The Wokingham Paper December 11, 2015

THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

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Your packed paper is inside

Friday, December 11, 2015 No. 34

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THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

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

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Friday, December 11, 2015 No. 34

Bikers bring joy to Barnardo’s Toy Run picture special – online and page 4

‘GIVE UP YOUR FUEL CASH’ CALL Affluent residents urged to help families eat and heat this Christmas P12 EXCLUSIVE

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2 | NEWS

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This is Wokingham.

We’re proud to cover it!

WOKINGHAM borough is a large part of Berkshire. More than 156,000 of us live here – and countless more work here too.

It’s a diverse area with pretty villages mingling with market towns and hamlets. In parts industrial, in others picturesque, it is a wonderful place to be.

The Wokingham Paper was set up to ensure that the whole borough had its own newspaper.

Our team has a mission to report on events and activities from the northernmost parts, which include parts of Henley and Cockpole Green, to the south including

CHRISTMAS

Swallowfield and Finchampstead.

In between you’ve got Twyford, Woodley and Wokingham town itself. All have their own personalities and specialities and we aim to reflect that.

Our strapline is “News with a heart for the borough” and that’s exactly what we do. We’re a truly local newspaper – we’re produced locally, printed locally and we live locally.

No one else covers Wokingham the way that we do. So if you want to reach Wokingham, we’re the place to be.

FAMILY NOTICES Share your family news in The Wokingham Paper Is there a new addition in your family?

Is your son or daughter getting married this summer?

Has someone you know recently passed their exams?

Maybe a work colleague is retiring and you would like to wish them well in the future.

Contact The Wokingham Paper to post your announcements today.

We offer a range of packages designed at helping you share your news without breaking the bank.

Send us your wedding pictures

If you’re getting married over the next few weeks, make sure you include us in your plans.

Simply send us a picture of the happy couple and tell us a little about the day and we’ll print it free of charge, when space permits.

Share your bundle of joy!

Have you heard the pitter patter of tiny feet? Has the stork brought you a special delivery? We’d love to share your good news with our readers.

Simply send us a photo of the new arrival and tell us a little about them and we’ll print it free of charge, when space permits.

For more details...

Email announcements@wokinghampaper.co.uk or, to place a paid notice, call 0118 960 6060.

THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

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GET IN TOUCH

Send your stories to: The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Call 0118 327 2662 Email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

YOUR TEAM Publisher PHIL CREIGHTON Reporter GEMMA DAVIDSON Reporter VIVIENNE JOHNSON Features SALLY BRYANT Sports editor LEWIS RUDD Sports reporter TOM CROCKER Chief sub-editor ADAM SMITH Chief photographer PAUL KING Advertising MARK MARTIN JOHN MOORE

FACEBOOK & TWITTER: WOKINGHAM PAPER © Published by Xn Media Ltd, 2015 for the people of Wokingham Borough

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 11, 2015

WINNERS

This month’s 100 Club hot tickets revealed

THE winner of this month’s 100 Club organised by Citizens Advice Wokingham has been announced as Heather Scott.

Her ticket, number 42, won £19.50.

In second place was Penny Casewell (ticket 70, £11.70 prize) and third was Louise Corbett who won £7.80 with ticket 70.

There are currently 78 members of the scheme, but more are welcomed.

John Ferguson, from Citizens Advice, said: “Tickets for the next four draws are still on sale – the next year starts on 1 May 2016.

“They now cost £4 each: one £1 entry into each of the next four monthly draws and there is no limit on how many one person can hold and the only restriction on who can buy them is that they have to be 16 years old or over, and be invited. Consider yourself, and anyone you know, invited.

“Tell everyone you know about this opportunity to win money and support a good cause at the same time.”

For more details, visit Citizens Advice’s Wokingham office in Waterford House (near Argos) or call 0118 978 7258.

EARLEY

Police warn of fines for non-resident drivers

PEOPLE who ignore parking restrictions on a road in Earley could soon find they have been fined if they leave their car there all day.

Residents in Kenton Road have complained that commuters leave their cars parked in the road all day, despite a no parking restriction between 10am and 11am.

Wonderland fun for the whole family!

A POP-UP Christmas village for children appeared in a Wokingham town centre church for one day only last weekend.

The Winter Wonderland at King’s Church in Station Road opened its doors to hundreds of families on Saturday, with a special session just for children with additional needs.

Guests were given bags with pretend money in which could be ‘spent’ on gingerbread and other treats as they made their way around the village.

And for those children who might find the noise overwhelming, a tailored session was held with the lights up and the music down so children of all abilities could enjoy the festivities.

Organiser Justine Baston said: “We had over 300 people attend and about a hundred of those were

Neighbourhood Officer PC Julie Susel said: “We did give out parking tickets in February and hoped commuters would give consideration to residents in the roads.

“There are signs along the street which warn drivers that cars cannot be parked there between the hours of 10-11 am, Monday to Friday.

“We will continue to work with the local community to ensure restrictions are met but also that safe and secure parking can be provided for commuters.”

TWYFORD

Call for anchor posts as thieves break into shed

RESIDENTS are being reminded to secure their property after a shed was broken into in Twyford earlier this week.

Between 11.30pm on Sunday and 9.10am on Monday someone forced open the shed in the rear garden of a property in Hurst Road and searched inside. It is not known whether anything was stolen.

Thames Valley Police is urging householders to keep their property secure by ensuring all doors are solid enough not to be kicked in, considering investing in lockable steel boxes or anchor posts fitted to the floor to secure tools and equipment, and to

Justine Baston, Nicki Ilbrey, Catherine Schalk and Austin Ilbrey, 6, enjoying the Winter Wonderland at King’s Church in Wokingham. Picture: Paul King

children. We’ve had a lot of good feedback.

“The session for children with special needs was a great hit with the nine families who came. They thought the

install battery or mains-operated shed alarms to prevent further break-ins.

Anyone with any information relating to this incident should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

CLUB

Art Society focus on glass painting

THE next meeting of the Wokingham Art Society will focus on how to paint on glass objects.

Max Hale will be giving a demonstration on the technique at the group’s meeting on Tuesday, December 15 at Wokingham Methodist Church in Rose Street.

The meeting starts at 7.30pm, entry is £4 for non-members. For more information call 0118 973 1556.

WOKINGHAM

Carols for everyone at festive concert

THE Forest Singers will be singing Christmas carols old and new tomorrow (Saturday) in Wokingham.

They will be performing at the town’s Methodist Church in Rose Street from 7.30pm and organisers say that the programme will include something for everyone. Tickets cost £8 and can be bought on the door.

WIN £200 FOR YOUR GROUP THE Wokingham Paper and TradeMark Windows have teamed up to present Community Cash Tokens.

The scheme is simple – cut out the tokens we’ll print each week.

Send them in to us, as many as you like, and once every two months we’ll pull one at random from the editor’s hat. One lucky group will win £200, courtesy of TradeMark Windows.

The more tokens that you and your group send in, the more chance you have of your group being picked at random.

The Community Cash Tokens are open to charities and other non-profit making groups within Wokingham borough and offer a great way of boosting your funds.

We’re able to offer Community Cash Tokens thanks to the generosity of Mark

Ashwell, managing director of TradeMark Windows.

The Wokingham Paper’s publisher Phil Creighton said: “The Community Cash Tokens were a hugely popular ingredient of The Wokingham Times, and thanks to Mark’s support for the community of Wokingham borough, we’re delighted to be able to bring them back.

“Whatever your group, charity or good cause is, Community Cash Tokens offers your supporters a fun way of helping you raise funds and awareness of your cause.

“Make sure you don’t miss an issue.”

Send your tokens to: Community Cash Tokens, The Wokingham Paper, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please note, only original tokens can be accepted.

idea was really good.

“We are planning things for the future. We do a lot of different things for families and are already thinking about Easter and even next Christmas.”

CHRISTMAS

Sing with the Mayor

THE MAYOR of Wokingham Borough will welcome the Christmas season with a performance of traditional carols next Friday – December 18.

Members of the public young and old are invited to join Mayor Cllr Parry Batth and the Berkshire Maestros South Youth Brass Band at St Paul’s Church in Reading Road from 4pm.

There will be free first-come-firstserve parking at the council offices on Shute End; at the Masonic Hall, Reading Road and at St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road.

Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Parry Batth said: “The annual Christmas carol concert is a great way to enjoy the festive season.”

LIBRARY

Young? Then this book group is for you?

A BOOK group for young adults is taking place at Wokingham Library on Monday evening.

The Generation X Book group is purely for those in their 20s and 30s to discuss the books they have been reading.

The session takes place at the library in Denmark Street between 6pm and 7pm.

To book a place call 0118 978 1368.

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WOKINGHAM PAPER

PRIZES

Hamper winner Chris Bennett with Erica Townend, director of Marting & Co in Wokingham.

Picture: Phil Creighton

Winning big with Martin & Co EVERYONE was a winner thanks to a new estate agents’ sponsorship of Wokingham’s Winter Carnival.

Peach Street agent Martin & Co supported the annual event, handing out more than 400 balloons to children and running a contest to guess how many balloons filled the company’s branded Mini.

Entrants had to make a donation to the Town Mayor’s charity, Macmillan Cancer Care.

Chris Bennett, from Reading Road, correctly guessed 173 balloons and

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To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, December 11, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

won a luxury hamper for his efforts.

Erica Townend, director of Martin & Co Wokingham, said: “The generosity of local people was just great! As a result of our ‘guess the number of balloons in the Mini’ competition, we will be making a contribution to the charity fund of the Wokingham Town Mayor of just over £100.”

“It was a pleasure to welcome the winner of our Christmas hamper competition, Chris Bennett, to our office to collect his prize.”

WOKINGHAM

CONCERT

Enjoy a wine tasting session

Singers to raise the roof

SEASONAL tipples will be on offer tomorrow (Saturday) as a wine festival returns to Wokingham.

The Town Hall in Market Place will be the venue for the event, which raises funds for the MS Society.

The event runs from 11am to 6pm and tickets cost £5 each or four for £15. Call 0118 986 2591.

THE Twyford Singers will present a celebration of the season tomorrow (Saturday).

The choir will perform Chilcott and Rutter’s celebration of carols at St Mary’s Church in Station Road from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 or £5 for concessions. For details, call 0118 901 6176.

COURT

Terror accused and wife watched jihadi video

By COURT REPORTER news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A COUPLE from Earley and Reading accused of plotting a suicide attack on London are alleged to have ‘repeatedly’ watched a jihadi martyrdom video online.

Sana Ahmed Khan, 24, from Hutton Close, and Mohammed Rehman, 27, of Radstock Road, Reading, who are standing trial at the Old Bailey, are claimed to have watched an Al Qaeda propaganda video featuring Shehzad Tanweer, one of the 7/7 bombers, according to an analysis of Ms Khan’s computer equipment.

Prosecutor Tony Badenoch QC told jurors, who were asked to watch the 31 minute video, that Rehman “knew all about Shehzad Tanweer, as

did his wife”.

He said: “This is a video which was visited a number of times on the phone of Sana Khan and also by the first defendant [Rehman] who also posted it on Twitter.”

Rehman’s posts on the social media site caught the attention of security services, where he referred to Tanweer as his ‘beloved predecessor’.

He asked his followers for help in picking a ‘target’, tweeting ‘Westfield or London Underground’ the court heard.

The jury were shown footage from a police interview conducted following his arrest in May in which he told officers he did not want to harm anyone and thought planning terrorism was “the easiest way to get into prison”.

He said: “I was going through quite

Sana Ahmed Khan and Mohammed Rehman.

a lot of problems at home, I got kicked out a few times. I didn’t have a job or anything so in all honesty I was trying to figure out the best way to get a roof over my head without causing any harm to anyone.

“I was trying to think about the perfect crime where I wouldn’t harm anyone but could end up in prison forever.

“I figured one of the easiest ways to get into prison was not to commit terror itself but instigating or talking about it online.

“I just started doing the things that people found taboo or wrong. I even tried to apply to join the army but it didn’t work out so after that it all started…

“That was why I done this, I have nothing, I can’t get a job, I have just gone to s**t, I am addicted to drugs, I want to get away from the drugs, I want to rehabilitate myself and come back to my senses.”

The couple deny preparation for acts of terrorism, and Rehman denies a second charge of possession of articles for terrorist purposes.

The trial continues.

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FOOD

Put your cooking skills to the test by joining the Supper revolution EXCLUSIVE

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

AN INNOVATIVE food delivery service which provides working people with a home-cooked meal every evening is looking to recruit new chefs.

Supper, which is the brainchild of Wokingham-born entrepreneurs Duncan Scott and Nick Bolter, started in South West London six months ago and has enjoyed great success, leading to the team deciding to expand.

Nick said: “We aim to help working people, couples and families who simply don’t have the time or maybe the ability to cook food from scratch, so we provide home-cooked meals that they can enjoy any night of the week.

“Chefs and cooks are integral to what we do, without them we have nothing.

“It doesn’t matter if they are a professional cook looking for a full-time change in career, or someone who just enjoys cooking for others in their spare time. We are looking for a variety of people who would like to work as little or as often as they like for us.”

The chefs can choose which days they are happy to cook meals, which are then picked up by delivery drivers and taken to the customers. They are never asked to cook anything specific or to do more than they are comfortable to do, offering complete flexibility.

Nick said: “What we find is that there are people out there who look to cook for their families, but always end up making too much so we give them a way to make a bit of money out of it.

“The chefs are completely supported by us, they don’t need any experience but we do ask that they have a minimum of a Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene certificate, which we can help them achieve.

“We are so excited to be launching in Wokingham, Duncan and I are both from the town so it was the logical next step for us. There’s no better place than Wokingham.”

To apply to become a Supper chef, visit supper.co.uk/our-chefs/ apply-to-be-a-chef to fill in an application form. You will then be contacted by a member of the team for a chat and to answer any questions you may have, before registering for a hygiene pack, business tools and promotional materials to help you get started. n You can send any questions to recruitment@supper.co.uk. Follow @SupperWokingham on Twitter for regular updates.

Christmas

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CRIME

Shopper has £1,500 stolen after card theft A SHOPPER at Sainsbury’s in Winnersh has been targeted by fraudsters who stole their bank card and withdrew £1,500.

At around 11am on Saturday the shopper was approached by an eastern European couple asking for directions to Oxford.

Merry

They asked the shopper to show them the way on a map, and it is believed at this point the shopper’s bank card, which was in a handbag, was stolen.

The fraudsters managed to withdraw £1,500 from the shopper’s account.

Police are warning shoppers to be wary if anyone stops you in a car park to ask for directions, and to always shield your pin number when paying for items or using an ATM machine. Call police on 101 if you have information about this incident.

*For a limited time only. Terms and conditions apply.

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ready to start this year’s Toy Run. Picture: Paul Philips

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CHRISTMAS

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Adventures in Wonderland is the inspiration for a festive play at Woodley Library. However - there’s a twist in the tale as a fairy called Tinkerbelle attempts to send Alice home. Trying to stop them is the evil Captain Hook.

The show takes place at the Headley Road library on Monday, December 21, from 2pm.

Places must be booked and cost £5. For more details or to book, call the library on 0118 969 0304.

NEWS | 5

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, December 11, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

INQUEST

SHINFIELD

‘Fit and healthy’ cyclist died along Swinley red route

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE FAMILY of the cyclist killed while riding in Swinley Forest in July said they are “humbled and honoured” that they knew him.

Mark Kingston, 50, of Aysgarth, Bracknell, was killed while cycling the red route number 26 at the popular riding destination on July 25.

An inquest into his death at Reading Town Hall on Tuesday revealed that Mr Kingston, a former company sergeant major for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), died from head and brain injuries when he was thrown from his bike on the route, which was described as ‘technical’.

Witness Andrew McGillenie, who found Mr Kingston, described in a statement the moment he came across the cyclist in the middle of the path.

He said: “There was a sweeping left corner, and as my view opened up I saw a fellow rider lying motionless in the middle of the trail. His bike was 10 to 15 yards ahead.

“I stopped and tried to get a response from him without success, he wasn’t conscious or responsive. I became aware of other people around me stopping to assist, phone calls were made to the ambulance and the forest ranger.

“The cyclist’s breathing was irregular and strained, I removed his helmet while supporting his head as it was obvious the strap was restricting his breathing.

“I noticed that the helmet was significantly damaged from an obvious impact.”

The cyclists performed CPR on Mr Kingston until the ranger, Rory Kerr, arrived and began administering oxygen until the paramedics took over at approximately 4.10pm. The crews worked for more than an hour to try to save Mr Kingston, but he was declared dead at the scene at 5.25pm.

Mark Kingston died from a ‘severe impact to the front of his head’ after falling from his bike along red route 26 in Swinley Forest.

Mr Kingston’s GP at Great Hollands Practice confirmed that he had not been on any medication at the time of his death and described the father-of-two as fit and healthy.

A post mortem carried out by Dr Robert Chapman at Wexham Park Hospital revealed a number of abrasions and extensive skull fractures with an underlying bleed to the brain. Dr Chapman noted a severe impact to the front of the head consistent with a heavy fall forward as the cause of death, and concluded that the impact probably occurred below the line of the helmet.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, the coroner Peter Bedford said that while Mr Kingston was an experienced cyclist, something unexpected must have happened to make him come off his bike.

Mr Kingston’s wife Anna, and children Courtney and Matthew said after the inquest: “We would like to thank everyone for the support shown to us over the past few months, especially from our army family.

“Mark was a great man, we had just moved back from living in Dubai for five years where he taught army skills at a school, and we received messages from some of his students saying how great he was.

“It is humbling to hear how many lives he touched, we are honoured that he belonged to us.”

Man spotted in garden Tim Hanton and Andy Slay collect food outside Waitrose’s Wokingham branch Pictures: Paul King

APPEAL

We can-can help this Christmas ALMOST 400 carrier bags worth of food has been given by kind-hearted Wokingham residents for a Christmas appeal.

The Wokingham Lions have been appealing for groceries outside two borough supermarkets over the past few weeks, with a final collection taking place this weekend.

The donated food will be given to people in the borough who need help, or would otherwise be on their own this Christmas.

Collections have taken place at Waitrose in Wokingham and Sainsbury’s Winnersh over the weekends of November 30 and

December 5-6. The final collection will be held tomorrow (Saturday) at Sainsbury’s Winnersh.

“The generosity of some people is just amazing,” said Alan Rouse, president of Wokingham Lions. “One lady gave us a whole trolley load of food. It’s just heartwarming.”

John Cleary, organiser of the Christmas collection said: “It is wonderful to see the smiles on people’s faces when they receive the food parcels.

“Many of them write thank-you notes, which are quite heart-warming.”

A HOUSEHOLDER in Shinfield came across a man trespassing in their back garden earlier this week.

At around 3.30am on Wednesday the resident heard someone trying to remove the padlock from the side gate next to the property in Westlands Avenue.

The householder then went downstairs and switched on the lights when they saw a man in the garden walking away from the house and then climb over the fences.

The man was described as black, 5’4” tall, of slim build, with a prominent jaw and aged about 30-years-old. He was wearing grey sweatpants, and a dark hoodie with bright blue stripes down the sleeves.

If you have any information regarding this incident you should call 101.

CROWTHORNE

Thieves steal six bikes

SIX bikes have been stolen from a property in Crowthorne.

Overnight Sunday (6) into Monday morning someone broke into the garage in Heathermount Drive and stole the bicycles.

Thames Valley Police is reminding residents to secure their garages, sheds and outbuildings at all times, fit strong padlocks, and secure any valuable items to an immovable object inside to deter thieves.

Anyone with any information on this incident should call 101.

SONNING

Jesse from Detroit is the new head A HARVARD University graduate will be taking over the helm at a secondary school in Sonning from next September.

Jesse Elzinga (pictured), who hails from Detroit, Michigan, has been announced as the new headteacher at Reading Blue Coat School, in Sonning Lane, to replace outgoing head Michael Windsor.

Mr Elzinga has been the Director of Studies at Harrow School since 2011, having previously held a similar post at St Edward’s School, Oxford.

He gained a BA Honours degree cum laude in Comparative Religion from

Harvard University in Massachusetts in 2001, where he captained the Varsity Lightweight Rowing team, twice winning the national championship in the eight, and is said to be excited to return to a rowing school.

He said: “I am thrilled by this opportunity to lead Reading Blue Coat School in the next phase of its history.

“The school is clearly flourishing, benefiting from superb facilities on its exquisite Thameside location, an outstanding range of extracurricular activities and personalised pastoral care.”

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6 | NEWS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 11, 2015

ST ANDREW’S

The original Father Christmas to visit church

A VISIT from St Nicholas is promised for children attending a candlelit Dickensian Christmas fayre.

St Andrew’s Church in Sonning will welcome the original Father Christmas at the event on Sunday.

In addition to the festive visitor, there will be more than 100 lit candles, 100 nativities from around the world and a 17ft Christmas tree.

The French Horn will be providing mince pies, hot punch and soft drinks while the church’s junior and senior choirs will sing carols.

Other activities include face painting, Christmas cards, baby gifts and ceramics.

The fun takes place from 2pm to 4.30pm and entry is £2 for adults and £1 for children.

All proceeds will go to the church’s community hall appeal.

COMMUNITY

Mince pies and song at Swallowfield memorial

AN OPPORTUNITY to sing Christmas carols will take place in Swallowfield on Thursday.

Residents will gather around the War Memorial at 7.30pm for a festive singalong, whatever the weather.

Afterwards, mince pies and a warming drink will be served. Everyone is welcome.

Santa with ‘elves’ Eloise, 6, and Joshua, 5, Oderberg.

EXTRAVAGANZA

Santa is the star of Woodley town show!

HUNDREDS of people packed out Woodley town centre to greet Santa at the annual Christmas Extravaganza on Sunday.

The jolly fellow stole the show when he arrived with his reindeer but there was also music, dancing, circus acts and craft, trade and charity stalls for the whole family to enjoy.

Jamie Chandler, from Sweet

A human fruit machine from the Woodley and Earley Lions, from left: Mike Tarling, Tony Milne, Peter Morten, Woodley Town Crier Tony Roper, Paul Normam and Paul Choules.

Treatz had a stall at the event. He said: “It was really good. There was a great Christmas atmosphere.

I think there must have been over a thousand people there.

“I’ve been to the event before but never taken part. It was very successful for us and I will definitely take part again.

“It’s an amazing event with lovely people and is very well organised.”

Leo Chandler, 3, with Cllr Jenny Cheng. Left: Sue and Evie, 13, Hamblin collecting for Wokingham and Bracknell Mencap.

Pictures: Phil Creighton

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7

8 | NEWS

Parish noticeboard Monday, December 14 Shinfield Parish Council Full Council Meeting. 7.30pm Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield.

Wargrave Parish Council Full Recreation and Environment Meeting. 7.45pm Old Pavilion, Recreation Road, Wargrave.

Charvil Parish Council Full Council Meeting. 8pm Charvil Village Hall, Park Lane, Charvil.

Tuesday, December 15 Woodley Town Council Plans Committee Meeting.

8pm The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley.

Wednesday, December 16 Finchampstead Main Council Meeting. 7.30pm Parish Office, Finchampstead Baptist Church Hall, Gorse Ride North, Finchampstead.

Thursday, December 17 Shinfield Parish Council Planning and Highways Meeting. 7.30pm Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield.

Saturday, December 19 Wokingham Town Council Councillors’ Surgery. 10am Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham.

