictated to them so support can be narrow and restrictive. Simplified support in the form of cash as an option can restore the dignity of choice which is often absent in our current welfare system. The motion on this scheme, which was unanimously supported by all parties, specifically mentions this. It asks that the review ‘considers prioritising the delivery of cashfirst support’ which will be a much welcome amendment to the scheme in my view. The motion also proposes to break
supporting children growing up in care that many are prone to feeling cut off and isolated, with around a fifth (19%) saying they feel lonely always or often. Since 2014, Barnardo’s has been proud to host the National Independent Visitor Network (NIVN). This network of befriending services work together to ensure more children can access their legal right to a trained befriender, known as an Independent Visitor or IV. Independent Visitors are separate from children’s social care services, and can act as positive role models, building trusting, stable relationships with children and young people over time. But very few children in care receive this support - a recent Freedom of Information request made by NIVN to all local authorities in England and Wales reveals just over 3% of all children in care in England are matched with an Independent Visitor with the figure dropping to 1% in Wales. That’s why Barnardo’s supports the National Independent Visitor Network’s ‘Right Friend’ campaign which calls for at least 10% of children in care to be matched with an Independent Visitor by the end of this year. To make this a reality, we need to do more to encourage members of the public to step forward and become Independent Visitors. High-quality Independent Visitor services also require investment so these services can spend time finding, training and matching volunteers with children to help build relationships that last. Volunteering as an Independent Visitor means you can help change a childhood for the better. No formal qualifications are required – just a genuine commitment to helping careexperienced children over a minimum 12-month basis. If you are over 18 and are interested, we’d love to hear from you. To find out more visit: ivnetwork.org.uk
Emma Bowman, Director, Barnardo’s South East and London region down the barriers to application for claimants. Support payments too often require exacting and strict requirements to be eligible. Simplifying these systems and broadening the scope of the criteria to receive the grants will make it accessible to so many more struggling people in the borough. The work of local Labour councillors on areas such as these highlights why it is so important to elect more people at a local and national level who care about protecting the most vulnerable in our society. With the ongoing unedifying spectacle of the Conservative leadership battle, it is clear that the Tories don’t have the answer to the cost of living crisis and aren’t prepared to find one. And why would they? Because it doesn’t affect them. Labour’s plan to invest in insulation, renewable energy and tougher regulation on energy companies is going to be the only way to get a hold of this crisis. While the Conservatives are busy fighting among themselves, it is down to Labour councillors to show leadership on the issues that are hitting people hardest.
Andrew Gray is a Wokingham Labour party member
From the leader Clive Jones
Managing the budget
M
AKING a Difference. That’s what we all want to do when we stand for election as local councillors.
The new administration at Wokingham Borough Council faces severe financial challenges. We receive much lower levels of financial support than other local authorities, but we are faced with the same inflation in costs and the same growth pressures in demand for services. We are also experiencing the same local revenue shortfalls – parking charge income anticipated when the budget was set by our predecessors has not materialized, the shortfall in income will be hundreds of thousands of pounds. There have also been several major items that haven’t been budgeted for. Eighteen bus services were not budgeted for after September this year and the completion of the Winnersh Park & Ride extension was not budgeted for. These unbudgeted but essential services that we have to cover will cost the council around £2.5m. Even so, we have already been able to make a difference. This last week, I announced that the council will support young people who receive free school meals during term time by providing financial assistance during the school holidays up to May 2023. We hope that central government will be giving the council some new money to support this initiative, but if that money is not forthcoming, we will find it from the council’s own resources. To support the least well off in these difficult times, I think everyone will agree, must be a priority. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting us all, but its impact is most acute on those with the least money. We have also been able to commit to the delivery of an important new community asset. Twyford has been due for a permanent library for more than 20 years. The local Lib Dems have been campaigning for one for all that time, but while in opposition it was very difficult for them to get the Conservative-led council to agree. Recently, the Conservatives did put money in the capital programme to make this new library a possibility, only for them to draw back from signing the lease and agreeing to cover the additional costs. We have now agreed the lease and found the remaining capital from developer contributions. I was proud to chair the council executive committee that approved these actions last Thursday. Twyford will finally get its new library in an historic building leased to the council for a peppercorn rent by Polehampton Charity. I’m grateful to the trustees for sticking with this project over years of false dawns and frustrations, and want specially to thank the late Dave Turner, who was a determined advocate of the site. Twyford library is important not just for the people of that village, but for the northern parishes of the borough more generally. This is an area that has not had its fair share of capital spending over the last two decades. We in the new administration want to ensure that all parts of the borough – north, south, east and west, and whether represented by Lib Dems or councillors of other parties – are treated fairly and nowhere is disadvantaged. We are living through tough times, but we are still determined to make the borough a better place to live, work and do business in.
Cllr Clive Jones is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council and Liberal Democrat member for Hawkedon ward
32 | BUSINESS
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
Got a business story? Email news@wokingham.today
A business park that is changing
Company building Carnival Place homes goes into administration
AS PLANNED:. a CGI of the Carnival Place development as envisaged in 2015 Picture: Wokingham Borough Council
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today THE COMPANY building homes at the Carnival Hub development has ceased trading, laying off all its staff.
Wokingham Borough Council says it has contingency plans and is reviewing options. The hub itself, including the new library which is due to open in September, is not affected. The Mid Group started work on Carnival Place homes last autumn, after being appointed in March 2021. Last week its parent company was folded, and a decision was made to pull the plug on the company. They were commissioned by the previous administration to build 55 apartments opposite the leisure centreand close to the multistorey car park and bowling alley. The council chose the firm for its fabric first construction approach aimed at making the Carnival Place apartments some of the most energy efficient homes in the borough. Building structures were formed using pre-cast panels made in a factory, and fitted with everything from brickwork and insulation, before being delivered and craned into place. This approach also speeds up the build process and helps reduce the impact of the construction site with fewer deliveries and a smaller workforce
needing to be in place. Last year, the then executive member for regeneration, Charlotte HaithamTaylor, said Wokingham town’s regeneration project – including Peach Place and Elms Walk – would generate a yearly income of £2m initially and then up to £6m once the building costs had been paid off. “The residential elements of the regeneration are incredibly important,” she said. “Not only will they will deliver 55 new homes in the town centre, right next to the park and the fantastic new facilities at Carnival, but also help with funding the new leisure centre, library and the play area on Elms Field.” In a statement released this week, the new leader of the council, Cllr Clive Jones, said: “Given the risks inherent in all building contracts of this type the
Council has rigorous policies in place to handle situations like this and is reviewing options and risks to establish the best way forward. “It is premature for the council to comment too much at this stage but, whilst the project is well advanced, a review of outstanding works will be carried out and, if necessary, the council will move forward with taking control of the site and appointing a new contractor to complete the final works.” The leisure centre has been built by Pellikaan and opened on Monday, July 25 – just in time for the start of the school holidays. Cllr Jones added: “This situation has no impact on the Hub. “The new library space at the Carnival Hub is also unaffected and remains on track to open in September this year.”
MP visits biomaterial research centre ONE OF Wokingham’s four MPs paid a visit to a research and development company to learn more about its work. Sir John Redwood met the teams at BioInteractions in the Thames Valley Science Park, Shinfield. The firm specialises in biomaterial technologies for the worldwide medical device industry. Director Arjun Luthra and Dr Sajinder Luthra gave Sir John a tour of the laboratories where research, production and testing of their coatings are all done in the same building at Collegiate Square, Shinfield. After the visit, Sir John said it was good that the firm was hiring residents to work on “crucial issues” facing the NHS and overseas medical services. “There is always room to improve infection control to reduce the numbers of people who develop a condition after surgery and treatment,” he said. And the visit was welcomed by the company.
MEETING: Dr Sajinder Luthra, Arjun Luthra and Sir John Redwood
“It was a pleasure to invite Sir John Redwood to the BioInteractions facility” said MR Luthra. “We were delighted to welcome him to our laboratories, where we research and manufacture some of the most innovative solutions to infection
control problems faced today.” He said the company had been part of the community for more than 30 years. “We continue to support the local economy through our work, as well as supporting the NHS through our products and services,” Mr Luthra said.
“We are looking forward to continuing that work, and trying to tackle some of the biggest issues in infection control that impact us all. “We are grateful for Sir John’s visit to BioInteractions, and look forward to updating him on our work in the coming months.”
33
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
The Queen formally opens Thames Hospice’s state-of-the-art home
SPECIAL VISITOR: The Queen opened the new Thames Hospice facility in Windsor Picture: Thames Hospice
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
A BERKSHIRE charity has opened its new state-of-theart facility, with a special guest on-hand to assist with proceedings.
Last month, the Queen formally opened Thames Hospice’s new 28-bed facility in the presence of staff, volunteers, supporters and patients. The charity, which supports people across East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire, has been providing inpatient and community hospice care for 35 years. The Queen, who first opened the hospice in November 1987, was accompanied on her visit by HRH The Princess Royal. Jonathan Jones, chair of trustees at the hospice, said: “This momentous visit builds upon a long-held association between the Royal Family and Thames Hospice. “It is a huge privilege to welcome her majesty to officially open our facility and show how the charity continues to flourish 35 years on from the Queen’s very first visit.” During the visit, the Queen officially unveiled a plaque to celebrate the opening of the new hospice.
Woodley church to go wild A WOODLEY church is to welcome families to an outdoor service on Sunday. St John the Evangelist is holding its August gathering for Wild Church. The event starts at 4pm, and will include storytelling around a campfire, with the opportunity to toast marshmallows. It will also include some water play suitable for this time of year and there will also be a chance to explore some hidden corners of the churchyard. Organisers encourage people to bring a change of clothes. The church is in Church Road. For more, search Facebook for Woodley Wild Church.
Out of the swim The plaque will be permanently mounted at the heart of the Hospice, to mark the Queen’s long-term support of the charity. The Princess Royal also had the opportunity to tour the hospice, meeting nursing colleagues and patients on the Inpatient Unit. Debbie Raven, chief executive officer at the hospice, said: “It was a delight to welcome Her Royal Highness on her first visit to Thames Hospice.
“We are so grateful that she took the time to speak to a number of patients, as well as many colleagues in our frontline teams. “Our official opening marks the start of an exciting new era for Thames Hospice and our facility will continue to offer vital support to everyone who needs palliative and end-of-life care now and for generations to come.” In 2017, Thames Hospice was granted planning permission to
WOKINGHAM IN NEED PRESENTS
ART THEMEN & FRIENDS September 9th
WHITTY THEATRE, LUCKLEY ROAD WOKINGHAM RG40 3EU Doors open 6.30pm Performance starts 7.30pm Bar is open before, during interval and at the end. Tickets available from: ticketsource.co.uk/wokinghaminneed or call 07867 530 727 All proceeds raised from this event will go to Wokingham In Need for distribution to worthy causes.
Tickets: £20 Each Main Sponsor
Assisted by Easthampstead and Wokingham Rotary Club
www.wokinghaminneed.com www.facebook.com/WokinghamInNeed
build a new £22 million state-ofthe-art facility on an eight-acre site by Bray Lake. After more than four years of planning and construction, Thames Hospice welcomed its first patients and visitors to its new facility on October 12, 2020. The new facility means the hospice is able to provide care and support to twice as many people at every stage of their condition. The charity delivers care
and support to an average of 850 people per month on the Inpatient Unit, in people’s homes and through its living well, therapy and counselling services. Ms Raven added: “None of this would be possible without the incredible support from our community who fund over half of the £13 million needed each year to run our services, so that care can remain free at the point of access for patients and families.”
THE new leisure centre in Wokingham town centre was evacuated on its second day of hosting customers. A fire alarm at the multimillion pound Carnival Hub site left many visitors standing at a meeting point in Elms Field in their swimming costumes. Wokingham.Today understands it was a false alarm and all visitors were evacuated in line with the site’s fire safety procedures. The new hub opened on Monday, July 25, and features pools, a children’s splash pad, a health suite, 120-piece fitness suite, and fitness studios.
34
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
Council pushes new minister on housing
Support event
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today
housing has been built here recently, means less should be built in future. “About 3,000 more homes are WOKINGHAM Borough Council being provided under the current is continuing to pressure the local plan than were originally government to reduce housing included – so the new local plan should be reduced by 3,000.” targets in Wokingham. Cllr Jones has also written to Last month, leader of the council Cllr Clive Jones, chief executive Greg Clarke, the government’s new Susan Parsonage and other housing minister, urging him to DONATION: Youngsters will receive their activity packs and lunches thanks to Lunch Bunch and council representatives met the honour Michael Gove’s commitment Waitrose’s generosity. Picture courtesy of Woodley Lunch Bunch former prime minister and MP for to visit the borough. Theresa May said: “I was pleased Maidenhead Theresa May. The council were seeking her to meet with Cllr Jones. “I worked with the previous support for a planning system that “When you are on a the bill perfectly and we are council to consistently press LUNCH Bunch, an organisation works for local communities. delighted to support this great Cllr Jones said: “It was a very Wokingham borough’s case for that supports young people in really tight budget it can local charity.” productive meeting and we found a planning reform. Woodley has been presented be a real challenge to Lunch Bunch provides “I have also raised the issue with a cheque for £1,000. lot of common ground. find things to entertain packed lunches to youngsters “We agreed on the need to get with the housing minister, Greg children over the six-week Waitrose made the grant as in Woodley whose families are a local plan in place as soon as we Clark and encouraged him to meet part of their Give A Little Love summer break, so this experiencing hardship. can and that we would act together representatives of the council to community fund. wonderful grant from Founded in 2020, the Waitrose is very much to persuade civil servants and hear the issues directly from them.” The money will help to organisation also provides The council wants reforms so that provide holiday activities and appreciated.” ministers that the planning system activity packs for the children, the borough, which must currently lunches over the summer. needs to change. n For more information toiletries and food packages. Waitrose spokesperson, “In particular, we agreed on the find room for 781 new homes every about the Lunch Bunch, “The activities are always need for over-delivery of housing year, is allowed to deliver a lower Jackie Perrey said: “Our to volunteer with them, 1 is aimed 28/07/2022 15:38 well received by families,” said at in the past to blueprint_advert_190x137mm_TKT17746_advert-1-v02-PR.pdf be taken into account number which it feels is fairer, more summer campaign or to make a donation, log on Juliet Sherratt, chair of Lunch when setting housing targets – in sustainable and based on actual holiday activities and food. to: www.woodleylunchbunch. Bunch. “Woodley Lunch Bunch fits other words, the fact that a lot of local need. org
Thanks a Lunch Bunch, Waitrose
Showroom Opening Hours Friday 9-3 Monday to 10:30-2:30 on Saturdays
A CHARITY that supports families with additional needs is providing an event for fathers and male carers of children who have experienced trauma or who have special needs. Birth fathers, male adoptive parents, foster and kinship carers can all attend. The evening, organised by Parenting Special Children, will be led by specialist parenting practitioner Peter Burton. The charity supports families of young people with additional needs and disabilities. The event for dads will take place at St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue, Earley. Doors open on Monday from 7.30pm. National Lottery Community Funding has enabled the ticket prices to be subsidised. Tickets for Berkshire parents cost £5, tickets for parents outside the borough cost £10. n For information and to purchase tickets log on to: www. eventbrite.co.ukand search for Dads and Male Carers Support Group. n For more information about PSC log on to: www. parentingspecialchildren.co.uk, call: 0118 986 3532 or email admin@parentingspecialchildren. co.uk
Telephone: 0118 989 3438
Bedrooms, Home Offices, Media Units & Bespoke Furniture
www.blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk
Email: enquiries@blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk re fitted furnitu
Address: Unit 12, Metro Centre, Toutley Road, Wokingham, RG41 1QW.
Follow us at facebook.com/Blueprintfittedfurniture
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
35
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Council to decide fate of four Wokingham buses EXCLUSIVE By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today
St Mary’s Junior School students and Rachel Walker from Helping Hands present their potatoes. Picture courtesy of Shinfield St Mary’s Junior School
Students donate food grown at their school A WOKINGHAM borough school is helping feed its village while promoting environmental consciousness. Over the past two weeks, children from Shinfield St Mary’s Junior School have donated potatoes and eggs harvested on-site to nearby food banks. The eggs were accompanied by a poster made by student Noah, which said: ‘These eggs were laid by the hens of Shinfield Junior School.’ Head of sustainability and ecology Matthew Knight, said: “We have quite a lot of activity going on here at the moment. We’ve just donated 2 types of potatoes that we grew and harvested on site. “The children are taught a range of ecology and sustainability skills on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings with me. “We grow many different plants and vegetables and donate any produce to local food banks, such as Shinfield and Spencer Wood Helping Hands.” The school offers a dedicated ecology programme, with students
carrying out activities to help the environment. There are currently 150 fruit tree saplings and 50 native tree species on-site, which will be shared with local schools and community groups in the autumn. This project will be supported by local tree charity Freely Fruity, of which Mr Knight is also a co-founder. Combining the efforts of the charity and school has allowed more schools to grow their own fruit on-site. In conjunction with WCGP (Wokingham Community Garden Projects) and Freely Fruity, St Mary’s has also donated several tomato, squash, pumpkin and strawberry plants to the community gardens located at Emmanuel Church and the Rainbow Community Centre. “It’s great for the school and its children to be involved with such amazing charitable work,” Mr Knight said. “They learn far more than how to grow their own produce; they learn how to be a valued member of the community.”
