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Friday, December 18, 2015 No. 35
EXCLUSIVE
CHRISTMAS
After yet another week of accidents, delays & (finally) new signs …
FAB NATIVITY PICTURE SPECIAL P22-26
A329M: It’s ‘safe’ say road bosses
VERDICT
TERROR TRIAL COUPLE AWAIT VERDICT P4 THEATRE
MOVIE STAR SAYS IT WITH FLOWERS P16 SPORT
Up for the Force! Hundreds turn out for midnight Star Wars • p3
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
FAMILY NOTICES
PARTY
A tea-mendous effort for local sight loss funds
v In memory Stephen Clacey Sadly missed by all and love you dearly. Mum, Dad, Adrian and Heather, Barbara, Holly and Jim.
Share your family news in The Wokingham Paper
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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.
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SHINFIELD
Trace your relatives at Christmas tree festival
A CHRISTMAS tree festival will take place at St Mary’s Church in Shinfield tomorrow (Saturday). This year, the annual event will give visitors the chance to trace their relatives in a special family tree. The Trace Your Troops service will, for a nominal fee to cover costs, find out what your ancestors did during the First World War. The service will be available from 11am to 3pm. An information form, which asks what respondents already know about their ancestor, is available from the church office and asks for information such as date and place of birth, the branch of the armed forces they served in, rank if known, service number (found on the edge of medals) and if they survived the war or not. For more details, log on to www. loddonreach.org.uk or call the church office on 0118 988 5530.
MUSIC
Concert promises to bring joy to your heart
THE Joy of Christmas is the title for Trinity Concert Band’s festive performance. Taking place at Trinity Church in Lower Earley tomorrow (Saturday), the show is so popular there is a matinee at 2.30pm and the main show at 7.30pm. The programme includes music from West Side Story and John Williams, Russian Christmas tunes, White Christmas and Winter Wonderland. Tickets cost £10 in advance, £12 on the door and free for under 16s. For more details, log on to www. trinityband.co.uk or call 0845 226 3047.
The Arborfield Military Wives Choir kept visitors to the Cantley House Hotel tea party entertained.
CONCERT
CHRISTMAS
Organist joins choir for a festive night of music
Social club’s party will be a magic event
WOKINGHAM’S Choral Society will be performing its Christmas concert tomorrow (Saturday). The evening will see organist Benedict Lewis-Smith team up with the choir for an evening of festive tunes. It takes place at All Saints Church in Wiltshire Road, Wokingham. The concert starts at 6.30pm and entry is by programme costing £10, £5 for concessions. Under fives can get in free. Proceeds from the concert will go to Headway Thames Valley and Macmillan Cancer Support. Programmes can be bought from the Town Hall, Newbury Building Society in Broad Street and Bookends in Peach Street. For more details, log on to www. wokingham-choral-society.org.uk
A MAGIC night out is promised by an Earley social club tomorrow (Saturday). David O’Connor, entertainer and magician, will be performing at Our Lady of Peace Social Club’s grand Christmas party and draw. The evening starts at 7.30pm, with the magic coming in two halves. In between a grand draw will take place. Guests are welcome and entry is £1. Nibbles and real ale will be available. Entry to the club is off Aldworth Avenue.
QUIZ
Put your grey matter to the test at village event A CHRISTMAS quiz will be held at Grazeley Village Hall tomorrow (Saturday).
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.
A FESTIVE tea party has boosted the coffers of a local charity which helps people with sight loss. The Cantley House Hotel in Cantley Park was the venue for the event, held on Sunday, December 6. Organised by Berkshire Vision, the afternoon saw more than 50 people enjoy a performance by the Arborfield Military Wives Choir and stalls from Neal’s Yard Remedies and Studio 12 Designs, which showcased a range of bespoke and handmade Christmas decorations and gifts. A raffle included prizes donated by local businesses including Waitrose, Styleworks and DA Fitness and the afternoon raised more than £500 for the charity. Tom Conlin, Berkshire Vision Chief Executive Officer, said: “We had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, the choir made us feel particularly festive and the relaxed atmosphere was a welcome break at such a busy time of year. “We would like to thank everyone who supported us, including all the individuals and businesses that donated raffle prizes, we’re delighted with the £500 we raised and we’re already planning the next event for 2016 in such a beautiful location!” For more details, log on to www. berkshirevision.org.uk or call 0118 987 2803.
The traditional event will incorporate a special RoadRunner Christmas Show after the quiz night and a supper. Entry is £15, which includes the quiz, food and entertainment. It takes place from 7.30pm. Tickets for the event can be reserved by calling 0118 988 4762 or emailing letters@grazeleyvillagehall. org.uk.
RISELEY
Add your voice to an evening of carols
CAROL singing followed by mince pies and mulled wine is on offer for residents of Riseley. The village will gather at Riseley Green on Wednesday from 6pm for the evening of communal singing. Afterwards, participants can head to The Bull at Riseley for festive drinks.
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APPEAL
TRANSPORT
Have you seen lurcher missing since M4 crash? By GEMMA DAVIDSON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WIDESPREAD search was underway last night (Thursday) for a dog that went missing following a crash on the M4 at Wokingham earlier this week. Jo, a black and white lurcher cross, who was still missing at the time of going to press, along with another dog, Tye, fled following the incident on Tuesday afternoon between junctions 11 and 12 in which a car struck a lorry parked on the hard shoulder, ending up on its roof. The 76-year-old female driver of the car, who was on her way home to Wales at the time of the crash, was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading with broken ribs and facial injuries. It is believed the dogs ran on to the eastbound carriageway before heading towards nearby fields. Tye was found in a garden nearby and was taken to the vets, but Jo remains on the loose. An animal shelter in Banbury where the dogs were originally fostered has coordinated a search and rescue operation, with dozens of Wokingham people joining the search for Jo since Wednesday. Lesley Ford, who works at the shelter, said: “The dogs’ owner Jackie is an amazing woman, she has fostered for us for many years so when we heard about what had
happened we just wanted to do all we could to find her dogs. “She is still in hospital and is so worried, she just wants her dogs back. Thankfully we managed to find Tye quite quickly but Jo is proving harder to rescue. “We’ve had about 20 people out looking for him today (Thursday), we know roughly where he is but it’s just a matter of getting to him before he moves again. “We’ve had a few sightings of him near the Reading Lake Hotel in Pingewood, so we focused our efforts there on Wednesday afternoon, then we had a call from someone near The Cunning Man pub in Burghfield to say they may have seen him there. “The people have been amazing though – we’ve had lots of people coming out to search on their lunch hours, people who are retired who have been out searching, we’ve even had people travelling over from Bracknell to come and look for him.” Lesley said Jo can be quite timid around new people and other dogs, so if he is seen by a dog walker it would be best to tie their dog up first before approaching him. If he is spotted, you should try to get down low, remain calm and call to him, offering smelly food if possible. Anyone who spots Jo is asked to call Sadies Stray Dog Rescue on 07764 788 811.
Warning over slip road closures THERE will be road closures just off the A329M next week as manhole covers are repaired. The A3290 slip roads to Thames Valley Park will be shut to traffic from 8pm on Monday, until 6am the next morning. Another set of works will take place from 8pm on Tuesday through to 6am on Wednesday. The slip roads are by the Suttons Seeds Roundabout at the very edge of Wokingham. During the works there will be a diversion up the up the A3290 towards Bracknell and turning around at Winnersh Triangle before heading back down the A3290. The road becomes the A329M at Winnersh Triangle.
John Carstairs as Boba Fett with Dave Mesquita. Picture: Vivienne Johnson
STAR WARS
We’re awake for the force HUNDREDS of die-hard Star Wars fans from across Wokingham queued until midnight on Wednesday to see the latest installment in the sci-fi saga. Fans dressed as their favourite characters from the George Lucas/ Disney franchise for the 12.01am showing of Episode VII: The Force Awakens at Showcase Cinema in Winnersh. The film is set 30 years after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi and sees the return of Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia and Harrison Ford as Han Solo.
Fan Rachel Mayes, 21, from Woodley, who wore a Christmas jumper based on the X-wing fighters (and pictured on our front page), said: “I remember queueing to see the third film with my mum. I’m so excited to be here for this new one.” John Carstairs from Wokingham, who dressed as bounty hunter Boba Fett, said: “It’s my 37th birthday today, my friends bought me the uniform as a birthday present.” Tickets for the special midnight screening sold out within minutes, with Showcase Winnersh putting on 41 screenings of the film in three different formats throughout the day.
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CHURCH
All aboard for a true taste of Christmas! COMMUTERS enjoyed a festive treat yesterday (Thursday) as free mince pies were handed out during the morning rush. Wokingham Station welcomed volunteers from the town’s Methodist church as they gave out 800 of the Christmas gifts from 6am. The pies were wrapped in a serviette containing a recap of the first Christmas and details of the church’s festive services. Community worker Andy Knight said the reaction from commuters is really good. “It’s almost overwhelmingly positive,” he told The Wokingham Paper. “People are very grateful, surprised and Dr Rosi Morgan-Barry and Andy Knight handing out mince pleased to see us.” pies at Wokingham station. Picture: Phil Creighton Clifton Ingram LLP solicitors met the cost of the pies.
Merry
Christmas
HEARING
Wokingham dentist struck off for fraud A WOKINGHAM dentist has been struck off the General Dental Council’s (GDC) list after defrauding the NHS out of £52,000. Jeremy Potter was found to have made dishonest claims for Units of Dental Activity at a public hearing of the GDC’s professional conduct committee. Mr Potter carried out the fraudulent acts while practising in Slough between May 2006 and February 2011. He was suspended immediately but has the right to appeal.
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
COURT
POLICE
Terror accused couple: Jury considers verdict By COURT REPORTER news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE JURY at the trial of a couple accused of preparing for acts of terrorism, was considering its verdict last night (Thursday). Sana Ahmed Khan, 24, of Hutton Close, Earley, and her husband Mohammed Rehman, 25, of Radstock Road, Reading, both deny the charges, with Rehman denying a second charge of possession of articles for terrorist purposes. Earlier in the week, the couple were described as “needy” and “pathetic” as the jury heard the defence and prosecution’s closing statements. Prosecutor Tony Badenoch QC told the jury on Monday the couple were “isolated and needy” and that Western society had failed them. He said: “He (Rehman) had no money and no prospects, she (Khan) had money and the prospects but she was content to go without them, despite a loving family, for him. “They wanted, this needy couple, to have a purpose and they found one as you have seen. “Given their fragile but purposeful and strongminded character, given everything they have done, they were cast from religion, living in secrecy, isolated and disaffected here in the West. “It isn’t such a surprise they were such fertile ground for violent Islamic extremism.” But Rehman’s solicitor, Zafar Ali QC, said the jobless defendant was “pathetic” and did not compare to real Islamic extremists. Referring to the martyrdom video of 7/7 bomber Shehzad Tanweer which Rehman had stored on his phone, he said: “Shehzad Tanweer looked lean, mean, and single-minded. He looked dead
Sana Ahmed Khan (left) and Mohammed Rehman.
Was bus stop encounter a would be distraction theft?
Students from Reading Blue Coat School spent a night under the stars. Pictures: Paul King
STUDENTS behind the eyes. You may want to watch the video again. You may think Shehzad Tanweer was a true psychopath, a true committed jihadist, singleminded, ruthless, determined. “A bit of a difference between Shehzad Tanweer and Mohammed Rehman sitting in that dock crying like a baby when his family came to give evidence against him.” Mr Badenoch said Rehman and Khan had downloaded Tanweer’s video as a “celebration of those devastating events”. He said: “Why buy chemicals and make explosives if you don’t intend to detonate them? It’s rather a waste of time. The answer is they did intend to do precisely that. “Their shared interest in the glorification, celebration and justification of others provides the answer to the ideological ideals this was in furtherance of – terrorism. “It’s difficult to say how this could be anything else.” The pair were arrested after a raid on Rehman’s family home in May during which police found 10kg of Urea Nitrate explosives in his bedroom. Neither Rehman or Khan gave evidence during the four-week trial.
Sleep-out to highlight plight of homeless THE mild weather was very much welcomed by a group of students from a school in Sonning as they spent the night sleeping outside to raise money for a homelessness charity last Friday. Around 60 Sixth Form students from Reading Blue Coat School, in Sonning Lane, spent the night of Friday, December 11, sleeping in cardboard boxes on the tennis courts to raise money for Readingbased charity Launchpad. The sleep-out was the culmination of a week of events held by the school, including a payto-play dodgeball competition and a huge doughnut sale which in total raised more than £400. On the day of the sleep-out, the whole school was invited to pay £1 to wear a Christmas jumper, with
a further £500 raised by festive pupils and staff. In the evening, after weeks of cardboard gathering and preparation, the sleep-out participants arrived to spend the night out in the cold, raising more than £3,500 in the process. Student Huw Evans, 17, said: “Although we were lucky enough to have a fire, it was really hard to get warm and it made us appreciate how hard it must be to live on the streets – especially in winter.” Event organiser Maria Blackwell, said: “I’m very proud of the students that participated. It’s not an easy thing to do, but we choose to do it at this time of the year so the students can fully experience what it’s like to sleep outside.
A WARNING has been issued to the public after a woman was approached at a bus stop in Twyford by another woman asking to change some money. Shortly after 5pm on Wednesday the woman was standing at a bus stop in London Road when a lady, who did not speak English, came over to her and indicated she wanted to change a £2 coin by pointing to her handbag. The woman noticed that the lady had her hand wrapped in a scarf, and her hand was inside the bag, and when challenged she walked away. Thames Valley Police is reminding people to be cautious if a stranger asks you for change or directions, to always ensure your purse or wallet is secure, and to always cover the card reader when entering your pin number at a till.
TRANSPORT
Deadline looms for A4 ‘danger junction’ petition
CONCERNED residents in Hare Hatch are calling on Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) to review a crossroad junction they have deemed to be dangerous. The petition, which asks WBC to review the current setup of the A4 Bath Road junction with the London Road, is open to signatures until January 15. The junction has been the scene of several major accidents in recent months. To sign the petition visit bit.ly/1Oa9Z1H
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Christmas
Join us to celebrate ‘Beer & Carols’ Sunday 20th December
From 8pm, Broad Street Tavern
All Saints Church, Wokingham Sunday 20th December
11am Family service with Children’s Nativity
Christmas Eve
2pm & 3.30pm Crib Service 6.30pm Service of
Nine Lessons and Carols 11.15pm First Communion of Christmas
Christmas Day
8am Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Communion for All Ages
Christ Church Wokingham St Crispin’s School Christmas Day
10.30am Christmas Morning Celebration
Christmas Day
Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Wokingham
10.30am Christmas Praise
Sunday 27th December
10.00am ‘Named Jesus’ with speaker Peter Jackman
Christmas Eve
4pm, 6pm and 9pm Mass
Christmas Day
9am and 11am Mass
New Year’s Day 11am Mass
Sunday 20th December
Sunday 3rd January
Christmas Eve
Sunday 31st January
St Paul’s Wokingham
10am All-Age Christmas Morning service
Sunday 20th December
10am All-age Christmas Celebration
Christmas Day
St James’ Church, Barkham
Norreys Church Sunday 20th December
6.30pm Carols by Candlelight
Sindlesham Baptist Church 10.30am All-Age Nativity Play 6.30pm Carols by candlelight
Christmas Day
10.30am-11.30am Family Service
6pm Carols by Candlelight
Christmas Eve
4pm Family Carols 11.30pm Midnight Carols by Candlelight
10.30am-12 Family Christmas Service
Christmas Eve
St Bartholomew’s Church, Arborfield 7pm Carols by Candlelight
Kings Church, Wokingham Wokingham Community Centre
St Nicholas’ Emmbrook Emmbrook Village Hall
Sunday 20th December 7pm Carols by Candlelight
Christmas Eve
9pm First Eucharist of Christmas
11am Epiphany Eucharist
4.30pm Christingle Service
Sunday 20th December
Christmas Day
Sunday 20th December
5pm Christmas Tea, followed by 6pm Christmas Carol Service
Christmas Eve
4pm Christingle Service. Please come from 3.15pm to join us in making Christingles 11.30pm Christmas Eve Midnight Communion
Christmas Day
10.30am Christmas Morning Worship
6.15pm 9 Lessons & Carols
Wokingham Baptist Church
4pm Christingle 11pm Midnight Mass
Sunday 20th December
Woosehill Church
8am BCP Mass for Christmas 9.30am All Together Mass for Christmas
Christmas Eve
7.30pm Candlelit Carol Service
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
4pm Children’s Carols 11.30pm Midnight Carols
Wokingham Salvation Army
10am Christmas Day All Age Service
Sunday 20th December
Christmas Day
Sunday 20th December
Wokingham Methodist Church
10.30am Advent Service
6.30pm Carols by Candlelight
Sunday 20th December
3pm-4.30pm Craft, Christingle and Carols with the Nativity story for young children
Christmas Eve
10-10.45am All Age Christmas Celebration
10am Christmas Communion with carols
Christmas Day
4pm Crib Service 11.30pm Candlelit Midnight Communion
Christmas Day
Find out more at www.wokinghamchurches.org.uk
Friday, December 18, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
To advertise call 0118 966 6600
TRANSPORT
CHARITY
New A329M layout is ‘safe’ & ‘reducing queues’ say road bosses EXCLUSIVE
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk ROAD bosses behind a controversial new layout to a major road through Wokingham have defended the changes, saying that it is ‘safe’ and reducing queues. In the autumn, Highways England (HE) opened a revamped A329M which turned the two-lane motorway into single lanes for those leaving the M4 and those staying on the road. Since then we have reported on an increased number of collisions, drivers who accidentally found themselves on the M4 and more congestion on the roads. However, HE bosses have deemed the scheme a success, saying that the improvements are working – despite there being an accident this week hours after new signs had been installed. And in a separate development, the leader of Wokingham Borough Council has blasted HE over the controversial changes to the A329M layout, claiming the Government company “ignored” his plea for answers after a wave of protest from motorists put heat on the Council, thinking they were responsible for the changes. Councillor Keith Baker, leader of Wokingham Borough Council (WBC), told The Wokingham Paper that new layout has been incredibly difficult for them, especially as the project is managed by Highways England. He said: “The borough council officers are getting it in the neck [over the changes to the road layout], but they have no control over it. “I’m frustrated and so are the officers. We’ve not been getting any responses from Highways England. They have not been returning calls or getting back to our emails.” However, Stuart Miller, a spokesperson for HE. said that this wasn’t true: “I have been speaking to the project manager and he definitely is responding to all correspondence,” he told us. “We have kept the usual channels open and have continued to respond to any queries.” Mr Baker also said that Highways
England – which assumed control of the A329M from the borough council for the duration of the works – ignored WBC’s requests for temporary signs, but instead only installed them after pressure from the police. “I believe it’s true that the police starting complaining and after that the [original] temporary signs suddenly appeared,” he said. “The police appeared to have more influence that the local council. “It’s not unusual – they [Highways England] tend to be a law unto themselves.” Mr Miller defended the work: “We believe on the basis of a safety audit undertaken in October that the junction is safe,” he said. He added that the work was designed to make traffic flowing on to and off the M4 move faster and, as a result, there would be a “small reduction in average speeds on the A329M”. He continued: “The improvements we have made at the junction between the M4 and the A329M are successfully reducing queues on the M4 on approach to the junction and the safety risks they cause. “We are continuing to keep the effects of the changes under review and have recently installed permanent signs and road markings to make the layout as clear as possible. “We have consulted fully with Wokingham Borough Council and Thames Valley Police throughout. It would not be possible for us to complete the planning and construction of such a scheme without such consultation.” New signs are planned to be installed in the New Year – just weeks after the A329M slip roads were closed to install additional signs. Readers of The Wokingham Paper continue to be unimpressed with the changes. Commenting on our Facebook page on Wednesday, Stewart McCreadie noted: “The A329 is a joke now since the new lanes were implemented – dangerous and always have to queue to get on the M4 now.” Another reader, Jo Kalisz Vel Kalisiak, asked: “Will they wait till someone is killed before doing something? Surely the amount of accidents speaks for itself.” We contacted Thames Valley Police but they had yet to comment as we went to press.
TRANSPORT
Flower power raises £1,000!
Fern Haynes (centre), from Sue Ryder, accepts the cheque from Sheila Whittaker, chair, and Sue Davenport from Wokingham Flower Club. Picture: Paul King
MEMBERS of a local flower club have raised a blooming marvellous sum for charity. A cheque for £1,000 was handed to Fern Haynes of Sue Ryder Wokingham Day Hospice by the Wokingham Flower Club at a presentation ceremony on December 9. The money had been raised during a summer tea party held at Wokingham Cricket Club. Pat Rutherford, Wokingham Flower Club member, said: “We held the charity tea party in August and about
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a hundred people came along. “We sold sandwiches and cakes and held a tombola and were pleased when we raised £1,000.” Wokingham Flower Club choose to raise money for a different charity each year. Pat continued: “We chose Sue Ryder in memory of a committee member who died a year ago of leukaemia. “It is a charity that supports people who are very ill, including with leukaemia. It’s a charity that is very special to us”.
Bus services to be cut over the festive period
WOKINGHAM’S new bus service will be running a reduced timetable over the festive period, with changes to the services between Christmas Eve and New Year. The Leopard and Lion services (numbers 3 and 4) will run a Saturday service on Christmas Eve, with the last bus running in the early evening. The last full route Leopard leaves Reading at 6.15pm, leaving Broad Street at 7.27pm. The Arborfield Garrison route leaves Reading at 8pm, and Arborfield Garrison at 8.28pm. The last full Lion 4 leaves Reading at 7.30pm, leaving Bracknell bus station at 8.05pm, while the last Lion X4 leaves Reading at 7pm, departing from Bracknell bus station at 8.30pm. There is no bus service on Christmas Day, while a special service runs between 7am and 7pm on Boxing Day. For more details and times, log on to our website www.wokinghampaper.co.uk
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CRIME
Robber flees on moped after targeting Tesco
A QUICK-THINKING member of staff averted a robbery at a convenience store in Crowthorne last weekend. At around 6am on Saturday a man entered the Tesco Express in Greenwood Road and demanded money from a member of staff. The employee pressed the panic alarm, and the offender fled the scene on a moped. He is described as white and slim, and spoke with a local accent. Nothing was stolen during the incident. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident should contact DC Alice Ashman by calling 101.