Tuesday, December 22 Barkham Parish Planning Meeting. 7.30pm Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane, Barkham.

ROADWORKS

A329M sign installation SIGNS are being installed on the A329M and road closures are in place tonight and on Monday and Tuesday between 10pm and 5am.

Highways England is closing parts of the motorway and the M4 sliproads during the work and diversions will be in place.

For more details, call Highways England’s customer control centre on (0300) 123 500.

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk n A 21-year-old Wokingham man has been fined £325 and disqualified from driving for 16 months for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Elliot Hay, of Heathlands Cottage, pleaded guilty to driving over the alcohol limit on October 10 this year when he appeared at East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court on November 10.

Mr Hay was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £33, and costs of £85. n A MAN from Wokingham is due to appear in court charged with torching a caravan in Finchampstead.

Victor Bala, 39, of Nine Mile Ride, pleaded not guilty to the charge of arson when he appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 11.

The charge relates to an incident on November 1.

Mr Bala has been remanded on bail to reappear at the same court on February 16, 2016. n A MAN from Woodley has pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the door of a fast food restaurant and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

Daniel Brian Storrar, 29, of Rowan Drive, was handed a community order when he appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 12.

The charges relate to an incident on November 10 this year when Mr Storrar damaged a door to the value of £300 belonging to Jazzi Chicken Shop in Crockhamwell Road.

Mr Storrar was ordered to take part in a 30-day rehabilitation programme, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 11, 2015

From the courts

Magistrates’ Court on November 13.

The charge relates to an incident on July 4 when Mr Bell used threatening or abusive words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress in Winnersh.

£60, criminal courts charge of £150 and costs of £80. n A 19-year-old man from Wokingham has been handed a suspended prison sentence for assaulting a man and a police officer.

Daniel George Smith, of Frederick Place, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 13 having pleaded guilty to assault on October 19.

The charge relates to an incident in Reading on September 5.

Mr Smith was given a 14-week sentence, suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay compensation of £50, a victim surcharge of £80, costs of £85 and a criminal courts charge of £150. n A MAN from Winnersh has been ordered to pay more than £800 after pleading guilty to a public order offence.

Gordon Andrew Bell, 50, of Wilson Court, was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £100 compensation, a £15 victim surcharge, costs of £570 and a criminal courts charge of £150 when he appeared at Reading

n A MAN from Finchampstead is due to appear in court charged with breaching a planning enforcement notice.

Charles Anderson, 58, of Nine Mile Ride, will appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on March 8, 2016, charged with three counts of breaching an enforcement notice relating to the land at 50 Nine Mile Ride, issued

by Wokingham Borough Council in November and December 2011.

Mr Anderson is alleged to have failed to remove three mobile homes and portable structures used for residential purposes. He denies the charges. n A FINE of more than £400 was given to a Woosehill man who failed to pay a £10.60 train fare.

Gareth Adam Davidson, 33, of Flamingo Close, was proved in his absence to have failed to buy a ticket on the First Great Western service at Reading on May 29 this year.

He was fined £440, ordered to pay compensation of £10.60, a victim surcharge of £44, costs of £160 and a criminal courts charge of £150.

Mr Davidson was not present at the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 13.

BOROUGH

Council consults on school entries WOKINGHAM Borough Council has launched a consultation on its school admission arrangements for the academic year 2017/18.

It runs until Wednesday, January 20, 2016 and gives parents a chance to have a say on planned changes.

WBC’s proposed alterations are: n Clarification to criterion B, to make it clear that it applies to ‘families who have exceptional medical or social needs as the grounds for their child’s admission to a particular school n Amendment to the residency requirements to meet criteria D and E (living in the designated area of a school) n Amendment to the wording relating to Crown Servants following the issuing of guidance by the Department for Education n Amendment to how WBC operates waiting lists and the requirement for parents to confirm annually, at the end of each academic year, whether they wish their child to remain on the waiting list for the following academic year n Proposal to increase the designated area of Nine Mile Ride Primary School to include a small area of the borough identified as not currently included in the designated area of any school n Proposal to prioritise two-yearolds attending school nurseries in the Foundation Stage 1 (F1) admission policy.

To take part, visit www.wokingham. gov.uk/schools-and-education WBC says that only fully completed response forms with the respondent’s name and address can be accepted.

‘Tis the season of giving LAST WEEK, Healthwatch Wokingham Borough celebrated and gave thanks to over 20 volunteers as they embark on a new role to make Wokingham Borough an even better place to live.

Healthwatch Wokingham Borough is the voice of the public in the health and social care system. We take the Wokingham resident’s views and experiences and feed them back to providers and commissioners of services, in order to help continually improve and create a better healthcare system for the future.

Not answerable to any organisation, we have that unique independence that’s critical to getting at the true reality and making others aware.

The NHS is undoubtedly changing, people are living longer and so there will only be a continual increase in the demands upon our health system. Supporting each other and enabling improvements on a local level is increasingly important and the team at Healthwatch Wokingham Borough can offer you a unique opportunity to make a difference.

For example, our intervention this year has created the provision of dedicated parking spaces and parking permits at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for volunteer drivers who take numerous patients to their appointments.

A Healthwatch Champion who is a wheelchair user was able to assist the Council in looking at the re-design of pedestrian areas for the new town centre.

If you care about local services, you can influence their improvement.

There are various roles with time commitments that are flexible.

This year so far has seen current volunteers complete: • 20 hrs of visits to Cares Homes to view the quality of care in action • 40 hrs of mystery shopping to text out the quality of service levels delivered

• 100+hrs research into how service improvements could improve in key project areas • 40+ hrs of data inputting, recording your views/experiences that we can analysis and take actions on • 40+ hrs of supporting the team at events and meetings.

The value of Volunteering is estimated at £19.50/ hr in the South East (Source: www.volunteering.co.uk). This means our current volunteers in 2015 generated well over £4,000-£5,000 worth of economic benefit to the community.

But actually, the real benefit cannot be measured in money.

To the lady who travels three times a week to Royal Berkshire Hospital and can now be taken very close to the door, rather than struggling across a long car park before she actually gets inside – to her, the benefit is immense.

Wokingham is a fabulous place to live.

Come and join us and make it even more so!

On the first Thursday of the month (starting in January 2016), our fantastic Volunteer Co-ordinator, Ullakarin Clark, will be hosting a drop in meeting at the Town Hall 6-7pm, where you can visit to find out more or just tell us your own experiences of services locally – good and maybe not so good?

Or, of course, contact us on: Phone: 0118 418 1 418 E-Mail: enquiries@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk, ullakarin.clark@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk Walk In: via Citizens Advice at 2 Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Denmark St, Wokingham RG40 2YF Facebook: @healthwatchwokingham Twitter: @HWWokingham

We look forward to hearing from you

9

Friday, December 11, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Do you have a long-term health condition or are you 65 or over?

Make sure you get your prescription medicines before Christmas Eve. Because many GPs and pharmacies will close over the holidays.

nhs.uk/staywell

Richard Pile, GP

10 | BUSINESS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Business

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 11, 2015

Got a business story? Email news@wokingham paper.co.uk. or write to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

CHRISTMAS

Green Park becomes a Winter Wonderland THE North Pole came to Green Park last week as the business centre was transformed into a Winter Wonderland.

Restaurant Lime Square became the focal point of the festive fun on Thursday, December 3, as traders including The Sweet Cabin, Bella Fiore Crafts and Janie Jangles sold their Christmas fare, providing everything from personalised crafts and decorations to sweets and treats.

Father Christmas and his reindeer made a special appearance to hand out presents at the Green Park Day Nursery, while shoppers enjoyed mulled wine and mince The Green Park Choir kept visitors entertained as they browsed food and craft stalls at the business park.

pies while listening to the Green Park Choir sing carols.

Rory Carson, Green Park’s DirectorAsset Manager, said: “We were delighted to host our very own Winter Wonderland here at Green Park.

“There was plenty of entertainment and it was lovely to see the children enjoying their time with Father Christmas, and for our occupiers to come together and celebrate the festive season.

“We thrive on building a community at Green Park and we believe events like this help us realise our goals. We send season’s greetings to everyone on Green Park and in the local community.”

REVAMP

Food for thought at Waitrose THE new-look Waitrose in Wokingham was officially unveiled last week.

Shoppers have been enjoying a refurbished deli counter, a larger beer, wine and spirit department and improvements to the fruit and veg section.

The make-over was officially unveiled on Friday, December 4, even though the improvements were

completed at the Rectory Road store towards the end of November.

Department manager at the supermarket, Darren Kirkham said: “We went through the shop floor and the café replacing counters. We also replaced our refrigeration units with new up to date eco-friendly fridges”.

The revamp includes new self-pay checkouts and a welcome desk.

BUREAUCRACY

Apprenticeship skills ‘crisis’

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A THIRD of small construction firms are being put off from taking on apprentices because of the bureaucracy involved and the new proposed Apprenticeship Levy, according to a new report released recently.

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said the industry is facing a skills crisis as a result and the only answer is more apprentices being taken on – but they are afraid to do so because they are unaware of support being made available to them.

Instead, they want the Government to remove any barriers that stop small and medium enterprises from taking on trainees and also look at changing the proposed Apprenticeship Levy, which will come into force in April 2017.

The levy was announced in the summer 2015 budget by Chancellor George Osbourne, but it has been roundly criticised since. It is proposed that large companies would pay

the levy which would then be used to fund apprenticeship training.

The Government has not yet announced the size of a large company, and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) said that it is a key question in the current consultation by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS). It is proposed that the size of employers be calculated on employee earnings.

Last week, speaking to The Financial Times, Carolyn Fairbairn, the new directorgeneral of the CBI, said that the levy had been “a sting in the tail” of Mr Osbourne’s autumn spending review.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The construction industry is in the midst of a skills crisis which can only be solved if more employers take on apprentices.

“The Government wants to deliver three million apprentices over the next five years and our new report Defusing The Skills Time Bomb sheds some light

on how this can be achieved.

“Our research shows that 94% of small construction firms want to train apprentices but a third are being turned off by a number of serious ‘fear factors’. These include the cost of employing and training an apprentice and major concerns regarding the complexity of the process.”

The FMB’s research reveals that twothirds of all construction apprentices are trained by SMEs and it wants the Government to do everything in its power to remove any barriers to training.

Mr Berry added: “We’re also calling on the Government to protect our industry training board which is at risk from the new Apprenticeship Levy.

“The Construction IndustryTraining Board (CITB) needs reform admittedly but without it the very smallest firms would be left with less financial and practical support for apprenticeship training – remove this lifeline and you risk worsening the skills crisis.”

OPENING

Nouveau expands Headline with new24pt offices XXXXXX

A FORMER Woodley-based IT company had its new offices officially opened by the Mayor of Wokingham Town last month.

Cllr Philip Mirfin cut the ribbon to officially launch Nouveau Solutions’ larger, more modern premises in Mulberry Business Park, off Molly Millars Lane, on Friday, November 27.

The company, which was established in 1992, specialises in serving local businesses and government

organisations with security, cloud, infrastructure, networking, software development and support services.

Managing director Andy Stevens said: “We are delighted to open our new head office in Wokingham.

“It is an important step in our continued growth and development, and we look forward to be being part of the community and supporting local businesses Gary Smithers, Wokingham Town Council Mayor, Cllr Philip Mirfin, and Andy Stevens, managing director of Nouveau Solutions in Mulberry Business Park. Picture: Dave Belcher and charities.”

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12 | NEWS

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Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Philip Mirfin with wife Kathy and Wokingham Methodist minister, the Revd Catherin Bowstead. Pictures: Phil Creighton

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CHURCH

Festival is simply tree-mendous!

HUNDREDS of visitors packed out a town centre church to admire a display of Christmas trees.

Wokingham Methodist in Rose Street welcomed all ages to its annual Festival of Christmas Trees last weekend. Over three days, guests could inspect 50 trees, The Cameo Singers in fine voice at the festival. each decorated by local groups that use the church or The Bradbury Centre. They included MoreArts and Wokingham Art Society.

Live music, nativity sets and refreshments were also available and there were Traidcraft stalls and children’s activities.

Wokingham Town Mayor, councillor Philip Mirfin, said he admired what he saw when he visited.

“It was very impressive,” he said. “There was everything: the local food bank had an empty tree with a single label on it, there were lots of other organisations.

“They were marvellous, the ingenuity of people is amazing to see. It really was worth making an effort to go and see it.”

Donations from the event went towards three charities: Keep Mobile, Rose Street youth and community work and Musa weNkosi – a pre-school near Johannesburg in South Africa.

APPEAL

Your fuel cash could keep someone warm for winter EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk WOKINGHAM’S pensioners are being urged to give up their Winter Fuel Payment and help make an “incredible difference” to someone in desperate need this winter.

The Wokingham foodbank, based in Rose Street, has launched an appeal called Are You Sitting Comfortably? which urges old residents to give up their fuel payment and others to make a donation to the cause.

It is hoped your generosity will help the foodbank pay the fuel bills of dozens of people in need and ensure they do not have to make a choice between eating or heating.

Your donations will help those referred to the foodbank by local care agencies, social workers and medical personnel. All payments are made directly to energy companies – no cash is handed out.

David Atkinson, who chairs the Wokingham foodbank, told The Wokingham Paper: “It makes an incredible difference.

“Last year, we helped a mother with four children.

They had no hot water and it was a pretty miserable time for them. Our help made such a difference to this family.

“We helped 60 families last year through £2,000 of donations and we’re looking to repeat that this year.

“We’re asking if people can spare their winter fuel allowance to do so and help families get through the winter.

“All money goes direct to the companies – no clients get cash.”

The foodbank appeal comes as an MP called on the Prime Minister to tackle hunger in the same way it responds to other emergencies.

Frank Field, the MP for Birkenhead, made the comments on Wednesday at the launch of the Feeding Britain, a new charity that aims to work out how to relieve and prevent hunger in the UK. Its research reveals that many of the country’s food banks saw increased demand in 2015 – including Wokingham.

The Foodbank held a collection at Tesco in Wokingham last weekend and generous shoppers donated 1.74 tonnes of food over three days.

“It’s really helpful for us,” added Mr Atkinson.

“On average we issue a tonne of food a month so the Tesco collection sounds like an awful lot, but in reality it will last us two months.

“People are incredibly good at giving us what we need, but Christmas bits are still needed: pudding, cake, crackers, selection boxes and little gifts such as toiletries and hand cream that we can give out.” n Donations to the Are You Sitting Comfortably? appeal, which is now in it second year, can be made via localgiving.com/appeal/winterfuel or by sending a cheque to the Foodbank’s office in Rose Street.

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Friday, December 11, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

ARBORFIELD

‘Exciting time’ as work on new school moves forward

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk WORK is well underway on an “inspirational” new secondary school at Arborfield Garrison.

Initial ground works at the £32.5million school site, including the installation of a new drainage system and foundations for the new building, have been completed over the past month, with the steel frame of the school due to start taking shape soon.

The new school, which will be run by Bohunt Education Trust (BET), will initially open to 180 year 7 pupils in legacy buildings already on the garrison site, before moving into the new buildings in 2017.

Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) said it has been working closely with the community on all aspects of the school and asked parents for their input.

Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor,

Charlotte Haitham Taylor, the council’s executive member for children’s service, at the school site.

WBC’s executive member for children’s services, said: “I know how much time and effort has been put into this project and it’s fantastic work is progressing well. It is great to see activity on site as it’s a huge step in making our plans become reality.

“Once the school is completed, children and staff at the new secondary school will have inspirational learning and teaching spaces with high quality facilities. It’s an exciting time.”

Neil Strowger, CEO of BET

said: “We are delighted the construction work’s now well underway at the new school.

“We are committed to providing a well-rounded education that helps students to flourish both inside and outside of the classroom, and these new facilities will enable us to do exactly that in what is set to be a first class learning environment.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our first students in September at our legacy buildings, which are progressing well and offer an exciting start for the new school. Applications for places have been received, we are moving forward with our staff recruitment and we are developing exciting plans for delivering lessons.” n To view a time-lapse video of the work being carried out visit the WBC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ wokinghamboroughcouncil.

The JACAD dancers take to the iconic Royal Albert Hall stage. Picture: Elliot Franks

ARTS

Dancing up a storm at the Royal Albert Hall THE CREAM of the crop of Wokingham’s young dancing talent were jumping for joy last weekend following a showstopping performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The 19-strong troupe from the Jayne A Coleman Academy of Dance (JACAD) performed a tap dance routine entitled Bugle Boy, inspired by the classic 1941 film Buck Privates as part of this year’s Dance Proms at the iconic venue in November.

The group were one of just 22 acts from around the world selected to perform at the annual event, which is organised by three of the UK’s leading dance organisations

to showcase the best young dance talent across the world and is attended by dance critics, talent scouts and dozens of high-profile names from the world of dance.

School founder and choreographer Jayne Coleman said: “Taking part in Dance Proms 2015 was a truly incredible experience for our dancers – they all loved performing at the Royal Albert Hall and to share an iconic stage with celebrity guest acts was a dream come true. It’s great for the students to have this opportunity to see what their peers are up to, and performing in the finale, with all 450 dancers, was an experience they will cherish.”

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Triple whammy of music for Cancer Care Trust

A CHRISTMAS concert will bring together three musical acts to help raise funds for a local charity.

Wokingham District Cancer Care Trust will hold the fun event at Wokingham Theatre on Thursday.

Starting at 7.30pm, the evening of music features the Saint Sebastian Wokingham Brass Band, Masterclef Barbershop Octet and The Tuesday Girls.

There will also be a bar, tea and coffee and a raffle.

All money raised will go towards Wokingham Day Hospice and people living with cancer and other life-threatening diseases who live or receive their primary care in the Wokingham District.

The charity was founded in 1991 to help meet the needs of patients with the disease, such as specialist equipment or nursing, bill payments, holidays and home modifications.

Tickets for the concert cost £12.50 and can be reserved by emailing treasurer@wdcct.org. uk or calling 0118 979 0290.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 11, 2015

PROJECT

New cycleway on track for 2016 start

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

SPENCERS WOOD

A red letter day for village Post Office SANTA and his elves took a break from their Christmas duties to help reopen the Post Office in Spencers Wood last weekend.

The festive party visited the refurbished One Stop and Post Office store in Basingstoke Road on Saturday for the official reopening and charity fundraising event.

Chan Odedra, who owns the One Stop with husband Arj said: “The Post Office was threatened

with closure. They told us that if we could join it with another business they would reconsider.

We asked people what they needed and the community asked for a convenience store.”

The ribbon was cut at the new store by Santa and representatives from other local businesses who had donated prizes for a raffle, with all proceeds going towards the Spencers Wood youth football team and Shinfield Volunteer Car Service.

WORK on the third section of the A329 cycleway in Wokingham is due to start next month.

The new cycleway, on the Reading Road, will be created along both sides of the road between Pheasant Close and Woodward Close, traffic islands will be removed, the double lane westbound approach to Winnersh Crossroads will be extended and the whole section will be resurfaced and the signage improved.

The work is expected to take 10 weeks and lane closures are expected while new kerbs are installed. Removal of the traffic islands may require temporary traffic lights and/or overnight work, with the resurfacing work also being carried out at night.

The work follows on from the £2million cycleway, financed by the Government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund and developers’ contributions, to run the length of the Wokingham Borough’s section of the A329, from the Three

Tuns junction to Coppid Beech roundabout.

It will also be part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, and has already been provisionally numbered NCN422.

Leaflets outlining the work in greater detail on this third section have been delivered to householders living next to it.

Cllr John Kaiser, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for planning and highways, said: “We’re deliberately covering a smaller section for this third phase than the first two, because of the large scale projects being designed or considered between Woodward Close and Simons Lane.”

The fourth phase of the cycleway will focus on Reading Road towards Emmbrook, through the Woosehill roundabout and towards Wokingham town centre.

This phase is likely to happen in the next financial year.

For more details on the cycleway visit www.wokingham. gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/ roadworks-and-new-roads/a329cycleway

WOODLEY

Rescued toy library is now a huge success A WOODLEY-based charity which faced closure a year ago is celebrating a turnaround in fortunes thanks to the generosity and support of the local community.

The Lend & Play Toy Library, which is based at The Ambleside Centre, was a victim of council spending cuts in 2011 resulting in a reduction of staff and opening hours.

But with the help of volunteers a range of fundraising campaigns were launched including quiz nights, coffee mornings and toy sales, along with a toy and equipment hire service which is now a major source of income.

Sarah Stuckey, the library’s co-ordinator said: “We struggled on but last year were forced to appeal for volunteers to keep the library running. The response from the local community was incredible. Enough people came forward to enable us to keep the library open on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

The result was an influx of commitment and enthusiasm. We still have a lot of work ahead of us to

Vicky Datlen with children at the Lend & Play Toy Library.

ensure a long-term future for the toy library, but we are in a much stronger position now than a year ago thanks to the response from the local community.”

It costs £10 to join the Lend & Play Toy Library for a year.

For more information, visit www.lendandplay.org. uk or call into the toy library on Wednesdays 2.30pm8pm or on Saturdays from 10am-noon.

TRINITY

A musical treat for Christmas The Streets of Wokingham (IN Need) Have you seen the Homeless and Needy Within the streets of Wokingham “Kicking up the papers with their worn out shoes” Why is this happening to many people in our own town We need to help and provide care, shelter and a new life Join Wokingham IN Need and make a difference How can you help us to help those in need And provide the love and help they require “Let us take you by the hand And lead you through the streets of Wokingham” Wokingham IN Need will show you how to make a difference.

Contact Us Now: wokinghaminneed@gmail.com

TRINITY Concert Band will present a festive concert on Saturday, December 19.

The Joy of Christmas will feature a range of music from films and TV including extracts from West Side Story and 1941, as well as Christmas music including Sleigh Ride, White Christmas and Winter Wonderland.

It will be performed at Trinity Church in Lower Earley, near Asda, and tickets are now on sale. Bought 24 hours in advance, they cost £10 or £12 on the door. Under 16s are free.

For more details, log on to www.trinityband.co.uk or call 0845 226 3047.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 11, 2015

Your views A story to warm people’s THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relatingto the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters

N E W S W I T H A H E A RT F O R T H E B O RO U G H

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

hearts this Christmas

WE ARE now at the halfway point between the start of Advent and Christmas finally arriving.

For most of us, bar the hardy souls who do their present shopping at the petrol station on Christmas Eve, the preparations are in full swing.

Gifts are bought, wrapped and given, carol concerts attended and office parties are about to get underway.

The Christmas Radio Times is out and marker pens have been pressed in to service to ensure that no good film or repeat is missed and, well, Santa’s list is now being checked twice.

But for some of us, this time of year is more bleak midwinter than decking the halls with boughs of holly.

We may be experiencing another mild winter so far but the second Jack Frost starts to bite Britain, many will see frosty winds causing misery, not moans.

Some of us who live in the borough will be struggling to survive as austerity cuts hit them hard. Often, through no fault of their own, the choice this Christmas will be between feeding the family or heating the home. How do you make a decision like that?

Wokingham Foodbank is, once again, appealing for donations to help families and isolated people stay warm this winter. A simple payment, made directly to the utility companies, will make such a difference.

The charity is seeking your support - perhaps you can donate your winter fuel allowance or hold a whip round in your office?

Your help will warm hearts, minds, bodies and souls. That’s surely a great way to wish someone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CHURCH NOTES

What’s in the future?