(From left) Zara Odell, Winnersh Rainbow Community Centre; Georgia Sampson, community engagement leadd at Emmanuel Church Woodley and Matthew Knight, ecology and sustainability lead at Shinfield St Marys hand over plants for the community projects with St Mary’s students. Picture courtesy of Shinfield St Mary’s Junior School
Students enjoying the school’s tree nursery
Donated eggs alongside student Noah Walker’s poster
WOKINGHAM Borough Council’s decision-making executive are set to determine the futures of four bus routes at a meeting on Monday.
The decision has been classed as urgent, with contracts for the Tiger 7 and Leopard 3, 8 and 9 services coming to an end. Around 1.2 million passenger journeys between central Reading and Arborfield, Barkham, Finchampstead, Riseley, Shinfield, Spencers Wood and Swallowfield could be affected. Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: “These bus services are very important. Without them, residents will not have any other means of public transport into central Reading. “The pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s travel patterns, with many now working from home. We need to encourage people to use the buses.” Cllr Fishwick and executive member for finance Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey will be tasked with settling the outcome of the decision at Monday’s meeting. Three lines of action could be taken: withdrawal of the local bus service, retendering of the local bus
service and modification of the current bus service contracts. The recommendation put forward by the executive members is to modify the contract terms, although the result will only be known after the meeting. “Withdrawal would mean a complete stop to these routes,” explained Cllr Fishwick. “Retendering would see a gap in the service from October onwards until a new one is put in place. Even then, it might be difficult to get people to use it. “Making modifications to the current contract would see services resume. “There would most likely be changes to parts of the routes, however fares would remain unchanged.” The South of M4 strategic development location will see 3,000 homes, schools
and sports facilities built in Three Mile Cross, Shinfield and Spencers Wood, further highlighting the importance of a fully-functioning bus service. The services are currently contracted with Reading Buses, but have been affected by Covid-19, the rising cost of fuel and cost of drivers. Passenger numbers are still only about 77% of the pre-pandemic figures, with fuel and driver costs making up over half of the service’s operational costs. Over recent years, the government has provided almost £1million to support the borough’s bus provision, but funding is set to run out in September. The Liberal Democrats say the previous administration did not allocate an additional budget for the continued running of the service.
Messy church goes to the movies A WOODLEY church is planning a summer film night for families next week. Messy church at the St James Church Centre will show Moana. The Disney adventure film follows a young girl on her quest to discover her ancestors, and her identity. Families are advised to bring snacks and drinks with them. Due to kitchen refurbishment none will be available in the church. Lollies will be provided during a mid-film break. The event takes place at the church on Kingfisher Drive, Woodley on Sunday, August 14. It runs from 4pm to 6pm, and there is no charge. n For more information, and to book, log on to: www.eventbrite. co.uk and search for messychurch-film-night-tickets
Emergency works on Barkham Road ARBORFIELD motorists may be required to reroute their journeys in the coming days due to emergency works. A water leak on B3349 Barkham Road will see two-way lights in operation in the section between Barkham Street and School Road. The closure will allow Thames Water to undertake the necessary repairs safely. The works are expected to be completed by Friday, August 5. n For more information, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk
36 | SOCIETY
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
News from your clubs & groups. Email news@wokingham.today
INTHECOMMUNITY
History society enjoys walk along the canal
CLARE MANGERS-PAGE IS THE NEW PRESIDENT OF WOKINGHAM LIONS
Lions welcomes a new president, with links to over the pond
T
HE SPECIAL relationship with our cousins over the pond has been further cemented by the Wokingham Lions, thanks to its new president.
Last month, the fundraising group welcomed Claire MangersPage as their 49th president. Originally from St Louis, in Missouri, Ms Mangers-Page has made Wokingham her home, and has been a familiar face at events supported and organised by the group She said she is looking forward to the next 12 months.
“I am delighted to take on the role of President of the Wokingham Lions Club,” she explained. “We have an exciting year ahead, and I am pleased to have such a strong team to handle our upcoming events and activities. “The Lions Club will be organising the Winter Carnival on Sunday, November 27, for the first time, and it promises to be a fun day out for all ages.” She said that she wanted to see the club grow its membership and also raise a record amount of money. As part of this, she hopes to
gain a deeper understanding of the charities the group supports. “And perhaps, most importantly,” she added, “have fun and make new friends.” The transatlantic link from Ms Mangers-Page is not the only tie the Wokingham Lions have with the United States. The worldwide Association of Lions Clubs was founded there 105 years ago, before spreading to more than 200 countries around the globe. She was made president at a special lunch held at The Rose Inn in Wokingham’s town centre. n To find out mor, log on to: wokinghamlions.org.uk
MEMBERS of Wargrave Local History Society enjoyed a visit to the Kennet and Avon Canal on a warm July afternoon. This had originally been planned to take place in 2020, but had had to be postponed due to the pandemic restrictions. Although the day was one of the warmest of the summer, the movement of the boat along the water created a gentle breeze through the vessel, making it probably the best place to be that afternoon. The Rivers Kennet and Avon had been made navigable far upstream as Newbury and Bath respectively 18th century, and a 57-mile-long link enabled the through route to open in 1810. However, in 1841 the Great Western Railway opened between London and Bristol, and so the canal lost most of its traffic. It gradually fell into a state of disrepair, and complete closure was proposed in 1954. A group of enthusiasts saw the potential to repair the damaged sections, rebuild the locks, and clear the silted-up waterway, and so the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust began the work to restore the canal in 1962. The first section to be re-opened was that from Hungerford to Newbury, in July 1974, although it was to be 1990 before the canal was again navigable throughout. The Trust had the 55ft-long Rose of Hungerford built in 1982, offering trips on the newly restored sections. Travel on the canal is very
Author reading for Shinfield children SHINFIELD children will be treated to a reading of Bodhi the Pirate Dog by author Alison Simpson. The free interactive story time session is set to take place at Robyn’s Nest Cafe, School Green Centre.
Give your kitchen the WOW factor with new worktops
We can replace your existing kitchen worktops with new quartz or corian, rejuvenating your kitchen and giving it a fresh new look.
0118 976 2826 www.roktops.co.uk sales@roktops.co.uk
located within the Wokingham Borough
peaceful and calm – even though the railway runs close alongside, it hardly intrudes on the waterway – either visually or audibly. The Society’s visit started at Hungerford wharf, and approaching the first lock – Dun Mill – the road bridge just beyond looked to be too low for the boat to pass under – but, of course, the water level is over 5ft lower on the far side. An essential part of a Wargrave Local History Society visit is the afternoon tea, and our freshly made scones with clotted cream and homemade jam were served between Dun Mill and Wire Lock.
Once through the latter, the boat went a short way further before turning round for the return to Hungerford. Although ours was a special trip for Society members, the canal trust also offers similar public trips at weekends and Wednesdays – details are at https://rose.katrust.org.uk/ publictrips/. The delicious cream teas are not served on these trips – but are available at The Tutti Pole, close to the boat departure point. n More details of the Society can be found at www. wargravehistory.org.uk - or email info@wargravehistory.org.uk to confirm meeting details.
Bodhi the Pirate Dog is based on a real dog Ms Simpson met while volunteering at Dogs Walk This Way Rescue. He had been abandoned outside a shelter in Romania before being brought to the UK. The book lays out an important message to children; Bodhi
initially compares himself to others before realising his selfworth. The session is suitable for those aged seven and under and is open to all. The event starts at 10.30am on Tuesday, August 9. n For more information, search: Robyn’s Nest Cafes on www. facebook.com
PETER DELANEY
The Ship – Malcolm Hall WOKINGHAM Writers’ Group holds regular contests for its members, and its most recent was themed around a town centre institution. Meetings have been held in The Ship Inn in Peach Street while the scribes were unable to use their usual meeting place of Wokingham Library. To honour the pub and thank them for being allowed to gather there, the theme of the contest was The Ship. The winning entry came from Malcolm Hall, and was a poem. Here it is. For more on the group, log on to: sites.google.com/site/ wokinghamwritersgroup/
A slight gust of wind, A flutter of sail, A timber gently creaks, The Ship felt the slight movement, Life awakened, A gentle smile, Lethargy dropped from the crew, She felt their purposeful movement on her deck. Now they stood watching, waiting, A stronger gust rustled the sail, She felt her timbers and ropes move Sails were hoisted, More wind, more creaks, The Ship was underway.
The captain appeared, Surveyed the scene, Felt the wind, Took the helm. The Ship turned to take the wind, Truly alive. Memories flooded back Days running before the storm, Kept alive by her crew, Brief thoughts of friends, who had not been so lucky, Flashed across her mind. The wind strengthened, No sense of impeding storm, This is how it was meant to be.
NEWS | 37
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
INTHECOMMUNITY
Share news from your groups, clubs and societies. Send reports to news@wokingham.today
Horticultural Association holds summer shows
Above: Charlotte Lambert’s winning vegetables; Roy Rabbitts receives the Parmentier Cup from WHA President Jenny Gilbert. Below: Members enjoy catching-up
CLASP members enjoying a Park Yoga session
Charlotte Lambert digging spuds in her garden SOARING temperatures did not deter members of the Wokingham Horticultural Association who staged two events over four days last month.
The first, on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 12, was a Lavender Wands workshop held in the Garden Room at the Ormonde Road allotments site. The sleep-enhancing and mothrepellent properties of lavender are well known. Members got together to practise the ancient art of weaving lavender wands – a pretty way of preserving the wonderful perfume of the flowers.
Saturday, July 16, saw the fifth in a series of mini-horticultural shows held at the Ormonde Road Trading Store. Vegetables and fruit were the order of the day for the Grow Your Own show. Five-year-old Charlotte Lambert, who has just finished Foundation at Emmbrook Infants, won in the Young Exhibitors class with a fantastic exhibit including rainbow carrots and new potatoes. Roy Rabbitts’ excellent vegetables won him the Parmentier Cup whilst Lynda Arnold took the Peter Remnant Cup for most points in the fruit section. There were three fabulous entries in
CLASP members enjoy yoga session from Park Yoga instructor
the Mixed Collection comprising a dish each of fruit and vegetables, a pot plant, and a vase of flowers. Sue Farrington came out tops and won the Millennium Cup. The annual Allotments Open Day on Saturday, August 13, is the next event to be held at the Ormonde Road allotments. It is organised with Wokingham Town Council and, along with fun for all ages, offers an opportunity for those interested in renting an allotment to see what current tenants are growing. There’s more information about WHA on the website: www.w-h-a.org.uk PAULINE MacBRAYNE
Wishes come true for young actors
MEMBERS of CLASP enjoyed a yoga session last month. The self-advocacy group for people with additional needs welcomed instructor Richard Welch. He organises Park Yoga, which meets on Sunday mornings in Howard Palmer Gardens for a free session. A spokesperson for CLASP said: “Richard gave up his morning to come and give our members a taster yoga session, most did it on mats on the floor, but some on chairs. “As you can see from the pictures it was a wonderful session, and the feedback was very positive with most feeling better after the movement and stretches. “Twenty six of our members attended.” CLASP are now hoping to join in the regular sessions. “Sunday morning is a time when lots of our members struggle with isolation and loneliness. “So a big cheers to Richard
and their wonderful charity,” the spokesperson added. n For more on CLASP and its activities, log on to: wokinghamclasp.org.uk
Woof, grrrr, woof, woof! (and if you don’t speak dog, there’s special day next week)
SUPPORTERS: Strictly contestants Tom Chambers and Emma Barton are patrons of Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow and came to watch the theatre school’s summer show
WALKIES: A dog show is to take place at South Hill Park Picture posed by a good boy: Jan Steiner from Pixabay
WISHES came true last month as members of a youth theatre school took to the stage. Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow, which has classes in Wokingham and Woodley, performed on South Hill Park’s Wilde Theatre to showcase their talents. The youngsters, aged three-and-ahalf to 17, sang, danced and acted their way through the show, their first for three years due to the covid pandemic. In all, more than 200
children took part in the show, called Wishes. Spurring them on were EastEnders actor and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Emma Barton, and Strictly winner and Holby City actor Tom Chambers. The show brought the curtain down on a successful year for the theatre show, run by principal Shelley Otway. She said of the special guests: “Both are our patrons. I met them while we were all at the prestigious Guildford
School Of Acting together studying musical theatre.” While students are enjoying a wellearned rest, this week (August 1-5) some of them have been taking part in a summer school. We Don’t Talk About Bruno is inspired by the Disney Pixar film Encanto, and will see the young actors and singers learn a show in a week, with a performance on Friday. n For more details, log on to: www. steppinoutstars.co.uk
DOGS are invited to take their owners to walkies around South Hill Park later this month, as a special fun day out returns. Paws In The Park is a family day out for all dog’s best friend and their pooches. It takes place from 11am to 4.30pm on Saturday, August 13, and features a host of contests to take part in. They include fun games such as musical sits, best trick and waggiest tail, as well as more traditional categories such as cutest puppy and
best in show. There will also be contests running throughout the day including fastest recall, have-a-go agility course, and the fastest scurry run. Visitors can also visit a number of stalls offering advice, dog treats and toys, food and drink and face painting, storytelling, and other activities for children. And the team from Mulberry House Vets will be on hand should any dog decide it’s not their day. For more details, log on to: https:// pawsintheparkbracknell.co.uk
38 3 | XXXXXX
ToTo advertise advertise,email emailadvertising@wokingham.today advertising@wokingham.today
Classifieds Get your business seen! Email: advertising@ wokingham .today
Advertise regularly and save ££££s Special rates for 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks
Reach local people We cover the whole of the Wokingham Borough Friendly Service Email us today for a price For up to date news in the borough follow us on
PUBLIC NOTICES
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 28th July 2022 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Church Lane, Arborfield between its junctions with B3030 Sindlesham Road and A327 Reading Road.
The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address
Reasons for Advert Description
221683
The Hope and Anchor, Station Road, Wokingham
Conservation Area
Full application for the proposed subdivision of the site and change of use of part of the public house into a self-contained 4 no. bedroom dwelling with associated changes to fenestration and provision of rear amenity space, plus construction of a single storey rear extension to form new toilet facilities and storage for the public house.
221843
Reddam House, Bearwood Road, Sindlesham
Major Application, Listed Building, and Conservation Area
Full application for the proposed erection of a sports hall and new pool building following demolition of existing ancillary buildings. Creation of new landscaped permeable parking area on the site of an existing car park.
222001
Major Application Land east of Gorse Ride South, south of Whittle Close, and to the north and south of Billing Avenue and Firs Close, Finchampstead
Application to vary conditions 2, 18, 24, 27 and 28 of planning consent 202133 for the proposed redevelopment of the existing Gorse Ride South Estate, comprising demolition of existing buildings and replacement with 249 no. dwellings (mixedtenure flats and houses) together with associated access, parking, landscaping, public open space and drainage. Condition 2 refers to the approved plans; 18 to bicycle parking; 24 to affordable housing; 27 to boundary treatments, and 28 to landscape management. The variation is to allow changes to design, submission of new plans relating to condition 18, and changes to the wording of conditions 24, 27 and 28.
222306
Land Adjacent to Blagrove Lane, Wokingham
Major Application
Outline application for the proposed erection of 350 dwellings with new access onto Barkham Road, community space, Landscaping and onsite SANG, following demolition of outbuildings and agricultural buildings. Access to be considered, all other matters reserved (Appearance, Landscaping, Scale and Layout).
2. Dell Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3348 The Ridges and Lower Sandhurst Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Lower Sandhurst Road, Ambarrow Lane, A321 Wokingham Road B3348 Wellingtonia Avenue and B3348 The Ridges or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 30th August and 5th September 2022. 3. Remenham Lane, Remenham between its junctions with A4130 Henley Bridge and Remenham Church Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Remenham Church Lane, A4130 White Hill and A4130 Henley Bridge or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 1st September and `12th September 2022. 4. Aston Ferry Lane, Remenham from its junction with Remenham Lane. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 5th September and 23rd September 2022. 5. Aston Lane, Remenham between its junctions with A4130 White Hill and Remenham Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Remenham Lane, Remenham Church Lane and A4130 White Hill or by this route in reverse.
Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 12th August 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 4th August 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
For the latest news visit
@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 12th August and 16th August 2022.
The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to rectify blockages, undertake fibre optic installation and other associated work in safety.
@WokinghamToday
PUBLIC NOTICES
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Reading Road and B3030 Sindlesham Road or by this route in reverse.
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 7th September and 27th September 2022.