CRIME
Homeowner finds burglar at bottom of the stairs
A BURGLAR was disturbed after breaking into a house in Winnersh. At around 11am on Wednesday, December 9, a householder in Reading Road heard someone knock on the front door. They then heard the dining room window smash and when they went downstairs they saw a man at the bottom of the stairs who then ran off down the Reading Road. The door handle of the kitchen door had been damaged but the offender was unable to get in. If anyone has any information relating to this incident they should call 101.
n A MAN from Woodley is due to appear in court charged with stealing a car from Earley. Daniel Brian Storrar, 29, of Rowan Drive, will appear at Reading Crown Court on December 21 where he will stand trial for five charges all relating to an incident on November 15 this year. Mr Storrar is accused of breaking into a house in Meadow Road and stealing the keys to a Nissan Qashqai. He is then alleged to have stolen the car and driven it without insurance or permission to drive that class of vehicle. He is also accused of stealing the front and rear number plates from another car in Woodley. After appearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 17 Mr Storrar was remanded into custody until the trial. n A MAN rom Winnersh has been fined a total of nearly £800 for failing to buy a train ticket. Myron Fastnedge, 26, of Rainbow Park, was fined £440, ordered to pay compensation of £3.10, a victim surcharge of £44, costs of £160 and a courts’ charge of £150 after failing to buy a ticket in Reading on May 18 this year. Mr Fastnedge was not present at the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 13.
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
From the courts
Magistrates’ Court on November 16 where he was disqualified from holding a driving licence for 20 months, fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and a criminal courts’ charge of £150.
compensation of £15, a victim surcharge of £15, costs of £85 and a courts’ charge of £180.
n A MAN from Earley has pleaded guilty to driving while over the alcohol limit. Amrik Baines, 24, of Culver Lane, was fined £350 and ordered to pay a further £270 in costs and charges after pleading guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 16 to driving while over the limit on November 1 this year. Mr Baines was also disqualified from driving for 12 months. n A MAN from Wokingham has been ordered to pay nearly £300 for stealing a pouch of tobacco and £15. Jack William Godfrey, 19, of Jupiter Way, pleaded guilty to the charge of theft when he appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 16. The charge relates to an incident in Shinfield on August 30. Mr Godfrey was given a conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay
n A 56-year-old man from Woodley has been given six points on his driving licence for allowing another person to drive without insurance. Harun Miah, of Campbell Road, pleaded guilty to allowing another person to drive a motor vehicle on Loddon Bridge Road on June 26 this year without appropriate insurance. Mr Miah’s licence was endorsed six points when he pleaded guilty to the charge at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 16.
n A 33-year-old man from Wokingham has pleaded guilty to assaulting a constable and being drunk and disorderly in a public place. Dariusz Pawel Sarota, of Station Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 16 charged with the two offences, which relate to an incident in Wokingham on November 1 this year. The constable was not injured in the incident. Mr Sarota was ordered to carry out 20 hours of supervised unpaid work within the next 12 months, ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge, £85 costs, and a £150 courts’ charge.
n A WOMAN from Woodley has been ordered to pay more than £350 after driving without due care and attention. Joanna Trussler, 22, of Bruce Road, pleaded guilty to the charge which relates to an incident on September 25 this year. Appearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 16, Miss Trussler was fined £100, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20, costs of £85 and a criminal courts’ charge of £150. Miss Trussler also received four points on her driving licence.
n A MAN from Woodley has been disqualified from driving for 20 months after failing to provide a breath specimen. Mark John Soutter, 27, of Knowle Road, pleaded guilty to the charge which relates to an incident in Reading on October 31 this year. Mr Soutter appeared at Reading
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7
8 | NEWS CRIME
Appeal over village murder aired on BBC Crimewatch AN image of what experts believe the victim of a murder in Warfield looked like has been released by police. Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Brown from Thames Valley Police appeared on BBC Crimewatch on Monday night to re-appeal for information in connection with the investigation. The appeal featured a computer-generated image, created by experts at the University of Dundee, of what they believe the victim may have looked like. The remains of the white man, aged between 30 and 40-yearsold, were discovered by workmen in a field in Warfield in July. A post mortem could not provide a conclusive cause of death, but it did show the man had suffered blunt trauma injuries to his head, which suggests he had been hit by a heavy object on either one or both sides of his head. DCI Brown said: “Someone out there knows who this man was. Someone out there knows how he died. If you are that someone, I urge you, to examine your conscience, do the right thing, and come and speak to me and my team.” He also revealed that DNA had been retrieved from the remains which has been linked to a Lithuanian national, Aivaras Danilevicius. DCI Brown said: “If you have any information at all, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you, please, come forward and speak to us. Please call 01753 271127.” If you do not want to speak directly to the police call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
EDUCATION
Mother’s plea after special needs son is forced to study in Newbury By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A MOTHER from Wokingham whose 19-year-old son has profound learning difficulties is calling on Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) to do more to help others like him make the transition into further education. Ribina Shahin, who lives in Earley, was disappointed to find the only educational unit that could provide the level of support her son Shiraz Al-Mustafa needs was in Newbury. Ribina said: “Shiraz has spent many happy years at a local special needs school, Addington School, in Woodley, but unfortunately now he is 19 he has to move on. “He has been put on an advanced health and care plan which entitles him to support until he is 25. He enjoys learning and I want him to carry on learning skills that will help him in later life, as well as giving him a chance to meet new people. “I don’t ask for much help, I have refused respite care for Shiraz as I prefer to care for him myself, and I don’t like to spend council money when it is something that I can do myself. “But his education is so important, like any mother I just want the best for my son.” Shiraz has profound learning difficulties, leaving him with a mental age of around four or five. Ribina has
launched a petition online calling for WBC to do more to support young adults like him with the transition from school into adult life. Ribina said: “I am not bashing the council at all, I think they have an excellent system in place at Addington and it is just a shame that it doesn’t extend further. “I have spoken to many other people who find themselves in a similar situation, but they have just never thought to go to the council about it. “I am standing up for all of those people and for future children coming into the system who may not have anywhere to go. “I have had fantastic support from a local charity, INSAAN, which helps families with children facing disabilities in the Reading area. “So far I have had around 50 signatures but I am hoping to get 1,500 so WBC have to discuss the issue.” Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for children’s services, stressed that local provisions for special educational needs are the result of colleges decisions and not that of WBC. She said: “The council has spoken with Ribina Shahin and officers will be meeting with her next month to discuss her concerns. Wokingham Borough Council seeks to find further education places for students. “Colleges are funded by the Skills Funding Agency. The agency makes
Shiraz Shahin, who is 19 but has the mental age of a child, is being forced to travel to Newbury to continue his education. Inset, Shiraz’s mother, Ribina, is campaigning for greater educational provision for people with learning difficulties.
independent decisions about meeting local needs based on financial viability while bearing in mind public sector austerity. “We would like more local places for students, and have been in discussion with colleges about it. “In the new year, a review of further education provision, established by the
Government as part of a national move, will start in the Thames Valley area. “We will be submitting evidence of Wokingham Borough’s needs for education and training, including those with special educational needs.” n To read and sign the petition visit bit.ly/1P7wmDP. Jan Rixon with some of the winning pupils from Wescott Infants School. Picture: Paul King
COMPETITION
Wescott is where the art is THE owner of a Wokingham art gallery went back to school this week to judge a Christmas picture contest at Wescott Infants. Jan Rixon, owner of TG Art Gallery in Peach Street, set youngsters the challenge of drawing penguins after they visited her premises and saw glass versions of the flightless birds on display. “Our connection with the school started last year,” said Jan. “The school got in touch when they were doing an art project at school and wanted
to look round the gallery at our pictures. “Then last Christmas we had some glass robins in the shop so we held a competition for the children to draw robins.” She said the glass penguins used for this year’s competition are made in Devon and hand blown by the artist. They are all individual.” “I’ve sort of adopted them [the school],” said Ms Rixon, who visited the Goodchild Road school to judge the competition. “Wescott is a great school, the children come in to say hello if they are passing the gallery.”
FESTIVAL
Mistletoe and wine!
Phil Hood, of Thames Valley Wine School, and Charlotte Chapman enjoy a sample of one of the wines on offer. Picture: Vivienne Johnson
THERE was plenty of Christmas spirit - well wine, anyway - during a festival at Wokingham’s Town Hall on Saturday. The annual wine festival gave visitors the opportunity to sample a range of vintages, learn more about the wines and talk to independent merchants who were representing growers from across the globe. The event was organised by The Round Table, Windsor
Forest Unicorn Club and the Association of Small Direct Wine Merchants and raised funds for the MS Society. Tony Hill, director of Bordeaux and Beyond, and Rosemary Tocock MBE, chair of Reading and Wokingham Branch MS Society, worked together for the event. “It’s been such a success,” said Ms Tocock. “Next year we want to make it a food and wine festival.”
BLINDS AND AWNINGS
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Friday, December 18, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
APPEAL
Can you help Air Cadets find a base?
EXCLUSIVE
By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A YOUTH group has launched an urgent appeal to find a new home after being told it must leave its current base in March next year. The Wokingham Air Training Corps (ATC) is asking readers of The Wokingham Paper to help them locate a temporary meeting space while new premises are being built. The group currently meets near Carnival Pool in Wokingham town centre, but the site has been earmarked for development as part of the regeneration project and will become a multi-storey car park and new leisure complex. The South East Reserve Forces Cadet Association (SERFCA), which has been based at the Wellington Road site for more than 20 years, has plans for a new
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facility in Elizabeth Park, in Norreys. The new building will be constructed on the council-owned land as a condition of the cadets being moved out of the current site. However, the ATC must leave their base in March and the new facility is not expected to be ready until September. As a result, the ATC will need a place large enough for their meetings, which usually attract around 30 youngsters for six months. Martin Lines, Officer Commanding the Wokingham ATC, told The Wokingham Paper: “We are having new premises LIVE built but they won’t be ready for six . GARDENCAROLS MAINTENANCE The Area’s Leading Supplier & Installer of Window Dressings months. Serving the Local Community for 10 Years . PROFESSIONAL DRIVEWAY CLEANING “We really need somewhere we can gather together in one room. 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Personal & group pensionsAuthorised and regulated by the FSA Personal & group pensions To see the quality and excellent range visit the and regulated by the FSA . wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Inheritance Acts are varied and this past week haswokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com seen jazz Tax planning Authorised Inheritance Tax planning LARGEST SHOWROOM in the area: ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers musicTel/Fax at The Art House, accordions set up in The Ship ISAs &320430 ISA/PEP transfers 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk 90 Yorktown Road, Sandhurst, GU47 9BHto8978 Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk InnTel and some morris dancing Christmas carols, 0118 402 07768 320430 A6HS NATIVITY service for younger Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne,Mobile Berkshire RG45 Address The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Fleck Associates Ltd courtesy of the5Shinfield Shamblers outsideWelsh Brown Bag of Tony Susan children will be held at St Mary’s Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Ltd EmailStreet. tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk in Denmark Church in Wargrave on by Christmas Authorised and regulated the FSA Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Authorised and regulated by the FSA Tel/Fax 01344 4661738978 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk The calendar is organised byTel More Arts and 402 0118 Mobile 07768 320430 Eve. Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Address is 5 about The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Wokingham Town Council, the calendar to The event begins at 4pm, Email carol tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk move into its final week, culuminating in aTony concert Welsh Fleck Associates Ltd with a family carol service at 6pm Independent Financial Adviser Tony Welsh of of Susan Susan Fleck Associates Ltd at Wokingham Baptist Church on Christmas Eve. a 320430 Holy Communion service Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobileand 07768 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk 0118 402 8978 07768 320430 Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne,Mobile Berkshire RG45 6HS Entry to each evening’s event is free. Tel at 11pm. Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Email Donations are welcomed – these go to three tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk charities: Macmillan Cancer Support, Just Around the Corner and Dingley Family and Specialist Early Years FIND USAuthority ON FACEBOOK Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Centres. Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 & TWITTER: SEARCH FOR Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 The Shinfield Shamblers perform outside Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kentand ME14 2BJ Authorised regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority n WeHead areOffice: covering each evening’s events on our Registration Number AJW00121 Susan Fleck Maidstone, Associates LtdKent is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, ME14 2BJ Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated byKent the Financial WOKINGHAMPAPER Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJServices Authority, registration no. 447018 Brown Bag on Monday Picture: Paul King Registration Number AJW00121 website, www.wokinghampaper.co.uk Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ
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BUSES
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One of the spectacular displays put on by Sonning Fireworks this year.
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Firm’s success rockets A SONNING-based fireworks display company is ending 2015 with a bang after scooping a second major award. Sonning Fireworks, which is made up of three former Reading Blue Coat School pupils and a former teacher, are celebrating after winning the London and South East Best Wedding Entertainment at the Wedding Industry Awards last month. The win followed an incredible summer where the company won the Fireworks Champions competition at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire. Director Chris Clarke said: “After winning the Fireworks Champions we didn’t think this year could get any better, however winning this is the icing on the cake!
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10 | BUSINESS
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Business
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 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
PROPERTY
Double award joy for Prospect A LOCAL estate agents has done the double - again - after scooping two International Property Awards. Prospect Estate Agency, which has offices across Wokingham borough, was recognised as both the best UK and International Lettings Agency at the ceremony, held earlier this month. It’s the second big win for the agency - earlier this year, Prospect was awarded Best Estate Agency and Best Lettings Agency in Berkshire. These awards enabled them to be entered into the international awards, which are judged by a team of property professionals. Prospect said the judges carefully analysed all areas of the letting service provided by agencies from around the world and the panel decided that
Prospect’s innovative and progressive service was the best. Colin Wells, Prospect’s CEO, was understandably delighted to receive the awards. He said: “To win Best Estate Agency and Best Lettings Agency in Berkshire was a great honour and to further our success by winning Best Lettings Agency in the UK and Best International Lettings Agency is incredible. “These awards are true testament to the continual hard work and dedication that everybody at Prospect puts into providing an award-winning standard of service. This is an excellent way to end a very successful year at Prospect and we’re looking forward to building on our success in 2016.”
CHRISTMAS
Winnersh Triangle gets that festive feeling NEARLY 2,000 people got into the Christmas spirit last week thanks to Winnersh Triangle. Staff working at companies at the business park came together to enjoy a festive fair held in the development. There were craft stalls to browse, free gourmet turkey burgers and enjoyed Christmas carols sung by
choir Hark The Herald. The event had a heart too, as it helped two charities which are based on the development: Age Concern and Guide Dogs. It was organised by Patrizia UK, who manage Winnersh Triangle. The 85acre business park has more than 60 companies on site, employing 5,000 people, including Virgin Media, Lloyds
Bank, WH Smith and Atos. Will Lawrie, the company’s asset manager, was delighted with how the event went. He said: “It was a pleasure to raise funds for two of our charity occupiers, Age Concern and Guide Dogs, who benefited from several hundred pounds of pitch fees donated by the stall holders.”
RENAISSANCE
Stuart Shield, president of the International Property Awards, with Shaun Stevens, director of Prospect Estate Agency, Colin Wells, CEO of Prospect Estate Agency and Eric Pickles MP, former secretary of state for communities and local government
New retirement homes get the green light from council By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk PLANS for 33 new sheltered retirement apartments in Wokingham’s town centre have been given the go-ahead. The units are a mixture of one- and twobedroom homes and come with a total of 25 parking spaces, 21 of which would be located within a basement. The apartments will be built by Renaissance Retirement and are aimed at providing independent senior living spaces in Wiltshire Road. Following the approval at Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee meeting held last Wednesday, the building work will start early in the new year with a grand opening likely to be in summer 2017. The application will be subject to the developers committing to providing a contribution toward affordable housing and replacing any trees removed during the building works. Two existing houses will be
The site in Wiltshire Road where the new retirement homes will be built.
demolished as part of the works and three new buildings, which will be arranged a in T shape, will be erected on the site. Robert Taylor, managing director of Renaissance Retirement, is delighted that planning permission has been granted and feels that Wokingham will benefit greatly from this new development. He said: “This is great news – for Renaissance Retirement and the town. We
believe we have a fantastic scheme that will make the people of Wokingham proud. “We have been working very closely with the officers on this scheme and have designed a scheme that will sit comfortably within a mature landscaped setting. “There is a fundamental demand for new, independent retirement housing in Wokingham. We have been very well received at the public consultation by local people and councillors alike. “The simple fact is that people are looking increasingly at this form of housing as part of their retirement plans. From the number of people who have requested more information on our site we are confident we have the right product and location.” Peter Tanner, planning director at Renaissance Retirement, said: “The site is perfect for people who live in and around Wokingham. It is located within an easy level walk of Waitrose and town centre shops.”
BRACKNELL
Cutting wastage is key to meeting climate targets - MP BRITAIN should be concentrating more of its efforts on reducing energy wastage as it seeks to meet its climate change targets. That was the view of Bracknell MP Dr Phillip Lee as he met with senior executives and staff at the GE offices in the town. He also supported the Government’s decision to reduce subsidies for some forms of renewable energy, which he described as “economically unsustainable”.
Dr Lee, who was a member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee in the last Parliament, made his remarks on the eve of the historic climate change deal agreed in Paris over the weekend. “Reducing energy wastage represents the low-hanging fruit in the climate change debate,” said Dr Lee. “The amount of savings in carbon dioxide that can be made in this country,
especially in view of our older housing stock, far outweighs that which can be achieved through renewable sources such as wind and solar power. “Subsidies for renewables are simply unsustainable in the long term. They are also predominantly given to corporates and large landowners who can accommodate the facilities. By contrast, subsidies to improve house insulation help ordinary people dealing with their fuel bills.”
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
RECYCLING
Make your Christmas a happy and green one By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk Selling festive wreaths made by local craftsman Luke Ray were (top row, from left): Shannon, 11, Mary, 11, Margaret, 8, Katieann, 8, and Francis, 5, at the St Michael’s Spencers Wood Christmas fayre. Pictures: Phil Creighton
CHURCH
A window on Christmas A SPENCERS Wood church was transformed into a festive wonderland in preparation for its Christmas fayre at the weekend. St Michael’s & All Angels on Basingstoke Road held its annual festive fayre on Saturday and each of the church’s windows were decorated with Christmas scenes, created by local community groups including Brownies, Rainbows and the local history society. Visitors were able to browse a range of stalls including a white elephant, books and locally made festive wreaths and wooden
ornaments made by craftsman Luke Ray. The reindeer had been made from offcuts of old Christmas trees. Younger visitors could visit Santa and tell him what they’d like for Christmas. Organiser Sue Butler told The Wokingham Paper: “This is the first time we’ve run Santa’s Grotto and it’s been very popular. “We do a different theme each year for the windows and this year’s was Christmas Carols and Christmas Songs. They’ve been decorated by different local groups. “I think this is the best one ever.”
MORE GREAT PICTURES ONLINE AT www.wokinghampaper.co.uk Marley, 5, and Summer, 9, meet Santa and his Elf at St Michael’s Christmas fayre. Below and left: Some of the decorations in the church Pictures: Phil Creighton
TIPS on reducing waste and increasing recycling this Christmas are being offered by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC). By making small simple changes when shopping and being a little imaginative with food leftovers residents can cut down on their festive waste considerably. Here are WBC’s top tips: n Purchase paper wrapping paper rather than metallic or plastic-based. n Buy fruit and vegetables loose. n Write a shopping list and stick to it. n Compost vegetable/fruit peelings. n Turn vegetable leftovers from Christmas lunch into ‘bubble and squeak’ for Boxing Day breakfast. n Create meals with leftover meat www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipes. n Recycle plastic bottles, paper/card, aerosols and food/drink tins. n Break down cardboard boxes to save space and ensure they go in the black recycling box. n Don’t put plastic carrier bags in recycling boxes.
n Old, unwanted electrical items can be recycled at household waste and recycling centres. n Chop up your real Christmas tree and take it to a household recycling centre. Anyone part of the garden waste scheme can leave it out on their collection day. Both household waste and recycling centres at Smallmead in Reading and Longshot Lane in Bracknell are open during the holiday period apart from Christmas Day, Saturday, December 26, and New Year’s Day. Opening times are 8am to 6pm, except Thursday, December 24, when they will be open from 8am to 4pm. Cllr Angus Ross, WBC’s executive member for environment, said: “By following just some of these tips I hope that Wokingham Borough residents will be able to recycle as much as possible and reduce household waste where possible, especially over Christmas when we do produce more waste than usual. “Residents are also reminded that waste and recycling collections dates will vary slightly over the festive period and will be made earlier.”
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THE WOKINGHAM PAPER 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
Solution needed to fill older special care gap WE HAVE made great strides as a society over the past few years with how we help children with additional needs. Long gone are the days when labels such as trouble maker and slow were wrongly and unjustly attached to such children. Instead, a lot of effort has gone into understanding the various conditions and figuring out appropriate ways to offering help. From special schools to sensory rooms, classroom assistants to additional help, parents can have assurance that their children will receive the best start in life. But what happens when you are no longer a child? It’s a growing concern and one that an Earley mum is currently raising after her son moved on from what she describes as “many happy years” at Addington School in Woodley (see page 8). She says that, like most parents, she wants the best education for her son, but for him to continue his learning journey that means commuting to Newbury. That’s a tough ask for someone who has a mental age closer to a five-year-old. Wokingham Borough Council is, like many other councils, facing the spending squeeze, and be looking for ways to help without breaking the budget, while also calling on local educational establishments to do more. So what is the solution? The answers may come too late for our Earley mum, but for future generations it will become a pressing issue. We hope there is a way forward.
Christmas is coming
THIS week, we celebrate Christmas with the first of our two-part Nativity play special (see page 22). We’ve had a lot of fun putting these pictures together and we hope you enjoy looking at them too. Next week’s issue comes out on Christmas Eve and will be on sale for two weeks – well, that Christmas dinner won’t eat itself!