TOWARDS the end of November you would have read an article in The Wokingham Paper about Norreys Church celebrating its 75th anniversary. We used the event to have a look at the past.

As I sit down to write this note for the paper the news seems to relate very much to “What is going to happen in the future?”

Some of the questions being asked relate to world events including air strikes into Syrian territory? Will this bring about a reduction in the possible threats to our security as individuals? Will the conference in Paris reach agreement on holding down the levels of global warming? Will any agreement reached be actually implemented?

As I write, some of these things are in the future and we have to say we do not know.

All of this reminds me of a poem I learned as a teenager “I know not what the future holds But I know who hold the future It’s a secret known only to him.”

When God is talking to Isaiah (Isaiah 44:8) he makes this point to show no matter how many gods there were, there was only one who knew what was in the future and said what would happen.

The Bible is full of instances where this is illustrated. As we approach Christmas and our thoughts are directed towards the birth of Christ you might read, or someone might read at church, the story of King Herod trying to find out where the Messiah (Jesus) would be born.

His advisors said “Oh, that’s simple – the prophets said it would be in Bethlehem”. The prophet was Micah who wrote what God said to him 750 years before the birth of Jesus (Micah 5:2). I hope you can make time to read how a young engaged couple who lived in Nazareth came to be in Bethlehem so that Mary gave birth to Jesus there and not Nazareth. (Luke 2:1-7) I don’t know the outcome to the questions being asked today, but I have a God and Father who does and I can trust him no matter the outcome.

David Anderson is a member of Norreys Church

Banning Lords opposition is ‘breath-taking arrogance’ THE Tories are showing “breath-taking arrogance” by trying to ram through laws to quash opposition in the House of Lords.

A review by Tory peer Lord Strathclyde could see the Lords banned from overturning some Government legislation.

The grandee was asked to look at reforming the Lords after the Government’s defeat on tax credits which led to the Chancellors humiliating climb down in the recent Autumn statement.

The Government will also seek to overturn a defeat by peers on its plans to exclude 16- and 17-yearolds from voting in the EU referendum on British membership.

To ensure the Bill gets through ministers have added an amendment saying it is now a financial issue. Peers are not allowed to vote down financial bills such as a the Budget. This is not a financial issue.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron MP has said that the Government was treating Parliament “like a rubber stamp.” I am sure many Wokingham residents will agree with him.

The Tories including our local MP John Redwood claim to be the party of responsibility; yet they will not give 16- and 17-year-olds the chance to take responsibility for potentially the biggest decision in their lifetime.

It is frankly a scandal and shows the utter hubris of the Prime Minister and his clique. They do not like people disagreeing with them and are now trying to find ways to shun debate and scrutiny.

During the 13 years of the last Labour government, Labour was defeated over 500 times in votes in the Lords. The Conservatives didn’t complain then.

There was an opportunity to reform the House of Lords in the last parliament, but an alliance of Conservatives and Labour MP’s combined to defeat the Lib Dem proposals. The Conservatives now propose to tinker with the Lords for their own self interest.

Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesman for Wokingham

Removing bursaries is a ‘crushing blow’ to nurses THE Government has recently delivered a crushing blow to future nursing students in this region by removing their bursaries – the vital financial support that helps many to complete their studies and go on to be the nurses of the future.

Without this essential support, many of us who are currently studying to enter this wonderful profession would not have been able to fulfil our

Your views on John Redwood MP abstaining from Syria vote WHILST I agree with some of your points Mr Redwood, (boots on the floor). By abstaining you would be letting this murderous regime carry on their way of life, while nothing would be done to prevent it/stop it. Thankfully we are doing something, thankfully we are supporting our neighbours, thankfully we are with our allies, thankfully not all are prepared to sit on the fence while Assad, Daesh, ISIL et al rape, murder and maim thousands because of people’s beliefs or way of life.

Their warped, crazy, racist, fascist views should have no place in this world.

Richie Ainscough AH, the usual false premise that there’s nothing that can be done other than military action from the west. There’s plenty more can be done without killing innocent civilians. Western intervention will not make us safer. Quite the contrary. Each bomb that falls is a recruitment advertisement for the evil fascists. We’re playing right into their hands.

Andrew Taylor YOU are right, Andrew. “Doing something” may feel cathartic for

some people, but history shows that this kind of military action only makes matters worse.

Richard Smith DEAR Mr Redwood , how dare you make this decision on my behalf, I am so fed up with you sitting on the fence on everything, and I can only hope that nothing happens in your constituency , because if it does you should be made to resign, and just to say, never have I encountered a more unapproachable politician than you, and that is saying something.

We pay your wages.

Helen Hanna I DON’T think you could make a decision if your life depended on it! If after weighing up the evidence of the “private discussions” you were not convinced then surely you would get off the fence for once and say what you thought? I don’t particularly care one way or the other which way you would have voted as long as you voted.

Wokingham deserve to be represented not have an apathetic Member of Parliament who’s sole contribution is opening new shops, shameless self promotion and ever

dreams of becoming a nurse and we are worried about what this move means for the future of the NHS, our future colleagues and above all, patient care.

Student nurses are not like other students. Half our time is spent doing clinical work and our academic year is longer, giving us fewer opportunities to earn money in our spare time. We also tend to be older, many with families to support while completing our studies.

Taking away these grants and replacing them with hefty loans will only pile on more personal financial pressure to an already overstretched part of the health care workforce. Not only that but many may never be able to pay back the loans which will not save any money in the long run and makes little financial sense.

Student nurses are the profession’s future and their relationship with the NHS is critical. But this decision

increasing apologetic attitude. I would rather be represented by the likes of the Member for Leeds, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn, because at least he stood by the courage of his convictions and spoke out for what he believed in, even though it flew against what his party believed. I hope that sometime during this parliament you find your spine!

Murray Heslin HAVING driven so much evil in terms of banking and legalised tax evasion I was please to find John to have stayed clear of the vote.

It frustrates me to hear the other politicians taking about protecting us here by further, what always ends up being the result, illegal conquest, and in doing so creating more who can hope for no greater achievment in this life than being martyrs.

Imagine the good we could have done if all this waste was put towards Syrians building and mauntaining solar arrays and electric infrastructure. Instead now we pay around £1m /day + bombs for each jet to eliminate those we exploited to remove Assad for us.

Kaz Lokuciewski

risks severing the critical link between the NHS and nursing students and in doing so the Government is effectively absolving itself of any responsibility to ensure that the right numbers of nurses are in the right place and with the right skills. With this move, they are also throwing student nurse training open to the market and this is very concerning.

We are disappointed that the Royal College of Nursing, with its long track record in nurse education, was not consulted on these plans and hope that we are allowed to work with the Government on a solution that looks at these very real risks and concerns and finds ways to mitigate them. The future of nursing must be protected. Our patients deserve nothing less.

Graeme Stokes, RCN South East Student Committee Member, currently studying nursing in Brighton

GOOD ADVICE

Universal Credit - the key facts and when you can claim it UNIVERSAL Credit is a meanstested benefit for people of working age with a low income. Here are some key facts about it and claiming it

U

NIVERSAL CREDIT (UC) has arrived in Wokingham, but as yet only applies to single people with no dependants. For the moment everyone else in Wokingham will need to claim one of the more ‘traditional’ benefits.

As UC is means-tested the amount you get depends on how much income and capital you’ve got. Capital means things like savings and some kinds of property.

Jobcentre Plus will administer UC. UC will eventually replace many existing benefits, which will be abolished.

Universal Credit is not taxable and will be paid monthly.

You don’t have to be out of work to get UC. You

may be able to get it if you’re working, looking for work, sick or disabled, or caring for children or a disabled person.

If you’re already in work, you won’t lose all your UC if your earnings or hours of work increase. Instead, your UC will go down as your earnings go up.

You’ll have to meet various conditions to get UC. These include accepting a ‘claimant commitment’.

This is a document that says what you’ll have to do to prepare for work, find work, get better paid work, or work more hours. For example, you may have to go to interviews to help you find work or apply for jobs.

Universal Credit (UC) will eventually replace the following benefits and tax credits: n Income Support n Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance n Income-related Employment and Support Allowance n Child Tax Credit n Working Tax Credit n Housing Benefit

n Budgeting loans. An advance payment of UC will replace these.

However, you can get Housing Benefit and UC at the same time if you live in one of the following types of accommodation: n Certain kinds of accommodation to help you lead a more settled way of lif. n Certain kinds of accommodation where you get care, support or supervision n Certain kinds of temporary accommodation for people who’ve left home because of domestic violence n A local authority hostel in some cases.

UC can’t help with your housing costs if you’re in one of these types of accommodation, but Housing Benefit can, so you may have to claim Housing Benefit as well as UC. You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Visit www.adviceguide. org.uk or contact Wokingham CAB at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0844 499 4126. Alternatively, email: public@ wokingham-cab.org.uk

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PICTURE OF THE WEEK

COMMENTARY

Birth pains

T

HIS is a tale of two villages. For one to be born anew, the other must

vanish.

The setting for our tale is the gap between two of the most desirable places in the Kingdom. Neither cares much for the gap, for it’s a gap to be traversed when one must, avoided when one can.

But the gap has thoughts, feelings and desires.

Ambitions too. A burning need to shake off it’s lowly position, to grow and bring forth a new place to fill the void.

But the choice, then the struggle to give birth to a new place, brings with it a consciousness that all is not what it seems and that deals that have been done which aren’t all they could be.

On the one hand, there is the possibility to bring forth a new place of beauty. Harmonious, vibrant and healthy, well equipped to deal with the challenges of the future.

A new place where the community can gather, converse and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Where children can learn and play as they develop.

On the other hand, there’s the probability to spawn a new place of disadvantage. Damaged spine, gap toothed, missing an eye.

Always knowing that its makers shied away from it, abandoning it to fend for itself.

Envious of its neighbours, realising that they are the ‘haves’, while it is the ‘have not’. Growing apart, always wondering “what if” and “why me”.

This is the cycle of life and we, the creators, in effect the parents, usually wish the best for our offspring.

But unless we take action and strive for our yet to be reborn village, we forfeit the rare chance for what we could have achieved, settling instead for the mundane drabness of what we are given.

By our inaction, we live with the memory that, in its hour of greatest need, we stood by and turned our backs, doing little or nothing that would’ve made a difference to the newborn village.

Why bother, we say to ourselves, it can’t be done. There’s something more urgent or important, more pleasurable or interesting for us to do than shaping the future of our community.

Yet the desirable places have their problems too. Difficulties so remote from those of the gaps, that the gap cannot comprehend them.

Who from a place with no centre can understand why huge sums of money, income as well as debt, is needed to regenerate the most desirable’s centre?

Particularly when all around must pay for it, despite not knowing the consequences.

Who, from a place with no shelter in its centre, can understand why a shelter must be barricaded and made ugly, so that the already homeless can be dispossessed yet further?

Likewise, who from those desirable centres can understand the yearnings that lie within the gap?

Yearnings for identity, a centre of our own, a place to take pride in and enjoy. And in taking that pride, to be able to say to the rest of the world, not just neighbours, “Here – we live here”, and be recognised for who we are.

For we all want the same things.

A home of our own, a place we can relate to, a centre to our lives that can live on and which our children can enjoy in their turn.

But to bring forth that new place, the community – both in the gap as well as on either side – must decide.

Which village do we want in that gap. The beautiful one we can admire and want to be near? Or the hideous one which we shun and are ashamed of?

For one of these to be born; to live and evolve; the other must surely perish.

The choice is yours – which Winnersh do you want ?

Tony Johnson is a member of the Hatch Farm Residents Liaison Group, working with the residents for the residents, current as well as future. He has temporarily suspended his studies of art and drawing.

Tony Johnson

THOUSANDS of Wokingham people lined the streets to watch the annual Bikers Toy Run on Sunday. As you’ll have seen from our coverage on page 6, it is certainly a big spectacle, as the thousands of bikers come dressed up and they also ensure their bikes are suitably attired. Reader Paul Phillips was watching the procession from Wokingham’s town centre and took some great pictures including this one that really captures the extent and size of the event. Thanks Paul, what a great picture. We love to showcase your photos in our Picture of the Week feature. If you have a picture – landscape in format, not portrait – email it to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk. Pictures should be hi-res, landscape, 300dpi and taken by yourself, preferably within the Wokingham borough.

I

LOVE that people thought Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s new baby was to be called Storm Desmond after the words began trending on Twitter.

In fact the name was something else entirely (Saint I believe) but it just goes to show as Albert Einstein said: “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.”

HILARY SCOTT’S NOT-A-BLOG Everyone has a blog so this isn’t one

Twitter ‘Storm’ over baby raised a smile

Riding to success The glorious sight of bikers doing their annual toy run for Barnardo’s was at the weekend.

They had an incredible 1,565 bikes with 476 pillions which worked out to 2,041 generous people. It really does sum up the true spirit of Christmas.

Free parking in Wokingham borough – better than Reading which offers none

Is 68 too old to be a dad?

So at the age of 68 Ronnie Wood is to be a dad again, and to twins.

But isn’t that a selfish move? With a brood of children from different relationships and about 15 grandchildren, this is surely about his younger wife’s desire to have children.

Whether Ronnie, who now seemingly prefers a jigsaw of an evening rather than a drug-fuelled party, lives another 30 years he’s not going to be able to keep up with two children.

Of course, he and his wife can afford the best in childcare – but it’s not the point.

And it conjures up a ghastly picture of two mums wiping the drool and tending the kids – but the dribbling’s from two elderly gents, Ronnie and his old mate Rod, 70, who has a young third (or is it fourth?Doubt he will remember) family.

Rock ‘n’ roll.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Well done Wokingham

I love that Wokingham has free parking in the festive season. It’s something neighbouring Reading could do with. I have paid for parking four times in the last week – three for business

journeys and one shopping trip and it’s been more than £20. Bah humbug. n This may not be a blog but I do have one I made earlier if you are interested – hilarymscott.wix.com/hilaryscott

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18 | VIEWPOINTS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 11, 2015

Wokingham’s people With Phil Creighton

Some of the exhibits on show to visitors and, bottom, The Revd Neil Warwick with Daphne Adler, 90. Pictures: Phil Creighton

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

Our membership scheme is available for only You do not need to be dentally fit to join BMS but a new patient examination is required before signing up. If treatment is needed during the 12 month contract a member discount of 15% is given.

£21 a month

What is included?

• 2 Examinations (including x-rays) • 2 Hygienist visits • Accident & Emergency Insurance • 15% member discount on treatment

Need to budget Need to bud for regular budget for regular dental visits?dent (excludes specialist and implant treatment)

Need to regular dental visits?

For more information, please contact us on 0118 978 3815, visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham, RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team.

Our membership scheme is ava Our membership scheme is available You do notfor need to be dentally fit to join butaa new patienta examination onlyforBMS £21 month Our membership scheme is available only £21 month is EXHIBITION

You do not need to be dentally fit to join BMS but a new patient examination is required before signing up. If treatment is needed during the 12 month contract a member discount of 15% is given.

The spirit of Christmas — in miniature

A

LL CRIBS great and small came together in Earley on Saturday for a Christmas festival.

The church of Earley St Nicolas in Sutcliffe Avenue hosted a display of 20 nativity scenes of all shapes and sizes to help people get into the Christmas spirit.

The free event, which ran from 11am to 3pm, included crafts, refreshments and an opportunity to chat.

A nativity made for a dollshouse and just an inch tall was the smallest display. Close by was the largest - a school wall frieze.

Other displays included Russian dolls, a rubber duck nativity and one made using wood from Bethlehem.

The display included a mock-up of the Israeli security wall which divides modern day Bethlehem, meaning the Wise Men would not be able to enter the town to give their gifts to the infant Jesus.

One of the displays was a Santon nativity set, from Provence in south eastern France. What makes it unusual is that it features ordinary people such

as bakers and housewives coming to the nativity stable to bring their own offerings to the baby Jesus.

It is from a collection built up over many years by Lower Earley woman Daphne Adler.

The 90-year-old had an annual holiday in the region with her husband, each year buying new items for the display.

She said: “I don’t think people have really seen anything like the Santon Nativity.

“We went down to Provence to stay with my sister and brother-inlaw. They came across this shop and brought me the stable set as a gift.

“When my husband and I did caravan holidays in the South of France we discovered all these figures and we started to buy them.

“In Provence there is a museum where they have an exhibition of all the difference Santons. Each of the areas that make them put their own stamp on the bottom.”

The impressive collection contains a large number of figures and, thanks to Mrs Adler’s careful storage, they

VOLUNTEER CORNER n Dimensions is a specialist not-forprofit provider of services for people with learning disabilities and people who experience autism. They provide support to over 3,000 people across England and Wales.

They are looking for volunteers to help with gardening at the client’s home in Winnersh. As a volunteer gardener with Dimensions, you will have the opportunity to express your skills and enjoyment for gardening, while making a real difference for the people we support.

• • •

2 Hygienist visits Accident & Emergency Insurance 15%For member discount on treatment please more information, (excludes specialist and implant treatment)

visit our website at www.beec You do notBeechcroft need to be dentallyDental fit to join Practice, 3 BMS but a new patient examination is For more information, please contact us on2AE 0118 3815, RG40 and978 speak with one required before signing up. If treatment

visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com call into is needed during the 12 monthor contract member discount of 15% is given.

Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32a Station Road, Wokingham, RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team.

still look brand new, despite being decades old.

She said: “We’ve been collecting since the late 1960s or early 1970s, right up until the 1990s.”

Sadly, the collecting stopped when her husband became too old to travel.

Now a widower, she admits that Christmas can be bittersweet time as

she bring out the collection that the couple spent many years building up.

“It does bring back memories,” she said. “But I like to be able to show the set to people.

“It isn’t just three kings and shepherds. It’s everyone. The villagers are bringing what they’re good at.

They’re all bringing their gifts.”

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

with Helena Badger Volunteers will be given creative license with the garden and will be allowed to do as much/little as they would like – we just ask that you are available for at least two hours per month, to ensure that the garden remains in a good condition and the grass is cut.

This role will not involve volunteering alongside service users, it is purely a volunteer gardening role. The organisation is also looking for volunteer Drivers to take the clients to local appointments and social groups from their home in Winnersh.

required before signing up. If treatment is included? needed during the 12 month contract What is a member (including discount of 15% is given.

• 2 Examinations x-rays)

All expenses are reimbursed and drivers are welcome whether they can do one drive a month or more. The role is extremely flexible and really does make a difference. Volunteers must a full driving licence, be a minimum of 21 years of age and have driven for a minimum of two years. n The Earley Crescent Resource Centre is a community resource centre meeting the needs of the community in the Earley area.

They provide Adult learning courses, room hire to voluntary and community groups,

For more information, please contact us on

Our membership scheme is available for 978 only3815 £21 a, month 0118

coffee shop, information finding and have aYou large need help dovolunteer not needteam. to beThey dentally fit toinjoin the kitchen with washing up following their BMS but a new patient examination is community lunch on a Wednesdays from required before signing up. If treatment about 2pm-3.30pm.

visit our website at What is included?

• 2 Examinations (including x-rays) www.beechcroftdental.com

2 Hygienist visits or •call into • Accident & Emergency Insurance is needed during the 12 month contract Beechcroft Dental Practice, • 15% member discount on treatment These are just three ofof the roles a member discount 15% iswe given. (excludes specialist and implant treatment) 32 Station Road, are recruiting for, but we have more than 100 different roles on our books.

Wokingham RG40 2AE To find out about these or any other roles, us oninformation, 0118 977 0749, email and speak with one978 of 3815, our team.

For call more please contact us on 0118 wok-vol@btconnect.com or visit www. visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into volunteercentrewokingham.org.uk Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham,

HEALTH | 19

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

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EALTHWATCH Wokingham Borough were very pleased recently to be invited to take part in two Wokingham Town Centre regeneration planning meetings.

The meetings were specifically for local people who have access issues due to disability. It is really important that people with access issues, due to disability, are asked their views when there are major changes to town re-design and any other changes to services for local residents.

Why? Because they are entitled to equality with local residents who don’t have a disability.

On both days the attendees went out and about in the town centre then fed back to the regeneration team what was an issue for them in terms of moving around the town centre, access, crossing roads, signage etc.

Additionally they spent a good deal of time looking at the proposed regeneration plans and gave their feedback on any proposals that they thought would affect their ability to move safely and freely around the new town. All attendees’ feedback was written down and will be fully considered by the regeneration project team and incorporated were at all possible in the final town design.

Our two champions were very complimentary about the efforts the town and borough regeneration project team went to. As local residents with a disability the Antinks had never before been asked their views about any services in the borough that can have an impact on people with disabilities.

They felt really engaged with and really listened to by the project team. I think there are lots of other local service providers who can learn something from the town regeneration team about how to engage with local residents who have access issues due to their disability. So, well done Wokingham Borough and Wokingham Town council regeneration project team.

Nicolas Durman works five days a week as the Healthwatch Engagement Officer for Healthwatch Wokingham Borough Wokingham Borough.

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Healthwatch involved in regeneration planning

They should have the same freedom to be able to navigate their way around town easily, safely.

If they are unable to do that they can become anxious about going out, possibly become isolated and lose the freedoms that other people have to go where they want, when they want and to be independent. The knock-on effect, among other things, is the affect it has on the individuals’ health and general wellbeing.

Healthwatch was represented by two of our ‘Champions’ who both had physical and sensory disabilities, Ms Antink and her son Colin.

The regeneration planning meetings were held on two days, one a non-market day, the other on a market day. The reason for this was because people with access issues can face very different problems on a market day compared to non-market day.

As part of the meetings, those attending were shown films of recent town regeneration in other parts of the country, including those that had worked well and those that hadn’t worked as the responsible council had not engaged with local people who had access issues due to physical and/ or sensory impairment.

While our two champions were unable to watch the film clips shown due to their sight issues, they were full of praise for the town and borough council regeneration project team who anticipated it would be a problem for some attendees and printed large A3 papers of all current and proposed maps of the town centre and still images from the films highlighting good design and bad design.

Bringing you the very best in care and recov

n Obesity n A family history of incontinence n Increasing age – although Back and Neck Pain Massage Therapy incontinence is not an inevitable part Arthritis Womens of Health ageing ERHAPS surprisingly, Neurological Conditions Post Op Rehab n Pelvic girdle pain Established for over 25 years, we of approximately one in threePersonal Training Sports Injuries Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is the blanket service with excellent facilities and a women are believed to term for all pelvic pain, including pubic We will see you within 24 hours. experience women’s health pain (which was previously called £5 off assessment when you use code oB13 when booking problems during their lifetime. symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)).