@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2021 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 11,
WOKINGHAM TODAY
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 25th August 2022. 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: 4th August 2022
RECRUITMENT
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
39
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
GOODS WANTED
MOTORING
RECYCLING
HEALTH, FITNESS AND WELLBEING
PHOTOGRAPHER
TREE SURGEONS
REMOVALS
PAINTING & DECORATING
KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION
ROOFING NEW ROOFS • ROOF REPAIRS • FLAT ROOFS REPOINTING FACIAS SOFFITS AND GUTTERING EX PAINTING
• NO JOB TO SMALL •
Free estimates and advice • all work guaranteed Tel: 0118 321 6558
Mob: 07459 815 365
Email: goldstarroofingandbuilding@gmail.com www.goldstarroofingandbuilding.co.uk
For the latest news visit
Summer
‘TALK TO AN EXPERT’
SALE CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES
SHOWROOM OPEN FOR PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS
plus...£1,000
RECEIVE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS YOUR NEW LIVING SPACE OR £500 FOR WINDOWS & DOORS
EXTENSIONS & SOLID ROOFS
WINDOWS & DOORS
TradeMark have been proudly providing local homeowners with quality home improvements for over 25 years. SHOWROOM OPEN FOR PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS – ALLOWING YOU TO ‘TALK TO AN EXPERT’.
TEL: 0800 30 50 30
WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2022
LEISURETODAY
04.08.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
Sara Pascoe’s mission to the unknown
H
OW do you define success?
This is the question deep at the heart of Sara Pascoe’s new touring show, Success Story, which is coming to The Hexagon in January next year. You’d think that a comedian who has been at the top of the UK standup game for a decade, had her own comedy series, Out Of Her Mind, airing last year, as well as appearing on the nation’s bookshelves with bestselling tomes such as Animal and Sex Power Money, would pretty much have all the answers about glory and triumph. Far from it. “What I want to explore is how do we define success and when do we define it,” she says. “Does it change with age, do we only want things we can’t have? When we attain our goals, do we move the goal posts and become unsatisfied with what we’ve got and want something else instead? “I’m 40 now and it’s a reflective time; it feels like a very adult age. Looking back on my life to when I was 14, I really wanted to be on television. That’s where I work now but is it what I imagined it to be?”
Simultaneously, Sara had a job which was generally considered as successful while undergoing a fraught personal chapter which would be deemed contrary to that vision of success. “I was having years of infertility and when we were going through IVF, the word ‘success’ was used a lot about the process,” she says. “I wanted to contrast that with these other things that are seen as representing successful lives such as finding someone we love and having a family. There are a lot of areas being covered.” Perhaps all this might sound a bit heavy, but Sara is not a comedian to forget what her audience needs so there are a number of daft stories to flesh out her central thesis. Such as the time she terrified Pete Burns, the late figurehead of 80s band Dead Or Alive and later reality TV star. “He did a reality show where he was looking for a PA and I was told I would get £50 cash in an envelope if I kept accosting him in the street. “So, outside a coffee shop in Soho, I had to pretend to be a superfan and hug and kiss him and say how much I
love him and see how all these potential PAs would deal with this crazy, neurotic fangirl. “At the end of that day, he said that I scared him which just showed how good my acting was. That show is sometimes repeated on an MTV channel and I’ll get a text or a tweet saying ‘oh my god, I had no idea you were such a Pete Burns fan’.” Now though, Sara doesn’t have to pretend to be anyone else. She’s soon about to be back among her people again, entertaining fans who may have come to her through earlier stand-up or from TV presenting roles in Comedians Giving Lectures or The Great British Sewing Bee. Those programmes have lifted her public profile as well as giving her a fresh perspective on her own life in stand-up. “Comedians Giving Lectures can be like hosting a stand-up show, and I love it because these very high-status experienced comics are often doing brand new material because they’ve written a lecture for the show,” she says. “For me, it feels like a gig rather than a TV programme. In Sewing Bee, I occasionally write jokes for the links,
but you’re doing a joke for eight people who are really thinking about sewing; they’re not thinking about your pun on the wrap dress.” TV prominence now ticked off the to-do career list, Sara is desperate to get back on tour. After the last couple of years when quite often the prospect of gigging across the country again might have seemed a very long way off, Sara Pascoe is certainly not going to be complaining about the rigours of being on the road. “Yes, it can be tiring but when you’re in the dressing room before a show and you hear the hubbub of a busy room, you feel very lucky that people will come and see you at all never mind in their hundreds or thousands,” she says. “There’s a description in Alan Davies’ book about how walking out on stage as a comedian is the closest you can get to being a toddler taking your first steps towards your excited parents. “That’s the feeling comedians are trying to recreate by getting this huge round of applause from people who like you and are pleased you are there. That’s the side of it that’s addictive and compulsive.” Whether success has eluded her or
is never far from her fingertips, Sara Pascoe is always up for striving ahead and taking her comedy to the next level. There’s not a chance in hell that she is taking any of her, yes, let’s call it success, go to her head. “No one likes to do a mediocre gig, or worse, a flat gig,” she says. “Especially when you’ve earned an audience from TV work, the idea that they might come to see you for the first time and leave disappointed really keeps you going. “At the end of a show, you don’t want a crowd going ‘yeah, that was fine’. You want them to say ‘oh god, do you remember that bit?’ And ‘I must tell auntie Susan about this bit’. “You want an audience to be engaged in what you’re saying. When I watch comedy and want to text my dad about something that was said during a show, I know it was brilliant.” Not too long now until people leave Sara Pascoe’s Success Story, desperate to tell their family or friends about the show they’ve just witnessed. n The show is at The Hexagon on Thursday, January 26, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £17 to £26. For more details, or to book, log on to whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.
14 | LEISURE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
Thinking caps on (some beer might help) A CHANCE to tickle the old grey matter is coming to a Tilehurst tap-yard this week. Double Barrelled Brewery on Scours Lane is the venue for Gary and Mark’s charity quiz night, in aid of New Beginnings. The charity offers help, support, clothing and food for people who need it, and is based in Great Knollys Street, Reading. There will be prizes on offer including brewery tours, tasting vouchers, and 12-packs of beers. Doors open at 5pm on Thursday, August 4, with the questions being fired away at 6.30pm. Entry is by donation of at least £2, and no booking is required. All money is given to New Beginnings. n For more details, log on to: doublebarrelled.co.uk
Not quite Neighbours, but still good friends
AUSSIE soap opera Neighbours came to an end last week, and it could form the inspiration for a singing session in Reading this weekend. Readifolk is holding a singers’ night based on the theme Home and Away. The event is open to people who enjoy performing in a friendly, relaxed environment. Turns could be songs, tunes, poems, stories or jokes. The group welcomes all abilities, from beginners finding their folky feet to those with decades of experience. Organisers don’t have soap operas on their mind, even though both Neighbours and Home and Away have lyrics to their theme tunes. Instead they’re thinking about holiday destinations and similar concepts. The fun takes place at Watlington House in South Street, Reading, from 8pm. Entry is £3. n For more details, log on to: readifolk.org.uk
Jonathan prepares to tickle the ivories
AN Italian-Australian pianist is preparing to wow audiences at Maidenhead’s Norden Farm next week. Jonathan Ferrucci will be performing a range of classical music for audiences on Wednesday, August 10. The programme includes Mozart’s Adagio in B Minor, Beethoven’s Sonata in D Major, and three pieces by Albeniz: Evocacion , El Puerto, Corpus Christi.
August 13, for a night out. The show features acoustic punk with a touch of shanties. The group are Logan (double bass / guitar/ vocals), Craig (accordion / vocals) and Leigh (Drums / backing vocals). Support from the inimitable Paula Curtis. The show takes place at the Reading pub in Castle Street from 7.35pm. Entry is free, but the pub would appreciate you buying a pint or two. n For more details, log on to: thecastletap.co.uk
Go behind the scenes at South Hill Park
A PAIR of musical twins from Ireland, who now live in Germany, will be making their way to Norden Farm this weekend. Brandon and Ashley Watson are The Ocelots, a dup that perform raw, acoustic folk. They say they are influenced by the breezy effortlessness of early Bob Dylan, and Simon & Garfunkel. There will also be three toccatas by JS Bach: C minor, D major, and G minor. Ferrucci has given concerts as a soloist and chamber musician across Europe, Australia and the United States, performing at Wigmore Hall and The Barbican in London, Carnegie Weill Hall in New York and the Fazioli Concert Hall in Italy, among other venues. Recent projects include concerto performances in Italy and a particular focus on the Goldberg Variations. The performance starts at 7.30pm, and will be live streamed for those who want to listen in the comfort of their own home. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788997, or log on to: Norden.farm
String along and enjoy the guitar SOUTH HILL PARK will celebrate the musical magic created by the guitar. Tom Gamble, Dale Harris and Amrit Sond will team up for the evening taking place on Wednesday, August 10. Performing in the Cellar bar they will delight audiences with their unique sound. Tom is said to be one of the country’s most exciting young guitar soloists, who can defy genres. Dale is a doctor of musicology and a
And they’ve toured the globe, performed with acts such as Jack Johnson, Felix Rebil, Isaac Gracie, and Kim Churchill. They’ve also popped up at festivals such as Philadelphia Folk Festival, Tollwood and Electric Picnic. The Ocelots live set combines all that is great about folk music, so come and be classical, acoustic and electric guitarist, while Amrit is a Gramme-winning instrumental guitarist. The show starts at 8pm, and tickets cost £14, or £12 for members. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484123, or log on to: hwww.southhillpark.org.uk
The man who knows Modern Life is goodish
HE FOUND fame by meeting 52 of his namesakes, toured America without visiting a chain once, and is a whizz with PowerPoint. It can only be Dave Gorman. The comedian, who had a series on Dave called Modern Life Is Goodish, is coming to Norden Farm next week with a preview of his new show, PowerPoint To The People. The show will take a mischievous look at modern life, and feature the comic’s observations and frustrations, with a little help from his laptop and PowerPoint. The show is performed on Thursday, August 11, through to Saturday, August 13, at the Maidenhead Arts Centre. Shows are at 8pm nightly and tickets cost £15. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788997, or log on to: Norden.farm
Exchange
AT THE THEATRE
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Jo Fooks. Fri 5. Zombie High, a community youth production. Sat 6-Sun 7. Night of the Guitar: Tom Gamble, Dale Harris and Amrit Sond. Wed 10. Live Music on the Terrace. Sun 14.
Camberley – Theatre
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Theatre In The Park. Tues 9. Theatre Iin The Park: The Rascally Diner. Wed 10. Theatre In the Park: Catch That Beast. Thurs 11. Treasure Island. Sat 13.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy. Thurs 4-Sat 6. I Love Musical Theatre. Mon 8-Thurs 11. The Play That Goes Wrong. Mon 8-Sat 13.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 NEXT SHOW: Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever. Sat Aug 13-Sun Aug 15.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Kenton Summer Roadshow:
Mansfield Park and Ride. Thurs 6-Sat 8. Tupelo To Vegas: A Tribute to Elvis. Sat 13.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Ocelots. Fri 5. Norden Farm Outdoor market. Sat 6. From Gold To Rio: Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. Sat 6. Summer Recital. Wed 10. Dave Gorman’s Powerpoint to the People. Thurs 11, Fri 12. Pigs and Bears Don’t Come In Pairs. Fri 12. Roger Beaujolais Quartet tribute to the vibraphone. Fri 12. The Studio Session. Sat 13. .
Newbury – The Corn
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Bel Horizon. Sat 6. Deep Sea Ravers. Sat 13. Silent Disco. Sat 13. Uplift Dance. Sun 14. .
Newbury – The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Whistle Down The Wind. Fri 22-Sep 10
Reading – South Street
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: A Show In A Week with First Impressions Theatre. Mon 22-Fri 26.
Reading – The Hexagon
charmed by the charismatic duo. The show takes place in the studio from 8pm on Friday, August 5. Tickets cost £15. For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788997, or log on to: Norden.farm
Vive le vibraphone A CELEBRATION of an expressive instrument is coming to Norden Farm next week, thanks to the Roger Beaujolais Quartet. The group will perform an evening of jazz with a special emphasis on the vibraphone. Lionel Hampton was a pioneer of the instrument, deploying it as a frontline lead instrument. His virtuosic showmanship established the stylistic blueprint for vibraphone playing in jazz. The evening is, in many ways, a tribute to his work. Roger Beaujolais found early touring success with bands such as Fairground Atyraction, and has also had an impact on the acid jazz movement of the 1990s. This concert will showcase his love of jazz, including a preview of his new album, a tribute to Milt Jackson. The show takes place on Friday, August 12, from 8pm. Tickets cost £15. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788997, or log on to: Norden.farm
A night of acoustic punk
BE THE king of the Castle Tap by attending a gig from some punk rockers. Corvid will be visiting on Saturday,
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: The Magic of Motown. Sat 3.
Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Brindley Sherratt. Sep 10.
Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Autumn season TBC.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre
www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: Jekyll and Hyde. Oct 10-29.
TOURS of a popular arts centre will be offered during the summer holidays. South Hill Park is offering people the chance to go behind the scenes of the mansion and theatre. Each lasts between an hour and an hour and 20 minutes. It includes visits to different rooms and venue spaces while learning about their history and how they would have been used in years gone by. There will news about upcoming performances as well. Groups are up to 10 people at a time, and run and noon and 3pm on Sunday, August 14. There will be other chances on Sunday, September 18, Sunday, October 16, and Sunday, November 20. Places cost £5. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk
One for the money, two for the show
THE LIFE and times of the King of rock n roll will be brought to life in a new show coming to Henley later this month. Tupelo To Vegas charts the life of Elvis Presley from his first recording at Sun Records in 1953, through to his concert years of 1969 to his untimely death in 1977. Along the way, there’s a string of hits, including The Wonder Of You, Heartbreak Hotel, If I Can Dream, Blue Suede Shoes, Viva Las Vegas and American Trilogy. The musical evening aims to recreate the atmosphere of an Elvis concert as closely as possible, vocally, musically and authentically. It stars Elvis Masters Champion Jared Lee, and will be performed on Saturday, August 13, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £22 or £20 for concessions. n For more details, or to book, call the box office between 11am and 3pm Mondays to Saturdays on: 01491 525050, or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk/
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Our House. Fri Sept 30-Sat Oct 1, Thurs Oct 6-Sat Oct 8.
Sonning – The Mill
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Barefoot in the Park. Until Aug 20.
Windsor – Theatre Royal
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 An Evening of Burlesque. Thurs 4. Into The Groove. Fri 5. Milton Jones. Sat 6. Phil Collins and Genesis - Another Day in Paradise. Sun 7. The Glenn Miller and Big Band Spectacular. Mon 8. Dial M For
Murder. Thurs 11-Sat 27.
Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: A Bunch of Amateurs. Thurs Sept 8-Sat Sept 17.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society: Drive My Car (15). Thurs Aug 4. EBOS presents The 25 Annual Putnam County Spelling bee. Tues 9-Sat 13.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1.
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LEISURE | 15
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
The Pheasant’s barbecue is tasty ... and saves on the washing up
EBOS is in for a spell of musical comedy
The Pheasant Inn Reading Road Winnersh RG41 5LR the-pheasant-hotel. co.uk 0118 978 4529
S
UMMER time is perfect for barbecue food, but what if you want to enjoy life on the grill without the hassle of clearing up afterwards?
Help is at hand thanks to The Pheasant in Winnersh. Known as The Phez to locals, it is under new management and has recently been renovated both internally and externally. It has a bright and airy interior and large landscaped garden. And on Sundays, it is running a BBQ Picnic. With the warm weather and the Phez’s great outdoor space, it’s perfect for an afternoon of al fresco dining. The menu is £13.95 for adults and £10 for children. It includes one item from the main menu, plus a side of garlic bread, corn on the cob, potato salad, mac ‘n’ cheese and a green salad. Being The Phez, the food is better than just whacking a few burgers on the grill and hoping for the best. I opted for the delicious prawn kebabs in a jerk sauce. Lightly barbecued with sweet red peppers, they were totally delicious. The portions were plentiful, and the presentation was amazing. My son opted for the Chicken Leg with a BBQ Sauce with all the side dishes, except the green salad. He was very satisfied, which is high praise indeed coming
In rehearsal, champion spellers all. Picture courtesy of EBOS
C
ONTINUING its 70th birthday celebrations, EBOS presents a musical comedy it describes as fun, energetic and beautiful.
The Pheasant is grilling on its barbecue during the summer - booking is essential Pictures: Claire Worsfold
from a budding food critic. My husband opted for the Beef Sausages with Jerk sauce which he said were very flavoursome. He was very impressed with the taste and presentation. Although we were quite full, we decided to sample a couple of the desserts. With much choice and an array of different ice creams
my son opted for Cheesecake of the Day (£6.95), and my daughter chose the chocolate brownie (£5.95). I managed to have a taste of both. The cheesecake was presented beautifully, a biscuit crumb base with a light creamy moose, topped with fresh strawberries, and drizzled with chocolate sauce.