CHURCH NOTES
God wants to give each of us the perfect gift I WAS thinking the other day how much time we spend trying to find the perfect gift for the one we love the most, whether it is on the internet or physically shopping. One gets it home and wraps it up as carefully as one can and hides it somewhere out of sight. That special person keeps trying to both find it or asks questions to give something away to get an idea of what it is. Like does it smell, or sparkle or does it need fuel? Then one may give some hints. I thought this is like how God wants to give each of us his perfect gift. The people of the Old Testament kept asking what is this gift like? Is it a King who will come riding in on horseback? No, God gives the people of the time hints. Micah 5 says “But you, Bethlehem, out of you will come for me a ruler over Israel” and in Isaiah 9 God says “For unto us a Child is born”. So come Christmas day and the one you dearly love starts opening their presents. One by one they get opened. One by one appreciation is shown to the giver and then comes that very special one, the one that you think is the most perfect gift of all, the one that your loved one needed the most. The anticipation and expectation of joy is palpable. But it gets left under the tree and remains unopened. How do you feel? How many Christmas gifts get left unopened at Christmas? But this one still remains unopened for many. The real meaning of Christmas is in the gift that has been described by Paul in the bible New Testament as “The indescribable gift”. Paul was right the gift of the Son of God is indescribable, but we do know that it has been given out of pure love. Ralph Higson, Elder, Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
Your views
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
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Enjoy an M&S sandwich and help Shelter in the process AS an architect, I know that buildings mean much more than just bricks and mortar, with none more important than the building we call home – especially at Christmas time. There’s nothing more magical than spending the day with my children and the people who matter most to me, in a home that could almost be a part of our family itself. That’s why it’s heart-breaking to know that 7,200 children in the South East will be homeless this Christmas. They are among the 100,000 homeless children in Britain right now. Thankfully these children aren’t on the streets, but living in temporary accommodation, which means they don’t have a stable or safe place to call home. Many of them will be sharing a single room of a cramped hostel or B&B with their whole family, sharing facilities with strangers and with no space for a tree, or even to eat Christmas dinner. Luckily Shelter is here so that nobody has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own, which is why I’m proud to support them. But sadly, as more and more families struggle to keep a roof over their heads, Shelter’s advisers are now bracing themselves for even more calls for help. Marks and Spencer has supported Shelter for the last ten years, and this year they will be donating 5% from each product sold through its Christmas ‘Food on the Move’ range directly to Shelter’s helpline. Something as simple as a sandwich really can make a huge difference to the thousands of people fighting to keep a roof over their heads this Christmas. So please, treat yourself to a festive Food on the Move lunch at M&S and help Shelter to be there for everyone who needs them. George Clarke, via email
Bah humbug! Wokingham saves on cost of festive lights LAST Saturday was a dull overcast day. Most towns across the country brightened their centres by switching on their Christmas lights. Not Wokingham. According to one of the town councillors the council can’t afford to switch the tree on during the day when shoppers are out and about. No wonder the market was deserted. Yet the council is planning to spend £100 million on so called regeneration.
How you reacted to new cycle lane and A329M changes LET’S hope it’s worth using (most round here aren’t). Hazel Couzens, via Facebook
this road now! On my way home yesterday I passed two separate incidents! Stephanie Cooke
QUITE. It is far safer to use the main carriageway in most cases. Liz Johns, via Facebook
SO many signs there now though surely people can get in the right lane. Carole Marshall
And on Wednesday, we reported that an accident had occurred on the A329M. Again. THERE are plenty of big signs that state which lane is for M4 only and A329M only. Plenty of notice to get in the correct lane. Unfortunately you’ll get those who are too inconsiderate to let others move lanes and road traffic accidents then occur. Rachel Vasey IT IS dangerous since they introduced the M4 filter lanes. People who may have used that road regularly for years and think they know it now find they have to make a sudden, last minute lane change to avoid being forced on to the M4. Debbie Rathge SADLY there are too many accidents since the road
WILL they wait till someone is killed before doing something? Surely the amount of accidents speaks for itself. Jo Kalisz Vel Kalisiak
changes and the delays are high. Everyday there is at least one accident. Would be interesting to understand why the changes and what are the benefits... because we are not seeing them! Safe journey all... Jeanne Finneran Butcher THE 329 is a joke now since the new lanes were implemented dangerous and always have to queue to get on the M4 now. Stewart McCreadie EVERY day there’s a crash on
Can we really trust our councillors with such a large sum of money on a speculative project when they can’t even enact basic common sense things? Peter Humphreys, via email
Syria vote: John Redwood should have said ‘yes’ or ‘no’ THE Syria vote should be a vote for or against, not abstain Mr Redwood (The Wokingham Paper, November 27). He should have asked his constituency what they thought, not act cloak and dagger like.
WHY do the transport people mess with something that clearly ran ok until they got their grubby hands on it. Nine years I’ve used that road without problems, but now it’s taking so much more time sitting in queuing traffic. Nightmare changes :((( Christine Caddoo IT’S ridiculously dangerous now on that junction. Mark Deacon IF only everyone could drive safely. Look ahead and give themselves a reaction time. Alex David
The best situation would have been, in my view, to vote against and save the terrible risk UK citizens now face of being in danger, wherever they may be. It is not our war, it is time that we stopped messing up the world and let the Middle East sort it out. The Prime Minister wants to look good to the rest of the world, while people and children live in poverty in the UK. Money wasted and MPs have too many rights over the citizens of Britain. The borders should also be shut for good and all refugees should be stopped from coming into Britain. Victor Rones, Bracknell
GOOD ADVICE
What to do if something you ordered hasn’t arrived Wokingham CAB look at a recent issue they have come across and give an answer IF this happens, you should contact the seller to find out where it is. It’s the seller’s legal responsibility to make sure the item is delivered to you. They should chase the delivery company and let you know what’s happened to your item. If your item wasn’t delivered to the location you agreed (e.g. it was left with your neighbour without your consent), it’s the seller’s legal responsibility to sort out the issue. If the item doesn’t turn up, you’re legally entitled to a replacement or refund. You can write to the seller and ask them to deliver the item again. You should do this if the item wasn’t delivered within a reasonable time or the item wasn’t delivered by an agreed date. Include these lines in any communication: “Failure to deliver within a reasonable time and outside of the agreed deadline is considered to be a breach of contract. “I am now making time of the essence and request the item be delivered within 14 days of receipt of this letter.” You can ask for your money back if you don’t receive the item either:
n Within 30 days of buying it. n On the date you agreed with the seller – if it was essential to receive it by then (e.g. for an event then or shortly after). If the seller refuses to give you your money back, you should put your complaint in writing – follow their complaints procedure if they have one. If that doesn’t work you could try: n Contacting their trade association – look on their website for this information, or contact them to ask. n Choose a Trading Standards-approved alternative dispute resolution scheme – (see tinyurl.com/cawok001) it’s a way of solving disagreements without going to court, where a third party will mediate to try and reach a solution You might also be able to get your money back through your bank or payment provider - this depends on how you paid. If you paid by debit card contact your bank and say you want to use the ‘chargeback scheme’. If the bank agrees, they can ask the seller’s bank to reverse the transaction and refund the money back into your account. Many bank staff don’t know about the scheme, so you might need to speak to a supervisor or manager. They might ask you to put your request in writing. You should do this within 120 days of when you paid.
If you paid by credit card and the item cost less than £100, you should contact your credit card company and say you want to use the ‘chargeback scheme’. They could also ask you to put your request in writing. There’s no time limit for when you need to do this. If the item cost more than £100 but less than £30,000, contact your credit card company and say that you want to make a ‘section 75’ claim to get your money back. If you paid using PayPal use PayPal’s online resolution centre (see tinyurl.com/cawok002) to report your dispute. You must do so within 180 days of paying. If you think the seller’s broken the law, for example, by taking your money and refusing to deliver your item, you should report them to Trading Standards (see tinyurl.com/cawok003). They may be able to investigate and even prosecute the seller, but won’t usually be able to get you your money back. For more help contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline (tinyurl.com/cawok004) on 03454 04 05 06 – a trained adviser can give you advice over the phone. You can also use an online form or write to them. n 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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Friday, December 18, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
COMMENTARY
Syria, Oh Syria! What are we doing to you?
I
T seems that our country’s top politicians have been persuaded into yet another foreign adventure. One in which the methods called for in clause 5 of the UN resolution are so vague that achieving the goal will take a lifetime, not a lunchtime. Yes, we’re set once again on a course of action to intervene in another country’s struggles. Unsolicited, unwarranted, unwelcome. The last time we did so, the law of unintended consequences intervened. In the second Gulf War, the British Prime Minister ended up looking foolish. A dodgy dossier here, an ill-fitting bomber jacket there, the humiliations piled up. Until he was called over like a flunky by a person whose electoral majority was as dubious as his judgment. Eventually the Great British public realised that removing a country’s leader was one thing, clearing up the mess afterwards was another. The PM smartly stepped aside to let his successor take the consequences – an economic recession. This is nothing new as older, equally ill-starred interventions date back over a century. In these, we saw fit to appoint ourselves as judge, jury and policeman of the world’s political map. Today, whether influenced by the military-industrial complex hungering for action and profit; or manipulated by shadowy figures dabbling in world affairs; current operations bring few victories, little moral high ground, not even good TV. Instead they create three new types of problem for those that launched the poorly thought out attacks. Firstly by creating a new generation of dispossessed. Homes destroyed, food and water scarce, is it any wonder that they want to come here? At least they’ve the common sense to figure out that we aren’t dim enough to bomb ourselves - yet.
Tony Johnson
WITH this week seeing the shortest day of the year, it’s a really good time for photographers to capture some stunning sunrises and sunsets. The sky has been full of colour and reader Iain Baines made the most of it by capturing a dramatic moment when the sun rises in Beech Hill. What a glorious picture, thank you Iain. 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.
JOHN REDWOOD’S DIARY
Meeting with officials from NATS on aircraft noise ON Tuesday, December 8, I met with officials from NATS in my office in Westminster. I explained that aircraft noise in the local area has increased significantly over recent years due to changes in the flight routes. The NATS officials contend that they have only made a minor change to the Compton route by narrowing the Compton gate (through which all local air traffic between 6,000 to 8000 feet passes) from 13 miles to 8. However, the officials conceded that this has resulted in more concentrated air traffic through the route. Another issue that came up is the impact of the Ockham Hold, situated at 7,000 feet above Chobham in Surrey. The Ockham Hold is one of four holding “stacks” supporting Heathrow where aircraft circle, at busy times, until there is a place for them in the queue to land. The hold is the likely cause of much of the noise in this area. When on easterly operations, arrivals for Heathrow leave the hold and fly west above Crowthorne and Wokingham in order to turn into the Compton gate at which time they are at 5,000 to 6,000 feet. They then fly beneath the departing aircraft coming through the Compton gate. I was told that once aircraft leave the Ockham Hold they should achieve a continuously descending approach which reduces noise levels. The NATS officials explained that they have already acted to slow down traffic at 350 nautical miles from Heathrow as it comes across the Atlantic. NATS are slowing down traffic in co-operation with their Irish and European counterparts to reduce the need for planes to use the Ockham Hold.
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With modern technology it should be possible to avoid stacks and pointless flying around in circles, keeping places well out and flying at slower speeds so they arrive when a landing slot is available. The officials also confirmed that the Government intends to begin a consultation on aviation noise in 2016 with a view to issuing new guidance to NATS.
Saving bees I attended the Westminster Hall debate on bees on Monday, December 7. A number of constituents sent me an email expressing concern about the decline of the bee population and the issue of chemical sprays on crops. I intervened during the debate to tell the Minister and the others present of the worries of
I presented the petition from Wokingham Borough Councillors to the Government in Parliament on Tuesday, December 1. The petition urges the Government to make rapid progress in implementing its promise to give more money to schools in areas like Wokingham which have been receiving much less cash per pupil than many other parts of the country. I am grateful to councillors for signing it. Words of the petition: To the House of Commons. The petition of residents of Wokingham. Declares that the petitioners believe the existing school funding model in England is arbitrary and unfair; further declares that the 10 best funded areas of England have on average received grants of £6,300 per pupil this year; compared to an average of £4,200 per pupil in the ten most poorly funded areas of England; and further declares that the petitioners welcome the Government’s commitment to introduce fairer school funding. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons supports the earliest possible introduction of a new National Funding Formula for schools in England. And the petitioners remain, etc.
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Dissatisfied Secondly by creating a new generation of dissatisfied. Motivated by revenge and a desire to wreak havoc in the cities of their aggressors. Feelings so strong that even self-destruction becomes just one more acceptable atrocity among the new urban underground. Thirdly by creating a new social order amongst the aggressor nations as a reflex action against the first two. A reflex in which civil liberties, patiently built up over seven centuries here in Britain, are among the early casualties. A social order where neighbour distrusts neighbour and everyone distrusts the stranger. Especially where the stranger appears foreign by face, clothes or way of speaking. Why then persist ? Is it a case of “because we can” or “because we should” ? The world has been “saved for democracy” so many times that democracy itself has become a casualty and the phrase is about as credible as a politician’s promise or a banker’s bonus. Is one an advocate of bombing for peace, or laying down one’s arms by way of apology? Naah, too much like putting out fires using petrol. However, political solutions can come from the strangest of places. Here in the soon-to-be “Self-Dependency of Middle Berkshire” (guv’mint cuts remember), the thing that strikes fear into our hearts and minds is when “The Developers” move in. Instead of a conventional war, why not send in fully armed and dangerous builders ? Along with their architects, landscapers and engineers, it’s cheaper than bombs and delivers better results too. Here in the Borough, we’d reduce tensions by distracting a group presently being upgraded from “irritating” to “a bloody nuisance”. It’d also be instructive to reapply a lesson from history (the Second World War’s Marshall Plan); far more profitable to sequester and supply than to destroy and degrade. The Intelligence Services might get a much needed breather, allowing them to pit their wits more intelligently in future. Perhaps even Mullah Nasruddin’s fabled teaching about the prisoner and the king might prevail. Maybe the horse will learn to sing. Tony Johnson has taken a few minutes off from “The Developers” to consider world affairs. He’s practical enough to realise that the words launched from this column might not change things very much, but cares enough to know that inaction would be worse. He has read that UN Resolution (2249), along with a much more interesting one (2250).
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Wokingham’s people An unusual surprise for a young actor
Hollywood star’s flowers to Milly IT is not every day that a schoolgirl receives a bouquet of flowers from a Hollywood actor. But that is exactly what happened to eight-year-old Milly Allen when she stepped off-stage at Wokingham Youth Theatre last week to find flowers from Michael Sheen after playing Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The budding actress, who is a pupil at Westende School, appeared on BBC Radio Berkshire with her family in October when she was called on-air by the Welsh star who offered her a few tips for her performance. To her surprise, Milly was presented with the bouquet after her performance on December 5 with a note from the actor.
The note read: “Dear Millie [sic], Hope you have a great time playing Titania. I know you’ll be a truly magical fairy! Lots of love and best wishes to all cast and crew. Michael Sheen X.” Milly’s mum Lucy said: “Milly was so surprised to get the beautiful bouquet from Michael Sheen, and we were amazed that he would make such a thoughtful gesture. “The flowers are gorgeous and it was very special for an eight-year-old to receive such a bunch, just like a professional actress might at the end of a performance. “We did not know that he even knew when the performance was, so it goes to show what a nice man he is that he thought to follow up on his earlier chat with Milly.”
OH, MR SMITH!
A wry look at life
SURPRISE
By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
Milly Allen with the bunch of flowers sent by Michael Sheen and (inset) the note which accompanied them.
VOLUNTEER CORNER
with Helena Badger
n Do you feel you have the skills to mentor a young person and help them get employment? Have you got experience of running your own business? The Princes Trust works with disadvantaged young people to help into employment, training or education. They are looking for volunteers to support disadvantaged young people completing their Exploring Enterprise programme who have told us they want to start up their own businesses – whatever that business may be and no matter whether big or small. The volunteer mentor would be expected to meet up with the young person they were mentoring roughly twice a month at a mutually convenient time and then they can Skype/email/have phone calls if needed between these meetings. They are looking for volunteers who can commit on a long term basis and can be approachable, empathetic and a good role model. n ABC to read is a registered charity which recruit, train and support community volunteers to give help to primary school children who need a little extra one-onone help with reading. Volunteers will visit a local primary school on a weekly basis and works with children individually seeing the same children on each visit, talking and reading and playing games with them. The volunteers are supported by a field worker who is available to provide ideas and act as a link between the charity and the school. They are currently looking for more volunteers in the Wokingham and Bracknell areas. n Bracknell and Wokingham College runs courses for Adult English classes and they are current looking for volunteers to assist Tutors and students in these workshops on Tuesdays or Wednesday afternoons. Please contact us for more details. These are just three of the roles we are recruiting for, but we have more than 100 different roles on our books. To find out about these or any other roles, call us on 0118 977 0749, email wok-vol@btconnect.com or visit www. volunteercentrewokingham.org.uk
Lost receipt. Search me. .
F
ORGIVE me for complaining but does technological advance continually degrade human interaction and trust especially with companies after they have sold us stuff? Consider the following situation; you purchased something a few months ago, not because you needed it at that time but because you knew it would be useful in the future and it was such a good promotional price it wasn’t worth waiting and risking paying more. So there you have the scenario. You have a product that you rarely used because you didn’t need it immediately, an electric saw for example or hedge trimmer, and then when you get going in earnest you discover it’s faulty. You can’t find the receipt because you purchased it so long ago and the retailer won’t talk to you without it. What do you do? According to the consumer advice line the next best thing is to find the bank statement to help prove purchase. But what if you purchased it on a credit card or your spouse purchased it on their credit card but you can’t remember. You now spend the evening trawling through several online accounts trying to identify where the item was purchased and for how much so that you can show evidence of the specific transaction to the reluctant retailer. Here you are; supper going cold while your spouse approaches boiling point as you try to work out when you actually purchased the wretched product. Was it around January or much later in March or perhaps even June? When did you first use it? Life for consumer society would be so much easier and convenient if banks were to provide a search engine on their websites. You could then simply type in the name of the retailer and, hey presto, see a list of all the purchases you made with that particular company. I guess this would make life far too easy for us. After an hour or two of retrieving online statements you think you might at last have it and print it off happy in the thought that you can now enjoy your cold supper except, you discover to your horror, that the printer has run out of ink and it’s 10 minutes before the big sheds close, so there’s no point jumping in the car, your spouse has now abandoned you for the night and your lamentable supper is in the dog. If a banker happens to be reading this dirge may I give you a brilliant business idea. You could set up a search engine on your website that customers could use to explore where they spend their money. Imagine, you simply login and enter the name of the retailer. Imagine, Mr Banker, what a unique and powerful competitive advantage you would have over your rivals. People would be queuing up to open a current account with you. Since I am always 10 steps behind progress perhaps you know of a bank that provides such as facility. If so please let me know by writing to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith
HEALTH | 17
Friday, December 18, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
Good health
You’re under doctor’s orders to read this page!
HEALTH MATTERS
CAMPAIGN
Hollywood actress adds voice to ‘save NHS’ battle
with Nicolas Durman
Don’t forget your health preparations this Christmas
By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Need to budget for regular dental visits?
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 Need toNeed budget to budget for regular dent Need to budget for dental visits? for regular Actress AnneMarie Duff joined thousands of campaigners, including people from Wokingham, during a march to Westminster where a petition to protect the NHS from a new trade deal was handed to the Government.