Back and Neck Pain The statistics are not entirely can be pain from the 2-4 Pond Head Lane, Wokingham Road, Earley,PGP Reading RG6 7ETanywhere Arthritis clear however, as many of us tolerate lumbar spine/abdomen down to the Neurological Conditions www.berkshirephysio.co.uk 966 8601 these problems for years, either too 0118 thigh, either at the front or back. The Sports Injuries embarrassed to seek help or unaware pain can range from a mild ache to that there are treatments available. severe pain which limits your daily There is help available - it just takes offatassessment activities. This may£5 start any time when you use some specialist treatment and during pregnancy, labour or post Head Lane, Wokingham R training to cure the problem. delivery. 2-4 NotPond everybody We can help you if you www.berkshirephysio.co suffers, and it is not a have: ‘normal part of being n Low back pain pregnant’; treatments n Pelvic pain are available. n Stress Common signs and incontinence symptoms of PGP n Urge include: incontinence n Difficulty walking n Perineal pain or (a waddling gait), bruising n Pain on standing on n Breathing relaxation one leg such as climbing stairs, techniques for labour putting on shoes or socks n TNS machines n Pain and/or difficulty in n Incontinence movements that open the legs / hips The symptoms of urinary such as getting in and out of bath or car, incontinence will depend on the type and intercourse you have. For example: n Clicking or grinding in the pelvic n Stress incontinence – when urine area (may be felt or heard) leaks out at times when your bladder is n Difficulty lying in some positions under pressure, for example when you such as on your side laugh, cough or sneeze. n Pain during normal activities of n Urge incontinence – when you feel daily life. a sudden, intense urge to pass urine, Your symptoms can be aggravated resulting in leakage of urine then or by the increasing weight of the baby, soon afterwards. changes in the body’s centre of gravity, It is also possible to have a mixture and posture as well as pre-existing back of both stress and urge urinary problems. incontinence.

So, if you recognise any of these The causes of urinary incontinence symptoms, or just want to work with us depend on the type. to prevent you developing any of these Stress incontinence is usually the symptoms, then we can help you. result of the weakening or damaging of Book an appointment with our the muscles used to prevent urination, specialist physiotherapist and specify such as the pelvic floor muscles and the at the time of booking you would like a urethral sphincter (for example during pregnancy related or women’s health labour). appointment. Our service is highly Urge incontinence is usually the confidential and respects the sensitive result of overactivity of the detrusor nature of these problems. Please don’t muscles, which control the bladder. suffer in silence.

Certain things can increase the n For further information please Sharon Brogden at Berkshire chances of urinary incontinence Established for over 25 years, we offer contact a personalised Physiotherapy Centre on 0118 966 developing, including: forbirth overand 25 years, we offer a personalised service withEstablished excellent facilities a dedicated team.

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with Nicolas Durman

reception at The Royal Berkshire Hospital, labels can be picked up from the tree and then placed on the present.

Personal messages can be added before leaving the labelled gift under the tree.

The Voluntary Services team stress that presents should not be wrapped up. A spokesperson said: “Please remember not to wrap your present or we won’t know who we can give it to.” n For more details or information, call Lynn Bayliss, the Voluntary Services Manager, on 0118 322 8396.

service with excellent facilities and a dedicated team.

You are not alone!

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HEALTH MATTERS

again. We would love to have enough donations to ensure that every patient with us on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day gets a present to unwrap.

“We are especially hoping that we can ensure all of our elderly patients, who can be overlooked at this special time, each receive a gift.

“Perfect pressies for someone in hospital will be toiletries – nice soaps or shower gel and shampoos, shaving kits, puzzle books and pens, crayons and stationery.”

The RBH’s Voluntary Services team said that it is really easy to donate a gift. Unwrapped presents should be brought to the gift tree in main

with Berkshire Physiotherapy

Established for over 25 years, we offer a personalised

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Give the gift of Christmas cheer N APPEAL has gone out to readers of The Wokingham Paper to become Santa’s little helpers this Christmas.

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust’s Voluntary Services team is asking people to embrace the spirit of Christmas and donate a gift to help bring a little festive cheer to patients spending the holiday period in Reading’s Royal Berkshire hospital.

Lynn Bayliss, the Trust’s Voluntary Services Manager, said: “We all know that being in hospital isn’t great at any time, and at Christmas it can seem even gloomier.

“To help brighten the day for patients, we are asking people to spare a thought for those who will be away from family and friends and donate a present to our gift tree.

“Local people have been very generous in previous years and we are hoping that they will be

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Staying in hospital over Christmas can be a miserable experience but you can help brighten the lives of patients with a simple gift

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BERKSHIRE PHYSIOTHERAPY

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Good health

In association with

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Friday, December 11, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Bringing you Bringing the very best you in the very best care and recovery in care and recovery

with24 excellent We will see service you within hours. facilities and a dedicated team.

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20 | HERITAGE

Friday, August 21, 2015 TheWokinghamPaPer

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk To advertise call 0118 966 6600

WokinghamRemembers

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 11, 2015

HERITAGE | 17

associationwith with InInassociation

Exploring our our heritage heritage with withwokinghamremembers.com wokinghamremembers.com Exploring

LOSS REVIEW

The of Britain’s 68,000our warpresent... memorials The history past which has shaped MEMORIALS areChuRChER everywherereviews in Britain: This week MikE athe recent count discovered there were Wokingham Remembers articles more than 68,000.

Why so many and of the past four months and discusses how theyfactors come about?

This week we somedid of the which contributed try to answer some of these to the making of Wokinghamquestions, and its before moving onto to how Wokingham environment. remembered its own losses. major impact they had on the town and VER the past months the

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Wokingham Remembers page has HE Warproviding Memorialaninearly Wokingham’s been picture Town Hall provides 217 namesand of a of how a small market town men on who fell during Great War. few villages the edge of athe forest is today natural assume the names ranked It asisone of thetocountry’s leading are made up of all the Fallen who came from communities. around the Wokingham town area.

Education, religion, industry, transport, Thestructures, real story though not so straight social nationalispolitics and forward.

Memorials were not lists of the local government are all important local war dead, butthe a record of the living’s pieces in building great Wokingham desire to remember a loved one. jigsaw. Here now is a summary of our If for instance a war widow contributions to date and a fewhad ideas on moved into a new area, she the next round of articles. could ask for her husband’s name to be remembered Education, Education, on a plaque in her new home town.

Therefore the men Education named on memorials areToday’s provided by those people who as Wokingham is renowned wanted them remembered; are not one of the country’s centresthey of excellence necessarily a list ofisthe localdue men for education; this partly towho strong died. school performance and the motivated Then who therelive arein those who parents one of thewere mostlocal, but do not appearcommunities on the memorial. highly educated in theIfUK. there was no into one alive or in residence If we look the history of to remember their death, they do Wokingham’s schools we then can see not on aismemorial.

Conversely, howappear education woven into its DNA. ifPrior there more War, thanWokingham one person who towas the Great remembered the by same person and and lived was surrounded manor houses in a different part of thegentry country, then members of the landed who that serviceman’s on wanted to be closename to thewould leversappear of power; more one memorial.of Windsor. i.e. thethan royal households They were also postechelons war lists, fraught In turn these upper with the possibility mis-spellings possessed a serious of sense of duty and nicknames as peopletotried to remember and a responsibility ensure their the names ofreceived those who died awithout community at least basic relatives. this respect,also Wokingham’s education.InWokingham had a war memorial is no different any powerful professional class, afrom strong other. church community (including the nonAlthough memorials arethey a normal part conformists) and together shared of today’sbelief landscape, exist almost a strong in the they importance of entirely teaching.from the First World War. Very fewThe were builtwas before how result withthis thetime. skills,Sothe did they come The answer starts motivation andabout? the finance available, from decision made by the government thereadeveloped a culture of education at a very early point in the war.day. which still holds strong to this

Wokingham transport History ofisthe 20th Transport probably thecentury single most important factor in Wokingham’s war memorials

development, in both rail and road The Great War was its ground breaking systems. in the sense that it included the whole Future articles at the small population and notwill justlook a relatively introduction of the railways and the group of professional servicemen.

we have already made a start with the To coin a phrase, it was a ‘People’s road system by mapping out the course of War’ and the numbers were vast, with the old Forest Road. more than six million men on active While the building of the M4 had a duty from Britain alone. This meant an major influence on the introduction of the overwhelmingly large number of deaths high tech businesses which now surround and the government of the time quickly Wokingham, it is the A329M which took the decision to bury the men where in 1975 cut off the Forest Road and its they fell and not bring them home. natural connections between Emmbrook The consequence of this decision was and the villages of Hurst and Binfield. The that the families of the dead were unable love and hate relationship with our rail to mourn their losses in traditions which and roads continue to this day! had been followed for centuries. Naval Wokingham’s families had sufferedmilitary this type of loss for many years and were naturally prepared heritage forAs the2015 menisto bebi-centenary buried at sea, the ofbut thethe Great War was significant because Battle of Waterloo, there have been its a losses came from families who had this no number of articles commemorating experience of military world changing event. and naval deaths.

The area families into shock; The has descended always been noted for thecontribution youngest son be a delivery boy its tocould the nation’s military one day, a soldier the next, dead within capability, with Arborfield’s REME, months no presence of a body RFA and and Remount connections and for the the family and to mourn the loss.

The British Sandhurst Wellington Colleges all government not insensitive to this situated verywas nearby. loss (they also needed to keep up morale) Even the Duke of Wellington took to and the createtoday the is living in response Stratfieldwas Saye,towhich magnificent Commonwealth War Graves only 30 minutes away from Wokingham’s we see spread around the world today. town centre.

Immaculate though they were, war Wokingham’s graves on foreign soil did not provide benefactor families with theculture physical presence The area around Wokingham was needed to help mourn their loved ones. surrounded byprior many Memorials toremarkable the Great War were individuals they were monumentsand of victory notinstrumental symbols of in building much needed infrastructure loss. Thethe memorial in the Baptist Church which underpinned the establishment in Milton Road, Wokingham, marks theof avictory strongatcommunity.

Waterloo.

We later beemerged telling the story of the Thewill possibility that Walter family and their contributions memorials at home could help in partto the building Wokingham butthese in April to bridge theofsense of loss, but first weekly issue, we told represented the story of the monuments traditionally much loved Hill, the 6th Marquess victory and Arthur honourable battle. of Downshire.

Following the end of the war, artists one ofchanged Britain’sthe wealthiest andAlthough stonemasons face landowners, Hillnot doubled as the of memorialsArthur to reflect the glory chief of thebut local Brigade and was a of victory, theFire sense of mourning major contributor to this whichfinancial had pervaded everyday lifepart in of Wokingham’s public services. post-war Britain.

Even today, memorials Later articles will illustrate the loss, play an important role in mourning demise of theseand great manors andthe their remembrance even hope for incumbent social system and the rise of future.

Wokingham Railway Station viewed from Wellington Road looking towards St Pauls Church.

The story was told in June, and also historians, Sarah Huxford, also took commemorated the 800th anniversary us on a journey to the old battlefields of the Magna Carta, signed at nearby in search of their graves. This story Before we believe too much in the idea Runnymede in 1215. reflects only a microcosm of the losses that Wokingham’s development was a around the county of Berkshire, but solidly sedate experience, May’s article Shining a light on affirms the importance of the wars in the told the story of the rioting in the town Wokingham’s ‘DarkBelow: Ages’ Memorials prior to the Great War were monuments of victory not symbols of loss.

This one above marks the victory at Waterloo.

The centre during the time of the 1857 General development of our local character.

To bring us up to date the August Memorial in the Baptist Church, Milton Road.

Election.

Wokingham andwhich followed during the festivities articles are focused on the kids who are Such events were a common sight in Victory Day in 1919. now entering into their summer holidays. the Royal Forest How the names the townwere and this short and bloody battle Looking at today’s community, it is What better way to use this month’s Others argued about the composition between the Whigs and the Tories also collected? difficult to visualise just howto rural thebeing editions than to tell the stories of the of the lists, with objections those highlighted theenormity Bush andof Rose in Such is the the hotels numbers area was and inbeing part explains Romans, the Celts and the Saxons shotonce for cowardice included.the Market Place as the headquarters these sometimes fragile relationship between of memorials across the country; of it is influence on the area before Wokingham In one Lincolnshire example, a Private two feral groups. often believed that some institution the old and new Wokingham; Charles Kirman had for nine few years been a was even a twinkle in old Wocca’s eye?

The story was also able to reflect or government department was areas in the UK have witnessed David Nash Ford provided a set of regular soldier and simply lost such his nerve upon the national scene and the corrupt extraordinary growth and change in the articles and puzzles which makes instrumental in their organisation and following years of fighting, subsequent nature of general elections before the profile of its population. history fun for the young and no doubt development. wounds and malaria. introduction of the private ballot.

Although Wokingham’s history will also catch the interest of the parents This in part was true (as in the He was executed in 1917 and as a Future articles will include further has always been intertwined with who will be looking over their child’s Wokingham experience), but was also result, was denied a listing on a proposed tales of anarchy and revelry in this old the surrounding villages by providing shoulder. often a result of local people organising memorial for his home village of Fulstow market town. market place for agricultural and Here’s to the next round of articles! themselves to collect names and funds to ain Lincolnshire.

The it villagers were so commercial produce, was also a Forest Thanks go out to our contributors: Steve Wokingham at War build their own local memories of their incensed his ‘forest’ omission, refused Town.

The at term did they not mean a Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash Ford, Sarah There are watershed moments in and fallen.

Collection was often chaotic to allow other to of belaws included. cluster of any trees, but names a system laid Huxford, Roger Long, Trevor Ottlewski history whichobjections. mark the moment of great not without Until by 2005, Fulstow hadprotection no memorial down royalty for the of to change in a society and the Great War of and Peter Shilham for all their continuing Wokingham took nearly six years after remember their dead. their hunting grounds.

1914-1918 is one such time. contributions. the war to finally unveil the Town Hall Wokingham none of theselocal These oneroushad rules restricted Therefore a number of centenaries All this work is provided by our Memorial in 1924. Some councils feared extreme issues; was one local historians free of charge and people from usingtheir largeindecision parts of the land between 2014 and 2018 will that these organised groups would turn of sustenance philosophy and in therefore for part ledprovides to the an commemorate the great losses of war can be found on the front page of the violentscarred and become centres of revolution rise insight intohighwaymen the venerable nature of our of local and general which the people of Wokingham Wokingham Remembers website as in and Russia. lawlessness.

As a result, the subsequent for theGermany rest of the 20th century. www.wokinghamremembers.com town’s leaders.

Black Act 1723week camehow down on May’s edition followed the story Thanks also to Mark Ashwell at n Find outofnext theheavily Wokingham these ‘Wokingham resulteditsin of two brothers Langborough TradeMark for supporting the paper’s community decidedBlacks’ how toand remember Luton riotsfrom 1919 either their transportation or execution.

Road in Wokingham One of our commitment to this project.

Luton’s Town Halltown. was burned down own losses. its replacement: local government.

Wokingham’s wild side

Windows doors and conservatories that last a lifetime and beyond www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

Unit 20, Headley Park 10 (next to Screwfix), Woodley RG5 4SW 0118 9699322

LEISURE | 21

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, December 11, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Leisure

Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham

MUSICAL

A Pinafore performance worthy of the professionals HMS Pinafore performed by Woodley Light Operatic Society at The Oakwood Centre, Woodley, on Wednesday, December 9

G

ILBERT and Sullivan’s endearing comic-opera HMS Pinafore sailed into the Oakwood Centre this week as the Woodley Light Operatic Society (WLOS) took to the high seas for their winter performance.

Telling the story of lowly sailor Ralph Rackstraw, played by Alistair Parry, who has fallen madly in love with the Captain’s daughter, Josephine (Laura CurtisDagg), Pinafore is a light-hearted jaunt into the woes of 19th-century social hierarchy.

Unbeknownst to Ralph, Josephine secretly loves him too, but is too proud to admit her feelings for fear of what her father, Captain Corcoran (Tom Dance) will make of her.

Instead, she is promised to the ridiculous Sir Joseph Porter (Gareth Watkins), the head of the Queen’s Navy, who has never Captained a ship and is prone to bouts of sea-sickness.

Spurred on by Sir Porter’s declaration that all British sailors are any man’s equal, Ralph goes forth to declare his love for Josephine who soon forgets herself and confesses her true feelings too. The crew set about making plans to smuggle the couple ashore to be married that night, but their plans are thwarted by the dastardly Dick Deadeye (Tony Towers), a

gruesome sailor who wishes ill upon all. Will Ralph and Josephine live happily ever after? Or will Captain Corcoran put an end to their budding romance?

Making her debut for WLOS, Laura Curtis-Dagg played a charming Josephine, tackling the trickiest of numbers like a seasoned professional. Tony Towers brought Deadeye to life perfectly and kept the audience chuckling throughout.

Accompanied by a skeleton orchestra, who made an incredible sound for so few performers, the singers made a fantastic effort for a piece with some very intricate numbers: the tonguetwisting I Am the Monarch of the Sea was thoroughly entertaining and a highlight of the show.

The only point that let the performance down was the sound, either the orchestra were slightly too loud (being in the balcony directly next to the audience does present some challenges), or the singers could have done with microphones for at times they were drowned out and difficult to follow.

But overall HMS Pinafore is a terrific effort and a thoroughly enjoyable evening out.

HMS Pinafore runs until tomorrow (Saturday) at the Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley. Tickets starts at £14, concessions are available. For more information and to book tickets visit www.wlos.co.uk or call the Box Office 0333 666 3366.

with Gemma Davidson

CAN you offer these adorable animals a loving forever home? Each week, we team up with the folk at Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre in Nelsons Lane, Hurst, to try to find new homes for the animals currently in their care

Members of Woodley Light Operatic Society who starred in HMS Pinafore.

JASMINE Poor Jasmine has come to DBARC as she lost her companion. Not only has

CROWTHORNE Symphony Orchestra will present its annual family Christmas concert tomorrow (Saturday).

The musical group will perform seasonal music and carols at St John The Baptist Church in Waterloo Road, Crowthorne from 4.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 in advance or £12 on the door and under 16s get in free. They can be bought from Traveltime in Crowthorne’s High Street and from Bookends in Peach Street, Wokingham. For more details, log on to www. crowthorneorchestra.com.

CHURCH

Carols and seasonal readings at Corpus Christi

A CHRISTMAS celebration will be held in a Wokingham church this Sunday.

The South Berkshire Singers will perform traditional carols arranged by Sir David Willcocks with music by Peter Gritton and John Rutter. There will also be the opportunity for the audience to join in and seasonal readings will feature in the programme.

It takes place from 4pm at Corpus Christi Chuch in Sturges Road. Tickets cost £5 with children getting in free. For more details, call 0118 978 5635.

she lost her friend, but now she has lost her home too. Her family thought she was too wild to cope with anymore, but we are sure this isn’t the case.

This 18-month-old neutered female would do really well with a neutered male rabbit for company.

TIGGER AND PHOEBE These 10-year-old neutered females are the victims of an unfortunate marriage breakdown. They are lovely, friendly sisters and would love a home together.

Tigger (tabby) and Phoebe (black) are used to living with other cats, dogs and small children so would settle into most homes.

They are a gorgeous pair of cats and just looking for a loving lap to call their own.

A TYPEWRITER will become the central attraction for an orchestral concert on Sunday.

The old fashioned writing implement will be pressed into service to provide music at the Woodley Concert Band’s Christmas concert.

It forms just part of a seasonal programme that includes The Polar Express, Fairytale of New York, Let it Snow! as well as favourites such as Sleigh Ride.

There are two performances at Leighton Park School in Shinfield Road, Shinfield. Tickets are £10 or £2 for under 16s. For more details or to book, call 0870 321 2186.

A concert for all the family at Crowthorne church

TWILIGHT This six-yearold neutered beagle has come to DBARC from another rescue which has a lot of beagles so they are tending to be overlooked.

Twilight is a sweetnatured girl, she is a little timid and shy, but gets on with other dogs so if she had a gentle companion in her forever home to show her the ropes we think she would do really well.

Sweet music from an old fashioned ‘keyboard’

ORCHESTRA

GEMMA DAVIDSON

Animal Corner

SHINFIELD

n Could you offer a forever home to any of these animals? If the answer is ‘yes’ then please get in touch with the centre on 0118 934 1122 to make sure the animals have not already been reserved. The centre is open everyday between 11am and 1pm, and 2pm and 4pm. For more information, and to view other animals in need of a home visit www. dbarc.org.uk

22 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

What’s on FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Storytime for ages 3-5.

11am-11.30am. Details: 0118 908 8176.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Pass The Book Club. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150.

TWYFORD – Floor Store, High Street RG10 9AE. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Christmas Sing-a-long. 5.30pm7.30pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WOKINGHAM – 30 Rose Street RG40 1XU. John Redwood MP constituency surgery by appointment.

Details: 020 7219 4205.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Local history surgery: dropin advice with a local expert.

10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Woodley Light Operatic Society presents HMS Pinafore. 7.45pm. £14, £15, concessions available. Details: woodleylightoperatic. ticketsource.co.uk or 0333 666 3366.

Saturday, December 12 CROWTHORNE – St John the Baptist Church, Waterloo Road RG45 7PB. Family Christmas concert from the Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra. 4.30pm. £10 in advance, £12 on door, under 16s free. Details: 0118 972 2164.

HARE HATCH – Hare Hatch Sheeplands, London Road RG10 9HW. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: The Enchanted Players presents The Snow Queen’s Christmas Visit. 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm. £5. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Children’s Writing Group for ages 9-12. 2pm-2.45pm.

Details: 0118 966 6630.

SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael & All Angels, Basingstoke Road.

Christmas window display exhibition, plus raffle, draw and more.

10am-4pm. Details: www. spencerswoodchurch.org TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church, Church Road RG10 9NT. Twyford Singers Christmas concert. 7.30pm. £10, £9 in advance, £5 concessions.

Details: 0118 901 6176.

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Wokingham Wine festival.

11am-6pm. £5 or four tickets for £15. Details: 0118 986 2591.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Dad and Baby Rhymetime.

10.30am-11am. Teen Writing Group for ages 1118. 10.30am-noon. Poetry Writing Group. 10am11.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Rococo, Bush Walk. Living Advent Calendar. 4pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Forest Singers annual Christmas concert. £8. 7.30pm.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Saturday storytime for parents and children. 11am. Details: 0118 969 0304.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Church ramble.

Come dressed for weather.

10am. Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk or 0118 926 8143.

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Woodley Light Operatic Society presents HMS Pinafore. 3pm and 7.45pm. £14, £15, concessions available. Details: woodleylightoperatic. ticketsource.co.uk or 0333 666 3366.

WOODLEY – Coronation Hall, Headley Road RG5 4JB. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society lecture: Pyramids in Britain and Ireland with David Winpenny.

2pm-4.30pm. £3. Details: 01491 838803.

Sunday, December 13 SHINFIELD – Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road.

Woodley Concert Band.

2.30pm £10, under 16s £2. 7.30pm £12, £10

concessions. Details: 0870 321 2186.

SONNING – St Andrew’s Church. Candlelit Dickensian Christmas fayre including a visit from Saint Nicholas. Nativity festival. 2pm-4.30pm. £2, £1 children. In aid of church community hall appeal.

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall.

The Link Visiting Scheme Christmas party. 2pm-5pm.

Details: 0118 979 8019.

TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church, Station Road RG10 9NT. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Christingle service. 4.30pm5.30pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WOKINGHAM – The Art House, Broad Street Walk RG40 1AT. Living Advent Calendar. 4pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Church, Sturges Road. South Berkshire Singers Christmas Celebration. Traditional carols and more. £5, children free. 4pm-6pm.

In aid of the Africa Fund. Details: 0118 978 5635.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood (Wokingham) Miniature Railway Santa Special.

1.30pm-4pm. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk or 07599 969 579.

WOODLEY – Town Centre.

Car boot sale. 8am-1pm. £10 per Car or £8 for table top pitch/Walk on, bring own tables. Details: 07861 654 674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk.