A dessert lover’s heaven. My daughter opted for the Vegan Chocolate Brownie, with chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream and topped with fresh blueberries. She very much enjoyed it. The pheasant will be offering the barbecue menu every other week in the summer, the next being August 14. Booking is required. If you’re looking for a barbecue that has a twist, then this is for you: great quality food, great presentation and great service. Other events at The Pheasant include: live music and comedy nights, karaoke, and two-for-one cocktail deals between 6pm and 7pm.
CLAIRE WORSFOLD
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be performed in Wokingham this month. Set in a fictional county somewhere in America, the story centres around a competition to find the most impressive speller, with a group of sixth-graders all eager to win. The competitors are very diverse, and each has their own reason for wanting to be the champion. Olive’s best friend is her dictionary, William struggles with allergies, Chip is having problems coping with puberty, Leaf is easily distracted, Marcy is an overachiever, and Logainne just wants to impress her dads. Each one reveals their hopes and struggles in a series of funny, poignant and catchy songs. Cast member Thomas Joy says: “This show is such an underrated gem. “A spelling bee might sound like an odd topic for a musical, but it’s a fastpaced show with a lot of moving parts. “It’s witty, funny, utterly mad, but also quite poignant in places. “It’s a real treat!” The score is by William Finn, and the book by Rachel Sheinkin. EBOS hopes to appeal to the
hidden child within everyone, with audiences encouraged to fall in love with the show and with each of the memorable spellers. It also promises an exciting opportunity for audience members to get involved in the show themselves. The details are kept secret, but audiences will be invited to join the ‘big kids’ on stage, so people may wish to brush up on their spelling beforehand. Director Emily Burton says: “I am beyond excited to be bringing this show to the stage with EBOS. “An incredible cast brings this wonderful musical to life. “I can’t wait for people to hear the powerful and beautiful harmonies, and to see the sweet, odd and funny characters the performers have perfected.” Originally performed in Broadway in 2008, the show made its West End debut in 2011. The Wokingham based company brings this much loved musical to the Whitty Theatre, in Luckley School, Wokingham. The production runs from Tuesday, August 9, through to Saturday August 13. It starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £18. n For tickets and information log on to: www.ebos.org.uk
EMMA MERCHANT
GET TECH SAVVY WITH PRATTS PODS WE ARE OFFERING “TECH SAVVY TUESDAYS”
FOR PEOPLE NEEDING HELP UNDERSTANDING THEIR TECH DEVICES. PROBLEMS WITH YOUR IP AD, PHONE OR LAPTOP? EMAILS NOT SENDING OR SENDING? OR SIMPLY NEED SOME TECH GUIDANCE? CLASSES 2PM EVERY TUESDAY AT WOKINGHAM LIBRARY
0118 304 7777
INFO@PRATTSPODS.CO.UK
16 | LEISURE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Back to the 80s for Reading casino A CHANCE to go back to the 80s is on offer at a Reading-based casino. The Grosvenor Reading South branch, off Rose Kiln Lane, is hosting an evening of live music courtesy of Go Span Duran. As their name suggests, they perform music from Go West, Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. Other artists celebrated include Nik Kershaw, ABC, Kajagoogoo, David Bowie, Haircut 100, and Tears for Fears. The music starts at 8.30pm on Saturday, August 13, and the night is for adults only. n For more details, call: 0118 402 7800.
Evening of jazz at Pangbourne
AN EVENING of jazz is coming to Pangbourne on Sunday, August 7. The village’s Working Men’s Club is holding a regular meeting of the Pangbourne Jazz Club. The special guest artist will be Alan Grahame (vibes and percussion), and pianist Ken McCarthy. They will be backed by The Terry Hutchins Trio. The show starts at 7.30pm, and runs until 10pm, and is open to all ages. Tickets cost £11.25 and can be purchased by searching Skiddle. com for jazz@pjc.
Stretch and Think with Justin this autumn
A
WARD-WINNING comedian Justin Moorhouse is making Norden Farm one of the venues he visits with his brand-new show Stretch and Think. It may contain: Yoga, getting older, Madonna, shoplifters, Labradoodles, middle-aged cyclists, the Menopause, running, hating football fans but loving football, not drinking, funerals, is Tapas a rip-off?, Captain Tom, Droylsden, the environment, selfimprovement, ruining a sexual position, electric car charging spots used by doggers, nursery graduation, horses, Stig look-alikes, home-cooked food in places that aren’t your own home, the odd advantages of fundamental religions, the gym, and shop door etiquette. That’s quite a list. And on top of all that, he’s got a new suit. Justin has performed around the world and his TV and film credits include tiger-faced Young Kenny In Phoenix Nights, Ken Loach’s Looking for Eric, Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, 8 out of 10 Cats and Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled. He’s also a regular contributor to BBC’s The Premier League Show. He has won Celebrity
COMING ATTRACTION: The Puppini Sisters will be performing at The Hexagon in Reading this October
Tread the light music fantastic
JUST, THINK: Justin Moorhouse will bring Stretch and Think to Norden Farm this autumn Mastermind, won fortunes for charity on Celebrity Storage Hunters and lost even more magnificently on Celebrity Eggheads and Pointless Celebrities (twice). On radio he has written and starred in two series of his own Radio 4 sitcom Everyone Quite Likes Justin and often appears on Radio 4’s The News Quiz. He’s a regular on 5 Live’s Fighting Talk. He is also a frequent guest on Shaun Keaveny’s Breakfast Show and Radcliffe and Maconie in The Afternoon (both
WPR_2022-08-01_TheWokinghamPaper_16x4 (1)_Just Go WorcesterObserver
Reader travel
GREAT LITTLE TRAINS
FOLKESTONE
of North Wales & Portmeirion
GreatLittleTrainsofNorthWales&Portmeirion_F.pdf
& France Weekend Folkestone&FranceWeekend_F.pdf
Departing Mon 3 Oct ‘22
Departing Fri 28 Oct ‘22
Your break includes
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Crawley 4 nights at the Risboro Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway, Great Orme Tramway & Ffestiniog Railway Free time in Llandudno Excursions to Caernarfon & Portmeirion
Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Slough 3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Excursion to Boulogne-sur-Mer & Canterbury
329
5 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £60
174.99
4 Days by Coach only £ 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
or visit us online at
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
justgoholidays.com/WPR
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
justgohols JGTravelGroup
6 Music) and often pops up on TalkSport. And he also has a podcast, About 30 Minutes, No More Than 45 has had over a million downloads and recently celebrated its 100th episode. The show will be performed at Norden Farm in Maidenhead on Thursday, November 10, and tickets are already on sale. n For more details, call the box office on: 01628 788 997, or log on to: norden.farm. The comedian’s website is: www. justinmoorhouse.com
AN EVENING of light music is coming to The Hexagon this autumn, thanks to The Puppini Sisters. They are touring a brand-new show featuring a combination of their own arrangements of classic songs from the 30s to the 50s, jazzy reinventions of pop hits, self-penned original songs and, from their latest album Dance, Dance, Dance, a selection of strictly swing dance style arrangements. The sisters say this mix will get everyone up on their feet to songs such as Sing Sing Sing, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and 9 To 5. The Puppini Sisters were conceived 18 years ago, by Marcella Puppini and since then, they have been awarded Gold and Multi-Platinum discs, have collaborated with Michael Bublé and have performed all over the world and appeared on some of the most prestigious stages across the
world, including Glastonbury. Marcella Puppini says: “We live very much in the present, and consider ourselves as 21st Century women, totally absorbed in a world of modern technology and women’s rights. “But we also like to play dress-up and sing old songs with a new spin or new songs with an old spin. I think our enduring popularity, as well as our enduring love for what we do, is a combination of two factors: swing is infectious and cool, with its intricate syncopated rhythms and with its echoes of fabulous dance parties; and harmony singing, in my opinion, resonates deeply with everybody – it’s as if it speaks directly to the soul.” The Puppini Sisters will appear at The Hexagon on Friday, October 14, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £28. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or whatsonreading.com
Merseybeat to Wings and beyond: celebrate McCartney WILL you still need me, when it’s 2023? A host of popular songs by one of the giants of the popular music scene will be performed at The Hexagon, but you’ll have to wait until next year to hear it. The McCartney Songbook is a new show that recreates masterworks from the influential Beatle, spanning over six decades. It comes from the producers of smash hit shows That’ll Be The Day and Walk Right Back, and aims to be the ultimate McCartney experience. Starring Peter John Jackson (Let It Be, The Sessions At Abbey
Road, That’ll Be The Day), the production will take audiences on a musical journey of Sir Paul’s career from the early beginnings with the Fab Four, the Wings days and his prolific solo career with tales of life on the road and flashbacks to life in Liverpool. Merseybeat to songs featured in his Glastonbury set, they will all stand together for one night only. It will be like a wonderful Christmastime, that sees muchloved tracks come together. There may even be some silly love songs in there. With authentic costume
and instrumentation complete with a fantastic live band, The McCartney Songbook features over 40 monster hits including Band On The Run, Can’t Buy Me Love, Yesterday, Live and Let Die, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Hey Jude. The show will be at The Hexagon in Reading on Wednesday, June 7. Tickets cost £27.50, and are already on sale. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading. com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/ mccartney-songbook
What could possibly go right? A PLAY that contains every possible theatrical mishap, is coming to Guildford. Multi award winning international hit comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong, is back. When the Cornley Drama Society put on a 1920s murder mystery it’s a performance filled with disasters. But the accident prone cast battle on against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, with hilarious results. It’s described as a brilliantly funny comedy, guaranteed to leave its audiences aching with laughter. The event takes place at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Performances are from Monday, August 8 through to Saturday, August 13. Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees on Thursday and Saturday start at 2.30pm. Tickets cost from £28. n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud. co.uk or call the box office: 0148 344 0000
LEISURE | 25
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LIVEMUSIC
To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662
RaW Sounds Today
that they have been doing – https://www.facebook. com/christrimmusic
Chris Hillman
Split the Dealer – Hard to Take (Live Lounge Acoustic Session)
bit.ly/raw soundsdtoday
T
HE RaW Sounds Today playlist is on a mission to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name).
We’ve got 10 fantastic tracks for you to enjoy as part of this, an eclectic mix of stuff that will help you discover something new. All you have to do is find it on Spotify. To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstodayand enjoy the music. There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
Kepler Ten – A New Kind of Sideways This is the title track from Kepler Ten’s latest critically acclaimed album on our White Star records label which, being released during the height of covid, meant that the band have had little opportunity to play songs from the album live. However, that changed last month with an excellent show in the band’s hometown of Southampton and we are excited that the
PLAYING: Kepler Ten at the Wokingham Festival back in 2019 Picture: Andrew Merritt next opportunity to see the band live will be at Wokingham Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday – https://www.keplerten.com/
TRIM – Still Waters (Live) TRIM is a Reading-based band led by singer songwriter Chris Trim who perform original pop rock songs with a blues and folk feel. This song is taken from a live album called Finding the Way, which was recorded at the Acoustic Couch in Bracknell and released in 2020. The band have performed at Wokingham Festival in the past and will be making a welcome return again this year as part of a series of summer gigs
Miles
It’s Reading-based Split the Dealer with an acoustic version of his 2022 single performed by Split and guitarist Rory Evans at Northbrook Met Studios in Brighton – https://www. splitthedealer.com/
Papa Truck – Million
Here’s a five-piece band from High Wycombe who perform their own original bluegrass songs. This one is from their 2020 album By Your Side. They will be live at Wokingham Festival in August – https:// www.facebook.com/papatruck
A Better Life – Take A Deep Breath Local producer and musician, Phil Daniels, who heads up this electronica collective says that this title track of their excellent 2021 album will be the last single release from that album with new material to come – https://abetterlifemusic.com/
The Telephones – Pale Saints Derby-based psychedelic pop rockers with a song from new album, ’Prosaic Turbulence’ that has just been released on Billywitch Records, the offshoot of Wokingham-based, Mega Dodo Records – https:// www.facebook.com/TheTelephonesUK
Kindred Spirit Band – Kindred Spirit We go back in time with this song from Kindred Spirit’s 2015 album, Phoenix Rising as they will be making a welcome return to Wokingham Festival in August – https://www.facebook.com/ KindredSpiritBand
Nora Mac – Dropping Out of Love Nora Mac is a talented singer-songwriter from Marlow who will be at Wokingham Festival. Her band there will include Dean Nelson from Generation Studios and Robin Johnson from Kyros guesting with her – https://noramacmusic.com/
Lonely Robot – Recalibrating Reading-based producer, musician, vocalist and songwriter John Mitchell releases A Model Life, his fifth album under the Lonely Robot name, on August 26, and Recalibrating is the excellent first single from it – https://johnmitchellhq.com
Third Lung – Lo-Hi Here’s a single from thisband’s forthcoming debut album, Gameplay. They have an album launch show at Sub 89 on November 10, and will be at Wokingham Festival in August and at Loddfest in September – http://www.thirdlungband.com
GIG GUIDE Thursday, August 4
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Brackell Blues Club: Martin McNeill. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk READING – The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Wild Lime, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Open mic: spoken word, music and vibes. From 6.30pm.
Friday, August 5
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Green Embers with support from Pioneers of Green. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. All About You. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Large Portion. Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Jo Fooks jazz Details: 01344 484123. CAVERSHAM – Fox and Hounds, Gosbrook Road. Poptones presents a night of strictly vinyl. Details: www.thefoxcaversham. com CHARVIL – The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. L-I-Am As Oasis. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. DNB. Details: 0118 956
8188. READING – O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music Fridays. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Oracle RG1 2AG. Live music at the beach: Jukebox. Details: 0118 965 9000. YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01252 872105. YATTENDON – West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions. Details: 01635 767090.
Saturday, August 6
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Scarlet Vixens Burlesque Show. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF.. I Got Soul: We Stand With Ukraine. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01344 422622. CROWN WOOD – Crown Wood Community Bar, Opladen Way. Caribbean Day from 2pm. Reggae, Soca, Dancehall & Ska. Details: 07710 898987. CAVERSHAM – The Last Crumb, Prospect Street RG4 8JN. Beer, Beats and BBQ: family fun times, retro DJs and more. Details: dodopubs.com/ locations/the-last-crumb CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Gary
Roman as Elvis. Details: 01344 772161. READING – The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. House Brunch pool party, from 1pm. READING – O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Al Fresco Music. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Reading Fake Festival 2022. Bowie: Aladdinsane; Blondie: Blondies; James: Laid; Kings of Leon: Kings of Lyon; Depeche Mode: Enjoy the Silence UK; Queen: Flash. Details: www.fakefestivals.co.uk READING – Revolution, Station Road. Revolution Saturdays: music, cocktails and more. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Here Comes The Sun Festival: The Mark II, Elucidate, DR SATSO, Grae J Wall and Los Chicos Muertos, Lee SwitzerWoold, Dakorra, Dreading Poetry Slam, Zap! Comedy Team, Cameron Chung, Visual Arts Team and more. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Tequila Chase. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Nathan Caton. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – Up The Junction, London Road RG1 3NY. Don’t Compromise The Vibe. Details: 0118 926 0544. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road
RG40 2AD. The Gas Trick Band. Details: 0118 977 0918. WOKINGHAM – Peach Place. Live music with Siren and In Albion. From 6pm.
Sunday, August 7
EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon karaoke. 2pm. Details: 0118 966 7153. PANGBOURNE – WMC Rosewood Hall, Whitchurch Road RG8 7BS. Pangbourne Jazz Club Alan Grahame (Vibes and Percussion) and Ken McCarthy (Piano) with Terry Hutchins Trio. £10. Details: https:// briangreene.co.uk/ pangbournejazzclub READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night Home and Away. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – Mojito Beach Bar, The Oracle RG1 2AG. Solo acoustic gig. 6pm. Details: www.theoracle.com READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. SONNING – Coppa Club, The Great House, Thames Street. Live lounge. 3pm5pm.
Monday, August 8
STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Celebrating George Harrison. Details: 01491 681048.
Tuesday, August 9
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
Wednesday, August 10
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open Mic Night. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Night of the Guitar: Tom Gamble, Dale Harris, Amrit Sond. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session. Details: 0118 958 0473.
Thursday, August 11
READING – The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746. READING – The Corn Stores, Forbury Road RG1 1SB. Gini. Details: 0118 324 6768. READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Amazons. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.
Friday, August 12
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Sound Intentions. Details: 01344 303333. READING – The Blagrave, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. The Tim Kay Band. Details: 0118 958 6775. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Marc Valentine, Sonic Gypsy, Continental Lovers. Details: 0118 956 8188.
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
READING – O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music Fridays. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – The Oracle RG1 2AG. Live music at the beach: The Futuristic Gramophones. Details: 0118 965 9000. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Friday Blues. Details: 0118 958 6048. YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01252 872105. YATTENDON – West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions. Details: 01635 767090.