(excludes specialist and implant treatment) A CAMPAIGN that aims to protect the NHS from an EU trade deal Our membership scheme is available for only £21 a month was given the backing of a major You do not need to be dentally fit to join What is included? For more information, please contact us on 0118 978 3815, • 2 Examinations (including x-rays) BMS but a new patient examination is film star. visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into • 2 Hygienist visits required before signing up. If treatment Last month, The Wokingham is needed during the 12 month contract • Accident & Emergency Insurance Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham, • 15% member discount on treatment Paper reported that the People’s a member discount of 15% is given. RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team. NHS presented a petition to Wokingham MP John Redwood For more information, please contact us on 0118 978 3815, signed by local people who oppose visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham, the planned trade treaty. RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team. The campaign went to Westminster and saw AnneYou do not need to be dentally fit to join Marie Duff, star of the 2015 film Our membership scheme is available for a month Suffragette, team up with health BMS but a new patient examination is campaigners, including members required before signing up. If treatment What is included? You do not need to be dentally fit to join of the People’s NHS Wokingham puts that Paul Cullen of The People’s NHS The TTIP trade• 2deal and Reading group, to deliver a Examinations (including x-rays) examination is included? needed during the 12 month contract Our membership scheme is available forBMS but a new awho month What is at risk it could make Youpatient do not need to isbebecause dentally fit to join giant petition with more than Wokingham and Reading, • 2 Hygienist visits required before signing up. If treatment privatisation irreversible. I attended the rally on Monday, a member (including discount of 15% is given. 140,000 thousand signatures • 2 Examinations x-rays) E ARE ALL so busy with Christmas shopping, BMS a new patient examination is • Accident to & Emergency Insurance November 30, said: “Wokingham want the Government think is included? needed during thebut 12 month contract What is calling on David Cameron to You do not need to be dentally fi t to join presents, food and parties – how much member discount on treatment want todiscount get ourof NHS again and protect NHS from • 2 Hygienist visits a member 15% is given. the NHS from the EU residents required before signing up.• 15% Ifthe treatment • 2of Examinations (including x-rays) attention do you put into preparing forBMS good but protect (excludes specialist and implant treatment) a new patient examination is out TTIP and hundreds have TTIP.” trade deal called Transatlantic • Accident & Emergency Insurance health this Christmas? • 2 Hygienist visits is needed sale signs’during John fromcontract Keep Our the Lipetz, 12 month required before signing up. If treatment Trade and Investment Partnership raised ‘NHS not for As the busiest time of year for the NHS approaches, outside their homes and signed NHS Public National office, said: • 15% member discount on treatment • Accident & Emergency Insurance needed(TTIP). during the 12 month contract a member discount of 15% is given. GPs in Wokingham are reminding local people to getis their the petition. “Well over 140,000+ people have The group said the trade deal • 15%For member discount on treatment please contact us on 0118 978 (excludes information, 3815,specialist and implant treatment) repeat medicines in good time this festive period. a member discount of 15% is given. “On behalfmore of Wokingham I’m signed our petition calling on (excludes specialist and implant treatment) is being negotiated behind closed During public holidays pharmacies and GP surgeries groups David Cameron to protect the or call into visit with our similar website at www.beechcroftdental.com doors, between EU bureaucrats joining forces often operate under reduced staff and opening hours, You do not need to be dentally fit to join from across the country to NHS from the dangerous TTIP and delegates from the United You do not need to be dentally fit to take join meaning it is advisable to ensure you have anything you Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham, States and is the largest bilateral our message to the Prime Minister. trade deal which threatens our BMS but a new patient examination is BMS“Today but a new patient is might need prior to the start of the holiday. we are examination urging David health service with irreversible trade deal ever negotiated. RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team. Dr Johan Zylstra, Clinical Chair for Wokingham CCG required before signing up. If treatment Cameron to take the NHS out privatisation. It feels that it threatens to required before signing up. If treatment and a GP at Finchampstead Surgery, said: “My advice is of TTIP to stop our NHS being “The Government is exposing make the on-going privatisation of is needed during the 12 month contract is needed during the 12 month contract to check your medication is up to date and if necessary, sold to American our NHS to huge risks and the NHS irreversible by granting airreversibly member discount of 15% is given. contact your GP for a repeat prescription or for a checka member discount of 15% is given. communities across Northern American multinationals, or any corporations.” up. Mrs Duff said, “We can’t afford Ireland, England, Scotland and firm with American investors, the “People with long-term conditions like asthma, power to sue the Government if it to take risks with the NHS. It saves Wales expect the Prime Minister to heart conditions and diabetes should collect any repeat ever attempted to take privatised our lives and brings our children act. The Conservative government prescriptions they might need in plenty of time. health services back into public into the world regardless of who does not have a mandate to allow “I would also urge people to check they have medication we are. the sell-off of the NHS to become ownership. at home to deal with minor injuries and common ailments “The NHS makes us all equals. permanent.” like coughs, sneezes, colds and upset stomachs.” He advised that every home should have a basic BEECHCROFT medicine cabinet stocked with: n Paracetamol n Ibuprofen n Cough medicine We will need to conduct a WHAT is a Dental implant? n An antacid for indigestion thorough examination of your A dental implant is a titanium n Throat lozenges mouth and take a medical history fixture used to replace a lost n Plasters/bandages for any cuts or scrapes.” first. We will also take X-rays and/ tooth. Before implants became The NHS Stay Well This Winter campaign urges people or a scan of your jaw. visits to the hygienist to make available the only fixed solution over 65, or those with long-term health conditions, For information, At Beechcroft we are pleased to suremore our patients are maintaining we could offer our patients was to prepare for winter with advice on how to ward off announce that we have recently a good standard daily a bridge. common illnesses, including: please contactofus oncare. installed a state-of-the-art However a bridge usually n Keep yourself warm – heat your home to least 18ºC How are involves some drilling away ofis available Our membership scheme for implants placed?a, month Digital CT scanner designed or (65ºF) if you can. The implant is placed under local the neighbouring teeth. In todays to accurately assess implant n Make sure you get your flu jab if eligible. Children visit our website at such that the patient world is just acceptable suitability. What is included? You dothis not need to not be dentally fit to join anesthetic aged two, three or four, or in school years one and two, are feels no discomfort during the to most people. At Beechcroft We then discuss our findings • 2 Examinations (including x-rays) www.beechcroftdental.com BMS but a new patient examination is all eligible for a free nasal flu vaccination on the NHS. procedure. we believe thatsigning implants the with you so you are fully • 2 Hygienist visits required before up. Ifare treatment n Look out for other people who may need a bit of extra or call into There may be someInsurance discomfort Ourinformed best solution forthe a missing before you make youris available for membership scheme a month • Accident & Emergency help over winter. is needed during 12 month tooth contract Beechcroft Dental Practice, afterwards which usually settles because it does not involve any decision. • 15% member discount on treatment n If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s just a cough or a a member discount of 15% is given. (excludes specialist and implant down after a few daystreatment) – most treatment to the neighbouring 32 Station Road, cold, then get help from your pharmacist quickly before it What is included? You do not need to be dentally fit to join patients tell us how amazed they teeth. How do I find out more about gets more serious. Wokingham RG40 2AE • 2 Examinations (including x-rays) but a new patient examination is were at how simple the procedureBMSimplants? n Make sure you have enough food and medicine. • 2 Hygienist visits and speak with one of our team. was and how quickly their How long do implants last? If you want to know more about For more information, please contact us on 0118 978 3815, required before signing up. If treatment Always take your prescribed medicines as directed. symptoms settled down. Studies show that average implant treatment please give • Accident & Emergency Insurance GPs are also reminding people to use their local visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call intois needed during the 12 month contract After 3-4 months the final success rates for implants is Beechcroft Dental Practice a • 15% member discount on treatment accident and emergency services responsibly. Accident Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32stage Station Road, a member of 15% is given. is carried out,Wokingham, placing between 88-93% over a 10-year call on discount 0118 978 3815 (www. (excludes specialist and implant treatment) and Emergency Departments are for life threatening aof permanent tooth onto the period. beechcroftdental.com) and we RG40 2AE and speak with one our team. conditions, not minor injuries and ailments which can be implant. However our experience is that will offer you a free consultation treated elsewhere if looked after properly, implants to tell you more about the Nicolas Durman works five days a week as the Can implants be placed in can last considerably longer. We amazing of implantsplease and For more benefits information, contact us on 0118 978 3815, Healthwatch Engagement Officer for Healthwatch everyone’s mouth? recommend regular reviews and how we can help you. (excludes specialist and implant treatment)
Our membership scheme Need to budget for regular dental visits? regular dental visits? dental visits? is available for only £21only £21a month Our membership scheme is available for only £21 a month regular dental visits?
W
Our membership scheme is ava
Our membership scheme is available for only £21 a month only £21
For more information, please visit our website at www.beec Beechcroft Dental Practice, 3 For 978 more information, please contactRG40 us on2AE 0118 3815, and978 speak with one For more information, please contact us on 0118 3815, visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or our call into visit website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road,Beechcroft Wokingham, Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham, RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team.
RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team.
Dentals implants — your questions answered
Need to budget for regular dental visits? only3815 £21 0118 978
Need to budget for regular dental visits?
For more information, please contact us on
only3815 £21 , 0118 978
visit our website at
www.beechcroftdental.com
Wokingham Borough.
or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team. visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham,
18 | HERITAGE
Friday, August 21, 2015 TheWokinghamPaPer
To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk To advertise call 0118 966 6600
WokinghamRemembers
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
HERITAGE | 17
Inassociation associationwith with In
Exploring our our heritage heritage with with wokinghamremembers.com wokinghamremembers.com Exploring
HISTORY REVIEW
How remembered the loss The Wokingham past which churches has shaped our present... In theweek latest in a series of articles on how those This MikE ChuRChER reviews who lost their lives in the First World War the Wokingham Remembers articles have been remembered, MIKE CHURCHER of the past four months and discusses looks churches in the Wokingham some at of how the factors which contributed borough decided on which memorials to the making of Wokingham and its should be created and where, together with environment. the names that should appear on them major impact they had on the town and VER the past months the
JO
Wokingham Remembers page has UST after the war Wokingham’s local been providing an early picture churches had been building memorials of how a small market town and a to their parishioners and, in particular, few villages on the edge of a forest is today nearly 200 men had been remembered ranked as one of the country’s leading at the local All Saints, St Paul’s and Baptist communities. churches. Education, religion, industry, transport, The Town Hall, as a centre piece social structures, national politics and of local civic life, could not allow the local government are all important community’s greatest catastrophe pass pieces in building the great Wokingham without recognition. Admiral Eustace, jigsaw. Here now is a summary of our heading up the War Memorial Committee contributions to date and a few ideas on decided on a solid oak named plaque the next round of articles. which would be erected in the Town Hall Education, Education, and placed in the ante-room alongside the Great Hall. Education
Today’s Wokingham is renowned as
one of the country’s centres of for excellence Collecting the names the for education; this is partly due to strong Town Hall Memorial school performance and the motivated
The memorial plaque was now agreed, parents who live in one of the most as had the location of its placement, but highly educated communities in the UK. exactly whose names should appear on If we look into the history of the inscription? Wokingham’s schools we can see It had been nearly 10 years since how education is woven into its DNA. the first man had died, so how would Prior to the Great War, Wokingham they be able to gather all the names was surrounded by manor houses and with accuracy completeness? members of theand landed gentry who Admiral Eustace sensibly decided wanted to be close to the levers ofto power; bring together the names from the i.e. the royal households of Windsor.local churches All Saints, St Paul’s and the In turnof these upper echelons Baptist church in Milton which had possessed a serious senseRoad of duty also its own memorial. and aconstructed responsibility to ensure their community received at least a basic education. Wokingham also had a powerful professional class, a strong church community (including the nonconformists) and together they shared a strong belief in the importance of teaching. The result was with the skills, the motivation and the finance available, there developed a culture of education which still holds strong to this day.
Wokingham transport
Transport is probably the single most important factor in Wokingham’s development, in both its rail and road systems. Future articles will look at the introduction of the railways and the
we have already made a start with the That was 184 men of Wokingham road system by mapping out the course of in total. Bringing these together would the old Forest Road. prevent another long drawn out process While the building of the M4 had a of a new collection of names which was major influence on the introduction of the fraught with the possibilities of errors high tech businesses which now surround because of the length of timewhich passed. Wokingham, it is the A329M in 1975 cut off the Forest Road and its natural connections between Emmbrook A researcher’s nightmare: and the villages of Hurst and Binfield. The 33 names without with a source love and hate relationship our rail researchers andAs roads continuefor to Wokingham this day! Remembers, we discovered that the Wokingham’s military total number of names from the town’s heritage churches would bring the total to only 2015 the bi-centenary 184Asand weisknow that 217 are of onthe the Battle Waterloo, there have been a town’sofmemorial. number articles commemorating Thereofwere a further 33 names ofthis world event. whichchanging we did not know the source. The area hasaalways beenofnoted for Possibly it was collection new names its contribution to the nation’s military which accounted for the additions. capability, withthere Arborfield’s REME, Or possibly was another RFA and Remount connections and theat church nearby, maybe the memorials Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges all Finchampstead or St Catherine’s church situated very nearby. in Bearwood. On checking with both of Even the Dukethe of Wellington took these churches, 33 names on theto living in Stratfield Saye, which today is town memorial did not match. only 30 minutes away from Wokingham’s About a year after the Wokingham town centre. Remembers website had been launched, Wokingham’s we decided to have another attempt at discovering the source of the 33 men. benefactor culture At the start of the research, we began The area around Wokingham was placing the names onremarkable to a map to show surrounded by many where the men had lived to and in individuals and they wereprior instrumental during the Theneeded main clusters were building thewar. much infrastructure aroundunderpinned Wokingham,the butestablishment after a while of which noticed that a number of them lived awe strong community. around Easthampstead We will later be tellingand theCrowthorne. story of the The family main church wascontributions St Sebastian’s Walter and their to on the Nine Mile Ride and this the building of Wokingham butparish in April covered some of the where first weekly issue, weaddresses told the story of the the men lived. I hadHill, previously been to much loved Arthur the 6th Marquess theDownshire. church and knew that no memorial of existed at Stone Sebastian’s; notwealthiest all churches Although of Britain’s landowners, as the gathered theArthur namesHill for doubled varying reasons. chief of the local Fire Brigade and was a I decided to call back and speak to the major financial contributor togrounds. this part It of office which looked after the Wokingham’s services. was confirmedpublic that no memorial existed Later articles will illustrate theme they at the church, but the clerk told demise great was manors did haveofathese list which readand outtheir on incumbent social system Remembrance Day everyand year.the rise of
Wokingham Railway Station viewed from Wellington Road looking towards St Pauls Church.
its replacement: local government.
Wokingham’s wild side
Above: A named tablettoo in All Saints Before we believe much inChurch. the idea RIght: The stained glass memorial window that Wokingham’s development was a in St Sebastian’s Memorial Hall and,article below solidly sedate experience, May’s left, the onthe Wokingham’s Hall told the names story of rioting in Town the town Memorial werethe provided bythe local churches. centre during time of 1857 General Election. I received a photocopy and took it Such events were a common sight in home. There were 33 names on the list the town and this short and bloody battle and they matched exactly. So that was it; between the Whigs and the Tories also the names on the town hall memorial are highlighted the Bush and Rose hotels in drawn Place from four churches, not three. Market as the headquarters of these twoOne feralmystery groups.solved, but it is not completely whyable these The storyclear was also to names reflect were used the andnational not those of Finchampstead upon scene and the corruptand St Catherine’s andelections possiblybefore a number nature of general the of others in theofsurrounding area. introduction the private ballot. There is one theory though. The Future articles will include further Palmer family (of Huntley Palmers tales of anarchy and revelryand in this old biscuit town. fame) were a huge presence in market Wokingham and they were known as Wokingham at War generous benefactors were others, There are watershedas moments in including the Walter family in Bearwood. history which mark the moment of great Theyinhad donated the funds change a society and the Greatnecessary War of to build aisMemorial on the corner 1914-1918 one suchHall time. ofTherefore Honey Hilla and the Nine Mile Ride number of centenaries and designed a beautiful stained between 2014 and 2018 will glass window as central point the commemorate theagreat losses ofof war commemoration. which scarred the people of Wokingham for the of the At arest guess (and20th thatcentury. is all it is) the May’s edition followed the story Wokingham’s War Memorial Committee of twoonly brothers from Langborough were too pleased to combine the Road in of Wokingham town. of our names Crowthorne andOne Wokingham
historians, Sarah Huxford, also took us on a journey to the old battlefields inonto search their graves. This story oneof memorial. reflects only a microcosm of the losses around the county of Berkshire, but affirms the importance of the wars in the development of our local character.
Wokingham and the Royal Forest
Looking at today’s community, it is difficult to visualise just how rural the area once was and in part explains the sometimes fragile relationship between the old and new Wokingham; few areas in the UK have witnessed such extraordinary growth and change in the profile of its population. Although Wokingham’s history has always been intertwined with the surrounding villages by providing a market place for agricultural and commercial produce, it was also a Forest Town. The term ‘forest’ did not mean a cluster of trees, but a system of laws laid down by royalty for the protection of their hunting grounds. These onerous rules restricted local people from using large parts of the land for sustenance and in part led to the rise of local highwaymen and general lawlessness. As a result, the subsequent Black Act of 1723 came down heavily on these ‘Wokingham Blacks’ and resulted in either their transportation or execution.
The story was told in June, and also commemorated the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, signed at nearby Runnymede in 1215.
Shining a light on Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’
To bring us up to date the August articles are focused on the kids who are now entering into their summer holidays. What better way to use this month’s editions than to tell the stories of the Romans, the Celts and the Saxons influence on the area before Wokingham was even a twinkle in old Wocca’s eye? David Nash Ford provided a set of articles and puzzles which makes history fun for the young and no doubt will also catch the interest of the parents who will be looking over their child’s shoulder. Here’s to the next round of articles! Thanks go out to our contributors: Steve Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash Ford, Sarah Huxford, Roger Long, Trevor Ottlewski and Peter Shilham for all their continuing contributions. All this work is provided by our local historians free of charge and can be found on the front page of the Wokingham Remembers website www.wokinghamremembers.com Thanks also to Mark Ashwell at TradeMark for supporting the paper’s commitment to this project.
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Friday, December 18, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
Leisure
LEISURE | 19
To advertise call 0118 966 6600
Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham CHRISTMAS
Join Santa for afternoon of carols 16 and wine at Wokingham Theatre
January/February 2015 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertis
The Twyford Singers performed a range of carols both old and new. Pictures: Phil Creighton
CONCERT
A festive evening of carols old and new CAROLS old and new were performed by the Twyford Singers at their Christmas concert in St Mary’s Church last weekend. The choir sang favourites, such as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, O Come All Ye Faithful and It Came Upon A Midnight Clear as well as rarer works such as The Lamb, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day and the Shepherd’s Pipe Carol, with arrangements by Bob Chilcott and John Rutter.
Solos were given for Away In A Manger and Once In Royal David’s City by Katie Styles, the young daughter of conductor Helen. A new arrangement of Angels From The Realms of Glory delighted audiences while the concert closed with performances of The Twelve Days of Christmas and Jingle Bells. For exclusive video clips of the choir performing, log on to our website, www. wokinghampaper.co.uk
AS part of the Living Advent Calendar, door number A scene 20 will be opened at Wokingham Theatre for a from last special Live Nativity on Sunday. year’s Live Comprising three performances – which are all Nativity, now fully booked – visitors are invited to watch the which took free show, which features a live little donkey, travel place in through the grounds of Wokingham Theatre and Howard Cantley House Hotel. Palmer Lasting just 25 minutes and with a musical Gardens soundtrack from the 1950s and 1960s, the Wokingham Theatre Nativity is the perfect way to spend a festive afternoon. Theatre spokesperson Hedda Bird said: “Even if Performance one kicks off at 4.25pm, performance – Hundreds people turned is at READ you can’t see the show, you can still come and see twoWOKINGHAM starts at 5.10pm, and theoflast performance out to see a live nativity organised by Bottle Andr the donkey, meet Santa, join in the carol singing 5.55pm. Top Community on now Sunday, 21. whothrough th led by a local choir, and enjoy mulled wine, mince n Theatre All performances have soldDecember out, but anyone from Market wasto led by Town pies and hot chocolate, all of which will be available A procession does not have a ticket is Place welcome come along on theHospital on between 3.30pm and 5.30pm. day to meet Santa and enjoy somegoo.gl/Lvvrn5 mulled wine and Full story: Mayor, Cllr Martin Bishop Full story: “It will be a lovely afternoon treat for the Sunday Christmas carols. To find out more about Wokingham Theatre visit www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk before Christmas.”
This sweet brother and sister pair were part of a litter of four born to a stray cat. The family were being looked after by a kind Samaritan, but now they
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have been brought to DBARC for homing. The kittens have not been handled much so are a little timid of human contact. They will need kind, caring and understanding owners who will help them settle into their new lives. Momo and Pointy are good friends and can either go to a home together, or separately to a home with another cat who can show them how to be brave.
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Charity No: 1111518
MOMO AND POINTY
OPERA AFTER DARK
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
This fluffy-looking fellow is George. He is a two-year-old neutered rabbit, who would love to live with a neutered female rabbit for company. He will need fresh vegetables every day, and a spacious, warm hutch or run to stretch his little legs. 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
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with Gemma Davidson
This beautiful six-month-old neutered collie has had a very unusual start in life. She was found abandoned in a ditch in Greece when she was only a few days old, but saved by a caring lady who arranged for her to come to the UK when she was old enough. Sadly, her new home was unable to keep her, so she was placed in another home which also didn’t work out, due to no fault of her own. Athena is still a youngster, so would benefit from all the training and care a puppy should receive. She is very adaptable, is good with other dogs and can learn to be good with cats. She will need company most of the time, and is very active so will need an equally energetic owner!
WOKINGHAM – On Tuesday, December 23, Wokingham Baptist organised a make-yourown Christingle event, which saw 100 people take part in the family-friendly service.
Animal Corner ATHENA
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What’s on 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. 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 service. 4pm. Free parking in Masonic temple and Shute End council offices.
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 – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock Lane RG6 5UL. Christmas party night. 8pm1am. Non-members £3. Details: 0118 931 3965. 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.
ARBORFIELD – St Bartholomew’s Church, Church Lane RG2 9HZ. Carols by candlelight. 7pm. Details: 0118 976 0285. BARKHAM – St James. Carols by Candlelight. 7pm. Details: 0118 976 0285. HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Mince Pie Regatta. 1.30pm-4pm. £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. SHINFIELD – Shinfield Baptist Church, Hollow Lane RG2 9BT. Carols around the Christmas tree. Outdoor service –bring a torch. 4.30pm. SINDLESHAM – Baptist Church, King Street Lane RG41 5BB. Carols by candlelight. 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 Chuch, 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.
LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Jack in the Books book club. 10.30am-11.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150. SPENCERS WOOD Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Pages in the Wood: Book group. 6pm-7pm. Details: 0118 988 4771. TWYFORD – St Thomas More RC Church, London Road RG10 9EL. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Christmas family carols. 7pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5. 4pm-4.30pm. Woodclyffe book group. 5.30pm-6.30pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Knit Stitch and Natter: drop-in session, all abilities welcome. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AZ. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Alice in Neverland play. 2pm-3pm. £5. Booking essential. Details: 0118 969 0304.
Tuesday, December 22 LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Rhymetime for babies up to 18 months. 10.30am-11am. Rhymetime for toddlers: ages 18 months-3 years. 11.30am-noon. Details: 0118 931 2150. TWYFORD – Stanlake Park RG10 0BN. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Christmas Shows: Snow White and Rose Red. 10am, noon, 2.30pm. £6. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WOKINGHAM – 30 Rose Street RG40 1XU. John Redwood MP constituency surgery by appointment. Details: 020 7219 4205.
5 4 2
6
6 8 7
4 9 2 3 6
You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com
© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
8
2 1 4 3 7 6 5 9 8
1 8 5 2 4 3 3 2 9 3 6 4 5 7 8 4 7 1 6 6 2 1
4 9 6 6 7 5 8 8 7 5 4
6 5 7 8 9 1 2 4 3
7 6 8 5 2 1 3
Medium
7 1
5
4
2 9 3
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.
3 7 5
1
3
2 8 4 5 3 7 6 1 9
1
8 7 6 9 8 7 5 7
2
Previous solution - Easy
6
9
4
1
© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
8
1 8
No. 260
Previous solution - Tough
3 7 7
9
Monday, December 21
SUDOKU Medium
2 3
Carol service. 6pm. Details: 0118 940 2300. 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 – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Children’s nativity. 11am. Details: www.allsaintswokingham. org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Live Nativity at Wokingham Theatre RG40 5TU. Living Advent Calendar (booking essential). 4pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM – Montague Park, Buckhurst Meadow. Family carols and nativity service: join in, meet a donkey, enjoy mulled wine and hot chocolate. 4.30pm. Details: www. christchurchwokingham. org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Christmas tea. 5pm. Christmas carols. 6pm. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street. Beer and carols. 8pm. WOKINGHAM – Kings Church, Wokingham Community Centre, Reading Road. Family Christmas Service. 10.30am-noon. WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue. Carols by Candlelight. 6.30pm. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road. Nine Lessons and Carols. 6.15pm. WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Carols by Candlelight. 6.30pm. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road. Advent Celebration. 10.30am. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – St Sebastian’s Church, Nine Mile Ride RG40 3AT. Carol service. 7pm. Details: 01344 761050. WOODLEY – Network Vineyard Church, Woodley Hill House RG6 1HH. Christmas carol services. 4pm, 7pm. Details: 0118 966 2007. WOOSEHILL – Church, Chestnut Ave RG41 3RS. Carols by Candlelight. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 989 2714
Sunday, December 20
STR8TS No. 260
2
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk
The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Monthly quiz evening: Spot the intro. 7.30pm. Details: www.christ-churchwoodley.org.uk or 0118 926 8143. WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers Woodley Green, Woodley Green Church Road RG5 4PQ. Santa’s Grotto and Lilly-May Page Fundraiser. 1pm-4pm.