TWYFORD – Library, Edward Polehampton Library, Polehampton Close RG10 9RP. Knit and Natter. Drop in knitting group for adults.

2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 934 0800.

TWYFORD – Bell Court, Wargrave Road RG10 9NY. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Glee Club sing-a-long.

6.30pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Art Society Meeting: Max Hale on glass objects in oil paint. 7.30pm. £4, includes refreshments. Details: www.wokinghamartsociety. org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Third Tuesday Group – discuss new books, bestsellers and favourites.

10.30am-11.30am.

Children’s origami club.

4pm-4.45pm. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5. 2pm-2.30pm. National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am-3.40pm.

UK Online: Help and support with computers and the internet for beginners.

2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street RG40 2SL. Living Advent Calendar.

6.15pm. Details: www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent

EMMBROOK – Village Hall, Emmbrook Road RG41 1JN. Wokingham West Forest Towns Women’s Guild Christmas celebration.

7.45pm. £2.

SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5. 4pm4.30pm. Litwits book group.

6pm-7pm. Details: 0118 988 4771.

TWYFORD – Waitrose, London Road RG10 9EH. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Carol singing with The Piggott School. 5pm6pm. Details: www.

Previous solution - Medium

2 1 1 2 4 4 3 4 3 2 3 9 5 5 6 6 7 8 9 8 7 8 6

8 9

6

7

5

1 3

6 You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

2 7

1

Tuesday, December 15

Thursday, December 17 LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Chalfont social afternoon: Christmas party. £1. 2pm. Details: 0118 931 3124.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Board Games Club. 10am-11am.

Storytime for ages 3-5.

2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 931 2150.

SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Festive tea in the afternoon.

2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 988 4771.

SWALLOWFIELD – War Memorial. Village Christmas carols, whatever the weather. Followed by mince pies and a warming drink.

7.30pm.

TWYFORD – Waitrose, London Road RG10 9EH. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: carol singing with Polehampton Infant School.

Wednesday, December 16 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library,

SUDOKU Tough

9

FBC Centre RG40 4ES.Book group. 10.30am-11.30am.

Details: 0118 908 8176.

TWYFORD – Tile & Bathroom Place, London Road RG10 9ER. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Christmas party.

4.30pm-6pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Crafts and Laughs. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: 0118 940 4656.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Social Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Quiz night. £2 entry, maximum 5 per team.

7.30pm. Details: 0118 978 0307.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Rhymetime for Babies.

10.30am-11am. Rhymetime for toddlers. 11am-11.30am.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street.

Alzheimer's Café: Christmas Party. 2pm-3.30pm. Details: 0118 977 6898.

WOKINGHAM – Martin and Pole, Broad Street RG40 1AY. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOODLEY – Town Centre.

Farmers' Market.

9am-1.30pm. Details: 0118 921 6920 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk.

twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Storytime for ages 3-5. 4pm. Details: 0118 940 4656.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Knit, Stitch and Natter. 2pm3pm. Generation X book group: for 20/30somethings.

6pm-7pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Brown Bag, Alexandra Court, off Denmark Street. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm.

Details: www.wokingham-tc. gov.uk/advent

Monday, December 14

STR8TS No. 259

2

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk

The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough

4 8 9 3 9 8 2 5 6 7 7 4 6 8 7 3 4 6 2 3 2 5

6 7 7 5 6 6 7 9 8 5 8 1 2 3 1 2 5 4 1 4 3

No. 259

Easy

Previous solution - Very Hard

7 8 2 4 1 3 6 5 9

6 7

4 3 6 4 5 2 6 4 9 6 3 2 2 1 5 8 3 6 7 3 1 5 9 6 5 3 8

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

Friday, December 11

9 3 4 5 6 2 1 8 7

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 11, 2015

1 6 5 7 9 8 4 3 2

8 4 7 1 3 9 2 6 5

6 9 1 8 2 5 7 4 3

5 2 3 6 7 4 8 9 1

3 1 9 2 4 6 5 7 8

4 7 8 3 5 1 9 2 6

2 5 6 9 8 7 3 1 4

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

9.30am. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB.Home educated book group for ages 7-14.

Booking essential. 10.30am11.30am. Storytime for ages 3-5. 2pm-2.30pm.

Classics Book Group: for lovers of Dickens, Austen etc. 6.30pm-7.30pm.

National Careers Service.

Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am to 3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Electric Tattoo Parlour, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm.

Details: www.wokinghamtc.gov.uk/advent WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham District Cancer Care Trust 11th Christmas concert in aid of Wokingham Day Hospice with Saint Sebastian Wokingham Brass Band, Masterclef Barbershop Octet and The Tuesday Girls. Licensed bar, tea & coffee and raffle.

7pm. £12.50. Details: 0118 979 0290, treasurer@ wdcct.org.uk or visit www. wdcct.org WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Berzerk Productions presents Aladdin.

7.45pm. Details: www. berzerkproductions.com

Friday, December 18 EARLEY – Our Lady of Peace Social Club, Wokingham Road RG6 7DA (entrance off Aldbourne Avenue).

Reading and Wokingham Spanish Circle meeting: Fiesta Navidena and quiz.

Bring food for buffet.

7.45pm. £3. Details, 0118 977 2569 or 0118 979 2458.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents R'n'Beatles.

7.45pm. Details: wokinghammusicclub.co.uk.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives.

11am. Details: 0118 908 8176.

LOWER EARLEY – Maiden Place shopping parade. Text Santa Christmas jumper day.

Details TBC. MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Storytime for ages 3-5.

10.15am-10.45am. Details: 0118 966 6630.

TWYFORD – Twyford Centre, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Age Concern Christmas Lunch.

1.45pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am.

Local history surgery: drop-in advice with a local expert. 10am-noon.

Wokingham VIP group: book group for visually

impaired. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Maison Rustic, Bush Walk RG40 1AT. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road.

Borough mayor’s Carol Concert with Berkshire Maestros South Youth Brass Band. Free parking at council offices. 4pm.

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Berzerk Productions presents Aladdin.

7.45pm. Details: www. berzerkproductions.com

Saturday, December 19 BRACKNELL – St Joseph’s Church, Stanley Walk RG12 1HA. Thames Voyces’ family Christmas concert: carols old and new. £12, £10 concessions, under 16s free.

7.30pm.

EARLEY – Our Lady of Peace Social Club, Aldbourne Avenue RG6 7DB. Christmas party with David O’Connor and a grand draw. £1 entry. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 935 2927 or visit www.olopsocialclub.co.uk.

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close.

Trinity Concert Band presents The Joy of Christmas, a concert of music for the festive season.

2.30pm, 7.30pm. £10 in advance, £12 on the door, under 16s free. Details: 0845 226 3047.

GRAZELEY – Village Hall.

RoadRunner’s final gig and Christmas quiz. 7pm. Ticket only. £15, inc supper. Bring own drinks. Details: 0118 988 4762.

SHINFIELD – St Mary's Church, Church Lane.

Christmas Tree Festival with refreshments. 10am-5pm.

TWYFORD – Twyford Snooker Club, Wargrave Road RG10 9NY. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Twyford Snooker Club open afternoon.

2pm-5pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk TWYFORD – The Duke of Wellington, High Street RG10 9AG. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Father Christmas visit.

1pm-3pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Town Hall.

Town councillors’ surgery.

10am-noon. Drop-in.

Details: 0118 978 3185 or www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Downshire Road.

Wokingham Choral Society Christmas concert. 6.30pm. £10, students and under 18s £5, under fives free.

Programmes from Town Hall, Newbury Building Society and Bookends.

Details: www.wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Wokingham Writers Group for adults. 10am. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Kaanaanmaa,

Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Living Advent Calendar.

4pm. Details: www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Saturday Storytime. 11am-11.30am.

Details: 0118 969 0304.

WOODLEY – The Bulmershe School, Woodlands Avenue RG5 3EU. Charity fundraising event #Pray For The World with Prince Haroon and Ambassador MC. 1pm-4pm.

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Berzerk Productions presents Aladdin. 2pm, 5pm. Details: www. berzerkproductions.co

Sunday, December 20 HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Mince Pie Regatta. 1.30pm4pm. £8, children £6.

Details: 0118 932 1071.

KNOWL HILL – St Peter’s Church. Carol service. 4pm.

SHINFIELD – St Mary's Church, Church Lane.

Christmas Tree Festival with refreshments. 11am-6pm, Carols by candlelight at 6.30pm.

TWYFORD – Twyford URC, Church Street RG10 9DR. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Nine lessons and carols.

4.30pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk TWYFORD – The Duke of Wellington, High Street RG10 9AG. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Carol singing.

8pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk RUSCOMBE – St James Church, Southbury Lane RG10 9UA. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Nine lessons and carols. 6pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WARGRAVE – St Mary’s Church, Mill Green off Station Road RG10 8EU. Carol service. 6pm. Details: 0118 940 2300.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road.

Children’s nativity. 11am.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Service of carols and lessons followed by mince pies and mulled wine.

6.15pm. Details: 0118 979 2122.

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Carols by candlelight. 6.30pm.

WOKINGHAM – Live Nativity at Wokingham Theatre RG40 5TU. Living Advent Calendar (booking essential). 4pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – St Sebastian’s Church, Nine Mile Ride RG40 3AT. Carol service. 7pm. Details: 01344 761050.

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Berzerk Productions presents Aladdin. 2pm, 5pm. Details: www. berzerkproductions.com

Your weekly puzzle challenge LEISURE 23 Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE 16

18

6

5

5 13

7

22

10 3

13

16

17

15

10

3

5

22

17

20

4

8 10

8 12

21

5

26

5

13 17

26

13

2

25

1

16

10

2

16

22

24

18

22

1

8

5

5

24

21

10

10

5

22

5

22

22

10

18

13

9

8

11 14

1

21 8

20 20

3

7

8

17

2

1

22 10

17

4

16

15

19

2

22 2

3

5

8

NONAGRAM

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

R

S

9

10

11

12

13

22

23

24

25

26

O

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

SOFTENS TO MUSEUMS

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 L through openings in the walls. The B first letter may appear in any chamber.

T N

S E N

R E M 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: 15 Good; 18 Very Good; 21 Excellent.

MD

AE

LS

OI

OA

ZN

OE

IE

NR

MD

EA

LA

ET

8 7

1 4 2 5 3 8 7 2 6

2 5 3

9

6 3 5 8 7

6 7 3 8

8 2 4 6 7 8 6 4 9 3 6 4 9 1 9 3 5

2 9

1

P

R

O

A I

E N

G

Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

YS

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

5

8 2 2 4 6 1 1 2 7 3 5 1 8 7

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11

12 13

13

14

15

14

16

16

17

18

19 20

21

22

21

25

ACROSS 1. Kit to fit out fellows on Tuesday initially (9)

EQUALISER 7 8 2 5 4 5 5 15 5 1 4 1

Hard

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

3

24

K

RT

SUDOKU Easy

A

AS

NE

2

7

N

AE

BU

1

24

YN

AI

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

23

FIVE ALIVE

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.

10. Who added the most famous illustrations to Kenneth Grahame’s book The Wind in the Willows?

WORD PYRAMID

E G S

18

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

9. Which elderly, pompous, reactionary cartoon character was created by Sir David Low?

5. Rabat is the capital of which African country?

2 6

8. In which city is the Prado art gallery?

4. What is the resort town in Florida where the hard, white beaches have been used for automobile speed trials?

20 22

7. Masterchef presenter Gregg Wallace was the original host for which cooking show until he was replaced by Antony Worrall Thompson in 2003?

3. Set in Kefalonia, Greece, in which movie did Penelope Cruz play opposite Nicolas Cage?

8

8

5

6. The subfamily Anser includes which types of birds?

2. By what name is nitrous oxide more familiarly known?

5

16

13

5

7

4

8

1. According to legend, who was the person who collected Christ’s blood in the Holy Grail?

8

18

13

5 14

21

10

20

1

16 3

5

8

23 17

10

21

5

17 16

13

17

|

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, December 11, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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.

All puzzles on this page are supplied by Sirius Media Services.

To try more of our puzzles interactively online go to www.puzzledrome.com © Sirius Media Services Ltd

DOWN 2. Inquiry into search I take on (8) 3. Threaten a mischievous child before the finish (6) 8. Georgia doubly senile (4) 4. Chap leading bird to a 9. Still employing or wearing (7,2) poisonous plant (8) 11. Daniel badly pinned down (6) 5. High time (4) 6. Change planes in Italy (6) 12. He makes reparations when 7. Indian leader in Darjeeling near to disaster (6) and Hindustan (6) 13. In Granada, press kindly 10. Jack loses his head in included in evening social church (4) activities (5-3) 14. Go off with a politician going round (8) 16. Hobby for fun and profit (8) 15. Continue to look after a bird 20. Rub Pat the wrong way, (4,2,2) being brusque (6) 16. One doctor and I exist on 21. Beachwear that’s much drink (6) reduced (6) 17. Thanks Rex, who is accepting (6) 23. Noticing nothing different 18. Princess from Iran? (4) under a false name (9) 19. Some of the mob run either 24. Loud hairstyle (4) way in Malaysia (6) 25. Bryn hit Al going round the 22. South American started in maze (9) Caracas (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

7

6

6

7

7

8

9

10

11

10

11

13

14

10

11

12 15

16

15

17

20

22

18

19

22

21

22

23

24

25 26

27

28 29

30

31 32

SOLUTIONS

ACROSS 1. Sausage snack (6,3) 9. Conundrum (6) 10. Change direction suddenly (4) 11. Tart (4) 12. Streamer (6) 13. Grave (7) 16. Poke (4) 17. Be out of breath (4) 18. Long, thin fish (3) 20. Light brown (3) 21. Burden (4) 23. Current affairs (4)

25. Photographic devices (7) 26. Yearn (6) 29. Succeed in exam (4) 30. Limited period (4) 31. Velcro (anag.) (6) 32. Fill again (9) DOWN 2. Intelligent (6) 3. Swollen (6) 4. Stifle, suppress (4,2) 5. Larva (4) 6. Long-necked animal (7)

7. Norse deity (4) 8. Unfeeling (9) 13. Random examination (4,5) 14. Dappled horse (4) 15. Shrub of the rhus genus (5) 18. Large jug (4) 19. Railway timber (7) 22. Maiden (6) 23. Put in order (6) 24. Marine mammal (6) 27. Secluded corner (4) 28. Uncommon (4)

3 7 5 8 1 4 2 6 9

8 9 2 3 5 6 7 4 1

4 1 6 9 2 7 8 5 3

1 4 3 2 7 5 6 9 8

9 2 8 6 4 3 5 1 7

6 5 7 1 9 8 4 3 2

7 8 4 5 3 1 9 2 6

2 6 1 4 8 9 3 7 5

7 4 8 3 6 9 2 1 5

5 3 9 7 6 2 1 8 4

EASY SUDOKU

Y

C

L

U

14 1

15 2

3

CROSS CODE

5 2 6 8 1 4 3 9 7

8 7 2 1 3 5 6 4 9

9 6 1 7 4 8 5 2 3

4 5 3 2 9 6 8 7 1

6 1 5 4 8 7 9 3 2

3 8 4 9 2 1 7 5 6

2 9 7 6 5 3 1 8 4

HARD SUDOKU

R

A

W

P

16

1 3 9 5 7 2 4 6 8

17 4

D

18 5

E

Z

19 6

V

M

20 7

B

N

21 8

S

22 9

I

K

WORD PYRAMID: Point-blank range.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; subtract; multiply; divide.

Total: 3.

MAGIC SQUARE: fuss; unto; stem; some.

G

23

T

10

X

24 11

J

F

25

Q

12

H

26

O

13

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Scotch egg; 9 Riddle; 10 Veer; 11 Sour; 12 Banner; 13 Serious; 16 Prod; 17 Puff; 18 Eel; 20 Tan; 21 Load; 23 News; 25 Cameras; 26 Hanker; 29 Pass; 30 Term; 31 Clover; 32 Replenish.

Down – 2 Clever; 3 Turgid; 4 Hush up; 5 Grub; 6 Giraffe; 7 Odin; 8 Heartless; 13 Spot check; 14 Roan; 15 Sumac; 18 Ewer; 19 Sleeper; 22 Damsel; 23 Neaten; 24 Walrus; 27 Nook; 28 Rare.

Gandhi; 10 Nave; 14 Rotatory; 15 Keep at it; 16 Imbibe; 17 Taking; egress; emerge; erne; esse; gene; genre; germ; green; meneer; 18 Rani; 19 Brunei; 22 Inca. menses; mere; merge; mesne; mess; MESSENGER; neem; ness; renege; seem; seen; seer; seme; semé; semen; sene; sense; sere; serene; serge; sneer.

Down – Minim; Sauna; Nasty.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Equipment; 8 Gaga; 9 Keeping on; 11 Nailed; 12 (2) Across – Delay; Zebra; Dales.

Down – Dozed; Libel; Years.

Atoner; 13 Apres-ski; 16 Interest; 20 Abrupt; 21 Bikini; 23 Incognito; 24 Bang; 25 Labyrinth.

NONAGRAM: Down – 2 Question; 3 Impend; 4 Mandrake; 5 Noon; 6 Naples; 7

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Joseph of Arimathea; 2 Laughing gas; 3 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin; 4 Daytona Beach; 5 Morocco; 6 Geese, swans and some ducks; 7 Saturday Kitchen; 8 Madrid; 9 Colonel Blimp; 10 E. H. Shepard.

(1) Across – Mason; Nouns; Meaty.

FIVE ALIVE:

24 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

GIG GUIDE

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK

Friday, Dec 11

Saturday, Dec 12

ASCOT – Mikados, London Road. The Sixtees. Details: 01344 622757.

BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. Soul’d Out. Details: 01276 473160.

BRACKNELL – The Boot Inn, Park Road RG12 2LU. Murphy James. Details: 01344 454532.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Blues Brothers. Details: 01344 303333.

CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. A Stone Alone.

Details: 01276 63842.

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Live music night.

Details: 01276 27641.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Gronya. Details: 01252 519964.

FARNBOROUGH GREEN – The Fox, Chapel Lane GU14 9BN. Dan McHugh. Details: 01276 34735.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Somerset Slim. Details: Soul Ride.

Details: 0118 958 2797 READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Rifles (acoustic). Oxide, Neutrino, Artful Dodger, DJ Luck, MC Neat. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Influences Vinyl Night.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – South Street arts centre. Readipop Christmas Hootenanny. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Under the Covers: Dream Themes and DJ Chris Bound. Details: 0118 959 4267.

READING – Grosvenor G Casino, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. JD Soul Machine.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

WINDLESHAM – Windlesham Club, Kennel Lane GU20 6AA. The New Ambassadors. Details: 01276 472210.

WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s 90s night with DJ Pumba. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Feel Good Fridays. Details: 0118 979 5790.

YATELEY – The Royal Oak, Reading Road GU46 7UG. England’s Dreaming. Details: 01252 872459.

YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Uptown Traffic.

Details: 01252 872105.

BAGSHOT – The Three Mariners, High Street GU19 5AW. In Too Chic. Details: 01276 473768.

BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. Continuum Covers Band.

Chris Baker. Details: 01344 420572.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. The Vinyl Cover. Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Deps. Details: 01344 303333.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The Lord John Band. Details: 01276 32691.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion Club, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Details: 01344 772161.

CROOKHAM – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. NRG. Details: 01252 616434.

COVE – Ivy Leaf Social Club, Cove Road GU14 0HF. Trackbax. Details: 01252 543962.

FARNBOROUGH – The Fox, Chapel Lane GU14 9BN. The Serial Thrillers. Details: 01276 34735.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Alex Greer.

Details: 01252 519964.

FARNBOROUGH – The Royal Oak, Station Road SL5 0QL.Charlie Chandlers Little Rock. Details: 01344 623625.

FARNBOROUGH – The Tradesmans Arms, Cove Road GU14 0EX. Bitter Blues. Details: 01252 376745.

FRIMLEY GREEN – Working Men’s Club, Sturt Road GU16 6HX.The New Foundations. Details: 01252 835322.

FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. The Mays. Details: 01252 811311.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. DJ Dom. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Havana Affair. Details: Soul Ride.

Details: 0118 958 2797.

READING – The Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. The Jammed.. Details: 0118 958 2797.

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street. Caddy Cooper.

Details: 0118 953 0000.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Black and White Music: The Brawlers, Mickey and the Milkshake. Details: 0118 959 4267.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street

HOPE & ANCHOR Free entry, fantastic beers & a great night out!

This Saturday @ 9pm

WEY Asylum Affair Fleetwood Mac, Whitesnake & Prince LIVE Playing Coming next Saturday, December 19 MUSIC The Gas Trick Band Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AD 0118 978 0918 www.hopeanchor.co.uk

RG1 1EP. Retro Fever and Fast Forward. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – Grosvenor G Casino, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Forever Jackson.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. SoundJamDetails: 0118 959 7196.

READING – South Street arts centre. John Bramwell: I Am Kloot. Refugee Solidarity Contest from doubledotdash!?. Details: 0118 960 6060.

SANDHURST – The Village Inn, Yorktown Road GU47 9DX. Disco Steve. Details: 01252 873220.

WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. The Looters. Details: 01276 858501.

WINKFIELD – The Squirrels, North Street SL4 4TF. Frank and Friends. Details: 01344 882205.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Asylum Affair. Details: 0118 978 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights.

Details: 0118 979 5790.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Robbie Lee. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, Dec 13 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road.

Jagz Christmas Speical with Art Themen, John Critchinson, Dave Green, Dave Barry, Jacqui Hicks.

Details: 01344 878100.

BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374.

BRACKNELL – Crown Wood Community Cente, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Murphy James acoustic session. 2pm.

Details: 07707 681202.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays. Creative Control Band NIght. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. American Old Time Picking. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Readifolk: John Kirkpatrick: Carolling and Crumpets. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Abbot Cook, London Road RG1 5DE. Stuart Henderson Trio.

2.30pm. Details: 0118 935 4095.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Richard Digance Christmas Show. Details: 01491 681048.

Tuesday, Dec 15 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Take This.

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Singers Night with Fleur Stevenson and Band. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Ways, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. The

SoulTones. Details: 0118 968 1442.

WINDLESHAM – The Sun, Chertsey Road GU20 6EN. Bracknell Folk Club presents: Kara. Details: 01276 472234.

Wed, Dec 16 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. GaGa: Queen night. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Bohemian Night. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing Live: Thirsty Network Takeover. Rinse and Reload. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Ways, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Replic8 Band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 969 3325.

Thursday, Dec 17 BRACKNELL – The Goose, Station Road RG12 1HY. Up2NoGood. Details: 01344 311629.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Soul and Funk Christmas Party. Details: 01344 484123.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Jam Night.

Details: 01276 32691.

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Acoustic open mic night. Details: 01276 27641.

CAMBERLEY – The Bear, Park Street GU15 3PQ. The Holt Brothers. Details: 01276 684999.

CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. NRG. Details: 01344 772241.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Jamie Howell’s Evidence Bass.

Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Selecter.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Count Skylarkin’s Fab Fish Fry. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – South Street arts centre. The Membrances and Inca Babies. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Office Jumper Xmas party. Details: 0118 959 4267.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Ways, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Sir Duke with DJ. Details: 0118 968 1442.

SUNNINGDALE – Sunningdale Lounge, London Road SL5 0DG. Soul’d Out. Details: 01344 876887.