Saturday, August 13
BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Leech. Details: 01344 420690. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. NBS. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Solace. Details: 01344 422622. READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Church of Madness v DJ: Traumahound and DJ Source. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. One Eye Man Official live show. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Corvid and support. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Spandau Ballet
Vs Duran Duran tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Al Fresco Music. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – Revolution, Station Road. Revolution Saturdays: music, cocktails and more. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. DJ Pauly. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Turn. Details: 0118 957 6930. WHISTLEY GREEN – The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. The Beatle and Buddy Show. Details: 0118 934 0886. WOKINGHAM – The Duke’s Head, Denmark Street RG40 3BQ. Abi Powell. Details: 0118 978 0316. EMMBROOK – The Dog and
Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Steve Brookes. Details: 0118 978 0544.
Sunday, August 14
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123. EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon karaoke. 2pm. Details: 0118 966 7153. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Jimmy Lee and the Blue Coconut Orchestra. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. The B Side. Details: 0118 343 0565
CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL
featuring a live Steel band and lots of enticing Caribbean food to taste
SATURDAY, 20 AUGUST 2022 AT 15:00 Tickets £8 wegottickets.com THE WHITE HORSE
Easthampstead Road Wokingham, RG40 3AF
0118 979 7402
26 | LEISURE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WHAT’SON Films at Reading Biscuit Factory
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include The Railway Children Return (PG). Thurs 4. Where The Crawdads Sing (15). Thurs 4. Minions: The Rise of Gru (U). Thurs 4. Elvis (12a). Thurs 4. Bullet Train (15). Thurs 4. NT Live: Prima Facie (15). Thurs 4-Thurs 11. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Friday, August 5
BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Common Recreation Ground, Recreation Road RG7 3EN. The Bulging Sack In The Park: enjoy a drink with family and friends, and raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Food and drink available. 5pm-9pm. Details: burghfieldsantas.org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. The Gin To My Tonic festival. 6pm10.30pm. £16. Details: thegintomytonic.com READING – Reading Minster, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Back to Baby family concert: Effie’s Animal Jamboree. 11am. £15 for an adult and up to two children. Details: https:// www.bachtobaby.com READING – Apple store, The Oracle RG1 2AG. Art Lab: Comic Book Adventure with Your Family. For ages eight to 12. 4pm-6pm. Details: 0118 965 9000. RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road. Welly’s Big Dino Weekend. wellington countrypark.co.uk THEALE – Library, Church Street RG7 5BZ. Play bridge. Suitable for beginners and experienced players. 10.45am-12.45pm. No booking required. Free. Details: 0118 930 3207 WARGRAVE – Mill Lane, Lower Shiplake RG9 3LY. Wagrave Regatta. Spectators £8. Details: wsregatta.co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65t summer exhibition. 10am-8pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Free parking, wheelchair accessible, refreshments available. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org 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 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, August 6
BRADFIELD – Bradfield Social Club, Union Road RG7 6AE. Men’s and Ladies’ money in/out darts knockout tournament. £5 per player. From 8pm. Details: 0118 974 4760. EARLEY – Maiden Erlegh Lake and Nature Reserve, Beech Lane end. Earley Town Council green fair: an event promoting green and environmental themes includng plants, butterfly conservation, hedgehog rescue, homemade jewellery, crafts, books, cakes and more. 10am3pm. Free entry. NETTLEBED – Nettlebed Community School, High Street RG9 5DA. Art and craft show: items for sale in aid of charity. Noon-6pm. Details: www.nettlebed. org, or 01491 641138. PADWORTH – Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall. READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmersm arket.co.uk READING – Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Berkshire Heritage Fair organised by Berkshire Local History Association and Berkshire Family History Society. 10amnoon or 2pm-4pm. Free. Details: 0118 950 9553. READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. The Gin To My Tonic festival. 11.30am-4pm or 6pm-10.30pm. £16. Details: thegintomytonic. com READING – Great Expectations, London Street. Reading Moot: a get-together for pagans of all paths. Noon-6pm. Details: Search Facebook for ‘Reading Moot’. READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Here Comes The Sun Festival: The Mark II, Elucidate, DR SATSO, Grae J Wall and Los Chicos Muertos, Lee SwitzerWoold, Dakorra, Dreading Poetry Slam, Zap! Comedy Team, Cameron Chung, Visual Arts Team and more. Details: 0118 986 6788. RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road. Welly’s Big Dino
Weekend. wellington countrypark.co.uk SILCHESTER – Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Village market: local produce and businesses. 10am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 970 0999 or www. silchestervillagemarket. org.uk. SINDLESHAM – Bearwood Recreation Ground, New Road RG41 5DX. Kenyans in Reading family fun day: activities for all ages, showcase talent, food and stalls. Noon-9pm. WARGRAVE – Mill Lane, Lower Shiplake RG9 3LY. Wagrave Regatta. Spectators £8. Details: wsregatta.co.uk WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR. Mates Rates Comedy Club: Alan Francis, Ashih Suri and Carl Richard. From £7.50 plus booking fee in advance, £12.50 on the door. Details: 0118 978 4529 WINNERSH – Bearwood Recreation Ground, New Road RG41 5DX. Kenyans in Reading family fun day: games, stalls, food and more. Noon-9pm. Details: 07939 381116. WOKINGHAM – Floreat Montague Park Primary School, William Heelas Way RG40 1BG. My Journey Wokingham presents Dr Bike session. 10am. Butterfly and dragonfly walks at Buckhurst Meadows. 10am-noon, 2pm-4pm. Free. Booking essential. Dogs welcome. Details: www.tbhpartnership.org. uk/ event/nature-walks WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society summer exhibition. 10am5.30pm. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, August 7
HURST – Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre, Nelsons Lane RG10 0RR. Super Sunday sale: clothes, pet accessories and more. 11am-3pm. NETTLEBED – Nettlebed Community School, High Street RG9 5DA. Art and craft show: items for sale in aid of charity. 10am-5pm. Details: http://www. nettlebed.org, or 01491 641138. READING – Forbury Gardens, The Forbury RG1 3BB. Forbury Bandstand concert season: Age UK Community Choir. 3pm4.30pm. Free. Details. whatsonreading.com
READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. Reading Mela 2022: cultural performances, fun rides, live music, shopping village, children’s shows, world food corner. Noon-7pm. Details: info@ readingmela.com READING – Prospect Park, Bath Road. Prospect Park Railway public running organised by the reading Society of Model Engineers. From 1pm-3pm. 60p a ride, 10 tickets £4. Traines will run until 3.45pm. Details: prospectparkrailway. wordpress.com READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: risingsunartscentre.org RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road. Welly’s Big Dino Weekend. wellington countrypark.co.uk TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading’s Indie Market. From noon-5pm. Crafts, food, and more. Oh, and beer. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk TUTTS CLUMP – King’s Copse House RG7 6JR. Open garden for NGS. Walks through a 40-acre ancient woodland, visit a Second World War air raid shelter. 2pm-5pm. £5. Children free. Details: www.ngs. org.uk WOKINGHAM – From entrance to Viking Field, off Tanners Row. Evendons Area Residents Association presents a community walk and talk to discuss proposed 375-home development. End point: Ye Olde Leathern Bottel. Free. 4pm. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – St John The Evangelist, Church Road. Woodley Wild Church summertime session. 4pm. Story telling round a campfire and a chance to explore hidden corners oft he churchyard. Details: Search Facebook for Woodley Wild Church
Monday, August 8
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Parenting Special Children: Dads and Male Carers Support Group, for birth fathers and male carers (adoptive parents, foster and kinship carers) of children who have experienced trauma and/ or have special needs. 7.30pm. £5. Details: www. parentingspecialchildren. co.uk READING – Market House, Market Place RG1 2EQ. Rooftop Cinema Club: Downton Abbey: A New Era 8.30pm. £5. Details: 0118 216 1750. TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives. 9.45am-10.15am,
10.45am-11.15am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Tuesday, August 9
EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org. FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org READING – The Oracle RG1 2AG. Children’s activities at the beach. Free. Booking essential. Details: www. theoracle.com READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.30-11am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5103. READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Finches social club for people with or without autism. 7pm-9pm. Drinks and snacks available to buy. Music, and friendship. Details: kingwood.org.uk SHINFIELD – Robyn’s Nest School Green, School Green Centre, School Green RG2 9EH. Interactive story time with Alison H Simpson, author of Bodhi The Pirate Dog. Suitable for under sevens. 10.30am. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Coronation Hall, Headley Road RG5 4JB. WISE Over-50s Forum: Malcolm Phillips from the West Berks Fraud. A talk to learn more about Scams and Frauds followed by Cllr Keith Baker, who will be speaking about the latest proposal to construct a cycleway into Woodley Town Centre along Woodlands Avenue. £3. Raffle tickets 50p each. 2pm-4pm. Details: Woodleywise@gmail.com or call: 0118 969 6206. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Sand Art session with Kids Bee Happy with Maddi. 10am-noon. £4 per picture. Drop-in session. Details: 0118 969 0304.
Wed, August 10
BARKHAM – Village Hall,
Church Road RG40 4PL. Berkshire Bonsai Society meeting. 7.30pm. Details: berkshirebonsai.co.uk EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. linkvisiting.org EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. MS weekly drop-in. 10.30am1.30pm. 0118 921 0555. READING – Market House, Market Place RG1 2EQ. Drag Bingo night. 7.30pm. £10 per person. Details: 0118 216 1750. READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. The MERL Family Picnic Event. Free, booking essential. 11am-3pm. Details: 0118 378 8660. READING – The Oracle RG1 2AG. Children’s activities at the beach. Free. Booking essential. Details: www. theoracle.com WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk Thursday, August 11 EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am, or 11.15am-11.45am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5103. READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. The History of Reading’s Print Industry Talk – A talk by Paul Joyce. 2pm-3.30pm. £5. Details: 0118 950 9553. SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives. 2.15pm-2.45pm. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Friday, August 12
BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Common Recreation Ground, Recreation Road RG7 3EN. The Bulging Sack In The Park: enjoy a drink with family and friends, and raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Food and drink available.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022 5pm-9pm. Details: burghfieldsantas.org.uk CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice tea and cake fundraiser from the Caversham Court Tea Kiosk. 11am-5pm. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org THEALE – Library, Church Street RG7 5BZ. Play bridge. 10.45am-12.45pm. No booking required. Free. Details: 0118 930 3207. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sat, August 13
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Paws In the Park dog show and event day. 11am4.30pm. Free entry. Details: pawsintheparkbracknell. co.uk BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS. Burghfield Darts Events presents an evening with PDC professional Cool Hand Luke Humphries. 7pm. Meet and greet with Luke from 6.30pm. £10. Details: burghfieldcsa.co.uk CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice tea and cake fundraiser from the Caversham Court Tea Kiosk. 11am-5pm. CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. 10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928. PANGBOURNE – Allotments, Grahame Avenue RG8 7LF. Pangbourne Allotments open morning. 10am-noon. Free. Produce for sale. PANGBOURNE – Falklands Memorial Chapel, Pangbourne College RG8 8LA. Pangbourne and District Silver Band 60th anniversary concert, with special guests Mid Michigan Brass Band. 7pm. £10. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk, search for Pangbourne Silver Band. READING – Bar 77, Kings Road RG1 3BJ. Reading’s Got Drag. 8.15pm. READING – Broad Street. Carnival of the World: live stage and parade. Noon-6pm. Details: culturemixarts.co.uk READING – IKEA, Pincents
Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Brewery tour and tasting. Noon. Booking essential. Details: www. phantombrew.com READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172. RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road. Summer fun and bouncy castles. wellington countrypark.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Bond Brews, South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road. Bond Brew Tap Yard party. Noon-6pm. Details: bondbrews.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Elms Field, Elms Road. Kidical Mass family-friendly cycle ride. 2pm. Route will return to Elms Field. Details: Search Facebook for Kidical Mass Wokingham WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, August 14
CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice tea and cake fundraiser from the Caversham Court Tea Kiosk. 11am-5pm. CAVERSHAM – Waitrose Car Park, off Gosbrook Road. Artisan & Farmers Market. 10am-3pm. READING – Abbey Ruins, Abbey Street RG1 3BA. 60 Hour Shakespeare presents ‘Ophelia’ and ‘Mercutio’: The Shakespeare Theatrical Universe. £6. Details: search www.eventbrite. co.uk for 60 Hour Shakespeare. READING – Eclectic Games, Union Street. Pokemon Sunday Standard Tournament. From 10.30am. £6. Details: www. eclecticgames.co.uk READING – Forbury Gardens, The Forbury RG1 3BB. Woodley Concert Band. 3pm-4.30pm. Free. Details. Whatsonreading.com RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road. Summer fun. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk SINDLESHAM – Reddam House, Bearwood Road RG41 5BG. Ollie Young Fun Day. 11am4pm. Free entry. WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Wokingham vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: www.sparkleveganevents. com
No. 5425
Your weekly puzzle challenge
27
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662
Quiz Challenge
15
8 9
18
2
13
21
15
18
2
19
11
7
9
17
24
9
15
3 15
14
2
23
7
18
2
2
18
25
10 25
24
7
10
13
11
20
6
4
13
2
2
15
13
2
15
3
3
18
12
19
13
14 7
24
26
18
4
5
24
2
15 8
25
6 15
22
17
11
10
6
15
2 13
24
25
2 3
2
3
10
22
2
12
2
1. Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile and Paraguay border which country? 2. What T links part of a wedding dress to a form of transport? 3. Coldplay lead vocalist Chris Martin married which American actress in 2003? 4. Which European country was invaded by Moors from North Africa in 711? 5. In 2022, the Tory government signed a deal to send asylum seekers arriving in the UK to a processing site in which country?
13
1
24
14 24
10
19 23
15 5
11
2 3
10
15
9 5
2
NONAGRAM
18
2
7
P A R
15
E
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
C
10
11
12
13
23
24
25
26
I
D
Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
NERVE VENOM REMADE
I
V
T E R
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines: 19 Good; 23 Very Good; 27 Excellent.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed S through openings in the walls. The L first letter may appear in any chamber. R I
IA
LI
EI
RC
SC
LO
IT
EN
TY
OI
RE
3 9 5
6
5 4 6
2 3
9 3 4 2
2
1 6 5 4 8 9 6 8 9 3 2 1 7 3 9 6 5 8
7 4 1 9
5
6
7 6 8
4 7
G
I G
C Y
R
Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
SL
8
9 10 11
10 11
12 13
14
13
14
15
16 17
17
18
19
20
18
1
DOWN 1. One cannot remember having it (5,2,6) 2. Platitude about rust I’m removing (6) 3. Limit incomplete relationship (5) 4. Temporarily dismiss amateur on holiday (3,3) 5. Arranged to have features on amounts owing (7) 6. Mick not about to have a turn as emperor (6) 7. A for Adam, the first landlord (7,6) 13. Endlessly hoping to get painkiller (7) 15. Left with your first musician (6) 16. Examination of a flat (1,5) 17. Has reported a way by chance (6) 19. Rock provided by one of the family outside meeting (5)
2
3
4
5
5
6
7
8 9
10 10
11
12
13 15
17
24
14
16
18
19 22
20
21
23
25
26
27
28
This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
5
To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
2 8
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
29
30 31
32 8 5 3 2 9 7 6 4 1
1 9 7 8 2 4 5 6 3
5 6 8 1 7 3 4 9 2
4 3 2 5 6 9 7 1 8
9 8 5 3 4 6 1 2 7
7 4 1 9 5 2 8 3 6
3 2 6 7 1 8 9 5 4
WORD PYRAMID: Big girls don’t cry. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; subtract; divide; add. Total: 7.
SOLUTIONS
7
QUICK CROSSWORD
Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
6
9
T
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.
1
6
8
ACROSS 1. Not a metaphorical misprint (7) 8. IRA rang in confusion to make public accusation (7) 9. Pluto plays on the lines with flighty creatures (7) 10. During the month lady will perform exaggeratedly (7) 11. Let up when rest is cancelled (4,3) 12. In support of doctor, South African, in Taiwan now (7) 14. Smiles upsetting a girl (7) 18. Idle Mae mixing drink (7) 20. Mass of rock and earth deposited gold in US state (7) 21. Virginia makes an allowance for tramp (7) 22. Break for a little telepathy during ceremony (7) 23. Conductor included name of legendary Greek (7)
EQUALISER 2 15 4 2 1 3 1 10 4 2 1 2
Hard
6 7 9 4 3 1 2 8 5
7 6 2
B
AE
ED
5
23
N
LK
RI
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
9 8 3 4 7 9 2 1 6
D
YA
UR
4
O
HD
NU
3
22
FIVE ALIVE LZ
2
21
WORD PYRAMID
SUDOKU Easy
1
6. During WWII what nickname, relating to their hair, was given to RAF officers? 7. The BBC TV drama series The Split deals with what subject matter? 8. Harry Styles, who had a UK No 1 hit in April 2022 with As It Was, used to be a member of which band? 9. Which sport originally used leather balls stuffed with feathers? 10. Which actor starred in the Johnny English films?