9 7 3 4 6 1 2 8 5
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
6 1 5 9 8 2 7 4 3
1 4 8 6 7 5 3 9 2
5 3 9 1 2 4 8 6 7
7 6 2 3 9 8 4 5 1
4 9 6 7 5 3 1 2 8
8 5 7 2 1 6 9 3 4
3 2 1 8 4 9 5 7 6
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.
WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. 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 Dukes Head, Denmark Street RG40 2BQ. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent
Wednesday, December 23 RISELEY GREEN – The Green. Carol singing for Christmas. 6pm. Followed by mulled wine and mince pies at The Bull at Riseley. TWYFORD – Stanlake Park RG10 0BN. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Christmas Shows: Snow White and Rose Red. 10am, noon. £6. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Knit Wits: knit or crochet club. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Alice in Neverland play. 2pm-3pm. £5. Booking essential. Shared Aloud Reading Group for adults. 10.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Dollshouse Boutique, Rose Street RG40 1XU. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent
CHRISTMAS EVE Thursday, December 24 ARBORFIELD – St Bartholomew’s Church, Church Lane RG2 9HZ. Family carols. 4pm. Midnight carols by candlelight. 11.30pm. Details: 0118 976 0285. BARKHAM – St James. Family Carols. 4pm. Midnight carols. 11.30pm. Details: 0118 976 0285. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Village Hall. St Nicholas’ Emmbrook presents First Eucharist of Christmas. 9pm. LOWER EARLEY – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock Lane RG6 5UL. Opem 12.30pm until Christmas Day. Details: 0118 931 3965. TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church, Station Road RG10 9NT. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Crib service. 3.30pm-4pm. Carols for all. 7pm-8pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WARGRAVE – St Mary’s Church, Mill Green off
Station Road RG10 8EU. Nativity service for younger children. 4pm. Family carols. 6pm. Holy Communion. 11pm. Details: 0118 940 2300. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Festive fun, includes a visit from Father Christmas and festive tea. Fee TBC. 10.30am-1pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Crib service. 2pm. 3.30pm. Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. 6.30pm. First communion of Christmas with ceremony of light. 11.15pm . Details: www.allsaintswokingham. org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Craft, Christingle and Carols with the Nativity story for young children. 3pm-4.30pm. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Sturges Road. Christmas Eve masses: 4pm, 6pm and 9pm. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road. Christingle. 4pm. Midnight Mass. 11pm. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road. Carols by Candlelight. 6pm. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Christingle Service. Come from 3.15pm to make Christingles , service at 4pm. Christmas Eve Midnight Communion . 11.30pm. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – St Sebastian’s Church, Nine Mile Ride RG40 3AT. Crib service. 6pm. Midnight communion. 11.30pm. Details: 01344 761050. WOOSEHILL – Church, Chestnut Ave RG41 3RS. Crib service. 4pm. Midnight communion. 11.30pm. Details: 0118 989 2714
CHRISTMAS DAY Friday, December 25 ARBORFIELD – St Bartholomew’s Church, Church Lane RG2 9HZ. Christmas celebration. 10am. Details: 0118 976 0285. BARKHAM – St James. Christmas Day celebration. 10am. Details: 0118 976 0285. KNOWL HILL – St Peter’s Church. Holy communion. 9.15am. LOWER EARLEY – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock Lane RG6 5UL. Open noon2pm. Details: 0118 931 3965. SINDLESHAM – Baptist Church, King Street Lane RG41 5BB. All-Age Christmas Morning service. 10am. . SHINFIELD – Shinfield Baptist Church, Hollow Lane RG2 9BT. Christmas Day celebration. 10am.
WARGRAVE – St Mary’s Church, Mill Green off Station Road RG10 8EU. Holy Communion. 8am. All-age service. 10am. Details: 0118 940 2300. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Holy Communion. 8am. Christmas communion for all ages. 9.30am. Details: www.allsaintswokingham. org.uk. WOKINGHAM – St Crispin’s School main hall, London Road. Christ Church family service. 10.30am. Details: www. christchurchwokingham. org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Sturges Road. Christmas masses: 9am and 11am. WOKINGHAM – Kings Church, Wokingham Community Centre, Reading Road. Family Christmas Celebration. 10.30am-11.30am. WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue. Christmas praise. 10.30am. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road. BCP Mass for Christmas. 8am. All Together Mass for Christmas. 9.30am. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – St Sebastian’s Church, Nine Mile Ride RG40 3AT. Christmas Day celebration. 10am. Details: 01344 761050. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Christmas celebration. 10am-10.45am. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Christmas Day worship. 10.30am. WOODLEY – Network Vineyard Church, Woodley Hill House RG6 1HH. Christmas carol services. 4pm, 7pm. Details: 0118 966 2007. WOOSEHILL – Church, Chestnut Ave RG41 3RS. Christmas communion with Carols. 11.30pm. Details: 0118 989 2714 SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael’s and All Angels, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Caf’Active Christmas Day lunch for those who would otherwise be on their own. Details: 0118 988 5923.
BOXING DAY Saturday, December 26 YATELEY – Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Yateley Morris Men Mummers play from noon. YATELEY – Frog and Wicket. Yateley Morris Men Mummers play from 1.15pm.
Sunday, December 27 WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Games afternoon. 2pm. Details: www.christ-churchwoodley.org.uk or 0118 926 8143.
GIG GUIDE Friday, December 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 - CANCELLED. 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 Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents R’N’Beatles. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Steve Conway swing. Details: 01252 519964. FARNBOROUGH GREEN – The Fox, Chapel Lane GU14 9BN. Ash Lee. Details: 01276 34735. 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. Bettie 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. Tre. 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.
Saturday, December 19 BAGSHOT – The White Hart, Guildford Road GU19 5JW. Thunderhead. Details: 01276 473640 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.
HOPE & ANCHOR Free entry, fantastic beers & a great night out! This Friday @ 9pm
TRE
Playing Indie and Rock covers This Saturday @ 9pm
WEY LIVE MUSIC
The Gas Trick Band Playing Rock ‘n’ roll & blues classics
Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AD 0118 978 0918 www.hopeanchor.co.uk
LEISURE | 21
To advertise call 0118 966 6600
Friday, December 18, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Murphy James. Details: 01344 772241. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Jen Merchant. Details: 01252 519964. FARNBOROUGH – The Prince of Wales, Rectory Road GU14 8AL. NRG. Details: 01252 545578. FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. Off The Record. Details: 0118 973 4855. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. Hooky. Details: 01252 811311. READING – The College Arms, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Hennessy. 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. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Elvis Tribute with Pete Storm. Details: 01276 858501. 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.
Sunday, December 20 BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays. Creative Control Band NIght. Details: 01344 484123. CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Charity event from 4pm. Details: 01276 27641.
READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Readifolk: Christmas party. Details: 0118 958 6692. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. 10CC’s Mick Wilson. Details: 01491 681048. TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. Said and Done. Details: 07889 226309. TWYFORD – The Duke of Wellington, High Street. Carols at the Duke. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 934 0456. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Gone Country. Details: 01276 858501. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street. Beer and carols. 8pm. Details: 0118 977 3706.
Monday, December 21 READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. BBC Introducing Christmas Party: The Amazons, Saltwater Sun, Simpson, Haize and Tara. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Ding Dong Daddios. Details: 0118 959 7196.
Tuesday, December 22 READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Jawbone Music. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. John Otway. Details: 0118 959 5395.
Wednesday, December 23 BAGSHOT – The White Hart, Guildford Road GU19 5JW. Gigabit. Details: 01276 473640 BRACKNELL – The Cannie Man, Hanworth Road RG12 7WX. Nick Zala-Webb. Details: 01344 307620. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Berkshire Jazz Jam with Ken Thompson. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Bad Manners. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing Live: Embeepee Takover! Vienna Ditto and Goldn. Rinse and Reload. Details: 0118 959 7196. SUNNINGDALE – Sunningdale Lounge, London Road SL5 0DG. Big Al and the Blistering Buicks. Details: 01344 876887.
Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24 BRACKNELL – The Cannie Man, Hanworth Road RG12 7WX. Nick Zala-Webb Details: 01344 307620. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Blind Man’s Buff. Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – The Golden Retriever, Nine Miles Ride RG40 3DR. The Chris Moy Band. Details: 01344 868535. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. DJ night. Details: 01276 32691. CAMBERLEY – The Royal
Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. DJ night. Details: 01276 27641. COVE – Ivy Leaf Social Club, Cove Road GU14 0HF. Stealers Bluff. Details: 01252 543962. EVERSLEY – The Frog and Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Off The Record. Details: 0118 973 1126. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Karaoke night. Details: 01252 519964. FLEET – The Prince of Wales, Reading Road South GU52 7SY. NRG. Details: 01252 614284. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Steve Morano. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Turtle’s Christmas Eve. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal. Details: 0118 959 4267. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. DisCover. Details: 01276 858501. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street. Christmas party from 7pm. Details: 0118 977 3706.
BOXING DAY, Saturday, December 26 BRACKNELL – The Golden Retriever, Nine Miles Ride RG40 3DR. The Chris Moy Band. Details: 01344 868535. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Retro Fever and Fast Forward. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Adjusted Audio Boxing Day Bash. Sound Jam. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Turks, London Road. Steve Morano. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Sucker Punch: DJ Zoe-Anne. Details: 0118 959 4267. WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers Woodley Green, Woodley Green Church Road RG5 4PQ. Broken Stones: Slade, Bryan Adams, The Monkees, Ed Sheeran.
Sunday, December 27 BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Back2Soul Christmas Special. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays. Creative Control Band NIght. Details: 01344 484123. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Readifolk: Singers night. Details: 0118 958 6692. WOKINGHAM – The Redan, Peach Street. Christmas Jumper Party. Details: 0118 989 1177.
AT THE CINEMA Kim Taylor-Foster
Sisters doing it for themselves Sisters (2) ««««« Stars: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler
I
T’S brilliant that comedians like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler exist. They don’t fit the movie stereotype for a funny woman. It’s incredible that it needs proving, but both prove that a woman on the big screen can be attractive and so many other things, and yet still be properly funny; they prove that a woman in Hollywood can be a well-rounded individual. These contemporary comedy icons don’t just fulfil pre-ordained funnygirl roles in cameos, supporting parts or even main roles; instead, they carry a movie in the way that the cast of Bridesmaids did. They’re examples of women comedians smashing the mould. Fey and Poehler are also doing their bit for ageism – proving that there’s room in Hollywood for women past 40 that doesn’t consign them to sidelined roles as wives, mothers and grandmothers. All that aside, is Sisters funny? Well, that depends on what you want and expect from this movie. Take Fey and Poehler out of the equation and what you’ve basically got is a Will Ferrell/Paul Rudd movie. If that’s your bag, you’ll like Sisters: it’s Old School revisited. Instead of overgrown men-children acting up, however, you’ve got overgrown women-children acting up – both a good and a bad thing. Good, in that it shows that women and men can and should be interchangeable in these kinds of roles (and therefore, crucially, equal). Bad, because they’re having to act out traditional ‘male’ roles in order to be funny. The plot is limited but it gives the film a basic structure from which to hang jokes and set pieces. In other words, it serves the script and Fey and Poehler seem to relish the chance to indulge themselves. The story involves two 40-something sisters, Kate (Fey) and Maura (Poehler) who have never really grown up, despite one going through a divorce and the other
being a single mum. When their parents (James Brolin and Diane Wiest) decide to sell the family home and move to a retirement village, the sisters decide now’s the time to throw one last party in their childhood home. Inviting a bunch of old school friends, the party starts soberly but the hinges soon come off once Kate encourages everyone to let loose and invites a drug dealer named Pazuzu (WWE star John Cena) along to enliven proceedings. Before they know it, an impromptu foam party breaks out and someone’s turned the pool blue. The house gets wrecked and it’s at this point that the parents drop a bombshell to Kate that whips the rug out from under her. Although in some ways it’s a film to be celebrated – and it is fairly funny in expected ways – it’s also a shame it’s limiting for Fey and Poehler, two important, much-admired women comedians at the top of their game. Both actors are likeable and watchable, however, as are Wiest and Brolin as the exasperated parents. Coupled with some great lines and fun performances, this formulaic comedy nostalgically evokes movies like House Party and Animal House and has some great tunes in its soundtrack to boot.
22 | SCHOOLS
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
Christmas plays 2015 The Holt School Oliver
St Crispin’s School The Play That Went Wrong Christmas is a time for celebrating and schools across the borough have been busy presenting their fabulous festive productions. This week and next we present to you our very own Nativity Special! Pictures: Paul King, Vivienne Johnson & Gemma Davidson
Bracknell & Wokingham College Year 1 & 2 BTEC students presented Dick Whittington
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SCHOOLS | 23
Christmas plays 2015
Finchampstead CofE VA Primary School Nativity Play
Colleton Primary School Nativity Play
Evendons Primary School
Archimedes and Rimmington classes
Evendons Primary School Newton Class
Evendons Primary School Sharman Class
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24 | SCHOOLS
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
Christmas plays 2015
Gorse Ride Infant School Nursery class
Gorse Ride Infant School Year 2
Gorse Ride Junior School Year 3 Gorse Ride Infant School Robin class
Gorse Ride Junior School Year 4
Gorse Ride Infant School Sparrows & Chaffinches
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Friday, December 18, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
SCHOOLS | 25
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Christmas plays 2015
Hawkedon Primary School Year 2 presented Sparkle
The Hawthorns Primary School, Woosehill Year 1 nativity
Hillside Foundation Unit, Earley Winter Celebration
Highwood Primary School, Woodley
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26 | SCHOOLS
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
Christmas plays 2015
Sonning CofE Primary School Year One Nativity Oaklands Infant School, Crowthorne Christmas Around The World
Wheatfield Primary School Reception & Year One Nativity – The Whoops-a-Daisy Angel
St Sebastian’s CofE Primary School Tinsel and Towels Nativity
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NEXT WEEK: More fantastic Nativity pictures. Order your copy today!
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31
Your weekly puzzle challenge
32 | LEISURE
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Quiz Challenge
CROSS CODE 15
16
23
19
8
19
14
21
3
22
20
9
23 7
7
7
16 20
23
10 1
19
14
7
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22
6
18
19
13
19
21
11
4
11
1
1
12
7
21
5
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11
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24
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11
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6
26
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18
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22
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10
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25
19 18
19
7
8
3. Released in October 1962, which song by The Beatles reached number 17?
6
25 1
2
19
21
19 25
4. What word can be a nautical term, a complaint, and another word for colic?
22 16
1
6 9
11 23
5. In Spain, what is an hidalgo?
13
NONAGRAM
7
13
21
E S
L
14
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
15
16
17
18
19
20
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24
25
26
E
S
I
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
TEASE LONESOME CAT
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 F through openings in the walls. The T first letter may appear in any chamber. S E
P
R E
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: 23 Good; 27 Very Good; 32 Excellent.
ML
AR
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.
AU
IM
ER
NE
TE
SN
RM
3 9 2
1
5 2
3 4
2
DH
1 5 7 6 8 3 4 5 2 6 9 5 2
2 4 6
7 4 1 5 7 9 6
D
B
O R
R W
A
OE
YR
BE
YN
EQUALISER 7 8 5 5 4 5 5 10 5 3 2 2
Hard
3
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.
NW
3
5
F
AO
OR
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
7 1 3 5 6 5 1 8 8 4 6 9 9 2 5 4
T
RG
SUDOKU Easy
O
PA
EO
8 1
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.
3 4 9 9 7
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
1 1 5
6
1
2
3
4
5
5
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
SOLUTIONS
6
7
8 8
9
10
12
13
16
15
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
16
17
19
21
22
O
FIVE ALIVE TM
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
20
WORD PYRAMID
C O P
11
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
6. Ian McKellen has played which Marvel Comics villain in the X-Men films? 7. What is the corylus better known as? 8. Which element has the symbol Au? 9. Which palace, commissioned by Cardinal Wolsey, was taken over by Henry VIII as a royal residence? 10. Which work by Oscar Wilde includes the lines ‘The coward does it with a kiss, the brave man with a sword’?
2. Cape Wrath is a promontory at the extreme north-west of which country?
14
17
21
19
1. Benjamin Disraeli was 1st Earl of where?
19
16
21
11 1
6
19
13
18
13
1
18
7
18
14
14
13
16
19
24 3
13
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
23
ACROSS 1. The brave country? (8) 6. In leaf a delphinium will wither (4) 8. Not a cool stream in 1 Across? (4) 9. Looked again and provided a critical report (8) 10. Retail price that could be argued in court (13) 11. Song of praise from heartless Harry, heartless man! (4) 13. Nail used to finish an attack (4) 17. Begins after having convulsions and has only spasmodic bursts of activity (4,3,6) 20. He does not trade in local goods (8) 21. Three learners, accepting nothing, lounge about (4) 22. It catches some on the rebound (4) 23. Appealing to Penny, who’s going first (8)
DOWN 2. Masterstroke on an entry form (6) 3. Occupation of property by Mr Lawrence at French city (7) 4. A great lake where the eagle has landed (5) 5. Bird on top of the sleeping place, a pigeon-house (7) 6. Said to have released a girl (5) 7. Remove sediment from the port (6) 12. Frenchman’s refusal to take new post on express (3-4) 14. First climbed rickety ladder that was held gently (7) 15. Not such a bright device (6) 16. Soviet leader in last resort (6) 18. Rush down to exchange ring inside (5) 19. Be of assistance in rewriting verse (5)
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 8
9
10
11 12
13
14
16
15
17 22
18
21
19
20
26
21
25
22
23
24
26
25
27 28
29
30
31
32
ACROSS 1. Snuggle (6) 4. Causing vomiting (6) 8. Biblical songs (6) 10.Dog shelter (6) 11.Commence (5) 12.Devon city (6) 14.Maze of narrow passages (6) 16.Venture (4) 17.---- of March (4) 19.Kill (4) 22.Burden (4) 26.Stick (6) 27.Cautiously (6)
28.Intimidate, frighten (5) 29.Oil-carrying vessel (6) 30.Satiny (6) 31.Prairie wolf (6) 32.Salad vegetable (6) DOWN 1. Italian city (6) 2. Formed (6) 3. Move heavily and clumsily (6) 5. Frenzied woman (6) 6. Male singers (6)
7. 9. 10. 13. 15. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.
Settlement (6) Withered (4) Flightless bird (4) Item of furniture (5) Happen again (5) Plan of action (6) Beer and lemonade drink (6) Passionate (6) Period of time (4) Possesses (4) Indigenous (6) Reaping hook (6) Australian city (6)
8 9 5 1 3 4 2 7 6
7 4 6 8 9 2 1 5 3
1 3 2 7 5 6 9 4 8
6 2 3 5 8 9 7 1 4
4 8 9 2 7 1 6 3 5
5 1 7 6 4 3 8 2 9
2 7 4 9 6 5 3 8 1
9 5 8 3 1 7 4 6 2
1 9 5 3 6 4 7 8 2
3 6 1 4 2 8 5 9 7
EASY SUDOKU
D
14 1
L
15 2
J
Z
O
16 3
CROSS CODE
V
3 6 2 8 7 1 9 5 4
7 4 8 9 2 5 1 6 3
9 2 4 6 1 8 5 3 7
5 1 6 7 3 2 4 9 8
8 7 3 5 4 9 6 2 1
6 3 1 2 9 7 8 4 5
2 5 7 4 8 6 3 1 9
4 8 9 1 5 3 2 7 6
HARD SUDOKU
X
17 4
Q
U
18 5
M
E
19 6
T
K
20 7
N
A
21 8
G
C
22 9
H
WORD PYRAMID: Best foot forward. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; subtract; multiply; divide. Total: 6. MAGIC SQUARE: cast; aloe; some; teen. 23
I
P
10
Y
24
S
11
B
25
F
12
W
26
R
13
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Nestle; 4 Emetic; 8 Psalms; 10 Kennel; 11 Begin; 12 Exeter; 14 Warren; 16 Dare; 17 Ides; 19 Slay; 22 Onus; 26 Adhere; 27 Warily; 28 Daunt; 29 Tanker; 30 Silken; 31 Coyote; 32 Celery. Down – 1 Naples; 2 Shaped; 3 Lumber; 5 Maenad; 6 Tenors; 7 Colony; 9 Sere; 10 Kiwi; 13 Table; 15 Recur; 18 Tactic; 19 Shandy; 20 Ardent; 21 Year; 22 Owns; 23 Native; 24 Sickle; 25 Sydney.
Dredge; 12 Non-stop; 14 Cradled; 15 Dimmer; 16 Stalin; 18 cerise; copse; corps; corpse; corse; cosier; cripes; crisp; episcope; Swoop; 19 Serve. osier; PERISCOPE; peso; poise; pose; poser; posier; precis; precise; prepose; prise; prose; repose; rise; rose; scope; score; scree; scrip; seep; seer; sere; sice; sipe; sipper; sire; siree; soirée; soppier; sore; spec; specie; spice; spire; spore; spree.
Down – Trend; Leery; Prawn. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Scotland; 6 Fade; 8 Burn; 9 Reviewed; 10 (2) Across – Mamma; Retro; Herby. Down – Marsh; Motor; Agony. Countercharge; 11 Hymn; 13 Tack; 17 Fits and starts; 20 Importer; 21 Loll; 22 Trap; 23 Pleading. NONAGRAM: Down – 2 Coupon; 3 Tenancy; 4 Aerie; 5 Dovecot; 6 Freda; 7
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Beaconsfield; 2 Scotland; 3 Love Me Do; 4 Gripe; 5 A member of the lower nobility; 6 Magneto; 7 Hazel tree; 8 Gold; 9 Hampton Court; 10 The Ballad of Reading Gaol.
(1) Across – Tulip; Enema; Doyen.