TWYFORD – The Duke of Wellington, High Street RG10 9AG. The Triple O Band. Details: 0118 934 0456.

Friday, Dec 18 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road.

Bad Girls Groove. Details: 01344 878100.

BAGSHOT – The Three Mariners, High Street GU19

5AW. KD Band. Details: 01276 473768.

BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. T Roze and Co. Details: 01276 473160.

BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. Creme Freche. Details: 01344 420572.

BRACKNELL – The Newtown Pippin, Ralph’s Ride RG12 9LR. Arachna. Details: 01344 483836.

BRACKNELL – The Boot Inn, Park Road RG12 2LU. Up2NoGood. Details: 01344 454532.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 457318.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Elvis Tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The Ska Souls.

Details: 01276 32691.

CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. Shaking A Round. Details: 01276 63842.

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. LDC - Linda’s Dirty Crew. Details: 01276 27641.

CROOKHAM – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. Tony Barker and Keith Chilver. Details: 01252 616434.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social Club, Lowther Rd RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents R’N’Beatles. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk.

FLEET – The Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road GU51 5NP. Stealers Bluff. Details: 01252 663686.

FRIMLEY – The Old White Hart, High Street GU16 7HU. The Cherries. Details: 01276 22816.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Edd Keene.

Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Love Shovel.

Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – The Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. Betties Blues. Details: 0118 958 2797.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Club Reckless.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Dark Matter: Christmas Special.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Grosvenor G Casino, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Curious Jules. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – South Street arts centre. Third Friday Blues: Sam Kelly Band. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Ways, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Mission Impossible band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Prince Michael: DJ Pete Wheeler and DJ Solid Gold Death Star. Details: 0118 959 4267.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. Force Ten. Details: 07889 226309.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and

Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Gas Trick Band.

Details: 0118 978 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights.

Details: 0118 979 5790.

YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman. Details: 01252 872105.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 11, 2015

AT THE CINEMA

Kim Taylor-Foster

Hints of the classic but Peanuts won’t please older fans

Saturday, Dec 19 BRACKNELL – The Cannie Man, Hanworth Road RG12 7WX. Uptown Traffic.

Details: 01344 307620.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. The Vinyl Covers. Details: 01344 457318.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Smiley’s Heroes. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Artree Live: folk and roots. Details: 01344 484123.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. England’s Dreaming. Details: 01276 32691.

CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Murphy James. Details: 01344 772241.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. Off The Record.

Details: 0118 973 4855.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Dog Day Town. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street. Caddy Cooper.

Details: 0118 953 0000.

READING – O’Neill’s, Blagrave Street RG1 1DB. Replica Rockaholics. Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Retro Fever and Fast Forward. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. SoundJam. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – South Street arts centre. Darklands. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Hello You v Crafty Glances. Details: 0118 959 4267.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Ways, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Chain Gang. Details: 0118 968 1442.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. The Deltas. Details: 07889 226309.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Gas Trick Band.

Details: 0118 978 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights.

Details: 0118 979 5790.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Blonde Ambition.

Details: 01252 870648.

Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie (U) ««««« Stars: Noah Schnapp, Madisyn Shipman, Francesca Capaldi, Hadley Belle Miller

I

F EVER there was an overdue flick, it’s The Peanuts Movie. The much-loved, influential children’s cartoon first created in 1950 by Charles M Schulz could also be described as a cult phenomenon, boasting adult fans who remember the quirky comic strip fondly.

For those, this big screen version of the iconic creation about a boy, his dog and his friends has been a long time coming. For new young audiences, it’s a chance to introduce them to a timeless classic.

From the studio that crafted Ice Age, you’d imagine/ fear that the contemporary CGI touch will have brought the characters you know and love bang up-to-date.

That’s true to a certain extent: in applying computer graphics to the traditional animation style, while they’ve refined and smoothed out any rough hand-drawn edges, they have tried to retain the simplistic charm of the original cartoon.

However, it hasn’t been entirely successful.

For the most part aimed at very young children, it doesn’t really feel like a film to satisfy older fans, and while it has some of the sassiness, sarcasm and wit of the original, something seems lost in translation.

A sweet and simple story following Charlie Brown grappling with first love – juxtaposed with a fantasy adventure focused on Chuck’s anthropomorphic dog Snoopy and his feathered friend Woodstock – at 88 minutes, it’s definitely spun out a little too long. But within each strand there are some adorable, and funny, moments.

For instance, when Lucy responds to Charlie Brown’s request for counsel on how to speak to a girl with a pretty face with: “I have a pretty face, Charlie Brown. How come you can talk to me?!” before charging him five cents for the advice.

Part of the success of Peanuts is in its eccentricity, and its assembly of a ragtag bunch of realistically peculiar kids free of stereotypes, and this new adaptation upholds that tradition.

Written by Craig and Bryan Schulz – the son and grandson of Charles M Schulz – it’s reassuring to know that the Peanuts brand is being kept in the family and it’s being lovingly repackaged for a new generation.

If you’re looking for an antidote to Star Wars mayhem this Christmas, you could do worse than take your youngest to discover Snoopy.

Get your business seen!

Classifieds Advertise regularly and save ££££s Special rates for 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks

PUBLIC NOTICE Evendons Primary School are consulting on their Admissions policy Closing date 31st December 2015.

For further details please see the website: http://www.evendons-primary.co.uk/ ?page_id=1172 or contact the school office on 0118 9791054.

DECORATING

Email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk Reach local people

We are proud to support The Wokingham Paper A local family business established for 30+ years, we guarantee customer satisfaction with our highly professional and personal service.

We provide all aspects of internal and external painting and decorating, domestic and commercial, plus artexing, coving and tiling.

Also general building and allied work.

Free estimates and advice Mobile: 07966 551698 Phone: 0118 973 3537 Email: trevor@quality-decorators.co.uk Website: www.quality-decorators.co.uk

Friendly service

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If You're Looking For A Professional, Reliable, Friendly Mobile Disco & Dj Service, Then Look No Further..

Our Dj's Can Cover Any Event, Playing Music From The 1950's To Today!

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Ghostwriter available

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Let me do the work – you take the glory I’ll create a compelling read and memorable message.

MOTORING

quality decorators

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SERVICES

Notice of Statutory Consultation

CLASSIFIEDS | 25

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, December 11, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

ALL CARS WANTED Including vans & motorcyles for cash

A discrete and discerning service.

Over 30 years experience from an award-winning writer.

For initial discussion email: annonymousep5@gmail.com

Get your business seen!

Email advertising@ wokinghampaper.co.uk

WE DO CLEARANCES FROM HOUSES, GARAGES, GARDENS, OFFICES AND SHOPS

Don’t get your hands dirty!

Call us today

07789 122100 Sell your items for free DINING TABLE with two benches. All solid pine 113cm long, 58cm wide.

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WOKINGHAM SPORT

A HANDY SIGNING: D’Cruz has a debut to remember as Binfield win on the road — Page 37

Unrivalled coverage of sport in the Borough

Contact the sports desk: sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk | Log on the for latest sports news www.wokinghampaper.co.uk BASKETBALL

Keeble and Allison in contention as Rockets prepare for Lituanica clash JOEL KEEBLE is expected to make his comeback from injury when Reading Rockets return to competitive action on Sunday.

Recent signing Ben Allison should also make his debut when London Lituanica make the trip to Rivermead for a National Basketball League (NBL) Division 1 clash (5pm tip-off).

Shooting guard Keeble has been sidelined recently with a knee problem, while former Davidson University student Allison, 27,

has been drafted in from the LEB Gold competition in Spain.

The centre is likely to slot in at front court alongside David Carter and David Ajumobi.

Following their National Cup exit at the hands on Worthing Thunder, Rockets were without a game last weekend, so head coach Manuel Pena Garces has been using the time to prepare his charges for a key clash against fellow title contenders.

Lituanica dropped their first game of the season last time out, losing 68-89 against Essex Leopards, so both sides will be keen to keep up the pressure

on unbeaten leaders Derby Trailblazers.

And while wary at what is at stake, Garces hopes his side will have benefitted from a rest, saying: “I think having the weekend off will have helped us in being rested and fresh from a lot of games so far, but the down side is we will have a lot of games to catch up on after the Christmas break.

“Having had some down time I think we will be ready for this weekend’s crucial game, as well as the two the following weekend, but it’s going to be tough.”

He added: “Sunday’s opponents have done really well so far and deserve to be near the top of the table.

Ravi Patel (right) celebrates his winning goal Pictures: Andrew Merritt

Wokingham’s Tom King finds himself outnumbered

Sonning are thwarted in their attempts to equalise

HOCKEY

Patel bags bragging rights A SOLITARY strike from Ravi Patel saw Wokingham Men upset the form book and defeat promotion-chasing Sonning at Cantley Park.

Victory in this borough derby, only the hosts second of the season, pulled the team off the foot off the MBBO Regional Division 2 table, while defeat leaves Sonning three points adrift of league leaders Banbury 2s.

Patel struck what proved to be the winner when running on to a through ball and finding the net with a strike from the penalty spot.

Up against determined opposition the visitors, who had tasted defeat just once this campaign prior to the push-back, were uncharacteristically off their game, with passes going astray and chances to equalise being wasted.

Wokingham too had chances to pull further ahead, but just the one goal was enough to secure a precious victory.

Up next for Sonning is a top-of-thetable clash with second place Aylesbury, while Wokingham travel to Oxford Hawks 3s for a basement battle, where only goal difference separates the two sides.

Duncan Clarke and Matt Taylor were on target for a Wokingham 2s side which played out a 2-2 draw with struggling Oxford 5s in MBBO Division 3.

The point helped the hosts nudge further away from trouble, with the side now sitting ninth in the standings with as many points.

Clarke continues to lead the way for the team this term, with his goal the seventh of the campaign.

In what was an unbeaten weekend for the men, a 2-0 success over Windsor 2s saw Wokingham 3s swap places with the opposition in the MBBO Division 7 standings.

After 10 games, Wokingham sit eighth on nine points.

The game between Windsor and Wokingham Vets in the Wessex Supervets Fixture Alliance was postponed.

Wokingham Ladies DEFEATING Henley Ladies 3s not only saw Wokingham 2s claim a first win of the season, but it also pulled them off the bottom of the Trysports Division 2 table.

The 1-0 success at Cantley Park was the first in 11 games for the club, and saw

them climb three places to ninth as a result.

But there was disappointment for Wokingham Ladies.

Away at Amersham and Chalfont, the side went down to a 3-0 loss against a side who sit just three points off top spot in third.

Wokingham were beaten by Cathy Hollies, Melissa Humphris and Bryony Barber goals.

Down in Division 5, Wokingham 3s remain without a win in eight games and rooted to the foot of the league ladder after suffering a heavy 6-0 loss when hosting Wychwood 2s.

Chelsie Wood, Keely Harding, Scarlett Forest and Eve Henshaw were among those netting for the visitors.

Fixtures - Saturday, December 12 MBBO Regional Division 2: Oxford Hawks 3s v Wokingham Men DIVISION 3: Aylesbury 2s v Wokingham 2s DIVISION 7: Wokingham 3s v Wallingford 4s WESSEX ALLIANCE: Wokingham Vets v Sunbury Red Lions TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Oxford Ladies 2s v Wokingham Ladies DIVISION 2: Wokingham 2s v Wychwood Ladies DIVISION 5: Maidenhead 5s v Wokingham 3s

“I really respect what they are doing and I think they have one of the best players in the league in Ausridas Petraitis, who is averaging over 25 points per game this season and leading what is also a very well coached team.

“We will have to work extremely hard to overcome this team because they are aggressive and intelligent in terms of basketball, but I think we will match up well against them and with the addition of Ben Allison I think that will really help us as we look to carry on our good league form.”

The coach should have a full squad to choose from, meaning Spanish Under-18 duo Fidel Gomes de Enterria Lopez and

Ibu Jassey Demba are likely to return to the fold.

English Basketball League Division 1 W L V F A Derby Trailblazers 7 0 0 594 533 Manchester Magic 7 1 0 642 499 Hemel Storm 7 2 0 777 697 London Lituanica 6 1 0 562 523 Team Northumbria 6 3 0 673 640 READING ROCKETS 5 1 0 485 437 Essex Leopards 5 3 0 630 549 Lancashire Spinners 5 4 0 805 774 Leicester Warriors 2 6 0 559 595 Worthign Thunder 2 6 0 572 661 Bradford Dragons 2 7 0 687 754 Kent Crusaders 1 7 0 438 625 Westminster Warriors 1 8 0 737 764 Tees Valley Mohawks 0 7 0 492 602

D 61 143 80 39 33 48 81 31 -36 -89 -67 -187 -27 -110

Pts 14 14 14 12 12 10 10 10 4 4 4 2 2 0

SONNING HOCKEY CLUB

Ladies’ unbeaten start is over after Mason settles top-of-the-table bout ANNA MASON hit the winner as Sonning Ladies were beaten 1-0 during their top-of-the-table clash with Reading 2s.

Just goal difference separated the sides at the start of the day, but a first defeat of the season leaves Sonning three points adrift of their title rivals.

The club’s SECOND XI, meanwhile, returned to the victory trail when outscoring bottom side Aylesbury Ladies by two goals to one.

Hosting Milton Keynes 2s, SONNING 3S suffered an 11th straight defeat in Division 1, with the 4-1 reverse leaving the club marooned to the foot of the table, where they sit six points behind the club directly above them, Wycombe 3s.

The 4S had a day to forget away at Maidenhead 4s in Division 3, where the strugglers crashed to a heavy 12-0 defeat to leave them bottom of the standings.

SONNING VETERANS went down to a 5-0 loss when hosting Oxford Fireflies at Berkshire County Sports in Division 5.

Sonning Men GOALS from Matt Poulton and Huw Thomas proved to be in vain for a SONNING 2S side which was beaten 4-2

by Amersham and Chalfont.

Geoff Brown, James Easter, Thomas McKinley and Chris Yoxall all struck for the MBBO Division 1 leaders in a 4-2 victory.

SONNING 3S remain ninth in MBBO

Division 2 following defeat by the same scoreline away at Maidenhead 2s, for whom Nick Ivory, Chris Miall and Jamie O’Connell, twice, notched in a surprise win for the struggling side.

In Division 4, however, SONNING 4S secured a first win of the season at the 10th attempt, Matt Price and Joe Greene hitting the backboard in a 2-0 success over Phoenix and Ranelagh 2s.

Victory in this basement battle moved the side to within a point of their rivals.

SONNING 5S remain just a point off leaders Oxford 7s in Division 8 West after running out 4-2 winners against midtable Reading Rascals, while in Division 9 West, the 6S also sit second, a position their consolidated with the 4-0 thrashing of Banbury 4s.

In the same division, the ninth-versus-10th clash between SONNING 7S and Oxford 9s finished in a 2-2 draw.

Fixtures - December 12 TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Amersham and Chalfont Ladies v Sonning Ladies; Sonning 2s v Bicester DIVISION 1: Sonning 3s v Oxford University Ladies 3s DIVISION 3: Maidenhead 4s v Sonning 4s DIVISION 4: Sonning Veterans v University of Reading 4s DIVISION 6: Sonning 5s v Thame 3s MBBO DIVISION 2: Sonning Men v Aylesbury DIVISION 1: Ramgarhia v Sonning 2s DIVISION 2: Sonning 3s v Leighton Buzzard DIVISION 4: Reading University Knights v Sonning 4s

Defender Nathan Desmond (left) looks to make the interception

Friday, December 11, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Bracknell are punished for poor start by unruly dogs

ICE HOCKEY

Bees pay the penalty as Sheffield power to victory Bracknell Bees 2 Sheffield Steeldogs 5 GOALS from Milan Kostourek and Lukas Smital could not prevent Bees slipping to another defeat against Sheffield Steeldogs.

It is now played three, lost three for Bracknell against the same opposition, who took the points once again on Sunday night courtesy of an Andrew Hirst brace and further strikes from Liam Charnock, Cole Shudra and Lukas Smital.

Beaten by the same opposition just 24 hours earlier, Bees were keen to avoid a repeat scenario, and received a boost after only 34 seconds when Ben Morgan was sent to the penalty box for tripping.

Jan Bendik, Matt Foord, twice, and Vanya Antonov all had attempts to break the deadlock, but netminder Dalibor Sedlar was up to the challenge.

Having killed off a penalty of their own, the hosts once again laid siege on the Steeldogs’ goal, where a post prevented Scott Spearing from opening the scoring, while Sam Waller and Kostourek were off target with other efforts respectively.

Losing Lewis Turner to a tripping minor, however, was to be the undoing of the hosts, who would fall behind on the powerplay when Hirst opened his account for the night when sending a first-time strike beyond the reach of Tom Annetts in the Bracknell goal.

A case of deja vu would see the visitors stretch their advantage not long after, with Hirst netting his second as Turner again watched on from the penalty box, where he was this time sitting out a hooking charge.

Things were to go from bad to worse for the fragile Bees early in the second period when Charnock popped up to make it 3-0, squeezing the puck home amid a goalmouth scramble.

Yet they continued to create openings, with Kostourek and Waller again going close on a powerplay, but a Sheffield side losing Lewis Bell and Arnoldas Bosas to slashing and tripping offences stood firm and the powerplay passed by with no reward.

While Bracknell were having little

Sheffield Steeldogs 7 Bracknell Bees 3

Netminder Tom Annetts and his fellow Bees look to thwart a Sheffield attack

Pictures: Bob Swann

luck when boasting the extra men, their indiscipline – Turner’s in particular – continued to prove costly.

As the defenceman fell foul of referee Stephen Matthews once again, Sheffield took full advantage; Lascek scoring on the rebound after a Tim Smith strike pinged kindly off the backboards.

The same player went close to adding a fifth soon after, but Bees were saved by the ironwork on this occasion.

Further penalty trouble would result in Bees having just three men on the ice at the start of the final session, with Spearing (tripping) following Kostourek (slashing) into the penalty box.

The latter, however, would quickly make amends for his misdemeanour when taking the puck past Sedlar to get Bracknell on the board with a short-handed goal.

Buoyed by the strike, Alex Barker and James Galazzi would try their luck to cut the gap even further, but both were unable to light the lamp.

But the confidence growing within the camp was to come to a shuddering halt when the Steeldogs broke clear and put the game to bed thanks to a composed finish from Shudra.

SPORT | 31

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The response, however, was swift, with Bendik and Antonov combining well to set up Smital, who netted with aplomb.

Bees would finish the game strongly, where further chances would fall to Smital, Tetlow, Antonov and Kostourek, but all would be left frustrated on what was another disappointing night for the home side.

Tetlow took home the man-of-thematch award for Bracknell, with Sedlar receiving the same accolade for Sheffield.

Bees have two games on the road this weekend, making the short trip to Swindon Wildcats on Saturday (5.45pm) before heading to Manchester Phoenix on Sunday (6.30pm).

Report by John Slater.

English Premier Ice Hockey League P W OW OL L F Milton Keynes 26 11 4 3 8 101 Peterborough 21 12 2 5 2 90 Basingstoke 22 12 3 2 5 87 Swindon 24 10 3 2 9 89 Guildford 23 9 4 1 9 73 Telford 22 11 2 0 9 94 Manchester 24 8 1 4 11 74 Sheffield 22 9 1 2 10 78 Bracknell 20 7 0 1 12 68 Hull 22 1 3 3 15 47

A 77 51 62 87 72 61 93 102 81 115

Pts 33 33 32 28 27 26 22 22 15 11

cushion, with Arnoldas Bosas skipping past Tom Annetts, who had replaced Mettam between the pipes, and adding CONCEDING four goals in just five his name to the scoresheet. first-period minutes had Bracknell Another powerplay came and went crashing towards a heavy defeat in south for Bees, who were to conceded a sixth Yorkshire on Saturday night, writes JOHN five minutes before the second interval SLATER. when Lee Haywood lit the lamp from Bees made the journey distance. north looking to avoid a The period, though, second successive defeat would not pass without against the Steeldogs, who Bracknell grabbing another had won 4-3 at The Hive goal, which was again when the teams met last scored by Kostourek, who Sunday, but would find combined with playerthemselves on the brink of a coach Lukas Smital before fourth straight loss with the finishing well. game not yet 20 minutes old.

The buzzer was met by Both the scoring and an angry exchange between floodgates were opened numerous players from when Tom Squires netted both sides, where the match inside the opening 10 officials struggled to restore minutes, with Andrew Hirst order.

Milan Kostourek finding a way past Alex But once tempers had Mettam in the Bracknell goal cooled, those in charge were seconds later via a delayed penalty goal. busy handing out the punishments, A moments respite saw the away side where Scott Spearing and counterpart create chances of their own to get back John Doane received 2+2 penalties for into the contest, but Sheffield netminder fighting.

Dalibor Sedlar was equal to everything Steeldogs’ Callum Pattison, thrown at him. meanwhile, was thrown out for the Normal service for the session was same offence, with team-mates Charles soon resumed, with the Steeldogs going Thompson and Thomas Barry having to on to double their lead through two sit out 10 minute misconduct calls. strikes on the powerplay.

This would give Bees a man Carl Graham barely had time to take advantage at the start of the third his seat in the penalty box having been session, which quickly became a hit with a 2+10 checking from behind five-on-three when Haywood was charge when Tim Smith rattled in goal binned for interference. number three.

And the away side did make the Then, with captain Matt Foord sitting powerplay count on this occasion, out a cross checking call, Ashley Calvert moving to within three goals of the hosts added a fourth. when Jan Bendik found the back of the It was a disastrous opening stanza for net. the away side, yet they did secure a brief Having to score a further three times in the final 16 minutes, though, was glimmer of hope when Milan Kostourek always going to be a tall order – and so finally found a way past Sedlar to reduce it proved. the arrears.

Pushing forward would always leave Buoyed by this, Bees went into the Bees suspect to a counter attack, and it second period with a sense of purpose, was from such a scenario when Bosas but were unable to make the most of a wrapped up the scoring with his second powerplay, while Sedlar continued to of the night, which would come as his thwart the opposition, this time getting team were a man light after Lewis Bell behind another Kostourek strike. was penalised for tripping.

But a back line still missing the The man of the match awards went to experienced David Savage was unable to Annetts and Sheffield’s Bosas. prevent the hosts regaining a four-goal

Another blow to the roster as Annetts and Fowler ask to leave Hive

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Tom Annetts has ended his four-year spell with the club

THE ROSTER at Bracknell Bees has been trimmed back further by the departures of Callum Fowler and Tom Annetts.

The forward and netminder both asked to be released from their respective contracts, with both requests reluctantly agreed to by the club’s hierarchy.

It was announced late on Wednesday afternoon Annetts had quit the club to join Oxford City Stars of the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL).

The goaltender played in both defeats to the Sheffield Steeldogs at the weekend, but has only featured five times between the pipes this campaign.

The 28-year-old has spent the majority of his career with Bracknell, starting off with the Stingers and Drones before promotion to the Hornets and then his Bees debut back in 2003/04.

Spells away at Guildford Flames and Slough Jets followed, but a return to The

Hive was secured back in 2011, and he remained at the club up until his exit earlier this week.

Annetts often played back up to both Carl Ambler and Alex Mettam during this time, yet his still went on to make more than 100 appearances in the black and gold.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Tom for his energies this season and wish him good luck for the future,” said Bees chairman Andrew Cross. “Tom has always been a committed player and he will be missed by players, staff and fans alike.”