2 1 4 6 8 5 3 7 9
6
24
24
5 2 1 3 8 6 7 9 4
10
23
6 4 9 2 7 1 8 3 5
12
15
8 7 3 9 4 5 2 6 1
16
13
3 5 8 1 2 9 4 7 6
2
10
4 9 6 8 5 7 3 1 2
17
7
3
2 1 7 4 6 3 5 8 9
24
7 6 2 5 1 8 9 4 3
14
1 3 4 7 9 2 6 5 8
10
9 8 5 6 3 4 1 2 7
9
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
PZ1P5425
CROSS CODE
5425
33
22. You (archaic) (4) ACROSS 24. French painter (7) 1. Garden frame (7) 26. US state (5) 5. Attain (5) 29. Point in dispute (5) 8. Item of underwear (3) 30. One of three (7) 31. Scottish river (3) 9. Fix deeply in the mind (7) 32. Artistic style (5) 10. ----- Becker, 33. Refuse tennis star (5) collector (7) 11. Buddhist destiny (5) DOWN 1. Jab (5) 13. Rootstock (7) 2. More mature (5) 15. Walk through water (4) 3. Daunt (7) 17. Heavy, dull (6) 4. Ridiculous (6) 5. Jewish leader (5) 19. Decayed (6)
6. Flight terminal (7) 7. One who is past it (3-4) 12. Beer (3) 14. Brave man (4) 16. Social insects (4) 17. Vole-like rodent (7) 18. Skilled craftsman (7) 20. Sets of clothing (7) 21. Greek letter (3) 23. Warmed (6) 25. Root vegetable (5) 27. Plant tissue (5) 28. Shiny fabric (5)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Pergola; 5 Reach; 8 Bra; 9 Impress; 10 Boris; 11 Karma; 13 Rhizome; 15 Wade; 17 Leaden; 19 Rotten; 22 Thou; 24 Matisse; 26 Texas; 29 Issue; 30 Triplet; 31 Dee; 32 Genre; 33 Dustman. Down – 1 Prick; 2 Riper; 3 Overawe; 4 Absurd; 5 Rabbi; 6 Airport; 7 Has-been; 12 Ale; 14 Hero; 16 Ants; 17 Lemming; 18 Artisan; 20 Outfits; 21 Eta; 23 Heated; 25 Swede; 27 Xylem; 28 Satin.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Bolivia; 2 Train; 3 Gwyneth Paltrow; 4 Spain; 5 Rwanda; 6 The Brylcreem Boys; 7 Divorce; 8 One Direction; 9 Golf; FIVE ALIVE: 10 Rowan Atkinson. (1) Across – Laird; Clunk; Tiers. Down – Licit; Inure; Dykes. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Literal; 8 Arraign; 9 Poultry; 10 Overact; 11 Ease off; (2) Across – Zilch; Sorel; Yodel. Z E T F K M R W C A G O L 12 Formosa; 14 Melissa; 18 Limeade; 20 Moraine; 21 Vagrant; 22 Down – Zesty; Lurid; Halal. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Respite; 23 Leander. P S X H U N Y J V B I D Q Down – 1 Lapse of memory; 2 Truism; 3 Ratio; 4 Lay off; 5 NONAGRAM: airer; arrive; artier; irate; pair; peatier; Arrears; 6 Mikado; 7 Initial letter; 13 Aspirin; 15 Lyrist; 16 A level; peri; pervier; pier; pietà; pirate; pratie; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU 17 Hazard; 19 Magma. amen; move; ever; private; PRIVATEER; privet; rapier; nerd. reive; reiver; repair; retie; retire; ripe; riper; rite; rive; river; rivet; riveter; tapir; terai; tier; tire; trier; trip; tripe; vair; vérité; viper.
28 | LIFE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
Sharing kindness is contagious Time for kindness
Sarah Browning
F
OR some time now I have been actively sharing stories of the kindness that exists in the world with my family, friends and colleagues. These things are happening all the time, but we don’t always hear about them. I want to shout about the things that people are doing to be kind to others. The ‘doing’ part is important because I believe that kindness is active. It’s about taking an action, doing something that will make someone else’s day brighter. You might also take
action to make your own day brighter – self-kindness is really important too. Kind thoughts are possible, and desirable. But you will only really make that difference to your friend, neighbour, family member or stranger when you take a step to action.
It’s contagious Being contagious isn’t always a good thing, as we all know only too well in 2022. But in the case of doing something nice for others, it’s a great thing that your action and the feeling it causes can be passed on. Research has shown that doing something
kind for another person is good for you as well as them. Your levels of hormones such as serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin are all raised when you have given a stranger directions, made your brother a cup of tea or helped a colleague finish their report. Studies have shown that as well as feeling better, you will be physically healthier too.
C thought of them as being about kindness. One easy way to be kind is to tell others about any kindness you see and share the positivity and joy with them. It might feel strange at first if it’s not the sort of thing you normally discuss over the dinner table or the garden fence. But the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
The great thing about acts of kindness is that they can be: • big or small; • carried out in an instant or over a longer period of time; • proactive or reactive. They can take place in just about any setting: at work, outdoors, indoors, with family, with friends, with strangers. Whatever
you choose to do, you will be making the world a kinder place for everyone. What kind actions have you taken recently? And what will you do today?
Sarah Browning is a Kindness Cheerleader. Her website is: www. timeforkindness. co.uk
Inthegarden
Be water aware in your garden
A
Cox’s Orange Pippins
UGUST is usually the month when a lot of us go on holiday and leave our gardens to fend for themselves.
A little thought before you go and some tender loving care when you return will be enough to make sure that you can go away without worrying about all of your hard gardening work going to waste. While you are away and your garden is left unattended, many of your plants may suffer due to lack of water. Make sure, before you go, you either arrange to have your containers and baskets watered, or set up a system that can supply water on a regular basis to your tubs and pots. Whatever the weather, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of saving water in your garden. You’ll be able to keep your plants alive in times of drought and if you have a water meter, it will save you money, too.
Watering top tips …
more often than heavy soils. Claybased soils can be watered less frequently, but need more water. The Royal Horticultural Society’s rule of thumb is that for plants to keep growing, up to 24 litres per sq metre every seven to 10 days is sufficient. That’s about two and a half 10 litre watering cans worth per sq metre.
Water when the time is right
Install a water butt
It’s best to water your garden in the cool of the evening or first thing in the morning if possible. Watering in the heat of the day is wasteful due to evaporation. When the sun is at its hottest around midday a significant amount of water will be lost to the air, before it can soak into the soil where it can be absorbed by the roots of your plants.
Installing at least one water butt to collect rainwater is a good start to a well-watered garden and perfect if you want to be eco friendly. It is easy to do, and if your water is on a meter it will save you a substantial sum. If you have the room, attach them to drainpipes on the house, garage, shed and greenhouse near where to your plants are growing.
Use the right amount of water
Use grey water
Light sandy soils need watering
You can use ‘grey’ water left
Helena Badger
ITIZENS Advice Wokingham support anyone locally who needs advice and support.
Where to start If you’re not sure what actions to take, a great place to start is the Random Acts of Kindness website or the Mental Health Foundation. They both have lists of things you can do to be kind, from asking how shop staff are doing to planting trees and putting out a neighbour’s bins. You will probably find that you already do some of these things but hadn’t necessarily
Volunteer corner
over from washing the dishes and hand-washing. As long as it isn’t too contaminated with food scraps and grease, and doesn’t contain bleach, it is safe to use on plants.
Mulch your flower beds Putting down a 3cm-10cm-deep layer of mulch through your borders and between crops on the veg plot is one of the top garden water saving tips. It helps the soil retain moisture, keeping roots moist and limiting the amount of evaporation. If you are growing your own fruit and veg and have trained fruit trees like espalier or cordon apples you need to prune them now. It will limit their growth and train them into shape – and they can be pruned again in the winter to remove any damaged or crowded branches and stimulate fresh growth. Some of the best varieties for
training and for smaller gardens are: Cox’s Orange Pippin, an early ripener and widely regarded as one of the tastiest of all; Braeburn, ripens midseason and the UK’s favourite eating apple; and Golden Delicious which can be used as an eating apple and for cooking. Now is the time to enjoy the sultry days of summer and as the RHS says … August is usually one of the hottest months of the year - making watering essential. Try to use grey water wherever possible, especially as water butts may be running low if it has been a dry summer. When out in the garden, take the time to prune summerflowering shrubs such as lavender once they’ve finished flowering. Top three jobs this month – prune wisteria; prune restricted form fruits such as espalier apples and pears; and dead head flowering plants regularly to encourage new blooms.
People in our communities are experiencing the cost-of-living crisis and other things that challenge them in life. That’s where our volunteers make a big difference - and you could be one of our new Trainee Advisers. Last year we helped 5,170 people find a way forward with 17,817 issues. As a Trainee Adviser you’ll be supported throughout your journey with us by our Training Manager: You’ll follow the Adviser Learning Programme, starting with an induction and some core learning After this you’ll answer phone calls from our clients to triage their issues - all with the support of our Supervisors who are available every day we’re open You’ll then continue with some further learning to embed more knowledge and put it into perspective through some of the client work you’ve already been involved with You’ll be allocated a mentor, receive a weekly briefing and have regular access to a supportive team. We’re seeing more demand than ever before, with the cost of living crisis really making more people struggle with making ends meet. Our core areas of help include benefits, debt, housing, employment and relationships & family - you’ll learn more about them and have access to information and tools on each of these topics. n At First Days we give choice, restore dignity and empower families who are living with a low income or are experiencing financial hardship. We are looking for an IT Support volunteer to enable First Days Charity to make best use of IT equipment and software in use and donated and to resolve any technical issues. You will be responsible for: checking and resetting donated IT equipment ensuring it is working properly and fit for use by families First Days Charity supports, troubleshooting and resolving IT problems encountered at any of the Charity’s locations, arranging, troubleshooting and advising on mobile connectivity, provide advice on the selection of hardware and software that will meet the First Days Charity’s needs, both now and for the foreseeable future and mentoring team members to make the best use of the Charity’s hardware and software. n The Wokingham Borough library service is looking for a volunteer to support staff at our Finchampstead Storytime sessions. Storytime at this library is held on the third Friday of each month 10.30am-11am. We run regular Storytime sessions at a number of libraries in the borough where children listen to stories and then complete an activity. The Storytime Helper would be expected to help staff set up the Storytime area, direct buggy parking and check-in attendees. Our Storytimes are typically themed, with a craft activity held after the story. The Storytime Helper is expected to assist staff with this activity, which is often a colouring session. We are also looking for volunteers to help at Rhyme time at Finchampstead library and Rhyme time at Woodley library. We expect our volunteers to commit to regularly attending our session dates.
n These are just a few roles on our books. Please visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more about volunteering 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.
SPORT TODAY
WOKINGHAM
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LIONESSES!
04.08.22
BLACKPOOL DOESN’T ROCK FOR ROYALS
CRICKET ROUND-UP
KAREN BREAKS GB RECORD
SUMAS RECOVER TO TAKE POINT
TEAMS UP FOR THE CUP
LOUM ON LOAN: READING BOOSTS MIDFIELD READING FC have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Mamadou Loum on loan from FC Porto.
SPOILS SHARED IN OPENER
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC opened their account in the new Combined Counties Premier North season with a point against Wallingford and Crowmarsh.
Despite going behind after just two minutes in a disappointing start at Lowther Road, the Sumas fought back to get a point on the board in their season opener. Playing in front of a bumper crowd of more than 250 people at Lowther Road, club captain
Jake White made it an evening to remember as he made his return to action after being out with injury for nine months. Just five minutes into his return having come off the bench, White volleyed in the Sumas equaliser. The hosts played the rest of the
match on the front foot but were unable to grab a winner to give them the perfect start to the season. The Sumas are in FA Cup action this Saturday when they face an away trip to Ardley United. n Full football round-up and pictures on page 20
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
The 25-year-old midfielder becomes the eighth signing that the Royals have made this summer. Reading are currently unable to buy players due to being under a transfer embargo but are hoping that the restrictions will be lifted next season. Loum made a switch to FC Porto in 2019 after impressing for Braga B early in his career, as well as a loan spell at Moreirense. After making just 11 league appearances for Porto in 2019, Loum was loaned out to Spanish side Alaves for the 2021/22 season where he played 24 league games and scored two goals. The 6ft 2in midfielder also has three international caps for Senegal having made his debut for his country in 2019. Head of football operations, Mark Bowen, said: “Mamadou is a player we identified as a potential loan target early in the window and I am very pleased to now be able to welcome him to Reading. “A powerful dynamic midfield player with top-flight and international experience on his CV, I am confident he will make a big impact in blue and white hoops in the Championship this season.” Manager Paul Ince added: “We have had to put together an almost entirely new midfield this summer and Mamadou feels like an important piece in that puzzle. “Comfortable with the ball at his feet and an aerial threat in both boxes, he is a player who will battle hard from the first minute to the last with that fire in the belly you need to tackle the challenge of the Championship head on. “He was a player highly-coveted by a number of clubs, so for Mamadou to choose to join us is a real boost for everyone at the club.”
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
18
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
READING UNIT
CRICKET
Thomas Condon batting, Wokingham v Aston Rowant (batting)
Gopi Kolluru batting for Reading United 2s as they took an away win at Earley 2s Pictures: By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Home Counties Division 2
CRICKET
OAKS LOSE OUT TO NEW LEADERS
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Home Counties Premier Division 1
FINCHAMPSTEAD earned their sixth win of the league campaign with a five-wicket win at Buckingham Town. Buckingham batted first and were limited to 166 after the wickets were shared with two each for Liam Bulteel, Ollie Thilo, Guy Ashby and James Woodford. Ben Moffatt (52) and Gregory Smith (27) got Finch off to an excellent start before 48 not out from Toby Albert helped the visitors to get over the line after 43.1 overs with five wickets in reserve. WOKINGHAM dropped down to second after Aston Rowant moved into first with a win. Max Uttley performed exceptionally to take five wickets as Aston scored 180. Imran Malik top scored with 22 for the Oaks but they were skittled all out for 90 to give Aston a 90-run success.
Thames Valley Division 1
EVERSLEY took a draw in their home encounter with Cookham Dean. Three wickets each from Chris Last and Eddie Campion saw
Cookham end their innings all out on 269. Kyle Bienfeldt smacked 96 runs for Eversley but they finished on 216-7 from 52 overs as the match ended in a stalemate.
Thames Valley Division 2B
WOKINGHAM 2s remain top of the table despite suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of HURST. A stunning batting display from James Watt (103) was added to by Lewis Smith (58) and Ashley Cupido (64 not out) as they declared with a huge total of 315. Nick Reynolds collected four wickets, while Phil Higgs took three to see the Oaks all out on 151 to give Hurst a convincing 164-run success. READING boosted their position after defeating SULHAMSTEAD & UFTON by 86 runs. Reading declared on 246 after Luke Beaven had totalled a century not out. Aditya Srinavsan took an incredible six wickets to skittle the visitors all out for 160 to give Reading a comfortable win. FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s got the better of Fleet by 121 runs. Finch ended with a total of 205 after Lewis Sharp knocked 85 runs for his team. Exceptional bowling from Mark Laithwaite (5-19) and Michael O’Donoghue (4-37) helped Finch cruise to victory as Fleet were all out on 84. BINFIELD lost out at home to Royal Ascot by 67 runs.
Joe Sculley scored 46 not out for Binfield in their run chase but they fell short after being bowled out for 184 in the second innings.
Thames Valley Division 3A
SONNING took a seven wicket win over WHITE WALTHAM to put them up to second place. In a high scoring affair, Dan Molly hit 130 not out for White Waltham as they finished with 334. But Sonning managed to excel in the second innings with an astonishing batting display, losing just three wickets on their way to surpassing the total as Zahid Mohammed (86*) and Gift Kwatsha (75 not out) got them over the line. WARGRAVE 2s won by 96 runs in their game against THEALE & TILEHURST. Wicket keeper Matthew Townson knocked 86 runs for Wargrave, while four wickets from Tom Walker saw Wargrave take the points.
Thames Valley Division 4A
WOKINGHAM 3s are in second position after their home triumph against Taplow. Taplow ended on 148 runs, while the Oaks scored 152 from 31.3 overs to take the game. FINCHAMPSTEAD’s match with Thatcham Town 2s ended in a draw. Thatcham were all out for 269, while Finch ended on 231-9 from 48 overs.
WARGRAVE claimed 15 points in an away draw at Oxford Downs. Oxford were all out for 221 from 57.3 overs, while Wargrave ended their 52 overs on 174-9 as Euan Woods collected 86 runs. The draw puts Wargrave up to second place.
BCM Championship
WEST READING held their nerve to win by just six runs against Braywood. After a poor start, Reading recovered at the end of the order with 54 from Saqib Gulfraz to score 203. Braywood came agonisingly close but lost their final wicket after 39.2 overs, just six runs shy of the target. Salman Shahid took four wickets for West Reading. SHINFIELD added 38 points to their total with a five wicket victory over Great Kingshill. Kingshill were skittled all out on 98 which saw Noel Joseph and Satish Patil take four wickets each.