FIVE ALIVE:
WOKINGHAM SPORT
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Contact the sports desk: sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk | Log on the for latest sports news www.wokinghampaper.co.uk BASKETBALL
KUNG FU
Rockets out to end the year on a winning note
Jade Dragon School to open in Earley
READING ROCKETS are ready and raring to go as they look to end the year on a winning note this weekend, Manuel Pena Garces has declared. The club held off a late comeback attempt to defeat London Lituanica 65-55 last weekend and close the gap on the leading pack in National Basketball League Division 1. Rockets could put further pressure on the top two this weekend if they can get the better of third-placed Hemel Storm on Saturday (7pm) before welcoming leaders Manchester Magic to Rivermead the following day (5pm). Sunday’s victory was the club’s sixth in seven games and saw new recruit Ben Allison chip in with 13 points and nine rebounds. Yet while impressed with the progress shown by his charges on the court in recent weeks, coach Garces also believes the latest result sets Rockets up nicely for what could be a crucial weekend in the club’s league campaign. “Having had a weekend (before last) off, I think this really helped us because we were able to get some rest, integrate Ben Allison into the team, and practice and prepare for the last three games before the Christmas break,” he said. “I thought we were much better defensively and the work we had been doing definitely showed. I think offensively we still need to keep working and that is something we can do this week in order to be ready for Hemel and Manchester.” He added: “This weekend is going to be a big one for us. “We are playing two teams that are at the top of the league and playing really well. “Hemel beat us at home last month and played really well so we are expecting a very tough game against them, but since then we have learnt a lot of lessons and got better. “Manchester are the league leaders and went on a 16-game winning streak so are definitely the team to beat, but it will be a tough task trying to do so because they have a talented roster and are well coached. “We are really looking forward to these two games and both will be well supported and crucial for all teams involved because it is so tight at the top of Division One and really exciting for everyone involved.” Garces has a clean bill of health for the game with Hemel, who got the better of Rockets during a 86-65 success during a National Trophy pool match earlier in the season. The Spaniard, however, will have a decision to make with regards as to the final two Under-18 selections he will include in the squad, with Fidel Gomez De Enterria, Ibu Jassey, Ali Sbai and Bikram Rana all in contention.
A NEW Kung Fu school for children is to open in Earley next month. Having been a success in Reading for the past 12 years, The Jade Dragon Kung Fu School is expanding and will be opening its doors to young martial arts enthusiasts on Thursday, January 14. Open to children from the age of eight,
classes will be run by Paul Chapman between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on a weekly basis. Eight animal styles and disciplines will be taught. “I have been teaching only adults for the last 12 years and now I am looking forward to the challenge of passing on
these skills to children as well,” said Mr Chapman. “Since the release of the first Kung Fu Panda film the interest in animal Kung Fu styles has been very high. Each of the eight animal styles I teach brings its own benefits in physical and mental mastery, as well as a new set of fighting skills. “For instance, the crane teaches balance and control, the monkey teaches agility and the tiger to control your levels of tension and relaxation.
BRIAN IS BACK: McDermott makes emotion return to the Madejski Stadium hot-seat — Page 37 “Learning to stay relaxed while under pressure is a key skill in Kung Fu, as it is in life.” He added: “Teaching children to relax under difficult situations is of a huge benefit to their physical and mental wellbeing and efficient body use that Kung Fu teaches can help them cope with school life effectively.” For more information about the school and its classes visit www.jadedragonschool.com
HOCKEY
Rock-bottom Wokingham beaten in basement battle Sandra Doddington takes control of the ball
The hosts secured a welcome clean sheet during Saturday’s goalless draw Wokingham’s Scarlett Markham bursts into opposition territory Pictures: Vivienne Johnson
RAVI PATEL’S second goal in a week could not prevent Wokingham Men falling to a heavy defeat away at Oxford Hawks. Having beaten high-flying Sonning last time out, the visitors would have fancied their chances against another side in and around them at the wrong end of the table. But four goals from Simon Dawson and further efforts from Ed Baldock and Ben Brearey put paid to such hopes, as the Hawks celebrated a 6-2 victory. Ben Dudley had earlier netted for the away side, but the defeat saw Wokingham slip back to the foot of the table. Duncan Clarke also saw any celebrations short-lived after his goal also proved to be consolation for a Wokingham 2nd side beaten 3-1 away at Aylesbury 2nd. Dan Best and Chris McIntyre, twice, struck to secure the hosts the points. The club’s third string, though, signed off ahead of the festive break with a victory, narrowly defeating bottom side Wallingford 4s 2-1 to pull further away from the Division 7 danger zone. Netting from a short corner saw Jas Jeeta secure Wokingham Vets a share of the spoils from a 2-2 draw with Sunbury Red Lions in the Wessex Supervets Fixtures Alliance.
Wokingham 2s’ Charlotte Temmink in action against Wychwood Ladies
They play their final game of the year when entertaining Epsom Vagabonds on Saturday (1.30pm). Wokingham Ladies WOKINGHAM 2nd stretched their unbeaten run to four games after playing out a goalless draw with Wychwood. The point keeps the side, who won their first game of the season last time out, in ninth place on six points. The first team, however, continue to sit precariously in 11th after they suffered
a heavy 6-1 loss away at Oxford 2nd. Among those notching for the hosts were Phillipa Horlock, Niki Forecast and Beth Williamson. The 3s also leaked in six goals when up against second-placed Wychwood 2s at Cantley Park, but were unable to reduce the deficit. The loss leaves the side bottom of the Division 5 table, where they are five points adrift of the team directly above them, Oxford 6s.
SONNING HOCKEY CLUB
Late Graham goal ends Men’s hopes of victory GRAHAM THWAITES scrambled home an equaliser seconds before time to deny Sonning Men victory over unbeaten Aylesbury in MBBO Division 2. Frantic scenes saw Thwaites pounce to secure a 2-2 draw as the hosts desperately tried to defend a penalty corner. Aylesbury, the only side yet to taste defeat in the league this season, opened the scoring through Dan Lindars, but were pegged back when Ian Gallagher equalised on the rebound. A Sonning team now up against 10 men after an opponent was penalised for dissent during the interval, nudged themselves in front in the second half when Matt Poulton saw his strike find the net via a deflection. But they were unable to hold out and will head into the Christmas break sitting
Ian Gallagher struck Sonning’s equaliser
fourth, where they are only two points off leaders Banbury 2nd. A solitary strike from Noel Plant
secured Sonning 2nd the points from a 1-0 success at Ramgarhia to climb a place to fifth, but there was disappointment for the 3rd XI. Hosting promotion-chasing Leighton Buzzard, a two-goal salvo from Olly Tonks proved to be in vain for Sonning, who went down to a 6-2 defeat. David Fry hit a hat-trick for Leighton, with Tom Lakins (2) and Nick Marshall also on target. Sonning 4s, meanwhile, missed the chance to pull themselves off the foot of the table following a 2-1 defeat in their basement battle at Henley 3rd. Sonning Ladies SONNING 2nd ended the year on a high after defeating Bicester 3-1 to record back-to-back victories in Trysports Premier 1. The win leaves the side sitting
comfortably in seventh place and only two points behind Bracknell Ladies. The 4s, however, will be hoping for a change in fortunes in 2016. They remain rooted to the foot of the Division 3 table and head into the break on the back of a 7-0 thumping at Amersham and Chalfont 3s, for whom Alison Spicer, Gretel Scott, Emily Boxall and Jane Cross were among the scorers. It was also a tough morning for the Veterans, who were no match for runaway Division 4 leaders University of Reading 4s, who racked up six goals without reply. But there was finally some joy for the 5s, who won for the first time in seven attempts, defeating Bicester 4s 5-1 in a rearranged fixture. Victory pulled the side off the bottom of the Division 6 table.
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
LONDON IRISH
Fenby hoping hat-trick proves a point EDINBURGH v LONDON IRISH BT MURRAYFIELD EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP POOL 5 FRIDAY – 7.45pm
Andrew Fenby hopes his trio of tries last Saturday can earn him some recognition among the Irish hierarchy Picture: Paul King
By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk ANDREW FENBY hopes his impressive return against Edinburgh will ensure “the coaches won’t be able to carry on ignoring me”. The Welshman was selected for the first time since the opening day of the Aviva Premiership in October and bagged three tries as London Irish claimed a bonus point 38-6 win over the Pro12 side at Madejski Stadium to go top of their European Challenge Cup pool. Having been a regular starter during the last campaign, Fenby has found chances hard to come by recently under new head coach Tom Coventry. “It’s been an incredibly frustrating couple of months waiting for an opportunity,” Fenby told The Wokingham Paper. “I started the first game of the season and got dropped after that. “I’ve just had to be patient, work on my game, try to stay positive and take my chance when I got it, which I’m hoping with that hat-trick I’ve done and the coaches won’t be able to carry on ignoring me.” After playing the entirety of Exiles 28-16 defeat to Leicester Tigers two months ago, Fenby was left out of the side with the likes of Alex Lewington, Topsy Ojo and Sean Maitland taking the backs spots, and was forced to play in the club’s ‘A’ side. And he says his predicament was akin
to that of when he first joined the club back in 2013. “It’s part and parcel of being a professional sportsman,” explained the winger. “It’s all down to rotation, opinions and it happens. “It’s all about how you deal with it and trying to do as best you can. “I guess initially my first games for Irish when I was trying to establish myself, it’s slightly similar to then. “I had to play a couple of A League games. It’s not what you want to be doing, going down to Bristol on a Monday evening in the freezing cold. “You want to be out there at the weekend, playing with all your mates
in a game. I’m hoping now that will be happening a lot more.” Irish face part two of their double header with Edinburgh tomorrow (7.45pm) and Fenby is expecting a much tougher battle north of the border. “I imagine we’re going to be in for their retribution,” he said. “They’re going to be fuming after that performance last week and, at home, they’ll probably bring back a few more of their big names. “They’re going to be out to prove a point. “It’s going to be a lot harder and it’s all about for us trying to build momentum.” And Fenby’s reward for his hat-trick is another starting spot on the wing at
Murrayfield as Tom Coventry makes five changes to his side. Nic Rouse comes in for his first start of the campaign following injury with Ojo, Blair Cowan, Tom Fowlie and Darren Allinson also coming into the side with Alex Lewington, Jebb Sinclair, Aseli Tikoirotuma, Maitland and Brendan McKibbin dropping out. Leo Halavatau could make his 100th London Irish appearance after being named as a replacement. LONDON IRISH XV V EDINBURGH TOMORROW: Ojo, Lewington, Fowlie, Williams, Fenby, Geraghty, Allinson, Court, Ellis, Franks, Sheriff, Rouse, Cowan, Gilsenan, Treviranus. Reps: Stevens, Smallbone, Halavatau, Sisi, Trayfoot, Steele, Noakes, Mulchrone.w
TRANSFER
Griffin: I’m going back to Connacht next year EOIN GRIFFIN will return to Connacht at the end of the season. The London Irish centre, who is currently missing from action due to a bicep injury, confirmed this week that this will be his last season with the Exiles. Irishman Griffin, 25, joined Irish from Connacht in the summer of 2014 and became a part of the first team squad under Brian Smith last season before also featuring regularly in Tom Coventry’s early matches in charge. “London Irish is moving in the right direction,” said Griffin. “It wasn’t an easy decision but the chance to move home was something I couldn’t say no to.” The blow of Griffin’s departure could be softened by the fact teenage centre Johnny Williams has performed so impressively during his recent injury absence. Following his debut against Agen last month, Williams has scored at least one try in each of his four matches and gives Griffin a tough task to retain his place in Coventry’s side before he departs the club May. Griffin has represented Ireland at different age levels and in 2013 was part of the Emerging Ireland squad that took part in the Tbilisi Cup in Georgia, before featuring again as Ireland won the competition this year.
Exiles are ‘Edin in the right direction says Laidlaw after European rout London Irish 38 Edinburgh 6
ANDREW FENBY saw his patience rewarded after the winger marked his return to the Irish starting line-up with a hat-trick, writes LEWIS RUDD. The 30-year-old, who was making his first start since the 28-16 defeat to Leicester Tigers on the opening day of the Aviva Premiership season, gave those present at Madejski Stadium a timely reminder of his qualities when scoring half of the side’s six tries last Saturday. Alex Lewington, Johnny Williams and Aseli Tikiorotuma also went over as the hosts got their European Challenge Cup Pool 5 campaign back on track, with this convincing win, which took Irish top of the group. Another player recalled to the side, Shane Geragthy, meanwhile, marked his return from injury by slotting over six points, with Theo Brophy Clews also kicking a conversion. Apart from the player himself, no one
Alex Lewington takes off for the line when scoring Irish’s third try of the afternoon Pictures: Paul King
was more pleased to see Fenby make an impact upon his return than backs coach Clark Laidlaw. “He has been waiting and has been frustrated, Andrew,” he said. “He has been waiting his opportunity, so we said he would have an opportunity coming into these games and I think he took it brilliantly scoring a hat-trick, and they were all good finishes. “He took them all very well.” Victory was only Exiles’ second of the season, with both coming in Europe. But in blowing away their Pro12 opponents, Laidlaw belives the side finally saw some fruits of their labor at the weekend. He added: “The players are working extremely hard and they should get the credit for the way they are working and sticking to the task. “We know we have got tries in us, it is about trying to get the defence and attack to work on the same day and not to defend in the wrong areas of the field, so we can attack in the right areas of the
field, so that has been a balancing act for us and something (on Saturday) we got a lot better at. “Scoring six tries tries in any game is always encouraging, and there will be areas of the game we can take some real confidence from, as well as areas once we review it that we will have to get better at. “We’re not under any illusion, it was not a full-strength Edninburgh team, so we are realisitic about where we are at, but will enjoy the pleasure of the win.” Edinburgh, who knocked Irish out of the same competition in the last eight en route to last season’s final, appeared to take control of the fixture when Greig Tonks fired the Scottish side into an early 6-0 lead. Falling behind appeared to galvanize the hosts, and they hit back when Fenby worked his way inside from the left touchline before breezing past two challenges and darting towards the gameline. He was eventually held up – but only briefly – recovering well to squeeze the ball over and put his side on the board. Geragthy missed the conversion, but would make no mistake when Fenby went over in the corner four minutes later when receiving a pass from Sean Maitland. Lewington then added his name to the scoresheet on 27 minutes, running in unopposed from some 40 yards having been slipped in by a reverse pass to further extend the lead. Packing a real punch going forward, Irish had the bonus point wrapped up on the stroke of half time when Williams
Andrew Fenby puts the hosts ahead
snuck over in the corner. The Academy product, 19, dabbed down just seconds after Tonks was sent to the sin-bin having entered a maul from the side. Trailing by some 20 points, Edinburgh would need to force the issue if they were to take anything from the game. And they did start the second half brightly, but some stubborn Exiles defending put paid to any attempts to breach the game line for a first time on the afternoon. The pressure was also extinguised by a home side who put the result beyond any doubt when Tikiorotuma finished off a flowing move through the middle when crossing the whitewash over on the left side. A great day for both Irish and Fenby received a further boost four minutes from time when the Welshman chased
down Maitland’s chipped ball over the top, brushed past an opponent and skipped over the line to complete the treble.
LONDON IRISH: Maitland; Lewington; Tikoirotuma (Brophy Clews 65); Williams (Waldouck 56); Fenby; Geraghty; McKibbin (Allinson 71); Court (Smallbone 56); Ellis (Stevens 61); Franks (Halavatau 61); Sheriff; Sinclair (Sisi 70); Narraway (c) (Cowan 35); Gilsenan, Treviranus. Scorers: Fenby x3, Lewington, Williams, Tikiorotuma. Penalties/conversions: Geraghty x3, Brophy Clews. EDINBURGH: Fife (Kinghorn 73); Brown (Hoyland 51); Allen; Strauss; Katoa; Tonks; Fowles (Hidalgo-Clyne 40); Sutherland (Shiells); Cochrane (c); Andress (Berghan 53); Bresler; Toolis; Ritchie (Bradbury 50); Watson (Turner 73); Du Preez. Rep not used: Dean. Scorers: – Penalties/conversions: Tonks x2 Scoring: 0-3; 0-6; 5-6; 10-6; 12-6; 17-6; 19-6; 24-6; 26-6; 31-6; 36-6; 38-6. Attendance: 3,959h Referee: Leighton Hodges.
Friday, December 18, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
SPORT | 35
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NATIONAL LEAGUE 2
NATIONAL LEAGUE 3
Hill men have to Grin and bear Rams punished by Bishop’s Lily it following a heavy loss in Sussex after Guttridge is dismissed East Grinstead 45 Bracknell 16
Redingensians Rams 15 Bishop’s Stortford 27
JAMIE GUTTRIDGE will miss Redingensians Rams’ basement battle with Chinnor on Saturday after picking up a three-week ban. The flanker was sent off during the defeat to Bishop’s Stortford last weekend for a stamp and has subsequently been punished by the league. Back-row Guttridge was given his marching orders early in the second half and with his side having fallen 12-10 behind. Despite Joe Duffelen going over soon after, the red card proved to be a pivotal moment, as the visitors ran in three more tries to condemn the Old Bath Road outfit to defeat. “Of course the sending off didn’t help,” said coach Mike Tewkesbury afterwards. “Neither did the disruption caused by a spate of injuries. “On the plus side, I was pleased by the way we stuck at it in the last 20 minutes. It showed the spirit we have in the team.” Rams, beaten at joint leaders Cambridge 38-23 last time out, started well and put the first points on the board on seven minutes. Spinning the ball out wide saw Ollie Poole cross the line, but in doing so the player injured his knee and had to be replaced. While Stortford were posing a danger in the backs, they were encountering problems in the scrummaging department. But entering a maul from the side and preventing a try saw Guttridge shown the yellow card. His loss would prove costly again, too, as from the next play, a catch and drive from Tom Crozier put the away side in front, with Pier Dotta converting. The playing numbers, however, were soon levelled up when Bishop’s Matt Tomlinson had to sit out 10 minutes for a similar offence – and it was Redingensians’ turn to exploit the situation. James Baker was the player to dab down and the hosts boasted a 10-7
Rams look to profit from a maul Pictures: Vivienne Johnson
advantage going in at the break. But in a contest where the lead exchanged hands on five occasions, it was no surprise when Stortford went ahead shortLy after the restart when Dom Morris raced over the whitewash. It was not long after when Guttridge (pictured left) saw his afternoon ended prematurely, although a moment of magic from Duffelen softened the blow, somewhat. From an interception, the winger covered some 60-metres and had the scoreboard reading 15-12 in Rams’ favour. But protecting a threepoint advantage with 14 men would always be a tough ask – and so it would prove. Richard Gill breached the game line and was later followed over by Morris as Joe Bishop’s took a firm grip of Duffelen the game the opposition grabbed a were unable to claw back. fine try Yet having to reshuffle their back division because of injury saw Rams battle bravely to keep the away side at bay, only to suffer a further blow late on when
another try from Gill cruelly denied the hosts a bonus point.
RAMS: Duffelen; Poole, Bryant, Barnes, McDermottore; Flower, Brown; Weller, Henderson, Baker, Taylor, Kerschbaumer, Guttridge, Nightingale, Kharbouch. Reps: Smith, Steadman, Kruzycki, Vooght, Hill.
n JOINING Guttridge on the absent list this weekend is Poole, who is ruled out with a knee problem. He is set to be replaced by Olly Foxley, who was unavailable last Saturday. Rams head to Oxfordshire looking to secure a first win over Chinnor in five attempts. Both sides sit in the league’s danger zone have both won just four times in 14 outings this term, although the hosts do have one more bonus point than their guests. “The result will not define our season but a victory would relieve the pressure,” added Tewkesbury. “Some players suffered knocks in the Stortford match and we will have to delay our final choice.” Kick-off is 2.30pm.
A HARD-WORKING Bracknell side saw their two-game winning streak come to a crushing end in West Sussex. The Lily Hill men arrived at The Gearon Pavilion buoyed by victories over Westcliff and Gravesend, but were unable to build this momentum on a day when they were overpowered by opposition chasing promotion this season. Coach Rory Greenslade-Jones made five personnel and positional changes to his previous starting XV, and his much-changed line-up got off to an encouraging start. Driving the ball forward and winning a lineout, Bracknell began working through the phases – only to be held up by an offside call which saw the visitors awarded a penalty in the fourth minute. Liam Hemming stepped up and slotted the side into a 3-0 lead. Falling behind, though, gave Grinstead the impetus to push on, and they soon had the opposition pegged back in their own half. And through the combination of excellent ball control and a rapid back line, they roared back into the game through Ben Ashmore. A familiar face among the away side stepped up – and scored – the conversion, with former Bracknell fly-half Liam Prescott securing the two extra points. The away side would nullify the attacks on their game line which followed, but Grinstead were now going through the motions and their skills on the ball were beginning to show. It was slick handling which yielded a second try in the 17th minute, which came having stolen possession from a Bracknell lineout. The conversion was added and the lead stretched to 14-3. Winning a penalty, again scored by Hemming, cut the advantage to just eight points, but the guests were struggling with the set piece, and this saw Grinstead steal in and result in Bracknell finding themselves under yet more pressure. And it was from such a scenario when centre Sheldon Tarawa breached the whitewash for a third time. The further two points put Grinstead in a commanding position, leading 21-6
after just 25 minutes. But the visitors hit back once again, easing the burden when a number of offloads resulted in Hemming jinking his way through to grab Bracknell’s first try and a lifeline. The conversion, though, was missed. Going over did give something for the side to work on after the break, but the set play would have to improve if they were to mount a comeback. Bracknell, however, again found themselves under the cosh in the second half. Despite some determined defending, conceding a penalty allowed the hosts to nudge further ahead before the bonus-point fourth try soon after all but put the result beyond any doubt. Try number five arrived seven minutes later as Bracknell’s resolve began to crumble, with scrum-half Tom Parker running in as the scoreboard now read 33-11 in favour of the home side. Grinstead’s dominance of the contest, however, was dented a little when a player was shown a yellow card – and using the numerical advantage Bracknell duly capitalised. Passing the ball well presented an opening for Sakeasi Yabia, who darted over to cut the gap. Lewis Dennett had now taken kicking responsibilty, but put the conversion wide. Normal service, though, would soon resume, and Bracknell’s task of trying to keep their opponents at bay was made even harder when Harry Challenor was also sent to the sin-bin following an offside call. Further infringements were to follow, which saw the match official hand Grinstead a penalty try, which was inevitably converted. This was scored four minutes from time, yet it was not the end to what was a miserable afternoon for the away side. This is because a sixth try for the hosts arrived late on, with Stephen Hihetah adding his name to the scoresheet. BRACKNELL: Pickett, Silvester, Mirza (c), Kron, Bailey, Rice, Milligan, Valentine, Conway, Hemming, Yabia, Faamatuainu, Price, Burch, Yates. Reps: Challenor, Deveraux, Dennet.
n BRACKNELL play their final game of the year home fixture against Shelford at Lily Hill Park on Saturday (2.15pm).