Annetts, who had a save percentage of 83.7 per cent this term and a goal against average of 5.64, is likely to have his place in the squad taken up by Matty Smital, who has filled the void already on occasions this term.

His departure, however, comes just days after Fowler had his contract torn up.

The 24-year-old forward only signed on with Bees during the summer,

where he made the switch from Invicta Dynamos, who also compete in the NIHL. It is understood the player, who still resides in Kent, was having difficulty attending matches due to the financial issues currently beleaguering the club, and had missed a handful of matches in recent weeks as a result.

Fowler needed little time to settle in to the Premier League, scoring six goals and racking up a further 10 assists in recent weeks as a result.

“I would like to thank Callum personally for his efforts this season,” added Cross.

“His attitude and commitment whilst with the team was impressive and he will compliment any team he goes on to join.”

The pair depart the club only weeks after another summer arrival, Frantisek Bakrlik, completed a switch to league rivals Milton Keynes Lightning.

Uncertainty also surrounds the future of David Savage and Matt Towalski, too, who have also been absent for recent matches.

Callum Fowler has decided to leave the Bees

32 | SPORT

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 11, 2015

NATIONAL LEAGUE 3

Burch and Hemming steal the show on afternoon when Bracknell paid its respects to Lamb Bracknell 34 Westcliffe 12

six seasons under coach Paul Rendall, which culminated with a campaign at Level 2, which is now known as the Championship.

He also played in the team which won Bracknell its first-ever Berkshire Cup crown back in 1995/96.

Having observed a minute’s silence, the hosts raced into an early lead through Burch (pictured left), who worked his way into space down the right before crossing the whitewash.

Hemming opened his account for the afternoon with the conversion.

But a Westcliffe side arriving in

IAN BURCH ran in two tries and Liam Hemming amassed 14 points for a Bracknell side which racked up a second-successive bonus-point win.

The victory came on what was a poignant afternoon for the Lily Hill men, who paid their respects to former player Howard Lamb, who passed away earlier in the week aged just 46.

Lamb was part of the Bracknell side which won promotion five times in

NATIONAL LEAGUE 2

Hill impresses, but Rams are beaten Cambridge 38 Redingensians Rams 23 JACK HILL will be hoping to keep his place in the Rams’ starting XV for Saturday’s visit of Bishop’s Stortford having impressed during the loss to the National 2 South league leaders.

The young scrum-half stepped up from the bench to take the place of fly-half Luke Flower, who pulled a hamstring during the warm-up at Grantchester Road, with No.9 Sam Brown switching to the pivot position.

And Hill, 20, hardly put a foot wrong as the visitors pushed Cambridge hard, crossing the line to help the away side pick up a deserved try-scoring bonus point in the process.

Playing with a howling gale on their side during the first 40 minutes, Redingensians must have feared the worse when going in at half-time trailing their hosts 19-13.

But an avalanche of scoring never materialised as Rams produced some of their best rugby of the season after the break, much to the delight of assistance coach Seb Reynolds, who said: “We are becoming a competent side at this level.

“It speaks volumes for the way the

Craig Nightingale scored his first try of the season

squad is developing.”

The deadlock in a game which would witness more than 60 points scored was broken by the visitors, who opened up an 8-0 lead thanks to a catch and drive try from Craig Nightingale, his first of the season, and a Brown penalty.

But Cambridge do not sit top of the standings without reason and hit back through a George Furbank score which was improved by Gerhard Boshoff – only for Redingensians’ Ollie Pool to surge forward and send Sean McDermottroe

Berkshire scrapping for points quickly hit back through a try from fly-half Chris Dudman, with Andy Roskams kicking over the extras to tie up the scores.

Yet they were not on level terms for long.

Hemming slotted over a penalty and then crossed the line himself to pull Bracknell ahead once again.

Both sides would later lose a man to the sin-bin, and it was here when the visitors went over once more to leave the scoreboard reading 17-12 when the half-time whistle was blown.

Those present did not have to wait long to witness another try, either, which arrived shortly after the restart and went to Bracknell’s Jamie Rudkin, with Hemming clearing the posts to secure the over the line.

The joy, however, was to be short-lived, as defensive falterings would result in Cambridge going ahead just before the break, with Albert Portsmouth and Boshoff both touching down, with the latter converting his own effort.

But a nightmare five minutes was amended after the break.

Now playing into the wind and having won a line-out deep in opposition territory following some great forward skill, patient play would see Berkshire Under-20 lock Morrison force his way over to open his league account for the club.

Things would get even better for Rams, who regained the lead when Hill covered some 30-metres in a break forward before setting up Ollie Foxley to grab try number four and the bonus point.

Hopes, however, of recording a third win of the spin were dashed as National League 2 South P W D L F A Old Albanians 13 11 1 1 427 214 Cambridge 13 11 1 1 421 216 Taunton Titans 13 11 0 2 415 263 Bishop’s Stortford 13 8 1 4 378 227 Redruth 13 9 0 4 314 277 Old Elthamians 13 7 1 5 337 317 Clifton 13 7 1 5 352 311 Southend Saxons 13 5 3 5 310 323 Bury St Edmunds 13 5 0 8 274 326 Barnes 13 4 1 8 296 367 Dorking 13 5 0 8 252 340 Worthing 13 5 0 8 267 296 Redingensians 13 4 0 9 260 322 Canterbury 13 4 0 9 253 348 Chinnor 13 3 0 10 297 386 Launceston 13 0 1 12 175 495

LONDON IRISH

Struggling Irish ‘are on the right track’ says Ojo LONDON IRISH v EDINBURGH EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP, POOL 5 MADEJSKI STADIUM - 3pm

TOPSY OJO insists London Irish are heading in the right direction despite losing seven of their eight matches in all competitions this season, writes TOM CROCKER. Saturday’s 38-7 defeat at Harlequins was the joint heaviest beating Exiles have taken under new head coach Tom Coventry and the worst possible preparation for vital back-to-back showdowns with Edinburgh in the European Challenge Cup. Ojo told The Wokingham Paper: “From the good work that we had done in the previous games, building our performances and getting better and better, that was a little bit of a setback – but these things happen.

“It’s important that you review

and reflect on it but it’s also very important that you move on because there’s always a game coming the next week.”

He continued: “The Quins game aside, I think it was very evident we were building week on week and getting close to the performance and the levels that we’d been trying to aspire to through pre-season so that’s been really encouraging.

“I think the new ideas (the coaches) are trying to bring in have been well received here and we’re definitely not far off.

“Obviously I think we are desperate for that win to kind of cement the belief about what we’re doing but there’s no question that we’re on the right track.”

After the last minute defeat to Grenoble on matchday two, Irish must find a result against the Scottish side to keep matters in their

own hands with Edinburgh returning to Madejski Stadium tomorrow (3pm) for the first time since knocking their Premiership opponents out of this competition last year.

“We always knew it was going to be crucial but even more so now,” admitted Ojo. “I think if we can come out on top in these head-to-heads against Edinburgh then hopefully that pushes us one step towards the quarter finals.

“We know it’s going to be a big game this weekend. We’re looking forward to it.

“They’re a tough team but it will be good to play against them.

He continued: “I guess a lot of people will look back to that game but it’s a completely new group for us so obviously to get the win over them would be nice but ultimately we’re focussed on building this new group of players and getting our season back on track.”

BP 11 11 9 11 8 8 7 6 8 9 6 4 8 6 9 5

PTS 57 57 53 45 44 38 37 32 28 27 26 24 24 22 21 7

additional two points.

Now enjoying all the territory and possession, it was not long before the hosts had the bonus point in the bag, which was secured when Burch broke away to breach the game line for the second time in the fixture.

Hemming, however, was off target with the conversion, meaning he had missed for the first time in two games.

But the miss would prove to be insignificant, as a further five points would be added to the board when, from a five-metre scrum, George Milligan carried the ball over for the final score of the afternoon, much to the delight of those gathered in front of the clubhouse.

BRACKNELL: Challenor, Silvester, Mirza (c), Kron, Valentine, Rice, Rudkin, Milligan, Conway,

Cambridge, through the use of a skilful back division, began to crank up the pressure, snatching the lead once again and going on to grab all five points through late tries from Portsmouth, Lawrence Hutchinson and Alex Moon, with two of these converted by Boshoff.

RAMS: Foxley, Poole, Bryant, Barnes, McDermottroe, Brown, Hill; Weller, Henderson, Baker, Taylor, Morrison, Amor, Nightingale, Guttridge.

Reps: Whelan, Steadman, Root, K.Kruzycki, Brooks.

Joe Duffelen, Dieter Kerschbaumer and George Drury are all in contention for tomorrow’s clash with Bishop’s Stortford at Old Bath Road (2pm) having recovered from injury.

Samir Kharbouch is also back from the Dubai Sevens, where he represented the Apachi team, while Flower is hoping to have recovered from the pulled hamstring, but Olly Foxley is unavailable.

“Stortford cannot be taken lightly,” said head coach Mike Tewkesbury, who has named a squad of 21 for the clash.

“They finished third in this league two years ago and were runners-up last season when they narrowly lost in the play-offs to Ampthill.

“In the league below we could get away with a win even on an off-day, but that’s not possible at this level.

“We have to keep improving even on last Saturday’s display, although we played some of our best rugby this season against the wind in the second half.

“Admittedly we managed to score four tries against a good side, probably the best in the league, but we cannot rest on our laurels.”

Hemming, Mackay, Faamatuainu, Price, Birch, Yates. Reps: Pickett, Deveraux, Dennet

n BRACKNELL will go in search of a third straight win when travelling to East Grinstead on Saturday (2pm).

National League 3 London and South East P W D L F A BP Tonbridge Juddian 12 10 0 2 406 182 6 L.I Wild Geese 12 10 1 1 366 132 7 Westcombe Park 12 9 0 3 325 170 7 East Grinstead 12 8 1 3 326 170 8 Shelford 12 8 0 4 271 245 7 Hertford 12 8 0 4 324 220 5 Guernsey 12 7 0 5 331 276 7 Wimbledon 12 7 0 5 301 213 4 Bracknell 12 5 0 7 246 286 7 Colchester 12 4 0 8 204 273 2 Chichester 12 3 0 9 214 305 4 Gravesend 12 2 0 10 205 352 5 Westcliff 12 2 0 10 207 381 5 Eton Manor 12 0 0 12 121 533 4

PTS 50 49 43 42 39 37 35 32 27 18 16 13 13 4

AWARDED THE POINTS

Game off, but Crowthorne still climb the table CROWTHORNE moved up to fifth in the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division standings – without having to actually play a game.

The Crows, who had won their last three fixtures prior to a break, were scheduled to return to action with the visit of Wheatley, but the visitors scratched the fixture.

Because of this, the hosts were awarded a home walkover victory, with the five points they received moving them up a place in the standings.

Crowthorne welcome second-placed Gosforth All Blacks to the New Nest on Saturday.

Kick-off is 2.15pm.

Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division P W D L F A BP MIlton Keynes 9 9 0 0 344 113 5 Gosford All Blacks 9 8 0 1 356 97 9 Abingdon 9 7 0 2 273 129 7 Tadley 9 7 0 2 360 111 6 Crowthorne 9 4 1 4 118 126 4 Risborough 9 5 0 4 114 284 1 Chipping Norton 9 3 0 6 114 248 2 Alchester 9 2 0 7 102 246 6 Chesham 9 2 0 7 119 200 5 Slough 9 2 1 6 186 260 2 Wheatley 9 2 0 7 95 223 2 Hungerford 9 2 0 7 109 253 5

PTS 41 41 35 29 23 22 14 14 13 12 5 3

Sorry Exiles are ‘outclassed’ by Quins

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

“WE WERE totally outclassed”.

That was the reaction of London Irish head coach Tom Coventry as Exiles slumped to their sixth straight league defeat following a 38-7 thrashing by Harlequins at The Stoop.

Scotland international Tim Visser did the majority of the damage with a hat-trick of tries to leave Coventry’s men rooted to the foot of the Aviva Premiership table with no points – this defeat equalling their biggest of the campaign.

“I thought Harlequins were good, we were totally outclassed,” admitted Coventry.

“I don’t think we won any aspect of the game that we would have hoped to.

“They just kept coming, their momentum was good and they created lots of opportunities for themselves which they took well.

“There were times in the game where we fought well, but they were too good for us at the end of the day.”

Canadian international Ciaran Hearn was selected for his Premiership debut in one of seven changes from the side which lost to Wasps at Twickenham with Gerard Ellis, Jebb

Sinclair, David Sisi, Luke Narraway, Darren Allinson and Eoin Griffin all earning starts.

Brendan McKibbin returned to the squad following suspension, taking his place on the bench, while stand-in captain Matt Symons was a late withdrawal through injury.

After a valiant first half defensive display, the Irish walls eventually caved in following constant waves of Quins pressure with Danny Care adding to Tim Visser’s first half effort.

Irish did show some fight but Aseli Tikoirotuma’s break came unrewarded before Alex Lewington produced a fine try-saving tackle to thwart Visser.

But that proved to merely delay the inevitable as the wing found a way through to seal a bonus point for Harlequins with Jack Clifford adding a fifth.

The day did not end totally scoreless for Exiles as Theo Brophy Clews converted Halani Aulika’s late try but it was another weekend to forget.

The defeat leaves Irish two points behind second bottom Newcastle Falcons with the next league clash not until Boxing Day when Coventry’s men host Northampton Saints (2.30pm).

SPORT | 33

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Friday, December 11, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

UNDER-21s

Liburd goal cancelled out as Everton hit back to take share of the spoils ROWAN LIBURD netted his 10th goal of the season as Reading Under-21s drew 1-1 with Everton at Adams Park on Wednesday afternoon, writes TOM CROCKER. Summer signing Liburd has been involved with the first team in recent weeks, coming on to make his Championship debut last month, and he put the youngsters ahead in the first half after latching onto Shane Griffin’s cross.

But the Toffees levelled matters before the break when a free kick fell into the

path of Callum Connolly to turn in.

Josh Barrett and Dominic Hyam came close to forcing a winner for the hosts but Reading had to settle for a point. n HARRY CARDWELL’S goal was not enough for READING U21S to avoid a 2-1 defeat to table-topping Sunderland at the weekend.

Royals went into half time in the lead thanks to Cardwell’s strike as he met Nana Owusu’s cross.

But the Black Cats came out fighting,

levelling up through Rees Greenwood before 15 minutes from time former PSG defender Valentin Roberge headed the hosts in front.

Reading piled on the pressure in the closing stages but could not severely test the keeper while down the other end Liam Agnew wasted the chance to extend the lead when his penalty kick hit the post. n READING U18s remain second in the Premier League South table after

a goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

Going into the game with four wins on the spin, Royals went close to extending their run with Sam Smith and Josh Chatee going closest in the stalemate.

David Dodds’ men are in FA Youth Cup action at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night against Sheffield United (7pm) with tickets available from just £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.

READING FC

Defiant Gunter issues a rallying call PRESTON NORTH END v READING SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP DEEPDALE, SATURDAY – 3pm

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk CHRIS GUNTER says it is down to the players to turn around the club’s slump in results as managerless Reading travel to face Preston North End tomorrow.

The club are still searching for a new boss following the dismissal of Steve Clarke last Friday on the back of a run of just one win in eight matches.

And Gunter (pictured) admits he was sad to see the Scot go.

“To see good football people lose their jobs is never nice,” he said.

“Certainly as a player under a manager that played me pretty much every week it’s certainly not nice.

“I think he’s a very good manager and I think on the whole he did a good job.

“This club was in a difficult situation when he took over and things have settled down.

“It’s not nice but it’s not nice when anyone does because people have families and stuff like that and football people want to work in football so it’s never nice.”

Despite Clarke losing his job as a result of the club’s slide from 2nd to 11th in the Championship table, Gunter says he and the rest of his team-mates need to look at where they are going wrong themselves.

He said: “Of course the manager makes decisions and that’s what he’s paid to do but ultimately as soon as that whistle goes, you’ve got 11 guys there that are solely responsible for what happens over the course of the game.

“There always has to be a certain

amount of responsibility.

He added: “You need to look at yourself in the mirror and say what can I do?

“And regardless of if a manager has been sacked or not, we’re not on a good run.

“We need to get back to where we were because we’re all part of the one thing here and it affects every single person. You all fall under the name of Reading Football Club.”

Royals sit six points and seven places above this weekend’s opponents Preston, but Gunter says the standings are almost irrelevant ahead of the clash.

“It will be a really tough game,” he said.

“I don’t think anybody that knows this league will be thinking we’re going to turn up and because we’re places higher in the league that we’re just going to be expected to get three points.”

He added: “We’ve prepared very well like we always have been and we’ll go there with half an eye on them and half an eye on what we’re going to do because we feel we’ve got a good squad capable of

causing teams problems.”

Picture: Vivienne Johnson

Brighton Middlesbrough Derby Hull Burnley Cardiff Sheff Wed Birmingham Ipswich Brentford Reading QPR Blackburn Wolves Nottm Forest Fulham Leeds Preston Huddersfield MK Dons Bristol City Charlton Rotherham Bolton

Sky Bet Championship P W D L 19 11 8 0 19 12 3 4 19 10 7 2 19 10 5 4 19 9 7 3 19 7 8 4 19 7 8 4 19 8 4 7 19 7 7 5 19 8 4 7 19 7 6 6 19 7 5 7 19 5 9 5 19 6 6 7 19 6 5 8 19 5 7 7 19 5 7 7 19 4 9 6 19 4 6 9 19 4 4 11 19 3 7 9 19 4 4 11 19 4 3 12 19 1 9 9

F 27 29 26 28 26 22 25 25 28 26 26 24 21 24 19 31 18 15 19 15 18 17 22 14

A 16 12 11 13 19 18 22 22 27 25 22 25 18 24 19 33 22 16 28 26 32 32 35 28

Pts 41 39 37 35 34 29 29 28 28 28 27 26 24 24 23 22 22 21 18 16 16 16 15 12

Royals’ stars strip off for cancer charity A NUMBER of Royals’ stars have stripped off for charity – and all will ROYALS be revealed UN COVERED in a new calendar.

In support ON SALE NOW! JUST £10 of Eamonn Dolan, who has recently undergone a course of chemotherapy having had a tumour removed from his bladder, the product allows fans and players alike to show their support for the club’s Academy manager.

Costing £10, all profits will be donated to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, an organisation nominated by Dolan following the care shown during his treatment.

“I am delighted Reading Football Club are supporting The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity through the sales of this calender,” said Amanda Heaton, the organisations fundraising manager.

“This is a lovely way to raise funds which will help The Royal Marsden to build a future beyond cancer.

“Thank you to all those involved in the production of this calendar and I hope the sales go well.”

The ‘Royals Uncovered’ calendar is available to pre-order at both the Madejski Stadium Megastore or online at Reading FC Direct, with orders to be dispatched in time for Christmas.

2016 CHARITY CALEND AR

at readingfcdirect.co.uk

#21FORDOLAN Supporting @royalmarsden

Registered Charity Number

and in the Megastore

1095197

THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Hollidge hits brace as five-star Hurst run riot

Ben Cook

YOUTH FOOTBALL

Unlucky Blacks are beaten by title-chasing Flackwell Heath ALB DAVIES hit the bar and Casey Starke saw a strike tipped on to a post when Wokingham and Emmbrook Blacks took on East Berkshire Football Alliance Under-15 Division 1 title contenders Flackwell Heath Minors last Saturday.

But it was an effort from some 20 yards and a goal 10 minutes from time which secured visiting Flackwell a 2-0 success.

It was a spirited display from the Blacks, who were led by captain Ben Cook, who probed constantly throughout the game.

He was later named Wokingham’s man of the match.

JAMES HOLLIDGE led the scoring with a brace of goals for a Hurst side which ran out 5-0 winners away at rock-bottom Highmoor Ibis Reserves in the Premier Division.

Shaun Bannon, Ashley Scott and Daniel Townson were also on target for the visitors.

But there was disappointment for BERKS COUNTY, who went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat against second-placed Marlow United.

The away side took the points courtesy of a Liam Bushay double, with County replying through Joshua Dillon.

WINNERSH RANGERS closed the gap on those above them in the Division 1 standings with a 2-1 win on the road at third-placed Reading YMCA Rapids.

Hayden Best and Jamie Broadley struck for the guests at Padworth Lane, with Benjamin Jennings’ 57th-minute effort for the Rapids proving to be nothing more than consolation.

Rangers moved up a place in the league ladder to sixth.

BARKHAM ATHLETIC took a point off Division 2 leaders Westwood United Reserves, with the two sides playing out a goalless draw, but there was heavy defeats for SONNING and WARGRAVE. The latter went down to a 5-1 loss at Goring United, where a strike from Stuart Moss was all the away side had to show for their efforts.

Hosts Goring took the points courtesy of a William Jaycock hat-trick and further goals from Edward Ardill and Thomas Heslop.

Sonning, meanwhile, remain stranded

Shinfield Rangers took on Hurst A in the Diamond Cup at Cantley Park

Hurst (in orange) comfortably won the tie 6-1 Pictures: Andrew Merritt

The two sides tussle for the ball

at the foot of the table as a miserable run of form continued at FC Imaan Lions, who ran out comfortable 7-1 winners.

George Dallarda netted four times during the game and was joined on the scoresheet by Sean Stanbridge, Kamran Khan, from the penalty spot, and Aqeel Butt.

Substitute Alex Brees came off the bench and scored twice for a FINCHAMPSTEAD RESERVES side which sit second in Division 3 following a 4-1 triumph at Baughurst AFC. Brees fired Finch into a 2-0 lead, with Nicholas Payne adding a third on 51 minutes.

Neil King reduced the arrears for Baughurst soon after, but Luke May made the points safe 18 minutes from time.

Sitting behind them in third is WOODLEY UNITED A, and the goals flew in as the side defeated Taplow United Reserves to record a third league win on the spin.

Thomas Barratt contributed half of United’s tally, with Samuel Mallows, Dominic Woodruff, Nathan Bingham and Alex Ray also hitting the target.

Steven Eaton twice found the net for visiting Taplow, and Benjamin Harvey was also on target, but the strikes would ultimately prove to be in vain.

Sam Goldberg had double reason to celebrate after his hat-trick helped SONNING SPORTS to a 4-1 success which propelled them up to third in Division 5.

Danny Snow completed the rout, with Sean Newton pulling a goal back for beaten Baughurst AFC Reserves.

There was also a win for BERKS

COUNTY FC ROVERS, where Dave Amey (2) and Matt Wade notched in a 3-0 victory over Taplow United A. Cup round-up HARCHESTER HAWKS booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Reading Jubilee Cup following a 2-0 victory over Highmoor Ibis Under-21s.

Matthew Panter and Dan Leather got the goals for the Earley side.

They will meet WARGRAVE RESERVES in the last eight, who saw a Daniel Tegg double dispose of AFC Corinthians Reserves at Purley Recreation Ground.

In the same competition, TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE put league worries to one side when defeating BERKS COUNTY RESERVES 3-1 at the John Nike Stadium.

Richard White (2) and Michael Buckle struck to set up a quarter-final clash with WOODLEY UNITED A in the New Year.

Substitute Ben Harris grabbed a goal back for beaten County.

HURST A thrashed league rivals SHINFIELD RANGERS MEN 6-1 to set up a last eight clash with Berks County FC Rovers in the Diamond Cup. Charlie Scope and Asher Price both scored twice in the win, with Brendon Buckley and Dean Cherrett also finding the net for Hurst.