CMB Premiership
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD are in third after they overcame Braywood. Two wickets each were taken by Richard Cole, James Gibbs, Tom Stevenson and Will Wells to see Braywood finish on 140. The Bears lost six wickets on their way to victory as 33 not out from Tom Stevenson and 25 not out from Jack Narraway guided the hosts over the line.
Chilterns Division Two
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s took a 95-win run on the road at Hurley 2s. 68 runs from Matt Booth and 49 not out from Charlie Sawyer saw Emmbrook collect an impressive 226 runs. Four wickets from Toby Morgan and three from Sawyer helped the Bears to claim the win after 26 overs.
BCL Premier Division
SANDHURST boosted their total by 38 points with a 69-run success over Stratfield Turgis. Narandra Gogna totalled 66 runs which saw Sandhurst record 215 from 40 overs. An incredible bowling performance from Jason Wiseman (6-26) helped Sandhurst bowl their opponents all out on 146. SHINFIELD 2s lost out away at Woodcote by 78 runs. Om Solanki bowled tremendously to take five wickets for Shinfield, but they were all out on 96 in the second innings. WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE won on their travels to WEST READING 2s.
BCL Division 1A
READING UNITED are top of the table after they cruised to a nine wicket win over Stallions. A five-wicket haul from Omar Khalid for Reading United saw Stallions all out on 118. Deepto Nag smashed a half century not out, while Abhi Joshi (29 not out) saw Reading over the line in a comfortable win. READING LIONS are second in the table after they defeated BERKSHIRE ROYALS. Opening batsman Fasul Nufail
SPORT TODAY
WOKINGHAM
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LIONESSES!
04.08.22
BLACKPOOL DOESN’T ROCK FOR ROYALS
CRICKET ROUND-UP
KAREN BREAKS GB RECORD
SUMAS RECOVER TO TAKE POINT
TEAMS UP FOR THE CUP
LOUM ON LOAN: READING BOOSTS MIDFIELD READING FC have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Mamadou Loum on loan from FC Porto.
SPOILS SHARED IN OPENER
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC opened their account in the new Combined Counties Premier North season with a point against Wallingford and Crowmarsh.
Despite going behind after just two minutes in a disappointing start at Lowther Road, the Sumas fought back to get a point on the board in their season opener. Playing in front of a bumper crowd of more than 250 people at Lowther Road, club captain
Jake White made it an evening to remember as he made his return to action after being out with injury for nine months. Just five minutes into his return having come off the bench, White volleyed in the Sumas equaliser. The hosts played the rest of the
match on the front foot but were unable to grab a winner to give them the perfect start to the season. The Sumas are in FA Cup action this Saturday when they face an away trip to Ardley United. n Full football round-up and pictures on page 20
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
The 25-year-old midfielder becomes the eighth signing that the Royals have made this summer. Reading are currently unable to buy players due to being under a transfer embargo but are hoping that the restrictions will be lifted next season. Loum made a switch to FC Porto in 2019 after impressing for Braga B early in his career, as well as a loan spell at Moreirense. After making just 11 league appearances for Porto in 2019, Loum was loaned out to Spanish side Alaves for the 2021/22 season where he played 24 league games and scored two goals. The 6ft 2in midfielder also has three international caps for Senegal having made his debut for his country in 2019. Head of football operations, Mark Bowen, said: “Mamadou is a player we identified as a potential loan target early in the window and I am very pleased to now be able to welcome him to Reading. “A powerful dynamic midfield player with top-flight and international experience on his CV, I am confident he will make a big impact in blue and white hoops in the Championship this season.” Manager Paul Ince added: “We have had to put together an almost entirely new midfield this summer and Mamadou feels like an important piece in that puzzle. “Comfortable with the ball at his feet and an aerial threat in both boxes, he is a player who will battle hard from the first minute to the last with that fire in the belly you need to tackle the challenge of the Championship head on. “He was a player highly-coveted by a number of clubs, so for Mamadou to choose to join us is a real boost for everyone at the club.”
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
20
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
Wokingham & Emmbrook v Wallingford Pictures: Andrew Batt
FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
OFF THE MARK: WHITE HITS STUNNING EQUALISER ON INJURY RETURN AS SUMAS OPEN SEASON WITH DRAW By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC captain Jake White marked his return from a long injury layoff with a goal in the Sumas’ opening league game.
Hosting Wallingford on Saturday, in their opening game of the 2022/23 league season in Combined Counties Premier North at Lowther Road, the Sumas made a slow start. They went behind just two minutes into the match when Kyreece Martei
netted for the visitors. Returning to make his first appearance since November, when he picked up a serious injury, White entered the match and made an immediate impact when he struck a thunderous volley into the top corner to equalise. Eliot Whitehouse’s side had chances to snatch all three points late on when Jack Webb got on the end of Curtis’ cross but narrowly missed the target. Sumas goalkeeper Sean Woodward made an excellent
save near the death to ensure that the hosts took a point. Ahead of their second season in the Isthmian South Central, Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers have bolstered their squad at BINFIELD FC. Taylor Morgan has signed for the Moles after making a positive impact in pre-season, while Lewis Pegg has joined after his loan deal from Slough at the back end of last season and Connor Holland has also signed. The Moles begin their 2022/23 league campaign away
at Ashford Town on Saturday, August 13. WOODLEY UNITED completed their pre-season campaign with a double header on Saturday at Scours Lane. First up they faced Slough Heating Laurencians as the match ended in a 2-2 stalemate. The Kestrels played against Holmer Green in their second game. Woodley kick off their season at home on Saturday against Spartans Youth. EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA also begin their league
campaign in Combined Counties Division one this weekend with an away trip against London Samurai Rovers. BERKS COUNTY start their Combined Counties Division One season at home to Molesey FC at Hill Farm Lane. The Swords have announced that they have signed Shaun Wyllie, Harry Lee, Clive, Tom Henry and Matt Hill ahead of the new season. READING YMCA shared a 2-2 draw with Kintbury Rangers
Development in their most recent pre-season test. In a game between two Bracknell & District Sunday League teams, SF7 got the better of BAS FC in a 4-3 win with a brace from Lloyd Jacques and goals from Ellis Day and Joel Day. S4K BERKS COUNTY LADIES begin their pre-season preparations this weekend when they face ASCOT UNITED RESERVES at the Racecourse.
SPORT | 21
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk FOOTBALL
FOOTBALL
BLAKER’S CUP TOURNAMENT RAISES MORE THAN £10,000
By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today A charity football tournament has seen more than £10,000 has been raised to support the research into treatment for Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
Sunday saw the return of the Blaker’s Cup for the third time, a football tournament and fundraising event held in memory of Ollie Blake-Brennan who passed away in 2011 at the age of 16. The event is held every five years but had to be postponed until 2022 due to the pandemic.
In all, 400 spectators watched 220 players in 30 teams battle it out in over 100 matches to take home the Blaker’s Cup. The event was held at the ground of Eversley & California FC. Fittingly, the team of Ollie’s cousin, Brandon Jules, took home the trophy after winning the final on penalties. Ollie’s parents, Doris and Andrew Blake-Brennan were in attendance and presented the Blaker’s Cup to the winning team. Brandon said: “I am so proud to be able to raise the Blaker’s Cup as 2022 winners, it was a great day of football and fun with
friends and family.” The day saw local food vendors Jeco Bowl and Unholy Donuts support the event and donate 30% of their profits. A raffle with 30 items valued at £2,000 and a live auction of football tickets, a private boat trip and signed memorabilia brought in a significant sum for the cause. Across the event and the Just Giving page, which still has donations rolling in, the target of £10,000 has been surpassed. Money raised is to be donated to support the research, awareness and treatment of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
Ollie attended The Emmbrook School and had played for Finchampstead Football Club from a young age. A statement on Ollie’s JustGiving donation page reads: “The mission was to bring all the family and friends who loved him together to enjoy one of his passions, football.” George Evans, member of the Blaker’s Cup Committee said: “We set out in 2011 to organise an event to remember our friend who had just passed away and raise some money for charity. “Today the Blaker’s Cup
is a major fundraising event with increasing support within the local community and further afield. “We are thankful to everyone that helped us in running the event for the third time, particularly Eversley Sports Association for providing the venue. “We look forward to inviting everyone back for the fourth iteration in 2026, 15 years after the passing of Ollie.”
n For more information or to donate, visit: https://www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ blakers-cup
RUGBY UNION
HAYHOW REFLECTS ON SUCCESSFUL FIRST SEASON Spencer Hayhow in action
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
ACTION-PACKED young Rams hooker Spencer Hayhow admits he learnt a lot during his first highly successful season in adult rugby.
The former London Irish Academy star was named Titans (2nd XV) Coaches’ Player of the Year following an outstanding campaign, while he also went onto skipper Berkshire Under 20s to the runners-up prize in Division Two of the Jason Leonard County Championship. He also impressed for the senior side before they were edged out by neighbours Oxfordshire in Division Three of the Bill Beaumont equivalent, but Hayhow was still happy with how things went.
He explained: “I learnt a lot – there’s a big difference playing any level of men’s rugby compared to Under 18s – but it was very enjoyable. “It was a nice touch to collect the Coaches’ Award
at the end of the season, I wasn’t really expecting to get anything. “The fact the coaches recognised the hard work I’d put in and rewarded me for that was lovely.” Reflecting on his county
efforts, he continued: “Berkshire has been a big part of my rugby from the first chance you can have to play for them in the age groups. “Being able to captain the Under 20s and go to two
finals – one as a skipper and the other as a player – was a great feeling.” With Rams’ pre-season tour to Dublin a fortnight away and the start of the National One campaign looming quickly into sight, Hayhow revealed his targets as he looks to build on his game. He ended: “I want to help the squad as much as possible, wherever I can and doing whatever, whether it’s fetching balls, performing on the pitch, I just want to help us improve. “I want to try and keep developing as one of the new, modern front rows who aren’t just ball carriers but actually people who can get over the ball defensively and be a bit more mobile round the park.”
FUTSAL
TEMAS TO COMPETE IN THIS YEAR’S WOMEN’S FA CUP
Woodley United Ladies Pictures Andrew Batt FIVE local teams will be competing in this year’s 2022/23 Vitality Women’s FA Cup.
This year’s contest will commence on Sunday, September 11, with the first qualifying round as there will be no preliminary round in this season’s competition. 438 clubs will battle out to compete for the prize which will be lifted in the final at Wembley Stadium in May. Southern Region Women’s Football League teams EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA, WOODLEY UNITED and CAVERSHAM UNITED will be in the competition. Woodley compete in the Southern Region Women’s Premier Division. They are looking to build on what was a tough campaign in the 2021/22 season. The Kestrels finished in ninth place after winning one of their 16 league matches but are seeking to come back stronger for the upcoming campaign. Caversham compete in Thames Valley Division One and finished in sixth place last season. They totalled 23 points from 16 matches with seven wins, two draws and seven defeats. South Region Women’s Football League Premier Division side Ascot United will enter the competition in the second qualifying round after receiving a bye from the first-round. Women’s Super League side READING will begin their campaign in this year’s FA Cup in the fourth-round. The Royals reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 2019, but lost out in a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to West Ham United.
READING TO BENEFIT FROM INTERNATIONAL FUTSAL PARTNERSHIP READING Royals Futsal Club have announced a new partnership with Four Zero Futsal, an international Futsal service provider from New Zealand.
The partnership comes with a range of benefits for the Royals, including access to new talent ahead of the 2022-23 FA National Futsal Series. Richard Oxley, Royals Secretary and Men’s Team Manager, explains the benefit of this exciting new
partnership. Oxley said: “The immediate benefit of this partnership is a massive injection of international futsal experience into our Men’s squad. “We are really excited to welcome Jordi Ditfort, Logan Wisnewski and Kyle Wisnewski to the club, all current members of the New Zealand Men’s Futsal squad.” Ditfort and the Wisnewski brothers join the
Royals from New Zealand club-side, the Waikato Rapids. Collectively the trio bring 195 club appearances and 95 goals between them. The young trio also bring the experience of 19 international appearances and six international goals. Oxley continued: “We are also excited to welcome Sam Masterson to the club as our new Men’s Head Coach. “Sam is a specialist futsal
coach from New Zealand and will allow Brayden to focus on playing.” Masterson also join from the Waikato Rapids. Following this success, Masterson was named 2020 New Zealand Futsal Coach of the Year. As well as access to international futsal talent, the partnership with Four Zero Futsal will also bring a specialist futsal service provider to Berkshire. New Royals signing, Kyle
Wisnewski, founded Four Zero Futsal to support the development of futsal. The ethos of Four Zero Futsal is to work with schools and clubs to deliver quality futsal programmes and create futsal pathways. Fellow Royal and New Zealand international, Brayden Lissington has joined Wisnewski as a director of Four Zero UK. n To get involved. please contact: info@royalsfutsal. co.uk
Slough Town Ladies v Woodley United Ladies
22 | SPORT
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
How they rated
JOE LUMLEY
Made some very important stops on his Royals debut. Made a fabulous save to keep out Bowler but could do nothing with the rebound.
ANDY YIADOM
Lead by example at the back after dropping in as a third centreback following the injury to Sam Hutchinson. Solid as usual.
TOM MCINTYRE
Nearly created a goal for Junior Hoilett when he put the ball across the face of goal only for Hoilett’s shot to fall in the keeper’s arms.
TOM HOLMES
Had a half chance at goal when he struck a volley over the bar. Wasn’t tested too often but looked assured when he was called upon.
NESTA GUINESS-WALKER A tough debut for the young full-back. Gave the ball away on two occasions, one of which led to Blackpool hitting the post.
JUNIOR HOILETT
Filled in well at right-wing back which is far from his natural position. Had a great chance to score but his shot went straight to the goalkeeper.
TYRESE FORNAH
Another Royals debutant; Struggled in the first-half as Blackpool had more control, but improved as the game went on.
JEFF HENDRICK
Wasn’t his greatest game. Couldn’t get a hold of the midfield in the first-half, but like Fornah, improved as the match progressed.
OVIE EJARIA
Couldn’t make much of an impact as his decision making in the final third let him down. Taken off for Shane Long late in the game.
TOM INCE
Played well in what was a difficult atmosphere. Determined to win the ball back and created an excellent chance for himself.
YAKOU MEITE
Looked isolated up top at times as he was played in a central role in Lucas Joao’s absence. Had a few chances but snatched at them.
SUBS: SHANE LONG Was only given seven minutes of game time given his lack of match fitness. It wasn’t given long enough to make any significant impact.
8 7 6 6
Reading goalkeeper Joe Lumley
Ovie Ejaria in action at the Select Car Leasing Stadium against Blackpool last season Pictures: Steve Smyth
CHAMPIONSHIP
ROYALS MADE SICK BY SEASIDERS 4 IN OPENING DAY DEFEAT 6 5 5 5 7 5 5
BLACKPOOL 1 READING 0 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING began their 2022/23 Championship campaign with defeat as Callum Connolly’s ninth minute strike proved to be the difference in Blackpool.
With four debutants in the starting 11, a new-look Royals team made a disappointing start when the hosts pounced on a rebound following Joe Lumley’s strong save. Reading had chances to respond in the second-half but couldn’t find a cutting edge as they were beaten at Bloomfield Road. Reading lined up for their first game of the new Championship season with four debutants as Joe Lumley, Nesta Guiness-Walker, Tyrese Fornah and Jeff Hendrick were all named in the starting eleven. Missing Sam Hutchinson through injury, captain Andy Yiadom reverted as a third centreback while Junior Hoilett dropped in at right wing-back. Lucas Joao missed out through injury as did Femi Azeez, Dejan Tetek.and Scott Dann. That meant that Yakou Meite, who netted four goals in preseason, was given the nod up top, while Shane Long was only fit enough for a place on the bench.