BERKS, BUCKS AND OXON PREMIER DIVISION
Powell grabs a debut try, but Crowthorne see winning run ended by the All Blacks Crowthorne 13 Gosford All Blacks 20
OLI POWELL celebrated a try and man-of-the-match performance on his Crowthorne debut. But his joy would be cut short by a visiting Gosford side which overturned a 10-3 deficit to deny the Crows a fourth successive victory in the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division. The Oxfordshire side have secured third-place finishes in the past two seasons, and it was such experience and qualities which would eventually see the All Blacks prevail at the New Nest and keep them on the tails of the top two. With the conditions blustery and rain threatening, it was a challenge for both sides to play open and expansive rugby. It was Gosford who tried to force the issue during the early exchanges, but they found themselves up against
stubborn opposition. Crowthorne saw their resolve undone when conceding a penalty in the fifth minute, which full-back Tim Ellis put between the posts from distance. The kick was awarded not because of an infringement, but because referee Paul Lee had enough of the hosts’ questioning his decisions. This fixture saw the Berkshire Referees’ Society use radio microphones for the first time, which were linked from the official to both coaches and assessor. The weather continued to affect proceedings, although the two sides were able to string together some good phases of play. One example of this saw Crows duo Tom Dawkes and George Watson elegantly move the ball down the right flank. The move did come to a halt, only for the ball to be quickly recycled and moved
through hands, which allowed Powell to mark his first start for the club by going over in the 23rd minute. He would dab down while the visitors were a man light, with Luke Newton the first of three players to be sin-binned on the afternoon. Points-machine Dougie Charman added two more to his tally for the season and the home side were now in front, leading the contest 7-3. He also kicked over a penalty soon after as the side nudged further in front. With scrum-half Jay Gibson at the heart of everything going forward, Crowthorne were now asking all the questions. Ricky Frost, Matt Elsbury and Watson all contributed as the side played on the front foot, but the lead would remain a precarious one going in at the break. Crowthorne would also start the second half boasting the extra man,
as Eugene Griffin saw yellow a minute before the break. It was during the interval when Gosford coach Matt Watts dished out some stern words to his troops. With the team talk still ringing in their ears, his charges came out firing, but all attacking work continued to be held up by the hosts’ back line. The perseverance, though, would eventually reap its reward, Liam Beesley grabbing a try in the 45th minute. Ellis secured the extras and the scores were all level. With the lead extinguished, Crowthorne suffered a further setback when James Bailey was sent to the bin following a high tackle, yet the 14-men snatched backed the initiative when Charman knocked over another penalty. It would give the hosts some breathing space, but they would find themselves
under more pressure as Gosford looked for another way back into the game. The lead, therefore, would change hands once more, with the away side going ahead for the second time in the contest when Dan Hughes finished off a Ben Bodinham burst from 30 metres. The conversion was missed, but the Crows were now heading towards a first defeat in five outings. This was confirmed when Eugene Griffin launched himself over the whitewash 11 minutes from time, although the beaten home side did hold out to pick up a losing bonus point, something they have now achieved against all top three teams in the division this term. Crowthorne bring their 2015 programme to a close away at struggling Hungerford on Saturday (2.15pm).
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JOIN US AT THE HIVE
Sunday, December 20
BRACKNELL BEES v Basingstoke Bison
Games played at John Nike Leisurecomplex, Bracknell
Face off 6pm
Box office: 01344 789000 bracknellbees.co.uk
ICE HOCKEY
‘Once in a lifetime’ recovery secures Bees a vital point Swindon Wildcats 9 Bracknell Bees 8 By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk “THESE things happen just once in a lifetime“ said Lukas Smital after his Bees side produced an unforgettable fight-back in Swindon on Saturday night. The writing appeared on the wall for the visitors when Floyd Taylor struck early in the third period to give the Cats what looked an unassailable 8-1 lead. But those present would never have expected the heroism which followed, with Milan Kostourek, Smital and Alex Barker, twice, Josh Smith and Carl Thompson all netting within an unforgettable threeand-a-half minute spell to tie up the scoring. With 16 goals flying in during the previous 60 minutes neither team, unsurprisingly, could find the winner during overtime, meaning a memorable contest would be settled via a penalty shootout. The home side would eventually hold their nerve and escape with the win, and although disappointed to see his side fall to a sixth straight loss, player-coach Smital (pictured) was delighted to pick up what could turn out to be a vital point, given the circumstances. “I don’t think I have ever heard of anything like it, maybe five (comeback) goals has been done before, but not seven,” confessed the Czech – who hit the equaliser. “The first thing that came to my mind (when making it 8-8) was I scored and the celebrations, and we were all excited and stuff, but then I looked at the clock and there was still 10 minutes left, so I’m thinking have we equalised too early? “We had the momentum and we could have won, but it was just one of those things that happen once in a lifetime – it just doesn’t happen. “Maybe the hockey gods would not allow us to go on and win because of this.” The scoring started early on, with Nell opening his account for the evening after just eight seconds, slamming a shot past Alex Mettam in the Bees goal and into the top corner. The lamp, however, was not to be lit
Alex Barker scored twice against the Wildcats, while Josh Smith also contributed to the comeback (inset) Pictures: Bob Swann
again until the latter stages of the stanza, and it was flicked on by Kostourek, who surged forward and hurled his side level with a short-handed goal, as team-mate and captain Matt Foord was sitting out a slashing call. But Bracknell’s hopes of getting to the first interval on level terms were dashed when Nell this time turned provider, laying on Jonas Hoog to drive the puck home from close range. The strike was clearly a sucker punch for the visitors, but the Cats were only just warming up and would stamp their authority on proceedings during the second session. Adam Harding, Nell, Sam Bullas, Jan Kostal on the powerplay and Tomasz Malasinski were all on target as the goals flew in for the home side as Bees had little answer to their opponents’ attacking arsenal. Having suffered 12-2 and 8-4 reverses against Swindon in recent times, those in the black and gold were probably fearing the worse. And when Taylor tucked away a rebound three minutes into the third period, it looked as though Smital and his charges were now chasing a lost cause. Some pride was restored when, from the resulting face-off, Kostourek doubled his and Bracknell’s tally with a tidy finish and, unbeknownst at the time, lighting the blue touch paper in the process. This was followed up by Smital diverting another Kostourek strike past Stevie Lyle in the Swindon goal before
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
Barker narrowed the lead further only 48 seconds later. Smith rattled in goal number five soon after before Barker doubled his tally and Carl Thompson got in on the act, cutting the deficit to just the one goal only 26 seconds later. With Swindon now against the ropes, the away side unbelievably pulled themselves level seconds after Thompson’s effort when Smital bundled home from close range. But the job was not yet complete, and some nervy moments were to follow when Kostourek was sent to the penalty box for a holding-the-stick minor. Harding was thwarted by Mettam during the resulting powerplay, but the rejuvenated Bees held out. The netminder was called into action again late on when Hoog broke clear, but the goal tender was equal to the challenge. Chances came and went for both sides during the additional five minutes, and only a top draw save from Lyle prevent Foord from completing the great escape. The same player was denied again when Lyle kept out his penalty shot, saving Thompson’s effort too as the relieved Wildcats snatched the extra point. “We don’t quit,” added Smital. “We didn’t have any high hopes but we had that little bit of luck and then the momentum. “We had some big chances, but Stevie (Lyle) made an unbelievable save with his paddle to deny Matty (Foord), but this could be an important point for us.” Additional reporting by John Slater.
Bracknell beaten by Kovar double up in Manchester Manchester Phoenix 2 Bracknell Bees 1
A ROBIN KOVAR goal early in the third period proved enough to secure Phoenix all three points at Deeside, writes JOHN SLATER. Bees arrived in the north west buoyed by their stunning fight-back over at Swindon the night before, but were unable to build on those efforts produced against the Wildcats. Respective netminders Alex Mettam and Stephen Fone were kept busy during the opening exchanges as both sides traded chances, but it was the former who was beaten in the 11th minute. Losing captain Matt Foord to a slashing call saw the hosts crank up the pressure and take the lead with 40 seconds of the powerplay remaining; Kovar tipping a long-range Ben Wood strike home as Bracknell were unable to kill off the penalty. The scores, though, were tied up early in the second stanza when player-coach Lukas Smital and Josh Smith combined to play in Milan Kostourek, who found a way past Fone for a third goal in two games. Bees were handed a powerplay of their own soon after when Michak Satek sat out a holding call but the away side, unlike their opponents earlier in the fixture, were unable to find a way to goal. Kostourek would again go close later in the session, but Fone this time got behind the effort, with team-mates scrambling the loose puck clear. Mettam also thwarted Jacob CorsonHeron before the buzzer, but was powerless to prevent Phoenix nudging themselves back in front when Kovar pinged the puck into the top corner for his second of the night and what would eventually prove to be the winner. Try as they might, Bees looked for a way back into the contest, but to no avail. They were also indebted to some smart goaltending too, with Mettam this time
Milan Kostourek hit the equaliser in Deeside
denying Satek after he broke free on a Bracknell powerplay. Tempers would flare late on as Bracknell’s James Galazzi and Kovar clashed, picking up cross-checking and hooking penalties before Scott Spearing and James Archer tussled, only to be punished for roughing. But once calm had been restored it was Manchester who held out to secure a narrow victory. Bees are in cup action on Saturday away at Telford Tigers (5.30pm) before welcoming local rivals Basingstoke Bison to the Hive on Sunday (6pm). English Premier Ice Hockey League P W OW OL L F Peterborough 25 15 2 5 3 104 Basingstoke 25 14 3 2 6 100 Milton Keynes 29 12 4 4 9 105 Swindon 27 11 5 2 9 101 Guildford 26 11 4 1 10 88 Telford 25 12 2 0 11 100 Sheffield 24 11 1 2 10 90 Manchester 26 9 1 4 12 77 Bracknell 24 7 0 2 15 82 Hull 25 1 3 3 18 51
A 58 66 84 96 84 75 107 98 104 126
Pts 39 36 36 34 31 28 26 24 16 11
INTERNATIONAL DUTY
Antonov helps GB U20s to medal glory VANYA ANTONOV was part of the Great Britain Under-20 squad which has secured a medal at the International Ice Hockey Federation Division 1B tournament in France. Producing a 3-2 comeback victory over Ukraine in Megeve on Wednesday afternoon means the team have secured a podium finish at the competition. Antonov (pictured) and GB stunned top seeds Slovenia in their opening match when running out 3-2 winners in overtime, but crashed
to a 9-3 defeat against Poland in their following fixture. Bees forward Antonov, however, did grab a goal and two assists during the loss. GB were involved in another thriller when up against the hosts, where Ollie Betteridge hit the winner 31 seconds from time in a 4-3 success. This set up a medal match with Ukraine, although the colour the squad will return home with will be determined when France and Poland clash later today.
BOXING DAY – Saturday, December 26
BRACKNELL BEES v Guildford Flames Face off 6pm
Box office: 01344 789000 bracknellbees.co.uk
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Friday, December 18, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
READING FC
Title-winning boss makes emotional return to Madejski Stadium and insits it’s a clean
‘I’ve no hard feelings after my axing in 2013’ By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk
BRIAN McDERMOTT insists he has no hard feelings towards Reading despite being sacked from the club just under three years ago. The 54-year-old was confirmed as the club’s new manager yesterday to replace Steve Clarke, who was dismissed at the start of December following a run of just one win in eight matches. Having been promoted through the ranks at Reading, initially from a scout to becoming the club’s first team manager in December 2009, exactly six years to the day before taking over again, McDermott guided the club to the Championship title in May 2012. But less than a year later he was out of a job after Russian owner Anton Zingarevich decided to wield the axe with Reading in the Premier League relegation zone, bringing in Nigel Adkins who could not save the club from dropping back into the Championship. Despite his dismissal, McDermott says he has only good memories of his previous spell in charge. “That was then, this is now, December 2015,” he said. “Life goes on. It’s part of life. It’s part of football. “What happened, happened. We will never, ever change what happened. “And that’s fine. At no point was I ever bitter about it.
Middlesbrough Brighton Derby Hull Burnley Ipswich Cardiff Birmingham Sheff Wed Brentford Blackburn QPR Reading Wolves Nottm Forest Preston Fulham Leeds Huddersfield MK Dons Bristol City Charlton Rotherham Bolton
Sky Bet Championship P W D L 21 13 4 4 21 11 10 0 21 11 8 2 21 12 5 4 21 9 8 4 21 9 7 5 21 8 9 4 21 8 6 7 21 7 9 5 21 8 5 8 21 6 10 5 21 7 7 7 21 7 6 8 20 6 7 7 21 6 7 8 21 5 10 6 21 5 8 8 20 5 8 7 21 5 6 10 21 5 4 12 21 4 7 10 21 4 6 11 21 4 3 14 21 1 10 10
F 30 31 32 31 26 31 27 26 28 30 22 26 27 25 20 17 34 18 22 17 20 19 22 16
A 12 20 13 14 20 28 22 23 26 30 18 27 25 25 20 17 37 22 30 28 37 34 38 31
Pts 43 43 41 41 35 34 33 30 30 29 28 28 27 25 25 25 23 23 21 19 19 18 15 13
“I always had a great fondness for this football club and that was important to me.” Given his ruthless dismissals at both Reading and then under a turbulent ownership at Leeds United, McDermott has spent the last year in the relative safety of a scouting role at Arsenal, sent to games such as the Madrid derby between Atletico and Real. But as much as he loved that job, he says the lure of another shot with the Royals was just too strong to turn down. “It wasn’t a tough decision, it just had to feel right,” McDermott explained.
“It was really important that I’d spoken to the owners as well because if I felt that it wasn’t right for them, it wouldn’t have been right for me. “It’s definitely a two way thing. “Everything about it felt right. “It’s really important we have a family environment. I want that family environment. “I want us to work together, the owners, myself, the chairman, chief executive, director of football, we all need to be going together. “It’s not about me. It’s about all of us trying to find a way to win a game of football.” In a similar way Clarke used his links with Jose Mourinho and Chelsea to bring in the likes of Nathaniel Chalobah, Nathan Ake and Lucas Piazon to the club on loan during his tenure, McDermott admits his connections with Arsenal could come in handy during the January transfer window. He said: “It’s nice to be able to have that conversation with people at Arsenal because I’m sure if they can help they will and if it works for them and works for us, I’m sure they’ll be very, very helpful.” McDermott should receive a warm welcome when he returns to the Madejski Stadium dugout on Sunday, when Royals host Blackburn Rovers in the Sky Bet Championship (3pm).
Brian McDermott’s return — in pictures The new appointment returns to familiar surroundings
The new boss was unveiled on Thursday afternoon McDermott poses for the customary shirt picture with Sir John Madejski
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
Blackman ends drought, but late Livermore strike sends Royals crashing to ‘horrible’ loss Hull City 2 Reading 1
NICK BLACKMAN described losing to Hull City in the last minute at the KC Stadium as a “horrible feeling” as Reading slipped to their fourth straight defeat. Blackman put Royals in front by capping off a sensational team move for his first goal in over 800 minutes, but second-half strikes from Abel Hernandez and Jake Livermore handed Hull the win. “It’s a horrible feeling, it wasn’t a pleasant dressing room to be in after that,” said Blackman (pictured). “The boys gave absolutely everything. “To give everything and get nothing out of the game is hard to take.” Temporary boss Martin Kuhl made just one change from the side which lost at Preston North End with Michael Hector brought into a defensive midfield role as Hal Robson-Kanu dropped to the bench. Meanwhile, Stephen Quinn made his long awaited return from injury to take a place among the substitutes. The visitors made a fine start, putting Hull on the back foot and were rewarded with the opening goal just before the half hour mark. Garath McCleary’s fine burst down the right was cut back to Matej Vydra, who backheel flicked the ball onto Oliver Norwood and the midfielder repeated the trick to find Blackman, who slammed in a fierce left-footed effort for a truly memorable goal. However, the game quickly turned sour after the break when both Andrew Taylor and Anton Ferdinand were forced off injured, either side of a
scrappy tap in equaliser from Hernandez. With 20 minutes to play, Reading’s back four read: Hector, McShane, Cooper, Gunter, but it looked like the patched up side would hold on for a good point again the promotion-chasing Tigers. But things further conspired against Kuhl’s charges when Gunter was forced off with a nasty cut just above his eye, leaving Reading with just 10 men for the closing minutes and they were made to pay as captain Livermore slammed in a last minute winner. “The injuries didn’t help at all,” admitted Blackman. “We had three injuries and we ended the game with ten men. “I thought Michael Hector was magnificent in the first half in that defensive midfield role, he really excelled in that, and then it became difficult. “In the second half the backs were against the wall and it was a difficult half.” He continued: “We can take the positives out of how we played in how we set up, Martin Kuhl and Steven Reid set us up magnificently. “And now we have to keep going.” READING: Bond; Gunter, McShane, Ferdinand (Cooper 65), Taylor (Fernandez 52); Hector, Williams, Norwood; McCleary (Robson-Kanu 75), Vydra, Blackman. Subs not used: Al-Habsi, Keown, Quinn, Piazon. Goal: Blackman (29) Yellow card: Bond (70) HULL CITY: McGregor; Obubajo, Maguire, Davies, Robertson; Elmohamady, Livermore, Meyler, Clucas (Maloney 77); Hernandez (Diomande 83), Akpom (Snodgrass 77). Subs not used: Jakupovic, Hayden, Huddlestone, Diame. Goals: Hernandez (62), Livermore (90) Yellow card: Livermore (45) Referee: Oliver Langford Attendance: 15,139
Spot-on Garner leaves Kuhl beaten Preston North End 1 Reading 0
most notably with Jonathan Bond replacing Ali Al-Habsi in goal. JOE GARNER’S second-half Elsewhere, Hal Robson-Kanu penalty condemned managerless made his first start since October Reading to a fourth while captain defeat in five matches McShane returned at Deepdale. from a head injury Martin Kuhl took as Michael Hector temporary charge and Alex Fernandez and watched on as dropped to the the returning Paul bench. McShane brought Youngster Josh down striker Garner, Barrett, who has who stepped up and been in fine form dispatched his third for both the Undergoal in four games. 18s and Kuhl’s Royals tried to Under-21 side, battle back for a point Ali Al-Habsi lost his was named on the place to Jonathan Bond with Nick Blackman bench in a senior going closest, but the game for the first losing run extended to three. time with Orlando Sa missing out “The lads are down after a completely. defeat,” admitted Kuhl. The hosts came within inches “The Championship is a of taking the lead with the first ruthless place. real opening of the match as “You have to stand up and loanee Adam Reach poked a ball compete and forget about it, towards goal but saw his effort hit the inside of the post and bounce sometimes ability alone isn’t away to safety. enough. Reach came close again shortly “But we worked hard and came after the restart but was denied away without anything to show by a fine stop by Bond. for it.” However, the Lilywhites did Kuhl made three changes to the get the breakthrough seven side which lost at home to Queens minutes after the restart. Having Park Rangers last time out, Steve conceded possession, McShane Clarke’s final match in charge,
did his best to chase back and dispossess Garner only to trip his man from behind. Garner convincingly sent Bond the wrong way to net what proved to be the only goal with Blackman firing over one-onone and Matej Vydra trying his luck from the edge of the box in response. But Royals could not find a way through and slipped further away from the play-off spots. “You have to take the positives out of it all the time,” said Kuhl. “We created some chances, we defended okay in the first half, and the penalty kills us. “It’s the kind of game where if you stay in it, you take a point away.”