On a difficult day, Shinfield also saw Nicky Cursio dismissed late on having picked up two yellow cards.

HURST RESERVES were dumped out of the cup following a 5-2 loss to Burghfield at Cantley Park.

The hosts went down to efforts from Billy Margetts (2), Jon Williams, Daniel Ward and Richard Dance.

34 | SPORT CHALLENGE CUP

Woodley are hit for six by Brimscombe Brimscombe and Thrupp 6 Woodley United 0

UNITED’S involvement in this season’s Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup is over after the side were comprehensively beaten at The Meadow.

But Hellenic Division 1 East side Woodley started this rearranged second round tie brightly, with Nathan Fagg in the Brimscombe goal thwarting Ruben Limbu and Ryan Szram early on.

Thrupp, who currently sit 10th in the Hellenic Premier Division, would soon begin taking a grip of the fixture and took the lead on 16 minutes, albeit via the misfortune of Woodley ‘keeper Pete Davies.

The visitor’s were looking to attack Brimscombe down the flanks and through Szram and Matt Leigh as they went in search of an equaliser.

But it was a pass from Zack Pearce to Omar Cofie which almost drew United level, but the latter saw his rising drive crash back off an upright.

The loose ball dropped kindly to Limbu, but he too was unable to keep the rebound down and the chance was put over the bar.

And it would be an opportunity the away side would be left to rue, because just 10 minutes later Dave Woodfield made it 2-0.

Both sides traded chances before the interval, with Davies denying the hosts a third before counterpart Fagg welcomed a Limbu free-kick into his hands.

The break was to be of no benefit for United, as they conceded twice more in as many second half minutes shortly after the restart.

Making it 3-0 was Simon Clarke, who drove a strike across Davies – but hit the crossbar.

However, upon hitting the ground the ball was deemed, by a linesman, to have crossed the line and a goal was awarded.

This was quickly followed up by Blackie doubling his account for the afternoon.

Szram fired wide on a heavy surface as Woodley were now looking for a consolation, but things would get even worse for the guests, who fell 5-0 behind when Blackie completed the hat-trick 20 minutes from time.

With their superior fitness levels now coming to the fore, Brimscombe would go on to net a sixth through Ashley Caldwell late on.

WOODLEY UNITED: Davies, High, Pearce (Green), Creegan, Burt, Hemmings (Mowat), Szram, Ingram, Cofie, Limbu, Davies.

n WOODLEY return to league action tomorrow, where they are away at Chinnor (3pm).

Reading and District Sunday League – Results, December 6

PREMIER DIVISION: D.C Steamers 0 The Mod 2; Woodley United 3 Whitley Wood 5 DIVISION 1: FC Woodley 2 Mortimer 2; Polonia Reading 5 Charvil Rangers 1; Woodley Wanderers 4 AFC Burghfield 2 DIVISION 2: Arborfield 1 Le Galaxy 5; Athletico Forest 2 AFC Burghfield Reserves 4; Wokingham and Emmbrook 4 Loxwood Park Rangers 3 DIVISION 3 EAST: Just Play United 3 Forest FC 3; Loddon Valley Rangers Reserves 1 The Grosvenor 2; Spencers Wood 3 FC Berksalona 2 DIVISION 4 EAST: Woodford Park 0 South Reading 3

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 11, 2015

HELLENIC DIVISION 1 EAST

Rob-bed of victory: Boyd leaves it late as Finch are held Finchampstead 2 Holyport 2

ROB BOYD struck a stoppage-time equaliser to deny Finchampstead an immediate return to winning ways.

Jon Laugharne’s men had fallen behind to a Paul Rake goal in the first-half, but hit back after the break through a powerful Danny Blatchford (pictured) drive before Greg Alexander nodded the hosts in front minutes later.

However, with just seconds remaining, replacement Boyd popped up to secure ‘Port a share of the spoils.

Collecting just a point, along with results elsewhere, saw Finch drop to fourth in the standings, and they have played more games than those around them, too.

Yet in testing conditions, the home side created the majority of the early chances, where Luke Axton-Hall was narrowly over with a header before Blatchford crashed a shot against the crossbar from an Alexander lay-off.

The same player also tried his luck from a tight angle, but the effort was easily swallowed up by Kyle Bradley in the visitor’s goal.

But in the 20th minute a Finchampstead side beaten 3-2 by Bicester Town last time out fell behind.

It was amid a goalmouth scramble when the deadlock was broken, with Rake prodding the visitors in front.

Tom Bryant in the Finch goal prevented the hosts falling behind soon after when making a crucial save on the line, while in pressing for an equaliser, Alexander was wide with a free-kick.

Bradley was then punished for handling the ball outside his area, but escaped a card, presenting the hosts with another shooting opportunity from a set-piece.

But he would make amends when saving the resulting shot at goal.

Blatchford again went close late in the half, as did Rolls, who was then sent crashing to the ground when competing for the loose ball, but no penalty was given and Finch went in at the break a goal

down. The second half would start with Rolls again pulling himself up off the turf, with nothing given once more, as his side continued to knock on the door.

But just as the clock struck the hour mark, the scoring was tied up.

And it was some strike to bring the hosts level; Blatchford finally finding the net when rattling a shot into the top corner.

Laugharne’s men were now smelling blood and just five minutes later, from a Harry Swabey cross, up popped Alexander at the far post to head the side in front.

Taking the lead would see the contest open up once more as Holyport were now chasing the game, but they were to waste two chances which would fall their way from free-kicks.

Bryant was forced into another save, which came short after Blatchford put another strike over the bar.

Despite losing Axton-Hall to an ankle injury, it looked as though Finchampstead would hold out to secure an eighth win of the season.

But they were dealt a late sucker punch when, from a counter attack, substitute Boyd fired home the equaliser.

Finchampstead’s Gavin Rolls works his way into the box Pictures: Andrew Merritt

Greg Alexander (left) had fired the hosts in front midway through the second half

Freddie Barron looks to cause problems

FINCHAMPSTEAD: Bryant, Barron, M.Wright, Axton-Hall (Abbott), Green, Blatchford, Price (Winship), J.Wright. Swabey, Alexander, Rolls.

Finchampstead are not in action this weekend, but will be at the Memorial Ground once again when they return to league duty on December 19, where they play host to Henley Town (2pm).

Hellenic Division 1 East P W D L Penn & Tylers Green 12 9 2 1 Bicester Town 13 8 3 2 Henley Town 12 8 1 3 Finchampstead 14 7 3 4 Headington Amateur’s 12 7 2 3 Holyport 12 6 2 4 Rayners Lane 11 5 2 4 Didcot Town Res’ 13 5 2 6 Chinnor 10 5 1 4 Chalfont Wasps 8 3 2 3 Wantage Town Res’ 14 3 2 9 Woodley United 11 2 2 7 Old Woodstock Town 10 2 0 8 Reading Town 12 0 0 12

F 47 36 37 28 29 23 25 34 23 13 19 12 5 10

A 7 21 19 15 12 24 17 30 14 19 37 25 35 66

Luke Axton-Hall in possession of the ball

Finchampstead captain Sam Green (centre) looks to cause problems in the Holyport box

Pts 29 27 25 24 23 20 17 17 16 11 11 8 6 0

Barron looks to start another attack down the flank

COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Voller opens the scoring, but Boars fall to defeat and behind in title race Bedfont and Feltham 4 Eversley and California 1

EVERSLEY slipped further behind the leading pack in Division 1 following a second successive defeat on the road.

The Boars now sit five points adrift of table-toppers CB Hounslow in third following a heavy reverse at The Orchid.

Beaten 3-0 at Abbey Rangers last time out the visitors, missing several regulars through injury, were in need of a positive start.

And they duly got one in the 17th minute when Paul Douglas’ corner held up in the wind before dropping for Aaron Voller to head home.

Eversley would hold on to the lead until

the 27th minute, where a late lunge on Bedfont’s Michael Campbell in the box saw a penalty awarded.

Up stepped Karle Cadle-Andrews, who beat Adrian Giles with a shot into the corner.

The initiative had now swung the way of the hosts, and just six minutes later Campbell raced on to a through ball and beat Giles for a 2-1 lead.

The visitors were now under all sorts of trouble, and it was only a top draw save from Giles diving to his right which prevented Neville Roach’s men from going in at half-time trailing by two goals.

But his charges would go close to levelling up the scores just moments after the restart, but a combination of both

‘keeper and the top of the bar kept out Phil Wilder.

It would be the closest the away side would get to taking something from the fixture.

This is because midway through the half and with the Eversley defence stretched, Campbell nipped in to extend the lead.

Bedfont would get a fourth through Leius Sinclair, who found himself unmarked from a free-kick and with the time needed to complete the scoring.

EVERSLEY AND CALIFORNIA: Giles, Gigg, Medford, Blackie, Voller, Wilder, Hogston, Webb, Allston, Stamp, Douglass, Smith, Osler, Lynch, Nash, Roach

n Eversley are not in action again until December 19, where they are away at Frimley Green

Combined Counties League Division 1 P W D L F CB Hounslow United 16 12 3 1 36 Worcester Park 17 12 2 3 46 Eversley & California 16 11 1 4 47 Bedfont & Feltham 13 10 1 2 41 Abbey Rangers 16 10 1 5 27 Staines Lammas 17 8 1 8 35 Cobham 17 7 3 7 37 Frimley Green 13 7 2 4 21 Dorking 15 6 1 8 24 Banstead Athletic 12 5 2 5 26 Sandhurst Town 15 5 2 8 28 Ash United 15 4 4 7 26 Epsom Athletic 15 4 2 9 25 Dorking Wand Res 15 3 4 8 17 Sheerwater 13 3 1 9 21 Farleigh Rovers 14 2 1 11 11 South Park Reserves 13 1 1 11 13

A Pts 10 39 17 38 26 34 16 31 18 31 32 25 40 24 15 23 23 19 24 17 44 17 32 16 43 14 27 13 32 10 45 7 37 4

SPORT | 35

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Friday, December 11, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Matt finish rescues Nomads a point as lead is squandered

HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION

‘We fell apart’ – Confidence shy Sumas hit for six Ascot United 6 Wokingham and Emmbrook 0

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk MATT EGGLESTON admits struggling Wokingham and Emmbrook “fell apart” during their heavy loss to Ascot United.

Sumas came into the game on the back of a decent run of four points from three matches, but were made to rue missed first half chances as Ascot ran in five goals after the break to ease to victory.

James Charlton and Josh Pearson went close to breaking the deadlock before the Yellamen took the lead through a deflected Gurkan Gokmen strike.

Luke Scope failed with an opportunity to level up before the break and when Alex Rodrigues turned in a second 10 minutes into the second half, Sumas faced an uphill task against the title challengers.

And they were handed another thrashing thanks to goals from Jesse Wilson, David Pitt, Tom McGarry and Bradley Fraser to leave Wokingham five points adrift.

“We should’ve gone in at half time 3-1 up,” said Eggleston.

“Even their manager after the

game said how were you not 3-1 up at half time.

“We told the lads to keep it the same. We had chances.

“It was a good game, good 45 minutes for both sides and then they got a lucky second and a lucky third, two out of three goals were deflected and we fell apart.

“Confidence is low and the lads felt like they had 100 kilos on their back and we basically just fell apart as a team.”

Conceding late goals has been a common trend for Sumas this season, including letting in a stoppage time equaliser against Oxford City Nomads three days earlier, but the joint-boss does not feel it is linked to the condition his players are in.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a fitness thing, I think it’s more confidence,” said Eggleston.

“It’s trying to hold onto that lead.

“I’d say because results haven’t gone our way, confidence is low. It has affected us.

“If you go back to the starting 11 against Oxford City Nomads and the starting 11 against Ascot, two of my fit midfield players, who were probably the two best players on the park at Oxford, didn’t play.”

He continued: “And that’s been the story of our season all season.

The unavailability has cost us and

Oxford City Nomads 2 Wokingham and Emmbrook 2

Bradley Fraser (right) rattles in goal number six for Ascot at the Racecourse Ground Pictures: Mark Pugh

I can guarantee you now, if those two players were playing against Ascot, it wouldn’t have been 6-0.”

Sumas have no game this weekend and are back in action in the league on Wednesday night, away to Brackley Town Saints (7.45pm).

WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Lennon, Carter, Charlton, Day (Parsons), Broadhurst, Duffelen, Whiting, Rushforth (Rowland), Pearson, Scope, S. Bateman (Stewart).

Sub not used: Wanklyn

Elliott Rushforth makes the tackle

Jesse Wilson’s deflected effort puts the hosts further ahead

MATT WOODLEY struck a late equaliser to deny Wokingham and Emmbrook a second league win in three games.

A Sumas side keen to produce a response following the 5-0 drubbing at Milton United last time out started well and took an early lead in the eighth minute.

Having stormed into the box, Elliott Rushforth saw his strike at goal blocked – as was the follow-up – but the ball was eventually steered home by Josh Pearson.

Just minutes later and Wokingham were soon doubling their lead.

Showing great skill and determination in the box, Dan Collier held off several attempted challenges before playing in Sam Bateman, who coolly sent a strike into the corner.

Despite looking full value for the lead, the visitors were pegged back just before the break when Conor Harris reduced the arrears on the rebound after Kyle Harris in the Sumas’s goal had kept out the initial strike.

The visitors had further chances to regain a two-goal cushion in the second-half, but the closest they came to scoring a third was when a Jake Butler header from a corner crashed back off the crossbar.

They also failed to profit amid a goalmouth scramble, while Pearson burst through on goal, only to be flagged for offiside.

To their credit, the Nomads continued to press for an equaliser and were duly rewarded when Woodley curled an effort into the top corner from the edge of the box.

WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Lennon, Wanklyn (Carter), Charlton, Day (c), Broadhurst, S.Bateman, Duffelen, Butler, Rushforth, Collier, Whiting (Parsons), Pearson Subs not used: Scope, Rowland

D’Cruz proves to be a handy signing after netting on Binfield debut Abingdon United 2 Binfield 3

GOALKEEPER-turned-striker Tyler D’Cruz marked his debut in style with a brilliant goal to help Binfield come from behind to beat Abingdon on Tuesday night, writes TOM CROCKER. The Moles, who came into the game on the back of a heavy 4-1 defeat to Highworth Town at the weekend, got off to the worst possible start falling behind to a Ryan Jackson goal in the opening minute.

Josh Howell equalised before the break but missed chances proved costly as Jackson again put the hosts in front.

And that is how it stayed until eight minutes from time when teenage substitute D’Cruz fired a superb lob over the keeper before Michael Walton popped up in stoppage time to steal all three points.

And manager Roger Herridge admits his side were fortunate to grab the victory.

“I thought we dominated the first half, got the equaliser and then a couple of chances Tyler D’Cruz celebrates went his equaliser begging,” Picture: Colin Byers he told The Wokingham Paper.

“I think my warning at half time was the only thing we’re missing really is an end product, but what worried me was they would get a chance and end up beating us 2-1.

“They got that chance, we made a mistake, they had a threat up top with a lot of pace and he’s got in behind and finished really well.

“With 15 minutes to go I couldn’t see us coming back and as it happens we got a good equaliser and there’s no better way to win a game than in the dying seconds.”

But the contest could have been so different had it not been for a Monday afternoon phone call to Binfield from D’Cruz, culminating in him being added to the squad to help cover the striker shortage without manager Herridge ever seeing him in action.

“I thought nothing ventured nothing gained, let’s sign him on,” explained the boss.

“I picked him up and took him with us.

I’d never seen him play.

“I did a very quick Google search on him and could see he’d spent a little bit of time at Brentford and also played in the Middlesex County Under-18s side who got to the FA County Youth Cup final last year and I thought we might have a find here.”

But the story of a promising young forward trying to seek a club quickly took an unexpected twist upon further inspection of his previous experience just hours before the Abingdon game.

Herridge continued: “I looked a little bit deeper into it and everything I’d seen was exactly right apart from when I looked deeply into these match reports he wasn’t a centre forward, he was a goalkeeper!

“In the warm-up he looked pretty keen.

He’s a big, tall lad and he looked quite mobile so with 15 minutes to go, we’re 2-1 down, I thought I could look a bit stupid here if we get beat 2-1 and I send on a wannabe striker who’s a goalkeeper ,but as it is sometimes maybe you have to be a lucky manager.

“I threw him on and we went from our

4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 and he went up front alongside Ferdy (Ferdinand) and put himself around a bit.

“He clattered the goalkeeper and got booked and then he’s run onto a great flick from Liam Ferdinand and finished like a proper centre forward would.

“And he knew how to celebrate as well so is he a centre forward or a goalkeeper?

I don’t know! Let’s see what happens over the next few weeks.”

Binfield face a home double header this week with title chasing Thatcham Town coming to Hill Farm Lane on Saturday before hosting Woodley United in the Reading Senior Cup on Monday night.

Last Saturday, the Moles saw their three-game winning streak come to a crashing end when beaten on home soil

by Highworth.

The Wiltshire side, who arrived at Hill Farm Lane in good form, broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark when Bradley Clark flashed a strike into the top corner from 25 yards.

Things would get even better for the visitors, as they went on to score twice more in the next 10 minutes.

Making it 2-0 was TJ Bohane, who would capitalise on a Binfield slip in midfield, before Nathan Blackford added a third when heading home a cross from the right.

The same player would make it 4-0 via a curling shot from the edge of the box on 68 minutes.

Although staring at a heaviest home defeat of the campaign, Binfield did

end the match on a positive note when Josh Howell, on what was his 100th appearance for the club, grabbed a consolation goal seconds from time.

The hosts went in to the fixture missing Jack Gibbs, Liam Ferdinand, Mark O’Connell and Danny Horscroft.

But they were dealt another blow when losing defender Lewis Leonetti to a suspected knee ligament injury which could keep him sidelined for the next six weeks.

The game began with a minute’s applause for Ken Hopper, a former Binfield full-back in the 1950s and longlife supporter of the club who passed away earlier in the week.

Binfield hosts third-placed Thatcham Town on Saturday (3pm).

Hellenic Premier Division P W D L Kidlington 20 15 3 2 Flackwell Heath 20 15 2 3 Ascot United 23 14 4 5 Thatcham Town 19 14 3 2 Highworth Town 20 14 1 5 Binfield 20 11 3 6 Thame United 20 11 2 7 Longlevens AFC 20 11 1 8 Highmoor-Ibis 22 10 3 9 Brimscombe & Thrupp 17 9 3 5 Oxford City Nomads 20 9 2 9 Royal Wootton Bassett 21 9 2 10 Milton United 23 6 5 12 Lydney Town 18 5 6 7 Tuffley Rovers 19 5 4 10 Ardley United 21 5 2 14 Brackley Town Saints 22 5 2 15 Abingdon United 25 5 2 18 Bracknell Town 18 3 4 11 Wokingham 24 2 2 20

F 55 62 42 54 54 40 27 34 38 29 36 32 29 26 31 26 40 30 27 24

A 18 29 21 22 18 28 23 30 34 25 34 41 40 32 38 49 64 75 43 72

Pts 48 47 46 45 43 36 35 34 33 30 29 29 23 21 19 17 17 17 13 8

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Kuhl in charge for now but manager search continues RENOWNED FOR

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

MARTIN KUHL will take charge of Reading’s trip to Preston North End tomorrow as uncertainty continues over the vacant managerial role at Madejski Stadium.

Following the dismissal of Steve Clarke last Friday, many names have been linked with the job with former boss Brian McDermott the bookies favourite to take the hot-seat.

Whoever is incoming is unlikely to be announced until after the weekend with Under-21s chief Kuhl stepping in to lead the side out at Deepdale.

And the youth coach, 50, admits he is looking forward to his spell in charge, however brief it may turn out to be.

“People are travelling and paying money to support the club,” he said.

“The players have got to realise that.

“We move on and those supporters stay here.

“Picking the U21s team is still tough but the first team one is enjoyable.”

Kuhl is available at 20/1 to be named the next Reading boss, but he says it is not something he has considered just yet.

“I’ve not thought about it,” he admitted.

“My job at the moment is hands on.

“I’ve been told to keep away from the 21s and I’ve not really thought about it.

“People have asked me and, as I said, I’ve turned down one before, maybe I should, maybe I shouldn’t but I’ve been happy with my decision.

Martin Kuhl

“If we had a good run and they said we’ll keep you for two or three games and we did well and the feeling was good then you never know but there’s a lot of time before that.”

Kuhl confirmed the squad which lost to Queens Park Rangers 1-0 at Madejski Stadium last time out will be similar to the one which travels to Preston, but revealed captain Paul McShane will be fit to return following a head injury. n READING will play Huddersfield Town away in the FA Cup third round for the second year in a row.

Royals beat the Terriers at this stage last year thanks to a Nick Blackman goal on the first step on the road to an historic trip to Wembley to face Arsenal in the semi final. n See more Reading FC news on page 35.

OUR STEAKS

FOOTBALL

Sumas boss promises a full squad in action over the crunch Christmas period

We WILL pick up the points EXCLUSIVE

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Matt Eggleston believes the Christmas period could offer some cheer for the struggling Sumas Picture: Vivienne Johnson

MATT EGGLESTON insists Wokingham and Emmbrook can still move away from the foot of the table, but admits they do need to beat fellow strugglers Brackley Town Saints on Wednesday night.

Sumas are rooted to the bottom of the Hellenic Premier Division, five points adrift of 19th placed Bracknell Town after throwing away a 2-0 lead against Oxford City Nomads followed by a 6-0 midweek defeat to Ascot United.

But joint-manager Eggleston is refusing to throw the towel in and feels the festive season could offer some welcome joy to Wokingham fans.

“We put ourselves in this position,” he told The Wokingham Paper.

“There’s no-one else to blame apart from ourselves.

“I still believe we can get out of this if we can get the same players on the pitch week in, week out.

“It’s hard when you’re making eight changes every Saturday with a squad and it’s unfair on the players to try and build the confidence and get everyone working together.

“I’m confident if I can get the same 16 that I took to Oxford.”

He added: “Everyone moans about the Christmas period and lots of games.

“We’ve got a few games coming up.

Unfortunately we’re not playing this weekend but my university lads are back so hopefully, as far as I’m aware, we will have a full squad to pick from

over the Christmas period and I expect us to pick up some points.”

Included in the squad for the first time this week was Australian teenager Blake Stewart, who has agreed terms with the club following a spell abroad and after failing to earn a contract in the Football League.

“Blake Stewart has come from playing in the second division of the Spanish league,” Eggleston explained.

“He’s come over to England and has been at Chesterfield on trial and he’s been training with us as well.

“Chesterfield released him and we’ve signed him so he came into the squad on Tuesday.

“He can play right side of midfield or up front.

“When he plays up front it’s the ball in behind where his strengths are and technically he’s fantastic.

“We’ve seen 30 minutes of him in a real game and we look forward to seeing him next week in the squad again and try to get some more game time and see what he’s all about.”

After a weekend break, Sumas travel to Northamptonshire to face 17th placed Brackley Town Saints on Wednesday night, a side nine points ahead of Eggleston and Dan Bateman’s men.

And Eggleston is well aware his side need to start getting victories soon before it’s too late.

“We need to go there and win,” he admitted.

“Let’s not hide behind it.

“If we go there and win and get three points, we drag them further into us and we start looking at climbing the table.

“Right now, we go there with a strong squad and see what happens.”

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