With plenty of change at Reading, their opening day hosts have endured the same after previous boss Neil Critchley left his post to join Steven Gerrard’s coaching team at Aston Villa. Michael Appleton was appointed as Blackpool’s new boss to begin his second spell in charge at Bloomfield Road. Hoilett had to make an early intervention at the back when he headed away a dangerous whipped cross before Blackkpool won the first corner of the day after four minutes. The hosts had the first shot on goal when Josh Bowler tested Joe Lumley who got across to his near post with a smart stop to push the ball behind. The Royals keeper then caught the cross from the resulting corner and burst his team into life on the counter attack with a quick throw that saw Tom Ince, Hoilett and Yakou Meite combine to threaten Blackpool’s back line. Just 10 minutes into the contest, Blackpool took the lead. Lumley made an excellent initial save when he pushed away Bowler’s volley, but he could do nothing about the follow up which dropped for Callum Connolly who fired the ball in. Needing to find a response after going behind early, Ince stole possession from Blackpool on the halfway line and created an opportunity for himself when he burst towards goal and saw his effort deflected behind for a
corner. A chance came the way of Meite after Jeff Hendrick rolled the ball onto the Ivorian’ left boot, but he scuffed his shot which was comfortably collected by Daniel Grimshaw. Tom Holmes hit a volley over the bar after the ball fell invitingly for him following Guiness-Walker’s cleared cross. The half came to a close with neither side creating too much in the way of finding a second goal of the afternoon in the final 15 minutes of the opening 45. Reading survived an early scare in the second-half when GuinessWalker surrendered possession cheaply on the edge of his box to Bowler who cut inside and from
Match stats Blackpool: Grimshaw, Connolly, Ekpiteta, Williams Thompson, Virtue, Fiorini, Carey, Bowler, Yates, Madine Subs: Moore, Dougall, Lavery, Hamilton, Corbeanu, Lubala, Thorniley Reading: Lumley, Yiadom (c), McIntyre, Holmes, Guinness-Walker, Hoilett, Hendrick, Fornah, Ejaria, Ince, Meite Subs: Bouzanis, Abrefa, Clarke, Leavy, Scott, Long, Ehibhationmhan Goals: Connolly 9’
eight years out his shot kissed the inside of the post before Lumley clutched the rebound. Just moments later, the Royals came inches away from equalising. Grimshaw came up with two quick saves, first stopping Tom McIntyre’s shot and then he claimed Hoilett’s effort from inside the six-yard bon. Reading thought they would have the chance for a strike at goal when Ince was hacked down outside the area only for the referee to wave play on much to the bemusement of the visiting players, staff and supporters. A quickly taken free-kick led to a chance for Hoilett but his chances were scuppered by a tame shot that was held by the keeper. Ince made his first switch with just under 10 minutes to go as Shane Long came on to replace Ejaria as the Royals searched for a leveller. When Holmes flicked on a corner into the six yard box it looked poised for a blue and white hooped shirt to tap in, but there was no one positioned to finish from close range. The away team pushed for a late leveller throughout the five minutes of injury time, but Blackpool held on to claim the points. Reading host Cardiff City next Saturday in their first home game of the campaign. The Bluebirds started their season with an impressive home win over promotion favourites
SPORT | 23
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Thursday, August 4, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
REACTION
‘IF WE PLAY LIKE THAT IN THE NEXT 45 GAMES, I’LL BE HAPPY’ SAYS GAFFER
By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today
READING FC manager Paul Ince was keen to take plenty of positives despite an opening day defeat to Blackpool.
Callum Connoly’s goal in the ninth minute gave Blackpool all three points at Bloomfield Road, but Ince was satisfied with his team’s performance and believes they deserved more. “We were a bit passive in the first 10 or 15 minutes and conceded a silly goal. “Joe (Lumley) makes a great save but we didn’t get to the second ball. “Last year we probably would have capitulated with that but we didn’t and there was only one team that looked like they were going to win the game. “I thought we were excellent in the second-half, but things didn’t drop for us. “Anybody who watched today would have felt we deserved something from the game. “It’s hard to take positives when you lose, but I’ve taken lots of them. “Sometimes we need to analyse what we see. Yids playing rightsided centre-half, Junior playing right-wing-back, a young kid at left-wing-back. “The performance was encouraging. If we perform like that in the next 45 games, I will be happy.”
Reading FC manager Paul Ince The Royals had just one senior outfield player on the bench as Shane Long came on with seven minutes left in the contest. Ince continued: “We had Shane Long who has done only one week’s training and the young lads so you can see where we are. “We don’t have strength in depth.
“Considering that, the performance they put in was immense and I’m proud of them. “The system worked well and we got joy. We caused Blackpool a lot of problems. “The left-backs we’re looking at are either on loan or not in contract. “You don’t want 10 loan players
as you lose the spirit and the core of what we showed today. Financially we can’t do a lot, we’re fishing from the bottom of the pond. “Nesta is still young and learning so he’ll grow. We need a left-back, a midfielder and a striker, but maybe I’m being greedy.” The Royals boss also provided an injury update to sevaral key players in his squad. With four debutants in the side, Reading were without experienced heads such as Lucas Joao, Scott Dann and Sam Hutchinson. “Scott Dann will be on the training ground outside next week but he’s two or three weeks away,” said Ince. “Lucas (Joao) is also two or three weeks away and Hutch (Sam Hutchinson) could also be two or three weeks away.” The Royals, who faced several big injury challenges last season, have been dealt another blow as Femi Azeez is set for another spell on the sidelines. Ince continued: “Femi pulled his hamstring yesterday and is out for six to eight weeks. “He’s had a fantastic pre-season and has looked really good but training outside yesterday he did his hamstring and is now out for six to eight weeks. “We go again, I don’t want to be too downbeat about it. What you see here today is what you’re going to get next week.
INTERVIEW
Holmes ‘disappointed’ by downgrade
By Ji-Min Lee lee@wokingham.today
TOM Holmes has expressed his disappointment at Reading FC Academy’s recent downgrade to Category Two status.
The team failed its audit earlier this year and will now play in the Professional Development League. Holmes joined the club’s youth set-up at eight years-old, playing at every age-group before making his first team debut in 2018. He said: “I was disappointed, I can’t lie, when I found out about [the downgrade], more because of the relationship I have with the coaches, who will be disappointed, and also with young players coming through now. “It’s disheartening for them, especially lads that have just signed and have been promised a better standard of games, and better standard in general around the place. “It’s disappointing, but luckily I came through at the right time.”
Hometown favourite Tom Holmes was left disappointed by Reading Academy’s downgrade to Category Two status. The centre-half joined the club at the age of eight. Picture: Steve Smyth The decision was made by the Professional Game Board after the club reportedly failed its audit. According to The Training Ground Guru, issues such as
understaffing and facilities not being fully open were contributing factors. The Royals have boasted Category One since the inception of the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan in 2012. A statement released by the club stated owner Mr Dai was committed to running the Academy at the “very highest standard” and that the club would be reapplying for top status this year. Holmes expressed his gratitude for the support the Academy has afforded him, saying: “It’s made me everything I am really. I’ve got everything to owe them. “They’ve put everything on a plate and I’ve made the most of it, and it’s not just me, a lot of players have benefited from the system.” The club’s newly-appointed vice-captain highlighted the role senior players will play in the development of Reading’s emerging talents. “I’m stepping into more of a senior role so it’s something that
I’ve definitely taken on board with the likes of Kelvin [Ehibhationham] and [Kelvin] Abrefa and any younger lads looking to push in,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot, and I know [McIntyre] has learned a lot, from the senior boys so it’s invaluable really.” Holmes is keen to use the bond he and his fellow Academy graduate McIntyre share with the Reading faithful. The centre-half hopes to repay the fans’ support with positive performances on the pitch. He said: “I’ve had a lot of time to reflect over the summer on where I am and there was a good project offered to me here. “I know what I want to become here, I know who I can become and the role I can play, so it’s just [a case of] working towards that.” “I’ve got a lot of love from Reading fans these last couple of years and they can really relate to the likes of me and [Tom McIntyre] living out their dreams. It really is special.”
PREVIEW
ROYALS TO HOST BLUEBIRDS IN HOME OPENER
Junior Hoilett in action against Cardiff City READING FC host Cardiff City on Saturday in their first home match of the 2022/23 Championship season. The Royals suffered a 1-0 defeat away at Blackpool on the opening day, while it was a different story for the Bluebirds who made an excellent start to their campaign. Up against newly relegated Norwich City, who are favourites to win promotion back to the Premier League, Cardiff earned an impressive victory. Romaine Sawyers marked his Cardiff debut with a goal, which proved to be the only goal of the contest, in the 49th minute. Steve Morison’s team were reduced to 10 players in the 73rd minute when Perry Ng was sent off, but the teams were levelled up in the 85th minute when Grant Hanley was dismissed for Norwich. After the fracas of two red cards in the closing stages, Cardiff managed to survive to hold on to all three points to make a perfect start to the season. Morison was appointed as Cardiff bos in October 20231 following the sacking of Mick McCarthy. He led the Bluebirds to an 18th place finish in the 2021/22 season on 53 points. But there have been reinforcements throughout the summer, mostly in the form of free transfers. A face that will be familiar among Reading fans is Andy Rinomohta, who left the Royals this summer to join Cardiff on a free transfer. Joining Rinomhota in the Cardiff rankshas been Sheyi Ojo from Liverpool, Mahlon Romeo from Millwall, Callum O’Dowda from Bristol City, Ryan Allsop from Derby County and Ebou Adams.
24 | SPORT
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 4, 2022
Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week
WINDOWS
DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
ATHLETICS
KAREN SETS RECORD ON WORLD STAGE Karen competing in Finland
By Guest Contributor sport@wokingham.today READING Athletics Club master w40 athlete Karen Burles has broken the GB 200m record at the World Masters Championships.
Competing in Tampere, Finland, Karen raced exceptionally to take the bronze medal while she set a new GB 200m record. As well as being a mother to three children, Karen is the owner of Elite Conditioning and has just returned from her first ever World Masters Athletics Championships. Having rejoined the athletics world back in 2019 Karen started training with her old club Reading AC and coach Nathan. Following a short winter training she became Double GB indoor w40 60m and 200m champion in 2020. Karen continued to train throughout all the lockdowns to keep her fitness intact and in 2021, full access meant she could go back to full training. Competing in the w40 age category and competing as the eldest at 45, her focus turned to chasing times and not people. Just weeks before Karen became double GB w40 outdoor Champion over 100m and 200m In a gruelling three rounds of competition and each round did not disappoint as she finished second in the heats with 12.69, third in the semi-finals with 12.51 and fifth in the final with 12.76. After some treatment on a hip flexor strain picked up days before travelling to Tampere, she turned
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Blackpool 1-0 Royals
Pre-season friendlies Bracknell Town 4-2 Reading U23s Guildford City 1-3 Sumas Hanworth Villa v Reading City Met Police 3-1 Binfield
Home Counties Division 2 Oxford Downs (221 all out) drew Wargrave (174-9) BCM Championship Braywood (197 all out) lost to West Reading (203 all out) Shinfield (99-5) beat Great Kingshill (98 all out) CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood (144-6) beat Braywood 2s (140 all out)
Karen Burles in action at the World Championships Pictures: Jonty Mitchell
Karen collects her medal on the podium A proud moment for Karen
her attention to the 200m race. In the heats, she earned second place and an automatic place into the semi finals in a huge lifetime PB of 25.54 and a new W40 200m British record. The wind turned the next day and after a very tough semi final Karen made it through to the finals with a non favourable lane one draw in the final despite having ran the second fastest time in the world.
She came off the bend in eighth place but used her speed endurance to pull through into bronze medal position. Just three days before she turned 45, Karen proudly stepped onto the world championship podium collecting her bronze medal as new British record holder. Karen said: “To say I am over the moon isn’t enough and still now it is all sinking in. “I think it might take a while.
FORMER READING FC PLAYERS FEATURE AS ENGLAND WOMEN WIN EURO 2022
The Lionesses etched themselves into the record books by being crowned as the European Champions in front of a record breaking crowd of more than 87,000 at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Reading born Fran Kirby, who attended Maiden Erlegh school, scored England’s fourth goal in the Lionesses 4-0 win in the semi-finals against Sweden. Kirby started every game in the tournament including the final before she was taken off in the second-half. Goalkeeper Mary Earps who enjoyed a sensational tournament and conceded just two goals in the entire competition spent two years with the Royals. Earps played 34 games
Saturday, July 30
CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Buckingham Town (166 all out) lost to Finchampstead (169-5) Wokingham (90 all out) lost to Aston Rowant (180 all out)
EURO 2022
TWO former Reading FC players featured as England Women made history by winning Euro 2022.
RESULTS
league games for Reading from 2016-2018 before moving to German giants Wolfsburg. She is now the number one goalkeeper for both England and Manchester United. Kirby, who was born in Reading, rose up through the youth ranks with the Royals. She joined the club at age seven and made her senior debut for Reading at 16. Kirby, who also attended local school Maiden Erlegh, burst onto the scene in Reading’s first team and scored a remarkable 68 goals in 42 league appearances for the Royals. She moved to Chelsea in 2015 and netted 54 goals in 85 games for the Blues. Kirby has won a plethora of honours during her career including two PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year Awards, four WSL titles and
three FA Cups. Speaking after the final, Kirby said: “I can’t put into words how I feel. I’m super proud of everyone who has eben part of this journey; the team, the staff members, everyone who has contributed to us being here, it’s all for them. “It was a really tough game. Germany are an amazing team with some amazing players and we knew it would be tough but we got there in the end. “It’s horrible sitting on the bench because all you can do is hope that the girls are going to pull through but they did that and the girls that came on massively helped and I’m proud to be part of this journey. “Hopefully we can take this into the league and generate the crowds and get people interested in women’s football.”
“I dared to dream and achieved the unthinkable.” “One huge motivator is obviously my children, to inspire them to dare to dream and achieve the unthinkable in whatever they want in life. “But also it’s my work and clients, I’ve lived breathed fitness since my early teens. Health & fItness is my passion and I am lucky enough to live my passion through my work.”
BOWLS
WOKINGHAM LADIES SECURE VICTORY AFTER a very closely fought friendly match on Tuesday, Wokingham ladies came out on top by 45-44 against ladies from Three Mile Cross, winning on only one rink out of three.
Wokingham Thames Valley Ladies were not so lucky as they were narrowly beaten by Desborough Bluebells 50-52. Wokingham Ladies Oakapples secured an eight-point win over Sunningdale, winning on two of the three rinks 25-7, 17-15, 18-22. At an evening mixed match against Hurst, Wokingham came out top 86-65 after drawing on two rinks, 14-14 and 15-15. The Kennet LV League Wokingham ‘C’ team had a hard fought match against Crowthorne, with results of 20-12, 13-19 and 15-18, resulting in an overall match result of Wokingham ‘C’ 48 shots to Crowthorne RBL 49 shots. Prospect Park Bowls Club were defeated by Thatcham B at home 12-2. Prospect’s KLV A team beat Caversham B with a handsome scoreline of 10-0. Meanwhile, Prospect’s KLV B team beat Island Bohemian with an equally impressive 10-0 score. Maiden Erlegh hosted Wokingham B and earned a win 100-43 shots, boosting overall shot difference, and 12-2 on points. MEBC still have their noses in front at the top of the division.
Tuesday, August 2 FOOTBALL Combined Counties Premier North Sumas 1-1 Wallingford & Crowmarsh
FIXTURES
Saturday, August 6 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Royals v Cardiff City
Combined Counties Premier North Ardley United v Sumas Combined Counties Division One Woodley United v Spartans Youth London Samurai Rovers v Eversley & California Berks County v Molesey Pre-season friendly Hamworthy United v Binfield CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division Finchampstead v Henley High Wycombe v Wokingham Home Counties Division 2 Wargrave v Harefield
BCL Premier Division Sandhurst (215-7) beat Stratfield Turgis (146 all out) West Reading 2s (109 all out) lost to Waltham St Lawrence (110-4) Woodcote (174 all out) beat Shinfield 2s (96 all out)
BCM Championship Ballinger Waggoners v Shinfield Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Holmer Green
BCL Division 1A Checkendon (236 all out) lost to Earley (296-5) Reading Lions (151-3) beat Berkshire Royals (150 all out) Reading United (119-1) beat Stallions (118 all out)
BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames v West Reading 2s Shinfield 2s v Sandhurst Waltham St Lawrence v Woodcote Welford Park v Farley Hill
BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (141 all out) lost to Rangers (144-5) Earley 2s (127 all out) lost to Reading United 2s (293-9) Stallions 2s (124 all out) lost to Farley Hill 2s (129-3) Warfield (230-3) beat Shinfield 3s (228 all out) Woodley (241-9) beat Twyford and Ruscombe (208-9) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (216-7) drew Cookham Dean (269 all out) Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield (184 all out) lost to Royal Ascot (251-9) Hurst (315-4 dec) beat Wokingham 2s (151 all out) Reading (246-6 dec) beat Sulhamstead & Ufton (160 all out) Finchampstead 2s (205-5) beat Fleet (84 all out) Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham (334-7) lost to Sonning (337-3) Wargrave 2s (267 all out) beat Theale & Tilehurst (171 all out)
CMB Premiership Hurley v Emmbrook and Bearwood
BCL Division 1A Earley v Reading United Silchester v Reading Lions Stallions v Berkshire Royals West Reading 3s v Peppard Stoke Row Thames Valley Division 1 Gerrards Cross v Eversley Thames Valley Division 2B Fleet v Hurst Wokingham 2s v Binfield Cove v Reading Sulhamstead & Ufton v Finchampstead 2s Thames Valley Division 3A Aldershot v Wargrave 2s Kidmore End v White Waltham Sonning v Windsor Thames Valley Division 5B Reading 2s v Bagshot 2s Eversley 2s v Sonning 2s Binfield 2s v Newbury Finchampstead 4s v Bracknell
Sunday, August 7 CRICKET Home Counties Women’s League Finchampstead v Moreton Binfield v Henley
Tuesday, August 9