READING: Bond; Gunter, McShane, Ferdinand, Taylor; McCleary (Fernandez 75), Norwood, Williams, Robson-Kanu (John 55); Blackman, Vydra. Subs not used: Al-Habsi, Cooper, Hector, Barrett, Hurtado. Yellow cards: McCleary (39), McShane (69), Vydra (82) PRESTON NORTH END: Pickford, Vermijl, Clarke, Huntington, Cunningham, Johnson, Browne, Gallagher (Welsh 86), Reach, Garner, Keane. Subs not used: Kirkland, Wright, Kilkenny, Doyle, Woods, Hugill. Goal: Garner (52) Referee: Geoff Eltringham Attendance: 10,649
38 | SPORT
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 18, 2015
HELLENIC DIVISION 1 EAST
COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE
Woodley stunned by four goal onslaught in just nine minutes Chinnor 4 Woodley United 0 CONCEDING four goals in just nine second-half minutes saw Woodley crash to an eighth league defeat of the season. An entertaining game at The Playing Field saw another three strikes ruled out for offside, while both teams ended the game with 10 men after Chinnor’s James Bonwick and Rupen Limbu for the visitors were dismissed for separate incidents in the first half. United’s winless streak now stretches back to the start of October, yet they more than had their moments before and after a nightmare spell early in the second half proved costly. Starting on the front foot, striker Peter Wareing used his strength and pace to breach the hosts’ backline, but with just the ‘keeper to beat his strike from an inside left position was off target. Woodley received a let off up the other end in the 10th minute when a cool finish from John McMahon some 20 yards out was immediately met by an offside flag. Team-mate Matt Tallyn then sent a chance over the bar as Town’s goal continued to live a charmed life. Back came Woodley though, with Dan McLeod-Walker, on his debut, slipping in Ryan Szram down the right. The midfielder chanced his luck, but the effort was well saved. Limbu also opened up from distance,
but failed to hit the target. The game had yet to reach the 15th minute mark when another opportunity arrived for the hosts. In receiving a back pass, Pete Davies in the United goal could only miss-kick his clearance, with the ball dropping for Bonwick to pounce - but Woodley centre-back Ollie Bridges, in sensing the danger, got back brilliantly to stop the shot on the line. It would be Bonwick’s final contribution to the fixture, as an apparent stamp on McLeod-Walker following a tangle saw him shown the red card. Now playing with the extra man, the away side duly surged forward, only to see their attacking work go without reward. Matt Brookling saw one strike saved and then put another in the net, but the ‘goal’ was once again ruled out for offside and the score remained at stalemate. The assistants were having a busy afternoon, with one raising the flag again minutes later when Wareing turned home a Jordan Phillip cross, but he too was judged to be in an offside position. The scoreline remained even as halftime neared, and soon was the number of players on the pitch, as a late tackle on McMahon resulted in Limbu being dismissed, although the decision did look a harsh one. The sending off was clearly a pivotal
YOUTH FOOTBALL
THAMES VALLEY LEAGUE
Gardner treble sets up Boars quarter-final date BRETT GARDNER hit a hat-trick as Eversley and California stormed into the quarter-finals of the Hampshire County Cup following a 4-0 victory over Beacon Hill Juniors. Man-ofthe-match Gardner (pictured) broke the deadlock when firing into the top corner. He went on to double his, and the Boars’, tally shortly before the break, with Harry Sage making it 3-0 soon after. Gardner wrapped up the scoring when completing his treble. Reading and District Sunday League – Results, December 13
INDUSTRIAL CUP: Le Galaxy 2 Arborfield 0; SC United 3 FC Woodley 1 JOHN LUSTED CUP: Woodford Park 1 Kings United 6 DIVISION 1: Charvil Rangers 4 The Pub 2; Woodley Wanderers 3 Mortimer 2 DIVISION 2: Wokingham and Emmbrook 5 AFC Burghfield Reserves 5 DIVISION 3 EAST: Just Play United 1 Spencers Wood 2
Finchampstead out to pick up first win in three games
Rupen Limbu’s dismissal for a late tackle was a pivotal moment for Woodley.
moment for the visitors, who would find themselves under a torrent of attacks from the opposition shorty after the restart. One attempt was well saved by Davies, but he was beaten when Steve Newell nudged the home side in from close range, opening the floodgates in the process. Just three minutes had passed when Matt Tallyn fired into the corner from the edge of the box. This was soon followed up by Stuart MacLellan arrowing a strike into the top Hellenic Division 1 East P W D L Penn & Tylers Green 13 9 3 1 Bicester Town 14 9 3 2 Henley Town 13 8 2 3 Finchampstead 14 7 3 4 Headington Amateur’s 13 7 2 4 Holyport 13 6 3 4 Chinnor 11 6 1 4 Rayners Lane 12 5 3 4 Didcot Town Res’ 13 5 2 6 Chalfont Wasps 8 3 2 3 Wantage Town Res’ 14 3 2 9 Woodley United 12 2 2 8 Old Woodstock Town 11 2 0 9 Reading Town 13 1 0 12
F 49 39 39 28 31 25 27 27 34 13 19 12 7 13
A 9 23 21 15 15 26 14 19 30 19 37 29 38 68
Pts 30 30 26 24 23 21 19 18 17 11 11 8 6 3
Picture: Peter Toft
corner from 25 yards before McMahon slotted home a fourth. A stunned United replaced Phillip with Kriss Hemmings and changed their formation in the process, with the substitute joining Bridges and captain Chris Burt in a three-man defence. The plan was to try and tighten things up at the back, not that it stopped Chinnor in searching for more goals, though. McMahon fired wide when working his way in to space and replacement Mark Jones was over from distance. Tallyn also hit a post, with the upright being struck shortly after McLeod-Walker and Brookling combined to set up Wareing, but he was unable to grab a consolation, firing wide from a tight angle. WOODLEY UNITED: Davies, Phillip (Hemmings), Pearce, McLeod-Walker (Mowat), Bridges, Burt (High), Szram, May, Wareing, Brookling, Limbu.
n WOODLEY will be looking to put an end to their winless streak, but face stiff opposition in the form of title-chasing Bicester at Scours Lane on Saturday (3pm)
FINCHAMPSTEAD will be looking to put the pressure back on the leading pack when they entertain Henley Town in a third-plays-fourth fixture at The Memorial Ground tomorrow (2pm) Jon Laugharne’s men, who currently occupy fourth spot in Hellenic Division 1 East, sit six points adrift of leaders Penn and Tylers Green, who have a game in hand, were not in action last weekend. Finchampstead will be looking to secure a first win in three league games following a defeat to Bicester Town and 2-2 draw with Holyport last time out. Combined Counties Division 1 EVERSLEY and California will be looking to avoid a third straight defeat and get their promotion hopes back on track when away at Frimley Green on Saturday (3pm). The Boars also had a break at the weekend, but were beaten away Bedfont and Feltham and Abbey Rangers in their two previous fixtures. With leaders CB Hounslow United and second placed Worcester Park both winning last Saturday Combined Counties League Division 1 P W D L F A Pts Eversley, CB Hounslow United 17 13 3 1 39 12 42 who sit Worcester Park 18 13 2 3 48 18 41 down in Bedfont & Feltham 14 11 1 2 43 16 34 Eversley & California 16 11 1 4 47 26 34 fourth, Abbey Rangers 17 10 2 5 30 21 32 are now Staines Lammas 17 8 1 8 35 32 25 seven Cobham 18 7 3 8 38 42 24 Frimley Green 13 7 2 4 21 15 23 points Dorking 16 6 1 9 26 26 19 off the Ash United 16 5 4 7 32 34 19 top two, Banstead Athletic 13 5 3 5 29 27 18 although Sandhurst Town 15 5 2 8 28 44 17 Epsom Athletic 15 4 2 9 25 43 14 they do Dorking Wanderers Res 15 3 4 8 17 27 13 have Sheerwater 13 3 1 9 21 32 10 games in Farleigh Rovers 15 2 1 12 13 51 7 South Park Reserves 14 1 1 12 13 39 4 hand.
Winnersh Rangers are moving on up after decisive win over Highmoor JAMIE BROADLEY rattled in four goals for a Winnersh Rangers side which thrashed Highmoor Under-21s 8-0 in Division 1. Captain Adam Kingsbeer, Shane Maskell and substitute Mark Kilbane were also on target as Winnersh made it back to back wins in the league, with this latest success moving the side up to fifth in the table. Although a comfortable victory, the contest was a bad-tempered affair, with Lawerance namesakes Levi and Ryan both seeing red for struggling Highmoor. They were joined for an early shower by Hayden Best, who was dismissed for the hosts having picked up two yellow cards. HURST also racked up consecutive triumphs thanks to a Adam Frewin brace. His goals helped the side outscore Unity by two goals to one in this Premier Division clash at East Park Farm. The three points moved Hurst above BERKS COUNTY and up to ninth in the standings. County were nudged out by WOODLEY UNITED RESERVES during a contest which witnessed nine goals. Harrison Wilks led the scoring for United with a brace, while James Smith, Jack Waller and replacement Joseph Danelian were also on target. Jonathan Gosnell, Joshua Dillon and Sean Graham were among those notching for the away side. ASHRIDGE PARK pulled themselves away from trouble in Division 2 after picking up three vital points from a 3-2 success away at bottom side SONNING.
Adam Shoosmith and Rick Swiatek helped Park to the points, with James Holder putting through his own net. Tony Turner’s double was not to be enough for the hosts, who had James Brown sent off having received two cautions. Sandwiched between the two sides is WARGRAVE, who sit on six points after 10 games following a 2-1 defeat on home soil by Eldon Celtic. Callum Hunter found the back of the net for the villagers, but it was the strikes from Luke Cox and Alcides Madaleno which secured victory for promotionchasing Celtic. Thomas Day struck seven minutes from time to help stretch BARKHAM ATHLETIC’S unbeaten run courtesy of a 3-2 success at Woodcote Stoke Row Reserves. The same player had broken the deadlock in the first half, but Woodcote hit back after the break through Andrew Taylor and Paul Knox – only for Matt Bacon to level the scores. WARGRAVE RESERVES won the Division 3 basement battle with Unity Res thanks to a brace of goals from Daniel Tegg. Richard Jones also added his name to the scoresheet during the 3-1 victory, with Luke Harris pulling a goal back for Unity. The win saw the home side swap places with the opposition in the table, where Wargrave now sit eighth. At the other end of the standings, meanwhile, FINCHAMPSTEAD RESERVES
Winnersh won big
Picture: Vivienne Johnson
lost their game with leaders White Eagles. Bartosz Pachulski broke the deadlock two minutes before the break, with Dawid Nagoda adding a second just after the hour mark. James Payne grabbed Finch a lifeline in the 75th minute but the Eagles held out to move five points clear of their hosts, who slipped to third following results elsewhere. TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE’S season of struggle continued away at Baughurst AFC. Thomas Etheridge, with a hat-trick, George Garrity, Joe Tallentire and Callum Cullen fired the hosts into a 6-0 lead before Shane Caswell grabbed a consolation for Twyford, who remain rock bottom and are yet to taste victory in the league this term. HURST RESERVES sit top of the Division 4 table following an impressive 4-0 win away at FC Reading Dons. Firing the side to the summit was Ashley Lamb (2), Thomas Couchman and Luke Stringer. Hurst replace previous leaders Burghfield, who saw their game with
HARCHESTER HAWKs abandoned. Burghfield’s Craig Cox and both Callum Gibbons and Liam Diment for the Hawks were all sent off, while eight others picked up cautions during a fierce encounter, which was brought to a halt late on by referee Peter Lloyd. Lee Malham had netted for the hosts prior to the abandonment. BERKS COUNTY RESERVES consolidated fifth with the 7-0 routing of Theale at the John Nike Stadium. Connor Banks helped himself to a hat-trick, with James Andrews, Anton Hill, Mike Shields and Gary Woods also popping up with goals during the win. SHINFIELD RANGERS MEN were the big winners in Division 5. Led by Shaman Goswell’s brace, the home side put Baughurst AFC Reserves to the sword during a 5-1 triumph. Nick Cursio opened the scoring in the eight minute, with Robert Holmes and Ross Latimer-Hodgson adding to the tally. Stewart Cullen reduced the deficit on 50 minutes, but it would prove to be scant consolation. Two goals for Richard Cumner and a Chris Regan effort saw BERKS COUNTRY FC ROVERS replace SONNING SPORTS in third after running out 3-0 winners. Cup round-up WOODLEY UNITED had teams in Norfolkian Cup action at the weekend. And the goals flew in for the A side, who put nine without replay past Uptown Lea, but Woodley B are out of the competition after going down 4-1 to FC Beaconsfield.
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Friday, December 18, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
READING SENIOR CUP
Binfield’s Jemel Johnson goes close with a header Pictures: Colin Byers
Binfield hit double figures, but Saints will be stern test Binfield 10 Woodley United 1 By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Luke Titcombe competes with Brad Brown (right)
Matt Brookling (right) celebrates his goal with United captain Titcombe Johnson and Brown celebrate a goal
ROGER HERRIDGE has warned that Brackley Town Saints are better than their lowly league position suggests as he prepares to take his Binfield side to Northamptonshire tomorrow. Brackley sit 17th in the Hellenic Premier Division table but come into the game on the back of three wins in five matches, with their other two ending in narrow defeats and, in fact, boast a better home record than Herridge’s men this season. And given Moles’ current injury concerns, the manager is well aware that tomorrow’s 110-mile round trip could prove to be a banana skin. “We saw enough in them when we beat them (4-1) at home,” Herridge told The Wokingham Paper. “They’re young, possibly marginally younger than we are, and they’ve got some very, very good players. “They’re hovering around the relegation positions but I’ve got to be honest, I don’t think they’ll go down. “I think they’ve got enough quality in their team to pick up points and get away from the bottom four.” He continued: “It’s going to be a tough game up there. “It’s a fantastic pitch to play on as well, one of if not the best we’ll play on all season, so it will suit them because they get the ball down and play but it will probably suit us as well because we’re not exactly a physical side either but we’ll go up there expecting to win. “We know we’ll have to work hard for it
HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION
Moles beaten by ‘excellent’ Thatcham Binfield 0 Thatcham Town 3 BINFIELD went down to “an excellent team with no real weaknesses” when beaten by a team tipped to win the Premier Division title this term, according to Roger Herridge. The Moles saw a Josh Howell free-kick from 25 yards brilliantly kept out by ‘keeper Chris Rackley and also rattled the crossbar, but an Adam Morris penalty, Shane Cooper-Clark strike and deflected Josh Helmore effort saw Thatcham take the points. Victory for the away side moved them level with second-placed Kidlington, and their intent for the afternoon was there from the off. Dangerous in attack, comfortable on the ball and secure in defence - yet it was hosts Binfield who went close during the early exchanges. Liam Ferdinand, having got in front of Rackley, was unable to direct his header on target, while Jemel Johnson saw a pull back cleared and a burst from Howell was ended by a foul, but the resulting free-kick hit the wall. Thatcham, though, were soon beginning to ask questions of their own, and only a smart save from Nathan Silver denied Helmore. The stopper also thwarted Chris Gerrard with his legs before stretching high to his left to again keep out the
Jack Gibbs picked up the club’s Player of the Month award for November from Alex Lloyd prior to kick-off last Saturday same player. Binfield were working hard to thwart their guests, but when Callum Willmoth when to ground having surged into the box, Thatcham were awarded a penalty. Mark O’Connell, who was adjudged to have made the foul, argued he had won the ball first, but the decision remained. Responsibility from 12 yards belonged to former Mole Adam Morris, and he made no mistake in sending Silver the
wrong way. It was not long after when Howell saw his set piece turned away by Rackley and around a post before Michael Walton was unable to turn a header from a cross by the same player goalwards. The home side started the second half brightly, but found their task made even harder when Town doubled their lead. Unable to deal a Willmoth cross swung in from the left, the attempted clearance looped up towards the near post, where Cooper-Clark pounced to net from six yards. Yet Herridge’s charges rallied once again, with Jack Gibbs seeing his centre deflected on to the bar following a burst down the left, with Howell screwing another effort wide. It was arguably the side’s best chance of getting back into the game, but it was gone - and soon were any hopes of a comeback. This is because just five minutes later Thatcham wrapped up the points. The goal was accredited to Helmore, although his strike pinballed off a couple of players before skimming a leg of Silver before crossing the line. It was a touch harsh on the ‘keeper, who had made several excellent saves during a man-of-the-match performance. BINFIELD: Silver, O’Connell, Gibbs, Luis (c), M.Walton, Withers, Howell, Knight, Ferdinand (Jordan 82), Johnson, Dean (B.Brown 72). Subs not used: R.Brown, Carlisle, D’Cruz.
Moles striker Liam Ferdinand pounces to increase Binfield’s lead on what was a comfortable night for the hosts
and we know we’ll be playing a side that is more than capable of beating us on the day if we don’t turn up.” Binfield sit sixth in the table after a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to title-chasing Thatcham Town last weekend, but they did bounce back in some style by thrashing Woodley United 10-1 in the Reading Senior Cup on Monday night. After an early wobble in the opening minute, Moles dominated by racing into a 7-0 half-time lead thanks to braces from Jemel Johnson, Liam Ferdinand and Brad Brown as well as an own goal. Woodley pulled one back through Matt Brookling but strikes from substitutes Tyler D’Cruz and Mark Jordan, plus a hat-trick goal from Brown sealed a rampant victory and a third round showdown with either Reading YMCA or Herridge’s old club Wokingham and Emmbrook. “You don’t really get too much
enjoyment in a game like that to be honest,” admitted the Binfield boss. “It was strange really because in the first 30 seconds they got in behind us and put a good ball into the box and they could’ve been 1-0 up and it might’ve been a slightly different game. “Without being harsh on them, I think 10-1 probably flattered them. “It could’ve been even worse if it wasn’t for a little bit of poor finishing and some good goalkeeping. “I hold my hands up to Woodley, they kept on going until the end and never gave up, never lost their discipline so all credit to them for that but I’m not sure we’ll have too many games as easy as that for the remainder of the season,” BINFIELD: Silver; Carlisle, Luis (Dean 51), R. Brown, Gibbs; Howell, Knight, B. Brown, Withers; Johnson (Jordan 62), Ferdinand (D’Cruz 58). Subs not used: Walton, Horscroft WOODLEY UNITED: Norris, High, Pearce, Hemmings, Szram, Limbu, Brookling, Titcombe (c), Ingram, Maycock.
Pearson on target, but Brackley hit back to leave Sumas in big trouble Brackley Town Saints 3 Wokingham and Emmbrook 1
WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK’S disastrous season continued with defeat at fellow strugglers Brackley Town Saints on Wednesday night. Joint manager Matt Eggleston told The Wokingham Paper just last week this was a must-win clash if rock-bottom Sumas had realistic hopes of avoiding relegation from the Hellenic Premier Division and things started perfectly. Josh Pearson (pictured) put the Sumas ahead in the opening minutes after connecting with an Elliott Rushforth pass but the scores were levelled shortly before half-time. And the tie was swung on its head after the restart when the Brackley winger was given time and space to pick out a cross. Brackley hit the post before Sumas threw on Tom McNelly and Greener but the changes could not alter the flow of the match. Pearson did go close to an equaliser from a free kick with Jake Butler failing to convert the follow-up and Brackley sealed all three points in the dying seconds as they netted on the counter attack. The defeat leaves Sumas bottom of the
table on eight points from their 25 games, six points behind 19th placed Bracknell Town and now 12 behind fourth bottom Brackley. Bateman and Eggleston’s men are back in action tomorrow, hosting mid-table Brimscombe and Thrupp (3pm) at the Invesco Perpetual Triangle. WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Woodward, Carter, Broadhurst (McNelly), Day, Parsons (Scope), Duffelen, Butler, Pearson, Rushforth, Wheeler (Greener), S. Bateman.
Hellenic Premier Division P W D L Flackwell Heath 21 16 2 3 Kidlington 20 15 3 2 Thatcham Town 20 15 3 2 Ascot United 23 14 4 5 Highworth Town 20 14 1 5 Binfield 21 11 3 7 Longlevens AFC 21 11 2 8 Thame United 20 11 2 7 Highmoor-Ibis 23 10 3 10 Brimscombe & Thrupp 17 9 3 5 Oxford City Nomads 21 9 3 9 Royal Wootton Bassett 21 9 2 10 Lydney Town 19 6 6 7 Milton United 24 6 5 13 Tuffley Rovers 20 5 5 10 Ardley United 22 6 2 14 Brackley Town Saints 23 6 2 15 Abingdon United 26 5 2 19 Bracknell Town 19 3 5 11 Wokingham 25 2 2 21
F 64 55 57 42 54 40 35 27 40 29 37 32 29 30 31 29 43 30 27 25
A Pts 29 50 18 37 22 48 21 46 18 43 31 36 31 35 23 35 37 33 25 30 35 30 41 29 34 24 43 23 38 20 50 20 65 20 77 17 43 14 75 8
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The character of my Bees is keeping this club alive, admits Smital
Lukas Smital Picture: Bob Swann
LUKAS SMITAL has praised the character shown by his Bracknell Bees side during what has been a difficult few weeks for the club, writes LEWIS RUDD. Not only has the player-coach had to cope with the loss of several key players due to the financial issues beleaguering the side off the ice, but on it the team are currently enduring a seven-game losing stretch which leaves them ninth in the EPIHL standings. But there is still plenty of fight within the roster, which was no more evident when Bees clawed back a seven-goal deficit away at Swindon
Wildcats last Saturday, taking the opposition to overtime and penalties only to suffer a 9-8 defeat, but picking up a vital point in the process. And it is the spirit and loyalty of those left on the roster which are keeping the club alive, the Czech told The Wokingham Paper. “The problem with those guys is that they don’t know when to give up. “I don’t think it has ever been said about this team, but we have some very strong characters –if there wasn’t there would be no team by now, the Bees would have gone a long time ago. “Obviously there are some mixed reactions in the locker room, but at
least we are trying to do well, are trying to play for each other and put on some strong performances on the ice. “A lot of guys have left, some key players, but we have readjusted and we will continue to do all we can to get those two points.” Bees are away at Telford Tigers tomorrow (5.30pm) before Basingstoke Bison visit The Hive on Sunday (6pm). “Every game is tough,” added Smital. “We cannot once take it easy. If we believe then honestly I think we can get that win.” n READ more from the Bees coach on page 36.
RENOWNED FOR OUR STEAKS
FOOTBALL
Return of the Mac
By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk
SIR JOHN MADEJSKI says Brian McDermott returning to Reading is the “best Christmas present” after he was unveiled as the club’s new boss yesterday. McDermott, 54, was sacked as Royals manager in March 2013 under former owner Anton Zingarevich after over three years in charge with Reading sitting in the Premier League relegation zone, having won the Championship title the previous season. And now, following a year as Leeds United boss and a year as scout at Arsenal, McDermott is back in the hot seat at Madejski Stadium having been heavily linked with the post ever since Steve Clarke was dismissed at the start of the month. “I’ve had a few offers to come back (into management) but it wasn’t right for me and this just felt right,” said McDermott. “Everything about Arsenal is great and they’ve been first class in the way
that they’ve dealt with the situation. “I’ve got a contract there which they’ve let me go from. “There isn’t many places I’d have come back to but this is obviously a place I spent 13 years of my working life at, so I’m humbled to be coming back and I’m very, very grateful.” It took the club a few weeks to finally announce a new man in charge with a number of applicants believed to have put themselves forward for the job and while some fans are cautious to be optimistic about McDermott’s return, chairman Madejski feels the appointment is nothing but positive for the club. “I’m absolutely over the moon and delighted,” he began. “We made the unanimous decision to get Brian back as our manager.” Addressing McDermott, he said: “Let’s finish off the work you started in 2013. “You got us into the Premier League once, I’m sure you’re going to do it again.” He added: “Everybody I speak to
wants Brian back and we’ve got him back. “We’re very proud of getting him back so we move onwards and upwards. “It’s the best Christmas present any of us could’ve had that’s for sure.” Despite the glowing reference from the chairman, McDermott acknowledges that there are always likely to be some concerns from fans but says he only came back for right reasons and cited AFC Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe as an example of how it can work. “You don’t come back anywhere for sentimental reasons,” he said. “This is professional. “For me it feels the right thing to do and I’m just looking forward now to getting on with what we have to get on with.” He added: “You can
Picture: Vivienne Johnson
The best Christmas present ever says Sir John as Royals appoint new boss...
never please everybody but I hope the majority of fans are happy because that’s important to me. “I think you always have to try to win people over. “The way that you win people over or fans over is winning football matches. “It’s very simple, you have to win games and that’s what we’re there for.” As well as Clarke, assistant boss Kevin Keen was also dismissed from his role earlier this month but McDermott insists he does not expect wholesale backroom changes, but did reveal that former Gunners coach Terry Burton will come in as his assistant. Published by Xn Media Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Newbury Weekly News, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2DW . © Xn Media Ltd, 2015
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